Question: [Thursday, 2nd Teves 5781] Dear Rabbi, I was wondering what the perspective of Judaism is regarding if there is a spiritual connection between the members of a family aside of course for the biological connection of them being relatives. Meaning, is there a subconscious and telepathic connection between family […]
The Dreidel in Halacha and Agadah
The Dreidel in Halacha and Agadah:[1] A. Background of the custom: It is customary to play Dreidel during Chanukah.[2] As tradition has it, this game was historically played in the times of the Greeks when it was prohibited for Jews to study Torah. They would study Torah in secret and […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Having a Gentile caretaker light the candles and retracting a mistaken Psak
Question: [Tuesday, 29th Kisleiv 5781] My father lives in an assisted living complex and has tremendous difficulty moving around, including movement of his arms. I have tried to be with him for each night of Hanukkah to light the candles with him although tonight I will not be able to […]
From The Rav’s Desk: 1) When to light if will return home late; 2) Source for the story of Yehudis
Question: [Tuesday, 29th Kisleiv 5781] Our family is going to relatives overnight and returning the next evening. We will be arriving past midnight back home and was wondering where we should light the candles, by our relatives before we travel or at home after we arrive? Answer: This matter is […]
The ideal time of Chanukah lighting and until when may one light
This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here When to light the Chanukah candles:[1] The end of sunset:[2] The candles are to initially[3] be lit at the end of sunset.[4] It is not to be lit prior to sunset, nor after the conclusion of sunset.[5] Some Poskim[6] […]
Must one stand while lighting the Chanukah candles?
Must one stand upon lighting the Chanukah candles? One is required to stand when saying blessings which involve commands, such as when saying the blessing over Tzitzis, and Tefillin.[1] Accordingly, one is required to stand upon saying the blessings over the Menorah lighting. However, technically, this only applies to the […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Praying near Animal droppings; 2) Joining neighbors Chanukah lighting and lighting later on
Question: [Monday, 28th Kisleiv 5781] On Shabbos in our outdoor Minyan area we found droppings of what I believe was a cat on the floor. There were also bird droppings all over the place and my question is whether it is permitted for one to Daven in such an area? […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Lighting candles on stairs; 2) Wind extinguished candles
Question: [Thursday, 24th Kisleiv 5781] Our house entrance is made in the way that after you open the door and walk in, there are a few steps going down into the home, into the living room area where the couch is and where we would like to light the Hanukkah […]
Lighting a Public Menorah
Lighting a Public Menorah:[1] The Rebbe’s directed the arrangement of public Menorah lightings, in order to publicize the miracle of Chanukah.[2] However, the participants do not fulfill their obligation with such lighting and thus should be informed that they must still light in their homes.[3] Is a blessing recited?[4] Some […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Playing Dreidel on Shabbos, and may one use beans
Question: [Thursday, 24th Kisleiv 5781] Is it permitted on Shabbos to play Dreidel? Also, may I play using beans that we designated for this purpose or are they considered Muktzah? Answer: This is a complex question, as the playing of Dreidel on Shabbos can involve a “gambling” prohibition, and when […]
