Question: [Wednesday, 22nd Teves 5781] What is the proper blessing to say over French toast. I’ve heard some people say that it’s Mezonos and I wanted to know if this is true. Answer: Slices of French toast that are a Kezayis or more in size receive the blessing of […]
Lending money to a person who has no means of paying back
Lending money to a person who has no means of paying back:[1] If the lender knows that the borrower does not have the means to pay back the loan, and does not plan to invest the money in a business which will bring profit, but rather wants to use it […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Separating Maaser money from pocket money from parents 2) dressing modestly even when on vacation
Question: [Tuesday, 21st Teves 5781] Rabbi, I learn in Yeshiva and receive a monthly stipend from my parents to use as spending money. My question is whether I’m obligated to take off 10% for Maaser from this money or perhaps I’m even not allowed to do so as my parents […]
Shemira for the chasan and Kallah before the wedding
Shemira before wedding:[1] The Chasan and Kallah are not to go out alone for several days[2] prior to the wedding.[3] [Practically, many are accustomed to follow this practice one week before the wedding. Others begin to follow it the Shabbos before the wedding, and others from when they arrive in […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Response: The Rebbe’s custom of approximating the Gartel to the Sefer Torah
Question: [Sunday, 19th Teves 5781] In a previous question and answer you wondered about the custom of approximating the Gartel to the Sefer Torah prior to the half Kaddish. I wanted to inform you that indeed this was seen done by the Rebbe himself and hence this is itself the […]
Being buried in Eretz Yisrael
Burying in Eretz Yisrael:[1] It is a great Mitzvah and merit to be buried in Eretz Yisrael.[2] It is even permitted to unbury the remains of a person in the Diaspora for the sake of reburying him in Eretz Yisrael[3], and certainly one may initially bring the deceased from the […]
Does Four cornered bedding [i.e. sheets; blankets; pillows] require Tzitzis, or to have one of its corners rounded?
Does Four cornered bedding [i.e. sheets; blankets; pillows] require Tzitzis, or to have one of its corners rounded?[1] The Torah obligates a Jewish male to tie fringes onto four corner garments, and prohibits four corner garments from being worn by Jewish males until either the fringes are tied to their […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Chewing cloves for tooth ache; 2) Studying WW2 History for test
Question: [Motzei Shabbos, 19th Teves 5781] I suffer from dull tooth pain. May I bite on a clove on Shabbos for the sake of relieving it? Answer: You should only do so in the process of eating such as to add cloves to a salad or other food and eat […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Clapping on Shabbos for standing ovation
Question: [Thursday, 16th Teves 5781] Is it permitted on Shabbos to give a standing ovation? Meaning to clap hands after someone’s speech and the like? I believe that I was taught that while you are allowed to clap hands for music and singing, you may not clap hands to applaud […]
Bringing food to the table before Kiddush
May one bring food to the table prior to Kiddush? Some[1] learn that one is to refrain from bringing any of the foods to the table prior to Kiddush, unless they are covered just like the Challahs.[2] However from Admur it is clear that it is only necessary to cover […]
