Men removing white hairs:[1] It is [Biblically[2]] forbidden for a man to remove even a single white hair from amongst black hairs [so he does not appear old[3]] due to the prohibition of “Lo Yilbash Gever Simlas Isha.”[4] [One who does so is liable for lashes.[5] This applies to the […]
The greatness and severity of the Mitzvah of Tefillin
The greatness and severity of the Mitzvah of Tefillin:[1] The reward for the Mitzvah of Tefillin is very great. The following statements are recorded by Admur and Chazal regarding the greatness and importance of this Mitzvah: A. Karkafta-Poshei Yisrael Begufan:[2] One who does not put on Tefillin [for even one […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Lost Minyan during Keria; 2) Pouring a second serving from hot water urn on Shabbos
Question: [Motzei Shabbos, 26th Teves 5781] What is the law if in the middle of Kerias Hatorah one realizes that he has lost the Minyan? We had exactly 10 for our minyan and evidently somebody got up and left. Answer: In such a case, you simply continue Kerias Hatorah […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Retracting from a monetary compromise
Question: [Wednesday, 29th Teves 5781] Can one retract from a compromise agreement? If I had a dispute with my friend over a certain monetary matter and we agreed to a certain compromise, may one of us later back out of the compromise? Basically, I rented an item to a friend […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Can’t find Keddushin ring under Chuppah-What to do
Question: [Tuesday, 28th Teves 5781] Dear Rabbi, our Chuppah is already scheduled to begin and I cannot seem to find the wedding ring that I bought for the Kiddushin to give my Kallah under the Chuppah. We checked all our pockets as well as the clothing in my apartment and […]
Removing the Mezuzah upon moving out of a home-Part 2-Circumventing the prohibition
May a renter remove his Mezuzah upon moving out of the home-Part 2-Circumventing the prohibition: It is possible to circumvent the prohibition, and retrieve one’s Mezuzos, in the following ways: The new renter or owner comes to the home and removes the Mezuzos of the previous renter and replaces it […]
Removing the Mezuzah upon moving out of a home-Part 1
May a renter remove his Mezuzah upon moving out of the home-Part 1:[1] Upon moving out of a rental home, the renter may not remove his Mezuzahs from the doors.[2] [This applies even if one plans to place the Mezuzos on the doors of his new home.[3] Furthermore, this applies […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Convert keeping Yartzite for Jewish father; 2) Mentioning to convert that he is a convert
Question: [Monday, 27th Teves 5781] Dear Rabbi, I am a convert, but my father was Jewish and would like to know whether I should keep the Yartzeit of my father as well as whether I receive precedence to lead the prayer for the Amud over somebody who is within the […]
Davening Maariv with a Minyan during Pelag Hamincha versus Davening in private after nightfall
Davening Maariv with a Minyan during Pelag Hamincha versus Davening in private after nightfall?[1] One who normally Davens Maariv after nightfall who is present by a Minyan that Davens Maariv after Pelag Hamincha, is to Daven with them [if a Minyan will not be available later on[2]], and then repeat […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Davening out loud-the Chabad custom
Question: [Motzei Shabbos, 26th Teves 5781] According to Chabad custom is it proper to pray out loud? I am not referring to the prayer of Shemoneh Esrei which I understand is forbidden to be said out loud, but rather to the rest of the prayer, such as Pesukei Dezimra, Birchos […]
