Question: [Thursday, 3rd Kisleiv, 5781] May one put together a folding table on Shabbos by inserting the legs into the table surface? I own a folding table which is made in the following way: The legs and frame on which the table rests are taken apart from the table and […]
Who has to light Shabbos candles?
Who is obligated in lighting Shabbos candles-Men versus women?[1] Both men and women are obligated to have candles lit in their homes on Shabbos.[2] Nevertheless, women are more obligated in this Mitzvah [than men].[3] [Thus, in a household that contains a man and woman, such as husband and wife, or […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Koshering an electric stovetop
Question: [Wednesday, 2nd Kisleiv, 5781] How does one Kasher an electric stovetop? Answer: There are different types of electric stovetop which carry different laws. Kashering elevated coils [i.e. coil cooktops]: The old-fashioned electric stove tops that are made with the electric coils raised above the surface area of the […]
Does life exist on other planets? What is the Torah’s perspective?
Does life exist on other planets? What is the Torah’s perspective?[1] The approach of the scientists: So, as you may know, there is no answer for this question. Scientists and astronomers have no definitive proof of either the negation of the existence of extraterrestrial beings, otherwise known as aliens, nor […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Checking Tzitzis in Mikveh; 2) Toiveling plastic cups and bottles; 3) Buying books using Maaser money
Question: [Tuesday, 19th Mar Cheshvan, 5781] May one check his Tzitzis inside the changing area of the mikvah where there are people who are undressed? Answer: Yes, not only is there no problem in checking one’s Tzitzis in a Mikveh but he must do so prior to wearing them […]
Rosh Chodesh in Midrash and Chassidus-Part 1
Rosh Chodesh includes all the days of the month:[1] The day of Rosh Chodesh includes all the days of that month, similar to that Rosh Hashanah includes all the days of the year. This means to say that just as on Rosh Hashanah the Divine light which supplies blessing for […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Sechach barbecue; 2) When to do Pidyon Haben; 3) Meat and dairy imitators
Question: [Monday, 29th Mar Cheshvan, 5781] Is one permitted to use Sechach for the sake of starting a bonfire? Answer: Yes. It is only forbidden to use Sechach for belittling purposes. It is clear from the Poskim that using it to start a fire is not considered a belittling […]
May one sleep with his feet or head towards the door of the room
May one sleep with his feet or head towards the door of the room? It is permitted to sleep facing the door of a room in any direction that one chooses, whether his head is facing the door, or his feet are facing the door. There is no known source […]
The Shibsa impurity-The reason behind the restrictions prior to washing hands in the morning
1. The Shibsa impurity-The reason behind the restrictions prior to washing hands in the morning:[1] Impurity resides on body: The Sages stated that upon sleeping for sixty breaths[2] at night the G-dly soul of every Jew ascends from the body and a spirit of impurity [which is called Shibsa and […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Kiddush made with open wine on the table
Question: [Shabbos, 27th Mar Cheshvan, 5781] Is it true that when somebody makes kiddush then all the open wine on the table is considered used under that kiddush, and as if kiddush was already made on it, and can no longer be used for kiddush? Basically, what happened was is that while I […]
