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 […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Mourner lighting in shul on first night; 2) Child lighting with oil versus wax candles
Question: [Wednesday, 23rd Kisleiv 5781] I am in the year of mourning for my mother r”l and regularly pray for the Amud. I would like to know if I should be the one to light the Hanukkah candles in shul after Mincha or not. Is there any issue for mourners to […]
If one’s wife or/and daughters will not be coming home until after nightfall, is one to delay the lighting until they arrive?
If one’s wife or/and daughters will not be coming home until after nightfall, is one to delay the lighting until they arrive? It is proper even in today’s times [that the custom is to light indoors], to initially light the candles at its proper time [i.e. immediately after sunset/nightfall, each […]
Must household members [daughter; wife; Sepharadi boys] who are fulfilling the Mitzvah with the father of the house be present at the time of the blessing?
Must household members [daughter; wife; Sepharadi boys] who are fulfilling the Mitzvah with the father of the house be present at the time of the blessing? It is preferable for all the household members to be present at the time of the lighting and blessings.[1] If a household member […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Does wine and grapes join for after blessing; 2) Is a blessing said when smelling honey
Question: [Sunday, 20th Kisleiv 5781] I had a little bit of wine to drink while I was eating grapes. I did not have enough individually of the grapes or wine to be able to say an after blessing but if I were to join them together then it would be […]
Should one do “Iskafya” on Shabbos and refrain from delving into lavish delicacies?
Should one do “Iskafya[1]” on Shabbos and refrain from delving into lavish delicacies?[2] It is clear that both on the Halachic[3] and esoteric[4] aspects of the Torah it is a Mitzvah to embellish in Oneg Shabbos, by eating delicacies and drinking fine beverages, and the concept of sanctifying oneself with […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Resting items on top of a pot plant; 2) How to distribute the Kiddush wine to the listeners
Question: [Thursday, 17th Kisleiv 5781] Is it permitted on Shabbos for me to rest my Siddur on a pot plant? I have many pot plants in my yard sitting on the gate and they are a perfect height for me to rest my Siddur on when I Daven there on […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Replacing your Zabla judge; 2) Bnei Bris in Bentching
Question: [Wednesday, 16th Kisleiv 5781] I have a monetary dispute with a friend, and we decided to take her to a Zabla Beis Din. After I chose my judge I had a change of heart and would like to choose someone else instead. May I do so? Answer: It depends […]
Scaring a Fellow Jew
May one scare another person and is he liable for damages?[1] It is forbidden to scare another Jew. One who does so, such as he released a scream from behind him or suddenly appeared in front of him in a dark area, although he is not liable below in this […]
