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 […]
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 […]
