Question: [Thursday, 10th yar 5781] When I am called up to read the Haftorah, may/should I close the Haftorah book after concluding its reading prior to saying the after blessings, or should I leave it open until after the blessings are recited? Answer: The person who reads the Haftorah for […]

Drinking liquids after Kiddush prior to the meal: It is permitted for one who is thirsty to drink after Kiddush, prior to the meal.[1] Saying a blessing prior to drinking:[2] One who drinks prior to the meal is not to say a blessing over the liquid if [he drank from […]

Question: [Wednesday, 9th Iyar 5781] When I was a teenager and used to babysit for families in the neighborhood, I often used their house phone without asking their permission and at times I would be on for many hours which I’m sure gave them an extra-large bill as this was […]

Stealing as a joke:[1] It is forbidden to steal even if one plans to return it immediately afterwards.[2] It is forbidden to steal even if one has no intent at all to cause pain to the owner and is stealing the item [temporarily] merely out of jest [and plans to […]

Question: [Tuesday, 8th Iyar, 5781] I absentmindedly recited Vesein Tal Umatar [after Pesach in the summer months] and remembered a few moments later. What is the proper order for me to do? Should I go back to Bareich Aleinu and say it properly, or should I simply say Vesein Bracha […]

When to recite Kiddush Levana in months that Motzei Shabbos is past the 10th from the Molad: Background:[1] One is to recite Kiddush Levana only on Motzei Shabbos [or Motzei Yom Tov[2]].[3] [The above time is only with regards to Mitzvah Min Hamuvchar, however from the letter of the law […]

Why do we mourn during Sefira?[1] It is accustomed amongst Jewry to observe certain customs of mourning within the period between Pesach and Shavuos. [This custom is first mentioned in the writings of the Geonim, and dates to the generation of Rebbe Akiva.[2] It is however unclear how widespread the […]

Question: [Monday, 7th Iyar 5781] I [a man] forgot to count Sefira one day and would like to know if I must be careful to still continue counting without a blessing, or if I don’t have to be so careful anymore to count. Likewise, although I know I can no […]

Flatulence-The prohibition to release gas while wearing Tefillin:[1] It is forbidden to flatulate[2] while wearing Tefillin.[3] [Some Poskim[4] rule that this is a Biblical prohibition. It is more severe than having the Tefillin fall on the ground.[5]] One who is gassy:[6] Accordingly, one who is gassy is not to wear […]

Question: [Sunday, 6th Iyar, 5781] This past Shabbos I wished somebody a Shabbat Shalom in the morning prior to prayers and he told me that before Davening we say “good Shabbos” and not “Shabbat shalom.” Is this true and what is the reason? Answer: Indeed, the person is correct that […]

Question: [Thursday, 3rd Iyar 5781] May my wife use a lighter to light the Shabbos candles or is this a problem being that she will end up extinguishing it after the lighting, prior to the blessing? Answer: A lighter should not be used by women to light the Shabbos candles, […]

May magnets be used on Shabbos?[1] Normally, attaching things together on Shabbos is forbidden due to the sewing or building prohibition, if certain conditions are met. Thus, the question is raised whether a magnetic attachment falls under the prohibition of sewing or building and meets the conditions of prohibition and […]

Are male children of Chinuch age obligated to recite Sefiras Haomer: A. Background: Children below the age of Chinuch:[1] A child who is below the age of Chinuch is exempt from all Mitzvos. Above age of Chinuch by Shema and other night Mitzvos: A son who has reached the age […]

Question: [Wednesday, 2nd Iyar 5781] When I order a fruit shake from a juice stand which is run by a Gentile may I have him place grapes in the ingredients and have him blend it all into juice? Answer: One should not do so due to the prohibition of Yayin […]

Are women obligated to Daven Musaf on Shabbos, Yom Tov, or Rosh Chodesh? A. Background:[1] Some Poskim[2] rule women are obligated to Daven Shemoneh Esrei of Shacharis and Mincha.[3] Other Poskim[4] rule women are not obligated to Daven Shemoneh Esrei of any prayer.[5] Practically, the main ruling follows the latter […]

Question: [Tuesday, 1st Iyar, 5781] I did not have an opportunity to recite Birchas Ilanos during the month of Nisan and today plan on being in an area where I will see fruit trees. Can I still say the blessing? Answer: While this matter is under debate and some are […]

Question: [Monday, 30th Nissan, 5781] What blessing should be recited in non-grain products that contain gluten within their ingredients? Answer: The gluten has the status of a Shehakol food. Practically, it is nullified to the main ingredient of the product and one should recite whatever blessing the main ingredient deserves. […]

Blessing over heart of palm:[1] The heart of palm, known in Hebrew as Kura, is the center of a palm tree’s main stem.[2] The blessing that is to be recited on the heart of the palm is Shehakol.[3] [However, this only applies towards the heart of a wild palm tree, […]

Question: [Sunday, 29th Nissan, 5781] If I don’t change my Tzitzis in the morning am I still obligated to check them daily? I currently have only one pair which I don’t change or take off and sleep with at night, and therefore my question. Answer: One is obligated to check […]

Covering the head with the Tallis Gadol during Davening: The letter of the law:[1] It is disputed whether one must also cover his head and perform the Yishmaeili wrap with the Tallis, in addition to covering the body. Some Poskim[2] rule that the Tallis must be large enough for one […]

Question: [Thursday, 19th Nissan, 5781] May I make a mark on the page of a book on Shabbos in order to remember the page for editorial or other type of purposes? Is this considered like writing? Is this considered like preparing for after Shabbos? Answer: It is forbidden to make […]

Shlissel Challah-Kneading a key into Challah the first Shabbos after Pesach: A. The custom: Many are accustomed to braid the Challah in the shape of a key[1] on the first Shabbos after Pesach.[2] Others knead a key within the Challah dough on the first Shabbos after Pesach. Some[3] record that […]

Is the Mitzvah of Sefiras Haomer Biblical or Rabbinical?[1] Temple times: It is a positive command of the Torah for every single Jew[2] to count seven weeks’ worth of days beginning from when the Omer was offered. In the Diaspora:[3] The Mitzvah of counting the Omer Biblically applies in both […]

Question: [Wednesday, 25th Nissan, 5781] I often smell essential oils, such as Levona, and would like to know if a blessing of Minei Besamim should be said prior to smelling them? Answer: Yes. Natural 100% essential oils that have a good scent are to be blessed upon prior to being […]

Drinking Mashkeh of non-frum people after Pesach: Example: After Pesach, one was offered a beer by a non-religious friend or relative. May one drink it?   A. Introduction: Chametz that was owned by a Jew during Pesach:[1] Complete[2] Chametz that was owned by a Jew[3] over Pesach, or that a […]

Question: [Monday, 23rd Nissan, 5781] Before Pesach, I threw out an entire box of sealed Osem cakes into a public area and noticed that the box is still there, went untouched throughout the entire duration of Pesach, and I would like to know if I can take it back and […]

Question: [Friday, 20th Nissan, 5781] On Chol Hamoed Pesach, must the second Sefer Torah be placed by the Bima before Hagbah of the first Sefer Torah? I always thought that we always need to place the second Torah scroll on the bimah before removing the first one, however today in […]

Shehechiyanu by Candle lighting and Kiddush:[1] We do not recite Shehechiyanu during Kiddush [or candle lighting] of Shevi’i or Acharon Shel Pesach.[2] Order of Davening when Pesach falls on Friday evening:[3] Mincha:[4] Prior to Mincha, Hodu is omitted although Patach Eliyahu is recited. Maariv: When Yom Tov falls on Friday […]

Question: [Thursday, 19th Nissan, 5781] May I use nail polish remover that contains wheat derivatives within its ingredients? I don’t have any other alternative nail polish remover available right now, and my nail polish has begun to peel off my nails in a very visible way and forms a Chatzitza […]

The importance of guarding the Moed: The Sages stated that one who belittles the Moed does not have a portion in the world to come and it is considered as if he has served idols. Hence, one must be very careful in the laws of the Moed, even though they […]

Chol Hamoed checklist: Drink Revius of wine Eat meal with bread by both night and day 6 Zechiros Eat and drink delicacies and do other forms of Simcha. Many are accustomed to gather and vist Jerusalem like Aliyah Leregel by the Holidays. Chapter 1: Melacha on Chol Hamoed 1. The […]

Question: [Tuesday, 17th Nissan, 5781] Is there any issue with purchasing typical animal food that is set up to feed the birds and other animals at the petting zoo during Pesach? Answer: Absolutely! The animal/bird feed which is given to visitors by petting zoos is often made of Chametz ingredients, […]

Question: [Thursday, 12th Nissan, 5781] Rabbi, I did not realize that today Thursday is the fast of the firstborn and accidentally ate prior to having heard a Siyum. What am I supposed to do now? Do I still have to fast and/or hear a Siyum? Do I have to make […]

Question: [Wednesday, 11th Nissan, 5781] Am I required to Kasher my kiddush cup for Pesach? As far as I know I have never used it for Chametz [all the wines that we use are Kosher for Pesach year-long]. Also, I have heard that kiddush cups that have lips on top […]

May one split his meal in two, and eat bread or Matzah only by the first part of the meal and only afterwards eat the main course after the bread is removed?[1] Example #1: On Erev Pesach that falls on Shabbos, may one split his meal to two, eating Chametz […]

Question: [Tuesday, 10th Nissan, 5781] Must pet food be Kosher for Pesach? Answer: Yes. One must be careful to purchase pet food that is rabbinically authorized or certified for Pesach use, having been cleared of any Chametz ingredients. One should not simply rely on the ingredients stated on the can […]

Question: [Monday, 9th Nissan, 5781] Rabbi, I own a non-Kasherable sink [as do most people who don’t own a stainless-steel sink], and would like to know if I’m allowed to use the sink with hot water during Pesach. I will obviously be using a sink insert for all of my […]

The law regarding owning and benefiting [i.e. use as lighting oil] from Kitniyos:[1] Benefit: Even [the Ashkenazim] were only stringent to prohibit the eating of Kitniyos, however, it is permitted to benefit from it on Pesach [i.e. sell].[2] [Thus, an Ashkenazi store owner may sell Kitniyus products on Pesach, if […]

Question: [Sunday, 8th Nissan, 5781] I noticed that my computer keyboard contains a lot of Chametz in it, as like most people I eat lunch and snack while working? My question is if I can use it during Pesach or if I should simply buy a new one or try […]

Parshas Vayikra Knowing ones hidden evil   Compiled from the following sources: Likkutei Sichos Vol. 3 p. 201 Parshas Vayikra is the first of a long set of Parshiyos which discuss the bringing of the sacrifices to the altar. There are various types of sacrifices that can be offered, such […]

Question: [Thursday, 5th Nissan, 5781] In our family we are accustomed eat matza with avocado during Pesach. In school my daughter was taught by her teacher that it is forbidden to do so, and it is against the Chabad custom, and it caused a very big ruckus in the classroom […]

Summary of the laws of Matzah-Part 2: * For the full details and sources, please visit our website or see our Sefer “The laws and customs of Pesach” in the corresponding chapter! A. Does one fulfill the mitzvah even if he eats Matzah which does not belong to him? One […]

Question: [Wednesday, 4th Nissan, 5781] I have read and heard that it is permitted for one to use his regular yearly hot water water urn [i.e. Kumkum, electric Shabbos urn, etc] for Pesach without needing to Kosher it beforehand. Is this correct as I’ve always been careful to have a […]

Summary of the laws of Matzah-Part 1: * For the full details and sources, please visit our website or see our Sefer “The laws and customs of Pesach” in the corresponding chapter! A. The Mitzvah of eating Matzah: On the first night of Pesach: It is a positive command in […]

Question: [Monday, 2nd Nissan, 5781] As I’m sure you know Matzos are extremely expensive. My question is whether I can use my Maaser money to pay for the Matzos? Answer: This depends on your income and how short of money you are. If indeed you do not have enough money […]

Question: [Sunday, 1st Nissan, 5781] This past Friday I got very busy and before I knew it there was no time before Shabbos to recite Shnayim Mikra. As you know this past Shabbos had two Parshiyos for a total of 214 verses, which was impossible for me to do during […]

Question: [Sunday, 1st Nissan, 5781] If one is a Baal Keri, should he delay Birchas Hatorah until after immersing in a mikvah or should he say it before in order not to nullify Torah learning until then? Answer: If the mikvah is very nearby to one’s home, and only takes […]

Question: [Thursday, 27th Adar, 5781] We accidentally left the light on in our fridge and only discovered this after Shabbos began and opened up the fridge and lo and behold noticed the light was on. I let go of the door and it automatically close. I know we are allowed […]

Question: [Wednesday, 26th Adar, 5781] Dear Rabbi, I work with gold and just received a shipment of gold Chamsot that contain God’s name of Yud Kei Vav Kei engraved on them [with a Hei and not a Kei, and with no dash] just as is written in the Sefer Torah. […]

Question: [Sunday, 23rd Adar, 5781] Are women allowed to wear pajamas with pants? Or only dresses? Answer: It is permitted and even encouraged, for women and girls to wear women’s pajama pants under a nightgown while they are in the privacy of their bedroom. It should not be worn without […]

Chametz which is found in areas that are not reachable by hand: *For full details and sources-see our corresponding Sefer and/or website! Chametz that is in cracks and crevices of tiles and furniture: If one cannot remove the Chametz with his hands due to it being stuck under cracks and […]

Question: [Sunday, 23rd Adar, 5781] This year that Pesach falls on Motzei Shabbos must one make the saltwater already on erev Shabbos or can one make it after Pesach enters before the Seder? Answer: According to the rulings of Admur it seems that it is permitted to make saltwater on […]

Pesach Review Crash Course-Cleaning for Pesach-Summary of laws: *For full details and sources-see our corresponding Sefer and/or website! Introduction-Din versus Minhag: Cleaning the home for Chametz is known to be one of the more strenuous jobs that falls upon the household in preparation for Pesach. Many are unaware that there […]

Question: [Sunday, 23rd Adar, 5781] Rabbi, I am aware of the Halacha that states that one who reaches Shemoneh Esreiy only after the congregation has begun Shemoneh Esreiy must wait until after the Kaddish after Shemoneh Esreiy to begin his prayers in order so he does not miss the opportunity […]

Question: [Thursday, 20th Adar, 5781] My husband enjoys to Farbreng until late on Shabbos in Shul, and often remains until we are already done our meal at home, and at times he remains there until Mincha. It is not feasible for us to wait so long to start our meal […]

Question: [Wednesday, 19th Adar, 5781] Rabbi, I go to a Mikveh in which many people leave their shampoo and conditioner in the shower area openly available. If I forgot to bring my shampoo and conditioner am I allowed to use it without finding out who the owner is and asking […]

Question: [Tuesday, 18th Adar, 5781] May one put tefillin on while sitting or lying down if he is unable to stand, such as if he is sick, or bound to a wheelchair? Answer: Yes, one who is unable to stand is nonetheless required to put on tefillin in a sitting […]

Parents of Chasan and Kallah share the same names: If the parents of the Chasan and Kallah have the same exact name they should not have their children marry each other.[1] This applies for the names of both the mother and the father.[2] [However, some Poskim[3] rule this only applies […]

Question: [Monday, 17th Adar, 5781] Rabbi, my daughter poured hot water from our Pareve electric water urn straight into her milk and in the process a drop of milk splashed onto the side of the urn. If I stand correct, I believe that my Pareve water urn has now become […]

Question: [Sunday, 16th Adar, 5781] I often see people in shul who store their Tallis on top of Sefarim on the bookshelf. This often happens when there is a Kiddush in shul after Davening on Shabbos and people to roll up their Tallis and put it by the bookshelf on […]

Saying Shema prior to sunrise:[1] When Davening in a Vaasikin/Neitz Minyan:[2] The initial time for Davening Shemoneh Esrei is by sunrise. It is a Mitzvah Min Hamuvchar to read the Shema slightly prior to sunrise, intending to complete the Shema and its last blessing of Goal Yisrael with sunrise. Immediately […]

Machatzis Hashekel-The Half Shekel:[1]   Some[2] opinions rule that before Purim one must give half of his country’s coin currency [to charity, and so is the custom of all Jewry[3]]. It is given as a remembrance for the half shekel that was donated for purchasing sacrifices during the times of […]

Question: [Thursday, 13th Adar, 5781] This year that Purim falls on Friday, is it permitted for me to cut my nails and get a haircut on Friday, in honor of Shabbos, or is it forbidden to do so due to the prohibition of doing Melacha on Purim. Answer: Nails: When […]

Question: [Wednesday, 12th Adar, 5781] Is there any reason for me to be careful to have separate oil bottles for both meat and milk or is it okay for me to use the same oil bottle to pour into meat and milk products? Answer: Indeed, there is a very strong […]

Question: [Tuesday, 11th Adar, 5781] Hi Rabbi, I have the following question: Must the mezuzah actually touch the doorpost? When putting on a mezuzah to the doorpost is there a problem if there is some space between the doorpost and the mezuzah? Meaning, for example, if I tape the mezuzah […]

If one can only hear with a hearing aid is he able to fulfill his obligation through listening to the Megillah reading?[1] Non-electric hearing aid: If he is able to hear with the help of a non-electric hearing aid then he is obligated in the Mitzvah.[2] He may thus hear […]

Question: [Monday, 10th Adar, 5781] The following often occurs to me on Shabbos and I wanted to know what the Halacha is: After Shacharis I usually join the Farbrengen in Shul and usually wash on Challah having in mind to continue my meal at home sometime later. My question is […]

Must one eat meat by one’s Purim meal? Some Poskim[1] rule it is an obligation for one to eat [animal[2]] meat during the Purim meal. Other Poskim[3] however rule it is not an obligation to eat meat. This is further proven by the fact this law has not been cited […]

Question: [Sunday, 9th Adar 5781] I wake up often in middle of the night to use the bathroom and I always wondered what I should do about saying the blessing of Asher Yatzar. Do I have to say it right away after using the bathroom, or can I, or should […]

Eating and drinking prior to Megillah reading of night and day:[1] It is forbidden to eat prior to hearing the Megillah reading [both] at night [and by day[2]].[3] This applies even if it is difficult for one to continue fasting Taanis Esther until the end of the Megillah reading.[4] Some […]

Question: [Thursday, 5th Adar 5781] Rabbi, due to COVID-19 I am in quarantine and possibly sick with the virus. What should I do about Parshas Zachar? Answer: Unfortunately, despite the great value and importance of hearing Parshas Zachar which is biblical, you cannot participate in a minyan in Shul due […]

Borer-Separating big pieces from small pieces in a salad on Shabbos: Example: Mommy asked two of her daughters to cut up vegetables for the salad for the Shabbos meal. Each daughter cut the vegetables in a different size with one set being much larger than the other, and entered them […]

Feeding street animals: One is not obligated to feed his friends pets or street animals from his own food.[1] [This applies even if the animal is endangered and may die.[2] However, in such a case, one would be obligated to place bodily effort to save the animal, if possible, such […]

Question: [Tuesday, 4th Adar 5781] I noticed that a single string of my Tzitzis tore from the area of the knots. The torn string is coming out between the first and second top set of knots and I assume that it originally tore above the double knot and somehow unraveled […]

Question: [Tuesday, 4th Adar 5781] When is the ideal time for me to Daven Musaf on Shabbos or Rosh Chodesh? Sometimes when I am Davening at home, I like to take a break between the prayers and end up Davening Musaf in the afternoon as opposed to the morning. Is […]

Question: [Monday, 3rd Adar 5781] I keep hearing that this year is a Purim Meshulash, a three-day Purim because it falls on Friday? Can you please explain the context of what this means and how my Purim will be three days? Answer: The concept of a three-day Purim, otherwise known […]

Is the Megillah read with its blessings in Jerusalem on Friday the 14th of Purim Meshulash, if a Minyan is not present?[1] A. The general rule: One must always strive to hear the Megillah reading in the presence of a Minyan, which consists of at least ten adult men.[2] If […]

  Purim Checklist: Wear Shabbos clothes Recite Al Hanissim No eating before Megillah at night and by morning Have small festive meal after Megillah at night Omit Tachanun in Kerias Shema Al Hamita Wake up early Have in mind by Shehechiyanu of Megillah the Mitzvos of the day Do not […]

Question: [Sunday, 2nd Adar 5781] Rabbi, this year that Purim falls on Erev Shabbos what is the ideal time for the Purim meal to take place? Must it be breakfast? Can I push it off to lunch, or even late in the day before sunset as is usually done by […]

Question: [Thursday, 10th Shevat 5781] Dear Rabbi, this past Shabbos our city got attacked by a swarm of flying ants and they are literally all over the place. I stared at the ground when walking home from shul and saw hundreds of dead ants which were stepped on by people. […]

  Sending regards to a woman:[1] A man may not ask a woman at all as to her wellbeing.[2] This applies even if one does so indirectly, through a messenger. It is forbidden to send greetings even through the woman’s husband.[3] [Thus, a man may not ask someone to send […]

Question: [Tuesday, 13th Shevat 5781] Dear Rabbi, I just got engaged and would like to know if it is permitted for one to talk about wedding plans prior to doing a Kinyan by the engagement party. One rabbi told us that this is not allowed to be done, and due […]

Question: [Tuesday, 27th Teves 5781] Rabbi, I am staying in a B&B rental home for about two months. I am wondering what I should do regarding putting a Mezuzah on the doors. I know that hotel rooms don’t require a mezuzah, but my question is regarding a short rental as […]

The seven Divine names The following are the Divine names that may never be erased:[1] Yud Kei Vav Kei; Adniy; Keil; Eloka; Elokim; Elokaiy[2]; Shakaiy; Tzeva–os[3]; Eh-yeh[4].] It is forbidden to mention any of the designated names of G-d in a bathroom. This refers to the seven names which may […]

Question: [Sunday, 11th Shevat 5781] Now that we are praying outside in the freezing cold due to coronavirus is it permitted to wear a coat over one’s Tallis during the Shacharis prayer? Is it better to wear the Tallis over one’s coat, or to wear the coat over one’s Tallis? […]

The after blessing-Ate fruits of seven Minim, and Mezonos, and drank wine:[1] One who ate [a Kezayis of] fruits from the seven Minim and ate [a Kezayis of] Mezonos [within Kdei Achilas Peras] and drank [a Revius of] wine is to include all three after blessings in a single blessing […]

Yahrzeit that falls on Shabbos and Yom Tov?[1] When to perform the Yahrzeit customs: When the Yahrzeit falls on Shabbos [or Yom Tov], the question is raised as to when the Yahrzeit customs are to be kept. Some customs are not feasible, or not permitted, to be performed on Shabbos […]

Question: [Thursday, 8th Shevat 5781] Is it permitted to heat up a Kugel on Shabbos and if so may I do so with the tinfoil on top of it or is this considered insulation?   Answer: You may heat up a Kugel on Shabbos on top of another pot so […]

Question: [Wednesday, 7th Shevat 5781] Rabbi, we have rented an apartment and after about four months of living there in the winter in the rain season, we noticed mold growing on a number of walls. The owner does not know of any practical solution to deal with it and we […]

Question: [Tuesday, 27th Teves 5781] Who today is considered a Tinok Shenishba versus a real and true Apikores? Obviously, there are different approaches and attitudes that we must have between these two types of nonobservance Jews, as brought in Torah that one is obligated to hate the Apikores and consider […]

Listening to one’s wife sing: While Davening or learning Torah: The singing[1] voice of a woman is [Rabbinically[2]] an Erva.[3] This applies whether she is single[4] or married, and even towards the voice of one’s own wife[5] [even while she is pure[6]]. Thus, it is [Rabbinically[7]] forbidden[8] for a husband […]

Question: [Monday, 5th Shevat 5781] Does a person who is in middle of Shemoneh Esrei count as one of the nine answers towards Chazaras Hashatz, and does it make any difference if he begins Shemoneh Esrei exactly with the Chazan. In essence, what is one to do if there are […]