Question: [Wednesday 13th Elul, 5780] What is a Zabla? I hear this term used all the time   Answer: A Zabla stands for the words “Zeh Borer Lo Echad/Each one chooses one.” A Zabla is an alternative to a set Beis Din, if for whatever reason the sides are unable […]

Onas Devarim-Hurting another with words:[1] The law:[2] Just as there is a [Biblical] prohibition against oppressing another in business [by cheating him] so too there is a [Biblical] prohibition against oppressing [i.e. insulting, offending, etc] someone with words.[3] [This prohibition is listed as part of the 365 negative commands.[4] The […]

May a Chasan, Kallah, and their acquaintances, use the term Eirusin in reference to their engagement? [i.e. אני מאורסת/Ani Meureset; Seudat Eirusin; Mesibat Eirusin, etc] Background: In the original Talmudic and Halachic definition, the term Eirusin, or Meureses, refers to a Halachic stage of actual marriage, in which the wife […]

  Human blood:[1] Human blood is not Biblically forbidden in consumption due to the blood prohibition.[2] Nevertheless, it is [Rabbinically] forbidden to drink visible human blood which has separated from a human body due to Maaras Ayin. Blood on food after biting:[3] Due to the above, if one bit a […]

Question: [Wednesday 6th Elul, 5780] Rabbi Goldstein   Should someone avoid davening for something petty (like their son winning a ball game), so as not to “diminish zechusim”?   Answer: B”H There is a Mitzvah Min Hatorah to Daven to Hashem for things that you want. This itself can serve […]

Does one fulfill the custom of hearing Shofar in Elul through hearing a live blowing taking place via Zoom and the like? Background: One is obligated to hear the original Shofar sound in order to fulfill his Mitzvah on Rosh Hashanah, and it does not suffice to hear an echoed […]

May one wear a mask on Shabbos and adjust the metal strip around one’s nose? Background: It is forbidden to fix things on Shabbos due to the prohibition of Tikkun Keli.[1] Thus, it is forbidden to even simply bend a needle back in shape due to the prohibition of Tikkun […]

Does the prohibition of Tzaar Baalei Chaim apply also against causing pain to humans, or being complicit to it? If one causes pain to another human does he transgress Tzaar Baalei Chaim? Introduction: It is Biblically forbidden to cause pain to any[1] living creature [without a Halachically justifiable reason].[2] The […]

Delaying Melacha until after Maariv:[1] In addition to waiting until three small consecutive stars are visible[2] and saying Havdalah in prayer or saying Baruch Hamavdil[3], every meticulous[4] person is to delay doing any [Biblical[5]] Melacha until the congregation has recited the Seder Kedusha [i.e. the entire paragraph of Veata Kadosh[6]] […]

How many children must one have to fulfill the Mitzvah of having children?[1] Biblically: When a man fathers a boy and a girl, he fulfills the Mitzvah of Peru Urevu [as soon as the child is born[2]]. [If he only fathered one gender, either male or female, then he does […]