Dining Etiquette -Licking the fingers: Introduction: Amongst the laws associated with eating, and the proper blessing that should be said before and afterwards, are also laws relating to eating etiquette or table manners. The Torah directs us that our eating is to be done in a polite and respectful format, […]

Does G-d regret creating punishment and the exile? [Based on Likkutei Sichos Parshas Ki Savo Vol. 24 Sicha 2]   In this week’s Parsha, Parshas Ki Savo, we read in Shishi of 98 evil curses that Moshe writes will befall the Jewish people as a result of sinful behavior. These […]

Question: [Monday 11th Elul, 5780] Lichvod HaRav, What is the halacha for opening bottles on shabbos? Im talking about soda bottles, grape juice bottles – they have usually a white plastic cap, that once opened leave a plastic ring on the neck of the bottle. thanks Answer: You may be […]

May one go walking on Shabbos for weight loss and exercise purposes?[1] Background: Going for an exercise walk on Shabbos touches upon two possible prohibitions; 1) Perhaps it transgresses the Rabbinical command that requires for one to change his walking habits on Shabbos. 2) Perhaps it transgresses the Rabbinical prohibition […]

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 […]

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 […]