From Eretz Yisrael to Diaspora If an Israeli traveled to the diaspora before the 7th of MarCheshvan is he to begin reciting Vesein Tal Umatar on the 7th of MarCheshvan in the diaspora?[1] If an Israeli traveled to the diaspora before the 7th of MarCheshvan it is disputed amongst Poskim […]
Parshas Noach-Summary, Torah Or & Likkutei Sichos, Audio Shiurim
Parshas Noach-Summary of Parsha 1) Who is Noach? 2) The depravity of the world 3) Hashem instructs Noach to build a Teiva/Ark Click Here Parshas Noach-Parsha Bee Not Available Parshas Noach-Parsha Insights Not Available Parshas Noach-Mamar Torah Or The sin of the Tower of Bavel Click Here Parshas Noach-Selected Teachings […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Having a drink before saying the morning blessings
Question: I always wondered if it is permitted for me to have a drink before I say the morning blessings. I’m not necessarily referring to having a coffee but rather to lets say have a drink of water or other beverage to quench my thirst and then say the blessing. […]
May one cry on Shabbos out of sadness and mourning?
May one cry on Shabbos? One who receives pleasure from crying, may cry on Shabbos.[1] Thus, one may cry out of feelings of yearning and Dveikus for Hashem, such as occurs by those who Daven with concentration.[2] Furthermore, if one is saddened by a certain matter, and by crying over […]
From the Rav’s Desk: How much money can one charge for a job if no price agreement was initially made?
Question: I hired a local fix-it man to fix a broken door in my home. I never heard of him before but was desperate to find someone to fix it being that it was basically locked shut with an inability to open, and we needed to have access to the […]
Zugos-Avoiding eating or drinking an even number of foods or beverages
Zugos-Avoiding eating or drinking an even number of foods or beverages:[1] According to the Talmud[2], one is to avoid eating an even number of food or drink but is rather to only eat an odd number of foods. This is due to worry of demons and damaging spirits.[3] Nonetheless, a […]
From the Rav’s Desk: The issue with Playing cards
Question: I was playing cards [the deck with the Joker and Ace King etc.] with a group of friends and was told that it is forbidden for one to play with these type of cards due to being considered similar to idolatry, and that we are very careful to avoid […]
Not to overburden one’s child with demands and to be forgiving of one’s respect
Limits in what a parent can instruct their children-Not to overburden one’s child with demands and to be forgiving of one’s respect:[1] It is forbidden for a parent to overburden his children with demands and to be overparticular with their respect towards him, in order so he does not cause […]
From the Rav’s Desk: May women tie Tzitzis?
Question: I and a number of other women whom I know have been asked if we could help tie Tzitzis to Tallis Katans for the sake of sending them to soldiers on the front. They say they are in desperate need of people to tie it, and if we don’t […]
Mivtzah Tefillin-Part 2-Pertinent Halachos
Important laws to remember for Mivtzaim: *Below is a very brief sketch of the background and some of the important reminders necessary during Mivtza Tefillin. For further Halachic information, one is to refer to the previous chapters, each according to its subject. The times:[1] For purposes of Mivtzaim, one may […]