May one fix broken glasses and are they considered Muktzah? Lens came out: It is forbidden to reinsert the lens into the frame even loosely.[1] However, the lens itself is not considered Muktzah[2] unless it shattered or the glasses have broken to the point they are no longer useable.[3] The […]
Pas Paltar-Commercial gentile bread
Listen here to audio Pas Palter-Must commercially baked bread be Pas Yisrael:[1] When the Sages initially enacted the decree against eating the bread of a gentile, the decree applied towards all bread baked by a gentile, whether it is bread baked within the private home of a gentile, or bread […]
Is one to stand or sit when making Kiddush?
Is one required to stand when making Kiddush? Night Kiddush:[1] It is proper to stand while reciting Vayechulu in Kiddush.[2] However, when one says the blessing of Kiddush [i.e. Hagafen and onwards], it is better to sit.[3] [From the letter of the law, however, he may stand if he chooses.[4]] […]
Kinyan Sudar/Chalifin-How it works
Kinyan Sudar/Chalifin:[1] A. What can be acquired through the Kinyan?[2] All items, whether moveable objects [i.e. Mitaltilin] or land [i.e. Karka] may be acquired through a Kinyan Suddar [otherwise known as Kinyan Chalifin]. This applies whether to a sale or to the giving of a present. B. How it is […]
Women wearing socks/stockings
Women wearing socks/stockings:[1] It is forbidden for men to learn Torah or Daven opposite a woman’s legs [literally, Shoka] as the legs are considered an area of privacy by a woman, and is therefore an Erva to be revealed. [It is therefore necessary for women and girls to cover their […]
Magicians-Performing magic tricks, hiring a performer, and watching a performance
Listen to Audio Shiur Magicians-Performing magic tricks, hiring a performer, and watching a performance:[1] It is forbidden to perform an action that makes it appear to the onlooker as if he is performing a supernatural act.[2] One who does so transgresses the Biblical command of “Lo Sionein” and is liable […]
Saying Barchu at the end of Davening
Listen here to Shiur Saying Barchu at the end of Davening? Letter of the law:[1] One may recite Barchu at the end of Davening for the sake of people who did not yet hear Barchu that day.[2] Certainly, if one did not yet hear Barchu he may say Barchu on […]
Pressuring an employer to pay one’s salary, and pressuring a renter to pay rent
Pressuring an employer to pay one’s salary, and pressuring a renter to pay rent: Some Poskim[1] rule that the above prohibition against pressuring a person who owes one money, at a time that he does not have the ability to pay, only applies if the person borrowed the money. However, […]
May a man Daven or learn Torah while hearing his daughter, sister, or mother singing, or Davening out loud in a song?
Listen here to audio May a man Daven or learn Torah while hearing his daughter, sister, or mother singing, or Davening out loud in a song? It is customary for people to sing various parts of Davening. May a man Daven while hearing his mother, daughter, or sister singing parts […]
Chapter 119 in Tehillim
Chapter 119 in Tehillim Listen here to Audio Background: Chapter 119 in Tehillim is a very unique chapter, having been compiled by David Hamelech according to the Hebrew alphabet. It is the longest chapter in Tehillim, and indeed in the entire Tanach, containing 176 verses. Each letter of the Hebrew […]