May one use a peeler to peel fruits and vegetables on Shabbos?[1] Inedible peels:[2] Those fruits and vegetable which majority of people do not eat together with the peel, and it is rather removed and discarded prior to eating, according to all opinions, it is [Biblically[3]] forbidden to use a […]
Passing between two men/women
Passing between two people of the opposite gender:[1] A [lone[2]] man may not pass in between two women, and a [lone] woman [may not pass] between two men, due to that the evil spirit resides [on the person when he/she does so]. [This especially applies if the woman is a […]
When is the first day of Sheva Brachos?
When is the first day of Sheva Brachos? The Chuppah took place on Sunday before sunset while the meal took place at night. When is the first/last day of Sheva Brachos? Does it start on Sunday and end on Shabbos, or does it start from Monday and end on […]
Eating and Drinking in a Cemetery
Eating and drinking in a cemetery:[1] It is forbidden to eat or drink inside of a cemetery.[2] [This applies throughout the entire cemetery, even if one is a distance of four Amos from the graves, as explained in the Q&A. This applies even if one already said a blessing elsewhere […]
Smelling coffee-Is a blessing of Besamim to be recited
Smelling coffee-Is a blessing of Besamim to be recited?[1] General law of smelling spices and bread: Some Poskim[2] rule that one may not say a blessing on ground pepper and ginger even if he enjoys their smell.[3] Likewise, some Poskim[4] rule that one is not to make a blessing upon […]
The liturgy of Shalom Aleichem
The liturgy of Shalom Aleichem: The Background of the custom: The Piyut of Shalom Aleichem was established by the Kabbalists, the students of the Arizal and is recorded in the Poskim to be said on Friday night upon arrival home from Shul.[1] It is recited in light of the Talmudic[2] […]
Ishto Bair-Permitting Yichud on the grounds that one’s wife is in the city
Ishto Bair-Permitting Yichud on the grounds that one’s wife is in the city:[1] Some Poskim[2] rule that having one’s wife in the same city never permits a state of Yichud irrelevant of circumstance, and only when one’s wife is in the room does it permit Yichud with another woman. Other […]
The definition of Shiur Gearah-When may an Avel for the passing of a parent get a haircut
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer The definition of Shiur Gearah-When may an Avel for the passing of a parent get a haircut?[1] One who is in mourning for a relative other than his parent may cut his hair after the conclusion of Shloshim. However, one who is […]
Which blessing should be recited over chocolate covered fruits and nuts?
Marei Mekomos-Source sheet for members only Which blessing should be recited over chocolate covered fruits and nuts?[1] The general law of Ikkur and Tafel: Whenever one eats two foods together then one recites a blessing on the main food [i.e. Ikkur] and with it he exempts the secondary food [i. […]
Laughing, throwing acorns, holding baby, and playing games on Tishe Beav
Laughing and frivolity:[1] Laughing and frivol behavior is forbidden on Tisha B’av. Doing so can lead to physical danger.[2] Throwing Beralach/acorns: The Poskim[3] severely warn against the custom[4] of throwing acorns around in Shul on Tisha B’av and doing so is a great sin. Doing so is a […]