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 […]
May one do housework on Tisha B’av?
Marei Mekomos Source sheet-For members only May one do housework on Tisha B’av?[1] The general law of Melacha: From the letter of the law, the performance of Melacha on Tishe Beav is dependent on community custom, with exception to Torah scholars who in all places would not do Melacha on […]
How to wear a Tallis Katan on Tishe Beav
How to wear a Tallis Katan on Tishe Beav: Tallis Katan-Blessing and how to wear:[1] On Tishe Beav, the Tallis Katan is worn under one’s clothing without a blessing.[2] [Other Poskim[3] however rule a blessing is to be recited if one did not wear the Tallis Katan at night and […]
Reciting Vayechulu two people together versus saying it alone
Marei Mekomos Source sheet for members only Should Vayechulu which is recited after Shemoneh Esrei of Friday night, be recited by two people together, when Davening without a Minyan, or when saying it after the Minyan? Background:[1] The start of the custom and its purpose and reason:[2] The saying of […]
Children eating meat and chicken during the Nine Days
This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Marei Mekomos Source Sheet-For Members Only Children eating meat and chicken: A child who is below the age of Chinuch may eat meat, poultry and wine during the nine days.[1] A child who is above the age of Chinuch may […]
