May one Daven with his hands in his pocket?[1] One is required to stand [before G-d] during the prayer [of Shemoneh Esrei] like a servant stands before his master, in a way of awe, fear, and trepidation.[2] Likewise, one is not to place his hands on his loins, as this […]
Children breaking Yichud-At what ages can a child serve as a Shomer for the purpose of breaking Yichud?
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy here or on Amazon.com At what ages can a child serve as a Shomer for the purpose of breaking Yichud?[1] Yichud between a man and woman is permitted in a case that a Shomer is present. Children that are of the age to understand […]
The status of Challah’s baked in a meat or dairy oven, or together with meat or dairy
Are my Challah’s still Pareve? The status of Challah’s baked in a meat or dairy Oven Final Summary: A. Baking at the same time as baking meat or chicken:[1] Covered: If the meat or chicken is covered, it is allowed to bake the Challah simultaneously if the oven is clean […]
Women avoiding Melacha on Motzei Shabbos
Avoiding Melacha on Motzei Shabbos-Women Sewing:[1] Some Poskim[2] write it is customary for women to avoid doing Melacha throughout the entire duration of Motzei Shabbos. However, this custom is negated by the Yerushalmi[3], was omitted by Admur[4], and is no longer the accepted custom, and therefore so is the practical […]
Women and the blessing of Meoreiy Haeish-Reciting the blessing, Placing the hands by the candles
Women and the blessing of Meoreiy Haeish:[1] Women are obligated in Havdalah.[2] They can either fulfill their obligation through listening to the Havdalah of another person, or through saying it themselves[3], just as is the law by men. The following will discuss a woman’s obligation vis a vis the blessing […]
Learning the laws of Aveilus-Mourning and why some avoid doing so
Learning the laws of Aveilus:[1] It is a widespread custom for one whose parents are alive to avoid studying the laws of mourning.[2] It is thus only studied by the community Rabbi [or potential Posek], for him to answer questions to those who ask him on this subject.[3] On the […]
The Chabad custom of tightening the knot of the Yud of the Tefillin Shel Yad after the blessing
The Chabad custom of tightening the knot of the Yud after the blessing:[1] After the blessing, one is to fasten the strap within the knot in order to fulfill the command of “And you shall tie for a sign on your hand.”[2] [Many Chabad Chassidim have a tradition that this […]
Are women obligated to recite Pesukei Dezimra [i.e. Hodu-Yishtabach]?
Are women obligated to recite Pesukei Dezimra [i.e. Hodu-Yishtabach]?[1] The dispute: Some Poskim[2] rule that women are obligated to recite Pesukei Dezimra just like men.[3] Other Poskim[4] rule that women are exempt from reciting Pesukei Dezimra[5], although are nevertheless allowed to do so if they wish, and they may choose […]
Placing door handles into a door on Shabbos
Placing door handles into a door on Shabbos?[1] Case example: The handle fell off my door and I have no way of opening it, or closing and then opening it, unless the handle is reinserted. may I do so on Shabbos? Introduction: Building or fixing an item on Shabbos enters […]
Saying the blessing of Shehechiyanu upon the birth of a daughter
Saying the blessing of Shehechiyanu upon the birth of a daughter:[1] The father and mother[2] of a newborn baby girl are required to say the blessing of Shehechiyanu upon seeing their newborn daughter and receiving pleasure and happiness from seeing her.[3] However, [prior to seeing the daughter] the blessing is […]
