Question: [Tuesday, 17th Mar Cheshvan, 5781] You have written in the past on numerous occasions that time that a mikvah is not available it is permitted for a man who is a Baal Keri to take a shower for several minutes. I want to inform you that in truth a […]

Gambling:[1] A. The prohibition: Some Poskim[2] rule it is forbidden to gamble [with a Jew] due to a Rabbinical stealing prohibition.[3] Other Poskim[4] rule there is no stealing prohibition involved in gambling even with a Jew, just as is the law by a gentile [as explained next]. (Nevertheless, even according […]

Question: [Monday, 8th Mar Cheshvan, 5781] What number jaundice is considered too high for a Bris to be able to be done on a baby?   Answer: While it is clear from the Shulchan Aruch that yellowness, known as jaundice, is considered a type of illness for which we abstain […]

Question: [Monday, 15th Mar Cheshvan, 5781] If one forgot to say Mashiv Haruach Umorid Hageshem, and remembered at the end of the blessing prior to saying Hashem’s name. Should he go back and say it, should he say it then, or she just continue?   Answer: According to the rulings […]

Question: [Sunday, 14th Mar Cheshvan, 5781] What is the Torah source for wearing masks? Meaning, aside for the general obligation to guard one’s health is prescribed by doctors is there any specific source in Torah that discusses the wearing of masks during an epidemic of which I am sure there […]

Saying Modeh Ani:[1] Immediately upon awakening, even prior to washing ones hands[2], it is proper[3] to [accustom oneself[4] to] say Modeh Ani.[5] The reason for reciting Modeh Ani: This is done in order to remember that Hashem is standing over him and motivate him to get up with alacrity.[6] Alternatively, […]

Question: [Thursday 11th Mar Cheshvan, 5781] We have a table outside with an open summer umbrella and was wondering if it is permitted for me to move it on Shabbos, such as if the table is in one area of our yard where there is currently no sun and would […]

Davening Mincha after candle lighting on Erev Shabbos:[1] A woman who lights Shabbos candles, and thus accepts Shabbos with her lighting, is to Daven Mincha beforehand.[2] [If she did not do so, and has already lit her candles, then she may not daven Mincha afterwards, and is to rather Daven […]

Question: [Monday 24th Tishreiy, 5781] Is one halachically obligated to vote in a presidential election, mayoral election, etc?   In this specific case, the American elections, are there any instructions of how to vote and for whom?   Thank you   Answer: *Please note: The below is the Rav’s personal […]

Question: [Tuesday, 9th Mar Cheshvan, 5781] Should the plates be broken by a Lechaim even if the parents are not present? Due to covid, we are having a young peoples only engagement celebration and neither mine or her parents will be present. What should we do about breaking the plate? […]

Which side gets to choose the Misader Kiddushin, the side of the Chasan or the side of the Kallah?[1] The job of being Misader Kiddushin is customarily designated to the Rav of the city, and has become mandated in Halacha, with a prohibition against another individual taking the rights for […]

Question: [Monday, 8th Mar Cheshvan, 5781] On Shabbos afternoon we placed a disposable baking pan on top of our Fleishig Shabbos plata [upside down] for the sake of warming Challas on top of it. My daughter then unknowingly used that baking pan for baking a cheese sandwich in the dairy […]

Checklist of separating Terumos Umaasros Verify the status of your produce from which you wish to separate Teruma and Maaser: Is the fruit Arala or Neta Rivaiy? If Arla, it may not be eaten.[1] If Neta Rivaiy, it may be eaten after it is redeemed[2] without needing to separate Terumos […]

Question: [Sunday, 7th MarCheshvan, 5781] If I began Davening Shemoneh Esrei of Shacharis simultaneously with the Chazan starting his repetition of Musaf, may I answer Kedusha when I reach Kedusha together with him?   Answer: This matter is debated amongst the Poskim, and practically we [Ashkenazim] rule that it may […]

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 […]

May one remove a splinter on Shabbos?[1] It is permitted to remove a splinter on Shabbos [with one’s hands, tweezer, or needle as will be explained].[2] However, one needs to beware upon removing the splinter to do it in a way that it will not inevitably cause blood to come […]

If one borrowed a Tallis/Tefillin/Shofar/Daled Minim and damaged it, must he pay the owner for the damages? Negligence:[1] If one borrowed a Tallis/Tefillin/Shofar/Daled Minim and damaged it due to negligence, then he is obligated to pay the owner for the damages. Process of using/wearing: If one borrowed a Tallis/Tefillin/Shofar/Daled Minim […]

Question: [Monday 24th Tishreiy, 5781] I borrowed a fan from a friend and it suddenly died while I was using it. I tried to fix it unsuccessfully although did manage to get it to partially turn and blow air? My friend is now asking me that I pay her for […]

Question: [Tuesday, 25th Tishreiy, 5781] Is it permitted to play board games, video games, cards, puzzles, etc? Is there a list of criteria for what’s mutar and what’s not?   Answer: The concept of playing games is recorded in both the Talmud and Shulchan Aruch, and is to be viewed […]

  Question: [Monday, 1st Mar Cheshvan 5781] Should one say Baruch Dayan Haemes when hearing of the passing of a gentile? I am asking because a non-Jewish relative of a friend of mine passed away and would like to know if I may say it.   Answer: There is no […]

Question: [Tuesday, 25th Tishreiy, 5781] Where in Shacharis is one to give Tzedaka. By which Pasuk?   Answer: While saying the words Veata Moshel Bakol in Vayivarech David. This, however, is in addition to giving Tzedaka prior to Davening.   Sources: See P”M 92 M”Z 30; Siddur Arizal; Peri Eitz […]

May one’s housekeeper do laundry on Rosh Chodesh? Background: Women are accustomed to abstaining from certain works on Rosh Chodesh[1], including laundry.[2] The question is raised as to whether this custom of avoiding laundry extends even to prohibiting it from being done by another person, or if it only applies […]

Question: [Monday, 25th Tishreiy, 5781] We have a hammock that is directly attached to a tree in our seminary. The ropes which hold up the hammock are directly attached to the trees. May the girls sit on it on Shabbos?   Answer: No. It is Rabbinically forbidden to make use […]

Not to make Kiddush during the seventh hour:[1] A. The Halacha: Some[2] are careful to avoid saying Kiddush during the first hour of the night[3], (which is during the 7th hour past midday).[4] Rather, they recite Kiddush either prior to nightfall, or after an hour into nightfall. It has already […]

Question: [24th Elul, 5780] I borrowed a treadmill for long-term use and find that because it’s on an incline it causes back pain to use (this is a known problem). If I wanted to put something underneath the back of the treadmill to eliminate the incline, must I ask permission […]

View Source sheet-For Members Only [Contact us if you need the code]! Taking one’s father or Rebbe to Beis Din:[1] It is permitted to take one’s father [or mother[2], or Rebbe[3]] to Beis Din to file a monetary claim against them. For example, if one’s father damaged one’s item, one may take […]

Question: [Wednesday, 12th Tishreiy 5781] May one use Maaser money for purchasing school supplies used during secular studies?   Answer: Seemingly yes, as a) it assists the students in their education for purposes of future Parnasa and b) It is mandatory in schools of which lack thereof can force the […]

View Source sheet-For Members Only [Contact us if you need the code]! May one buy items for a child before he is born? It is permitted to purchase items for the future child prior to birth.[1] Nevertheless, some have the custom to abstain from doing so due to Ayin Hara.[2] One […]

Shemini Atzeres * Note for those in Eretz Yisrael: Those who keep only one day of Yom Tov [i.e. residents of Eretz Yisrael] fulfil the customs of Simchas Torah on Shemini Atzeres. See the next Chapter for the full details of the laws and customs of Simchas Torah. 1. Is […]

Question: [19th Tishreiy, 5781] I own two plants that are growing beautifully but need to be watered daily. May I do so on Chol Hamoed?   Answer: Yes, you may do so to prevent damage of the plant. You may not add more water than necessary Sources: Michaber 537:1; Tur […]

Question: [Sunday, 16th Tishreiy 5780] My child was playing with plastic straps used for tying Sukkos, also known as plastic handcuffs, and closed it over her wrist. It is loose enough to not be of danger but I cant slide it off. May I cut it on Shabbos?   Answer: […]

  Question: [Friday, 14th Tishreiy 5780] I am unable to tie my Lulav using Lulav leaves. May I use other material such as a rubber band.   Answer: Yes.   Sources: See Admur 651:2-4   Question: [Sunday, 16th Tishreiy 5780] My child was playing with plastic straps used for tying […]

Question: [Thursday, 13th Tishreiy 5780] I ordered a Lulav and its leaves were split, including the middle leaf. Is it valid?   Answer: If the middle leaf is split then the Lulav is Pasul. However, this only applies on the first day [two days in Dispora] of Sukkos, and therefore […]

Noiy Sukkah-Sukkah decorations: The Custom:[1] It is a widespread and old age custom amongst Jewry to decorate the Sukkah with different fruits, ornaments, and valuables.[2] It is a Mitzvah to do so.[3] This is done to express beautification of the Mitzvah, and it is thus fit to be done and […]

The Lulav The identity of the Lulav: The canary palm: Use of the canary palm Lulav is under debate in the Poskim as to its validity and it is thus not to be used. How to identify a canary: 1. The spine of the canary palm bends when held. 2. […]

The Laws & Customs of Sukkos Summary Edition Checklist The laws of a Kosher Sukkah: Begin building on Motzei Yom Kippur. Complete the entire Sukkah the day after Yom Kippur after Shul Verify the area you desire to build the Sukkah does not contain any obstructions which will hover over […]

 Yom Kippur 5781 Covid—19 Directives   1. Kaparos: Those who cannot do Kaparos over a chicken are to do so over a fish, or money. It is to be done on Erev Yom Kippur. One may not break the rules of quarantine or lockdown for the sake of doing […]

Question: [Tuesday, 4th Tishreiy, 5780] Is there an Inyan to give charity prior to saying Tehillim for the sick, or even of the daily Chitas.   Answer: Yes. Indeed, the Rebbe requested and encouraged for charity to be given when reciting Tehillim [either before, after or during], whether it be […]

Children fasting on Yom Kippur:[1] Below age 9-10-No fasting:[2] Children who are less than nine years old [for a healthy child, and less than ten years old for a weak child] are not to be oppressed on Yom Kippur, being this can lead to danger. [They are to be fed […]

Question: [Tuesday, 4th Tishreiy 5780] How should we do Kaparos this year if we can’t do over chickens as normally done due to the Covid 19 restrictions?   Answer: There are a few options available, listed here in order of precedence: Appoint a Shliach to do Kaparos on your behalf […]

Question: [Friday, 29th Elul, 5780] What is the Chabad custom vis a vis eating sharp foods on Rosh Hashanah, such as jalapeno peppers, Sechug, Charif, etc?   Answer: There is no record in Chabad literature of the custom of avoiding sharp foods on Rosh Hashanah. Likewise, Rav Eli Landa Shlita, […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com    May one eat or drink prior to Shacharis or hearing Shofar, on Rosh Hashanah?[1] It is forbidden to eat a meal prior to hearing Shofar.[2] [Thus, since Shofar is blown after Shacharis, therefore even […]

  Mivtza Shofar Laws & Guidelines for blowing Shofar on Mivtzaim with emphasis on Covid-19 related laws   The following Chapter is a compilation of the relevant laws that have been written throughout our sefer and website article which are especially applicable to Mivtzaim. For the full details on […]

Reciting a confessing [Viduiy] during Shofar blowing: Introduction:[1] We do not say the confession prayer on Rosh Hashanah. Furthermore, some[2] have the custom to omit the stanza of “Avinu Malkeinu Chatanu Lefanecha” from the Avinu Malkeinu prayer. This is done in order to avoid reciting confessions on Rosh Hashanah in […]

Question: [Sunday 24th Elul, 5780] May I recite Selichos over a Zoom Minyan?   Answer: Yes, assuming what you mean by a Zoom Minyan. If there is a Kosher Minyan of ten Jews together in one physical area, then in such a case you may recite the Yud Gimel Midos […]

Making Kiddush as soon as one arrives home:[1] It is a Mitzvah Min Hamuvchar[2] to recite Kiddush as close to the entrance of Shabbos as possible.[3] [This especially applies if one has hungry guests or family members waiting to start the meal.[4] It goes without saying that one should not […]

The law of blowing Shofar when Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbos:[1] One does not blow Shofar on Rosh Hashanah that falls on Shabbos.[2] Is the Shofar Muktzah on this Shabbos?[3] The law regarding moving the Shofar on this Shabbos [on which Rosh Hashanah coincides with] is similar to the law […]

This is an embedded Microsoft Office document, powered by Office. Covid-19 Davening alone instruction Directives for one who is without a Minyan for Rosh Hashanah 1. Elul A. Blowing the Shofar: Some Poskim[1] rule that the institution to blow Shofar in the month of Elul was only established in the […]

Dining Etiquette -Licking the fingers: Introduction: Amongst the laws associated with eating, and the proper blessing that should be said before and afterwards, are also laws relating to eating etiquette or table manners. The Torah directs us that our eating is to be done in a polite and respectful format, […]

Does G-d regret creating punishment and the exile? [Based on Likkutei Sichos Parshas Ki Savo Vol. 24 Sicha 2]   In this week’s Parsha, Parshas Ki Savo, we read in Shishi of 98 evil curses that Moshe writes will befall the Jewish people as a result of sinful behavior. These […]

Question: [Monday 11th Elul, 5780] Lichvod HaRav, What is the halacha for opening bottles on shabbos? Im talking about soda bottles, grape juice bottles – they have usually a white plastic cap, that once opened leave a plastic ring on the neck of the bottle. thanks Answer: You may be […]

May one go walking on Shabbos for weight loss and exercise purposes?[1] Background: Going for an exercise walk on Shabbos touches upon two possible prohibitions; 1) Perhaps it transgresses the Rabbinical command that requires for one to change his walking habits on Shabbos. 2) Perhaps it transgresses the Rabbinical prohibition […]

Question: [Wednesday 13th Elul, 5780] What is a Zabla? I hear this term used all the time   Answer: A Zabla stands for the words “Zeh Borer Lo Echad/Each one chooses one.” A Zabla is an alternative to a set Beis Din, if for whatever reason the sides are unable […]

  Human blood:[1] Human blood is not Biblically forbidden in consumption due to the blood prohibition.[2] Nevertheless, it is [Rabbinically] forbidden to drink visible human blood which has separated from a human body due to Maaras Ayin. Blood on food after biting:[3] Due to the above, if one bit a […]

Question: [Wednesday 6th Elul, 5780] Rabbi Goldstein   Should someone avoid davening for something petty (like their son winning a ball game), so as not to “diminish zechusim”?   Answer: B”H There is a Mitzvah Min Hatorah to Daven to Hashem for things that you want. This itself can serve […]

Does one fulfill the custom of hearing Shofar in Elul through hearing a live blowing taking place via Zoom and the like? Background: One is obligated to hear the original Shofar sound in order to fulfill his Mitzvah on Rosh Hashanah, and it does not suffice to hear an echoed […]

May one wear a mask on Shabbos and adjust the metal strip around one’s nose? Background: It is forbidden to fix things on Shabbos due to the prohibition of Tikkun Keli.[1] Thus, it is forbidden to even simply bend a needle back in shape due to the prohibition of Tikkun […]

Does the prohibition of Tzaar Baalei Chaim apply also against causing pain to humans, or being complicit to it? If one causes pain to another human does he transgress Tzaar Baalei Chaim? Introduction: It is Biblically forbidden to cause pain to any[1] living creature [without a Halachically justifiable reason].[2] The […]

Delaying Melacha until after Maariv:[1] In addition to waiting until three small consecutive stars are visible[2] and saying Havdalah in prayer or saying Baruch Hamavdil[3], every meticulous[4] person is to delay doing any [Biblical[5]] Melacha until the congregation has recited the Seder Kedusha [i.e. the entire paragraph of Veata Kadosh[6]] […]

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 […]

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 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:[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 […]

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 […]

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 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 […]

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: 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

The mourning customs of the nine days *Important Note: This section will only list the mourning customs that become applicable during the nine days. All customs that apply throughout the entire three-week period were listed in the previous chapter. See there for further reference! Diminishing in rejoicing: At the entrance […]

Saying Vayechulu after Shemon eh Esrei on Friday nights-How & Why: The start of the custom and its purpose and reason:[1] The saying of Vayechulu after Shemoneh Esrei of Friday night was accustomed due to the Yom Tov Friday night Davening in which Vayechulu is omitted from the Yom Tov […]

May one Kosher a meat vessel to use for dairy or vice versa?[1] Through Libun:[2] It is permitted to Kosher a vessel through Libun, and interchange its use between meat and dairy. Thus, one may Kosher a meat oven to use for dairy and vice versa.[3] [All vessels made of […]

 Must the Shel Rosh straps that dangle in front of one’s chest have their black side face up?[1] The Poskim rule that the straps are not to be turned over [onto their white side], neither by the Tefillin Shel Yad nor by the Tefillin Shel Rosh [and are hence to […]

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Music therapy-May one listen to music during the three weeks for emotional and mental health purposes? In general, one may not play or listen[1] to music during the three weeks.[2] [It is forbidden to listen to music, whether live or […]

Eating restrictions for one who is exempt from fasting: Eating in accordance to “Shiurim” as required on Yom Kippur: Some Poskim[1] rule that even one who is exempt from the fast is required to follow the same eating and drinking measurements “Shiurim” prescribed on Yom Kippur. Other Poskim[2], however, rule […]

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Summary   Chapter 1-The 17th of Tamuz: The 17th of Tamuz is a public fast day. One is required to fast on this day due to the tragedies that occurred during this time. It is also the beginning of the […]

Covid-19 Fasting laws-Should one fast this year on 17th of Tamuz? Law for one who is sick:[1] One who is sick is exempt from fasting, [and is even prohibited to be stringent upon himself to fast[2]].[3] This applies even if there is no danger involved in his illness.[4] He is […]

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Original Hebrew Source sheet [for Members Only] Is one to repeat the blessing after re-wearing the Tefillin after using the bathroom: Background on saying a blessing when re-wearing Tefillin: One who removed his Tefillin and now desires to place it back on, […]

See original Hebrew source sheets [for members only] Co-sleeping-May boys/men sleep together on the same bed?[1] It is forbidden for two men/boys to sleep together in the same bed.[2] This applies even if the men are married, and certainly if they are both single.[3] This applies even if they are […]

Wishing good Shabbos after the time of Mincha:[1] There is a known custom not to wish good Shabbos or say Shalom Aleichem between Mincha and Maariv on Shabbos, during Bein Hashmashos.[2] _____________________________________________________________ [1] Piskeiy Teshuvos 292/8 in name of Sefer Matamim and Otzer Minhagei Yeshurun; Mentioned in Makor Chaim 270 […]

View original Hebrew sources-For members Only This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Should a married m an say a blessing on a Tallis Katan? Is one to say a blessing over a Tallis Katan worn prior to Davening if he will be wearing a Tallis Gadol for Shacharis? […]

Source sheet for members only Mourning laws applicable on the day of a Yahrzeit: A. First Yahrzeit:[1] On the first Yahrzeit [if the year of mourning was not a leap year] the custom is to practice the laws of the year of Aveilus up until after the day of the […]

Listen here to audio Melacha/work on Rosh Chodesh:[1] A. The law and custom: It is permitted to do work on Rosh Chodesh.[2] Nevertheless, those women that are accustomed to refrain from working are doing a proper custom.[3] [Practically, the widespread custom today amongst women is to refrain from work on […]

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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 […]