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:[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:[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 […]

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 […]

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: 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, […]

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 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 […]

Listen here to audio May one squeeze fruits on Yom Tov?[1] In all cases that squeezing is permitted on Shabbos it is likewise permitted on Yom Tov. [See our Sefer “The Laws of Shabbos Volume 2-The Laws of Squeezing fruits” for the full details of the laws of squeezing on […]

Listen to audio When may one get a haircut on Erev Shavuos?[1] It is permitted to get a haircut throughout the entire Erev Shabbos, and Erev Yom Tov [with exception to Erev Pesach], even past the time of Mincha. This applies even to a professional haircut that is being done […]

Listen here to audio May one perform Eruv Tavshilin before Erev Yom Tov or on the night before Yom Tov [i.e. Yom Tov is on Thursday night, may one perform it on Wednesday night, or prior]? The initial obligation to perform specifically on Erev Yom Tov:[1] Initially, the Eruv Tavshilin […]

Listen here to audio Shavuos Checklist   The days preceding Shavuos: Valuing time: The Rebbe notes of the Rebbe Rayatz that the period of time during the days preceding Shavuos were utterly precious to him and were hence used wisely. Shabbos Mivarchim Sivan: Av Harachamim is recited on Shabbos Mivarchim […]

Due to Covid-19, many individuals and communities have missed previous Shabbos Torah readings and are now able to make it to Shul for the first time on Shabbos. Different Rabbis are saying different things. Practically, may the Parshiyos be made up? There are different approaches regarding this matter: No makeup: […]

Cutting nails on Thursday:[1] It is a Mitzvah to cut one’s [hand[2]] nails every[3] Erev Shabbos.[4] If one is unable to wait until Friday, then one may cut his nails on previous days of the week.[5] However, some[6]  are particular to not cut the nails on Thursday.[7] [Practically, the widespread […]

Listen here to Audio Shiur Should one recite the blessing of Shehechiyanu upon putting on Tefillin for the first time?[1] Some Poskim[2] rule the blessing of Shehechiyanu is to be recited upon performing a Mitzvah for its first time, and hence a Bar Mitzvah boy is to say the blessing […]

Listen here to audio Shiur Is the Chabad custom to light a Yizkor candle? Many are accustomed to light a Yizkor candle [i.e. Ner Neshama] for the days that Yizkor is recited.[1] However, it is not necessarily the Chabad custom to light a candle for Yizkor.[2] Indeed, the Rebbe and […]

Counting Jews:[1] The prohibition: It is forbidden to count Jews [in numbers such as 1, 2, 3 etc].[2] [This applies whether one is counting an individual group of Jews or is counting the Jewish people as a whole, such as for census taking.[3] Rebbe Elazar says that anyone who counts […]

Making a celebratory meal and party: The old tradition of celebrating a Bar Mitzvah but not a Bas Mitzvah: The Zohar[1] states that the day of a boys Bar Mitzvah is similar to a wedding in terms of joy, and one must similarly rejoice on this day, just as one […]

Listen here to audio Shiur May one dab gel or cream on the skin on Shabbos?[1] May one dab cream on a baby’s red bottom on Shabbos? May one dab Vaseline on dried lips on Shabbos? Introduction: Placing a cream or gel on one’s skin on Shabbos touches upon two […]

Severance pay-Pitzuyim:[1] A. The letter of the law:[2] There is no Torah requirement to give severance pay to a worker.[3] This applies even if the worker was fired. Nevertheless, according to Halacha, the conditions of payment for labor and employees follow the customs of the area, unless explicitly stated otherwise.[4] […]

Listen here to Audio Eating eggs on Lag Baomer:[1] Some are accustomed  to eat hard boiled eggs on Lag BaOmer.[2] This custom was followed by the Chabad Rabbeim and Chabad Chassidim of many generations.[3] Some Poskim[4], however, write to specifically not eat eggs on this day in order not to […]

May a man Daven or learn within sight of his daughter, sister or mother who is not fully dressed? Adult relatives:[1] The prohibition against a man learning or Davening in view of uncovered areas of a woman’s body, applies even to female relatives. Thus, it is forbidden for a man […]

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Pesach Sheiyni 1. Background of Pesach Sheiyni:[1] In the times of the Temple, a person who did not bring the Pesach offering in the 14th of Nissan, either due to being impure or due to being a distance from Jerusalem, […]

Listen here to Audio Shiur May one Daven in front of a picture?[1] From the letter of the law, there is no prohibition to Daven opposite a picture or painting.[2] Nevertheless, it is improper to Daven in front of a picture, in order so one does not come to stare […]

Listen here to audio shiur part 1 Listen here to audio Shiur Part 2 Learning and reading Tanach at night [Chumash/Navi/Tehillim]: A. The avoidance: Many Poskim[1] rule based on Kabala that one is not to read verses of Mikra [Written Torah] at night.[2] This includes verses from Torah, Nevi’im, Kesuvim, […]

Listen here to audio May one wash for bread in a different area than the meal?[1] Example: We do not have a sink in our living room. Can we wash for bread in the kitchen? What if the kitchen or nearest sink is in two totally separate areas of the […]

May one remove the cover from a pot food that is on the fire on Shabbos and then place it back on? Removing: One may always remove the cover of a pot of food on Shabbos even if the pot is sitting over a fire, or Blech, or electric plate. […]

Listen here to audio May one fly an American or Israeli flag? Being patriotic for one’s country: The Mishneh[1] states that “Mispalelim Leshilom Malchus,” that one must pray for the peace of his country. Indeed, in living with this statement, Jews throughout the generations served as noble patriots of their […]

May girls/women sing in private if their voices can be heard to the outside? At an event, such as a Farbrengen, is it permitted for women to sing even though their voices can be heard to the outside? As stated above, it is forbidden for men to listen to a […]

Listen here to audio Men immersing with clothing in a Mikveh, pool, sea, ocean: *The below only applies to a male immersion, for female immersion, see here! **The immersion in a Mikveh/pool/ocean during Covid-19 may only be done in accordance to, and with permission of, directives of the medical establishment […]

Listen here to Shiur May one answer Amen etc if he is in range of hearing a Minyan that does not follow proper protocol for Covid-19, or is taking place contrary to the instructions of the local medical or/and Rabbinical directives? It is forbidden for a Chazan to lead a […]

May the blessing be said over a fruit tree growing in a movable pot [i.e. tree pot]? Yes, a growing tree which is planted with earth inside of a pot may have the blessing said over it if it has produced blossoming fruit. Accordingly, in areas that fruit trees are […]

Listen here to Shiur How to perform Kerias Hatorah by Covid-19 porch Minyanim: Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, Minyanim have sprouted on the porches of buildings that contain a Minyan worth of tenants, each individual sitting on his own porch, and the question is asked in regards to how Kerias […]

Listen here to Shiur May one wear slippers for Davening?[1] One is required to Daven in a dress code that is fitting to be worn before a king, aristocrat, and people of stature.[2] From this it is understood that whether it is permitted to Daven wearing slippers is dependent on […]

Fixing items during Chol Hamoed:[1] The general rule: In general, it is forbidden to fix items in a professional way during Chol Hamoed.[2] This applies even if it is needed for the sake of the Moed.[3] However, it is permitted to perform amateur fixing jobs on Chol Hamoed if it […]

Besamim for Havdalah on Motzei Chol Hamoed Pesach:[1] Havdalah on Motzei Shabbos Chol Hamoed Pesach follows the same laws as Havdalah throughout the year, and hence the Mitzvah of Besamim applies on Motzei Shabbos Chol Hamoed Pesach just as it applies throughout the year. Nevertheless, due to the Chametz restrictions, […]

Five directives of Rabbi Groner Z”L relating to Pesach It feels almost unreal that we have just lost one of the great personalities of this generation. A Chassid with all his fiber and being, who served as the conduit for Jews around the world to receive their responses from the […]

PDF printable checklist Erev Pesach Seder preparation list The leader of the Seder is to review the Hagadah and story of the exodus with the Mefarshim and contemplate the best ways of giving over the information to the participants, each on his level. It is strongly advised for the Seder […]

Listen here to audio May one drink tea or coffee, water, and other beverages after Kiddush/Kadesh and during Maggid?[1] Wine and Alcoholic beverages:[2] If one desires to drink a number of cups [of wine and alcoholic beverages], whether immediately after Kiddush or in middle of the Haggadah, prior to beginning […]

Listen here to today’s audio Does tea require a Hechsher for Pesach? Tea is considered one of the oldest and favored drinks in many societies and many people enjoy drinking a hot cup of tea on Pesach. This especially applies this year, due to the coronavirus outbreak, in which many […]

Full Coronavirus Pesach Guide for 2020 A project of www.Shulchanaruchharav.com      *This guide will focus only on Pesach laws that may be affected by the coronavirus and quarantine requirements. For the full digest on the laws of Pesach, and for further details on the laws explained in this guide, including […]

Listen to audio here May one be lenient this year to Kasher his Keilim that need Haggalah through heating them up in an oven, or over a fire? Some Poskim[1] rule that heating the inside of a vessel to Yad Soledes through it sitting over a fire or inside of […]

Audio Part 2 Circumventing the need to Tovel-Giving the vessel to a gentile and then borrowing it back: Vessels that are borrowed or rented from a gentile do not require immersion.[1] Accordingly, in a case that one is unable to immerse a vessel in a Mikveh, such as on Shabbos […]

Corona times Mechiras Chametz & General Q&A on the Mechira Listen here to audio May one appoint a Rav over the phone, or through fax, email or website registration form?[1] Yes.[2] However, initially, it is best for one to personally sign on the Shtar Harsha and then send it in.[3] […]

Listen here to Audio Shiur Corona Minyanim-The laws applicable to street Minyanim: May one make a public outdoor Minyan despite the corona fears? As already explained in a previous Daily Halacha, the view of Halacha on how to act during a time of an epidemic is that one is to […]

Must one check books/Sefarim for crumbs of Chametz? Background:  One must search for even an insignificant crumb of Chametz, and destroy it.[1] This applies even if one has already nullified his Chametz, or plans to nullify it before Pesach.[2] If, however, the Chametz is slightly dirty to the point that […]

Listen here to Shiur The Halachic obligation to self-quarantine during a plague [and miss Minyan, Mikveh, etc]: During our current time of crisis due to the Coronavirus outbreak, many are being asked by the medical community to quarantine/isolate themselves from society and not leave their homes, so they do not […]

 Coronavirus Shabbos Directives Going to Shul: All medical and Rabbinical directives for one’s locality are to be guarded regarding going to Shul or arranging a private Minyan. This means that if the local Rabbinate or medical authorities request that shuls be closed and there be no congregation for Minyanim, then […]

Listen here to audio May one wash his hands with liquid soap on Shabbos? The Issues: Using liquid soaps on Shabbos touch upon the following three issues. The prohibition of Molid Davar Chadash [i.e. melting or dissolving].[1] The Mimacheik/Mimareiach [i.e. smoothening] prohibition.[2] The Molid Reiach prohibition [i.e. making a new […]

Listen to Audio Personal prayers-Praying in distress: A. The Mitzvah:[1] [According to all Poskim[2]] it is a Biblical command to Daven to Hashem in a time of need, when one is in a state of distress and requires Divine assistance. [Furthermore, this is the main intent of prayer, to pray […]

Coronavirus Pandemic Halachic Directives-Part 1   Talmud Torah of children:[1] Although a child is exempt from all the Mitzvos, and even the father is not Biblically obligated to educate him in Mitzvos, but rather only Rabbinically, nevertheless, teaching Torah is a Biblical positive command. The father is commanded to teach […]

The alternatives for men if a Mikveh is not available Nine Kavim-shower:[1] If one is not able to immerse in any body of water [even a swimming pool and the like] then he is to pour nine Kavim [12.5 Liters[2]] of water over his body. One may use up to […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me on Amazon.com Parshas Parah and what to do if placed in quarantine: General laws:[1] A Biblical or Rabbinical obligation?[2] There are opinions[3] who say that there is a Biblical obligation to hear Parshas Parah.[4] [Many Poskim[5] however argue and rule there is […]

Must one pay for damages incurred during a Purim meal?  During the Purim festivities, a guest who was extremely overjoyed stood on our table to begin dancing on it and after a few seconds the entire table collapsed, and is now broken. Is that individual obligated to pay for […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me on Amazon.com Lebesumei-Getting drunk on Purim:[1] Men are obligated[2] to get drunk [on wine[3]] on Purim to the point they cannot differ between “blessed is Mordechai and cursed is Haman”.[4] [This is included within the Mitzvah of Seudas Purim.[5]] Other Poskim[6], however, […]

Listen here to audio How to fulfill the Mitzvos of Purim if you are quarantined due to the Coronavirus:[1] Due to the unfortunate epidemic of the coronavirus, millions of people across the world are under a medically mandated quarantine and isolation and the question is asked as to how a […]

Should a father get an Aliyah for a child’s birthday?[1] There is certainly no prohibition in having a father purchase an Aliyah the Shabbos prior to his child’s birthday or the birthday of his wife, and have it dedicated in their merit. However, we also do not find any record […]

When is the Torah scroll to be returned to the ark on Rosh Chodesh? Chassidim and Sephardim: The custom of Chassidim and Sephardim is to return the Sefer Torah to the Aron after Uva Letziyon and Kaddish Tiskabel.[1] This applies likewise on Rosh Chodesh.[2] Thus, on Rosh Chodesh the Sefer […]

Taking three steps back into another person’s Shemoneh Esrei airspace, if he has already concluded Shemoneh Esrei: The general rule: It is forbidden to enter within four Amos [2 meters] space that is in front of a person who is in the midst of praying Shemoneh Esrei.[1] Accordingly, even if […]

Taking a shower after Mikveh:[1] From the letter of the law, it is permitted for a man to shower after immersing in the Mikveh[2], although some are stringent not to do so.[3] However, according to all it is permitted to momentarily go under the shower for a quick rinse which […]

May a child above Bar/Bas Mitzvah recite Kiddush on behalf of an adult?[1] Children above the age of Bar or Bas Mitzvah are invalid to perform [the night[2]] Kiddush on behalf of adults, whether male or female, until one knows for certain that the child has developed the Halachically valid […]

The blessing of Baruch Shepitarani:[1] The father of a Bar Mitzvah boy recites the blessing of Baruch Shepitarani after his son becomes Bar Mitzvah [after the first Aliyah after his Bar Mitzvah, as will be explained below]. The reason for the blessing:[2] The reason behind why this blessing is said […]

Shaking hands: Hand shaking is a means of formal communication between two parties and signifies friendship, endearment, and business relations. Shaking the hands of the opposite gender poses the question of whether doing so transgresses the prohibition against showing affectionate touch towards the opposite gender. The following is the ruling […]

Saying the name of one’s parent:[1] Calling them, or referring to them, by their name:[2] It is forbidden to call one’s parent [father or mother[3]] by their name.[4] This applies whether they are alive, and even after their death. [This applies even not in their presence, and even if they […]

What is the difference between the various styles of script used in Stam today-Kesav Beis Yosef, Arizal:[1] All scripts are Kosher if they maintain the legal form of the letter:[2] Initially, the letters of the script must be written whole and complete, following the form of letters that were taught […]

May one use a door knocker on Shabbos?[1] Background-Making noise with an item on Shabbos: The sages prohibited one from sounding music on Shabbos, due to the crazy one way come to fix musical instruments.[2] Included in this prohibition is sounding any sound with the intent of making it into […]

Birchas Hatorah by Mivtza Tefillin-May one say Shema prior to Birchas Hatorah? Initially, one is to recite Birchas Hatorah prior to the recital of Shema.[1] However, in a time of need, such as if Zman Kerias Shema is passing, one may say it prior to reciting Birchas Hatorah.[2] Accordingly, by […]

Bar Mitzvah boys Leining-Having the Bar Mitzvah boy Lein from the Torah:[1] Introduction: It is an old custom for the Bar Mitzvah boy to receive an Aliyah to the Torah on the occasion of his Bar Mitzvah[2], in order to publicize that he has now reached the age of Mitzvos.[3] […]

Which blessing should one precede-Hadama or Haeitz?[1] For example: One plans to eat a snack of a date and potato chips, which are both sitting on the table in front of him. Which blessing should one precede; the Haeitz on the fruit, or the Hadama on the potatoes? If one […]

Are Avocado pits Muktzah on Shabbos?[1] Can they be used to prevent browning? In general, all pits that are inedible, and are not designated to be eaten by local house pets and farm animals, are Muktzah.[2] The question however is asked regarding avocado pits being that they are commonly reused […]

Should I begin learning the Daf Yomi? The Halachic and Chabad perspective Historical background:[1] The cycle of learning a page of Talmud daily in sequence to finish the entire Talmud within 7 years was initiated by Rabbi Meir Shapiro in 1923, the Rosh Hayeshiva of Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin. This cycle […]

Checklist for putting on Tefillin-Removing and Rabbeinu Tam-Part 3 Removing the Tefillin The Chabad custom is not to remove the Tefillin until after the Kaddish which is said after Tehillim. At the very least, it should not be removed until after the Kaddish that is said after Uva Letziyon. One […]

Tefillin Shel Rosh Remove the Tefillin Shel Rosh from the bag and unwrap it from its case. Look at the two Shin’s of the Shel Rosh. [Kabbalah] Kiss the Tefillin. Many also kiss the Daled of the Tefillin. [Custom] Take hold of the Tefillin through holding onto the Bayis and […]

Tefillin wearing checklist [Chabad custom]  *See our upcoming corresponding Sefer for sources, soon to be published on our website  General Preparation Immerse in a mikvah. This especially applies if one is a Baal Keri. [Hiddur] Some are accustomed to wash the skin and hair of the head and bicep before […]

Todays Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy Here New! Source file included in end of article https://vimeo.com/168598032 The law of food that was placed under a bed:[1] One may not place cooked foods [or other foods[2], even raw[3]] and liquids under a bed.[4] [A number of limitations to […]

Tefillin fell on floor-Atonement of fasting and charity if one’s Tefillin fell on the floor:[1] Tefillin fell without casing: It is the custom of the world to fast when Tefillin falls from one’s hands[2] onto the ground without their cover. [This applies whether to the Tefillin Shel Rosh or Shel […]

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy here Spitting by Aleinu:[1] No doubt, one of the more peculiar customs, attributed to Chabad Chassidim, is the act of spitting that we perform during Aleinu. Many are not aware that this spitting is actually not an original Chabad custom, and […]

The Fast day of the 9th of Teves:[1] The Shulchan Aruch lists a number of days in which it is customary to fast due to tragedies that occurred on that day. Amongst the list of days in which tragedies occurred, and is hence proper to fast on, is the 9th […]

May one eat, drink, and say Lechaim, while wearing Tefillin?[1] A meal: One who enters [while wearing Tefillin] to eat a set meal [i.e. bread] is required to remove his Tefillin.[2] He is to leave them on the table so they are available to him after the meal is complete, […]

Placing Sefarim on top of each other:[1] It is permitted to place a Chumash on top of Nevim or Kesuvim. However one may not place a Nevim or Kesuvim on top of a Chumash, and one may not place a Chumash on top of a Sefer Torah.[2] One may place […]

Does a Menorah require Geniza?[1] A Menorah [whether used with oil or wax candles] does not require Geniza, and may hence be discarded in the garbage. Do the glass bowls which hold the oil require Geniza?[2] The glass bowls that hold the oil may likewise be discarded, although it is […]

When is Hallel to be recited?[1] From when during the day, and until when in the day: Hallel may be recited throughout the entire day, from dawn [Alos Hashachar] until nightfall [Tzeis Hakochavim]. Thus, if one did not recite Hallel immediately after Davening [Shemoneh Esrei of] Shacharis, he may recite […]

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here Lighting on Erev Shabbos:[1] When are the Chanukah candles lit? On Erev Shabbos, the Chanukah candles are lit prior to the Shabbos candles.[2] The candles are lit with a blessing even though they are being lit while still day.[3] […]

Where is one to light the Chanukah candles on Erev and Motzei Shabbos if he will be traveling for Shabbos, or eating out for the Friday night meal? If one is traveling for Shabbos, where is he to light the candles on Erev Shabbos?[1] If one is traveling on Erev […]

Should one use new wicks each night?[1] It is permitted to reuse the same wicks of the previous night for the next nights lighting.[2] [Some Poskim[3], however, write that the custom is to use new wicks each night.[4] There is no final arbitration in this matter, and each is to […]

Sufganiyot in Halacha:  *Typically, Sufganiyot are deep fried in oil, similar to French fries, hence lending it its name, which means a sponge like dough that has absorbed oil. A typical bakery purchased Sufganiya can be assumed to be deep fried unless stated otherwise. The laws below refer specifically to […]

Are children who are below the age of Bar/Bas Mitzvah to light their own Chanukah candles? *The Halacha below only applies to those of Ashkenazi Jewry. Sephardim are not accustomed to have any additional family member light the candles, other than the father or leader of the home.     […]

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here When may one extinguish the Chanukah candles?   Leaving home shortly after candle lighting? Afraid that the unsupervised candles can lead G-d forbid to a fire? Many ask due to these reasons if they may extinguish the Chanukah candles […]

Must one immerse disposable vessels? Plans to discard after initial use: All disposable vessels that one plans to discard after its initial use do not need to be immersed in a Mikveh prior to that initial use, and so is the widespread custom.[1] This applies even if the vessel is […]

Al Peiroseha/Gafnah/Michyasa-The Nussach of Meiyn Shalosh when eating seven species fruits/Mezonos/wine from Eretz Yisrael or within Eretz Yisrael:[1] In the Diaspora, one who eats fruits of the seven Minim [i.e. dates, figs, pomegranates, olives, grapes] concludes the blessing with the words “Al Ha’aretz Veal Hapeiros.” However, in Eretz Yisrael, one […]

May one rub oil onto his body on Shabbos? It used to be widely practiced in previous times for people to smear oil on their body for purposes of enjoyment and pleasure. While today this is not as common, people occasionally wish to rub oil on their body for medicinal […]

The custom of spilling liquid from one’s cup prior to drinking:[1] There are many matters which the sages prohibited due to them containing danger of life, and whoever transgresses them and says I will endanger myself and it’s none of anyone else’s business, or says that I [do not worry […]