May one drink water before Havdalah?[1] It is a Rabbinical prohibition to eat, drink, or even taste, any amount of food or liquid [other than water, as will be explained] prior to saying, or hearing, Havdalah over wine, or other valid beverages [if one did not begin a meal of […]

How to take the steps back and bow by Oseh Shalom of Kaddish:[1] After the completion of Kaddish [prior to Sim Shalom] the custom is to take three steps back and then recite Oseh Shalom Bimiromav, just as is done at the conclusion of Shemoneh Esrei. [One is to turn […]

May a woman put up a Mezuzah or is only a man to do so?[1] Introduction: One the one hand we find that women are obligated in the Mitzvah of Mezuzah just like men, which implies that certainly they are valid to put it up.[2] On the other hand, we […]

Saying a blessing upon seeing a rainbow:[1] One who sees a rainbow is to say the blessing of “Baruch Ata Hashem Elokeinu Melech Haolam Zocher Habris Neman Bevriso Vikayam Bimamaro.”[2] [Some Poskim[3], however, rule that the rainbow referenced to in this law is not necessarily the rainbow that we see […]

Repeating Shemoneh Esrei if forgot to say Ata Chonantanu and did Melacha: Background: Within the Shemoneh Esrei of Maariv recited on Motzei Shabbos, one is obligated to recite Havdala.[1] This prayer of Havdala is referred to as “Ata Chonantanu,” in name of its beginning words. It is recited within the […]

How much wine is one required to drink by Kiddush?[1] The person who makes Kiddush is required to drink enough wine to fill his cheeks. This measurement is referred to as Malei Lugmav. This does not refer to the amount of liquid that fills the entire mouth, both cheeks, but […]

Must one take Maaser off the value of a present that he was given or inherited?[1] One received presents in honor of his wedding, or birthday, is Maaser to be deducted from it or its value? One was given a diamond ring as a present from their mother or grandmother, […]

May one greet a gentile on the day of his holiday?[1] It is forbidden to enter the home of an idolater on the day of his Holiday and wish him Shalom/peace.[2] If one found the gentile outside of his home, he may greet him with a low voice and melancholy […]

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here Nittel Nacht A. What is Nittel? Nittel is a gentile Holiday celebrating the birth of Yoshke. On this day there is an extra abundance of impurity and a stronghold of Kelipa. For this reason, the Jews throughout the generations […]

May/Should one say a blessing of Besamim upon smelling a tea bag?[1] Plain teas [non-herbal; black tea, green tea, etc]:[2] One may not recite a blessing upon smelling generic teas which are manufactured from the Camellia sinensis plant.[3] [These include all the following teas: White tea, yellow tea, green tea, […]