Until when during the day may one recite Birchas Hashachar? Initially, one is to recite Birchas Hashachar early in the morning, in close proximity to awakening.[1] If one did not do so, the blessings may be said throughout the entire day [up until sunset].[2] Furthermore, some Poskim[3] rule it may […]

The law of an Esrog that contains a colored spot [i.e. white; black; green; etc]:[1] An Esrog must look beautiful, otherwise known as Hadar. This is not just a subjective form of beauty, but a beauty that carries Halachic definition and invalidations. Due to the obligation of Hadar, an Esrog […]

[Sick, Yoledes, Children]: Blessings, Kiddush and Birchas Hamazon for one who eats on Yom Kippur: Kiddush and Lechem Mishneh:[1] One who is [lethally] ill [or contains a medical condition, of a caliber that he is] required to eat on Yom Kippur [such as a woman after birth[2]], does not need […]

May one use Maaser money to purchase Kaparos? Background: It is disputed in Poskim[1] as to whether one may use Maaser money for the sake of a Mitzvah, or if it must be given as charity to paupers. Practically, it is permitted to use Maaser money for the sake of […]

Preparing on the 1st day of Yom Tov on behalf of the 2nd day of Yom Tov – May one remove food from the freezer on the first day of Yom Tov on behalf of the second night meal? The general law:[1] It is forbidden to do anything on the […]

From what age may a boy/Bochur blow Shofar for others on Rosh Hashanah? Background: [Biblically[1]], one can only be Motzi another in a Mitzvah if he is of equal, or greater, level obligation as the person who is being Yotzei with him. Thus, in order for one who is Biblically […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com May one eat garlic on Rosh Hashanah? Background: Customarily, just as certain foods are eaten on Rosh Hashanah to serve as a good omen for the coming year[1], so too certain foods are avoided due to them containing a […]

Women performing Hataras Nedarim: One of the grave and serious offences in the Torah is the breaking of a vow. If one made a vow and desires to break it, he must go through the procedure of annulment, called Hatars Nedarim. The severity of breaking a vow and its process […]

Squeezing and drying hair on Shabbos: Biblically, there is no prohibition against squeezing hair on Shabbos.[1] Nevertheless, it is Rabbinically forbidden to squeeze liquid out from hair on Shabbos [due to the Mifarek prohibition].[2] Thus, every bather needs to beware not to squeeze his hair.[3]   Q&A on squeezing and […]

Children wearing clothing of the opposite gender: It is a Biblical prohibition for a man to wear the clothing of a woman or a woman to wear the clothing of a man.[1] It is disputed as to whether the prohibition of Lo Silbash only applies when one wears the opposite […]