2. The Mitzvah of Bikur Cholim:[1] A. The Mitzvah: It is a Mitzvah to visit the sick.[2] Doing so helps revive the ill person[3] and by doing so one removes 1/60th of the illness if he shares the same Mazal as the ill patient.[4] [One who visits the sick fulfills […]

What is the law if one accidentally skipped the middle of the blessing of Yotzer Or?[1] If one began the blessing of Yotzer Or properly, and after saying the first few sentences accidentally skipped the remainder of the paragraphs and recited straight away it’s concluding blessing of Yotzer Hameoros, nevertheless […]

The criteria to be Yotzei Lechem Mishneh with another-Being Yotzei with his Hamotzi and eating his bread: Is one who heard Hamotzi required to taste from the bread of the Lechem Mishneh in order to fulfill one’s obligation?[1] Every individual is required to eat from the actual bread of the […]

Switching Mohel’s for the Brisim of different children:[1] Some Poskim[2] rule that once one has become accustomed to hiring a certain Mohel to perform the circumcisions of his sons then it is forbidden to switch and use a different Mohel for the circumcision of any future sons [without the original […]

The alternatives for men if a Mikveh is not available:[1] A. Introduction: The immersion in a Kosher Mikveh accomplishes two matters. It purifies a person from the Keri impurity and it adds extra purity to the soul, cleansing it in a form of Teshuvah [i.e. Tosefes Taharah].[2] According to many […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Answering Baruch Hu Uvaruch Shemo to a blessing that one is being Yotzei:[1] In all situations that one hears a blessing and has in mind to fulfill his obligation through hearing it, such as by Kiddush or Havdala, and […]

May one spray[1]/apply oil or hair spray on their hair on Shabbos?[2] Introduction: Different forms of hairspray are used on the hair for various purposes. Some are used to give the hairy shiny look, others are used to harden a hairdo, others are used to give a good smell to […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com In doubt if said Ya’aleh Veyavo by Shacharis or Mincha: If one is in doubt as to whether he recited Ya’aleh Veyavo in Shacharis or Mincha, then some Poskim[1] rule he fulfills his obligation and is not required to […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com The holiday of Rosh Chodesh in scripture: The commemoration of Rosh Chodesh as a joyful day is brought in scripture in the verse[1] “Ubeyom Simchaschem Ubemoadeichem Ubiroshei Chodsheichem.” This verse lists the day of Rosh Chodesh together with Shabbos […]

Isru Chag:[1] The name:[2] The day after each of the three Holidays is called Isru Chag.[3] The name Isru Chag derives from the verse “Isru Chag Baavosim Ad Karnei Hamizbeiach”. This means to say that this day is to be attached [i.e. Isru] to the Holiday itself, and by doing […]

Tying down your Sechach so it does not fly away with the wind: The necessity for doing so:[1] Often throughout the holiday of Sukkos, changes of weather which come with gusts of wind can topple down Sukkos, and deem them invalid. In this respect, even if the walls of the […]

Watering plants on Chol Hamoed:[1] It is permitted to water plants on Chol Hamoed for purposes of damage prevention, such as to prevent the plants from withering if they were to not be watered. It is, however, forbidden to water plants if there will be no loss or damage involved […]

The status of an Arava if its leaves fell off:[1] Bedieved-Letter of law: If majority of the Arava leaves fell off. the Arava is Pasul.[2] One must be very careful regarding this matter, as it occurs that upon inserting the Aravos into the [binding of the] Lulav, and likewise upon […]

New! Source sheet included in end of article Is the blessing of Leisheiv Basukkah said before or after the blessing over food?[1] From the letter of the law, it would be deemed proper for the blessing of Leisheiv Basukkah to be recited prior to the blessing of Hamotzi [or Mezonos].[2] […]

The Kavana when dwelling in the Sukkah: The reason behind the Mitzvah of Sukkah:[1] The verse[2] states that the reason Hashem commanded us to dwell in a Sukkah for seven days is in order so our future generations remember that G-d settled the Jewish people in Sukkos when he took […]

Paying for the four species before the holiday:[1] Some Poskim[2] rule that one is required to pay for the four species before the Sukkos holiday, in order for the four species to be considered completely his from a Biblical perspective.[3] [If one cannot afford to pay the full sum prior […]

Malkus-Lashes:[1] When?[2] It is customary to receive 39 lashes on Erev Yom Kippur[3] [after midday] prior to going to Mikveh[4], prior to Mincha.[5] Why?[6] Although Malkus is no longer affective in today’s times due to lack of judges that have Semicha and due to lack of Hasara[7], nevertheless the custom […]

Covering the blood of the Chicken by Kaparos:[1] It is a Mitzvah for the Shochet to cover the blood of slaughtered fowl with earth or straw.[2] It is nevertheless permitted for the Shochet to honor the owner of the chicken to do so in his place.[3] Earth or straw is […]

The Confession Prayer:[1] The obligation:[2] It is an obligation to say the confession prayer on Yom Kippur being that it is a day of atonement and forgiveness[3] [and whenever we receive atonement, a confession prayer is said].[4] [Likewise, there is an obligation to perform Teshuvah on Yom Kippur, and whenever […]

Forgot to recite Ritzei on Shabbos: On Shabbos, one is required to mention the day of Shabbos [i.e. Ritzei] within Birchas Hamazon.[1] If one forgot to mention Ritzei in the Birchas Hamazon of the Friday night meal or the first Shabbos day meal[2], and only remembered after he already began […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Motzei R”H: A. Shemoneh Esrei: In Shemoneh Esrei one must remember to add the following statements: Zachreinu; Mi Kamocha; Hamelech Hakadosh; Hamelech Hamishpat; Ukesov; Ubesefer, Oseh Hashalom. For further details on the laws relating to Shemoneh […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com The Simanim-Foods of significance that are eaten on Rosh Hashanah:[1] One should be accustomed to eat[2] the following foods on Rosh Hashanah: Karti [Leek][3] Silka/Tradin [Beets][4] Tamri [Dates][5] Kara [Squash][6] Rubya/Tilsan:[7] The Rubya, which refers to […]

Today’s Halacha is an excerpt from our soon to be Published Sefer To purchase dedication pages and help support our work see here The Mitzvah of Kerias Hatorah-Who established it & Why?[1] Moshe Rabbeinu established for the Jewish people that they are to read from the Torah scroll on Shabbos, […]

May one teach Torah to gentiles?[1] It is [Biblically[2]] forbidden for a gentile to learn Torah, and a gentile who does so is liable for death [in the hands of heaven[3]].[4] It is likewise forbidden to teach a gentile Torah.[5] One who does so, transgresses a positive command[6], and possibly […]

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy here Standing for Chazaras Hashatz:[1] Some Poskim[2] rule the entire congregation is to stand throughout Chazaras Hashatz.[3] [Many Poskim[4] conclude that one is to follow this opinion. Some Poskim[5], however, rule that one need not heed by this opinion and may […]

May one place an open Sefer upside down on its face, such as for a place holder?[1] It is forbidden to turn a Sefer[2] over onto its front [open] part. If one found a Sefer in such a position, he is to turn it over. [Unfortunately, many people are not […]

Reciting Brich Shmei:[1] When the Aron is opened, one recites Vayehi Binsoa Haron, and the Zoharic[2] prayer of Brich Shmei. On which days is it said?[3] Some Poskim[4] write that the prayer of Berich Shmei is only to be said by Mincha of Shabbos. Other Poskim[5] rule it is to […]

Giving Maaser money to relatives?[1] Tzedaka money and Maaser funds, is not only permitted to be distributed to poor relatives, but one is even required to precede a relative in need over other paupers. This includes one’s parents, one’s older[2] children, one’s brothers, and any other relative.[3] If one can […]

Turning one’s face around when the congregation is praying Shemoneh Esrei:[1] An individual who prayed together with the congregation and completed his Shemoneh Esrei prior to the congregation, does not have permission to turn his face around, to face the congregation [who is standing behind him[2]], until the Chazan  completes […]

May one who has a localized pain, such as a headache, foot pain, back pain, and the like, take a pain killer on Shabbos? *Important note: This Halacha is dealing with the very specific case of taking pain killers for a non-lethal localized pain. It does not refer to illnesses, […]

What is the law if one found insects in food, may he still eat it after their removal?[1] The general rule:[2] If one found three[3] insects within a food product, such as within a bag of rice, then it is assumed that the food is infested and it is hence […]

What is the proper Nussach to say in Birchas Hamazon: Harachaman Hu Yishbor Ol Galus Meial Tzavareinu or Ol HaGoyim Meial Tzavareinu?[1] In the Harachaman’s that are recited in Birchas Hamazon, some Siddurim[2] and Benchers contain the Nussach of Ol Galus Meial Tzavareinu. Other Siddurim[3] and Benchers contain the Nussach […]

What is one to do if he does not remember if he recited Birchas Hamazon?[1] [A man[2]] who is unsure if he already recited Birchas Hamazon or not, then if he ate to the point of satiation[3] [i.e. he is full from the meal, and drank liquid during it-See Q&A], […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer     Buy now on Amazon.com Respecting the Tallis-Restriction of usages: A. Introduction: The laws relating to the respect that must be shown to a Tallis/Tzitzis differentiates between a Kosher Tallis that can still be used for the Mitzvah, and a Tallis or […]

May one serve ice cubes in a serving bowl on Shabbos? It is forbidden to actively melt ice on Shabbos through crushing it and the like.[1] It is disputed whether it is permitted to inactively cause ice to melt, such as through placing it near a heat source, such as […]

This Halacha is an Excerpt from our Sefer Buy here or on Amazon.com Distributing charity to gentiles:[1] It is permitted and encouraged to distribute charity to a gentile.[2] This applies even if the charity is being given to an individual gentile or a group of gentiles without it also being distributed to Jewish […]

Asking a Kohen to leave the Shul-In a time of need, may one forgo the Aliyos of a Kohen and Levi and give it to a Yisrael?[1] Some Poskim[2] rule that the Sages instituted that a Kohen and Levi cannot forgo their honor and allow a Yisrael to be called […]

This Halacha is an Excerpt from our Sefer Buy here or on Amazon.com May one take a male child to a women’s beach or vice versa? Male children in female beach: From the letter of the law, there is no prohibition for male children who are prior to reaching the […]

Wearing a wool clothing on top of a linen clothing or vice versa:[1] It is permitted to wear a wool shirt on top of a linen shirt [or vice versa]. Tying them together:[2] It is even permitted to tie the two clothing together in a way that they cannot be […]

* The article below is an excerpt from the above Sefer *As an Amazon Associate I earn from  qualifying purchases. Buy in Paperback or Kindle Buy on Apple Books Purchase on our website WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Email https://vimeo.com/280704584?fl=pl&fe=sh Tisha B’av that falls on Sunday This chapter will mention all […]

  Children Fasting:[1] All children who are above the age of Bar or Bas Mitzvah are obligated to fast on all accustomed fast days.[2] All children who are below the age of Bar or Bas Mitzvah, are not required to fast any of the four Rabbinical fasts, including Tishe Beav.[3] […]

Check out our Amazon Sefarim Shop * This article is an excerpt from the above book WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Sponsor an Article May the Sefer Torah be brought around the Shul, or to the women’s section, for them to kiss? Some communities are accustomed to bringing the Sefer Torah […]

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Cutting nails:[1]   One may cut nails during the three weeks, up until the week of Tisha B’av. However, during the week of Tisha B’av, one may not cut nails. [This refers to from the Motzei Shabbos prior to Tisha […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy Here or on Amazon.com Using a Tallis or Tefillin straps to cover the face during Tachanun:[1] The custom is to cover the face with a garment upon reciting Tachanun.[2] It does not suffice to cover one’s face using his bare arm.[3] […]

What is one to do if the wrong Sefer Torah was removed from the Aron: If the wrong Sefer Torah was removed from the Aron [i.e. not rolled to the right Parsha], some Poskim[1]  rule that it is not to be replaced.[2] This applies even if one desires to remove […]

Buying and wearing new clothing during the Three Weeks and Nine Days: Buying new clothing: Between the 17th of Tammuz and Rosh Chodesh Av:[1] It is good[2] to beware not to recite Shehechiyanu over new clothing during the three weeks.[3] Accordingly, it is forbidden to buy or wear new clothing […]

Baking Challahs for Shabbos:[1] It is customary for every household to bake Challahs for Shabbos which are used for Lechem Mishneh and not to buy them at the bakery as is done during the week. This matter of baking one’s own Challah is included in the honoring of Shabbos and […]

May one trim his mustache? During the regular year: Many Poskim[1] and Kaballists[2] rule that one is obligated to cut the mustache hairs that interfere with ones food.[3] Nevertheless, there are communities that are accustomed not to trim any facial hair, including the mustache hairs that interfere with food.[4] The […]

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Rinsing the mouth on a fast day:[1] On a public fast day, one is not to rinse his mouth in the morning.[2] This applies even if one will be using less than a Revius of water.[3] [If, however, this is […]

Supporting Jewish businesses-The obligation to do business with a fellow Jew [i.e. buying, selling, investments, hiring]:[1] The general law:[2] The verse[3] states “Vechi Timkaru Mimkar Leamisecha, Oa Kanah Miyad Amisecha Al Tono Ish Es Achiv/When you sell or purchase from your brother do not cheat him.” From this verse it […]

Supporting Jewish businesses-The obligation to do business with a fellow Jew [i.e. buying, selling, investments, hiring]:[[1] The general law:[2] The verse[3] states “Vechi Timkaru Mimkar Leamisecha, Oa Kanah Miyad Amisecha Al Tono Ish Es Achiv/When you sell or purchase from your brother do not cheat him.” From this verse it […]

Which grains of bread need to be Pas Yisrael? Must gluten free bread be Pas Yisrael?[1] Only breads [or baked Mezonos products] that are made of the five grains [oat, spelt, wheat, barley, and rye] are forbidden due to Pas Akum.[2] However, bread made of legumes or rice [or potatoes] […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer     Buy now on Amazon.com Untangling the Tzitzis strings:[1] Prior to saying the blessing over the Tzitzis one is required to separate the strings of the Tzitzis from each other.[2] [This applies for both the Tallis Gadol and the Tallis Katan.[3] This […]

Must one cover the wine bottle during Kiddush and may the wine still be used if it was left open? One may not recite Kiddush over wine that has been left open/revealed.[1] Nevertheless, if the wine remained open/revealed for only a short amount of time, one does not need to […]

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy Here Must one have separate sinks for meat and dairy dishes?[1] It is proper to have two separate sinks, one for meat and one for dairy, and so is the widespread custom of Jewry today. Doing so escapes the Halachic questions […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy here Entering with Tzitzis and other holy garments into a bathroom:[1] It is permitted to enter with Tzitzis into a bathroom being that this does not appear so much as belittlement of the Mitzvah.[2] Nevertheless, this only applies to the Tallis […]

Must one have a Minyan for Kerias Hatorah and how many people must be paying attention?[1] One may not read from the Torah [with its blessings] if there are less than ten adult men above the age of Mitzvos who are present. [Accordingly, one is required to have a Minyan […]

Yahrzeit that falls on Shabbos and Yom Tov?[1] When to perform the Yahrzeit customs: When the Yahrzeit falls on Shabbos [or Yom Tov], the question is raised as to when the Yahrzeit customs are to be kept. Some customs are not feasible, or not permitted, to be performed on Shabbos […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer  Buy here The prohibition and danger involved in destroying a fruit bearing tree-The permitted cases:[1] [The following are the permitted cases in which the prohibition of Bal Tashchis and Sakana does not apply to destroying a fruit tree, although some rule that […]

Being Misader Kiddushin for a couple who is not religious and/or will not keep Taharas Hamishpacha:[1] Officiating a Jewish Kosher wedding for a couple fulfills the great positive command of Keddushin and Nessuin, and assists the couple in fulfilling the Mitzvah of Peru Urevu. Nonetheless, being Misader Kiddushin for a […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy here People restrictions-Kohanim/Pregnant/Nidda/children/Seven years absence/Baal Keri: A. Kohen:[1] See Chapter 9 Halacha 1 for the full details of this matter! The general prohibition of impurity: It is forbidden for a male[2] Kohen[3] to come into contact with a grave, or the […]

What is the law if one said the blessing of Ha’adama on a Mezonos or Hamotzi food?[1] Some Poskim[2] rule that one who recited the blessing of Ha’adama on a Mezonos or Hamotzi food does not fulfill his obligation, and he is therefore required to repeat the blessing of Mezonos/Hamotzi […]

Moving, hanging and removing wall pictures on Shabbos:[1 Introduction: The need for moving a wall picture on Shabbos can come up in various scenarios, most commonly in the event that it became tilted out of place. Whether moving a wall picture is permitted on Shabbos grapples with the question of […]

The prohibition and danger involved in destroying a fruit bearing tree:[1] The prohibition and danger: It is Biblically forbidden to unjustifiably destroy a [healthy] fruit bearing tree due to the prohibition of Bal Tashchis, as explained above.[2] Furthermore, in addition to the prohibition of Bal Tashchis associated with destroying a […]

Is breast milk considered dairy or Pareve?[1] A woman’s milk is considered Kosher once it is pumped out[2], and it may then [even Lechatchilah[3]]  be consumed by any person [if it is breast milk of a Jew[4]].[5] A woman’s milk is not considered real milk and thus does not contain […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer     Buy now on Amazon.com Is there a Mitzvah to look at the Tzitzis? Most Rishonim and Poskim rule that there is no positive command to look at the Tzitzis.[1] Some Rishonim[2] rule that aside for the positive command to wear a […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer     Buy now on Amazon.com The Mitzvah of Tzitzis:[1] The Torah[2] commands every male Jew to tie fringes onto the corners of four cornered garments that he wears. It is forbidden to wear any garment that is obligated in Tzitzis and does […]

May one perform Bikur Cholim on Shabbos:[1] It is permitted to visit the sick on Shabbos.[2] Nevertheless [one is not to arrange to visit the sick specifically on Shabbos and is rather to arrange to visit him during the week as] it was with difficulty that the Sages allowed visiting […]

Keeping stringencies/Chumros at the home of a host:[1] Introduction: When one is a guest in someone else’s home for a meal, it is common to be faced with a dilemma in which partaking in certain foods being offered may compromise one’s religious observance or stringencies, and the question is raised […]

Using the bathroom in middle of Davening:[1] Introduction: It is forbidden to begin praying if one has an urge to urinate or defecate and one is thus required to relieve himself prior to Davening. If one did not do so, then in certain cases his Davening is invalid, and he […]

Covering the knife during Bentching:[1] It is customary to cover the knife during the recital of Birchas Hamazon.[2] It is not necessary to remove the knives from the table, so long as the knife is covered.[3] [One may however choose to remove the knife rather than cover it.[4]] Shabbos and […]

Taking a shower on Yom Tov?[1] Hot water: Water heated on Yom Tov:[2] It is forbidden to bathe [or shower[3]] one’s entire body with water that was heated on Yom Tov.[4] This applies even out of a bathhouse. This applies even if the water was heated [in a permitted method, […]

Using a peeler on Yom Tov Introduction: The use of a peeler on Shabbos is subject to the Borer prohibition[1], and is thus prohibited to be used on Shabbos to remove inedible peels[2], and with some Poskim[3] prohibiting it entirely even to remove edible peels.[4] [See Topics in Practical Halacha […]

Does one recite the morning blessing of Elokaiy Neshama if he did not sleep at night? Background:[1] It is disputed amongst the Poskim[2] whether the fifteen morning blessings starting from Hanosein Lasechvi Vina, are to be said even if one did not sleep at night, and did not receive the […]

Setting up the table for Shabbos, from before Shabbos:[1] One[2] is to set up the Shabbos table [including its chairs[3]] on Erev Shabbos in preparation for the Friday night meal.[4] [The silverware and china are to be clean and polished for the meal.[5] There is no need however to set […]

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy Here or on Amazon.com The law Bedieved if one left a gentile alone in one’s kitchen-Is one’s kitchen still Kosher:[1] Within 24 hours: If one transgressed, and left a gentile alone with his vessels, then he may not use his vessels [with hot foods] […]

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy Here or on Amazon.com Leaving a gentile alone in one’s home and how it effects the Kashrus of one’s kitchen:[1] A. Lechatchila: It is initially forbidden to allow a gentile to remain alone with one’s eating utensils/vessels due to worry that […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy here or on Amazon.com Not to delay one’s bathroom needs:[1] At what point is one obligated to relieve his urge to urinate or defecate?[2] The above prohibition of Bal Tishaktzu only applies when the person feels a certain amount of pressure […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy here or on Amazon.com Not to delay one’s bathroom needs:[1] The prohibition:[2] One who withholds his bowels or bladder transgresses the [Rabbinical[3]] command of “Al Tishaktzu Es Nafshoseichem[4]”. Does the prohibition apply to withholding urine? However, there are opinions[5] who rule […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here May the same microwave be used for meat and milk?[1] Some Rabbanim[2] say that one may use the same microwave for both meat and dairy, one after the other, so long as it is cleaned in-between. The majority of Poskim[3], however, […]

Refusing an Aliya after being called up: One who is offered to read the Torah and refuses to read it, his days are shortened.[1] One is thus not to refuse an Aliyah once he has been called up.[2] [Some Poskim[3] however rule this only applied in previous times when the […]

Holding the food in one’s right hand upon saying the blessing:[1] The ruling is that one is not to say the blessing over a food until the food is in one’s hands.[2] The following article will discuss which hand the food is to be held in, the right or left, […]

The obligation to eat immediately after Kiddush-How much time does one have?[1] Introduction: In order for Kiddush to be valid [whether of night or day of Shabbos and Yom Tov] one is required to eat a “meal” afterwards [which consists of at least a Kezayis of Mezonos/Hamotzi or Revius of […]

This Article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy here or on Amazon.com Mekach Taus-The Torah’s Return policy on spoiled food products: The Torah law: [The following law applies in all jurisdictions which do not contain consumer laws legislated on this issue:] One who purchased a food product and discovered […]

Must pet food be Kosher? General law: In general, the laws of Kashrus do not apply to animals, including pets that one owns and hence all non-Kosher foods that are permitted in benefit may be purchased and fed to one’s pets. There is no “business” prohibition involved in purchasing and […]