Shemini Atzeres and Simchas Torah The blessing of Shehechiyanu is recited during candle lighting of Shemini Atzeres and Simchas Torah. Time is very precious-Dance! Does one still eat in the Sukkah? On Shemini Atzeres outside Eretz Yisrael one eats and drinks in the Sukkah but without a Blessing. In Eretz […]
Misc Q&A on Laws of Chol Hamoed
Should one eat Mezonos and say the blessing of Leisheiv Basukkah after shaking Lulav?[1] Some Chassidim are particular, based on an acclaimed oral[2] statement of the Rebbe to a certain individual Chassid during the Yom Tov meals, to eat a Kibeitza of Mezonos and say Leisheiv Basukkah after shaking the […]
The laws & Customs of Hoshana Rabbah-Summary
Hoshana Rabbah A. The meaning of Hoshana Rabbah: During Sukkos we are judged regarding water [i.e. rain]. On Hoshana Rabbah, the judgment of the water is sealed. This is of significant importance to human life as human life is dependent on water. The Hoshana Rabbah greetings: Some are accustomed to […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Working in a grocery on Chol Hamoed
Question: I have a job working in a grocery shop during the year and was asked to come in during Chol Hamoed, which is a regular workday. May I do so? Answer: Yes. It is permitted for you to continue to work as normal in a grocery shop over […]
Laws & Customs of Chol Hamoed-Summary-Part 2
Chapter 1: Melacha on Chol Hamoed 1. The importance of guarding the Moed: The Sages stated that one who belittles the Moed does not have a portion in the world to come and it is considered as if he has served idols. Hence, one must be very careful in the […]
Laws & Customs of Chol Hamoed-Summary
The purpose of Chol Hamoed: Torah learning: The entire purpose of Chol Hamoed is for the sake of the Jewish people dedicating themselves towards Torah learning. Throughout the year we are involved in mundane work in efforts to sustain our family and contribute to society. The week of Chol Hamoed […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Ironing during Chol Hamoed
Question: [Wednesday, 18th Nissan, 5781] Is it permitted for one to iron clothing during Chol Hamoed? Answer: Yes. Many Poskim rule that it is permitted for one to iron clothing on Chol Hamoed [for the sake of Chol Hamoed or Yom Tov]. However, some Poskim rule that the custom is […]
From the Rav’s Desk: When to bind the Lulav this year that Sukkos falls on Shabbos
Question: When Yom Tov falls on Shabbos and Erev Sukkos is Erev Shabbos, when is one to bind the Lulav together, on Erev Yom Tov, Erev Shabbos, or keep them in the fridge and bind them Motzei Shabbos or Sunday morning? Answer: According to Chabad custom, it is to […]
Erev Sukkos and Binding and shaking the Daled Minim Checklist and Guideline
Erev Sukkos: Increase in Tzedakah on Erev Sukkos. Bake Challahs for Yom Tov in the honor of Yom Tov. Cut the nails on Erev Sukkos in honor of Yom Tov. Get a haircut on Erev Sukkos. Prepare sweets for children in fulfilling Mitzvah of Simcha. Buy wife jewelry or clothing […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Sukkah dwelling as Segula for Shalom Bayis
Question: In the past I heard that if a person is careful to fulfill the mitzvah of dwelling in the Sukkah then this is a Segula for Shalom Bayis. Is this accurate? Answer: Yes, there is a source for this statement in the Yifei Laleiv who writes as follows: […]