The small letters of “Taf” “Shin” “Zayin” It is customary to write in a smaller script three letters that are found within the names of the ten sons of Haman. These letters are: A small Taf in “Parshandasa”. A small Shin in “Parmashta” and a small Zayin in “Vayzasa”. It […]

Must women hear the reading of Parshas Zachor? It is a Biblical obligation to hear Parshas Zachor.[1] Some Poskim[2] rule women are not obligated to hear Parshas Zachor.[3] Other Poskim[4] rule they are obligated just like men.[5] Practically the custom amongst many women is to treat the reading as an […]

Tips and Gratuity fees-Is one Halachically obligated to give a tip for a service he received, [i.e. waiter, cab driver, bartender, mover, etc]? A. Legal background: It is customary in many countries to leave a tip, or gratuity fee, for those who provide certain services, in addition to the basic […]

Peeled eggs, onions and garlic left overnight:[1] One may not eat peeled garlic or a peeled onion or a peeled egg which stayed overnight.[2] [One who eats this food enters himself into danger.[3]] If the food was in a bag or container:[4] The above prohibition applies even if the peeled […]

“Vanachnu Lo Neida” Standing at the end of Tachanun: In the paragraph of “Vanachnu Lo Neida” said in the end of Tachanun, some Poskim[1] rule it is proper to recite the words “Vanachnu Lo Neida” while sitting and then stand and recite the continuation from “Mah Naaseh”. Other Poskim[2] however […]

Reading another person’s mail or emails:[1] The famous Ashkenazi leader of the early middle ages, Rabbeinu Gershon Maor Hagoleh, instituted a Cherem [excommunication] against anyone who reads the mail of another person without permission. [This Cherem spread to all sects of Jewry, Sefaradim and Ashkenazim, and does not have a […]

The law of blood found in an egg:[1] The Torah prohibits one to eat blood of a creature. The Talmud and Poskim discuss whether this prohibition applies also to blood found in an egg. In other words, is the blood in an egg considered the blood of a creature or […]

Does placing a hand on one’s head suffice in place of a Yarmulke? It is forbidden for men to sit, walk[1] or say a blessing[2] without a head covering. The following will discuss whether placing a hand on one’s hand is considered a valid head covering in a situation that […]

Making tea on Shabbos: A. The general rule of Keli Rishon/Sheiyni/Shelishi: It is Biblically forbidden to place uncooked foods into a Yad Soledes[1] [110 Fahrenheit or 45 Celsius[2]] Keli Rishon[3], Iruiy Keli Rishon[4], or very hot Keli Sheiyni[5], on Shabbos. Certain uncooked foods, however, such as spices[6] and liquids[7], may […]

Is a signed document legally binding if one was unaware of its content?[1] Example 1: One signed a collage of bank documents affirming a loan, mortgage, bank account, or other matter of the like. Naturally, one did not take the time to read the fine print spread across all 50 […]