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 […]

Killing and/or trapping stinging insects such as mosquitoes, bees, wasps, hornets and the like, on Shabbos: *Skip to B and summary for the quick answer! A. Background:[1] Under normal conditions, it is forbidden to kill or trap any living creature on Shabbos.[2] In certain circumstances doing so contains a Biblical […]

Parents, Grandparents hugging and kissing adult children and grandchildren of the opposite gender:[1] Kissing and hugging is permitted between parents and children even if they are of the opposite gender [and even if the children are now adults[2]]. Thus, a mother may hug and kiss her son [of any age] […]

Parents, Grandparents hugging and kissing adult children and grandchildren of the opposite gender:[1] Kissing and hugging is permitted between parents and children even if they are of the opposite gender [and even if the children are now adults[2]]. Thus, a mother may hug and kiss her son [of any age] […]

Is the Mitzvah of Kedoshim Tihyu considered one of the 613 Mitzvos? Some Rishonim[1] list this Mitzvah as one of the 613. However the vast majority of Rishonim omit it.[2]   Must one sanctify himself with the permitted? Talmudic ruling: Rava states in the Talmud[3] that one is to sanctify […]

This article is an excerpt from our Rosh Chodesh Sefer Buy here or on Amazon.com Hefsek-Making an interval to talk, answer Amen, Kedusha, and the like:[1] Talking: It is forbidden to make an interval and talk during Hallel just as we rule regarding any other part of Davening. This applies whether […]

Hugging and kissing relatives:[1] It is forbidden to hug or kiss any of one’s relatives, including one’s adult sister or aunt[2] [and uncle, niece, nephew, cousins[3]] and the like, with exception to a father/mother and daughter/son, as will be explained. This prohibition applies even though there is naturally no physical […]

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Making Gebrochts for Achron Shel Pesach/Shabbos after Pesach May one cook Gebrochts on Friday Shevi’i Shel Pesach for the sake of eating it on Shabbos? Some Poskim[1] rule it is permitted to do so, and so is the custom of […]

May children or adults draw pictures and make paintings on Chol Hamoed? Background: It is forbidden to write [or draw pictures or designs[1]] on Chol Hamoed.[2] Some Poskim[3] rule that it is only forbidden to write in a professional script, known as Maaseh Uman, which is the scribal lettering used […]

May one go fishing on Chol Hamoed?[1] Commercial fishing and fishing for food purposes: It is permitted to go fishing during Chol Hamoed if one’s intent in doing so is to eat the fish during the Moed.[2] There is no limit as to how many fish one may catch, and […]

14. Erev Pesach: Taanis Bechoros-Fast of First Born: When: The fast of the first born sons takes place on Erev Pesach. Who? If one is a firstborn male for either the mother or the father he has to fast. This applies likewise to Levim and Kohanim. If one’s mother had […]

Sof Zman Achilas Chametz-When does it become prohibited to eat Chametz? The Biblical Sof Zman:[1] It is Biblically forbidden to eat Chametz[2] starting from midday [the start of the 7th hour of the day] of the 14th and onwards, throughout the seven days of Pesach, and one who does so […]

What is one to do if he accidentally said a blessing of Al Netilas Yadayim by Urchatz? Background: The reason for washing without a blessing prior to eating the Karpas dipped in salt water [i.e. Urchatz], is due to the general obligation to wash without a blessing prior to eating […]

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Owning and benefiting from Kitniyos?[1] Background regarding eating: The letter of the law:[2] Only the five grains which are 1) wheat, 2) barley; 3) rye, 4) spelt, 5) oats, can become leavened and become Chametz. All other grains/flours, such as […]

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Pesach Barbecue-Does Charcoal require a Hashgacha for Pesach? Charcoal briquettes: Charcoal briquettes [square shaped manufactured charcoal, typically used for barbecues] are compressed together using a starch binder, most notably corn or wheat starch.[1] Accordingly, it is proper for one to […]

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Must one Kosher his water urn to use on Pesach:[1] Water urns are to be Kashered for Pesach. In the following cases, this may be required from the letter of the law:[2] a) The urn was placed down while hot […]

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Paper & plastic-ware, tablecloths, napkins, disposable gloves- Must they be Kosher for Pesach Background on Starch:[1] Many paper products are made and coated with starch to act as a binder and add to their smoothness and softness. Starches come from […]

*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 Buy on Website Enroll in Pesach Seder Course + Semicha How much is a Revius? The original Halachic measurement in dimensions of […]

The blessing over onions:[1] Raw:[2] The blessing over raw onions is Hadama.[3] This applies even if one is eating it plain [without a dip].[4] This applies even in areas that people abstain from eating raw onions plain, and only eat it together with other foods, such as bread or in […]

Making Kiddush on white wine:[1] A. Kiddush of Shabbos and Yom Tov, and Havdalah [excluding four cups by Seder]:[2] It is permitted to recite Kiddush [or Havdalah[3]] over white wine [even by the night Kiddush of Shabbos and Yom Tov, and certainly during the day]. [This applies even if the […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy Now May one learn Torah or recite blessings in face of the morning washing water? According to the Zohar, it is forbidden to learn Torah prior to washing hands in the morning upon awakening due to the impure spirit that resides […]

May one hear the Megillah through speakers; microphone or a broadcast system, such as the telephone, radio, or live internet hookup? Initially, although there were some Poskim[1] who understood that one may fulfill a Mitzvah through hearing it on a radio, telephone, microphone or broadcast system[2], practically after further research […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me on Amazon.com May a woman read the Megillah on Purim on behalf of herself or others?[1] The subject of whether a woman is valid to read the Megillah is subject to the following debate: On the one hand she is obligated in […]

May a woman write a Megillah?[1] Some Poskim[2] rule a woman is valid to write a Megillah, and one may thus even initially read and fulfill the Mitzvah from a Megillah written by a woman.[3] Other Poskim[4], however, rule a woman is invalid to write a Megillah, and thus one […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me on Amazon.com Must women hear the reading of Parshas Zachor? It is a Biblical obligation to hear Parshas Zachor.[1] Some Poskim[2], however, rule that women are not obligated to hear Parshas Zachor.[3] Other Poskim[4], however, rule that women are obligated just like […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me on Amazon.com Is Parshas Zachar a Biblical or Rabbinical obligation?[1] Some Poskim[2] rule that there is a Biblical obligation to hear Parshas Zachor[3], and so is the final ruling.[4] Nonetheless, the Poskim debate as to the exact definition of this Biblical obligation. […]

Do the laws of Yichud apply towards children? May a male and female child who are not siblings be alone together?[1] Example: May a mother go shopping if two cousins of the opposite gender are left alone at home, and both are below the age of Mitzvos? From the letter […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me on Amazon.com Must the two foods of Mishloach Manos be of two different blessing? It is disputed amongst Poskim[1] whether the two gifts given for Mishloach Manos should be made up of two different foods. Seemingly, this debate has led to the […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer     Buy now on Amazon.com Tzitzis covering the chest:[1] Based on Kabala[2], the Tallis Katan is to cover the entire chest area [up until the neck]. Hence if one has a V neck Tallis Katan he is to sew or button the […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy on Amazon.com Cutting nails on Rosh Chodesh that falls on Erev Shabbos: Normally, one may[1] not cut their nails[2] on Rosh Chodesh.[3] This applies to both men and women. However, when Rosh Chodesh falls on Erev Shabbos some Poskim[4] rule it is […]

May one look into his neighbor’s property?[1] It is forbidden to look into another person’s property to see his actions and dealings, without his permission and knowledge.[2] This law applies even to a backyard and porch and goes without saying that it applies to a house. This applies even the […]

Is Yichud permitted in an elevator?[1] Some Poskim[2] rule the prohibition of Yichud applies in an elevator, and it is therefore forbidden to be alone in an elevator with a woman even for a very short amount of time.[3] Majority of Poskim[4] however rule the prohibition of Yichud does not apply to elevators.[5] […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Audio from 5779 Visiting grave after seven years of absence:[1] Some are accustomed that if one did not visit the grave of a parent within seven years then he may not do so any longer.[2] Others[3] are only careful after ten years […]

With which hand should the Tefillin be removed?[1] [Although in general one is required to use his right hand for all matters of a Mitzvah[2], and the removal of the Tefillin is also viewed as a Mitzvah[3], nevertheless] some Sages[4] were accustomed to remove the head Tefillin with their left […]

Not to blow out candles with one’s mouth:[1] The Sages state that one is not to blow out a candle with his mouth, and one who does so is held liable for self-affliction.[2] [Thus, one is to be careful to not blow out a candle with one’s mouth but rather […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy Here The prohibition of Doresh El Hameisim [i.e. Necromancy; Seance] and the allowance to visit graves:[1] The Torah[2] prohibits a Jew from exhuming the spirit of the dead. This prohibition is listed as one of the 365 negative commands, and is […]

Not to be dressed sloppy:[1] One is to dress and look decent in order so he does not appear degrading in the eyes of others. This especially applies to a Torah scholar, or individuals who represents Torah in the eyes of others.[2] [The Rebbe once instructed his Shluchim to Eretz […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy here Lifting the eyes during Kedusha:[1] It is customary to lift one’s eyes upwards [towards heaven] upon saying the words Kadosh Kadosh Kadosh[2] [during Kedusha of Chazaras Hashatz].[3] It is proper for the eyes to be closed while they are raised.[4] […]

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com May a child eat or drink before Kiddush?[1] If a child wants[2] or needs[3] to eat or drink, he may do so even before Kiddush. This applies both to the Kiddush of night and day.[4] It is forbidden to oppress […]

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Until what day of the month may Kiddush Levana be said-Part 2-Bedieved & How to calculate Initially one is to be very careful to recite Kiddush Levana prior to 14 days 18 hours and 396.5 chalakim past the Molad.[1] However, […]

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Until what day of the month may Kiddush Levana be said?[1] Kiddush Levana may only be recited within the first half of the month. A lunar month consists of 29 days, 12 hours and 793 Chalakim.[2] Thus, it may only […]

Talking during Kerias Hatorah:[1] Once the reader has begun to read the Torah it is forbidden for the congregants to speak.[2] [Furthermore, some Poskim[3] rule that even prior to the start of the reading, once the Sefer Torah is opened, it is forbidden to speak.] Words of Torah:[4] It is […]

May one whistle [or make other musical sounds] with one’s mouth on Shabbos?[1] It is Rabbinically forbidden to play musical instruments, or make music using the movements of one’s body[2], on Shabbos.[3] Nevertheless, the Sages limited this prohibition only to the doing of an action [with a bodily limb, such […]

The requirement to have legal proof of a loan:[1] It is forbidden for a lender to give a loan without having a form of legal testimony of its occurrence.[2] This applies even if the borrower is a Torah scholar ]and is thus a trustworthy person].[3] [Despite the above, the widespread […]

The mystical danger of stepping on egg shells:[1] One who steps on egg shells endangers himself to receive Tzaraas/leprosy. [Although many of the Talmudic, and even codified warnings of mystical dangers are no longer followed today[2], practically, many people are accustomed to abstaining from stepping on egg shells even today. […]

Making an interval [i.e. eating; drinking; talking] after saying Kerias Shema Sheal Hamita/Hamapil:[1] One may not initially make an interval of talking, or eating/drinking, after the recital of Kerias Shema, even if he did not yet say Hamapil, and certainly if Hamapil was already said. Nonetheless, if an interval was […]

Making an interval [i.e. eating; drinking; talking] after saying Kerias Shema Sheal Hamita/Hamapil:[1] One may not eat, drink, or speak after reciting Kerias Shema Sheal Hamita [even if he did not yet say the blessing of Hamapil[2], and certainly if it was already recited]. Rather, he is to go to […]

This article is taken from our Sefer Buy Me Here Salting salad on Shabbos:[1] All foods which salt helps to change its natural state[2], [such as] to soften[3] it, or harden[4] it, or remove its bitterness, and other [changes] of the like, which includes all foods which are commonly pickled, […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com The names of the month:[1] The origin: The Yerushalmi[2] states that the names of the Hebrew months, Nissan, Iyar, Sivan etc, were brought down from Bavel, during the first exile [approximately in the 3200’s or 500 BC]. This teaches […]

Making a form of the human body in drawing or sculpture:[1] It is forbidden to form a sculpture of the human body.[2] It is forbidden to make it even for purposes of mere beauty and decoration.[3] The prohibited form-Sculpture and protruding engraving versus drawing and internal engraving of above items:[4] […]

Writing, text messaging, Whatsapping, during Davening:\ Introduction: It is forbidden to talk during Davening, once one has begun Baruch Sheamar, until after Shemoneh Esrei.[1] The question is asked regarding the status of writing, and if it is likewise forbidden to write, or send text messages, during Davening, just as it […]

May one take a gentile to a secular court? The Biblical prohibition against going to secular courts applies even against taking a gentile to a secular court, and one who does so transgresses a negative command.[1] This applies even if the secular courts rule the same way as the Beis […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Resuscitation-May one sign a DNI[1]/DNR[2]/AND[3] order for himself, or for a patient under his care?[4] A. Introduction: Understanding resuscitation and DNI/R consent forms: Resuscitation attempts [i.e. C.P.R.[5]] of one who is under cardiac arrest, or has experienced lung [i.e. respiratory] failure, is […]

May one use a new vessel one time without immersion?[1] It is a [Biblical[2]] obligation to immerse a food vessel that was purchased from a gentile.[3] One must immerse the vessel prior to using it for food even on a temporary basis [even prior to using it for the first […]

Brushing dust/dirt from clothing [without using water]:[1] *This Halacha does not apply to removing wet or dry mud from clothing, and does not apply to using water or other liquids to clean the garment Some opinions[2] rule that it is [Biblically[3]] forbidden to shake off earth or dust from a […]

Brain death:[1] The question of whether brain death is defined as death is highly debated in the Halachic world, and religious circles, and carried ramifications of several Halachic issues, such as removing the patient from life support, and organ transplants. The following is an analysis on the subject and the […]

Saying a blessing when tasting a food:[1] One who plans to swallow any amount of food, even if he merely intends to taste it to see if it needs salt or spices[2], must recite a blessing prior to eating it.[3] If however he plans to spit out the food and […]

May one remove cobwebs on Shabbos?[1] Some Poskim[2] imply that it is permitted to break cobwebs on Shabbos, and doing so does not involve the Muktzah or destroying prohibition, or any other prohibition. Other Poskim[3], however, rule that cobwebs are considered Muktzah, just like earth and twigs and other waste. […]

The source and reasons behind visiting graves of Tzadikim, relatives and cemeteries: The Biblical and Halachic source and custom for visiting graves: It is a Jewish custom dating back to Biblical times, to visit the burial grounds of one’s relatives. We find that Kaleiv, in his touring trip of Eretz […]

The three steps taken before Shemoneh Esrei-Part 2Prior to beginning Shemoneh Esrei, one is to take three steps backwards, and then three steps forwards, as explained in Part 1. The following are Q&A relevant to this custom:                           […]

The three steps taken before Shemoneh Esrei: Three steps forward:[1] Some Poskim[2] rule that when one stands to Daven [Shemoneh Esrei] he is to go forward three steps, like one who advances forward towards something that he needs to do.[3] Practically, it is proper to suspect for their opinion [and […]

Removing cobwebs before Shabbos:[1] It is proper[2] for one to clear his house of [spiders[3] and] cobwebs [i.e. Korei Akavish] before Shabbos, in order so one’s house is clean in honor of Shabbos. [Preferably, this should be done prior to the 5th hour of the day on Erev Shabbos.[4]]   […]

Drinking liquids that were stored in metal containers:[1] One is not to drink beverages mixed with water[2] that have stayed overnight in a metal container or a container made of Neser[3].[4] (It goes without saying that plain water which stayed overnight in a metal container [is forbidden to drink].[5]) [However, […]

Are women obligated to recite 100 blessings a day? Background:[1] Every Jew is obligated to recite one hundred blessings each day.[2] The inception and reason behind this obligation was as follows:[3] Dovid Hamelech instituted that one must say 100 blessings every day as a result of the sudden death of […]

Not to stare excessively at a rainbow:[1] It is forbidden for one to stare excessively at a rainbow. [However, it is permitted to look at it without an intense stare or prolonged contemplation.[2] The rainbow corresponds to the Shechina, and hence one who looks at it is considered to be […]

What is one to do if he is in unsure as to which blessing in Shemoneh Esrei he is holding by?[1] Introduction: In the event that one is unsure as to which blessing in Shemoneh Esrei he is currently up to, one enters into a difficult Halacha dilemma as to […]

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 the above Sefer *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Donate Buy in Paperback or Kindle Buy on Apple Books Purchase on our website WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Sponsor an Article Table of Contents  Nittel Nacht A. What is Nittel? Nittel is […]

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, […]

How to remove dirt [i.e. dust, hair lash, insect] from your food on Shabbos: Background: It is Biblically forbidden to separate waste from the food on Shabbos.[1] This prohibition is called Borer. This prohibition applies even if the waste is the minority of the food.[2] Any item which one does […]

See here for our full article on gambling! May one play the lottery [i.e. purchase a lottery ticket]? Background: The act of gambling is subject to debate and discussion in the Poskim[1] as to its level of prohibition. Practically, in conclusion we rule that it is forbidden to gamble even […]

The order of Davening on a fast day if a Chasan or Baal Bris [i.e. Mohel; Sandek; Father]  is present: Tachanun [and Lamnatzeiach; Keil Erech Apayim]:[1] If there is a Baal Bris or a Chasan [within seven days of his wedding, or on the day of his wedding] present by […]

Waiting for Minyan by Yishtabach-Minyan arrived after Yishtabach: Where is the Chazan to wait:[1] In the event that a Minyan is not yet available in Shul, the Chazan is to wait [between Az Yashir and] Yishtabach [until the arrival of the tenth man]. He is to wait silently, without saying […]

May one make/use a Menorah of seven branches?[1] It is [Biblically[2]] forbidden to make a Menorah which resembles the Menorah in the Temple, [and is valid for use in the Temple[3]]. Accordingly, one may not make a Menorah of seven branches, but rather of 5, or 6, or 8 branches.[4] […]

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here Women:[1] Women [who are the heads of their household] are obligated to light Chanukah candles just like men.[2] Thus, a single, divorced or widowed woman, is obligated to light Chanukah candles in her home. Likewise, a woman whose […]

To purchase this Sefer, click here Where in the home/property should the Menorah be lit? A. Inside the house versus outside the house-The letter of the law:[1] The candles are to be lit outside the front door of one’s house, which opens towards the public.[2] [This only applies if there […]

Using the flame of the Shabbos candles to light another candle? It is forbidden to light a mundane candle/match from a Shabbos candle [even if one did not yet accept Shabbos with this lighting[1]].[2] [Thus, one may not use it to light the gas, or a cigarette and the like.] […]

Using the flame of the Chanukah candles to light another candle:[1] Lighting a mundane candle-the Shamash: It is forbidden to light any mundane candle from an already lit Chanukah candle. This prohibition applies even against lighting a candle that will be used to light the other Chanukah candles.[2] [Hence, one […]

May one use Maaser money to purchase a seat in a Shul, or to pay for membership? Background: Under certain conditions, it is permitted to use Maaser money for the sake of fulfilling a Mitzvah.[1] These conditions are as follows: a) The Mitzvah is not an obligation for one to […]