May a father disinherit the firstborn, or give him an equal portion in the will? A person is unable to change the laws of inheritance in the form of inheritance; to inherit to one who is not an heir, or to disinherit a rightful heir. This applies whether he is […]
Living and/or visiting Egypt
Living or visiting Egypt?[1] The Torah prohibits one from living in Mitzrayim in various places in scripture.[2] This prohibition is counted as one of the 365 negative commands.[3] Does the prohibition apply today? Some Poskim[4] however rule that the prohibition no longer applies today.[5] Other Poskim[6] however rule this prohibition […]
Men trimming and shaving their legs, arms, chest and other limbs
Men trimming/shaving their legs, arms, chest:[1] Trimming with scissor:[2] From the letter of the law, it is permitted for men to remove with a scissor the hair of the legs, arm, and chest. [Doing so does not transgress the prohibition of Beged Isha, or any other prohibition. However, removing hair […]
The proper blessing of a lemon
Blessing on lemons:[1] Lemons that are only mildly sour, and are thus edible, receive the blessing of Shehakol.[2] Lemons that are very sour to the point of inedibility, do not receive a blessing at all prior to consumption.[3] Lemon peel:[4] The peel of a lemon which is edible, receives the […]
The double portion of a Bechor received in inheritance
How much does a Bechor inherit?[1] A firstborn son, who is Halachically defined as a Bechor[2], inherits a double share from amongst certain[3] assets of his father. For example, if a father passed away leaving five sons, and one is a Halachically valid firstborn, the firstborn receives 1/3 [33%] of […]
The Hachansas Lecheder ceremony-Its source and significance
The Hachansas Lecheder ceremony-Its source and significance: One of the great milestones for a parent and child is the formal start of the child’s education in a Talmud Torah, where he will learn Torah and Mitzvos. The induction of the child into the Torah academy is escorted with various customs […]
If one did not hear some of the words in a blessing, is he Yotzei?
If one did not hear some of the words in a blessing, is he Yotzei?[1] One does not fulfill his obligation with any blessing, even if he answers Amen[2], unless he hears the [entire[3]] blessing from the beginning until the end. [Thus, if one did not hear the word Baruch […]
When does the fast begin?
When does the fast begin? All fast days [other than Tishe Be’av and Yom Kippur] begin by Alos Hashachar/daybreak.[1] There is general dispute amongst the Poskim as to the definition of Alos/daybreak according to Halacha. Some Poskim[2], and calenders, rule Alos Hashachar begins 72 minutes prior to sunrise. Other Poskim[3], […]
Child support-Until what age is one Halachically obligated to support his children?
Child support-Until what age is one Halachically obligated to support his children?[1] A person is [Rabbinically[2]] obligated to support his sons and daughters until the age of six years old.[3] From age six and onwards, he is to support them in accordance to the institution of the Sages, until they […]
Is Christianity considered Avoda Zarah?
Is Christianity considered Avoda Zarah? Christianity is considered Avoda Zara for a Jew, and carries all Avoda Zara related prohibitions.[1] However, some Poskim[2] rule that for gentiles, Christianity is considered Shituf and is not prohibited due to Avoda Zara.[3] Other Poskim[4] however rule that Christianity is considered like idolatry even […]
