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? 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?[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? 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 […]

Nittel Nacht A. What is Nittel? Nittel is a gentile Holiday celebrating the birth of Yoshke. On this day there is an extra abundance of impurity and a stronghold of Kelipa. For this reason, the Jews throughout the generations took various customs upon themselves which are followed until this day, […]

Wearing gloves during Davening:[1] One may not wear gloves while Davening [Shemoneh Esrei], as is done by travelers.[2] [If however, one is cold some Poskim[3] rule he may wear gloves to protect him from the cold. Other Poskim[4] however rule it is forbidden to wear gloves even in such a […]

Saying “Avraham Zakein” after Hallel:[1] Some[2] are accustomed to recite on Rosh Chodesh, after Hallel, the verse beginning “Veavraham Zakein” and “Zevadya[3] Yishmereini”.[4] [Practically, so is the Chabad custom.[5]] All this [Avraham Zakein and Zevadya Yishmereini] is recited a total of three times. [One is to say Avraham Zakein and […]

Forgot to say Ya’aleh Veyavo by Shacharis and remembered after Musaf: If one forgot to say Ya’aleh Veyavo by Shacharis, then he must repeat Shemoneh Esrei.[1] However, this only applies if one remembered prior to Davening Musaf. If, however, one already Davened Musaf and only then realized he had forgotten […]

What olive oil should be used for the Chanukah lighting?[1] [From the letter of the law] all oils may be used for the Chanukah candles.[2] This applies even if the flame does not light well with the oil.[3] Nevertheless, it is a Mitzvah Min Hamuvchar to use olive oil.[4] If […]