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 […]
Custom of Nittle Nacht
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, […]
Saying “Avraham Zakein” after Hallel on Rosh Chodesh
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
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 […]
Using real and edible olive oil versus fake or inedible olive oil for the Chanukah lighting
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 […]
Lighting Chanukah candles on Erev Shabbos
Lighting on Erev Shabbos:[1] When are the Chanukah candles lit? On Erev Shabbos, the Chanukah candles are lit prior to the Shabbos candles.[2] The candles are lit with a blessing even though they are being lit while still day.[3] [The earliest time one can begin to light the Chanukah […]
When may one extinguish the Chanukah candles?
When may one extinguish the Chanukah candles? Leaving home shortly after candle lighting, afraid that the unsupervised candles can lead G-d forbid to a fire? Many ask due to these reasons if they may extinguish the Chanukah candles after it has been lit for some time. This question is especially […]
Where in the home is one to light the Chanukah candles-By a window or by the doorpost?
Those who light inside their home-Should they light by the doorpost of one of the rooms or by the window?[1] A. The law of placing by the doorpost when lighting outside the home: Within a Tefach:[2] It is a Mitzvah for the candles to be placed within at least one […]
