This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com The Mitzvah:[1] [Every month] upon seeing the new moon [at night[2]] one is to recite the blessing of “Asher Bemamaro Bara Shechakim”. [It is an obligation every month for one to see the moon in order to say this blessing […]
Must one cover Mezonos foods that are on the table during Kiddush
Must one cover Mezonos foods that are on the table during Kiddush?[1] Background: One is required to cover the bread upon making Kiddush on Shabbos night and day.[2] There are several reasons recorded behind this law and custom, and understanding these reasons is the key to determining whether one is […]
Cut onions with a dairy knife and cooked them in a meat pot together with water or other foods
What is the law if one cut onions with a dairy knife and cooked them in a meat pot together with water or other foods? If one did not fry the onion first, but initially cooked the onions together with other foods in the meat pot [i.e. in a soup […]
One cut onions with a dairy knife and fried them in a meat pot
What is the law if one cut onions with a dairy knife and fried them in a meat pot? If a Pareve Charif/sharp food was cooked in a meat pot then even if the pot was clean and not Ben Yomo, the food becomes meaty and is forbidden to be […]
Repeating Poseiach Es Yadecha if one did not concentrate
If one did not concentrate on Poseiach Es Yadecha:[1] If one did not concentrate on the words, he must repeat [the verse of Poseiach Es Yadecha[2]] with concentration.[3] [If one remembered he did not concentrate on the verse prior to completing Ashreiy, then he is to retract to the […]
The verse of Poseiach Es Yadecha-Concentration & Customs
Poseiach Es Yadecha: The meaning: The verse of Poseiach Es Yadecha is a praise to Hashem for supervising His creations and providing them with sustenance.[1] [In Chassidus, it is explained that this verse is a request from Hashem to enter into one’s heart His Divine will and desire to be […]
Cutting medicine in half on Shabbos
May one cut a medicine in half [for one who may take medicine on Shabbos], such as to achieve a smaller dose for a child and the like?[1] Yes. The prohibition of Tikkun Keli does not apply by medicine just as it does not apply towards food, and hence one […]
May one erase the name of Hashem that is on a screen [i.e. delete the name, close the file or computer, open a new file]
May one erase the name of Hashem that is on a screen [i.e. delete the name, close the file or computer, open a new file]?[1] Background: It is forbidden to erase even one letter of the seven names of Hashem.[2] This leads to the question of whether it is permitted […]
If one entered in middle of Havdala is he Yotzei?
If one entered in middle of Havdala is he Yotzei? Missed Hinei Keil Yeshuasi:[1] The saying of “Hinei Keil Yeshuasi” is a custom and not required from the letter of the law as part of the Nussach of Havdalah. Accordingly, one who walked late into Havdalah and missed the saying […]
Shayim Mikra: Obligation & Importance, Segullos, fast versus slow, women, children
The obligation of Shnayim Mikra:[1] Although a person hears the reading of the entire Torah every Shabbos in a public forum, he is obligated each week to read to himself the Parsha of that week in the form of Shnayim Mikra Echad Targum [as will be explained].[2] [This matter is […]
Couples and relatives showing affection in public
Public affection: Couples showing affection in public:[1] Some Poskim[2] rule it is forbidden even for a couple to affectionately touch each other in front of other people.[3] [Thus, one may not hold hands, dance, hug, or kiss in public. Practically, so is the final ruling[4], and so is the custom […]
Davening with a Minyan and learning Torah by Kivrei Tzadikim
Davening with a Minyan and learning Torah by Kivrei Tzadikim: It is forbidden to Daven, learn Torah, or wear Tallis and Tefillin, within four Amos of a Kever, or within a cemetery.[1] Nevertheless, the custom is to permit Davening and Torah learning near the Kever of a Tzadik, and thus […]
If one accidentally skipped part of Pesukei Dezimra, may he recite it between Yishtabach and Yotzer Or?
If one accidentally skipped part of Pesukei Dezimra, may he recite it between Yishtabach and Yotzer Or?[1] If one accidently skipped part of Pesukei Dezimra, it is permitted to recite the skipped paragraphs between Yishtabach and Yotzer Or.[2] Thus, if one accidently skipped Az Yashir, and already recited the blessing […]
Taking someone’s item without permission if one plans to keep the item [Part 2]:
Taking someone’s item without permission if one plans to keep the item [Part 2]:[1] It is forbidden for one to use or take an item that belongs to one’s friend without his permission.[2] One knows for certain that the owner is not particular against one using or taking it:[3] If […]
Erasing the name of G-d:
Erasing the name of G-d: In Hebrew/Lashon Hakodesh:[1] It is Biblically forbidden to erase even one letter of the seven names of G-d. These names include: [These names are:[2] Yud Kei Vav Kei[3]; Adniy; Keil; Eloka; Elokim; Elokaiy[4]; Shakaiy; Tzevakos[5]; Eh-yeh[6].] In other languages:[7] A name of G-d which is […]
Until what time may the morning Shema be recited-Understanding the Luach of Sof Zman Kerias Shema-Part 2
Until what time may the morning Shema be recited-Understanding the Luach of Sof Zman Kerias Shema? From when do the three hours begin?[1] The three hours begin from the start of the morning.[2] It is however disputed amongst the Poskim as to when the morning begins in this regard. Some […]
Until what time may the morning Shema be recited-Part 1
Until what time may the morning Shema be recited-Understanding the Luach of Sof Zman Kerias Shema? It is a Biblical command for men[1] to recite Kerias Shema every morning.[2] The morning Kerias Shema may [Biblically[3]] be recited up until the passing of three hours into the day.[4] Thus, one must […]
One who forgot to light Shabbos candles before Shekia-Asking a gentile to light-Part 2
Having a gentile light on one’s behalf:[1] If a woman [or man[2]] [Chas Veshalom[3]] forgot to light candles before Bein Hashmashos [i.e. sunset] and remembered during the period of Bein Hashmashos [i.e. before nightfall, Tzeis Hakochavim], then one may permit her [or him] to ask a gentile to light the […]
Using someone’s item without permission with intent to return-Part 1
Using someone’s item without permission:[1] It is forbidden for one to use an item that belongs to one’s friend without his permission.[2] This applies even if one only plans to use it on a mere occasion and then return it.[3] It is thus forbidden for one to visit his friend’s […]
How to pronounce Hashems name in the words “Elokim Acheirim”-with a Kuf or Hei?
How to say Hashem’s name when in reference to other gods, such as in the words “Elokim Acheirim”: From the letter of the law, it is permitted to recite the actual name “Elohim” when in reference to deities and not to Hashem, such as in the words “Elohim Acheirim.”[1] Furthermore, […]
May one do Melacha after Shabbos before saying Havdala over wine or Melaveh Malka?
May one do Melacha after Shabbos before saying Havdala over wine or Melaveh Malka? Introduction: Shabbos ends when three small stars can be seen at night.[1] One must delay doing Melacha until he sees three small stars consecutively in one line. It does not suffice with three small stars which […]
One who forgot to light candles before Shekia-Part 1
One who forgot to light candles before Shekia/sunset: The General law: Initially, one is to light candles at the set time written in the calendar for one’s location, which is commonly at least 18 minutes before sunset.[1] If one did not do so, then they may light the candles up […]
The Mitzvah to testify in Beis Din and the prohibition against giving or publicizing testimony that cannot be corroborated in court
The Mitzvah to testify in Beis Din and the prohibition against giving or publicizing testimony that cannot be corroborated in court: It is a [Biblical] command for one who witnessed a certain matter that can be of benefit to another person in Beis Din, for him to testify on this […]
In doubt as to whether a certain vessel is dairy or meaty or Pareve
If one is in doubt as to whether a certain vessel is dairy, meat, or Pareve, what is the law? If one is unsure as to a vessel’s dairy or meat status, and 12 months have not passed since its last use, then it is required to be Koshered if […]
Until when during the day may one recite Birchas Hashachar?
Until when during the day may one recite Birchas Hashachar? Initially, one is to recite Birchas Hashachar early in the morning, in close proximity to awakening.[1] If one did not do so, the blessings may be said throughout the entire day [up until sunset].[2] Furthermore, some Poskim[3] rule it may […]
The law of an Esrog that contains a colored spot [i.e. white; black; green; etc]
The law of an Esrog that contains a colored spot [i.e. white; black; green; etc]:[1] An Esrog must look beautiful, otherwise known as Hadar. This is not just a subjective form of beauty, but a beauty that carries Halachic definition and invalidations. Due to the obligation of Hadar, an Esrog […]
Blessings, Kiddush and Birchas Hamazon for one who eats on Yom Kippur [Sick, Yoledes, Children]:
[Sick, Yoledes, Children]: Blessings, Kiddush and Birchas Hamazon for one who eats on Yom Kippur: Kiddush and Lechem Mishneh:[1] One who is [lethally] ill [or contains a medical condition, of a caliber that he is] required to eat on Yom Kippur [such as a woman after birth[2]], does not need […]
May one use Maaser money to purchase Kaparos?
May one use Maaser money to purchase Kaparos? Background: It is disputed in Poskim[1] as to whether one may use Maaser money for the sake of a Mitzvah, or if it must be given as charity to paupers. Practically, it is permitted to use Maaser money for the sake of […]
Preparing on the 1st day of Yom Tov for 2nd day, such as removing food from freezer to defrost
Preparing on the 1st day of Yom Tov on behalf of the 2nd day of Yom Tov – May one remove food from the freezer on the first day of Yom Tov on behalf of the second night meal? The general law:[1] It is forbidden to do anything on the […]
From what age may a boy/Bochur blow Shofar for others on Rosh Hashanah?
From what age may a boy/Bochur blow Shofar for others on Rosh Hashanah? Background: [Biblically[1]], one can only be Motzi another in a Mitzvah if he is of equal, or greater, level obligation as the person who is being Yotzei with him. Thus, in order for one who is Biblically […]
May one eat garlic on Rosh Hashanah?
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com May one eat garlic on Rosh Hashanah? Background: Customarily, just as certain foods are eaten on Rosh Hashanah to serve as a good omen for the coming year[1], so too certain foods are avoided due to them containing a […]
Squeezing wet hair on Shabbos
Squeezing and drying hair on Shabbos: Biblically, there is no prohibition against squeezing hair on Shabbos.[1] Nevertheless, it is Rabbinically forbidden to squeeze liquid out from hair on Shabbos [due to the Mifarek prohibition].[2] Thus, every bather needs to beware not to squeeze his hair.[3] Q&A on squeezing and […]
Children wearing clothing of the opposite gender
Children wearing clothing of the opposite gender: It is a Biblical prohibition for a man to wear the clothing of a woman or a woman to wear the clothing of a man.[1] It is disputed as to whether the prohibition of Lo Silbash only applies when one wears the opposite […]
The obligation to concentrate when reciting Birchas Hamazon
Kavana in Birchas Hamazon:[1] Understanding the meaning of the words: If one does not know the meaning of the words that he is saying in Birchas Hamazon, such as due to his lack of understanding of the language, then he does not fulfill his obligation.[2] Some Poskim[3] rule that this […]
Drying one’s body after Mikveh or a cold shower on Shabbos-Part 1
Drying one’s body after Mikveh or a cold shower on Shabbos: One who immerses in a Mikveh on Shabbos, or takes a cold shower in mitigating circumstances [i.e. heat duress; remove sweat or dirt][1], must be careful to avoid transgressing prohibitions involved in the drying process of the water that […]
Cases that Bal Tashchis not apply
Cases that Bal Tashchis not apply?[1] It is Biblically forbidden to damage or destroy any item that can serve of benefit to man[2], unless one of the following exceptions apply: Destroying an item for fixing purposes:[3] The above prohibition only applies when one desires to destroy or damage an item […]
Skipping parts of Davening in order to Daven Shemoneh Esrei with Minyan:
Skipping parts of Davening in order to Daven Shemoneh Esrei with Minyan: Letter of law:[1] [From the letter of the law] one who arrives late to Shul for Shacharis is required to skip Pesukei Dezimra in order so he be able to Daven Shemoneh Esrei with the congregation.[2] This, however, […]
The prohibition of Baal Tashchis-Part 1
The prohibition:[1] The same way that one must be careful with his body not to cause it loss, or harm, or damage, so too one must be careful with one’s possessions to not cause it loss or harm or damage.[2] Anyone who damages an item which is fit for people […]
Staying married even if one did not merit children after ten years
Must one divorce his wife if he has been married for 10 years without children?[1] From the letter of the law, if a man has been married for ten years[2] and has not yet had children[3], then in certain circumstances[4] the couple must get divorced[5] and are forced to do […]
Cut same onion with a meat and dairy knife
If one cut an onion [or any other Charif] with a meat knife and then cut the same onion with a dairy knife, what is the status of the onion and dairy knife? Background:[1] Sharp foods, such as onions and garlic[2], have ability to absorb the taste absorbed in a […]
Must a guilty defendant pay for court expenses and litigation fees according to Halacha Part 2
Fees involved in enforcing the court order: If a defendant who was found to be monetarily liable by a Beis Din refuses to pay the plaintiff the money he is owed, then the plaintiff may receive permission from the Beis Din to take him to the civil courts in order […]
Borer-Removing the bad together with the good [i.e. a hair together with some food]
Removing the bad/waste together with some of the good/food: The opinion of Admur in the Shulchan Aruch:[1] It is permitted to remove from food which has waste in it, the waste together with some of the food, such as [using a spoon to] remove a fly from a cup together […]
Sitting during the blessings of Kerias Hatorah
Standing during the blessings of Kerias Hatorah: Some Poskim[1] rule that everyone [even those who sit during the actual reading] is required to stand upon hearing the blessings of the Torah [i.e. Barchu[2], Birchas Hatorah before and after[3]], as is the rule by every Davar Shebekedusha.[4] Other Poskim[5], however, rule […]
Standing versus sitting during Kerias Hatorah
Should one stand during Kerias Hatorah?[1] The congregation is not required to stand during the Torah reading [and so is the widespread custom[2], and so is the ruling according to Kabbala[3]].[4] However, there are some who are stringent[5] to stand [during the actual Torah reading, although even they are […]
Starting a new activity on Mondays and Wednesdays
Today’s Halacha is dedicated in memory of Reizal Baas R’ Zev Simon whose Yartzite is today This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Starting a new activity on Mondays and Wednesdays:[1] It is customary not to begin a new activity on Mondays and Wednesdays.[2] [Some[3] rule that […]
May one continue wearing Shabbos clothing on Motzei Shabbos which is Tisha Beav?
May one continue wearing Shabbos clothing on Motzei Shabbos which is Tisha Beav? Are they to be switched after nightfall before Maariv? In general, it is forbidden to wear Shabbos clothing during the nine days [with exception to Shabbos], and certainly on Tisha Beav this prohibition applies.[1] Accordingly, some Poskim[2] […]
Sefaradi versus Ashkenazi customs during the Three Weeks, nine days, and week of Tishe Beav that falls on Shabbos
When Tisha B’av falls on Sunday, when is considered the week of Tisha B’av?[1] When Tisha B’av falls on Sunday, the week beforehand is not considered the week of Tisha B’av, and there is hence no such concept of “the week of Tisha B’av” for that year.[2] However when Tisha […]
Wearing freshly laundered clothing during the Nine Days
* 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 Purchase on our website WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Email Wearing freshly laundered clothing:[1] It is forbidden to wear freshly laundered clothing […]
Buying items during the three weeks
This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Buying items other than clothing: Until the nine days: It is permitted to buy all non-clothing items from the 17th of Tammuz until the start of the nine days. Seemingly, this applies even towards expensive items, and items that bring […]
Began drinking a liquid, and then remembered that he did not say a blessing?
What is one to do if he began drinking a liquid, and then remembered that he did not say a blessing?[1] One who forgot and entered a drink into his mouth without saying a blessing [and then remembered prior to swallowing it] some Poskim[2] rule he is to swallow the […]
The Rebbe’s opinion on vaccinations
The following segment is an excerpt from a future, broader, article about vaccines and Halacha which is currently under research and in the process of being written. Iy”h it will be published in the near future. The Rebbe’s opinion on vaccinations:[1] As is known a Jew is obligated according to […]
Sick or weak fasting on Shiva Asar Betamuz Nidcha
This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Sick or weak fasting on Rabbinical fast days : Must one fast if he is sick:[1] One who is sick is exempt from fasting, [and is even prohibited to be stringent upon himself to fast[2]]. This applies even if there […]
How many people must eat bread to recite Sheva Brachos?
How many people amongst the Minyan must eat bread in order to be able to recite Sheva Brachos?[1] Sheva Brachos may only be recited after a meal in which a Chasan and Kallah are present if there is a Minyan of ten men above the age of Mitzvos in the […]
May one cook fish in a clean meat pot?
May one cook fish in a clean meat pot?[1] It is even initially permitted to cook fish in a clean meat pot. This applies even if the pot is Ben Yomo.[2] However some Poskim[3] are stringent to initially forbid cooking fish in meat pots and hence they require having separate […]
Are women to recite Kiddush Levana?
This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Are women to recite Kiddush Levana?[1] Women are exempt from reciting Kiddush Levana.[2] Furthermore, women are not to recite it even though they are generally allowed to fulfill Mitzvos which they are exempt from.[3] _________________________________________________________ [1] Slaves: Slaves are exempt […]
A single string tore-Is my Tzitzis still Kosher?
This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Check out our Tzitzis course! A single string tore from the Tzitzis:[1] Tore within the Gdil/braid, or beneath the Gdil by the hole?[2] If even one string tore from the root of the fringes, the Tzitzis is invalid.[3] This means […]
Paying owed bus fares:
Paying owed bus fares: It is forbidden to enter a person’s property without their permission.[1] This applies whether the property is owned by a Jew or a gentile.[2] It goes without saying that one may not make use of facilities within another’s property without their permission.[3] [Accordingly, it is forbidden […]
Are women to perform Mayim Achronim?
Are women to perform Mayim Achronim? Letter of law: The Sages instituted the washing of hands at the end of a meal of bread in order so one recites Birchas Hamazon in purity and cleanses his hands from the leftover food.[1] There is no difference mentioned in Halacha between men […]
What is one to do if he began chewing on a food and then remembered that he did not say a blessing?
What is one to do if he began chewing on a food, or drinking a liquid, and then remembered that he did not say a blessing? Foods:[1] It is forbidden to say a blessing while eating food.[2] Accordingly, one who forgot and entered food into his mouth without saying a […]
Hasagas Gvul in Torah education and occupations-Can an infringement claim be brought against a new Torah class, new Yeshiva, new Rabbi in town, and new Chabad house?
Hasagas Gvul in Torah education and occupations-Can an infringement claim be brought against a new Torah class, new Yeshiva, new Rabbi in town, and new Chabad house? Background: Secular law in most of the modern world follows the economic philosophy of capitalism, and allows free unrestrained opening of businesses and […]
Shemiras Eiynayim-Part 1-The Prohibition, Severity, Reward
Shemiras Eiynayim: The prohibition: The prohibition: It is forbidden to stare at the beauty of an Erva [which includes all girls who have reached the age of menstruation[1]].[2] One who stares at even the small finger of a woman with intent to benefit from it, is considered to have stared […]
Stopping in the middle of a Pasuk
Stopping in the middle of a Pasuk:[1] All the verses [written in the five books of Moshe] are a Halacha [i.e. tradition] from Moshe from Sinai as to where they begin and end, and it is forbidden to stop in an area that Moshe did not make a stop in […]
Saying a blessing or Davening with food, or other item, in one’s mouth
Saying a blessing or Davening with food, or other item, in one’s mouth:[1] It is forbidden to say a blessing [or Daven[2]] while eating food.[3] [Accordingly, one who is chewing gum or sucking on a candy, must remove the gum or candy from his mouth prior to reciting a blessing […]
May one open or close a folding table or folding chair on Shabbos?
May one open or close a folding table or folding chair on Shabbos? It is forbidden on Shabbos to create a roofing or hovering due to the Ohel prohibition.[1] Nevertheless, the extremity of this prohibition is only in a case that the intent of the hovering is to protect a […]
Yichud between a brother and sister & Practical advice for parents
Yichud between a brother and sister:[1] Some Poskim[2] rule it is permitted for a brother and sister to remain alone together in the same room on a temporary basis.[3] [This applies even to a maternal or paternal sister.[4]] Other Poskim[5] rule it is forbidden for a brother and sister to […]
The required daily learning of Tanach
The required daily learning of Tanach:[1] Although children are first taught Tanach and only then proceed to study Mishneh and Talmud[2], an adult who has yet to learn and know the content of Tanach, is not to schedule his learning time to first learn the entire Tanach and only then […]
Chazaras Hashatz if only five people Davened together
This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com May Chazaras Hashatz be recited if only five people Davened together?[1] In the event that Shemoneh Esrei was Davened with less than six people, it is nevertheless permitted for the Chazan to recite the repetition for the sake of the […]
Filtering coffee on Shabbos
Filtering the coffee liquid from the ground powder: The general rule: The Borer prohibition of filtering liquids only applies towards liquids that contain solids which people are not accustomed to eating. However, if the solid material that is found in the liquid is consumable by majority[1] of people together with […]
Learning Chumash and Tanach and being an expert in its content
Learning Chumash and Tanach and being an expert in its content:[1] It is an obligation upon every [male[2]] Jew to study the entirety of scripture, [the 24 books[3] of] Torah Nevi’im and Kesuvim[4], and know its content by heart.[5] This is included in the positive command of Torah learning.[6] This […]
What is one to do if he is in middle of Shemoneh Esrei, and the congregation began to read Kerias Hatorah?
What is one to do if he is in middle of Shemoneh Esrei, and the congregation began to read Kerias Hatorah? It is debated amongst the Rishonim and Poskim as to whether one is to stop and listen to a Davar Shebekdedusha in the midst of Shemoneh Esrei, or not, […]
Why we wait six hours after meat but not after milk & and its connection to eating dairy on Shavuos-A fascinating explanation of the Alter Rebbe
Why we wait six hours after meat but not after milk & Its connection to eating dairy on Shavuos-A fascinating explanation of the Alter Rebbe: Introduction: The Halacha is that while one is required to make a separation between his meat and dairy meals[1], and wait six hours[2], one is […]
Making Turkish ground coffee beverage on Shabbos
Making Turkish/ground coffee beverage on Shabbos: Ground coffee is made through roasting and then grinding the coffee bean. It does not dissolve like instant coffee and has never before been cooked in water. This is in contrast with instant coffee which is made from dehydrated water that had ground coffee […]
Jewish manners-Acknowledging the greetings of another
Jewish manners-Acknowledging the greetings of another: It is forbidden to ignore the greetings of another, such as to ignore and not respond to another person telling them hello, good morning, Shalom Aleichem.[1] One who does so, and ignores another person’s greetings is called a robber/Gazlan.[2] Not responding to a greeting […]
Marrying a Kohen
Marrying a Kohenes:[1] An Am Haaretz/Ignoramus is not to marry a Kohenes. If he does so, their marriage will not be successful, as either she or he will quickly die or they will be in constant fight with each other [or they will be poor[2]].[3] However, a Sage who marries […]
What is one to do if he heard Kaddish in middle of Shemoneh Esrei?
What is one to do if he heard Kaddish in middle of Shemoneh Esrei:[1] It is forbidden to answer even Kaddish in the midst of Shemoneh Esrei.[2] Rather, one is to [stop reciting Shemoneh Esrei and] remain silent [and listen] and concentrate to the words of the Chazan.[3] Doing so […]
Pregnant wife of Kohen entering cemetery
The wife of a Kohen: It is permitted for the pregnant wife of a Kohen to enter a cemetery.[1] Nonetheless, some Poskim[2] rule it is proper to be stringent not to do so [even on a Yartzite or by Kivrei Tzaddikim]. This especially applies if she knows that the gender […]
Pregnant women entering cemetery-Part 1
This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com May a pregnant woman visit a cemetery?[1] From the letter of the law, it is permitted for a pregnant woman to enter a cemetery.[2] However, many women are accustomed not to visit a cemetery when they are pregnant.[3] Those […]
Counting the days and the weeks by Sefiras Haomer
This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Counting the days and the weeks?[1] The Law: One is Biblically obligated to count both the days and the weeks.[2] At the end of each week:[3] According to all opinions, one is Biblically required to count both the days […]
Concluding with Ufros Sukas Shalom on Maariv of Friday night or Yom Tov
Concluding with “Ufros Sukas Shalom” on Maariv of Friday night or Yom Tov?[1] In the blessing of Hashkiveinu [said during Maariv of Friday night and Yom Tov[2]] one is not to conclude with the regular Nusach of “Shomer Amo Yisrael La’ad,” but rather with “Haporeis Sukkas Shalom Aleinu Veal Kol […]
How to educate children against predators and molestation-Part 2
Matters to beware and educate children in: Various organizations have blossomed over the recent years who specialize in child education and awareness in the above matter. The following is some of the suggestive actions and guidelines which have been acclimated from leading child psychologists and educational experts. For further information, […]
Educating one’s children against predators, pedophiles, and molesters-Part 1
Educating one’s children against predators, pedophiles, and molesters: Unfortunately, a known and growing epidemic, which has seen greater light in the recent years, is the plague of pedophilia, of which almost no Jewish community has come unscathed. One of the basic principles of Torah Judaism is Kedusha, keeping a holy […]
Standing for the elderly-Who
Standing for an old person:[1] It is a Mitzvah [a possible Biblical obligation[2]] to stand in front of the elderly.[3] The age defined as elderly:[4] An elderly person is defined, in this regard, as a person who has reached 70 years of age. [According to the Arizal and Kabala, one […]
Blowing bubbles on Shabbos
May one blow bubbles on Shabbos?[1] Blowing bubbles on Shabbos enters into the question of whether it transgresses the Molid prohibition due to it changing the form of the water into foam. Practically, the mainstream approach follows that it does not contain a Molid prohibition, and therefore children may blow […]
How to count Jews in a permitted way-Part 2
Counting Jews Part 2:[1] As explained in Part 1, it is forbidden to count Jews even for the sake of a Mitzvah, even if it is not for a census taking purpose. The following will now discuss ways of circumventing this prohibition: How to count in a permitted way:[2] [The […]
Fish and Dairy [Milk Cheese Butter]
Fish with dairy:[1] There is no Basar Bechalav prohibition involved in cooking and/or eating fish with milk, even Rabbinically.[2] Nonetheless, the Poskim debate as to whetehr it is forbidden to eat the two together due to danger, similar to the prohibition of eating fish and meat together due to danger. […]
How to answer if one is asked “What day of Sefira is it today?
This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com How to answer if one is asked “What day of Sefira is it today?”[1] If one is asked by another person “What is the day of Sefira tonight?”, then if he is asked this question at night, prior to […]
May grape juice be used for the four cups during the Seder?
May grape juice be used for the four cups?[1] All wines that are valid for Kiddush on the other Holidays and Shabbos, are also valid for use for the four cups.[2] The following is the law of using grape juice for Kiddush on Shabbos, Yom Tov, and consequently for […]
Eating processed foods on Pesach
*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 Hilchos Pesach Learning Course + Semicha Processed foods:[1] It is a renowned Chabad custom to avoid eating all processed […]
Counters and Tables-Koshering
This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Counters/tables:[1] It is customary of all Jewry to Kasher counters and tables that are used with hot foods during the year.[2] Likewise, tables which are used without a tablecloth during the year, or are used with a thin cotton/linen/polyester tablecloth, […]
Mitzvas Sipur Yetzias Mitzrayim- Telling the story to one’s son, daughter, and family
Mitzvas Sipur Yetzias Mitzrayim- Telling the story to one’s son, daughter, and family:[1] A father is obligated to tell the story of the exodus to his son [and daughter[2] who has reached the age of Chinuch[3], and wife and family].[4] This applies even if they do not ask him and […]
Can one Kasher glass vessels for Pesach?
This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Can one Kasher glass vessels for Pesach:[1] It is disputed amongst the Poskim as to whether glass vessels need to be Kashered even if used for hot Chametz foods or if it has the same status as earthenware and cannot […]
The Kashrus status of Yoga, Eastern Meditations and Therapies
Yoga/Meditations/Therapies:[1] Rabbinical supervision: Yoga[2] and many eastern meditations, contain aspects of idolatry that are forbidden for a Jew, of which one is required to give up his life rather than perform. Nonetheless, the aspect of seclusion and meditation in it of itself does not contain idolatry and is not Halachically […]
Understanding the difference between Rasham versus Rashi Matzos and which one should one purchase
Understanding Rasham versus Rashi: Some Matzah bakeries offer two different types of Matzah; one called Rasham and the second called Rashi. The Rashi Matzas are traditionally more expensive. To the unaware, this may seem like Matzas which follow two different opinions of Rishonim, however, in truth it does not refer […]
Circumventing the Issur of eating peeled Onion/garlic/eggs that stayed overnight
Does it help to mix the peeled egg/onion/garlic with other foods? Some Poskim[1] rule that the above prohibition only applies if the peeled egg/onion/garlic stayed overnight without being mixed with other foods. If, however it was mixed with other foods then it is permitted. Thus, if one adds oil or […]
Blessing on onion rings
Blessing on onion rings [i.e. rings of onion coated with breadcrumbs]:[1] Onion rings are typically made through coating a ring of an onion in a flour-based dip, and then deep frying it. In addition to the flour-based dip, some also coat the ring with dry bread crumbs, hence adding a […]
Matza purchasing guidelines-What are 18 minute from the table Matzas?
Understanding 18 minutes from table Matzos versus 18 minutes from kneading Matzos: Some Matzah bakeries offer two different types of Matzah, one being 18 minutes from the table and the second being 18 minutes from the kneading. The 18 minutes from kneading Matzas are traditionally more expensive. To the unaware, […]
Hagba-How many pages to show the congregation?
How many pages is one to show the congregation during Hagbah? One is to show [up to[1]] three columns of the Sefer Torah to the congregation upon performing Hagbah.[2] Possibly, one is to show exactly three columns [and not less or more].[3] Some Poskim[4] however rule that it is […]
How much is one to give for the Half Shekel?
* This article is an excerpt from the above Sefer Shop Now *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. WhatsApp Facebook Twitter Telegram Sign up for Daily Distribution Sponsor an Episode How much is one to give for the Half Shekel?[1] One is to give three coins […]
Who may be given Matanos Laevyonim-Who is considered a pauper?
Who may be given Matanos Laevyonim-Who is considered a pauper? Some Poskim[1] rule that only those paupers who are extremely poor [and are beggars[2]] are considered Evyonim, and are to be given Matanos Laevyonim.[3] Other Poskim[4] rule that anyone who is poor, even not to the extreme mentioned above, is […]
The small letters of “Taf” “Shin” “Zayin” and their eerie connection
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 […]
