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] […]
May one say the names of saints of idolatry, such as Paul/Peter/Patrick/Francis?
May one say the names of saints of idolatry, such as Paul/Peter/Patrick/Francis? From the letter of the law, one may say their names without mentioning their status of sainthood.[1] Thus, while one may say Paul/Patrick in reference to the apostles, one may not say a preface to his name which […]
Men listening to women sing
The Issur of Kol Isha-Listening to her voice when not Davening/learning:[1] It is forbidden[2] for a man to [ever] listen [i.e. pay attention[3]] to the [singing] voice of a woman who is an Erva [such as a married woman[4], or a Nida, even not during times of prayer and learning]. […]
Saying the name of Yoshkeh
May one say the name Jesus or Yeshu? From the letter of the law, it is permitted to recite the name Jesus or Yeshu.[1] It is likewise permitted to write these names, as we find Gedolei Yisrael who wrote these names in their Sefarim.[2] Nevertheless, despite the letter of the […]
Mentioning the name of idols and foreign deities
Not to mention the name of idols and foreign deities: Giving it a derogatory name:[1] One is required to help eradicate idolatry and give idols and foreign deities a derogatory name. Swearing using its name:[2] One who swears in the name of an idol or foreign deity [transgresses a negative […]
Aliya Laregel-Visiting the Temple on a festival
Aliya Laregel-Visiting the Temple on a festival: The Mitzvah in Temple times:[1] In Temple times, it was a Biblical command for every man to visit the Temple on Yom Tov of the Shalosh Regalim, and bring with them a Karban Olah. This Mitzvah was formally known as the Mitzvah of […]
Lighting a Yartzite or Yizkor candle for Yom Tov
Today’s daily Halacha [4th of Sivan] is dedicated by the Dudovitz family in memory of Shaindel Sara Bas Yosef Hersh Halevi in memory of her Yartzite ת.נ.צ.ב.ה. Yartzite/Yizkar candle: It is customary to have a candle lit on the occasion of a Yartzite of a parent.[1] Likewise, many are […]
Why we eat dairy on Shavuos and must one wash on bread for the dairy meal
What are the reasons mentioned behind eating dairy products on Shavuos? Commemoration of Shtei Halechem:[1] Dairy products are eaten in commemoration of the Shtei Halechem offering, which consisted of two loaves [i.e. two meals], which were brought on Shavuos. We thus eat two meals with bread, one dairy and one […]
The laws of Borer-Removing a solid from within a liquid
The laws of Borer-Removing a solid from within a liquid:[1] Small solids:[2] Small solids retain all the Borer restrictions with regards to removing them from liquid or vice versa. Thus, separating small pieces of onion, chicken, vegetables from soup contains the Borer restrictions. Likewise, removing a fly or hair from […]
Placing plants and trees in the Shul and in one’s home on Shavuos
Placing plants and trees in the Shul and in one’s home:[1] It is customary to spread plants[2] and stand trees[3] in Shul and in one’s house in honor of Shavuos. [However, some Poskim[4] abolished this custom due to it being simialr to the gentiles.[5] Other Poskim[6] defend its practice. Practically, […]