Blessing children on Friday night: It is an old age custom for parents and Rabbis to bless their children and students with Birchas Kohanim on Friday night.[1] Doing so does not transgress the prohibition[2] against a non-Kohen reciting Birchas Kohanim[3], although it is forbidden for the person to raise his […]

Must a Kallah cover her hair during the Chuppah/wedding:[1] The opinions: A woman is required to cover her hair from the time she is married and onwards.[2] It is debated amongst Poskim as to the exact definition of marriage in this regard; Does it refer to the Kiddushin, Chuppah, the […]

May one visit the Temple Mount?[1] The Temple area contains Kedusha even today in its state of destruction. Accordingly, just as in Temple times there existed restricted areas of entry, so too in today’s times, there are certain areas in which it is forbidden for a Jew to enter. Some […]

The practical ruling of Gedolei Yisrael:[1] In both the previous and current generation, the Poskim and Gedolei Yisrael[2] from all spectrums of Jewry, have severely warned the public not to enter the Temple Mount, including even the permitted unrestricted areas, lest he enter a restricted area and be liable for […]

The order in removing the Tefillin: Which is removed first-Shel Yad or Shel Rosh?[1] When one removes the Tefillin, the head Tefillin must be removed prior to the hand Tefillin.[2] Removing the straps of the Shel Yad:[3] Some[4] are accustomed for reasons known to them to remove the head Tefillin […]

Teaching one’s son verses of Torah:[1] Although a child is exempt from all the Mitzvos, and even the father is not Biblically obligated to educate him in Mitzvos, but rather only Rabbinically, nevertheless, teaching Torah is a Biblical positive command. The father is commanded to teach his small son Torah, […]

Washing and Al Netilas Yadayim on less than a Kebeitza of bread:[1] If one will not be consuming a shiur Kibeitza without its shell[2] [53.8 grams[3]] of bread within two times Kdei Acilas Peras [i.e. within 8 minutes[4]], each Kezayis within Kdei Achilas Peras[5] [i.e. 4 minutes[6]], then one is […]

Mourning customs applicable on Motzei Tisha B’av-Tenth of Av:[1] The Heichal [Kodesh and Kodesh Hakedoshim] was set afire on the 9th towards evening, and it burnt until sunset of the 10th.[2] It is therefore customary to avoid eating meat and drinking wine [as well as to guard all the mourning […]

Eating a large meal prior to Mincha and the Seudas Hamafsekes:[1] It is an accustomed Ashkenazi practice to eat a set meal on Erev Tishe Beav, prior to Davening Mincha.[2] After the meal, one Davens Mincha and then eats the Seudas Hamafsekes.[3] [Some Poskim[4] rule this meal is to be […]