Marbim Besimcha:[1] One is to increase in joy throughout the month of Adar.[2] [Hence one is to rejoice himself, his wife and children during this month, similar to the Mitzvah of rejoicing them on Yom Tov.[3] Included in this Mitzvah is increasing in all matters that give one joy.[4] However […]

Using a set Keli Sheiyni-Must one dry his cup/plate prior to pouring into it from a Keli Rishon?[1] Example: One takes a washed clean glass cup from the dish wrack to make himself a coffee on Shabbos. Must one dry his cup prior to pouring into it? What about if […]

May one sit next to the opposite gender on a bus?[1] From the letter of the law, there is no prohibition involved in sitting near a person of the opposite gender. This applies whether on a bus, train or airplane, in which a man may be seated next to a […]

  May one use Maaser money for the sake of a Mitzva? Some Poskim[1] rule it is forbidden to use Maaser money for the sake of a Mitzvah, and rather it must be given as charity to paupers.[2] Other Poskim[3] however rule that under certain conditions it is permitted to […]

  May one repeat words in Davening? A. General law: Certain words and sentences of reference to Hashem are forbidden to be repeated in close proximity if it can be viewed that the repetition is for the sake of a second deity, or if it can appear as if he […]

  Approximating the knot of the Yud to the Bayis:[1] One is to beware that the Yud of the knot[2] [of the Tefillin Shel Yad] does not move from the Bayis [of the Shel Yad].[3]  [It is thus to be constantly touching the Bayis of the Shel Yad. It is […]

The Laws and Customs of Tu Beshvat  Introduction: The day of Tu Beshvat is a Halachic date that affects the laws of Kashrus of fruits. Due to this, it has become known as Rosh Hashanah Leilanos.[1] Throughout the generations other customs have become attributed to this day, such as the […]

  Crossdressing out of jest and fun/Purim/Chasana:[1] It is accustomed on Purim [and by Chasunas[2]] to allow males to wear the clothing of females and vice versa.[3] [However many Poskim[4] challenge this custom[5] and thus practically one is not to do so. Some write it is to be avoided even […]

  How to attach to the Talmid Chacham/Rebbe/Sage/:[1] The Sages[2] commanded and said that one is to attach to the dust of their feet and drink their words with thirst. [Women are also commanded to listen to the words of the Sages in order so they learn knowledge of G-d.[3]] […]

  Entering food into a bathroom May one eat in a bathroom?[1] One may not eat in a bathroom. May one enter food into a bathroom?[2] It is customary to avoid entering food into a bathroom.[3]  However in a time of need one may do so if the bathroom is […]