Are buttons of clothing Muktzah on Shabbos? New buttons: New buttons are Muktzah on Shabbos.[1] However, it is disputed as to which level of Muktzah they contain. Some Poskim[2] rule that they are MM”I [Muktzah Machmas Issur, or Keli Shemilachto Lissur] and thus may be moved to use their space […]
Isru Chag & Eating before return sale of Chametz
1. Isru Chag:[1] The name:[2] The day after each of the three Holidays is called Isru Chag.[3] The name Isru Chag derives from the verse “Isru Chag Baavosim Ad Karnei Hamizbeiach”. This means to say that this day is to be attached [i.e. Isru] to the Holiday itself, and by […]
Eating the Matzah and Afikoman before Chatzos & Summary of Laws pertaining to the Seder
Eating the Matzah before Chatzos By what time does the Afikoman have to be eaten by?[1] One must beware to eat the Afikoman prior to midnight.[2] [The Chabad custom is to be particular in this matter only on the first night of Seder, while on the second night one […]
Kashering a Microwave and General Kashering Summary
Kashering a Microwave for meat/dairy/Pesach:[1] Does it need to be Kashered? Some Rabbanim[2] say that a microwave does not need to be Kashered at all prior to use for meat/milk/Pesach, and simply needs to be wiped clean.[3] Accordingly, it may be used intermittently for meat and then dairy and […]
Inedible Chametz products such as Shampoo, soap, perfume
Must inedible products [i.e. Shampoo, soap, perfume etc.] be Kosher for Pesach? Owning: All Chametz that has become inedible even for dogs before the 6th hour of Erev Pesach is permitted for one to own and benefit from on Pesach, although it is Rabbinically forbidden to eat it intentionally.[1] […]
The Kitniyos Prohibition – Part 1
Kitniyos:[1] The Halacha: The letter of the law:[2] Only the five grains; which are 1) wheat, 2) barley; 3) rye, 4) spelt, 5) oats, can leaven and become Chametz. All other grains/flours, such as flour made from rice or millet and all other legumes [and starches], cannot ever leaven and […]
Bedika to sold areas and should one sell his Chametz on the 13th
Does one have to do Bedikas Chametz to areas of Chametz that will be sold to the gentile?[1] Some Poskim[2] rule one is required to perform a Bedika to all areas on the night of the 14th, even if one plans to sell that area to the gentile on […]
The Chumra of Gebrochts
Matzah Shruyah/Gebrochts:[1] What is it? Matzah that has come to contact with water either by cooking with water or dipping in water. The Law: The Chassidic custom is not to eat any Matzah dipped in water due to a suspicion that part of the flour may not have been […]
May one eat Garlic on Pesach?
Garlic:[1] Garlic is not Chametz, or Kitniyus, and is thus permitted to be eaten over Pesach.[2] Nevertheless, there are those who are accustomed not to eat garlic on Pesach.[3] Those families who are accustomed to follow this custom are not to swerve from it.[4] However, those families who did […]
Birchas Ilanos-Must one say the blessing the first opportunity he sees the blossoming fruit tree?
Birchas Ilanos/Blessing over the blossoming of fruit:[1] [One who walks around outside] in the month of Nissan, and sees trees which are sprouting forth blossom, needs to say the blessing of “Shelo Chiser Beolamo Klum[2] Uvara Bo Brios Tovos Veilanos Tovos Leihanos Bahem Binei Adam.” This blessing is only […]
