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
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 […]
The Erev Tishe Beav meals and menus
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 […]
Cutting nails during the nine days
Cutting nails:[1] One may not cut nails during the week of Tishe Beav. One may cut nails during the three weeks, up until the week of Tishe Beav. Erev Shabbos:[2] If Tishe Beav falls on Shabbos one may cut his nails in honor of Shabbos. [However some Poskim[3] […]
Circumventing the need to Toivel-Giving the vessel to a gentile and then borrowing it back
Circumventing the need to Tovel-Giving the vessel to a gentile and then borrowing it back: Vessels that are borrowed or rented from a gentile do not require immersion.[1] Accordingly, in a case that one is unable to immerse a vessel in a Mikveh, such as on Shabbos or in an […]
Laundering clothing during the nine days
Laundering clothing:[1] A. The prohibition:[2] It is forbidden to wash or launder clothing during the nine days.[3] One plans to wear it after Tishe Beav:[4] It is forbidden to launder clothing even if one only plans on wearing it after Tisha B’av. This applies to all material clothing, even linen.[5] […]
Saying the blessing of Shechiyanu upon purchasing expensive items
Is the blessing of Shechiyanu recited upon purchasing expensive items?[1] The blessing of Shechiyanu on new items is only recited upon purchasing important clothing, or a home. However, it is not customary to recite it upon purchasing objects, including when one purchases [expensive objects such as] vessels made of gold […]
Subletting-Renting or lending a rented home to another
Subletting-Renting or lending a rented home to another: No rental agreement or state laws:[1] One who rented a home, may rent it to another so long as the second renter does not bring to live in the home more people than the first renter. Likewise, one who borrowed a home, […]
Hitting children during the Three Weeks
Not to hit kids:[1] From the 17th of Tamuz until the 9th of Av one is to beware from hitting his students [or his children[2], even with a belt[3], and certainly not with a stick or rod[4]]. [Some Poskim[5] however rule one may hit a child using his hands. […]
Lending a rented or borrowed item to another-Part 2
Lending a rented or borrowed item to another Part 2:[1] In Part 1 we explained the general prohibition against lending a borrowed or rented item to another, without explicit permission of the owner. In today’s Halacha we will discuss various cases of exception. Moveable objects and animals:[2] Exception #1-In […]
When does the fast end? May one Daven Maariv early?
When does the fast end?[1] All fasts conclude after nightfall.[2] This is defined as the sighting of three medium stars, or when the moon shines very brightly on the earth.[3] It however does not suffice to see three large stars.[4] [Practically, in Eretz Yisrael, some[5] say that this is approximately […]
Children waiting between eating meat and milk
How long are children to wait between eating meat and milk?[1] Introduction: The accustomed six-hour wait between meat and dairy is not a Biblical requirement, and is even debated as to if it is a Rabbinical requirement or a mere custom.[2] Either way, whether it is Rabbinical or a […]
Closing up a window or door
Closing up a window or door:[1] One may not completely [and permanently[2]] close off a window or door, being that demons use openings to enter and exit and hence can lead to danger. Rather one must leave a small hole in the area. [The custom is to place a […]
When to say Birchas Hashachar
When are the morning blessings to be recited; at home or in Shul? The ruling in Shulchan Aruch: Al Netilas Yadayim; Asher Yatzar; Elokaiy Neshama:[1] These three blessings are to be recited immediately upon awakening as explained in Chapter 6. Hanosen Lasechvi Binah through Hagomel Chassadim Tovim:[2] These blessings […]
Tzaar Baalei Chaim
Is it permitted to cause pain or kill living creatures?[1] It is Biblically forbidden to actively[2] cause pain to any[3] living creature [for no justifiable reason, as will be explained].[4] [It goes without saying that one may not kill a creature for no justifiable reason.[5]] If the creature is […]
Eating and drinking before visiting a gravesite
Eating and drinking prior to the visit:[1] Some Poskim[2] rule one is not to eat or drink anything prior to visiting the gravesite of a Tzadik or of a relative. [Thus, starting from Alos of that day, until after the visitation, one is to fast.] Others[3] rule one is […]
Drinking coffee brewed by a gentile such as coffee offered on a plane
May one drink coffee brewed by a gentile in a Kosher vessel with Kosher ingredients? Is coffee considered Bishul Akum?[1] Kashrus of the coffee powder, and pot: Drinking coffee made by a gentile poses several Kashrus concerns such as a) Is the coffee powder Kosher? b) Was non-Kosher milk added […]
Standing for Kaddish
Standing for Kaddish and Barchu:[1] Some Poskim[2] rule it is not necessary [for the listeners] to stand during the recital of Kaddish and Barchu. Other Poskim[3] rule one is required to stand upon answering Kaddish or any Davar Shebekedusha [i.e. a matter that requires a Minyan].[4] Practically, it is proper […]
Yichud in an elevator
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 […]
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, […]
Until when can the blessing of Asher Yatzar be recited
What is the law if one forgot to recite Asher Yatzar and went to the bathroom a second time?[1] One who relieved himself, and forgot to recite Asher Yatzar and then went to the bathroom a second time, is not required to recite Asher Yatzar twice after the second time. […]
Second marriages-Sheva Brachos & Simcha
Second marriage: A. Sheva Brachos:[1] Both spouses second marriage: If a widower married a widow then the Sheva Brachos only takes place on the first day of the wedding [i.e. the day of the Chuppah]. [Furthermore, the blessings are only said by the first meal that takes place that day […]
Is Tevilas Keilim a Biblical or Rabbinical command?
Is Tevilas Keilim a Biblical or Rabbinical command? Some Poskim[1] rule that the Mitzvah of Tevilas Keilim, immersing vessels, is a Biblical obligation.[2] Other Poskim[3] rule the Mitzvah of immersing vessels is a Rabbinical obligation.[4] Practically, we rule like the former opinion, that Tevilas Keilim is a Biblical obligation.[5] Nevertheless, […]
Shabbos Electric urn
May an electric water urn be used for Shabbos?[1] The water is heated based on a thermostat: Some Poskim[2] rule a thermostat based electric water urn may not be used on Shabbos as the amount of water that is in the pot effects when the heat will turn on and […]
Are buttons of clothing Muktzah on Shabbos?
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 […]
Egg Matzah-Matzah Ashira
A. Understanding the liquids that turn flour into Chametz: Water and water derivatives:[1] The Biblical definition of Chameitz refers only to dough that has been kneaded with water or with water derivatives. Only water or water derivatives can leaven the grain or flour. Fruit juice-Does fruit juice turn flour […]
Chametz found in unreachable areas
Unreachable Chametz-Chametz that is in cracks and crevices of tiles and furniture: Letter of law:[1] If one cannot remove the Chametz with his hands due to it being stuck under cracks and crevices and the like then it suffices for him to nullify the Chametz before the 6th hour […]
Thirty day before Pesach Reminders
Thirty day before Pesach Reminders Avoiding sticky Chametz starting from thirty days before Pesach:[1] From thirty days before Pesach it is proper to be careful to avoid getting Chametz stuck onto surfaces, in a way that the Chametz will not be easily removable when Erev Pesach arrives. Giving children play […]
Taanis Esther & Machatzis Hashekel
Taanis Esther-A Yom Segula: The Kav Hayashar[1] writes that on Taanis Esther the gates of mercy are open, and it is hence an auspicious time for Hashem to accept one’s prayers. On this day one should recite psalm 22, which was recited in reference to Esther[2], and then supplicate […]
Drinking Ad Delo Yada-The obligation and meaning
Lebesumei-Drinking alcohol:[1] Men are obligated[2] to get drunk [on wine[3]] on Purim to the point they cannot differ between “blessed is Mordechai and cursed is Haman”.[4] [This is included within the Mitzvah of Seudas Purim.[5]] Others[6] however rule there is no need to drink alcohol to this point, and […]
The Mishloach Manos Menu
Mishloach Manos-What is one to send-Must one send two different blessings?[1] One needs to send at least two[2] gifts of meat or other foods to one person. [Today the custom is to send sweets as Mishloach Manos.[3] There is no requirement that the gifts be of two different blessings. […]
How much is one to give towards Matanas Laevyonim?
How much must one give for Matanos Laevyonim? Some Poskim[1] rule that the minimum amount for Matanos Laevyonim is a Peruta. Thus, if one gives the equivalent of a peruta worth to each pauper he has fulfilled his obligation. [This is a very minimal amount, being worth today, Adar […]
Kiddush Levana prior to Zayin Sheleimim & Zayin Adar
The Molad of this past month of Adar was on Sunday, the 30th of Shevat at 6:20 AM. Accordingly, this past Motzei Shabbos was not yet seven complete days past the Molad and the question is asked regarding if one may have recited Kiddush Levana last night. Must one […]
The laws of reading Megillah
Summary of the laws of reading Megillah: Who is obligated in the Megillah reading? Every Jew is obligated in the Megillah reading. This obligation includes women. Children [boys and girls, who have reached the age of Chinuch], are educated to hear the Megillah once by night and once by […]
Missed a word during the reading of Megillah
One who missed a word or part of the reading?[1] The reader must read every word of the Megillah.[2] If he skipped a verse[3], or even one word[4], or even one letter[5], he and the congregation do not fulfill their obligation. The same applies for the listener; if he […]
Marbim Besimcha
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 […]
Must one dry his cup/plate prior to pouring into it from a Keli Rishon?
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 […]
Sitting next to opposite gender on bus or plane
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 other purposes?
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 […]
Repeating words in Davening
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 Yud to Bayis of Tefillin
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 […]
Tu Beshvat
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 […]
Cross-dressing for skits and plays
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 a Tzaddik?
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
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 […]
Inviting a non-religious guest for Shabbos meal/prayer if he will drive
May one invite a non-religious guest for Shabbos if he will desecrate Shabbos in order to come to you?[1] Some Poskim[2] rule it is forbidden to invite guests to one’s home for the Shabbos meal if this will cause him to desecrate Shabbos, such as to drive, in order […]
Inheritance of public position by son
Children’s inheritance of communal positions held by father: No custom or contract:[1] A son inherits his father’s position regarding all public matters that the father was empowered with. This however only applies if the son is capable of fulfilling the position. If the son is capable in fulfilling the […]
Jewish Cemeteries
Burying in a Jewish cemetery Burying near a Tzaddik, and near a Rasha and near a non-Frum Jew:[1] One may not bury a Rasha near a Tzaddik [and certainly may not bury a Tzaddik near a Rasha]. Furthermore, one may not even bury a small Rasha near a great […]
The Shulchan Aruch Harav: Background
Shop Now Like this Article? Check out our Amazon Sefarim store. Over 64 Titles *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. WhatsApp Facebook Twitter Telegram Sign up for Daily Distribution Sponsor an Episode https://vimeo.com/200534913 The Shulchan Aruch Harav: Background of why it was written and why we […]
Washing hands for bread/morning if one’s hand is bandaged
May one wash hands for bread with a Band-Aid/bandage?[1] One who has an injury on his hand and a bandage that is covering it, may wash his hands [with a blessing] without removing the bandage[2] if he is unable to remove it due to the pain of the injury.[3] […]
Using someone’s item without permission
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.[3] It is thus forbidden for one to visit his friend’s house in order […]
Beged Isha/Ish when no intent to cross-dress
Beged Isha/Ish when no intent to cross-dress You’re out for a walk with your spose or daughter and she is cold. You are wearing a men’s jacket and don’t mind giving it to her to wear. Is it permitted to do so, or does it involve the prohibition of Beged […]
Tznius Stockings-skin color and Denier #
What is defined as Tznius Stockings-skin color and Denier #? Women wearing socks: According to majority of Poskim, and the ruling of Admur, women and girls are required to cover their legs and feet with socks/stockings when out in public or in the presence of other men. Even those who […]
Bayis Malei Sefarim
Bayis Malei Sefarim-Purchasing Torah literature:[1] It is a Mitzvah [and obligation[2]] to publish [and purchase[3]] Chumashim, Mishnah, Gemara and their commentaries.[4] Some Poskim[5] rule that today this Mitzvah is a positive Biblical command, and is in place of the Mitzvah of writing a Sefer Torah.[6] [The purpose of this Mitzvah […]
Moving the Menorah
Moving a Menorah May one move the Menorah after it is lit? What if the Menorah is blocking the doorway, or one fears from the children? The Sages decreed against moving the Menorah while its Mitzvah is fulfilled. The following are the cases in which this decree applies. Moving the […]
Hadasim Meshulashim
Meshulash/Three Leaved:[1] The Torah states that the Hadas must be braided. This means that there are three leaves that extend from each area of the branch and that these three leaves are symmetric to each other that they extend from the same horizontal line. If two leaves are symmetric […]
Daled Minim
Checklist of what to look for when purchasing Daled Minim: The following is a list of matters one is to look for to purchase a Kosher and Mehudar set of Daled Minim. Esrog: It is a Calabria Esrog from Italy [not Kfar Chabad]. Verify there are no missing […]
Building the Sukkah
Building the Sukkah 1. The reason behind dwelling in a Sukkah:[1] The reason G-d commanded us to sit in a Sukkah for shade is so we recall the miracles and wonders done for us in the desert, in which the clouds of glory[2] surrounded us for shade, as […]
Purim attire & doing Melacha
What attire is to be worn on Purim? A. Wearing Shabbos clothing:[1] One should wear Shabbos clothing throughout the day of Purim [starting from the previous night[2]]. Maaseh Shehaya Importance of wearing Shabbos clothing on Purim:[3] The Tzaddik of Zichlin, Reb Shmuel Aba, was extremely particular that people in his community […]
Shabbos Preparations
Tasting the foods on Erev Shabbos:[1] One is to taste the Shabbos foods on Erev Shabbos [to see if they need anything added to them in order to ensure their tastiness[2]]. [Nevertheless this was not seen to be the custom of the Previous Rebbe.[3]] It is proper to taste […]
Kashrus of juice stands
May one purchase juices without a Hashgacha? A. Freshly squeezed juice stands: One may purchase juices at fruit stands without a Hashgacha so long as the following conditions are met: One is not in Eretz Yisrael, and the fruits used have no reason to be assumed that they come from […]
Walking before washing
The stringencies of the Zohar-Not to touch walk 4 cubits:[1] According to the Talmud and Codifiers one may walk[2] prior to washing.[3] The only restriction according to the Talmud is not to touch food and drink [or orifices of the body]. The Zohar[4] however is very stringent in these matters stating that […]