Question: I have gentile friends and relatives and would like to know if there’s any issue with writing to them in the month of Elul the cordial blessing of Kesiva Vechasima Tova as we wish fellow Jews? Answer: Yes, you may do so, and so was done by the […]
Lending a rented or borrowed item to another
Lending a rented or borrowed item to another:[1] *Important note: In all cases that the owner explicitly stated his desire vis a vis the item being used by another person, one must obey those desires, whatever they may be. The following Halacha refers to a case that no preconditions or […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Replacing donated Paroches with that of another donor
Question: We are Gabaim of a Shul and have the following predicament: An individual donated an expensive Paroches to our Shul three years ago Leiluiy Nishmas for his father A”H, and now another shul member has donated a Paroches which is more expensive and nicer than the original one and […]
Checking Mezuzos and Tefillin in Elul and Guidelines to be followed when sending Tefillin and Mezuzos for checking
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Checking ones Mezuzos and Tefillin during Elul:[1] It is customary to check one’s Tefillin and Mezuzos during the month of Elul [if they have not been checked within the previous 12 months[2]].[3] One is to publicize this matter to […]
From the Rav’s Desk: May a Bochur write Mezuzos and Tefillin?
Question: I work as a merchant selling Mezuzos and Tefillin [i.e. Socher Stam]. The Parshiyos are supplied to me from various Sofrim which I choose. I was recently told by a customer that I should not be taking any Parshiyos of Tefillin and Mezuzos that are written by Bochurim being […]
Is a room or home to have a Mezuzah if both a Jew and gentile live there [i.e. gentile roommate or housemate]
Is a room or home to have a Mezuzah if both a Jew and gentile live there [i.e. gentile roommate or housemate]?[1] In general, a home of partners is obligated to have a Mezuzah. Thus, even if a home is occupied [owner/rented] by many people who share joint ownership or […]
Is saying Shehechiyanu on a fruit an obligation?
Is the blessing of Shehechiyanu optional or obligatory?[1] The saying of the blessing of Shehechiyanu [over new fruits and joyous tidings[2]] is not obligatory and was instituted by the Sages as an optional blessing that one is allowed to say if he so feels, in those instances permitted by the […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Saying Tachanun when Davening by a Minyan who does not say it
Question: [Thursday 19th Iyar 5780] I tend to daven sometimes in a Chassidishe Shteibel for Mincha where I believe their minhag is not to say tachanun by Mincha even on reg days, my question is if I should say tachanun quietly even though they don’t or should I follow the […]
Parshas Shoftim-Summary, Likkutei Torah & Likkutei Sichos, Audio Shiurim
Parshas Shoftim-Summary of Parsha 1. Appointing honest judges and police 2. Not to plant a tree in the Mikdash. 3. Not to build a Matzeiva. 4. Not to sacrifice a Karban that has a Mum Click Here Parshas Shoftim-Parsha Bee Not Available Parshas Shoftim-Parsha Insights Not Available Parshas Shoftim-Mamar Likkutei […]
From the Rav’s Desk: May one cut his nails when Rosh Chodesh falls on Erev Shabbos?
May one cut his nails when Rosh Chodesh falls on Erev Shabbos?[1] Normally, one may[2] not cut their nails[3] on Rosh Chodesh.[4] However, when Rosh Chodesh falls on Erev Shabbos, some Poskim[5] rule it is permitted to cut the nails on Erev Shabbos Rosh Chodesh, and so is the implied […]