Hiring a nurse or caretaker for the old or ill-Male versus Female: Opposite gender-Male and female nurses:[1] It is permitted for a man who is sick to have a female caretaker. This applies even if the caretaker will need to perform intimate tasks, such as changing the person and helping […]

Covering the eyes upon saying Shema:[1] It is customary to place one’s hand over his face [i.e. both eyes[2]] upon reciting the first verse of Shema [until the words Baruch Sheim Kevod Malchuso Leolam Vaed[3]]. This is done so one does not look at anything else which can disturb his […]

Learning Torah on Shabbos-Importance and effectiveness:[1] The entire purpose of Shabbos: The entire reason for why god gave the Jewish people Shabbos and holidays is in order so they study Torah.[2] Throughout the week every person is busy working and they do not have time to [properly] study Torah Bekevius […]

 Must a guilty defendant pay for court expenses and litigation fees according to Halacha?[1] Fees involved in the initial Din Torah:[2] The losing party of a Din Torah is not required to reimburse the winning side for expenses involved. This applies even if he forced the winning party to […]

Hitting or Spanking one’s children-Rules and Regulations-Part 2 * Important Note: Whether spanking a child is a proper or useful tool in discipline of the children and the level that it should be discouraged is a widely debated subject amongst parents and educators. This article is no way coming to […]

Hitting or Spanking one’s children-Part 1-The allowance and age:[1] Small children: It is permitted for one to hit his small children for disciplinary measures. This applies even to [non-biological] children that are part of one’s household, such as an [adopted] orphan [or foster child].[2] Adult children? It is forbidden for […]

Question: [Sunday, 25th Marcheshvan, 5782] Is there any issue with my children getting dressed up for Halloween or going trick-or-treating in the neighborhood amongst Jewish families? Answer: One may not do so due to the prohibition of Darkei Emori, as well as due to it being originally a holiday of […]

Netilas Yadayim Shacharis-Passing the cup from the right hand to the left hand and vice versa: The below law will discuss the order of handing over the cup from one hand to the other when washing hands upon awakening. With which hand should one begin the washing? Should one hand […]

Washing dishes on Shabbos:[1] It is permitted to wash dishes on Shabbos, for the need of Shabbos, such as if there still remains one meal for which one will need to use the utensils for eating, in which case it is permitted to wash them. If however one will not […]

Kemios & amulets in Halacha and Kabbalah: A. Background: Throughout Jewish history and Jewish literature the use of amulets, or Kemios, are discussed as a mystical and spiritual cure or protection against various issues and calamities.[1] The writing and production of such amulets had a fairly large market of consumers, with […]