The custom of not leaving home and going to Shul after birth:[1] A. The original custom: It is an age old Jewish custom for women who are after birth to not leave their home for a period of four weeks from the birth[2], and to then enter a Shul [as […]
Sheasani Kiritzono-Should women say the blessing of Sheasani Kiritzono in the morning blessings
Sheasani Kiritzono-Should women say the blessing of Sheasani Kiritzono in the morning blessings? A. Background: Men are obligated to recite the blessing of “Shelo Asani Isha” each morning within their morning blessings.[1] Obviously, women are not to say this blessing and it is forbidden to do so.[2] The question however […]
Escorting and kissing the Sefer Torah when it is returned back to the Aron
Escorting and kissing the Sefer Torah when it is returned back to the Aron:[1] Standing:[2] It is an obligation upon everyone to stand while the Sefer Torah is being returned to the Aron. See Chapter 3 Halacha 5 for the full details of this matter! Escorting-The congregation:[3] It is a […]
From the Rav’s Desk: A letter of the Rebbe Rayatz on the importance of studying Tanach
A letter of the Rebbe Rayatz on the importance of studying Tanach:[1] To the directorship of the Yeshiva Tomchei Temimim, it is very painful that even the LD students do not have any knowledge in Scripture, and majority of them do not even know Chumash with Rashi. They have no […]
Setting the table for Melaveh Malka
Setting the table for Melaveh Malka:[1] One is to always set up his meal table on Motzei Shabbos.[2] This is done in order to escort the Shabbos in its leave in an honorable manner, just as it was honored in its entrance.[3] How to set the table: It is to […]
Hagomel-Must a woman after birth recite Hagomel
Hagomel-Must a woman after birth recite Hagomel:[1] Women are obligated to say the blessing of Hagomel just like men. Accordingly, every woman after birth should say the blessing of Hagomel after she recovers from her birth.[2] [Practically, while this is the custom amongst Sephardim[3], the custom today amongst the vast […]
When did we stop sanctifying the new moon based on testimony and will we continue in the future
When did we stop sanctifying the new moon based on testimony?[1] The sanctification of the new moon based on testimony is dependent on the establishment of a set Beis Din [i.e. Sanhedrin] in Eretz Yisrael. It is not dependent at all on the establishment of the Temple, and hence for […]
Are Gentiles obligated to honor their parents
Are Gentiles obligated to honor their parents?[1] Although Gentiles were not commanded in the laws of honoring and fearing their father and mother as part of the seven Noahide commands[2], nevertheless, they are practically obligated in showing some degree of reverence to their parents.[3] [Thus, it is forbidden for a […]
Is one obligated to wear Tefillin when saying Shema before Davening in order to fulfill the obligation of Shema
Is one obligated to wear Tefillin when saying Shema before Davening in order to fulfill the obligation of Shema? If one is reciting Shema prior to sunrise, prior to Davening, he may read Shema even if he is not yet wearing Tefillin.[1] If, however, one is reciting Shema after sunrise, […]
From the Rav’s Desk: May one add an extension to one’s table on Shabbos?
Question: I have an extension piece that I can add to my table when we have a lot of guests. If I’m only having guests during Shabbos day, can I add the extension piece to my table on Shabbos day or must I add it before Shabbos? To note, that […]