May one give a present on Shabbos or Yom Tov?[1] It is forbidden to give someone a present of any kind on Shabbos or Yom Tov.[2] Likewise, it is forbidden for the receiver to do an acquisition on a present on Shabbos.[3] Food and drink and other Shabbos needs:[4] It […]
Acting restrictions and laws
Acting restrictions and laws Acting like a cripple:[1] [Talmud] An individual who acts like a cripple or like a blind person will not die until he becomes like such a person. [The Mefarshim, however, explain that this is a metaphor and is really in reference to a person who makes […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Showing and looking at pictures of those murdered in the Simchas Torah Pogrom?
Question: I have a fairly large following in social media I would like to know if it is morally and Halachically permitted for me to share photos and videos of the travesties that occurred in southern Israel on Simchas Torah. While some of these pictures are already available on regular […]
Human blood-Kashrus status, law if fell in food, eating with bleeding gums
The laws of Kashrus relevant to Human blood & Unintentional consumption:[1] Human blood is not Biblically forbidden in consumption due to the blood prohibition.[2] Nevertheless, it is [Rabbinically] forbidden to drink visible human blood which has separated from a human body due to Maaras Ayin. Blood on food after biting:[3] […]
Hiring a nurse or caretaker for the old or ill-Male versus Female
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
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
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?
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
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-Rules and Regulations-Part 1
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 […]