Important laws to remember for Mivtzaim: *Below is a very brief sketch of the background and some of the important reminders necessary during Mivtza Tefillin. For further Halachic information, one is to refer to the previous chapters, each according to its subject. The times:[1] For purposes of Mivtzaim, one may […]
From the Rav’s Desk: What to do if you hear an air raid siren in the middle of the Torah reading
Question: We were in the midst of reading the Torah on Shabbos when a siren went off. We all ran to the bomb shelter. What is the proper procedure from there and onward when we return. Answer: After the threat has passed, the congregation is to return to the […]
Mivtzah Tefillin-Part 1-The History and Background
Mivtzah Tefillin[1] 1. The history of the Rebbe’s Mivtza Tefillin campaign and its directives:[2] The Rebbe began his Tefillin campaign in the year 1967, a few days prior to the six-day war. The Rebbe dedicated a talk on that Shabbos Parshas Bamidbar for this Mivtza, and it was spread to […]
Shabbos Bereishis/Not to make Kiddush during the seventh hour
Shabbos Bireishis: Its effect on the entire year:[1] The Rebbe Rayatz stated in the name of the Alter Rebbe and in name of the Baal Shem Tov that Shabbos Bereishis, which is the first Shabbos of the year which follows the holiday season, has ability to effect one’s entire year. […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Informing a relative in the Diaspora of your well-being during times of war if it is still Shabbos by them
Question: [Sunday, 24th Tishreiy, 5784] Due to the major terrorist attacks and barrage of missiles that have occurred throughout in Israel over Shabbos I am receiving WhatsApp messages from relatives in the USA who are worried sick and asking as to my well-being and as to that of my family. […]
May one leave the news playing on a radio, phone, or computer, into Shabbos during times of war?
May one leave the news playing on a radio, phone, or computer, into Shabbos during times of war?[1] The general rule: Some Poskim[2] rule that there involves no prohibition in leaving the radio on into Shabbos, or having a timer activate it on Shabbos. However the majority of Poskim[3] have […]
From the Rav’s Desk: What to do if you hear an air raid siren in the middle of Shemoneh Esrei
What to do if you hear an air raid siren in the middle of Shemoneh Esrei Question: I live in Israel and was in middle of Davening Shemoneh Esrei when an air raid siren went off. I immediately ran to the closest bomb shelter but was unsure what to do […]
The vengeance of a murder victim in Halacha
The vengeance of a murder victim in Halacha: The unprecedented, horrific and harrowing pogrom on Simchas Torah, which has left over 1000 Jewish men women and children savagely murdered in cold blood by a barbaric inhumane enemy, has rightfully boiled the blood of anger and vengeance within Jews in the […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Wearing secondhand clothing of a gentile
Question: I heard that it’s forbidden or discouraged for one to wear clothing that was worn in the past by a gentile? Is this true? I would like to buy some secondhand clothing from a thrift shop which receives its clothing mainly from a Gentile clientele. Answer: There is […]
Endangering one’s life in order to help save the life of another
Endangering one’s life in order to help save the life of another: The Torah commands us not to stand idle while a fellow Jews blood is being spilled, as the verse states “Lo Samod Al Dam Reiacha.” Rather, one must do all in his capability to save the person’s life. […]
