Zugos-Avoiding eating or drinking an even number of foods or beverages:[1] According to the Talmud[2], one is to avoid eating an even number of food or drink but is rather to only eat an odd number of foods. This is due to worry of demons and damaging spirits.[3] Nonetheless, a […]
From the Rav’s Desk: The issue with Playing cards
Question: I was playing cards [the deck with the Joker and Ace King etc.] with a group of friends and was told that it is forbidden for one to play with these type of cards due to being considered similar to idolatry, and that we are very careful to avoid […]
Not to overburden one’s child with demands and to be forgiving of one’s respect
Limits in what a parent can instruct their children-Not to overburden one’s child with demands and to be forgiving of one’s respect:[1] It is forbidden for a parent to overburden his children with demands and to be overparticular with their respect towards him, in order so he does not cause […]
From the Rav’s Desk: May women tie Tzitzis?
Question: I and a number of other women whom I know have been asked if we could help tie Tzitzis to Tallis Katans for the sake of sending them to soldiers on the front. They say they are in desperate need of people to tie it, and if we don’t […]
Mivtzah Tefillin-Part 2-Pertinent Halachos
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 […]
