Davening Mincha past sunset:[1] The prayer of Mincha may be recited until evening.[2] It is disputed amongst Poskim as to the definition of “evening.” Some Poskim[3] rule it is permitted [even initially[4]] to Daven Mincha past sunset, up until Tzeis Hakochavim.[5] Other Poskim[6] rule one may not Daven Mincha past […]

 The saying of Yehalelu and Hodu Al Eretz when returning the Torah: A. The custom: Yehalelu:[1] The verse of Yehalelu[2] is recited by the Chazan when the Sefer Torah is being brought to the Aron. Hodu Al Eretz Veshamayim:[3] After the recital of Yehalelu, the congregation responds with the […]

Question: [Motzei Shabbos 7th Elul 5781] This Motzei Shabbos is already six days past the Molad, but has yet to reach seven days past the Molad. Now, I know that in general we are careful to wait until the 7th to recite Kiddush Levana, although my question is whether one […]

The laws associated with a cemetery and visiting of a Kever-Summary   Introduction: This chapter will discuss all the details relevant towards grave visiting, including the times that one should and should not go, the people who should and should not go, the behavioral restrictions applicable at a gravesite, the […]

Spilling out all drawn water in the vicinity when a person passes away:[1] It is customary to spill out all the drawn water in the neighborhood in which the person passed away.[2] [Water of the neighborhood should be spilled even if a child, who is less than thirty days old, […]

Question: [Sunday, 3rd Tammuz, 5781] Should one recite Tachanun on the day of Gimmel Tamuz? Answer: Those who feel an abundance of joy on this day in commemoration of the release of the previous Rebbe from a decree of “opposite of life,” may omit the saying of Tachanun, as is […]

The Nussach of Hallel: The language:[1] From the letter of the law, Hallel may be recited in any language. One fulfills his obligation even if he does not understand the language that he is reading. [Nevertheless, it is a Mitzvah Min Hamuvchar to recite Hallel in Lashon Hakodesh.[2]] Which verses […]

The obligation to recite Hallel on Rosh Chodesh:[1] On Rosh Chodesh one recites the abridged Hallel [i.e. half Hallel].[2] This applies for both a congregation and a person who is praying in private.[3] The paragraphs of Lo Lanu and Ahavti are skipped.[4] Obligation or custom: The recital of Hallel on […]

May the straps of the Tefillin that are wrapped around the arm touch each other or overlap? Touching on sides: The wrapping of the Tefillin straps around the forearm [between the bicep/upper arm, and the wrist] is done due to custom, and not due to a Halachic requirement.[1] Accordingly, there […]

Cleaning, shining, and polishing shoes on Shabbos:[1] A. Background of prohibitions: The act of cleaning, shining, or polishing shoes on Shabbos may touch upon one of several prohibitions: The tanning prohibition by leather shoes:[2] It is Biblically forbidden to tan new leather on Shabbos.[3] Softening the new leather and oiling […]