Question: May one wash rags or hand towels during the nine days? Answer: If one has run out of clean rags or towels, then he may wash them up until the week of Tishe Beav. They may not be washed during the week of Tishe Beav. However, some are […]
From the Rav’s Desk: May children go swimming in a kiddie pool during the nine days?
Question: May children go swimming in a kiddie pool during the nine days? Answer: Ashkenazi Children of any age should not go swimming during the nine days, or play in water, including in a bathtub or kiddie pool. Nonetheless, those who do so do not need to be protested […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Better to purchase a new article of clothing during the nine days or to wash it?
Is it better to purchase a new article of clothing during the nine days than to wash it if one ran out of that article clothing? Some Poskim[1] rule that it is better for one to purchase a new article of clothing during the nine days, if he has run […]
May one do laundry during the nine days if all of a certain article of clothing is dirty?
May one do laundry during the nine days if all of a certain article of clothing is dirty [i.e. socks, undershirt, shirt, pants]? A. Introduction:[1] It is forbidden to wash or launder clothing during the nine days.[2] This applies even if one uses plain water, without detergent.[3] The type of […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Does the presence of a mother break Yichud for a daughter and another man
Question: I am a private practitioner and have a private clinic at home where I see patients. Is it okay for me to see a girl together with her mother if my wife is out of town or is this considered Yichud? Answer: Although there are some Poskim who […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Must one immerse a peeler in the Mikveh?
Question: Must one immerse a peeler in the Mikveh? Answer: Yes. If it will be also used for peeling foods that are edible raw, such as an Apple or carrot and the like, then it is to be immersed with a blessing. However, if it will only be used […]
Buying and wearing new clothing during the Nine Days
Buying and wearing new clothing: A. Buying clothing during the nine days:[1] It is forbidden to buy clothing during the nine days.[2] [This applies even to used clothing.[3]] This prohibition applies even against buying shoes [and undergarments, such as socks, undershirts and underwear[4]].[5] [This applies even if one does not […]
From the Rav’s Desk: May one answer Amen in middle of Yishtabach?
Question: May one answer Amen Yihei Shmei Raba for Kaddish in middle of the blessing of Yishtabach? Answer: No. Once one has begun the words of Baruch Ata Hashem in the conclusion of the blessing, one may no longer answer for a regular Amen. However, it is disputed amongst […]
From the Rav’s Desk: How important is it to cut my nails on every Erev Shabbos?
Question: How important is it to cut my nails on every Erev Shabbos? What if I cut them just once a month when they are long? Answer: It is a Mitzvah to cut one’s hand nails on every Erev Shabbos. This is to be included within one’s Erev Shabbos […]
The obligation to desecrating Shabbos in order to help save someone’s life
The obligation to help save someone’s life even if it involves desecrating Shabbos: A. The Mitzvah and its reason:[1] One who has a life-threatening illness it is a Mitzvah [and obligation[2]] to transgress Shabbos on his behalf [to help heal him] and those who act with alacrity [and do so […]
