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 […]

The definition of a Tinok Shenishba and the status of today’s non-religious Jews:[1] The concept of a Tinok Shenishba is recorded in the Talmud[2] and Rishonim[3], and is defined as a person who is an Apikores in his belief system or a Mumar in his Torah observance, but does not […]

Laws of Kibud Av Vaeim relevant to children who were adopted:[1] A. Is an adopted child obligated in the laws of Kibud Av Vaeim towards his adoptive parents?[2] A child who was adopted is not obligated in the scriptural Mitzvah of honoring and fearing his adoptive father and mother.[3] Nonetheless, […]

Purchase “From Rav’s Desk” Q&A’s 3 Volumes* *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Reddit Email Join Daily Halacha distribution list Sponsor an Episode Donate Question: [Monday, 9th Sivan 5783] I would like to know if there’s any issue with getting a cosmetic or […]

Making a Tattoo:[1] The verse[2] states “And the writing of a tattoo you shall not place on yourselves.” From here it is learned that it is Biblically forbidden to make a Tattoo on one’s skin.[3] One who does so transgresses the above negative command, and according to some Poskim[4], also […]