Kemios & amulets in Halacha and Kabbalah: A. Background: Throughout Jewish history and Jewish literature the use of amulets, or Kemios, are discussed as a mystical and spiritual cure or protection against various issues and calamities.[1] The writing and production of such amulets had a fairly large market of consumers, with […]

Question: I would like to know if it is permitted during these times to recite Tehillim at night for the sake of all of the ill injured and captured citizens and soldiers?   Answer: Those who are accustomed to not recite Tehillim during nighttime, and so is the Chabad custom, […]

Autopsy in Jewish law:[1] It is Biblically forbidden for an autopsy to be performed onto a Jewish body.[2] This applies even if the autopsy is desired to be performed for the sake of advancement of medical science, and for possible use in preventing future deaths.[3] One must thus do all […]

Question: I am a Canadian citizen, and have the ability to receive a free flight from Israel for my family in order to escape the war. I would like to know what is the proper approach that I should follow? On the one hand, I and my family definitely would […]

Question: I always wondered if it is permitted for me to have a drink before I say the morning blessings. I’m not necessarily referring to having a coffee but rather to lets say have a drink of water or other beverage to quench my thirst and then say the blessing. […]

May one cry on Shabbos? One who receives pleasure from crying, may cry on Shabbos.[1] Thus, one may cry out of feelings of yearning and Dveikus for Hashem, such as occurs by those who Daven with concentration.[2] Furthermore, if one is saddened by a certain matter, and by crying over […]

Question: I hired a local fix-it man to fix a broken door in my home. I never heard of him before but was desperate to find someone to fix it being that it was basically locked shut with an inability to open, and we needed to have access to the […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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[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 […]

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?[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 […]

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 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 […]

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: 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. […]

Question: I am livid over the news that has come out of Israel during Simchas Torah. I feel I need to do something to help and assist our brethren in Israel who are fighting for their very existence. As much as I want to do this to help for the […]

Should one eat Mezonos and say the blessing of Leisheiv Basukkah after shaking Lulav?[1] Some Chassidim are particular, based on an acclaimed oral[2] statement of the Rebbe to a certain individual Chassid during the Yom Tov meals, to eat a Kibeitza of Mezonos and say Leisheiv Basukkah after shaking the […]

Question: I have a job working in a grocery shop during the year and was asked to come in during Chol Hamoed, which is a regular workday. May I do so?   Answer:               Yes. It is permitted for you to continue to work as normal in a grocery shop over […]

Chapter 1: Melacha on Chol Hamoed 1. The importance of guarding the Moed: The Sages stated that one who belittles the Moed does not have a portion in the world to come and it is considered as if he has served idols. Hence, one must be very careful in the […]

The purpose of Chol Hamoed: Torah learning: The entire purpose of Chol Hamoed is for the sake of the Jewish people dedicating themselves towards Torah learning. Throughout the year we are involved in mundane work in efforts to sustain our family and contribute to society. The week of Chol Hamoed […]

Question: [Wednesday, 18th Nissan, 5781] Is it permitted for one to iron clothing during Chol Hamoed? Answer: Yes. Many Poskim rule that it is permitted for one to iron clothing on Chol Hamoed [for the sake of Chol Hamoed or Yom Tov]. However, some Poskim rule that the custom is […]

Question: When Yom Tov falls on Shabbos and Erev Sukkos is Erev Shabbos, when is one to bind the Lulav together, on Erev Yom Tov, Erev Shabbos, or keep them in the fridge and bind them Motzei Shabbos or Sunday morning?   Answer:               According to Chabad custom, it is to […]

Question: In the past I heard that if a person is careful to fulfill the mitzvah of dwelling in the Sukkah then this is a Segula for Shalom Bayis. Is this accurate?   Answer:               Yes, there is a source for this statement in the Yifei Laleiv who writes as follows: […]

Question: I do not have enough outdoor space to build a sukkah and will have to rely on people’s sukkah in the neighborhood. My question is whether I need to ask permission to enter their sukkah. Obviously if I plan on eating a meal with my family in their sukkah […]

Memorzing Ha’azinu Parshas Haazinu, is known as the “song of testimony”; the song that carries with it the testimony of the Jewish people’s observance of G-d’s commandments and the effects of the lack of this observance. There is an ancient tradition of memorizing the Song of Haazinu.[1] The verse[2] states, […]

Question: I am on a psychiatric pill which is required to be taken every single day at the same exact time for it to properly work. This is my first Yom Kippur on the pill and I would like to know what I am supposed to do on Yom Kippur […]

Taking the mini pill on Yom Kippur Question: With the Heter of a Rav I am on the mini pill which is required to be taken every single day at the same exact time for it to properly work and not cause disruptive spotting. This is my first Yom Kippur […]

Question: I was told that this year since Sukkos falls on Shabbos, we are therefore lenient in various laws of the Daled Minim, including that this year we do not have to be careful that the middle leaf, known as the Tiyomes, be completely closed on its top. Is this […]

Question: I met an individual who told me that he refuses to do Kaparos on chickens because he feels that the way it is done is cruel to the chickens, being that amongst other factors the slaughtering takes place in view of all the other chickens, and this causes unnecessary […]

Erev Yom Kippur Kaparos Buy two 24-hour candles. One for the shul for married men and one for the house for Havdala. Davening: No Tachanun/Avinu Malkeinu/Mizmor Lesoda in Shacharis No Avinu Malkeinu even if falls on Erev Shabbos Receive Lekach Ask forgiveness from people that you hurt Mitzvah to eat. […]

Question: Our Baal Tokeai did not make a really noticeable break between the Shevarim and Terua in the set of Tashrat, in the blowing that follows the reading of the Torah? Were these blows valid? To note, he claims that he did make a very slight break which perhaps us […]

Should Chassidim cry in their Rosh Hashanah prayers? Question: In some congregations I see that a lot of people cry during their prayer of the high holidays, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. I would like to know what the Chabad perspective is on the matter, as I have not really […]

Question: We are the only Orthodox family in our town and do not live near any Orthodox congregation for us to be able to do Hataras Nedarim. Can we do it amongst our family members, such as to have me the father and another two of my sons do the […]

Question: I know that in general it is forbidden for one to pray to God for his physical needs on Shabbos, and hence we don’t directly pray for the sick on Shabbos, and don’t pray for our livelihood. What about this year that Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbos, does this […]

 Laws relevant to years that Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbos: 1. Erev Rosh Hashanah: A. Blowing Shofar Erev Shabbos:[1]   One does not blow the Shofar on Erev Rosh Hashanah.[2] This applies beginning from the night of Erev Rosh Hashanah [the night of the 29th of Elul].[3] This applies […]

Question: I am a woman and recently bought a Shofar which I have been blowing for myself throughout the month of Elul. Am I allowed to also blow on Rosh Hashanah on behalf of myself and others, if I’m not able to make it a shul.   Answer: Although it […]

Question: I have what many would consider an addiction to chocolate and I have chocolate every single day. The specific brand of chocolate that I eat all contain hazelnuts to some degree. In previous years from Rosh Hashanah until after Simchas Torah I would simply by the chocolate flavor that […]

Question: I bought myself a prepackaged Esrog yesterday and found it to have a really large pimple like bump towards its lower half. Other than that it is a beautiful, clean, and yellow expert which is large and properly shaped. Is my Esrog still kosher?   Answer:               Yes, your Esrog […]

Shabbos Mevarchim Tishrei:[1] No blessing before Musaf:[2] On the Shabbos before Rosh Hashanah we do not bless the coming month despite this being the custom on every Shabbos that precedes Rosh Chodesh.[3] Tehillim:[4] The entire book of Tehillim is recited before Shacharis just as on any other Shabbos Mevarchim. Av […]

Question: I made a huge order of meat and chicken for the holiday season which was unable to all fit into my freezer so I asked my next-door neighbor if I can put some of my meat into their freezer to which they complied. They even came over to my […]

Selichos: A. On which days is Selichos recited?[1] Ashkenazim:[2] Selichos is recited for a minimum of four days prior to Rosh Hashanah.[3] Selichos is said starting from the Sunday [Motzei Shabbos, immediately after midnight[4]], of the week of, or the week prior to Rosh Hashanah. Being we need to say […]

Mezuzah on Store or office-Is a storefront or office obligated to have a Mezuzah and is a blessing to be recited?[1] Stores that are found in the marketplace are exempt from requiring a Mezuzah to be placed on their doorpost.[2] Temporary stores-Pop up shops, flee market, fare:[3] According to all […]

Question: Hi, I am in my later years and going on a Shidduch with an older man who became a Baal Teshuvah and was previously married to a Gentile woman with whom he had children. His children have since converted to orthodox Judaisim. I am wondering if I would require […]

Question: Is there any special order that should be followed when bathing the body? Answer:               Yes. When bathing one’s body one begins with washing his head, as the head is the king of all the limbs. One then washes his right hand first and only then proceeds to his left. […]

Question: I was reading my kids a bedtime story and accidentally fell asleep prior to Davening Maariv and woke up at five in the morning. May I still Daven Maariv?   Answer:               Since five in the morning in your locality is past Alos Hashachar but before sunrise, therefore you are […]

Reading Tikkunei Zohar in Chodesh Elul: Some have a custom to read the Tikkunei Zohar during Elul, one each of the 40 days from Rosh Chodesh Elul until Yom Kippur.[1] They begin the reading on Rosh Chodesh Elul and complete it on Yom Kippur.[2] Some prints of Tikkunei Zohar contain […]

Question: I purchased a hand held lemon squeezer which is meant to squeeze fresh lemon juice from a lemon into salad? I know that on Shabbos it is permitted to squeeze juice directly into salad. My question is if I can use this handheld nonelectric lemon squeezer to do so? […]

The Rebbe’s position on smoking cigarettes:[1] Not to proclaim that it is prohibited to smoke: The Rebbe refused to personally come out with a proclamation or decree that smoking is forbidden according to Jewish law, and nor did he endorse such a proclamation by other rabbis. The Rebbe expressed several […]

Question: Someone in our neighborhood [a fellow Jew] publicized that they are selling their fridge. We contacted them and agreed upon the sale price although I explained to the seller that I don’t yet have the money to pay him and I will pay him the next month. He agreed […]

Question: I have a very demanding work schedule which often requires me to stay late at work and miss dinner at home. My wife is understanding but does not like the fact that on such nights I buy and eat dinner by my workplace and come home and not eat […]

Fleishig born eggs-Eggs found in a chicken after slaughtering:[1] While a chicken is alive, it is only permitted to eat eggs that are naturally laid by the chicken after the gestation period is complete. If, however, the egg was removed or knocked out of the live chicken, and was not […]

Question: My 10-year-old daughter won a raffle in her class for a very good quality metal thermos. There is a Keilim Mikveh right next door to her school building and she would like to know if she can Toivel it herself, or if she must give it to an adult […]

Fleishig eggs: A. Hardboiled eggs cooked with meat:[1] If an egg was cooked together with meat or poultry [i.e. Fleishig stew or Chulent] then the egg becomes Fleishig and it is forbidden to eat the egg with dairy. Furthermore, one must wait 6 hours after eating the egg prior to […]

Question: I am aware of the law and custom that when wishing someone farewell one should avoid using the term “Leich Beshalom” go with peace and should rather say “Leich Leshalom” go to peace. My question is regarding if one should also be careful in this when wishing their return […]

Accidentally ate a new fruit without saying Shehechiyanu-May Shehechiyanu still be said?[1] If one ate a new fruit without saying Shehechiyanu, then some Poskim[2] rule that Shehechiyanu may be said the next time he eats the fruit. Other Poskim[3], however, rule that Shehechiyanu may no longer be said and he […]

Question: Do I have to be careful to also cut my toenails on every Erev Shabbos, just as I cut my hand nails, and if so when do I have to cut them as I know we don’t cut both the hand and toenails on the same day?   Answer:               […]

Question: I have gentile friends and relatives and would like to know if there’s any issue with writing to them in the month of Elul the cordial blessing of Kesiva Vechasima Tova as we wish fellow Jews?   Answer:               Yes, you may do so, and so was done by the […]

Lending a rented or borrowed item to another:[1] *Important note: In all cases that the owner explicitly stated his desire vis a vis the item being used by another person, one must obey those desires, whatever they may be. The following Halacha refers to a case that no preconditions or […]

Question: We are Gabaim of a Shul and have the following predicament: An individual donated an expensive Paroches to our Shul three years ago Leiluiy Nishmas for his father A”H, and now another shul member has donated a Paroches which is more expensive and nicer than the original one and […]

Question: I work as a merchant selling Mezuzos and Tefillin [i.e. Socher Stam]. The Parshiyos are supplied to me from various Sofrim which I choose. I was recently told by a customer that I should not be taking any Parshiyos of Tefillin and Mezuzos that are written by Bochurim being […]

Is a room or home to have a Mezuzah if both a Jew and gentile live there [i.e. gentile roommate or housemate]?[1] In general, a home of partners is obligated to have a Mezuzah. Thus, even if a home is occupied [owner/rented] by many people who share joint ownership or […]

Is the blessing of Shehechiyanu optional or obligatory?[1] The saying of the blessing of Shehechiyanu [over new fruits and joyous tidings[2]] is not obligatory and was instituted by the Sages as an optional blessing that one is allowed to say if he so feels, in those instances permitted by the […]

Question: [Thursday 19th Iyar 5780] I tend to daven sometimes in a Chassidishe Shteibel for Mincha where I believe their minhag is not to say tachanun by Mincha even on reg days, my question is if I should say tachanun quietly even though they don’t or should I follow the […]

May one cut his nails when Rosh Chodesh falls on Erev Shabbos?[1] Normally, one may[2] not cut their nails[3] on Rosh Chodesh.[4] However, when Rosh Chodesh falls on Erev Shabbos, some Poskim[5] rule it is permitted to cut the nails on Erev Shabbos Rosh Chodesh, and so is the implied […]

Question: I know that are not allowed to make money or do business on Shabbos. What do I do about my air B&B when I rent it out to Jewish families over Shabbos am I not allowed to charge them for their stay on Shabbos?   Answer:               There is no […]

Question: With the Heter of a Rav I am having an IUD inserted, and the only available date for me to do it is smack in the middle of my Shiva Nekiyim? I am not nursing but am within two years after birth. I would like to know if the […]

Question: Is there any source for the idea that if you speak Lashon Hara about someone then you get all of his sins and he gets all of your Mitzvos?   Answer:               Yes. This idea is first recorded in the Chovos Halevavos of Rabbeinu Bechayeh, and from there it is […]

Smoking cigarettes-Is it permitted according to Halacha:[1] A. The law: There is no innate Halachic prohibition against smoking tobacco. The act of smoking tobacco is mentioned in numerous Poskim in regard to various Halachic matters[2], and was done by Gedolei Yisrael[3] of many generations as well as the average folk. […]

Question: We were flying on a class trip from Europe to the USA and were offered by the flight attendants what seemed to be a European or perhaps Turkish brand of Coca-Cola which does not have the OU symbol or any other Kosher symbol on it. So my friend said […]

May a parent serve a child:[1] If a father desires to serve his son, it is permitted for the son to accept the service.[2] [Thus, if a father or mother desires to serve a meal to their son, they may do so, and the son does not have to protest […]

Question: We were a group of yeshiva Bochurim who came to visit the Kosel and Mount of olives and when I mentioned the need to perform Keria, a number of my friends from amongst the Bochurim told me that when the Rebbe Rayatz visited Jerusalem and the Western wall he […]

Al Mitzvas Tzitzis-The Nussach of the blessing said over a Tallis Katan:[1] The dispute in Rishonim and Poskim: Some Poskim[2] [i.e. Michaber] rule that that one is to say the blessing of “Lehisatef Betzitzis” upon wearing a Tallis Katan just as is said upon wearing a Tallis Gadol. This applies […]

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: We have a Chasan in Shul who just got married for his second time with a woman who […]

The status of a vessel that has not been used for 12 months: Some Poskim[1] rule that after 12 months, the taste absorbed in the walls of a vessel becomes nullified. Other Poskim[2], however, rule a vessel remains forbidden forever due to its absorbed taste, even after 12 months. Practically, […]

Is the Mitzvah to honor one’s parents considered a Mitzvah between man and G-d [i.e. Bein Adam Lamakom] or between man and his fellow [i.e. Bein Adam Lechaveiro]?[1] Some Poskim[2] learn that the mitzvot honor one’s parents is a Mitzvah between man and G-d and not between man and his […]

Tachanun on day of Hachnasas Sefer Torah Hakelali Leyaldei Yisrael Question: Should Tachanun be recited in Chabad shuls in Eretz Yisrael on the day of the Hachansas Sefer Torah Hakelali Liyaldei Yisrael. The actual celebration and Hachnsa will take place by the Kosel Hamaravi, however, it will be attended by […]

Question:   When making more than one Siyum Misechta when is the Kaddish to take place, between each Siyum or after all of them?    Answer:   It is to take place after all of Siyumim, unless there will be a long break between each one in which case it is […]

Asher Yatzar-Concentration and meaning Lack of concentration possibly invalidates the blessing:[1] If one does not understand the words of a blessing or thinks of other matters while reciting it, according to some opinions it is considered as if he did not recite the blessing at all and is hence required […]

Question: How important is it to bathe in hot water on Erev Shabbos? I know someone who goes to a cold outdoor spring as a Mikveh on Erev Shabbos and does not bathe in hot water saying that it is not necessary and is a mere stringency and even showed […]

Traveling On Erev Shabbos:[1] One must reach his Shabbos destination prior to 4 hours and 48 minutes[2] [see footnote] having passed from the beginning of day.[3] [See Q&A] This is due to concern that if he arrives later than the above time there will not be enough time to prepare […]

Question: I am being Misader Kiddushin for a couple in which the Chasan and Kallah are both Geirim. My question is regarding what to write in place of their father’s name?   Answer:               You are to write Ben Avraham Avinu by the Chasan, and Bas Avraham Avinu by the Kallah. […]

Importance of learning Torah at night:[1] It is a Biblical Mitzvah and command to learn Torah both by day and night.[2] Furthermore, one must be careful in his Torah study at night even more than during the day, and one who is not careful in this, his punishment is great.[3] […]

Question: Does a woman become a Niddah if her mucus plug came out?   Answer:               If the mucus plug came out as a thick substance, then she is impure. If, however, it is a mere liquid she remains pure if there was no blood in the liquid. Explanation: The consensus […]

Question: I would like to give charity in order to redeem the number of fasts that I am to undertake for the sake of penitence, as brought in Tanya Igeres Hateshuvah I will like to know the practical amount that I’m to give per fast day?   Answer:               The amount […]

Walking alone at night:[1] [Talmud/ Shulchan  Aruch/Shulchan  Aruch Harav/Achronim] One may not walk alone at night [on any night of the week[2]].[3] [In Talmudic times, this especially applied to Tuesday night and Friday night.[4] This especially applies when traveling.[5] This especially applies when walking in an unsettled area, outside of […]

Question: After Havdalah do I have to say a blessing of Shehakol on water that I am drinking right afterwards?   Answer:               You must recite a Shehakol over the drinks you have after Havdalah if you did not have any wine to drink after Havdalah, such as you heard Havdalah […]

  Mourning customs applicable on Motzei Tisha B’av  [Tenth of Av] when falls on Thursday night-Friday:[1] A. The general law in a regular year: [From the letter of the law] it is permitted for one to get a haircut and do laundry [and end all other mourning customs such as […]

1) Saying Tehillim on Tishe Beav   Question: May one say Tehillim on Tishe Beav?   Answer:               Erev Tishe Beav: Yes, even past midday. Tishe Beav night from sunset: No. Tishe Beav day until Chatzos: No. Tishe Beav after Chatzos: Yes. One may say Tehillim by Mincha time and so […]

Must one wash on bread by the Erev Tishe Beav meal or/and Seudas Hamafsekes? The large meal: There is no requirement to wash on bread for the large meal that is customarily eaten prior to Mincha and each person is to eat whatever he sees fit so he be satiated […]

1. Learning Torah on Erev Tisha B’av:[1] Learning past midday:[2] The custom[3] is to limit one’s Torah learning, beginning from midday of Erev Tisha B’av, to only those subjects that are permitted to be learned on Tisha B’av itself.[4] [Many authorities agree with this custom.[5] Other Poskim[6] however argue against […]

Question: I have a tear in one of my pants and a button fell off of one of my kids blouses. May I sew it during the nine days?   Answer:               Yes. Explanation: The Rishonim and Poskim rule that it is forbidden to fix [i.e. make] new clothing during the […]

Making hairdo during nine days?   Question: May one style their hair during the three weeks and nine days, such as with a curling iron or hair straightener and the like?   Answer:               Yes. Explanation: We do not find any recorded prohibition or restriction against doing so. Sources: See Nitei […]

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 […]