Is the Mitzvah to pray Biblical or Rabbinical?[1] A. Personal prayers-Praying in distress:[2] [According to all Poskim[3]] it is a Biblical command to Daven to Hashem in a time of need, when one is in a state of distress and requires Divine assistance. [Furthermore, this is the main intent of […]
From the Rav’s Desk: May a Shomeres Yavam go on Shidduchim before Chalitza?
Question: [Thursday, 18th Shevat, 5783] A few years ago, I became widowed from my husband, who did not have any children. My husband has brothers with whom I understand must perform Chalitza with me prior to me remarrying. It was really complicated to arrange so in the meantime, I simply […]
When to go shopping for Shabbos
When to go shopping for Shabbos:[1] [In general,] it is better to go shopping for Shabbos on Friday, which is Erev Shabbos, than to go shopping on Thursday.[2] However, this only applies to readymade foods that do not require preparation to be fit to be eaten, such as beverages and […]
The 6 Constant Mitzvos
The constant Mitzvos: The Poskim[1] enumerate a list of Mitzvos that one has the ability to constantly fulfill throughout the day being that they are not limited to any specific time, place or action. These are: Belief in Hashem Not to believe in the existence of any other G-d. The […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Two brother in laws were the witnesses by the Kiddushin
Question: [Wednesday, 16th Shevat 5783] We were married off during Covid by a local pulpit Rabbi in our area who was the Misader Kiddushin. The two witnesses for the Kiddushin were two individuals who are brother in laws of each other [married to wife’s sister. i.e. both are married to […]
Earthquakes in Halacha-The blessing over an earthquake
The blessing over an earthquake:[1] Upon [feeling[2]] an earthquake one is required to recite a blessing. [This applies to an earthquake of any magnitude, so long as it is felt.[3] The reason the Sages established a blessing is because earthquakes are frightening events which convey a powerful message to the […]
Halacha health: Health directives relating to fruit consumption as found in Halachic literature
Halacha health: Health directives relating to fruit consumption as found in Halachic literature *To note that the information below is a mere overview from Halachic literature, and does not reflect the current medical beliefs surrounding the healthiness of fruit in a diet, which may be different today than it was […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Saying one’s wife’s name if she shares the same name as one’s mother
Question: [Sunday, 14th 5783] My son recently got engaged to a girl whose name is Rachel. Now, my wife, the Chasan’s mother, is also called Rachel. [She has two names but is only called by her first name Rachel.] What should my son, and other children, do regarding saying her […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Chazan saying the daily Tehillim by the Bima instead of by the Amud
Question: [Thursday, 12th Shevat 5783] I am a Chiyuv l”a and Daven every day for the Amud for the passing of my father Hakam. For the recital of the daily Tehillim that we say after Davening, I am accustomed to turn around and say it by the Bima [we have […]
The Geder of Davar Lach versus Davar Yaveish: May one reheat a wet and moist food on Shabbos-How wet is considered wet
The Geder of Davar Lach versus Davar Yaveish: May one reheat a wet and moist food on Shabbos-How wet is considered wet?[1] *Important note: This article does not deal with the subject of reheating congealed gravy, or foods with congealed gravy, on Shabbos. Melting congealed gravy on Shabbos contains both […]
