Breakfast:[1] A. Its importance: It is proper for one to accustom himself to eating Pas Shacharis [i.e. breakfast, a small morning meal with bread].[2] This is in addition to his main meal [i.e. lunch, or early lunch] which is eaten later on.[3] One who does not eat breakfast, and only […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Does not remember when finished eating meat-waiting 6 hours
Question: [Tuesday, 7th MarCheshvan, 5783] I ate meat but am not sure exactly at what time I finished eating. It was either 3:00 or 4:00 in the afternoon. What am I supposed to do about waiting six hours. Must I be stringent to wait until 10:00, or can I eat […]
Elections in Halacha
Elections in Halacha: A. The mandate of power to elected officials:[1] The Torah, and Jewish law, recognizes the concept of elected officials and the power that they contain to make binding decisions upon their governed body. Officials elected over a city have ability to make Takanos, decrees, and laws that […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Taking three steps back when person behind is in middle of Shemoneh Esrei
Question: [Sunday, 6th MarCheshvan, 5783] I know that it is forbidden to take three steps back at the end of Shemoneh Esrei if someone in back of me is still in middle of Shemoneh Esrei and within your 4 Amos. However, I heard that this only applies if the person […]
Sleeping during daytime-Health, Halacha & Kabbalah
Sleeping during daytime:[1] Sleeping at night versus daytime-Health:[2] Natural sleep is best when it takes place at night. [The Sages state that the nighttime was created for the sake of sleep.[3]] However, sleeping during daytime hours is damaging to the body with exception to those who are accustomed to this. […]
From the Rav’s Desk: The blessing over Chulent
Question: [Sunday, 5th Marcheshvan, 5783] When eating Chulent outside of a meal, what blessing should I recite? Mezonos, Sheakol, Hadama, or all three? My Chulent has barley, wheat, potatoes, and meat. Answer: If the ingredients include barley or wheat, and the Chulent is cooked down to the point that the […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Girl at home missed lighting one Erev Shabbos-Must she now light 2? Married woman missed lighting while by parents-Add another candle?
Question: [Thursday, 2nd Marcheshvan 5783] I am accustomed to light candles every Erev Shabbos even though I am not yet married and still live at home, as is the Chabad custom. I forgot to light candles one Erev Shabbos [running late and lost track of time until it was after […]
Handing a gentile, or non-religious Jew, an item on Shabbos which they will carry through an area without an Eiruv-PART 2
Handing a gentile, or non-religious Jew, an item on Shabbos which they will carry through an area without an Eiruv:[1] A. Gentile: Placing the item in the hand of the gentile:[2] It is Rabbinically forbidden for one to place a food or item into the hand of a gentile on […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Hallel in house of Avel; Davening with a travelers waist pouch
1. Question: [Tuesday, 1st MarCheshvan 5783] We are Davening in a Shiva home today on Rosh Chodesh and would like to know what we should do about saying Hallel. There are lots of opinions amongst the Daveners and there is much confusion as to what we are to do. Skip […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Bishul Akum for Sephardim; Sewing torn garment to wear on Rosh Chodesh
Question: [Tuesday, 30th Tishreiy 5783] I am a non-Moroccan Sephardi and am touring Morocco with a group. We went to the local Shul in Marakesh [which has a kitchen] to pick up some Kosher food and they offered our group deep fried dough, known as spingim [i.e. Sufganiyot]. The dough, […]
