Question: [Wednesday, 24th Teves 5783] A big argument broke out in our Shul regarding a number of different matters in which some members are upset by how things are being run by the management and Gabaim. Tempers flared, voices were raised, as were a few hands, and it was really […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Is an Avel during Shiva to recite the half Kaddish after the Torah reading?
Question: [Monday, 23rd eves, 5783] I know an Avel cannot get an Aliyah or read from the Torah during Shiva. May he then say the half Kaddish after Kerias Hatorah, or is he not to do so? Answer: This matter is disputed amongst Poskim, and the Chabad custom is […]
The concept of Ayin Hara-Part 1-True or superstition
Ayin Hara:[1] A. Introduction: Torah source or superstition? The concept of an evil eye is discussed in many areas of Jewish literature, including the Talmud[2], Midrash[3], and Shulchan Aruch[4], and is a real power that can affect another person negatively. In fact, the Talmudic Sage, Rav, stated that he visited […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Talking too much: Is it possible to run out of words?
Question: [Sunday, 22nd Teves, 5783] I Baruch Hashem was blessed with Tishe Kavim of Dibbur [i.e. I talk a lot] and have been often told that Hashem gives us a limited amount of words to speak so I should save some up for my later years. Is there any truth […]
Respecting the Tefillin-Part 2-How to carry the Tefillin
Respecting the Tefillin-Part 2-How to carry the Tefillin: One is required to act in a respectful way while wearing Tefillin, and in the presence of Tefillin even when they are not being worn. There exists several laws relating to this matter, including whether one may talk while wearing the Tefillin, […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Singing on Shabbos-Importance
Question: [Thursday, 19th Teves 5783] How important is it to sing on Shabbos by the Shabbos table and does Chassidus talk about its importance? Answer: The Alter Rebbe in Torah Or discusses the importance and value of singing on Shabbos in order to bring oneself to Kelos Hanefesh. In his […]
On Shabbos, may one place hot food onto a plate that contains food or liquid
On Shabbos, may one place hot food on a plate that contains food or liquid? Whenever one’s plate contains food on it, whether a solid or liquid, and one desires to place on it hot food, the question of Bishul [the prohibition of cooking food on Shabbos] arises. In certain […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Removing the plastic box from the Shel Yad Tefillin during the blessing
Question: [Wednesday, 18th Teves 5783] The other day I saw an individual remove his plastic box from his Shel Yad Tefillin prior to the blessing and then put it back on after the wrapping. Is there any reasons or source for doing so? I never take my box off the […]
Saying the names of the angels
Saying the names of the angels:[1] The Arizal was very careful to not verbalize the names of angels and considered it a prohibition. He abstained from mentioning even those names of angels which are written in Sefarim [and are known to all]. He was particular in this even when he […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Tefilas Shav-Davening during pregnancy for a baby boy
Question: [Tuesday, 17th Teves 5783] We have only girls and my wife is two months pregnant, may we still Daven for it to be a boy? Answer: No. After 40 days from conception you may only Daven for the physical and spiritual health of the child, and not for its […]
