The 10th of Teves- Checklist General laws: One must be especially careful to avoid anger on a fast day The fast begins at Alos Hashachar, which is approximately two fluctuating hours prior to sunrise. Children are not to be given sweets and the like although one is not required to […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Shehechiyanu during times of joy-Prime Minister Netanyahu saying Shehechiyanu on the podium
Question: [Sunday, 8th Teves, 5783] This past Thursday, in the swearing in of the new prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, he opened his speech on the podium with the blessing of Shehechiyanu, with God’s name. My question is whether it was permitted for him to do so and if so if […]
Sitting on a box/bench/bed that contains Sefarim
Sitting on a box/bench/bed that contains Sefarim: Some Poskim[1] rule it is forbidden to sit on a box that contains Sefarim inside.[2] [The same would apply to a bed or bench that opens up and contains Sefarim stored inside.] This applies even if the Sefarim are wrapped in many coverings, […]
From the Rav’s Desk: The Rebbe’s and Chabad’s perspective on the study of Mishneh Berurah
Question: [Wednesday, 4th Teves 5783] Chassidim in general and Chabad Chassidim in particular have accepted the rulings of the Shulchan Aruch Harav and use it as their main source of study of Jewish law. What is our perspective regarding the Mishneh Berurah, which is the most popular Halacha Sefer studied […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Jewish identity of an abandoned child
Question: [Wednesday, 3rd Teves 5783] I was recently told that if a baby is found abandoned without any records of his identity, then the determination of his identity, whether Jew or Gentile is determined by the identity of the majority of the people in the area. Is this correct? Answer: […]
Olives-The restrictions in eating olives due to fear of memory loss
Olives-The restrictions in eating olives due to fear of memory loss:[1] One who is accustomed[2] to eating olives, forgets his learning.[3] It can cause one to forget his learning of the past 70 years.[4] Pickled versus raw olives: Some Poskim[5] rule that this worry applies only to raw olives over […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Should the Chazan take three steps back and forwards before starting Chazaras Hashatz?
Question: [Monday, 2nd Teves, 5783] Is it necessary for the Chazan take three steps back and forwards before Chazaras Hashatz as we all do prior to starting our private Shemoneh Esrei? I heard that it is not neccessary, but always see all the Chazzanim doing it. Answer: In the […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Where should a guest light on Motzei Shabbos?
Question: [Sunday, 1st Teves, 5783] We were away for Shabbos and will be returning home right after Shabbos. Where should we light the candles, when we arrive home, or by our current location before we leave? Answer: If you will not arrive back home late, then you should delay lighting […]
Lighting candles by both entrances if one who has two entrances to his home
Lighting candles by both entrances if one who has two entrances to his home:[1] A courtyard [or house[2]] that has two opening [to the public] from two different directions[3] is required to have a Menorah lit by both entrances.[4] One Menorah is lit with a blessing while the second is […]
Shabbos Chanukah-Full Compilation of everything you need to know
Shabbos Chanukah[1] This chapter is a compilation of laws relating to Shabbos Chanukah that have been gathered from all the chapters of the book. Further details of the particular laws can be found in their main subject in the relevant chapter. Mincha Erev Shabbos?[2] Mincha is prayed [early] on Erev […]
