Wednesday, 1st Adar 5783/Februray 22, 2023 Parshas Teruma, Revi’i 1. The Kerashim/beams: · You shall make beams for the Mishkan. Make 20 beams for the southern side and 20 beams for the northern side. The west side is to have 6 beams, plus two corner beams, for a total of […]
From the Rav’s Desk: How is one to fulfill the mitzvah of Marbim Besimcha in the month of Adar?
Question: [Tuesday, 30th Shevat 5783] I know that when the month of Adar comes, we are supposed to increase in joy. What however does this practically mean? If I love milk chocolate, should I increase in eating milk chocolates during the month of Adar? Is this truly the meaning of […]
The process of determining Rosh Chodesh in times of the Sanhedrin
The process of determining Rosh Chodesh in times of the Sanhedrin?[1] Rosh Chodesh is determined based on when the new orbit of the moon begins and when the new moon can be seen. This itself can be determined in one of two ways: a) Calculating the Molad and calculating as […]
From the Rav’s Desk: What does one do if he only has Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin available for wearing and Mivtzaim?
Question: [Monday, 29th Shevat, 5783] I accidentally took my Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin with me on Mivtzaim. What should I do? May I do Mivtzaim with my Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin, and with or without a blessing? Answer: In such a case, you may do Mivtza Tefillin with your Tefillin of […]
Understanding Kiddush Hachodesh and the Jewish Calendar-Part 1
Understanding Kiddush Hachodesh and the Jewish Calendar–Part 1 *Important note: The Halachos in this chapter are based mainly on the rulings of the Rambam in his section on Kiddush Hachodesh. Although there exists several other opinions in Geonim and Rishonim regarding certain topics discussed here, they are beyond the scope […]
From the Rav’s Desk: The story of “The longest Pesach”: Fact or fiction?
Question: [Sunday, 28th Shevat 5783] Shmuel Kunda of blessed memory is renowned for his story takes for children. To the best of my knowledge, I understand [as is self-evident] that at least some of his stories are fabrications. I was wondering regarding the story of the longest Pesach if you […]
May one wear more than one pair of Tallis Katan at a time?
Bal Tosif by Tzitzis-May one wear more than one pair of Tallis Katan at a time? A. Introduction-The prohibition of Bal Tosif:[1] The Torah prohibits one from adding to the commands. The interpretation, however, of this prohibition varies based on the type and form of addition and hence by every […]
Are raw eggs Muktzah on Shabbos?
Are raw Kosher eggs Muktzah on Shabbos?[1] Although raw foods that are not edible unless cooked are generally Muktzah on Shabbos[2], nevertheless, it is evident from the Poskim[3] that raw [Kosher[4]] eggs are not Muktzah on Shabbos and have the same status as any other edible food.[5] [Thus, one may […]
The speed of Chazaras Hashatz & The problem of Amen Yesoma
The speed of Chazaras Hashatz & The problem of Amen Yesoma: A. Introduction:[1] Answering Amen to a blessing contains a number of laws and restrictions. The proper answering of Amen is so severe that Ben Azaiy states in the Talmud that on one’s form of answer is dependent the longevity […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Immersing/Toiveling many vessels together in a basket or bag in a Mikveh Keilim
Question: [Wednesday, 16th Shevat 5783] I bought a large amount of cutlery that needs to be immersed in the Keilim Mikveh I would like to know if I can just put them all in a bag or basket or pitcher or cup and immerse it all at once, or if […]
