If one is traveling overnight [i.e. plane, car] what is he to do about lighting Chanukah candles?[1] A. Background Halachos: Relying on one’s family’s lighting:[2] One who is staying as a guest in another person’s home during Chanukah, is not obligated to light candles if his wife [or other family […]
From the Rav’s Desk: According to Chabad custom when should one initially light the Menorah
Question: [Tuesday, 22nd Kisleiv 5781] According to the Chabad custom, when should we initially light the candles? I’ve heard so many different things such as immediately after sunset or anytime between sunset and nightfall or immediately before nightfall or 10 minutes after nightfall. Which one is correct? Answer: According […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Can angels’ sin and do they have freedom of choice, reward and punishment?
Question: [Sunday, 10th Kisleiv, 5783] Is it possible for angels to sin? I am a bit confused about the subject as everyone always says that angels can’t sin and that’s why they are called angels and therefore they do not even have freedom of choice. This is the basic difference […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Investing in nursing homes-The Rebbe’s opinion
Question: [Thursday, 14th Kisleiv 5783] I have a relative who works in investments and has offered members of our family a great financial opportunity to invest in a string of nursing homes which we hope will bring in a nice income. However, when I was discussing this with a friend […]
Measuring on Shabbos-Part 2
Measuring on Shabbos or Yom Tov for the sake of a Mitzvah & Shiureiy Mitzvah:[1] Regarding Shabbos the Poskim[2] rule that it is permitted to measure on Shabbos a Mitzvah measurement [i.e. Medida Shel Mitzvah].[3] However, regarding Yom Tov the Poskim[4] rule that is that it is forbidden to measure […]
Giving Tzedaka at night
Giving Tzedaka at night:[1] A. The law: Based on Kabbalah, one is to avoid giving charity at night [until midnight, if he is able to give the charity during daytime].[2] [However, from the letter of the law it is certainly permitted to do so, and it is not considered a […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Dangling the straps of the Tefillin Shel Rosh versus tucking them into belt or gartel
Question: [Tuesday, 12th Kisleiv, 5783] I was wearing my Tefillin with my front straps of the Shel Rosh tucked into my Gartel and someone came over to me and said that it is not our custom in Chabad to do so. Is this accurate, and if so then what do […]
Katlanis-Remarrying after two or more deaths of previous spouses
Katlanis-Remarrying after two or more deaths of previous spouses r”l:[1] Widow: A woman who became widowed twice [was married or Halachically engaged/Mekudeshes twice, and each of her husbands passed away during the marriage, or after the Kiddushin before the Nessuin[2]] is not to remarry a third time as she is […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Setting up Neigal Vaaser near bed-A custom for all, or a made up stringency
Question: [Monday, 11th Kisleiv, 5783] I was listening to a very popular radio show which features a very well-known and respected Rav and leading Posek who answers questions from listeners on the radio. One of the listeners asked him if there’s any source for the custom of some Jews to […]
May one sit by the corner of a table- does it affect your chances of getting married
May one sit by the corner of a table-and does it affect your chances of getting married? Many of the populace are accustomed for single men and women not to sit by the corner of a table as doing so prevents one from finding a Zivug.[1] There is no known […]