Question: [Sunday, 29th Teves, 5783] On Shabbos, as we were rolling the Sefer Torah, we noticed a tear in one of the pages. The tear starts from the top of the parchment and continues down until the second line of script in that column [i.e. it goes through two lines]. […]
Eating and drinking in a standing position
Eating and drinking in a standing position:[1] Health: There are three things which weaken a person’s body, and one of them is a person who eats or drinks while standing.[2] [This applies especially regarding breakfast, Pas Shacharis.[3]] Accordingly, while one eats, one is to either sit in his place […]
From the Rav’s Desk: A Diabetics Kiddush options-Making Kiddush and giving to another to drink
Question: [Thursday, 26th Teves 5783] I am a diabetic and I am on a strict diet, and under doctor’s orders I may not drink any wine or grape juice. My question is regarding what I should do regarding making kiddush on Shabbos for my family, as there are four options […]
The Mitzvah of Kavod and Oneg Shabbos
The mitzvah of Kavod and Oneg Shabbos:[1] A Biblical or Rabbinical precept: There are two matters regarding Shabbos that were expounded on by the prophets, which is [the Mitzvah] to honor Shabbos [i.e. Kavod Shabbos] and [the Mitzvah of] Oneg Shabbos.[2] These two Shabbos obligations [to honor and enjoy it] […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Bringing a baby with you to shul
Question: [Wednesday, 25th Teves 5783] My wife is out of town and left me our toddler to babysit for a few days. The first day I took him with me to Shul and nothing happened. However, the second day he began crying and screaming in middle of Shemoneh Esrei and […]
Ayin Hara-Part 2- Segulos to be saved from Ayin Hara
Ayin Hara Part 2-Segulos to be saved from Ayin Hara:[1] The following are some of these suggested Segulos to be used against the evil eye. These Segulos are to be respected, as following them is included in the Mitzvah of “Vinishmartem Meod Linafshoseichem.”[2] Saying Beli Ayin Hara:[3] One is to […]
Rulings of the Alter Rebbe that differ from the Tzemach Tzedek-Part 1
Ruling of Alter Rebbe that differ from Tzemach Tzedek-Part 1:[1] A. Background: The Alter Rebbe was divinely appointed by the Maggid of Mezritch[2] in the late 1760’s[3] to compile a new Shulchan Aruch which would arbitrate a final ruling amongst the various opinions in Halacha and compile the reasons.[4] This […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Avoiding fights in a community-Is there really such a thing as a Machlokes Lisheim Shamayim?
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 […]
