Respecting the Tefillin-Part 1-Showing respect to one who is wearing 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 […]
Making an overhand knot and opening such knots on Shabbos
Making an overhand knot and opening such knots on Shabbos:[1] A. Background: Two of the 39 prohibited Shabbos Melachos is Kosher and Matir, which is a prohibition against tying and untying knots on Shabbos.[2] In certain cases, they tying or untying of a knot is under Biblical prohibition, while in […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Using laundry clips on Shabbos
Question: [Thursday, 5th Teves 5783] I was learning from a Sefer on Shabbos and needed a clip to help hold down the pages of my book so it does not flip shut. My wife suggested that I take a laundry clip from the laundry line to use for this purpose. […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Making a safety fence around one’s pool
Question: [Wednesday, 11th Teves 5783] Must a pool have a fence surrounding it? We own an outdoor pool in our summer home which we also use to rent out as an air B&B and it does not have a fence surrounding it. While we specifically inform all of our guests […]
Public decorum regulations in Halacha-Performing appalling acts in front of other people
Public decorum according to Halacha-Performing appalling acts in front of other people:[1] [It is forbidden to perform an appalling act in front of another person, and one who does so will in the future be brought to judgment over it], as the verse in the end of Koheles[2] states “[Ki […]
From the Rav’s Desk: What to do if the tenth man arrives right before Kaddish
Question: [Monday, 9th Teves, 5783] It often happens that we do not yet have a Minyan when the Chazan begins Rebbe Yishmael, prior to Hodu, and then a tenth man arrives right before Kaddish, or we call 10th man right before Kaddish, and then right away say Kaddish. Someone however […]
The 10th of Teves-Checklist & Summary
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 […]
