Question: [Sunday, 12th Marcheshvan, 5783] Years ago when we were newly married, my husband and I got into a major fight and out of sheer anger my husband wrote to me a Get in his personal handwriting on a piece of paper and gave it to me. It was not […]
Reading the Haftorah to oneself versus hearing it from the reader
Reading the Haftorah to oneself versus hearing it from the reader:[1] It is an obligation upon everyone to listen and pay attention to the Haftorah, just as they must listen to the reading of the Parsha by Kerias Hatorah.[2] Accordingly, two people may not read the Haftorah together, out loud, […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Locking oneself in his/her room to prevent Yichud
Question: [Thursday, 9th Marcheshvan, 5783] My parents are going away, and are leaving me and my male cousin who lives by us to stay in the home. I know there is an issue of Yichud and would like to know if there is any way to make this work. We […]
Husband preparing the candles and pre-burning the wicks before Shabbos
Husband preparing the candles and pre-burning the wicks before Shabbos:[1] Preparing the candles:[2] Although the wife receives precedence in the Mitzvah of lighting Shabbos candles, nevertheless, it is proper for the husband to prepare the wicks and candles. [This is likewise the Chabad custom.[3] Thus, the husband is to set […]
From the Rav’s Desk: May an Avel Daven for the Amud in the 13th month by a leap year
Question: [Tuesday, 8th MarCheshvan 5783] The first Yartzite of my mother is next month. My question is whether it is permitted for me to Daven for the Amud in the 13th month, being that she passed away in a leap year. I already finished the 12 months of mourning, and […]
Breakfast in Halacha
Breakfast:[1] A. Its importance: It is proper for one to accustom himself to eating Pas Shacharis [i.e. breakfast, a small morning meal with bread].[2] This is in addition to his main meal [i.e. lunch, or early lunch] which is eaten later on.[3] One who does not eat breakfast, and only […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Does not remember when finished eating meat-waiting 6 hours
Question: [Tuesday, 7th MarCheshvan, 5783] I ate meat but am not sure exactly at what time I finished eating. It was either 3:00 or 4:00 in the afternoon. What am I supposed to do about waiting six hours. Must I be stringent to wait until 10:00, or can I eat […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Taking three steps back when person behind is in middle of Shemoneh Esrei
Question: [Sunday, 6th MarCheshvan, 5783] I know that it is forbidden to take three steps back at the end of Shemoneh Esrei if someone in back of me is still in middle of Shemoneh Esrei and within your 4 Amos. However, I heard that this only applies if the person […]
Sleeping during daytime-Health, Halacha & Kabbalah
Sleeping during daytime:[1] Sleeping at night versus daytime-Health:[2] Natural sleep is best when it takes place at night. [The Sages state that the nighttime was created for the sake of sleep.[3]] However, sleeping during daytime hours is damaging to the body with exception to those who are accustomed to this. […]
From the Rav’s Desk: The blessing over Chulent
Question: [Sunday, 5th Marcheshvan, 5783] When eating Chulent outside of a meal, what blessing should I recite? Mezonos, Sheakol, Hadama, or all three? My Chulent has barley, wheat, potatoes, and meat. Answer: If the ingredients include barley or wheat, and the Chulent is cooked down to the point that the […]