Question: [Monday, 9th Elul 5781] When taking a flight, when is the prayer of Tefilas Haderech to be recited? Should it be said on the airplane or on the way to the airport? If it should be said on the airplane, then should it be said after takeoff or before […]
Practical Q&A on which roofs are obligated in having a fence-Part 3
Q&A on which roofs require a fence If a non-commonly used roof is now decided to be commonly used, does it now become obligated in a fence?[1] Yes. Indoor Balcony [i.e. Hallway of upper floor]:[2] The balcony of an upper floor which oversees the lower floor is Biblically obligated […]
Which roofs are obligated in having a fence-Part 2
Which roofs are obligated in having a fence?[1] Beis Dirah-A roof of a home which is commonly used:[2] A guardrail is only obligated to be established to a roof of a home which is used for living purposes [i.e. Beis Dirah][3], and which its roof space is commonly used [for […]
From the Rav’s Desk: By which side is one to turn the head by an Aliyah
Question: [Sunday, 8th Elul 5782] In the Hayom Yom for the 4th of Elul we read that when receiving an Aliyah to the Torah and reciting the blessings, the person saying the blessing is to look towards his right. Why is this done, and why do I see many other […]
The Mitzvah to make a fence around one’s roof -Part 1-General rule and reasons
Making a fence around one’s roof:[1] כִּי תִבְנֶה בַּיִת חָדָשׁ וְעָשִֹיתָ מַעֲקֶה לְגַגֶּךָ וְלֹא תָשִֹים דָּמִים בְּבֵיתֶךָ כִּי יִפֹּל הַנֹּפֵל מִמֶּנּו” “When you build a new home and make a fence for your roof, and you shall not spill blood in your home when the faller falls from it” [Devarim […]
Mezonos bread on Shabbos-Using Mezonos bread for Lechem Mishneh and to fulfill one’s Shabbos Seuda
Mezonos bread on Shabbos-Using Mezonos bread for Lechem Mishneh and to fulfill one’s Shabbos Seuda:[1] * Important note: The law below applies equally to all Mezonos baked products, whether what is known as Mezonos bread, or cookies, cake, and the like which can potentiolly become Hamotzi if one sets a […]
Is one required to wash his hands after touching insects and non-Kosher animals?
Is one required to wash his hands after touching insects and non-Kosher animals? Background: Certain actions that are performed cause a spirit of impurity to reside onto the hands and hence requires one to [immediately[1]] wash his hands afterwards with water in order to get rid of the impurity.[2] Amongst […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Saying Hagomel if saved from car accident
Question: [Tuesday, 3rd Elul, 5782] I wanted to verify if the following occurrence in which I was saved from a potentially deadly car accident requires me to recite Hagomel? It was minutes after candle lighting on Erev Shabbos when I was driving with my kids in the backseat on a […]
The custom of pulling at the ear after sneezing-Myth, superstition, or authentic Jewish custom
The custom of pulling at the ear after sneezing-Myth, superstition, or authentic Jewish custom:[1] Some individuals, and God-fearing Jews, have the custom of pulling the [left[2]] lobe of their ear after sneezing.[3] Some pull at the full length of both ears, and not just at the earlobe.[4] Others pull at […]
The obligation to answer Amen to a Mi Shebeirach and to a blessing of a Jew
The obligation to answer Amen to a Mi Shebeirach and to a blessing of a Jew:[1] Whenever one hears someone blessing a Jew [or praying for a certain matter[2]], it is a Mitzvah[3] for the listeners to answer Amen to his blessing [or prayer[4]]. [This applies to all people who […]