Question: [Tuesday, 21st Adar 1, 5782] I have heard many times that a person is not held liable for his sins and does not receive punishment until the age of 20? This would basically mean that all teenagers are not held liable for their actions. Is this true and how […]
Which child is obligated in Pidyon Haben-Part 1-Mother versus father, miscarriages, c-section
Which child is obligated in Pidyon Haben? Part 1 A. Firstborn son versus firstborn daughter: Only a firstborn son is obligated in being redeemed and not a firstborn daughter.[1] Likewise, only if the son was the firstborn child is he obligated in being redeemed. Thus, if a daughter was born […]
Drinking during Davening if thirsty
Drinking during Davening:[1] Once one has begun Baruch Sheamar, it is forbidden to drink until after Shemoneh Esrei [and Tachanun[2]].[3] This prohibition applies even between the paragraphs [i.e. Bein Haperakim]. However, prior to Baruch Sheamar, and after Shemoneh Esrei [and Tachanun], it is permitted to recite a blessing over a […]
From the Rav’s Desk: May the father of the child be the Sandek?
Question: [Sunday, 19th Adar 1, 5782] Is it permitted for the father of the child to be the Sandek for his own child rather than honor another individual? Is it praiseworthy for him to do so? Answer: Yes. It is both permitted, and praiseworthy and even customary, for a […]
Parshas Ki Sisa-Summary of the Parsha
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy now on Amazon.com Parshas Ki Sisa Pesukim: 139 [Siman: חננאל] Haftorah: Melachim 1 18:20[1]-39 Number of Mitzvos: There are Nine Mitzvos in Parshas Ki Sisa. Four positive commands and five negative command. A. Positive commands: 1. Mitzvah 105/Positive 44: […]
Parshas Ki Sisa-Likkutei Sichos: An analysis on the sin of the Golden Calf and how it was not true idolatry
Parshas Ki Sisa An analysis on the sin of the Golden Calf and how it was not true idolatry (Likkutei Sichos Vol.11 Sicha 1) In Parshas Ki Sisa, the infamous sin of the golden calf is relayed. This story of the golden calf aggravates many critical and wondrous questions at […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Warming fish with gravy on Shabbos
Question: [Thursday, 16th Adar 1, 5782] Is it permitted for me to warm a pan of fish with congealed gravy, on top of a pot that is on the Blech on Shabbos morning? The fish is fully cooked, but the gravy is congealed and will melt with the heat, but […]
Making a mark on the Challah before Hamotzi on Shabbos
Making a mark on the Challah before Hamotzi on Shabbos:[1] Background: The Mitzvah of having a whole loaf by Hamotzi: It is a Mitzvah Min Hamuvchar [even during the week] for the blessing of Hamotzi to be recited over a whole loaf of bread, and not to first cut it […]
Saying Aleinu Leshabeiach together with the congregation
Saying Aleinu Leshabeiach together with the congregation:[1] When the congregation recites Aleinu Leshabeiach, one is to say it together with them.[2] This applies even if one has already Davened, and just happened to walk into Shul at the time the congregation is reciting Aleinu.[3] It likewise applies if he was […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Kashrus of wheat straw plates for Pesach
Question: [Wednesday, 15th Adar 1, 5782] I would like to purchase wheat straw plates for during the year and Passover? Is there any Kashrus issue with using such plates on Pesach? Answer: There is no issue with using it, neither during the year, nor on Pesach, and hence you […]