Understanding Kiddush Hachodesh and the Jewish Calendar–Part 1 *Important note: The Halachos in this chapter are based mainly on the rulings of the Rambam in his section on Kiddush Hachodesh. Although there exists several other opinions in Geonim and Rishonim regarding certain topics discussed here, they are beyond the scope […]

Question: [Sunday, 28th Shevat 5783] Shmuel Kunda of blessed memory is renowned for his story takes for children. To the best of my knowledge, I understand [as is self-evident] that at least some of his stories are fabrications. I was wondering regarding the story of the longest Pesach if you […]

Bal Tosif by Tzitzis-May one wear more than one pair of Tallis Katan at a time? A. Introduction-The prohibition of Bal Tosif:[1] The Torah prohibits one from adding to the commands. The interpretation, however, of this prohibition varies based on the type and form of addition and hence by every […]

Are raw Kosher eggs Muktzah on Shabbos?[1] Although raw foods that are not edible unless cooked are generally Muktzah on Shabbos[2], nevertheless, it is evident from the Poskim[3] that raw [Kosher[4]] eggs are not Muktzah on Shabbos and have the same status as any other edible food.[5] [Thus, one may […]

The speed of Chazaras Hashatz & The problem of Amen Yesoma: A. Introduction:[1] Answering Amen to a blessing contains a number of laws and restrictions. The proper answering of Amen is so severe that Ben Azaiy states in the Talmud that on one’s form of answer is dependent the longevity […]

Question: [Wednesday, 16th Shevat 5783] I bought a large amount of cutlery that needs to be immersed in the Keilim Mikveh I would like to know if I can just put them all in a bag or basket or pitcher or cup and immerse it all at once, or if […]

Forgiving your honor as a parent-Part 2:[1] Mechila in matters of fear: Some Poskim[2] rule that the ability for a parent to forgive his honor only applies to those matters that a child has to perform out of honor for his parent, however, those matters that a child has to […]

Question: [Sunday, 21st Shevat, 5783] I will be flying next week and will be arriving to my destination very close to midday. I do not like Davening on the plane as it is very difficult to concentrate as I’m sure you know. So, I have the option of Davening in […]

Forgiving your honor as a parent:[1] A father [or mother] who forgives his [or her] honor, his [or her] honor is forgiven. [This, however, only means that the children will not be punished for disrespecting him in such a case that the parent was forgiving of the respect. However, certainly […]

Is the Mitzvah to pray Biblical or Rabbinical?[1] A. Personal prayers-Praying in distress:[2] [According to all Poskim[3]] it is a Biblical command to Daven to Hashem in a time of need, when one is in a state of distress and requires Divine assistance. [Furthermore, this is the main intent of […]

Question: [Thursday, 18th Shevat, 5783] A few years ago, I became widowed from my husband, who did not have any children. My husband has brothers with whom I understand must perform Chalitza with me prior to me remarrying. It was really complicated to arrange so in the meantime, I simply […]

When to go shopping for Shabbos:[1] [In general,] it is better to go shopping for Shabbos on Friday, which is Erev Shabbos, than to go shopping on Thursday.[2] However, this only applies to readymade foods that do not require preparation to be fit to be eaten, such as beverages and […]

The constant Mitzvos: The Poskim[1] enumerate a list of Mitzvos that one has the ability to constantly fulfill throughout the day being that they are not limited to any specific time, place or action. These are: Belief in Hashem Not to believe in the existence of any other G-d. The […]

Question: [Wednesday, 16th Shevat 5783] We were married off during Covid by a local pulpit Rabbi in our area who was the Misader Kiddushin. The two witnesses for the Kiddushin were two individuals who are brother in laws of each other [married to wife’s sister. i.e. both are married to […]

The blessing over an earthquake:[1] Upon [feeling[2]] an earthquake one is required to recite a blessing. [This applies to an earthquake of any magnitude, so long as it is felt.[3] The reason the Sages established a blessing is because earthquakes are frightening events which convey a powerful message to the […]

Halacha health: Health directives relating to fruit consumption as found in Halachic literature *To note that the information below is a mere overview from Halachic literature, and does not reflect the current medical beliefs surrounding the healthiness of fruit in a diet, which may be different today than it was […]

Question: [Sunday, 14th 5783] My son recently got engaged to a girl whose name is Rachel. Now, my wife, the Chasan’s mother, is also called Rachel. [She has two names but is only called by her first name Rachel.] What should my son, and other children, do regarding saying her […]

Question: [Thursday, 12th Shevat 5783] I am a Chiyuv l”a and Daven every day for the Amud for the passing of my father Hakam. For the recital of the daily Tehillim that we say after Davening, I am accustomed to turn around and say it by the Bima [we have […]

The Geder of Davar Lach versus Davar Yaveish: May one reheat a wet and moist food on Shabbos-How wet is considered wet?[1] *Important note: This article does not deal with the subject of reheating congealed gravy, or foods with congealed gravy, on Shabbos. Melting congealed gravy on Shabbos contains both […]

Question: [Wednesday, 10th Shevat, 5783] Should one recite one’s children’s Tehillim? What is this a Segula for?   Answer:               Yes. It is an old tradition, reiterated by the Rebbe Rayatz, for one to read daily the chapter of Tehillim which corresponds to the age of one’s sons and daughters, and […]

Question: [Sunday, 7th 5783] Which direction is one to face by Kiddush Levana? I always thought that one is to face the moon and my friend told me last night to face Mizrach. Which is correct? Answer: One is to face Jerusalem [i.e. Mizrach in USA] upon saying Kiddush Levana, […]

Saying Yishtabach immediately after Az Yashir:[1] One is to recite Yishtabach immediately after Az Yashir, without making any interval in-between.[2] This applies even on Shabbos and Yom Tov. Thus, in the event that the Chazan is not yet up to Yishtabach, as commonly occurs on Shabbos and Yom Tov in […]

Question: [Thursday, 4th Shevat 5783] I am a Chabad Bochur, and the custom in my family has always been for my father to make Kiddush and have everyone else fulfill their obligation. I was recently told in my yeshiva that the Chabad custom is for everyone to make their own […]

When on Erev Shabbos is one to begin the preparations for Shabbos?[1] Begin the preparations in the morning:[2] One is to always wake up early on Erev Shabbos in order to begin working and preparing for the needs of Shabbos in the morning of Erev Shabbos.[3] Add in preparations also […]

Question: [Wednesday, 25th Teves 5783] I have two names, Shalom Dovber [or maybe even three?], and wanted to know how many Pesukim I should say for my name at the end of Shemoneh Esrei, one, only for my first name Shalom, or also a second Pasuk for my name Dov? […]

Examples of Ayin Hara in Halacha: Orach Chaim: Father and son by Aliyah:[1] From the letter of the law, it is permitted to call two relatives to the Torah for an Aliyah one after the other. This applies whether they are brothers or father and son. However, the custom is […]

Question: [Tuesday 2nd of Shevat 5783] I had a flight to catch and needed to leave my home at 3:30 AM to go to the airport to catch my flight. I prearranged with a Frum person who runs a car service for them to pick me up from my house […]

Married brothers and sisters living in the same city:[1] A. The warnings of Rebbe Yehuda Hachassid: Four siblings: Rebbe Yehuda Hachassid[2] states that it is proper for four married brothers or four married sisters to not live in the same city in order so they live good and lengthy days, […]

Question: [Monday, 1st Shevat, 5783] I have heard that in the future era in the times of Moshiach that we will travel to Jerusalem every Shabbos and Rosh Chodesh. Is this true and how will the traveling take place?   Answer: The prophet states that on every Shabbos and every […]

Is one to say Yaaleh Veyavo if he began the meal on Rosh Chodesh but is reciting Birchas Hamazon on Motzei Rosh Chodesh?[1] The dispute:[2] If one began a meal [of bread] on Rosh Chodesh [eating at least a Kezayis of bread during daytime prior to sunset[3]] and the meal […]

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:[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 […]

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:[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] […]

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:[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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Question: [Sunday, 22nd Teves, 5783] I Baruch Hashem was blessed with Tishe Kavim of Dibbur [i.e. I talk a lot] and have been often told that Hashem gives us a limited amount of words to speak so I should save some up for my later years. Is there any truth […]

Respecting the Tefillin-Part 2-How to carry the 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 wearing the Tefillin, […]

Question: [Thursday, 19th Teves 5783] How important is it to sing on Shabbos by the Shabbos table and does Chassidus talk about its importance? Answer: The Alter Rebbe in Torah Or discusses the importance and value of singing on Shabbos in order to bring oneself to Kelos Hanefesh. In his […]

On Shabbos, may one place hot food on a plate that contains food or liquid? Whenever one’s plate contains food on it, whether a solid or liquid, and one desires to place on it hot food, the question of Bishul [the prohibition of cooking food on Shabbos] arises. In certain […]

Question: [Wednesday, 18th Teves 5783] The other day I saw an individual remove his plastic box from his Shel Yad Tefillin prior to the blessing and then put it back on after the wrapping. Is there any reasons or source for doing so? I never take my box off the […]

Saying the names of the angels:[1] The Arizal was very careful to not verbalize the names of angels and considered it a prohibition. He abstained from mentioning even those names of angels which are written in Sefarim [and are known to all]. He was particular in this even when he […]

Question: [Tuesday, 17th Teves 5783] We have only girls and my wife is two months pregnant, may we still Daven for it to be a boy? Answer:               No. After 40 days from conception you may only Daven for the physical and spiritual health of the child, and not for its […]

Baking fish and meat in the same oven-Part 2-One after the other:[1] No residue:[2] It is permitted to bake fish in an oven in which one previously baked meat, and it is permitted to bake meat in an oven in which one previously baked fish, so long as the oven […]

Question: [Monday, 16th Teves, 5783] Our upstairs neighbors are a group of dorm students who are causing us to lose our sleep and our sanity. They blast music, stomp the floor, scream, at all hours of the night. We have tried in every way possible to speak with them and […]

Baking fish and meat in the same oven:[1] A. Simultaneously:[2] It is forbidden to bake fish and meat in the same oven, simultaneously.[3] Covered fish/meat: If the fish and meat are both hermetically covered in a way that vapor is not released during the baking, then everything remains permitted.[4] Furthermore, […]

Question: [Sunday, 15th Teves, 5783] The Rebbe and other Gedolei Yisrael have stated that we are found in the times of Ikvasa Demishicha and by the threshold of Yemos Hamoshiach. How is it possible to believe such a thing when so much suffering and tragedies still occur? Doesn’t this prove […]

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:[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 […]

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. […]

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 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 […]

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 […]

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: 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, […]

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 […]

Question: [Wednesday, 3rd Teves 5783] I was recently told that if a baby is found abandoned without any records of his identity, then the determination of his identity, whether Jew or Gentile is determined by the identity of the majority of the people in the area. Is this correct? Answer:               […]

Olives-The restrictions in eating olives due to fear of memory loss:[1] One who is accustomed[2] to eating olives, forgets his learning.[3] It can cause one to forget his learning of the past 70 years.[4] Pickled versus raw olives: Some Poskim[5] rule that this worry applies only to raw olives over […]

Question: [Monday, 2nd Teves, 5783] Is it necessary for the Chazan take three steps back and forwards before Chazaras Hashatz as we all do prior to starting our private Shemoneh Esrei? I heard that it is not neccessary, but always see all the Chazzanim doing it.   Answer: In the […]

Question: [Sunday, 1st Teves, 5783] We were away for Shabbos and will be returning home right after Shabbos. Where should we light the candles, when we arrive home, or by our current location before we leave? Answer: If you will not arrive back home late, then you should delay lighting […]

Lighting candles by both entrances if one who has two entrances to his home:[1] A courtyard [or house[2]] that has two opening [to the public] from two different directions[3] is required to have a Menorah lit by both entrances.[4] One Menorah is lit with a blessing while the second is […]

Shabbos Chanukah[1] This chapter is a compilation of laws relating to Shabbos Chanukah that have been gathered from all the chapters of the book. Further details of the particular laws can be found in their main subject in the relevant chapter. Mincha Erev Shabbos?[2] Mincha is prayed [early] on Erev […]

Shabbos Chanukah[1] 1. Mincha Erev Shabbos?[2] Mincha is prayed [early] on Erev Shabbos, prior to lighting the Chanukah candles.[3] [In a time of need, however, one may light the candles prior to Mincha.[4] If one is unable to Daven Mincha with a Minyan prior to candle lighting, it is better […]

Eating and doing Melacha before candle lighting:[1] When the time of lighting Chanukah candles arrives [each in accordance to their custom[2]] it remains forbidden to eat a meal, do work, or even learn Torah, until the candles are lit.[3] Half hour prior to candle lighting: Some Poskim[4] rule one is […]

Question: [Wednesday, 27th Kisleiv 5783] After lighting the menorah, I noticed that it was a little too close to the doorpost, and the flame can cause the wood door post to catch fire, so I moved the menorah which was on a stool a few inches away from the doorpost. […]

Question: [Tuesday, 26th Kisleiv, 5783] Is it true that all the holidays will be nullified in the future era except for Chanukah and Purim? Is there a source for this? Answer: The Sages state that in the future era, all the Holidays will be nullified with exception to Purim and […]

Where are students who dorm [i.e. Yeshiva Bochurim, seminary girls, college students, soldiers on base] to light the Chanukah candles-In their dorm room, or dining room?[1] A. Background: Their lighting obligation:[2] Bochurim [single Yeshiva students, as well as Bochurot, single girls] who live in Yeshiva [or seminary] do not fulfill […]

Question: [Monday, 25h Kisleiv, 5783] I run a store which works late hours and wanted to know if I can fulfill my obligation of lighting candles by lighting candles in the store such as in my office where I spend a lot of my time during the day at work? […]

Question: [Sunday, 24th Kisleiv, 5783] I was wondering what is the law if I will be going on Mivtzaim to help other Jews light Chanukah candles, and in some cases I will need to say the blessings for them. Number one, is it permitted for me to say the blessing […]

Question: [Thursday, 14th Kisleiv 5783] I am currently in Israel and have a gentile employee in the United States and wanted to know if it is permitted for me to converse with him after Shabbos is over for me in Israel, but while it is still Shabbos in the US? […]

Question: [Wednesday, 20th Kisleiv 5783] I came a little late for a Seuda and there were no more whole loaves available, as they were all broken into. Is there any preference regarding which of the broken loaves I say Hamotzi over such as a small broken loaf versus a large […]

Question: [Tuesday, 19th Kisleiv, 5783] I tried to keep up with the Daf Yomi and daily Rambam, but often due to time constraints and due to simple lacking of Talmudic skills it can happen that I don’t understand anything that I read on the Daf or Rambam, or understand it […]

If one is traveling overnight [i.e. plane, car] what is he to do about lighting Chanukah candles?[1] A. Background Halachos: Relying on one’s family’s lighting:[2] One who is staying as a guest in another person’s home during Chanukah, is not obligated to light candles if his wife [or other family […]

Question: [Tuesday, 22nd Kisleiv 5781] According to the Chabad custom, when should we initially light the candles? I’ve heard so many different things such as immediately after sunset or anytime between sunset and nightfall or immediately before nightfall or 10 minutes after nightfall. Which one is correct?   Answer: According […]

Question: [Sunday, 10th Kisleiv, 5783] Is it possible for angels to sin? I am a bit confused about the subject as everyone always says that angels can’t sin and that’s why they are called angels and therefore they do not even have freedom of choice. This is the basic difference […]

Question: [Thursday, 14th Kisleiv 5783] I have a relative who works in investments and has offered members of our family a great financial opportunity to invest in a string of nursing homes which we hope will bring in a nice income. However, when I was discussing this with a friend […]

Measuring on Shabbos or Yom Tov for the sake of a Mitzvah & Shiureiy Mitzvah:[1] Regarding Shabbos the Poskim[2] rule that it is permitted to measure on Shabbos a Mitzvah measurement [i.e. Medida Shel Mitzvah].[3] However, regarding Yom Tov the Poskim[4] rule that is that it is forbidden to measure […]

Giving Tzedaka at night:[1] A. The law: Based on Kabbalah, one is to avoid giving charity at night [until midnight, if he is able to give the charity during daytime].[2] [However, from the letter of the law it is certainly permitted to do so, and it is not considered a […]

Question: [Tuesday, 12th Kisleiv, 5783] I was wearing my Tefillin with my front straps of the Shel Rosh tucked into my Gartel and someone came over to me and said that it is not our custom in Chabad to do so. Is this accurate, and if so then what do […]

Katlanis-Remarrying after two or more deaths of previous spouses r”l:[1] Widow: A woman who became widowed twice [was married or Halachically engaged/Mekudeshes twice, and each of her husbands passed away during the marriage, or after the Kiddushin before the Nessuin[2]] is not to remarry a third time as she is […]

Question: [Monday, 11th Kisleiv, 5783] I was listening to a very popular radio show which features a very well-known and respected Rav and leading Posek who answers questions from listeners on the radio. One of the listeners asked him if there’s any source for the custom of some Jews to […]

May one sit by the corner of a table-and does it affect your chances of getting married? Many of the populace are accustomed for single men and women not to sit by the corner of a table as doing so prevents one from finding a Zivug.[1] There is no known […]

Question: [Sunday, 10th Kisleiv, 5783] I was asked to switch the Chazan by Yishtabach, and I accidentally already finished Pesukei Dezimra and said Yishtabach by the time it came time for me to switch when the Chazan for Pesukei Dezimra reached Yishtabach. What am I to do? Answer: In such […]

Passing a baby over a table: Many of the populace are accustomed not to pass a child over a table.[1] There is no known source for this custom in any Jewish literature, and it certainly does not derive from the Talmud or Poskim.[2] The Halachic debate: Some Poskim[3] would negate […]

Measuring on Shabbos:[1] The prohibition:[2] It is forbidden to measure [or weigh[3]] anything on Shabbos [or Yom Tov[4]].[5] This applies whether with one’s hands or with a measuring tape [or with a vessel[6]].[7] This applies whether for business or personal related purposes.[8] [This applies whether one uses a mechanical or […]

Question: [Thursday, 7th Kisleiv 5783] I borrowed an item from an individual and will be seeing them on Shabbos. May I return the item to them on Shabbos? Answer: You may only return a borrowed item on Shabbos if the individual has a use for the item on Shabbos. If […]

Dog owning prohibitions and restrictions:[1] A. The prohibition against owning a dangerous or intimidating dog:[2] It is [Biblically[3]] forbidden for one to raise a dangerous or vicious dog. [One who does so transgresses both a Biblical positive and negative command which obligates one to get rid of safety hazards.[4]] The […]

Question: [Wednesday, 6th Kisleiv 5783] Is the earliest time for Davening Mincha Gedola calculated as 30 minutes past midday, or as Shaos Zemaniyos. I am asking because I noticed in the calendar that they calculate Mincha Gedola as 30 minutes past midday throughout the year, and it does not change. […]

Married women covering their hair even when alone at home:[1] Some Poskim[2] rule that, from the letter of the law, a married woman is not required to cover her hair in the privacy of her home or room when no one else is around.[3] [According to this opinion, she may […]

Sleeping with versus without socks: A. The Halachic issue of removing the socks and revealing the feet:[1] Communities of people that never reveal the feet:[2] (In those areas that it is not common to ever walk with revealed feet, even in the summer, they must be careful to always have […]

Question: [Sunday, 3rd Kisleiv, 5783] In response to your recent article on the subject of avoiding drinking wine that was seen by Gentile, does this apply even to wine that is inside a kiddush cup? As it was witnessed by the Rebbe by Kos Shel Bracha that he poured wine […]

The significance of 12 years of age: When a girl turns 12 years of age she becomes Biblically obligated in Torah and Mitzvos.[1] Until that age she is considered a Ketana, and is Biblically exempt from keeping Mitzvos.   The completion of the entrance of the G-dly soul into the […]

Question: [Thursday, 30th MarCheshvan 5783] The kitchen department of our learning institution which contains a dormitory just purchased a warming cabinet which is meant to store food after it is already cooked so it stays warm. I would like to know if there’s any issue with us using this on […]

Question: [Wednesday, 29th MarCheshvan 5783] I am the Gabbaiy of a Shul and I have the following unusual question. One of the congregants in our synagogue is in a year’s long financial dispute with our set Baal Korei, in which a lot of bad blood has been created between them. […]

Are the souls of the dead aware of what’s happening below in this world? A. Sources which imply that the dead are unaware of the happenings of below: Koheles and Rebbe Yonason in Brachos: It states in the verse in Koheles[1] that “Ein Hameisim Yodim Meuma/the dead know nothing.” The […]

Cleaning the table before Birchas Hamazon-what is to remain-Full article?[1] A. Slices and crumbs of bread: Not to finish all the bread during the meal:[2] Whoever does not leave some bread on his table [throughout the meal[3]] will never see a sign of blessing [and doing so can cause poverty[4]].[5] […]