Was Eily the Kohen Gadol a descendent from Pinchas? Was Eily the Kohen Gadol a descendent from Pinchas & which family of Aaron merited the High priesthood, Elazar or Itamar? Eily Hakohen was a descendent of Itamar, the brother of Elazar, the father of Pinchas.[1] Initially, the High priesthood was […]
From the Rav’s Desk – Q&A on Shiva
After a fire comes wealth – Hashem blesses those who have fallen The Tzemach Tzedek[1], quoting from the Alter Rebbe in the name of previous Tzadikim, that after a fire [or any other calamity[2]] comes wealth. [In fact, the numerical value of burnt/Saraf in Hebrew is the same numerical value […]
From the Rav’s Desk – Q&A on demons and more
Is it true that in today’s times demons no longer exist? Is it true that in today’s times demons no longer exist? There is a very well-known saying that the Baal Shem Tov eradicated the demons from the world and therefore there are no longer any demons today. Is this […]
From the Rav’s Desk – Q&A on demons, haircuts and more
Do demons really exist? Do demons really exist? The Sages[1] mentioned the existence of demons in various places, and they are likewise mentioned in a verse[2] in scripture. It is hence imperative for a G-d fearing Jew who believes in the Torah and in the word of the Sages to […]
From the Rav’s Desk – Q&A on Meat and fish & More
Why do we avoid eating fish and meat together? Why do we avoid eating fish and meat together?[1] One must beware from eating meat and fish together due to that it can cause leprosy.[2] _____________________________________________________ [1] Michaber Y.D. 116:2; O.C. 173:2 “As it is difficult for Davar Acher, and Danger […]
From the Rav’s Desk – Q&A on Birthdays & More
Is there any Torah source for celebrating a birthday? Source in the Torah for celebrating a birthday: The Torah makes mention of a birthday celebration in reference to Pharaoh when he celebrated his birthday and requested his imprisoned head baker and vintner to appear before him, as predicted in Pharaoh’s […]
From the Rav’s Desk – Q&A on mezuzos and more
Attaching the Mezuzah to piece that extends from ones doorpost if there is no room to place the mezuzah on the doorpost May one attach the Mezuzah to a protruding piece of material that extends from ones doorpost if there is no room to place the mezuzah on the doorpost […]
From the Rav’s Desk – Q&A’s on Davening and more
What is the law if one who traveled to the Diaspora forgot to say Visein Tal Umatar between the 7th of MarCheshvan and the 5th of December? What is the law if one who traveled to the Diaspora forgot to say Visein Tal Umatar between the 7th of MarCheshvan and […]
From the Rav’s Desk – Q&A’s on Shidduchim for secular Jews & More
May one arrange a Shidduch for a non-religious couple who will not keep Taharas Hamishpacha? May one arrange a Shidduch for a non-religious couple who will not keep Taharas Hamishpacha? Many Poskim[1] rule that whenever we suspect that the couple will for certain not guard Taharas Hamishpacha, then it is […]
From the Rav’s Desk – Q&A’s on olives, onions, wine, Tzitzis
What is the Kavana to have when eating olives so they dont cause forgetfulness? Keil-Elokim-Matzpatz Background:[1] One who eats olives with the special meditation [i.e. Kavanah] does not get memory damage from it, as it is only the ignoramus who eats it without Kavana who gets damaged. [This intent is […]
