May one distribute the charity for Yizkor already before Yom Tov? Yes. Some are accustomed even initially to already distribute the charity before Yom Tov, and then say in the Nussach “As I have given.”[1]] __________________________ [1] Gesher Hachaim 31:2-3; Nitei Gavriel 79:29 What comes first; Yizkor or the prayer […]
From the Ravs Desk: Shaalos Veteshuvos on Sukkah and other subjects
Repeating blessing over food when going back to Sukkah after entering saferoom due to a siren Repeating blessing over food when going back to Sukkah after entering saferoom due to a siren:[1] In the event that one needed to leave the Sukkah and enter a safe room [i.e. bomb shelter] […]
From the Ravs Desk: Shaalos Veteshuvos on Yom Kippur
Should married women who are impure [menstruating] immerse? Should married women who are impure [menstruating] immerse? It is permitted [and accustomed] for married women to immerse in a Mikveh on Erev Yom Kippur even if they are impure, and within Shiva Nekiyim.[1] Some[2] however write that a woman who is […]
From the Ravs Desk: Shaalos Veteshuvos on Rosh Hashyanah
Cutting nails on the day before Yom Tov Question: Am I allowed to cut nails on the day before Erev Yom Tov or does this at the same status as Thursday on which we don’t cut nails because it will grow back on the third day which is Shabbos, and […]
From the Ravs Desk – Shaalos Veteshuvos on Rosh Hashana foods that are avoided
Should one avoid eating almonds on Rosh Hashanah? Yes. Although the almond is not a true botanical nut, nonetheless, the widespread custom is to avoid eating it. Sources: Piskeiy Teshuvos 583 footnote 37 that so is the custom in many communities to avoid all nuts [pistachio, peanuts, almonds] and not just […]
From the Ravs Desk – Shaalos Veteshuvos on Tefillin
Black ink on the bottom surface of the Tefillin – Is it a Chatzitza Question: I gave my tefillin for checking and it came back with a lot of splashed ink on the bottom of the Tefillin? Is it valid? Is this a problem of a Chatzitza? Answer: If […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Shaalos Veteshuvos on Geirus
The minimum education required by Converts Question: I am a little confused regarding what a future convert is required to study in Judaism in order to be accepted as a convert. On the one hand, I understand that they have to go through a years long course of study and […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Shaalos Veteshuvos on Bikurim and more
Bikurim today Bikurim today Question: Does the Mitzvah of Bikurim exist today and what if someone designated a first fruit on his tree as Bikurim? We learned about Bikurim this past week in class and my teacher showed us a picture of a tree in her house in which she […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Shaalos Veteshuvos on Rosh Hashanah
Forgot to say Ledavid by Mincha Forgot to say Ledavid by Mincha Question: I forgot to say Ledavid by Mincha, may I make it up by Maariv? Answer: Seemingly it is better not to do so. However, one who does so have upon whom to rely. The reason: […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Shaalos Veteshuvos on Tefillin, Mezuzos & More
May one say Daven Shacharis without a Tallis Gadol if none is available? May one say Daven Shacharis without a Tallis Gadol if none is available? Question: May one say Daven without a Tallis Gadol? I had my tefillin checked and by the time I picked them up the next […]
