*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buy in Paperback or Kindle [4 Volumes] Buy on Apple Books Purchase on our website Join Daily Halacha distribution list Sponsor an Episode Donate General rule of being Yotzei a blessing with another person The general rule: It is not intrinsically […]
From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A [Monday 6th Teves 5785]
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buy in Paperback or Kindle [4 Volumes] Buy on Apple Books Purchase on our website Join Daily Halacha distribution list Sponsor an Episode Donate Tzedaka & Teaching another Torah, refines one’s mind and heart 1000 times Action of Mitzvos has ability […]
From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A [Sunday 5th Teves 5785]
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buy in Paperback or Kindle [4 Volumes] Buy on Apple Books Purchase on our website Join Daily Halacha distribution list Sponsor an Episode Donate Should Chabad Chassidim recite Tachanun on Hei Teves? Question: [Sunday, 5th Teves 5781] Should Chabad Chassidim recite Tachanun on […]
From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A [Thursday 2nd Teves 5785]
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buy in Paperback or Kindle [4 Volumes] Buy on Apple Books Purchase on our website Join Daily Halacha distribution list Sponsor an Episode Donate Until what time at night may one light a Menora in Shul if it is not lit […]
From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A [Wednesday 1st teves 5785]
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buy in Paperback or Kindle [4 Volumes] Buy on Apple Books Purchase on our website Join Daily Halacha distribution list Sponsor an Episode Donate My olive oil bottle from last year smells off. May I use it for the Chanukah lighting? […]
From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A [Tuesday 30th Kisleiv 5785]
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buy in Paperback or Kindle [4 Volumes] Buy on Apple Books Purchase on our website Join Daily Halacha distribution list Sponsor an Episode Donate Women saying blessings for other men and women & Men being Motzi women Woman: Mitzvos that they […]
From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A [Sunday 28th Kisleiv 5785]
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buy in Paperback or Kindle [4 Volumes] Buy on Apple Books Purchase on our website Join Daily Halacha distribution list Sponsor an Episode Donate Is setting an alarm on my phone a valid reminder to allow me to eat a meal […]
From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A [Thursday 25th Kisleiv 5785]
If a pregnant woman craves a non-kosher food, may she eat it? Only if she smells it and craves after it and not giving her to eat the food is deemed a danger either for her or her fetus, and there is no other way of calming her down and […]
From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A [Wednesday 24th Kisleiv 5785]
When is the earliest time that a Shul can light the Menorah with a bracha? Plag Hamincha. The Shul’s Menorah may only be lit with a blessing from after Plag Hamincha. Thus, if there is an early Minyan of Mincha Gedola, or even Mincha Ketana but before the time of […]
From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A [Tuesday 23rd Kisleiv 5785]
The source and reason behind age 13 being the age of Bar Mitzvah The source and reason behind age 13 being the age of Bar Mitzvah: When a boy turns 13 years of age, he becomes obligated in Torah and Mitzvos. Until that age he is considered a Katan, and […]
From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A [Monday 22nd Kisleiv 5785]
Saying a blessing on behalf of another if one was already Yotzei the Mitzvah [i.e. Kiddush, Havdala] One who was already Yotzei, or is not currently being Yotzei, the Mitzvah:[1] A person who already fulfilled his obligation of a Mitzvah, [or did not yet fulfill his obligation, but plans to […]
From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A
I am in the hospital for Chanukah. Should I light my own candles or am I Yotzei with my husband? You are to light your own candles, or be Yotzei with the general candle lighting taking place in the hospital, if such a lighting is taking place [i.e. dining room]. […]
From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A
Should one make a Farbrengen Friday night this year that it falls on Chaf Kisleiv? Yes. The Rebbe spoke very painfully in 1984 of the fact that no farbrengen was held Friday night that year, and asked for this mistake to not be repeated. The Rebbe stated that there should have […]
From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A
New Articles Every Jew is needed to fulfill the worlds purpose The purpose of creation – To know G-d: It states in the Zohar that the purpose of creation of man was in order for him to know G-d. The intent of this statement is as follows: Our physical world […]
From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A
True holiness is achieved through Mitzvah fulfillment True holiness is achieved through Mitzvah fulfillment: Our sages teach us that abstinence from pleasures brings towards holiness and holiness brings towards humility and humility brings towards fear of heaven. Now, the main aspect of holiness is accomplished through the fulfillment of Mitzvah’s, […]
From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A
The bigger you are, the greater your angel Everything has an angelic source in the upper spiritual worlds: [Likkutei Torah Balak] There is not one creation within this physical world or revealed spiritual worlds of above, known as Alma Desiglaya, which does not have a root and source above in […]
From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A
The power of song in Avodas Hashem All of the elevations take place through song: In the future era we will experience 50,000 Jubilee elevations. This means that the world will experience a revolutionary change and promotion in its G-dly experience every 50 years for a total of 50,000 cycles […]
From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A
Why are there so many details in Jewish law to validate a Mitzvah? How Mitzvah’s refine sparks of holiness found within physical objects: Each and every physical object within this world contains within it great sparks of holiness that fell into it from the spiritual world of Tohu as a […]
From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A
If the Tzitzis of a corner became invalid and needs to be replaced, does it affect the Kashrus of the Tzitzis of the other corners and require it to be replaced? If the Tzitzis of a corner became invalid and needs to be replaced, does it affect the Kashrus of […]
From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A
The power of will and its ability to change pain to pleasure Man contains total control over his will and desires: Our sages teach us that all that is required of man to be successful in serving G-d is for him to nullify his will and desires in face of […]
From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A
Does the prohibition of Onas Devarim apply against offending a gentile? A gentile: Some Poskim[1] rule that the prohibition of Onas Devarim does not apply against verbally oppressing a gentile. [The above does not mean that one is permitted or encouraged to verbally oppress a gentile, but that simply doing […]
From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A
Importance of verbalizing words of Torah and not learning in mere thought The two forms of writing – Ink versus Inscription: The verse states, “Im Bechukosaiy Teileichu/and if you walk in My statutes [then you will receive the following reward].” The use of the term Bechukosai remains to be understood […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Latest articles and Q&A
May one attach two sides of his clothing using a safety pin? May one attach two sides of his clothing using a safety pin?[1] Regarding making it into a double stitch: Some Poskim[2] rule that this should not be done. Others[3] rule that so long as it is not meant […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Latest articles, Q&A on spas, bris
May one bathe for pleasure purposes during the 12 months of mourning for a parent [i.e. Jacuzzi/spa] Yes. After the conclusion of Shloshim, starting from the morning of the 30th day, the mourner may bathe and shower without restriction, and hence there is no restriction against using a Jacuzzi or […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Q&A on Jacuzzis and churches
May one daven or learn Torah in a hotel room that contains a Jacuzzi, such as a couples Zimmer? May one daven or learn Torah in a hotel room that contains a Jacuzzi, such as a couples Zimmer?[1] Yes. It is permitted to study Torah and Daven in such a […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Q&A on RC Kisleiv & More
When to celebrate birthday and Bar/Bas Mitzvah if born on the 30th of Kisleiv Question: [Monday 2nd Teves 5782] Today the 30th day of Kisleiv, we Baruch Hashem had a baby boy. I am wondering when this boy will celebrate his birthday in future years when there isn’t 30th day […]
From the Rav’s Desk – Q&A on after birth care and more
Is a husband obligated to provide his wife with cleaning help after birth Is a husband obligated to provide his wife with cleaning help after birth?[1] Some Poskim[2] rule that a husband is obligated to hire a worker to help his wife after she gives birth in order so she […]
From the Rav’s Desk – Q&A on Kerias Hatorah & More
Mourner during Shiva is tenth man and is a Kohen – What to do? What should be done in a Shiva home if the mourner is a Kohen or Levi and is the 10th man for the minyan regarding leaving the room by the Aliyah of Kohen or Levi? He […]
From the Rav’s Desk – Q&A on Does G-d need us
Does G-d need us? A balanced solution from the Alter Rebbe to a much debated subject Does G-d truly not know whether to desire the actions of the righteous versus the actions of the wicked? [Likkutei Torah Tzav] The Midrash Raba on Bereishis writes on the verse, “Vayehi Or/And there […]
From the Rav’s Desk – Q&A on Shlichus & More
Every Jew is a Shliach Every Jew is an emissary of G-d and contains His power of attorney: In Jewish law we find a concept known as Shlichus, otherwise known as an emissary who contains power of attorney to perform certain actions on behalf of the sender. For example, it […]
From the Rav’s Desk – Q&A on Yartzites & More
Should a grandson say Kaddish and Daven for the Amud on the Yahrzeit of a grandparent? Should a grandson say Kaddish and Daven for the Amud on the Yahrzeit of a grandparent?[1] Kaddish: If the deceased did not leave a son to say Kaddish for him then a grandson, whether […]
From the Rav’s Desk – Q&A on Eily, Kerias Hatorah and Kugel
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 […]
From the Rav’s Desk – Q&A’s on Tefilas Haderech and more
When is the earliest time in travel for one to say Tefilat Haderech? Must it be said after a certain distance away from the city? On the road versus within the city:[1] Tefilas Haderech is to be recited after leaving the city and its outskirts, which is defined as the […]
From the Rav’s Desk – Q&A’s on Tachanun and more
Is Tachanun said in Shul when a Sandek is present during the Minyan? Tachanun is omitted in a Minyan in which a person who will be a Sandek that day is participating in, even if the Bris will not be taking place in that Shul. Tachanun is recited in the […]
From the Rav’s Desk – Q&A’s on Thunder and more
If one both saw lighting and heard thunder together or one right after the other how many blessings should one say If one both saw lighting and heard thunder – How many blessings to say and which one:[1] If one saw lightning and heard thunder simultaneously [or one after the other […]
From the Rav’s Desk – Q&A’s on Shloshim and more
When does the Shloshim end for those who sat Shiva between Yom Kippur and Sukkos? The Shloshim ends eight days after Simchas Torah, which in the year 5785 falls out on Shabbos the 1st of MarCheshvan. Hence, all the laws of Shloshim end Shabbos morning. Background: The holiday of Sukkos […]
From the Rav’s Desk – Q&A’s on burial and more
Must one bury the ash that remains after cremation if a Jew was cremated Chas Veshalom? The cremated ashes of a Jew do not require burial. If they are buried, they are not to be buried in the regular part of the cemetery [not even in the non-Shomer Shabbos section] […]
From the Rav’s Desk – Q&A’s on women covering hair and more
Why must a married woman cover her hair? Question: Why must a married woman cover her hair according to Judaism? I have heard many things said including that it is because the hair is very holy and therefore must be covered? Is this true? And if so why not cover […]
From the Rav’s Desk – Q&A’s on Kashrus & More
How to Kasher a dairy vessel that became Treif due to absorption of meat, or vice a versa? Question: I accidentally used a clean meat baking pan to bake dairy pizza in my dairy oven. Is it possible for me to kosher my baking pan with Hagala or must it […]
From the Rav’s Desk – Q&A’s on Davening and more
Forgot Mashiv Haruach and remembered right away Question: [Monday, 15th Mar Cheshvan, 5781] If one forgot to say Mashiv Haruach Umorid Hageshem, and remembered at the end of the blessing prior to saying Hashem’s name. Should he go back and say it, should he say it then, or she just continue? […]
From the Rav’s Desk – Q&A’s on Immersing Bein Hashmashos
May a woman immerse in the Mikveh during Bein Hashmashos of her 7th day in a time of need, such as to catch a flight and the like? May a woman immerse in the Mikveh during Bein Hashmashos of her 7th day in a time of need, such as to […]
From the Rav’s Desk – Q&A’s on Yom Tov
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 […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Shaalos Veteshuvos on Peyos & More
Placing the Peyos behind or covering ears Placing the Peyos behind or covering ears:[1] A person should avoid covering his ears with his Peyos during Shemoneh Esrei and throughout Davening. [Some[2] learn that one is to be particular in this throughout the day and not just during prayer. Some[3] learn […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Walking behind one’s Rebbe & More
Walking behind one’s Rebbe Question: Is it permitted for one to walk behind his Rebbe? Answer: It is forbidden for one to walk to the side of ones Rebbe as this appears as if one views himself equal to his Rebbe and he is considered an ignoramus, and rather […]
From the Ravs Desk: Q&A on Fish, feeding employees and an angry Get
Eating Live Fish Question: I have a theoretical question regarding the kashrus of fish. May one eat a live fish? Does it have a prohibition of Eiver Min Hachaiy? Answer: While the prohibition of Eiver Min Hachaiy does not apply to live fish and hence it is permitted to […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Women saying blessings
Women and girls saying blessings Question: I met an elderly Jewish woman at an old age home who when I asked her if she would like to say a blessing over candle lighting before Shabbos, she was very excited to do so, however asked me if it was allowed for […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Khat arla, Mi Shebeirach for Ger, nice vessel for Mayim Achronim
The status of the Khat leave regarding Arla and Teruma Umaasros Question: Is one required to separate Terumos Umaasros from the Khat plant whose leaves are used for chewing and swallowing the juice that comes out upon chewing it. The leaves are then spat out and not actually swallowed. […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Shaalos Veteshuvos on Aliyos, Bed Sharing, Shemoneh Esrei doubts
Sephardim don’t call up by name for Aliyah to the Torah Question: I was by a Sephardic Minyan and was motioned to go up to the Torah, and when I told the Gabaiy my name he did not repeat it and officially call me up and simply encouraged me to […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Shaalos Veteshuvos on October 7th & More
An ancient day of danger – Tekufas Tishreiy on October 7 An ancient day of danger – Tekufas Tishreiy on October 7 Question: Someone mentioned to me that the secular date of October 7th is traditionally a day of bad omen according to Judaism, and is associated with danger. Looking […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Shaalos Veteshuvos on Shimshon and Goliath and More
Was Shimshon the father of Goliath? Was Shimshon the father of Goliath? There indeed exists a tradition that Shimshon fathered Goliath, the infamous Philistine enemy of the Jewish people who was later famously killed by King David. The tradition is as follows: It states in the book of Judges chapter […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Shaalos Veteshuvos on Maaser for weddings and more
May a Nazir eat grapes? Or is he prohibited from both grapes and wine? May a Nazir eat grapes? Or is he prohibited from both grapes and wine? It is Biblically forbidden for a Nazir to eat grapes, raisins, grape seeds, grape peels, or any grape derivative. Of course, he […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Shaalos Veteshuvos on Haircuts & More
Getting a haircut in the afternoon Question: Is there any issue with getting a haircut in the afternoon? I’m not referring specifically to Erev Shabbos but to any day of the week, as someone told me that you should not get a haircut in the afternoon. Answer: Although some […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Shaalos Veteshuvos on Mincha Erev Shabbos & More
Davening Mincha after accepting Tosefes Shabbos Davening Mincha after accepting Tosefes Shabbos:[1] One may Daven Mincha even after accepting Tosefes Shabbos, and so is the widespread custom.[2] However, once one has accepted Itzumo Shel Yom [such as Davening Maariv] he may no longer Daven Mincha.[3] [1] Implication of Admur Seder […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Shaalos Veteshuvos on Choshen Mishpat
Fencing a slanted roof Question: Is a slanted roof exempt from requiring a fence around its parameter to prevent people from falling? I know that there is a command to place a fence around the roof of one’s home, and my questions regarding whether this applies also to a slanted […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Shaalos Veteshuvos on Gittin
Husband Appointing Shliach/Sofer/Eidim for Get through Telephone Question: Can a husband who desires to give a Get to his wife who is overseas appoint a Shliach to arrange the Get on his behalf [i.e. Sofer, Eidim, a Shliach Holacha], via telephone or must he appoint them in person, face to […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Shaalos Veteshuvos on army and more
What was the Rebbe’s position or opinion regarding going to the Israeli Army? What was the Rebbe’s position or opinion regarding going to the Israeli Army? General population: Regarding the general concept of an individual [not specifically Yeshiva Bochurim] going to the Army, the Rebbe was not opposed to this, […]
From the Ravs Desk: Shaalos & Teshuvos on ponzi schemes
When did the Rebbe begin distributing dollars on every Sunday? 11th Nissan 1986 Is there a source in Halacha against performing a Ponzi scheme which involves paying past loans using the new loans from other individuakls? Yes absolutely, performing a Ponzi scheme transgress several halachic prohibitions including: 1) Geneivas Daas, […]
From the Ravs Desk: Shaalos & Teshuvos on Tishe Beav
What is one to dip in ash by the Seudas Hamasekes of Erev Tishe Beav? The egg or the bread? I have heard different things and I am confused? What is one to dip in ash by the Seudas Hamasekes of Erev Tishe Beav? The egg or the bread? I […]
From the Ravs Desk: Shaalos & Teshuvos on Tishe Beav & More
I have the flu. Must I fast on Tishe Beav? I have the flu. Must I fast on Toshe Beav?[1] A person who is sick [to the point of being bedridden[2] even if it is not life threatening[3]] and needs to eat, is not required to fast on Tisha B’av. […]
From the Ravs Desk: Shaalos & Teshuvos on Tishe Beav & More
May one fly during the three weeks and nine days? May one fly during the three weeks? It is permitted to fly on a plane during the three weeks and nine days. However, one is to abstain from traveling to dangerous areas, or for the sake of pleasure or a […]
From the Ravs Desk: Shaalos & Teshuvos on Nine days & More
May children have water fights during the nine days? May children have water fights during the nine days? It is permitted to do so. The reason: The restriction against bathing in cold water during the nine days is merely a custom, and is not prohibited from the letter of the […]
From the Ravs Desk: Shaalos & Teshuvos on Bar Metzra & other matters
Is the Mitzvah of Bitachon part of the Taryag Mitzvos? Is the Mitzvah of Bitachon part of the Taryag Mitzvos? Some Poskim[1] include the Mitzvah of Bitachon as one of the 613 commands.[2] ___________________________________ [1] Chareidim ibid; Shaareiy Teshuvah of Rabbeinu Yona 3:17; Bahag 144; Rash Ibin Gabriel Azharos 31; […]
From the Ravs Desk: Shaalos & Teshuvos on Tefillin & More
If I start work before Mi Sheyakir, may I put on Tefillin after Alos, and if so which Alos may I follow? If one knows that he will not be able to put on Tefillin the entire day, even for a moment, may he put them on in the early […]
From the Ravs Desk: Shaalos & Teshuvos on Nine Days and More
On Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av, may one eat meat and listen to music Lekavod Rosh Chodesh? On Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av, may one eat meat and listen to music Lekavod Rosh Chodesh?[1] All laws and regulations that apply during the nine days, begin to apply starting from sunset of the […]
From the Ravs Desk: Shaalos & Teshuvos on Nine Days and Shema
Is there a concept of stepping on the clothing prior to the nine days or during the nine days in order so they are not considered freshly laundered? Is there a concept of stepping on the clothing prior to the nine days or during the nine days in order so […]
From the Ravs Desk: Shaalos & Teshuvos on Washing and more
May I give my two-year-old a bottle to drink prior to washing his hands in the morning? May I give my two-year-old a bottle to drink prior to washing his hands in the morning? Yes. It does not state anywhere in Poskim that one may not hold onto vessels that […]
From the Ravs Desk: Shaalos & Teshuvos on Tzitzis & More
My Tallis Katan tore vertically by the middle front edge, between the two corners, creating another two corners. Is it still Kosher? My Tallis Katan tore vertically by the middle front edge, between the two corners, creating another two corners. Is it still Kosher? Yes, the Tzitzis remains valid [so […]
From the Rav’s Desk – Q&A on mens Mikveh
Is an aboveground pool valid for mikvah for a man if no kosher mikvah is available in his area? Is an aboveground pool valid for mikvah for a man if no kosher mikvah is available in his area? Above ground pools are invalid for immersion, even for the sake of […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Shaalos & Teshuvos on the three weeks
May one go swimming during the three weeks? May one go swimming during the three weeks? It is permitted to go swimming past the 17th of Tammuz, up until Rosh Chodesh Av, the start of the nine days.[1] There is no basis for the notion that one who did not […]
From the Rav’s Desk: May one allow a person to bring his dog into a Shul?
May one allow a person to bring his dog into a Shul? It is disputed amongst the Poskim as to whether there is an intrinsic prohibition against entering a dog into a shul, with the Rebbe taking a lenient approach in the event that the person cannot go to shul […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Repaying a person who on his own initiative paid one’s debt on his behalf
Purchase “From Rav’s Desk” Q&A’s 3 Volumes* *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Reddit Email Join Daily Halacha distribution list Sponsor an Episode Donate Questions: I had a $1000 debt to my local Kosher grocery shop who allows me to buy on credit […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Shaalos & Teshuvos on bathroom and more
Must one urinate in private with a closed door and without other people present? What about urinals? Must one urinate in private with a closed door?[1] From the letter of the law, there is no need to be particular about urinating in private with a closed door.[2] Practically however when […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Shaalos & Teshuvos on Davening & More
May one recite Pesukei Dezimra out loud? Although it states in the Talmud and Poskim that one is not allowed to pray out loud, this refers specifically to the prayer of Shemoneh Esrei, while by the other sections of prayer, not only may one pray them out loud, but furthermore […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Shaalos and Teshuvos on Misc. subjects
When passing someone a food, may one take from the food before he takes? When passing someone a food, may one take from the food before he takes? It is common belief that table etiquette requires an individual to first pass the food that he is asked to pass down […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Shaalos and Teshuvos on going to the Ohel
May one visit the Ohel at night? While some avoid visiting a cemetery at night, the widespread custom is to visit graves even at night. This applies especially to the gravesite of Tzadikim. Explanation: There is no source for prohibiting visiting a cemetery at nighttime. Nonetheless, some avoid doing so and […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Shaalos and Teshuvos on Rav Yehuda Hachassid and others
Is there a source for what I heard that one should not be the first person to live a newly built home due to danger? Yes. So is written in the teachings of Rva Yehuda Hachassid, as discussed below in legnth. See: https://shulchanaruchharav.com/halacha/building-a-house-on-new-ground-warning-of-rav-yehuda-hachassid/ May women or girls walk around without […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Shaalos and Teshuvos on Tanach and other subjects
Was Yael, the wife of Chever the Kini who killed Sisra, Jewish? Was Yael, the wife of Chever the Kini who killed Sisra, Jewish? Some write that Yael was not Jewish, and her husband Chever Hakini was a Ger Toshav.[1] Others write that she was Jewish.[2] Some write that she […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Shaalos & Teshuvos on Burial & More
Does a Menorah require Geniza? Can I thrown an old Menora straight to the garbage bin? A Menorah does not require Geniza, and be discarded even directly into a garbage. See https://shulchanaruchharav.com/halacha/does-a-menorah-require-geniza/ Is there any source for an individual shoveling earth into a grave seven times by a burial? Yes. Some […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Shaalos & Teshuvos on Melicha
Do Sephardim soak the meat before salting as do Ashkenazim? Yes. Explanation: According to the Michaber, there is no obligation to soak the meat for any specific amount of time, but it rather suffices to simply rinse it well. This is because the Michaber does not suspect for the opinion […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Shaalos & Teshuvos on Parshas Shelach and others
Were the Meraglim really Reshaim? The Mefarshim[1] explain that, unlike the superficial understanding of the story in which one concludes the Meraglim were great Reshaim, in truth they were great Tzadikim and had good and holy intentions in their actions. In the wording of the Alter Rebbe[2] “They were on […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Shaalos & Teshuvos on Torah study
I heard that the Rebbe was opposed to authors writing summaries and learning from summaries. Is this accurate? Answer This is only partially accurate and depends on the type of summary that we are referring to. The Rebbe, in line with the directives of the previous Rabbeim [Rebbe Rayatz and […]
From the Ravs Desk: Shaalos & Teshuvos on Wedding Dates
Should one avoid getting married past the 15th day of the month in today’s times? Should one avoid getting married past the 15th day of the month in today’s times?[1] Although it is recorded in the Poskim[2], and so was the original custom[3], to avoid getting married past the 15th […]

