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 […]
