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 […]
