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 […]
