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. […]
