From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A [Monday 27th Teves 5785]

Until where on the hand should one wash after the above actions?^[1]

The entire hand is to be washed until the wrist. At the very least, it is to be washed until the knuckles. [The evil spirit is definitely not removed if one merely washes the tips of the fingers.]

^[1] Ketzos Hashulchan 2:11 in name of Derech Chaim and Peri Megadim; M”B 4:38; Kaf Hachaim 4:64

Yes, if necessary to go to the Duchan. However, if possible he should avoid it even if it means not going to the Duchan and performing Nesias Kapayim from near it.

See Ashel Avraham Butchach 102; Minchas Yitzchak 8:10; Mishnas Yosef 4:5; Piskeiy Teshuvos 102:3; 128:19

Yes.

See Shulchan Hatahor 102:2; Dinim Vihanhags Chazon Ish 4:21; Halichos Shlomo 8:33; Yeshuos Moshe 3:4; Piskeiy Teshuvos 102:3

Daily Tehillim:[1] The daily Tehillim [part of Chitas] is recited after Davening. The Avel however is to recite it quietly and have the last verse recited aloud by another person.

[1] Custom of Rebbe Rayatz, written by the Rebbe in Reshimos p. 413 [printed in Shulchan Menachem 5:273] was to say it quietly; So was also the Rebbe’s custom, as told to me by Rav Groner “The Rebbe said Tehillim but did not say the last Pasuk out loud and rather someone else said it out loud.”; See the Yoman for 1988 that the Rebbe did not say the Tehillim [at least in a noticeable way]; From the Rebbe’s answer to Rav Tzinner it is implied that the Rebbe held that the Tehillim is not to be said.

The half Kaddish-Is an Avel during Shiva to recite the half Kaddish after the reading?[1]

Some Poskim[2] rule an Avel during Shiva is not to recite the Half Kaddish that follows Kerias Hatorah, even if he is generally accustomed to do so during the mourning period. Others[3] rule the Avel may recite it, and so is the Chabad custom.[4]

[1] See Nitei Gavriel 98:1

[2] Mili Deavos 1:2; Agudos Eizov 7

[3] Meishiv Halacha 2:220

[4] Nitei Gavriel ibid

Depends. If it is a small corridor which has no use other than leading to the bathroom, then it is exempt from Mezuzah. However, if it is used for other purposes, such as a closet space to store stuff, and to wash hands, then it should have a Mezuzah [without a bracha].

See Shevet Halevi 7:171; Pischeiy Mezuzos Chazan 286:29 and Miluim