Saying Kaddish

How Many Should be Saying Kaddish?

How Many Should be Saying Kaddish?

The Mitzva of Onah

The Simcha of Teshuva

Mechirat Chametz and Tevillat Keilim

The Bracha on Blossoming Trees

May I recite birkas ilanos when I see only one blossoming tree? Must it be a fruit-bearing tree? Must I recite this bracha in the month of Nissan? I live in Australia!

What Is the Significance of the Number 40 in Jewish Tradition?

Was Rivka Really 3 Years Old When She Married Yitzchak?

4. Listening to Music on Personal Electronic Devices

Chapter 8: The Customs of the Three Weeks

Some authorities maintain that just as one may not listen to live music during the Three Weeks, However, some permit listening to music on electronic devices.

7. Shaving

Chapter 3: Customs of Mourning during the Omer Period

A question arises regarding the issue of shaving during the omer period. May one who shaves regularly throughout the year do so during this period?

5. Weddings and Engagements during the Omer Period

Chapter 3: Customs of Mourning during the Omer Period

Now that we have discussed the duration of the mourning period, we will outline the laws of the various customs in detail

The Kipa Caper

A boy got hit by a car next to Rav Moshe Fienstien's house. What was Rav Moshe's surprising response...

Interesting Chol Hamoed Questions

What is going on?

Feeding the Birds

The Torah’s Instructions to Non-Jews—The Laws of Bnei Noach

The Name Heard Round the World

An amazing story about the true spiritual connection within the nation of Israel.

Trips during the Nine Days

I run a camp for children under bar mitzva during a period that includes the Nine Days. We usually take them on trips off campus once a week. Is it permitted to do so during the Nine Days?

Losing Miriam

Chukat 5779

Chukat 5779

Answering Amen to Hamakom Yenachem

Should a mourner (or others present) answer Amen to the words of consolation, “Hamakom yenachem etchem b’toch she’ar aveili Tzion v’Yerushalayim”?

Fasting on the Wedding Day

Rus, David, and the Prohibition of Marrying Moavites

The laws of Chodosh

The Mourning Period of Sefirah

What Are the Guidelines for Aveilus Observed During the Sefirah Weeks?

What Are the Guidelines for Aveilus Observed During the Sefirah Weeks?

The Logic Behind the Unusual Fast of the Firstborn

What type of fast is ta’anit bechorot on Erev Pesach? If it is a real fast, why do people use a loophole (taking part in a siyum) to get out of it?

Between Hope and Humanity

Shemini 5779

Shemini 5779

Davening Late with a Minyan

I went for Shabbat for a family simcha to a community with one shul, which started tefilla at 10:00 AM, after sof z’man tefilla. Was it better to daven with a minyan or by myself at the right time?

Carrying in Public and the Use of an Eruv

Part 2

Part 2

When May I Remove a Tree?

Part II

Part II

Muktzeh during Bein Hashemashot

May one “violate” muktzeh during bein hashemashot (=bhs; the time between sunset and nightfall treated as a doubt of day or night) based on the rule of sefika d’rabbanan l’kula (we are lenient in cases of doubt of a Rabbinic prohibition) even without a mitzva need. If not, why?

When the "I" is Silent

Vayetse 5779

Vayetse 5779

A Tale of Four Islands

Why is Hafrashat Challah So Important

The Halachos of Pidyon Haben

The Consolations of Mortality

Forgetting a Day of Sefirat Ha'Omer

What do we do when Pesach falls on Shabbat?

May I Enter the Room that I Sold to the Non-Jew?

Keeping Foods Cooked in Chametzdik Pots

Sometimes I have foods that I cooked in chametzdik pots without any chametz ingredients that I fail to finish before Pesach. May I keep them in the corner of the freezer and mark them as chametzdik? (I try to not sell chametz, especially if it was already cooked.)

How Is Our Maariv Structured?

Responsible Jews

Since parshas Netzavim alludes to the agreed covenant of one Jew being responsible for others, it is an appropriate time to discuss the laws and rules of what we call areivus.

Understanding the Prohibition of Avodah Zarah

The Book and Sword Wrapped Together, Given from Heaven

“If you follow my statutes … I will send rain in its time… and you will live securely in the Land” (Vayikra 26:3-5). The Midrash commenting on this pasuk explains that fulfilling the statutes brings a person to the World to Come. The pasuk (Yeshayahu 4:3) states: “Those who remain in Zion and are left in Jerusalem, all who are inscribed for life in Jerusalem shall be called holy.” This refers to one who delves into Torah, which is the tree of life as it says: “It is the tree of life for those who cleave to it” (Mishlei 3:18). Rav Elazar commented: The sword and the book were given wrapped together from Heaven. Hashem said: “If you keep what is written in this book, you will be spared from the sword, but if not, you will be killed.” This is learned from: “He drove man out and stationed the cherubim east of the Garden of Eden, the fiery ever turning sword, to guard the way to the tree of life” (Bereishit 3:24). The way refers to derech eretz and the tree refers to Torah (Vayikra Raba, 35:6).

“Ba’omer” or “La’omer”?

Which is the correct version of counting the omer – “… yamim la’omer” or “… yamim ba’omer”? Is there a content difference or only a grammatical one between them?

Double Wrapping Food in a Treif Oven

I know that sometimes when warming something in a not kosher oven or a milchig food in a fleishig oven, he double wraps the food. When is this necessary and why?

Color of the Inside of the Retzuot (Tefillin Straps)

Until recently, I had only seen tefillin retzuot blackened on one side, but when I went to buy tefillin for my son, the sofer suggested retzuot that are black on both sides. He says these are now common and preferable, and the price difference is modest. Which is better to buy?

The Melachah of Setting Fires

Practices of the Tochacha

The spirituality of listening

Doing Tevilat Keilim Before Giving Present

I often give glass s`alad bowls as presents. Is there any problem with doing `tevilat keilim on them before giving them to save time for the recipient or out of concern that they will not do tevila?

Separating Challah

“And you shall count” – The process of counting the Omer

Roasted Foods on Pesach

Is it permissible to eat roasted food at the seder, and if not, what is included?

Working at a Bakery on Chol Hamoed Pesach

I am the only religious Jewish worker at a bakery owned by non-Jews that has a hashgacha during the year but not for Pesach. I believe that if I take off for Chol Hamoed, they will fire me. May I work then?

Timtum Halev – Part I

Is there timtum halev [approximately, spiritual pollution of the heart] when one ingests non-kosher food in a halachically valid manner, e.g., based on bitul (nullification)?

Leaving Eretz Yisrael for a Trip

May one leave Israel for a short trip to, for example, enjoy Hashem’s creations that can be seen abroad?

Automatic Payment on Shabbat or Yom Tov

Eating before Kiddush

Semicha and Sanhedrin in the 19th - 21st Century

Hozer Ve-ne'or Laws

Chapter Seven-Part Two

Can Ĥametz That Was Nullified before Pesaĥ Regain Its Status ("Ĥozer Ve-ne’or") on Pesaĥ?

The Mitzva of Settling the Land of Israel (Yishuv HaAretz), in Our Day

This is the Way We Bake Our Bread!

Some Practical Questions about Hilchos Challah

The Minchah Prayer

Chapter Twenty Four-Part One

Chapter Twenty Four-Part One

Days on Which Tachanun Is Not Recited

Chapter Twenty One-Part Three

Chapter Twenty One-Part Three

Birkat Kohanim – The Priestly Blessing

Chapter Twenty-Part One

Chapter Twenty-Part One

Mentioning Rain and Praying for It

Chapter Eighteen-Part Two

Chapter Eighteen-Part Two

The Order of Amidah

Chapter Seventeen-Part Four

Chapter Seventeen-Part Four

Laws Pertaining to Tzitzit and Tefillin for Shacharit

Chapter twelve-part three

Chapter twelve-part three

Can i pray in other nusach?(part one)

Chapter six-part two

Chapter six-part two

?How we should dress for Prayer

Chapter five-part two

Chapter five-part two

Who Can Be Counted in a Minyan?

Chapter Two-part three

Can every ten men be a Minyan or are there other conditions?

The Spectrum of Muktzah Utensils

Historical View of Rav Mordechai Yaakov Breish (Chelkat Yaakov)

An Oven Used for Chillul Shabbat

How Binding is Minhag?

Should a person continue praying in the traditional style of his fathers’, or can he change? Educate children about the importance of marriage, and don’t stress the problems.

The Laws of 'Brit Milah'

This first commandment to the Jewish People symbolizes the history of the chosen nation - and much more.

Halakha on Abortion of Fetuses with Severe Abormalities

A fetus is considered a living entity in regards to certain laws, but there is no penalty of death for taking its life. What do the rabbinical decisors say?

The Special Mitzvah of Reciting Hallel

Abraham’s 10 tests and consequences

The parallelism between the ten trials of Avraham Avinu and other important tens.

The Kashrus of Raisin Juice and Wine

How can two kosher, pareve ingredients combine to become a product that can become non-kosher? A non-Jewish friend of mine makes her own raisin wine. Is this a kashrus issue like grape wine, or is it like cherry wine, which is usually kosher?

Keeping Kosher - Eating Out

Children in Diapers in Shul During Davening

HaRav Abba Berman zt”l, an appreciation

Rav Abba Berman once explained that superficial learning is like watching the hands of a clock move around its dial. In-depth learning, which he felt is the goal of all learning, is like “opening the back of the watch to see what makes it tick.”

It’s About Time - Bein Hashemashos

About Bein Hashmashot, the impact on important mitzvot, how will it affect the time of the bris? Dovening Minha, Shabbat, Rosh Hashana, the Gra and Rabbeinu Tam.

Milk Spoon in a Meat Sink or Dishwasher

Kashrut in a Nutshell

The Halacha of meaty, dairy and parve cutlery washed together in the sink or dish washer, with hot or cold water.

Bnei Noach and Korbanos

Can a Gentile bring a sacrifice to Hashem

Can a Gentile bring a sacrifice to Hashem? Is it considered idolatry? What about burning incense or Islam?

Must My Car and Table Observe Shabbos?

Is it forbidden to earn money on Shabbat from our rented property? How do Chazanim - Cantors, get paid for there prayer on Shabbat?

The Twentieth of Sivan

"I noticed that the back of my siddur contains a large section devoted to selichos for the 20th of Sivan, yet I have never davened in a shul that observed this day. What does this date commemorate?"

Tasting Non-Kosher Wine

Tefilat HaShlah

The Shlah's prayer for children education

The Shelah's Prayer (Tefilat HaShlah), is a prayer for education of children. Many say this beautiful prayer on Erev Rosh Chodesh Sivan, as the Shelah wrote in the introduction to prayer.

Staging a Fake Pidyon Haben

Showering on Shabbat

May someone soak an infected toe in hot water on Shabbos? May I take a quick dip in the pool on a Shabbos when it is 105 degrees in the shade? Is bathing on Shabbos permitted to alleviate a minor skin condition?

Shehecheyanu, Clothes, and Renovations During Sefira

Pumping Air from a Wine Bottle on Shabbat

Making Our Days Count

A Review of the Halachos of Sefiras HaOmer

Details About Counting "Sefirat Ha'omer", practical laws and interesting questions

Preparing Food on Yom Tov

Although most melachos are forbidden on Yom Tov, cooking and most other food preparation are permitted. Nevertheless, some types of food preparation are prohibited on Yom Tov. What is allowed, what is forbidden and what is the difference between these actions?

Writing on Shabbat

May I write my initials on a frosty window on Shabbos?, May I communicate with someone on Shabbos by making the motions of writing the letters?

Double Parashiyot

When is it a good idea to have doubles?

In most calendar years, our policy is to have several weeks when we read a double parsha so that we are able to complete the Torah every year and make a Siyum HaTorah on Simchas Torah. Why and when does this happen?

Using a Hand Masher for Cooked Vegetables

Playing Scrabble on Shabbos

Writing is counted among the melachos prohibited on Shabbos. Permanent writing is prohibited min haTorah, while temporary writing is prohibited only miderabbanan. Bringing together two complete letters does not constitute writing.

Hamapil for Those Who Take a Long Time to Fall Asleep

Wearing a Reflective Armband on Shabbat Without an Eiruv

What Would Rav Kook Say Today?

Renaming the Movement to "Religious - Zionist - Humanist"

If we claim that zionism is an integral part of religion or Torah, then why originate a new slogan ‘religious-zionism’, in place of the age-old title ‘religion’ or ‘Torah’? If there is a reason for the new slogan, is there a need for renaming it - "Religious - Zionist - Humanist”?

To rely on leniencies

Is one allowed to research and decide halachic questions oneself? Can one search out lenient opinions? Can one do so constantly for every question?

A Layman's Guide to some Halachic Aspects

What do I need to bring to a wedding? Who escorts the bride and groom down the isle? Finally, a short step by step birds eye view of the Jewish wedding.

Covering for Food on the Hot Plate

Shir Hyichud on Yom Kippur

Who wrote Shirei Yichud and What is it all about? An analysis on this Yom Kippur song.

seudat hodaya

Crock pot use on Shabbat

The Building of the Temple – What and When?

Roots

Every Jew is like the tree of the field. He is rooted in the solid ground of his ancestors’ legacy, roots of soul and tradition, and turns his head upwards yearning higher and yet higher heavenward. Ancestors’ legacy and love of G-od are those that guarantee the life of man – the tree – within the people of Israel

Uncanny Shabbos Regulations

“Prior to our marriage, I was taught that one may open cans on Shabbos, provided one does not reuse the can, whereas my wife was taught that this is strictly forbidden. Since I was taught by someone very knowledgeable and observant, there is something inconsistent here that I would like to understand.”

What Bracha Do I Make Before Smelling the Shavuos Flowers?

My husband brought me beautiful roses for Shavuos. Should I make a bracha before smelling them? I have noticed that sometimes there is no noticeable fragrance.

Performing a Proper Hesped

The Halachot of a 'Eulogy'

The Torah’s Instructions to Non-Jews—The Laws of Bnei Noach

The 7 Noahide Laws, Non-Jews and everything in between.

The Obligation to Divorce “Disgusts” His Wife

A wife stated that she cannot stand to remain together with her husband and gave strong reasons to support this. She told the regional beit din that she agrees to be categorized as a moredet (a wife who denies her husband conjugal rights) and thereby lose rights to payment of her ketuba in return for a get. The husband now is appealing beit din’s obligating him to give a get. [There is a financial dispute as well, which we hope to deal with next week.]

The Spurned Shadchan

Insights into the Financial and Halachic world of the Shadchan.

How Does a Heter Iska Work?

What is the prohibition of "Ribbit"? who does it apply on? How does the "Heter Iska" bypass the prohibition? and more...

The Death of a Tzaddik

Let’s Talk Turkey - ...and Prairie Chicken and Muscovy Duck.

Are prairie chicken Kosher? what about Turkey? The four Kosher Simanim and more...

Clean For Pesach And Enjoy The Seder

The Mitzvah of “Duchening” - Birchas Kohanim

The basic Halachot of Duchening, taking off shoes and washing hands, Why Is This Mitzvah Called Duchening? The connection between Duchening and dreams...

Some Contemporary Bishul Akum Curiosities

A summary of laws of "Bishul Akum" - non Jewish cooking.

The Halachot of Pidyon Haben

Halachot of Pidyon Haben. The time of the Pidyon, Cesarean births, can you give the Cohen a check? can a Cohen return the money? and more...

Pirkei Avot between Pesach and Shavuot

The Religious View of the Secular State of Israel

For many, this most basic question will formulate their decision whether to be religious-Zionists or not. Interestingly, the Rambam explains the celebration of Chanuka as thanks to Hashem for 200 years of Israeli Independence, even though the Maccabean Dynasty was not from the tribe of Judah and for most of that period was not religious! Why is it so important to have a Jewish State, even if not the ideal one?

Could Zionism Be Just Another False Messiah?

The fulfillment of so many prophecies including the ingathering of the exiles, the revival of the Holy Land, the Holy Language etc. raises the question: How do we know that this is definitely the redemption? How do we know this isn't just another "false messiah"- that there won't be another exile?

Centrality of Eretz Yisrael in Judaism

Why should a Jew make aliya to the Land of Israel? Can't one be a good Jew living in America? This article deals with sources to answer this most basic of questions and will hopefully answer why our Rabbis proclaimed: "Living in the Land of Israel is equated with the rest of the mitzvot combined!"

That a Cohen May Not Marry a Divorcee

A few days later, a royal emissary of the Empress Maria Teresa appeared at the rabbi’s home. The surprised rabbi realized that the wealthy Jew had broken the convention by which Jews did not involve non-Jews in their inner disputes. He had no choice.

The Musaf of Rosh HaShanah

The special meening of Tefilat Musaf on Rosh Hashana, omtting parts of Shmoneh Esreh and what we really ask for onRosh Hashana.

Anyone for a Giraffe Burger?

Which are the "Kosher Animals"? Are Giraffes and Baffalos Kosher? Can one rely on the Kosher Simanim even when there is no Mesorah?

Postponing Pregnancy

I will be getting married soon, God willing. I would like to know if I am permitted, according to Jewish law, to postpone pregnancy for two years in order to finish the majority of my university studies without the burden of pregnancy and parenting?

When Moshiach Comes

A summary of the different Brachot we will bless when the Moshiach will walk through the door.

The Great Crock Pot Controversy

Cooking on Shabbat is forbidden. How then can one slow-cook? What is a slow cooker and is it allowed?

The Rights of a Copyright Holder

What is the halachic background to copyright law? Does the Torah have a concept of intellectual property rights, meaning that someone who creates or invents an item is owner of his invention? May a rav prevent people from taping his shiur? May one copy computer software or music disks?

What I Borrow, I Must Surely Return

The Halachot, definitions and differences between Shaila and Pikadon. Loaning and borrowing.

Flying High - A Traveler’s Guide to Channukah

What does one do about Channukah candles in a hotel, while traveling and in other complicated circumstances?

How Do I Distribute My Tzedakah?

Who should I give Tzedaka to? How much? What are critical cases? How do we help them? Continuation

Preparing Food on Yom Tov

What food can be prepared on Yom Tov? What Melachot are allowed, What are not? All in detail.

Important Eating

Which Bracha do I make on a plate with two kinds of Brachot? This article defines Ikar and Tafeil in Brachot.

What Will the Neighbors Think?

The laws of Marit Ayim

Marit Ayin - What will people think - What is it all about? What am I obliged to do to avoid it and how is this related to Kashrut, Shabbat and more?

The Three Keys

"R' Yochanan said: Three keys the Holy One blessed be He has retained in His own hands and not entrusted to the hand of any messenger, namely, the Key of Rain, the Key of Childbirth, and the Key of the Revival of the Dead"

The Goats Brought Bears on their Horns

On being told that his goats were doing damage R' Hanina ben Dosa exclaimed, 'If this is true may bears devour them, but if not may each of them bring home a bear on its horns at evening.' In the evening each of them brought home a bear on its horns

The Laws Relating to Converts

The laws relating to Jewish converts are most astounding. Despite the criticism directed at the Jewish people on the grounds that Judaism is racist, the Torah teaches us that any non-Jew who earnestly seeks to join the Jewish people may do so.

The Brit of the Omer

Why are the days between Pesach and Shavuot called sefirat haomer instead of sefirah l’kabbalat haTorah? Why is the mitzvah of the omer accorded the special status of a brit? The answer to these questions reveal the true message behind the korban haomer;

Tree Planting - the Redemption Revealed

Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai said, “If while holding a sapling in your hand you are told that the Messiah is about to arrive, first plant the sapling and then go out to receive the Messiah.” Settling the land complements the advent of the Messiah.

As Though You Yourself Came Out of Egypt

The Anniversary of Rachel's Death

At present, Rachel the Matriarch continues to offer supplication on behalf of her children, Israel. Though they have returned “from the land of the enemy,” they have yet to returned to their borders. Rachel is weeping, and her children weep with her.

The Story of the “Unetaneh Tokef” Prayer

The holiday approached and Rosh Hashanah arrived. Rabbi Amnon of Mainz asked his relatives to bring him to the synagogue with all of his dismembered organs and to place him by the prayer leader. We can well image the atmosphere in the synagogue.

A Woman's Obligation to Pray

According to most authorities, women are no less obligated to pray than men. Therefore, they must pray “Amida” in the morning and the afternoon (“Shacharit” and “Mincha”). The evening Amida prayer (“Maariv”), on the other hand, is voluntary.

Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda Kook - A Biographical Overview

Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda Kook served as Head of the Merkaz HaRav Yeshiva for thirty years. During these years, an entire generation of students was nurtured upon a philosophy which combined the Torah of Israel, the nation of Israel, and the land of Israel.

Between Passover and Shavuot

The essential message of Passover is that the Almighty dominates and rules over His creation, while Shavuot focuses upon God's role as king. Both these traits find expression in the Omer counting, which is reckoned both according to days and weeks.

Morning Prayer Times

How early may one begin praying in the morning? When is it too early to recite the Shema? When is it too late? Should mountains be taken into account when calculating the sunrise? Rabbi Eliezer Melamed addresses these and other pertinent issues.

Building the Temple Today

Just as the time for the Redemption is dependent upon Israel's merit, so the nature of the redemption depends upon Israel's worthiness. The sages teach, “If they are worthy - with Heavenly clouds; if they are not - a peasant riding on a donkey” (Sanhedrin 98a).

Mourning Customs During the Omer

The days between Passover and Shavuot are marked by pain; twenty-four thousand of Rabbi Akiva’s students died therein. Consequently, it is customary to observe mourning practices during this period - weddings, haircuts, and dancing are all forbidden.

Aaron, Moses, and the High Priesthood

Parashat Shmini

“Moses and Aaron went into the Tent of Meeting, and they came out and blessed the people, and God’s glory appeared before the entire nation.” Moses had the power to channel the blessing earthward and Aaron had the capacity to receive it for the entire Nation of Israel

Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk: The Pioneering Rebbe

It would appear that his thirst for closeness to God, and his great longing for the Holy Land - the land wherein the Divine Presence rests - shook his inner being so strongly that no worldly enjoyment could compare to living in the land of Israel.

"And Zion said, 'God Has Abandoned Me!'"

It is forbidden to use arrogance in a contemptuous manner, placing oneself above others, yet there are certain situations in which one has to be bold, not reserved, and to know one's self-worth. Our sages teach that in the generation of the messiah chutzpah will abound.

Parshat Shemini

The Mishkan: Dedication, Anticipation, and Crisis

Wedding Day. A Serious Lapse. Private Mourning vs. Public Joy

Parshat Tazria-Metzora

1. "Unpleasant" Laws 2. Rav Kook's Analysis 3. Ultimate Oneness

The Commandment to Settle the Land of Israel

Part 2

Part 2