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Standing up for shmonei esrei when someone is already davening behind you

Question: If someone is saying birchos krias shema (sitting down) and the tzibur has already begun shmoneh esrei, is one allowed to stand up to daven shmoneh esrei even though there is someone behind him already davening? Answer: You can stand up to daven shmoneh esrei, because you are already in front of him, but preferable not […]

bracha on ground flaxseed

Question: A flaxseed wrap… what bracha?? Thanks so much!! Answer: On flaxseed whole or ground one should make shehakol. a) Majority of seeds used in conjunction with other foods so considered tafel (subsidiary) b) majority planted for the flax not for the seeds c) Mainly only health fads eat them so considered subsidiary. Therefore drops a bracha from […]

Is the interest on this Heter Iska compounded if that is not stated?

Question: I borrowed money from a family member over 15 years ago to save my home. Due to health and other factors, unfortunately I have not been able to repay it yet or make payments. The Heter Iska says “We have agreed to the condition that if the recipient will give 12% of the money […]

May mediation (גישור) be even a first option before beis din?

Question: Is it Halachikly valid to settle a dispute in mediation (גישור) as a first option even before beis din? I am referring to a religious Jew who is a certified mediator? Answer: There is a dispute amongst the Tannaim if a comprimise (פשרה) is permitted, forbidden or a mitzvah. The halachah is that it […]

Hot pareve food cooked in fleishig pot put into a milchig bowl

Question: I made a pot of black beans with all pareve ingredients in a fleishig slow cooker. I then accidentally put some of the very hot beans into a cold milchig bowl with a cold milchig spoon in it (the spoon was just sitting in the bowl; it was not used to serve the beans […]

Can I cut schach from a public tree without getting permission from the government?

Question: There is a tree on a small island in a public park where the palm branches are getting old and falling off anyway as there is no gardening there. Am I able to take my boat and cut some branches off (keeping it looking the same for the publics visual appearance/pleasure) without getting permission […]