One of the fascinating things about kodashim – matters pertaining to the sacrificial service of the Temple, and formerly of the Mishkan – is the power of the mind. Whereas in other Torah matters, mental decisions and thought processes usually do not have legal significance, in the area of kodashim they figure prominently in a […]
Author Archives: Rabbi Yehoshua Pfeffer
Halachos of Making a Menorah
ParashasTerumah discusses making the vessels for the Mishkan – among them the Menorah.
The Gemara in three places (Rosh Hashanah 24a; Avodah 43a; Menachos 28b) establishes a prohibition of forming vessels that imitate the vessels of the Mikdash – including the Menorah. Specifically, the Gemara states that it is forbidden to form a Menorah of seven branches – but it is permitted to form a Menorah of five, six, or eight branches.
In the present article we will discuss this prohibition and its details. How is the prohibition defined and what is its severity? Is the prohibition restricted to making a seven-branched Menorah, or is it also forbidden to keep and use one? What changes can be made to permit the Menorah?
These questions, among others, are discussed below.
Liability for Expenses Incurred in Legal Proceedings
More often than not, when two parties are involved in a legal dispute of any kind, expenses will be incurred. These expenses can include legal fees (payment to attorneys), loss of work, travel expenses, and others. Secular law (in the great majority of countries) recognizes some of these expenses as valid legal claims. In a […]
Covering Hair for Divorcee
Is there any heter for a once married woman to stop covering her hair once she is divorced? Whether married for 1 month or 1 year? Answer: Even after a short marriage, a divorced woman must cover her hair. Yet, the halachah concerning a divorced or widowed woman is less severe than the halachah concerning […]
Moving Shabbos Lamp
Can a Shabbbos lamp be moved in order to better direct the light or one may only slide the cover over the light bulb? Answer: If the light bulb used is a LED source or fluorescent, it seems that it is permitted to move the Shabbos lamp to better direct the light. Although a candle […]
Shaving Pubic Hair
Is my husband allowed to shave his hair on his lower body if I would like it? (P.s. We’re religious so not looking for heter if not ok) Answer: It is not permitted to shave the pubic area for cosmetic and beautifying reasons. Best wishes. Sources: The Torah prohibits a man from beautifying himself in […]
“For Bribery Blinds the Wise” – Halachos of Bribes Today
This week’s article deals with the halachic issue of bribery – a prohibition found in this week’s Parashah, which the Torah and Chazal treat with great severity. What king of bribery is prohibited? When does bribery invalidate both judge and judgment? Moreover, does the prohibition apply only to judges, or does it extend to those holding public office? These questions, and more, are discussed in this week’s article.
Damage By a Car in Torah Law
Parashas Mishpatim presents us with an opportunity to discuss Torah monetary law, the basis for which is found chiefly in thus parashah. Specifically, we wish to discuss the Torah laws of damages (tort) – a central part Jewish civil law, which occupies a large part of Maseches Bava Kama.
A question, that was recently raised, will serve as the springboard for our discussion. Driving down a narrow street, Levi inadvertently brushed the side of a parked car, causing a small dent. Yaakov, the owner of the damaged car, was amicable enough, and it was agreed that the damage issues will be settled between them in Beis Din.
What are Levi’s obligations towards Yaakov? How are a damages by a car classified in Torah law? Does Jewish law recognize an obligation to pay for repairs? Does the negligence or otherwise of Levi figure in the question?
These questions, and others, are addressed below.
Abortion in Torah Law
This article discusses the Torah approach to the sensitive issues of abortions. What is the source for the prohibition against abortions, and which particular transactions are involved? When can an abortion be permitted according to Torah law? What is the status of a fetus carrying a genetic disease? These delicate questions, among others, are discussed in the present article.
Timer for Hot Plate
Is it permissible to place a cold solid food on a hot plate (controlled by timer) which is switched off, but is due to come on a later time? I also understand that Rav Moshe Feinstein was against the use a timer for anything other than lights. Is there any reason that one should be […]
Preparations for Shabbos: Laws of Friday
One of the Ten Commandments in Parashas Yisro is Shabbos. The Shabbos imperative to rest reminds us of Hashem’s creating the world in six days, and His resting on the seventh. So central is the observance of Shabbos that we are commanded no less than twelve times in seven different parshas to sanctify the Shabbos. […]
Giving Charity in Geulah
What is the halacha if I am at the Kotel or in Geula and there are many people collecting money, am I obligated to give each one? Does it make a difference if they specifically ask me or if they just hold out their hand ? Thank you. Answer: If you were to give each […]
Washing Hands After Bathroom and Before Bread
Hi. Whats the proper actions for one to do in a circumstance when one uses the bathroom and must wash his hands right before he also wants to wash for bread? Must he wash his hands twice or one time is enough for both? Thank you. Answer: There are three options for somebody who uses […]
Shoveling Snow on Shabbos
Is one permitted to shovel on Shabbat if there is so much snow that he cant get to shul unless he shovels his way? Thank You Answer: Yes, this is permitted. This applies where there is an eruv or in a private domain, where there is no concern for carrying. Best wishes. Sources: There are […]
Voting and Elections in Halachah
Parshas Beshalach records the first trials of Moshe’s leadership. Twice in the parashah we find the nation complaining to Moshe – once concerning a lack of food, and once a lack of water. The wording of the complaints is particularly harsh. In the first instance, the people even expressed regret at having left the bondage […]
Bo-Basic Principles of Reading from the Torah
One of the few enactments that Chazal attribute to Moshe Rabbeinu is the requirement to read from the Torah. This basic requirement applies to Monday, Thursday, Shabbos and Yom Tov (Rambam, Hilchos Tefilla 12:1; the primary source is the Mishnah in Megillah 31a, and the Yerushalmi which explains that this is an enactment of Moshe). […]
Mezuzah for Elevator Door
Should or should not put mezuza in elevator lobby on your floor (considering that has 4 x 4 amot and is Jewish only)? Answer: According to many authorities there is no obligation to place a mezuzah on an elevator door. However, some dispute this, and doing so is therefore worthy practice. Best wishes. Sources: Rav […]
Non-Jewish Parents Escorting to Chuppah
Can non-Jewish parents escort their convert child on their son/daughter’s wedding day, considering that they wouldn’t be under the chuppah? Answer: It is permitted for a non-Jewish parent or parents to be under the Chuppah. It is even correct to honor them, as parents who brought up their child, with being present there. For the […]
Medicine and Health-Related Activities on Shabbos
One of the most practical halachic issues on Shabbos is using medicine, and performing treatments or other health-related activities on Shabbos. Although the details involved are numerous and we will not be able to encompass all of them in a single article, we will try this week to present the general principles that govern taking […]
Appointment of Judges in Halachah
In Parashas Yisro we learn of how the first judicial system in Israel came to be established. Initially, upon the departure of the Jewish People from Egypt, there was no “system” to speak of. Parties who had cause for adjudication would present their arguments before Moshe, the great leader of the nation, who would pass […]
Inviting non-Observant Guests for Shabbos
are we allowed to invite someone to our Friday night shabbat meal if he is Jewish but doesn’t know a lot about shabbat or judaism and may perhaps come in a car? (we know that this person might gain from being present at a shabbat meal since they have enjoyed one before) thank you very […]
Tearing on Shabbos
Under what conditions can one rip on shabbos? Ex: opening up a box of tissues or an unopened item that is is gift wrapped. Answer: The laws of ripping on Shabbos are complex. In general, there is greater leniency in tearing a box in order to reach its contents, as we see from the Yerushalmi […]
Washing until the Knuckles
Kitzur 1:3 says אך בשעת הדחק די עד קשרי אצבעותיו, Could you please clarify which knuckles and if the knuckles themselves shouls be washed> Thank you! Answer: The knuckles are the points at which the fingers connect with the hand. The idea is that although it is best to wash the entire hand, if one […]
Fridge for Chametz on Pesach
Question: My mother-in-law has a non-Jewish helper. They will both be residing at my sister-in-law during Pesach, this year. The helper brings her own non-kosher (chametz) food with her during Pesach. I have several questions about how she might store it during the week: 1 – Can she store it in the regular Pesach fridge […]
Sheva Berachos without Minyan
If there is no minyan do you Sheva brochos and situation if there is no new person. Answer: If there is no minyan, one does not recite all of the Sheva Berachos, but if there are three men the Asher Bara blessing (the last of the seven) is recited. Some also say the Devay Haser […]
Assault in Torah Law
This article deals with the Torah prohibition against assault, an issue we meet in Parashas Shemos in the “two Hebrew men fighting” that Moshe saw. When is it forbidden to hit others, and when does the prohibition not apply? What is the rule concerning smiting the wicked, and how does this halachah match the narrative mentioned in our parashah? What are the parameters of the prohibition against raising one’s hand against another? We will discuss these questions, and more, in the present article.
Assault in Torah Law
In Parashas Shemos we have our first encounter with Dasan and Aviram – two wicked men destined to become painful thorns in the sides of Israel. While quarreling with each another the two men were coming to blows, at which time Moshe Rabbeinu asked the aggressor (Shemos 2:13): “Why would you strike your friend?” Rashi […]
Using Baby for Melachah on Shabbos
Hi May i use my 1 and a half year old to be my “shabbos Goy” to turn off lights etc.? Answer: It is not permitted to instruct a child to perform a melachah that involves a Torah prohibition. According to the majority of rishonim and poskim, telling the child to perform a melachah is […]
Grandfather Using Maaser for Tuition
Can one use Maaser money in order to pay for the Jewish education of their grandchildren. If so, could you point me in the direction of some sources on the matter. Thanks! Answer: According to many opinions a grandparent is education of his grandchildren. Based on this, even if parents are unable to provide for […]
Terumah for Slaves
Can a woman in a priestly family feed her slaves t’rumah? (is she even considered the owner of her own slaves?) Thank you. Answer: Yes, this applies to men and women alike. A woman can be the owner of a slave, just as she can own any other asset. Best wishes. Sources: See Rambam, Hilchos […]
Bringing In Garbage Bin on Shabbos
Can one move their garbage bin from the street curb to their house on shabbos in order to use it? Will it make a difference if the bin is empty? Or if it’s on Yom tov? Answer: It is permitted to move the garbage bin if it is empty, but not if it is full. […]
Order of Tachanun / Uva LeTzion / Aleinu
If the Tzibur is saying lamnatzeach mizmor ldovid at the end of shachris, and I fell behind and am still in the middle of or didn’t start yet ashrei (either I just finished shmone esreh and didn’t start tachanun, or I’m in the middle of Tachanun, or I just finished Tachanun), should I skip to […]
Workers Losing their Income due to Competition
Somebody wants to open a shop near another equivalent one. He estimates that the other shop will still stay in business just fine but may have to fire a few of their workers. Can they protest the opening of his shop because for those workers it is Mafsid Chiyusei Legamri? Answer: This is an interesting […]
Eating More Before Benching
Sometimes a person will eat a Kabeiyah of bread at a Sheva abrachos or Shabbos table at the beginning, and then there’s Divrei torah and speakers or talking, etc. for 2-3 hours later WITHOUT EATING. Should one eat a kabeiyah at the end of 2-3 hours later in order to bench? Answer: If you still […]
Kissing Sisters and Hearing them Sing
Is it permissible to hear my sister sing? Is it permissible to touch her? Answer: It is customary in many places to permit Kol Isha for sisters. Although some equate a sister with other girls, and some write that it is praiseworthy to be stringent, one may certainly follow the most lenient opinion and permit the […]
Shaving Pubic Hair
Is it permissible to shave pubic hair? Answer: It is not permitted for a man to shave his pubic hair, unless there is a medical reason for this. Best wishes. Sources: The Torah prohibits a man from beautifying himself in the manner of women, and it is therefore prohibited to shave one’s body in places […]
Company Air Miles
I own a business and have a silent partner. I own 51% of the business and my partner owns 49%. When I purchase material for the business I typically use my AMEX card so that I can accrue points that can later be used for airline tickets. The credit card is under my personal social […]
Saying Christmas
Is it permitted to say the word “christmas”? Answer: This is permitted. Although it is not permitted to say the name of idols and gods, in this case the reference is to the festival alone, and not to any deity, and this does not involve any halachic problem. However, some prefer to use Xmas. Best […]
Kiddush with Disposable Cup
Can one make kiddush using a plastic disposable cup? Also, can one use a shnapps cup with shnapps in it that’s less than reviis to make kiddush? Answer: It is better to find a real (silver, glass, china) cup for Kiddush, but where nothing else is available one can use a disposable cup. For the […]
Lending Money for Prohibition
‘My Jewish friend is in business of importing non kosher wine from France. He has found a deal to buy, but he is short in capital. he has asked me to invest in this deal, with 20% return. He is not shomer Shabbat and his business is open on Shabbat. Can I invest in this […]
Leaning on the Bimah
May one lean on a bimah (used for a Sefer Torah)? Answer: It is permitted to lean on the Bimah, in particular when learning etc. Best wishes. Sources: In general, one cannot use something set aside to serve a Sefer Torah (or other article of kedusha – tashmish kedusha) for something with a lower level […]
Asking Forgiveness: How and for What?
In Parashas Vayechi we find that Yosef is asked by his brothers to forgive them for the offenses they committed against him.
The Torah writes (Bereishis 50:15-18): When Yosef’s brothers saw that their father had died, they said, “What if Yosef holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” So they sent word to Yosef, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died… I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you badly.”
The Torah says that Yosef wept upon hearing the words, and then replied: “Do not be afraid – for am I in place of G-d? You intended to harm me, but G-d intended it for the good, to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
What remains unclear from the verses is the question of Yosef’s forgiveness: Did he actually forgive his brothers, or not?
Rabbeinu Bachya (50:17) gives the following answer: “Whoever has hurt another is not forgiven until the victim is appeased, even though he has repented. Now, even though the verses mention that Yosef comforted them and spoke to their hearts, which gives the appearance that Yosef forgave them, we nevertheless do not observe anywhere that in fact he did forgive them and put aside the wrong they had done to him. They thus died with their sin, without Yosef’s forgiveness. It is for this reason that their sin required some type of release, which occurred with the [death of the] Ten Martyrs.”
The passage teaches us the importance of procuring forgiveness from one’s fellow after harming him or causing him hurt, and in the present article we will focus of the halachic aspects pertaining to requesting forgiveness.
For which sins is there an obligation to ask forgiveness from one’s fellow? Is there a concurrent obligation to confess and to repent before Heaven? What is the nature of the request for forgiveness, and is there a need to detail the sins? These questions, among others, are discussed below
Matters of Custody: Best Interest of the Child
In Parashas Shemos we learn of the heroic deeds of the Hebrew maidservants, Shifra and Pu’ah, who decided to refrain from performing the wicked decree of Pharaoh. The king of Egypt had declared that they should kill all Hebrew infants. They, however, were not prepared to do so, and rather “revived the infants” (Shemos 1:18). […]
Shemos: His Name in Israel Shall be…
This week’s parashah, and with it the book of Shemos, begins with a listing of the names of the Children of Israel. Several sources indicate the importance of names in Jewish tradition, and this week’s article is dedicated to matters of naming children. Why should one avoid the names of wicked people? Is it proper to name a child by non-Jewish names? When, in naming a child after somebody, should one be wary of ‘evil omens’? When is it right to change a name? These questions, and more, are discussed in this week’s article.
Hearing Women Singing
Is a man allowed to listen to a women singing? Answer: It is not permitted to listen to a woman singing if the performance is “live.” For recorded voice, there is some room for leniency. Best wishes. Sources: The Rambam (Issurei Biah end of Chap. 21), the Rosh (siman 37) and the Tur (Even Ha-Ezer […]
Giving Stam Yeinam Wine to Non-Jews
Stam yainam is d’rabanan, modeled on yayin nesech model. Is there a hanaa issue also? Can I re-gift it to a non Jew? Answer: The status of stam yeinam for purposes of deriving benefit depends on who produced it. If the wine is manufactured by non-idolaters, it is permitted to derive benefit from the wine […]
Water Before Kiddush
Can I drink water before having made Kiddush Shabbos night/morning? Answer: No, it is not permitted to drink water before Kiddush. It is only permitted to drink water on Shabbos morning before davening, the reason being that before davening the obligation of making Kiddush is not yet incumbent, so that the only problem is eating […]
Number of Strings on Gartel
What do the different number of strings represent on a gartel? I’ve heard it has to do with Kabbala? Shalom aleichem. Answer: The idea of a gartel is to make an “extra” (beyond one’s belt and pants) separation between the upper body and the lower body, for purposes of prayer. [In the past, this was […]
Regulations of Board of Education
I have a Special Degree certification and got an offer for a P3 job-this means that I will work directly with the parents, because they ‘hand me’ the hours to work with their child. I file the hours I work myself so I get paid by the Board of Education in New York. My question […]
Performing Mitzvos for Personal Benefit
It is very common that people sponsor learning, seforim or perform Mitzvos for Siyata Dishmaya. take challah and the like for:shidduchim, business,or refua of people not desperately ill. It seems from the Chochmos Odom that this is only appropriate in the case of the deceased or ill in life threatening situations. Please could you clarify […]