For Matanos L’evyonim donations Click Here

Dreams and Halachah: A Halachic Appraisal of Dreams

In Parashas Vayeishev we learn about the importance of dreams. Yaakov Avinu, the Torah informs us, “kept the matter” of Yosef’s prophetic dreams, anticipating their future fulfillment. Ultimately, the dreams were realized when Yaakov and his sons were brought before Yosef, after he had been made the Egyptian viceroy. Later in this parashah as well […]

Renting Property for Christian Funeral Service

May one rent out a funeral room out to goyim that will have church services in it during that time? Answer: Yes, one can be lenient for this. Sources: The question of renting a house for purposes of Church services is debated by authorities, and depends on the classification of Christianity as idolatry. However, in […]

A Jewish Shabbos-Goy: Asking others to do labor

A Jewish Shabbos-Goy: Asking a Friend to Perform an Act of Labor on Shabbos In this week’s parashah, Parashas Vayishlach, Chazal find the first mention of keeping Shabbos by one of  the Avos. On the verse (Bereishis 33:18), “and he camped before the city,” the Midrash writes: “He arrived as the sun was setting, and […]

Sleeping with Head or Feet Facing Door

Is there a problem in halacha or minhag of sleeping with your head or feet facing the door? Answer: It is fine to sleep with one’s head facing the door. Concerning feet, please see below. Best wishes. Sources: There is a custom not to sleep with one’s feet pointing towards the door, and it is said that […]

Deception – “Theft of the Heart”

This week’s article deals with the prohibition of geneivas daas, deception or creating false impressions. Although many maintain that this is a full Torah prohibition, there remains little awareness of it, and it is all too easy to transgress it without even noticing. What is the definition of the prohibition? Is it related to theft, or to morality? Is there a difference between financial matters and other matters? These questions, and others, are discussed in this week’s article.

Traveling and Daytrips on Sukkos

As Sukkos is approaching, this article will address the issue of eating and sleeping outside the sukkah during trips taken during Chol Ha-Mo’ed.

Chol Ha-Mo’ed provides many with an opportunity for a family daytrip, and outings are likewise organized by youth groups and other organizations.

Can sandwiches be taken and eaten on such trips during Sukkos, even where there is no sukkah in which to eat them? If the trip extends overnight, is there an obligation to find a sukkah in which to sleep? Is it lechatchilah to arrange such trips at all?

We will seek to answer these questions by researching the subject from its first principles.

Principles of Faith for Conversion

When someone converts to Judaism, aside from kabbalat hamitzvot are they also asked to accept the rambams 13 principals of faith? What if the convert does not believe in Torah min hashamayim or holds some belief that is questionable, is that something they are interviewed about and would it passul the conversion? Answer: According to […]

Kiddush Early on Rosh HaShanah

Im having elderly people over for Rosh hashana. Can I make Kiddush early after Plag on the first night, second night, and this year Friday night? Please answer asap. Thank you. Answer: Yes, under the circumstances you can make Kiddush early on both nights. Best wishes. Sources: It is possible to start Rosh Hashanah early […]

Naming after Deceased People

Dear Rabbanim, Are there any rules related to naming a baby (Ashkenazi)? Can/Should a person be named after two different deceased persons? If naming after a deceased person, should there be an additional name added? Answer: There are no hard and fast rules concerning naming after deceased people. Some have the custom of naming children […]

Divorced Parents Leading Children Down the Aisle

Is there any issue with divorced parents walking their child down the aisle? Answer: Some are particular that divorced parents should not do this. However, where parents will be offended by this refusal, it is better to perform the mitzvah of honoring parents and permitting them to walk their children down the aisle, rather than preventing […]

The Judiciary and the Executive: A Torah Perspective

In Parashas Shoftim we learn of the different agencies in operation after Israel reaches its land: The king, the prophet, the Kohanim, the judges and the officers. The Torah defines these roles and provides their basic laws. The beginning of the parashah mentions judges and officers – shoftim and shotrim. Rashi explains that these refer […]

Tisha Be’Av–a reason to cry, a reason to laugh

A Reason to Cry; A Reason to Laugh Tisha Be’Av 5770 Maseches Makkos concludes (24b) with the famous anecdote of Rabbi Akiva and three of his peers as they beheld the destruction of Jerusalem. Upon reaching the Temple Mount, the group saw a fox leaving the Holy of Holies, at which Rabbi Gamliel, Rabbi Elazer […]