Question: WHAT IS THE ORDER OF INHERITANCE IF A WOMAN DIES WITH OUT A WILL- HUSBAND IS GONE AND THERE ARE NO CHILDREN- THERE ARE SISTERS AND NIECES AND NEPHEWS FROM DECEASED BROTHERS AND FROM SISTERS THAT ARE STILL LIVING. Answer: If there are no children the inheritance first goes to her father. Assuming in […]
Author Archives: Rabbi Akiva Dershowitz
Chinich Policy: Acceptance, Expulsion
Question: I see many times (not just on this website and in general) halachic questions spanning many different minutia. Sometimes on dwelling into advanced intellectual matters sometimes boredering onto the realm of naarishkeit. But i see a disconnect it seems many poskim/rabbis shy away from certain lightning rods which heavily effect the jewish community. One […]
Idolatry by Child in Home
Question: If my child is choosing idolatry and living in my home, what are my obligations? Answer: It is not clear what exactly your child is doing. Is he/she bringing idols into the home and worshipping them? In a public or private way? Is it effecting other children or may it in the future? This […]
Spaced Out During Megillah
Question: If one’s mind wandered (slightly, or even not so slightly) during the reading of the megilah, is he yotzi? This is something that is extremely difficult to avoid, especially while one is fasting and if one is a Torah scholar who is constantly thinking in learning. Answer: As long as there were no interruptions […]
Bishul on Shabbos
Question: Is one permitted to place a kli rishon of hot cholent, or even a kli sheini of yad saledes cholent/ hot soup, on top of a plate that has on it small challah crumbs, etc. which will become cooked from the heat of the bowl? Also, is one permitted to eat a slice of […]
Hot Water from Sink on Shabbos
Question: Does turning off a hot water heater before Shabbos make it permissible to use the hot water from the sink on Shabbos? Answer: Not necessarily. If the water in the tank is still “yad soledes” [over 110 degrees], there are still 2 concerns. If the hot and cold water are turned on at the […]
Non Kosher Cutlery
Question: Dear Rabbonim, In a situation requiring leniency and in a private home are there any heterim to be able to use a metal teaspoon to stir hot parev tea in a glass cup. This particular utensil would unlikely to be used for anything bar hot drinks (assumption) and would certainly be washed thoroughly albeit […]
Days Prohibited from Marital Relations
Question: What are the times a year a man and woman can’t be with each other? Answer: Aside from the times when she is a niddah and on the “onos”, the only time a husband and wife are forbidden to each other is on Yom Kippur and Tisha Bav. There are other times which based […]
Baal Keri and Purification
Question: Greetings Rabbi, What is a baal keri, and how does a baal keri purify himself? If the baal keri touches an object (any object or clothes) then does that object (or clothes) become impure? If another person touches that object (or his clothes), does he/she become impure, and if so then how does he/she […]
Heavenly Voices and Spiritual Guides
Question: Question: First I would like to know what it mean that you shouldn’t listen to voice from heaven? Also do Jews believe in spiritual guides. I believe they are tools to help a person from hashem. I had two incidents. One when I was 8 years old I became a born again Christian. I’m […]
Mishloach Manos for Avel
Question: Am I allowed to receive mishloach manos. I know i am allowed to give. Answer: I presume you are observing a period of mourning. In that case you should not receive Mishloach Manos. They may be given to your family members in your place. Sources: Shulchan Aruch O:C 696:6
Avinu Malkainu on Taanis Ester
Question: Do you say avinu malkanu today by mincha davening alone? Answer: No, Avinu Malkeinu is not recited mincha of Taanis Ester which leads in to Purim. Sources: Mishna Brura 131:33
Giving Mishloach Manos to Mourners
Question: Can one give mishloach manos to a family who are all within the thirty day mourning period? If so, are there any restrictions on the part of the giver and/or recipient? Answer: Mishloach manos should not be given to mourners. If one of the parents is not in mourning the manos may be given […]
Seder Plate
Question: What is the purpose of the קערה at the Seder? What difference does it make how everything is placed? Thank you Answer: The Keara or Seder Plate is in fact not mentioned in the Mishna or Talmud. The first source for this custom is found in the Rishonim, see Tosfos Pesachim 101b sv lamah. […]
Pubic Hair Trimming vs. Shaving
Question: Is there any halachik difference between shaving (completely) one’s pubic hair and merely trimming it (not shaving it off completely) for a man? Answer: It is not permitted to shave the pubic area for cosmetic and beautifying reasons, even in a partial manner. Sources: The Torah prohibits a man from beautifying himself […]
Niddah and Zavah
Question: Is niddah different than zavah? What are zav/zavah, and how does a person purifies? It is said that a woman (niddah or zavah) or a man (zav) who touches (or sits, for example on a bed or a couch) an object the object becomes impure and if another person touches the object he/she becomes […]
Haircut and Coloring Hair on Fast Day
Question: Can one get a haircut and dye one’s hair on Ta’anit Esther? Answer: Yes, this is permissible. Sources: There is no prohibition on taking a haircut on a fast day. Some write that a haircut should preferably be avoided. The source for this is the Gemara in Rosh Hashanah (18), where Rabbi Yehoshua took […]
Statues and Figurines
Is there an issue of having a statue, for example having statues with no religious significance (i.e. the wall st. bull) on one’s desk or at home. Likewise, is there issue with having statues given as gifts of greek or egyptian figures/and diety? Answer: Many are lenient to retain in their possession small statues and […]
Netilat Yadayim 4
What does it mean to remove dirt from one’s hands before washing for (Bread or after waking up)? For example: before washing for bread I wash my hands with soap, then I dry them, however sometimes fluff from the towel remains in my hands. My question is can I proceed to wash given that I […]
Hamantashen During Meal
Is it necessary to make a bracho on hamantaschen that are eaten during a bread meal, since they have a fruit filling? Answer: Mezonos is made during the meal when three criteria are met: the dough is filled, the dough is sweet, the cookie is crumbly. In addition it has to be a dessert type […]
Removing Candelabra from Table Shabbos Morning
Is it possible to enable to take the leichter off the table shabbos morning Answer: The leichter that were lit at the onset of Shabbos become a bosis, a form of muktzah due to holding up the candles and flame. This status remains for the duration of Shabbos even after the flame has gone out. […]
Washing Before Shkiyah and Shalom Bayis
Dear Rabbi, Shavua Tov! My husband wants us to wash before shekiah but often I have to prepare a fresh salad which you have to do no earlier then 15 min before The meal And you don’t always wake up on time from The Shabbos nap. I then feel rushed And it makes me annoyed […]
Oven Mistake
I live in an apartment with four other young women. We use our oven only for fleishigs or pareve. One night, I heated up my chicken in the oven and soon after, I roasted carrots in a non-disposable pan. I don’t think I’ve ever used that pan for fleishigs, but often use it in the […]
Netilat Yadayim 3
Greetings Rabbi Could you please enumerate the times when the three-time method for hand washing is needed? 3 times is only needed in the morning upon waking before praying and when leaving a cemetery, see Mishna Brura 4:39 Before praying is the three-time method needed? Upon waking before morning prayers If one touches a bug does […]
Interlocking Fingers
I learned that if one interlocks his fingers when he puts his hands together, that it brings “din” down (chalila). Is this accurate and if so, can the Rav tell me the source of this? Thank you. Answer: Various sources in Kabbalistic works, indicate that one should be careful not to interlock fingers of his […]
Reason for Mice Infestation
Is it true if you have had mice in your house its because of thievery ? Answer: The Jerusalem Talmud [Demai 1:3] and the Medrash Rabba [Devarim 3:3] tell the story of the great Tanna, Rebbi Pinchas ben Yair [one of the authors of the Mishnayot] who came to a city to teach Torah. The […]
Ribbis for Prepay Tuition Rebate
My child’s yeshiva requires I purchase insurance to cover the cost should I elect to move away, switch schools, the child gets sick etc. the premium is 1.8% of the tuition. if you prepay the full tuition you are exempt from this requirement. Is this requirement a form of ribis? They are essentially charging a […]
Custom of Shushvinin
What if my living parents do not want to walk me down the aisle can a married couple walk me down instead of my parents? Answer: Parents walking their children down has become an established custom, and should be adhered to when when possible. However, it is permitted to have another couple, when necessary. Sources: […]
Din Torah in Country without Bais Din
In my country, there is no bes din or dayanim, what can i do in regard to a loan that another yid owes me. where can i get a permission to take him to a goyshe tribunal? best regards. Answer: Our Beis Din offers a unique service for people living abroad. A video conference hearing can […]
Tevila Before Second Marriage
i am divorced and about to get married again. i know it is sephardic custom for a bride to go during the day but if i am a bride that has been previously married, do i still go during the day? or am i obligated to go in the evening? Answer: The leniency for a […]
Profiting from Returned Items
I bought a school required book for both my friend and myself on amazon.com. they were $60 a piece. The friend reimbursed me for his portion. a few weeks later the price dropped to $40 a piece. I called amazon and they suggested I order two more and return (any) two with the original receipt […]
Maaser for Utilities
My husband and I live with my parents and pay them rent. My mother came to me this morning and told me their utility bills have been very high and could u help. I know for my mother to ask me it must be they really need. I gave from my own money but I […]
Shem Hashem on Computer Screen
If a digital picture contains one of the Names of Hashem that may not be erased, may the picture be deleted? What about if it’s in type (eg in word processor)? Thank you Answer: It may be deleted. Sources: Most authorities have ruled that there is no prohibition in erasing a Name of Hashem that […]
Subscribing to Amazon
When I purchase an item from Amazon.com, there’s often an option to ‘subscribe’ to that item (have that item delivered regularly every few months). If you choose to subscribe, you get a discount on your current and future orders of the item. Is it stealing to subscribe to the item, purely to get the discount […]
Mishloach Manos
Hi, Does mishloach manos need to include at least 2 different brachos or does it just need to be at least 2 different types of foods? Can I have two different types of mezonos baked goods (cake and cookies) as mishloach manos or is that not considered 2 different foods? Answer: There is no obligation […]
Eating Before Kiddush and Davening
Are there different opinions regarding the obligation to make kiddush shabbos morning before eating breakfast? If someone is perfectly capable of davening without eating, however their overall physical and mental state will be improved if they eat breakfast, do they have to make kiddush before eating? Is saying the morning brachos sufficient? Does this halacha […]
Cheese in Soup from Meaty Pot
Can one put cheese in a soup that was cooked in meaty pot? Answer: If the meaty pot was not used for 24 hours for meat, cheese may be added. According to some authorities one should not make such a soup with intent to later add cheese. If onions were first cooked in the pot […]
Going to Sleep with Music
Is there a problem if one goes to sleep while listening to the radio? Also, what about waking up to music? I have heard this, but not sure if there is truth to it. Thank you. Answer: Going to sleep or waking up with music is permissible.
Netilat Yadayim 2
Greetings Rabbi If I wash my hands inside the bathroom do I need to dry them outside, or can I just dry them inside? inside is fine when not washing for bread If I wash my hands after using the bathroom under the faucet with water and soap could I recite the blessing Asher Yatzar, […]
Punishment for Spouses Sins
If you became more religious then your spouse And really try to do everything according to halacha And you feel like alot of your problems might be caused by your spouses lack of concern for certain things .for example parnasa problems.Does hashem punish both of you ? Being that your married and ultimately his problems […]
Fish in Meaty Oven
If I cook meat in an oven and juices spill on the oven floor, can I subsequently cook fish in that oven if I didn’t clean the meat juices and residue out first? Answer: Yes, fish may be cooked in this oven. If there is a large spill that leaves an actual puddle of juices, […]
Blood on Tissue During Pregnancy
My wife is 7 months pregnant she used the facilities in middle of the night and while wiping herself she noticed a tiny drop of blood on tissue, she razor shaved in that area the night before and a rash developed. Is there any concern regarding her tahara? Thank you Answer: This will not give […]
Unfit Gown Rental
We ordered a dress from a rental, and since they didn’t have the correct size, we paid more to have one made to fit. When we got the dress, it was not finished, the fabric was torn, the fabric was not cut properly (uneven widths), the seams were crooked, the zipper sewn in improperly, the […]
Donation to Church
I have non Jewish Co-Worker who often asks for a donation for her church, to the point where it makes me uncomfortable to say no. I see her every day. Is it permissible to give a small donation? Thank you. Answer: No, it is forbidden to donate money to a Church. If this is causing […]
Therapy on Shabbos
I live in NYC and we are entitled to receive hours of free therapy in social skills for our 3 year old daughter. Are we aloud to have a non Jewish therapist come to our home to work with our daughter on Shabbos? Answer: As long as the therapy itself does not include any Shabbos […]
Meaty Potato with Fish
If a potato was cooked on a separate pan, uncovered, in an oven with meat on a separate pan, covered, can the potato be eaten with fish? Answer: Yes, the absorption of flavor of meat does not prohibit from eating with fish, as long as no actual meat is present. Sources: Taz,Y:D 95:3, Shu”t Chut […]
Netilat Yadayim Questions
Greetings Rabbi, I have a lot of questions regarding Hand Washing and Eating and I hope that you can answer them. Thank you. Washing (Netilat Yadayim) If I enter a non-kosher supermarket or kitchen do I have to wash with the three times method? No When going to the bathroom can I wash directly from […]
Folding Napkins 2
May I fold /design napkins on shabbos. (Not the typical way … Flower fan like look inside a drinking glass). Answer: Yes, this would be permitted. I refer to the common practice of rolling, puffing up or slightly folding to create a design. This is generally done without hard creases at the edges. In addition […]
Havdala During Shiva
Can an avel make havdala during shiva? Answer: Yes, he may make havdala. However he would not start from the preliminary pesukim, rather begin directly from the bracha of Hagefen and continue from there. Sources: Pischei Teshuva Y:D 391:1 in the name of Shu”t Har Hacarmel 21.
Selling Chametz
Question: Kavod Harav, Usually we get rid of all chametz and don’t sell it for Pesach. This year, however, my friend brought me a large bottle of real vanilla from America (which is expensive and hard to come by in Israel, where we live). I don’t know how much it cost here, I estimate it […]