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Marrying More Than One Wife: The Decree of Rabbeinu Gershom—Then and Today

  Parashas Vayeitzei brings us to the story of Yaakov, the third and last of the three Avos. Specifically, it chronicles the years Yaakov spent in the house of Lavan, in the course of which Yaakov’s wives gave birth to his offspring—fathers of the future Tribes of Israel. Commentaries reflect on the fact that Yaakov […]

Code of Jewish Law

I have a book titled “Code of Jewish Law” Revised Edition, 1961, Hebrew Publishing Company, New York. Is there a current edition or current substitute available and, if there is, what is it and how applicable/valid is it for use? Answer: This is a translation of the classic work “kitzur shulchan aruch” which is a […]

Misbehaving person

A person from a certain unnamed organization is harassing my brother and his wife regarding their tenancy in a building that organization owns and which the person administrates. This Rabbi has made false claims that he needs to use my brother’s apartment for his own/family use which he is barred from by secular landlord-tenant law […]

clarification

I have a question about the Sabbath, a friend of mine works in medicine, and I wondered whether I have problem of working on the Sabbath days or every day? How does she do to solve this problem? Answer: The question is somewhat unclear. Her job requires her to work on the Sabbath? What field […]

He Sold His Birthright to Yaakov: Sale of ‘Futures’ in Jewish Law

  Parashas Toldos opens with one of the most renowned transactions of all time: The sale of the birthright from Eisav to Yaakov. Commentaries write at length about this sale, with discussions dividing into two main topics: One is the content of the sale—what was sold, what was the essence of the sale and what […]

Laws of Staining for NIddah Status

The halocho of seeing something on underwear and as long as its less then a dime it’s not a issue is for white underwear during Shiva nkiim or only on colored underwear not during Shiva nkiim? Answer: During Shiva Nekiyim, on white garments, the size is about a dime or penny. When a woman is […]

Pledge of Allegiance

Is there any problem associated with a pledge of allegiance performed by a Jew? The wording is as follows: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Thank you! Answer: This is […]

Honey Flavored WHiskey

hello rabbi do honey flavored alcohols need to have a kashrut label? Answer: Yes, flavored alcohol needs certification.   In general, bourbon does not require kosher certification. However, some have begun adding flavors and/or aging the liquor in wine casks. Such items would not be acceptable without certification, and consumers can determine if a given liquor […]

Classical Music

Is there any halachic issue with listening to, playing, and or enjoying classical music. Many classical works have goyishe roots, clearly anti-semetic composers (for ex. Wagner), or where derived from the church. Answer: There is no halachic issue with Classical music. Many famous Jewish tunes and even Shabbos zemiros originate from non Jewish sources, however […]