I recently began working at a company comprised mostly of Hindus. This is the first time I have been exposed to what seems like real idolatry. Most employees are in India, but the office I work in is also mostly Hindus. The people are very nice, respectful, etc. There are images of gods on their […]
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Gay Marriage
What does the Torah say about gay marriage? Answer: The Torah expressly forbids gay marriage See Leviticus 18:22. The only intimate relationship allowed in the Torah is between man and woman in the context of marriage.
Mourning House without Mourners
IN a house of mourning, without any living avelim, do you make the normal adjustments in Tefilah that we make in a House of Mourning? Answer: Tachanun is omitted in during tefilos in the house of mourning, even if there is no avel sitting shiva. Sources: see Mishna Brura 131:20, Shaarei Tshuva ibid. s”k 10, […]
Tzitzis for a Cape
My son has a superhero costume that comes with a cape attached to the shirt by velcro. The cape has four corners and is cotton. Is the cape obligated to have tsitis? Answer: No, this is not worn for the purpose of a garment, i.e. for protection from the elements. Rather it is for costume […]
Listening to Women Sing
Shalom, I’ve heard a lot of controversy about this topic, only it would help me a great bit to know wether a man can hear a woman sing or not according to Halacha in an absolute way. Thank you Answer: It is forbidden for a man to listen to a woman sing, other than wife […]
Unfulfilled Order
BS\”D Shalom, I made a purchase via phone of a product, asking the people if they would send out the order quickly, i.e. the same day – they said they would do their best, via messenger. The next day – still didn\’t arrive, I called they said it still didn\’t go out and because it […]
Space Between Chanuka Candles
Must there be a finger-lengh space between the flames of an oil menorah, or is it just regarding wax candles. Answer: This applies to oil as well. Sources: Orach Chaim 671, MIshna Brura ibid. s”k 17.
Parshas Vayeitzei – Maaser Kesafim
Maareh Mekomos: Rambam Melachim Tosafos Taanis 9A Bava Kamma 9 Bach Y”D 331 Ramah Y”D 249 Igros Moshe Y”D vol. 2, 114
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 […]
Difficulty Consummating Marriage
My wife and I have been married for 27 months. We have been unable to consummate our marriage. My wife is currently undergoing pelvic floor therapy. We have a few questions. 1) What are the halachic ramifications of using dilators? 2) are there any leniencies in general that can be applied given our situation? 3)2 […]
Cooking with Maid
Kavod Harabanim 1- The standard procedure of cooking in my home is as follows: (i) my wife lits a candle about 8AM, before going to work (she works far from home), (ii) the maid lits the fire from this candle and then lits the stove from the fire from this candle, (iii) I am not […]
Skipping Tachanun
When davening in a minyan where the custom is to skip tachunun, should one follow the tzibbur or say tachunun individually? thanks Answer: As long as the tzibbur is justified in skipping tachanun, based on an accepted minhag, one davening would follow the tzibbur and not say tachanun as well.
New Clothes During Aveilus
Is the prohibition on new clothes during the year of mourning for a parent arise because you are not supposed ton say a shehecheyanu or is there another reason? Answer: A mourner is allowed to say the bracha of shehecheyanu. The prohibition of new clothes for 30 days, and the custom of refraining for the […]
Speaking Money Matters on Shabbat
It is forbidden to talk about value for money on Saturday? Answer: It is forbidden to speak money matters and other business dealing on Shabbat.
Intermarriage of Family Member
A Jewish woman had an intimate relationship with a moslem man. What is her status? I do not wish to associate with her. A jewish female relative is marrying a goy. We are not attending and will not congratulate them. It is likely to cause a permanent break.It is Hillul Hashem. What is the halacha […]
Can Allergies Replace Harchakos
If a wife is allergic to dairy and has made a dairy dish for her husband and there is no chance she’ll eat together with her husband when she’s a niddah, do they require a heker between them when they eat dinner together alone? Answer: Interesting question, but it would only be relevant if he […]
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 […]
Avoiding Muktzeh
If the Halachah is, one should not use a Kli Shemelachto if one has an alternative. Therefore should one avoid remvoing and placing items in one”s oven. Answer: The chumra of the Shaar Hatziyon in Siman 306 Seif 3 is only when a permissible alternative is readily available. Most people using the oven for heating […]
Daughter Escorting Mother Down Aisle
‘Is it accurate that a child cannot walk a parent down the aisle at a parent s wedding? My wife and I are getting married in an Orthodox ceremony. We were originally married in a Conservative ceremony 37 years ago and are renewing our vows but we wanted our daughter to walk her mother down […]
SIlent Amidah
Why do the silent Amidah? Answer: In our times, the main form of prayer is the silent amidah, this is when one fulfills their obligation of prayer. The chazzan’s repeating aloud is no longer done with intent to fulfill other’s their obligation of prayer. The chazzan only had others in mind at a time when […]
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 […]
Meat and Wine on Rosh Chodesh
I understand that it is proper to have meat and wine on rosh chodesh. To fulfill this mitzvah, can one have them at separate times/locations or should they be consumed in the same meal? Answer: There is no obligation of meat and wine on Rosh CHosesh. This commendable practice may be fulfilled at separate times […]
Mixed Beaches for Women
is it permissible for a woman who is dressed tznius to go to a mixed beach? What in general is the source for the prohibition to go to mixed beaches ( for males at least) ? Answer: While the activity and spiritual atmosphere are questionable, there is no prohibition for a women to go to […]
Justification for No Tachnun at Mincha
Our Tzibur in the chassidishe Shul in Zürich which is a main point and a minjan factory never ever davens Tachanun in Mincha. I asked a couple of times what the reason was but nobody was accountable for this and nobody could explain me why. I couldn’t find any valid reason in MB or SHO. […]
Needlepoint on Rosh Chodesh
Can I do needlepoint which I enjoy on Rosh Chodesh? Answer: Ideally one should refrain from needlepoint on Rosh Chodesh. One may be lenient on the night of Rosh CHodesh and on the first day of a two day Rosh Chodesh. Some rely on lenient opinions that light work done for enjoyment are permissible on […]
Trimming Body Hair for Male
hi. i would like to know if im allowed to trim or shave my bodily hair since it really bothers me. in addition i believe it bothers my wife as well although shes kind enough not to mention clearly. many thanks Answer: Hair removal from parts of the body which are generally only done […]
Buying Plants After SHmitta
I LIVE IN ISRAEL. WHAT ARE THE RULES ABOUT BUYING HOUSE OR GARDEN PLANTS IN THE EIGHTH YEAR. LAST YEAR WAS SHMITTA. THANKS Answer: House or garden pants that do not bear fruit or edible leaves/spices, do not have seventh year sanctity [kedushas shviis]. If they were cultivated and planted in a forbidden manner during the […]
Glass in Dishwasher
Sephardi family (that I go ton regularly)have 2 dishwasher though I have noticed that will put glasses used during meaty meals in either dishwasher as they hold like most Sephardim that glass does not absorb. Is that an issue for me being Ashkenazi? Answer: Even one who is stringent on his own, may rely on […]
Separated Spouse Lending Household Items
A couple is going through a divorce. He has left the home & she lives there. Can she lend some of her properties ex.a crockpot or folding table to a third party to borrow temporarily without his permission? Answer: She may make normal use of household items as in the past, which would include lending […]
Two Nations – Yaakov and Eisav
הרב אברהם זיסקנד Yaakov and Eisav may have shared a fraternal relationship but genetics was the beginning and end of this link. Yaakov was a tzaddik who sat in the tents of Torah while Eisav, a rasha, was a “hunter and a man of the field.” (Breishis 25:27) Throughout the course of their lives, […]
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 […]
Hosting Gentile for Shabbat Meal
Kavod Harav, I have a friend who is not Jewish. I believe that one day she will convert, though she has not expressed such sentiment. I believe this because of her love and devotion to G-d and Torah. (she doesn’t know that Torah is only for Jews to keep) Anyway, she asked if she could […]
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 […]
Davening During Shiva
While sitting shiva for a parent, are women allowed to Daven shacharit, mincha? Answer: Yes, all tefilot are permitted and are a great merit for the deceased, particularly during the shiva.
Mayim Achronim
Should one say Al Naharot Bavel/Shir Hamaalot before Mayim Achronim or afterward? Answer: Before Mayim Achronim. Ideally there should be no interruption at all between the washing and the beggining of Birchas Hamazon.
Plagiarism
I recently read an article in a jewish publication that was almost identical to one that is published online on a secular site. The secular article pre-dates the jewish publication by at least a year, possibly more. The jewish publication did not cite the secular web site as a source for their article. Do I […]
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 […]
Parshas Toldos – Nichum Aveilim
Maareh Mekomos: Rambam Avel 14 Shulchan Aruch Y”D 376 Rama IBID
Accidental Theft, Doubtful Theft
Hello, I would like to do teshuva on something that happened years ago. I was invited to a families home to stay over Shabbos and have meals there. On Friday night, after the meal, I woke up hungry and I helped myself to their pantry/food. The hosts never told me ‘feel free to help yourself’. […]
Missed Krias Shma al Hamitah
I was trying to put my child to sleep and fell asleep with him before saying krias Shema al hamita, only waking up after alos hashachar, is there a tikkun? Answer: Only to be more careful in the future. Once you ave woken up after alos hashachar, krias shma a hamita would not be said.
Milchig Noodle on Fleishig Stove
Hi I’m not sure my question went through but I asked a question about how I cooked noodles in an aluminum foil tray and then added cheese on a fleish stove.a noodle fell on stove what do I do? Answer: As long as it fell on the stove top where no food is placed directly, […]
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 […]
Parshas Chayei Sara – Dinei Gemach (Free Loan Societies)
Maareh Mekomos: Ahavas Chesed Vol. 2 Nesivos 72, 17 Teshuvos Haran
clarification needed
with regard to the period after shmitta what is yeru and bbrak be nochri? shabbat shalom Answer: The question is unclear, please clarify and resend.
Chevron – Once and Forever
Chevron was once ours and will be ours in the future. But what about the interim? Since the events of our parsha more than 3,800 years ago, when Avrohom Avinu bought the field in which the Mearas Hamachpela was located, his descendants have been the official owners. There were times in which […]
Shmitta Fruit Without Supervision
we bought by mistake in “chutz looretz” grapefruits from Isreali produce in October 2015. What should we do, eat them or leave them until get rotten, etc? thank you Answer: Assuming they do not have kosher certification, the should not be eaten as they may be from orchards which were not Shmitta observant. They should […]
Avel Sandek at MIncha
If an aval was a sandek in the morning, at Mincha since he does not say tachanun the whole day, what does he do and what does the minyan do? Answer: The Tzibbur should say tachnun, and the Sandek should not say tachnun. If he is making his own minyan of family and friends, there […]
Darkening Room on Shabbos
One mistakenly left the lights on (on Shabbos) where they will be sleeping. May they cover the table with a sheet from on top so as to make the area they sleep dark? (Is this permissible since it is only intended for one night)? Answer: Please clarify the question. Where are they sleeping, under the […]