Halachic Guide - Shavuos | לוח יומי - חג השבועות

If a woman herself gives Machatzis Hashekel, Should her husband also give for her, or its unnecessary?

Women generally are exempt from Machatzis Hashekel. There is a common custom that the husband gives Machatzis Hashekel on behalf of his wife. I have never heard of a…

We will be having a teen Purim party with Megilla reading. To be able to make a Bracha after Megilla, would it require 10 male Jews, or even girls are included in the 10?

Girls may be included. Sources: נחלקו בזה - ראה משחא דרבותא או"ח סתר"צ סי"ח (בסוה"ס). שלמת חיים סי' קא. מקראי קודש סל"ה. הליכות שלמה פכ"ג ס"ג. יבי"א ח"א…

May I brush my teeth on Taanis Esther, without swallowing any water?

Best not to brush your teeth. If this is difficult, there is room to be lenient. Care should be given not to swallow any water. When rinsing your mouth,…

האם מותר לאסוף כסף בפורים בתור ׳מתנות לאביונים׳ עבור מעות חטים – מצות ליהודים העניים ברובם?

אם הכסף מיועד לספק אוכל - גם אם זה מצות - לעניים בחנם. ובכל זאת, עדיף לתת לאביונים את הכסף בפורים עצמו.

A friend, who paid for music files, wants to let me download some tracks on to my MP3 player. Am allowed to do it for a short while, as if I am borrowing them, as long as I do not keep them? Why would it be different than me just borrowing his MP3 player for a short while, to listen to tracks I do not own?

See here. The same would be in the case you described. Just as you cannot "borrow without permission" for a short while and give it back (aka stealing). When…

המליצו לי לקחת תוסף תזונה הנקרא DHEA בשביל פוריות. המצב כרגע שאין לנו ילדים. ומנסים להביא ילד ראשון בע״ה. אני בת 44 ובעלי 46. האם מותר לקחת מבחינת כשרות?

אם הגלולה ניתנת על פי מרשם של רופא המתמחה בתחום מותר לקחת גלולה זו היות וזה מטעמי רפואה ואין לו טעם. אבל אם יש אפשרות למצוא גלולה עם הכשר,…

Is it Muttar to clap on Shabbos – not during a Nigun, but also not as drumming etc. – rather as an applause after a speech?

An applaud which has no rhythm is permissible, as it is not Derech Shir - musical. Regarding clapping when singing, see here. Sources: ראה שו״ת אז נדברו חלק…

My Shul is in Boro Park (11218); what time should we Daven Maariv Leil Purim?

The accepted Chabad Minhag is to always Daven Maariv after Tzeis Hakochavim. The ideal time for Davening Maariv is after the emergence of three small stars. Three medium stars appear, according to the Alter…

1. What would be preferred, to Daven Maariv early with a Minyan (in a case where one Davened Mincha after Plag), or to Daven Beychidus after Tzeis? 2. In general from what time can one start Davening Maariv Lechatchila?

1. Being that you Davened Maariv in the past after Tzeis Hacochovim, you should continue doing so - even if it means not Davening with a Minyan - as…

האם יש מינימום שיעור למשלוח מנות?

שאלה: האם צריך לכתחילה לחומרא להיות שני דברים של כזית במשלוח מנות, או שכל המשלוח מנות יהי' כזית או כביצה, או שאפשר אולי לשים 3 דברים שיחד יהיו כב'…

What are the Halachos of giving presents and gifts during the year of Aveilos? Can one give a birthday present to a sibling? An appreciation gift to coworkers?

One should avoid giving presents during the year of "Aveilus" on a parent. However if it is given as remuneration it is permissible, for example, a student to a…

When we read from 2/3 Torah scrolls is there a particular order they return to the Aaron Kodesh?

The proper order is that the Sefer Torah which was read last should be the first to be brought and put back in the Aaron kodesh. However, if the…

Why do we name people with non Kosher animal names like Dov, Aryeh, Zev etc. But seeing them is avoided?

Because there are a lot of positive elements to those animals. There is a lot we can learn from them. The Mishnah tells us to learn to be bold…

Are women obligated in Machatzis Hashekel?

Question: Are women obligated in Machatzis Hashekel on Taanis Ester? If yes, is a women's obligation fulfilled through her husband? Also, should a father give Machatzis Hashekel for his…

What is the bracha on water-based borekas?

Question: I am making a Simcha and serving potato borekas and pizza borekas. The caterer said that it is a water-based dough not made with apple juice. What is…

Following the Megillah Laining from a Chumash

Question: What is the value of following the Laining of the Megillah with a Chumash? If I miss a word from the Baal Koreh am I Yotzei just by…

I am trying to start business selling Sheitels. Does it require a Hechsher, because of Indian/Avoda Zara hair used? If yes, is there a reliable Hechsher on it?

Most Rabbonim have long ago settled the matter and determined that it is a non-issue. There are some anti-Sheitel zealots* who have jumped on the bandwagon to make another…