Some forbid planting tall trees for shade in the shul courtyard. If they are planted like a fence and are cut regularly it’s not an issue. Any trees or…
Some forbid planting tall trees for shade in the shul courtyard. If they are planted like a fence and are cut regularly it’s not an issue. Any trees or…
Yes, he may as long as it is not done specifically for an Avodah Zarah or if he writes a name of an Avodah Zarah. Sources: אינו משום…
It’s not considered Avodah Zarah and one may visit there. Nonetheless, it’s not appropriate to get photographed near the statue. See also here: https://asktherav.com/6923-is-it-permissible-halachically-hashkaficlly-to-take-my-kids-to-walt-disney-in-orlando/ Sources: לדינא, אין…
Question: Is mindfulness halachically acceptable even though some say it came from Buddhism many years ago? Answer: It really depends on what you mean when you’re saying mindfulness.…
Yes, they may be buried in the Jewish cemetery. There is a prevalent myth out there that people with tattoos may not be buried in a Jewish cemetery. This…
You should not be watching ceremonies that contain idol worship, nor videos and pictures from inside a Church, amongst other issues. See here: https://asktherav.com/14441-may-one-look-at-pictures-of-the-inside-a-church-must-one-spit-when-passing-a-church/ Sources: משום אל…
Question: I had a pushka with me in the hospital when my wife gave birth and had all the nurses/hospital staff give tzedaka. One of the nurses, presumably not…
It’s appropriate not to look at such pictures. Spitting isn't a requirement, but some have such a custom. א. משום הרחק מן הכיעור. וראה שלהי דקייטא סימן כה.…
Questions: I'm a Shliach for teens and I had a teen ask the following 3 questions: What does Hashem think about piercings? Why cant we get tattoos? Can trans…
Question: Is it permitted to examine an astrological birth chart, to determine general character traits (based on the elements, planets etc.,) if one avoids any predictive astrology or fatalistic…
If I have toys that have it on them, must I destroy them? Can I draw it on a paper? Answer: From my understanding it represents a philosophy…
According to some there is indeed a prohibition to take a picture of the sun. Even according to those that are lenient, it seems that printing such a picture…
No, as they will bring in Avoda Zara or do their practices/prayers there. However, if it’s a purely secular school (ran by a church) there is no issue. …
It is permitted. This is because it doesn't have real resemblance to a person and it won't last for a long time. It should be noted however that there…
A program may be set up for those days, provided the emphasis in the promotional material is specifically on the fact that there is no school these days and…
One should refrain from wishing Happy New Year to a non-Jew which observes it out of secular belief. Happy Holidays is less of a problem, but should be avoided…
There is a particular appeal to round numbers, usually associated with birthdays and anniversaries, when a big deal is made of the celebrant and their milestone. There is not…
Question: The Rama writes (YD 153:1): “ואין מוסרים להם תינוק ללמדו ספר או ללמדו אומנות דמשכי ליה למינות”. Based on this - what is the heter to hire non-Jewish/non-frum…
Question: I came across a job opportunity that would have me helping needy people in towns across the United States. There is just one problem, it seems the accommodations…
Question: I was recommended to do martial arts for good fitness and focus, with the bonus of some self defense techniques. Is this allowed? They claim to be Pareve…
Question: When I give my baby a bath, often the most comfortable position to do it is by kneeling, meaning to have my knees on the floor and bend…
Question: My father received a shofar from a non Jewish friend of his. The shofar had been used by this man during his prayer ceremonies with his congregation. Is…
Such a purchase is not recommended and potentially problematic halachically. However if there is a real need, like to help your children relax and fall asleep, and there’s no…
Question: May one pronounce אלהים when saying 1. אלהים אחרים 2. ואתה תהיה לו לאלהים (where Rashi explains לרב ולשר)? I.e. when one is not reading the whole passuk…
Question: Many national flags (especially of European countries) and historical coats-of-arms incorporate symbols of the Nazarene faith. Is it permitted to display such flags and is there any idea…
