Halachah divides the level of responsibility for damage caused by a car—and the extent of monetary liability—into various categories. Among them are: Bor b’rshus harabim (one who dug a…
Halachah divides the level of responsibility for damage caused by a car—and the extent of monetary liability—into various categories. Among them are: Bor b’rshus harabim (one who dug a…
There is a halachic requirement l’hashmiah l’aznav (to hear yourself speak) while performing certain mitzvos, such as davening or bentching (reciting an after-blessing). This means actually saying each word…
The term kezayis is frequently found in Torah sources. A kezayis is the volume of an average-sized olive. However, there is a difference of opinion amongst early authorities as…
Poskim write that someone with a very loud voice should be appointed to lead Birchas Hamazon, as it is important for participants to hear the voice of the leader…
The issue of Orla, of not eating fruit during the first three years of a tree’s life -- and sometimes during the fourth year as well (Neta Revai) -- was…
In a meal of bread, one must bentch in the place of the meal, in the same place where they ate. If the person leaves the place where they…
If a person has been eating and resolves [in their heart], gamar belibo, not to eat or drink any more, it is considered hesach ha-daas (a mental interruption in…
Birchos Hashachar are found in the Gemara, and it says that each brachah should be recited after the activity it alludes to was performed or took place. For example,…
When choosing a mohel to perform a bris milah, it is vital to ascertain that he is a trained professional, experienced and expert, as well as an observant, G-d-fearing…
Traveling on a cruise ship brings with it a host of halachic concerns regarding shmiras Shabbos (observing the laws of Shabbos): If the captain and/or the crew are Jewish,…
It is a mitzvas aseh (a positive commandment—one of the 613) to elect a Jewish king. The king’s appointment was originally dependant on the settlement of Jews in Eretz…
The Rema mentions the custom of blessing a person who acquires a new item of clothing: Tivleh u'sechadesh (wear it out and get a new one). There is an…
We are cautioned to refrain from making a shavuah (vow) unnecessarily. The Shitah Mekubetzes (R. Betzalel ben Abraham Ashkenazi, 16th century) states that the expression, “b’emes” (it’s the truth!),…
Backing out from an agreement is Halachically very complicated. In most circumstances, it is forbidden to back out from an agreement to purchase an item, even if one found…
The mitzvah tefillah b’tzibbur (communal prayer) consists of davening (praying) with a minyan (quorum of at least ten men), with the minimum of six participants who are actively davening.…
The halachic z’manim ([earliest and latest] times [for prayer and other time-bound observances]) are largely based on the position of the sun relative to the earth at different times…
Some people have the custom of pouring the wine from Shabbos Kiddush—a kos shel brachah (a cup of blessing)—back into the bottle so that it can be reused for…
If someone is arrested because of theft, either stealing from the government of from private parties, and people are interested in Pidyon Shvuim, there is a debate amongst contemporary Poskim if…
There was a minhag (custom) prevalent in some shuls in pre-war Europe to have a hafsakah (break) after Shacharis (morning prayers) on Shabbos, during which the congregants would go…
If someone experiences a personal nes (miracle) and makes a seudas hoda’ah (a feast of giving thanks to Hashem), that meal is considered a seudas mitzvah (a meal honoring a…
Eid echad ne’eman b’issurin (one witness is believed with regard to prohibited substances); a single adult* is trusted when it comes to the status of toiveled (ritually immersed) dishes,…
The issur (prohibition) of she’ilas shalom (extending a greeting) to an avel (mourner) who lost a sibling, spouse, or child, is in effect until the shloshim (thirty days from the day of burial);…
Hospitals, airports and prisons usually designate a certain area as a “Prayer Room” for people of all faiths. In hospitals and airports, where the place is used only temporarily…
If a treif piece of flatware got mixed in with identical kosher ones, one should ideally kasher all the utensils. However, if the utensils can’t be koshered, or there…
Our elders often caution us not to walk around the house without shoes. Is this just a bubbe meiseh (grandmothers' tale), or does it have a source in halachah?…
