The fundraiser for a non-profit organization is permitted to draw a salary from the organization according to halachah, even though he is involved in doing a mitzvah. It is…
The fundraiser for a non-profit organization is permitted to draw a salary from the organization according to halachah, even though he is involved in doing a mitzvah. It is…
There are poskim who argue that seedless grapes are not considered part of the gefen species and we should therefore refrain from saying borei pri hagafen on their wine.…
In order to recite Sheva Brachos (Seven Blessings) at a special meal that is made for a chosson and kallah during the week following their chasunah (wedding), a minyan…
The Rambam states that a woman whose life is endangered by her pregnancy may abort the fetus. The baby is tantamount to a rodef (pursuer), in which case, the…
The week of the wedding—the shivas yemei hamishteh (seven days of festivity)—is marked by special seudos (feasts) of celebration which culminate (under certain conditions) in Sheva Brachos, the recital…
Sheva brachos (lit., seven benedictions) are recited under the chuppah (marriage canopy) for the new couple, bestowing upon them blessings for a happy and fruitful life, as well as…
With various types of multigrain bread on the market, the question arises which brachah rishonah and brachah acharonah should be said when eating them. Hamotzi is recited on bread…
If one goes from one room to the next while eating food after which the brachah acharonah (after-blessing) is borei nefashos, the halachah is that a new brachah needs to be made before continuing…
A coin or dollar received from a tzaddik is considered muktzah on Shabbos and Yom Tov, even if the recipient has decided never to use it as currency. Neither…
One should be careful not to just discard bread that is not edible in an ordinary manner. In general, there is a rule of baal taschis, not to waste…
On a previous occasion we discussed the halachic issues involved in challah-baking events, noting that challah may not be separated with a brachah if the dough is then divided…
Since we are forbidden to eat Tola’im (insects), many products have to be checked for potential infestation. The question arises why the principle of Bitul B’shishim (Halachic nullification of…
It is permissible for a woman to say Tehillim, daven (pray), and learn Torah while nursing a child—as long as she is properly covered. However, she should not bentch (say Birchas…
One is not allowed to read shtarei hedyoitois, mundane documents, on Shabbos. Chazal made a rule that one is not allowed to read anything written, any ksav, other than…
Our Sages tell us, “Shok be’isha ervah” (a woman’s leg is considered a private part of her body). Therefore, her legs must always be covered in the presence of…
One may use the same blender or food processor that was used for processing meat to blend parve food; the food remains parve and may even be eaten together…
If a person went to the bathroom and then wishes to wash for a meal, the halacha differs from the usual, preferred method of washing hands after using the…
Is there a problem with using public skating rinks? The prohibition against mixed dancing, as well as its terrible repercussions, is well-known. Similarly, mixed swimming is absolutely forbidden according…
Using the baby wipes that are commonly available can present a serious problem of schitah, squeezing, on Shabbos. There are two permissible alternatives: Some baby wipes have a proper hechsher, permitting their use…
A person whom we suspect of violating a specific mitzvah does not have ne’emanus, trustworthiness, regarding that mitzvah; one who desecrates Shabbos publicly loses his ne’emanus regarding all mitzvos, just as, lehavdil, a non-Jew. When it comes to matters…
Separating two leben containers which were connected since production is forbidden on Shabbos for two reasons: the melachah of mechatech (the prohibited act of cutting something down to a desired size), and primarily…
We are required, as a show of respect to Kohanim, to grant them precedence for all honors, including the first aliyah of krias haTorah (portion of the Torah reading).…
The general rule is that dishes and portable surfaces that come into contact with food require tevilah (immersion in a mikvah) prior to use. This raises the question of…
I received a beautiful glass platter piled with gourmet chocolates as a Mishloach Manos gift from a dear student (with a note that she had toiveled it). Just before Pesach, my family polished…
A ring that a woman removes occasionally, such as when she kneads dough, is considered a chatzitzah (barrier) for netilas yadayim (ritual hand washing), since it prevents the water…
