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…
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…
In most matters of halachah anything pachos mi’shaveh perutah (less than the value of a perutah coin—the smallest unit of currency in ancient times) has no bearing. For example,…
Tefilas haderech should be recited if a person travels at least a parsah (approximately 2.4 miles) past iburah shel ir (the outskirts of the city). Iburah shel ir is…
Building is forbidden on Shabbos, as it is one of the 39 melachos, the melachah of boneh. Building blocks, Lego, Magna Tiles, and other similar building toys, are of…
The Gemara says, “Haragil b’zeisim kasheh l’shikchah” (one who eats olives regularly is at risk of forgetting their learning), indicating that one shouldn’t eat them regularly. However, in practice…
It‘s forbidden to separate on Shabbos two pages of a sefer (book) that have been attached to each other since production, because doing so would be transgressing the melachah…
The halachah is that a residence or business that is co-owned by a Jew and a non-Jew requires mezuzos—but they should be affixed without a blessing. The reason for…
A beis ha’otzar (a storage room) requires a mezuzah. According to most opinions, a brachah is recited when affixing amezuzah on a beis ha’otzar of requisite size. A garage—where…
For various halachic reasons, the date we begin asking for rain by saying “V’sein tal umatar” in the brachah of Mevarech Hashanim in Shemoneh Esrei depends on our location: Those in Eretz Yisroel begin on the eve…
One may not color one’s face on Shabbos or Yom Tov due to the melachah of tzoveia (coloring) or memareiach (smoothing), as well as other possible melachos which are…
