One may not draw lots on Shabbos or Yom Tov since it can lead to weighing or writing, and because it is similar to mikach u’mimkar, buying and selling. The following forms of drawing…
One may not draw lots on Shabbos or Yom Tov since it can lead to weighing or writing, and because it is similar to mikach u’mimkar, buying and selling. The following forms of drawing…
Rabbi Yehuda HaChossid writes in his tzavaah (will) that one should not completely close up doors or windows in one’s home. If one wishes to close up a door or a…
Article: A Brachah on Rivers The brachah of Oseh ma’aseh bereishis (thanking Hashem for the wonders of creation) should be recited when we see a large river that has been around…
Article #500: Staring at a Wicked Person According to halachah, there are a number of things that one is assur l’histakel (forbidden to gaze at): Assur l’histakel bifnei rasha (it’s forbidden to…
Making A Brachah Acharonah when Eating Less than a Kezayis The minimum amount of food that requires a brachah acharonah, an after-blessing, to be said after eating it, is a kezayis,…
Question: I walk a long distance on Shabbos, in the winter my hands get chapped and sore if they are exposed to the cold, Is there a way in…
Question: My kids under Bar/Bas Mitzvah, know how to make themselves fried eggs or other simple things in the kitchen, are they allowed to check the eggs themselves? If…
There are laws in many countries that forbid the use of wireless service belonging to another without permission. In the United States, federal and state laws restrict "unauthorized access of…
Question: If I ordered a taxi for 5:00 in the morning and The driver came and waited. But I did not wake up, do I have to pay for…
Start Time: The morning Shema can be said anytime from misheyakir, a time when one can recognize a friend, until three halachic hours in the day have passed. Both…
We may often see a product with a hechsher, but it is important to be vigilant, because some hechsherim rely on leniencies that are not in accordance with…
Q. May I say Tehillim at night during Elul? A. No. See sources below. Q. May Tehillim be said at night during Aseres Yemei Teshuva, or is it…
Article: How is your Scotch “finished"? Aging whisky is an art that endeavors to produce optimal taste and smoothness with a precise blend of ingredients and methods. Many producers…
Digital water meters, which monitor and record water usage electronically, have become prevalent lately. Does this pose a problem on Shabbos, since it would seem that a digital form…
Article #256 When Negel Vasser Isn't Available The Zohar says one should not walk four amos upon awakening without having washed negel vasser (the ritual washing of the hands upon awakening).…
There are myriad potential issurim (prohibitions) associated with brushing teeth on Shabbos, even with a manual toothbrush. Different poskim propose one or more of the following restrictions: Memarai’ach (smearing): toothpaste is spread on the…
Is there a problem to go on a bike ride before Davening (if you have a set Minyan)? The halachah is that one may not get involved bitzrachav (in their personal affairs)…
Q. Is a basketball or ping pong ball Muktza? A. There is a machlokes about this. While there is room to be lenient especially for kids, adults should be…
Question: I have a specific pocket in my pants for Maaser, I generally give it to people on the streets who are hungry, but the money somehow fell out…
The pasuk (verse) in Tehillim says, “Imru ve’levavchem al mishkavchem v’domu selah” (reflect in your hearts upon your beds and be silent forever)—from which stems the halachic restriction of speaking after completing…
