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I am part of a group who divide the Tehillim daily for Shidduchim for our children. We try to complete our portions before Shkia but sometimes some ladies do not finish it before Shkia. My son pointed out a letter from the Rebbe which seems to indicate that it is okay to say Tehillim until צאת הכוכבים and another letter which seems to indicate till Shkia. Is it okay to say till צאת or we should really try before Shkia?

The apparent inconsistency between the letters has been raised in several areas. (See also below). Practically, it depends on the situation. Ideally, it should be done before Shkiah, but…

Are baby monitors permitted on Shabbos?

One should only use the baby monitor if really necessary. One must ensure not to make noise in the room or cover the microphone when speaking. Analysis: The…

Bracha when posting a Mezuzah on a property that a Goy has partnership in

Questions: 1. In a house that is owned by an intermarried couple, I know that no Bracha is said for a Mezuza on the front door. But what about…

When Candles Start to Smoke on Shabbos

Question: What should be done if a few candles start to smoke on Shabbos? Should they be extinguished, adjusted with a metal knife, so they stop smoking? As it…

What Bracha do we make on rice?

The Alter Rebbe writes that since there is a safek (doubt) which brachah should be made on rice, we should make a Shehakol, which covers all types of food.…

Can Maaser money be used for the cost of a Chassidishe Farbrengen?

Yes, if it is a genuine Chassidishe Farbrengen, i.e. the purpose is indeed to be Meorer to be Mosif in Torah and Mitzvos. The food should be of a…

What is the proper way to say the Bracha before and after Hallel?

Question: What is the proper way to say the Bracha before and after Hallel? In certain Siddurim it says that when half Hallel is said, the Tzibbur should be…

Can I use Ma’aser money to give Matanos L’Evyonim on Purim?

Or beyond Matanos L'evyonim, can I give Tzeddakah on Purim from Maaser? Answer: Every person is required to give gifts or money of at least a nominal sum…

Forgetting Yaaleh Veyavo on Rosh Chodesh by Ma’ariv and Remembering During Shemoneh Esrei

Question: I know that if you finished Shemoneh Esrei and you forgot Yaaleh Veyavo on Rosh Chodesh by Ma'ariv, you do not go back. However, if you remember while…

My son’s 3rd birthday is on Shabbos. When is the preferable time for the Upsherin – Motzei Shabbos or Sunday?

Question: If one can not do an Upsherenish on their son's birthday since it is on Shabbos or Rosh Chodesh etc. would it be better to do it Motzaei…

I am a Seminary student and I work in an office in the afternoon. Can the males in the office call me by my first name or should they call me with the title Miss? I have to communicate information and be driven by a man.

As a Tznius safeguard, men at work should not call you by your first name. For an excellent resource on Tznius safeguards at work, see "Nine to Five: A Guide…

If a woman goes to a public beach area and is fully dressed, can she swim in the water? How much of a distance from men is necessary for a woman to have in order to be able to swim in the public water?

Yes, provided her robe will not rise and there is no chance of men seeing the parts of the body which need to be covered. However, if there are men…

יש משחה שעשויה עם חומר לנולין שמגיע מצמר כבשים האם זה כשר?

הרכיב לנולין כשלעצמו כשר. לגבי המשחה, אין כאן המלצה. ראה כאן ראה בשו”ת מעשה חושב ח”ה, ב. וש”נ. #2702

Can I use an inflatable pool for a men’s Mikvah?

Question: Can I use a tub of water (e.g. an inflatable pool) for a men's Mikvah? And what are things that I can do to make it better, like…

Can I make instant oatmeal on Shabbos?

There are two Halachic issues with making instant oatmeal on Shabbos: 1. Bishul: Since the oatmeal was never cooked before, even if it was already baked, one is still not…

מה הדין ומנהג חב'”ד על חתונה בפורים או בל”ג בעומר?

בפורים אין להתחתן. אפשרי לעשות את החופה בתענית אסתר והסעודה בערב. בל״ג בעומר מתחתנים. בכלל - בכל שאלות כאלו יש לפנות למסדר קדושין.

Is there a way marriage therapy can be paid for with Masser?

No, unless paying for someone else’s therapy. If someone else offers to pay their Ma'aser, you may use it if you can't afford it on your own. …

I have a cast on my left arm from over my elbow to under my wrist. How should I wrap the Tefillin? Should I go straight from the Kesher to my fingers or wrap it on the cast?

You should wrap it over the cast. Refuah Sheleima! Sources: אין דין חציצה כשאינו שייך לקשירה - שו״ע אדה״ז כז, ז. שנות חיים בשו״ת סת״ם נד. אבל לכתחילה מחמירים -…

Is it Muttar to leave a noise machine on over Shabbos for a baby? What about an adult?

A white noise machine is permitted. Otherwise, one may not leave on a noise machine over Shabbos. However, if it’s really needed for a child, or one who has an ailment,…

I often Daven at various Shuls where the Aron Hakodesh is not on the eastern side of the Shul and everyone Davens towards the Aron Hakodesh. Should I nevertheless face east?

The Tzibur should face Mizrach, even if the Aron Hakodesh is in a different direction. However, If the Tzibur is facing the wrong direction, one should not change from their…

I have a new pan, and I cooked something Pareve in it, but mixed it with a clean Milchig spoon which had been used in the past 24 hours. Could I use the pan for Fleishigs now?

Assuming that the Milchig spoon was used for dairy in the last 24 hours, accordingly, if there were sixty times more in the cooked Pareve pan compared to the amount…

Does one have to wash hands after touching a baby’s feet?

Question: Does one have to wash hands after touching a baby's feet (or other body parts that on an older person would be covered) before saying a Bracha etc?…

Upshernish Motzei Tisha B’Av Nidche

Question: My son's third birthday is on 10 Av, which falls out on Tisha B'av this year, as it is a Nidcha. When should we we make the Upsherenish?…

There is a women’s group who do yoga. It is an exercise/workout class with an instructor, and may not be Jewish. A friend mentioned that yoga may be an issue regarding Avodah Zara. Is there a problem to attend?

It is a problem to attend. The Rebbe writes: Inasmuch as the Torah and Mitzvot were given to all the Jews, and to each one individually, for all times and in…

Studying Tehillim on Rosh Chodesh:

It is an ancient custom, on each Rosh Chodesh, to study one verse of the chapter of Tehillim that corresponds with the current years of a person’s life. The…

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Are baby monitors permitted on Shabbos?

Bracha when posting a Mezuzah on a property that a Goy has partnership in

When Candles Start to Smoke on Shabbos

What Bracha do we make on rice?

Can Maaser money be used for the cost of a Chassidishe Farbrengen?

What is the proper way to say the Bracha before and after Hallel?

Can I use Ma’aser money to give Matanos L’Evyonim on Purim?

Forgetting Yaaleh Veyavo on Rosh Chodesh by Ma’ariv and Remembering During Shemoneh Esrei

My son’s 3rd birthday is on Shabbos. When is the preferable time for the Upsherin – Motzei Shabbos or Sunday?

I am a Seminary student and I work in an office in the afternoon. Can the males in the office call me by my first name or should they call me with the title Miss? I have to communicate information and be driven by a man.

If a woman goes to a public beach area and is fully dressed, can she swim in the water? How much of a distance from men is necessary for a woman to have in order to be able to swim in the public water?

יש משחה שעשויה עם חומר לנולין שמגיע מצמר כבשים האם זה כשר?

Can I use an inflatable pool for a men’s Mikvah?

Can I make instant oatmeal on Shabbos?

מה הדין ומנהג חב'”ד על חתונה בפורים או בל”ג בעומר?

Is there a way marriage therapy can be paid for with Masser?

I have a cast on my left arm from over my elbow to under my wrist. How should I wrap the Tefillin? Should I go straight from the Kesher to my fingers or wrap it on the cast?

Is it Muttar to leave a noise machine on over Shabbos for a baby? What about an adult?

I often Daven at various Shuls where the Aron Hakodesh is not on the eastern side of the Shul and everyone Davens towards the Aron Hakodesh. Should I nevertheless face east?

I have a new pan, and I cooked something Pareve in it, but mixed it with a clean Milchig spoon which had been used in the past 24 hours. Could I use the pan for Fleishigs now?

Does one have to wash hands after touching a baby’s feet?

Upshernish Motzei Tisha B’Av Nidche

There is a women’s group who do yoga. It is an exercise/workout class with an instructor, and may not be Jewish. A friend mentioned that yoga may be an issue regarding Avodah Zara. Is there a problem to attend?

Studying Tehillim on Rosh Chodesh: