Leaven Questions April 11, 2024 Q I will be staying in a hotel on Chol Hamo’ed. Must I perform bedikas chametz? A The mitzvah of bedikas chametz is not limited to the night of Erev Pesach, it applies until the end…
Cash Advance April 4, 2024 Q I collected funds on Purim for an orphan’s wedding, but the wedding is several months hence. May I borrow the money in the meantime? A The Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 259:1) rules that one who…
On the House March 28, 2024 Q Does a greenhouse require a mezuzah? A There is a machlokess whether a mezuzah is required for something other than a living space. The pasuk (Dvarim 6:9) says, “Uchsavtam al mezuzos baisecha (And…
Addenda Impedimenta March 21, 2024 Q When Purim falls on motza’ei Shabbos as it does this year, is Al Hanisim inserted when reciting Birkas Hamazon for se’udah shlishis after nightfall? A Generally, the insertions in Birkas Hamazon follow the meal’s start.…
Clean Hands Doctrine March 14, 2024 Q If I have to leave the table during a meal, must I repeat netilas yadayim upon returning? A Following a hesech hada’as (mental disengagement), one must wash anew. If you leave the table and get…
A Shvacheh Cup March 7, 2024 Q Are disposable cups suitable for kiddush or havdalah? A Disposable utensils are a relatively new product, and much has been written about their status in various areas of halacha. Kiddush and havdalah, like…
Posthaste February 29, 2024 Q May I mail something on a Friday if I know that the Postal Service will transport it on Shabbos through a reshus harabim? A One may not have a non-Jewish worker who is paid for…
Youngster’s Last Stand February 22, 2024 Q I work in a retirement home, where certain elderly residents walk past me several times a day. Must I stand up for them every time? A The Torah (Vayikra 19:32) commands, “Mipnei seivah…
Restrained Barberism February 15, 2024 Q I own a barbershop. Occasionally, a nonreligious Jewish patron asks me to cut off his peyos, and it would be awkward to refuse. How should I handle this? A It is forbidden for…
Stop Sign February 8, 2024 Q I’m filling out a legal form that concludes, “By signing below, I hereby swear that the information provided is true.” May I sign this, either by hand or digitally via DocuSign? A Many…