Woman's Rites December 7, 2023 Q From what kind of work should women refrain while the chanuka lights are burning? A The Shulchan Aruch (670:1) cites a Minhag that women refrain from melacha during the first half-hour that the Chanukah lights…
Finger Painting November 30, 2023 Q I was painting on Friday. I cleaned the paint from my hands, but I see now that a tiny spot remains on one fingernail. Does that pose a problem for netilas yadayim? If so,…
Beyond Repair November 23, 2023 Q I obtain broken electronic devices and refurbish them for resale. I could boost profitability by replacing certain external features to give a device the appearance of a later model. Is that permitted? A The…
Skin Color November 16, 2023 Q Must I avoid having my hand stamped when visiting a tourist attraction? A The Torah (Vayikra 19:28) forbids inscribing in one’s skin a ksovess ka’aka (tattoo), whether he does it to himself or allows…
In Other Words November 9, 2023 Q I cannot yet read or understand Hebrew well, so I have difficulty davening and saying Shma in the original. May I use English? A The Shulchan Aruch (O.C. 62:2) rules that Shma may…
Blackstrap November 2, 2023 Q The black color of my tfillin retzuos (straps) is fading. At what point must I blacken them? Is special tfillin dye required, or may black shoe polish be used? May a woman or child do…
Foodball October 26, 2023 Q May one play catch using a grapefruit or a bagel? A Food provides sustenance, and degrading it shows disregard for the goodness that Hashem bestows upon the world (Rashi, Ta’anis 20b), so Chazal instituted a…
Host Specificity October 19, 2023 Q I live in a new community without a permanent shul. We have been davening on Shabbos in the home of one resident for a while. Some participants would prefer to convene in a more centrally…
Mail Server October 12, 2023 Q I regularly receive mail addressed to previous occupants of my home, including invitations, promotions, and tzedakah solicitations. Am I required to get these items to their addressees? A Someone else’s mail found in your…
Unter Dem Tisch September 28, 2023 Q I have little room in my sukkah. May I sleep under the table? A The Mishnah (Sukkah 20b) records the story of Tavi, Rabban Gamliel’s slave, who would sleep in the sukkah…