A Blanket Rule March 20, 2025 Q Why doesn’t a blanket need tzitzis? A The straightforward answer is that a blanket is not worn as garments are, as it is only draped over the body, and the mitzvah of tzitzis applies…
Midor Ledor March 13, 2025 Q If a mezuzah was taken down for checking or to paint the house, may it be moved to a different door? A According to some poskim (Teshuvos Vehanhagos 1:649), a mezuzah in a doorway…
Meal Plan March 6, 2025 Q Our seudas Purim usually goes on for several hours, so this year’s may continue into Shabbos. What should we do about bentching, kiddush, davening, Al Hanisim, etc.? A The Rama (O.C. 695:2) directs that when…
Taking Part February 27, 2025 Q I have an electric cooking device that is used for dairy. One of its parts became treif through contact with beef soup. Do I need to kasher the other parts, some of which are hard…
Rules of Order February 20, 2025 Q May I order groceries from Instacart on Friday if they might arrive on Shabbos? A The prohibition of amirah lenachri applies even if the non-Jew was given his instructions before Shabbos. If it…
Rough Drawing February 13, 2025 Q After the winner was announced at our school fundraising raffle, it was discovered that a computer glitch had caused a few names to be omitted. Is the result valid, or must the drawing be redone?…
Fruit Futures February 6, 2025 Q I made a bracha on an apple, and while eating it I received a delivery of oranges. May I eat one without a new bracha? A The Shulchan Aruch (O.C. 206:5) says that if…
Buy Now, Ribbis Later? January 30, 2025 Q My business offers free financing for twelve months on orders over $1,000. A customer suggested to me that there may be a ribbis problem with this offer. Is he correct? A Any benefit…
Finishing Coats January 23, 2025 Q Raincoats have accumulated in my shul’s coatroom over the years. May I give them away or discard them? A Many shuls post a sign stating that all items become hefker (ownerless) after a certain period.…
Book Keeping January 16, 2025 Q I have a bookstore in my basement. May I read the books on Shabbos? A One of the categories of muktzeh is muktzeh machamas chisaron kis, which covers items that one is particular about…