Loan Disapproved January 12, 2023 Q I recently discovered that the CEO of a bank where I hold an interest-bearing savings account is Jewish. What should I do? A Depositing money into an interest-bearing bank account is a loan at…
Fruit Preserves January 4, 2023 Q May I remove the cherry tree in my backyard? A The Torah forbids the cutting down of fruit trees: “Do not destroy its trees” (Devarim 20:19). One may also not instruct a non-Jew or…
Relative Terms December 29, 2022 Q May I honor a distant relative to serve as an eid kidushin (witness) at my wedding? A Kidushin is only effective if it is performed before two valid witnesses (Shulchan Aruch E.H. 42:2). Family…
Sabbatical Smoldering December 22, 2022 Q I am in Eretz Yisrael for Chanukah, and many Shmitah products are still available for purchase here. Is there a reason to refrain from using Shmitah olive oil for the menorah? A The Torah…
Dish Out December 15, 2022 Q After washing the dishes on Shabbos night, may I organize them on the counter or in the dishwasher by type, or is that a violation of borer? A The melacha of borer entails selecting…
Beyond the Scope December 7, 2022 Q May I use mouthwash or whiskey on Shabbos to soothe the pain of a canker sore? A Chazal forbade medical treatments (refuah) on Shabbos lest one inadvertently transgress the melacha de’Oreisa of grinding…
Lunch Liquid December 1, 2022 Q I work outdoors and often don’t have access to water for netilas yadayim. May I use snow, ice, or slush? What about beverages like juice, coffee, or seltzer? A The ideal substance for netilas…
Idol Speculation November 24, 2022 Q My non-Jewish cleaning lady often handles wine bottles while straightening up the kitchen. When is there a yayin nesech concern? A Wine was traditionally used in idol worship. Because of this, any wine with…
Clothing Arguments November 16, 2022 Q Suits produced by several high-end clothiers are often found to contain shatnez. May I try on such suits at the store, before the shatnez is removed? A The Mishnah (Kilayim 9:6) permits a tailor…
Domain Names November 10, 2022 Q Last Shabbos, my toddler walked out of the house with my silver becher and dropped it in the street. Given that there is no eiruv in our area, is there a way I could…