There is a special bracha one says when he sees a king. Is the status of a president in today’s day and age similar to that of a king that we should make a bracha? With the special bracha one recites upon seeing a king, some hold that it can be recited even on a…
Does your lulav from a date tree need to actually have dates?
There is a great discussion in the Acharonim as to whether or not there is a need to have dates on the tree. Is it a prerequisite that it must have fruits or it is just referring to the type of tree that gives off dates? Lulav – Branches of a date tree When it…
Mitzvahs Arba Minim: is the mitzvah holding or lifting them?
The mitzvah to take the four minim on Sukkos is learned from the pasuk: וּלְקַחְתֶּם לָכֶם בַּיּוֹם הָרִאשׁוֹן פְּרִי עֵץ הָדָר – “You shall take on the first day an esrog…” What exactly is the definition of “taking”? Mitzvas lekichah – Holding or taking? Does the mitzvah require that one actually take them in his…
What is the importance of Smichas Geula L’Tfilah?
The Gemara in Brochos (4b) tells us that one who connects geula to tefilah – even at Maariv – is deserving of a special place in the Next World. What is so special about being soimech geula l’tfilah? Rashi explains that this is based on the juxtaposition of the two chapters in Tehilim 19 and…
When the 10th of Av Falls on Erev Shabbos – What Do We Do?
Many restrictions of the 9 days apply to the 10th of Av until chatzos. But what are we supposed to do when delaying those tasks until after chatzos impedes with Shabbos preparations? TISHA B’AV ON THURSDAY Being that this year, Tisha B’Av falls on Thursday, I would like to discuss certain leniencies that apply for…
Am I Allowed to Eat Anything Before Davening? What About That Coffee?
What’s the source for the prohibition of eating before davening…and what does it include? The Gemara in Brochos (10b) states that one is not allowed to eat before davening. The Gemara brings two reasons. One is based on the pasuk in Parshas Kedoshim: ‘לא תאכלו על הדם’ – “Do not eat on your blood.” This…
