A fascinating component of most people’s Pesach preparations is Mechiras Chametz, selling all the Chometz products. As with many issues, the various Minhagim can run the full gamut; from those who sell a freezer full of baked goods to be eaten … Continue reading
Category Archives: Halacha
Kitniyos
Gallery
Another interesting Pesach point is the much maligned Chumra of Kitniyos. Around 800 years ago some Ashkenazi communities began to refrain from the consumption of legumes and similar products, and over the next century of two it became the accepted … Continue reading
Cleaning for Pesach
Gallery
Since we have entered the period of thirty days preceding Pesach when it is incumbent to commence studying its Halachos, I want to mention a number of ideas relevant the season. The first issue to arise is cleaning for … Continue reading
Listening to the Megilla-Why People Buy their Own
Gallery
Occasionally, due to graggers, sliding chairs or a sneeze, one may miss hearing a word or more of the Megilla. If this is not rectified immediately, it invalidate the entire reading, as the Megila must be heard in order and … Continue reading
The Minhag of Machatzis HaShekel
Gallery
The general Minhag is to give a commemoration of the Machtzis HaShekel at Mincha time on Ta’anis Esther. It is customary to give three coins, each one of which has a face value of “one-half”, it whichever currency is used in that location. This … Continue reading
Tu b’Shvat
Gallery
This Shabbos will BE”H be the 15th day of Shevat. The primary significance of its being the Rosh HaShana for trees is Halachic. The date which determines whether produce is from a tree’s third year and is forbidden or fourth year … Continue reading
Shaving Follow-Up, the Lift-and-Cut
Gallery
A number of people responded to the previous article inquiring regarding the issue of the lift-and-cut shavers. Many asked, if the lenient authorities permit any shaver with a guard because the blade does not make direct contact with the skin, … Continue reading
Shaving
Gallery
I have often been asked to explain the various opinions regarding shaving with an electric shaver. Without addressing any of the Kabbalistic aspects, as they are above my pay grade, I would like to elaborate on the basic Halachic positions … Continue reading
Onions in a Food Processor
Gallery
A commonly asked question relates to an onion cut with a Fleishig knife and then placed in the food processor. Does it render the appliance Fleishig itself that one could no longer chop an onion in it to place in … Continue reading
The Beracha on Doughnuts and Sufganiyot
Gallery
The traditional Sufganiya, and all doughnuts, present an interesting conundrum in Hilchos Berachos for G-d fearing Jews. The Shulchan Aruch in Orach Chaim 168:13 states that any boiled or deep-fried dough is automatically Mezonos and not HaMotzi. However, he subsequently quotes a … Continue reading