One important step in preparing for Pesach is Kashering. Once this was a much more significant portion of the preparations, but fortunately today’s society is much more affluent than in previous days, and most people have separate objects set aside … Continue reading
Mechiras Chometz
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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
Kitniyos
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
Asara b’Teves
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Tomorrow is the Fast of Asara b’Teves. This Ta’anis is different than the others in certain aspects. The other three fasts, 17th of Tammuz, 9th of Av and Tzom Gedalia all commemorate events that revolve around the destruction of the Second Beis HaMikdash. … Continue reading