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Toledot – Hilchot Kibbud Av Va’em
By Rabbi Yishai Natan: 1. The Mitzvah of Kibbud Av Va'em In Parashat Toldot, we see how Esav went to great lengths to honor his father, Yitzhak. Even though Esav was a rasha, he was known for his exceptional Kibbud Av. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 65:16) relates that Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel said that although he honored his father throughout his life, his honor did … [Read more...]
Mezonot On Dessert
By Rabbi Yishai Natan: Q: Should I make a Mezonot on cake served for dessert during a meal, before Birkat Hamazon? A: Maran, in Shulhan Aruch (OH 177:1), rules that foods normally eaten as part of a bread meal do not require a new berachah, since they are covered by Birkat Hamotzi. However, foods normally served for dessert require their own berachah rishonah, such as … [Read more...]
A Misleading Mabrook
By Rabbi Yishai Natan: I live in Brooklyn and recently traveled to Lakewood to attend a wedding. While driving through town, I passed another wedding hall and suddenly remembered that a friend of mine was getting married there that same night. Since I was already nearby, I decided to stop in for a few minutes to wish him Mazal Tov. When I walked into the hall, the hatan was … [Read more...]
Borrowing Ashkenazi Tefillin
Rabbi Yishai Natan: Q: Can a Sephardi borrow an Ashkenazi’s tefillin? A: Many people have heard that a Sephardi should not use Ashkenazi tefillin. Some assume the issue is the ketav, the shape of the letters. Ashkenazim generally use what is known as Bet Yosef ketav, while Sephardim use Velish writing, based on their tradition. Although the letters look somewhat … [Read more...]