HaRav Yishai Natan - This week's parasha ends with the mitzvah of tzitzit, which we mention every day in Keriat Shema. A major discussion among Sephardim is whether tzitzit should be tucked in or left out. The Contradiction in the Tur The Tur (Siman 8) writes that when a person wakes up in the morning, he must first wash his hands before making any berachot. … [Read more...]
THE WRONG POOL
HaRav Yishai Natan I was scheduled to have my pool opened for the summer next week. This morning, I walked outside to my backyard and noticed that my pool had already been opened. I immediately called my pool company, and they told me that they had not yet come and that I was still scheduled for next week. I informed them that someone had already opened my pool and … [Read more...]
Q&A – Davar Gush in a Kli Sheni
Can I Pour Cold Gravy on Hot Rice on Shabbat? What if I Put a Hot Burger on a Dairy Plate? Both of these questions depend on the same halachic issue: Does a davar gush (a hot solid food) retain the ability to cook after being transferred into a kli sheni? Generally, a kli sheni does not cook because once food leaves the original pot, it begins to cool. However, the … [Read more...]
Parashat BeHa’alotecha
HaRav Yishai Natan - Waiting Between Meat and Milk - The Gemara (Hullin 105a) says it is assur to eat dairy after meat. There is a mahloket among the Rishonim regarding the reason for this waiting period. Rashi explains that the taste of meat remains in a person's mouth for a long time after eating, and therefore one may not eat dairy immediately afterward. The … [Read more...]
Parashat Naso – Birkat Kohanim
HaRav Yishai Natan - Why Don’t Ashkenazim Do Birkat Kohanim in Chutz La’Aretz? The Gemara in Sotah 38b says many incredible things about Bikar Kohanim. “הקב״ה מתאוה לברכת כהנים” - Hashem desires Birkat Kohanim. Not just that He likes it — He desires it. “כל כהן שמברך מתברך” - Every Kohen who blesses the people is himself blessed. The Tur brings from … [Read more...]