Q: Are women obligated to hear Parashat Zachor? A: Some Poskim maintain that women must also hear Parashat Zachor as the Mitzva of Zechirat Amalek is not considered to be time-bound[1], and because the victory over Amalek pertained to women as well. However, the Hinuch reasons that because women are exempt from fighting in battle[2], and the main purpose of reading Zachor is … [Read more...]
Carrying in a Hotel on Shabbat
Q: I recently stayed in a hotel for Shabbat with a few other Jewish families. Do I need to set up an Eruv Hatzerot to allow me to carry? A: Ideally, one should set an Eruv without a Beracha. The Halacha is that one may not carry on Shabbat in a domain which is shared by multiple dwellers – such as a shared courtyard – without first setting up an “Eruv Hatzerot”. This Eruv … [Read more...]
Fringe Benefits: Company Leads & Kickbacks
Adapted from an article by Dayan Dovid Grossman | Rosh Bet HaVa’ad, Lakewood Jobs often involve much more than the plain job description. Over the course of one’s employment they will build relationships, be entrusted with confidential information, and hold positions of power and importance to others. We must inquire, what rights does an employee have to benefit from these … [Read more...]
Pausing between the Beracha and Eating
Q: What is the Halacha if one paused between reciting a Beracha and eating? A: One should not utter even one word[1] about an unrelated matter between the Beracha and the eating. If one did so they must recite the Beracha again[2]. However, if one spoke for the purpose of the food (i.e. asking for salt), one does not have to recite the Beracha again[3]. Similarly, if one … [Read more...]
Bore Nefashot after Drinking
Q: Does one recite a Bore Nefashot after drinking hot coffee or tea? A: Unless one drinks an entire Revi’it (about 3 oz.) in one shot, one should not make a Bore Nefashot[1]. [Answered by Rabbi Moshe Pinhasi] Sources: [1] מרן באו"ח סי' תריב ס"י פסק כהרמב"ם (פ"ב משבה"ע ה"ד) ששיעור הצירוף לשתיה הוא כדי שתיית רביעית, ובשם י"א (ראב"ד פ"י מתרו' ה"ג) כ' ששיעור צירוף השתיה … [Read more...]