Rabbi Yishai Natan - Q: Does the hazzan have to wait until nine people have finished Shemoneh Esreh before starting Hazarat HaShatz, or can he may begin once six have finished and the other four are still praying? A: Maran writes in Shulhan Aruch (O.H. 124:4) that if there are not nine people paying attention to the blessings of the hazzan, his blessings are “close to … [Read more...]
Barechu Bowing
Rabbi Yishai Natan - Q: Is a hazzan supposed to bow when saying Barechu et Hashem? Should the rest of the kehillah bow when answering Baruch Hashem Hamevorach? A: HaRav Tzelah, Av Bet Din of Tehman (Tachliel Etz Haim 78), writes that the minhag is for the hazzan to bow when he says Barechu, as is stated in the Kol Bo (siman 8). He also brings a Midrash in which Rebbi … [Read more...]
Electric Shavers
HaRav Yishai Natan - Q: What do Sephardic poskim hold about using an electric shaver? A: The Torah says, “velo tash’hit et pe’at zekanecha” — “Do not destroy the corners of your beard” (Vayikra 19:27). The Gemara (Makkot 21a) explains that the prohibition applies to giluah sheyesh bo hash’hatah — shaving that destroys the hair. A razor is the classic example because it … [Read more...]
Q&A: Light Fixtures in a Sukkah
Question May light fixtures be hung in a sukkah? Hanging a Sheet Under the Sechach The Mishnah (Sukkah 10a) says that if a bedsheet, which is not valid for sechach, is spread above the sechach for shade, or beneath it to catch falling leaves, it can invalidate the sukkah. However, the Gemara (ibid.) says that if a cloth is hung lena’otah—to beautify the sukkah—it … [Read more...]
Q&A: MEAL ON EREV SHABBAT AND YOM TOV
Question Are you allowed to eat a se’udah (meal) on erev Shabbat or erev Yom Tov? When is the right time to eat se’udah shlishit when Shabbat falls on the first day of Yom Tov? Answer The Gemara in Gittin 38a tells of a family that made a habit of eating a formal meal (kove’a se’udah) on erev Shabbat, and they were punished for it. The Rambam (Shabbat 29:4) therefore … [Read more...]