Q: Does one have to turn off the lights for Bedikat Hametz? Answered by Rabbi David Ani A: No[1]. Sources: [1] חזו"ע (הל' פסח עמ' מ) אול"צ (ח"ג פ"ז ס"ז) ועוד, ומה שאמרו (חולין ס:) שאור הנר אינו מועיל ביום, היינו משום דעכ"פ הנר מאיר בחורים וסדקים, אבל במקומות הגלויים אור החשמל יפה ממנו, דלא גרע ממי שלא בדק בלילה שבודק ביתו ביום לאור הנר, ואפי' שיש בבית הרבה אור, וכן … [Read more...]
Checking Books for Hametz
Q: Must one check their books for crumbs of Hametz? Answered by Rabbi David Ani A: While some Poskim[1] worry about finding crumbs in one’s books, especially books that are placed on the table with food from time to time, however, it has never been the Sephardic custom to be concerned about this[2]. Sources: [1] הגר"א במעשה רב אות קעח, וכן מובא שעשו החזו"א … [Read more...]
Birkat Ha’Ilanot for Women, Not During Nissan
Q: Do women recite Birkat Ha’Ilanot? Can one recite Birkat Ha’Ilanot after Nissan? Answered by Rabbi Moshe Pinhasi A: Women may also recite Birkat Ha’Ilanot[1] as many Poskim maintain that one may recite the Beracha even after Nissan if there are still blossoming trees[2], thus, it would not be considered a time-bound Mitzva. Even according to the opinions that one may … [Read more...]
Birkat Ha’Ilanot on Shabbat
Q: May one recite Birkat Ha’Ilanot on Shabbat? Answered by Rabbi Moshe Pinhasi A: Some say[1] that one should not recite this Beracha on Shabbat because – according to Kabbala – by reciting this Beracha one is sorting out particles of Keddusha from the trees, which is akin to sorting [בורר] on Shabbat. They are also concerned that one may come to detach a flower or branch … [Read more...]
Koshering Utensils for Pessah
Q: How can I kosher my oven for Pessah? May I use the hot-plate on Pessah? Answered by Rabbi Moshe Pinhasi A: With regards to an oven, the Ohr L’Tziyon[1] takes a strict position, asserting that it is virtually impossible to kosher an oven, even if it is not electric[2]. However, Hacham Ovadia Yosef, Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach זצ"ל and others[3] allow for koshering an oven … [Read more...]