Q: We often adorn our house with orchids. Is it permissible to move them aside on Shabbat? A: Yes. However, one may not place them near a dirt floor or near sunlight in order to benefit them. There is a distinction in Halacha between a punctured potted-plant (עציץ נקוב), which can absorb the earth’s nutrients and is considered to be fully attached to the ground, thus, … [Read more...]
What to Do with Leftover Hanukkah Oil?
Q: What is the appropriate way to dispose of the leftover Hanukkah oil? A: The Shulhan Aruch[1] rules that one must burn the leftover oil from the Hanukkah candles. Many Rishonim[2] write that this is because the oil has some Keddusha, being that it represents the oil used in the Menorah in the Bet Hamikdash[3]. Rav Hayim Palacci suggests[4] that one may still use the oil … [Read more...]