If one knows that he will need to leave the meal early, and he does not want to have to wait for a zimun, what should he do? The obligation of zimun is only if three or more men are kovea (establish) themselves to eat together. This means that the men deliberately sit down to eat together, or they finish eating together. However, if one sits down with two that already began … [Read more...]
OU Daily Living: Laws related to Birkat HaMazon
Could you please clarify when a kos (cup of wine) should be used for Zimun? Maran in Shulhan Aruch (O.H. 182:1) quotes three different opinions as to when a kos is required for Birkat HaMazon: One opinion holds that anytime one recites Birkat HaMazon one must recite the it with a kos. This entails holding a full cup of wine during Birkat HaMazon, reciting Bore P’ri … [Read more...]
Halachot of Daily Living: Weekly Questions
Our electricity was restored on Shabbat. The lights in the house went back on. Are we permitted to benefit from these lights even though they were restored on Shabbat? One is not permitted to benefit on Shabbat from a Melacha that was done by a non-Jew for the sake of a Jew. This is true even if the Jew did not request the favor. The Mishna Berura (276:2) explains that this … [Read more...]
Halachot of Daily Living: Weekly Questions
The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis This Column is dedicated in memory of: Rav Chaim Yisroel ben Reb Dov HaLevi Belsky, zt’l Senior OU Kosher Halachic Consultant from 1987-2016 Laws related to Yashan nowadays What do the terms Hadash flour or Yashan flour mean? The Torah (VaYikra 23:14) states that it is forbidden to eat the new year’s grains until … [Read more...]
Halachot of Daily Living: Weekly Questions
Hanukkah FAQ’s Answered by Rabbi Moshe Pinchasi Q: Where should I light if I get married on Hanukkah? A: If the Huppa will take place after star-break, one would fulfill the obligation with the lighting of his parents. One should also light in one’s new home after the wedding, without a Beracha, to satisfy the opinions that the place where one sleeps and lives in the … [Read more...]