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 following day is … [Read more...]

Q: If I take my Tefillin off to go to the bathroom, do I have to recite a Beracha when I put them on again? A: Yes. However, it is best to make a condition before reciting the Beracha that you do not intend the Beracha to carry on if you take them off to go to the bathroom. Maran rules[1] that any time one removes their Tefillin, even if he has in mind to put them back on, … [Read more...]

Q: What should one do if he forgot to say “HaMelech HaMishpat” on Asseret Yeme Teshuva? A: According to Maran[1], if he remembers within three seconds (“Toch Kede Dibbur”), he may say it then. If he remembers after that time, or after starting the next Beracha, he must go back to “Hashiva”. If one only remembers after finishing the Amida, he should repeat the Amida, because … [Read more...]

By Rabbi Moshe Pinchasi Q: Do women have to hear the Shofar? A: Women are exempt from hearing the Shofar as it is a time-bound positive Mitzvah[1]. However, the proper custom is that women come to the Bet Kenesset to hear Shofar[2]. One who is blowing only for women he should not recite a Beracha, nevertheless, it is permitted to carry the Shofar through Reshut HaRabbim on … [Read more...]

Q: My husband accepts Shabbat early every week, but I still have to get some things done in the house before Shabbat starts. Am I bound by his Kabbalat Shabbat? A: Although the P’ri Megadim[1] is in doubt whether when a father prays Arvit of Shabbat early, his family is automatically included in that acceptance of Shabbat. The late Aharonim debate about the final Halacha. … [Read more...]