By Rabbi Moshe Pinchasi The Gemara in Berachot[1] states that one who goes out during the days of Nissan and sees blossoming trees should recite the following Beracha: "ברוך אתה השם, אלוקינו מלך העולם, שלא חיסר בעולמו דבר[2], וברא בו בריות טובות ואילנות טובות ליהנות בהם בני אדם" “Blessed are you Hashem, our Lord, King of the universe, who has spared nothing in this world, … [Read more...]
Caring for a Grandparent
Answered by Rabbi Ariel Ovadia Q: My grandfather must be given an injection daily at his home. May I, as a grandchild, administer the injection? A: Yes. The Gemara states that grandchildren are considered like one’s own children. This would have implications regarding the fulfillment of the Mitzvah of having children[1], the obligation to teach one’s sons Torah[2] among … [Read more...]
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 following day is … [Read more...]
Reciting a Beracha on Tefillin
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...]
Yom Kippur FAQ’s
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...]