By Rabbi Moshe Pinchasi Torah study on Shabbat afternoon, Erev Tish’a B’Av Q: Must one refrain from general Torah-study on the Shabbat afternoon of Erev Tish’a B’Av? A: The Sephardic custom is to study Torah on Erev Tish’a B’Av after midday, even when it is on a weekday, and especially when it occurs on Shabbat. The Rama in Darche Moshe[1] cites the opinion of the … [Read more...]
Ben HaMetzarim FAQ’s
An excerpt from our upcoming Tammuz edition of the D'var Hashem - Sephardic Halacha Journal By Rabbi Moshe Pinchasi, Lakewood Q: May one rinse their mouth on a fast day? A: On the four fasts (excluding Tish’a B’Av and Yom Kippur), some say that if one ensures that he does not swallow any liquid, it is allowed if necessary[1]. Hacham Ovadia Yosef זצ"ל writes[2] that even in … [Read more...]
Pessah on Lel Shabbat
Q: When Pessah night falls out on Shabbat – as it does this year – do we recite the Beracha Me’en Sheva in the synagogue? Answered by Rabbi Moshe Pinhasi A: Most Poskim[1] are of the opinion that this blessing, which is recited for extra protection on Lel Shabbat, should be omitted on Pessah night which is in itself a Lel Shimurim – a night of protection. This, despite … [Read more...]
Hametz in Medicines and Cosmetics
Q: Can one use toothpaste, lipstick, or medicines which may have a Hametz ingredient on Pessah? Answered by Rabbi Moshe Pinhasi A: Anything that is unsuitable for the consumption of a dog prior to Pessah, may be kept in one’s possession but is nevertheless forbidden to eat MiD’Rabbanan[1]. With regards to toothpaste, lipstick and the like, since one does not intend on … [Read more...]
Flashlight for Bedikat Hametz
Q: Can one use a flashlight for Bedikat Hametz? Answered by Rabbi David Ani A: It is advisable to use a candle for a few minutes following the Beracha, after which one can then put it out and use a small flashlight for the rest to the search[1]. Sources: [1] השו"ע (ס' תלג ס"ב) פסק שיש לבדוק דוקא לאור נר שעוה, ודעת גדולי הפוסקים [שו"ת יחו"ד (ח"א ס"ד) ובחזו"ע (פסח, … [Read more...]