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...]
Accepting Shabbat Early
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...]
Tish’a B’Av FAQ’s
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...]