Adapted by Rabbi Ariel Ovadia[1] I forgot to separate Hallah before Shabbat from the bread that I baked. What should I do? Am I permitted to separate Hallah on Shabbat? The Shulhan Aruch (OH 339:4) writes that one is not permitted to separate Terumot and Ma’asrot (various tithes) on Shabbat. Included in this prohibition is separating Hallah. The Mishna Berura (261:4) explains … [Read more...]

Based on a Shiur by Rav Avraham Y. Cohen, Rosh Kollel Ohel Yitzhak, Lakewood While Kabbala generally refers to the study and understanding of the various traits of Hashem, it is possible that certain elements of Kabbala can be used to defy the laws of nature. Although this is rarely seen today, the notion of using the Names of Hashem in this manner may have been more common in … [Read more...]

Counting Sefira Yourself / Part 2 By Rabbi Moshe Pinchasi In our previous article, we discussed the prospect of considering the Hazan’s counting as your own. We concluded that it is better to count yourself, and that even if one heard the counting from someone else with the intent to fulfill the Mitzvah, it is best to repeat the count oneself – without a Beracha. In this … [Read more...]

Counting Sefirat Ha’Omer Yourself / Part 1 By Rabbi Moshe Pinchasi There are a few instances in which the Torah commands us to count: counting the years of Yovel, counting the days of Ziva, and, of course, counting the Omer. Each counting is conducted in a different manner. With regards to Sefirat Ha’Omer, the Gemara in Menahot[1] derives from the expression “U’Sfartem … [Read more...]