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...]
Preparing for Pessah
A step by step guide to Koshering your kitchen for Pessah, based on article by Kollel Toronto, and reviewed by Rav Mordechai Lebhar THE OVEN Self-Cleaning Ovens 1) Before using the self-clean cycle, the door, window and the gasket should be cleaned thoroughly because the self-clean cycle does not clean these areas. 2) Turn on the self-clean cycle for at least 2 hours … [Read more...]
Life After Heart Surgery
Is Living on a Heart-and-Lung Machine Considered a Life? By Rabbi Micha Cohn Q: Is a person whose heart is not beating and is living on a heart-and-lung machine Halachically considered alive? A: When heart transplantation was in its early stages with very low success rates, there was much Halachic discussion about the permissibility of these procedures not only from the … [Read more...]
Carrying the Megilla
When Purim falls on Motza’e Shabbat, is the Megilla Muktze? By Rabbi Moshe Pinchasi As this year (5777) Purim falls on Motza’e Shabbat, many will find it more convenient to just bring the Megilla along with them to Shul before Shabbat ends, and thus be prepared for the reading on Purim night. This would bring up the discussion of whether the Megilla is considered Muktze or … [Read more...]
Purim FAQ’s
Your most pressing Purim questions, answered By Rabbi Moshe Pinchasi[1] Q: Is one obligated to give Mahatzit HaShekel on behalf of his wife and children? A: The Rama[2] writes that males over twenty-years old should give Mahatzit HaShekel. The Kaf HaHayim[3] and others write that this is also the Sephardic Minhag. Some[4] are of the opinion that even males over thirteen … [Read more...]