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...]

Can one join a Minyan or fulfill the audible Mitzvot via skype, telephone or other voice-transmitting devices? By Rav Yosef Fund / Posek for the Bet HaVa’ad, Lakewood Since the advent of voice-transmitting technology, towards the end of the nineteenth century, the Poskim have grappled with the prospect of fulfilling Mitzvot using such methods. Can one hear Megilla, join a … [Read more...]

Is playing Rubik’s cube and other such games on Shabbat an issue of Borer? By Rav Mordechai Lebhar[1] Introduction to the Laws of Borer The foundation of the 39 Melachot, acts of work, which are prohibited for one to do on Shabbat is creativity. The Torah forbade creative labor on the Shabbat. The Be’ur Halacha[2] explains that the prohibition of selecting – Borer – on … [Read more...]

How far can a government or community go to limit what an individual does or practices in their private life? Based on a Shiur by Rabbi Micha Cohen Introduction In secular law, there is an ongoing discussion about whether a government can or should limit an individual’s private life choices. One example of this is the Supreme Court’s 1923 decision in Meyer vs. Nebraska. The … [Read more...]

By Dayan Shlomo Cohen, Badatz Ahavat Shalom, Yerushalayim Serious and painful injuries can be caused while playing sport. A game of football can end in concussion from a strong tackle and a boxer or wrestler can suffer even worse injuries. The question is, can a player in a football game claim damages for those injuries from the guy who tackled him, or can a boxer get … [Read more...]