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...]

Wasting food and other items in the eyes of Halacha Adapted by Rabbi Ariel Ovadia from a Shiur by HaRav Shmuel Felder shlit”a, Senior Posek in Lakewood, NJ   Introduction The Torah[1] forbids cutting down a fruit-bearing tree, a prohibition referred to as “Bal Tash’hit”, and extended in Halacha to include other usable items, such as utensils or clothing.[2] … [Read more...]

May one eat or drink in a Bet Kenesset or Bet Midrash? By Rabbi Moshe Pinchasi[1] As a designated place for Tefilla and Avodat Hashem, a Bet HaKenesset or Bet Midrash warrants proper respect. The Gemara in Mesechet Megilla[2] details the appropriate conduct in these holy places. Needless to say, any conduct which is openly disrespectable is completely forbidden. Yet, even … [Read more...]