Relying on Pessah Lists for Sepharadim By Rabbi Mordechai Lebhar Q: Can Sepharadim safely assume that food products that contain Kitniyot (legumes) derivatives such as corn syrup, corn alcohol, etc. and no Hametz are Kosher for Passover without any certification? A: Generally, Sepharadim do not follow the Ashkenazic practice of avoiding Kitniyot (legumes) on Pessah … [Read more...]
In the Final Hour…
Can a Kohen be in contact with a Goses? By Rabbi Ariel Ovadia Introduction This week we read about the impurity one contracts from the dead. While most Jews are allowed to contract Tum’ah (impurity) and are sometimes even commanded to do so (to bury the dead etc.)[1], Kohanim are generally prohibited from contracting Tum’at Met (the impurity of the dead) from a dead body, … [Read more...]
Poor on Purim
Matanot La’Evyonim FAQ’s By Rav Mordechai Lebhar, Posek for the SHC and Rosh Kollel LINK, Los Angeles Q: How much do I have to give for Matanot La’Evyonim? A: Ribbi Yaakov Haim Benaim, one of the great sages of Morocco in the 18th century, in his work Zera Yaakov (§11) is the common source quoted regarding this question. Following a lengthy discussion, he finds support in … [Read more...]
A Kosher Shave
The Halachot of Shaving Adapted by Rabbi Ariel Ovadia[1] Q: I know I can't shave my entire face with a razor, but are there any spots on my face that may be shaved with a razor? A: Shaving the five corners of one's face with a razor is a Biblical prohibition based on the verse: "V'lo tash'hit et pe'at zekanecha" - “and thou shall not destroy the corner of your beard" … [Read more...]
Eating Etiquette
The Halachot of Proper Dining Adapted by Rabbi Ariel Ovadia[1] I am sitting at the table with my mother. Should I wait for her to take from the main dish first, or am I permitted to serve myself, and then serve her? Maran writes in Shulhan Aruch (O.H. 170:12) that one must allow the more important person present to serve himself or herself first. This even applies when each … [Read more...]