Tza’ar Ba’ale Hayim – Causing Distress or Pain to an Animal Dayan Yonatan D. Hool The Halacha forbids one from causing any unnecessary pain or distress to an animal. There is a debate whether this prohibition, known as “Tza’ar Ba’ale Hayim”, is a Torah prohibition or a rabbinic prohibition. The Tana’im, cited in the Gemara Bava Metzia[1] argue about this point: … [Read more...]
Lag Ba’Omer Q&A
Rav Moshe Pinchasi Q: Do we say Tahanun on Minha before Lag Ba’Omer? A: No. Although the early Poskim [1] only mention omitting Tahanun on the morning of Lag Ba’Omer, and some later Poskim also underdstood that from the Shulhan Aruch and Rama [2], still, the custom is not to say Tahanun on Minha preceding Lag Ba’Omer [3]. Q: What do we celebrate on Lag Ba’Omer? A: Maharam … [Read more...]
Parashat Ahare Mot – Kedoshim
AHAREI MOT-KEDOSHIM Open the Door: Laws of Yihud By Rabbi Eytan Aviv … [Read more...]
Netillat Yadaim Q&A
By Rav Moshe Pinchasi [1] Holding the Bread with a Napkin Q: Is one allowed to hold the bread with a napkin to avoid having to wash Netillat Yadaim? A: If one cannot easily find water for Netillat Yadaim, the Shulhan Aruch rules according to the Rambam and allows one to wrap his hands with a napkin to avoid touching the bread and not have to do Netillat … [Read more...]
Keeping it in the Family
May One Rescind a Hiring in Favor of a Relative? Rav Eliezer Cohen A business owner hired an individual for a certain job. Shortly thereafter, he discovered that a relative of his had moved to town and was looking for employment. He now wants to rescind the hiring and give the job to his relative. Is he permitted to terminate the man he just hired? Tar’omet – Grievances In … [Read more...]