Search results for: ""Rabbi""

Jewish Festivals: Rabbi's Eruv Tavshilin
If you forgot to make an eruv tavshilin, you may rely on the eruv tavshilin said by the local rabbi only once in your lifetime.
Like 70 Years Old
Rabbi Elazar ben Azarya says he is “like 70 years old” because even though he was only 18 years old, his hair turned white overnight as if God approved his appointment as Sanhedrin head.
Women: Singing with Men or When Men Present
Rabbi Heinemann's view is that women should not sing zmirot, Hallel, songs in the Hagada, and other prayers with men or when men are present, but he notes that there are other major opinions that say it is permitted.
Passover: Selling Chametz: Selling by Mail
Appointing the rabbi (if the rabbi agrees!) as an agent to sell your chametz does not require an acquisition and may be effected through the mail.
 
Introduction to Weddings and Marriage
The purpose of the rabbi at a wedding is to ensure that the extremely detailed wedding halachot, as set out by the Shulchan Aruch, are followed correctly. If not, the wedding might not be kosher.
 
A Jewish marriage includes: a written document (ketuba); a financial transaction (ring) in front of two kosher witnesses; and physical intimacy. 
 
Witnesses
 
  • The witnesses must be shomer Shabbat Jewish men.
  • The bride and groom should confirm verbally that these are the two (and the only two) witnesses that they want.  
 
Ring
  • The groom must confirm that he acquired and owns the ring.
  • The groom must say Harei at mekudeshet li ...  to the bride and place the ring on her (index) finger.
 
Ketuba
  • The ketuba must be kosher.
  • Before the chuppa, someone (anyone, including women) must fill in (no safrut is required for this):  the Hebrew names of the bride and groom; the date the wedding is taking place; the wedding location (city, etc.); and that a kinyan was made.
  • The ketuba must be signed by two kosher witnesses.
Contraception
Contraception is generally not permitted for men (contraceptives, vasectomy, etc.); for women, consult a rabbi.
TV Shows, Movies, and Three Cardinal Sins
If you want to watch TV or movies (ask a rabbi whether it is permissible at all), you may not watch TV shows or movies that portray any of the three cardinal sins:
  • Murder;
  • Idol worship;
  • Giloy arayot
Note This applies only to genuine murders, idol worship, and forbidden relationships: not to acting.
Gambling and Jews
Gambling may not be approved for Jews; some types are completely forbidden. Consult a rabbi.
 
Nine Days: Painting Your House
You may not paint your house during the Nine Days. Ask a rabbi for possible exceptions.
 
Sukka: Walls: Tree Trunk
You may use the trunk of a tree as part of a sukka, but consult a rabbi about the spacing and curvature of the roots.
 
Tree Trunk as Eruv Border
You may use the trunk of a tree as part of an eruv, but consult a rabbi about the spacing and curvature of the roots.
 
Taste (Ta'am) Transfer: Spicy/Charif: Mixtures: Batel BaShishim
Spicy/charif food may become nullfiable (batel ba'shishim), but consult a rabbi about the exceptions and details.
Synagogue Seat When Mourning for Parent
Change your normal seat in synagogue during the year of mourning for a parent. (The rabbi is not required to change seats). You should move to a seat further away from the aron hakodesh then your previous seat (since seats further from the aron are considered to be less prestigious than those close to the aron).
Reason This is to show humility and that we feel subdued due to the death.
Steam and Utensils of Dairy/Meat
Situation Steam of one gender touched a utensil of opposite gender.
What To Do  Ask a rabbi.
Encroaching (Masig Gvul)
Masig gvul can mean:
  • Actually stealing property, or
  • Stealing business from someone else.
Note This is complicated, so consult a rabbi if needed.