by R. Asher Bush The Mishah in Brachos (daf yud) records the debate between Beis Hillel and Beis Shamai whether one must recite Shma at night in a lying down position (Beis Shamai), or is it permitted to recite it in any position (Beis Hillel). Following this it also recounts an event where R Tarfon relates that he was once ...

by R. Asher Bush They shut down all access to my workplace and I had Chametz in my desk? I have always been strict not to sell my Chametz Focusing on: The need to do an early bedika, Cases where this is not an option, Selling chametz that is inaccessible Selling chametz for those who have been strict not to ...

by R. Asher Bush With the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), which as of this date has no specific treatments, numerous halachic issues are being discussed; a few that have practical implications will be addressed here. It is worth noting that while much attention is correctly being placed on this new and yet untreatable virus, these issue apply to any ...

by R. Asher Bush [1]Adapted by the author from Shu”t Shoel B’Shlomo, T’shuva #34 Twice, the Shulchan Aruch speaks of the obligation of the bechor (firstborn son) to fast on Erev Pesach (called Ta’anis Bechorim) – first in describing the events leading up to Pesach [2]Orach Chaim 429:2 and later in a chapter [3]Orach Chaim 470 devoted solely to this ...

by R. Asher Bush Every year as we approach Purim the routine seems more or less the same: schools and many rabbis point out that it really is not necessary or even appropriate to become drunk on Purim. Large segments of our community (most of their target audience) don’t take them seriously. When I say “don’t take them seriously,” I ...

by R. Asher Bush For the past several years many people have been excited about the possibility of adding a new item–Quinoa–to an otherwise limited Pesach diet. Unlike past years, there are now several brands available under respected kashrus supervision. The question is whether Quinoa is an appropriate food to help fill that dietary gap. Is it Chametz? Clearly Quinoa ...

by R. Asher Bush The communal mourning practices during the period preceding Tisha B’Av have changed over time, now challenging the performance of an important mitzvah. The Talmud [1]Ta’anis 26b teaches that as part of our mourning in the period leading up to Tisha B’Av, a number of restrictions were imposed. When the month of Av begins, joy should be ...

Is There A Bracha On The Mona Lisa? Reciting Blessings On Pleasures Other Than Food and Drink by R. Asher Bush The Talmud [1]Brachos 35a states that one is forbidden to enjoy the pleasures of this world without first reciting a bracha (blessing) to thank G-d. But not all pleasures are equal. Drinking fine wine requires a blessing but does ...

by R. Asher Bush For the past several years many people have been excited about the possibility of adding a new item–Quinoa–to an otherwise limited Pesach diet. Unlike past years, there are now several brands available under respected kashrus supervision. The question is whether Quinoa is an appropriate food to help fill that dietary gap. Is it Chametz? Clearly Quinoa ...

A Guide to the Observance of Mitzvos (with Explanations) Part 2: Matzah and Sukkah by Asher Bush (continued from here) Pesach The Mishna [1]Pesachim 2:5; OC 453:1. states that any of the five grains may be used to fulfill the mitzvah of matzah. Traditionally, matzah for Pesach is made of wheat flour only. [2]Rama (Ibid), this ruling is based on ...