Halachah

by R. Daniel Mann Question: I have learned that the tzitzit should be laying on the outside of the tallit, but I do not see that people are careful about it. How important is it for it to be done properly? Answer: The gemara (Menachot 42a) cites Rav Giddel who learns from the pasuk’s words of “on the corners of ...

by R. Daniel Mann Question: The chazan skipped Tachanun, and everyone assumed there was a chatan or a brit. After davening, the chazan said he just forgot Tachanun. People disagreed about whether we could/should say Tachanun at that point. What is the halacha? Answer: The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 131:1) says that one must not speak between Shemoneh Esrei and ...

by R. Daniel Mann Question: Clients of mine want to rent out a building that has served for a family business to a religious group, who will use part of it as a shul. They are concerned that if things do not work out, they will get back control of the building with some of it having the restrictions of ...

by R. Daniel Mann Question: I grew up lighting Chanuka candles inside the house. In my community, the uniform practice is to do so outside. I think that is great, but I miss seeing them inside my house. Is it permitted to light a second chanukia indoors (could it be bal tosif)? If permitted, what is the best way to ...

by R. Daniel Mann Question: I have muscle pain in my back, which sometimes becomes severe. Going to bed with a heating pad has made a big difference sometimes. May I use it on Shabbat, or is it a problem of muktzeh? Answer: There are a few issues of muktzeh involved here. One is whether to consider a heating pad ...

by R. Daniel Mann Question: If one does not have enough time to take part in a whole wedding, is it better to come for the chupa or for the meal? Answer: Although they are sometimes discussed interchangeably, there are two distinct, albeit closely related, mitzvot in which non-principals at a wedding should try to take part. The gemara (Ketubot ...

by R. Daniel Mann Question: I have $30,000 of credit debt (in the US). I lost my job, and my new job pays less. I do not see how I can pay the debt. What does Jewish law say about filing for bankruptcy? Answer: [We responded to the querier regarding his situation but are broadening (in brevity) the discussion. Last ...

by R. Daniel Mann Question: I have $30,000 of credit debt (in the US). I lost my job, and my new job pays less. I do not see how I can pay the debt. What does Jewish law say about filing for bankruptcy? Answer: [We responded to the querier regarding his situation but are broadening (in brevity) the discussion. We ...

by R. Daniel Mann Question: I am a kohen who comes from America, where a kohen does not duchen (do Birkat Kohanim) if he is chazan. At the yeshiva I am at, even the chazan duchens. What should I do if I am asked to be chazan? Answer: A mishna (Berachot 34a) states that a kohen serving as chazan should ...

by R. Daniel Mann Question: My friend picked up a trempist (hitchhiker) who did not put on his seatbelt. Police pulled the car over and gave a ticket to the driver (not the passenger) for driving with someone not buckled. Should the passenger reimburse my friend?   Answer: This is not a ruling about a specific case but a discussion of ...