Tagged Questions
4
votes
2answers
79 views
Can we really estimate halachic distances?
A mishna on Eiruvin 41b tells of a ship that was coming into harbor at dusk coming into Shabbat. Since Shabbat had already begun when the ship docked, those on board asked R. Gamaliel if they could ...
0
votes
1answer
43 views
Challah dough that loses its amount
A theoretical question:
Someone was making a dough and in the process a large piece fell out from the mixture onto the floor. They had made exactly the right amount in order to take challah with a ...
4
votes
1answer
49 views
Violating the prohibition of wearing Sha'atnez
When does one become liable for wearing Sha'atnez? Is it merely putting the garment on one's body? Is it when the act of dressing is complete (ie., buttoning the last button, zipping up the zipper, ...
2
votes
2answers
148 views
What is the absolute minimum length for peyos?
I have often heard that 1/4th of an inch is the minimum length of the hairs in the peyos area. For example, that is mentioned in an answer to a previous question:
How to advise your barber
My ...
3
votes
0answers
55 views
A shorter person with a normal sized tallis katan
A theoretical question: If a young person (a boy for example that is 13 yrs old) that happens to be very short (not because of any physical disability) wears a normal size tallis katan it will be very ...
5
votes
1answer
115 views
What is the shiur for anointing on Yom Kippur?
Is there a minimum shiur to be chayav for anointing on Yom Kippur, and, if so, what is it? The gemarah (Yoma 76b) seems to learn it out as a comparison to food consumption: would that mean it has the ...
3
votes
0answers
113 views
How obligated is one to say Kaddish for a deceased relative?
People often talk about an obligation -- Chiyuv -- to recite Kaddish at every opportunity for some time after the death of a relative. (Which relatives are obligated and for how long does not seem ...
8
votes
3answers
152 views
Delaying using the toilet
According to Gemara Makkot 16b, the phrase in Vayikra 20:25
... and do not make your souls disgusting - וְלֹא תְשַׁקְּצוּ אֶת נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶם
is a command not to hold in the urge to urinate or ...
5
votes
2answers
217 views
Challah Loaves on Shabbat have a minimum size?
In this article regarding the Shabbat Challah loaves, The Shmirat Shabbat KeHilchata (vol. II 55:5) is quoted as saying:
The loaves must each be at least the size of an olive
Normally, the size ...
2
votes
2answers
181 views
Upper limits of “kovea itim”
It is known from the gemara (Shabbos 31a and cited in maamar Toras HaBayis ch. 1, among other places) that when a person dies, he is asked if he had set times for learning. I know that these times can ...
5
votes
4answers
110 views
6
votes
1answer
165 views
How long until a bean chulent is totally cooked (mevushal kol tzorko)?
My son has started raiding the chulent Friday night. To be able to return the chulent crock pot back to the casing, everything must be fully cooked. I rarely cook with beans, but would like to try ...
7
votes
1answer
454 views
18 minute Matzah?
Are there sources EXPLAINING why we have to make matzah within 18 minutes? I understand having a time limit if in fact the reason we eat matzah is to reenact the speed which we left Egypt (that ...
8
votes
1answer
87 views
Is there a minimum size for Chanuka flames?
Do the flames atop the chanukiya need to be a certain size to be valid? At the extreme, are tiny (but sustained) balls of blue flame sufficient?
5
votes
0answers
92 views
Eating out Friday night of Chanukkah
If one is lighting Chanukkah candles inside (for whatever reason) relying on the publicization to himself and his family, then what should he do on Friday night if he is eating out? Must he make the ...
3
votes
2answers
197 views
Is there a time limit for Borei Nefashos and Beracha Me'en Shalosh?
It seems that there's a 72-minute period after eating in which one must bentch.
Does this also apply for Borei Nefashos and Beracha Me'en Shalosh?
6
votes
1answer
66 views
How high before a tree branch does not cause a problem for a Succah?
I have a lovely tree in the back yard, it must be 70-100 years old, maybe 15-20 feet around at the base. First branch is 32 feet up. I know since I used a 35 foot ladder to hang a swing from it, and ...
7
votes
2answers
207 views
Saying 100 Berachoth in a day
What is the source for the idea that one should say 100 Berachoth in a day, and how serious of an obligation is this? Is it mandatory, is it laudatory, or is it merely a nice idea?
5
votes
3answers
151 views
When does counting 100 Brochos per day start and end?
There's a Halacha/Mitzvah to say at-least 100 Brochos a day.
My question is: what does the term "day" mean in this regard. Does a day start at night, and end the following night (as is the case in ...
11
votes
2answers
312 views
Why does writing on Shabbos need two letters?
In order to transgress "writing" (כותב) on Shabbos, (m'd'oraysah) one must write two letters. (See for example here.)
Why is this so? Shouldn't writing anything still be considered writing?
For ...
8
votes
2answers
137 views
What is the source for washing Mayim Acharonim with only a few drops of water?
OC 181 (4) MB [10] says that when washing mayim acharonim one must wash up to the second knuckle and using a few drops does not fulfill the mitzvah at all. Shulchan Oruch HaRav 181 (4) says there is ...
2
votes
2answers
290 views
How long is the required suspension of marital intimacy after childbirth?
How many days a must married couple refrain from intimacy after their baby is born?
11
votes
1answer
116 views
Bracha after an earthquake
Per the Artscroll Siddur after an earthquake we make a Bracha "Oseh Maaseh Breishis". Up to how long after the earthquake can you make this Bracha? (sources please)
7
votes
1answer
54 views
Are bushes acceptable for elevations that require a maakeh, a fence?
If evergreen bushes span the entire length of a side of a porch, at about waist-height for someone on the porch, do the bushes remove the need for a railing? The difference being that a railing can be ...
6
votes
1answer
132 views
What height porch requires a railing?
What are the different opinions of heights (in American or metric units) that requires a railing for the side of a porch?
8
votes
3answers
125 views
What is the Minimum Width of Tefillin Straps?
What is the minimum width of tefillin straps?
For example: if one's tefillin straps partially tore, how much is required to remain for the tefillin to remain Kosher?
5
votes
2answers
107 views
Why is the right strap longer than the left strap by the Tefilin Shel Rosh?
What is the reason that the right strap is longer than the left strap by the Tefilin Shel Rosh?
5
votes
2answers
92 views
What is the proper length of the Tefilin Shel Rosh straps?
How long are the Tefilin Shel Rosh straps supposed to be? What is the minimum Shiur and what is the maximum?
8
votes
2answers
70 views
Why 30 days of preparation for a חג
Why exactly 30 days to review the laws of the upcoming holidays? Is there anything about the number 30 that makes it significant?
4
votes
2answers
119 views
Measurements used in Halacha
What is the underlying argument between the Chazon Ish and Rabbi Chaim Naaeh and Reb Moshe Feinstein? I know they argue in amounts, but what is the underlying argument? How did each get the ...
7
votes
3answers
586 views
4
votes
0answers
146 views
Using Liquor for Kiddush [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Minimum Shi'ur for Kiddush on liquor
Are you allowed to use other alcohols outside of wine for kiddush and how much must be used? really what i don't understand is ...
4
votes
2answers
405 views
3
votes
2answers
84 views
How to measure Menorah height
A menorah should preferably be within 10 tefachim from the ground (though higher than 3 tefachim). Are these ten tefachim measured to the base of the menorah, or to its top, or to the actual level of ...
