NOTE: Like Wikipedia, this site makes no guarantee of validity, and does not offer professional (particularly rabbinic) advice. Treat information from this site like it came from a crowd of your friends. // Jewish law. Specifically, the legal process beginning with the written Torah and continuing ...
2
votes
1answer
37 views
Eating new grains on the 17th vs the 18th of Nisan
The Shulhan 'Aruch (OC 489:10) states:
אסור לאכול חדש אף בזמן הזה בין לחם בין קלי בין כרמל עד תחלת ליל יח בניסן ובארץ ישראל עד תחלת ליל יז בניסן
"It is forbidden to eat new (grains) even ...
9
votes
3answers
293 views
Wedding ring composition
I was recently told that the ring used for kiddushin should be made entirely out of one kind of metal (usually gold), with no other adornments such as diamonds, etc. I had been under the impression ...
1
vote
2answers
119 views
Why is a utensil required when washing one's hands after bathroom use?
I am under the impression that one is required to wash one's hands with a utensil (typically, the same type of cup used to wash before bread) after using the bathroom.
Firstly, what is the source of ...
2
votes
0answers
46 views
Does a Jewish idolater's pouring of non-mevushal wine make that wine forbidden to himself?
We see from this answer that wine poured by a Jew who rejects Judaism is yayin nesech. Would that cause the wine to be forbidden even to himself, or is it only forbidden to others? Would he be ...
2
votes
0answers
46 views
Apostate Jew performing mitzvahs
It has been discussed many times on this site that a non-Jew may not observe Shabbat (in addition to various other mitzvot that are prohibited to non-Jews). We have also seen that a Jew who renounces ...
11
votes
3answers
244 views
Why do plastic bags and not fuselages protect against impurity?
In a picture on this article, we see a kohen who has enclosed himself in a plastic bag so as to avoid becoming impure as a result of flying over a cemetery. Why is it that a pressurized fuselage does ...
2
votes
1answer
59 views
If a non-jew steals is he liable to the death penalty?
Stealing is a Noahide commandment. If a non-jew violates a Noahide commandment he is obligated to die. That means if he steals a penny or something he's obligated to death?
2
votes
1answer
74 views
Using water filter/purification system on Shabbos
(Being asked as a theoretical question. Obviously everyone should ask their LOR.)
There is a water filter (or purifier) that works in the following way:
The water flows into a part where there is ...
2
votes
1answer
54 views
Ashkenazi unsure whether he or she counted the 'Omer one night
According to the Daily Halacha website:
If a person is unsure whether or not he counted a day of the Omer, and cannot determine conclusively if he had counted or if he had missed that day, he ...
10
votes
1answer
119 views
Do men on the women's side count toward a minyan?
If men are on the women's side of the shul during davening when there are no women there, do they count toward the minyan, or are they considered separate? Does it matter if the women's area is right ...
10
votes
3answers
172 views
Can a single-parent father be exempt from time-bound mitzvot?
Rabbis such as Abudraham have explained a woman's exemption from positive time-bound commandments (mitzvot shehazman grama) in terms of a woman's ongoing and preliminary role in supporting her ...
26
votes
7answers
823 views
Stealing wi-fi?
If someone's neighbor has wi-fi, can he connect into it? Is there an issue of stealing?
1
vote
1answer
51 views
Repentance for stealing not accepted?
I've heard before that there is a Gemorah in Baba Kamma (also brought down in Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat Hilchos Genevah) that one who steals something and later wishes to repent and return what ...
9
votes
3answers
326 views
Is catch and release fishing permitted?
Is catch and release fishing permitted? I've heard different opinions on this matter. Whats the official halacha?
2
votes
0answers
69 views
Is a Jew able to go hunting?
What is the Halacha in regard to whether or not a person can go hunting? What have Poskim said on this issue?
0
votes
0answers
35 views
Why is the seder “beseder” (in order)?
Is there any halachic reason why we do the seder in the order that we do? It seems that many of the components of the seder are halachically mandated, but is there any halachic mandate that we do them ...
4
votes
1answer
122 views
Can a shul give an aliyah to an openly gay Jewish man when it gives aliyah to people who violate Shabbos?
In a Young Israel shul I've attended, the rabbi would not allow the gabbaim to give Jewish men an aliyah if there is reason to believe that the person is openly gay (and acts on his inclination), ...
2
votes
1answer
89 views
Can the descendants of a mamzer ever become full Jews?
Is there any way for the descendants of a mamzer to ever become Jews with full rights, or are they stuck with mamzerus forever? For example, if a man who is a mamzer marries a non-Jew, and then their ...
20
votes
2answers
354 views
Can a gentile break shabbos only on a Rabbinic level?
A non-Jew is forbidden from observing Shabbos. When someone is in the process of converting, we advise them to keep the entire Shabbos besides for doing one forbidden activity. A common practice is to ...
9
votes
5answers
430 views
Sources For Listening To/Not Listening to Non-Jewish Music
What are sources for it being allowed to listen to non-Jewish music and sources for it being prohibited?
1
vote
1answer
42 views
Chasam Sofer on innovation
There is a famous quote of the Chasam Sofer, in which he applies the principle stated in Mishna 'Orlah 3:9 (החדש אסור מן התורה בכל מקום) to the question of innovation within Judaism. Rather than ...
2
votes
2answers
111 views
Can you daven with minyan when you have the flu?
Are you allowed to go daven with a minyan when you have the flu or other highly contagious illness? Is it considered potentially damaging someone else's health, or are the chances of someone else ...
3
votes
2answers
89 views
May one say the letters of Hashem's name i.e. “Yud hei vov hei”?
We know we cannot pronounce the 4-lettered name of Hashem.
Is it allowed to say the letters of Hashem's name ie “Yud hei vov hei” as in the meditation before counting the Omer or must one say “Yud ...
5
votes
2answers
296 views
Origin of myth about the hole in the sheet?
There is a widespread myth (as far as I know it is a myth) that orthodox Jews must have marital relations through a hole in a sheet. What is the origin of this myth and does it have any actual basis ...
0
votes
0answers
42 views
Standing up for an older person that is already sitting down
When an older person walks into a place where you are sitting, you must stand up for them (or least "rise" a little from ones seat.) If someone was sitting in a room and noticed that there was an ...
3
votes
2answers
955 views
Is a Kohen required to marry a virgin?
In a recent conversation with several friends regarding ba'alei teshuva marrying Kohanim (specifically college students), one person present said that a Kohen can only marry a virgin. I contested this ...
0
votes
0answers
44 views
How should the items on the noticeboard in the synagogue be arranged?
On a board where the name of the week’s parsha and the relevant additions in the prayers are displayed as shown here for example, is there an order of placing the items accepted by halacha or minhag?
...
2
votes
2answers
76 views
Is idolatrous belief forbidden for Jews, or is it just practice?
Suppose a Jew believes that there are multiple gods, but he does not worship them in any way. Is this a violation of the prohibition against idolatry for Jews?
We see from this answer that similar ...
2
votes
0answers
41 views
Time-limited promotional giveaways for some, fees for everyone later
If someone provides a discount for early payment, and raises the price for others, there is reason to consider this a form offorbidden usury.
What if someone is giving away a gift to some as a ...
6
votes
0answers
101 views
Mandatory evacuation on Shabbat: what can and can't you do?
A major storm hit New England starting this past Friday. While people knew this was coming and precautions were already in place, apparently (according to a news article I read tonight) some areas ...
1
vote
0answers
57 views
Cooperating with the authorities on Shabbos
To what extent, if any, must a Jew go through in order to cooperate with authorities, who are not seeking to persecute Jews, in ways that violate Shabbat? May he violate rabbinic ordinances, or actual ...
4
votes
2answers
78 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 ...
4
votes
2answers
72 views
Men davening in the women's section while they catch up
A seemingly knowledgeable guy who davens with me early each morning is sometimes found in the women's section (which is usually empty during that service). He says that he learned that from a ...
2
votes
1answer
86 views
To what extent should one not sell unkosher goods?
I know that, as a Jew, I shouldn't sell unkosher goods. So, does this mean I can't directly make profit from selling unksher goods? For example, if I work for Walmart, and some one buys pork while I ...
1
vote
0answers
43 views
Stopping gentile from doing borer on Shabbos
Consider the following situation.
A shul makes a large Kiddush every Shabbos morning after Davening. They have many food items that need to be prepared and set up for the Kiddush however the ...
5
votes
1answer
63 views
May one say kaddish for a non-Jew?
I have read that Jews recited kaddish on behalf of Abraham Lincoln after he was assassinated. What is the halachic basis for this and has kaddish ever been said en-masse on behalf of other non-Jews?
4
votes
0answers
92 views
Using a cell phone as a watch on Shabbos
I seem to recall learning that it is permissible to use a cell phone as a watch on Shabbos as long as the time is always displayed on the front and no buttons would need to be pressed in order to ...
1
vote
0answers
32 views
If a Jew visits a mosque and offers a prayer to “Allah”, which commandments are being violated? [duplicate]
If a Jew visits a mosque and offers a prayer to "Allah" as a good-will gesture, which commandments are being violated? What are the views of the Jewish Sages on this type of interfaith ...
1
vote
0answers
109 views
Am I allowed to wear my Pebble Watch on Shabbat? [duplicate]
The Pebble is a smart watch that connects to a smart-phone via Bluetooth and can deliver messages to your wrist. Am I allowed to wear it on Shabbat if I disconnect it from my phone? Think of it, then, ...
9
votes
4answers
389 views
Is the observance of Jewish law/tradition “all or nothing”?
Sometimes my job gets in the way of my observance of Jewish holidays. I often need to work on Saturdays or late on Fridays, inhibiting my ability to attend synagogue on Shabbat. Sometimes I am ...
4
votes
1answer
59 views
Is idolatrous belief forbidden for gentiles, or is it just practice?
Suppose a non-Jew believes that there are multiple gods, but he does not worship them in any way. Is this a violation of the prohibition against idolatry for gentiles?
1
vote
0answers
34 views
Can I prevent trespass through (for example) my garden?
Does the Torah give me the right to stop other people using (for example) my garden as a short-cut between two places?
If I try to prevent this trespass, am I to be criticised (say for withholding ...
4
votes
1answer
65 views
Is a non-Jew reliable for Sha'atnez?
Suppose someone is fabulously wealthy, and they have their own personal tailor who is not Jewish. May this tailor be relied upon not to make anything which contains Sha'atnez? May this tailor be ...
3
votes
1answer
90 views
100% Polyester or Silk suits requiring checking
According to the Shaatnez testers of America
Suits and Sport jackets, (Men's/Boy's): Require testing even 100% polyester and 100% silk suits.
Why so? Isn't there a simple Sefek Sefeka? Safek if ...
0
votes
1answer
41 views
Stitches on Shabbos
If someone cut their finger (lo aleinu!) on Shabbos in a way that wasn't going to threaten them however is a fairly deep cut may they get stitches put in by a non-Jew on Shabbos? Theoretically they ...
11
votes
2answers
188 views
Is it forbidden to wear a snap-brim Borsolino fedora on Shabbos?
The Talmud, at Shabbos 138b, presents the opinion that one may not wear a siyana -- which Rashi defines as a wide-brimmed hat -- on Shabbos if it has a brim that is one tefach (hand-bredth) wide ...
2
votes
0answers
45 views
Speaking in the middle of Havdallah
Someone was making havdallah and, after saying the bracha on besamim (spices) and then smelling them, exclaimed "Ah! A mechayah!". Is this considered a hefsek (interruption) in the havdallah? Meaning ...
4
votes
1answer
125 views
Solar Powered Wrist-Watch on Shabbos
Is one allowed to go out with a solar powered watch on Shabbos (where they know the watch is in a situation where they will surely benefit from the power produced through the sun?) What could be the ...
0
votes
1answer
38 views
other names of Hashem (instead of Ado..) in davenning and brachos?
IS there halachic basis for using other names of Hashem (instead of Ado..) in davenning and brachos, if one chooses?
0
votes
0answers
52 views
Halacha concerning use of secular court [closed]
If a fellow Jew wrongs someone, under what circumstances may he gain a heter arkaot(permission to go to secular court). Does he have to try to adjudicate his case before a Rabbi or a Beit Din?
What ...
