Questions tagged [how-to]
Questions about the practical advice regarding how to apply Judaism in real life. NOT for questions regarding p'sak halacha (practical halachic advice) -- consult your local Orthodox rabbi (CYLOR) for that.
231
questions
5
votes
2answers
1k views
Oil in Shabbos Candles Caught Fire - What to Do?
My wife recently switched from using wax candles to oil in glass cups when lighting for Shabbat. The cups were about half water, half oil. She put some floating wicks in and lit them the way she ...
5
votes
3answers
127 views
Practical advice for keeping tallis on while waving 4 species
Whenever I wave my four species in shul, I always find that my tallis repeatedly slips off my head and shoulders. I typically have to adjust it every single set of waves, which is rather distracting. ...
5
votes
1answer
66 views
How to make oneself regret a sin?
As we know, regret is part of teshuvah. However, sometimes even though we understand logically that what we've done is wrong, we may not always sincerely regret it. In such case, two questions arise:
...
15
votes
4answers
6k views
Best way to explain to my boss that I cannot attend a team summit because it is on Rosh Hashana or any other Jewish Holiday
I have a team summit which unfortunately falls on Rosh Hashanah and I will not be able to attend.
It is not mission critical that I be there - it is more for team building but still the team spent a ...
2
votes
0answers
40 views
Accounting and accountability for (machatzis ha)shekel tax
Every civilian male is required to contribute money annually for the purchase of public sacrifices. The sacrifices must be publicly owned, as defined by having been bought with public funds. (cf. Ra'...
4
votes
4answers
178 views
How to feel about not liking Gemara?
Is there any literature discussing the idea that someone could simply not like learning Gemara or find it very difficult and painful to learn?
I'm looking for sources that discuss how to respond to ...
5
votes
2answers
203 views
how to get the Youth to come to shul
I had a long conversation someone in their early teens and we were discussing as to why children don’t want to come to Shul although there are youth services etc and we narrowed it down to one ...
1
vote
0answers
91 views
A better way to warm up food on shabbat morning
When warming up food on a hot tray on shabbat, most poskim do not allow one to put the food directly on the hot tray, but rather insist on a plate or inverted pot or pan be placed on the hot tray and ...
0
votes
0answers
53 views
Breaking in new retzu'ot* [duplicate]
I got new retzu'ot this Sunday from a fellow user of this forum, a sofer and my chevrutah. However, these new retzu'ot† are much harder than my old ones were when I got them. How would one go about ...
7
votes
2answers
146 views
What should one do if he're not sure he counts toward the minyan?
Ploni is a convert or descendant of a female convert from denomination A. He wishes to join a minyan of denomination B, which is stricter. He is not sure whether the congregation considers the ...
2
votes
1answer
60 views
How to cook with a metal disc on a treif glass top stove?
The Star-K gives this advice for kashering a glass top stove: https://www.star-k.org/articles/articles/kosher-appliances/2931/kashering-glass-corning-halogen-or-ceran-cooktops/
The sentence that I am ...
9
votes
2answers
167 views
Tefillin care- perspiration
Those of us who live in hot climates often sweat profusely during davenning. Talit are obviously an aggrevating factor. In my case, this is already discoloring the bottom of the shel rosh beit of my ...
6
votes
1answer
152 views
Cleaning a Torah Scroll
Our shul recently had a sofer in to look at our newer Torah scroll. He suggested to the Rabbi that we clean the scrolls regularly, which we have never done. So we did it a few days ago, about 20 of ...
1
vote
1answer
73 views
What are the Sephardic responses during weekday shacharit?
During the repetition of the Amidah, during Ata Kodesh, Sephardim say "emet". And during Yivarecha, they say "Yehi Ratzon". However, these may be shared by nusach Ashkenaz, so is there is a list of ...
1
vote
0answers
22 views
Shofar odor cleaning recommendations [duplicate]
How do you remove the odor from inside a shofar?
I have already tried hydrogen peroxide.
3
votes
2answers
116 views
Advice to Destroy Anxiety
At times, it is possible for one’s connection to Hashem to lower a bit, resulting in a lack of Emunah and anxiety. (Shall it not happen to anyone!) What are some ways to destroy anxiety? Can you list ...
1
vote
2answers
58 views
Recommended program/method for creating sourcesheets?
I have seen many sourcesheets provided by Rabbis for a class they are giving. My question is: Is there a particular program that is recommended to use for creating a sourcesheet? Also, is there any ...
3
votes
1answer
125 views
How do people with overwhelming financial difficulties convert? [closed]
I have a sincere desire to convert Orthodox with my family and don't have the financial means to do so. My main question is how do people in these circumstances handle all the extra duties that are ...
6
votes
1answer
212 views
Meaningful ways to spend Tisha b'Av?
I am struggling a bit on Tisha b'Av to find meaningful ways to spend the day. I am looking for advice on meaningful activities that fulfill the intent of the day (mourning for Jerusalem and the ...
2
votes
4answers
174 views
Seeking tips for removing wax from candle sticks, yahrzeit glasses
Removing wax from candlesticks and yahrzeit glasses is difficult for me. For example, if I put a yahrzeit glass into hot water, the wax floats to the top and then I have to try to separate the wax ...
6
votes
1answer
107 views
Good dimensions for a Shulchan (Reading Table)
I would like to build a Shulchan (Reading Table) for my local Chabad House.
I'm wondering how tall it should be at the end where one stands, and at what angle the top should be?
Suggestions ...
3
votes
1answer
107 views
Foods for the family before Pesach, when pesadika? [closed]
As challenging as it may be to feed a family with kids of all ages during Pesach, it is harder in the days before Pesach when the kitchen is hametz-free and matza sandwiches, matza pizza, matza ...
8
votes
2answers
1k views
Keeping tzitzit knots from coming undone
The last knot on the tzitzit on my talit keep coming loose. I pull the string to tighten the knot, and three days later it starts to unravel again. Any ideas on how I can make the knots stay tight and ...
7
votes
3answers
226 views
My Adult Conversion
I’m seriously interested in converting from Baptist to Judaism. I am aware of the local synagogues in my area, but I’m unsure on which to approach and any protocols.
For example; should I go during ...
6
votes
1answer
94 views
What is a permissible and effective way to keep one's belongings while praying amidah at the kotel?
What is a permissible and practical way to keep an eye on one's belongings while davening amidah at the kotel, without using lockers etc? I am wondering about both men that have pockets and Women who ...
1
vote
1answer
54 views
How to study Chol or Kodesh?
I remember that Harav Kook (הראי״ה) had in Orot Hakodesh a 10 steps for how to study something new, though I couldn't find it.
What are the acceptable/recommended ways to study either Torah or ...
3
votes
2answers
97 views
What is the best way to correct someone who has unwittingly violated halacha in public?
At a recent shul kiddush on shabbat I witnessed someone perform a melacha seemingly on purpose two or three times. It was clear to me that this person was unaware of a certain halacha. I did not know ...
4
votes
1answer
177 views
How much can you wipe your muddy shoes on a doormat on Shabbos?
I intend to ask this question in light of all Shabbos prohibitions, including carrying (insofar as deliberately removing something may bear, retroactively I guess, on its חשיבות), as well as dosh, ...
5
votes
3answers
301 views
Learning Chabad Sichos
My 13-year-old son wants to start learning Chabad Sichos. I'm looking for advice.
How do we decide which sichos to learn?
Do Lubavitchers generally learn the sicha of the current parsha, but ...
2
votes
2answers
230 views
Where is there a discussion about it being okay to put non-kosher animal products into one's human body?
Where can one find the earliest rabbinic discussion about it being okay to put non-kosher animal products into one's human body, as long as it is not in a digestive manner?
I would like my question ...
7
votes
1answer
226 views
Will non-Jews be welcome in a Jewish neighborhood? [closed]
We are considering buying a house in a suburban Philadelphia neighborhood that has a large Jewish population (we are not Jewish)and are wondering if we would be welcome there. Are there special ...
1
vote
1answer
85 views
Where do you put a lit match on Yom Tov?
Since you can't extinguish it, what do you do with it so that it won't burn or damage anything?
11
votes
3answers
813 views
How to explain the Talmud to someone who hasn't ever opened one?
To those who are in Yeshiva, learning Gemara for three sedarim a day is often a regular sight. To those who are actually learning it, it's often an extremely rewarding experience, and one in which ...
3
votes
2answers
1k views
How do I build a cheap metal pole sukkah?
Trying to build a metal pole sukkah... I was wondering if anyone had experience building one from scratch using stuff from a local Lowes or Home Depot. I was going to use PVC piping but that sways and ...
11
votes
2answers
253 views
How to tell if a tree branch overhangs a Sukkah site
I'm trying to think of a practical and inexpensive way to tell at what point tree branches overhang our patio to know which parts can be used for a sukkah. The best ideas I've come up with that seem ...
2
votes
1answer
281 views
Check out of hotel after shabbos
I am going to be traveling for a wedding soon and I will probably have to stay in a hotel in the local Jewish community over shabbat (they don't have capacity to host). I have a place to stay the ...
2
votes
0answers
140 views
Rosh Yeshiva - how? [closed]
Can anyone provide sources that delineate the path on how to become a Rosh yeshiva?
Please limit questions to sources (not opinions) based on Torah mekoros, biographies (of Roshei Yeshivas) or other ...
1
vote
1answer
155 views
How to sit on the floor comfortably
On tisha bav it is forbidden to sit on a chair (until the afternoon). During shiva mourning sitting on a chair is similarly prohibited. What is a comfortable way to sit on the floor for a long time (...
3
votes
1answer
86 views
Is there a special hadran on Yerushalmi?
Inspired by DoubleAA. Is there a special text one should say on finishing a Masechta in Yerushalmi?
3
votes
1answer
251 views
The Interface at HebrewBooks.org [closed]
When I load a page at Hebrew Books, the text appears on screen, for less than one second, in a computer font which is then replaced by an image of the printed page in which the characters coincide ...
4
votes
2answers
2k views
How to get an urgent answer if your local rabbi isn't reachable
I think many frum people have been in the situation of needing time-sensitive help with a halachic question, but not having access to their/any rabbi. What resources such as hotlines are available to ...
3
votes
1answer
89 views
Tips for sitting holding a Sefer Torah without hurting your shoulder?
I'm occasionally asked in shul to take out the second Sefer Torah, which also involves holding it until it's needed. I usually sit holding it with one eitz chayim resting on the chair between my legs,...
2
votes
0answers
30 views
Tucking in a shirt with tzitzis [duplicate]
I wear white dress shirts everyday, tucked into my pants. I've always tucked in the shirt and then pulled the tzitzis out so that they hang out from my beltline. However, this seems to make the shirt ...
1
vote
0answers
254 views
How does one perform an exorcism in Judaism
What are the steps one must perform in order to conduct a Jewish exorcism ritual?
2
votes
1answer
133 views
What's the best way to find a spouse? [closed]
My question
If you base your life on Jewish law and tradition, what's the best way to find a husband or wife?
You can recommend a process (e.g. "visit a matchmaker" or "ask a friend to recommend ...
10
votes
3answers
318 views
How to approach saying divrei torah at the shabbos table
I face a few difficulties with saying divrei torah at a Shabbos table and advice on how best to approach would be much appreciated.
People often seem uninterested, especially after they have just ...
3
votes
0answers
162 views
How can someone prove they converted without the original conversion document?
A parent and child converted many years ago but did not receive any documentation at the time. Since then the Rabbi they were in touch with had died. How could they obtain the appropriate ...
2
votes
1answer
67 views
Loosening Tefillin Retzuot
BH, I recently purchased a new pair of tefillin.
Does anyone have any tips for loosening new, stiff tefillin retzuot? Right now my retzuot practically cut into my skin. Over time, they will ...
4
votes
3answers
972 views
Washing Tallit Katan
One thing I never read about tallit katan is how to wash them? Does wool need to be dry cleaned? Cotton can be handwashed. I guess I could handwash wool as well, but doesn't seem as good an idea. Any ...
1
vote
2answers
1k views
Changing tefilin from left-handed to right-handed
My son's Bar Mitzvah is coming soon, and he's studying with a rabbi. When learning how to put tefilin, rabbi said that my tefilin is not good for him, because it's apparently for a left-handed person ...
