Archives: FAQs

Does a glass table need tevila?

No, a glass table does not need tevila. If one doesn’t put food directly on it then if for sure doesn’t need tevila. However, if one does put food directly on it then there is a discussion in the poskim as to whether it needs tevila, although the consensus of many poskim is that we […]

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Shalom Rabbi! Can a mechalel shabbat be counted as part of a minyan?

The Mishna Berura (סימן נה ס”ק מו) writes that one who desecrates Shabbat in public has the status of a non-Jew and cannot be counted for a minyan. There are, however, two sources to permit counting such a person for a minyan. The first source is Rav Moshe Feinstein. Rav Moshe quotes the Gemara(סנהדרין עד) […]

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Kevod harav, do glass tables need hagala?

Whether glass can be koshered is a subject of debate among the Rishonim and Poskim. Many hold that glass never needs hagala, while others hold it needs hagala for pesach, and still others hold glass can not be koshered. Ashkenazim generally rule like the Rama for pesach, that glass can not be koshered. The rest […]

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I want to know how to give maaser.

It is a tremendous mitzva that you are taking on to give maaser. It is worthwhile as you begin to say that you are taking this on “bli neder,” without binding yourself with a vow to this practice. The way to give maaser: One gives a tenth of his net income to tzedaka (charity). Net […]

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During the amida we prostrate and rise up at Hashem’s name but during temple times and in heavenly worship we prostrate, bow and fall on our faces at Hashem’s name, why the drastic change? Does not the latter seem more logical and correct?

During temple times, where the shchina (diving presence) was palpably felt, we would prostrate and fall on our faces in sheer awe. However, today in galut (exile) where we don’t feel Hashem’s presence as much, it suffices to bow as a sign of deference and respect without falling completely on our faces.

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