- Halacha
- General Questions
Explaining the term "Litvish"
Question
I wanted to know why is it that all non-hasidic Ashkenazic chareidi Jews are call "Litvish," a term which means Lithuanian. Why wasn’t Poland chosen which many more Jews can trace their roots to? Isn’t it a falsehood to say one is Litvish when one isn’t?
Answer
Certainly not all Ashkenazim are Litvaks. Probably the misuse of the name is due to the fact or perception that so many poskim leart in Luthuanian Yesivas and standard Ashkenazi psak is called Litvish. However I'm not sure if this perception would stand up under rigorous historical analysis.
Triming Beard
Rabbi Daniel Kirsch | Kislev 11, 5782

Jewish reckoning of time
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 18, 5774

Septuagint
Rabbi Jonathan Blass | 19 Adar 5764

Learning avelut on shabbat
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Cheshvan 29, 5782

Rabbi Chaim Tabasky
Rabbi Chaim Tabasky teaches a shiur in gemarah at the Beit Midrash program of the Machon Hagavoah l'Torah at Bar Ilan University. He is also a certified examiner of STa"M (Sifrei Torah, Tefillin and Mezuzot) and a narrative therapist.

Names of Our Fathers
19 Sivan 5764

Can a Male Ger Become a Rabbi?
12 Av 5764

Crossing the International Dateline
20 Iyyar 5764

Yirmeyahu 4:30
12 Sivan 5764

Omer Days I can shave/cut hair
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 2, 5774

Mezzuzah for Non Jew
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 18, 5773
Genesis 24: 2-9 – Put your hand under my thigh
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Tevet 26, 5770

When does the Jewish day begin?
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 10, 5775

Model of Ark of the Covenant
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Nisan 7, 5783

Chametz that will arrive on Pesach
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Nisan 7, 5783

Who is included in anti-Semitism?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Adar 16, 5783
