Ask the Rabbi
Question
Does one have a chanukiyat habayit for moving into an apartment? What should one do for it?
Answer
In general the Chatam Sofer, R. Yehuda haChasid and many others say that in Galut, outside of Israel, one should mourn his living there, and surely not celebrate it. Especially when today we already see that America, like every single other exile, is just temporary, as promised in the Torah (Dvarim 28, 65). How much more so when just renting an apartment. If you wish, you can invite some friends over, and pray together and ask that they should bless you that "in this home should be heard happiness, joy and shalom" etc. and set aside a place there, where you will pray and study Torah. Hoping to see you and all Am Yisrael soon in Eretz Yisrael (already most Jews in the world are here!)

Kashering a dishwasher
Rabbi David Sperling | Cheshvan 23, 5778

Customs & Stringencies
Various Rabbis | 27 Adar I 5765

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

Yosef and his family
Rabbi Chaim Tabasky | 18 Tevet 5767

Rabbi Ari Shvat
Lectures at various yeshivot, michlalot and midrashot. Has published many books & Torani articles and is in charge of Rav Kook’s archives.

Fasting or giving Tzedaka on seeing Sefer Torah fallen
Shevat 7, 5771

Bircat baalat habayit 2
Adar I 23, 5771

Evils Spirits & Ghosts
Adar II 25, 5771




