Ask the Rabbi: The Sick Fasting on Tisha B’av

Counting Sefira Somewhat Early

How Many K’zeitim and Why?

Building a Sukka on Public Property

How/When to Start Breaking Yom Kippur Fast

Shofar Blowing during the Silent Amida

Mistakes in Kiddush of Yom Tov that Falls on Shabbat

I sometimes get confused in the Kiddush of Yom Tov that falls on Shabbat. What does one do if he did not say all of the correct elements?

Folded Over Matza

I have heard that it is a problem if part of a matza is folded over (matza kefula). How much of a problem is this, and what do I do about it?

Listening to the Megilla with Limited Concentration

It troubles me that I often daydream and/or doze off for a few words during Megilla reading. Do I fulfill the mitzva under those circumstances?

Women Doing Work on Chanuka

Is the minhag of some women to curtail work on Chanuka binding? When exactly does it apply, and what type of work is included?

Chalaka (Upsherin) on Chol Hamo’ed

Our grandson was born on Chol Hamo’ed Sukkot. The other set of grandparents live in chutz la’aretz and will be visiting for Sukkot, without time for a chalaka before or after chag. May we do the hair cutting on Chol Hamo’ed?

Measuring the Amount One Can Eat/Drink

I will need to drink on Yom Kippur in shiurim (small amounts at a time to lower the violation). Should I prepare the portions of liquid beforehand in order to not have to measure on Yom Kippur?

Children Hearing Shofar Blowing

Must children hear shofar blowing, at what age, when, and how many?

The Transition From Shabbat Into Tisha B’Av

Could you please explain how to handle the transition from Shabbat into Tisha B’Av (when it falls on Motzaei Shabbat) regarding se’uda shlishit, Havdala, and changing clothes?

“Hineni Muchan U’mezuman” before Sefirat Ha’omer

I am not consistent about saying “Hineni Muchan U’mezuman” before Sefirat Ha’Omer. Should I decide one way or the other, and which way is better?

White Wine for the Seder

Is it permissible to use white wine for the arba kosot (four cups at the Seder)?

Erev Pesach that Falls on Shabbat

What do you suggest we do on Erev Pesach this year, which is on Shabbat, regarding when and what to eat?

Hearing the Megilla for Those Who Cannot Go to Shul

If one who is not a ba’al koreh cannot make it to shul to hear Megillat Esther, how else can he fulfill the mitzva of hearing it?