Switching the Location of a Mezuza

Maaser Kesafim

Chumash and the Fall of the Ghetto

Judging Favorably – Even the Good Ones

A Good Time to Root Out Social Media Slander

When is Lashon Ha-ra permissible (or obligatory)?

How Much of a Tzedaka Preference to Relatives?

I learned that one should prioritize giving tzedaka to relatives over others. I give a nice amount of tzedaka, almost exclusively out of the family (which also has a few poor people), which I feel is more altruistic. Can you explain this halacha and give some halachic guidelines?

Finding a Fruit with Kedushat Shvi’it

My wife shopped at a special kedushat shvi’it fruit distribution. A few hours later, I spotted on the walkway to our building (of seven apartments) a single fruit. I took it home and asked my wife, who said it made sense that it fell from her, but asked how we can know it is not from a neighbor who might have also bought. Do I have to put up a sign or ask neighbors (whom I trust) if it could be theirs? Is it more lenient because there is no ownership of kedushat shvi’it fruit?

Absolute Standards

It is very common for people to judge their self-worth and personal achievements relative to those of others. In fact, whether we like to admit it or not we may even wish that someone else achieves less so that we can be in a higher position.

A Matter of Life and Death

One morning, Shmuel heard someone arguing with Rabbi Yehudah Mutzafi, Rabbi Eliyahu's assistant. He was telling her that Rabbi Eliyahu had to leave and that she should come back the following day. But she was insistent, explaining that her question was concerning a matter of life and death.

Politeness, Manners & Etiquette- the True Israeli Approach!

Ein Aya Shabbat 3, 8

Sometimes we find Torah scholars, Yeshiva boys, and sometimes Israeli's, who look down upon certain manners, politeness and etiquette as external or western nonsense. Rav Kook teaches here how to explain to children, as well as the young, idealistic & religiously motivated, that these seemingly technical and outward acts contain true Torah and Israeli importance & ideals.

May I Keep the Skeletons in the Closet?

What Personal Information Must I Divulge?

What information must we reveal about ourselves while arranging shidduchim for our children (or for ourselves)? And at what point must we disclose it?

The Hoop and the Drum – How to be a Good Neighbor

Can I forse my neighbor to stop drumming at certain hours? Can one force A renter to stop the contract with tenants who make noise?

Bikur Cholim by Electronic Means

Does one fulfill the mitzva of bikur cholim by “visiting” a sick person by electronic means?

A Harmless Lie?

Kids in camp often ask counselors when color war will be, and they often respond that they don’t know, when they actually do. Does this violate the prohibition of lying?

The Halachos of Book, Wine, and Restaurant Reviews

Is a person allowed to write balanced reviews of books? May one write reviews of other products, such as wine or restaurants? a person asks my opinion of a book, a wine, or a restaurant, may I answer truthfully, even if my personal negative opinion may result in the person choosing another product?

Challenge with Monetary Prize

As fun motivation, several friends are pooling 180 NIS each, which we will give to the one who raises the most money for our shul. Is this forbidden gambling?

Do I Have to Tell the Truth?

May I take credit for something that I did not do myself? Must I make a full disclosure when it may cause a negative outcome? Is it permitted to “add” to the truth?

Frustration

There is no question that the most prevalent and constant feeling during our lifetime is that of frustration. However, there is also a very bright silver lining that is to be found within this dark cloud of frustration.

Lessons on Forgiveness

Is it truly possible to forgive someone who has insulted you? Can one who truly regrets having made someone feel bad ever really wipe away the pain that the other one felt and still feels?