יום חמישי, 9 יולי 2026Thursday, July 9, 2026
Follow Us
יום חמישי, כ״ד תמוז תשפ״וThursday, July 9, 2026
Follow Us

Sections

Ask the Rabbi

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: A Missed Torah Reading (Part II)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: If a person was ill on Shabbos and unable to go to shul to hear Keri’at haTorah, must he have someone read it to him in shul upon his recovery. Sincerely, Isaac Greenberg

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: A Missed Torah Reading (Part I)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: If a person was ill on Shabbos and unable to go to shul to hear Keri’at haTorah, must he have someone read it to him in shul upon his recovery? Sincerely, Isaac Greenberg

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Replacing A Monument (Part III)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: Is there anything in Jewish law that prohibits replacing an old, existing matzeivah (tombstone) with a new, better one? I would greatly appreciate your response to this question. A Reader Tucson, AZ

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Replacing A Monument (Part II)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: Is there anything in Jewish law that prohibits replacing an old, existing matzeivah (tombstone) with a new, better one? I would greatly appreciate your response to this question. A Reader Tucson, AZ

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Replacing A Monument

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: Is there anything in Jewish law that prohibits replacing an old, existing matzeivah (tombstone) with a new, better one? I would greatly appreciate your response to this question. A Reader Tucson, AZ

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Folding A Tallit On Shabbat

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: I notice that in some synagogues I visit on Shabbat, some people do not fold their tallitot but rather leave them in their place unfolded. Others do fold them. I asked one person why he doesn’t fold his tallit, and he responded that doing so is not permitted. Is that true? I. Hager Brooklyn, NY

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: HaGomel And Air Travel (Part XIII)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: I am very appreciative and, if I might add, flattered that you answer and publish many of my questions. Due to your superior knowledge, I am always confident when I send in a question that I will receive a proper response. I wonder if you could address whether one should say Birkat HaGomel after flying even though flying is statistically safer than driving. Also, do women say HaGomel as well or only men? Menachem

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: HaGomel And Air Travel (Part XII)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: I am very appreciative and, if I might add, flattered that you answer and publish many of my questions. Due to your superior knowledge, I am always confident when I send in a question that I will receive a proper response. I wonder if you could address whether one should say Birkat HaGomel after flying even though flying is statistically safer than driving. Also, do women say HaGomel as well or only men? Menachem

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Elul – A Time To Repent (Conclusion)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: Where does the name Elul come from? Also, how can Elul be both the last month of the year and the prequel to the holidays (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur) that occur in the following month, Tishrei, the first month of the new year? Finally, can you please discuss the religious practices of Elul? M. Goldman Miami Beach, FL

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Elul – A Time To Repent (Part III)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: Where does the name Elul come from? Also, how can Elul be both the last month of the year and the prequel to the holidays (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur) that occur in the following month, Tishrei, the first month of the new year? Finally, can you please discuss the religious practices of Elul? M. Goldman Miami Beach, FL

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Elul – A Time To Repent (Part II)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: Where does the name Elul come from? Also, how can Elul be both the last month of the year and the prequel to the holidays (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur) that occur in the following month, Tishrei, the first month of the new year? Finally, can you please discuss the religious practices of Elul? M. Goldman Miami Beach, FL

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Elul – A Time To Repent

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: Where does the name Elul come from? How can Elul be both the last month of the year and the prequel of the holidays (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur) that occur in the following month, Tishrei? Finally, can you please discuss the religious practices of Elul? M. Goldman Miami Beach, FL

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: HaGomel And Air Travel (Part XI)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: I am very appreciative and, if I might add, flattered that you answer and publish many of my questions. Due to your superior knowledge, I am always confident when I send in a question that I will receive a proper response. I wonder if you could address whether one should say Birkat HaGomel after flying even though flying is statistically safer than driving. Also, do women say HaGomel as well or only men? Menachem

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: HaGomel And Air Travel (Part X)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: I am very appreciative and, if I might add, flattered that you answer and publish many of my questions. Due to your superior knowledge, I am always confident when I send in a question that I will receive a proper response. I wonder if you could address whether one should say Birkat HaGomel after flying even though flying is statistically safer than driving. Also, do women say HaGomel as well or only men? Menachem

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: HaGomel And Air Travel (Part IX)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: I am very appreciative and, if I might add, flattered that you answer and publish many of my questions. Due to your superior knowledge, I am always confident when I send in a question that I will receive a proper response. I wonder if you could address whether one should say Birkat HaGomel after flying even though flying is statistically safer than driving. Also, do women say HaGomel as well or only men? Menachem

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: HaGomel And Air Travel (Part VIII)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: I am very appreciative and, if I might add, flattered that you answer and publish many of my questions. Due to your superior knowledge, I am always confident when I send in a question that I will receive a proper response. I wonder if you could address whether one should say Birkat HaGomel after flying even though flying is statistically safer than driving. Also, do women say HaGomel as well or only men? Menachem

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: HaGomel And Air Travel (Part VII)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: I am very appreciative and, if I might add, flattered that you answer and publish many of my questions. Due to your superior knowledge, I am always confident when I send in a question that I will receive a proper response. I wonder if you could address whether one should say Birkat HaGomel after flying even though flying is statistically safer than driving. Also, do women say HaGomel as well or only men? Menachem

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: HaGomel And Air Travel (Part VI)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: I am very appreciative and, if I might add, flattered that you answer and publish many of my questions. Due to your superior knowledge, I am always confident when I send in a question that I will receive a proper response. I wonder if you could address whether one should say Birkat HaGomel after flying even though flying is statistically safer than driving. Also, do women say HaGomel as well or only men? Menachem

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: HaGomel And Air Travel (Part V)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: I am very appreciative and, if I might add, flattered that you answer and publish many of my questions. Due to your superior knowledge, I am always confident when I send in a question that I will receive a proper response. I wonder if you could address whether one should say Birkat HaGomel after flying even though flying is statistically safer than driving. Also, do women say HaGomel as well or only men? Menachem

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: HaGomel And Air Travel (Part IV)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: I am very appreciative and, if I might add, flattered that you answer and publish many of my questions. Due to your superior knowledge, I am always confident when I send in a question that I will receive a proper response. I wonder if you could address whether one should say Birkat HaGomel after flying even though flying is statistically safer than driving. Also, do women say HaGomel as well or only men? Menachem

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: HaGomel And Air Travel (Part III)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: I am very appreciative and, if I might add, flattered that you answer and publish many of my questions. Due to your superior knowledge, I am always confident when I send in a question that I will receive a proper response. I wonder if you could address whether one should say Birkat HaGomel after flying even though flying is statistically safer than driving. Also, do women say HaGomel as well or only men? Menachem

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: HaGomel And Air Travel (Part I)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: I am very appreciative and, if I might add, flattered that you answer and publish many of my questions. Due to your superior knowledge, I am always confident when I send in a question that I will receive a proper response. I wonder if you could address whether one should say Birkat HaGomel after flying even though flying is statistically safer than driving. Also, do women say HaGomel as well or only men? Menachem

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: HaGomel And Air Travel (Part I)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: I am very appreciative and, if I might add, flattered that you answer and publish many of my questions. Due to your superior knowledge, I am always confident when I send in a question that I will receive a proper response. I wonder if you could address whether one should say Birkat HaGomel after flying even though flying is statistically safer than driving. Also, do women say HaGomel as well or only men? Menachem

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Erecting A Monument Over A Grave

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: Recently it came to light that there is no memorial stone over the grave of a family member who passed away some time ago. He has children, but, unfortunately, they refuse to do anything to rectify this matter. Worse, they say that erecting a monument is not a requirement. I don’t agree with them. Please quote sources so that I can prove to them that they must erect a memorial stone. Name withheld by request

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Ruth’s Conversion

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: When did Ruth convert – before or after she married Naomi’s son? Also, what is the earliest reference in Jewish sources to a formal conversion process? Lazar Rozenblat Brooklyn, NY

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: More Sefirah Questions (Part III)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: Is there a requirement to say “Hineni muchan u’mezuman…” before Sefirat HaOmer? Also if a person arrives late for Maariv, should he count sefirah first with the minyan or proceed immediately to Maariv? Moshe Jakobowitz Brooklyn, NY

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: More Sefirah Questions (Part II)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: Is there a requirement to say “Hineni muchan u’mezuman…” before Sefirat HaOmer? Also if a person arrives late for Maariv, should he count sefirah first with the minyan or proceed immediately to Maariv? Moshe Jakobowitz Brooklyn, NY

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: More Sefirah Questions (Part I)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: Is there a requirement to say “Hineni muchan u’mezuman…” before Sefirat HaOmer? Also if a person arrives late for Maariv, should he count sefirah first with the minyan or proceed immediately to Maariv? Moshe Jakobowitz Brooklyn, NY

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Sefirat HaOmer Questions (Part II)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: What if someone counted the Omer but forgot to utter the blessing – has he fulfilled his obligation? Also, why is a blessing necessary altogether? There is no blessing for the counting of the zayin nekiyim. M. Goldman Miami Beach, FL

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Sefirat HaOmer Questions (Part I)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: What if someone counted the Omer but forgot to utter the blessing – has he fulfilled his obligation? Also, why is a blessing necessary altogether? There is no blessing for the counting of the zayin nekiyim. M. Goldman Miami Beach, FL

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: The Plague Of Locust

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: When the Torah describes the 10 plagues with which Egypt was afflicted, we find the Hebrew preposition “ba” only in connection with the plague of locust: “Vayomer Hashem Moshe, ‘Neteh yad’cha al eretz Mitzrayim ba’arbeh’ – And Hashe said to Moshe, ‘Stretch out your hand over the land of Egypt with locust.” Is there a specific reason for this anomaly? A. Lieb Brooklyn, NY

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Seder Requirements

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: What is the minimum amount of matzah a person must consume if he finds eating it difficult? Additionally how absolute is the requirement not to eat anything after the afikoman? Menachem

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Joshua Marries Rahab (Redux) (Part III)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: I am a psychology professor at McGill University who is doing an MA in Jewish studies. My thesis topic is the history of interpretation of the story of Rachav Hazona. In the course of my research I was trying to understand how the Midrash derived that Rahab converted.

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Joshua Marries Rahab (Redux) (Part II)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: I am a psychology professor at McGill University who is doing an MA in Jewish studies. My thesis topic is the history of interpretation of the story of Rachav Hazona. In the course of my research I was trying to understand how the Midrash derived that Rahab converted.

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Joshua Marries Rahab (Redux)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: I recently attended a lecture where the speaker discussed great Jewish women in history. He specifically singled out the biblical heroine Rahab who, he said, married the great leader and prophet Joshua. I had previously heard that Rahab was a woman of ill repute, a harlot, who surely was not suitable for a righteous person like Joshua. Also, when Rahab is mentioned (Joshua ch. 2), there is no indication that she married Joshua. How do we know it? Sandy Hart

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: May A Girl Share Her Mother-In-Law’s Name?

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: I am seriously dating a girl who has a similar name to my mother. My mother’s name is Pischa and the girl’s name is Pesha. Since both names arguably derive from the word Pesach, would it be a problem for me to potentially marry this girl? Name Witheld Via E-Mail

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Purim Se’udah At Night?

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: Taking into account the fact that one might have to travel on Purim day, may one make one’s Purim se’udah on Purim eve? No Name Please

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Amen (Part X)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

What is the exact meaning of amen and where does the word come from? David H. (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Amen (Part IX)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

What is the exact meaning of amen and where does the word come from? David H. (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Amen (Part VIII)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

What is the exact meaning of amen and where does the word come from? David H. (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Leap Year Yahrzeit Observance

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: I just read your wonderful article on which Adar to observe a yahrzeit in a leap year. Would one make a hazkara in both months or only during the first Adar? Thank you for your time.

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Amen (Part VII)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

What is the exact meaning of amen and where does the word come from? David H. (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Amen (Part VI)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

What is the exact meaning of amen and where does the word come from? David H. (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Amen (Part V)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

What is the exact meaning of amen and where does the word come from? David H. (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Amen (Part IV)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

What is the exact meaning of amen and where does the word come from? David H. (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q &A: Amen (Part III)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

What is the exact meaning of amen and where does the word come from? David H. (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Amen (Part II)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

What is the exact meaning of amen and where does the word come from? David H. (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Amen (Part II)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

What is the exact meaning of “amen” and where does the word come from? David H. (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Tzedakah (Part XXII)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah? Zvi Kirschner (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Tzedakah (Part XXI)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah? Zvi Kirschner (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Tzedakah (Part XX)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah? Zvi Kirschner (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Tzedakah (Part XIX)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah? Zvi Kirschner (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Tzedakah (Part XVIII)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah? Zvi Kirschner (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Tzedakah (Part XVII)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah? Zvi Kirschner (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Tzedakah (Part XVI)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah? Zvi Kirschner (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Tzedakah (Part XV)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah? Zvi Kirschner (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Tzedakah (Part XIV)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah? Zvi Kirschner (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Tzedakah (Part XIII)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah? Zvi Kirschner (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Tzedakah (Part XII)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah? Zvi Kirschner (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Tzedakah (Part XI)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah? Zvi Kirschner (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Tzedakah (Part X)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah? Zvi Kirschner (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Tzedakah (Part IX)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah? Zvi Kirschner (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Tzedakah (Part VIII)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah? Zvi Kirschner (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Tzedakah (Part VII)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah? Zvi Kirschner (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Tzedakah (Part VI)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah? Zvi Kirschner (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Tzedakah (Part V)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah? Zvi Kirschner (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Tzedakah (Part IV)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah? Zvi Kirschner (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Tzedakah (Part III)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah? Zvi Kirschner (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Tzedakah (Part II)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah? Zvi Kirschner (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Tzedakah (Part I)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah? Zvi Kirschner (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Proper Ritual At Netilat Yadayim (Conclusion)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: Should we wash our hands in the bathroom with soap and water, or by pouring water from a vessel with handles three times, alternating hands? I have heard it said that a vessel is used only in the morning upon awakening. What are the rules pertaining to young children? What is the protocol if no vessel is available? Additionally, may we dry our hands via an electric dryer? Harry Koenigsberg (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Proper Ritual At Netilat Yadayim (Part X)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: Should we wash our hands in the bathroom with soap and water, or by pouring water from a vessel with handles three times, alternating hands? I have heard it said that a vessel is used only in the morning upon awakening. What are the rules pertaining to young children? What is the protocol if no vessel is available? Additionally, may we dry our hands via an electric dryer? Harry Koenigsberg (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Proper Ritual At Netilat Yadayim (Part IX)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: Should we wash our hands in the bathroom with soap and water, or by pouring water from a vessel with handles three times, alternating hands? I have heard it said that a vessel is used only in the morning upon awakening. What are the rules pertaining to young children? What is the protocol if no vessel is available? Additionally, may we dry our hands via an electric dryer? Harry Koenigsberg (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Proper Ritual At Netilat Yadayim (Part VIII)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: Should we wash our hands in the bathroom with soap and water, or by pouring water from a vessel with handles three times, alternating hands? I have heard it said that a vessel is used only in the morning upon awakening. What are the rules pertaining to young children? What is the protocol if no vessel is available? Additionally, may we dry our hands via an electric dryer? Harry Koenigsberg (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Proper Ritual At Netilat Yadayim (Part VII)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: Should we wash our hands in the bathroom with soap and water, or by pouring water from a vessel with handles three times, alternating hands? I have heard it said that a vessel is used only in the morning upon awakening. What are the rules pertaining to young children? What is the protocol if no vessel is available? Additionally, may we dry our hands via an electric dryer? Harry Koenigsberg (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Proper Ritual At Netilat Yadayim (Part VI)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: Should we wash our hands in the bathroom with soap and water, or by pouring water from a vessel with handles three times, alternating hands? I have heard it said that a vessel is used only in the morning upon awakening. What are the rules pertaining to young children? What is the protocol if no vessel is available? Additionally, may we dry our hands via an electric dryer? Harry Koenigsberg (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Proper Ritual At Netilat Yadayim (Part V)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: Should we wash our hands in the bathroom with soap and water, or by pouring water from a vessel with handles three times, alternating hands? I have heard it said that a vessel is used only in the morning upon awakening. What are the rules pertaining to young children? What is the protocol if no vessel is available? Additionally, may we dry our hands via an electric dryer? Harry Koenigsberg (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Proper Ritual At Netilat Yadayim (Part IV)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: Should we wash our hands in the bathroom with soap and water, or by pouring water from a vessel with handles three times, alternating hands? I have heard it said that a vessel is used only in the morning upon awakening. What are the rules pertaining to young children? What is the protocol if no vessel is available? Additionally, may we dry our hands via an electric dryer? Harry Koenigsberg (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Proper Ritual At Netilat Yadayim (Part III)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: Should we wash our hands in the bathroom with soap and water, or by pouring water from a vessel with handles three times, alternating hands? I have heard it said that a vessel is used only in the morning upon awakening. What are the rules pertaining to young children? What is the protocol if […]

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Proper Ritual At Netilat Yadayim (Part II)

By Jewish Press Staff

Question: Should we wash our hands in the bathroom with soap and water, or by pouring water from a vessel with handles three times, alternating hands? I have heard it said that a vessel is used only in the morning upon awakening. What are the rules pertaining to young children? What is the protocol if no vessel is available? Additionally, may we dry our hands via an electric dryer? Harry Koenigsberg (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Proper Ritual For Netilat Yadayim (Part I)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: Should we wash our hands in the bathroom with soap and water, or by pouring water from a vessel with handles three times on each hand alternatingly? I have heard it said that a vessel is used only in the morning upon awakening. What are the rules pertaining young children? What is the protocol if no vessel is available? Additionally, may we dry our hands via an electric dryer? Harry Koenigsberg (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Arabs Circumcise At 13 (Part XIX)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: If Abraham was commanded to circumcise his descendants on the eighth day, why do Arabs – who claim to descend from Abraham through Yishmael – wait until their children are 13 to circumcise them? I am aware that this is a matter of little consequence to our people. Nevertheless, this inconsistency is one that piques my curiosity. M. Goldman (Via E-mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Arabs Circumcise At 13 (Part XVIII)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: If Abraham was commanded to circumcise his descendants on the eighth day, why do Arabs – who claim to descend from Abraham through Yishmael – wait until their children are 13 to circumcise them? I am aware that this is a matter of little consequence to our people. Nevertheless, this inconsistency is one that piques my curiosity. M. Goldman (Via E-mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Arabs Circumcise At 13 (Part XVII)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: If Abraham was commanded to circumcise his descendants on the eighth day, why do Arabs – who claim to descend from Abraham through Yishmael – wait until their children are 13 to circumcise them? I am aware that this is a matter of little consequence to our people. Nevertheless, this inconsistency is one that piques my curiosity. M. Goldman (Via E-mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Catching Up On Sefirah On Shabbat Eve

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: What if someone forgot to count sefirah Thursday evening but only realized after he finished davening Friday evening? The catch is that he accepted Shabbos early so that it is still light outside. Can he still count for Thursday evening and then count for Friday night with a berachah once it gets dark? Pesach Bernstein (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Birkat Sefirat HaOmer

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: What if a person counted the Omer but forgot to utter the blessing beforehand? Has he fulfilled his obligation? Incidentally, why do we recite a blessing for this counting but not for the “zayin nekiyim – seven clean days”? M. Goldman Miami Beach, FL

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Preparing One’s Home For Passover

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: Must one spend great sums of money and invest much effort in making one’s home kosher for Passover? Not all of us have such unlimited funds. Name Withheld (Via E-Mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Arabs Circumcise At 13 (Part XVI)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: If Abraham was commanded to circumcise his descendants on the eighth day, why do Arabs – who claim to descend from Abraham through Yishmael – wait until their children are 13 to circumcise them? I am aware that this is a matter of little consequence to our people. Nevertheless, this inconsistency is one that piques my curiosity. M. Goldman (Via E-mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Arabs Circumcise At 13 (Part XV)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: If Abraham was commanded to circumcise his descendants on the eighth day, why do Arabs – who claim to descend from Abraham through Yishmael – wait until their children are 13 to circumcise them? I am aware that this is a matter of little consequence to our people. Nevertheless, this inconsistency is one that piques my curiosity. M. Goldman (Via E-mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Arabs Circumcise At 13 (Part XIV)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: If Abraham was commanded to circumcise his descendants on the eighth day, why do Arabs – who claim to descend from Abraham through Yishmael – wait until their children are 13 to circumcise them? I am aware that this is a matter of little consequence to our people. Nevertheless, this inconsistency is one that piques my curiosity. M. Goldman (Via E-mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Arabs Circumcise At 13 (Part XIII)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: If Abraham was commanded to circumcise his descendants on the eighth day, why do Arabs – who claim to descend from Abraham through Yishmael – wait until their children are 13 to circumcise them? I am aware that this is a matter of little consequence to our people. Nevertheless, this inconsistency is one that piques my curiosity. M. Goldman (Via E-mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Arabs Circumcise At 13 (Part XII)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: If Abraham was commanded to circumcise his descendants on the eighth day, why do Arabs – who claim to descend from Abraham through Yishmael – wait until their children are 13 to circumcise them? I am aware that this is a matter of little consequence to our people. Nevertheless, this inconsistency is one that piques my curiosity. M. Goldman (Via E-mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Arabs Circumcise At 13 (Part XI)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: If Abraham was commanded to circumcise his descendants on the eighth day, why do Arabs – who claim to descend from Abraham through Yishmael – wait until their children are 13 to circumcise them? I am aware that this is a matter of little consequence to our people. Nevertheless, this inconsistency is one that piques my curiosity. M. Goldman (Via E-mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Arabs Circumcise At 13 (Part X)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: If Abraham was commanded to circumcise his descendants on the eighth day, why do Arabs – who claim to descend from Abraham through Yishmael – wait until their children are 13 to circumcise them? I am aware that this is a matter of little consequence to our people. Nevertheless, this inconsistency is one that piques my curiosity. M. Goldman (Via E-mail)

Ask the Rabbi

In Memory Of My Uncle, Rabbi Sholom Klass, Zt”l

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Approximately 18 years ago, my uncle called me into his office saying he had an urgent matter to discuss. I didn't know what he had in mind.

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Arabs Circumcise At 13 (Part IX)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: If Abraham was commanded to circumcise his descendants on the eighth day, why do Arabs – who claim to descend from Abraham through Yishmael – wait until their children are 13 to circumcise them? I am aware that this is a matter of little consequence to our people. Nevertheless, this inconsistency is one that piques my curiosity. M. Goldman (Via E-mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Arabs Circumcise At 13 (Part VIII)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: If Abraham was commanded to circumcise his descendants on the eighth day, why do Arabs – who claim to descend from Abraham through Yishmael – wait until their children are 13 to circumcise them? I am aware that this is a matter of little consequence to our people. Nevertheless, this inconsistency is one that piques my curiosity. M. Goldman (Via E-mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Arabs Circumcise At 13 (Part VII)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: If Abraham was commanded to circumcise his descendants on the eighth day, why do Arabs – who claim to descend from Abraham through Yishmael – wait until their children are 13 to circumcise them? I am aware that this is a matter of little consequence to our people. Nevertheless, this inconsistency is one that piques my curiosity. M. Goldman (Via E-mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Arabs Circumcise At 13 (Part VI)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: If Abraham was commanded to circumcise his descendants on the eighth day, why do Arabs – who claim to descend from Abraham through Yishmael – wait until their children are 13 to circumcise them? I am aware that this is a matter of little consequence to our people. Nevertheless, this inconsistency is one that piques my curiosity. M. Goldman (Via E-mail)

Ask the Rabbi

Q & A: Arabs Circumcise At 13 (Part IV)

By Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Question: If Abraham was commanded to circumcise his descendants on the eighth day, why do Arabs – who claim to descend from Abraham through Yishmael – wait until their children are 13 to circumcise them? I am aware that this is a matter of little consequence to our people. Nevertheless, this inconsistency is one that piques my curiosity. M. Goldman (Via E-mail)

cross