Before addressing the question of the kosher status of electronic cigarettes (vapes), it is necessary to first understand what this device is and how it operates. Once the mechanism is clarified, the halachic discussion can be approached more properly. At the...
Dear Rabbi and Shira, Thank you so much for your column. I enjoy reading it each week. I have been in the dating parsha for about a year now. My problem is...
We are all familiar with the customs of kitniyos on Pesach, but who does it apply to, what is included in the custom, and what about derivates or extracts from kitniyos? The Custom The custom among Ashkenazik circles is...
Bedikas Chametz If one arrives at the hotel on the night of bedikas chametz, even if they did not bring chametz, they should place out bread and check for chametz with a beracha. Many people arrive at the hotel...
I. A Jewish Name When someone converts to Judaism, he chooses a Jewish name with which to be called for ritual purposes. Should he use that name in common conversation and interactions? That is a very personal decision and includes...
This Shabbat we begin reading the Book of Vayikra, much of which deals with the laws of the korbanot, the sacrifices which were offered in the Bet Ha’mikdash. For many of us, these laws seem very difficult to...
The “Yitzchak Effect” Impacted The Mishkan Service For All Future Generations The first day of Nisan is a very important date in Jewish history. On that date the Mishkan was first set up. In truth, the entire construction...
Born in Brooklyn and raised in the Five Towns, Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz initially planned to pursue a career in law. However, after spending two formative years at Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh,...
We read in Parashat Pekudeh (40:2) of G-d’s command to Moshe that the completed Mishkan should be erected on Rosh Hodesh Nissan, the first day of the month of Nissan. The Midrash tells that in truth, the...
On our trips to Eretz Yisroel, we go “visiting”. One of our first stops is Har Hamenuchos, burial place of my great-grandfather, Harav Tzvi Hersh HaKohein zt”l, as well as other relatives. Down the hill...