Thirteen years ago, Crown Heights watched in horror as an innocent baby was ravaged by a rare infection; today the community looked on with pride as he graduated eighth grade with the rest of his class.
Hosting Mixed Events
Ask the Rov: What separation between genders is required at a speech or event?
Am I Allowed to Have a Picnic on Shabbos?
Ask the Rov: During this time of year, I often like to go outside and enjoy a picnic under the sun. Is there any issues with eating outdoors on a summer Shabbos afternoon?
Washing Dishes on Shabbos
Ask the Rov: After my Shabbos meal, I am always left with a huge pile of dirty dishes to clean. Can I allow my cleaning lady to wash them with hot water or use the dishwasher on Shabbos?
The Rebbe and the Novominsker Dynasty
The Rebbes of Novominsk, including Rav Yakov Perlow , whose yahrzeit is Yud Gimmel Nissan, had a long-standing connection with the Chabad and the Rebbe.
Best Night for Chanuka Parties
Ask the Rov: I am planning a Chanuka celebration for my family but can’t settle on which night. Is there a particular night one should choose to hold their Chanuka celebration, and are there any halachos of a Chanuka seuda?
Should I Be Taking Challa from Donuts?
Ask the Rov: With a large Chanukah party planned, and an aversion to commercialized foods, I am planning on making all the donuts myself. Since the batter will be large, is there an obligation to separate challa from the dough?
Are Raffles Really Binding?
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Illustration
Ask the Rov: We made a fundraising raffle and one person’s name was left out. What do we do?
Halachic Status of Children’s Vows
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Illustration
Ask the Rov: Do vows of children carry weight in halacha and must a child nearing maturity preform hataras nedarim?
East Flatbush: The Community That Stayed Close to Home
Our Communities: It started out as a small colony of city dwellers seeking affordable housing. Six years later, it’s a vibrant, growing kehilla.
Tying Down the Schach
Ask the Rov: Can I zip-tie the schach of my sukka mobile so it doesn’t fly away while driving?
Is a Sukka Made of Canvas Kosher?
Ask the Rov: The Sukka market these days is full of various types of fabric sukkas. How can I ensure that my canvas sukka is kosher?
Mezonos V. Hamotzi Pizza
Ask the Rov: I’ve heard that some pizzas are hamotzi and others are mezonos. How do I know?
Buying With Intention of Returning
Ask the Rov: I need an air conditioner for the next few weeks, but won’t need it afterward. May I buy one and plan to return it when I am done with it?
The Halachos of Pets on Shabbos
Ask the Rov: I decided to get myself a hamster for my children. Are there any Shabbos-related halachos about pets that I need to know?
Using Hammocks on Shabbos
Ask the Rov: I usually take my afternoon nap on the hammock in my backyard. Am I allowed to take my Shabbos nap there as well?
What Bracha is Flatbread?
Ask the Rov: I’ve heard some people say that anything made with wheat runs into issues with brachos. Whats the halacha regarding pretzels, crackers or flatbread crackers mezonos or hamotzi?
Learning Chassidus On Tisha B’Av
Ask the Rov: I start off every day with the study of Chassidus. How about on Tisha b’Av? Can I learn a maamar on the fast day before shacharis?
Fresh Clothing in the Nine Days
Ask the Rov: My children are constantly dirtying their clothes, and I can’t go a week without doing laundry. Can I wash their clothing during the nine days?
Bishul Yisroel and Beverages
Ask the Rov: Food cooked by a non-Jew is prohibited because of bishul akum. How about beverages? Beer and coffee are cooked, does bishul akum apply to them?