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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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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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?
What Bracha Should I Say on Granola Bars?
Ask the Rov: What is the correct bracha on a granola bar? Is it ha’adama, mezonos or maybe even hamotzi? How about the after-bracha?
Using Cameras for Hashgacha
One of the primary components of kosher supervision is fear of discovery which the mashgiach accomplishes even by intermittent visits. Does a camera accomplish the same thing?
Par-Baked and Pas Yisroel
Ask the Rov: May I buy a partially baked pizza crust that is kosher but not certified pas Yisroel?
Wearing a Shabbos Key
Ask the Rov: Can I wear a Shabbos belt over my shirt?
Engaging in Risky Activities
Ask the Rov: What types of dangers am I obligated to avoid and what risks may I take?
The Eternal Message of Levi’s Census
Watch: PowerPoint Sicha by Rabbi Chananya Hoffinger on the timeless avodah taught by the counting of the three Levite families.