Watch: Panorama of Halacha

Anash.org feature: A weekly shiur by Dayan Levi Yitzchok Raskin, Rov of Anash in London, explores interesting Torah questions and halachic dilemmas.

The following issues are discussed by Rabbi Raskin in this week’s episode:

1. The division of Tehilim into a monthly schedule was done by one of the Rishonim. Ch.119 is divided into two days. But why at the letter מ, since ל is the 12^th letter? [1]
2. What are the parameters for correcting errors of the Bal Korei? The Rabbeim seem to have been very exacting. Is this something we should emulate? [2]
3. What’s the history of the asterisks for the Sheva-Na in the Chabad Sidur?
4. Use of cinnamon or pepper for Havdoloh? [3]
5. My dishwasher was running at the onset of Shabbos. Once it stops, may I open the door to take out some clean dishes? [4]
6. Is there a way to set up a dishwasher on a timer, to permit use on Shabbos? [5]
7. Some of my fingers are bandaged. What should I do for Netilas Yodayim? [6]
8. I bought basil that is from Eretz Yisroel; may I use it? [7]
9. Someone who lives an hour’s walk from Shul, has begun coming on Shabbos on rollerblades. Should I object? (The likelihood is that otherwise he won’t attend Shul). [8]
10. Shmone Esrei of Shacharis should לכתחלה be after sunrise. Also, one shouldn’t engage in work before Shacharis. My work schedule dictates that I daven either before sunrise or after the first shift of work. Which is preferable? [9]

[1] ס’ ישמיע כל תהלתו, במקומו. חותמו של הקב”ה א’מ’ת’ (ירושלמי ריש סנהדרין). מנצפ”ך – מגילה ב ב.

[2] שו”ע או”ח סי’ קמב ס”א. כף החיים שם סק”א. ספר השיחות תרצ”ו ע’ 51. ‘התקשרות’ גליונות שמ, תריב. 

[3] סדר ברכת הנהנין פי”א ה”ט.

[4] ארחות שבת ח”ב פי”ט אות שפה.

[5] פסקי תשובות סי’ רנב סק”ו.

[6] שוע”ר סי’ קסב סט”ו. וע”ע קצות השלחן סי’ לג הע’ יב.

[7] פאת השלחן פרק כב ה”ג.

[8] בשו”ת באר שרים (מהדו”ח) או”ח ח”ב סי’ קמד-ג מקיל בזה מעיקר, אם כי בהסתייגות רבה. גם, שלא ייכנס בהם לביהכ”נ.

[9] פסקי תשובות סי’ פט סק”ד.