Living the halachic process

Crossing at a red light

Although we will discuss halachic elements of this question, we hope that the general merits of following this...

Interests of the public vs. those of the individual

We know of no overarching phrase that mandates favoring the more basic needs of the individual at the...

Reacting to bad dreams

Most dreams are insignificant and are generated by one’s thoughts during the day. On the other hand, there...

Asking forgiveness when it hurts the victim

The mishna says that one does not receive atonement on Yom Kippur for sins between man and man...

Our approach to the gray areas of halacha

Although we usually give clear guidelines, we acknowledge the truth of your observation and will take this opportunity...

Changing the name of a sick person

The minhag to change the name of a very sick person is an old one that is approved...

Marketing orla‎{&&}‎

Intermediate Response: Orla does apply outside Eretz Yisrael, as a halacha l’Moshe miSinai (oral tradition given to Moshe)....

Hatarat nedarim to suspend a good practice‎{&&}‎

One may drink water, tea and coffee before davening, especially if it enables him to function properly during...

Use of permanent cosmetics

It is forbidden to make a mark on one’s body by means of piercing the skin with a...

Following a father’s practices on halachic matters

In this response, we assume that the father is following a legitimate opinion and that the family is...

Cutting down fruit trees

The Torah forbids cutting down fruit trees. This is the most formal and strict application of the concept...

Netilat yadayim – Must it be done near bed?

The requirement to wash one’s hands upon arising and make the appropriate beracha is mentioned in the gemara....

Building a proper guardrail

This question is hard to answer in detail, but understanding the concept should give you a pretty good...

Standing for memorial siren

Those who say that it is forbidden to stand for the minute of silence on Yom HaZikaron claim...

Searching the Property of a Suspect

Psychological and educational issues need to be addressed in such a case by those who are familiar with...

Washing Hands After Leaving the Bathroom

A proper washing cup is mandatory for netilat yadayim before a meal. There is a machloket Rishonim whether...

The Berachot and Mitzvot of the Mentally Challenged

The determinations of which mental handicaps translate into which halachic standings are too complicated and individualized for this...

When to Commemorate Halachic Anniversaries in Leap Years

Although one would expect the same answer for both questions, the answers may differ for the following reason....

Which Debts Require a Pruzbol

You may not need a pruzbol, but it is probably worthwhile for you to make one (before Rosh...

Halachic Issues Related to Non-Jewish Caregiver

Tefillin: The rule is that one can do a mitzva on someone else’s behalf only if the person...

Creating a New Shul and/or Changing Customs‎{&&}‎

The issue of “lo titgod’du” is an important halachic concept. However, it does not preclude the formation of...

Permissibility of a Mesh Parochet

This type of public question is clearly in the local rabbi’s domain. However, since the answer affirms the...

Permissibility of Pet Dogs

There is no outright prohibition to own a pet dog, but one must address some concerns and make...

The Subjective Parameters of Human Dignity

As far as strict halacha is concerned, we are not aware of a specific ruling that would forbid...

Naming after a Sephardi Grandparent when One Parent is Ashkenazi

The phenomenon of marriages between Ashkenazic and Sephardic families is positive and enriching for individual couples and for...

Being a Vegetarian

There is nothing wrong whatsoever with refraining from milk and/or meat for health reasons. If one does not...

Kilayim (Mixed Planting) Outside Israel

The specific laws of kilayim are very complex. A whole tractate of mishnayot deals with them, and our...

Netilat Yadayim and Hygienic Concerns

The Shulchan Aruch deals with the issue of one who leaves the bathroom and is ready to eat....

Ribbit‎{&&}‎ – Discount on Rent for an Apartment for its Buyer

From a reading of the contract, it is clear that December 1 was not the time the sale...

Removing Tattoos Before Conversion

It would be irresponsible to advise you whether or not you should convert without knowing you personally. However,...