Halacha

Attached is a new publication of halachic essays published by Igud HaRabbonim, the Rabbinical Alliance of America. Topics include the timely and the timeless, applying texts and sources from across the generations to contemporary life. While the primary language of halacha is Hebrew, for logistical reasons this is being published in English. [...Click headline above for more...] 

Attached is a new publication of halachic essays published by Igud HaRabbonim, the Rabbinical Alliance of America. Topics include the timely and the timeless, applying texts and sources from across the generations to contemporary life. While the primary language of halacha is Hebrew, for logistical reasons this is being published in English. [...Click headline above for more...] 

Question: We find that both Adam and Cain repented their sins, yet our sages extol Reuben the son of Jacob, who lived many generations later, as being the first to repent. Why is that so?

Moshe Jakobowitz [...Click headline above for more...] 

Question: I’ve been told that we are to follow all the directives of the government in the current pandemic, even though these very directives seem to be contrary to our religious lifestyle. The argument I’ve heard from some is Dina D’Malchuta. Is this so? [...Click headline above for more...] 

Etrog Jelly

Question: May one eat etrog jelly on Simchat Torah?

A Reader
Miami, FL

 
Answer: The Mechaber (Orach Chayyim 503:1, based on a Baraita (Betza 17a) states: “One is forbidden to bake, cook or slaughter on Yom Tov for the needs of the following day even if it be for the Sabbath or Yom Tov [the second day in the Diaspora] and even on the two days of Rosh Hashana [for we may not bake, cook and prepare on one day for the following]. [...Click headline above for more...]