Steps Back At Amida’s Conclusion

by Rav Yaakov Klass, originally published in The Jewish Press

Steps Back At Amida’s Conclusion

Question: I read with much interest your, q&a, columns on Tefillah, I have a related question. In Shul I’ve noticed that at the conclusion of the Shemoneh Esreh some people take three steps backward but then they do not take the three steps forward as required. Is this an actual sanctioned practice? [...Click headline above for more...] 

Hidden Women In Tanach

by Rav Yaakov Klass, originally published in The Jewish Press

Hidden Women In Tanach

Question: Though I am a truly religious woman, being in the workplace, I’ve encountered people who seek to challenge me with the argument that the Torah places scant importance to women, at times mentions them only in passing, almost begrudgingly, such as Serach bat Asher and Yocheved bat Levi. I would appreciate very much if you could provide me with the necessary “ammunition” to refute them. [...Click headline above for more...] 

Covering The Challah

by Rav Yaakov Klass, originally published in The Jewish Press

Covering The Challah

Question: I have been wondering about a custom I have always followed myself, as does everyone else — namely, the fact that the challah on the Sabbath table remains covered. What is the reason, and why don’t we cover other food items on the table? [...Click headline above for more...] 

Ga’al Yisrael Aloud, IV

by Rav Yaakov Klass, originally published in The Jewish Press

Ga’al Yisrael Aloud, Part IV

Question: In the course of my travels I have discovered that different synagogues and sometimes-different chazzanim treat the blessing of Ga’al Yisrael, right before Shemoneh Esreh differently with some saying it aloud and others fading it, before they begin the silent Shemoneh Esreh. Is one way correct and the other incorrect? [...Click headline above for more...] 

Ga’al Yisrael Aloud III

by Rav Yaakov Klass, originally published in The Jewish Press

Ga’al Yisrael Aloud, Part III

Question: In the course of my travels I have discovered that different synagogues and sometimes-different chazzanim treat the blessing of Ga’al Yisrael, right before Shemoneh Esreh differently with some saying it aloud and others fading it, before they begin the silent Shemoneh Esreh. Is one way correct and the other incorrect? [...Click headline above for more...] 

Ga’al Yisrael Aloud II

by Rav Yaakov Klass, originally published in The Jewish Press

Ga’al Yisrael Aloud, Part II

Question: In the course of my travels I have discovered that different synagogues and sometimes-different chazzanim treat the blessing of Ga’al Yisrael, right before Shemoneh Esreh differently with some saying it aloud and others fading it, before they begin the silent Shemoneh Esreh. Is one way correct and the other incorrect? [...Click headline above for more...]