For many people, including many who are otherwise not observant, Yizkor has become an indispensable part of their shul experience. Indeed, although Yizkor can halachically be said privately and without a minyan, it has become a major draw to the synagogue, especially on Yom Kippur. How is it permitted to conduct an ostensibly sad ceremony […]

When ashkenazim go to sephardi homes, what can they eat, what is the status of the plates and utensils? The origin of kitniyot and the concern about chametz getting mixed in with kitniyot. Kitniyot cannot become chametz, the concern is chametz getting mixed in (since chametz is asur b’mashehu). Kitniyot is not actual chametz and […]

What is the origin of the fast of the firstborn? Why do we fast? Most of the Ashkenazi Rishonim quote it but it’s not clearly sourced in the Gemara, it is discussed in מסכת סופרים. The Gemara records that Rebbe fasted on Erev Pesach but not because he was a bechor but because he was […]

Which is the real Adar? This affects when to celebrate Purim, when to observe a yahrtzeit, and when a child becomes bar/bat mitzvah. Why is Adar always the added month? Do we view Adar as months 12A and 12B or a 13th month (really called חדש העיבור)? What if someone was born on the 30th […]