Halacha & Hashkafa

The practice to wait until tzeit ha'kochavim has no basis in Chazal or Rishonim.

Sow The Seeds Of Repentance ‘This Potted Plant' (Shabbos 81b)

"They also just had their first boy," Mr. Jacobs said. "B’ezras Hashem, they will be doing a pidyon in another two weeks!"

When bad things happen to someone else, is it appropriate to speculate why?

The Gemara states that the rules of onaah apply only to movable items that have intrinsic value. This excludes real estate, which is not movable.

A Matter Of Intention? ‘The Primary Labors Are Forty Less One…’ (Shabbos 73a)

How does a young woman determine what is or isn’t immodest when it comes to clothing that falls in the grey area of tznius?... Ask her mother? A teacher?

For Whom The Bell Tolls ‘Royal Children May Go Out With Bells’ (Shabbos 66b)

If a person believes based on expert medical advice that wearing a mask on a quiet sidewalk is unnecessary, should he wear it anyways because of the chillul Hashem it will cause in some circles if he doesn’t? Does the answer depend on his motivation (convenience vs. making a political statement)?

Bar Hama was accused of murder, but Rav Papi advocated on his behalf, and he was exonerated. Bar Hama felt indebted to Rav Papi and committed to pay Rav Papi's taxes.

Bal Tosif – Do Not Add! ‘Shabbos Is Not The Time For Tefillin’ (Shabbos 61a)

Should one dress up for a shiur on Zoom if no one can see anything more than your face and top of your shirt?

Based on the first source, a person who hired someone for a job, but then changes his mind due to uncontrollable circumstances that could not be foreseen by either side, does not have to pay the worker since he is in possession of the money.

Ball And Bat Substitutes ‘Cut Palm Branches’ (Shabbos 50a)

Isn’t it unusual for the Shechinah not to have come down immediately for Aharon after all his labors and his level of piety?

Enjoying A Hot Dish ‘Really What Was Meant Was Replacing It…’ (Shabbos 37a)

Many people’s plans for Pesach this year have been completely upended by the coronavirus pandemic. What would you recommend these people think about as they sit down to the Seder to celebrate the holiday of freedom?

For Appearances Sake ‘Moving Forward at the Word of G-d’ (Shabbos 31a)

Is it appropriate to look for, and publicize, gematrias and Torah codes related to the current coronavirus pandemic?

The doctor has precedence. A king does not have precedence over a doctor who can save the lives of many others.

Questions and answers with Rav Hershel Schachter shlit”a, regarding situations arising from the coronavirus crisis. Transcribed by Rabbi Pini Dunner (assisted by Michael Bernstein). This transcript has been approved by Rav Hershel...

Regarding hotel or apartment cancellations: This issue is more complicated.

Triple Play? ‘If He Didn’t Say, He Must Repeat’ (Shabbos 24a)

Mr. Schreiber offered to call Rabbi Dayan on her behalf. She agreed, so he called Rabbi Dayan and asked, "Is my wife liable for the money in the missing envelope?"

Crystal Clear ‘Speak Like One’s Teacher’ (Shabbos 15a)

Is it proper to panic over the coronavirus epidemic?

A professional hired to do a certain task must do it in an acceptable manner.

Is it important for an introvert to "get out of his shell"?

Why Aren’t We Scared That The Mohel Will Carry? ‘His Hand Is Not At Rest’ (Shabbos 3a)

Generally, a person can break the laws of Shabbat to save a life, but can one do so to conduct research that may lead to a vaccine that may save someone’s life in the future?