Our Halacha FAQs are published around auspicious times during the Jewish Year. These articles lay out the most commonly asked questions about a particular holiday or situation. In addition to being distributed in shuls and stores, all future articles will be published on this website as well.

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In loving memory of Ruth and Ralph S. Gindi

Halacha FAQs

Hosha’na Rabba FAQs

Hosha’na Rabba FAQs

Rabbi Hayim Asher Arking Rabbi Ezra Ghodsi What is Hosha'na Rabba? There are three days in the calendar designated for good judgment: Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, and Hosha'na Rabba. A...

Hosha’na Rabba FAQs

Rabbi Hayim Asher Arking Rabbi Ezra Ghodsi What is Hosha'na Rabba? There are three days in the calendar designated for good judgment: Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, and Hosha'na Rabba. A...

Hol Hamo’ed FAQs

Hol Hamo’ed FAQs

  “Please note: During this week I will have limited access to email and communication…” This common ‘out-of-office’ message, left by someone on vacation, best describes what our attitude towards...

Hol Hamo’ed FAQs

  “Please note: During this week I will have limited access to email and communication…” This common ‘out-of-office’ message, left by someone on vacation, best describes what our attitude towards...

Yom Kippur FAQs 5786

Yom Kippur FAQs 5786

  Rabbi Hayim Asher Arking Rabbi Ezra Ghodsi   Are we required to eat bread on Erev Yom Kippur? There is a mitsvah to eat on Erev Yom Kippur. Hashem,...

Yom Kippur FAQs 5786

  Rabbi Hayim Asher Arking Rabbi Ezra Ghodsi   Are we required to eat bread on Erev Yom Kippur? There is a mitsvah to eat on Erev Yom Kippur. Hashem,...

Yom Tov FAQs

Yom Tov FAQs

  Rabbi Hayim Asher Arking Rabbi Ezra Ghodsi   May I use matches to light a fire? On Yom Tov, it is only permitted to light a fire from an...

Yom Tov FAQs

  Rabbi Hayim Asher Arking Rabbi Ezra Ghodsi   May I use matches to light a fire? On Yom Tov, it is only permitted to light a fire from an...

What is Pat Yisrael?

What is Pat Yisrael?

  Rabbi Hayim Asher Arking Rabbi Ezra Ghodsi   Aseret Yeme Teshuva is an auspicious time to improve ourselves and reconnect on all levels to mitsvot. Most notably, Shulhan Aruch...

What is Pat Yisrael?

  Rabbi Hayim Asher Arking Rabbi Ezra Ghodsi   Aseret Yeme Teshuva is an auspicious time to improve ourselves and reconnect on all levels to mitsvot. Most notably, Shulhan Aruch...

Shofar FAQs

Shofar FAQs

Rabbi Hayim Asher Arking  Rabbi Ezra Ghodsi  The Rambam writes that the Shofar on Rosh Hashana alludes to a critical message: "awaken from your slumber; those who sleep deeply, rouse...

Shofar FAQs

Rabbi Hayim Asher Arking  Rabbi Ezra Ghodsi  The Rambam writes that the Shofar on Rosh Hashana alludes to a critical message: "awaken from your slumber; those who sleep deeply, rouse...