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

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
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?
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
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...

Simanim FAQs
Rabbi Hayim Asher Arking Rabbi Ezra Ghodsi Why do we eat the Simanim? On Rosh Hashanah, it is customary to eat simanim - symbolic foods - representing blessings...
Simanim FAQs
Rabbi Hayim Asher Arking Rabbi Ezra Ghodsi Why do we eat the Simanim? On Rosh Hashanah, it is customary to eat simanim - symbolic foods - representing blessings...

Tsom Gedalia FAQs
Rabbi Hayim Asher Arking Rabbi Ezra Ghodsi Note: The following Halachot apply only to Tsom Gedalia and similar fast days, not to Tisha B’av or Yom Kippur. Why...
Tsom Gedalia FAQs
Rabbi Hayim Asher Arking Rabbi Ezra Ghodsi Note: The following Halachot apply only to Tsom Gedalia and similar fast days, not to Tisha B’av or Yom Kippur. Why...