Sephardic

Reciting Keri’at Shema Meticulously

The Mishnah (Berachot 15a) states: “If one recites Keri’at Shema and does not hear the words he is reciting (because one read it so quietly), one fulfills his obligation. If one recited it without being meticulous with its letters, Rabbi Yose says one fulfills his obligation while Rabbi Yehuda says one does not.” The Gemara (ibid. 15b)…

Baruch Shem

The Meaning of “Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuto Le’Olam Va’ed” In the previous Halachot we have established that the verse “Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuto Le’Olam Va’ed” must be inserted into Keri’at Shema. One must likewise have the proper intention while reciting this verse. If one did not, one has not fulfilled his obligation. Let us now explain the meaning…

Proper Intention 2

Proper Intention While Reciting “Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuto Le’Olam Va’ed” In the previous Halachot we have discussed that one must have the proper intention while reciting the first verse of Keri’at Shema and if one did not do so, one has not fulfilled his obligation. In the previous Halacha we have written that after reciting the first verse of Keri’at…

“Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuto Le’Olam Va’ed”

Question: What is the source for the verse “Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuto Le’Olam Va’ed” and what is the significance of reciting it within Keri’at Shema? Answer: After reciting the first verse of Keri’at Shema, one should recite “Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuto Le’Olam Va’ed.” The source for this verse is the Gemara (Pesachim 56a) which states: “Rabbi Shimon ben Lakish…

Keri’at Shema

If One Forgets to Concentrate During the First Verse of Keri’at Shema In the previous Halachot we have explained that one must have specific intentions while reciting the first verse of Keri’at Shema; if one did not, one has not fulfilled his obligation of reciting Keri’at Shema. Let us now discuss the proper procedure for one who recited the…

Anusim (Crypto-Judaism) List of Sephardic surnames Spain published the first list of names that will be used to give citizenship to descendants of Sephardic. According to the rules, people with these surnames, which are Jewish and belong to a community organization recognized qualify for citizenship. There are 5,220 names on the list.This list of names is also…

The Law Regarding Intention During Keri’at Shema

The Law Regarding Intention During Keri’at Shema The Rishonim disagree whether or not Mitzvot require intention. For instance, if one takes a Lulav and its species on the Sukkot holiday but did not intend to fulfill the Mitzvah by doing so, has he nevertheless fulfilled his obligation or not? This would indeed be subject to…

Praying

Continuation of the Laws of the Position of One’s Body While Praying Question: If one cannot join one’s feet together while praying the Amida standing up but he can do so while sitting, should such an individual pray while standing with his feet separated or sitting with his feet joined together? Similarly, can one open one’s…

Praying

Standing While Praying on an Airplane or Train Question: Must one join one’s feet together during the Amida prayer? Similarly, if one prays while sitting, has he fulfilled his obligation? Answer: Before one begins the Amida prayer, one must join both feet together as if they were one foot in order to compare ourselves to the angels…

Daf Yomi

Do Not Place a Stumbling-Block In Front of a Blind Man Question: Can a women’s/girl’s clothing store sell sleeveless blouses or tops or does this constitute the prohibition of placing a stumbling-block in front of a blind man? Answer: Firstly, let us begin by stating that the prohibition for a woman to wear sleeveless tops in public…

The Holiday of Shavuot

The Holiday of Shavuot On Shavuot, we celebrate the giving of the Torah and the centuries of commentary, debate, and conversation that followed – and continue to this day. For the last several centuries, the printed book was the best medium we had to record, transmit, and engage with Torah. The Torah introduces the momentous…

The Laws of Fire on Yom Tov

The Laws of Fire on Yom Tov In previous Halachot we have explained that Yom Tov and Shabbat are equal regarding all prohibitions besides for certain works associated with food preparation, such as cooking, which are permitted on Yom Tov. Igniting a Flame One may not produce a new fire on Yom Tov, for instance…