Ask the Rabbi

Question: Shalom Rabbi, we wanted to know your opinion regarding electronic cigarettes, do they require a hechsher (kosher certification)?

Question: If a child converted to Judaism together with their parents while still a minor, do they need to undergo another conversion upon reaching adulthood?

Question: Is it permissible to rent out an apartment in Eretz Yisrael to a non-Jew?

Question: I teach in a Talmud Torah, and sometimes we take trips to visit the graves of tzaddikim. Some of the children (under Bar Mitzvah age) are kohanim. Do they need to be warned not to enter?

Question: What blessing should be recited over homemade croutons made by cutting bread into small pieces and baking them in the oven, which are then placed into soup?

Question: In the shul where I pray, there are times when refreshments are served after the morning prayers for an ilui neshama or similar purposes. Is it permissible to eat while wearing tefillin, or must they be removed first?

Question: Shalom Rabbi, I am a Kollel avreich, and my wife is a giyoret. Her grandfather is not Jewish, and from time to time, he gives us financial support. Is there any issue with accepting tzedakah from a non-Jew?

Question: I made a vow to give a certain amount to tzedakah, but I don’t remember how much I pledged. What should I do?

Question: Sometimes we do hafrashat challah together as a group, with each woman taking a portion of the dough home to bake. Is this allowed?

Question: Sometimes I am unable to pray with a minyan. Is there any benefit in praying alone in a synagogue?

Question: I volunteer for "Yedidim," a roadside assistance organization in Israel, and I would like to know if I can use my ma’aser money to buy equipment to help people who are stranded?

Question: I was offered a job as a waiter, but I later discovered that the restaurant isn’t kosher and therefore serves non-kosher food. Is it permissible for me to work there just as a waiter?

Question: Am I allowed to wear a red string around my wrist as a segulah for protection against ayein harah, or is it something that was taken from non-Jews?

Question: I heard it’s forbidden to drink water after eating fish. Is that true?

Question: Is it permissible to use utensils, such as cups, that have a cross design on them?

Question: Is it permissible to recite Kaddish for a non-Jewish friend?

Question: Hello Rabbi, I am a Kohen and I injured my leg. I have a cast, but I am able to walk on it. However, the cast on my foot is visible. Am I allowed to go up for Birkat Kohanim?

Question: I have a statue in my home in the shape of a bear. Am I allowed to keep it as it is, or do I need to damage part of its face?

Question: I’m growing cucumbers and tomatoes in my garden and wanted to know how far apart they need to be planted to avoid the prohibition of kilayim?

Question: Is it permissible to spray insecticide on Shabbat to get rid of flies?

Question: Is it permissible to peel a cucumber or carrot on Shabbat?

Question: If a person is at home without a kippah, can they recite a blessing by placing their hand on their head?

Question: I went to pray at the Kotel and found a $100 bill between the stones. Am I allowed to take it?

Question: I found money in my shul, and I can find out who lost it by checking the security cameras. Am I obligated to do so and return it?

Question: If an elderly person enters the synagogue, am I required to stand for him even if I am far away?

Question: If someone forgot to say Retzei Ve'hachalitzenu in Birkat Hamazon on Shabbat, does he need to repeat it?