Before Yom Tov, I sent out a basic article on the concept of kosher cheese. This week I am sending out a sequel to that article. Question #1: The whey it was. Rav Schwartz* tells me that his Rosh Yeshiva, a world-renowned European-born gadol, held that one may eat cottage cheese that is not chalav [...]

This week in Eretz Yisrael, we read the parshiyos of Acharei and Kedoshim. Those of our readers who are in chutz la’aretz will be reading the parshiyos of Tazria and Metzora. Since both of these readings have to do with telling the truth, I am sending you: Do I Have to Tell the Truth? A [...]

In honor of Pesach, I am sending two articles: the first, a discussion of some aspects of tevilas keilim, since this is a topic on which many people have questions this time of year. The second is an article on Rav Wolbe, since his yahrzeit falls out during Pesach. I will not be sending out [...]

Question: A Sweet Saga Avraham Sweet, the proprietor of Candy Andy, wants to know: "I have a gift business in which I sell glass candy bowls filled with candies, fruits, and nuts. Must I toivel these dishes before I fill them?" Introduction: In Parshas Matos, the Torah teaches: Regarding the gold and the silver; the [...]

  Question: Personally, I find the different terms used in reference to matzoh very confusing: On the one hand, I have been told that if one is working on the dough constantly, one need not be concerned if more than eighteen minutes elapses before the matzoh is baked. On the other hand, I have been [...]

Megillas Esther teaches that one of the mitzvos established by Mordechai and Esther was “matanos la’evyonim,” giving gifts to the poor. Since the megillah states one should give gifts “La’evyonim,” which is plural, we derive that one must give gifts to at least two poor people (Gemara Megillah 7b). WHAT IS THE MINIMUM GIFT TO [...]

In the year 5017 (1257), several hundred Baalei Tosafos, led by Rav Yechiel of Paris, left Northern France on a journey to Eretz Yisrael. Rav Eshtori HaParchi, who lived two generations later, records a fascinating story he heard when he went to Yerushalayim to have his sefer, the Kaftor VaFarech, reviewed by a talmid chacham, [...]

Question #1: TREMENDOUSLY APPEALING! Yehudah presents the following dilemma: “I often feel pressured to pledge to the tzedakah appeals in shul; however, I am afraid that I will forget to pay afterwards. Is there a simple way to avoid creating a problem?” Question #2: BORROWERS ANONYMOUS Susan asks: “I often borrow small change from the [...]

Question #1: THE TALIS EXCHANGE Dovid asked me the following shaylah: “I placed my talis in shul and, upon returning, discovered that it had been replaced by a similar-looking talis. I left the talis undisturbed, and hung up a sign noting the exchange. Unfortunately, no one responded, and indeed, the owner may not even realize [...]

  Question #1: A CANDID QUESTION! Chayim calls me on the phone: “Prior to our marriage, I was taught that one may open cans on Shabbos, provided one does not reuse the can, whereas my wife was taught that this is strictly forbidden. Since I was taught by someone very knowledgeable and observant, there is [...]