Jewish Law

Yom Tov – A Practical Guide to the Jewish Holidays This page explains the core laws (Halachot) of Yom Tov—Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, Pesach, and Shavuot—with clear English explanations and key Hebrew terms. Learn what’s permitted and what’s not, from cooking and carrying to preparation for Shabbat, all while honoring the spirit and joy of the holidays.

Understanding the Torah Prohibition of Shaatnez A comprehensive guide to the laws of Shaatnez—the forbidden mixture of wool and linen in clothing—including halachic background, practical application today, major rabbinic opinions, and deep Kabbalistic insights into the spiritual meaning behind this mitzvah.

This guide presents a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to the Halachot of Pesach, including the removal of chametz, the Seder night, and the customs of the Omer. Based on solid halachic foundations, it avoids stringencies that have no source or are commonly misunderstood.

Minhagim aren’t just old habits — they bring emotional, communal, and spiritual depth that halachah alone may not convey. But when they stop uplifting and start burdening, it’s okay to step back.

When Erev Pesach coincides with Shabbat, many standard routines are altered. Below is a halachic guide to navigating this unique situation in accordance with Jewish law.

The topic of Gevinat Akum often raises questions: Why are some cheeses a concern while others are not? Here’s a clearer explanation to help you understand the distinctions...

Over the past three decades, concerns about bugs in fruits and vegetables have grown due to changes in pesticide use, leading to noticeable infestations in certain produce...

Start and Duration: Chanukah begins on the evening of the 25th of Kislev and lasts for eight days. Festive Meals: There is no obligation to have festive meals during Chanukah….

Shabbat commemorates the seventh day of creation when God rested. It is a day of rest and reflection, acknowledging our respect and appreciation for creation by...

Understanding the Term• Bishul means cooking.• Akum is an abbreviation for Ovdei Kochavim U’Mazalot, referring to idolworshippers (pagans).Historically, most restrictions involving…

Even after washing, flavor residues from these foods can remain absorbed in the walls of the pot and later affect the kosher status of food cooked in it. A pot may lose its kosher status under these conditions…

The day before Purim is a fast day “Taanit Esther.” We do not eat or drink from dawn to dark. At night, we read the Megillah, immediately after dark. One should not eat a meal before the…

Discover the profound impact of Niddah on personal purity and spiritual growth within Jewish life.Historically women were considered impure or even unclean when they got their period. They…

Lashon Hara refers to harmful speech and is a fundamental aspect of Jewish law aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence and harmony within the community. We have all seen relationships suffer and friends…