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Black Stripes on the Tallis

Question: I am buying my first tallis . The shopkeeper told me that as an Ashkenazi, I should choose one with black stripes. What is the reason for this? Answer: Rambam (Tzitzis 2:8) and Rashi (Menachos 41b) write that the tzitzis should be the same colour as the tallis . For example, if the tallis were red, the tzitzis would also be red. The Shulchan Aruch Harav (OC 9:9) explains, based on the Torah’s wording, that the tzitzis should match the corner of the garment in both colour and material. This implies that not only the material but also the colour of the tzitzis should be similar to that of the tallis . Tosafos (Menachos 41b), however, disagrees. They explain that there is certainly no Torah requirement for this practice, although it may be connected to the idea of ‘zeh eli ve’anveihu’ beautifying the mitzva . Similarly, the Rashba (3:280) holds that there is no such obligation. The Shulchan Aruch Harav and Magen Avraham (9:6), quoting the Bach (OC 9:3), writes that th...
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Beracha on Tzitzis

Question: Is it true that married men should not recite a beracha on tzitzis ? Answer: The Rema (OC 8:6) rules that one should recite the beracha ‘al mitzvas tzitzis’ prior to putting on a pair of tzitzis ( tallis katan ). The Mishna Berura (8:17) clarifies that this applies to a garment which one places over the head, as distinct from a tallis which is wrapped around the head ( atifa ) before being worn. The Shulchan Aruch (OC 8:13) states that if one dons one’s tallis shortly after putting on one’s tzitzis , a second beracha is not recited. Only where there is a significant hefsek between the two, such as walking to shul , should a second beracha be said (see Taz OC 8:11, Biur Hagra OC 8:25). Nevertheless, the Rema (Darkei Moshe OC 8:3), Mishna Berura (8:24), and Kaf Hachaim (OC 8:41) record that the prevailing minhag is for one who wears both tzitzis and a tallis to recite the beracha only when putting on the tallis , intending that it also include the tzitzis . ...
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Disturbance During the Amida

Question: I brought my child to shul and he began making noise, disturbing others during shemone esrei. Was I permitted to take him out while I was davening ? Answer: The Mishna (Berachos 30b) teaches that one may not interrupt shemone esrei even if a king inquires about one’s welfare or if a snake is coiled around one’s leg. The Gemara (Berachos 32b) clarifies that this restriction applies only in non-dangerous circumstances. The Mishna refers specifically to a Jewish king and to a harmless snake (see Shulchan Aruch OC 104:3). The Vilna Gaon (Biur Hagra, OC 104:3) notes a machlokes regarding whether physical movement constitutes an interruption. According to Rabbeinu Yona (Berachos 21a) and the Rema (OC 104:3), mere movement is not deemed an interruption. However, the Rosh maintains that it is, and therefore one may not move during shemone esrei except in a case of danger. The Magen Avraham (104:3) and Mishna Berura (Biur Halacha 104:3) write that although one should n...
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Seeing Monkeys and Elephants

Question: I invited a friend to join us on a trip to the zoo, but he declined, saying that he does not go to zoos. Why is that? After all, is there not a beracha to recite upon seeing certain animals? Answer: The Gemara (Shabbos 149a) teaches that one should not gaze at human or animal statues. The Meiri (Shabbos 149a) explains that looking at such images can have a negative spiritual influence. Based on this, R’ Moshe Greenwald (Arugas Habosem OC 39) writes that one should not look at animals either, and therefore ought not to visit zoos at all. However, R’ Ovadia Yosef (Yabia Omer OC 4:20; Yechave Daas 3:66) points out that the consensus of the rishonim is that this prohibition applies only to statues made for avoda zara . Otherwise, it is permitted to look at them (see Shach YD 142:33; Magen Avraham OC 307:23). He adds that even according to the stricter view, there is no issue with observing live animals. On the contrary, it serves as a way of marvelling at the wonders of H...
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Frozen Grape Lollies

Question: What is the correct beracha to recite on homemade frozen grape lollies made solely from grape juice? Answer: The Beis Yosef (OC 202:1) writes that one recites shehakol on aruphi, which the Chida (Birkei Yosef OC 202:2) and Ben Ish Chai (Matos 1:10) explain refers to congealed or solidified grape juice. Accordingly, one would recite shehakol on frozen grape juice . R’ Shraga Feivish Schneebalg (Shraga Hameir 3:32; 8:113) explains that once a liquid begins to solidify, it loses its halachic status as a drink and is no longer considered wine for the purposes of berachos . He adds that one would not fulfil kiddush with frozen wine. Similarly, R’ Shmuel Wosner (Shevet Halevi 9:39) discusses whether wine that undergoes a physical change retains its halachic status. He concludes that since frozen lollies are consumed by licking rather than drinking, the beracha is shehakol . However, R’ Gavriel Krausz (Mekor Haberacha, Teshuva 2) disagrees. He argues that aruphi refers...
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Learning Next to the Shul

Question: I often learn in the room next to the Beis Hamedrash while they are davening . Do I need to join in for Kaddish , Kedusha , or Barchu ? Answer: The Gemara (Berachos 8b) teaches that one must not walk behind a shul while the tzibbur is davening as this creates the false impression that the person is avoiding tefilla . There are several exceptions, such as where there is another shul nearby, in which case it can be assumed that he intends to daven there. This halacha is codified by Rambam (Tefilla U’birchas Kohanim 6:1) and the Shulchan Aruch (OC 90:8). R’ Yosef Shalom Elyashiv (cited in Rivevos Ephraim 1:89), explains that this concern applies only to someone physically present in the shul who refrains from responding. It does not apply to someone learning nearby or passing outside. R’ Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Halichos Shlomo Tefilla 9:5; n8) rules that someone engaged in Torah learning while a nearby minyan is davening is generally exempt from responding to dev...
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Touring a Shul

Question: May I tour an ancient shul if I don’t intend to daven there? Answer: The Gemara (Megilla 28a), citing the Tosefta (Megilla 2:18), prohibits using a shul inappropriately. This includes eating, drinking, or walking through it without purpose. Accordingly, Rambam (Tefilla 11:6) and the Shulchan Aruch (OC 151:1) rule that one should not enter or stroll through a shul unless there is a specific reason to do so. The Kesef Mishna (Tefilla 11:6) explains that entering a shul simply to relax or de-stress is not permitted; one should enter only to daven or to read from the Torah. The Talmud Yerushalmi (Shekalim 5:4) recounts that R’ Chama bar Chanina and R’ Hoshiya once walked through a shul in Lod. R’ Yitzchak Falaji (Yafeh Lelev OC 151:2) explains that talmidei chachamim may do so, as their walks are considered a form of simchas mitzva , helping to prepare the mind for Torah learning and reflection (see Shaar Hatziyon 151:9). R’ Aharon Epstein (Kapei Aharon 16) notes...
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