Sefarim by Rabbi Chaim Cohen: Mekor Chaim ↗ בס״ד

  1. Torah On Display

    The Magen Avraham (OC 134:3) writes that the one honoured with hagbah should open up the Sefer Torah enough to display three columns, though the Mishna Berura (134:8) writes that one capable of safely opening it more should do …

  2. Shabbos Zemiros

    Question: I’ve always sung zemiros on Shabbos, pronouncing Hashem’s name properly, though often hear others who don’t. Is it better to say kel, Elokeinu and Hashem instead of the actual names? Answer: The Gemara (Megilla …

  3. Visiting the Sick - By Phone / Email

    Question: I find it difficult to visit my friend in hospital and so call and email her. Have I done the mitzva of bikur cholim ? Answer: Although the mitzvah to visit the sick, bikur cholim, isn’t written clearly in the Tor…

  4. Tearing Keriah at the Kosel

    Question: I once heard that one can avoid tearing keriah at the kosel by visiting on a Friday. Is this correct? Answer: Rambam (Taanis 5:16; Aveilus 9:10) and the Shulchan Aruch (OC 561:2) rule that upon witnessing ‘Yerusha…

  5. Left Handed

    Question: I am left handed. Other than placing Tefillin on my right arm, are there any other considerations that I should be aware of? Answer: Which hand a left-handed person should use, depends on which reason a right-hande…

  6. Food Under Beds

    Question: I have always stored food under my bed and recently learned that this is not recommended. Do I need to dispose of it? Answer: The Gemara (Pesachim 112a) advises against storing food under a bed, as it is believed th…

  7. Eating in a Non-Kosher Restaurant

    Question:   Am I allowed to meet people in a coffee shop if they are eating non-Kosher food and I am just having a coffee? Answer: The Mishna (Shekalim 3:2) writes that the person who took the teruma from the shekalim in the…