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

  1. Holding Havdala

    Question: I have always held the wine in my right hand while reciting havdala. Last week, I watched a Rabbi making havdala online and saw him switch hands in the middle. What is the ideal way of doing this? Answer: The Sh…

  2. Fewer Candles

    Question: Since our oldest child was born, I have always lit an extra candle for each of our children. Last week, I accidentally lit one too few. Do I need to add an extra candle every week? Answer: The Rema (OC 263:1) quotes…

  3. Matza Throughout Pesach

    Question: Is there a mitzva to eat matza throughout Pesach? Answer: The Gemara (Pesachim 120a) teaches that there isn’t the same requirement to eat matza on the last day of Pesach as there is on the first night. The Shulch…

  4. Kimcha Depischa

    Question: Can I use maaser money for kimcha depischa ? Answer: The Gemara Yerushalmi (Bava Basra 1:4) teaches that one who has lived in a city for twelve months is considered to be a resident. Thus they must give wheat to …

  5. Liquid Soap on Shabbos

    Question: I know that we’re not supposed to use soap bars on Shabbos but can we use liquid hand soap? Answer: The Shulchan Aruch (OC 328:22) writes that one may rub oil into a (minor) wound on Shabbos, but not fat that will mel…

  6. Thermometer on Shabbos

    Question: May one use a non-electric thermometer on Shabbos? Answer: The Mishna (Beitza 28a) teaches that one mustn’t measure things on Shabbos or Yom Tov. Tosafos (Shabbos 126b) explains that doing so is uvdin dechol , munda…

  7. Touching the Megilla

    Question: I know that one isn’t supposed to touch the sefer Torah with one’s hands. Does this apply to the megilla , too? Answer: The Shulchan Aruch (OC 147:1) writes that one mustn’t touch a sefer Torah without a cloth. Th…