Halacha

Dear Rabbi Simon I have a few questions regarding tzeniut: At what age is a girl not allowed to sing in front of an uncle, nephew, cousin, or other non-related man? At what age does a girl need to cover her feet and legs? Is a woman allowed to walk around with the front part of her hair exposed a…

Dear Rabbi Simon, I was wondering if you could please recommend a book that addresses the concept of the spiritual “economics” of Mitzvot, that is, how to gain merit in Hashem’s eyes? I listened to a rabbi yesterday and he mentioned Ishmaelites as having the merits of circumcision, tefilah etc. [ie, he was circumcised, and his name is associated with…

Note: This Q&A derives from the Torah prohibition (Lev. 19:27) for a man to shave his beard (using a blade). However, the Talmud distinguishes between a razor blade and a scissors (the latter is permitted). What about contemporary electric shavers? Read on. Dear Rabbi Simon, Do you have any guidance on which shavers are OK to use, or a list…

Dear Rabbi Simon, Am I allowed to attend a simcha on my mother’s yahrzeit?  It’s a Henna of very close family friends. Truthfully, I’m not sure I’m comfortable going anyway – I just wanted to know if it is halakhically allowed. If I were to go, should I refrain from dancing and eating? Many thanks, Hannah Hi Hannah, Strictly speaking…

Dear Rabbi Simon, I have a linen suit which I sometimes wear on Shabbat.  The tallit I wear over the suit is made from wool.  I was wondering if there is an issue with shaatnez if I wear them together.  If not, could you please explain. Many thanks. Will Dear Will, Thank you for your interesting and practical question. The…

Dear Rabbi Simon, Someone keeps signing me up for email lists without my permission, which is really frustrating.  As a Jew, am I allowed to hate him for this? Is hate allowed under God’s law? Thanks, Emily Hi Email-y Thank you for your interesting questions. The Torah certainly discourages hatred in general, even towards our enemies and those who have…

Dear Rabbi Simon How do I dispose of a derelict tallit and tzitzit without burying it or giving it to someone? May I burn it since it is too damaged to be repaired? Tal Hi Tal The garment may be placed in recycling (if you have access to such a facility). Otherwise, put it in a bag and you may…

Dear Rabbi Simon If neither one of us signed the ketubah is the marriage a valid Jewish Marriage? Kate Dear Kate A ketubah must be signed by two witnesses (who meet certain halakhic criteria). Since it essentially lays out the husband’s commitments to his wife, in some circles it is customary for the hatan to sign the ketubah as well.…