Prayer/Berachot

Dear Rabbi Simon As I understand it, we say berachot (blessings) such as asher yatzar (recited after using the privy) outside of the toilet room itself. But in Tractate Berachot the gemara discusses in detail where we can/can’t say berachot and it seems more lenient i.e if there is waste/foul smell then we don’t say Keriat Shema etc. If that…

Dear Rabbi Simon We are planning to rent a large house with a few families this summer. There is a chapel in the house. Are we permitted to Daven in the chapel?  From what I understand, there are no crosses (Christian icons) in it. Thanks, Holly Dear Holly, Since the house (stately home/mansion) you are renting is available to the public as a…

Dear Rabbi Simon If one doesn’t have a head covering, should he refrain from saying berakhot (blessings, eg on food or beverage) altogether? Thanks Baruch Dear Baruch, This is a vexing question for any rabbi (or lay person, for that matter). While wearing a kippah per se is a conventional Jewish form of attire, but not mandatory, reciting a berakhah…

Note: The Mishnah states that one who “descends to the sea” or survives another life-threatening situation, should recite a special blessing of thanksgiving (see Artscroll siddur p. 444), known as ha-Gomel. This blessing is generally recited at the time of the public reading of the Torah. Dear Rabbi Simon, I had a medical emergency a few hours ago. Thank G-d…

Dear Rabbi Simon, If I’m having a piece of mezonot pita, is it proper to nevertheless wash my hands [ritually] and say ha-motzi if I’m regarding it as a meal (even say, breakfast-on-the-go)? In other words, should I treat it as bread? Similarly, on a recent occasion I chose a mezonot sandwich when I met a friend at a bakery…

Dear Rabbi Simon, I have a question that is quite pertinent these days. I understand that the Talmud and codes say we should not start praying if we’re feeling lightheaded etc. What is the situation when you’re not well? I know while I was sick with COVID-19, I would drag myself up and put tephilin on and did my davening. But…

Hi Rabbi Simon, If two people don’t make enough dough separately to qualify for the full mitzvah of separating challah (ie 2.2kg of flour), and they want to combine it so that they can recite the beracha for הפרשת חלה, do they have to share ownership or can they put the dough under a towel or in the same bowl…

Hi Rabbi Ben Gedalya kindly patched me this morning live to hear the Torah reading at Shacharis. Is it OK to answer amen to the birchot ha-Torah etc over the phone as it is in real time or is this not appropriate due to not being physically present? Thanks Shimon Dear Shimon TY for your interesting question. There are different…

Dear Rabbi Simon I have a box of kosher for Passover Manischewitz gluten free matzo style squares at home. On the box, it says it is not a replacement for seder matzo. It was one of the post-Pesach bargains I picked up this year. Its listed ingredients are potato flour, potato starch, potato flakes, tapioca starch, palm oil, vinegar, egg…