1. Home
  2. /
  3. Ask Rabbi Mendel
  4. /
  5. Ritual Objects
  6. /
  7. Page 2
no comments

 Q. I began wearing Tzitzit all the time, is it still OK to wear a Tallit in the synagogue at the same time?

A. Sure. I do that every time I pray, since I wear Tzitzit all the time, but a Tallit only during prayer. It’s recommended!… Read the rest

...
no comments

Q. Why is a “Washing-Cup” needed for the ritual hand-washing?

A. The Temple had a special basin designed for ritual washing (called the KIYOR) and in one of the processes of ritual purification it says “put spring water on it, in a vessel” (Numbers 19:17). There is also a law … Read the rest

...
no comments

Q. Why do some Orthodox Jews wear 2 sets of Tefillin? Isn’t one enough?

A. One is certainly enough to fulfill the halachic obligation. The 2nd pair is named “Rabbeynu Tam’s” for the 12th century Rabbi who disagreed with Rashi in the order of the Torah portion placed in the head-tefillin. Both agree on … Read the rest

...
no comments

Q. Why are Mezuzahs placed at a slant?

A. Actually, it is an old argument between Rashi and Rabbeynu Tam (both French Rabbis at start of the Millennium) if they should be paced vertically or horizontally at the doorpost. The consensus is (and therefore the Halacha) that we … Read the rest

...
no comments

Q. Are all horns OK to use as a Shofar, is there anything that would disqualify a horn from use?

A. Shofars must be from a Kosher animal. Rams are preferred because they recall the Binding of Issac. Cows’ horns are not considered appropriate because they recall the Golden Calf. Bent (not straight) horns are used, since they symbolize our … Read the rest

...
no comments

Q. Why are there so many Chabad Mikvahs?

A. (1) “Where there’s Coca-Cola, you’ll find Chabad Lubavitch”. The Rebbe encouraged and inspired his chassidim to take up posts, wherever Jews may be, even in difficult or faraway places. In many far-flung places or small Jewish communities, Chabad may … Read the rest

...
no comments

Q. What’s a Hebrew name for hair some Jewish men wear at the temples, in front of the ear?

A. Peyos, or Peyot. It’s the Hebrew word for Corners, and the word used in the Bible when it says “Don’t cut the corners of your head”.… Read the rest

...
no comments

Q. Though this question is out of season, it’s been bugging me for years. How could Jews kill a whole Ram just to get the horns for the Shofar?

A. We don’t. Shofars are taken from Rams who died naturally, or from those slaughtered for food. P.S. No question is ever out of season.… Read the rest

...
no comments

Q. I have a nice Mezuzah, but no scroll, is that enough?

A. The other way around would be much better. The handwritten parchment scroll IS the Mezuzah, while the colorfully designed box is only an ornamental cover. I can get you a Mezuzah for about $30. It’s worth it.… Read the rest

...
no comments

Q. What’s the Scribe looking for when he checks my Tefillin?

A. Cracked, faded or missing letters. Moisture, extreme Temps and time can adversely affect your Tefillin’s condition, so they need to be checked every couple of years. Think of it as a Tune-Up, to make sure all parts are in … Read the rest

...