Questions from the Field
כל השונה הלכות בכל יום – מובטח לו שהוא בן העולם הבא (נדה, עג.)
.Whoever studies halakhot each day is destined for the World-to-Come
RECENT POSTS
Sous Vide – Tevilat Keilim and Warming Food on Shabbat
QUESTION
New York
Two questions regarding a sous vide:
1) Does it require tevilah?
2) Can it be used to reheat food on Shabbat, assuming it is on and in heated water from Erev Shabbat?
ANSWER
1. It does not require tevilah. It does not come in direct contact with the food (plastic bag and water both intervene). ([…]
Gifted a Blender Used with Non-kosher Protein Powders
QUESTION
CHICAGO, IL
A giyoret (convert) was offered this model of blender from her parents. It has never been used with anything hot, but non-kosher protein powders have been added to juices and fruits etc. and I am concerned about whether or not the crevices and nooks and cracks between the moving parts can be sufficiently cleaned/kashered. Do you have any guidance?
ANSWER
I can’t see how it’s a problem. It’s been washed with soap and hot water multiple times, I imagine. Anything stuck was […]
Non-Jew Warming Fully Cooked, Dry food in an Oven on Shabbat For Kiddush
QUESTION
PHILADELPHIA, PA
Shalom Rav Linzer – what are your thoughts on a gentile putting dry food to warm in an oven for kiddush? I know it’s not usually done but it seems like a d’rabbanan l’tzorech rabim (rabbinic prohibition done for the sake of the community)? The venue my shul meets at (a conservative synagogue) feels that hot plates are a liability.
[…]
Eating on Ta’anit Bechorot After a Women’s Siyum Masechet
QUESTION
PARIS, FRANCE
Kvod Ha-Rav,
I teach Gmara (Psachim) to a group of women. We plan to make a siyum that we would like to set Erev Pesach. Can the men who will attend consider this siyum as ‘סיום בכורות’ (the siyum of the firstborn) instead of fasting ?
ANSWER
Yes. Women making a siyum on learning equally warrants a seudat mitzvah.
Rosh Yeshiva Responds Videos
Rosh Yeshiva Responds Episode 65: A Motorized Reinflating Air Mattress on Shabbat
Rosh Yeshiva Responds Episode 64: When Shabbat and College Graduation Collide
Rosh Yeshiva Responds Episode 63: Drilling Holes in an Etching of God’s Name?!
Rosh Yeshiva Responds Episode 62: Not-Really Coloring in a Coloring Book on Shabbat
Rosh Yeshiva Responds Episode 61: Who’s the Mother when the Egg Comes from a Donor?
Rosh Yeshiva Responds Episode 60: When the Rabbi Forgets to Count

Rabbi Dov Linzer
Rabbi Dov Linzer is the President and Rosh HaYeshiva YCT Rabbinical School. An acclaimed Torah and halakhic scholar, Rabbi Linzer serves a religious guide to the yeshiva’s current rabbinical students and its over 150 rabbis serving in the field. In 2019, Rabbi Linzer became YCT’s president, assuming the institutional leadership of YCT in addition to its Torah leadership.
Rabbi Linzer has been a leading rabbinic voice in the Modern Orthodox community for over 25 years. He has published over 100 teshuvot (responsa) and scholarly Torah articles, and answers hundreds of questions each year from rabbis in the field.
He hosts a number of highly popular podcasts and videocasts, including Joy of Text and Iggros Moshe A to Z, in addition to his daf yomi podcast covering all of shas. In 2012, he was the convener of the Modern Orthodox Siyyum HaShas.