Rosh Yeshiva Responds
Rabbi Linzer answers halakhic questions from rabbis and community members

15 11, 2020

Nusach of Berakhot for Mitzvot that One Performs for Others

November 15th, 2020|Berakhot, Yoreh De'ah|

QUESTION

Maryland, USA

When putting up a mezuzah on someone else’s behalf, the berakhah is “al keviat mezuzah” instead of the usual “likboa mezuzah.” Same for milah, if parent does it themselves, it’s “lamul et haben” (according to Rambam) but if mohel does it it’s “al hamilah.” Why is there a distinction for some mitzvot, while for others like matzah and maror and lulav, we say “al ha…” even if we ourselves are doing it?

ANSWER

First, that’s only according to Rambam. The practice (at least amongst Ashkenazim) is to always keep

6 03, 2017

May a Woman Recite Birkat Eirusin?

March 6th, 2017|Kiddushin and Ketubah, Lifecycles, Marriage and Family, Women|

Question:

I am a woman serving as a member of the clergy in an Orthodox synagogue. I have been asked to officiate at a wedding. I would like to say Birkat Eirusin, the blessing before the giving of the ring. Although I could be the mesaderet and not say this b’rakhah, neither I nor the couple like the message that would be implied, were I to step aside for someone else to recite the b’rakhah. It signals that I am not truly the one officiating at the wedding. Is it permissible for me as a woman to recite the Birkat Eirusin?

Answer:

Thank