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

7 02, 2021

Rolling Out a Megillah for Reading and Preparing on Shabbat for Megillah Reading

February 7th, 2021|Orach Chayim, Prohibitions, Purim|

QUESTION

Maryland, USA

Wondering if we can roll out the entire Megillah across two tables, instead of folding it igeret style. We have multiple readers for each of the readings, and this would minimize contact and allow us only to have one person at the table (as opposed to having others helping to hold the klaf – especially for the women’s reading). I am wondering if it is ok to have it pre-rolled out like this? Also, can we practice the Shabbat before (after davening) with an actual megillah? (Is there a muktzeh she’eilah?) Shabbat is really the only time

25 10, 2020

Walking a Dog on Shabbat

October 25th, 2020|Orach Chayim, Prohibitions|

QUESTION

Brooklyn, NY

A number of questions, regarding dog ownership and Shabbat (as well as no eiruv), and the need for dog to relieve itself on walks, outside the apartment. My apologies if this is too many questions. Any that the Rosh Yeshiva can answer are much appreciated!

1. Elevator for dog. I live on the seventh floor of building, perfectly fine for a human to walk, but dog can’t handle all those stairs. Can one rely on asking the doorman to call elevator for myself and dog?

1 10, 2020

Simchat Torah Hakafot Before Tzeit HaKokhavim

October 1st, 2020|Orach Chayim, Simchat Torah, Yom Tov|

QUESTION

Baltimore, MD

We have been davening Shabbat afternoon with the Plag HaMinchah split (Mincha before Plag and Ma’ariv after Plag), as we are davening outside in an unlit backyard. Scheduling hakafot for that early feels wrong — when davening Ma’ariv for the next day (whether it’s Yom Tov or chol), everyone then walks home and continues to act like Shabbat until Tzeit HaKokhavim. But to dance hakafot and publicly celebrate the next day of Yom Tov while it is still Shabbat feels different. Am I right in thinking that there might be halakhic issues