Yaakov Klass

1 week ago | jewishpress.com | Yaakov Klass

Question: I have several questions regarding the Mi Sheberach, the blessing of the congregant called up to the reading of the Torah. One, is it right to mention a specific sum of money when reciting the Mi Sheberach? Also, I am intrigued by the text of the Mi Sheberach, in which we ask Hashem to do our bidding. Is there a halachic source for the Mi Sheberach other than its presence in the siddur? Lastly, is there mention anywhere of the role of the shamash or gabbai as reciters of the Mi Sheberach?

1 week ago | jewishpress.com | Yaakov Klass

New York CityCANDLE LIGHTING TIMEJune 20, 2025 – 24 Sivan 57858:12 p.m. NYC E.D.T.Sabbath Ends: 9:21 p.m. NYC E.D.T.Sabbath Ends: Rabbenu Tam 9:43 p.m. NYC E.D.T.Weekly Reading: ShelachWeekly Haftara: Vayishlach Yehoshua (Joshua 2:1-24)Daf Yomi: Avodah Zarah 2Mishna Yomit: Avos 5:2-3Halacha Yomit: Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayyim 32:12-14Rambam Yomi: Hilchos Nedarim chap.

1 week ago | jewishpress.com | Yaakov Klass

Was She Really Married? ‘One Said Two… The Other Said Three…’(Shevuos 48a)Huna b. Judah on our daf states that if two witnesses offer testimony as to what they saw, though their testimony is not exactly in synch with each other, they are accepted as valid witnesses in that matter. In the case cited, both witnesses saw the New Moon; however, one saw it as being two goads (a stick used by shepherds to drive cattle) high in the sky, while the other testified that it was three goads high.

2 weeks ago | jewishpress.com | Yaakov Klass

Question: At a simcha I attended recently, the host wanted to honor his friend with leading the Grace After Meals, but the friend had to decline because he had not washed (in order to partake of bread) before the meal. Is it a requirement to perform netilat yadayim before a meal in order to recite the blessing over bread? M.

2 weeks ago | jewishpress.com | Yaakov Klass

New York CityCANDLE LIGHTING TIMEJune 13, 2025 – 17 Sivan 57858:09 p.m. NYC E.D.T.Sabbath Ends: 9:19 p.m. NYC E.D.T.Sabbath Ends: Rabbenu Tam 9:41 p.m. NYC E.D.T.Weekly Reading: Beha’alosechaWeekly Haftara: Roni Ve’Simchi (Zachariah 2:14-4:7)Daf Yomi: Shavuos 43Mishna Yomit: Avos 4:10-11Halacha Yomit: Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayyim 28:2- 29-1Rambam Yomi: Hilchos Shevu’os chap.