still me
Hillel Kovacs
Shabbos “Speech”
“And Hashem E-lokim formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul (Targum Onkelos – l’Ruach M’malela – a speaking spirit)” (Bereishis 2:7)...
Latest articles
Rabbi Yosef Sprung
Minimum Necessary
There is a fundamental Machlokes Rishonim concerning Chillul Shabbos for a Choleh sheYesh Bo Sakana. According to one view, it is ideal to perform any necessary actions with either a Shinui or through a non-Jew if this...
“Leisheiv baSukka” Without Eating
The Gemara (Sukka 46a) teaches that “one who enters a Sukka recites a Bracha – Asher Kid’shanu b’Mitzvosav v’Tzivanu Leisheiv baSukka”. There is no limit to how many times one may recite this Bracha each day; one should...
To Fast at Home or To Eat in Shul?
In a previous essay[1], we discussed the question of a Choleh who is restricted to fasting once in ten days. Should he fast on Yom Kippur or Tzom Gedalia? That discussion focused on the important Halachic question of...
Netilas Yadayim and Other Permissible Rechitzos on Yom Kippur
The Shulchan Aruch (O.C. 613) rules: It is forbidden to wash on Yom Kippur whether with hot or cold [water], and even extending one’s finger into water is forbidden. However, if a person’s hands or feet or the rest of...
Abortion in Halacha – Part 3: Teratogenic Therapies
This is the final essay in our series on termination of pregnancy. The initial essay discussed whether abortion is permissible when the mother’s life may be endangered, and we reviewed the two approaches of the Rishonim...
Abortion in Halacha – Part 1: Maternal Priorities
Elective abortion is strictly forbidden by Halacha. Although it is not considered Retzicha when performed by a Jew, it is permissible only in very specific circumstances.[1] Even in cases of danger, Poskim are generally...
How Much Can You Eat on Tisha b’Av?
Compared to the other fast days throughout the year (Tzom Gedalia, Asara b’Teves, Ta’anis Esther, and Shiva Asar b’Tamuz), Tisha b’Av is more stringent in three main ways: Tisha b’Av begins at nightfall, while all...
Abortion in Halacha – Part 2: Maternal Choices and Unintended Consequences
Last week’s essay tackled the question of abortions when pregnancy endangers the life of the mother. This essay will discuss another common question: May a pregnant woman (whose life is not in danger) take medications...
Sweet Meat
Excessive consumption of salt is considered universally detrimental to health and significantly increases the risk of experiencing a stroke or myocardial infarction. Due to this concern, medical professionals generally...
