Even if a person cannot light the Neiros without assistance, he may recite the Bracha if he performs the lighting himself, even if somebody holds and guides his hand. However, if he cannot do it on his own (for example...
Latest articles
Rabbi Yosef Sprung
Disputed Danger
An important principle in Hilchos Dayanim is, “Ein l’Dayan Ela Ma she’Einav Ro’os” – a Dayan can only rule based on the facts in front of him and what he believes to be correct. There are several ramifications, the most...
Sweet Brachos
The Shulchan Aruch rules (O.C. 196:1): A person who eats a forbidden food – though it may only be Asur mid’Rabbanan – cannot be included in a Zimun, nor does he recite a Bracha on the food before or after. According to...
From the Rabbi’s Desk: A Shift Sh’eila: Shofar or Shabbos?
Question: Dear Rabbi Sprung, This question is relevant both personally and to many physicians. I am a resident in a hospital in Chutz la’Aretz and cannot opt out of working on Shabbos and Yom Tov. For Rosh Hashana, I...
From the Rabbi’s Desk: Shabbos Scales
Question: Dear Rabbi Sprung, I have Type 1 diabetes, and I am meticulous about the amount of carbohydrates that I consume at each meal and use a scale to weigh my portions. During the week I use a digital scale but I...
Hands Off
There is a fundamental Machlokes between the Mechaber and Rema regarding the Harchakos between a man and his wife when she is a Nida. The Shulchan Aruch rules (Y.D. 195:15 & 16): If he is ill and there is no one to...
