AI Torah

07/08/2026

What are the jewish customs for the month of Elul?

The month of Elul (אלול) is the final month of the Jewish year and serves as a 40-day period of preparation and teshuva (repentance) leading up to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It is a time of heightened spiritual awareness, self-examination, and return to God, marked by several distinctive customs practiced by both Sephardic and Ashkenazic communities.

The month of Elul (אלול) is the final month of the Jewish year and serves as a 40-day period of preparation and teshuva (repentance) leading up to Rosh Hashanah

26/07/2026

Tu B'Av — The Jewish Day of Love and Joy

Tu B'Av (ט״ו באב, the 15th of Av) is one of the most joyous days on the Jewish calendar, celebrated as a day of love, renewal, and spiritual significance. The Talmud records it as one of the two greatest days of joy for the Jewish people, alongside Yom Kippur itself, rooted in multiple miraculous and historically significant events that occurred on this date.

Tu B'Av — The Jewish Day of Love and Joy Tu B'Av (ט״ו באב, the 15th of Av) is one of the most joyous days on the Jewish calendar, celebrated as a day of love, r

23/07/2026

Can one water plants on Tisha baav?

Watering plants on Tisha B'Av is generally permitted, as it does not fall under any of the five prohibited activities of the fast day. However, there are nuances depending on whether one derives personal pleasure or benefit from the activity, and some authorities recommend minimizing pleasurable activities in the spirit of mourning.

Watering plants on Tisha B'Av is generally permitted, as it does not fall under any of the five prohibited activities of the fast day. However, there are nuance

23/07/2026

Can I work on Tisha b’av?

Working on Tisha b'Av (the Ninth of Av) is governed by local custom (minhag), but universally, Torah scholars refrain from work the entire day, and anyone who does work is unlikely to see blessing from it. The general ruling is that in most communities today, the custom is not to work on Tisha b'Av, and this practice is strongly encouraged for everyone.

Working on Tisha b'Av (the Ninth of Av) is governed by local custom (minhag), but universally, Torah scholars refrain from work the entire day, and anyone who d

22/07/2026

Can you feed your kids hot dogs on Tisha B'Av?

The question of feeding children on Tisha B'Av touches on the halachic distinction between adults, who are obligated to fast, and minors, who are generally not. Children who have not yet reached the age of bar/bat mitzvah are not obligated to fast on Tisha B'Av, and parents are permitted — and in fact obligated — to feed them. However, there are nuances based on the child's age and the nature of Tisha B'Av as a more stringent fast.

22/07/2026

Can I shave during the three weeks?

Shaving during the Three Weeks (Shloshet HaShavuot — the mourning period from 17 Tammuz to Tisha B'Av) is subject to a significant dispute between Ashkenazic and Sephardic customs. The general rule is that Ashkenazim prohibit shaving for the entire Three Weeks, while Sephardim typically only restrict it during the Nine Days (from Rosh Chodesh Av onward), with all opinions agreeing that shaving is forbidden during the week of Tisha B'Av itself.

Shaving during the Three Weeks (Shloshet HaShavuot — the mourning period from 17 Tammuz to Tisha B'Av) is subject to a significant dispute between Ashkenazic an

22/07/2026

Can I do tevilat keilim on erev Tisha baav?

Tevilat keilim (immersing vessels) on Erev Tisha B'Av is generally permitted, though there are some nuances worth knowing.

Tevilat Keilim on Erev Tisha B'Av Tevilat keilim (immersing vessels) on Erev Tisha B'Av is generally permitted, though there are some nuances worth knowing. Yes

17/07/2026

Does yishmael overtake edom at the end of days?

The relationship between Yishmael (Ishmael, representing the Arab/Muslim world in rabbinic typology) and Edom (representing Rome and later Christendom/Western civilization) at the end of days is a major theme in Jewish eschatological literature. According to the classical sources, yes — Yishmael does rise to dominance over Edom in the end of days, but this is part of a larger drama that ultimately leads to redemption.

The relationship between Yishmael (Ishmael, representing the Arab/Muslim world in rabbinic typology) and Edom (representing Rome and later Christendom/Western c

16/07/2026

Eating meat on shabbat during the nine days?

Eating meat and drinking wine on Shabbat during the Nine Days is permitted — in fact, it is considered a mitzvah (religious obligation) to honor Shabbat with meat and wine even during this period of mourning. The restrictions on meat and wine that apply during the Nine Days are suspended for Shabbat, because the joy and honor of Shabbat overrides the mourning practices of this period.

Eating meat and drinking wine on Shabbat during the Nine Days is permitted — in fact, it is considered a mitzvah (religious obligation) to honor Shabbat with me

04/07/2026

Question: Since the time of Moshe, observant Jews have served in the military. On what basis do the chareidim today want to be exempted from service?

The question of Chareidi exemption from military service is one of the most contested issues in contemporary Israeli society. The Chareidi position rests on several Torah-based and historical arguments, though it is strongly disputed by other Orthodox and non-Orthodox authorities.

The question of Chareidi exemption from military service is one of the most contested issues in contemporary Israeli society. The Chareidi position rests on sev