Money-lending and currencies with fluctuating value

Hi,

One who borrows a certain sum of money must pay back that same sum of money; paying more is prohibited, under the laws of ribbit [interest].

If a sum is borrowed in one country and re-paid in a different country where its purchasing power is reduced, one still re-pays the original sum; one does not increase the sum to offset its devaluation.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 2:84)

כתיבה וחתימה טובה,
Mordechai

Safety pins on Shabbos

Hi,

One may use a safety pin to hold a diaper closed, or to attach a brooch to clothing. This is not included in the prohibition against stitching.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 2:84)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Forgiveness

Hi,

I would like to take a moment to ask everyone receiving this email feed for mechilah (forgiveness) for anything hurtful or offensive I wrote, or should have written and did not, or any ways in which I might have erred and mis-led people regarding a halachah, in the past year.

If there was anything at all, please do let me know. I will grow by learning from my mistakes.

May we all be inscribed and sealed for a great new year,
Mordechai

False teeth on Shabbat

Hi,

One may reinsert false teeth which fall out on Shabbat; we are not concerned lest he get them professionally re-set in a permanent way.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 2:81)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Reciting Slichot alone

Hi,

We recite Selichot in the days leading up to Rosh haShanah and Yom Kippur, as well as on fast days. One may recite these prayers in private, although prayer in a group is always preferable.

One who prays alone should omit the Aramaic portions. According to most authorities one should also skip the portions of Selichots which list the 13 attributes of Divine mercy, but some suggest one may recite them as they appear in the Torah, with the notes of the trop.

(Mishneh Berurah 581:4, Kaf haChaim 581:26, Yabia Omer 1:Orach Chaim 35)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Havdalah on tea or milk

Hi,

One may only use tea or milk for Havdalah if no more qualified beverage is available; this is considered a last resort.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 2:75)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Soda for Kiddush and Havdalah

Hi,

Soda (flavored or otherwise, as I understand) is not considered "chamar medinah", and therefore it is not eligible for the daytime kiddush of Shabbat and Yom Tov, or for Havdalah.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 2:75)

Have a great day,
Mordechai