R' Eliyahu Shapiro (Eliyah Rabbah)

Must the maftir also avoid starting an aliyah fewer than 3 verses after a paragraph break (i.e., if there is a 5-verse parsha at the end of the sedra, must the maftir read all 5 verses)?

Permitted for the maftir to begin 2 verses after the paragraph break in such a case.

Does a prior stipulation (tenai) at the time of building allow secular use of a synagogue after its destruction?

Follows the Maasas Binyamin's lenient view that even without an explicit condition, synagogues outsi…

Are sacks, baskets, and felt hats (lבדim) valid vessels for netilat yadayim?

One who relies on the Mechaber's she'at hadechak leniency (for felt hats) has not erred.

Does the chazzan (prayer leader) repeat the Amidah at Maariv (the evening prayer)?

Even though later practice established Maariv as obligatory, the force of custom is insufficient to …

Is it permitted to arrange large stones as a makeshift toilet seat in a field on Shabbat?

Even placing a stone on top (creating a roof-like cover) is permitted on account of human dignity.

Does a boat (ספינה) require surrounding walls or only a four-by-four tefach panel to permit drawing water from the sea on Shabbat?

Even a boat requires actual surrounding walls; the four-by-four panel alone does not suffice.

When two balconies are not directly facing each other (one is offset east and the other west), can they make a joint eruv via a connecting board?

Any lateral offset of three tefachim or more disqualifies the board as a valid doorway, regardless o…

Is it permitted to flip or reposition a tefillin strap that has broken near the knot?

It is permitted to flip a single strap from its end to its beginning (reversing which end is at the …

May a blind person serve as chazzan?

A blind person may lead services even on the High Holy Days without restriction.

Can a worker with food but lacking holiday provisions or household items work for wages on Chol HaMoed?

Even lacking holiday provisions alone (with basic bread and water), a worker may work on Chol HaMoed…

Is it permissible to interrupt the blessings of Shema (Birchot Kriat Shema) to recite piyyutim (liturgical poems)?

The custom to say piyyutim is to be followed according to one's local rite; one should not deviate f…

Did the ARI (R' Yitzchak Luria) recite piyyutim, and does his practice constitute a binding ruling for others?

The ARI did not recite piyyutim other than those composed by the Rishonim (e.g., the Kalir), which w…

May one permit those invited to a circumcision feast to eat on the fast day (when Purim falls on Sunday and fast is on Thursday)?

Similar to the Taz: the fast is fixed for Thursday and general guests should not eat; the feast shou…

Is one prohibited from reciting Shema or praying in a place with a bad smell that is not from typical filth (e.g., wine cellars, beer houses, strong fermented smells)?

In a wine cellar where there is a bad, musty smell that people find repulsive, it is prohibited to r…