R' Shlomo Luria

What is the correct text of the seventh blessing of the Amidah ('Ger'ulah/Re'eh') — should one say 'Re'eh na v'onyenu' (with 'na') or 'Re'eh v'onyenu' (without 'na')?

One should say 'Re'eh v'onyenu' without 'na', so that the blessing contains exactly seventeen words …

When the prayer leader says Modim, should the congregation bow throughout or straighten up when the Divine Name is mentioned?

One should straighten up slightly when saying the Divine Name all the way to the end [of the opening…

What are the proper concluding words to add to the dream prayer at the end of each Priestly Blessing verse?

Add at the end of each verse a phrase corresponding to that verse's blessing: verse 1 (Yishmerekha) …

When is Tachanun omitted because of a circumcision — does the omission apply only at Shacharit or also at Mincha?

Tachanun is not recited even at Mincha when praying in the presence of the circumcised infant.

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

Even in a pressing situation (she'at hadechak), sacks, baskets and the like may not be used, since t…

Must a ring be removed before netilat yadayim, and does this depend on whether the ring is loose or tight?

A man is lenient with a loose ring because a man does not customarily remove his ring during work, u…

May one make a condition (tenai) on morning handwashing to cover the entire day's eating, even when there is no pressing need (sha'at hadechak)?

A tenai is only valid in a time of pressing need (sha'at hadechak), such as when traveling and water…

If one touches covered or sweaty body parts during a meal, must one re-wash before continuing to eat?

No blessing is recited when re-washing mid-meal after touching impure areas — one must wash, but wit…

When multiple people are dining together, in what order should they wash their hands — does the most distinguished person wash first or last?

The gadol should wash first, not last; washing last is a form of arrogance (yuhara). The gadol shoul…

May guests give portions from their food to the host's son, servant, or the meal's waiter?

The prohibition applies specifically to giving to the host's servant; giving to the waiter who is ac…

Must intermediate washing use water specifically, or may other liquids be used?

Other liquids may be used for intermediate washing, following the Rashba's ruling.

Do foods eaten after the meal but before Birkat HaMazon (the post-meal period) require blessings?

At large formal meals, where it is customary to stop eating bread and set out fruits and wine, this …

May hot water (that would scald the hand) be used for mayim achronim?

Mayim achronim must be washed specifically with cold water; lukewarm water is also invalid.

Should the mezamen add 'u-v'tuvo chayinu' (and by His goodness we live) in his opening formula 'Nevarekh she-akhalnu mi-shelo'?

The Maharshal defended the custom of having the leader say 'u-v'tuvo chayinu' as well, and his reaso…

Should 'Baruch Hu u-varuch Shemo' be said after the mezamen mentions God's name in the zimun formula?

Today's custom has the mezamen saying 'u-v'tuvo chayinu' (after 'Baruch she-akhalnu mi-shelo') and t…