R' Yechiel Michel Epstein

What is the foundation and paramount practice regarding constantly recognizing God's governance?

The foundation of Torah and the pillar of worship is to know that there is one unique God who create…

If a four-cornered garment is cut diagonally at one corner creating two corners, does it become a five-cornered garment requiring tzitzit?

This applies when cutting only a portion of the corner. There must be at least a significant distanc…

Must one organize/prepare festival prayers (Mussaf and other infrequent prayers) before praying them, or is preparation unnecessary?

L'chatchila, one should organize preparation or pray from siddur. However, the actual Ashkenazi prac…

Which specific prayers require advance organization: does the requirement apply only to Mussaf, or also to Yaaleh v'Yavo insertions and other occasional additions?

Mussaf is emphasized in the sources because it is longer. Yaaleh v'Yavo in Shacharit is shorter and …

Is one permitted to sit within four cubits if engaged in Torah study not related to prayer?

Torah study is permitted to sit within four cubits. The reason for the prohibition of sitting idle i…

Does the prohibition on sitting within four cubits apply in front of the praying person with the same force as to the sides?

It is improper to sit directly in front because it looks like bowing or worship; sitting to the side…

May one sit within four cubits of a praying person if one is weak or infirm?

If a weak person has no other place to sit and cannot move the chair or bench outside four cubits, t…

If one was already sitting and another person stands to pray nearby, must the sitting person rise?

In one's home, if already sitting, one need not rise when another comes to pray nearby. The praying …

Is it forbidden to pass in front of someone praying within four cubits?

It is forbidden to pass in front (keneged pnei) within four cubits. To the side (b'tziddim) is permi…

After completing one's own prayer, may one take three steps backward if someone is praying behind?

If one has completed the Amidah (Shemoneh Esrei) but is prolonging with supplications (tachanun), th…

What is the underlying reason for the prohibition on disrupting someone praying?

The reason is different from what the Tur suggested. The Tur's reason (appearance of non-acceptance …

Are there any mystical or kabbalistic sources that modify the standard halakhic rules?

The Zohar statement is difficult to reconcile with the Talmud, which clearly permits passing to the …

If one passes gas during prayer and the smell lingers, where does one resume prayer after the smell dissipates?

If the smell dissipated before the time elapsed to complete the entire prayer, one resumes from the …

If one urgently needs to pass gas during prayer and cannot hold back, must one walk backward four cubits before doing so?

Contemporary practice is to remain in place in a synagogue setting and not retreat; the 'Master of t…

Is it permitted to pass gas at all during prayer, or must one hold back even at the cost of discomfort?

One must restrain during prayer. Restraining flatulence does not violate bal teshaktzu. Even if one …