Ramban

Are women obligated in prayer (Amidah)?

Prayer is entirely rabbinic in origin (d'rabbanan); the Anshei Knesset HaGedolah instituted the 18-b…

Is prayer a biblical (d'oraita) or rabbinic (d'rabbanan) obligation?

Prayer is entirely rabbinic — instituted by the Men of the Great Assembly. Shacharit and Mincha are …

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

Even while the synagogue is standing, a condition allows use for pressing needs such as feeding or s…

Does blessing on bread (Hamotzi) exempt wine drunk before the meal from requiring after-blessing?

Wine consumed before the meal requires its own after-blessing; Hamotzi does not exempt it

What is the underlying reason for the prohibition on commencing a sea voyage within three days of Shabbat?

The prohibition applies specifically when the ship travels exclusively for the Jewish passenger — i.…

What was the order and timing of the six shofar blasts on Erev Shabbat in Temple-era practice?

The shofar blasts were only for the entry of Shabbat, not for its exit. No blast was sounded on motz…

May one use white wine for Kiddush?

White wine is disqualified for Kiddush even b'dieved, but one may use it for Havdalah.

Is there bishul on food not yet fully cooked (reached ke-ma'akhal ben Derusai but not kol tzorko) even while still hot?

Once food has been cooked to the degree of ma'akhal ben Derusai, there is no further biblical bishul…

If an individual accepted a private fast that falls on Rosh Chodesh — must he perform hatarat nedarim (annulment) to be released from it?

There is no distinction based on vow vs. fast language — the sole distinction is whether a neder was…

Is the Blessing of the Torah (Birkat HaTorah) obligatory from Torah law or only rabbinic?

Birkat HaTorah is an obligation from Torah law. One who is in doubt whether they recited it must rep…