Halachos of the Fast Day

Why was the Aron Kodesh not opened for Krias HaTorah?  Instead, there was a bang on the bimah.  Everyone turned to the mara d’asra Harav Yosef Yeshaya Braun on the bimah.  The shul has become silent as he begins to speak, and although people might wonder at the interruption, the subject matter should not come as a surprise • Full Story

New question on AskTheRav.com: Most minyonim daven very fast and I’m a slow davener. I’m familiar with the Rebbe’s horaah that one needs only to begin with the minyan, and doesn’t have to run after them. See the rest of the question, and Rabbi Yosef Yeshaya Braun‘s response • Full Story

A lavish breakfast was served today in 770 in honor of the Yahrtzeit of R. Yisroel Duchman, OB”M • Photos

New question on AskTheRav.com: What makes a name Jewish? Is Victoria a Jewish name? My grandmother, who passed away recently was named Victoria . That was her only name. I would like to name my daughter after her but my husband says it’s not a Jewish name, I want to know what makes a name Jewish. See Rabbi Yosef Yeshaya Braun‘s response • Full Story