Explanation of Rabbi's Comments

Rabbi Block delivers a wealth of information in each week's drashot and other speeches. Occasionally specific points need clarification to avoid misunderstanding. Here we will try to address any areas of potential confusion.

Statement: 1. Shaving with a razor prohibited (for men) on the face. 2. Sideburns (at least enough to grasp with the fingers) must be maintained at least down to the bone in front of the ear.
Explanation: The face can be shaved with an electric shaver (provided the blades can't cut on their own, only against the screen--"v'lo tashchit et pe'at zekanecha"). The sideburns can't be shaved even with an electric shaver and can only be trimmed (by any means) to the limits the rabbi mentioned above--"lo takifu pe'at roshchem".
Statement: "We say hanerot hallalu after lighting all of the
candles"
Elaboration: There is an alternate opinion (of equal or greater validity) that hanerot hallalu is said after lighting the first candle, while lighting the others.

General Comments