R' Yisrael Meir Kagan

Should one rise early in the morning to serve God, and should one 'awaken the dawn' rather than be awakened by it?

One should not rise immediately upon waking but should wait a bit, because jumping up too quickly da…

Must every God-fearing person feel anguished and worried about the destruction of the Temple?

One should be anguished about the Temple's destruction, but Torah study and prayer themselves should…

Is it better to say many supplications without concentration or few with concentration?

If one says more prayers with concentration, that is even better. However, if one who says fewer pra…

Should one recite the passage of the Binding of Isaac, the manna passage, the Ten Commandments, and the sacrifice passages in the morning?

One may recite the Binding and the manna even on Shabbat. It is not sufficient merely to read them; …

When may one recite the passages of the sacrifices (Korbanot)?

The passages of the basin (Kiur) and the removal of the ashes (Trumat HaDashen) may be recited befor…

Should one recite the verse 'And he shall slaughter it on the north side of the altar before Hashem' along with the sacrifice passages?

Whoever recites this verse causes God to remember the Binding of Isaac, according to the Midrash.

Should one visualize or contemplate standing before God at all times, including in private and when lying in bed?

One should constantly envision standing before Hashem because His glory fills all the earth. The Ari…

Should one perform acts of devotion publicly even if mocked, or should one perform them in privacy?

One should never quarrel or fight with those who mock, because brazenness is despicable and inapprop…

Should one perform acts of devotion publicly even if mocked, or should one perform them in privacy?

The Beis Yosef permits resisting mockery only in cases where one performs personal mitzvot. However,…

Must one overcome the evil inclination when it discourages early rising in winter or summer?

Even if the evil inclination advises in winter 'How will you arise when it is very cold?' or in summ…

Should one wash one's hands upon waking, and what is the urgency of this obligation?

Immediately upon waking from sleep, if one does not plan to sleep again, one should wash one's hands…

Is prayer with the congregation always obligatory, or does missing congregation have specific consequences?

Even though one still has time to pray (so the prayer time has not passed), it is a mitzvah to pray …

Which corners should receive tzitzit on a garment with more than four corners?

There are those who say this is a Torah-level requirement to place on the furthest corners (דוקא אם …

If the corners of a tallit are folded, tied up, or sewn to appear rounded or trimmed, is it exempt from tzitzit?

If the corner is sewn in a way that the fold is completely internal and hidden (as tailors do), the …

Must the corners of a tallit be square, or can they be rounded?

There is uncertainty about how much rounding invalidates a corner (צ"ע עד כמה נקרא בשם עגולות), as i…