AYS - Jan 22, 2026 - 1. Is humming or gesturing after נטילת ידים before hamotzi considered a hefsek, and if so, must one wash again? Does the same apply after hamotzi while waiting for the challah to be distributed?

2. When providing emotional support to a spouse, child, or friend, is it permissible to listen to or discuss issues that involve lashon hara for therapeutic or problem-solving purposes, especially if one knows both parties?

3. Is there any heter to cut one’s peyos if a person shaves their entire head?

4. Which parts of Chazarat HaShatz may the tzibbur sing along with, and does it matter if one already said the text silently? May the refrain in Lecha Dodi be repeated?

5. In a minyan where the chazan determines the nusach, should an individual follow the chazan’s nusach for Kedusha or say their own?

6. If an Ashkenazi woman marries a Sephardi man, may they name a child after the Ashkenazi maternal grandfather if he objects, given the Sephardi custom of naming after living relatives?

7. If one arrives late to Maariv and misses Barchu in a minyan where it is not repeated at the end, should Barchu be said afterward?

8. What is the halacha regarding opening cans on Shabbos?