We receive many questions connected with our traditions and heritage, especially in view of Hakham Ya’aqob’s Menashe’s expertise and knowledge in this area. We plan to bring you a different one in each newsletter. You may submit questions to “Ask the Hakham”, but only questions that we feel will be of interest to our readers will be published. If you have a specific question that requires a response, please contact the Hakham directly at the Midrash by phone or mail.

Hakham ‘Abadia Hedaya, ‘a”h, author of Yaskil ‘Abdi.

A. In his great work Yaskil ‘Abdi, Hakham Hedaya is asked about girls who study in Hareidi (religious Ashkenazi) Yeshiboth and study Torah, say Berakhoth and pray without covering their heads. He replies that there is no difference between men and women, adults or minors, in this matter and that all are obligated to cover their heads at these times. He adds that it is the obligation of the parents to ensure that this is done. Hakham ‘Obadia Yosef, more leniently,  states that at the very least unmarried girls in Hareidi schools should cover their heads during the ‘Amidah and preferably for Birkath Hammazon.

The customs you remember of girls covering their heads in synagogue, have deep roots in Sephardi tradition and should be followed diligently wherever we live.

If these things mean as much to you as they mean to us, we ask you earnestly to support us to the best of your ability with a tax-deductible contribution to Midrash BEN ISH HAI. The financial burden weighs heavily on our shoulders.

Men, women and children of all ages benefit from our existence. We provide classes for young and old, with special emphasis on the youth and children, special lectures, musical programs, training for Mafteer and Haftarah, Bar Miswah as well as coaching for marriage, singles events, musical tapes, training tapes, and, of course, prayers every single day of the year. 

Won’t you please be a part of our efforts and help our heritage grow?

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