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And if he doesn't have to, can he stop if he wants to? And if he can't, does he have to hear Kriah afterwards? Answer: He should not stop. However, there is room for leniency to do so. Although… And if he doesn't have to, can he stop if he wants to? And if he can't, does he have to hear Kriah afterwards? Answer: He should not stop. However, there is room for leniency to do so. Although he isn’t obligated to hear Krias Hatorah later if he missed it, it’s highly recommended to do so. Sources: אין להפסיק. והמיקל בשעת הדחק יש לו על מי…Show more
Question: If needed, could one hint a goy to add light in our dining room when it's not completely dark (either due to candles, outdoor light, or not all lights having gone out...)? Answer: Yes, if needed one… Question: If needed, could one hint a goy to add light in our dining room when it's not completely dark (either due to candles, outdoor light, or not all lights having gone out...)? Answer: Yes, if needed one may hint to a Goy to turn on a light on Shabbos provided that: There already is some light in the room and he is only adding in light. You say to him something from which he understands that you want him to turn on the light, however, it is forbidden to tell him to do anything, even if you…Show more
שאלה: שלום הרב. בשבת נשארתי בבית רפואה ביחד עם אמא שלי ובשביל לצאת מהמחלקה היה צריך לעבור דרך דלת חשמלית שנפתחת באופן אוטומטי. האם מותר היה - א) להכנס ביחד עם יהודי אחר או גוי אחר שנכנסים לשם לא… שאלה: שלום הרב. בשבת נשארתי בבית רפואה ביחד עם אמא שלי ובשביל לצאת מהמחלקה היה צריך לעבור דרך דלת חשמלית שנפתחת באופן אוטומטי. האם מותר היה - א) להכנס ביחד עם יהודי אחר או גוי אחר שנכנסים לשם לא בשבילי? ב) לבקש מהגוי שיפתח את הדלת? ואם כן האם מותר במפורש או שצריך לרמוז? תשובה: מותר להיכנס עם גוי אחר שנכנס כעת. אבל לא עם יהודי. בצורך גדול, ואין גוי אחר שנכנס כעת, מותר אפילו לבקש מגוי ואפילו במפורש. כשאין צורך גדול, אפשר לרמוז לגוי שלא בדרך ציווי, כגון: אינני יכול להיכנס בשבת. מקורות: להיכנס עם יהודי - יש בו משום הנאה מחילול…Show more
There are various opinions on whether gifting one’s wife during her Niddah days is problematic or not. In practice, one should avoid doing so especially with presents of a romantic nature, unless it may cause her to have hard… There are various opinions on whether gifting one’s wife during her Niddah days is problematic or not. In practice, one should avoid doing so especially with presents of a romantic nature, unless it may cause her to have hard feelings. In any case, it is permitted to gift her something which isn’t for her exclusively and is available to other household members to enjoy. Sources: שאילתות פר׳ אחרי, ראה כרתי ופלתי סי' קצ"ה ס"ק…Show more
Question: If I'm being chazzan somewhere for yomin noraim, and I'm giving them a discount, can I take from my Ma'aser to make up the difference? For example, say they are paying me $500 and it would usually… Question: If I'm being chazzan somewhere for yomin noraim, and I'm giving them a discount, can I take from my Ma'aser to make up the difference? For example, say they are paying me $500 and it would usually be worth $1,500 can I keep my next $1,000 in Ma'aser to make the difference? Answer: Yes, if you normally charge $1500. You may not pay yourself from Ma'aser money for a service which otherwise you would not charge for. Additionally, even if you usually charge, Maaser must be separated and given. Thus, you should charge them the full…Show more
Question: What is the criteria for determining whether to say tefilas haderech? We are taking a 3-hour drive to Connecticut, some of it is mountains. But like every minute (maybe a drop less or a drop more) I… Question: What is the criteria for determining whether to say tefilas haderech? We are taking a 3-hour drive to Connecticut, some of it is mountains. But like every minute (maybe a drop less or a drop more) I see a house or a few houses. Answer: Tefilas haderech should be recited if a person travels at least a parsah (approximately 2.4 miles) past iburah shel ir (the outskirts of the city). Iburah shel ir is equivalent to approximately 108 ft. after the last house of the city. It is difficult to define the precise definition of a city…Show more
Question: I am the new rabbi at a small shul, the outgoing rabbi said that when there was no minyan he would take out the Torah and read a few pesukim without calling anyone up or any brachos.… Question: I am the new rabbi at a small shul, the outgoing rabbi said that when there was no minyan he would take out the Torah and read a few pesukim without calling anyone up or any brachos. What is the actual halacha in such a case? Is it permitted? What about with a passul Sefer Torah? And how to go about persuading the people that it is inappropriate. (They are very traditional and the Torah reading is very important to them.) Answer: A passul Sefer Torah: Should not be done. See here. A kosher Sefer Torah:…Show more
Question: If I have a Passul Sefer Torah, can I take it out of the Aron Kodesh to lein from in absence of a minyan? Answer: It should not be done for the following reasons There is… Question: If I have a Passul Sefer Torah, can I take it out of the Aron Kodesh to lein from in absence of a minyan? Answer: It should not be done for the following reasons There is a debate if a Sefer Torah can be read from without a minyan. As reading from the Sefer Torah necessitates a Bracha and an individual cannot make a Bracha. A Sefer Torah may not be unnecessarily moved. (One should not move a Sefer Torah from a shul unless it’s being read 3 times in that place.) In addition, a Passul…Show more
Question: 1. I believe that it is mentioned in seforim that one should not move an oven in their home. Is this something that we follow? If someone wants to renovate their home and change the location of their… Question: 1. I believe that it is mentioned in seforim that one should not move an oven in their home. Is this something that we follow? If someone wants to renovate their home and change the location of their oven, do they need to scrap their plans? 2. Would the same be true of a fireplace? Does it make a difference if it was never used or used very few times, or used often? Answer: 1. The common custom is not to be particular about ovens nowadays which aren’t fixed into the ground. 2. A fireplace which is…Show more
There are myriad potential issurim (prohibitions) associated with brushing teeth on Shabbos, even with a manual toothbrush. Different poskim propose one or more of the following restrictions: Memarai’ach (smearing): toothpaste is spread on the teeth and around the mouth.… There are myriad potential issurim (prohibitions) associated with brushing teeth on Shabbos, even with a manual toothbrush. Different poskim propose one or more of the following restrictions: Memarai’ach (smearing): toothpaste is spread on the teeth and around the mouth. Molid (creating something new): the texture of the toothpaste changes from cream to foam during brushing. Chovel (causing injury): brushing may cause the gums to bleed. Sechitah (squeezing): liquid is wrung out of the brush bristles by brushing. Kibus (laundering/washing): the toothbrush absorbs water. Hachanah (preparing for the weekday): the toothbrush is rinsed after use so it may be reused…Show more
Question: Can I save up Ma'aser money that I owe, and pay it later on in life (hopefully within 2-3 years from now) for my Shlichus? Or it should be paid as soon as possible? Answer: There is… Question: Can I save up Ma'aser money that I owe, and pay it later on in life (hopefully within 2-3 years from now) for my Shlichus? Or it should be paid as soon as possible? Answer: There is advantage in actually giving the money right away, or at least physically separating the money into an envelope etc., or into a separate bank account. Regardless, one should not delay the actual giving for too long (some say at least once a year and some say every half a year). Sources: בשל״ה חולין ענין מו״מ באמונה - אם הזמין הקב"ה…Show more
Question: I know that when it comes to the hakdama (introduction) of the Rambam we don't use the Rambam Le'am edition for the daily shiur. My question is about the Seder Hatefillah, I know there are different versions in… Question: I know that when it comes to the hakdama (introduction) of the Rambam we don't use the Rambam Le'am edition for the daily shiur. My question is about the Seder Hatefillah, I know there are different versions in the various editions, which one is the best one to use? Because some are much shorter than the other. And do we know the Rebbe's personal custom? Answer: The reason many don't use the Rambam Le'am for the first few shiurim of the cycle, is because it combines the counting of mitzvos (with their sources in the Torah) with…Show more
Question: If I am taking an early morning flight, and I will arrive before sof zman tefillah, is it better to daven in the airport before the flight without a minyan, or wait until after the flight,… Question: If I am taking an early morning flight, and I will arrive before sof zman tefillah, is it better to daven in the airport before the flight without a minyan, or wait until after the flight, and daven with or without one (-depending on the situation)? Answer: Although one should avoid traveling before davening, in this case, it’s better to daven afterwards. However, Birchos Hashachar should not be delayed. Sources: ראה שו"ע אדה"ז פט, ד. אבל כיון שיוכל להתפלל…Show more
Question: We have an old shul (70+ years) which was founded to daven nusach sefard. In the recent two decades, all of the original members of the shul have passed on, and now the overwhelming majority of current… Question: We have an old shul (70+ years) which was founded to daven nusach sefard. In the recent two decades, all of the original members of the shul have passed on, and now the overwhelming majority of current members, as well as the board of trustees, the baalei tefilla, and baalei kria are now Chabad and many want to change the nusach of the shul to Chabad. There are a couple of members of the shul who are opposed to the change, both as a matter of the specific nusach as well as the very concept of…Show more
Question: The Sefer Torah fell out from the Aron Kodesh in our Yeshiva (no one was touching it - it just slipped onto the doors and the doors swung open) onto the floor r"l. It was covered with… Question: The Sefer Torah fell out from the Aron Kodesh in our Yeshiva (no one was touching it - it just slipped onto the doors and the doors swung open) onto the floor r"l. It was covered with its mantel. What do the bochurim who were in the room when it happened, and those who were in a nearby room and saw it, need to do? What about those who weren't there and didn't see it? And bichlal what is the proper chassidishe way to react to such a situation? Answer: Those who actually saw it…Show more
Question: The size of the yud kesher on my brother's tefillin bothers me because it's too long on one side and too short on the other (it's diagonal, it starts off short but as it slopes down it gets… Question: The size of the yud kesher on my brother's tefillin bothers me because it's too long on one side and too short on the other (it's diagonal, it starts off short but as it slopes down it gets longer). I was told that according to kzos Hashulchan if it's long it's a problem because it looks like vov. But since it's only long on one side Maybe it doesn't look like vov. Also, the short side which might be less than seora, is it always a problem or only when both sides are less than…Show more
To the bottom of the ear lobe or the bone next to the ear? Answer: There are opinions in the matter, whether till the bone or until the very end of the ear. The consensus seems to be… To the bottom of the ear lobe or the bone next to the ear? Answer: There are opinions in the matter, whether till the bone or until the very end of the ear. The consensus seems to be that despite the fact that the Shulchan Aruch writes to the end of the ear, it really is sufficient until the bone. It has been suggested that the expression of the end of the ear is as an extra stringency because people have a hard time assessing the exact place. Sources: See here: Halacha2go.com article #690: Where are your Peyos?…Show more
Question: A relative has a pet dog. Are we allowed to visit on Shabbos? I know the kids will want to pet and play with the dog, and the dog will obviously run to them for hugs and whatnot… Question: A relative has a pet dog. Are we allowed to visit on Shabbos? I know the kids will want to pet and play with the dog, and the dog will obviously run to them for hugs and whatnot when we get there. What are the rules? Answer: All animals are Muktzah Gamur, meaning that they may not be touched (moved) for any reason on Shabbos. (There are certain exceptions with animals when it comes to Tzar Baalei Chaim, but that's only in extreme cases.) Therefore, it would be prohibited to play with your relative's dog on…Show more
Question: I have several grandchildren that will come to visit from overseas. They are my daughter's children. Till what age can I hug or kiss the granddaughters. Answer: Permitted at every age, although some are stringent after the… Question: I have several grandchildren that will come to visit from overseas. They are my daughter's children. Till what age can I hug or kiss the granddaughters. Answer: Permitted at every age, although some are stringent after the grandchild is married. (Some are stringent even with daughters after they are married and some even after they reach 11-12, but this is not the common practice). It is also proper not to show affection in public in any case. (To note that there are Poskim who forbid in regards to one’s son’s daughters. But this isn’t the accepted view).…Show more
שאלה: שאלה שעלתה אצלי כבר מספר פעמים בבית חב"ד, ועד עתה לא מצאתי עליה תשובה הולמת: קורה ופעמים עומדים באמצע התפילה בבית חב"ד - במקום שאסור להפסיק - ויש תשעה למנין, ונכנס איש שאינני מכירו ויש לי ספק אם… שאלה: שאלה שעלתה אצלי כבר מספר פעמים בבית חב"ד, ועד עתה לא מצאתי עליה תשובה הולמת: קורה ופעמים עומדים באמצע התפילה בבית חב"ד - במקום שאסור להפסיק - ויש תשעה למנין, ונכנס איש שאינני מכירו ויש לי ספק אם מבני ישראל הוא או לא. או שיושב קהל גדול באירוע שיש בה עירוב 'בין ישראל לעמים' ויש ספק אם יש מנין ואינו בכדי שיעשה כלל לשאול מיהו יהודי ומי לא. מהו הדין באמירת דברים שבקדושה? ובזה - האם יש חילוק בין אמירת דבר שאין בו שם (קדיש) לאמירת דבר שיש בו שם (ברכו)? ואת"ל שיש לומר דבר שאין בו שם…Show more
Question: If someone says his mother is Jewish, do we believe him? What's the rule? How far back do we look? And can he be part of the Minyan? Answer: In regards to minyan and an aliya,… Question: If someone says his mother is Jewish, do we believe him? What's the rule? How far back do we look? And can he be part of the Minyan? Answer: In regards to minyan and an aliya, you can trust him. In regards to marriage, that would be determined by the mesader kedushin. See here as well: Halacha2go.com #647: “Of course I’m Jewish—my grandmother spoke Yiddish!” מ"מ Sources: ראה הנסמן שם במקורות ועיונים. והיינו, שרק לענין יוחסין…Show more
Raspberry: Since there is a Halachic doubt if it comes from a species which is considered a tree - and thus its Brocha is Hoadomo - it may be consumed outside of Eretz Yisroel without the need of waiting… Raspberry: Since there is a Halachic doubt if it comes from a species which is considered a tree - and thus its Brocha is Hoadomo - it may be consumed outside of Eretz Yisroel without the need of waiting 3 years of Orlah. However, raspberries should not be eaten in general, as they are often highly infested with mites and thrips. See here: https://asktherav.com/1868-29095-berries-and-bugs/ Redcurrant: It’s a fruit which comes from a tree according to all opinions. Subsequently, its Brocha is Haetz and it is subject to the laws of Orlah (everywhere). Sources: פטל: אף שמאדה"ז בסדר ברכות הנהנין ו, ז משמע ברור…Show more
The recorded custom is to learn chapters of Mishnayos that correspond to the name and the Mishnayos of the word Neshama. There are nowadays English translations and audio lectures available for those who don’t understand Hebrew. Although one does… The recorded custom is to learn chapters of Mishnayos that correspond to the name and the Mishnayos of the word Neshama. There are nowadays English translations and audio lectures available for those who don’t understand Hebrew. Although one does not fulfill the mitzvah of learning Torah when not understanding the Mishnayos, nonetheless if one is unable to understand it’s still better to read them. Reading them is better than doing nothing, of course. Additionally, when it is difficult to learn the specific Mishnayos, one may (and it is proper to) choose to learn other easier ones, since they all…Show more
שאלה: השנה יום היארצייט הראשון חל בשבת. מתי זמן המתאים לעלות לקבר, האם ביום שישי או ביום ראשון? ומה הצדדים לכאן ולכאן? תשובה: בדרך כלל, ביארצייט שחל בשבת, יש נוהגים להקדים ולילך ביום ששי. ויש שהולכים אחרי שבת. אבל,…שאלה: השנה יום היארצייט הראשון חל בשבת. מתי זמן המתאים לעלות לקבר, האם ביום שישי או ביום ראשון? ומה הצדדים לכאן ולכאן? תשובה: בדרך כלל, ביארצייט שחל בשבת, יש נוהגים להקדים ולילך ביום ששי. ויש שהולכים אחרי שבת. אבל, בשנה זו, כיון שהוא תוך י״ב חודש לפטירה, עדיף בכל מקרה לילך ביום ראשון. ראה בשאלה דומה כאן: https://asktherav.com/1683-the-first-yartzeit-will-be-rosh-chodesh-monday-the-whole-family-is-planning-to-go-to-the-beis-hachaim-when-is-it-appropriate-to-go/ ראה הדעות השונות בשדי חמד אבלות צו. גשה״ח לב, ה. הנסמן בנט״ג עו. יב. ועוד. ובארוכה - אג"ק ח"ח ע' קכה. לקו"ש חי"ט ע' 132. וש"נ. שיחת יו״ד שבט תשי״ז. וי״א, שלמרות שההכרעה שם להקדים ביום ששי, מ״מ העלי׳ לציון היא…Show more
Q. Is there an Inyan in having the Areinfirenish the same day as the Upsherenish? A. No. Q. Does it make sense to have the Upsherenish after davening, and go straight to the Melamed for the Areinfirenish, followed… Q. Is there an Inyan in having the Areinfirenish the same day as the Upsherenish? A. No. Q. Does it make sense to have the Upsherenish after davening, and go straight to the Melamed for the Areinfirenish, followed by a Seuda with the continuation of the hair cutting? Or does the Areinfirenish need to be after cutting the hair? A. It may be done either way. Some however don’t do the Areinfirenish, unless the Upeshernish was completed. Sources: ביום האפשערניש - אף שבכ״מ הקפידו בזה שיהא דוקא…Show more
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