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There is no new mitzvah (of shvisa) at that time. Do we say it because of lo plug? Or because of Simcha? If it's the latter, what about the first night of Rosh Hashanah which will… There is no new mitzvah (of shvisa) at that time. Do we say it because of lo plug? Or because of Simcha? If it's the latter, what about the first night of Rosh Hashanah which will be on Shabbos this year (5781)? Answer: בקצרה מחמת העדר מיסת הפנאי. בפשטות ברכת שהחיינו על המועדים אינה על מצוות החג, אלא על גוף המועד. (וכבר נתקשה רבינו בלקו״ש לז ע׳ 15 הע׳ 12 בל׳ אדה״ז תרמא, א, שנ׳ מדבריו שהברכה היא על מצות קידוש היום). ובזה גופא, ב׳ אופנים - מחמת החידוש בהגעת זמן המועד, או על עצם…Show more
Question: If after a Brit Mila the mohel gives the Orla to someone to bury, what’s the exact procedure how to do & where? Do you have to say any verses or pesukim while doing it? I heard a… Question: If after a Brit Mila the mohel gives the Orla to someone to bury, what’s the exact procedure how to do & where? Do you have to say any verses or pesukim while doing it? I heard a mohel said something to say but not sure what. Is there any segula in this? Answer: The orla should preferably be first placed in a vessel, a cup or the like, with sand or dirt covering it on top and on the bottom, and then buried anywhere one wishes. Some add water too. No need for anything to be…Show more
Question: I work as an assistant director of a BOYS day camp. We have campers age 6-12 and counselors aged 13-20. We have a "kiddies" bunk in camp, with an older married woman as the main "morah", there is… Question: I work as an assistant director of a BOYS day camp. We have campers age 6-12 and counselors aged 13-20. We have a "kiddies" bunk in camp, with an older married woman as the main "morah", there is the option to have a 18 year old girl as the helper for that bunk. They would be in a totally separate classroom, doing their own activities. They would only eat in the lunchroom at the same time (separate table of course) share the bus during trips (sitting separately in the back or front), and some few activities. Is there…Show more
One may pay for such mitzvos with maaser money. However, one must have in mind at the time of purchase that it will be from maaser money. Some permit this only if the money goes to the poor. The… One may pay for such mitzvos with maaser money. However, one must have in mind at the time of purchase that it will be from maaser money. Some permit this only if the money goes to the poor. The consensus is to permit using maaser even if the money doesn’t go to the poor, provided you would have not purchased the mitzvah unless you can pay it from maaser. If one suggested a lower price and you wish to increase and add to his offer, some are machmir that you may not pay all from maaser money, only for…Show more
שאלה: אחד שלח משלוח מנות לחבירו משלוח מנות שקיבל מאדם אחר, והיה השם של האחר עוד על המשלוח מנות ושכח להסירו, וכשבא ליתנו לחבירו לא היה בבית והניחו על פתח ביתו, וכשחזר הלה לביתו מצא המשלוח מנות עם הפתק… שאלה: אחד שלח משלוח מנות לחבירו משלוח מנות שקיבל מאדם אחר, והיה השם של האחר עוד על המשלוח מנות ושכח להסירו, וכשבא ליתנו לחבירו לא היה בבית והניחו על פתח ביתו, וכשחזר הלה לביתו מצא המשלוח מנות עם הפתק של השם של האדם האחר שאינו חבירו, ולא ידע בכלל שחבירו שלח לו משלו"מ, האם יצא ידי חובת משלוח מנות? תשובה: נכון שיחזור וישלח לצאת לכולי עלמא. מקורות: תלוי בהטעמים למשלוח מנות: ראה בשו״ת תה״ד סי׳ קי״א…Show more
Wouldn't some sort of hair net that contained the hair without interfering with the water make much more sense? Answer: Please note that AskTheRav receives many questions from our visitors every day. We strive to answer these matters… Wouldn't some sort of hair net that contained the hair without interfering with the water make much more sense? Answer: Please note that AskTheRav receives many questions from our visitors every day. We strive to answer these matters of practical Halacha in an efficient manner. Therefore, we ask our visitors to limit their questions to those of practical Halachic nature rather than learning style research questions, so that we can spend our time serving you best with your Halachic questions. In regards to your question: In cases where a Mikvah lady is not available (after consulting a competent…Show more
Question: I have a question regarding my grandmother's yartzeit. My grandmother passed away on the 20th of April 2021. Shkia that Tuesday was 7:46 PM and the official time of death as quoted on the death certificate was… Question: I have a question regarding my grandmother's yartzeit. My grandmother passed away on the 20th of April 2021. Shkia that Tuesday was 7:46 PM and the official time of death as quoted on the death certificate was 7:55 PM. I would like to know which day we should go by for her yortzeit, the 8th of Iyar or the 9th? Answer: The 9th of Iyar. But one should also keep minhagei yahrtzeit on the first day. Nonetheless, one is not a chiyuv then and cannot override a chiyuv’s obligation to daven for the amud. Sources: יום המחרת - דאקדומי פורענותא לא מקדמינן, וגם מצד…Show more
Question: If someone goes to a store that sells Keilim and they paint and then the store heats up the keli to finish it off and make it usable. Would that require tevila? Answer: It depends: If… Question: If someone goes to a store that sells Keilim and they paint and then the store heats up the keli to finish it off and make it usable. Would that require tevila? Answer: It depends: If you are creating the vessel from scratch, such as modeling, etc. (in addition to painting) it, it does not require Tevilah. If, however, you are merely painting a vessel which is already in a usable condition, then the following conditions apply. Any of the lenient points below (either in A or B) exempt the vessel from the requirement of Tevilah…Show more
Children should not listen to music in the 3 weeks. If they did not reach the age of Chinuch (2-5 years old), and there is a need (to distract and calm them) one may be lenient. In any case,… Children should not listen to music in the 3 weeks. If they did not reach the age of Chinuch (2-5 years old), and there is a need (to distract and calm them) one may be lenient. In any case, when permissible, adults should not pay attention to it. Sources: אג"מ או"ח ח"ד סימן כא אות ד. וראה בארוכה…Show more
Regarding placing the head on the arm etc. - it is done as usual. When the Sefer Torah is being moved and requires one to stand, one should not be sitting, but may continue reciting the Nefilas Apayim prayer… Regarding placing the head on the arm etc. - it is done as usual. When the Sefer Torah is being moved and requires one to stand, one should not be sitting, but may continue reciting the Nefilas Apayim prayer normally. Nonetheless, according to Kabalah, Nefilas Apayim should always be done sitting. Therefore, it is best to wait and recite it once the Sefer Torah is in a stationary position. שו״ע אדה״ז קלא, א. #9273Show more
Question: When we Daven Maariv early, like after a fast day and have to repeat Kriyas Shema, can Kriyas Shema She’Al Hamita fulfill this obligation, or does it have to be in addition to Kriyas Shema She’Al Hamita? And… Question: When we Daven Maariv early, like after a fast day and have to repeat Kriyas Shema, can Kriyas Shema She’Al Hamita fulfill this obligation, or does it have to be in addition to Kriyas Shema She’Al Hamita? And even if Kriyas She’Al Hamita does fulfill this obligation, would it still be better to say Kriyas Shema an additional time before saying Kriyas Shema She’Al Hamita? Answer: One may not l'chatchillah intend to fulfill his obligation through reciting Krias Shema Al Hamitah, out of concern that he might forget to do so, i.e. one may not eat before…Show more
Question: My lightweight Kapota got terribly stained beyond repair, and the other one I have is a very heavy one, too hot for summer. Can I purchase a new Kapata now during the 3 weeks l'kavod Shabbos? … Question: My lightweight Kapota got terribly stained beyond repair, and the other one I have is a very heavy one, too hot for summer. Can I purchase a new Kapata now during the 3 weeks l'kavod Shabbos? Answer: Generally, our Minhag is to not buy nor wear Choshuve new clothes during the three weeks even on Shabbos. However, in your case that’s a great need, you may get a Kapote for Shabbos - prior to the Nine Days. It would be best to buy on credit if possible and pay in full after the nine days. Sources: כיון שנהגו בזמננו שלא לברך שהחיינו. וראה מג״א תקנא,…Show more
Question: When should a boy whose hair is cut after his third birthday (his birthday is during sefira) start wearing kippa and tzitzis? Answer: The Rebbe writes that even when the actual Upshernish takes place after the child’s… Question: When should a boy whose hair is cut after his third birthday (his birthday is during sefira) start wearing kippa and tzitzis? Answer: The Rebbe writes that even when the actual Upshernish takes place after the child’s third birthday, the custom to start educating him in wearing Tzitzis, Birkas Hashachar, Bentching and Krias Shma before bed, start on the day of his third birthday. Source: לקוטי שיחות חלק ל"ג עמ' 297. #13133Show more
Question: I am in quarantine as I was exposed to Covid-19 in my class. I live in Crown Heights and I did not know what to do for Tashlich because I cannot leave my house until Sunday (Erev Yom… Question: I am in quarantine as I was exposed to Covid-19 in my class. I live in Crown Heights and I did not know what to do for Tashlich because I cannot leave my house until Sunday (Erev Yom Kippur). What is the best way I can do Tashlich? Answer: You should do tashlich on the day before Erev Yom Kippur (this year [5781], since it is on Shabbos, do it on Thursday) with a bowl of water and again on Sunday, Erev Yom Kippur (when you can leave your house) by a river with fish. Sources: בשולחן מנחם ח"ג עמוד קז הובאה הוראת הרבי שבלית…Show more
Question: What Kitzur Shulchan Aruch-style sefer or seforim would be the most accurate for a Lubavitcher to learn for halacha l'maaseh? The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch with the Alter Rebbe's piskei dinim, the Ketzos HaShulchan (which was just… Question: What Kitzur Shulchan Aruch-style sefer or seforim would be the most accurate for a Lubavitcher to learn for halacha l'maaseh? The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch with the Alter Rebbe's piskei dinim, the Ketzos HaShulchan (which was just reprinted), or are there more recent ones? Answer: They are both great, though the footnotes in Ketzos hashulchan are probably for someone on an advanced level. A few guidelines in general: In many areas, the Psak of the Alter Rebbe is not much different than that of other Poskim. In those instances where it is, it is often indicated…Show more
Question: What is the meaning of the Middas Chassidus (שו"ע אדה"ז סי' כז ס"ק י"ט) to fast if the retzuos flip over? Does it mean even if it was just flipped over momentarily (like right when it was put… Question: What is the meaning of the Middas Chassidus (שו"ע אדה"ז סי' כז ס"ק י"ט) to fast if the retzuos flip over? Does it mean even if it was just flipped over momentarily (like right when it was put on) and he right away corrected it or is it only if he only realized after he took them off and he wasn't able to put them back on properly, meaning that on that day he only wore tefillin with overturned retzuos? (If it means even if it only flipped momentarily, then why is it such a big deal,…Show more
אם עדיין לא התגרש - בודאי אומר. ואם התגרש כבר - פשוט שלא. הרי אינו אשתו. ובכלל, בכמה נוסחאות - אין אומרים כן כלל. ואינו מופיע בסידור הרב. וכמדומה ברור שאינו בכל נוסחאות הישנות. וברכה לעצמו כמדומה מופיע לראשונה… אם עדיין לא התגרש - בודאי אומר. ואם התגרש כבר - פשוט שלא. הרי אינו אשתו. ובכלל, בכמה נוסחאות - אין אומרים כן כלל. ואינו מופיע בסידור הרב. וכמדומה ברור שאינו בכל נוסחאות הישנות. וברכה לעצמו כמדומה מופיע לראשונה באור חדש בנוסח אותנו ואת כל אשר לנו ובהמשך לברכת אבא מארי בעה״ב. ולראשונה מופיע בקיצור של״ה שכשהוא בעה״ב בעצמו יברך א״ע ואת אשתו וכו׳. ובמטה יהודה הביא בהפי׳ שם לברך עצמו, והשמיט נוסח הנ״ל מדברי הקיצור של״ה והביא רק ״אותנו ואת כל אשר לנו״. ובכל אופן, בקיצור של״ה שם שאם יש לו אשה ובנים אומר כן. והרי שאם אין…Show more
Question: Is it ok for one to learn (תניא בע"פ...) in a Waterpark if he's wearing a yarmulka and tzitzis (there are other children/adults (men) that are wearing only a bathing suit). And is there a difference between an… Question: Is it ok for one to learn (תניא בע"פ...) in a Waterpark if he's wearing a yarmulka and tzitzis (there are other children/adults (men) that are wearing only a bathing suit). And is there a difference between an indoor Waterpark to an outdoor one? Or can one sit on the side and learn from a sefer? If I can learn myself, can I also speak to someone else about learning? (הפצת המעיינות...) Answer: Yes, one may learn in the waterpark. Lechatchilah his top half should be covered appropriately. Even better would be to be dressed appropriately…Show more
Question: I see in the Alter Rebbe's Shulchan Aruch (308, 12) that "הערמה" is permissible when it comes to moving Muktzah לצורך גופו או מקומו. My question is whether there are any specific guidelines or limitations to this "trick".… Question: I see in the Alter Rebbe's Shulchan Aruch (308, 12) that "הערמה" is permissible when it comes to moving Muktzah לצורך גופו או מקומו. My question is whether there are any specific guidelines or limitations to this "trick". Say, for example, we left the washed dishes to dry on the counter before Shabbos, amongst them some כלים שמלאכתם לאיסור (food processor parts, garlic crusher, etc.). Now on Shabbos, my wife likes when the counters are clear. Bh we have lots of counter space, so can we clear the dishes so we can set up for the meal, although…Show more
שאלה: הרב ברוין שיחי' שלום וברכה. מעשה היה בקהילתנו שקילפו ביצים עבור התוועדות 'שבת מברכים' מערב שבת. אמנם לא השאירו מעט מקליפתם או תיבלו במלח או תבלין. וכאשר אמרו המסובים ל'גבאי' שידוע שביצים קלופים אסורים לאכילה מפני סכנה ('רוח… שאלה: הרב ברוין שיחי' שלום וברכה. מעשה היה בקהילתנו שקילפו ביצים עבור התוועדות 'שבת מברכים' מערב שבת. אמנם לא השאירו מעט מקליפתם או תיבלו במלח או תבלין. וכאשר אמרו המסובים ל'גבאי' שידוע שביצים קלופים אסורים לאכילה מפני סכנה ('רוח רעה'), טען הגבאי שבשבת אין חשש רוח רעה בשבת 'והראי'ה' שהוא אינו מכסה את המים ש'בנעגל וואסער' בליל שבת מטעם הנ"ל. ורציתי לשמוע את חוות דעתו של הרב בזה. בשו"ט. תשובה: איני יודע אם שואל על גוף הענין, שבודאי ישנם כו״כ סברות להתיר בדיעבד, ותלוי בכמה פרטים, ונדרשת ידיעה גופא דעובדא היכי הוה. וראה גם בשו״ת ויען דוד להרחיד״ו…Show more
There’s a difference of opinions on this matter. Ideally, it should not be used together. Sources: יש שהתירו בצירוף הדעות שאין בזה סכנה בימינו, או…
Question: I tried to make beef jerky for Shabbos using a big roast and I realized after that I put Worcester’s sauce in it which has anchovy paste (fish in it). I know fish and meat aren’t allowed. My… Question: I tried to make beef jerky for Shabbos using a big roast and I realized after that I put Worcester’s sauce in it which has anchovy paste (fish in it). I know fish and meat aren’t allowed. My question is if it’s possibly batel be'shishim becasue it was a big piece of meat to 3 tbsp Worcester’s sauce. Answer: If it is kosher certified and it is not labeled as fish, then you may use the beef after the fact, since the fish is nullified in the sauce. (The sauce itself would thus be considered to be…Show more
Question: Is the Yirei Shamayim mentioned in Halacha higher lower or equal to a Ba'al Nefesh mentioned in Halacha? I.e. would it be an oxymoron for someone to not make Shehakol on rice but make Mezonos on Mezonos bread… Question: Is the Yirei Shamayim mentioned in Halacha higher lower or equal to a Ba'al Nefesh mentioned in Halacha? I.e. would it be an oxymoron for someone to not make Shehakol on rice but make Mezonos on Mezonos bread or vice versa? Answer: It is not clear which one is higher and which one is lower. Regardless, one should take one step at a time and not be concerned if he’s meanwhile not practicing other stringencies. Sources: בכללות - היינו הך, שזהו פי׳ בענ״פ - יר״ש,…Show more
If you are just reading with your eyes without saying the words there is no problem. To say the words is problematic. If it’s possible to turn away (not just your head, rather your body facing away) that is… If you are just reading with your eyes without saying the words there is no problem. To say the words is problematic. If it’s possible to turn away (not just your head, rather your body facing away) that is best. If it is not possible to face away and for a specific reason you need to pronounce the words, you may, as long as you are looking in the sefer and not at what’s around. Sources: שוע"ר עה, א ובמוסגר. וראה קו"א א שם. וראה בצ"צ…Show more
Question: I accidentally made a Bracha on Rabbeinu Tam Tefilin thinking they were Rashi's tefillin. If I concluded davening in my Rabbeinu Tam Tefilin should I make another Bracha on my Rashi's? In addition, if I davened shacharis with… Question: I accidentally made a Bracha on Rabbeinu Tam Tefilin thinking they were Rashi's tefillin. If I concluded davening in my Rabbeinu Tam Tefilin should I make another Bracha on my Rashi's? In addition, if I davened shacharis with my Rabbeinu Tam Tefilin closer to chatzos, is there an inyan to wait with my Rashi's tefillin to daven mincha Shmonei Esrei with them given that I only said Shema with them? Answer: There are various opinions about what is to be done in such a case. The accepted opinion is that if he remembers immediately after he put…Show more
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