People Just Asked
Question: This is a question about a boy I'm teaching for his Bar Mitzvah on Shlichus. If ones right hand is his stronger hand and does all activities with his right arm, but writes with his left arm. What… Question: This is a question about a boy I'm teaching for his Bar Mitzvah on Shlichus. If ones right hand is his stronger hand and does all activities with his right arm, but writes with his left arm. What hand does he put on Teffilin? Answer: He should put on his left hand. (If possible, he should be encouraged to also put on his right hand afterwards, Bli Neder). Sources: כדעת הרא"ש וספר התרומה והמרדכי, וגם לדעת רבינו יחיאל…Show more
Question: My wife is beginning her ninth month, her family has the minhag to toivel in the ninth month. I also have heard that toiveling afterward is a segula for fertility. Is this a real segula that should be… Question: My wife is beginning her ninth month, her family has the minhag to toivel in the ninth month. I also have heard that toiveling afterward is a segula for fertility. Is this a real segula that should be taken into account to coordinate with someone else that might want this segula? Answer: The custom of going to the Mikva in the ninth month is indeed brought in some seforim as a segula, but on the other hand the Rebbe writes that he hasn’t heard about it being practiced among Chabad Chassidim. More about the original…Show more
After the last time used. To be precise: When kashering from treif: waiting 24 hours before Kashering is from the last time it was used for Treif, unless it was used/washed, with hot food/water, within 24 hours… After the last time used. To be precise: When kashering from treif: waiting 24 hours before Kashering is from the last time it was used for Treif, unless it was used/washed, with hot food/water, within 24 hours of the Treif. However, when kashering from milchig or from fleishig, or from chometz before the zman issur: even if used with hot water you only need to wait 24 hours from when it was used for milchig, fleishig, or chometz, unless there was chometz stuck to it when the hot water was used. Q. Can I clean the…Show more
כל מה שנעשה עם רכיבים מתוקים (כמו סוכר, ביצים, מי פירות וכיו”ב) שהם בכמות גדולה יותר מהקמח, ובדרך כלל עוגות בחושות, ברכתם מזונות גם לבעל נפש, עד לשיעור קביעות סעודה. כמו כן, כל מיני עוגיות שעיקרן הוא המילוי -… כל מה שנעשה עם רכיבים מתוקים (כמו סוכר, ביצים, מי פירות וכיו”ב) שהם בכמות גדולה יותר מהקמח, ובדרך כלל עוגות בחושות, ברכתם מזונות גם לבעל נפש, עד לשיעור קביעות סעודה. כמו כן, כל מיני עוגיות שעיקרן הוא המילוי - דהיינו שעיקר עשייתן אינה למזון ולהשביע כ”א לעידון ולתענוג ברכתן מזונות אא״כ קובע סעודה. וכמו”כ כל דבר שבלילתו רכה יותר מדאי - נוזלי - או אם אינו נוזלי כ”כ רק שנאפה כעיסה דקה מאוד, שנעשו רקיקים דקים מאד אחר האפיה, ה”ה מזונות עד לשיעור קביעות סעודה. הנ”ל הוא כשנאפה בתנור, אבל כל מה שנתבשל במים או שמטוגן בהרבה שמן, חמאה…Show more
Strictly speaking, if mevushal is six times more, it’s considered mevushal. Some even say a majority of mevushal is sufficient. Nevertheless, in practice, these opinions should not be followed under regular circumstances and in all these cases it should… Strictly speaking, if mevushal is six times more, it’s considered mevushal. Some even say a majority of mevushal is sufficient. Nevertheless, in practice, these opinions should not be followed under regular circumstances and in all these cases it should be still considered as non-mevushal in regards to the halacha of יין נסך that it becomes forbidden through a non-Jew. Therefore, it should be fully mevushal. Sources: ראה רמ״א יו״ד קכג, ה שהביא ב׳ דעות לשער…Show more
Question: I am a Sofer, I was wondering if it is a chiyuv to computer check my work or is it enough to go over it three times as mentioned in Shulchan Aruch? Answer: According to most… Question: I am a Sofer, I was wondering if it is a chiyuv to computer check my work or is it enough to go over it three times as mentioned in Shulchan Aruch? Answer: According to most poskim there is no obligation to use a computer, although it is very recommended (obviously in addition to human checking). Sources: ראה שו"ת קנין תורה ה, קו. תשוה"נ ב, צט.…Show more
Question: I am aware of the potential issues with using Maaser money for Mitzvos or to purchase honors in shul/shul membership. Do these issues apply to Chomesh? Specifically: If I separate Chomesh and give 10% immediately to Colel Chabad,… Question: I am aware of the potential issues with using Maaser money for Mitzvos or to purchase honors in shul/shul membership. Do these issues apply to Chomesh? Specifically: If I separate Chomesh and give 10% immediately to Colel Chabad, does the additional 10% have the same rules as normal Ma'aser, or is it more lenient? If I would not use the first 10% on a shul membership or on a Mitzvah, can I use the second 10% on that? Do any sources address the differences between how one spends Chomesh vs. Ma'aser? Answer: Yes, Chomesh is more lenient.…Show more
Question: I bake large batches of different cakes. (For example marble cakes, sponge cakes, chocolate cakes etc.) And each batter has shiur challah, however I bake each type of cake in small loaf pans. (For example I'll have 15… Question: I bake large batches of different cakes. (For example marble cakes, sponge cakes, chocolate cakes etc.) And each batter has shiur challah, however I bake each type of cake in small loaf pans. (For example I'll have 15 small marble cakes and 15 chocolate cakes etc.) How is challah separated? Do I separate from each type or 1 separation is good as long as it's min hamukaf? Does min hamukaf mean if it's the same room or it needs to be in 1 tray/basket? Answer: In order to separate challa with a bracha: You need to…Show more
Question: Someone purchased their personal home 20 years ago and recently sold it for several times the original amount paid. Does one need to give Ma'aser from the profits? Also what is considered profit with regards to the years… Question: Someone purchased their personal home 20 years ago and recently sold it for several times the original amount paid. Does one need to give Ma'aser from the profits? Also what is considered profit with regards to the years of interest, taxes, home improvement, etc. spent that went into the house? Answer: One needs to give Maaser from the profits. One may substract expenses caused by purchasing, renovating and maintaining the house (e.g. mortgage interest, construction) but not property tax. ראה אג״ק יח ע׳ שפד. #14370 #9093Show more
Question: How much is a Yid required to overpay and still buy from a Yid rather than from a non-yid? Answer: There is no fixed amount. If one incurs a significant loss, there is no need to do… Question: How much is a Yid required to overpay and still buy from a Yid rather than from a non-yid? Answer: There is no fixed amount. If one incurs a significant loss, there is no need to do so. If however, the difference is negligible and insignificant, one should buy from the Jew. According to many poskim, up to an extra 1/6 of the price (16.67%) is usually considered negligible. Question: There is a Jewish-owned vitamin company that sells both on Jewish-owned pharmacies and on Amazon. I was wondering if I should be going the "extra…Show more
If there are women that are Tznius, it is permitted as long as they are not in your view (provided this isn’t an official shul). עיין חתם סופר בתשובותיו חו"מ סימן ק"צ. If there are women that are not… If there are women that are Tznius, it is permitted as long as they are not in your view (provided this isn’t an official shul). עיין חתם סופר בתשובותיו חו"מ סימן ק"צ. If there are women that are not Tznius and you are in an open place or in the same room, you should turn your face away and not daven while they are directly in front of you even if you cannot see them. If you are not in the same room (like in the tent outside 770 during Tishrei), it is permitted as long as they are…Show more
I am not aware of any concept/directive of using specifically the standard Shir Lamaalos card (painted by Raphael Abecassis in 5747). It appears that the main thing indeed is to have the same text, which includes the Perek 121… I am not aware of any concept/directive of using specifically the standard Shir Lamaalos card (painted by Raphael Abecassis in 5747). It appears that the main thing indeed is to have the same text, which includes the Perek 121 of Tehillim and additional names and Pesukim. There are many antique Shir Lamaalos papers containing just the text. While the drawings might contain specific symbolisms (such as: the Luchos and rays on the top; the Menorahs and Shofars on both sides; the doves facing upwards; fish; pitchers of oil; harp; pomegranates; as well as the grass and dots all around),…Show more
There is no official Chabad minhag as such. But it's perfectly ok to make the shlissel challah, and the minhag is based on holy sources. Note: If there is a design on the challah, even if carved out… There is no official Chabad minhag as such. But it's perfectly ok to make the shlissel challah, and the minhag is based on holy sources. Note: If there is a design on the challah, even if carved out from the dough itself it is proper to be stringent not to eat and break it on Shabbos. However if the entire challah is the shape of a design one may eat it. See here: https://asktherav.com/594-may-one-eat-a-cake-challah-cookie-shaped-as-a-number-or-letter-on-shabbos-how-about-shaped-as-a-picture/ Sources: כמה אופנים במנהג זה כדלקמן. ומקורות רבים למנהג על…Show more
Question: My mother is in the hospital for a week already and we don't know when she will come home yet. All siblings have been taking turns to visit her. Some of them are asking if family members can… Question: My mother is in the hospital for a week already and we don't know when she will come home yet. All siblings have been taking turns to visit her. Some of them are asking if family members can chip in for transportation expense to the hospital. Can Ma'aser be used for myself and to give to siblings for transportation expenses? Answer: Ma'aser can be used for yourself and to give to your siblings for transportation expenses. See here: https://asktherav.com/11924-maaser-money-for-taxies-to-and-from-visiting-the-sick/ Preferably, however, you should only use it to cover your siblings' expenses (they, in turn, can do…Show more
The hand isn’t considered a cover for the head unless using the sleeve with it or someone else’s hand. This is because one cannot cover themselves through themselves. However, when using the hand on top of another covering it's… The hand isn’t considered a cover for the head unless using the sleeve with it or someone else’s hand. This is because one cannot cover themselves through themselves. However, when using the hand on top of another covering it's considered covered. Nonetheless, those who are particular to recite brachos with two coverings should preferably not rely on this and should use a proper second covering. In regards to this minhag in general, see here: https://asktherav.com/4156-is-it-an-obligation-or-a-minhag-chassidim-to-have-a-second-covering-over-ones-head-while-making-a-bracha-or-saying-hashems-name-like-during-shnayim-mikra-or-chumash-etc/ Sources: ראה שוע"ר סימן צא סעיף ד. ולהעיר שמשמעות אדה״ז…Show more
Question: I sold for Pesach my homemade sourdough starter along with the rest of my chametz. Can I use it now, or is there a distinction that I'm unaware of between selling regular chametz and such chametz? Answer:… Question: I sold for Pesach my homemade sourdough starter along with the rest of my chametz. Can I use it now, or is there a distinction that I'm unaware of between selling regular chametz and such chametz? Answer: You may use it. No distinction. P.S. Dough of hafroshas challah which is designated to be burned should not be sold and should be burned before Pesach. Sources: אף שיש שהחמירו בזה מדין רוצה בקיומו או שהיא…Show more
Yes, unless the pot is made from metal or plastic in which case there is room for stringency. Sources: הנה, קייל״ן לגבי ערלה, שחייב גם בנוטע בעציץ שאינו…
Yes. Sources: ואינו דומה לכאן - https://asktherav.com/12037-2/ - כיון שאין דרך…
It is absolutely forbidden. See also: Halacha2go.com article #487: Can I let someone who forgot his card go through the turnstile with me? Though the immersion is still valid after the fact, it is absolutely ridiculous to immerse in… It is absolutely forbidden. See also: Halacha2go.com article #487: Can I let someone who forgot his card go through the turnstile with me? Though the immersion is still valid after the fact, it is absolutely ridiculous to immerse in order to receive purity and holiness while at the same time violating such a severe sin which even teshuvah and yom kippur do not atone for until such time that one returns the theft. Sources: באמת יש לדון מדין מהבב״ע, ונפק״מ גם - ועיקר…Show more
The Rebbe once mentioned that many siddurim have it printed before davening and explained why this is so. Nonetheless, it’s not brought in our siddur and isn’t our minhag. As a general rule, the Rebbe was not fond… The Rebbe once mentioned that many siddurim have it printed before davening and explained why this is so. Nonetheless, it’s not brought in our siddur and isn’t our minhag. As a general rule, the Rebbe was not fond of seeking out segulos found in seforim, as they don’t apply to all individuals in all circumstances and one cannot be sure whether this is relevant for him or not. Sources: ראה שיחת יום שמח״ת תשמ״ט. ולהעיר שהתקנה לומר כל…Show more
It appears that in my new coffee grinder the only two metal parts that come in contact with the coffee beans are the top and bottom burrs. The top burr is removable, but the bottom burr is not removable… It appears that in my new coffee grinder the only two metal parts that come in contact with the coffee beans are the top and bottom burrs. The top burr is removable, but the bottom burr is not removable (according to manufacturer's instruction manual). Question: Do I need to toyvel the entire appliance (I am worried about the motor) or is it enough to immerse it upside down until the bottom burr is submersed in water? Answer: You would have to immerse the entire Keili, if it's not detachable, See here: https://asktherav.com/do-i-need-to-toivel-my-electric-hot-water-urn/ And here - Question 10:…Show more
Tevilas Keilim Utensils Immersion - Dish dipping in a mini-mikveh prior to initial use - Notice: If you purchased new Pesach dishes or cookware during the pandemic and (temporarily) sold them to a non-Jew in lieu of toiveling… Tevilas Keilim Utensils Immersion - Dish dipping in a mini-mikveh prior to initial use - Notice: If you purchased new Pesach dishes or cookware during the pandemic and (temporarily) sold them to a non-Jew in lieu of toiveling them, they must be immersed this year without a bracha prior to use. 1. What is the original source for tevilas keilim? In Parshas Matos (Bamidbar 31:21) the Torah relates that following the war against Midyan, the Jewish nation was commanded to immerse all eating and cooking utensils that they had captured as spoils of war before using them.…Show more
Question: I'm in the 12th month of Aveilus for my father hk"m, and there's nobody in shul that is missing both parents to say kaddish yosom, is it okay for me to say it? Answer: If… Question: I'm in the 12th month of Aveilus for my father hk"m, and there's nobody in shul that is missing both parents to say kaddish yosom, is it okay for me to say it? Answer: If you mother is not alive too, then you may say Kaddish where there is no other chiyuv, if the custom in your shul is that kaddish is always recited even when there is no chiyuv. Sources: ראה שו״ת שבות יעקב ב, צה. והובא בשע״ת קלב,…Show more
Question: We have a standing order with Amazon to ship some items monthly among them instant oatmeal. We forgot to cancel it and it came during Pesach. We were away for Pesach. Box containing oatmeal was brought into the… Question: We have a standing order with Amazon to ship some items monthly among them instant oatmeal. We forgot to cancel it and it came during Pesach. We were away for Pesach. Box containing oatmeal was brought into the lobby of the house where our apartment is by a neighbor. We opened large box containing items among them box of oatmeal once we were back after yom tov. What can be done with oatmeal? Answer: It's all fine. Sources: הנה, לרוב הפוסקים חבילות שבדואר שייכות למוכר, אא״כ כבר…Show more
Question: What is the din regarding Chomets and food that I ate with Chomets that I put away in my parents freezer and I did not mention it when selling my Chomets? Answer: All Chametz should be destroyed.… Question: What is the din regarding Chomets and food that I ate with Chomets that I put away in my parents freezer and I did not mention it when selling my Chomets? Answer: All Chametz should be destroyed. It should be burned or flushed down the toilet. It may not be given to a Goy. (If this would incur a great loss, there might be room for leniency. Please respond with details if that’s the case, so we can rule accordingly). I would like to point out that many foods are not actually "chometz", they just…Show more
Have a Halachic Question?
Submit your question and receive an answer shortly.
Submit A Question
