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Question: What is the Rebbe's opinion on stocks, like mutual funds? Is there an issue of Ribbis in that? (How about when the money is being invested by a family friend who does this for a living, so there… Question: What is the Rebbe's opinion on stocks, like mutual funds? Is there an issue of Ribbis in that? (How about when the money is being invested by a family friend who does this for a living, so there is not דאגות since it's being done through someone else). Please advise. Answer: In general, the Rebbe was not in favor of investing in stocks. See here. See also Igros Kodesh vol. 16 pg. 293. vol. 19 pg. 232. Vol. 22 pg. 245. It seems that if you are not involved in the investment and someone else is investing…Show more
Strictly speaking, one may use glue or even double sided tape provided they are strong and durable. Nonetheless, nails are preferable, according to some. Sources: ראה בנימוקי יוסף ב”מ קא ד”ה בגובתא. ריטב”א שם…
Question: One of my mekuravim sends her boys to their non-Jewish father on weekends. She is asking if she should put up mezuzahs on the doorposts of the father's home. And even if there is no requirement, may she… Question: One of my mekuravim sends her boys to their non-Jewish father on weekends. She is asking if she should put up mezuzahs on the doorposts of the father's home. And even if there is no requirement, may she do it anyway? Answer: The Halacha is that only an actual owner (and resident) is required to affix a Mezuza on the door. An owner is defined as someone that has some sort of "long term" hold on the home, be it through purchase, rent, or even borrowing. One who is a guest in another's home has less "ownership"…Show more
Question: A Yid I know will probably have his leg amputated (from above the knee and down). Does the leg need to be buried in a cemetery or can it be buried a backyard or the like? Is there… Question: A Yid I know will probably have his leg amputated (from above the knee and down). Does the leg need to be buried in a cemetery or can it be buried a backyard or the like? Is there anything Tefilos/Tahara that has to be done? Answer: It does not need to be buried. The custom is to bury it anyhow, either due to tumas kohanim or as a minhag. There is no need to do tahara, but some do it. Some save it, or un-dig it, to be buried later together with the rest of…Show more
Question: I made a purchase on amazon and got a notification that it was delivered. When I checked for the package though I wasn’t able to find anything so I called amazon to tell them, and they refunded me… Question: I made a purchase on amazon and got a notification that it was delivered. When I checked for the package though I wasn’t able to find anything so I called amazon to tell them, and they refunded me for it. A while later someone told me they found the item which was in the mailbox, as opposed to the lobby where they usually get packages sent to. Am I halachically obligated to call up amazon to let them know? Answer: Firstly, if there is a legal requirement to return items to the company, then obviously this requirement…Show more
אף שמנהג זה יסודתו בהררי קודש ונתפשט בתפוצות ישראל, ולא רק אצל חסידים, ונהגו בו מדורי דורות, כידוע ומפורסם, ומילא מובן גם שיש לחנך הילדים לקיים המנהג - מעולם לא שמענו שצריך למחות בכגון דא. וישתמש בכח וכושר המחאה… אף שמנהג זה יסודתו בהררי קודש ונתפשט בתפוצות ישראל, ולא רק אצל חסידים, ונהגו בו מדורי דורות, כידוע ומפורסם, ומילא מובן גם שיש לחנך הילדים לקיים המנהג - מעולם לא שמענו שצריך למחות בכגון דא. וישתמש בכח וכושר המחאה לדברים אחרים. ובפרט במי שאצלו לא נהגו במנהג זה (שהרי ידוע שבכמה קהילות לא נתפשט המנהג. וראה אג״ק חי״ג ע׳ קיט). ולהעיר מהסיפור באג״ק ח"ז ע׳ קסא, וכ״ה בתורת מנחם רשימת היומן ע׳ שסה: ידוע הסיפור מה ששמענו מכ"ק מו"ח אדמו"ר, שפעם בליל ניטל, נכנס אחד לכ"ק הצמח צדק ומצאו לומד, ושאלו: רבינו, הלוא ניטל היום, וענהו הצ״צ: פתח [פעטאח]!…Show more
פשוט וברור אצלי שאין שום הבדל בתוכן הלימוד, וגם עניני ניטל בכלל, שהרי כל שלימודו הוא בגדר תורה נהגו לא ללמוד בלילה זה. וכ״ה לכל הטעמים שנאמרו במנהג זה (מחשש סכ״נ, בכדי שילכו לישון, וכיו״ב), שעיקר הענין שלא ילמוד… פשוט וברור אצלי שאין שום הבדל בתוכן הלימוד, וגם עניני ניטל בכלל, שהרי כל שלימודו הוא בגדר תורה נהגו לא ללמוד בלילה זה. וכ״ה לכל הטעמים שנאמרו במנהג זה (מחשש סכ״נ, בכדי שילכו לישון, וכיו״ב), שעיקר הענין שלא ילמוד תורה. וסתמו כפירושו - שלא נחתו לחלק. וכש״כ להטעם הפנימי שהוא בכדי שלא להוסיף חיות בו ובההולכים בשיטתו. (ואינו דומה כלל לעניני אבילות לאבל וכדומה, שאינו גורם שמחה). וגם אם הימצא תימצא באיזהו מקומן שנזכר טעם מחודש, ושלפי טעם זה מקום לחלק בחילוק דקה מן הדקה שבעניני ניטל אין מקום למנהג הנ״ל - פשוט שהעיקר המנהג עצמו, והטעמים שנאמרו -…Show more
Question: I know the minhag of many is not to make kiddush between six and seven. This was what I remember my custom in my parents' home. My question is, sometime this leads to stress in the house either… Question: I know the minhag of many is not to make kiddush between six and seven. This was what I remember my custom in my parents' home. My question is, sometime this leads to stress in the house either rushing through Sholom Aleichem to get on time and rushing from shul home. On the other hand, we have a house of young children at home and waiting till seven can lead to chaos sometimes. Kids are impatient and hungry. In addition, we have guests, and this can add pressure. Is there room to be maikel on this custom? …Show more
In Shulchan Oruch, bringing in Shabbos early is regarded as a noble practice. Nevertheless, in 770, Shabbos was never brought in early, and it is common practice in Chabad not to bring Shabbos in early. [It is told that… In Shulchan Oruch, bringing in Shabbos early is regarded as a noble practice. Nevertheless, in 770, Shabbos was never brought in early, and it is common practice in Chabad not to bring Shabbos in early. [It is told that Tzach once suggested that the Pegishos bring in Shabbos early to make it easier for the students who were tired and not accustomed to a late Friday night schedule. However, the Rebbe responded something to the effect that to bring in Shabbos early is not Minhag Chabad.] Possible suggested reasons for this practice: 1. The Alter Rebbe writes (in…Show more
תשובה: חנוכיה כזו כשרה לכתחילה. ועם כל זה, יש מהדרין שלא להדליק בחנוכיה כזו, משום מצוה מן המובחר. מקורות: ברמ״א תרעא, ד: יש ליזהר להעמיד הנרות בשורה בשוה…
If the salt is fully dried, then yes, provided that the grains of salt are not all very fine (like table salt) nor very big (too big to adhere well to the meat). Generally sea salt is the… If the salt is fully dried, then yes, provided that the grains of salt are not all very fine (like table salt) nor very big (too big to adhere well to the meat). Generally sea salt is the preferred size (even though there are finer grains mixed in with the larger ones). Sea salt is actually the preferred koshering salt of most kashrus agencies. ראה שו"ע יו"ד סי' ס"ט ובנו"כ שם ועוד. #12316Show more
Question: I received a message on my WhatsApp from... explaining why the COVID vaccine is not to be used. I am definitely hesitant about taking it. I am curious to know what the Halacha is regarding this vaccination. … Question: I received a message on my WhatsApp from... explaining why the COVID vaccine is not to be used. I am definitely hesitant about taking it. I am curious to know what the Halacha is regarding this vaccination. Answer: I’ll wait to hear what our doctors will tell us before forming an opinion on this matter. I cannot give a final conclusive opinion without doing proper due research. For a general analysis (in Hebrew) on the matter of vaccination according to halacha, including the COVID vaccine, see the attached document. See also here: https://traditiononline.org/halakha-approaches-the-covid-19-vaccine/ For more about vaccinations,…Show more
Generally, you may leave it on throughout Shabbos, as it is well known that it runs automatically. If it's activated by a motion sensor, it should be turned off. If it also plays videos, it should be turned off.… Generally, you may leave it on throughout Shabbos, as it is well known that it runs automatically. If it's activated by a motion sensor, it should be turned off. If it also plays videos, it should be turned off. #12359Show more
One should preferably not use the same stove top for both milk and meat at the same time. The same grates should not be used even if not at the same time. If this is not possible, then some… One should preferably not use the same stove top for both milk and meat at the same time. The same grates should not be used even if not at the same time. If this is not possible, then some are lenient to use the same grates for both milchig and Fleishig dishes, with the following conditions: The grates are not used to cook Milchigs and Fleishigs simultaneously. Before using the stove top make sure it is clean (from any Milchigs or Fleishigs that might have spilled). Halacha2go.com #425: Separate Grates for Dairy and Meat For pareve dishes, one may…Show more
Regarding a dog specifically - please see Halacha2go.com article #88. There is no halachic prohibition regarding owning other animals (except pigs and dogs), although one would need to learn the laws of caring for them (food, Shabbos etc.). In… Regarding a dog specifically - please see Halacha2go.com article #88. There is no halachic prohibition regarding owning other animals (except pigs and dogs), although one would need to learn the laws of caring for them (food, Shabbos etc.). In general, we are discouraged from looking even at pictures of non-kosher animals, as the negative traits they posses have an effect on us - especially children. For more on this topic see: The Rebbe's Sicha: (Yiddish) Likkutei Sichos vol. 25 pg 309. (Lashon Hakosdesh) Toras Menachem 5744 vol. 1 pg. 487. (English) here See also the some of the…Show more
ת. חייבים להדליק בברכה בבית מלון. מקורות: שוע”ר סי’ רסג ס”ט כשאינו אצל אשתו אינו נפטר…
It is permitted. This is because it doesn't have real resemblance to a person and it won't last for a long time. It should be noted however that there are those who are stringent unless it doesn’t have a… It is permitted. This is because it doesn't have real resemblance to a person and it won't last for a long time. It should be noted however that there are those who are stringent unless it doesn’t have a full body image. Sources: ע״פ מהרי״ט יו״ד לה שכתב להדיא להתיר בנעשה דרך…Show more
Question: Is a legitimate form of separating Ma'aser marking down in a document how much of your money is Ma'aser? There would be no concern of the money being mixed up, it’s organized. Just wondering if the money has… Question: Is a legitimate form of separating Ma'aser marking down in a document how much of your money is Ma'aser? There would be no concern of the money being mixed up, it’s organized. Just wondering if the money has to be actually separated. Answer: Yes it is, because it has been "separated" from the rest of the money. However, there is advantage in actually giving the money right away, or at least physically separating the money into an envelope etc. Regardless, one should not delay the actual giving for too long (some say at least once a year…Show more
When to Make a Brachah on Remaining Secondary Food? When eating a mixture of two or more foods, the brachah is usually made on the ikar (primary food) and not on the tafel (secondary one). For example, when eating… When to Make a Brachah on Remaining Secondary Food? When eating a mixture of two or more foods, the brachah is usually made on the ikar (primary food) and not on the tafel (secondary one). For example, when eating fries with ketchup, a brachah is made on the fries, but not on the ketchup. What is the halachah if some of the tafel is left over after the ikar has been eaten? It depends on whether the ikar and tafel are considered one unit: If the items were cooked or baked together, or if when they were being prepared…Show more
When two or more types of solid foods are mixed, the halacha is to make the Bracha only on the ikar, the food of primary importance, and that Bracha also covers the tofel, the secondary food. For… When two or more types of solid foods are mixed, the halacha is to make the Bracha only on the ikar, the food of primary importance, and that Bracha also covers the tofel, the secondary food. For example, one does not make a Bracha on spices, since they serve a secondary purpose, as they are used to enhance the flavor of the food. When two or more foods are combined and it is difficult to ascertain which is the primary ingredient, we make the Bracha on the roiv, on the food that is in the…Show more
You make the Bracha of the primary ingredient or the one which is the majority. Usually the chicken is the primary ingredient or the majority, and thus the Bracha would be shahakol. (If the vegetables are the primary… You make the Bracha of the primary ingredient or the one which is the majority. Usually the chicken is the primary ingredient or the majority, and thus the Bracha would be shahakol. (If the vegetables are the primary ingredient or the majority, some say the chicken still requires it own Bracha, as chicken cannot become secondary. To avoid this issue, one should in this case make a shehakol on another food). תלוי בהבנת הפי׳ בסדברה״נ פ״ו ה״י אם ר״ל שבשר שבעין לעולם אינו טפל, או דמיירי באופן שעיקר כוונתו שהבשר יתן טעם בפירות, ונתכוון לאוכלם בפ״ע. …Show more
Question: Dear Rabbi, My husband lately is very busy at work during my 2 weeks following mikvah. He is home and attentive mikvah night but most of the 2 weeks we can be together he is out of the… Question: Dear Rabbi, My husband lately is very busy at work during my 2 weeks following mikvah. He is home and attentive mikvah night but most of the 2 weeks we can be together he is out of the house until the wee hours of the morning. I understand the necessity to be out and support his projects and know he is doing important work. However he does not express emotion easily and during those weeks I end up becoming more and more hurt when he is not around physically, but especially emotionally which does not necessarily take large…Show more
You should continue giving out the picture of the Rebbe. The same issue and even more serious is about the Torah literature that you distribute. You should still give it out. See Halacha2go.com article #645 Sources: ראה בנוגע לפרסום ד״ת בעתונים - אג״ק יב ע׳…
From 3 years old the child should be taught the letters. Beforehand, as soon as the child is able to speak, he should be taught תורה צוה, שמע and other Pesukim. It would seem that the names of the… From 3 years old the child should be taught the letters. Beforehand, as soon as the child is able to speak, he should be taught תורה צוה, שמע and other Pesukim. It would seem that the names of the Alef Beis (by heart) would be in the same category. (Some are particular not to teach the letters from a text before this age, but the Rebbe writes that we aren’t particular about this). Regardless, the Minhag by Yidden is to sing songs with words of Torah, and surround the child with letters of Torah, from a very young age.…Show more
Question: Dear Rabbi Braun Shlit"a: As a teenager I unfortunately engaged in forbidden sexual relations all the while living an otherwise (outwardly) Frum life. I am now married and established a family with a big focus on Torah,… Question: Dear Rabbi Braun Shlit"a: As a teenager I unfortunately engaged in forbidden sexual relations all the while living an otherwise (outwardly) Frum life. I am now married and established a family with a big focus on Torah, Mitzvos and Chassidus. I'm obviously not a tzaddik, but I became serious about Halacha and having the correct focus. Some time ago, it dawned on me the seriousness of the punishment for the sins I have committed which are punishable by כרת ר"ל (for example having relations with a woman who is a niddah). I had never before really…Show more
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