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A program may be set up for those days, provided the emphasis in the promotional material is specifically on the fact that there is no school these days and not anything special about the nature of the days, including… A program may be set up for those days, provided the emphasis in the promotional material is specifically on the fact that there is no school these days and not anything special about the nature of the days, including the fact that people are off work. Sources: בשו"ת אגרות משה יו"ד ג, פה, כ׳ לאסור ליתן…Show more
The following options are acceptable, in order of priority: Best would be if all the money is returned to the parties after the game. If for whatever reason you believe this wouldn’t work, then try one of the other… The following options are acceptable, in order of priority: Best would be if all the money is returned to the parties after the game. If for whatever reason you believe this wouldn’t work, then try one of the other options below. All the money goes to Tzedaka. In the beginning before playing all the money is deposited in a box which belongs to all parties. The individuals agree in advance to be makneh the money to whomever wins. This solution isn’t ideal, but could work where for whatever reason it’s necessary to do so. Sources: ראה שו״ע חו״מ רז, יג. ואם תורמים לצדקה, ל״ש אסמכתא…Show more
Question: After we lit our Menorah we realized that the first light is on a branch that is slightly higher than the other branches (1/8 of an inch). We tried to bend down the higher branch to put it… Question: After we lit our Menorah we realized that the first light is on a branch that is slightly higher than the other branches (1/8 of an inch). We tried to bend down the higher branch to put it at the same level than the other branches without success. Does this invalidate the Menorah for the other nights? Answer: While they should lchatchillah be all on the same level, it appears from the picture that the difference in height is very minimal. Thus, you may continue using this Menorah. Sources: בפשטות אם כל נר מוקף בכוסית נפרדת וגם יש…Show more
It really depends on so many factors: The level of necessity for the medication; is this medication halachically mandated; what “ directly utilizes aborted children” means; will not taking the medication (obviously, in the case where according to halacha… It really depends on so many factors: The level of necessity for the medication; is this medication halachically mandated; what “ directly utilizes aborted children” means; will not taking the medication (obviously, in the case where according to halacha one is permitted not take the medication; in other words, refusing the medication has no negative harmful effect on themselves or others) by the individual have a direct effect on the method used to obtain the medication; and whether there is certainty about this information about the source of this medication. Additionally important to know is: Are these abortions done…Show more
Question: I am planning to go to a Shabbaton in a hotel where they have a Shabbos elevator that takes you to each floor up to the 5th floor. I have a 9-month-old baby and was planning to bring… Question: I am planning to go to a Shabbaton in a hotel where they have a Shabbos elevator that takes you to each floor up to the 5th floor. I have a 9-month-old baby and was planning to bring her stroller. Am I allowed to use the Shabbos elevator? My husband tells me the Rebbe was against using a Shabbos elevator because it is our weight that is causing the elevator to move? Answer: I don’t know of any statements from the Rebbe on this matter. There are however serious halachic considerations. An automatic elevator, meaning an elevator…Show more
Question: I moved to a new apartment building, where there's a Shabbos elevator. I'm wheelchair-bound and you told me in the past that there's no problem in having a goy operate an elevator for me on Shabbos to go… Question: I moved to a new apartment building, where there's a Shabbos elevator. I'm wheelchair-bound and you told me in the past that there's no problem in having a goy operate an elevator for me on Shabbos to go to shul, etc. My question is, is it better to use the Shabbos elevator (which takes a long time due to the stops and sometimes is full, etc.), or can I still use the regular elevator, given that the goy rides with me and also saves time by taking the regular elevator? Answer: The Shabbos elevator is preferred. Even…Show more
Question: There is a corner store in Israel, from what looks like a Jewish owner, but I noticed they are open on Shabbos. Is it possible that they didn't sell their Chometz for Pesach? Can I shop there? … Question: There is a corner store in Israel, from what looks like a Jewish owner, but I noticed they are open on Shabbos. Is it possible that they didn't sell their Chometz for Pesach? Can I shop there? Answer: Smaller stores such as private bakeries where the owner cannot be trusted, one must estimate based on the store how long it will take for all of the old chometz to be sold out. After that one can buy from them. Source: אגרות משה אוח ד צו. #5462Show more
Question: After having my child last Nissan (77), I made a Hefsek Tahara in the end of Iyar. If I remember correctly, it was on Sunday 25 Iyar. 5 days later, in middle of Shiva Nekiyim, on Shabbos 2… Question: After having my child last Nissan (77), I made a Hefsek Tahara in the end of Iyar. If I remember correctly, it was on Sunday 25 Iyar. 5 days later, in middle of Shiva Nekiyim, on Shabbos 2 Sivan there was a lot of spotting and by the next bedika there was blood. This Reiya lasted for a couple days. (I tried doing a Hefsek Tahara a few days in a row, but it did not come out clean.) I made another Hefsek Tahara on Thursday 7 Sivan. Everything was good, until again 5 days later I found…Show more
Question: A friend related to me how he neglected to take care of a certain bill. I think he saw the envelopes but didn’t open them. Later on he realized it was something really important which had serious financial… Question: A friend related to me how he neglected to take care of a certain bill. I think he saw the envelopes but didn’t open them. Later on he realized it was something really important which had serious financial consequences. Now he is having to deal with those consequences for many years. It doesn't seem so bothered by it, and he calmly says it’s hashgacha pratis. I tried explaining my view that the concept of hashgacha pratis doesn’t apply in this situation. It’s a mistake and just need to swallow the fact that it was a poor decision…Show more
To avoid all issues, the accepted Psak is that the local Beis Din redeems him after 30 days without a Bracha, on a tenai, and he redeems himself again without a Bracha when he becomes bar mitzvah. … To avoid all issues, the accepted Psak is that the local Beis Din redeems him after 30 days without a Bracha, on a tenai, and he redeems himself again without a Bracha when he becomes bar mitzvah. See references here: https://asktherav.com/my-son-was-born-to-a-jewish-mother-before-i-converted-after-i-converted-and-became-frum-i-made-a-pidyon-for-him-im-told-now-that-i-wasnt-supposed-to-do-it-what-do-we-do-now-he-i/ #12272Show more
The Beracha is Shehakol. A Yarei Shamayim should eat it only within a meal or make Mezonos, Ha'adama and Shehakol on other foods. סדבה"נ א, יא. #12252
According to Halacha a man is not allowed to shave off his eyebrows because of לא ילבש. However Poskim write that in a case where he will be uncomfortable with his appearance he may pluck or cut them. Sources: שו''ע יו''ד סי' קפ''ב. ראה דרכי משה סק''א ובד''מ…
Falafel balls are usually Shehakol, even if flour is added, unless it was added for taste. If one recited Ha'adama over it it is valid after the fact. Sources: ראה סדבה"נ פ"ז סכ"ב. וראה שו"ת יבי״א ז, כט…
Question: I had a ingrown toenail the doctor bandaged it and said it cant get wet. Is there a point to cover it well and go to Mikvah or is there no point because there is a Chatzitza? … Question: I had a ingrown toenail the doctor bandaged it and said it cant get wet. Is there a point to cover it well and go to Mikvah or is there no point because there is a Chatzitza? Answer: You could go with it covered. Sources: לכמה דעות אין חציצה פוסלת בטבי״ע. ועכ״פ כשאינו ברובו…Show more
לפי ההלכה היבישה מותר. אבל ממדת חסידות יש להחליף הבגד - שו״ע אדה״ז עו, ד. על בשרו - עליו לרחוץ המקום אם נתייבשה לפני התפלה. אבל אם לחה היא מקנחה במפה ודיו - אדה״ז שם. (וצ״ע בא״א מבוטשאטש שם… לפי ההלכה היבישה מותר. אבל ממדת חסידות יש להחליף הבגד - שו״ע אדה״ז עו, ד. על בשרו - עליו לרחוץ המקום אם נתייבשה לפני התפלה. אבל אם לחה היא מקנחה במפה ודיו - אדה״ז שם. (וצ״ע בא״א מבוטשאטש שם שכתב להיפך ממש, שגם למחמירים היינו רק בלח וממשי, ולא כנתייבש שאין בו שום ממשות. וסותר ד׳ מהרי״ל מנהגים יו״כ ואדה״ז שם ועוד). כמו כן אף שמותר להתפלל כך, המנהג הפשוט - וחסידים מקפידים מאד על כך - במצב כזה לילך למקוה לפני התפלה - ראה רמב״ם תפלה ד, ו. שו״ע אדה״ז פח, א. לקו״ת תבוא מג, ב. ובראשית חכמה…Show more
Question: Can one sing Nigunim in bathroom or shower? Or a song with words of Torah? Or a song of other words but to tune of a Niggun? Answer: Singing Nigunim in the bathroom or shower - although… Question: Can one sing Nigunim in bathroom or shower? Or a song with words of Torah? Or a song of other words but to tune of a Niggun? Answer: Singing Nigunim in the bathroom or shower - although halachically permitted, it may not be appropriate, especially if composed by one of the Rabbeim. A song with other words but to tune of a Niggun - as above. A song with words of Torah - not allowed. Since even thinking words of Torah is forbidden - if the Niggun usually has words of Torah, Tehillim and the like, it…Show more
Question: Can a person in Aveilus within the Shloshim host or attend a Chanukah party? Does it make a difference before or after Shloshim? Answer: Throughout his time of Aveilus, (12 months for parents and 30 days for… Question: Can a person in Aveilus within the Shloshim host or attend a Chanukah party? Does it make a difference before or after Shloshim? Answer: Throughout his time of Aveilus, (12 months for parents and 30 days for other relatives), an Avel should not attend Chanukah parties. However, he may join a Chanukah party in his home which includes שירות ותשבחות. Sources: ראה כנה״ג יו״ד שצא. בל״י שם. גליון מהרש”א, חוקי…Show more
Yes, a divorced woman is obligated to cover her hair. Sources: שו"ע אה"ע סי' כ"א סעי ב', ח"מ שם ס"ק…
Question: I have installed a Chabad Torah app, but now I have seen a letter that those who developed this app did not have the requisite permission and are operating illegally. Am I allowed to continue using the app… Question: I have installed a Chabad Torah app, but now I have seen a letter that those who developed this app did not have the requisite permission and are operating illegally. Am I allowed to continue using the app (according to halacha, and the Rebbe's policy)? Answer: We do not have all the information necessary to be able to decide who is right here, and only a Beis Din that heard the arguments of both sides would have the possibility to decide this matter. Nonetheless, here are several observations about the matter in general: 1. It’s very strange…Show more
Question: I work as a medical dispatcher. When a call comes in, I need to drop everything and send an ambulance as soon as possible. If I'm in the middle of Ma'ariv and I'm forced to make an interruption… Question: I work as a medical dispatcher. When a call comes in, I need to drop everything and send an ambulance as soon as possible. If I'm in the middle of Ma'ariv and I'm forced to make an interruption to receive a call, how to I proceed with Davening when I'm done dispatching? Answer: L'chatchilah one should not put themselves in a situation where they will need to pause their davening if it can be avoided (either by having someone cover for them while they daven or - if their service has it - a forecasting system predicting…Show more
Upon hearing of Moshiach’s arrival: ברוך אתה יי אלהינו מלך העולם גואל ישראל. Baruch atah A-donay, Elo-heinu Melech Ha’Olam Goel Yisrael. ברוך אתה יי אלהינו מלך העולם שהחינו וקימנו והיגיענו לזמן הזה. Baruch atah A-donay, Elo-heinu Melech Ha’Olam shehecheeyanu… Upon hearing of Moshiach’s arrival: ברוך אתה יי אלהינו מלך העולם גואל ישראל. Baruch atah A-donay, Elo-heinu Melech Ha’Olam Goel Yisrael. ברוך אתה יי אלהינו מלך העולם שהחינו וקימנו והיגיענו לזמן הזה. Baruch atah A-donay, Elo-heinu Melech Ha’Olam shehecheeyanu v'kiyimanu vihigiyanu lizman hazeh. When the dead are revived: ברוך אתה יי אלהינו מלך העולם מחיה המתים. Baruch atah A-donay, Elo-heinu Melech Ha’Olam Mechaye Hameisim When seeing Moshiach (before making the Brocha חכם הרזים): ברוך אתה יי אלהינו מלך העולם שחלק מחכמתו ליראיו. Baruch atah A-donay, Elo-heinu Melech Ha’Olam Shechalak meichochmaso Lireiav ברוך אתה יי אלהינו מלך העולם מקורות: שהחיינו - ראה שיחת ליל שמח״ת תשמ״ט. תזו״מ תנש״א…Show more
There is no problem if the streets are well-lit and there is a steady stream of traffic. See link: https://asktherav.com/what-are-the-halachos-of-yichud-when-using-uber-or-uber-pool/ #6721
One should refrain from wishing Happy New Year to a non-Jew which observes it out of secular belief. Happy Holidays is less of a problem, but should be avoided if possible. However if you are in a position where… One should refrain from wishing Happy New Year to a non-Jew which observes it out of secular belief. Happy Holidays is less of a problem, but should be avoided if possible. However if you are in a position where it would be offensive if you do not wish them, you are permitted to. You may wish a Happy New Year to someone who observes it not out of belief, but rather as a day off of work, a day spent with family etc. (This is usually the case by most non-Jews today). Sources: ראה שו"ע יו"ד קמ"ח, ט. אבל ראה ש"ך ס"ק…Show more
Question: I was told that we are not supposed to ask for requests of Hashem on Shabbos. Is there an exception to that "rule", like when auspicious days fall out on Shabbos? (i.e. are we supposed to go ahead… Question: I was told that we are not supposed to ask for requests of Hashem on Shabbos. Is there an exception to that "rule", like when auspicious days fall out on Shabbos? (i.e. are we supposed to go ahead and ask anyway?) Answer: According to Halacha one may not request their needs on Shabbos. One of the reasons for this is because Shabbos accomplishes everything by itself without the need for us to resort to asking for it. Even when Rosh Hashana or Yom Kippur - which are the most auspicious days of the year to request all…Show more
Question: What is the גדר of שובע that is נחשב קביעות סעודה? Meaning, if you just do not feel hungry anymore is that considered "full" or do you have to not want to eat anymore? If it is just… Question: What is the גדר of שובע that is נחשב קביעות סעודה? Meaning, if you just do not feel hungry anymore is that considered "full" or do you have to not want to eat anymore? If it is just not hungry then how can we eat Mezonos before Davening, or Mezonos at a Kiddush on Shabbos after davening? Answer: S'viah - satisfied is a feeling that one has eaten enough and doesn't want to eat more. This is usually achieved when eating a meal or even eating more than a regular snack. By contrast, when a person is…Show more
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