People Just Asked
This depends on many factors. It is best to avoid traveling through such a road wherever possible, even with the windows closed. Sources: כמה פרטים בדבר: גדר אהל זרוק, דבר המק״ט א״ח בפני…
Question: Is it permitted to buy used clothing from a thrift store or to get a donation of used clothing from someone? Is it allowed halachically to wear someone else's used clothing? Is it better not to? What if… Question: Is it permitted to buy used clothing from a thrift store or to get a donation of used clothing from someone? Is it allowed halachically to wear someone else's used clothing? Is it better not to? What if the clothing belonged to someone who died? What if they belonged to a goy? is there a negative energy associated with it? What's the story with shoes? Because a friend told me that al pi kabala its better not to wear used shoes. Is this true? Answer: You may purchase used shoes or clothing. Sources: להחשש ממנעלי מת - ובשאר לבושיו לא איכפת לן…Show more
Question: I have a very expensive taste in clothing, but I have very limited income. (When I first developed my taste, I was able to afford the quality I craved.) The shoes I want to wear (and I'd wear… Question: I have a very expensive taste in clothing, but I have very limited income. (When I first developed my taste, I was able to afford the quality I craved.) The shoes I want to wear (and I'd wear nothing less) cost at least ten times more than what I am prepared to spend on shoes. My solution is to shop thrift. I buy second hand clothing and shoes for a mere fraction of the original prices, and I get the experience of wearing clothing and shoes of the style and quality I love. Obviously, what I wear is…Show more
There is no formal Chabad tradition in this matter, though to the best of my knowledge people generally are particular about this. The only formal reference that I’m aware of is in a response of the Rebbe to a… There is no formal Chabad tradition in this matter, though to the best of my knowledge people generally are particular about this. The only formal reference that I’m aware of is in a response of the Rebbe to a woman who wrote that her Rabbi said it was OK to wear the shoes and the Rebbe responded that some ARE particular about this matter. The Rebbe continued in his response to point out the halachic references for this opinion. Sources: שלחן מנחם יו״ד יד ע׳ לא. המענה במקורו ונוסח…Show more
Clear chicken soup - שהכל Vegetable soup - האדמה, if blended it's שהכל. See here: https://asktherav.com/13404-bracha-on-blended-vegetables-soup/ Mushroom barley soup - see here: https://asktherav.com/2055-which-bracha-does-one-make-on-a-meat-barley-soup-does-one-make-on-a-meat-barley-soup/ https://asktherav.com/22215-brachos-for-barley-soup/ #11983
One may give them food, even if they are not the owner of the fish, provided they are owned by Jews. This applies to all animals which are dependent on people for their food (like pets), except for pigs.… One may give them food, even if they are not the owner of the fish, provided they are owned by Jews. This applies to all animals which are dependent on people for their food (like pets), except for pigs. However, there are those who write that animals, particularly fish, which are fed once a day should preferably be fed right before Shabbos. Of course, if one forgot it would be permissible to feed them even on Shabbos. One may not feed animals which get their food on their own (except for a non barking dog, even if it’s a…Show more
Question: During Harchakos, are husband and wife allowed to recline on a 2 person couch that each seat reclines independently? Is it like laying on the same bed, or is it fine? Answer: Husband and wife may sit… Question: During Harchakos, are husband and wife allowed to recline on a 2 person couch that each seat reclines independently? Is it like laying on the same bed, or is it fine? Answer: Husband and wife may sit on a three-seat couch, on separate seats, provided the couch will not move even slightly when someone else sits on it. Also, they must sit in a manner that they won’t come to touch each other, even inadvertently. Practically speaking, if the couch has only two seats one can usually sense the movements of someone else getting on and off…Show more
Yes. שו״ת אג״מ או״ח א, קז. שש״כ יח, כט. #11946
While one may take a haircut on Motzaei Shabbos, it is not proper to schedule in advance a haircut for Motzaei Shabbos as it is an embarrassment to Shabbos. Generally, it’s preferable (מצוה מן המובחר) to schedule haircuts for… While one may take a haircut on Motzaei Shabbos, it is not proper to schedule in advance a haircut for Motzaei Shabbos as it is an embarrassment to Shabbos. Generally, it’s preferable (מצוה מן המובחר) to schedule haircuts for Friday or Thursday. If one's hair is long or if Erev Shabbos a haircut was not permitted, like in a case when a child's 3rd birthday is on Shabbos, the haircut should take place on Motzaei Shabbos. See also here: https://asktherav.com/2708-shabbos-upsherin-on-motzei-shabbos-or-sunday/ אין להסתפר במוצאי שבת או יום ראשון גם מחמת שהוא יום אידם וגם שהוא זלזול לשבת. חכמת…Show more
Since the almond milk itself is mostly comprised of water, it might not qualify. It depends a lot on how the almond milk is made. שאר משקין - ראה סדר ברה"נ פ' ב' סעי' ז', ובשו"ע אדה"ז סי' קס"ח… Since the almond milk itself is mostly comprised of water, it might not qualify. It depends a lot on how the almond milk is made. שאר משקין - ראה סדר ברה"נ פ' ב' סעי' ז', ובשו"ע אדה"ז סי' קס"ח סעי' י"א "או בשאר משקין חוץ ממים" (וראה דעת תורה שם סעי' ז' , שבט הלוי ח"ח סי' ל"ב, להורות נתן ח"ז ט', ועוד). מי פירות - במשנ״ב בסי' קס"ח בביה"ל סעי' ז' ד"ה הרבה, בפשטות שאינו פת הבא בכיסנין. לאידך הכף החיים (שם בס"ק נ"ז) מביא לשון אדה"ז ובהמשך כותב "והוא הדין כו' כיון שנשתנה הטעם ומראה המים הוי…Show more
Question: I have an idea that would involve helping people in their Torah learning. It would be a service that I would charge for. It would involve me coaching people in their learning and helping clients with plans… Question: I have an idea that would involve helping people in their Torah learning. It would be a service that I would charge for. It would involve me coaching people in their learning and helping clients with plans and learning schedules in their life and other similar services. If people could pay for the service that I will provide, with their Ma'aser money, it would be easier for many people who don’t have extra money. Now, I understand that generally speaking, since they are obligated to learn Torah, their Torah learning expenses can't be Ma'aser. So could their…Show more
Q. What does one do by Kiddush Levana regarding Sholom Aleichem if he's saying it alone and there's no one else around (or there's less than 3 people around)? A. Just say it to yourself. Q. And would… Q. What does one do by Kiddush Levana regarding Sholom Aleichem if he's saying it alone and there's no one else around (or there's less than 3 people around)? A. Just say it to yourself. Q. And would that apply if there are women nearby (i.e. can you say Sholom Aleichem to them if necessary)? A. It is questionable if it is OK to say it to ladies. One may say Shalom Aleichem to female relatives which one may have yichud with. Q. When telling someone Sholom Aleichem, is there an inyan to say "Aleichem Sholom" together…Show more
כל עוד ואין ווסת קבוע אין לחשוש יותר מזה. אבל יש ווסתות אחרות שחוששים אליהם מתי שנקבעו, או שנקבעו לחומר, כווסת הסירוג והדילוג ואכמ"ל. [אם כוונתך לימי המבוכה שדנו בזה הפוסקים ע"פ הבנת הנוב"י ברמ"א סי' קפ"ד סעיף ב'-… כל עוד ואין ווסת קבוע אין לחשוש יותר מזה. אבל יש ווסתות אחרות שחוששים אליהם מתי שנקבעו, או שנקבעו לחומר, כווסת הסירוג והדילוג ואכמ"ל. [אם כוונתך לימי המבוכה שדנו בזה הפוסקים ע"פ הבנת הנוב"י ברמ"א סי' קפ"ד סעיף ב'- הובא בפת"ש שם- הרי אדה"ז נוקט כשיטת הש"ך בהבנת דברי הרמ"א ואין לחשוש לזה]. #6869Show more
Yes. Sources: מהטעמים למנהג זה - עי׳ פרישה באו״ח סי׳ תכ״ו ס״ק ג׳ ובמג״א ס״ק…
Permitted. Sources: ראה סוטה י"ד ע"א, ונדרים דף ל"ט ע"ב -…
He should recite the following Tehillim: תהלים: א, ב, ג, ד, כ, כא, כב, כג, כד, לג, מז, עב, פו, צ, צא, צב, צג, קד, קיב, קיג כו' עד הסוף. Source: ספר התולדות אדמו״ר מהר״ש בתחילתו. ויצויין, שבכ״מ… He should recite the following Tehillim: תהלים: א, ב, ג, ד, כ, כא, כב, כג, כד, לג, מז, עב, פו, צ, צא, צב, צג, קד, קיב, קיג כו' עד הסוף. Source: ספר התולדות אדמו״ר מהר״ש בתחילתו. ויצויין, שבכ״מ שהועתקו מזמורי תהלים הנ״ל הושמטו פרקים אחדים בטעות. #6568 (2)Show more
Question: I know that Seforim should not be laid upside-down—does the same apply for Pamphlets containing Torah (for example, “L’chaim,” "Sichat Hashavua,” and weekly-Parsha booklets printed in 770 for Krias Hatorah)? Answer: The issue here is one of… Question: I know that Seforim should not be laid upside-down—does the same apply for Pamphlets containing Torah (for example, “L’chaim,” "Sichat Hashavua,” and weekly-Parsha booklets printed in 770 for Krias Hatorah)? Answer: The issue here is one of respect for Kedusha. Laying a Sefer upside-down indicates a lack of respect for the contents written inside it. Therefore, being that most pamphlets (like the above mentioned) can be read from either side, there is no concern over their being placed “upside-down” (as they have no “downside”). In addition, one may be lenient even when the pamphlets have a clear…Show more
Question: If a Sirtuk with four corners has one of its corners folded and sewed so that it appears rounded, is it acceptable? Also, can I try-on a non-rounded Sirtuk in the store? Answer: As you correctly indicated,… Question: If a Sirtuk with four corners has one of its corners folded and sewed so that it appears rounded, is it acceptable? Also, can I try-on a non-rounded Sirtuk in the store? Answer: As you correctly indicated, a Sirtuk—as is the case with any four-cornered garment—cannot be worn (unless Tzitzits are added). Folding the corner as you mentioned, however, is not acceptable since the Sirtuk still retains all its corners (only that one is folded). The common practice is, therefore, to cut off one of the corners in such a way that it is rounded enough to…Show more
Question: I heard that a Tanya should be treated like a Chumash and should not have other Seforim placed above it. Is this true? Also, how does it work with a Chitas, which contains a Siddur (amongst other less-holy… Question: I heard that a Tanya should be treated like a Chumash and should not have other Seforim placed above it. Is this true? Also, how does it work with a Chitas, which contains a Siddur (amongst other less-holy Seforim)—is it disrespectful to place it on top of a Chumash or Tanya? And for the same reason, can I place a Chitas on top of another Chitas? Answer: Firstly, yes, a Tanya should be treated like a Chumash in this regard (the Rebbe was seen removing Tanya’s from atop Chumashim and vice versa). Regarding a Chitas, it should…Show more
Questions: 1) Do I need to make a new Brocha if I change my Tzitzis midday (after exercise, for example)? 2a) If I merely try-on a pair of Tzitizis, or otherwise plan to soon take them off—is a Brocha… Questions: 1) Do I need to make a new Brocha if I change my Tzitzis midday (after exercise, for example)? 2a) If I merely try-on a pair of Tzitizis, or otherwise plan to soon take them off—is a Brocha still required? 2b) What if I try them on over another pair of Tzitzis? Do I need to make a Brocha for both pairs? Answers: 1) Yes. A new Mitzvah is performed every time one wears a four-cornered garment with Tzitzis. Therefore, a Bracha should be made each time one puts on Tzitzis. 2-a) Yes. As long as one…Show more
Question: I came across a job opportunity that would have me helping needy people in towns across the United States. There is just one problem, it seems the accommodations provided will be in the local churches. Can I take… Question: I came across a job opportunity that would have me helping needy people in towns across the United States. There is just one problem, it seems the accommodations provided will be in the local churches. Can I take the job? Answer: Merely entering, let alone sleeping in a church, is prohibited. Therefore, if you cannot organize other sleeping arrangements, you may not accept the job. Sources: ראה שו"ע יו"ד סי' קמ"ט סעי' ב' ברמ"א ובש"ך…Show more
Regarding the milchig fork: if the chicken was still when the fork was inserted in the chicken, the fork needs to be kashered; if it wasn't so hot, the fork is fine and needs to be cleaned. The… Regarding the milchig fork: if the chicken was still when the fork was inserted in the chicken, the fork needs to be kashered; if it wasn't so hot, the fork is fine and needs to be cleaned. The fleishig bowl is fine. Sources: ט״ז יו''ד צד, יד. ושם, שבדבר גוש כשאין דוחקא…Show more
Question: I noticed that it says in the Siddur before Sholom Aleichem in the small print “that upon arriving home, say the Sholom Aleichem”. I wanted to know the meaning; Does it mean that the minute one comes… Question: I noticed that it says in the Siddur before Sholom Aleichem in the small print “that upon arriving home, say the Sholom Aleichem”. I wanted to know the meaning; Does it mean that the minute one comes home they need to start the Sholom Aleichem? Answer: It doesn't have to be the minute you walk in, you can take off your coat, wish everyone a Good Shabbos, etc. Indeed, the Arizal writes to wish Shabbas Shalom immediately upon coming home. Beyond that, it shouldn’t be delayed unnecessarily, especially as this is a greeting for malochim who…Show more
אם בלעת את מה שליקקת את צריכה להמתין, אם ירקת את זה מהפה מיד, את לא צריכה, אבל יש לשטוף את הפה. מקורות: בנדו״ז שליחך בלשונו, עדיף מלועס לתינוק, וכש״כ כשאינו בשר…
Question: Does Halachah state that one should spend money on having a nice Menorah (like an Esrog, tefillin, etc.)? Does it matter what kind of Menorah you use (tin disposable, chrome plated, expensive silver)? Answer: According to Halachah,… Question: Does Halachah state that one should spend money on having a nice Menorah (like an Esrog, tefillin, etc.)? Does it matter what kind of Menorah you use (tin disposable, chrome plated, expensive silver)? Answer: According to Halachah, a wax candle is considered to be a wick in a wax container. Technically, there is no need to insert the candle into a holder—a Menorah. Nevertheless, Chazal tell us that mitzvos are to be performed in a beautiful manner, in the spirit of Zeh Keili ve-anveihu (“This is my G-d and I will glorify Him”) and this extends also…Show more
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