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  Besimcha.   Sources: This is our custom and is based on a…
  Yes. As long as you push lightly and the swing doesn't move more than four Amos (Aprox. 5.5 feet). Same rule applies even if there is a fence, if the park is larger than 1150 square meters. See here.…  Yes. As long as you push lightly and the swing doesn't move more than four Amos (Aprox. 5.5 feet). Same rule applies even if there is a fence, if the park is larger than 1150 square meters. See here. Of course, this is all provided the swing isn’t attached to a tree which involves a separate prohibition.   Sources: לשים התינוק - ה"ז מכרמלית (שהרי אינו מקום הילוך…Show more
  Question: I have been נוהג all these years, since 5755, דוקא NOT to take an עלי' לתורה on the Shabbos before 3 Tammuz and on 3 Tammuz itself so as not to make it appear that it is a…  Question: I have been נוהג all these years, since 5755, דוקא NOT to take an עלי' לתורה on the Shabbos before 3 Tammuz and on 3 Tammuz itself so as not to make it appear that it is a yartzeit. However, this year I am in אבילות and I take an aliyah every Shabbos and Mon, Thurs. if possible. My question is if I can take an aliyah this Shabbos and on 3 Tammuz, and if yes, do I have to do התרת נדרים first?   Answer: If it is only for this year and you did not…Show more

Can one use an egg slicer on Shabbos?

  There are different opinions on the matter. If the slices are slightly thick, or the slicer is designed only for eggs, it’s permitted.   Sources: בביצים אין משום טחינה. ומ״מ יש שכתבו לאסור, כמו…

Atifa Vekitfa Prayer Before Relations

  Question: Does a woman say atifa vekitfa after kiras shema before zivug? Do we say the last few words that are in parentheses after atifa?   Answer: A woman doesn’t say this paragraph. The last words in…  Question: Does a woman say atifa vekitfa after kiras shema before zivug? Do we say the last few words that are in parentheses after atifa?   Answer: A woman doesn’t say this paragraph. The last words in the parentheses don’t have to be said.   משמעות לשון הזוהר ויקרא דף יט. וע״ע שיקדש עצמו ע׳ 59.   #8470Show more

Does a Challah board need Toiveling?

  The Challah board is glass on wood and silver plated.   Answer: It should be Toiveld, but WITHOUT a Bracha.   Reasoning: A Challah board is considered a kli Seudah -  a vessel used by a meal, thus…  The Challah board is glass on wood and silver plated.   Answer: It should be Toiveld, but WITHOUT a Bracha.   Reasoning: A Challah board is considered a kli Seudah -  a vessel used by a meal, thus it requires Tevilah. Wooden vessels are exempt from Tevilah. Glass and silver (plated) require Tevilah. A wooden vessel covered with a materiel which requires Tevilah should be Toiveled without a Bracha. In the case of a Challah board, it isn't clear whether indeed no Bracha should be recited, being that the glass might actually be considered the "main" part of…Show more
  Poskim do bring that one should make an effort to use kemach yafa (white flour) when baking challahs, in order to honor Shabbos. It is OK to use whole grain flour because of health reasons.   Sources: ע״פ דין גם בימות החול מהודר יותר, שבנקי יותר…
  When waking a friend for Shema in the morning and he would not be willing to say Berochos before Shema. Should I wake him up and tell him to just lean on his left in bed and say Shema?  When waking a friend for Shema in the morning and he would not be willing to say Berochos before Shema. Should I wake him up and tell him to just lean on his left in bed and say Shema?    Yes. But he should say at least Birchas Hatorah. Even just one beracha of Birchas Hatorah. Even if he’s not willing to do that, you should still wake him up to say Shema.   What if he wouldn't either want to wash negal vasser, or I'm waking up a lot of Bochurim and don't have time to bringShow more
  There are various sources that indicate that this was a common practice amongst tzadikim, due to the holiness of their beard. However in more recent times, many Poskim have decried this custom, especially when placing into a sefer  There are various sources that indicate that this was a common practice amongst tzadikim, due to the holiness of their beard. However in more recent times, many Poskim have decried this custom, especially when placing into a sefer that does not belong to oneself, due to its being repulsive, disrespect to the sefer, causing bitul Torah (prevents others from using it), etc. This is especially true if one would normally throw the hair away, but places it in a sefer only while learning.   Sources: להעיר משו"ע אדה"ז כא, א, שיניח הציצית בספר לסימן.…Show more

Men Greeting Woman

  Question: It’s known that a man should not say hello to a woman. What if she said hello to me, what do I do? And is a man allowed to say hello to his niece and sister in-law?  …  Question: It’s known that a man should not say hello to a woman. What if she said hello to me, what do I do? And is a man allowed to say hello to his niece and sister in-law?   Answer: In a place where the custom is to say hello to a women, it is commendable to say hello as well as reply to greetings, as this is not a greeting that contains any promiscuity, or affection, and on the contrary may result in a desecration of G-d’s name. In a place where it’s not the custom, its prohibited…Show more

Women Spitting & Bowing By Aleinu

  Question: Are women and girls suppose to spit when they say להבל ולריק? Also, regarding bowing by ואנחנו כורעים, what is the proper way for that to be done? When do we bend the knees, and when do we…  Question: Are women and girls suppose to spit when they say להבל ולריק? Also, regarding bowing by ואנחנו כורעים, what is the proper way for that to be done? When do we bend the knees, and when do we bow?   Answer: Spitting: Yes. Both men and women obviously must do it in the way that is sensitive to other people around. https://asktherav.com/10171-women-spiting-by-aleinu/ Bowing: There are different opinions on this matter. However, the accepted position is to bow even slightly. Nonetheless, it appears as though the Rebbe did not bow (see however sources below). Many Anash don’t bow either.…Show more
  Bread is given special status, and therefore may not be thrown around, even if it will not become repugnant when one throws it. Once it’s spoiled or inedible, it may be tossed in a respectful manner. The wrapping in…  Bread is given special status, and therefore may not be thrown around, even if it will not become repugnant when one throws it. Once it’s spoiled or inedible, it may be tossed in a respectful manner. The wrapping in a bag is for this reason and also this way we don’t directly destroy it. This should be done with other foods too, if tossed in an unclean area and still edible.   https://asktherav.com/article-28-respect-for-bread/ Sources: או״ח קע״א א. וראה עץ השדה יט, ב.  …Show more
  Full Question: I read on AskTheRav that the Alter Rebbe says that since the Bris one who doesn't allow your baby to touch food without Negel Vasser is considered holy. (See here) We've been washing my baby Negel Vasser…  Full Question: I read on AskTheRav that the Alter Rebbe says that since the Bris one who doesn't allow your baby to touch food without Negel Vasser is considered holy. (See here) We've been washing my baby Negel Vasser since he was born. Since he is so little and moves around many times his Negel Vasser doesn't cover the whole hand and is not done perfectly. Also he sleeps multiple times a day. Do I need to wash him every time he wakes up and make sure it's a perfect Negel Vasser before he touches food? In other words…Show more

I am the new owner of a food store…

  Question: I am the new owner of a food store. The previous owner had a organization pay for the glass near the register in exchange for being able to put their pushka there. However, the guy who did this…  Question: I am the new owner of a food store. The previous owner had a organization pay for the glass near the register in exchange for being able to put their pushka there. However, the guy who did this did not make this agreement with me. He wants me to remove another pushka from another organization near the register. Please advise.   Answer: Assuming there was indeed such an agreement with the previous owner, you must honor the previous agreement.   Sources: מדין מה מכר ראשון לשני כל זכות שלבוא לידו,…Show more
  It permissible to roast in an electric oven with the following conditions (there are those that are stringent and necessitate that roasting be done on an actual flame). Preheat oven prior to broiling. Grill on a grate specifically for…  It permissible to roast in an electric oven with the following conditions (there are those that are stringent and necessitate that roasting be done on an actual flame). Preheat oven prior to broiling. Grill on a grate specifically for liver. ‏Place underneath it a designated tray to collect the blood (ensure that the grate doesn’t touch the tray). While grilling, the door of the oven is to remain open. Upon completion, it’s incumbent to clean the oven very well, and afterwards to self clean the oven. (The grate and tray used in the process of grilling are prohibited from…Show more

Can I use a private street Eruv?

  Full Question: This Shabbos an Eruv was constructed by a few of my neighbors. The Eruv was constructed in front of a number of houses, and included the sidewalk in front of these houses. It was built, in order…  Full Question: This Shabbos an Eruv was constructed by a few of my neighbors. The Eruv was constructed in front of a number of houses, and included the sidewalk in front of these houses. It was built, in order to make it easier for people to carry their Siddurim, to participate in a porch Minyan on their block. I know the Rabbonim have prohibited using an Eruv in our community, for various reasons. Is a sidewalk Eruv also problematic? Although it was created for current use, it's probable the Eruv will stay up indefinitely. Can I use this Eruv?…Show more
  According to Halacha, yes. You may begin from Sunday a portion of the Parasha that was read Shabbos Mincha. Nonetheless, according to Kabbalah it should be read only on Friday, the day before the entire Parasha is read from…  According to Halacha, yes. You may begin from Sunday a portion of the Parasha that was read Shabbos Mincha. Nonetheless, according to Kabbalah it should be read only on Friday, the day before the entire Parasha is read from the Torah.   Sources: שו״ע אדה״ז רפה, ה-ו.   #9221…Show more
  Being that this is a complex Halachic question involving a Sakana from Rebbi Yehuda Hachasid, you should ask three Rabbonim whether they agree that it is permitted to be done. If they agree, then sell the tree to a…  Being that this is a complex Halachic question involving a Sakana from Rebbi Yehuda Hachasid, you should ask three Rabbonim whether they agree that it is permitted to be done. If they agree, then sell the tree to a non Jew and have him do it.   Sources: אף שבפשטות מן הדין יש להתיר כשצריך למקומו לבנות…Show more
  This is not acceptable. A Rav should be consulted in extenuating circumstances.   See Shu"t Divrie Yatziv E"H 45.   https://asktherav.com/a-guide-for-a-yiddishe-summer-experience-%d7%a4%d7%a1%d7%a7%d7%99-%d7%93%d7%99%d7%a0%d7%99%d7%9d-%d7%9c%d7%91%d7%a0%d7%95%d7%aa-%d7%97%d7%91%d7%93-%d7%9e%d7%90%d7%aa-%d7%a8%d7%91%d7%a0%d7%99/
  A Guide for a Yiddishe Summer Experience פסקי דינים לבנות חב"ד    
  Question: I’ve heard that the minhag is for the Chosson to wear all new clothing by the Chuppah. What is the source for this? And does it include a coat and glasses? Also, is there an Inyan to have…  Question: I’ve heard that the minhag is for the Chosson to wear all new clothing by the Chuppah. What is the source for this? And does it include a coat and glasses? Also, is there an Inyan to have my Tefillin checked before my Chasunah?   Answer: This is a shmuah in the name of the Rebbe Rayatz, although there is strong support for this in earlier sources. It’s unlikely that this would apply to a coat or glasses, though they certainly should look presentable. Re checking tefillin before the Chasunah - I haven’t heard about this matter.   Sources: בכמה ספרים בשם אדמו״ר מוהריי״צ נ״ע. וכמדומה ששמועה זו…Show more
  Yes. In Yemei Melech (volume 2 page 638), the following is recounted: Once the Rebbe stood next to the Frierdiker Rebbe and sneezed. The latter said that the custom is to drag your ear upwards and say לישועתך קויתי…  Yes. In Yemei Melech (volume 2 page 638), the following is recounted: Once the Rebbe stood next to the Frierdiker Rebbe and sneezed. The latter said that the custom is to drag your ear upwards and say לישועתך קויתי ה' This is brought down in the name of the Shela. See the following link for more sources and discussion on this topic וראה בס׳ העיטוש בהלכה.      #8371Show more
  One is not allowed to waste any type of food intentionally. In this case it also involves disgracing food. Therefore, this practice is not allowed according to Halacha.   Sources: דין איבוד אוכלין עיין אדה״ז הלכות שמירת גו״נ ובל…
  יש ענין ללוש ולאפות בערב שבת דוקא ולפחות בליל ששי. אבל אם אין באפשרות לאפות בערב שבת, עדיף ללוש באמצע השבוע מאשר לקנות מהחנות.   מקורות: שני טעמים נתנו על לישת חלה בביתו (נוסף על…
  גם הרש״ל לא אסר מדינא ורק כתב שנהגו כן. ובנו״כ השו״ע הכריעו כולם להיתר. ולא ידוע לי על מקור ברור ע״ד מנהג אצלנו באופן אחר. וכמדומה ברור שמורי ההוראה אצלנו פוסקים תמיד כסתימת הרמ״א. ואדרבה, נתחבטו רבים ושלמים שבשו״ע…  גם הרש״ל לא אסר מדינא ורק כתב שנהגו כן. ובנו״כ השו״ע הכריעו כולם להיתר. ולא ידוע לי על מקור ברור ע״ד מנהג אצלנו באופן אחר. וכמדומה ברור שמורי ההוראה אצלנו פוסקים תמיד כסתימת הרמ״א. ואדרבה, נתחבטו רבים ושלמים שבשו״ע אדה״ז וגם בשו״ת הצ״צ משמע להתיר אפי׳ בנ״ט בר נ״ט לכתחילה כדעת המחבר. וגם בפסח מותר הנתבשל באב״י לשם פסח כשעירה לכלי של פסח, כנפסק בשו״ע אדה״ז. וכ״ה גם בשו״ת תורת שלום. ועוד, שגם בשל איסור מותר בכה״ג. וכפי שהעיר בביהגר״א על אתר. ואם קבלה היא בידם, כפי ששומעים לאחרונה על כמה מנהגים שבהשקפה ראשונה נוגדים הנפסק להלכה, הרי כללא…Show more

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