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New (without a Hechsher): There is no Halachic problem with new Teflon pots. Some, however, have a Hiddur to avoid using new Teflon pots for Pesach. Some even avoid using it throughout the year too, due to a concern… New (without a Hechsher): There is no Halachic problem with new Teflon pots. Some, however, have a Hiddur to avoid using new Teflon pots for Pesach. Some even avoid using it throughout the year too, due to a concern of a non-kosher oil primer beneath the Teflon coating. These are not Halachically mandated. Others have a hiddur of kashering it first. See similarly here: https://asktherav.com/15981-i-bought-a-pre-seasoned-frying-pan-from-amazon-does-it-need-to-be-kashered/ Used: If they were used for Treif, they should not be Kashered. Similarly, if they were used throughout the year for Chometz, they should not be Kashered and may not be used for Pesach.…Show more
The minhag is not to go to a beis hachayim during such a time. If you wish, you may go for yahrzeit with proper precautions. כה״ח או"ח תקעו. יו״ד קטז. #7196
One must ensure soaps or hand sanitizers don’t contain alcohol. All sanitizers not containing alcohol may be used on Pesach. Even if it does contain alcohol if its not denatured ethyl alcohol or if its made in North America… One must ensure soaps or hand sanitizers don’t contain alcohol. All sanitizers not containing alcohol may be used on Pesach. Even if it does contain alcohol if its not denatured ethyl alcohol or if its made in North America it may be used on Pesach. However, if nothing else is available, one may be lenient regardless due to the current circumstances and be careful to rinse their hands with cold water before touching food. #7270Show more
Wash them in the washing machine with hot water and soap, and inspect them afterwards to ensure that no chometz remains on them. אדה״ז תנג, כג. וראה שו״ת אג״מ או״ח ח״ד, קו - לגבי כביסה בוואשינג מאשין. … Wash them in the washing machine with hot water and soap, and inspect them afterwards to ensure that no chometz remains on them. אדה״ז תנג, כג. וראה שו״ת אג״מ או״ח ח״ד, קו - לגבי כביסה בוואשינג מאשין. #7272Show more
Question: In Igros Kodesh (Vol. 20 page 177) the Rebbe brings candy as an example for Mishloach Manos. My question is, doesn't the מנה need to be a כזית? Aren't candies usually less than a כזית? Answer: The… Question: In Igros Kodesh (Vol. 20 page 177) the Rebbe brings candy as an example for Mishloach Manos. My question is, doesn't the מנה need to be a כזית? Aren't candies usually less than a כזית? Answer: The choice of examples in that letter was addressed in התמים אדר תשס״א at length. From memory, the issue of kezayis has been noted there too. Three points bear mention: A kezayis is much smaller than many of us think; it’s the volume of a bit under a third of an average egg (or about half an egg, according to the…Show more
Question: In the Shul I’ll be in this Purim they put out a basket for people to give Tzedaka on Purim morning. There are none in the ladies’ section. I don’t know if they give it out on the… Question: In the Shul I’ll be in this Purim they put out a basket for people to give Tzedaka on Purim morning. There are none in the ladies’ section. I don’t know if they give it out on the same day, so I thought maybe to send to Colel Chabad both the money for the Shekalim and Matanos Laevyonim, and for my husband to just put a little bit of money in Shul to participate. Is that acceptable? If it is, when should we send the money online to Colel Chabad? Is it preferable to send before Purim so…Show more
אין לאבל לרקוד וגם בשעת הסעודה. אבל מותר לו לרקוד מעט בביתו ביחיד, אם דרכו כך בכל שנה. אם מדובר באופן שמניעתו מלרקוד תתפרש כאבילות בפרהסיא, כגון במקרה שרגיל לרקוד בפרהסיא בסעודה, מותר לרקוד כדי שלא יהיה אבלות בפרהסיא. מראה מקומות: שאין לנהוג אבלות בפרהסיא בפורים - ראה בשו"ע…
Yes, from Plag HaMincha. Sources: שולחן ערוך תרצב, ד. מי שהוא אנוס קצת ואינו יכול…
Question: May I eat or drink before hearing Megillah, once the fast is over, since I'm helping shluchim, and they may wait a while before reading the megillah after the fast is over. Answer: We should not eat… Question: May I eat or drink before hearing Megillah, once the fast is over, since I'm helping shluchim, and they may wait a while before reading the megillah after the fast is over. Answer: We should not eat a meal before Megillah reading, even for those who find fasting difficult. If there is a great need, there is room for leniency for snacking (eating fruits and vegetables and drinking non-intoxicating drinks or even mezonos if it’s less than a kebeitzah). If an individual is weak and waiting to eat can harm him —and a snack is insufficient—…Show more
Hi, I'm a single mother and I have some Purim questions: How much do I give for Matanos Levyoinim and Machatzis MaShekel? ▪ Matonos levyonim - min. a Shave Peruta - to two poor people. It is proper… Hi, I'm a single mother and I have some Purim questions: How much do I give for Matanos Levyoinim and Machatzis MaShekel? ▪ Matonos levyonim - min. a Shave Peruta - to two poor people. It is proper to add more money. ▪ Machatzis Hashekel - 3 half dollars ($1.50) in the US. Do I give for myself? ▪ Woman are obligated in giving Matonos Le'evyonim. ▪ Woman are not obligated in giving Machatzis Hashekel. However, some have a custom of giving. if one has started this custom it is considered as a vow and they have…Show more
Usually, the custom is to eat this meal after Minchah in the late afternoon, since we are busy with reading the Megillah, giving out matonos l’evyonim and mishloach manos in the morning. The meal should begin during daytime and… Usually, the custom is to eat this meal after Minchah in the late afternoon, since we are busy with reading the Megillah, giving out matonos l’evyonim and mishloach manos in the morning. The meal should begin during daytime and preferably continue into the night of Shushan Purim. It is permitted to hold his Purim Seudah in the morning instead of the afternoon if preferred. The main thing is to hold the majority of the meal during daylight hours. Someone who is running late should at least make certain to sit down to a meal and eat an amount equivalent…Show more
– FREE TRANSLATION – BH, 27 Adar 5780 To all the residents of Crown Heights, כאן צוה ה' את הברכה, שיחיו, Due to the current situation, we hereby propose the following: Everyone should join together—each person in… – FREE TRANSLATION – BH, 27 Adar 5780 To all the residents of Crown Heights, כאן צוה ה' את הברכה, שיחיו, Due to the current situation, we hereby propose the following: Everyone should join together—each person in their own home, respectively— each day at 4:00 p.m., to say the daily portion of Tehillim as it is divided by day of the week, and to give money to Tzedaka, at least a few cents. At the very least, to do so at any point throughout the day (including after Shkia—for those who did not have the opportunity…Show more
In a case of a choleh she’yesh bo sakanah (someone who is critically ill), G-d forbid, one may be lenient and say Tehillim at night, especially if it’s after chatzos. See here: https://asktherav.com/5751-may-tehillim-be-said-at-night-during-aseres-yemei-teshuva-or-is-it-only-rosh-hashana-and-yom-kippur/ In the current situation,… In a case of a choleh she’yesh bo sakanah (someone who is critically ill), G-d forbid, one may be lenient and say Tehillim at night, especially if it’s after chatzos. See here: https://asktherav.com/5751-may-tehillim-be-said-at-night-during-aseres-yemei-teshuva-or-is-it-only-rosh-hashana-and-yom-kippur/ In the current situation, Tehillim may be said at night too. #2279 #7245Show more
There are seemingly conflicting indications in the sichos about this matter. Some sichos imply that when Moshiach comes it will be okay to play instruments on Shabbos and Yom tov. Here is what we wrote in the Badatz… There are seemingly conflicting indications in the sichos about this matter. Some sichos imply that when Moshiach comes it will be okay to play instruments on Shabbos and Yom tov. Here is what we wrote in the Badatz Luach for the first day of Sukkos: Law of Redemption: The simchas beis ha'sho’eivah in the Beis Hamikdash would not take place on the first night of Sukkos because the musical instruments required for its celebration may not be played during Yom Tov by Rabbinic decree. However, the Rebbe explains* that these restrictions will no longer be relevant in the…Show more
Question: We usually daven Mincah after Kiddush on Shabbos afternoon. But now Mincha Gedola is an hour later due to time change. Can we start saying karbanos, ashrei, Kriyas hatorah - before Mincha Gedola and then… Question: We usually daven Mincah after Kiddush on Shabbos afternoon. But now Mincha Gedola is an hour later due to time change. Can we start saying karbanos, ashrei, Kriyas hatorah - before Mincha Gedola and then start Shemoneh Esrei by time of Mincha Gedola. Answer: There are different opinions on the matter, see below in the Hebrew references. There are strong arguments in favor of waiting till the time of Mincha Gedola for korbonos and Kriah too. Taking into account that the Alter Rebbe is of the opinion that bedieved if one davened Mincha…Show more
Question: As things look, it seems we may need to be making Pesach at home this year. Since Mikvaos are closed, how can we go about doing tevilas kelim for the new utensils we buy? Answer: For… Question: As things look, it seems we may need to be making Pesach at home this year. Since Mikvaos are closed, how can we go about doing tevilas kelim for the new utensils we buy? Answer: For the time being, if there are no places available to tovel keilim, one can give to a non Jew and then borrow it from them. This exempts the dishes from tevilah for the time being. This is not a solution long-term. After such time that it becomes possible to immerse the dishes, one should do so without a blessing.…Show more
Rov's Messages are now Podcasts! Rabbi Yosef Y. Braun's timely messages of Halacha and inspiration are now available in Podcast form. The Timely Messages Podcast is available via Spotify and Anchor, Google and Apple podcasts. Click here… Rov's Messages are now Podcasts! Rabbi Yosef Y. Braun's timely messages of Halacha and inspiration are now available in Podcast form. The Timely Messages Podcast is available via Spotify and Anchor, Google and Apple podcasts. Click here to join the WhatsApp group Please subscribe and share! google drive Chanukah Message: Has the Yevonim's ideology infiltrated our community? Recollections about Harav Dovid Levi a"h Weiss, on the occasion of his Yahrtzeit #55: The Vaccine Debate #51: COVID-19 Vaccination: What Does Torah Say? Click here to read a transcript #44: What if I can’t…Show more
Question: I just looked over my calendar and realized that I missed a onah beinunis and Yom onah on Yom Tov. We were away at relatives, so I wasn't with my husband on that day BH, but we were… Question: I just looked over my calendar and realized that I missed a onah beinunis and Yom onah on Yom Tov. We were away at relatives, so I wasn't with my husband on that day BH, but we were intimate after that. I have a hormonal IUD and therefore do not have a regular cycle. What do I need to do now? Answer: In terms of bedika, when missing a bedika of ona benonis, one must do a bedika afterwards asap. Until such time, one must separate. Being together without a bedika requires some level of…Show more
מנין באופן כזה אינו מועיל. ו״צריך שיהיו כל העשרה במקום אחד ושליח צבור עמהם, אבל אם מקצתם בחדר זה ומקצתם בחדר אחר אינם מצטרפים״ - שוע"ר סי' נה סעי' טו. ולכן אין לעשות כן ואינו נקרא מנין להגיד קדיש.… מנין באופן כזה אינו מועיל. ו״צריך שיהיו כל העשרה במקום אחד ושליח צבור עמהם, אבל אם מקצתם בחדר זה ומקצתם בחדר אחר אינם מצטרפים״ - שוע"ר סי' נה סעי' טו. ולכן אין לעשות כן ואינו נקרא מנין להגיד קדיש. וכדאי לסדר שבמקום שמותר עפ"י הרופאים והרבנים לעשות מנין - שמישהו יאמר קדיש בשליחותך. ונכון לשלם לו על כך. #7201Show more
Dear Rabbi, I have thought all my life that one needs to listen to Rabbi’s and doctors, but I have searched the CDC website and I have not seen a single place where it says ten people can’t gather… Dear Rabbi, I have thought all my life that one needs to listen to Rabbi’s and doctors, but I have searched the CDC website and I have not seen a single place where it says ten people can’t gather in a room or outdoors. Can you please let me know what the basis is? Thank you in advance for your time and attention. Answer: This decision was reached after discussion with local doctors and medical professionals. Followup Question: Thank you very much for your previous response, The problem I am having is, explaining it to my kids…Show more
Q. The local shuls are all closed due to coronavirus and there are no minyanim. It is possible that many, more than two, weekly public Torah parsha readings will be missed. Will we require tashlumin of many parshios… Q. The local shuls are all closed due to coronavirus and there are no minyanim. It is possible that many, more than two, weekly public Torah parsha readings will be missed. Will we require tashlumin of many parshios at one time? How many alios for the tashlumin parshios? A. If a tzibur missed krias hatorah on shabbos, they can make it up on the following shabbos. The best way to do so is, by reading for the 1st aliyah the entire previous parsha (e.g. ki sisa) along with the 1st aliyah of this week's parsha…Show more
Teffilah Betzibur can be done by joining in and Davening at the time the Tzibur are Davening, preferably at the time you know a specific Minyan is Davening, such as via 770Live. You can answer Amen, Kaddish, and Kedusha… Teffilah Betzibur can be done by joining in and Davening at the time the Tzibur are Davening, preferably at the time you know a specific Minyan is Davening, such as via 770Live. You can answer Amen, Kaddish, and Kedusha on 770Live, over the phone (718-682-0770) but not via the website, due to a short delay between the minyan and the broadcast. see here: https://asktherav.com/am-i-able-to-answer-to-%d7%a0%d7%a7%d7%93%d7%99%d7%a9%d7%9a-%d7%90%d7%9e%d7%9f-%d7%99%d7%94%d7%90-through-live-phone-or-video/Show more
Update (Rosh Chodesh Nissan): See here. Women's Mikvah: A woman who is quarantine should not go to Mikvah. In addition, stay posted with the guidelines of your local Mikvah. Men's Mikvah: A man who can not… Update (Rosh Chodesh Nissan): See here. Women's Mikvah: A woman who is quarantine should not go to Mikvah. In addition, stay posted with the guidelines of your local Mikvah. Men's Mikvah: A man who can not go to the Mikvah, can use tish’ah kabin of water - according to many opinions, this method can be achieved by taking a shower for several minutes (see further), while standing upright with your hands loosely by your heart (even if the water doesn't reach all parts of the body). [For further reading on this, see here]. Many sources hold…Show more
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