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Question: Over Pesach I found some Kefulos and Nefuchos Matzahs - Was I supposed to burn them? I still have them. Should I burn them now? Throw them out? Eat them? Answer: If they were indeed Kefulah or… Question: Over Pesach I found some Kefulos and Nefuchos Matzahs - Was I supposed to burn them? I still have them. Should I burn them now? Throw them out? Eat them? Answer: If they were indeed Kefulah or Nefucha - there are specific guidelines what constitutes Kefulah or Nefucha - they were supposed to be burned, provided it was not Shabbos or Yom Tov. However, now after Pesach, there’s no need to burn them anymore and they may be eaten. מקור: שו״ע אדה״ז תסא, כא. שם כט. #3983 Show more
Ingredients are potato starch, potato flour, corn starch, Spanish powder, tomato paste, & assorted oil. Answer: It is the right thing to be stringent and require Bishul Yisroel. These chips are different than regular potato chips since during… Ingredients are potato starch, potato flour, corn starch, Spanish powder, tomato paste, & assorted oil. Answer: It is the right thing to be stringent and require Bishul Yisroel. These chips are different than regular potato chips since during the process they were already cooked like regular potatoes, even though they are dried afterward and made into starch. Thus, it is problematic even for those who would argue that potato chips are fine, since the original Issur when it was cooked by a non-Jew remains. Those who allow it use certain leniencies and some claim it’s better than potato…Show more
The answer below is in general terms only and not about your specific situation. Under ordinary circumstances, a Mosad would/should always ask local Rabbonim about such matters and share with all the teachers the identity of the Rav so… The answer below is in general terms only and not about your specific situation. Under ordinary circumstances, a Mosad would/should always ask local Rabbonim about such matters and share with all the teachers the identity of the Rav so everything should be transparent. Where a specific teacher is uncomfortable with a policy in the Mosad, he could be given the option to discuss it with the Rabbonim of the place/Mosad, thus avoiding anarchy. Bichlal, it’s Kedai to allow an individual to follow his personal religious preferences and not try to force upon him behaviors that are inconsistent with his…Show more
I’m assuming you are discussing preschool children. This is permissible for two reasons: Since they are below the age of Chinuch. Since it’s to put them to sleep. Still, it’s an educationally sound practice not to play music even… I’m assuming you are discussing preschool children. This is permissible for two reasons: Since they are below the age of Chinuch. Since it’s to put them to sleep. Still, it’s an educationally sound practice not to play music even for little kids though they haven’t reached the formal stage of Chinuch. There are other non musical options available out there. טעמים ומקורות: בנוגע לקטנים שלא הגיעו לחנוך - ראה בשאלה 3797. להרדים התינוקות - ראה כעי״ז משנ״ב תקס בשעה״צ כה - לענין כלי זמר אחר החורבן (אלא ששם צירף עוד טעמים לקולא. ואולי ס״ל שג״ז בגדר שמחה). ואפי׳…Show more
An additional covering is required L’Chatchilla. טעמים ומקורות: שוע"ר מ, ח שספרי קודש צריכים ב' כיסויים. ומשמע קצת שאין הכריכה נחשב הכיסוי אחד מסעיף ב' שם בענין ספרים הקבועים בלוחות שהלוחות אינן דומות לכיס לפי שהן מחוברות לסידור… An additional covering is required L’Chatchilla. טעמים ומקורות: שוע"ר מ, ח שספרי קודש צריכים ב' כיסויים. ומשמע קצת שאין הכריכה נחשב הכיסוי אחד מסעיף ב' שם בענין ספרים הקבועים בלוחות שהלוחות אינן דומות לכיס לפי שהן מחוברות לסידור והרי הן כסידור עצמו, ולכאו׳ י״ל דה"ה לכריכות. אבל ראה שאלה 1677. וש״נ. ולהעיר גם מאג"ק חי"א ע' שה. ולענין ההיתר באם יש בארון נפח מ' סאה (עיין משנ"ב מ, סקל"ג) - להעיר שאינו נזכר בשוע"ר סעיף ג. ויש לעיין אם יש היתר אם קבוע בכותל במסמרים ע"ד המתבאר בסעיף ה שם לענין מזוזה שמחלק רשות לעצמו (וראה משנ"ב שם).…Show more
Badatz Mezuzah letter 5779: Hebrew English Reprint of Mezuzah Guidelines of Badatz in 5754: Hebrew English https://asktherav.com/article-how-to-choose-a-sofer/
When purchasing STAM (Sifrei Torah, Tefilin, Mezuzos, Megilos), we must heed the words of the Shulchan Aruch, “Tzarich lihiyos me’oid yarei Shomayim v’choraid lidvar Hashem hamisasek bekesivas hatefilin v’tikunon.” One involved in writing and fixing STAM must have a… When purchasing STAM (Sifrei Torah, Tefilin, Mezuzos, Megilos), we must heed the words of the Shulchan Aruch, “Tzarich lihiyos me’oid yarei Shomayim v’choraid lidvar Hashem hamisasek bekesivas hatefilin v’tikunon.” One involved in writing and fixing STAM must have a high degree of fear of Heaven and tremble at the word of G-d. Before we choose a sofer it is crucial to inquire whether he has high standards and is careful to abide by all the halachos scrupulously, that he has a sterling reputation, as well as a ksav kabbalah confirming that rabbonim have attested that he is qualified to…Show more
For example: Discussing תפארת שבתפארת after Shkia but before Maariv of מוצאי בדר''ח אייר. Answer: There is no halachic issue with this. However, there is a Sicha of the Previous Rebbe which can be interpreted to mean there… For example: Discussing תפארת שבתפארת after Shkia but before Maariv of מוצאי בדר''ח אייר. Answer: There is no halachic issue with this. However, there is a Sicha of the Previous Rebbe which can be interpreted to mean there was a custom by Chassidim not to do so (although this is far from clear). ראה סה״ש תש״ח ע' 223. #3939Show more
.לא רק שמותר, אלא זה גם חובה #3944
The matter depends. In general recreational drugs are against Halacha, as we find that the Poskim forbade taking substances like marijuana for a range of reasons (see below), including the reason that one should not extra indulge themselves in… The matter depends. In general recreational drugs are against Halacha, as we find that the Poskim forbade taking substances like marijuana for a range of reasons (see below), including the reason that one should not extra indulge themselves in worldly pleasures. There is no blanket answer regarding taking substances for depression and end of life issues. Certainly one shouldn’t do something which is illegal (Dina Demalchusa Dina). If the substance is legal for the patient and truly needed for medical reasons like tremendous pain, then medical advice should be obtained from a professional doctor. טעמים ומקורות: בפסחים קיג,…Show more
שאלות: א. האם נוהגים להחמיר וליטול ידיים גם אחרי שינת עראי של 3 דק' המוזכר בקצוה"ש סי' ב סק"א? ב. האם דין שינת עראי היא גם כשלא ישן במיטה? ג. האם יש ליטול ידיים סמוך למיטה גם בשינה ביום?… שאלות: א. האם נוהגים להחמיר וליטול ידיים גם אחרי שינת עראי של 3 דק' המוזכר בקצוה"ש סי' ב סק"א? ב. האם דין שינת עראי היא גם כשלא ישן במיטה? ג. האם יש ליטול ידיים סמוך למיטה גם בשינה ביום? (אז נדברו סי' נד). תשובות: א. ההכרעה המקובלת להחמיר רק בשינה של חצי שעה או יותר. [ויש שכתבו שראוי להחמיר בזה אפילו בישן [פחות מג' מנוטין] רק דקה ו-12 שניות - עיין בטעמים ומקורות]. ב. כן, גם כשישן על כיסא וכדומה. ג. המנהג להקל בשינה ביום בהליכה ד׳ אמות. ויש שהחמירו. טעמים ומקורות: עיין בקצות השולחן סימן ב' סק"א שראוי…Show more
Upon awaking in the morning we wash Negel Vasser (ritual washing of the hands in an alternating right/left pattern) to remove the vestiges of impurity acquired while we slept. But what about napping during the day—is the washing in… Upon awaking in the morning we wash Negel Vasser (ritual washing of the hands in an alternating right/left pattern) to remove the vestiges of impurity acquired while we slept. But what about napping during the day—is the washing in the morning due to a Ruach Ra (a harmful spirit) that may have affected us during our nighttime sleep, or is any sleep, even during the daytime, cause for spiritual cleansing? The recommended practice is to wash Negel Vasser even when waking from a daytime nap, though we do so without a Brachah. But not all naps qualify; the measure…Show more
One should not sleep during the day longer than what is called Sheinas Ha’Sus, the duration of time that a horse sleeps. Daytime is for learning Torah, not for sleeping. There are various opinions in Halachah whether Sheinas Ha’Sus… One should not sleep during the day longer than what is called Sheinas Ha’Sus, the duration of time that a horse sleeps. Daytime is for learning Torah, not for sleeping. There are various opinions in Halachah whether Sheinas Ha’Sus is just over three minutes, a half-hour, an hour, or three hours. The two widely-held opinions are a half-hour and an hour. There are some exceptions, such as if one has a need to take a nap in order to serve Hashem better if they are ill or overly tired. But as a rule, people should sleep at night, not…Show more
Yes. Halachicaly cousins may marry. In countries and states that do not allow such marriages, it would not be accepted Halachicaly either. The genetic problems should be considered as well. See also Halachic Article #823. #3887
There are various reasons a person would undergo genetic testing. For those suffering from certain conditions—both children and adults—the presence of chromosomal mutations may reveal a diagnosis (or prognosis) for follow-up medical care. Genetic testing can also prevent two… There are various reasons a person would undergo genetic testing. For those suffering from certain conditions—both children and adults—the presence of chromosomal mutations may reveal a diagnosis (or prognosis) for follow-up medical care. Genetic testing can also prevent two carriers of certain medical conditions from marrying each other, thereby averting the heartbreak of bearing affected offspring. Contemporary Poskim ask: are these tests halachically sanctioned? These are the arguments against testing: In connection with the prohibited practice of consulting seers and psychics, the Torah says, “Tamim Tihyeh Im Hashem Elokecha” (Be complete [i.e., trusting] in Hashem, your G-d). Does this…Show more
If you put it on the Blech before Shabbos, you may even put something which is not cooked Kimachol Ben Drusoie. However, so long it’s not fully cooked, you may not put it back on the Blech on Shabbos,… If you put it on the Blech before Shabbos, you may even put something which is not cooked Kimachol Ben Drusoie. However, so long it’s not fully cooked, you may not put it back on the Blech on Shabbos, once you take it off. (This principle applies to anytime you take off something from a blech on Shabbos). #3888 Show more
Full Question: I had a babysitter on Thursday night, Friday night, and Shabbos day. We never agreed on the amount of money paid per hour. Can I tell her that we’re only paying her for Thursday night and I… Full Question: I had a babysitter on Thursday night, Friday night, and Shabbos day. We never agreed on the amount of money paid per hour. Can I tell her that we’re only paying her for Thursday night and I pay her a lot more than what I decided? And the total is going to be as if I paid her the amount that I decided per hour for Thursday and Friday and Shabbos day? Answer: If she babysits some time for free then you can pay her only for Thursday and for Shabbos would be for free. However…Show more
תנקה את החמץ במים קרים ותוכל להשתמש. #3897
It is forbidden to send gifts to an Avel during Shloshim (YD 385:3). If your main intention is not to provide the meal as a gesture, but rather, to help the Avel manage during this difficult time, you… It is forbidden to send gifts to an Avel during Shloshim (YD 385:3). If your main intention is not to provide the meal as a gesture, but rather, to help the Avel manage during this difficult time, you may wish to think of other ways to achieve this goal. For example, you could arrange with the restaurant that the Avel will pick up her meal and put the bill on an account and that you will come and pay the account afterward. In this way, you are not giving her a gift, but rather, paying her bills, which…Show more
One may cut a Sheitel during Sefira. טעמים ומקורות: דינו כמו בגדים ואינו בגדר תספורת. עיין מה שכתבנו בשאלה #679 לענין ט' הימים. #3904
A Sheitel has the status of a garment and should therefore not be washed in the nine days. If one has no other Sheitel and the Sheitel is in need of being washed, one may be lenient, especially in… A Sheitel has the status of a garment and should therefore not be washed in the nine days. If one has no other Sheitel and the Sheitel is in need of being washed, one may be lenient, especially in the week before Tisha B'av. Combing a Sheitel or even setting it, is permissible. One may even use special sprays etc. for setting it, if necessary. Cutting a sheitel is permissible, especially as it is often an enhancement of Tznius. טעמים ומקורות: כיבוס פאה - מבית לוי (תשע״ג) ע׳ שפא. מבית לוי בין המצרים ע׳ יד. רבבות אפרים ו,…Show more
There are no specific customs that I am familiar of. It’s interesting to note that R’ Yochanan after losing his ten sons carried with him as a memorial the tooth of his tenth son (according to Rabeinu Chananel and… There are no specific customs that I am familiar of. It’s interesting to note that R’ Yochanan after losing his ten sons carried with him as a memorial the tooth of his tenth son (according to Rabeinu Chananel and Rashbam’s interpretation of Baba Basra 116a, because it doesn’t transfer impurity). There is an interesting custom mentioned in שו"ת משנה הלכות חלק טז סי' קיג, although I have not seen this custom be kept. #3920Show more
From the picture, it seems like the Achsadra has two walls, not three. In any case, a Mezuzah should be placed on the right side (from the perspective of someone facing the house), without a Brocho. טעמים ומקורות:… From the picture, it seems like the Achsadra has two walls, not three. In any case, a Mezuzah should be placed on the right side (from the perspective of someone facing the house), without a Brocho. טעמים ומקורות: פטור דאכסדרה (מנחות לג, ב) היינו משום שהעמודים עשויים לחיזוק תקרה, משא"כ בנדו"ד שיש ראש כותל מצד ימין וגם משקוף בולט, לכן יש לקבוע מזוזה כדעת הרא"ש, בלי ברכה כמובן. ובמק״א, בשאלה 2124 הארכנו, בהשקו״ט בדעת הרא״ש בהחילוק בין אכסדרה שהעמודים לחזוק התקרה ופטור ממזוזה לדין ראשי כתלים. וכמה אופנים בדבר. ועיקר הענין לחלק, אם הוא לשם פתח או לחיזוק.…Show more
A knot and a bow on top of it is permitted, however, a double knot is אסור. ראה אדה"ז סימן שיז סעיף ג. #3941
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