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You should recite the Brachah of Hagomel with Shem U'Malchus when flying over the Gulf of Mexico since one is traveling over an ocean to another country. Sources: ראה שו״ע או״ח ריט, א, ובמשנ״ב שם בבה״ל ד״ה…
They are both fine without a Hechsher. However, you should only use the unflavored kind. #2117
Q. Are we allowed to buy children's books/Seforim before our baby is born? A. In this case, where it is for a Mitzvah, it is certainly OK. Read on for a general discussion on this topic: Although some… Q. Are we allowed to buy children's books/Seforim before our baby is born? A. In this case, where it is for a Mitzvah, it is certainly OK. Read on for a general discussion on this topic: Although some have the custom to refrain from buying clothing and other items for a baby until it is born, there is no explicit Torah source supporting this tradition. Some suggest that it is psychologically motivated; If Hashem has other plans and the pregnancy has a different outcome, Chas V’shalom, having these items would be painful for the mother. Others suggest that…Show more
Question: A potential client wants my help legalizing their place of business (getting DOB permits, having various violations removed, etc), which happens to be an adult entertainment store. Am I allowed to do the work? Answer: Strictly speaking,… Question: A potential client wants my help legalizing their place of business (getting DOB permits, having various violations removed, etc), which happens to be an adult entertainment store. Am I allowed to do the work? Answer: Strictly speaking, there is room to permit working with such a client for pay, since they could go to another lawyer if you refuse to work with them. Additionally, non-Jews who would be the basic potential customers of such an establishment are not commanded on Hirhur (having immodest thoughts; see Rivevos Efraim 5:491). Nonetheless, it is advisable to be stringent in this…Show more
Yes. At least have them do the nails not in order. This is accomplished by never doing two in a row. Also, they shouldn’t begin with the pinky or the middle finger. It is advisable, if possible, not to… Yes. At least have them do the nails not in order. This is accomplished by never doing two in a row. Also, they shouldn’t begin with the pinky or the middle finger. It is advisable, if possible, not to start with the thumb either. Sources: לא מצאתי מפורש בזה. ומסברא אחד המקיף ואחד הניקף…Show more
The seat was down. Is it still fit for drinking? Answer: Although L'chatchilah one should not bring food or drink into the bathroom, if it was done, it can still be consumed. Sources: ראה שו״ת מנחת יצחק ח"ג סי' סג. וראה אצלנו…
No. Sources: שו״ע או״ח צו, א. אדה״ז שם. …
Question: Is it permitted to use a competitor's URL in Google Ads (PPC - pay per click), so as to get others searching for the competitor to go to my site? Note that Google has a specific targeting campaign… Question: Is it permitted to use a competitor's URL in Google Ads (PPC - pay per click), so as to get others searching for the competitor to go to my site? Note that Google has a specific targeting campaign called "client intent" (or something similar), which is structured specifically to catch the competitor's traffic, and is used by many of the largest advertisers (e.g. Costco, Walmart, etc.). If it is permitted, is it wrong Hashkafically? Does it show a lack of Emunah? Answer: Firstly, one needs to know if this specific trick is legal. If it is illegal,…Show more
Cheese was melted in a Fleishig microwave. What should I do? It must be Kashered. See below. Article #367: Kashering a Microwave Kashering a microwave from Milchigs to Fleishigs or from Fleishigs to Milchigs on a regular… Cheese was melted in a Fleishig microwave. What should I do? It must be Kashered. See below. Article #367: Kashering a Microwave Kashering a microwave from Milchigs to Fleishigs or from Fleishigs to Milchigs on a regular basis is not appropriate, since it is a generally accepted custom not to Kasher regularly back and forth. However, if inadvertently something Fleishig was put into a Milchig microwave or vice versa, the Halachah is that one should wait twenty-four hours until the microwave is no longer a Ben Yomo, and then it can be Kashered. There are two ways…Show more
Yes. See here for a similar -but different- case: https://asktherav.com/32094-can-an-avel-who-has-yartzeit-on-chanukah-lead-the-minyan-with-hallel/ Sources: פשוט, שעיקר השקו״ט הוא בנוגע לאבל באמירת הלל, כיון…
Question: I have a certain credit card that gives me rewards that can be turned into money. If I have 100,000 points those points are worth $1000. The company gives me two choices: 1) Get a $1000 check. 2)… Question: I have a certain credit card that gives me rewards that can be turned into money. If I have 100,000 points those points are worth $1000. The company gives me two choices: 1) Get a $1000 check. 2) Make purchases on the credit card and use the 100,000 points to pay $1000 towards the credit card bill. Now, I used the credit card to give $1000 to Tzedakah because I need to give $1000 Ma'aser. Can I pay the $1000 bill with the points directly? Or do I first need to turn those 100,000 points into actual money,…Show more
The clothes may be used. Regarding food, some Poskim say that B'dieved they can be used. However, there are those who are wary of a Chashash Sakanah. There are those that suggest to rinse it three times before using.… The clothes may be used. Regarding food, some Poskim say that B'dieved they can be used. However, there are those who are wary of a Chashash Sakanah. There are those that suggest to rinse it three times before using. See here for more details. Sources: מ"ב סי' ד ס"ק יד וב קצוה"ש סי' ב…Show more
A man should not take voice lessons from a woman if this can be done through a man. If she will actually be singing, it is forbidden for a man to hear the singing. Sources: גם כשאין איסור קול אשה, אין להזדקק לכתחילה למצב…
The flames of the Menorah must be situated at least three Tefachim (approximately 10 inches) from the floor. The Menorah should not be positioned higher than ten Tefachim (approximately 31 inches). Many Poskim say that it is sufficient if… The flames of the Menorah must be situated at least three Tefachim (approximately 10 inches) from the floor. The Menorah should not be positioned higher than ten Tefachim (approximately 31 inches). Many Poskim say that it is sufficient if part of the body of the Menorah is below ten Tefachim, even if the flames are above ten Tefachim. It is not the Chabad custom to specifically position them between seven and ten Tefachim, or close to three. In the event that one did light the menorah above ten Tefachim, he has fulfilled his obligation. However, if one lit twenty…Show more
You should relight them, without a Bracha, if any of them go out before 50 minutes. #2065
It is better to light at home, even if after midnight, if some family members are awake. #2066
If the teachers are in the category that they may receive Tzedaka - as often is the case - then it may be taken from Maaser money. However, if it is an expectation that parents give, then in such… If the teachers are in the category that they may receive Tzedaka - as often is the case - then it may be taken from Maaser money. However, if it is an expectation that parents give, then in such a case it is like an obligation and Maaser money should not be used. Question 2: What if there is an expectation to join, as all the other parents are giving together, but the one meant to give needs Tzedaka herself? Answer 2: Assuming the teacher is in the category of receiving Tzedaka, the question is, is a…Show more
Light without a Brachah. Of course we are not advising to go against hospital protocol, especially since there is a potential danger here C"V. You should coordinate with those in charge so that it should be done in the… Light without a Brachah. Of course we are not advising to go against hospital protocol, especially since there is a potential danger here C"V. You should coordinate with those in charge so that it should be done in the safest and most cautious manner. Sources: לכמה דעות בימינו שמדליקים בפנים א״צ שיעור. וראה שו״ת…Show more
She should be Yotzei from you, but she should watch someone in Shul lighting and answer Amen. #2007
If the Menorah was moved to a different location in the same area, one is Yotzei B'dieved. Some permit it even L'chatchilla. After 50 minutes, one may certainly move it. For safety issues, one may move the Menorah. If… If the Menorah was moved to a different location in the same area, one is Yotzei B'dieved. Some permit it even L'chatchilla. After 50 minutes, one may certainly move it. For safety issues, one may move the Menorah. If possible, one should move it to a place that is not significantly further from its original place. However, initially one should light the Menorah in a way that it will not need to be moved later at all. Sources: ראה מג״א רסג, כג. מחה״ש תרעא, ז. ערוה״ש תרעה,…Show more
One person may light in the Chabad House with a Brachah as Pirusmei Nisa, but this does not dispense him from his personal obligation to light the Menorah at home/ dormitory. The remainder of people may not light there… One person may light in the Chabad House with a Brachah as Pirusmei Nisa, but this does not dispense him from his personal obligation to light the Menorah at home/ dormitory. The remainder of people may not light there with a Brachah, as according to many Poskim one is not Yotzei if they light out of their home even if they are eating there, if they are just eating there temporarily. If they are sleeping there for the night, they may light there with a Brachah. If they cannot find a way around the fire regulations at the dorm,…Show more
Correct. It is kosher, but not ideal. Question 2: What about refined olive oil? Is only extra virgin olive oil ideal? Answer 2: They are all kosher L'chatchilla, but extra virgin is ideal. Sources: כ״כ רבי יצחק סגי נהור בן הראב"ד בקונטרס סוד…
If the Tzedakah money had not been designated to a particular recipient, no one has a claim to it; thus the one that was holding the money doesn’t have the status of a Shomer, and is not obligated to… If the Tzedakah money had not been designated to a particular recipient, no one has a claim to it; thus the one that was holding the money doesn’t have the status of a Shomer, and is not obligated to replace it, even if they were negligent. There is, however, room for stringency Latzeis Yedei Shamayim (to do the right thing). Sources: ב״ק צג, א. שו״ע חו״מ שא, ו. וראה ש״ך…Show more
You should light at the entrance of the main room, even if it has no Mezuzah. Sources: לא מצינו בשום דוכתא שיש להדר להדליק בפתח שי״ב…
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