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Question: I usually eat candies and drinks with an OU on it. I wanted to know if it is OK to also eat gushers, a product which includes in it 'white grape juice concentrate'. Is there something we are… Question: I usually eat candies and drinks with an OU on it. I wanted to know if it is OK to also eat gushers, a product which includes in it 'white grape juice concentrate'. Is there something we are more careful with, as Lubavitchers, regarding Stam Yeinom, that others (and other Hashgochas) are not? Answer: There is no reason to be concerned about Stam Yeinom in this case. However, there is a non-Halachic Chumra of Reiyas Nochri that many Hechsherim are not concerned with, as it has no Halachic source. Many Chassidim are particular about this, often just…Show more
You can light at the Chassunah Seudah for Pirsumei Nisa. You would say the Brochos just as you would when you light in a Shul, Beis Hamedrish, and public Menorah lightings. However, you are not Yotzei the Mitzvah with this.…You can light at the Chassunah Seudah for Pirsumei Nisa. You would say the Brochos just as you would when you light in a Shul, Beis Hamedrish, and public Menorah lightings. However, you are not Yotzei the Mitzvah with this. To fulfill the Mitzvah you would have to light at your house.Show more
Mezonos cereals produced of risen batter from the Chameishas Minei Dagan (the five types of grain, i.e., wheat, barley, rye, oats and spelt) are considered Pas (bread product) by many Poskim, since the process resembles the production of bread.… Mezonos cereals produced of risen batter from the Chameishas Minei Dagan (the five types of grain, i.e., wheat, barley, rye, oats and spelt) are considered Pas (bread product) by many Poskim, since the process resembles the production of bread. These cereals are therefore subject to the Issur D’Rabbanan (Rabbinic prohibition) of Pas Goyim (bread of non-Jews), colloquially called Pas Akum. What are these restrictions? Is it homemade or pre-packaged bread? The Issur of Pas Akum forbids a Jew to partake of bread baked by a non-Jew in a private setting. However, Pas Palter (commercially-produced bread) is not prohibited,…Show more
Usually not. In the unusual case where there are not enough people to be mesameach the Chosson and Kallah, as the expected norm, and it is certain that the Chosson/Kallah will indeed be made happy as a result, one… Usually not. In the unusual case where there are not enough people to be mesameach the Chosson and Kallah, as the expected norm, and it is certain that the Chosson/Kallah will indeed be made happy as a result, one may use Masser money towards travel expenses. Nonetheless, one should still seek out to do this Mitzvah locally, where Tzedakah will not suffer from the expenditure. Likewise, one should attempt traveling through cheaper methods of travel, such as car, train, etc. In the event where this isn’t possible, or even if possible, but one would otherwise not go, then one…Show more
Do I make a Brachah when putting up a Mezuzah on a public property, like a school building? or a store? No. Read on for more details. Article: Mezuzos in Offices and Schools An office requires a mezuzah… Do I make a Brachah when putting up a Mezuzah on a public property, like a school building? or a store? No. Read on for more details. Article: Mezuzos in Offices and Schools An office requires a mezuzah, which should be affixed without a brachah. The law of arvus (our responsibility to see to it that other Jews perform mitzvos) dictates that if the boss is Jewish we should encourage him to put up mezuzos on all the doorways throughout the office. However, if he chooses not to, we should at least affix a mezuzah…Show more
In Shulchan Aruch it says that one may not drum, clap, or dance on Shabbos in a musical context. (It is actually a Mishna in Mesechta Baiya Perek 5 Mishna 2). Part of the reason that we have the… In Shulchan Aruch it says that one may not drum, clap, or dance on Shabbos in a musical context. (It is actually a Mishna in Mesechta Baiya Perek 5 Mishna 2). Part of the reason that we have the custom to be lenient with clapping or dancing while singing etc. is because the clapping is a part of Simcha Shel Mitzvah (as mentioned in the Magen Avraham). The same Heter exists in theory with drumming or banging on the table to the tune of a Niggun. However, this should only be done out of true Simcha which assists Avodas…Show more
The name Sahar - סהר is a relatively new name. As you mentioned, it refers to the moon which is also referred to as סהר. See Shir Hashirim (7:3), and also in the Metzudos Dovid and Metzudos Tzion. Although some…The name Sahar - סהר is a relatively new name. As you mentioned, it refers to the moon which is also referred to as סהר. See Shir Hashirim (7:3), and also in the Metzudos Dovid and Metzudos Tzion. Although some suggest that it is not advisable to choose new names which only "sound nice", certainly after a Hebrew name was already given one should not try to revoke it or change it. The Rebbe quotes from the Ariza"l (Sefer Hagilgulim in the introduction) that a name that the parents gave to their child is in essence arranged by Hashem, so…Show more
Your son should do a Pidyon Haben, but without a Bracha. Sources: שו״ע יו״ד שה, יח. והנה כשאין האב נמצא, ראה…
Yes. Most certainly. #1890
The hotel can't send someone around to collect the luggage, but they will give us a room to place it in. Are we allowed to put our Muktzeh items in our suitcase before Shabbos, and then Shabbos morning close… The hotel can't send someone around to collect the luggage, but they will give us a room to place it in. Are we allowed to put our Muktzeh items in our suitcase before Shabbos, and then Shabbos morning close it up and bring it to that luggage room, since their suitcase is also holding non-Muktzah items? Answer: You may carry the suitcase if the non-Muktzeh items inside are more important than the Muktzeh items. In principle, one would have to first shake out the Muktzeh items before carrying the suitcase, but in this case specifically this isn’t required.…Show more
Money (coins/bills) make the Talis bag Muktzeh. If you want to move the bag, you need to shake the bag so the money will drop out. After the money drops out, if there is only a Talis in the… Money (coins/bills) make the Talis bag Muktzeh. If you want to move the bag, you need to shake the bag so the money will drop out. After the money drops out, if there is only a Talis in the bag, the bag isn't Muktzeh anymore. If there is also Tefillin in the bag, you may move the bag if you need the place or to use the bag (for example: if the bag is on a chair you want to sit on, you may move the bag). It is important to note that if at the beginning of Shabbos…Show more
If you actually hear every word, even if it is quick, you are certainly Yotzei. Additionally, it is debatable if one is Halachically obligated to hear every word of Krias Hatorah. Nonetheless, it should be noted that the Frierdiker… If you actually hear every word, even if it is quick, you are certainly Yotzei. Additionally, it is debatable if one is Halachically obligated to hear every word of Krias Hatorah. Nonetheless, it should be noted that the Frierdiker Rebbe (ספר המאמרים קונטרסים ח"ב ע' 790) has very sharp words regarding saying/hearing every word of Kriah properly. He mentions there that listening to Krias Hatorah carefully affects one’s children, health and livelihood. Therefore, it is suggested to attend a Minyan where you can follow along in a Chumash and hear every word properly. #1857Show more
It is forbidden to eat or drink anything between washing the hands and eating the Challah. Sources: שו"ע אדה"ז סימן רעא סעיף כג. קצות השלחן סימן…
If I give a Chomesh, is it better I give only 10% and then be able to give more Tzedakah? Answer: Tzedaka and Maaser are different, although interconnected: Tzedaka - is to give to poor people; essentially it… If I give a Chomesh, is it better I give only 10% and then be able to give more Tzedakah? Answer: Tzedaka and Maaser are different, although interconnected: Tzedaka - is to give to poor people; essentially it has no limit (although that depends on various factors), and every time they ask you are obligated to give. Tzedaka is a Mitzvah Min Hatorah. Maaser - may be given towards other Mitzvos as well; it is a set amount, and there is a Machlokes whether it is Min Hatorah, Mederabanan, or a Minhag which was accepted and obligates us…Show more
Question: Someone got possession of a church's furniture and donated the tables and chairs to a Shul. The Shul does not know where it came from. Someone who knows the source of the furniture is asking if it's OK… Question: Someone got possession of a church's furniture and donated the tables and chairs to a Shul. The Shul does not know where it came from. Someone who knows the source of the furniture is asking if it's OK for the Shul to use it, or does he have to tell them where it's from? Answer: There is no need to notify the Shul. Sources: ראה פמ״ג קנד במ״ז סק״ח שהביא דברי המג״א קנג,…Show more
And if not, if one put them there already, can they still be used? Answer: It is permitted as it is not food. Sources: גם במאכלים לא מצאנו להדיא שאסור להכניס. והוא רק…
Case #1: I washed my Pareve knife in the Milchig dishwasher. Soap in the first cycle. Is it still Pareve? If not, can it be Kashered back to Pareve? Answer: If the soap mixes with the water before… Case #1: I washed my Pareve knife in the Milchig dishwasher. Soap in the first cycle. Is it still Pareve? If not, can it be Kashered back to Pareve? Answer: If the soap mixes with the water before the hot water rinses the dishes, then it does not need to be Kashered. If this is not the case (this depends on which model dishwasher you have), and there is a form of a rinse before the soap mixes, then you need to Kasher the knife. You may Kasher from Milchig to Pareve. Case #2: All of our…Show more
Question: Can Caesarstone quartz counter tops be Kashered? Do you have recommended materials for a new kitchen's counters (other than granite, which is expensive), that would be easy to be Kashered if necessary in the future? Answer: Engineered… Question: Can Caesarstone quartz counter tops be Kashered? Do you have recommended materials for a new kitchen's counters (other than granite, which is expensive), that would be easy to be Kashered if necessary in the future? Answer: Engineered quartz resin counter tops is a man-made material made to look like granite or marble. They are made from a combination of stone, synthetic resins and pigments and is different than natural stone in that it is not porous and thus the surface does not need to be sealed. Common brands are Cambria, Silestone, Zodiaq, and Caesar Stone. These may…Show more
You should schedule to be back an hour before candle-lighting time. If necessary, you may schedule to be back 40 minutes before candle lighting time. It is recommended to calculate travel time double than what it normally takes. But… You should schedule to be back an hour before candle-lighting time. If necessary, you may schedule to be back 40 minutes before candle lighting time. It is recommended to calculate travel time double than what it normally takes. But there is no need to calculate double AND add the extra hour. Sources: בנוגע לנסיעה – ראה קצוה״ש סי׳ סט בבדה״ש סק״ה.…Show more
There is no issue. Sources: שאלה: האם בקני' דרך האינטרנט ניתן להשתמש בקוד הנחה…
Baby corn does not need to be checked as it is not infested under normal circumstances.
If the money was found in a place that many people pass through and was lying in a way that it appears to have fallen there (as opposed to having been placed there), e.g. it was not covered, it… If the money was found in a place that many people pass through and was lying in a way that it appears to have fallen there (as opposed to having been placed there), e.g. it was not covered, it was without a wallet or the like, it was not in a somewhat-safe place, then it belongs to the one who found it. If it was found in a place that does not have many people passing through, then one must assume that it belongs to the owner of that place or his family. If the owner confirms that it…Show more
If you turn off the hot water system completely, so it’s not operational over Shabbos, you may use the cold water. It is worthwhile to test it before Shabbos. #1820
The concept of ownership over intellectual property is debated among the Poskim and the general consensus is that when a publisher puts out a new book or invention, he has the right to it forever and no one may reproduce…The concept of ownership over intellectual property is debated among the Poskim and the general consensus is that when a publisher puts out a new book or invention, he has the right to it forever and no one may reproduce it without his permission. Many different reasons are offered to explain this Halachic concept. The secular copyright laws can also apply, להבדיל. In the case of the Tanya recordings particularly, since it is not just Torah thoughts but songs, there is more reason to prohibit reproduction. Certainly the producer has the right to restrict others from using them without permission.…Show more
1. Cut and separate all the lettuce leaves from the root. 2. Insert the leaves in a bowl filled with a solution of water at room temperature, together with liquid soap, (preferably a special soap for washing vegetables). Use… 1. Cut and separate all the lettuce leaves from the root. 2. Insert the leaves in a bowl filled with a solution of water at room temperature, together with liquid soap, (preferably a special soap for washing vegetables). Use enough liquid soap so that the solution is slippery and sudsy. The bowl should be large enough to be able to agitate the lettuce properly. 3. Mix well the soap and water and agitate the lettuce vigorously, so that the soap will reach all areas. 4. Soak for about 3 minutes. 5. After the soaking, remove the leaves from the…Show more
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