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The issue of Anisakis isn’t a particularly Lubavitch issue as such, and although the Tzemach Tzedek dedicates some space to address the issue of fish infestation as discussed in the Gemara, I’m not aware of any inference one can… The issue of Anisakis isn’t a particularly Lubavitch issue as such, and although the Tzemach Tzedek dedicates some space to address the issue of fish infestation as discussed in the Gemara, I’m not aware of any inference one can have regarding the contemporary issue. As mentioned, this is primarily a Halachic issue with many Halachic arguments put forward to support both positions, and therefore a Lubavitch Rov might choose either position. Nonetheless, several Lubavitch Rabbonim have opined on the issue, most notably Horav Landau in Bnei Brak, who wrote to support the lenient position. Indeed, if one wishes…Show more
It is customary [and best] to burn the Hosha’anos with the Chametz. It is however permissible to throw it out in the garbage in a separate bag. Sources: .ראה שו"ע אדה"ז סי' תמ"ה סעי' י"ב, סי' כ"א…
One may interrupt for any pressing Mitzvah matter. Certainly one may - and must - answer אמן ,נקדישך and/or ברכו. One should not interrupt to talk during any learning or Davening, unless it is absolutely critical. Sources: באמצע תפלה: ראה בתר״י ברכות יא, א שאין להפסיק…
All of the Halachos and matters of caution regarding Tznius between opposite genders apply to cousins as well. Certainly one should be careful with touching and Yichud scenarios. Unnecessary lengthy conversations whether in person, over the phone or texting,… All of the Halachos and matters of caution regarding Tznius between opposite genders apply to cousins as well. Certainly one should be careful with touching and Yichud scenarios. Unnecessary lengthy conversations whether in person, over the phone or texting, between relatives, is inappropriate and not tznius in nature. Obviously, extended family may greet each other and speak to each other in a way of Derech Eretz (basic respect and in a tznius fasion) but it should be limited and primarily in a public setting. Sources: See Pirkei Avos 1:5; Shulchan Aruch Even Haezer Chapter…Show more
The 12 step meetings of AA contain several problematic aspects. One should therefore seek other sources which are fitting with Halacha and Jewish Hashkafa. The 12 step program was invented by Christians. Although many of the programs do not… The 12 step meetings of AA contain several problematic aspects. One should therefore seek other sources which are fitting with Halacha and Jewish Hashkafa. The 12 step program was invented by Christians. Although many of the programs do not describe who they refer to when they say “G-d”, the foundation of it was based on belief in Avoda Zara. This can be compared to hearing a lecture on G-d from a priest without mentioning the name of their deity. Even if he will offer some great inspirational self help stories and tools, it is obvious that one should not…Show more
Question 1: May a husband take a trip without his wife during their first year of marriage? Answer: The Halachah is that during Shanah Rishonah (the first year of marriage) a married man may not serve in the… Question 1: May a husband take a trip without his wife during their first year of marriage? Answer: The Halachah is that during Shanah Rishonah (the first year of marriage) a married man may not serve in the army or be tasked (even financially) with the security of the city. Many Rishonim rule that leaving home for an extended period of time is also forbidden, and that is the view commonly followed. According to some Poskim, this is the case even if the wife grants permission. There are Poskim who are stringent and even prohibit taking a trip…Show more
It is permitted to wear it on Shabbos despite the electrical effects. One may also carry them outdoors in a place with no Eiruv, if attached to the individual's actual body. Sources: .מצד החשמל - ראה שו״ת מנחת אשר ח״א סל״ב…
It is during the day hours and the mother can come home at any time, is this considered Yichud? If yes, is there anything that can be done to avoid the Yichud problem? Answer: It is an issue… It is during the day hours and the mother can come home at any time, is this considered Yichud? If yes, is there anything that can be done to avoid the Yichud problem? Answer: It is an issue of Yichud. However, if the mother can come home at any moment, referred to as Yotze V'nichnas, then it is OK. Likewise, according to many Poskim, if others have the key and can come in unexpectedly, it is also OK. However, both of these Heterim have certain limitations - see in the link below. Another solution would be to have…Show more
Question: The Alter Rebbe writes in the Siddur “Lo Yafa Heim” about people that learn or say Tachanunim during Chazaras Hashatz, even if they listen to the end of each Brocho and answer Amen. Assuming this logic, when someone… Question: The Alter Rebbe writes in the Siddur “Lo Yafa Heim” about people that learn or say Tachanunim during Chazaras Hashatz, even if they listen to the end of each Brocho and answer Amen. Assuming this logic, when someone is behind the Minyan and holding in a place where he could (must) answer Amen to Chazaras Hashatz (like in Pesukei D'zimra), would he have to pause and listen to the Brochos to answer Amen? And why? Answer: Since the individual is not part of the Minyan — as he didn't Daven silent Shemone Esrei with the Minyan —…Show more
Yes, it is Minhag Chabad. See below for the sources. Sources: נרות ביהכ״נ - הובא בגמ׳ ברכות נג, א. ובכ״מ…
You may not invite them if they will be driving or paying for a ticket on the subway, unless they will be invited to stay by you (or nearby in a way that they will not have to travel… You may not invite them if they will be driving or paying for a ticket on the subway, unless they will be invited to stay by you (or nearby in a way that they will not have to travel by car) for the entire Shabbos. This is permitted only if you suggest that they sleep and eat there the rest of the Shabbos meals as well, even though you know that they will refuse. This is what is accepted by Rabbonim and Shluchim. Of course, this is all only if inviting them with the intention of being mekarev them…Show more
.אסור משום אבק ריבית .יש כמה אפשרויות לעשות את זה באופן מותר, עיין במ"מ Sources: .שו"ע אדהז הלכות ריבית סעיף כ"ג בנוגע לכל סחורה…
The publication gave me the contact information and then I called them. My time is not paid for by them, since I am paid only for the published article. There are two questions that I have based on this: If…The publication gave me the contact information and then I called them. My time is not paid for by them, since I am paid only for the published article. There are two questions that I have based on this: If the publication publishes the article, can I use some of the parts from the interview done on their behalf to write a piece for another publication? If the publication does not publish the article, can I use the information I gathered on their behalf to write an article for another publication? Answer: Such a question is usually a mater of…Show more
The Alter Rebbe in Shulchan Aruch brings down that one should not drink water that was left overnight in metal. This is connected to spiritual "bad spirits" ("רוח רעה"). The common custom is not to be particular about drinking… The Alter Rebbe in Shulchan Aruch brings down that one should not drink water that was left overnight in metal. This is connected to spiritual "bad spirits" ("רוח רעה"). The common custom is not to be particular about drinking water from the faucet, which has been in metal tanks over night. There are many justifications for this custom (e.g. plugged in, heated water, different metal, L’kovod Shabbos, or that Hashem protects regardless) and they have what to rely on. Rumor has it that the Rebbe was not particular about drinking from a plugged in urn that had water over…Show more
Firstly, it is not our place to "correct" and edit any part of the Siddur. This Brocho specifically was composed by Rabban Gamliel in Yavneh with approval from all of the Sages of Israel (see Brachos 28b). Beyond the… Firstly, it is not our place to "correct" and edit any part of the Siddur. This Brocho specifically was composed by Rabban Gamliel in Yavneh with approval from all of the Sages of Israel (see Brachos 28b). Beyond the literal meaning of the Bracha, it also conveys a prayer for the times of Galus where the darkness is very strong, that is the Klipah and Sitra Achra. We ask and pray that the Klipas Nogah be subdued and the three levels of impurity should all be eradicated. This is their only Tikkun (fixing). Additionally, the hatred of evil is…Show more
After washing some of the parts of the machine I realized that I wanted the sandwich maker to be dairy, but I had already washed the parts in the Fleishig sink with a Fleishig sponge in hot water. In the…After washing some of the parts of the machine I realized that I wanted the sandwich maker to be dairy, but I had already washed the parts in the Fleishig sink with a Fleishig sponge in hot water. In the sink there was no dishes were Fleishig was cooked in them. The sponge that I used was used more than 4 days ago with Fleishig. Is it a problem to use those parts of the machine for dairy? Answer: The machine may be used for dairy without a problem.Show more
It is OK to participate in a tour of an ancient non-Jewish cemetery. Upon seeing a non-Jewish burial site, one recites the following Passuk (ירמי׳ נ, יב): בּ֤וֹשָׁה אִמְּכֶם֙ מְאֹ֔ד חָפְרָ֖ה יֽוֹלַדְתְּכֶ֑ם הִנֵּה֙ אַחֲרִ֣ית גּוֹיִ֔ם מִדְבָּ֖ר צִיָּ֥ה וַעֲרָבָֽה׃ One… It is OK to participate in a tour of an ancient non-Jewish cemetery. Upon seeing a non-Jewish burial site, one recites the following Passuk (ירמי׳ נ, יב): בּ֤וֹשָׁה אִמְּכֶם֙ מְאֹ֔ד חָפְרָ֖ה יֽוֹלַדְתְּכֶ֑ם הִנֵּה֙ אַחֲרִ֣ית גּוֹיִ֔ם מִדְבָּ֖ר צִיָּ֥ה וַעֲרָבָֽה׃ One should not go for enjoyment, but rather to bring about thoughts of Teshuvah. If there are crosses or other forms of Avoda Zarah, one should not go. There are those who are stringent based on Kabalah not to go to non-Jewish cemeteries. Sources: שו״ע או״ח רכד, יב. לוח ברכת הנהנין יב, יח.…Show more
According to Halacha, one must be cautious in Tznius even in the privacy of one’s own home or bedroom and even if there are no men around. The Alter Rebbe writes that even men should take off their socks… According to Halacha, one must be cautious in Tznius even in the privacy of one’s own home or bedroom and even if there are no men around. The Alter Rebbe writes that even men should take off their socks when going to sleep only under their blanket, so that the toes should remain covered at all times. While there are many upstanding men who are Makpid on Halacha but are not particular about this nowadays, and there are various Halachic arguments put forth to justify this practice (see the references in Hebrew below), it would be hard to permit…Show more
One may use dish soap without a Hechsher. However, it is recommended to use only one with a Hechsher. Regarding Pesach, see here: https://asktherav.com/7523-the-dish-soap-that-i-have-has-a-hechsher-it-doesnt-say-p-on-it-can-i-use-this-to-clean-my-dishes-on-pesach/ Sources: ע״פ דין יש להתיר, שטעמו פגום, ונפסל מאכילת אדם…
Raisins are often treated after production with oil, and/or glycerin which can come from non-Kosher sources. Also, in the process of drying, often fatty esters are used, creating a Kashrus concern, as to the source of the esters. Some… Raisins are often treated after production with oil, and/or glycerin which can come from non-Kosher sources. Also, in the process of drying, often fatty esters are used, creating a Kashrus concern, as to the source of the esters. Some say that non-golden unflavored raisins produced in the US are free of these concerns. Another serious issue is the infestation all too common in raisins. Some of the infestation can occur when drying in open fields with insects being attracted to the raisins. During prolonged storage too, there can be infestation. Even if oven dried, there is often infestation. Of…Show more
Question: I need to be at work before 8am. May I Daven before Netz or should I work out a different arrangement with my work? Answer: Davening before Netz is only allowed in a Sha'as Hadchak (for example… Question: I need to be at work before 8am. May I Daven before Netz or should I work out a different arrangement with my work? Answer: Davening before Netz is only allowed in a Sha'as Hadchak (for example an early morning flight - not something that happens on a daily basis), or if already done Bedieved one does not need to Daven again. If it is possible to be arranged with work to be able to Daven at a later time, that is definitely the preferred option. Sources: שוע״ר סי' פט סעי' א וט. ולהעיר מטור סוסי׳…Show more
הרבי העלה שאלה זו בהתוועדות והשאיר את זה בספק. גישה אחת היא לחכות עד אחרי חצות ואז לומר תחנון. מקורות: ראה שיחת פסח שני תשמ״ג. ובהנחה - תורת מנחם…
If you teach in a school teaching Torah and it is not part of your obligation to provide incentives, it is permitted to use Maaser money for this cause. One must ensure that the amount and price of incentives… If you teach in a school teaching Torah and it is not part of your obligation to provide incentives, it is permitted to use Maaser money for this cause. One must ensure that the amount and price of incentives and prizes are reasonable. Any leftovers stays as Maaser property. #1525Show more
Question: I do not control the heat. The heat is turned off and on in the whole building and since the thermostat is not on my apartment, it doesn't go on and off depending on the temperature by me.… Question: I do not control the heat. The heat is turned off and on in the whole building and since the thermostat is not on my apartment, it doesn't go on and off depending on the temperature by me. I can only open or close the radiator in my apartment which will allow the heat, which is already on and heating apartments below & on top of me, to flow (or to not flow) into the radiator that is in my apartment. Am I allowed to open and close the radiator knob in my apartment? Answer: On Shabbos,…Show more
My non-religious relative wants to name her baby after her grandmother. Her name in Portuguese was Pola and no one knows her Jewish name. In the Matzeiva it's Pola bas Shmuel. Is Pola a Jewish name? If she doesn't know…My non-religious relative wants to name her baby after her grandmother. Her name in Portuguese was Pola and no one knows her Jewish name. In the Matzeiva it's Pola bas Shmuel. Is Pola a Jewish name? If she doesn't know the Jewish name, can she give Pola? Answer: The name Pola is most likely not of a Jewish origin. I have not seen it brought in most Sifrei Sheimos Nashim, other than as a add-on and ending of another name (similar to Stein which is an ending for Goldstein, Bernstein etc.), or as a secular name. It is recommended your…Show more
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