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You need to give Maaser only on the extra profit from selling the product. For example, if you bought it for $10 and then sold it for $11, giving you a $1 profit, then your Maaser would be 10 cents.…You need to give Maaser only on the extra profit from selling the product. For example, if you bought it for $10 and then sold it for $11, giving you a $1 profit, then your Maaser would be 10 cents. Sources: .שו"ע יו"ד סי' רמ"ט ס"א…Show more
You should go back to the last bracha you remember saying. Sources: לדעת רוה"פ חוזר להתפלל מהברכה שודאי אמר, מחמת ספק…
The Minhag is that all of the Minyanim do not say it. Although this Minhag is questionable in the situation where the entire city doesn’t join the celebrations, nonetheless, this is the Minhag. Sources: ראה אג״ק כ״ק כ״ק אדמו״ר מוהריי״צ ח״ו ע׳ עג…
Payments that were made cannot be considered Maaser if they were made from non-Maaser money. As to using Maaser for personal education — this is highly debatable. A solution would be to arrange that the tuition is free, but you're…Payments that were made cannot be considered Maaser if they were made from non-Maaser money. As to using Maaser for personal education — this is highly debatable. A solution would be to arrange that the tuition is free, but you're donating Maaser to the institution. Sources: .מה שכבר שילם - פשוט בנוגע לשכר לימודו -…Show more
The Chazan should bend his head and say ברכו את and pick up his head while saying Hashem's name, and then bend his head again at ברוך and then pick it up at Hashem's name. This was also the Rebbe’s…The Chazan should bend his head and say ברכו את and pick up his head while saying Hashem's name, and then bend his head again at ברוך and then pick it up at Hashem's name. This was also the Rebbe’s custom as Chazan. Sources: .ראה שער הכולל פרק ז' ס"ק א והמקורות שהובא…Show more
So we generally put on Tallis and Tefillin without a Bracha until Yishtabach. When should we say Barchi Nafshi and Mah Yakar? When do we do Atifas Yishmaelim? Answer: Put on the Tallis as always (the usual order- Barchi Nafshi,…So we generally put on Tallis and Tefillin without a Bracha until Yishtabach. When should we say Barchi Nafshi and Mah Yakar? When do we do Atifas Yishmaelim? Answer: Put on the Tallis as always (the usual order- Barchi Nafshi, Atifas Yshmael, and Ma Yakar) but without a Bracha. Ater Yishtabach you should feel around the Tzitzis and then make the Bracha. Sources: .בסידור לא הביא אדה״ז כלל שאפשר לברך מעלות .וגם…Show more
If the produce will be thoroughly blended, a detailed inspection is not necessary; however, it should still be washed and given a quick visual check beforehand. Question 2: Does the same apply to raspberries, which are known to… If the produce will be thoroughly blended, a detailed inspection is not necessary; however, it should still be washed and given a quick visual check beforehand. Question 2: Does the same apply to raspberries, which are known to be heavily infested? What about frozen raspberries? Answer 2: This leniency does not apply to fresh raspberries, as they are considered muchzak b’tolaim (commonly infested) and require proper checking. With frozen raspberries, however, one may rely on thorough washing and a general visual inspection before blending, as described above. Please see here: https://asktherav.com/article-540-why-arent-insects-batel-bshishim-does-grinding-the-infested-product-solve-the-problem/ #1484 Show more
If this is a public building, the Bachur may be on the same floor, since there are others who often come to that floor for pickup, drop-off, or other things. Of course, they should ensure to have proper fences in…If this is a public building, the Bachur may be on the same floor, since there are others who often come to that floor for pickup, drop-off, or other things. Of course, they should ensure to have proper fences in place to prevent unnecessary interaction. In a private home based playgroup, or home school, however, Bachurim shouldn't be teaching. There are also Halachic issues with women, married or single, running a private playgroup from home. See here for possible solutions. Show more
Question: I was run over by a car 7 years ago. B"H I am fine. Should I make a Seudas Hoda'ah? If so, what does that entail? Answer: One that is involved in a car accident or any… Question: I was run over by a car 7 years ago. B"H I am fine. Should I make a Seudas Hoda'ah? If so, what does that entail? Answer: One that is involved in a car accident or any other direct life-threatening situations and has miraculously been saved, has an obligation to thank Hashem after recovering totally. This is done by: • Hagomel: Saying the blessing of Hagomel by the reading of the Torah within the first few days after recovery [the common custom is that women do not recite this blessing, some write that they should come to…Show more
The soup was served hot in a fine bone Fleishig china and metal spoon. Accidentally half a teaspoon amount of butter on a plastic fork was placed in the liquid of the soup for a moment and removed right away.…The soup was served hot in a fine bone Fleishig china and metal spoon. Accidentally half a teaspoon amount of butter on a plastic fork was placed in the liquid of the soup for a moment and removed right away. Can expensive bowl and metal spoon be used going forward? Answer: The spoon must be kashered. Regarding the bowl (that is not able to be Kashered), you may be lenient and continue using it. Nonetheless, it would be best as an extra measure to do “Hagolo” on the china bowl 3 times to satisfy various stringent opinions. Sources: .באי אפשר בהגעלה ובמקום הפסד מרובה - יש להקל…Show more
Electric Keilim (utensils) are becoming increasingly prevalent, and the consensus among Poskim is that even they need to be Toiveled (immersed in a Mikvah). While many of these Keilim come with a warning that immersion in water will ruin… Electric Keilim (utensils) are becoming increasingly prevalent, and the consensus among Poskim is that even they need to be Toiveled (immersed in a Mikvah). While many of these Keilim come with a warning that immersion in water will ruin them, nonetheless the Mitzvah of Tevilas Keilim applies. Generally, if after Tevilah the Keili is dried very well and left to air dry for a couple of days before being used, it will function normally. However, there will probably be a problem with digital Keilim, such as some premium coffee machines which will be ruined if they are immersed…Show more
If one eats raw fish and it’s common in his locale to do so, it is not Muktzah. Some say it is necessary to have most people eat it. Shulchan Aruch is addressing a situation where it is not… If one eats raw fish and it’s common in his locale to do so, it is not Muktzah. Some say it is necessary to have most people eat it. Shulchan Aruch is addressing a situation where it is not edible. Regarding making sushi on Shabbos, see here: https://asktherav.com/article-may-one-prepare-sushi-on-shabbos/ Regardless of the issue that Sushi can’t be made on Shabbos, it doesn’t become Muktzah on this account, as the raw fish in itself is edible as Sashimi. Sources: .ראה שו״ת שבט הלוי ט, קסג בנוגע למי שנקלע…Show more
This is quite a serious issue, regardless of the venue. Anything which can be interpreted in any way as a tacit approval of the movement or temple is unacceptable. This is in contrast to the individuals where tolerance and… This is quite a serious issue, regardless of the venue. Anything which can be interpreted in any way as a tacit approval of the movement or temple is unacceptable. This is in contrast to the individuals where tolerance and often even acceptance is encouraged. Sources: See אגרות קודש יד, ה׳קסא. …Show more
A1. The orange juice is permissible. Q2. So that means that uncovered soup, tomato sauce, drinks like coke or iced tea are all fine? Also, when is Gilui a problem by night? Sometimes we leave the house at… A1. The orange juice is permissible. Q2. So that means that uncovered soup, tomato sauce, drinks like coke or iced tea are all fine? Also, when is Gilui a problem by night? Sometimes we leave the house at night - which starts early nowadays - for a walk or whatever, does the water in the open pitcher on the table have an issue of Gilui? A2. They are all fine. Gilui is permissible nowadays. Even for those who are stringent, these drinks are OK as they don't taste like water anymore. Regarding the amount of time for Gilui…Show more
There is a product on the market which is an undershirt with Tzitzis on it. It’s worn by some people in hot weather, or while exercising or jogging. In order for such an undershirt to be kosher for Tzitzis,… There is a product on the market which is an undershirt with Tzitzis on it. It’s worn by some people in hot weather, or while exercising or jogging. In order for such an undershirt to be kosher for Tzitzis, it must be ascertained first and foremost that most of the length on both sides of the undershirt are open at the seams, not just a small section at the bottom; otherwise, it cannot be considered as having four corners and requiring Tzitzis. The holes for the arms cannot be regarded as part of the opening. The Mitzvah Min Hamuvchar…Show more
If there is a big need, one may attend a workshop (that is in a Kosher fashion) taking place in a Muslim school. This is especially since the event is not taking place in the actual mosque. Sources: There is a dispute whether one may enter a…
There is no Halachic problem in doing so. Gedolei Yisroel of all generations, including the Rebbe, have done so. Some are careful not to write their own Chiddushim in a Sefer of Tanach, but even that isn’t practiced widely.… There is no Halachic problem in doing so. Gedolei Yisroel of all generations, including the Rebbe, have done so. Some are careful not to write their own Chiddushim in a Sefer of Tanach, but even that isn’t practiced widely. If there is a mistake in a Sefer, it should be corrected on the margin, unless the Sefer belongs to someone else and he would mind the look of the Sefer after the correction. However, one should not alter the actual text. One may not write secular matters in a Sefer. Nonetheless, many have a custom to write their family…Show more
The Milchig knife needs to be Kashered. The Fleishig dishes are fine. Sources: .סי' צ"ה ש"ך סק"י…
The part that comes in contact with the corn requires Tevilah. Regarding electric appliances in general - see here: https://asktherav.com/do-i-need-to-toivel-my-electric-hot-water-urn/
The problem with a Chasan giving the Kalah a ring before the Marriage under the Chupah, particularly in the context of an engagement proposal and using words associated with marriage, is very serious. Using a different piece of jewelry… The problem with a Chasan giving the Kalah a ring before the Marriage under the Chupah, particularly in the context of an engagement proposal and using words associated with marriage, is very serious. Using a different piece of jewelry or any other gift in the context of an engagement proposal is also problematic. It is not only an issue of Chabad custom, but a Halachic problem involving a question of potential Kiddushin prior to marriage — and quite serious consequences if they separate C"V. It also puts the Beracha of Kidushin under the Chupa into question. This idea should…Show more
According to Halacha, if it is clean it needs no rinsing. However, some say that according to Kabalah it should be rinsed even if clean. The Rebbe would wipe out his Becher even though it was rinsed first. Sources: שו״ע או״ח קפג, א. אדה״ז שם ב. וראה כה״ח…
When making a cup of coffee or tea on Shabbos, it is common to pour boiling water into a cup that was previously used for hot water or was rinsed with cold water. This raises the question of whether this…When making a cup of coffee or tea on Shabbos, it is common to pour boiling water into a cup that was previously used for hot water or was rinsed with cold water. This raises the question of whether this would be considered Bishul (cooking), since the boiling water affects the small amount of cold water left in the cup from prior use. The Halachah is that, strictly speaking, Irui (pouring hot water) is a problem on Shabbos only when water is added to solids, not to liquids. However, there’s room for stringency if one is adding a comparatively large…Show more
There is a specific prohibition against using any type of boat or other flotation device on Shabbos and/or Yom Tov, even on a private lake etc. (though it may be permissible in certain specific types of swimming pools). Sources: .גמ' ביצה ל"ו ע' ב', שו"ע אדה"ז סי' רמ"ח…
Question: The Alter Rebbe's Shulchan Aruch (Mahadura Basra) indicates that it is appropriate to wake up before Alos Hashachar. How should we conduct ourselves nowadays? Answer: Poskim say that if waking up early would affect one's health or… Question: The Alter Rebbe's Shulchan Aruch (Mahadura Basra) indicates that it is appropriate to wake up before Alos Hashachar. How should we conduct ourselves nowadays? Answer: Poskim say that if waking up early would affect one's health or concentration in Davening, one may wake up later. Also, nowadays that we have electricity and people stay awake late at night, it is okay to wake up a bit later. However, one must ensure not to miss Zman Krias Shema and Tefillah, as well as Tefillah B'tzibur. One should be up an hour or at least a half hour before…Show more
One may wear a hairband with teeth on Shabbos outdoors provided that it is connected firm to the hair. One may put on and adjust a hairband with teeth on Shabbos and Yom Tov provided that one ensures that… One may wear a hairband with teeth on Shabbos outdoors provided that it is connected firm to the hair. One may put on and adjust a hairband with teeth on Shabbos and Yom Tov provided that one ensures that it will not remove a hair while doing so. Reasoning: A hairband is permissible and not considered 'carrying' since it is to keep the hair together. Although, combing hair which can inadvertently uproot hair is forbidden (see Shulchan Aruch Orach Chayim 303:27 & Mishna Berurah ibid:87 in regards to using a hard comb), however placing or adjusting a hairband…Show more
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