People Just Asked
Continued: Usually during Aseres Yemei Teshuva if one does not remember if he said Hamelech Hakodosh, he must Daven Shmone Esrei over again because one is used to saying differently all year, so he most likely said it as… Continued: Usually during Aseres Yemei Teshuva if one does not remember if he said Hamelech Hakodosh, he must Daven Shmone Esrei over again because one is used to saying differently all year, so he most likely said it as he says all year. However, I was wondering if it's perhaps possible to say that on Rosh Hashonoh itself and on Yom Kippur itself, it's perhaps possible to assume that since the entire Shmone Esrei is altogether different, then can we assume that he most likely said it as it as is written in the Machzor, since there is no…Show more
* In case of retrograde ejaculation semen is not ejaculated out of body but is redirected to the urinary bladder. One who has a medical symptom of retrograde ejaculation (which is one cause of male infertility) which is not… * In case of retrograde ejaculation semen is not ejaculated out of body but is redirected to the urinary bladder. One who has a medical symptom of retrograde ejaculation (which is one cause of male infertility) which is not self caused, should do whatever they possibly can to ensure they only emit semen during marital relations. If the semen will later come out during urinating (after marital relations), there is nothing one can do and אונס רחמנא פטריה (the Torah exempts a person from something which is not in one's control). Of course retrograde ejaculation would be considered "shichvas…Show more
If food cooking on a gas fire will burn because the flame is too high, one is permitted to lower the flame so that the food won't burn. However this leniency, according to many Poskim, is only if… If food cooking on a gas fire will burn because the flame is too high, one is permitted to lower the flame so that the food won't burn. However this leniency, according to many Poskim, is only if he does not have another fire to use, that is - according to some - that there is no other flame not even by a neighbor; if he has another fire, he may not lower the flame on this one. It is best to be stringent in this case as long as you have another stove top. It is important…Show more
If you familiarize yourself with its concept and its meaning then you can say it in Loshon Hakodesh. Sources: פשוט שעיקר הענין שיהא פיו ולבו שוין - ראה…
Continuation: Is turning it up a problem? Like from keep warm to making it low setting? Also can I tell her these instructions in advance? For example, like on Friday I tell her “on Monday morning (day 1 of Rosh…Continuation: Is turning it up a problem? Like from keep warm to making it low setting? Also can I tell her these instructions in advance? For example, like on Friday I tell her “on Monday morning (day 1 of Rosh Hashana) please change the crock pot setting from high to low.” What about adding more water into the hot water urn on Shabbos / Yom Tov? Answer: 1. A non-Jew may be told on Yom Tov to change the setting in either direction, in case of necessity, where it can’t be set in advance before YT to the right temperature.…Show more
Honey: Raw unflavored honey which is 100% pure and filtered may be used without a Hechsher. However, retail size honey often goes through heating which can be a problem when using shared equipment. It is therefore recommended to purchase… Honey: Raw unflavored honey which is 100% pure and filtered may be used without a Hechsher. However, retail size honey often goes through heating which can be a problem when using shared equipment. It is therefore recommended to purchase honey only with a Hechsher. One must ensure that no other ingredients are added like alcohol and sweeteners. Additionally, the honey needs to be filtered very well from any pieces of the bees that can get mixed in it. Apricots: Fresh apricots do not require a Hechsher unless they are from Eretz Yisroel. Even dried apricots, if produced out…Show more
The Minhag is that boys under Bar Mitzvah don't say Hataras Nedarim, even if they will become Bar Mitzvah within the year. Nonetheless, since his Bar Mitzvah is before Yom Kippur, it is a good idea to do so… The Minhag is that boys under Bar Mitzvah don't say Hataras Nedarim, even if they will become Bar Mitzvah within the year. Nonetheless, since his Bar Mitzvah is before Yom Kippur, it is a good idea to do so before Yom Kippur. Q. Does he need 10 people there, or is 3 enough? A. According to the strict law, this must be done in the presence of three men. The custom, however, is to do it with a Minyan. If this is difficult, it can be done in the presence of three people, especially in this case. Sources: בטעם המנהג - כיון שמופלא הסל״א אינו מוזהר בבל…Show more
Question: There is a universal Nigun in the Nusach of Maariv of Yomim Noraim. It is often sung in middle of the Brocha between Boruch Ato Hashem and the Chasima of the Brocha. Is this a problem of Hefsek… Question: There is a universal Nigun in the Nusach of Maariv of Yomim Noraim. It is often sung in middle of the Brocha between Boruch Ato Hashem and the Chasima of the Brocha. Is this a problem of Hefsek for the Chazan? Answer: Singing during Davening, or even in middle of a Brocha, is not a Hefsek, as long as it is wordless, relevant and not overly lengthy. Indeed, this is the custom in Jewish communities when reciting Birchas Kohanim—and Poskim say that the Niggun is part of their Brocha. According to many Poskim, one may even sing…Show more
Question: What time or from when to when is the best time to do Kaporos in NYC this year (I know it says Ashmores Haboker but I want to tell my students what time to do it)? Answer:… Question: What time or from when to when is the best time to do Kaporos in NYC this year (I know it says Ashmores Haboker but I want to tell my students what time to do it)? Answer: Ashmores Haboker is the last Mishmorah of the night. The 12-night hours - from sunset to sunrise - are divided into three Mishmaros of 4 Halachic hours each. It is usually after 3 AM. Sources: .ראה ברכות ג, א. פירש״י בשלח יד, כד. שער…Show more
In practice, this question has no practical bearing, as Minhag Chabad is to make a very specific type of Shevarim, which we all do the same way and, in most instances, the same length too, as follows: too-oo-too oo-oo-too… In practice, this question has no practical bearing, as Minhag Chabad is to make a very specific type of Shevarim, which we all do the same way and, in most instances, the same length too, as follows: too-oo-too oo-oo-too oo-oo-too, plus an extra half shever. Whether this is less than three Trumitin or three is a matter of judgement. However, it appears that this method is some sort of compromise between the Shitos, although this point isn’t clear. Sources: בשו״ע אדה״ז תקצ, ה-ו: צריך להאריך בכל שבר לא…Show more
חייב לפקוד אשתו כשבא מן הדרך. וי״א אפילו בזמן וסתה. ואף שלהלכה אסור בשעת וסתה, מ״מ חובה זו - ובפרט כשיש ביטול מצות עונה - דוחה משנת חסידים שלא לשמש מטתו בליל ר״ה, וכמו בליל טבילה. וכל שכן כשיש… חייב לפקוד אשתו כשבא מן הדרך. וי״א אפילו בזמן וסתה. ואף שלהלכה אסור בשעת וסתה, מ״מ חובה זו - ובפרט כשיש ביטול מצות עונה - דוחה משנת חסידים שלא לשמש מטתו בליל ר״ה, וכמו בליל טבילה. וכל שכן כשיש מקום לחשש מכשול. מקורות: בכללות הענין דליל ר״ה - של״ה מס׳ ר״ה נר…Show more
In order to do Chazraras Hashatz, there need to be at least 6 people who Davened Shemoneh Esrei. If there weren't 6 people who Davened, then the Chazan should Daven his Shemoneh Esrei out loud so that all can… In order to do Chazraras Hashatz, there need to be at least 6 people who Davened Shemoneh Esrei. If there weren't 6 people who Davened, then the Chazan should Daven his Shemoneh Esrei out loud so that all can answer Kedushah. Even if it is just for the Chazan (he is the only one who didn't hear Kedushah) he can say Shemoneh Esrei out loud (but should finish after Hakel Hakadosh quietly. He should continue Elokai Netzor through Oseh Shalom). However, on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur - with the exception of Minchah on Rosh Hashanah when there are…Show more
Question: Some people have on their tablets copyrighted Seforim like Artscroll Shas etc. They get it from Otzar Hachachma. Is it permitted for me to get these Seforim from someone and use them? Answer: This is permitted provided… Question: Some people have on their tablets copyrighted Seforim like Artscroll Shas etc. They get it from Otzar Hachachma. Is it permitted for me to get these Seforim from someone and use them? Answer: This is permitted provided you receive permission from the copyright holder, or you own an Otzar hard drive. The reason is that in this case there is no loss of profits to the publisher, for it does not make sense to purchase a second time for a different usage of the same product. Sources: זכויות יוצרים - שו"ת צמח צדק חו"מ ע, ט.…Show more
Question: I don't have OCD but occasionally I feel that I wish to repeat some words or a part of Davening. Is that allowed or is it a Hefsek? Answer: Purposefully repeating words should be avoided for many… Question: I don't have OCD but occasionally I feel that I wish to repeat some words or a part of Davening. Is that allowed or is it a Hefsek? Answer: Purposefully repeating words should be avoided for many reasons. Among them: the amount of words in Davening is precise and repeating the words tampers with the number; it indicates as though what was said earlier was untrue or no good and needs to be fixed (דובר שקרים); it’s disrespectful to Hashem as though one is talking to a friend etc. Others argue that it might be appear as…Show more
Continued: I'm in a lot of pain and have been for a number of months in my back, foot, leg and hip, the pain is totally getting in the way of my every day life. The vitamin provides anti… Continued: I'm in a lot of pain and have been for a number of months in my back, foot, leg and hip, the pain is totally getting in the way of my every day life. The vitamin provides anti inflammatory benefits and is way more powerful than regular fish oils. The issue is that it contains green lipped muscle (a shell fish). Is there anyway to get permission to take it? Answer: If the Omega XL pills have no taste, then in your situation it would be permissible to take. If they have taste, they should either be…Show more
One should not make a hefsek (interruption) between Shemonah Esrei and Tachanun, and if one does his Tachanun is not fully accepted. However, one need not be concerned about a brief interchange of words. Once you finish Shemonah Esrei,… One should not make a hefsek (interruption) between Shemonah Esrei and Tachanun, and if one does his Tachanun is not fully accepted. However, one need not be concerned about a brief interchange of words. Once you finish Shemonah Esrei, you may pause to answer Kedushah, Kaddish, and any other Davar Shebikedushah, or answer any Amen that comes up. If you are in the middle of Tachanun and the Tzibur is saying the Yud Gimmel Midos, you may pause and say it with them. However, one should not pause in the middle of Tachanun to say Vayehi Binsoa or Aleinu…Show more
One should not be fully undressed שלא לצורך even in a locked restroom. However, one may get dressed in a bathroom, but it should be done בזריזות (in a quick way) without wasting any time there. The Alter Rebbe… One should not be fully undressed שלא לצורך even in a locked restroom. However, one may get dressed in a bathroom, but it should be done בזריזות (in a quick way) without wasting any time there. The Alter Rebbe (Mehadura Basra 2:2) adds that one should not be undressed needlessly אפילו לרגע אחד (even for one moment). It is also not proper to gaze at one’s milah when one is fully undressed even for a slight moment (see Shabbos 118b. Sanhardrin 92a according to some interpretations. Zohar Beshalach 66b. Shulchan Aruch Even Haezer 23:7 .נפש חי׳ חן ויגש קיא…Show more
The Brocha Reshona is Ha'adoma. The Brocha Achrona is Borei Nefoshos. Even though when eating rice, since there is a doubt regarding the Brocha, one should eat them in a Seuda (or make a Brocha on a piece of… The Brocha Reshona is Ha'adoma. The Brocha Achrona is Borei Nefoshos. Even though when eating rice, since there is a doubt regarding the Brocha, one should eat them in a Seuda (or make a Brocha on a piece of Mezonos and Ha'adoma), there is a distinction between rice cakes and rice, because rice cakes are not cooked but rather puffed and therefore they wouldn't be Mezonos (Seder Birkas Hanehnin 1:8). If you want to be Machmir, you can also make a Brocha Shehakol on another food - and have in mind to cover the rice cake. …Show more
If the blender was clean when you ground the seeds, you may use them for chicken. If you washed the blender with soap in between its last usage, you can assume that it was clean enough. Even if you… If the blender was clean when you ground the seeds, you may use them for chicken. If you washed the blender with soap in between its last usage, you can assume that it was clean enough. Even if you only rinsed it with water, if it was only used for milk which isn't greasy - not cheese - you may use the flax seeds to coat the chicken. Sources: Assuming the blender was not used for hot, the…Show more
Question: Is there any way to allow having a cleaning lady work in my house if I'm there alone? What if the window shades or door are open? Answer: It is an issue of Yichud. However, if your… Question: Is there any way to allow having a cleaning lady work in my house if I'm there alone? What if the window shades or door are open? Answer: It is an issue of Yichud. However, if your wife 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 Heteirim have certain limitations - see in the link below. Another solution would be to have the door to the street…Show more
If it’s customary in her family to buy birthday presents, or if you always buy her birthday presents, and this is an expected behavior, you may buy her a present. Sources: רמ״א או״ח תרצו, ו. יו״ד שפה, ג. ובכמה אופנים…
They should be toiveled without a Bracha. And see here: https://asktherav.com/2213-am-i-allowed-to-use-a-plastic-bottle-nipple-without-toiveling-it-and-then-not-reuse-it-even-if-its-meant-to-be-reused-im-makpid-on-toiveling-plastic/ Sources: ראה שו״ת אהל אברהם (שאג) כד (לגבי כלי עצם…
There are several issues with using a river for a Mikvah: 1. The river must not stem from rainwater, unless it’s stagnant - not flowing. Pipes through which water passes can also invalidate the water. Even if the river… There are several issues with using a river for a Mikvah: 1. The river must not stem from rainwater, unless it’s stagnant - not flowing. Pipes through which water passes can also invalidate the water. Even if the river originated from a spring, if often increases due to rainwater or melted snow. 2. Also, the water must be stomach-height so the entire body could be immersed at once; at the same time, it may not be too deep that people would be afraid to immerse there. 3. Additionally, it must be a safe place to Tovel. Aside for safety…Show more
If keeping kids in preschool is saving Jewish children from other non Jewish influences, one may keep the school open and it is encouraged to do so, even having kids write etc. As for the teachers, teaching involves no Melacha.…If keeping kids in preschool is saving Jewish children from other non Jewish influences, one may keep the school open and it is encouraged to do so, even having kids write etc. As for the teachers, teaching involves no Melacha. Therefore, they may go to school and even receive payment for their work. Moreover, it’s L'tzorech Mitzvah, Tzorechi Rabbim as well as a Davar Haaved. Sources: כן הכריעו אחרוני זמנינו - ראה הנסמן בס׳ חוה״מ…Show more
Question: Am I allowed to make a prune icy on Shabbos to help a 2-year old with bowel movement? The child would not drink the prune juice by itself. Answer: It is permitted to freeze ice cubes or… Question: Am I allowed to make a prune icy on Shabbos to help a 2-year old with bowel movement? The child would not drink the prune juice by itself. Answer: It is permitted to freeze ice cubes or ices on Shabbos when necessary, but it is recommended to do so before Shabbos wherever possible. You should only freeze the amount that you are going to use on Shabbos. Regarding taking prune juice (or ices) or other drinks on Shabbos to induce bowel movement, as a general rule, this should not be done on Shabbos unless in great pain…Show more
Have a Halachic Question?
Submit your question and receive an answer shortly.
Submit A Question
