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Q. Must I wash bottles or dishes of breast milk with its own sponge? A. Mother's milk is considered Pareve. However, we give it the status of Milchig because of Maris Ayin (that people might not know that this… Q. Must I wash bottles or dishes of breast milk with its own sponge? A. Mother's milk is considered Pareve. However, we give it the status of Milchig because of Maris Ayin (that people might not know that this is breast milk and think that it’s regular milk). Therefore, ideally, you should wash pumps and dishes in Milchig or Pareve, but not with Fleishig. If it was washed by mistake in Fleishig, it is still Kosher. Q. I only have a fleishig dishwasher, can I put a breast milk bottle in it? A. Lechatchila you shouldn’t do…Show more
Is tuition considered Ma'aser? Meaning, can I take it from Ma'aser money? The Gemara says that your financial needs for the whole year is pre-determined, and you should therefore spend with care. But money paid for tuition is… Is tuition considered Ma'aser? Meaning, can I take it from Ma'aser money? The Gemara says that your financial needs for the whole year is pre-determined, and you should therefore spend with care. But money paid for tuition is not included in this total; this money comes from a separate account directly from Above. Practically speaking, however, it is halachically acceptable to use maaser money to pay tuition with the following strict conditions: If no other option seems available. For children who are above the age of Chinuch; according to many Poskim this includes ages six and up. The…Show more
Watches are generally not Muktzah. See more here: https://asktherav.com/2940-are-all-watches-permissible-to-be-worn-on-shabbos-are-they-muktzeh/ Regarding wearing a watch outside in a place with no Eruv, below is a brief discussion on the topic: When in a public domain where there is no Eiruv,… Watches are generally not Muktzah. See more here: https://asktherav.com/2940-are-all-watches-permissible-to-be-worn-on-shabbos-are-they-muktzeh/ Regarding wearing a watch outside in a place with no Eruv, below is a brief discussion on the topic: When in a public domain where there is no Eiruv, we may only ‘carry’ the clothing and jewelry we are wearing (though the Halachic parameters of wearing jewelry are complicated). Everything else is considered a Masa (load), and may not be carried due to the melachah of Hotza’ah (forbidden act of carrying) on Shabbos. Watches don’t assume the Halachic status of jewelry according to most opinions and may not be…Show more
Q. Which deodorant is OK for Shabbos, aerosol spray, or roll on? A. One may put on deodorant. However, it is recommended to use non-scented deodorant (best since it does not give off a good smell, rather just stops… Q. Which deodorant is OK for Shabbos, aerosol spray, or roll on? A. One may put on deodorant. However, it is recommended to use non-scented deodorant (best since it does not give off a good smell, rather just stops the sweating). If one only has scented deodorant available then he may use a regular spray deodorant. A bar of deodorant is forbidden to use on Shabbos. Some maintain one may not use spray deodorant, but most agree that it is permissible. Roll on deodorant (in liquid form, not gel) is permissible according to all. Just one point to add…Show more
Question: After Friday night and day Kiddush I see people drinking the cup of wine and then before giving it out to other people, they pour more wine from the bottle of wine into their cup and then give… Question: After Friday night and day Kiddush I see people drinking the cup of wine and then before giving it out to other people, they pour more wine from the bottle of wine into their cup and then give out (even if it's enough to give out before refilling the Kiddush cup). I am curious to know the Halacha on that (or maybe it's a Minhag). Answer: One should not give wine which has become Pagum, defected, through someone drinking from it first, to participants. Some maintain that if the participant drinks from the original Kiddush cup…Show more
Question: I bought a Sefer (with illustrations) for my class and copied part of the pictures into a workbook for the class's use... I also wanted to post this work on a website to make it available to all… Question: I bought a Sefer (with illustrations) for my class and copied part of the pictures into a workbook for the class's use... I also wanted to post this work on a website to make it available to all teachers. I contacted the publisher to ask permission and he said no (not even for pay). He said I can't even copy it for my own classroom use. Is he entitled to make these restrictions 1) for my classroom use 2) for publicity on the website (both not for money)? Answer: The concept of ownership over intellectual property is…Show more
On the right side upon entering the boiler room. Nonetheless, a Bracha should not be made. Sources: נחלקו בזה רבני אנ״ש, כמפורסם. ולדידי דוחק גדול לומר…
It is permissible to trap mice if they are a nuisance. It is recommended not to allow their extended suffering while in the trap, but to do something which will hasten their death. Sources: אף שלהרבה פוסקים יש איסור צער בעלי חיים גם…
Some kosher products, such as whipped cream, come in spray cans which bear a warning to consult a Rav before using it on Shabbos. One issue relevant to whipped cream may be creating a specialty shape on Shabbos, which… Some kosher products, such as whipped cream, come in spray cans which bear a warning to consult a Rav before using it on Shabbos. One issue relevant to whipped cream may be creating a specialty shape on Shabbos, which violates the melachah of boneh (construction). Even if one doesn’t create a specific shape, there remains the question of whether using a spray can on Shabbos is permissible—or does it violate the melachah of zoreh (winnowing – employing the force of the wind)? According to the consensus of poskim, this isn’t an issue due to the mechanics of the…Show more
If the purpose of the Shabbos party is to teach Torah, instill Torah values, and promote Torah and Mitzvos, like saying 12 Pesukim etc., and the nosh and prizes are important in achieving this goal, then one may use… If the purpose of the Shabbos party is to teach Torah, instill Torah values, and promote Torah and Mitzvos, like saying 12 Pesukim etc., and the nosh and prizes are important in achieving this goal, then one may use Ma'aser for them. One must ensure that the amount and price of the nosh and prizes are reasonable. Any leftovers stays as Ma'aser property. Source: Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 249:1). #1023Show more
Article: Negative Reviews on a “Rate your Sheitel” Forum Book reviews. Restaurant reviews. Hotel reviews. Product reviews. Even “Rabbonim” reviews. At what point do any of these one-or two-star ratings veer into the territory of lashon hara (slanderous talk)?… Article: Negative Reviews on a “Rate your Sheitel” Forum Book reviews. Restaurant reviews. Hotel reviews. Product reviews. Even “Rabbonim” reviews. At what point do any of these one-or two-star ratings veer into the territory of lashon hara (slanderous talk)? The Halachos prohibiting Lashon Hara allow reporting Lashon Hara L’toeles (with a purpose), i.e. passing on information to safeguard a third party. This exemption requires a number of preconditions, which must be accounted for when reviewing another’s business or product negatively. It’s the truth: The negative information must be verified for accuracy; no embellishment is permitted. It must also be…Show more
The prohibition of "a rasha borrows but does not repay" doesn’t apply to one who had all intention of paying but defaulted accidentally. Certainly, if one settles amicably with the lender, this doesn’t apply. An extra consideration applies with credit…The prohibition of "a rasha borrows but does not repay" doesn’t apply to one who had all intention of paying but defaulted accidentally. Certainly, if one settles amicably with the lender, this doesn’t apply. An extra consideration applies with credit card companies which take into account the possibility of defaulting and actually make their money that way. Regarding a non-Jewish company, while it’s important to pay debts, this particular passuk doesn't apply. Sources: ראה שו״ע אדה״ז הלואה ד. והנה, מש״כ אח״כ שבאנוס…Show more
Adar Rishon. But if possible should daven and say Kaddish Adar Sheni too. Sources: See Rama 568: 7. Kitzur SA 221:3. See also…
Continuation: אם הניחו גבינה על גבי הכיסוי מלמעלה והכיסוי חם שהיד סולדת בו, האם זה הופך את המים שבתוך המכשיר לחלביים? נ.ב. המתקן הזה עובד 24/7 וכל פעם שמוציאים ממנו מים נכנסים מיד מים קרים ומתחממים מהר, כך… Continuation: אם הניחו גבינה על גבי הכיסוי מלמעלה והכיסוי חם שהיד סולדת בו, האם זה הופך את המים שבתוך המכשיר לחלביים? נ.ב. המתקן הזה עובד 24/7 וכל פעם שמוציאים ממנו מים נכנסים מיד מים קרים ומתחממים מהר, כך שהמתקן לא שהה מעת לעת מאז שהניחו בו גבינה. לפי מה שהבנתי, מים במיחם נחשב כנ”ט בר נ”ט שנצלו שיש בזה מח’ הפוסקים ורמ”א מתיר בדיעבד ורש”ל אוסר אפילו בדיעבד ובכלל בנדו”ד כשהניחו הגבינה מעל המכסה, המתקן היה בפעולה, ונ”ט בר נ”ט בשעת בישול יש אומרים שנחשב כטעם ראשון ואסור עם בשר אפילו בדיעבד. אבל בנדו”ד הרי הגבינה היה רק…Show more
This is a machlokes. According to most poskim, it would be hagofen and al hagefen. However, due to the doubt, in practice, one should say shehakol. Nonetheless, it’s best to add a large amount of… This is a machlokes. According to most poskim, it would be hagofen and al hagefen. However, due to the doubt, in practice, one should say shehakol. Nonetheless, it’s best to add a large amount of other liquids to avoid the shailah. The most difficult aspect is the final bracha, since borei nefashos cannot cover an Al Hagefen, especially that some poskim maintain that the bracha of maain shalosh, al hagfen, is doireisa, biblically mandated. See further below for some solutions. Question: What Bracha do you make on grape ices where the substance is…Show more
Question: Is the placenta considered a part of the person and therefore requires burial or can it just be thrown out in the garbage? Short Answer: No need to bury the placenta. Full Article: After delivering a… Question: Is the placenta considered a part of the person and therefore requires burial or can it just be thrown out in the garbage? Short Answer: No need to bury the placenta. Full Article: After delivering a baby, the question may be raised whether the placenta or the umbilical cord needs to be buried following the birth. There was an ancient custom to bury the placenta, and of course, this custom has roots in Halacha. However, the Alter Rebbe in Likkutei Torah discusses an example when a baby is born, where the shalya, the placenta, is…Show more
One may approach women to conduct business, but one must place safeguards in place to avoid unnecessary interaction. It is hard to give clear guidelines on this matter, for each person needs to see for himself what is better to…One may approach women to conduct business, but one must place safeguards in place to avoid unnecessary interaction. It is hard to give clear guidelines on this matter, for each person needs to see for himself what is better to avoid. Nonetheless, here are some guidelines: No handshaking to women even as a business gesture. One should dress in attire which is respectful for a G-d fearing Jew. One should not needlessly stare at a woman, rather only that which is for business related conduct. (We have a rule that an אומן טררוד במלאכתו (an expert is preoccupied in his…Show more
Although there are Poskim that say you can do so under certain circumstances, the majority of the Poskim are of the opinion that it cannot be done retroactively. As a general rule, if it's a loan which can reasonably… Although there are Poskim that say you can do so under certain circumstances, the majority of the Poskim are of the opinion that it cannot be done retroactively. As a general rule, if it's a loan which can reasonably never be retrieved, it is no longer considered Tzedaka. Sources: ראה הרמ"א סי' רנז סע' ה, השך ס"ק יב,…Show more
One should not publicize their pregnancy until entering the 5th month. This applies only to “publicizing”. One may share the information with close friends and family. Likewise, it’s ok to share the information where necessary. There was a Minhag… One should not publicize their pregnancy until entering the 5th month. This applies only to “publicizing”. One may share the information with close friends and family. Likewise, it’s ok to share the information where necessary. There was a Minhag amongst Chassidim that until 3 months into the pregnancy one should conceal even telling close family members, including not writing to the Rebbe, but the Rebbe doesn't mention this anywhere, and in fact - implies otherwise. These time periods are calculated from the Mikveh night. Sources: See Igrois Kodesh of the Rebbe Rayatz, Vol. 9,…Show more
Yes, so long as one originally had the intention to use Maaser money when pledging to sponsor the Kiddush (or arrange the Farbrengen). Otherwise - i.e., if one already committed to do it without the intention of using Maaser… Yes, so long as one originally had the intention to use Maaser money when pledging to sponsor the Kiddush (or arrange the Farbrengen). Otherwise - i.e., if one already committed to do it without the intention of using Maaser money - it is not permitted. The permission is granted provided the Kiddush/Farbrengen will assist in Torah and Mitzvos and the money spent on the food will be reasonable. When using Maaser money, one should not make the Kiddush/Farbrengen in the Zechus of someone or something, unless some of the money is not from Maaser. Additionally, one should not use…Show more
The strainer will not become fleishig or milchig in either case. Sources: 1) The taste of the meat (or dairy) absorbed…
One should do every attempt to schedule doctor and dentist appointments that they not take place on Chol Hamoed. Where it’s impossible, one may book doctor and dentist appointments for Chol Hamoed if necessary. However, this applies only to appointments…One should do every attempt to schedule doctor and dentist appointments that they not take place on Chol Hamoed. Where it’s impossible, one may book doctor and dentist appointments for Chol Hamoed if necessary. However, this applies only to appointments to deal with existing issues such as pain or saving the tooth, or to check a concern which can get worse if delayed, but not for standard check ups, nor for straightening the teeth or cleanings. You may visit the dentist to check if someone is developing cavities, but not [just] because its time for the yearly visit. If its…Show more
These pellets usually contain milk sugar (not cholov yisroel) and sometimes alcohol from wine, in amounts that are not bottul. Arnica pellets with a hechsher (pareve) are widely available.
If the answer is yes, may I cool myself off with these packets of frozen milk knowing and benefiting from the fact that they will melt? If neither of these are acceptable, may I use a cold cloth placed… If the answer is yes, may I cool myself off with these packets of frozen milk knowing and benefiting from the fact that they will melt? If neither of these are acceptable, may I use a cold cloth placed in the freezer? Answer: 1) One may handle ice packs to cool off with, since only a small amount of water is melted, there is no intention of melting them and the melted water is going to waste. Melting ice is problematic when one actively melts it, or even when no action is taken if this his intention, for…Show more
There is a difference between consuming a medicine where one does not benefit from the taste and where one does benefit from the taste (like a a flavored syrup medicine). One should ensure that all non medically urgent pain relievers…There is a difference between consuming a medicine where one does not benefit from the taste and where one does benefit from the taste (like a a flavored syrup medicine). One should ensure that all non medically urgent pain relievers are kosher. You can look up the specific medicine by following some of the following links by way of example: https://www.star-k.org/resource_list.php?list=RR8I4NNG&title=Pain Relievers http://www.crcweb.org/OTCMedicineReport.pdf #1034Show more
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