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Question: If one leaves the home of the hosts before the end of Shabath is that person desecrating the Shabath of the hosts? I travelled 11 hours (delays, traffic jam) NY to visit my cousin, hozeret l’tchuva, who was… Question: If one leaves the home of the hosts before the end of Shabath is that person desecrating the Shabath of the hosts? I travelled 11 hours (delays, traffic jam) NY to visit my cousin, hozeret l’tchuva, who was staying with her daughter in Brooklyn. They invited me to stay with them for Shabath, but when I said that I need to leave before the end of Shabath, they disinvited me, claiming that I would desecrate their observance. I do not believe that my action outside their home would have any impact on their behavior. I ended up staying…Show more
I received a beautiful glass platter piled with gourmet chocolates as a Mishloach Manos gift from a dear student (with a note that she had toiveled it). Just before Pesach, my family polished off the last of the treats,… I received a beautiful glass platter piled with gourmet chocolates as a Mishloach Manos gift from a dear student (with a note that she had toiveled it). Just before Pesach, my family polished off the last of the treats, and now I would like to use the platter for my Shabbos desserts. Does it count that it was toiveled before it was gifted to me, or must I re-toivel it? The onus of tevilas keilim (immersion of new dishes in a mikvah) is on the owner. If someone purchases a dish and toivels (immerses) it with the intention of…Show more
שאלה: ביום א׳ דחנוכה בבית הכנסת שהתפללתי בו, לפני קריאת התורה ביקש הגבאי שמכיון שיש ציבור ספרדי במנין לכן הבעל קורא יקרא את הקריאה מתחילת ברכת כהנים כמנהג הספרדים, ולא מ״ויהי ביום כלות משה״ כמנהג בני אשכנז, וכך היה.… שאלה: ביום א׳ דחנוכה בבית הכנסת שהתפללתי בו, לפני קריאת התורה ביקש הגבאי שמכיון שיש ציבור ספרדי במנין לכן הבעל קורא יקרא את הקריאה מתחילת ברכת כהנים כמנהג הספרדים, ולא מ״ויהי ביום כלות משה״ כמנהג בני אשכנז, וכך היה. השאלה היא האם כשהעולה לתורה הוא מעדות אשכנז, שלא נוהגים להתחיל מברכת כהנים, האם זה נקרא בשבילו הפסק בין הברכה לקריאה. ואולי עדיף שיעלה לקריאה זו ספרדי. וכן האם הציבור ששמעו את הקריאה, והם לא נוהגים כך, האם נחשב להם הפסק בין הברכה לקריאה. תשובה: אין כאן שום חשש. מקורות: מעיקרא לא קיימא לשאלה, דאיזה חשש הפסק יש בקריאת…Show more
Question: Hi, I own a dry-cleaning business. Sometimes we lose items and have to reimburse the customer. The question is how to determine the item's value. The industry standard is to reimburse based on the garment's depreciated value, meaning… Question: Hi, I own a dry-cleaning business. Sometimes we lose items and have to reimburse the customer. The question is how to determine the item's value. The industry standard is to reimburse based on the garment's depreciated value, meaning its value at the time it was brought into the store. This is not the same as the original purchase price, nor is it the current replacement cost in today’s market. A typical example is a kittel. Even though a kittel is worn only once a year, if a ten-year-old kittel is lost or damaged, it is still valued…Show more
Question: Can I benefit from food brought for me on Shabbos since I don’t hold by the Eiruv? Answer: In a community which has a proper Eiruv sanctioned by the local Rabonim, you would be allowed to benefit… Question: Can I benefit from food brought for me on Shabbos since I don’t hold by the Eiruv? Answer: In a community which has a proper Eiruv sanctioned by the local Rabonim, you would be allowed to benefit after the fact, but you cannot tell him to do it for you, if you personally are of the opinion that this Eiruv is not valid. See here. Followup: In general, is הוצאה subject to Maaseh Shabbos? Also, does the Alter Rebbe hold like the Mishna Berura that if something is legitimately mutar but you don't hold by it,…Show more
No. However, it would be best for him to make the Shehechiyanu that he will be making on a new fruit (as per the Rebbe’s birthday directives) right after lighting. P.S. There’s no need for him to wait until… No. However, it would be best for him to make the Shehechiyanu that he will be making on a new fruit (as per the Rebbe’s birthday directives) right after lighting. P.S. There’s no need for him to wait until Tzeis Hakochavim to light on the night of his Bar Mitzvah. Sources: הליכות שלמה פט״ז דבר הלכה כ״ח, חיי הלוי ח״ו…Show more
Technically, yes, but it's not recommended. It’s better to say the entire Al Hamichya, which isn’t that long. [I’ve been informed that in Released Time, they do the whole Al Hamichya and the kids survive…] Alternatively, you can… Technically, yes, but it's not recommended. It’s better to say the entire Al Hamichya, which isn’t that long. [I’ve been informed that in Released Time, they do the whole Al Hamichya and the kids survive…] Alternatively, you can say a shortened version. A potential abridged Al Hamichya appears below. Sources: ברוך אתה ה׳ אלקינו מלך העולם על המחיה ועל…Show more
Question: My wife will be out until late, and I will light the Menorah with my children on time. Does she also have to light when she gets home? Answer: The proper thing is for her to light.… Question: My wife will be out until late, and I will light the Menorah with my children on time. Does she also have to light when she gets home? Answer: The proper thing is for her to light. Sources: לצאת מפלוגתא דברכת הרואה כשמדליקין עליו. וי״א שבני ביתו…Show more
If it can't be funded any other way, one may use maaser money to pay the difference between funding the education of the child at home (like hiring a private teacher) for the summer, vs. the expenses of sending… If it can't be funded any other way, one may use maaser money to pay the difference between funding the education of the child at home (like hiring a private teacher) for the summer, vs. the expenses of sending to overnight camp (provided that the camp is committed to the chinuch of Torah and yiras shamayim). For example: if the expense of hiring a teacher is $200 for the summer and camp is $1000, one may use $800 from maaser. The above applies only if there was no prior decision to fund it from your own money. Source:…Show more
And generally, when the wife feels very vulnerable and needs the support while pregnant, can the husband hold the wife's hand in the car (specifically after an appointment or exam)? Answer: Before halachic labor starts (or before she becomes…And generally, when the wife feels very vulnerable and needs the support while pregnant, can the husband hold the wife's hand in the car (specifically after an appointment or exam)? Answer: Before halachic labor starts (or before she becomes halachically impure due to any other reason): In cases of need, it is permitted to help her as necessary, especially in a place where there are only non-Jews present etc. After halachic labor starts (or if harchakos are in effect for whatever reason): In general, you should make arrangements for there to be help even if this means that you…Show more
אם עקרו דירתם אפילו ללילה אחד, יש לנו להחמיר שאינם נפטרים בהדלקה שבמקום שגרו עד עתה. מקורות: הנה, בשו״ת יחו״ד ו, מג, האריך להוכיח שגם בן…
Yes, you may tell her to do it, as long as the milk (bottle) will not be totally covered in the water. See here for a similar case: https://asktherav.com/2763-can-we-take-water-from-our-shabbos-kettle-to-warm-a-baby-bottle-in-a-paper-kli-shlishi/ Sources: לענין בישול - אף למה שהחמיר אדה"ז בהלכתא…
If it became a solid, you may leave it to defrost on its own, though not by heat (unless it's really needed for Shabbos, in which case you can place it somewhere warm if it can't get hot enough… If it became a solid, you may leave it to defrost on its own, though not by heat (unless it's really needed for Shabbos, in which case you can place it somewhere warm if it can't get hot enough to touch). Breaking the ice: if it's just a thin layer of ice over it, with no interest in the dissolved liquid, it's not an issue. If the food itself is frozen, it shouldn't be done, unless the frozen part is a very small amount. Sources: שוע"ר סימן שי"ח סעיפים כה-כח, וסימן ש"כ סעיפים טז-יט.…Show more
According to Chabad custom, the proper way to wash for bread is as follows: Before washing, ensure your hands are clean and remove anything that may prevent water from reaching the skin (see more on some of the questions… According to Chabad custom, the proper way to wash for bread is as follows: Before washing, ensure your hands are clean and remove anything that may prevent water from reaching the skin (see more on some of the questions here which are related to our topic). Fill the washing cup with water. If you are right-handed, first pick up the washing cup with your right hand, pass it to your left hand, and then pour water over your right hand three times in succession. After that, while using a hand towel or the like, pour water over your left…Show more
According to halacha, one may speak mundane words in a mikvah or bathhouse. The halacha is that one may not speak in the bathroom. There is good reason to avoid saying anything in a mikvah, or at least minimize.… According to halacha, one may speak mundane words in a mikvah or bathhouse. The halacha is that one may not speak in the bathroom. There is good reason to avoid saying anything in a mikvah, or at least minimize. But this isn’t strict halacha. See below for various sources and reasons why people aren’t cautious. Sources: שו״ע אדה״ז מהדו״ב ג, ד. ראה גם שם פה,…Show more
Question: I know that in halacha it says that tight pants are not allowed, and I’ve seen that some Acharonim explain this to mean specifically pants with a pouch for the ever, as it may lead to stimulation.… Question: I know that in halacha it says that tight pants are not allowed, and I’ve seen that some Acharonim explain this to mean specifically pants with a pouch for the ever, as it may lead to stimulation. What about a pouch that holds not only the ever, which could indeed cause problems of stimulation, but rather a pouch that holds the entire area — including the beitzim — in a way that separates the thighs and reduces friction? I ask because I suffer from irritation on the inner thighs, and doctors have told me that this…Show more
Is it a mitzvah object, so I have permission to use it? Answer: No. You should compensate the owner before using the tefillin. Sources: ראה שו״ע אדה״ז סי׳ כה סעי׳ לה-לו; משנ״ב שם…
בא״א מבוטשאטש תקפב ד״ה מסופק, כתב שדין חזקה מה שהוא למוד מזכיר היינו ביודע שלא הי׳ נזכר ואשיגרא דלישנא הלך לתומו בסתם משא״כ בספק אם היה נזכר עכ״פ מידי ספק לא נפיק, שאולי הי׳ נזכר ולא שייך בזה אשיגרא… בא״א מבוטשאטש תקפב ד״ה מסופק, כתב שדין חזקה מה שהוא למוד מזכיר היינו ביודע שלא הי׳ נזכר ואשיגרא דלישנא הלך לתומו בסתם משא״כ בספק אם היה נזכר עכ״פ מידי ספק לא נפיק, שאולי הי׳ נזכר ולא שייך בזה אשיגרא וחזקה כלל. אלא שעיקר דבריו מוסבים באופן שזכר לפנ״ז (ובנדון שם, המדובר שאמר מי כמוך בברכת אתה גבור, ונסתפק אם אמר המלך הקדוש). אלא שהוסיף סברא זו בין הדברים. וכסברא זו, ראה גם בימי הרחמים ספטימוס ד, ד ובהע׳ ז בשם הגרח״ק, שרק כשהתפלל לפי תומו ולא שם לב אם אמר כהוגן ששיגרת לשונו שאמר כהרגלו, אבל אם שכח אם…Show more
שאלה: בט״ז סימן שכ ש״ק ה: ״ואם התפוח מבושל וסוחט שיצא ממנו פשיטא דשרי דהא סחט כל האוכל ממנו״. האם לפ"ז מותר לסחוט אבטיח או מנגו כיון שסוחט כל האוכל ממנו? וזו לא שמענו. תשובה: לא. ההיתר כשיש… שאלה: בט״ז סימן שכ ש״ק ה: ״ואם התפוח מבושל וסוחט שיצא ממנו פשיטא דשרי דהא סחט כל האוכל ממנו״. האם לפ"ז מותר לסחוט אבטיח או מנגו כיון שסוחט כל האוכל ממנו? וזו לא שמענו. תשובה: לא. ההיתר כשיש משקה ואוכל כאחד, והכל יוצא ביחד כתערובת אחת, משא״כ לרסק עד שנהפך למשקה (ראה שש״כ ה הערה ח), או להוציא משקה לחוד מהאוכל, שאסור. ואפילו בריסוק כל הפרי עד שנהפך לנוזל - ראה במור וקציעה על אתר ד״ה משמע שאם, שכתב להתיר אפילו בתפוחים חיים, שאינו זב כמשקה ונעשה כעין דייסא עבה. ולהעיר ממג"א תצה, ג, לגבי שקדים שאינו דומה…Show more
A ring that a woman removes occasionally, such as when she kneads dough, is considered a chatzitzah (barrier) for netilas yadayim (ritual hand washing), since it prevents the water from reaching the entire hand, and must therefore be removed… A ring that a woman removes occasionally, such as when she kneads dough, is considered a chatzitzah (barrier) for netilas yadayim (ritual hand washing), since it prevents the water from reaching the entire hand, and must therefore be removed before washing. The fact that the ring might be loose is immaterial, since the halachah is that we aren’t baki (experts) in determining how loose a ring would have to be for it not to be a chatzitzah. Since most women these days remove their rings at least occasionally, the rings must therefore be removed prior to netilas yadayim…Show more
הנה מפי השמועה, שכ״ה ב״פ (מפני שזו כתובה דאירכסא) בהעתקה מהנוסח שבגוף כתי"ק כ״ק אדמו״ר מוהרי״צ נ״ע: מה דהות קדמנא בששי בשבת באחד לחדש טבת שנת חמשת אלפים שש מאות ושמונים ותשע לבריאת עולם. ושוב: שהי' ברביעי בשבת חמשה… הנה מפי השמועה, שכ״ה ב״פ (מפני שזו כתובה דאירכסא) בהעתקה מהנוסח שבגוף כתי"ק כ״ק אדמו״ר מוהרי״צ נ״ע: מה דהות קדמנא בששי בשבת באחד לחדש טבת שנת חמשת אלפים שש מאות ושמונים ותשע לבריאת עולם. ושוב: שהי' ברביעי בשבת חמשה עשר יום לחדש כסלו שנת חמשת אלפים שש מאות ושמונים ותשע לבריאת עולם. גם בתנאים של רבינו נכתב ג״כ מלא. ומריש אמינא, שלמעשה, דידן אין מקום לכתוב לכתחילה שלא כדעת כל הנהו רבוותא - מהרי״ל (בשו״ת החדשות רג), פנים מאירות (בשו״ת ב, פח), והנו״כ בסי׳ קכו - יד אהרן, ישועו״י, פת״ש (שם ט), וכו׳. ונימוק אדנ״ע נבצר ממני. אמנם, התם…Show more
Question: Is the custom of giving the Baal Tokea an Aliyah fulfilled by giving the Aliyah just on the first day, or should he get an Aliyah both days? (The Gabbai wants as many Aliyos as possible for other… Question: Is the custom of giving the Baal Tokea an Aliyah fulfilled by giving the Aliyah just on the first day, or should he get an Aliyah both days? (The Gabbai wants as many Aliyos as possible for other people) Answer: You may do only first day. Sources: כן המנהג. וראה מנהגי אמסטרדם ע׳ פח. אבל ראה…Show more
In most matters of halachah anything pachos mi’shaveh perutah (less than the value of a perutah coin—the smallest unit of currency in ancient times) has no bearing. For example, one is not obligated in the mitzvah of hashavas aveidah… In most matters of halachah anything pachos mi’shaveh perutah (less than the value of a perutah coin—the smallest unit of currency in ancient times) has no bearing. For example, one is not obligated in the mitzvah of hashavas aveidah (returning a lost article) if it’s less than a shaveh perutah. For that reason, it’s important to establish the current equivalent of the perutah. There’s a difference of opinion among poskim (halachic authorities) whether the perutah of old was made of copper, copper that contained some silver, or pure silver. Regardless, the accepted value of a perutah is…Show more
This would prevent the fish from suffering for the minutes it takes until it stops breathing. Experiments have shown fish suffer when taken out of the water. Answer: There is no obligation. Sources: פוק חזי מאי עמא דבר. ומעולם לא שמענו להחמיר…
Answer: Yes. Sources: הארכנו כאן בנוגע לבובות. וכ"ה בנדו"ד שאינו קבוע ועשוי…
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