People Just Asked
Question: If I rent out property attached to my home to a non-Jew, does that property require mezuzahs? I use one room in that property sometimes and the tenants do not have access to that room, do I… Question: If I rent out property attached to my home to a non-Jew, does that property require mezuzahs? I use one room in that property sometimes and the tenants do not have access to that room, do I need a mezuzah on that one room What about the front door? Answer: 1. The room that you use requires a Mezuzah (assuming it's a storage room - without a Bracha). 2. The front door and all doors leading to that room should have a Mezuza, also without a Bracha. Sources: א. דין בית האוצר – טושו"ע יו"ד רפו, א.…Show more
Question: Instant dairy, non-chalav yisroel coffee was prepared and drunk in coffee mugs which had been used solely for parve hot drinks. We keep chalav yisroel, but the guest who prepared the coffee doesn't. What is the… Question: Instant dairy, non-chalav yisroel coffee was prepared and drunk in coffee mugs which had been used solely for parve hot drinks. We keep chalav yisroel, but the guest who prepared the coffee doesn't. What is the status of the mugs? Must they be kashered? If yes, how is that done? Are the mugs now considered to be milchig? Answer: Assuming these mugs are ceramic, the mugs must be disposed of. If this is a tremendous loss, there might be room for leniency under certain conditions. Sources: בנדו״ז שעירו לתוך קפה שמצ״ע חלבי דינו כעירוי מכ״ר,…Show more
Question: A while back, I was advising a friend of mine, (suffering from various, multiple medical issues) to seek out the advice of an experienced successful Doctor, who uses "Alternative Medicine". My Friend responded to me by saying that… Question: A while back, I was advising a friend of mine, (suffering from various, multiple medical issues) to seek out the advice of an experienced successful Doctor, who uses "Alternative Medicine". My Friend responded to me by saying that someone had mentioned to him that "he heard" that the Rebbe always advised people to follow (only?) the Standard Medical Doctors, to the Exclusion of Alternative Medicine, which is not considered to be the Official Mainstream MD type of Doctors. I was very surprised to hear that and I assumed that it's likely not true, and even if yes, perhaps…Show more
The Alter Rebbe writes (Hilchos Shemiras Guf V'Nefesh 7) that one should not place a cooked dish or other foods or drinks under a bed because of the רוח רעה (evil spirit) then rests on them even if they… The Alter Rebbe writes (Hilchos Shemiras Guf V'Nefesh 7) that one should not place a cooked dish or other foods or drinks under a bed because of the רוח רעה (evil spirit) then rests on them even if they are covered in an iron box. With that said, there is room for leniency בדיעבד (after the fact) with food left underneath a stroller while the baby is sleeping in it for the following reasons: Some Poskim hold that the reason of the evil spirit resting on the food (underneath a bed) is only when the bed belongs to one…Show more
Questions: Taleisim Ktanim worn by small children go through the washing machine very often, this raises several questionable situations: (1) the length of the strings somehow seem to "shrink" away [thus not necessarily remaining twice the length of the… Questions: Taleisim Ktanim worn by small children go through the washing machine very often, this raises several questionable situations: (1) the length of the strings somehow seem to "shrink" away [thus not necessarily remaining twice the length of the 5 knots], (2) the strings are often unraveled, (3) even when the 5th knot is still tightly in place, the loops/circles below it seem to be a wreck, moved far apart etc. (Is this last issue מעכב?) (4) Should one be as concerned with the kashrus of a small child's tzitzis as one would be for an adult? They're anyways…Show more
When addressing alternative medicine, an important point to consider is whether these methods are actually proven to help in a scientific way (whether logically or illogically). Many of these methods have already been discussed by recent Poskim, and there… When addressing alternative medicine, an important point to consider is whether these methods are actually proven to help in a scientific way (whether logically or illogically). Many of these methods have already been discussed by recent Poskim, and there are different opinions on the matter. Generally, the Rebbe discouraged use of such methods. In the Rebbe’s words: “With regard to your question about using the services of Mrs. ... who heals without using any healing remedies at all: Inasmuch as “Torah has granted permission for the healer to heal,” I don’t understand why one should pursue unfathomable paths.” (Igros…Show more
Answer: When one wears a woolen four-cornered garment, he is certainly fulfilling a Mitzvah Min Hatorah. However, when one wears a cotton four-cornered garment, there is a dispute as to whether he is fulfilling a Mitzvah Min Hatorah or… Answer: When one wears a woolen four-cornered garment, he is certainly fulfilling a Mitzvah Min Hatorah. However, when one wears a cotton four-cornered garment, there is a dispute as to whether he is fulfilling a Mitzvah Min Hatorah or Miderabanan. That is why it is generally preferred to wear woolen four-cornered garments, and this is Minhag Chabad. Another dispute concerning a cotton four-cornered garment is whether one may attach to them Tzitzis strings made out of wool, or whether the strings must be made of cotton. The Alter Rebbe confirms that the custom is like the lenient opinion, but…Show more
Size 18 can be Kosher, and you may make a Bracha on it if the garment meets the Halachic minimum size - about 19 inches. See more here. While many size 18 Tzitzis do meet this requirement, it’s not… Size 18 can be Kosher, and you may make a Bracha on it if the garment meets the Halachic minimum size - about 19 inches. See more here. While many size 18 Tzitzis do meet this requirement, it’s not recommended, as it’s difficult to ensure the Shiur will remain fully stretched when worn [see also here]. It’s best to go up to 19 (a newer option on the market), 20, or ideally even larger. #9315 (2)Show more
אם התה היה בתוך שקית, מותר לשתות המים. טעמים ומקורות: ראה מג״א שיח, לב. שוע״ר שם כ. ואף שבדבר התלוי בפלוגתא, מקילים בדיעבד - ראה במשנ״ב שם ב שנשאר בצע״ק בד״ז. וראה שביתת השבת מבשל בבאר רחובות נח.… אם התה היה בתוך שקית, מותר לשתות המים. טעמים ומקורות: ראה מג״א שיח, לב. שוע״ר שם כ. ואף שבדבר התלוי בפלוגתא, מקילים בדיעבד - ראה במשנ״ב שם ב שנשאר בצע״ק בד״ז. וראה שביתת השבת מבשל בבאר רחובות נח. וי״ל לפמש״כ בפמ״ג יו״ד קה בש״ד ה ושם סח במ״ז ט בדין הג׳ - שאין לצרף ספק זה לס״ס. והיינו אף שלא קייל״ן כר״ת דמבשל רק לחומרא ולא לקולא - נידון כודאי. וכבפמ״ג רנד בא״א יא שהמורה צריך לעיין מי הם החולקים. וראה אדה״ז שם בקו״א ב. מחה״ש שם יא. וראה גם פמ״ג שיח בא״א יד וכא ובמ״ז יח. וראה…Show more
If it was used for a mitzvah and is still suitable for mitzvah usage, it should not be used for mundane matters and certainly not for improper usages. One should not bring it into unholy areas. Sources: מגילה כו, א, שה״ז תשמיש מצוה כסוכה וציצית. אמנם,…
Shehakol, since it’s primary usage is as a spice, not plain. #19182
Question: Is it wrong according to halacha to tell a parent (respectfully) that you feel they hurt/insulted you? If a parent doesn't seem to be understanding the child (I.e. a teenager or a young adult in shidduchim) but… Question: Is it wrong according to halacha to tell a parent (respectfully) that you feel they hurt/insulted you? If a parent doesn't seem to be understanding the child (I.e. a teenager or a young adult in shidduchim) but they overall have a good relationship, what's the best way according to halacha to go about expressing this while still remaining respectful and not contradicting what they say. Answer: One must be extremely careful not to embarrass or get angry at their parents. If you feel that they insulted you or don't understand you, and you know they would…Show more
Q. When saying Kriyas Shma bizmana in the morning before davening, should I hold my tzitzis and kiss them during vayomer? A. Yes. פשוט. ואדרבה, ק״ש קטנה עדיפא שבזה מקיים המצוה. ושקו״ט במה שאין מניחין תפלין. ואכ״מ. אבל כשלבוש… Q. When saying Kriyas Shma bizmana in the morning before davening, should I hold my tzitzis and kiss them during vayomer? A. Yes. פשוט. ואדרבה, ק״ש קטנה עדיפא שבזה מקיים המצוה. ושקו״ט במה שאין מניחין תפלין. ואכ״מ. אבל כשלבוש בציצית בודאי יש לאחוז. וזו משנה שא״צ. Q. What about kriyas shema of Rabbeinu Tam tefillin? A. There are various customs. Some don’t hold tzitzis at all; some only hold the front tzitzis; some hold only when reciting the third Parasha of tzitzis. שלחן מלכים דיני תדר״ת כ. ילקוט הגרשוני לד, א - ע׳ לא. זכר חנוך…Show more
תיקון חצות מיסודו נועד שיאמרו כל לילה. אבל בדורות האחרונים נתמעטו אומרי תיקון חצות בכל לילה. ורבותינו נשיאנו הורו ששייך לעיתים מזומנים בלבד. מקורות: בתניא אגרת התשובה י: עצה היעוצה להקדים בחינת תשובה…
First Question - Genevas Daas: I have been practicing shechita at a halal place and many Muslims wear something that looks like a yarmulke. I have learned that some clients thought I was Muslim and therefore allow me to… First Question - Genevas Daas: I have been practicing shechita at a halal place and many Muslims wear something that looks like a yarmulke. I have learned that some clients thought I was Muslim and therefore allow me to shecht (it’s totally kosher for a Muslim to eat the shechita of a Jew, but some prefer a Muslim do it, because it's more "mehudar" in their eyes. Much of the halal meat sold on the market today are treifos from cows shechted by Jews, with a Muslim standing nearby saying his prayer before the shechita). Being…Show more
שאלה: א. שמעתי שמועה שהרבי הריי״צ נ״ע הורה שיאמרו בר"ח 'קוה' מתפילת שבת שבסידור. האם הדבר נכון? ב. ועוד שמעתי שבמוסף ר"ח, יש ללבוש את החליפה במוסף, כאילו מונח עליו תפילין, האם זה מנהג חב"ד? מענה: א. מה… שאלה: א. שמעתי שמועה שהרבי הריי״צ נ״ע הורה שיאמרו בר"ח 'קוה' מתפילת שבת שבסידור. האם הדבר נכון? ב. ועוד שמעתי שבמוסף ר"ח, יש ללבוש את החליפה במוסף, כאילו מונח עליו תפילין, האם זה מנהג חב"ד? מענה: א. מה ששמעתי - ואיני יודע אם שמועה בדוקה היא - שהתלמידים מאוטוואצק שהתגוררו במאנטרעאל - הרמ״א ע״ה גערליצקי, והרמ״ז ע״ה גרינגלאס - היו נוהגים כך. וטעמם שהם התפללו מעיקרא בנוסח ספרד. ובנוסח ספרד - בשבת אומרים פטום הקטורת בנוסח הקצר (רק עד ״מפני הכבוד״) ובחול ממשיכים ואומרים גם תניא ר׳ נתן וכו׳. והשמועה מספרת, שנמסר להם מכ״ק אדמו״ר מוהריי״צ נ״ע, שלפחות…Show more
Question: I recently read in shaila #4427 'As in any other stringency, one should consider first if this stringency suits them, whether it won’t cause other leniencies, etc.' I am unable to understand the Rav's statement. Is the Rav… Question: I recently read in shaila #4427 'As in any other stringency, one should consider first if this stringency suits them, whether it won’t cause other leniencies, etc.' I am unable to understand the Rav's statement. Is the Rav saying that taking upon unnecessary, random new stringencies in life, actually make a person become lenient in other Halachic matters? Answer: Yes. There’s a concept in Halacha called “chumra d’asi lidei kula” - a stringency that leads to a leniency. There are many ways such a thing is possible. As a general rule, any chumra should be…Show more
שאלה: רציתי לשאול בנוגע לתרומות לביהמ"ק בזה"ז: יש כאלו שאומרים שהפשט בשיחת ש"פ תרומה תשנ"ב (סי"ב) הוא לתרום כעת לביהמ"ק הג' ש"הכל חייבין לבנות ולסעד וכו'". והנה, על אף שמכמה סיבות יש לומר שאין זה הפשט בהוראתו הק', מ"מ… שאלה: רציתי לשאול בנוגע לתרומות לביהמ"ק בזה"ז: יש כאלו שאומרים שהפשט בשיחת ש"פ תרומה תשנ"ב (סי"ב) הוא לתרום כעת לביהמ"ק הג' ש"הכל חייבין לבנות ולסעד וכו'". והנה, על אף שמכמה סיבות יש לומר שאין זה הפשט בהוראתו הק', מ"מ אשמח לשמוע דעת הרב, ועוד והוא העיקר - מה ההלכה בזה, האם מותר בזה"ג לתרום כהקדש לביהמ"ק הג'? ואם אכן יש איסור תרומה כהקדש, האם יש היתר רק להפריש בצד ע"מ לתרום לע"ל ברגע שבו תבוא הגאולה בפו"מ? ומצו"ב המענה השלילי להרב ציק אודות תרומות לביהמ"ק (וכן ההבהרה בנידון והבקשה להעביר זאת לכל סניפי צאגו"ח). שאלתי היא, האם מענה כ"ק…Show more
Putting salt in cold water (or other liquids) on Shabbos: For pickling purposes - it is forbidden, even if one will immediately eat some of the foods being pickled. To serve as a dip or dressing - it is… Putting salt in cold water (or other liquids) on Shabbos: For pickling purposes - it is forbidden, even if one will immediately eat some of the foods being pickled. To serve as a dip or dressing - it is permitted, provided that all the following conditions are met. One is making a small amount for only one meal; It is being made immediately before such a meal; The mixture will have a ratio of less than two-thirds of salt. Regarding preparing saltwater for כרפס when Pesach falls out on Shabbos, it should be done before Shabbos. If one forgot…Show more
תשובה: המנהג הפשוט שא״א תחנון בשחרית גם בזה. טעמים ומקורות: נחלקו הפוסקים בנוגע אמירת תחנון ביום החופה. ואדה״ז בשו״ע קלא, ה כתב שנהגו שלא ליפול בבית החתן ביום כניסתו לחופה, ושוב כתב ולא כשיש חתן בביהכ״נ. ובפשטות קאי… תשובה: המנהג הפשוט שא״א תחנון בשחרית גם בזה. טעמים ומקורות: נחלקו הפוסקים בנוגע אמירת תחנון ביום החופה. ואדה״ז בשו״ע קלא, ה כתב שנהגו שלא ליפול בבית החתן ביום כניסתו לחופה, ושוב כתב ולא כשיש חתן בביהכ״נ. ובפשטות קאי אשלפניו, שגם בביהכ״נ א״א ביום חופתו. והיינו כל היום. וכ״ה שם ו להדיא. אלא שהוסיף שיש נוהגין שלא לומר כל ז׳ ואפי׳ ביום ח׳ בשחרית. (ואף שבסידור לפני למנצח יענך הושמט דין יום החופה, והביא רק כל ז׳ ימי המשתה - י״ל שבכלל מאתים מנה). וכ״ה בהשלמה לסימן קלא, שבשו״ת דברי נחמי׳ או״ח עג, א. אבל בקצוה״ש כד, ו נגרר…Show more
Spraying stain remover onto clothes - Permitted. Putting clothes in laundry machine - Permitted. Turning on the laundry machine - Should be done by someone else (a man, child, or - lehavdil - a non-Jew). Putting in/turning on the… Spraying stain remover onto clothes - Permitted. Putting clothes in laundry machine - Permitted. Turning on the laundry machine - Should be done by someone else (a man, child, or - lehavdil - a non-Jew). Putting in/turning on the dryer - Both permitted. (Hanging wet clothing is not.) Folding/sorting clean laundry - Permitted. P.S.: See more on this topic here: Halacha2go.com #213: Melachah on Rosh Chodesh #19193Show more
Yes as long as it was done on a weekday. In this case, you should specify that you’re charging for the preparation done years ago. Sources: בגוף הענין שהוא כהבלעה כיון שמשלמים לו על ההכנה…
Question: Regarding the topic of fasting a certain number of fasts for every sin, as mentioned in Iggeres Hateshuva - Do we still hold by this as a practical thing to do nowadays, and if so does that also… Question: Regarding the topic of fasting a certain number of fasts for every sin, as mentioned in Iggeres Hateshuva - Do we still hold by this as a practical thing to do nowadays, and if so does that also include the half-day fasts that he mentions? The Alter Rebbe distinguishes between the extra fasts, in accordance with the number of times the sin was done total, and the actual fasts totaling the number corresponding to the particular sin. Although he goes into the whole thing about "only a healthy person etc.", that was in regards to what he said…Show more
Men shouldn’t either. The phrase in the Maane Lashon וישא עיניו אל כפים אל א-ל בשמים is from the passuk in Eicha 3:41, which refers to prayer in general. There are various interpretations to that passuk. Regardless of… Men shouldn’t either. The phrase in the Maane Lashon וישא עיניו אל כפים אל א-ל בשמים is from the passuk in Eicha 3:41, which refers to prayer in general. There are various interpretations to that passuk. Regardless of the interpretation, in practice, one should not have their hands outstretched when davening. See more about this here: Halacha2go.com #527: Acceptable Postures and Positions Regarding having a mechitza at the Ohel, this is something that should be addressed to the management there. Sources: ראה בפי׳ הפסוק - ירושלמי תענית ב, א ובמפרשי…Show more
In theory, it’s a safek mezonos or haadama and therefore it should only be eaten in a meal. (Eating a mezonos and haadama food won’t help for the bracha acharona when eating more than a kezayis. See here… In theory, it’s a safek mezonos or haadama and therefore it should only be eaten in a meal. (Eating a mezonos and haadama food won’t help for the bracha acharona when eating more than a kezayis. See here about a similar situation). However, usually instant oatmeal is precooked or presteamed. Thus, since the oats were (partially) cooked before it would be mezonos when completing the cooking by pouring hot water upon it. Sources: קייל״ן שבעירוי מכ״ר על לחם שספק אם מבשל יש…Show more
Have a Halachic Question?
Submit your question and receive an answer shortly.
Submit A Question
