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Question: In yeshiva, when everyone is eating from the same food but are spread out on different tables, could/should one Zimun be made? Answer: You can only make zimun together if you are eating at the same table,… Question: In yeshiva, when everyone is eating from the same food but are spread out on different tables, could/should one Zimun be made? Answer: You can only make zimun together if you are eating at the same table, unless you are all קבוע - sitting together for the same purpose (as by a Bar mitzvah/wedding). When eating a Shabbos meal together, where everybody eats together, you can make zimun together. Sources: ראה במ”א סי’ קצג סק”ח, ושוע"ר סימן קסז סט”ו,…Show more
Question: In Ashrei by the passuk "poseiach es yadecha" where I must have kavanah? Am I allowed to think the meaning right after I finish saying the passuk, because it's hard for me otherwise. How about the… Question: In Ashrei by the passuk "poseiach es yadecha" where I must have kavanah? Am I allowed to think the meaning right after I finish saying the passuk, because it's hard for me otherwise. How about the ד of Echad of Shema? Answer: Kavanah should always be before or during the recital. One should have in mind the meaning of the דלת of אחד after reciting it. Sources: נחלקו בכלל אם כוונה צ״ל בעת האמירה או לפניו.…Show more
Question: I received this from my grandfather who recently passed away, I'm wondering if I'm allowed to keep it or is this an issue. It's the Rambam. Answer: It is not allowed to own a statue of a… Question: I received this from my grandfather who recently passed away, I'm wondering if I'm allowed to keep it or is this an issue. It's the Rambam. Answer: It is not allowed to own a statue of a human being even if the intent is not for idolatry; the concern is chashad (suspicion). If this item is very important for you to keep, you may scrape off the nose (or according to some - the ear) and thus it will not be a complete face. Sources: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 168:2. Beis Lechem Yehudah 141:10 See…Show more
Question: I have heard once that Rebbe said not to fly a single-engine plane, although I don't know of any Makor. I have a friend which owns a small plane that runs on a single engine with 4 seats.… Question: I have heard once that Rebbe said not to fly a single-engine plane, although I don't know of any Makor. I have a friend which owns a small plane that runs on a single engine with 4 seats. He's an experienced pilot and is willing to give me a ride, would this be a problem? Answer: There is indeed support for this in the Rebbe’s words. See below sources. Whether the Rebbe’s concerns still apply to modern planes is hard to know. See also links below about the general safety issue. אג"ק ח"ד ע' רעג. ח"ט…Show more
Question: When it says that "mitzvahs require kavana", is it saying that you need active kavana or is it just excluding a case where a person doesn't at all know that there is such mitzvah? For example,… Question: When it says that "mitzvahs require kavana", is it saying that you need active kavana or is it just excluding a case where a person doesn't at all know that there is such mitzvah? For example, someone takes lulav and esrog to look at it and doesn't know about the mitzvah of holding it? But if you know it's a mitzvah and if someone asks "why are you doing it" he would obviously say "for a mitzvah" then even if he didn't actually think anything before doing it, he's good? Answer: The minimum required Kavana…Show more
No. Sources: הנה, איסור לבישת בגדי שבת תוך ל׳ הובא בב״י…
Matzeiva is a kavod for the niftar and a tikkun for the neshma. Poskim address the need for a child or husband to pay for Matzeiva of parent or wife. See here: https://asktherav.com/12153-maaser-money-to-pay-for-a-matzeiva-tombstone-for-a-parent/ Sources: ירושלמי שקלים ב, ז ובקה״ע ותקלין חדתין שם. רדב״ז…
Question: Where I started working, there is a picture of their product with an idol from asia in the background, is this forbidden? Should I do something about it? Answer: It is not a problem. Of course, it’s… Question: Where I started working, there is a picture of their product with an idol from asia in the background, is this forbidden? Should I do something about it? Answer: It is not a problem. Of course, it’s preferable that you not have it in sight all day... Sources: הרי אינה ברשותו אא"כ הוא במשרדו הפרטי וצריך להחמיר…Show more
Question: What should one do if he did not have kavana for: - פותח את ידך - שמע, ברוך שם - ברכת מגן אברהם Answer: פותח את ידך He must say it again with the proper kavanah.… Question: What should one do if he did not have kavana for: - פותח את ידך - שמע, ברוך שם - ברכת מגן אברהם Answer: פותח את ידך He must say it again with the proper kavanah. שוע"ר סי' נא סעי' ז. שמע, ברוך שם You need to go back and start again from שמע ישראל but should be said quietly. שם סי' סג סעי' ה. ברכת מגן אברהם Don't go back. שם סי' קא סעי' א. What does he do if he realizes right after saying it? If he realizes once he's already in another…Show more
Start Time: The morning Shema can be said anytime from misheyakir, a time when one can recognize a friend, until three halachic hours in the day have passed. Both of these times are usually noted in the calendar.… Start Time: The morning Shema can be said anytime from misheyakir, a time when one can recognize a friend, until three halachic hours in the day have passed. Both of these times are usually noted in the calendar. The earliest appropriate time for davening Shemonei Esrei of Shacharis is netz hachama, sunrise. Beshaas hadchak, if a person is desperate and knows they might be unable to daven later before the time for davening passes, such as when traveling, they are allowed to start davening from alos hashachar, the break of dawn. With regard to the…Show more
Question: My son wants to go to college. He knows that I don't want him to. I don't think he is considering Jewish colleges, or a college online. He is asking me for my financial information so he can… Question: My son wants to go to college. He knows that I don't want him to. I don't think he is considering Jewish colleges, or a college online. He is asking me for my financial information so he can apply for scholarships. I asked a mashpia if I am allowed to give him this information. She said I should ask the Rav. Is it allowed for me to give him this information regardless of what type of college he is applying to? Is it only allowed if he applies to Jewish colleges? Answer: There is no halachic problem…Show more
Yes, you may eat the peels stalks as long as you check well with a light that there are no leaf-miner trails tunnels, or holes. If a trail is spotted, cut it away. The rest of the stalk may… Yes, you may eat the peels stalks as long as you check well with a light that there are no leaf-miner trails tunnels, or holes. If a trail is spotted, cut it away. The rest of the stalk may be eaten after washing it thoroughly. #5444Show more
Question continued: I'm asking because my son is becoming Bar Mitzva right after Pesach, and I understood that the priority should be learning the ma'amar Beal pe, and then if he knows it, he can continue through leining… Question continued: I'm asking because my son is becoming Bar Mitzva right after Pesach, and I understood that the priority should be learning the ma'amar Beal pe, and then if he knows it, he can continue through leining. Wanted to know what would be the best course of action. Answer: The Rebbe strongly discouraged Bar Mitzvah boys from spending their pre-Bar Mitzvah time practicing how to lein. Although this can give him good skills if he wishes to become a Baal Koirei, that is not the purpose of a Bar Mitzvah. This time should be…Show more
Question: If a Jew is renting from a goy and the goy provides a bed (mattress), does the Jew have a responsibility to test the mattress for Shatnez? Answer: No, but one who has an extra measure… Question: If a Jew is renting from a goy and the goy provides a bed (mattress), does the Jew have a responsibility to test the mattress for Shatnez? Answer: No, but one who has an extra measure of yiras shomayim shouldn’t lay down on the mattress directly without a cover if they aren't sure what material it is made of. Sources: שו"ע יו"ד סי ש"א ס"א וס"ב ברמ"א בגדים הקשים…Show more
אסור, שאין לומר דבר שבקדושה בפחות מעשרה. אבל אם מנגן רק עד ואמרו אמן ולא יותר, מותר. כמו כן, מותר לנגן מתתקבל ואילך. טעמים ומקורות: כפשוט. ראה שו״ת הרא״ש ד, יט שאין לומר קדיש עם החזן לפי שא״א… אסור, שאין לומר דבר שבקדושה בפחות מעשרה. אבל אם מנגן רק עד ואמרו אמן ולא יותר, מותר. כמו כן, מותר לנגן מתתקבל ואילך. טעמים ומקורות: כפשוט. ראה שו״ת הרא״ש ד, יט שאין לומר קדיש עם החזן לפי שא״א דבש״ק פחות מעשרה. והובא בב״י רסי׳ קכה. ובפשטות כוונתו שגם כשנמצאים עשרה אם אינם אומרים ביחד בקול אסור לאומרו. (וראה שו״ע אדה״ז רסי׳ קכה). ועפ״ז, כתב בשלמי ציבור דיני קדיש יח (פא, ב. ובמהדורת אהבת שלום - ע׳ קצא), והב״ד בקשר גודל להחיד״א ח, טו, וחסל״א נו, ד, סידור בית עובד דינים השייכים לאמירת קדיש נא, שאין לנגן הקדיש עם…Show more
שאלה: למעשה האם בעייתי לאדם מן השורה לשתות מים או שתי' אחרת בעמידה? האם להשען על הקיר (באופן שבלי הקיר הי' נופל) נחשב לאי עמידה או שצריך ישיבה דוקא? מענה: ראוי לכל אדם לעשות עצמו כתלמיד חכם ולא… שאלה: למעשה האם בעייתי לאדם מן השורה לשתות מים או שתי' אחרת בעמידה? האם להשען על הקיר (באופן שבלי הקיר הי' נופל) נחשב לאי עמידה או שצריך ישיבה דוקא? מענה: ראוי לכל אדם לעשות עצמו כתלמיד חכם ולא לאכול או לשתות בעמידה, אא״כ בטעימה בעלמא. ואפשר להקל בסמיכה באופן שאם ינטל אותו דבר יפול. מקורות: גיטין ע, א. ושם קאי בכל אדם. ד״א זוטא…Show more
פסוקי קדוש ברוך ימלוך שבקדושה, ברוך ה׳ המבורך לעולם ועד, אמן יהא שמי׳ רבא עד יתברך ואמן של דאמירן בעלמא, אמן של הא-ל הקדוש ושומע תפלה, אמן של ברכת התורה ושל ברכות ההפטרה, אמן על פסוקי ברכת כהנים כשהכהנים… פסוקי קדוש ברוך ימלוך שבקדושה, ברוך ה׳ המבורך לעולם ועד, אמן יהא שמי׳ רבא עד יתברך ואמן של דאמירן בעלמא, אמן של הא-ל הקדוש ושומע תפלה, אמן של ברכת התורה ושל ברכות ההפטרה, אמן על פסוקי ברכת כהנים כשהכהנים נושאים כפים (כמו ביו״ט). בדרך כלל, במקומות שמפסיקים לדבר שבקדושה, מפסיק גם לענות תיבות מודים אנחנו לך, וכן לעלות לתורה אם קראוהו, לקרוא בתורה כשאין אחר, ולקרוא ההפטרה כשכבר עלה למפטיר, וכן לברכת ברקים ורעמים. (וכן גם לשאול בשלום מפני הכבוד ולהשיב שלום לכל אדם מפני דרכי שלום כשהוא בין הפרקים, ובאמצע הפרק - לשאול מפני היראה ולהשיב מפני הכבוד.…Show more
שאלה: מי שנפלה ממנו הטלית גדול, אבל נשאר עליו עדיין טלית קטן, האם צריך לברך כשיחזור ויתעטף בטלית גדול? מענה: למעשה אין לברך. מקורות: ראה שו״ע אדה״ז ח, כו. אמנם, כמה צדדים וספיקות…
Q. Can one spray perfume on the hand on Shabbos? A. No. However, if you're putting it on to get rid of a bad smell there is room for leniency. Q. If I already put on before Shabbos.… Q. Can one spray perfume on the hand on Shabbos? A. No. However, if you're putting it on to get rid of a bad smell there is room for leniency. Q. If I already put on before Shabbos. And I can still smell it some hours later and want to add more perfume. Am I allowed to? A. Yes if it's the same perfume and provided it's not a pump spray. See here: https://asktherav.com/958-deodorant-on-shabbos/ Sources: ביצה כג, א: רבה ורב יוסף דאמרי תרווייהו סחופי…Show more
Question: With the will of fulfilling the Rebbe's wish, about teaching עניני גאולה and more specifically about the Beis Hamikdash, we came up with an idea to create an educational exhibit with the keilim of the Beis Hamikdash. The… Question: With the will of fulfilling the Rebbe's wish, about teaching עניני גאולה and more specifically about the Beis Hamikdash, we came up with an idea to create an educational exhibit with the keilim of the Beis Hamikdash. The advantage of this idea is that the kids can actually visualize and get a feel for how it will really be. Most of the keilim we are building ourselves of wood, and are trying to do it in a similar but different to the way it will be. Is it ok to build the ארון העדות, for purpose of learning…Show more
The custom in many places is not to visit during the first year. If there is no established custom in the place where you are, you may go but stand at a distance from the grave. Either way, when… The custom in many places is not to visit during the first year. If there is no established custom in the place where you are, you may go but stand at a distance from the grave. Either way, when visiting at this time, do not pray for those who are still living. If this is the only chance of visiting his kever, you should go but stand from a distance. Sources: ע״פ זח״א רכה, א (הובא בדברי תורה להרה״צ ממונקאטש…Show more
It would be acceptable provided that it is done in a צניעות way. ואין לדיין אלא מה שעיניו רואות. I am not aware of a Halachik problem as long as there is gender separation and the girls are dressed… It would be acceptable provided that it is done in a צניעות way. ואין לדיין אלא מה שעיניו רואות. I am not aware of a Halachik problem as long as there is gender separation and the girls are dressed tznius. This depends on local custom. I would check with Mechanchos in case they have specific guidelines. In many places, it’s accepted that a girl from age 9 should not ride on a bike in a public place even if it is done in a tznius way. See Shevet Halevi 10:26, p. 23-4. As mentioned before, it is also…Show more
Question: We purchased our home a couple of months ago. We didn't move into the house yet, nor did we bring any of our belongings in (because there is a possibility that we will be renting it out for… Question: We purchased our home a couple of months ago. We didn't move into the house yet, nor did we bring any of our belongings in (because there is a possibility that we will be renting it out for some time). However, we did bring a Chitas and a pushka into the kitchen right away. Should we/do we need to put up mezuzos on the house? Answer: No. You should put up the mezuzos with a bracha only when you move in or move in your belongings for regular usage. See here: https://asktherav.com/2486-we-are-buying-a-home-when-do-we-put-up-mezuzah-and-when-do-we-make-the-bracha-right-away-or-do-we-wait-30-days/ Sources: כמה שיטות בנוגע לזמן קביעת המזוזה. וראה ברכ״י או״ח…Show more
Question: If I had vegetables and chicken on my plate, and I stuck my fork into a vegetable and began making Ha'adama, but remembered by the word "ha'olam" that I already made Ha'adama on melon just before… Question: If I had vegetables and chicken on my plate, and I stuck my fork into a vegetable and began making Ha'adama, but remembered by the word "ha'olam" that I already made Ha'adama on melon just before (when this plate was already in front of me): A. I instinctively released the vegetable from the fork, stuck it into some chicken, and finished off the Bracha as Shehakol -- does that Bracha count even though it was begun with the intent to say Ha'adama? Or must I repeat Shehakol over again? B. At the point in time of…Show more
Question: I have noticed that it seems that Chabad minhag is for the chazan not to say the pesukim in kedusha d’sidra ("Uva LeTzion") out loud. I understand saying the Targum quietly, but why the pesukim?… Question: I have noticed that it seems that Chabad minhag is for the chazan not to say the pesukim in kedusha d’sidra ("Uva LeTzion") out loud. I understand saying the Targum quietly, but why the pesukim? Is this indeed the Chabad custom and what is the basis for it? Answer: Indeed, this is the common custom in many circles, especially among Chassidim, including Chabad. See references below. Sources: כן המנהג הנפוץ בכ״מ. (וגם אלו שנהגו להקפיד לומר…Show more
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