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Question: There is a bicycle locked outside my house that appears to have been abandoned for a long time. It doesn’t look like it can be driven, it is rusty, the tires are flat, and it seems clear that… Question: There is a bicycle locked outside my house that appears to have been abandoned for a long time. It doesn’t look like it can be driven, it is rusty, the tires are flat, and it seems clear that either the owner forgot about it or no longer has any interest in it. My question is: am I permitted to take a small part of the bicycle? Or would this still be considered someone else's property despite its apparent abandonment? Answer: You may not take it. Show more
When one separates challah in Eretz Yisroel, all the individual parts of the dough from which challah is to be taken have to be min hamukaf (nearby); according to one opinion, this means that all the pieces of dough… When one separates challah in Eretz Yisroel, all the individual parts of the dough from which challah is to be taken have to be min hamukaf (nearby); according to one opinion, this means that all the pieces of dough must touch each other, and according to another—they must all be in the same bowl. In Chutz La’aretz (outside Eretz Yisroel), it is midas chassidus (pious behavior) to separate challah min hamukaf, but bedieved (after the fact), if there are no other options, it’s acceptable to do so shelo min hamukaf (even if the different parts of dough…Show more
We are Short of Beds. May I Sleep in the Bed of the Person who Passed Away? There may be a shortage of beds soon after a death in the family (as is wont to be the case with… We are Short of Beds. May I Sleep in the Bed of the Person who Passed Away? There may be a shortage of beds soon after a death in the family (as is wont to be the case with family staying over during shivah), but people might be reluctant to sleep in the bed of the deceased. Although some people may be uncomfortable with sleeping in that bed, there is no source for this in halachah. There had been an ancient custom in some Jewish communities to designate the bed as off limits, but it is not a…Show more
Separating challah from dough is the mitzvah, the obligation, of the woman. It is specifically her mitzvah, and she has priority to do it over her husband. In fact, there is a discussion among poskim whether she is considered… Separating challah from dough is the mitzvah, the obligation, of the woman. It is specifically her mitzvah, and she has priority to do it over her husband. In fact, there is a discussion among poskim whether she is considered her husband’s shaliach, emissary, or if it is her mitzvah independently. Indeed, some poskim say that if a husband separates the challah instead of his wife he owes her a payment of asarah zehuvim, the amount of money one owes another if they usurp another’s mitzvah. Others opine that he does not have to pay her since the…Show more
If yes, does he say any פסוקי דזמרה afterwards? Answer: No.
Question: If I'm standing by a chupah and they call up all the כהנים for ברכת כהנים, is there a חיוב of אמור להם to go up or that is only said in Shulchan Aruch in the context of… Question: If I'm standing by a chupah and they call up all the כהנים for ברכת כהנים, is there a חיוב of אמור להם to go up or that is only said in Shulchan Aruch in the context of davening? Answer: There is no chiyuv. Show more
Question: Is it preferable to bake challah every week for Shabbos even if it’s less than the shiur (minimum requirement) for taking challah, or to bake a large batch every few weeks in order to be able to be… Question: Is it preferable to bake challah every week for Shabbos even if it’s less than the shiur (minimum requirement) for taking challah, or to bake a large batch every few weeks in order to be able to be mafrish challah (separate challah) with a brachah? Answer: Jewish women have the custom of baking challah on erev Shabbos instead of buying it from the store. There are a number of reasons for this custom: 1) In the olden times there were not many Jewish bakeries, and people ate pas paltar (bread baked by a professional non-Jewish baker), which…Show more
Question: If I'm davening and someone comes over and starts talking to me, am I permitted to smile, nod, or motion with my hands that we will talk later. I don't want to make them feel bad. Does it… Question: If I'm davening and someone comes over and starts talking to me, am I permitted to smile, nod, or motion with my hands that we will talk later. I don't want to make them feel bad. Does it matter which part of davening I'm up to? Can one talk between karbanos? Also, am I allowed to talk in between paragraphs of mincha, maariv, and shema before bed? Or between Ashrei and Shemona esrei? What about during bentching? Can a person make hand motions to indicate they will talk later with someone? Answer: Shacharis: Yes, but not…Show more
Does it apply anytime someone leaves your home? Is it less of a need nowadays because travel is more safe? Answer: It only applies to guests from another town who are currently leaving town. It also only applies… Does it apply anytime someone leaves your home? Is it less of a need nowadays because travel is more safe? Answer: It only applies to guests from another town who are currently leaving town. It also only applies if they will be traveling on their own. Poskim advance many reasons to justify the custom of many, not to be particular with this mitzvah. Among them: the fact that most people today are not traveling alone; they’re usually using public transport, which involves other people, etc. Also, the guests usually are happy to forgo and be mochel the escort.…Show more
If we find a lost object we may keep it only if we are absolutely sure that the owner was already meyaeish (despaired) of ever finding it—thereby relinquishing his ownership—which allows us to acquire it. Otherwise, we are obligated… If we find a lost object we may keep it only if we are absolutely sure that the owner was already meyaeish (despaired) of ever finding it—thereby relinquishing his ownership—which allows us to acquire it. Otherwise, we are obligated in the mitzvah of hashavas aveidah (returning a lost object to its owner). Even if the owner was meyaeish, it’s still proper to go beyond the letter of the law and return the item to whoever provides a siman (description or distinguishing characteristic) or is otherwise proven to be the owner. In order to be absolved of the mitzvah of…Show more
There are a number of halachic considerations regarding ripping writing paper, toilet paper, aluminum foil, etc., on Shabbos. There is a discussion in halacha whether such ripping falls under the category of koreia, the prohibition of tearing on… There are a number of halachic considerations regarding ripping writing paper, toilet paper, aluminum foil, etc., on Shabbos. There is a discussion in halacha whether such ripping falls under the category of koreia, the prohibition of tearing on Shabbos. According to the Alter Rebbe, koreia only applies to something like a garment which is comprised of various parts that have been sewn together. It is not considered koreia to rip something which has been formed into one entity, such as paper. Therefore, it is permitted to rip such an item on Shabbos. Nonetheless, a person has…Show more
Answer: It is better to wait for the later minyan.
May Human Remains be Used for Implants? Dental and foot implants are often the product of human remains (allograft). This is potentially problematic on two halachic counts: issur hana’ah mimeis (the prohibition of benefiting from a corpse), and the… May Human Remains be Used for Implants? Dental and foot implants are often the product of human remains (allograft). This is potentially problematic on two halachic counts: issur hana’ah mimeis (the prohibition of benefiting from a corpse), and the mitzvah of kevurah (burying the dead). However, the mitzvah of kevurah applies only to Jews, and, considering that Jews are a minority among the general population, it’s safe to assume that a random implant did not originate in a Jewish body. With regards to issur hana’ah, there are several opinions which temper the severity of the prohibition: Some authorities maintain…Show more
There is a minhag brought down in Shulchon Oruch that on Erev Shabbos and Erev Yom Tov a woman should bake challah out of respect for Shabbos and Yom Tov, and not buy from the bakery as she… There is a minhag brought down in Shulchon Oruch that on Erev Shabbos and Erev Yom Tov a woman should bake challah out of respect for Shabbos and Yom Tov, and not buy from the bakery as she does during the week. The Rama writes, "Ve’ein leshanois", one should not change this custom unless, of course, absolutely necessary. The reason for this minhag is that it is considered respectful for the Shabbos and Yom Tov; in addition, if she is mafrish challah, separates challah, on Friday she is correcting the sin that occurred on…Show more
Myth: It is customary that the husband of an expectant mother is given the honour of pesicha (opening the ark and removing the Torah for the public readings) as a segulah (positive omen) for an easy childbirth. Status: Inaccurate… Myth: It is customary that the husband of an expectant mother is given the honour of pesicha (opening the ark and removing the Torah for the public readings) as a segulah (positive omen) for an easy childbirth. Status: Inaccurate Conception: Virtually all sources addressing this custom mention doing pesicha specifically during the ninth month. The earliest source recording this custom seems to be the Chida (1724-1807), who mentions in his Avodas Hakodesh (Moreh B'etzba 3:9) that it has been the local custom [in Livorno] that husbands of expectant mother are particular to perform the mitzvah of pesicha…Show more
Some are particular about this, but it’s not a halachic requirement.
Yes, but one should not shave or trim.
As per the Alter Rebbe’s Siddur. It must be said with proper concentration.
It doesn't seem like chassidim worry at all about not making Kiddush until much later, but from the Shulchan Aruch, it seems like the Zman Shachris for the seudah is very important. Answer: The reason for eating before midday…It doesn't seem like chassidim worry at all about not making Kiddush until much later, but from the Shulchan Aruch, it seems like the Zman Shachris for the seudah is very important. Answer: The reason for eating before midday is so that it shouldn't be considered as we are fasting on Shabbos, since we are not eating at the regular meal time (which is before 6 hours of the day). Therefore, some Poskim say that one should drink on Shabbos morning. Many Chassidim are also particular to eat before Shacharis in those cases where there is a concern that…Show more
שאלה: מי שצריך להתפלל בשדה תעופה, לדוגמא, וקשה להזהר מתפלה נגד הערוה, ויש לו ב' אפשרויות: או להתפלל לצד מזרח אבל יהי' כנגדה ויסמוך על היש מתירין (סע"ה ס"א) שאם אינו אלא בהעברה בעלמא מותר, או להחזיר פניו וכל… שאלה: מי שצריך להתפלל בשדה תעופה, לדוגמא, וקשה להזהר מתפלה נגד הערוה, ויש לו ב' אפשרויות: או להתפלל לצד מזרח אבל יהי' כנגדה ויסמוך על היש מתירין (סע"ה ס"א) שאם אינו אלא בהעברה בעלמא מותר, או להחזיר פניו וכל גופו לצד אחר, אבל אז לא יתפלל לצד מזרח. מה עדיף? תשובה: אם לובש משקפיים סגי בעצימת עיניים לחוד. וכן אם משים סידור כנגד עיניו. כשאי אפשר כנ״ל, ואם יחזיר פניו וגופו יצטרך להתפלל שלא לכיוון מזרח, יש מקום להקל בטפח מגולה לחוד בחזרת פניו לחוד בלא גופו. ובדאי אפשר גם בזה, אפילו בעצימת עיניים לחוד. בערוה ממש, צריך…Show more
בשע״ת קכג, ה הב״ד החיד״א בברכ״י שם ג, במי שפסע שלוש פסיעות והגיע ש״צ לקדושה, שבכה״ג יכול לחזור תיכף למקומו, לפי שניכר שחוזר מחמת קדושה. והביא דהכי חזינן לרבנן קשישאי דעבדי הכי. וכתב שם דל״ד למש״כ הפוסקים בשם מהרי״ל… בשע״ת קכג, ה הב״ד החיד״א בברכ״י שם ג, במי שפסע שלוש פסיעות והגיע ש״צ לקדושה, שבכה״ג יכול לחזור תיכף למקומו, לפי שניכר שחוזר מחמת קדושה. והביא דהכי חזינן לרבנן קשישאי דעבדי הכי. וכתב שם דל״ד למש״כ הפוסקים בשם מהרי״ל שלא הי׳ חוזר למקומו לנפ״א או לויהי נועם במוצ״ש, דקדושה שאני דשפיר נאה לחזור למקומו. וכ״כ גם בספרו קשר גודל יז, יט. והובאו הדברים אצל נכדו בזכרון משה קכג, ב. שלמי ציבור קלה, ב בדברי המגי׳. בית עובד ט. חסל״א קכג, כד. בהערת בהמ״ח. כה״ח פלאגי טו, מה. קמח סולת דינים שלאחר העמידה (יח, א). שמן המאור קכג. (וראה שם…Show more
שאלה: רבינו פעם אמר לר׳ בערל יוניק ע״ה שיש לעשות עירוב תבשילין בבית אימו עם דבר שנתבשל בבית אימו. ולהלן קטע מיומנו מיום ב׳, ערב ר"ה תשי"ד: בבית של אמו הרבנית שליט"א אמר איר זאלט ניט פארגעסין מאכון א… שאלה: רבינו פעם אמר לר׳ בערל יוניק ע״ה שיש לעשות עירוב תבשילין בבית אימו עם דבר שנתבשל בבית אימו. ולהלן קטע מיומנו מיום ב׳, ערב ר"ה תשי"ד: בבית של אמו הרבנית שליט"א אמר איר זאלט ניט פארגעסין מאכון א עירוב תבשילין נאר פון די מאכלים וואס מי האט גיקאכט דארט א ניט איז איינגישטעלט די גאנצע זאך. איר זאלט דאס מאכון מיט דיפלאמאטיע. האם ידוע לך מקור לדבר זה? תשובה: לא מצאתי להדיא שהתבשיל של עירוב תבשילין מעיו״ט צריך להתבשל במקום שרוצים לבשל אח״כ בחג. אמנם, תוכנו של עירוב תבשילין הוא כלשון אדה"ז: (שוע"ר תקכז, א): שיבשל תבשיל…Show more
If yes, is this restriction strict halacha or a hiddur/chumra? Does it apply at all times, or is it specifically during davening and learning? If someone does it unconsciously out of habit, is it something they need to be… If yes, is this restriction strict halacha or a hiddur/chumra? Does it apply at all times, or is it specifically during davening and learning? If someone does it unconsciously out of habit, is it something they need to be strictly Machmir to break? I have seen people do it and leave one or two fingers out. Does this make a difference? Answer: The Arizal writes that is forbidden. It is based on a Zohar. It is not mentioned in Halacha, though some halachic sources quote this Arizal. This is an issue at all times. When davening, it could…Show more
שאלה: שוחט היוצא לחוץ לארץ בכל פעם לתקופה של שלושה חודשים על מנת לשחוט. האם כשאשתו נשארת בארץ עליה לטבול לטהרתה, אף שבעלה לא יהיה עמה כלל בחודש זה. ובמידה ועליה לטבול, האם תברך על טבילה זו. תשובה:… שאלה: שוחט היוצא לחוץ לארץ בכל פעם לתקופה של שלושה חודשים על מנת לשחוט. האם כשאשתו נשארת בארץ עליה לטבול לטהרתה, אף שבעלה לא יהיה עמה כלל בחודש זה. ובמידה ועליה לטבול, האם תברך על טבילה זו. תשובה: רבו הדעות שטובלת כשאין בעלה בעיר. וגם מברכת כיון שסוף סוף הטבילה מתירתה. Show more
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