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Question: I was once in a shul where the Luchos were divided. One on one side of the Aron and the other on the other side. A Lubavitcher Rov of the past generation (Rabbi Moshe Drazin) walked in and… Question: I was once in a shul where the Luchos were divided. One on one side of the Aron and the other on the other side. A Lubavitcher Rov of the past generation (Rabbi Moshe Drazin) walked in and saw that, he made a protest and walked out. I am wondering what the source of that is. Also, I have a logo with the Luchos and I am wondering if I should change it since they are not exactly straight and touching each other. Artistically the graphics person felt they would look more attractive on a slant. Also at…Show more
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Even if one makes a very little amount of Ketores but with the same proportions as prescribed in Chazal, he is violating a Torah prohibition and is punished with the penalty of kores. According to some opinions, it is… Even if one makes a very little amount of Ketores but with the same proportions as prescribed in Chazal, he is violating a Torah prohibition and is punished with the penalty of kores. According to some opinions, it is prohibited even if one does not use all 11 spices. Even if one uses other spices but the four key spices - tzari, tziporen, chelbnah and levonah - are the same as written in the Torah, using the same proportions, it is prohibited. Others maintain that even if all 11 spices are different, as long as these are spices whose…Show more
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Acceptable. Many argue that Virgin olive oil, or extra virgin olive oil needs no kosher suprevision. Look out for the certification from the a International Olive Oil Council. Still, since olive oil fraud is rampant, there is room for… Acceptable. Many argue that Virgin olive oil, or extra virgin olive oil needs no kosher suprevision. Look out for the certification from the a International Olive Oil Council. Still, since olive oil fraud is rampant, there is room for concern about fraud and a hechsher definitely alleviates this concern. Fine olive oil, however, needs a proper hecsher. #2990cShow more
Yes, there are issues. See here: https://www.star-k.org/articles/kashrus-kurrents/710/its-kosher-on-paper-only/ Silicone based parchment paper doesn't need a hechsher. Wax paper is often more problematic than parchment paper. #2990b
Raw unflavored honey which is 100% pure and filtered may be used without a Hechsher. However, retail size honey often goes through heating which can be a problem when using shared equipment. It is therefore recommended to purchase honey… Raw unflavored honey which is 100% pure and filtered may be used without a Hechsher. However, retail size honey often goes through heating which can be a problem when using shared equipment. It is therefore recommended to purchase honey only with a Hechsher. One must ensure that no other ingredients are added like alcohol and sweeteners. Additionally, the honey needs to be filtered very well from any pieces of the bees that can get mixed in it. #1110bShow more
Though it would appear that in this particular case, wine takes precedence, then olives then oatmeal, in practice it is best that you take one off the table, or cover it, and preferably also decide that you only want… Though it would appear that in this particular case, wine takes precedence, then olives then oatmeal, in practice it is best that you take one off the table, or cover it, and preferably also decide that you only want to eat the food on the table. Show more
For example - haircuts on Rosh Chodesh? Answer: There is a safek in this matter. Every case and every community should be assessed independently. In the example you mentioned, there is a disagreement as well.
The candles, at least two of them, should be on the table in the eating room. The custom is to cover that table with a white tablecloth. Many recommend to cover all tables, especially if it’s in the same… The candles, at least two of them, should be on the table in the eating room. The custom is to cover that table with a white tablecloth. Many recommend to cover all tables, especially if it’s in the same room we are eating, when possible. See more in the following links: https://asktherav.com/2941-what-is-our-custom-regarding-the-placement-of-the-shabbos-candles/ https://asktherav.com/26048-does-the-shabbos-tablecloth-have-to-be-white/ Show more
שאלה: זוג הגר במקום נידח, נסעו לחתונה מעבר לים באמצע שבעה נקיים. תיכננו להביא כתם לרב במקום שהגיעו. ושכחו להביא. ולכן, אין להם הכתם כעת, ונמצא מעבר לים. ויגיעו לשם אחרי שבוע. הבעל הסתכל על הכתם לפני הנסיעה. ונסתפק… שאלה: זוג הגר במקום נידח, נסעו לחתונה מעבר לים באמצע שבעה נקיים. תיכננו להביא כתם לרב במקום שהגיעו. ושכחו להביא. ולכן, אין להם הכתם כעת, ונמצא מעבר לים. ויגיעו לשם אחרי שבוע. הבעל הסתכל על הכתם לפני הנסיעה. ונסתפק אם יש שיעור גריס במראה, יותר נכון: אם החלק שבצבע לא טהור בגודל כגריס. האשה צריכה לטבול מחר בלילה. אין כאן דין של נאבד הכתם כשמסופקים בו, שנטו הפוסקים להתיר, שהרי נמצא במזוודה במקומם מעבר לים. וניתן לתאר מציאות - אחרת אבל דומה מאד מבחינה פרקטית - שמישהו היה בחופש במקום רחוק ועזב המקום והשאיר שם כתם. אין שכנים ממש…Show more
Question: Regarding kavanah in tefillin, specifically about the paragraph in the Siddur where it says that you should have that kavanah when putting on tefillin: To think about the content and meaning of that paragraph can take a noticeable… Question: Regarding kavanah in tefillin, specifically about the paragraph in the Siddur where it says that you should have that kavanah when putting on tefillin: To think about the content and meaning of that paragraph can take a noticeable while. It cannot be done on a whim. Furthermore, when we go on mivtzoyim we don't even say ANYTHING to the mekuravim about the kavanah and how this is essential to the kiyum hamitzvah, My question is: 1) Is Kavanah Meakev to the performance of the mitzvah of Tefillin, or just the physical act is enough to be yotze…Show more
שאלה: האם כשיש ברקים ורעמים ברציפות מברך בכל יום? ומה נקרא יום חדש? מענה: לא יברך רק אם נתפזרו העבים לגמרי.
The fundraiser for a non-profit organization is permitted to draw a salary from the organization according to halachah, even though he is involved in doing a mitzvah. It is considered schar batalah (or schar betailah, payment for “idleness”)… The fundraiser for a non-profit organization is permitted to draw a salary from the organization according to halachah, even though he is involved in doing a mitzvah. It is considered schar batalah (or schar betailah, payment for “idleness”) as compensation for his lack of gainful employment while working to raise funds. There are a host of (good) reasons why many non-profit organizations have changed to fixed salaries rather than paying their fundraisers on a commission basis. Nevertheless, poskim allow even commission-based earnings since it encourages the fundraiser to work harder at acquiring donations for the cause. What should…Show more
There are poskim who argue that seedless grapes are not considered part of the gefen species and we should therefore refrain from saying borei pri hagafen on their wine. The responsa of the Ohr Gadol of Minsk (19th century… There are poskim who argue that seedless grapes are not considered part of the gefen species and we should therefore refrain from saying borei pri hagafen on their wine. The responsa of the Ohr Gadol of Minsk (19th century halachic authority) is well-known, where he ruled that the wine in his community should no longer be produced from seedless grapes; he had wide support for this position among his contemporaries. Some authorities go so far as to argue that if a fruit does not have seeds, it is not a fruit according to halachah. This is based, in part,…Show more
Question: AI coding tools ("agents") have improved considerably over the last year. A user can provide minimal instructions, and the agent will go ahead and build entire features mostly autonomously. The user might interrupt to make corrections, or once… Question: AI coding tools ("agents") have improved considerably over the last year. A user can provide minimal instructions, and the agent will go ahead and build entire features mostly autonomously. The user might interrupt to make corrections, or once the agent has finished, provide feedback for another round of changes. Most of the time, there is a human in the loop, but sometimes there isn't. Most of the time, the code stays private, but sometimes a user will publish it online under their own authorship. The code isn't usually used immediately, but there are scenarios where it could be…Show more
שאלה: נשאלתי במי שקנה כלי זכוכית לאצור בו יין מכוס של ברכה מאדמו"ר זצ"ל. אין בדעתו לשתות היין רק לשומרו בתוך ביתו כסגולה. האם צריך הכלי טבילה? תשובה: אין צריך טבילה. ובתנאי שאכן דעתו לעולם שלא לשתות היין.… שאלה: נשאלתי במי שקנה כלי זכוכית לאצור בו יין מכוס של ברכה מאדמו"ר זצ"ל. אין בדעתו לשתות היין רק לשומרו בתוך ביתו כסגולה. האם צריך הכלי טבילה? תשובה: אין צריך טבילה. ובתנאי שאכן דעתו לעולם שלא לשתות היין. ויש לציין, שבכלל עיקר סגולת כוס של ברכה לשתות מהיין. אבל אפשר להשאיר חלק לשמירה ולסגולה. Show more
שאלה: שנים רבות בהתוועדות פורים (שהתרחשה למעשה במוצאי פורים) הרבי הורה שלכה"פ אדם אחד יוציא את הציבור יד"ח עד דלא ידע. האם יש מקום לכך שעד דלא ידע יקויים במוצאי החג, ובכך יצא יד"ח למפרע (כמבואר בלקו"ש שעד דלא… שאלה: שנים רבות בהתוועדות פורים (שהתרחשה למעשה במוצאי פורים) הרבי הורה שלכה"פ אדם אחד יוציא את הציבור יד"ח עד דלא ידע. האם יש מקום לכך שעד דלא ידע יקויים במוצאי החג, ובכך יצא יד"ח למפרע (כמבואר בלקו"ש שעד דלא ידע הוא פרט במצוות משתה ושמחה והסעודה)? ובפרט לפי מנהג הרבי, שהתוועדות פורים היתה אחרי ברכת המזון ואחרי תפילת מעריב, (שכן אם זה היה באמצע סעודת החג (לפני מעריב) עוד היה מובן בדוחק, וכהוכחה לכך - במקרה כזה עליו לומר ועל הניסים בברכת המזון) אם כן השאלה: האם יוצא יד"ח מצוות משתה ושמחה של יום הפורים כאשר מקיים עד דלא…Show more
In order to recite Sheva Brachos (Seven Blessings) at a special meal that is made for a chosson and kallah during the week following their chasunah (wedding), a minyan (ten men) is required to be in attendance, plus a… In order to recite Sheva Brachos (Seven Blessings) at a special meal that is made for a chosson and kallah during the week following their chasunah (wedding), a minyan (ten men) is required to be in attendance, plus a panim chadashos (a man who did not attend the chuppah, wedding, nor any previous Sheva Brachos for this couple) who will serve as guest of honor. According to many poskim, however, the panim chadashos does not have to partake of the meal, but it has to be made in his honor, as his presence enhances the meal. There…Show more
The Rambam states that a woman whose life is endangered by her pregnancy may abort the fetus. The baby is tantamount to a rodef (pursuer), in which case, the mother’s life takes precedence; the pregnancy may be terminated in… The Rambam states that a woman whose life is endangered by her pregnancy may abort the fetus. The baby is tantamount to a rodef (pursuer), in which case, the mother’s life takes precedence; the pregnancy may be terminated in order to save the mother’s life. If an expectant mother is diagnosed with a terminal illness, lo aleinu (may G-d spare us), and must undergo intensive treatment, such as chemotherapy—which may harm the fetus or even terminate the pregnancy—the above halachah likely applies. If, chas v’shalom (G-d forbid) the illness is so advanced that the likelihood of successful treatment is…Show more
The week of the wedding—the shivas yemei hamishteh (seven days of festivity)—is marked by special seudos (feasts) of celebration which culminate (under certain conditions) in Sheva Brachos, the recital of seven special blessings relating to marriage. If the… The week of the wedding—the shivas yemei hamishteh (seven days of festivity)—is marked by special seudos (feasts) of celebration which culminate (under certain conditions) in Sheva Brachos, the recital of seven special blessings relating to marriage. If the chupah—which is the crucial part of the marriage ceremony—takes place by day, that day serves as the first of the seven days when Sheva Brachos may be recited, and the ensuing night is then counted as the beginning of the second day. (Due to the doubt surrounding the status of the time of bein hashmashos (twilight), between shkiah…Show more
Sheva brachos (lit., seven benedictions) are recited under the chuppah (marriage canopy) for the new couple, bestowing upon them blessings for a happy and fruitful life, as well as prayers for the Final Redemption. It is a time-honored custom… Sheva brachos (lit., seven benedictions) are recited under the chuppah (marriage canopy) for the new couple, bestowing upon them blessings for a happy and fruitful life, as well as prayers for the Final Redemption. It is a time-honored custom that the week following the wedding is one of joyous celebration, when feasts honoring the chassan (groom) and kallah (bride) conclude with a repetition of the sheva brachos that were recited under the chuppah. However, contrary to common belief and practice, there is no requirement for these meals to be held for seven consecutive days (or nights). Historically, these…Show more
Does it matter if they are the big kind that go to the knee or just small ones that cover the shoe? Answer: One should wear shoes for Shemone Esrei. One should wear whatever one would wear to greet…Does it matter if they are the big kind that go to the knee or just small ones that cover the shoe? Answer: One should wear shoes for Shemone Esrei. One should wear whatever one would wear to greet dignified people. Nowadays, rubbers on top of shoes are considered dignified. See also here: Prayer Gear Show more
שאלה: לגבי כסף שנמצא במקום לקיחת העודף במכונה לממכר חטיפים, האם מותר לקחתו, בהנחה שהקונה שעבורו יצא העודף התייאש ממנו, או שמא נחשב שהכסף לא יצא מרשות בעל המכונה, שלא יודע מכך ולכן לא התייאש, ואף אם נאמר שמא… שאלה: לגבי כסף שנמצא במקום לקיחת העודף במכונה לממכר חטיפים, האם מותר לקחתו, בהנחה שהקונה שעבורו יצא העודף התייאש ממנו, או שמא נחשב שהכסף לא יצא מרשות בעל המכונה, שלא יודע מכך ולכן לא התייאש, ואף אם נאמר שמא מחל מראש כי הוא יודע שזה עלול לקרות והוא יודע שיתכן שהעוברים ושבים יתירו לעצמם לקחת את הכסף, הרי יתכן לומר שאינו מוחל כי חושב בטעות שמלכתחילה זה לא שייך לו אלא למי שהיה אמור לקבל את העודף. לגבי חטיף הנמצא במכונה, האם נאמר שיש לחשוש שהקונה ששכח לקחתו וודאי התייאש מכך, כי מן הסתם מיד שם לב ששכח שהרי…Show more
שאלה: האם מספיק להשאיר בד לבן לחוד בתוך אותו מקום כל משך זמן בין השמשות, או שצריך להשאיר מוך "דחוק" ממש (ע"י שיקיף את הטַמפּוֹן וכיוצא בו בבד לבן) כדי שימלא אותו מקום ממש? ידועה דעת החוות דעת, שדורש… שאלה: האם מספיק להשאיר בד לבן לחוד בתוך אותו מקום כל משך זמן בין השמשות, או שצריך להשאיר מוך "דחוק" ממש (ע"י שיקיף את הטַמפּוֹן וכיוצא בו בבד לבן) כדי שימלא אותו מקום ממש? ידועה דעת החוות דעת, שדורש שיהי' דברים כפשוטן למלאות המקום במוכין, אבל כל הפוסקים נחלקו עליו והוא דעת יחיד כנודע. ולאידך, קשה לומר לפי״ז דהוה ״כידיה בין עיניה כל בין השמשות״, כמבואר במגיד משנה איסורי ביאה ו, כ בשם הרמב״ן הלכות נדה פ״ב הלכה א, הביאו ב״י עמ׳ קס ד״ה אבל. וא״כ ממ״נ, אם באנו להחמיר כדיעה זו, לכאורה צ״ל מוך הרבה באופן שיהי׳ המוך…Show more
Question: When getting up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom and washing negel vasher before leaving bed, is there an issue to leave the used water to sit until the morning (since there is enough… Question: When getting up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom and washing negel vasher before leaving bed, is there an issue to leave the used water to sit until the morning (since there is enough water to use in the morning anyway)? Is there an inyan to spill it out right away, as the Alter Rebbe mentions that it shouldn't sit out. Answer: The used water should be spilled, not left to sit. Alternatively, in this case, you may either cover the water (make sure it does not spill) or pour a revi'is of…Show more
Question: If one is really upset with someone and has not yet forgiven them for something, should they skip ribono shel olam in krias shema al hamita, or say it even though they don't agree with what they are… Question: If one is really upset with someone and has not yet forgiven them for something, should they skip ribono shel olam in krias shema al hamita, or say it even though they don't agree with what they are saying? Obviously, the ideal is to forgive the person and say it, but what if they don't quite yet? Answer: If one commits to working on forgiving, they may say it. Otherwise, they should skip it. Nonetheless, see here. Show more
Question: I recently acquired Alter Rebbe mezuzos to replace some Arizal mezuzos. Is there any concern about bizyon of the old mezuzah by removing it? If yes, must I say that I am taking them down to "check it"?… Question: I recently acquired Alter Rebbe mezuzos to replace some Arizal mezuzos. Is there any concern about bizyon of the old mezuzah by removing it? If yes, must I say that I am taking them down to "check it"? Answer: You should do so only if you have something to do with the old mezuzos. They ideally should be checked, though it is not required. Show more
As a general rule, he may serve.
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