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Avodah Zarah

  • Non-Jewish Activities, Peyos (Haircut)
  • chatzitzah, haircut

How long should men’s hair be halachically, and at what length would it be a problem?

  While there is no official specific length per se, one should not deviate from what is considered proper length for a frum chassidish person. Regardless, if a haircut wasn’t…

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  • Avodah Zarah
  • Church

Are there any real issues with watching yesterday’s royal funeral?

  You should not be watching ceremonies that contain idol worship, nor videos and pictures from inside a Church, amongst other issues. See here: https://asktherav.com/14441-may-one-look-at-pictures-of-the-inside-a-church-must-one-spit-when-passing-a-church/   Sources: משום אל תפנו…

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  • Avodah Zarah, Gentiles, Tzedaka
  • goyim, non jews, tzedaka

I had a pushka with me in the hospital when my wife gave birth and had all the nurses/hospital staff give tzedaka. One of the nurses, presumably not Jewish (she looked Asian) asked if she could say or think a prayer before giving tzedaka. Would this be allowed? What if she’s praying to A”Z?

  According to halacha, one may not accept tzedaka from a non-Jew at all unless it's needed urgently, and even then not openly. One may accept tzedaka from them if…

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  • Avodah Zarah
  • Church, cross

May one look at pictures of the inside a church? Must one spit when passing a church?

  It’s appropriate not to look at such pictures. Spitting isn't a requirement, but some have such a custom.   א. משום הרחק מן הכיעור. וראה שלהי דקייטא סימן כה.…

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  • Chabad Minhogim, Non-Jewish Activities, Pesach
  • challah, segulah

Is it our Minhag to make Shlissel Challah?

  There is no official Chabad minhag as such. But it's perfectly ok to make the shlissel challah, and the minhag is based on holy sources.   Note: If there…

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  • Non-Jewish Activities, Shul

Is there anything wrong with playing musical instruments in Shul as part of the services while davening (on week days of course)?

  Yes it's wrong, as it’s considered imitation of gentile practices.   Sources: כ״כ גדולי ישראל רבים  - ראה שו״ת חת״ס ו, פו הביאו במשנ״ב שלח, י. ס׳ צרור החיים…

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  • Avodah Zarah, Birth, Kishuf, Pregnancy
  • Astrology, avodah zarah, birth, Science

Is it permitted to examine an astrological birth chart, to determine general character traits (based on the elements, planets etc.,) if one avoids any predictive astrology or fatalistic interpretations?

There is a debate amongst early Rishonim whether ancient astrology has any truth to it, though all agree that a Jew shouldn't lead his life solely based off it, see…

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  • Gentiles, Meat and Milk
  • food, goy, non-jew

May I send non-kosher food as a gift to a non-Jewish client?

  You may, as this will keep the harmony. However you may not buy anything that contains beef, lamb, or goat meat and dairy mixed together while hot, for instance…

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  • Avodah Zarah

Is the popular Chinese yin-yang symbol a symbol of Avodah Zarah?

  If I have toys that have it on them, must I destroy them? Can I draw it on a paper?   Answer: From my understanding it represents a philosophy…

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  • Avodah Zarah
  • sun

Is it permissible to take a picture of the sun setting?

  According to some there is indeed a prohibition to take a picture of the sun. Even according to those that are lenient, it seems that printing such a picture…

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  • Avodah Zarah
  • Church, יו"ד קמט

Is a Jewish landlord allowed to rent a property to a non Jew, if he knows they will use it for a Church nursery school?

  No, as they will bring in Avoda Zara or do their practices/prayers there. However, if it’s a purely secular school (ran by a church) there is no issue.  …

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  • Avodah Zarah
  • dolls, snow, winter

Is it allowed to build a snowman?

  It is permitted. This is because it doesn't have real resemblance to a person and it won't last for a long time. It should be noted however that there…

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  • Avodah Zarah
  • new years, sunday, יום אידם

Am I allowed to arrange a program for non-Frum teens on Dec. 24/25/31 or Jan. 1, because there is no school or work on those days? Or is it a problem to davka set it up for any of those days?

  A program may be set up for those days, provided the emphasis in the promotional material is specifically on the fact that there is no school these days and…

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  • Avodah Zarah
  • יו"ד קמח, מעשה רב

Can I wish a Goy on Mivtzoim happy new years or happy holidays?

  One should refrain from wishing Happy New Year to a non-Jew which observes it out of secular belief. Happy Holidays is less of a problem, but should be avoided…

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  • - Halacha Articles, Avodah Zarah, Birthday
  • chukos hagoyim

Article: Is celebrating anniversaries a Jewish thing?

  There is a particular appeal to round numbers, usually associated with birthdays and anniversaries, when a big deal is made of the celebrant and their milestone. There is not…

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  • Avodah Zarah, Gentiles, Talmud Torah
  • יו"ד: הלכות עבודה זרה

Non-Jewish Or Non-Frum Teachers

  Question: The Rama writes (YD 153:1): “ואין מוסרים להם תינוק ללמדו ספר או ללמדו אומנות דמשכי ליה למינות”. Based on this - what is the heter to hire non-Jewish/non-frum…

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  • Avodah Zarah
  • Church, entering a church, יו"ד קמט, יו"ד קנ

Can I Sleep In A Church?

  Question: I came across a job opportunity that would have me helping needy people in towns across the United States. There is just one problem, it seems the accommodations…

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  • Avodah Zarah, Medical
  • exercise, fitness, karate, Martial arts

I was recommended to do martial arts for good fitness and focus, with the bonus of some self defense techniques. Is this allowed? They claim to be Pareve and not religious.

  Martial arts is not a recommended sport activity. For keeping healthy, a different exercise or sport is more advisable.   Reasoning:  The idea of martial arts could be permissible…

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  • Avodah Zarah
  • kneeling, prostrating

Kneeling on the bathroom tiles while bathing children

  Question: When I give my baby a bath, often the most comfortable position to do it is by kneeling, meaning to have my knees on the floor and bend…

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  • Avodah Zarah, Rosh Hashana, Shofar
  • או"ח תקפו

Is a Shofar that has been used by a non Jew during his prayer ceremonies Kosher to use on Rosh Hashana?

  My father received a shofar from a non Jewish friend of his. The shofar had been used by this man during his prayer ceremonies with his congregation. Is the…

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