Database - AskTheRav

By accident I fried schnitzel with a coating that had a seasoning which contains milk in it. I was using a cast iron pan. How can it be Kasherd?

This requires a Libbun Gamur. This can be accomplished by putting it into his self clean oven for a complete cycle. #4066

I am doing construction and I want to close up a Window. Is there a problem doing so?

Question: I am doing construction in my house and I am getting rid of an opening in the wall of an air conditioner and closing the opening. I remember…

I came from Eretz Yisroel to the States after Pesach and I’ll be landing back to Eretz Yisroel on Monday 22 Iyar. What should I do about the Kriah I’ll miss?

Answer: If you cannot find a Minyan either in Eretz Yisroel or in Chutz La'aretz to hear this Parasha, then there’s nothing else you can do about it. …

I used to join the late Minyanim for Mincha during the week and Friday in 770, since it is hard to get Shabbos prep done and be in Shul early many Fridays. Also, bad habbits are hard to break.

Question continued: Where I live now, I would have to come on time to the only Mincha Minyan, some time before Shkia. There isn't even one minyan Mincha in…

שאלה: האם יש התייחסות מהרבי להשקלא וטריא אם ללדת בבית או בבית הרפואה?

תשובה בשיחת י״ט כסלו תשמ״ז (סה״ש תשמ״ז א ע׳ 146 ובהערה 10) בקשר עם תליית שיר המעלות בבית הרפואה, נזכר בדרך אגב, ש״בימינו אלה מסיבות רפואיות יולדות הנשים בבית…

I run a Chabad camp. We have many non Chabad counselors. One of our counselors is not comfortable wearing socks and will only agree to wearing ankle socks. May I allow her to wear short socks, as that is what her family’s standard is?

Answer: If part of her leg will be showing, then this is a serious issue. It is a breach of Tznius. The counselors must be such a model of…

If my oven is set on a timer to keep food hot, can I open and close it on Shabbos while it’s still on?

No. When the oven door is opened, the thermostat will detect the cold air that rushes in and will activate the heating element if it is off at that…

I want to buy this rolling pin, is there a problem with it’s coating?

Here are the links to the rolling pins I was considering to buy: First link. Second link. Answer: The information there is very limited and does not describe with…

Do frozen fruit, like strawberries, blueberries or bananas need a Hechsher? What about frozen vegetables that their sole “ingredient” is the vegetable?

In general terms, frozen fruit or vegetables with no additives may be eaten without a Hechsher, provided they are not from Eretz Yisroel or China, and provided there is…

Can I put a potato Kugel on top of a plugged in crockpot on Shabbos?

If the potato Kugel is still warm then you may, if however the potato Kugel is completely cold then you are not allowed. #4050

I am interested in converting to Judaism. However, I am transgender and I have done a lot of research as to whether this is accepted in Judaism, however I can’t find any solid answer. Is it accepted in reform Judaism but not orthodox Judaism. Can you help me?

It really depends what you mean when you say that you are transgender. In Judaism there’s a major distinction between emotions and behaviors. Well certain practices are forbidden according…

I want to really know and remember what I learn. I want this to be to the extent that I become a בקי. Is there any practical advice you can offer? I know חזרה is important. But within Chazarah there is so much. Looking for practical advice. (Example, Chazer 5 blot 10x then move on and etc. then chazer whole masechta etc. Something like that)

It’s very hard to give advice about this matter because it really depends on the particular circumstances of the individual, his capacity etc. It is worthwhile talking with one…

In general what is the max percentage can someone give to Maaser? one fifth is the max?

10% is Maaser. 20% or a fifth is Chomesh. The common practice (there is a Machlokes whether it is Min Hatorah, Miderabanan or a custom which was accepted and…

Can one rely on a Goy to check lettuce for bugs?

No. See here about trusting a child. #4036

What is the source in Halacha for wearing a Tichel and when this should be done? I learned that ones hair must be completely covered at all times so why would wearing a Tichel in the street be not OK and at home it is OK? In short, when is a Tichel allowed and under what conditions?

Firstly, a Tichel is halachically fine as long as it covers all of the hair. The fact however is that this is rarely accomplished. Many a time, some of…

כמה שאלות על דיני הפסק בתפילה

שאלות: א. האם כשעונים באמצע בפסוקי דזמרה לקדיש או קדושה, צריך להיות בין שתי מזמורים, או שמותר וצריך לענות גם כשאוחזים באמצע הענין? ב. האם כשאוחזים לפני ברוך שאמר אפשר…

האם מברכים שהחיינו על טלית או סירטוק חדש? והאם מברכים ברכת הטוב והמטיב על יין משובח?

מפורסם מנהגנו שבדרך כלל אין מברכים על בגדים חדשים ואפילו על טלית, כ״א על פרי חדש, אלא אם יש סיבה אחרת המחייבת. בנוגע לברכת הטוב והמטיב על שינוי יין…

הצטרפתי למנין ספרדי שמתפללים ערבית בעוד עדיין לא נהי’ צאת כידוע. הבעי’ שהלכתי לישון בלי לעשות מעריב וקמתי כמה דקות לפני עלות השחר ואחרי משך זמן עשיתי מעריב, אבל נראה לי שזה הי’ אחרי עלות, האם להתפלל מעריב בכזה מקרה נחשב או בכלל לא ראוי לנהוג כך (להתפלל אחרי עלות השחר- האם בדיעבד עובד), או צריך להתפלל פעמיים 2 עמידות?

במקום אונס, אפשר להתפלל מעריב עד הנץ החמה. אבל אין אומרים השכיבנו. וכן אין להתפלל שמונה עשרה. ויש מתירים להתפלל שמונה עשרה גם כן. (ואף שהיא דעת יחיד, בדיעבד…

Can I use open internet without a filter, if someone receives the list of websites I visited?

I need to have open internet. I know the Rabbonim say that one must have a filter. I have heard that there is some type of filter where the internet…

Am I allowed to fill up a Brita filter pitcher on Shabbos?

It depends what the purpose of filtering is. If it is in order to have cleaner water and one is not highly sensitive to the regular water (איסטניס) -…