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Question: I'm in the middle of Shiva and I can't make a minyan in the Shiva house. Is it better to stay at home without saying kaddish or go daven in a different place with a minyan? I am… Question: I'm in the middle of Shiva and I can't make a minyan in the Shiva house. Is it better to stay at home without saying kaddish or go daven in a different place with a minyan? I am the only one who is saying kaddish. Answer: המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים. There are different opinions on the matter. In practice, it’s better to stay at home and pay someone else to say kaddish. Sources: קשה מאד ההכרעה בנידון. וראה בארוכה נשמת ישראל במקומו.…Show more
Question: I'm teaching my 4th-grade students the Halachos of washing 2nd Negel Vaser. Do the hands have to be dried before reciting the Bracha על נטילת ידים, or can we say the Bracha with wet hands? Answer: In… Question: I'm teaching my 4th-grade students the Halachos of washing 2nd Negel Vaser. Do the hands have to be dried before reciting the Bracha על נטילת ידים, or can we say the Bracha with wet hands? Answer: In the morning - halachically we do not need to dry them, however, minhag Chabad is to first dry the hands, raise them to head level (where the peyos are) separate from each other, and say the Bracha. Before a meal - we wash our hands (leaving a bit of water in the left hand), begin the beracha before rubbing our…Show more
Question: Hi Rabbi Braun, I would like to try a method called “The Emotion Code” by Bradly (Brad) Nelson to try to figure out what’s bothering me and the cause. The method is supposed to “release trapped emotions in… Question: Hi Rabbi Braun, I would like to try a method called “The Emotion Code” by Bradly (Brad) Nelson to try to figure out what’s bothering me and the cause. The method is supposed to “release trapped emotions in the body that cause stress and disfunctionality.” Many of my friends use this method and it has helped them. They can actually do this test by speaking with a practitioner over the phone. Is this allowed according to Torah? Thank you Answer: There are many alternative healing methods (as well as meditations) out there that are based on ancient…Show more
שאלה: לכב' כת"ר שליט"א! הגמרא במסכת כתובות (י, ב) אומרת: אמר רב, אכל תמרים אל יורה. וביאר רש"י: אל יורה שום הוראה לפי שטורדות דעתו כשיכור. האם זה גם בימינו שאין להורות אחר אכילת תמרים? וכעת אנו עומדים בער"ה… שאלה: לכב' כת"ר שליט"א! הגמרא במסכת כתובות (י, ב) אומרת: אמר רב, אכל תמרים אל יורה. וביאר רש"י: אל יורה שום הוראה לפי שטורדות דעתו כשיכור. האם זה גם בימינו שאין להורות אחר אכילת תמרים? וכעת אנו עומדים בער"ה וכידוע יש הנוהגים לאכול תמרים בר"ה. יישכ"ג! כוח"ט תשובה: תלוי במציאות. וגם הרמב״ם שהביאו לדינא - ביאהמ״ק א, ג (אבל ברמ״א יו״ד רמב, יג כתב בסתמא: או שאר דברים המשכרים, ולא פירט. וראה בש״ך שם כ, שהביאו. וכ״ה בחכמ״א קד, ד) - כתב להדיא דמיירי רק כש״שנשתבשה דעתו מעט״. ובחינוך מ׳ קנב: ונתבלבלה דעתו. (וברמ״א לא פירט, וכנראה מובן…Show more
What is the reason that with regards to relations with one's wife, one is allowed to have thoughts of Torah? Seemingly, he isn't in a modest state? According to Halacha, thinking about words of Torah is not the same… What is the reason that with regards to relations with one's wife, one is allowed to have thoughts of Torah? Seemingly, he isn't in a modest state? According to Halacha, thinking about words of Torah is not the same as speaking, and is permitted in most circumstances, marital relations included. The exception is in bathrooms and similar places where filth is present, where even thinking words of Torah is forbidden. In addition, what specific Torah thoughts should one have; Kabbalistic, maybe more Talmudic...? The idea is to have spiritual and holy concepts in mind, especially those that will…Show more
Question: I'm generally careful not to go to the Ohel when I'm on my menstrual cycle. (I'm a single girl). I would like to go on Erev Rosh Hashanah, since it's an extra important time to go, but will… Question: I'm generally careful not to go to the Ohel when I'm on my menstrual cycle. (I'm a single girl). I would like to go on Erev Rosh Hashanah, since it's an extra important time to go, but will be on the fourth day of my cycle. Is it okay to go, since it's an auspicious day, or is it better not to? Answer: In this case, you may go. Nonetheless, it’s recommended to stand from a distance. See also here: https://asktherav.com/may-a-woman-who-is-nida-go-to-the-ohel/ Sources: לקברי צדיקים בכלל - יש המתירים, (באר מרדכי פארהאנד…Show more
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Yes, if done occasionally. Sources: ספל לנט״י אינו כלי סעודה ופטורה מטבילה, כפשוט. וראה…
Question: We warmed wheat taco shells in the oven. Then we realized they are not pas yisroel. Do we need to do anything about the oven, i.e. kasher it? Answer: There is no need to kasher the… Question: We warmed wheat taco shells in the oven. Then we realized they are not pas yisroel. Do we need to do anything about the oven, i.e. kasher it? Answer: There is no need to kasher the oven. Sources: בפשטות, אין חשש בליעות כלים בפת גוים. ורק בבשול…Show more
ברור שכשר לעדות. מקורות: הוא ע"ד המובא בסמ"ע בחו"מ סי' ל"ד ס"ק יו"ד…
Question: If someone was raped at 4 years old and at 12 years old, are they still considered a virgin? I know physically they are not. But spiritually, are they? And are they from a Jewish view? Answer:… Question: If someone was raped at 4 years old and at 12 years old, are they still considered a virgin? I know physically they are not. But spiritually, are they? And are they from a Jewish view? Answer: No, she does not lose the purity associated with virginity. This is because the Torah does not attribute any of it to her, only to the rapist - equaling it to murder. However, this may impact her in terms of eligibility to marry a kohen. If the issue comes up, it should be discussed with an expert rov. Additionally,…Show more
כן, אם הוא אדם נאמן וראוי להיות משגיח בלאו הכי. כמובן, עדיף משגיח שמקפיד בעצמו. מקורות: יו"ד קיט סעיף ז ברמ"א וש"ך סק"כ. וראה שו״ת…
There is no clear conclusive evidence one way or another. Although the phrase K’mo Shehodata is technically more correct, K’hodata can also be used. The common nusach in many siddurim, including Siddur Torah Ohr, and older prints of Tehillas… There is no clear conclusive evidence one way or another. Although the phrase K’mo Shehodata is technically more correct, K’hodata can also be used. The common nusach in many siddurim, including Siddur Torah Ohr, and older prints of Tehillas Hashem is K’hodatah in Kel Erech and Kmo Shehodata in Kel Melech. See below for an explanation. Indeed, at least on one occasion, the Rebbe can be heard saying K’mo Shehodata when reciting Kel Melech. Nonetheless, in Selichos Chabad and original prints of Machzor Chabad K’hodata is printed in both, and it’s recorded that the Rebbe has said so at…Show more
There is a Halachic prohibition against getting a haircut from a non-Jew. This is brought in Mishnayos (Avoda Zarah: Perek 2 Mishna 2) and in Shulchan Aruch (Yorah Deya: Siman 156). However, one may get a haircut from… There is a Halachic prohibition against getting a haircut from a non-Jew. This is brought in Mishnayos (Avoda Zarah: Perek 2 Mishna 2) and in Shulchan Aruch (Yorah Deya: Siman 156). However, one may get a haircut from a Goy if it is in public with other people present or there are passersby, or if the one getting their haircut looks in the mirror during the haircut. It is not enough to be able to see in the mirror, rather one must actually look in the mirror in a noticeable way. However, there are Kabalistic reasons for people…Show more
Question: Is the Chabad custom of women going to a bor al gabei bor mikveh a hiddur or a minhag or something else? Where I live right now, the mikveh is called bor geshomim. I would prefer bor… Question: Is the Chabad custom of women going to a bor al gabei bor mikveh a hiddur or a minhag or something else? Where I live right now, the mikveh is called bor geshomim. I would prefer bor al gabei bor since that is what I learned in kallah classes. what should I do in the case where mikveh would be on Shabbos or Yom Tov? There are possibly other mikvaos around but I'm not sure if they are within safe walking distance or if those are not al gabei bor either. Answer: Chabad Chassidim are very…Show more
No, they are not obligated. For the first day of Selichos, many have the custom to go and recite it. If said without a Minyan, the Yud Gimmel Midos Harachamim should be omitted. In regards to language: if it's… No, they are not obligated. For the first day of Selichos, many have the custom to go and recite it. If said without a Minyan, the Yud Gimmel Midos Harachamim should be omitted. In regards to language: if it's hard to understand, see here. Sources: בס׳ התדיר לר״מ ב״ר יקותיאל מן האדומים לח, שהנשים…Show more
English pruzbul 5782 מכתב פרוזבול תשפב What? The annulment of all debts in the shemitah year applies also nowadays, rabbinically, both in Eretz Yisrael and in chutz la’aretz. When our Sages saw that people were not lending… English pruzbul 5782 מכתב פרוזבול תשפב What? The annulment of all debts in the shemitah year applies also nowadays, rabbinically, both in Eretz Yisrael and in chutz la’aretz. When our Sages saw that people were not lending money when Shemitah approached, thereby transgressing the prohibition of, “Beware, lest there be in your heart an unfaithful thought, saying, ‘The seventh year, the year of release has approached,’ and you will begrudge your needy brother and not give him . . and it will be a sin to you”, they enacted the pruzbul. In this ceremony, the lender…Show more
We may often see a product with a hechsher, but it is important to be vigilant, because some hechsherim rely on leniencies that are not in accordance with mainstream halacha. This is particularly relevant when it comes to shmita… We may often see a product with a hechsher, but it is important to be vigilant, because some hechsherim rely on leniencies that are not in accordance with mainstream halacha. This is particularly relevant when it comes to shmita. When visiting Eretz Yisroel during a shmita year, people may be shopping for produce, eating in hotels and restaurants, etc., and may often encounter products which are labeled "kosher", but the laws of shmita may not have been observed according to mainstream halacha. There are many methods how to observe shmita properly, whether through eating food that has the…Show more
Question: He is very likely to be the 10th person for Minyan at the daily Davening that takes place in his school. Can he be part of the Minyan beginning on his "birthday" in Adar Rishon? Answer: No.… Question: He is very likely to be the 10th person for Minyan at the daily Davening that takes place in his school. Can he be part of the Minyan beginning on his "birthday" in Adar Rishon? Answer: No. Sources: רמ"א או"ח נה, י. סתימת המחבר שם ט: שנת…Show more
No. Sources: בקובץ מבית לוי (מפסקי בעל שבט הלוי) ח ע׳…
And what about the same name for a son and a daughter, such as names which are usually given to both boys and girls (e.g. Simcha)? Answer: The custom is not to in both cases. Sources: כ״כ בשו״ת דברי מלכיאל ג, עה. וראה שו״ת צי״א…
Question: There are a few websites that offer to buy a piece of land in Eretz Yisroel prior to Shmita, so that one can fulfill the mitzvah of Shmita. Is this recommended by Rabbi Braun Shlit"a? Answer:… Question: There are a few websites that offer to buy a piece of land in Eretz Yisroel prior to Shmita, so that one can fulfill the mitzvah of Shmita. Is this recommended by Rabbi Braun Shlit"a? Answer: No. Best to use the money instead for Tzedakah. Of course, if you’re not going to give the money to Tzedakah, you should donate it to such a cause. P.S. The concept of donating to Keren Hashvi’is to support struggling farmers, mentioned by the Rebbe, is a different matter altogether. See about that here. https://asktherav.com/16575-keren-shmita-donating-to-shmita-observant-farmers/ Sources: ומכמה טעמים, ועיקרם שכמעט ולא מצאנו הידור כזה בשום…Show more
You don't need to wear a Tallis. If the congregation is particular about this, you should wear it just over the shoulders (together with a hat), so it shouldn't seem fully as a Tallis Gadol. In this case, you… You don't need to wear a Tallis. If the congregation is particular about this, you should wear it just over the shoulders (together with a hat), so it shouldn't seem fully as a Tallis Gadol. In this case, you should use a borrowed Tallis - not a communal Tallis so you won’t need to make a Brocha. (Regarding Selichos, and Maariv and Neilah of Yom Kippur - where Yud Gimmel Middos is said - see #5657). #16579Show more
It is not an halacha, but a documented Minhag. Source: ראה טעמי המנהגים ליקוטים קפג עפמש״כ בשו"ת מהר"י אסאד או"ח קנז שבפסח המצות עגולות כדי להרחיק מחוקות התועבות של המצרים בזמן ההוא לעשות הלחמים שלהם מרובעים ומשולשים… It is not an halacha, but a documented Minhag. Source: ראה טעמי המנהגים ליקוטים קפג עפמש״כ בשו"ת מהר"י אסאד או"ח קנז שבפסח המצות עגולות כדי להרחיק מחוקות התועבות של המצרים בזמן ההוא לעשות הלחמים שלהם מרובעים ומשולשים לפי ריבוי האלוקות שהאמינו, ולכן המצות עגולות המורה על האחדות. וכן בראש השנה שממליכים המלך יחיד ומיוחד. ובתורת משה להחת״ס לסימן טוב שדבר עגול אין לו קץ וסוף והוא סימן טוב לאריכות ימים בלי סוף ונזכה לראות סוף השנה כתחילתה. וי״א לרמז על צורת כתר ע״ש כתר מלוכה, שר״ה זמן ההכתרה. או לרמז על גלגל המזלות של חודשי השנה. וראה…Show more
This is a Machlokes haposkim. Most mention specifically meat. Sources: See references in Hebrew Shavuos Guide fn. 142. …
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