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Question: Years ago, I received a pushka from a local Chabad House. Ever since, I've been filling the pushka every few weeks, at which point I count up $20 worth of coins, then put aside a $20 bill so… Question: Years ago, I received a pushka from a local Chabad House. Ever since, I've been filling the pushka every few weeks, at which point I count up $20 worth of coins, then put aside a $20 bill so that I can reuse the coins in the same pushka. When I run out of $20 bills, I write a check to the Chabad House that supplied me with the pushka, then restart the process again, until the next time I run out of the same $20 bills and have to write a check again. The question is this: Last…Show more
I have read your excellent write-up about davening after chatzos. Question: If I enter into a shul where people do not know the correct halacha and make a complete minyan with Baruch sheamar, yishtabach, bircas krias shema, and… I have read your excellent write-up about davening after chatzos. Question: If I enter into a shul where people do not know the correct halacha and make a complete minyan with Baruch sheamar, yishtabach, bircas krias shema, and a Shachris Shemone Esrei after chatzos. Are they saying a bracha l'vatala? Should one respond to their kedusha and Amen to their brachos, Or is that saying Hashem's name in vein? Is there a difference if the minyan and Shemone Esrei was recited before Mincha Gedolah? Or if they started before chatzos? Answer: Yes. No. It’s considered…Show more
שאלה: מוסד א נכנס לחנות, ובעל החנות נותן לו קופה של מוסד ב, ואומר לו: הם לא באים לרוקן, וגם שמתי צדקה בכונה לתת למוסד שלך. שניהם מוסדות חב"ד. האם מותר למוסד א לקחת את הקופה ששייכת למוסד ב?… שאלה: מוסד א נכנס לחנות, ובעל החנות נותן לו קופה של מוסד ב, ואומר לו: הם לא באים לרוקן, וגם שמתי צדקה בכונה לתת למוסד שלך. שניהם מוסדות חב"ד. האם מותר למוסד א לקחת את הקופה ששייכת למוסד ב? אכן, הרבה הרבה פעמים קורה שאנשים טוענים שלא באים לרוקן את הקופות ונותנים אותם למוסד חב"די אחר. האם מותר לקחת את הקופה? כך גם קורה שמרוקנים קופה לפניך ממוסד אחר של חב"ד, ונותנים לך לקחת ואומרים: חב״ד זה הכל אותו דבר. האם מותר לקחת את הכסף שבקופה? תשובה: אם הקופה של המוסד, הרי הכסף נקנה להם ברגע שהכסף נכנס…Show more
I am referring to the seal under the cap that you need to pull hard to rip off. Answer: It has come to our attention that there is no preexisting opening on the orange juice container. Thus, when removing…I am referring to the seal under the cap that you need to pull hard to rip off. Answer: It has come to our attention that there is no preexisting opening on the orange juice container. Thus, when removing the ring tab one is creating a new opening and therefore it shouldn’t be done on Shabbos. It would be best to remove the entire top of the carton and avoid the issue. Regarding opening bottle caps, there is an argument amongst contemporary Poskim, if one is allowed to open it on Shabbos. Therefore one should open before Shabbos. If…Show more
Yes, Ma'aser money can be used to help with such expenses, if it can't be funded by the one responsible for them. (And being that this is regarding a family member, they have preference over others that are in… Yes, Ma'aser money can be used to help with such expenses, if it can't be funded by the one responsible for them. (And being that this is regarding a family member, they have preference over others that are in need.) Sources: טו"ר שו"ע יו"ד סי' ר"נ. וראה שם סי' רנ"ג…Show more
Question: Can I place granola/blueberries/pomegranate on top of yogurt on shabbos? If yes, can I also mix it in? Answer: When putting a little bit of granola on yogurt there is no issue of 'losh' and… Question: Can I place granola/blueberries/pomegranate on top of yogurt on shabbos? If yes, can I also mix it in? Answer: When putting a little bit of granola on yogurt there is no issue of 'losh' and one may even mix them since one piece doesn't stick to the other. When putting a lot of granola there would be an issue of 'losh' when mixing it. Therefore it should be mixed with a shinui. The same would apply with pomegranate if the seeds get stuck to each other. When mixing blueberries there is no '…Show more
Question: I have a friend (who is slowly increasing in observance) who suffers from anxiety. He recently started davening on a regular basis and often finds it difficult to finish the whole shacharis. Are there parts he can… Question: I have a friend (who is slowly increasing in observance) who suffers from anxiety. He recently started davening on a regular basis and often finds it difficult to finish the whole shacharis. Are there parts he can skip? Is there an order of priority he can follow depending on how much he feels he can do that day? Can he say any parts skipped at a later time? Answer: The Shulchan Aruch when discussing which parts of davening to skip when coming late to davening gives preference to certain parts of davening. Even though it is…Show more
Some forbid planting tall trees for shade in the shul courtyard. If they are planted like a fence and are cut regularly it’s not an issue. Any trees or plants which resemble church practices are certainly forbidden. Sources: ר״ד עראמה על הרמב״ם ע״ז ו, ט. הובא בהגהות…
Yes. Sources: ואפי׳ בגוי יש לפייס משום חילול השם - ראה…
This depends on a lot of details. If it is something dangerous, either physically or spiritually for the student, not only may the Mechanech take it away, he must confiscate it. It should not be given back to the… This depends on a lot of details. If it is something dangerous, either physically or spiritually for the student, not only may the Mechanech take it away, he must confiscate it. It should not be given back to the child and depending on what it is and the age of the student, it might need to be returned to the parents. Similarly, if a student brings something which they are not allowed to according to the school rules, it may be confiscated. Poskim disagree whether a teacher may confiscate an object which is disturbing the learning in class such…Show more
Answer: Yes, it is the Minhag to say הרי זה חלה. Sources: בענין קריאת שם לחלה: ראה ברמב"ם הל' טומאת אוכלין…
Digital water meters, which monitor and record water usage electronically, have become prevalent lately. Does this pose a problem on Shabbos, since it would seem that a digital form of writing takes place when one uses water? Although those… Digital water meters, which monitor and record water usage electronically, have become prevalent lately. Does this pose a problem on Shabbos, since it would seem that a digital form of writing takes place when one uses water? Although those who don’t use these meters out of the desire to honor the sanctity of Shabbos tavo aleihem brachah (should be commended), the consensus among contemporary poskim is that digital water meters are not an issue due to a combination of factors, among them: It’s not considered a typical form of writing, and at the very worst would be forbidden only…Show more
Question: I have 2 basement apartments to rent. You come into a square hall. On the right is the door for one apartment, on the left is the door for the other apartment. One is rented to boys. Is… Question: I have 2 basement apartments to rent. You come into a square hall. On the right is the door for one apartment, on the left is the door for the other apartment. One is rented to boys. Is it proper to rent the other to girls? Answer: Renting out such an apartment is highly inappropriate and halachichally problematic in itself. Additionally, you would be responsible for any issues that may arise from it, like yichud (in the hallway and possibly even while in their respective apartments), or worse. Sources: להשכיר - ראה שו"ת אג"מ יו"ד ח"ב סי' לה…Show more
Question Continued: She would like to light candles before my son's bedtime so that he can watch her lighting. Answer: Yes - as long as the candles are being lit after the time of plag hamincha (which is… Question Continued: She would like to light candles before my son's bedtime so that he can watch her lighting. Answer: Yes - as long as the candles are being lit after the time of plag hamincha (which is 1 and 1/4 seasonal hours before shkiah). See more here: Alter Rebbe's Shulchan Aruch 261:5 Halacha2go.com article #173: Early Maariv #9394Show more
Some people have such a custom, though there is nothing wrong with wishing Mazal Tov immediately after birth. Sources: נזכר כמנהג הנשים בדא״ג בשו״ת ישועות מלכו יו״ד סוס׳…
Question: Would it be a halachic problem to attend an event that is held in a public park, that is hosted by Jews and non-Jews, if there is both kosher and non-kosher food being sold? The food is totally… Question: Would it be a halachic problem to attend an event that is held in a public park, that is hosted by Jews and non-Jews, if there is both kosher and non-kosher food being sold? The food is totally separate, separate vendors/tents. Everyone buys thier own food and there are not any tables where people will be eating all together. Answer: Generally, such social events are strongly discouraged, and in certain circumstances - even forbidden. If alcohol is served, one may not eat or drink there. It will depend on many factors and what the purpose of this…Show more
Yes, one may, provided that the garbage contains at least some items which aren’t Muktzah, and which have more importance to you than the other Muktzah items. (For example: food items which are still edible, even if thrown… Yes, one may, provided that the garbage contains at least some items which aren’t Muktzah, and which have more importance to you than the other Muktzah items. (For example: food items which are still edible, even if thrown out before Shabbos, or food items that where thrown out on Shabbos which are edible to animals common in one’s area.) If the garbage only contains Muktzah items (as the case may usually be), one should only open the drawer while using a Shinui. (For example: Using one’s leg or the back of one’s hand). P.S. It should be…Show more
Yes, he may as long as it is not done specifically for an Avodah Zarah or if he writes a name of an Avodah Zarah. Sources: אינו משום ע"ז ורק משום חוקות העכו"ם, וכמו שלא…
Question: I am getting married soon and I have a hard time fasting. I get bad headaches and even after I break my fast I am really out of it until I sleep for the night. I am nervous… Question: I am getting married soon and I have a hard time fasting. I get bad headaches and even after I break my fast I am really out of it until I sleep for the night. I am nervous about fasting on my wedding day because I would expect to be dizzy and weak. My question is if I need to fast, if not do I need to fast a different day, and if yes then when? And if I can eat or drink whenever or whatever I want or there are specific requirements? Thank you! Answer: You…Show more
Question: Are you allowed to open food packages on Shabbos? Specifically, these are the examples I am referring to: Take off the plastic from chummus or cream cheese packages, Open a bag of pretzels, Bissli, etc. Take off the… Question: Are you allowed to open food packages on Shabbos? Specifically, these are the examples I am referring to: Take off the plastic from chummus or cream cheese packages, Open a bag of pretzels, Bissli, etc. Take off the cover from a yogurt Open the plastic from individually wrapped pieces of sliced American cheese Obviously besides being careful not to cut the words... Answer: One should avoid opening or separating a bag/container sealed with glue, such as the items you mention in the question. There are some lenient views when the item being opened is disposable and will…Show more
Answer: No, rather you should start saying Shmoneh Esrei together with the chazzan as he begins Chazaras Hashatz following along word-for-word, and say kedusha out loud together with the tzibbur and then continue the quiet Shmoneh Esrei from Ata… Answer: No, rather you should start saying Shmoneh Esrei together with the chazzan as he begins Chazaras Hashatz following along word-for-word, and say kedusha out loud together with the tzibbur and then continue the quiet Shmoneh Esrei from Ata Kadosh. Explanation: The Alter Rebbe writes (109:1): The following rules apply when one enters a shul and finds the tzibur davening Shemoneh Esreh (of minchah)... If he can begin Shemoneh Esreh and complete it before the sheliach tzibbur reaches Kedushah, he should daven [immediately]. If not, he should not daven until he has responded Amen to HaE-l…Show more
Question: In the Alter Rebbe's Shulchan Aruch he paskens that for Shachris we don't say tachnun in a shul where a bris is being held (seemingly regardless if the mohel, sandek or Avi haben are there). Is this… Question: In the Alter Rebbe's Shulchan Aruch he paskens that for Shachris we don't say tachnun in a shul where a bris is being held (seemingly regardless if the mohel, sandek or Avi haben are there). Is this the minhag Chabad today? Answer: Yes, this psak is followed in Chabad today. Sources: כ״פ אדה״ז בשולחנו קלא, ה. שם ו. ובסידורו לפני…Show more
The Halacha is that a brother may not hug or kiss a sister or vice versa. This applies to any type of affectionate physical contact between them. Dancing together is considered affectionate physical contact. So many poskim have decried… The Halacha is that a brother may not hug or kiss a sister or vice versa. This applies to any type of affectionate physical contact between them. Dancing together is considered affectionate physical contact. So many poskim have decried the practice of mixed dancing due to the physical contact between the genders. It follows that brother and sister too may not have such type of physical contact. Indeed, this is spelled out clearly in a number of contemporary sources indicated below. See also the attached from "A guide to Chabad Weddings", recently published by Mikvah.org and approved by multiple…Show more
Question: I have a storage unit that I visit once every 5 years, it is likely dirty inside the unit but there are boxes with seforim inside among other things. I put a mezuzah on the unit when I… Question: I have a storage unit that I visit once every 5 years, it is likely dirty inside the unit but there are boxes with seforim inside among other things. I put a mezuzah on the unit when I had first acquired it. Do I have any kind of obligation to ensure that the mezuzah stays up or is kosher? Does the unit even need a mezuzah? Answer: Yes, even if you visit only infrequently it is still required to have a Mezuzah since you might go there when you need to. This is provided the unit is…Show more
While it’s best to wear tefillin when saying Shema before davening, especially if one will be eating afterwards, one may say Shema without Tefilin as long as he will be putting on Tefilin later in the day during Shema.… While it’s best to wear tefillin when saying Shema before davening, especially if one will be eating afterwards, one may say Shema without Tefilin as long as he will be putting on Tefilin later in the day during Shema. The Rebbe says that this is the common practice today and explains the halachic basis for this in the sicha noted in the sources below. However, there are those who are makpid to say the first Shema of the day in Tefilin. Sources: ראה: ברכות י"ד ע"ב, שו"ע או"ח סי' כ"ה סעי'…Show more
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