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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 זו חלה (after separating). 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
Question: Is there a solution for someone who wants to sell his house, the first one he bought, which the Gemara considers to be an omen that isn’t positive? Answer: If you're selling in order to buy a… Question: Is there a solution for someone who wants to sell his house, the first one he bought, which the Gemara considers to be an omen that isn’t positive? Answer: If you're selling in order to buy a new house to live in, it's not a problem. Some suggest retaining a window or brick in the sale, so it’s not a complete sale. Sources: קדושין נט, א. ולהעיר, שבכ״מ גרסו המוכר נכסיו הראשונים,…Show more
One who can't daven towards Yerushalaim should turn at least his face towards Yerushalayim if possible. Regardless, he should have in mind as he starts davening Shemone Esrei that his tefillos are ascending via the Holy of holies. If… One who can't daven towards Yerushalaim should turn at least his face towards Yerushalayim if possible. Regardless, he should have in mind as he starts davening Shemone Esrei that his tefillos are ascending via the Holy of holies. If the vehicle changes directions and turning his face distracts his kavanah, he should position himself properly when he starts Shemone Esrei and have in mind as above, as well as directing his heart to Hashem. Sources: ברכות כח, ב. שו״ע או״ח צד, ד. מג״א שם…Show more
Article #256 When Negel Vasser Isn't Available The Zohar says one should not walk four amos upon awakening without having washed negel vasser (the ritual washing of the hands upon awakening). What if a person forgot to prepare negel… Article #256 When Negel Vasser Isn't Available The Zohar says one should not walk four amos upon awakening without having washed negel vasser (the ritual washing of the hands upon awakening). What if a person forgot to prepare negel vasser near their bed? There is a discussion amongst poskim whether one should run to the nearest faucet in order not to delay the purification of their hands, or stop at intervals of less than four amos on the way. The consensus is that the latter option is preferable, but one should do so as quickly as possible. Of course,…Show more
צריך לוודא אצל המשגיח במסעדה. בצורה עקרונית, אין צורך לחשוש. גם במקרה וטיפות חלב מתערבבים בטעות, מותר לשתות אחרי בשרי. מקורות: ראה בהלכה יומית אות תרכט לשאלה דומה. ולהעיר מב״ח…
Question: Should one set up advanced security measures (guards, weapons, training, etc.) in their shul/Chabad house? Included in this question: there is already a Mezuzah. Why doesn't that offer enough protection? And if it does, why would one need… Question: Should one set up advanced security measures (guards, weapons, training, etc.) in their shul/Chabad house? Included in this question: there is already a Mezuzah. Why doesn't that offer enough protection? And if it does, why would one need to take such measures? Answer: I'll start off with an anecdote: A man was stuck on his rooftop in a flood. He was praying to G-d for help. Soon a man in a rowboat came by and the fellow shouted to the man on the roof, "jump in, I can save you." The stranded man shouted back, "no, it's…Show more
Question 1: Regarding the three steps after Shmoneh Esrei, are they meant to be three steps, as the finishing step which makes the feet next to each other, or is it three and a fourth step to make the… Question 1: Regarding the three steps after Shmoneh Esrei, are they meant to be three steps, as the finishing step which makes the feet next to each other, or is it three and a fourth step to make the feet equal? Answer 1: The common custom - and this was the Rebbe’s practice too - is to take three steps after Shemone Esrai as follows: the first step is with the left foot placed behind the right foot, then a large step with the right foot behind the left foot and then another large step with the left foot…Show more
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