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Q. I taught my students the Sicha about shlomis bas divri - how she greeted and spoke to everybody. We know that a woman isn't allowed to greet a man, what are the exact halachos? What about family/family friends?… Q. I taught my students the Sicha about shlomis bas divri - how she greeted and spoke to everybody. We know that a woman isn't allowed to greet a man, what are the exact halachos? What about family/family friends? Can the students say good morning to the security guard out of mentchlichkait? What if it is someone respectable? A. A man or woman may not create closeness קירוב הדעת וידידות with a man through asking how the other is doing and other types of indirect affection. However, one may say 'Hello' or 'good morning' since this is…Show more
Question: When passing tzitzis over the eyes during Baruch She'amar and Shema, how is one to actually pass the tzitzis over the eyes? Must he merely look at them (if at all), must they touch his eyelids, and what… Question: When passing tzitzis over the eyes during Baruch She'amar and Shema, how is one to actually pass the tzitzis over the eyes? Must he merely look at them (if at all), must they touch his eyelids, and what if he is wearing glasses? Answer: They should ideally touch the eyelids. Sources & Explnation: כן משמע מלשון הטור והשו"ע או"ח סימן כד סעיף ד (ובשוע"ר שם סעיף ו) בנוגע וראיתם אותו, שיש ליתנו ע״ג העינים. ומקורו מהעיטור סוף שער ב ח״ג שמעבירין על גבי עיניהם. ושם הוא בשם מדרש לקח טוב המכונה פסיקתא זוטרתא ס״פ שלח. ועוד.…Show more
If it's not being done to resemble non-Jewish customs it’s allowed, especially if this is in a place where it would seem inappropriate not to have one. Source: אין כאן בית מיחוש מחמת חוקות הגוים, וכסברת מהרי״ק שרש… If it's not being done to resemble non-Jewish customs it’s allowed, especially if this is in a place where it would seem inappropriate not to have one. Source: אין כאן בית מיחוש מחמת חוקות הגוים, וכסברת מהרי״ק שרש פח, וכבר העירו שכ״ה כבר במו״נ ג, לז ובר״ן ע״ז יא, א, וכפס״ד הרמ״א יו״ד קעח, א, לפי שאי״ב משום פריצות שחץ או גאוה, ולא סרך ע״ז, וגם לא נעשה בכדי להתדמות אליהם, והוא דבר שי״ב תועלת. [ולהעיר משו״ת אג"מ או"ח א מו, שאפילו בביהכנ"ס אף שהוא מנהג הבל, אין בו איסור. ושם, שאף שודאי לא מן הראוי הוא להכניס…Show more
Question: The Rebbe said we are supposed to tell Bnei Noach about their Sheva Mitzvos. Someone told me that we are supposed to wait until we have a personal encounter and not just give out Sheva Mitzvos cards. Also,… Question: The Rebbe said we are supposed to tell Bnei Noach about their Sheva Mitzvos. Someone told me that we are supposed to wait until we have a personal encounter and not just give out Sheva Mitzvos cards. Also, is it okay for a woman to speak about or give out the cards to males, such as a repairman or taxi driver? Answer: There is no real evidence proving this theory, although many people have argued so. In fact, the Rebbe implied quite the opposite. Nonetheless, it is worthy of mention that the Rebbe had many reservations about…Show more
The following are the guidelines according to Halacha, in a situation where legally accepted, and no damage is caused to the owner. If one willingly and expressly allowed the public to use his property as a shortcut, the public… The following are the guidelines according to Halacha, in a situation where legally accepted, and no damage is caused to the owner. If one willingly and expressly allowed the public to use his property as a shortcut, the public has required rights to this use and the owner may not retract. Likewise, even if one did not expressly allow it, but the public made changes to the path (e.g. paving, which only a property owner would make) and the owner did not object, the public has required rights to this use. This is called "meitzar shehichziku bo rabim…Show more
Ideally, she should not be open for business to wash Sheitels as explained in the link below (see there about the halacha of washing a Sheitel in the Nine Days). However, if a customer is requesting to wash her… Ideally, she should not be open for business to wash Sheitels as explained in the link below (see there about the halacha of washing a Sheitel in the Nine Days). However, if a customer is requesting to wash her only Sheitel that is not in good condition, or in any other similar pressing situation, then she may do so. Setting a Sheitel is permissible in any case during the nine days. Please see more in this link: https://asktherav.com/is-it-a-problem-to-have-a-wig-cut-in-the-9-days-679/ Sources: אמנם, במקום הפ״מ מקום לדון להקל, ראה בכעי״ז בשו״ת…Show more
One may not launder clothing during the 9 days. If all clothes have been worn and one has no more clothes one may only launder during the week before Tisha B’av. Thus, according to the strict halacha one may… One may not launder clothing during the 9 days. If all clothes have been worn and one has no more clothes one may only launder during the week before Tisha B’av. Thus, according to the strict halacha one may not wash even undergarments, even if all were already worn and he has nothing to change into, after Shabbos Chazon. Nonetheless, if one is exceptionally in distress (and not merely uncomfortable), one may do as follows: Undergarments which are changed every day - it is better to buy new ones and put them on the earth or dirty floor before…Show more
Who? Both men and women refrain from cutting their hair during this period. Facial Hair: This includes all facial hair as well as hair anywhere else on the body. Children: Adults may not cut children's hair. Eyebrows etc.: We… Who? Both men and women refrain from cutting their hair during this period. Facial Hair: This includes all facial hair as well as hair anywhere else on the body. Children: Adults may not cut children's hair. Eyebrows etc.: We are also restricted from trimming or waxing eyebrows, mustaches and the like, even hair around the private parts. - Mustache: If the mustache interferes with eating, it may be trimmed. Tshup: However, it is permissible-indeed it is a mitzvah-to cut a forelock (tshup, in Yiddish) during the Three Weeks. Upshernish: When a boy's third birthday falls during…Show more
שאלה: אני נוהג בל"נ להניח תפילין בבוקר ולקרות ק"ש קטנה, כדי לטעום לפני התפילה. אבל אינני מתפלל שחרית עד אחרי זמן. לפעמים שעה או שעתיים אח"כ. בשו"ע אדה"ז סימן כה, כט כתב: מי שחלץ את תפיליו והיה בדעתו שלא… שאלה: אני נוהג בל"נ להניח תפילין בבוקר ולקרות ק"ש קטנה, כדי לטעום לפני התפילה. אבל אינני מתפלל שחרית עד אחרי זמן. לפעמים שעה או שעתיים אח"כ. בשו"ע אדה"ז סימן כה, כט כתב: מי שחלץ את תפיליו והיה בדעתו שלא יחזור להניחן עד לאחר זמן מרובה כמו ב' או ג' שעות ואח"כ נמלך לחזור ולהניחן מיד צריך לחזור ולברך עליהם אבל אם בשעת חליצת התפילין היה דעתו לחזור ולהניחם מיד וחוזר ומניחן מיד א"צ לחזור ולברך עליהם מפני שכבר נפטרו בברכה שבירך עליהם כשהניחן בפעם א'. שאלתי, האם שעתיים הוא כפשוטו ממש 120 דקות? עוד שאלה: באם עשה צרכיו חוזר…Show more
Question: My Kallah is a lefty, and I understand there is a debate as to which hand the ring is placed on. I’d like to know the sources on this subject and how we pasken practically. Answer: On… Question: My Kallah is a lefty, and I understand there is a debate as to which hand the ring is placed on. I’d like to know the sources on this subject and how we pasken practically. Answer: On her left hand, unless she always places her ring on her right hand. Sources: פשוט שכ״ז אינו לעיכובא - ראה ערוה״ש אה״ע כז,…Show more
שאלה: למדנו בשיעור שאם האישה נידה, אסור לה ללבוש לבוש של בעלה, גם אם אינו שייך העניין של ״כלי גבר״. האם הדבר כך גם שעל אף שהבגד הוא של הבעל, אך ישנם גם בני משפחה אחרים שלפעמים משתמשים בו?… שאלה: למדנו בשיעור שאם האישה נידה, אסור לה ללבוש לבוש של בעלה, גם אם אינו שייך העניין של ״כלי גבר״. האם הדבר כך גם שעל אף שהבגד הוא של הבעל, אך ישנם גם בני משפחה אחרים שלפעמים משתמשים בו? האם ההלכה היא גם לגבי נעליים או נעלי בית כמו Crocs? מענה: אין איסור ללבוש בגדים של הבן או הבת זוג, במקום שאין איסור לא תלבש, וכן מותר ללבוש הקרוקס. כשיש מקום לחשש שזה יכול לעורר אצלו חיבה או הרהור כשלבוש בבגדה, יש להימנע מללבוש. אבל במקום שמיועד לכל בני הבית, אין סיבה לחשוש לזה. ישנו איסור לגעת בבגדו או…Show more
Yes, it can. Sources: Sefer Hasichos 5748 vol. 2 pg 407 See also…
It may be discarded. If it is obvious that this was used for mitzvah purposes it should be discarded in a respectful way, not straight into the garbage with other repulsive material. ראה גנזי הקודש טז, י. יט,… It may be discarded. If it is obvious that this was used for mitzvah purposes it should be discarded in a respectful way, not straight into the garbage with other repulsive material. ראה גנזי הקודש טז, י. יט, יד. #9264Show more
Question: I'm thinking of becoming an HHA (home health aide) I was wondering if there's a problem for a female to be taking care of a male? And if I were to be placed in a non-Jewish home if… Question: I'm thinking of becoming an HHA (home health aide) I was wondering if there's a problem for a female to be taking care of a male? And if I were to be placed in a non-Jewish home if there would be any problem with that? Answer: There are potential problems with a female being a caretaker of a male, primarily that physical contact is forbidden, and depending on the situation it may also pose a problem of yichud. There would not be anything wrong to attend to a non-Jewish female, other being faced with the problem…Show more
Answer: No, Krias Shma should be said first. One should not say Krias Shma before Mishyakir unless they are in a pressing situation. But it is not right to do so on a steady basis. If ones schedule cannot… Answer: No, Krias Shma should be said first. One should not say Krias Shma before Mishyakir unless they are in a pressing situation. But it is not right to do so on a steady basis. If ones schedule cannot be changed (like in a Yeshiva where there are a few weeks when misheyakir is after the morning Chassidus begins), they may taste less than a Kabeitza before Krias Shma. When it comes the time of Misheyakir, Shma should be said without delay, even if you are in middle of learning. התשובה לשאלה והערות על דברי השואל הובא על…Show more
There is no new mitzvah (of shvisa) at that time. Do we say it because of lo plug? Or because of Simcha? If it's the latter, what about the first night of Rosh Hashanah which will… There is no new mitzvah (of shvisa) at that time. Do we say it because of lo plug? Or because of Simcha? If it's the latter, what about the first night of Rosh Hashanah which will be on Shabbos this year (5781)? Answer: בקצרה מחמת העדר מיסת הפנאי. בפשטות ברכת שהחיינו על המועדים אינה על מצוות החג, אלא על גוף המועד. (וכבר נתקשה רבינו בלקו״ש לז ע׳ 15 הע׳ 12 בל׳ אדה״ז תרמא, א, שנ׳ מדבריו שהברכה היא על מצות קידוש היום). ובזה גופא, ב׳ אופנים - מחמת החידוש בהגעת זמן המועד, או על עצם…Show more
Question: If after a Brit Mila the mohel gives the Orla to someone to bury, what’s the exact procedure how to do & where? Do you have to say any verses or pesukim while doing it? I heard a… Question: If after a Brit Mila the mohel gives the Orla to someone to bury, what’s the exact procedure how to do & where? Do you have to say any verses or pesukim while doing it? I heard a mohel said something to say but not sure what. Is there any segula in this? Answer: The orla should preferably be first placed in a vessel, a cup or the like, with sand or dirt covering it on top and on the bottom, and then buried anywhere one wishes. Some add water too. No need for anything to be…Show more
Question: I work as an assistant director of a BOYS day camp. We have campers age 6-12 and counselors aged 13-20. We have a "kiddies" bunk in camp, with an older married woman as the main "morah", there is… Question: I work as an assistant director of a BOYS day camp. We have campers age 6-12 and counselors aged 13-20. We have a "kiddies" bunk in camp, with an older married woman as the main "morah", there is the option to have a 18 year old girl as the helper for that bunk. They would be in a totally separate classroom, doing their own activities. They would only eat in the lunchroom at the same time (separate table of course) share the bus during trips (sitting separately in the back or front), and some few activities. Is there…Show more
One may pay for such mitzvos with maaser money. However, one must have in mind at the time of purchase that it will be from maaser money. Some permit this only if the money goes to the poor. The… One may pay for such mitzvos with maaser money. However, one must have in mind at the time of purchase that it will be from maaser money. Some permit this only if the money goes to the poor. The consensus is to permit using maaser even if the money doesn’t go to the poor, provided you would have not purchased the mitzvah unless you can pay it from maaser. If one suggested a lower price and you wish to increase and add to his offer, some are machmir that you may not pay all from maaser money, only for…Show more
שאלה: אחד שלח משלוח מנות לחבירו משלוח מנות שקיבל מאדם אחר, והיה השם של האחר עוד על המשלוח מנות ושכח להסירו, וכשבא ליתנו לחבירו לא היה בבית והניחו על פתח ביתו, וכשחזר הלה לביתו מצא המשלוח מנות עם הפתק… שאלה: אחד שלח משלוח מנות לחבירו משלוח מנות שקיבל מאדם אחר, והיה השם של האחר עוד על המשלוח מנות ושכח להסירו, וכשבא ליתנו לחבירו לא היה בבית והניחו על פתח ביתו, וכשחזר הלה לביתו מצא המשלוח מנות עם הפתק של השם של האדם האחר שאינו חבירו, ולא ידע בכלל שחבירו שלח לו משלו"מ, האם יצא ידי חובת משלוח מנות? תשובה: נכון שיחזור וישלח לצאת לכולי עלמא. מקורות: תלוי בהטעמים למשלוח מנות: ראה בשו״ת תה״ד סי׳ קי״א…Show more
Wouldn't some sort of hair net that contained the hair without interfering with the water make much more sense? Answer: Please note that AskTheRav receives many questions from our visitors every day. We strive to answer these matters… Wouldn't some sort of hair net that contained the hair without interfering with the water make much more sense? Answer: Please note that AskTheRav receives many questions from our visitors every day. We strive to answer these matters of practical Halacha in an efficient manner. Therefore, we ask our visitors to limit their questions to those of practical Halachic nature rather than learning style research questions, so that we can spend our time serving you best with your Halachic questions. In regards to your question: In cases where a Mikvah lady is not available (after consulting a competent…Show more
Question: I have a question regarding my grandmother's yartzeit. My grandmother passed away on the 20th of April 2021. Shkia that Tuesday was 7:46 PM and the official time of death as quoted on the death certificate was… Question: I have a question regarding my grandmother's yartzeit. My grandmother passed away on the 20th of April 2021. Shkia that Tuesday was 7:46 PM and the official time of death as quoted on the death certificate was 7:55 PM. I would like to know which day we should go by for her yortzeit, the 8th of Iyar or the 9th? Answer: The 9th of Iyar. But one should also keep minhagei yahrtzeit on the first day. Nonetheless, one is not a chiyuv then and cannot override a chiyuv’s obligation to daven for the amud. Sources: יום המחרת - דאקדומי פורענותא לא מקדמינן, וגם מצד…Show more
Question: If someone goes to a store that sells Keilim and they paint and then the store heats up the keli to finish it off and make it usable. Would that require tevila? Answer: It depends: If… Question: If someone goes to a store that sells Keilim and they paint and then the store heats up the keli to finish it off and make it usable. Would that require tevila? Answer: It depends: If you are creating the vessel from scratch, such as modeling, etc. (in addition to painting) it, it does not require Tevilah. If, however, you are merely painting a vessel which is already in a usable condition, then the following conditions apply. Any of the lenient points below (either in A or B) exempt the vessel from the requirement of Tevilah…Show more
Children should not listen to music in the 3 weeks. If they did not reach the age of Chinuch (2-5 years old), and there is a need (to distract and calm them) one may be lenient. In any case,… Children should not listen to music in the 3 weeks. If they did not reach the age of Chinuch (2-5 years old), and there is a need (to distract and calm them) one may be lenient. In any case, when permissible, adults should not pay attention to it. Sources: אג"מ או"ח ח"ד סימן כא אות ד. וראה בארוכה…Show more
Regarding placing the head on the arm etc. - it is done as usual. When the Sefer Torah is being moved and requires one to stand, one should not be sitting, but may continue reciting the Nefilas Apayim prayer… Regarding placing the head on the arm etc. - it is done as usual. When the Sefer Torah is being moved and requires one to stand, one should not be sitting, but may continue reciting the Nefilas Apayim prayer normally. Nonetheless, according to Kabalah, Nefilas Apayim should always be done sitting. Therefore, it is best to wait and recite it once the Sefer Torah is in a stationary position. שו״ע אדה״ז קלא, א. #9273Show more
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