People Just Asked
To the bottom of the ear lobe or the bone next to the ear? Answer: There are opinions in the matter, whether till the bone or until the very end of the ear. The consensus seems to be… To the bottom of the ear lobe or the bone next to the ear? Answer: There are opinions in the matter, whether till the bone or until the very end of the ear. The consensus seems to be that despite the fact that the Shulchan Aruch writes to the end of the ear, it really is sufficient until the bone. It has been suggested that the expression of the end of the ear is as an extra stringency because people have a hard time assessing the exact place. Sources: - See here: https://asktherav.com/article-690-where-are-your-peyos/ #9396…Show more
Question: A relative has a pet dog. Are we allowed to visit on Shabbos? I know the kids will want to pet and play with the dog, and the dog will obviously run to them for hugs and whatnot… Question: A relative has a pet dog. Are we allowed to visit on Shabbos? I know the kids will want to pet and play with the dog, and the dog will obviously run to them for hugs and whatnot when we get there. What are the rules? Answer: All animals are Muktzah Gamur, meaning that they may not be touched (moved) for any reason on Shabbos. (There are certain exceptions with animals when it comes to Tzar Baalei Chaim, but that's only in extreme cases.) Therefore, it would be prohibited to play with your relative's dog on…Show more
Question: I have several grandchildren that will come to visit from overseas. They are my daughter's children. Till what age can I hug or kiss the granddaughters. Answer: Permitted at every age, although some are stringent after the… Question: I have several grandchildren that will come to visit from overseas. They are my daughter's children. Till what age can I hug or kiss the granddaughters. Answer: Permitted at every age, although some are stringent after the grandchild is married. (Some are stringent even with daughters after they are married and some even after they reach 11-12, but this is not the common practice). It is also proper not to show affection in public in any case. (To note that there are Poskim who forbid in regards to one’s son’s daughters. But this isn’t the accepted view).…Show more
שאלה: שאלה שעלתה אצלי כבר מספר פעמים בבית חב"ד, ועד עתה לא מצאתי עליה תשובה הולמת: קורה ופעמים עומדים באמצע התפילה בבית חב"ד - במקום שאסור להפסיק - ויש תשעה למנין, ונכנס איש שאינני מכירו ויש לי ספק אם… שאלה: שאלה שעלתה אצלי כבר מספר פעמים בבית חב"ד, ועד עתה לא מצאתי עליה תשובה הולמת: קורה ופעמים עומדים באמצע התפילה בבית חב"ד - במקום שאסור להפסיק - ויש תשעה למנין, ונכנס איש שאינני מכירו ויש לי ספק אם מבני ישראל הוא או לא. או שיושב קהל גדול באירוע שיש בה עירוב 'בין ישראל לעמים' ויש ספק אם יש מנין ואינו בכדי שיעשה כלל לשאול מיהו יהודי ומי לא. מהו הדין באמירת דברים שבקדושה? ובזה - האם יש חילוק בין אמירת דבר שאין בו שם (קדיש) לאמירת דבר שיש בו שם (ברכו)? ואת"ל שיש לומר דבר שאין בו שם…Show more
Question: If someone says his mother is Jewish, do we believe him? What's the rule? How far back do we look? And can he be part of the Minyan? Answer: In regards to minyan and an aliya,… Question: If someone says his mother is Jewish, do we believe him? What's the rule? How far back do we look? And can he be part of the Minyan? Answer: In regards to minyan and an aliya, you can trust him. In regards to marriage, that would be determined by the mesader kedushin. See here as well: Halacha2go.com #647: “Of course I’m Jewish—my grandmother spoke Yiddish!” מ"מ Sources: ראה הנסמן שם במקורות ועיונים. והיינו, שרק לענין יוחסין…Show more
Raspberry: Since there is a Halachic doubt if it comes from a species which is considered a tree - and thus its Brocha is Hoadomo - it may be consumed outside of Eretz Yisroel without the need of waiting… Raspberry: Since there is a Halachic doubt if it comes from a species which is considered a tree - and thus its Brocha is Hoadomo - it may be consumed outside of Eretz Yisroel without the need of waiting 3 years of Orlah. However, raspberries should not be eaten in general, as they are often highly infested with mites and thrips. See here: https://asktherav.com/1868-29095-berries-and-bugs/ Redcurrant: It’s a fruit which comes from a tree according to all opinions. Subsequently, its Brocha is Haetz and it is subject to the laws of Orlah (everywhere). Sources: פטל: אף שמאדה"ז בסדר ברכות הנהנין ו, ז משמע ברור…Show more
The recorded custom is to learn chapters of Mishnayos that correspond to the name and the Mishnayos of the word Neshama. There are nowadays English translations and audio lectures available for those who don’t understand Hebrew. Although one does… The recorded custom is to learn chapters of Mishnayos that correspond to the name and the Mishnayos of the word Neshama. There are nowadays English translations and audio lectures available for those who don’t understand Hebrew. Although one does not fulfill the mitzvah of learning Torah when not understanding the Mishnayos, nonetheless if one is unable to understand it’s still better to read them. Reading them is better than doing nothing, of course. Additionally, when it is difficult to learn the specific Mishnayos, one may (and it is proper to) choose to learn other easier ones, since they all…Show more
שאלה: השנה יום היארצייט הראשון חל בשבת. מתי זמן המתאים לעלות לקבר, האם ביום שישי או ביום ראשון? ומה הצדדים לכאן ולכאן? תשובה: בדרך כלל, ביארצייט שחל בשבת, יש נוהגים להקדים ולילך ביום ששי. ויש שהולכים אחרי שבת. אבל,…שאלה: השנה יום היארצייט הראשון חל בשבת. מתי זמן המתאים לעלות לקבר, האם ביום שישי או ביום ראשון? ומה הצדדים לכאן ולכאן? תשובה: בדרך כלל, ביארצייט שחל בשבת, יש נוהגים להקדים ולילך ביום ששי. ויש שהולכים אחרי שבת. אבל, בשנה זו, כיון שהוא תוך י״ב חודש לפטירה, עדיף בכל מקרה לילך ביום ראשון. ראה בשאלה דומה כאן: https://asktherav.com/1683-the-first-yartzeit-will-be-rosh-chodesh-monday-the-whole-family-is-planning-to-go-to-the-beis-hachaim-when-is-it-appropriate-to-go/ ראה הדעות השונות בשדי חמד אבלות צו. גשה״ח לב, ה. הנסמן בנט״ג עו. יב. ועוד. ובארוכה - אג"ק ח"ח ע' קכה. לקו"ש חי"ט ע' 132. וש"נ. שיחת יו״ד שבט תשי״ז. וי״א, שלמרות שההכרעה שם להקדים ביום ששי, מ״מ העלי׳ לציון היא…Show more
Q. Is there an Inyan in having the Areinfirenish the same day as the Upsherenish? A. No. Q. Does it make sense to have the Upsherenish after davening, and go straight to the Melamed for the Areinfirenish, followed… Q. Is there an Inyan in having the Areinfirenish the same day as the Upsherenish? A. No. Q. Does it make sense to have the Upsherenish after davening, and go straight to the Melamed for the Areinfirenish, followed by a Seuda with the continuation of the hair cutting? Or does the Areinfirenish need to be after cutting the hair? A. It may be done either way. Some however don’t do the Areinfirenish, unless the Upeshernish was completed. Sources: ביום האפשערניש - אף שבכ״מ הקפידו בזה שיהא דוקא…Show more
Question: I live in California and I'm taking a road trip from New York to my home over the next few days, when and how often do I say Tefilas Haderech? Answer: You should say Tefilas Haderech every… Question: I live in California and I'm taking a road trip from New York to my home over the next few days, when and how often do I say Tefilas Haderech? Answer: You should say Tefilas Haderech every day (since after the day you left your original home) after davening without Shem U'malchus, which means that you finish off the Bracha by saying "Barouch atah shomea tefilah". Tefilas Haderech with shem umalchus is only said on the first day of your trip when leaving your original home. After that (including the day(s) traveling back home) you…Show more
Women do not say the Yehi Ratzon for they are not obligated in the Mitzvos (Krias Shma, Tzitzis and Tefilin) mentioned in these paragraphs. However, they should say the Ribon Haolamim (minus the section about waking up at Chatzos)… Women do not say the Yehi Ratzon for they are not obligated in the Mitzvos (Krias Shma, Tzitzis and Tefilin) mentioned in these paragraphs. However, they should say the Ribon Haolamim (minus the section about waking up at Chatzos) for everything in that paragraph is true regarding women as well. Sources: פשוט. וכ״כ בסדר קריאת שמע על המיטה (גינזבורג) ע'…Show more
Question: Many hospitals and nursing homes require that temperature be taken from each visitor when they enter. One of their staff members takes the temperature with a digital thermometer that is placed on the forehead or arm of each… Question: Many hospitals and nursing homes require that temperature be taken from each visitor when they enter. One of their staff members takes the temperature with a digital thermometer that is placed on the forehead or arm of each visitor. Is it ok to allow them to do this? Especially if the visit is also to perform a mitzvah with the patient (Shofar, Lulav, etc.) Answer: Yes, if it's indeed for a Mitzvah purpose since it is done by a non-Jew. Sources: מדידה מותרת לצורך מצוה - שוע"ר ש"ו סי"ח. גם…Show more
Question continued: In my case, I went to the doctor on Thursday and I got antibiotics. I had 103.5 fever and the doctor said if I feel sick on Shabbos I should call even on Shabbos due to COVID-19.… Question continued: In my case, I went to the doctor on Thursday and I got antibiotics. I had 103.5 fever and the doctor said if I feel sick on Shabbos I should call even on Shabbos due to COVID-19. I said if I feel sick, I’ll take a Tylenol so I don't have to call on Shabbos. Answer: You should use a non-electric thermometer if possible. If the doctor says to call if the fever is high you should call and not rely on taking a Tylenol. If possible, call with a shinuy. See here regarding…Show more
It’s not considered Avodah Zarah and one may visit there. Nonetheless, it’s not appropriate to get photographed near the statue. See also here: https://asktherav.com/6923-is-it-permissible-halachically-hashkaficlly-to-take-my-kids-to-walt-disney-in-orlando/ Sources: לדינא, אין זה בגדר עבודה זרה ומותר לבקר שם.…
בסידור אדה"ז כתוב שמותר להפסיק בין הנחת תפילין של יד לשל ראש בעניית דברים שמותר לאמרם בברכות ק"ש. ואח"כ יברך על של ראש. שאלה: אם הפסיק בין של יד לשל ראש בעניית ימלוך דקדושה, וקודם שאמר הברכה על של… בסידור אדה"ז כתוב שמותר להפסיק בין הנחת תפילין של יד לשל ראש בעניית דברים שמותר לאמרם בברכות ק"ש. ואח"כ יברך על של ראש. שאלה: אם הפסיק בין של יד לשל ראש בעניית ימלוך דקדושה, וקודם שאמר הברכה על של ראש כבר הגיע הש"צ לסיום ברכת אתה חונן, האם מפני שכבר הפסיק ויברך על השל ראש מותר לו כבר לענות אמן על ברכת הש"צ? וראיתי מובא מהרבי שאף שהלשון הוא "מותר" מ"מ הכוונה שהוא חיוב. תשובה: מותר לענות אמן על כל הברכות, וכל דבר שהוא חובה ולא מנהג. טעם הדבר: שלאחרי שהפסיק כבר וכעת עליו לברך על תש״ר,…Show more
Q. The ones that say they are Mezonos, do they have the same issues of Mezonos Bread? A. It depends on how they are made. If they’re made using flour and water, then they carry the same Bracha as… Q. The ones that say they are Mezonos, do they have the same issues of Mezonos Bread? A. It depends on how they are made. If they’re made using flour and water, then they carry the same Bracha as bread, i.e. Hamotzi. However, if they are made with fruit juices or other liquids, then they will have the same rules as mezonos bread. Q. Just to clarify: Does that mean to say that if they are made with fruit juices or other liquids, they are מזונות, however a בעל נפש should be מחמיר not to eat them…Show more
Question: We moved into our new house. Leaving our old seforim bookcases. We need to clear out the old apartment now. I plan on putting out the bookcases on the street. Is it ok to take a few to… Question: We moved into our new house. Leaving our old seforim bookcases. We need to clear out the old apartment now. I plan on putting out the bookcases on the street. Is it ok to take a few to my new basement and use them as storage shelves? Answer: One may not use anything that was servicing holy items, called tashmish kedusha, for mundane purposes. Seforim however usually stand in a bookcase with their covers, rendering the cover of the sefer a tashmish kedusha and the bookcase a tashmish d'tashmish and thus permissible for other uses. Nonetheless,…Show more
If yes, does it need to be on every door there or just on the main (side) entrance? Or, alternatively, should he just have a Mezuzah inside the RV and not fixed on the wall? Answer: According to… If yes, does it need to be on every door there or just on the main (side) entrance? Or, alternatively, should he just have a Mezuzah inside the RV and not fixed on the wall? Answer: According to Halacha, motor homes do not require a Mezuza. If they’re being used on a permanent basis, although not required, it is best that a mezuzah should be placed without a blessing. However, the Rebbe advised some people to have a mezuza near their bed (with a double cover if needed). For that reason, some people take with them mezuza for…Show more
One may drink the water left in his cup that was used for Mayim Acharonim. Nonetheless, some people are particular about this. This refers only to the cup from which the water was poured. However one should not drink… One may drink the water left in his cup that was used for Mayim Acharonim. Nonetheless, some people are particular about this. This refers only to the cup from which the water was poured. However one should not drink the leftover water in the cup into which the water was poured and many are particular not to use at all unless rinsed very well. Sources: עיין בקובץ אהרן וישראל שבט תנש״א ע׳ 139 שהוכיח דאין…Show more
Question: Is it ok and considered fulfilled to split chitas of the day with more than one person. I so badly want to fulfill the Rebbes Hora'ah especially with everything that’s going on in the world and to bring… Question: Is it ok and considered fulfilled to split chitas of the day with more than one person. I so badly want to fulfill the Rebbes Hora'ah especially with everything that’s going on in the world and to bring Moshiach. But chitas is too long for me to actually do while raising my kids etc. I had in mind to make a WhatsApp group to divide it between other women. Would that be considered fulfilling the chitas? Answer: The takana to learn chitas is on an individual basis, where everyone will finish the Chumash and Tanya throughout…Show more
Question: When rewarding good behavior, Is it at all oisgehalten to choose certain missions that are mandatory, meaning if they miss those mandatory ones, they will not get rewarded for the other (non-mandatory) missions? I know that we always… Question: When rewarding good behavior, Is it at all oisgehalten to choose certain missions that are mandatory, meaning if they miss those mandatory ones, they will not get rewarded for the other (non-mandatory) missions? I know that we always tell people on mivtzoim "even though you just ate non-Kosher it's irrelevant whether or not to put on tefillin now". My question is when it comes to chinuch does that same rule apply? Answer: You may choose whichever system works for you or for the purpose you’re trying to achieve. Furthermore, there might be a particular advantage in using…Show more
Question: At the beginning of my pregnancy, I was thinking (and perhaps voiced to my husband) that if I have a girl I'd like to name her for my grandmother who passed away several years ago (and for whom… Question: At the beginning of my pregnancy, I was thinking (and perhaps voiced to my husband) that if I have a girl I'd like to name her for my grandmother who passed away several years ago (and for whom several babies have been named). In the middle of my pregnancy, however, my other grandmother passed away, and now I would like to give her name. It would mean a lot to me and our family, this would be the first name given for her. Is it okay to change the "plan"? (Once heard a story in A Glimpse Through…Show more
Question: On Shabbos morning, I went to Mikveh Meir, which requires you to pay before Shabbos for both Friday afternoon and Shabbos together. Normally that is what I do, but I didn't make it to mikveh this past Friday… Question: On Shabbos morning, I went to Mikveh Meir, which requires you to pay before Shabbos for both Friday afternoon and Shabbos together. Normally that is what I do, but I didn't make it to mikveh this past Friday and only realized after I had already gone to the mikveh on Shabbos morning. So, basically, I used the mikveh without paying, by mistake. Is there an issue to pay just for Shabbos because of schar shabbos. Answer: No Issue. You should pay what they are asking. Sources: וכמ"ש בשו"ת נודע ביהודא, או"ח תנינא בסוף סי' כ"ו:…Show more
שאלה: מה שאסור (ע"פ הזוהר והובא להלכה) שהאישה לא תניק את התינוק אחר התשמיש, למשך זמן של כדי הילוך שני מילין, ואם התינוק בוכה, מיל אחד - מה לגבי חלב שהאישה שאבה בתוך זמן זה, לתוך כלי, האם החלב… שאלה: מה שאסור (ע"פ הזוהר והובא להלכה) שהאישה לא תניק את התינוק אחר התשמיש, למשך זמן של כדי הילוך שני מילין, ואם התינוק בוכה, מיל אחד - מה לגבי חלב שהאישה שאבה בתוך זמן זה, לתוך כלי, האם החלב נאסר לעולם או שמא הרוח הרעה חולפת מהחלב עצמו (אף כשהוא כנוס בכלי) כעבור זמן הילוך שני מילין מהתשמיש. תשובה: מותר לתת חלב שנשאב תוך זמן זה. וימתין עד אחרי הזמן. מקורות: ראה שו"ת שבט הקהתי ח"ה מח, ה שנסתפק אם…Show more
Is there a problem to go on a bike ride before Davening (if you have a set Minyan)? The halachah is that one may not get involved bitzrachav (in their personal affairs) half an hour before the time… Is there a problem to go on a bike ride before Davening (if you have a set Minyan)? The halachah is that one may not get involved bitzrachav (in their personal affairs) half an hour before the time of davening arrives until they have davened, lest they get caught up in what they are doing and forget to daven. This applies to all three tefilos (prayers), Shacharis, Minchah, and Maariv. Moreover, there is an additional reason not to do work before Shacharis: one’s personal needs and wants should not come before doing Hashem’s affairs. One should not get…Show more
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