People Just Asked
Question: When we Daven Maariv early, like after a fast day and have to repeat Kriyas Shema, can Kriyas Shema She’Al Hamita fulfill this obligation, or does it have to be in addition to Kriyas Shema She’Al Hamita? And… Question: When we Daven Maariv early, like after a fast day and have to repeat Kriyas Shema, can Kriyas Shema She’Al Hamita fulfill this obligation, or does it have to be in addition to Kriyas Shema She’Al Hamita? And even if Kriyas She’Al Hamita does fulfill this obligation, would it still be better to say Kriyas Shema an additional time before saying Kriyas Shema She’Al Hamita? Answer: One may not l'chatchillah intend to fulfill his obligation through reciting Krias Shema Al Hamitah, out of concern that he might forget to do so, i.e. one may not eat before…Show more
Question: My lightweight Kapota got terribly stained beyond repair, and the other one I have is a very heavy one, too hot for summer. Can I purchase a new Kapata now during the 3 weeks l'kavod Shabbos? … Question: My lightweight Kapota got terribly stained beyond repair, and the other one I have is a very heavy one, too hot for summer. Can I purchase a new Kapata now during the 3 weeks l'kavod Shabbos? Answer: Generally, our Minhag is to not buy nor wear Choshuve new clothes during the three weeks even on Shabbos. However, in your case that’s a great need, you may get a Kapote for Shabbos - prior to the Nine Days. It would be best to buy on credit if possible and pay in full after the nine days. Sources: כיון שנהגו בזמננו שלא לברך שהחיינו. וראה מג״א תקנא,…Show more
Question: When should a boy whose hair is cut after his third birthday (his birthday is during sefira) start wearing kippa and tzitzis? Answer: The Rebbe writes that even when the actual Upshernish takes place after the child’s… Question: When should a boy whose hair is cut after his third birthday (his birthday is during sefira) start wearing kippa and tzitzis? Answer: The Rebbe writes that even when the actual Upshernish takes place after the child’s third birthday, the custom to start educating him in wearing Tzitzis, Birkas Hashachar, Bentching and Krias Shma before bed, start on the day of his third birthday. Source: לקוטי שיחות חלק ל"ג עמ' 297. #13133Show more
Question: I am in quarantine as I was exposed to Covid-19 in my class. I live in Crown Heights and I did not know what to do for Tashlich because I cannot leave my house until Sunday (Erev Yom… Question: I am in quarantine as I was exposed to Covid-19 in my class. I live in Crown Heights and I did not know what to do for Tashlich because I cannot leave my house until Sunday (Erev Yom Kippur). What is the best way I can do Tashlich? Answer: You should do tashlich on the day before Erev Yom Kippur (this year [5781], since it is on Shabbos, do it on Thursday) with a bowl of water and again on Sunday, Erev Yom Kippur (when you can leave your house) by a river with fish. Sources: בשולחן מנחם ח"ג עמוד קז הובאה הוראת הרבי שבלית…Show more
Question: What Kitzur Shulchan Aruch-style sefer or seforim would be the most accurate for a Lubavitcher to learn for halacha l'maaseh? The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch with the Alter Rebbe's piskei dinim, the Ketzos HaShulchan (which was just… Question: What Kitzur Shulchan Aruch-style sefer or seforim would be the most accurate for a Lubavitcher to learn for halacha l'maaseh? The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch with the Alter Rebbe's piskei dinim, the Ketzos HaShulchan (which was just reprinted), or are there more recent ones? Answer: They are both great, though the footnotes in Ketzos hashulchan are probably for someone on an advanced level. A few guidelines in general: In many areas, the Psak of the Alter Rebbe is not much different than that of other Poskim. In those instances where it is, it is often indicated…Show more
Question: What is the meaning of the Middas Chassidus (שו"ע אדה"ז סי' כז ס"ק י"ט) to fast if the retzuos flip over? Does it mean even if it was just flipped over momentarily (like right when it was put… Question: What is the meaning of the Middas Chassidus (שו"ע אדה"ז סי' כז ס"ק י"ט) to fast if the retzuos flip over? Does it mean even if it was just flipped over momentarily (like right when it was put on) and he right away corrected it or is it only if he only realized after he took them off and he wasn't able to put them back on properly, meaning that on that day he only wore tefillin with overturned retzuos? (If it means even if it only flipped momentarily, then why is it such a big deal,…Show more
אם עדיין לא התגרש - בודאי אומר. ואם התגרש כבר - פשוט שלא. הרי אינו אשתו. ובכלל, בכמה נוסחאות - אין אומרים כן כלל. ואינו מופיע בסידור הרב. וכמדומה ברור שאינו בכל נוסחאות הישנות. וברכה לעצמו כמדומה מופיע לראשונה… אם עדיין לא התגרש - בודאי אומר. ואם התגרש כבר - פשוט שלא. הרי אינו אשתו. ובכלל, בכמה נוסחאות - אין אומרים כן כלל. ואינו מופיע בסידור הרב. וכמדומה ברור שאינו בכל נוסחאות הישנות. וברכה לעצמו כמדומה מופיע לראשונה באור חדש בנוסח אותנו ואת כל אשר לנו ובהמשך לברכת אבא מארי בעה״ב. ולראשונה מופיע בקיצור של״ה שכשהוא בעה״ב בעצמו יברך א״ע ואת אשתו וכו׳. ובמטה יהודה הביא בהפי׳ שם לברך עצמו, והשמיט נוסח הנ״ל מדברי הקיצור של״ה והביא רק ״אותנו ואת כל אשר לנו״. ובכל אופן, בקיצור של״ה שם שאם יש לו אשה ובנים אומר כן. והרי שאם אין…Show more
Question: Is it ok for one to learn (תניא בע"פ...) in a Waterpark if he's wearing a yarmulka and tzitzis (there are other children/adults (men) that are wearing only a bathing suit). And is there a difference between an… Question: Is it ok for one to learn (תניא בע"פ...) in a Waterpark if he's wearing a yarmulka and tzitzis (there are other children/adults (men) that are wearing only a bathing suit). And is there a difference between an indoor Waterpark to an outdoor one? Or can one sit on the side and learn from a sefer? If I can learn myself, can I also speak to someone else about learning? (הפצת המעיינות...) Answer: Yes, one may learn in the waterpark. Lechatchilah his top half should be covered appropriately. Even better would be to be dressed appropriately…Show more
Question: I see in the Alter Rebbe's Shulchan Aruch (308, 12) that "הערמה" is permissible when it comes to moving Muktzah לצורך גופו או מקומו. My question is whether there are any specific guidelines or limitations to this "trick".… Question: I see in the Alter Rebbe's Shulchan Aruch (308, 12) that "הערמה" is permissible when it comes to moving Muktzah לצורך גופו או מקומו. My question is whether there are any specific guidelines or limitations to this "trick". Say, for example, we left the washed dishes to dry on the counter before Shabbos, amongst them some כלים שמלאכתם לאיסור (food processor parts, garlic crusher, etc.). Now on Shabbos, my wife likes when the counters are clear. Bh we have lots of counter space, so can we clear the dishes so we can set up for the meal, although…Show more
שאלה: הרב ברוין שיחי' שלום וברכה. מעשה היה בקהילתנו שקילפו ביצים עבור התוועדות 'שבת מברכים' מערב שבת. אמנם לא השאירו מעט מקליפתם או תיבלו במלח או תבלין. וכאשר אמרו המסובים ל'גבאי' שידוע שביצים קלופים אסורים לאכילה מפני סכנה ('רוח… שאלה: הרב ברוין שיחי' שלום וברכה. מעשה היה בקהילתנו שקילפו ביצים עבור התוועדות 'שבת מברכים' מערב שבת. אמנם לא השאירו מעט מקליפתם או תיבלו במלח או תבלין. וכאשר אמרו המסובים ל'גבאי' שידוע שביצים קלופים אסורים לאכילה מפני סכנה ('רוח רעה'), טען הגבאי שבשבת אין חשש רוח רעה בשבת 'והראי'ה' שהוא אינו מכסה את המים ש'בנעגל וואסער' בליל שבת מטעם הנ"ל. ורציתי לשמוע את חוות דעתו של הרב בזה. בשו"ט. תשובה: איני יודע אם שואל על גוף הענין, שבודאי ישנם כו״כ סברות להתיר בדיעבד, ותלוי בכמה פרטים, ונדרשת ידיעה גופא דעובדא היכי הוה. וראה גם בשו״ת ויען דוד להרחיד״ו…Show more
There’s a difference of opinions on this matter. Ideally, it should not be used together. Sources: יש שהתירו בצירוף הדעות שאין בזה סכנה בימינו, או…
Question: I tried to make beef jerky for Shabbos using a big roast and I realized after that I put Worcester’s sauce in it which has anchovy paste (fish in it). I know fish and meat aren’t allowed. My… Question: I tried to make beef jerky for Shabbos using a big roast and I realized after that I put Worcester’s sauce in it which has anchovy paste (fish in it). I know fish and meat aren’t allowed. My question is if it’s possibly batel be'shishim becasue it was a big piece of meat to 3 tbsp Worcester’s sauce. Answer: If it is kosher certified and it is not labeled as fish, then you may use the beef after the fact, since the fish is nullified in the sauce. (The sauce itself would thus be considered to be…Show more
Question: Is the Yirei Shamayim mentioned in Halacha higher lower or equal to a Ba'al Nefesh mentioned in Halacha? I.e. would it be an oxymoron for someone to not make Shehakol on rice but make Mezonos on Mezonos bread… Question: Is the Yirei Shamayim mentioned in Halacha higher lower or equal to a Ba'al Nefesh mentioned in Halacha? I.e. would it be an oxymoron for someone to not make Shehakol on rice but make Mezonos on Mezonos bread or vice versa? Answer: It is not clear which one is higher and which one is lower. Regardless, one should take one step at a time and not be concerned if he’s meanwhile not practicing other stringencies. Sources: בכללות - היינו הך, שזהו פי׳ בענ״פ - יר״ש,…Show more
If you are just reading with your eyes without saying the words there is no problem. To say the words is problematic. If it’s possible to turn away (not just your head, rather your body facing away) that is… If you are just reading with your eyes without saying the words there is no problem. To say the words is problematic. If it’s possible to turn away (not just your head, rather your body facing away) that is best. If it is not possible to face away and for a specific reason you need to pronounce the words, you may, as long as you are looking in the sefer and not at what’s around. Sources: שוע"ר עה, א ובמוסגר. וראה קו"א א שם. וראה בצ"צ…Show more
Question: I accidentally made a Bracha on Rabbeinu Tam Tefilin thinking they were Rashi's tefillin. If I concluded davening in my Rabbeinu Tam Tefilin should I make another Bracha on my Rashi's? In addition, if I davened shacharis with… Question: I accidentally made a Bracha on Rabbeinu Tam Tefilin thinking they were Rashi's tefillin. If I concluded davening in my Rabbeinu Tam Tefilin should I make another Bracha on my Rashi's? In addition, if I davened shacharis with my Rabbeinu Tam Tefilin closer to chatzos, is there an inyan to wait with my Rashi's tefillin to daven mincha Shmonei Esrei with them given that I only said Shema with them? Answer: There are various opinions about what is to be done in such a case. The accepted opinion is that if he remembers immediately after he put…Show more
Answer: On an earth floor, one may not rub the spit but rather they should place their shoe over it without rubbing it. On a wooden floor, in an area where most floors aren’t earth floors, one may rub… Answer: On an earth floor, one may not rub the spit but rather they should place their shoe over it without rubbing it. On a wooden floor, in an area where most floors aren’t earth floors, one may rub the spit. Nonetheless, there is room for stringency. On a rug floor, one may rub the spit. Best to do it lightly. https://asktherav.com/17161-i-go-to-an-outdoor-minyan-on-shabbos-what-should-i-do-for-spitting-aleinu/ Sources: רוק שע״ג קרקע - שו״ע או״ח שטז, יא. ויניח…Show more
The song is originally a chassidishe nigun that was sung in many circles, including Lubavitch. How to relate to it now is a debate among Chassidim and should be discussed with one’s personal Mashpia. Certainly, if sung with the… The song is originally a chassidishe nigun that was sung in many circles, including Lubavitch. How to relate to it now is a debate among Chassidim and should be discussed with one’s personal Mashpia. Certainly, if sung with the words, as a secular Zionist song, it shouldn’t be done. Does the Rebbe address it? Not to my knowledge, however, it was not sung at the Rebbe's farbrengen nor at the Frierdiker Rebbe's. (It is reported that it was sung by the Rebbe Rashab during Hakofos on Simchas Torah). Is it Ok for it to be sung at…Show more
Question: If one washed and ate a milchig meal, and an hour later did not yet bentch, is he allowed to eat fleishig hamotzie flatbread in the same meal and bentch afterward on both? Answer: The custom is… Question: If one washed and ate a milchig meal, and an hour later did not yet bentch, is he allowed to eat fleishig hamotzie flatbread in the same meal and bentch afterward on both? Answer: The custom is not to do so. Sources: See page 42 in our (Hebrew) Shavuos guide: https://asktherav.com/shavuos-day-to-day-guide-5780-2020/…Show more
Question: Is mindfulness halachically acceptable even though some say it came from Buddhism many years ago? Answer: It really depends on what you mean when you’re saying mindfulness. The concept of mindfulness is rooted in Torah. However, the… Question: Is mindfulness halachically acceptable even though some say it came from Buddhism many years ago? Answer: It really depends on what you mean when you’re saying mindfulness. The concept of mindfulness is rooted in Torah. However, the implementation of the principles and discipline of mindfulness can vary so much, depending on who, what and how. Please tell us what specifically you have in mind. Question clarified: It’s hard to describe but basically what you do is you just sit on the couch and you just try as much as possible with your eyes closed to…Show more
The filter bags don't need to be kosher but you must be sure that no bugs can leave the bag. As for the idea of using such bags to prevent the need for checking: With foods that are certainly… The filter bags don't need to be kosher but you must be sure that no bugs can leave the bag. As for the idea of using such bags to prevent the need for checking: With foods that are certainly infested, one should not do this, but we need not admonish those who do, provided the garment is thick. Where the food is not definitely infested, it may be done but one should check and clean first superficially. Explanation in brief: The bugs that are in the unchecked herbs would give off a bad taste to the soup and…Show more
It’s a bottle with a ball in it. I use it for shaking together green powder and a juice. Otherwise, the green powder remains separate. Answer: If it remains a liquid and does not become thick, then it is…It’s a bottle with a ball in it. I use it for shaking together green powder and a juice. Otherwise, the green powder remains separate. Answer: If it remains a liquid and does not become thick, then it is permitted to use on Shabbos. #9544Show more
Question: When there are a group of families, bochurim, and older single men and women together for the Shabbos meals, how should they be seated? Is mixed seating allowed? Is it okay for men and women of the opposite… Question: When there are a group of families, bochurim, and older single men and women together for the Shabbos meals, how should they be seated? Is mixed seating allowed? Is it okay for men and women of the opposite gender to sit next to each other or face each other (if they're not in the same family)? Should there be separate tables? At what age should children not be allowed to sit with the opposite gender? I'd like to know please both for a small group in the house, and a large group in Shul, does that make a…Show more
Question: We have construction starting in our sunroom a week before the 3 weeks. Am I allowed to continue into the 3 weeks if the work is not done yet? Or do I have to wait till after the… Question: We have construction starting in our sunroom a week before the 3 weeks. Am I allowed to continue into the 3 weeks if the work is not done yet? Or do I have to wait till after the 3 weeks? Answer: You may have the contractor continue and finish the construction in the three weeks as long it does not continue past Rosh Chodesh Av. Sources: טושו"ע סי' תקנ"א, ב. ב"ח סק"ד. אלי' רבה סק"ג.…Show more
שאלה: נסתפקתי באם בשעה שאומרים קדיש מותר לי להמשיך לומר תהלים או שאר תפילה ולעצור לעניית אמן. שמעתי מרב אחד שאם אצליח לכוין שעניית אמן זו הולכת על היתגדל אז אפשר להמשיך בתפילתי. אך לאח"ז מצאתי בספר הפסק בתפילה… שאלה: נסתפקתי באם בשעה שאומרים קדיש מותר לי להמשיך לומר תהלים או שאר תפילה ולעצור לעניית אמן. שמעתי מרב אחד שאם אצליח לכוין שעניית אמן זו הולכת על היתגדל אז אפשר להמשיך בתפילתי. אך לאח"ז מצאתי בספר הפסק בתפילה להרב למברג שכתב לא כנ"ל אלא שצריך לעצור איפה שאוחז ולהקשיב לאומר הקדיש. ונפשי בשאלתי אם אכן מותר להמשיך בתפילה בשעת אמירת הקדיש עם התנאי דלעיל. ובאותו ענין, האם ישתנה הדין לענין חזרת הש"ץ? תשובה: א. לכתחילה, אם אפשר, מצוה לשמוע מן הש״ץ מתחילת יתגדל וכו׳ ולכוון על מה הוא עונה. ויש להטות אוזן לשמוע מהש״ץ בכוונה. ולכן, יש…Show more
Question: Hi! My family isn't frum yet, and there is a family vacation booked in the mountains, beginning on Sunday before Roch Chodesh Av and ending on Friday 3 Av. I really, really want to go and see my… Question: Hi! My family isn't frum yet, and there is a family vacation booked in the mountains, beginning on Sunday before Roch Chodesh Av and ending on Friday 3 Av. I really, really want to go and see my mother and sister, who I haven't seen much these past few years. My mother made a lot of changes to accommodate me, and I hesitate to ask her to change ANOTHER thing for me, especially when she's already paid in full. I could leave before R"C Av, but I don't get many chances to see my family and that would…Show more
Have a Halachic Question?
Submit your question and receive an answer shortly.
Submit A Question
