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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
Question: I am tutoring a teenage boy from a traditional sfardic family. We learned halachos of bishul Yisroel and I told him that a non-Jew may not turn the fire on. After we finished the mother called me and… Question: I am tutoring a teenage boy from a traditional sfardic family. We learned halachos of bishul Yisroel and I told him that a non-Jew may not turn the fire on. After we finished the mother called me and said that she once asked a rov who said that a goyishe helper may turn on the fire and cook at home if someone else is with them in the house or kitchen at the same time. What is the correct answer for this woman? Answer: A Goy may turn on the fire if the cooking is being done…Show more
To avoid all shaalos, one should cut out the fruit around the sticker and leave some fruit with the sticker. Sources: לענין בורר - במאו״א באר שבע שבת עד, א (בדפי…
Question: A member of my community is an owner of a large business with numerous offices in many different buildings across the city. some offices are out of the country, some in countries that he personally is unlikely to… Question: A member of my community is an owner of a large business with numerous offices in many different buildings across the city. some offices are out of the country, some in countries that he personally is unlikely to visit, has no personal office there, and it is exclusively for his workers and perhaps a once a year check-up by him. Most workers are probably not Jewish, and in some cases definitely not Jewish. Does he need to put up mezuzos in each and every office that he owns? If yes, do we apply over here the hiddur to…Show more
You may kill it. See here: https://asktherav.com/when-i-catch-a-mouse-do-i-need-to-kill-it-before-disposing-of-it/#.Xut8dFXYXqU.link #9354
Epoxy is similar to a hardened glue or hard plastic. Accordingly, Minchas Yitzchak 3:67 writes that initially one should not purchase plastic vessels with the intent to kasher them. However if one needs to one could with boiling water.… Epoxy is similar to a hardened glue or hard plastic. Accordingly, Minchas Yitzchak 3:67 writes that initially one should not purchase plastic vessels with the intent to kasher them. However if one needs to one could with boiling water. However, for Pesach one should be stringent and follow the position that it cannot be kashered. One instead would need to cover the epoxy table counters with a thick covering. #9327Show more
Question: My neighbor has a garage that does not have a roof anymore. There are 3 and 3/4 walls. A piece of wood goes across the entire 3/4 wall. Does it need a Mezuzah? Answer: Some say it… Question: My neighbor has a garage that does not have a roof anymore. There are 3 and 3/4 walls. A piece of wood goes across the entire 3/4 wall. Does it need a Mezuzah? Answer: Some say it does not need a mezuzah, as rooms without a ceiling are exempt from mezuzah. Others disagree in a case where it is normal to use such a room without a ceiling. Garages commonly have no ceiling. Thus, a mezuzah should be placed without a Bracha. Sources: תלוי בהבנת חיוב מזוזה בחצר, שלהרמב״ם מזוזה ו, ח,…Show more
Question: May one set a Cuisinart automatic coffee maker on Friday afternoon - with water, coffee filter with coffee grounds - on a timer set to brew the coffee on Shabbos morning? The water would not be heated until… Question: May one set a Cuisinart automatic coffee maker on Friday afternoon - with water, coffee filter with coffee grounds - on a timer set to brew the coffee on Shabbos morning? The water would not be heated until the unit turns on. The coffee would go into the carafe which would not be returned to the unit after serving the coffee. May one drink hot coffee that was brewed - the water was boiled - on Shabbos? If made by a non-Jew for himself? Answer: No. See also here: https://asktherav.com/6878-am-i-allowed-to-set-my-robot-floor-cleaner-to-work-on-shabbos/ If the non-Jew doesn't know you,…Show more
To schedule it before Shabbos to turn off: There’s no issue. To schedule it to turn (back) on: If it is a food that involves a prohibition of cooking on Shabbos (i.e. any not fully cooked food or… To schedule it before Shabbos to turn off: There’s no issue. To schedule it to turn (back) on: If it is a food that involves a prohibition of cooking on Shabbos (i.e. any not fully cooked food or even a fully cooked food which has since cooled off, as well as a solid which will "dissolve" or "melt" into liquid), it is not allowed. Some are stringent even if the food is fully cooked or still hot etc. unless some sort of Blech is placed on the hotplate. ע"פ שו"ע אדה"ז רנג, כז. ובנדו"ד ע"י שעון -…Show more
Question: Does a fire escape need a Mezuzah? Although it's not a regular doorway and only meant for emergencies, c"v, but because of the narrow staircase I have leading into my home, we have actually used the fire escape… Question: Does a fire escape need a Mezuzah? Although it's not a regular doorway and only meant for emergencies, c"v, but because of the narrow staircase I have leading into my home, we have actually used the fire escape as an entrance and exit for larger pieces of furniture in the past couple of years... Does that render it a doorway? Answer: The fire escape is totally exempt from Mezuzah. Sources: רמ"א יו"ד רפו, חי. פטור כיון שמשמש ליציאה בלבד…Show more
And if he doesn't have to, can he stop if he wants to? And if he can't, does he have to hear Kriah afterwards? Answer: He should not stop. However, there is room for leniency to do so. Although… And if he doesn't have to, can he stop if he wants to? And if he can't, does he have to hear Kriah afterwards? Answer: He should not stop. However, there is room for leniency to do so. Although he isn’t obligated to hear Krias Hatorah later if he missed it, it’s highly recommended to do so. Sources: אין להפסיק. והמיקל בשעת הדחק יש לו על מי…Show more
Question: If needed, could one hint a goy to add light in our dining room when it's not completely dark (either due to candles, outdoor light, or not all lights having gone out...)? Answer: Yes, if needed one… Question: If needed, could one hint a goy to add light in our dining room when it's not completely dark (either due to candles, outdoor light, or not all lights having gone out...)? Answer: Yes, if needed one may hint to a Goy to turn on a light on Shabbos provided that: There already is some light in the room and he is only adding in light. You say to him something from which he understands that you want him to turn on the light, however, it is forbidden to tell him to do anything, even if you…Show more
שאלה: שלום הרב. בשבת נשארתי בבית רפואה ביחד עם אמא שלי ובשביל לצאת מהמחלקה היה צריך לעבור דרך דלת חשמלית שנפתחת באופן אוטומטי. האם מותר היה - א) להכנס ביחד עם יהודי אחר או גוי אחר שנכנסים לשם לא… שאלה: שלום הרב. בשבת נשארתי בבית רפואה ביחד עם אמא שלי ובשביל לצאת מהמחלקה היה צריך לעבור דרך דלת חשמלית שנפתחת באופן אוטומטי. האם מותר היה - א) להכנס ביחד עם יהודי אחר או גוי אחר שנכנסים לשם לא בשבילי? ב) לבקש מהגוי שיפתח את הדלת? ואם כן האם מותר במפורש או שצריך לרמוז? תשובה: מותר להיכנס עם גוי אחר שנכנס כעת. אבל לא עם יהודי. בצורך גדול, ואין גוי אחר שנכנס כעת, מותר אפילו לבקש מגוי ואפילו במפורש. כשאין צורך גדול, אפשר לרמוז לגוי שלא בדרך ציווי, כגון: אינני יכול להיכנס בשבת. מקורות: להיכנס עם יהודי - יש בו משום הנאה מחילול…Show more
There are various opinions on whether gifting one’s wife during her Niddah days is problematic or not. In practice, one should avoid doing so especially with presents of a romantic nature, unless it may cause her to have hard… There are various opinions on whether gifting one’s wife during her Niddah days is problematic or not. In practice, one should avoid doing so especially with presents of a romantic nature, unless it may cause her to have hard feelings. In any case, it is permitted to gift her something which isn’t for her exclusively and is available to other household members to enjoy. Sources: שאילתות פר׳ אחרי, ראה כרתי ופלתי סי' קצ"ה ס"ק…Show more
Question: If I'm being chazzan somewhere for yomin noraim, and I'm giving them a discount, can I take from my Ma'aser to make up the difference? For example, say they are paying me $500 and it would usually… Question: If I'm being chazzan somewhere for yomin noraim, and I'm giving them a discount, can I take from my Ma'aser to make up the difference? For example, say they are paying me $500 and it would usually be worth $1,500 can I keep my next $1,000 in Ma'aser to make the difference? Answer: Yes, if you normally charge $1500. You may not pay yourself from Ma'aser money for a service which otherwise you would not charge for. Additionally, even if you usually charge, Maaser must be separated and given. Thus, you should charge them the full…Show more
Question: What is the criteria for determining whether to say tefilas haderech? We are taking a 3-hour drive to Connecticut, some of it is mountains. But like every minute (maybe a drop less or a drop more) I… Question: What is the criteria for determining whether to say tefilas haderech? We are taking a 3-hour drive to Connecticut, some of it is mountains. But like every minute (maybe a drop less or a drop more) I see a house or a few houses. Answer: Tefilas haderech should be recited if a person travels at least a parsah (approximately 2.4 miles) past iburah shel ir (the outskirts of the city). Iburah shel ir is equivalent to approximately 108 ft. after the last house of the city. It is difficult to define the precise definition of a city…Show more
Question: I am the new rabbi at a small shul, the outgoing rabbi said that when there was no minyan he would take out the Torah and read a few pesukim without calling anyone up or any brachos.… Question: I am the new rabbi at a small shul, the outgoing rabbi said that when there was no minyan he would take out the Torah and read a few pesukim without calling anyone up or any brachos. What is the actual halacha in such a case? Is it permitted? What about with a passul Sefer Torah? And how to go about persuading the people that it is inappropriate. (They are very traditional and the Torah reading is very important to them.) Answer: A passul Sefer Torah: Should not be done. See here. A kosher Sefer Torah:…Show more
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