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Does the Halacha of returning to the mikvah after seeing a goy or non-kosher animal apply only to a live person or animal or to even a picture on one’s phone, for example, a stock photo of children who… Does the Halacha of returning to the mikvah after seeing a goy or non-kosher animal apply only to a live person or animal or to even a picture on one’s phone, for example, a stock photo of children who are probably not Jewish used in a Chabad email newsletter, etc? Answer: In Shulchan Aruch it says that when women come out of tevila they should be careful not to encounter a non-Jew or a non-kosher animal, and if they do encounter any of them they should re-immerse. However, once the woman has seen (and preferably made physical contact…Show more
If one of them was covered - you may eat them, but if they were both uncovered - they may not be eaten. See here: https://asktherav.com/6719-heating-up-a-challah-to-be-eaten-with-fish-top-of-the-fleishig-crock-pot/ #9375
No. Sources: ראה שו״ע או״ח סי׳ קכ״ח סעי׳ מ׳, שו״ע אדה״ז…
Question: We are having a Chasuna IYH on the 18th of Av. A non-Jewish seamstress is making my dress (I am the mother of the bride), she started it already; Can I go for a fitting during the 9… Question: We are having a Chasuna IYH on the 18th of Av. A non-Jewish seamstress is making my dress (I am the mother of the bride), she started it already; Can I go for a fitting during the 9 days? My daughter (sister of the bride) is coming back from camp on the 4th of Av, 2 weeks before the wedding. The seamstress said she will see her right away but just now I realized it’s the 9 days. Will it help if I buy the material before the 9 days and tell her to start the work now?…Show more
Question: I have heard that intense cleaning during the 9 days is forbidden. I need to find a roommate to move in Sept 1 and would like to clean, organize, get rid of things, move furniture, etc. to prepare… Question: I have heard that intense cleaning during the 9 days is forbidden. I need to find a roommate to move in Sept 1 and would like to clean, organize, get rid of things, move furniture, etc. to prepare for showing the apartment to potential roommates. Is this ok or should I wait until after the 9 days? Answer: This custom is not mentioned in Shulchan Aruch. However, it is brought down in other sources. Even in those communities who have accepted this custom it is only forbidden because it brings joy. If in your case it doesn't…Show more
One should avoid swimming during all of the nine days. If your children are under the age of Chinuch (2-5 years old) there is room for leniency for swimming lessons. If it isn’t possible to find another opportunity for… One should avoid swimming during all of the nine days. If your children are under the age of Chinuch (2-5 years old) there is room for leniency for swimming lessons. If it isn’t possible to find another opportunity for swimming lessons, we can be lenient even up to 10 years old. This is so especially where cancellation will cost money. Nonetheless, many are particular to avoid any activities which are unsafe during this period. Sources: See here: https://asktherav.com/691-hebrew-swimming-lessons-in-the-nine-days/ #662…Show more
Yes, all vestos that fall out in the first three months (90 days) of pregnancy must be kept. שו"ע יו"ד סי' קפ"ד סעי' ז. #9640
יש להימנע משחי' לאורך כל תשעת הימים. אם הילדים שלך הם מתחת לגיל חינוך (2-5 שנים) יש מקום להקל על שיעורי שחי'. אם לא ניתן למצוא הזדמנות נוספת לשיעורי שחי', אפשר להקל אפילו עד 10 שנים. ובמיוחד אם הביטול… יש להימנע משחי' לאורך כל תשעת הימים. אם הילדים שלך הם מתחת לגיל חינוך (2-5 שנים) יש מקום להקל על שיעורי שחי'. אם לא ניתן למצוא הזדמנות נוספת לשיעורי שחי', אפשר להקל אפילו עד 10 שנים. ובמיוחד אם הביטול יעלה כסף. בכל זאת, רבים נזהרים למנוע מפעילויות מסוכנות בתקופה זו. מקורות: בכלל בנוגע לחינוך קטן באבילות - ראה ביו״ד סי׳…Show more
Question: Are we allowed to do a family trip and go to a family member for Shabbos and stay in a hotel for a few days during the 3 weeks? We will do a few small activities during the… Question: Are we allowed to do a family trip and go to a family member for Shabbos and stay in a hotel for a few days during the 3 weeks? We will do a few small activities during the weekdays. Answer: Some Poskim write that it is not fitting to go on trips during the three weeks and in particular during the nine days of the month of Menachem Av. Certainly one should avoid doing dangerous activities during these days. If there is a need to visit the family member, there is room to visit them and avoid…Show more
The salmon is going to sit on lemon slices, so not directly on the barbecue. Answer: There are a couple of issues to address here: Cooking fish in a meat utensil – All year-round, it is forbidden to… The salmon is going to sit on lemon slices, so not directly on the barbecue. Answer: There are a couple of issues to address here: Cooking fish in a meat utensil – All year-round, it is forbidden to eat fish when it is cooked with meat. Some have the custom (based on the Tur) to not even cook the fish in a clean meat pot. If that is your family custom, then you should not place the fish on the meat BBQ. Especially here, given that lemons (which is potentially a Davar Charif) will be used as well,…Show more
על פי שולחן ערוך, אסור לצבוע חדר מר"ח אב שזהו בכלל בנין של ציור. אבל אם זה רק שלא יתקלקל הקיר מותר. אם שכר לנכרי קודם ר"ח בקבלנות - שהגוי מקבל תשלומין לא לפי שעות - מותר. ומ"מ אם… על פי שולחן ערוך, אסור לצבוע חדר מר"ח אב שזהו בכלל בנין של ציור. אבל אם זה רק שלא יתקלקל הקיר מותר. אם שכר לנכרי קודם ר"ח בקבלנות - שהגוי מקבל תשלומין לא לפי שעות - מותר. ומ"מ אם אפשר לדחותו תבוא עליו ברכה. ואם הצייר הוא יהודי וצריך זה לפרנסתו שאין לא מה לאכול (כגון שמותר לו לעשות מלאכה בחול המועד) אז מותר לו לצבוע כשאינו 'בנין של שמחה'. נכון שלא לכבס הווילונות בימים אלה אפי' ע"י נכרי. מקורות: אסור לצבוע עפ"י שו"ע סי' תקנא סעי' ב ובפסקי…Show more
Q. Is a basketball or ping pong ball Muktza? A. There is a machlokes about this. While there is room to be lenient especially for kids, adults should be stringent. Sources: ראה שו"ע או״ח סימן שח סעיף מה ע"פ שבלי…
There is a disagreement whether in this case she is required to light another candle. Usually, we recommend in such a case just to add a candle for one week, the following week. Certainly, if it was a total… There is a disagreement whether in this case she is required to light another candle. Usually, we recommend in such a case just to add a candle for one week, the following week. Certainly, if it was a total accident, then there’s no need to be concerned. Sources: נחלקו אחרונים בד״ז, שבפמ״ג רסג בא״א ג כתב שחייבת…Show more
Question: Can I write a combination number (to open a door) on my wrist before Shabbos with a pen if I don't think I'll remember it during Shabbos? Also if I need to give a security code to a… Question: Can I write a combination number (to open a door) on my wrist before Shabbos with a pen if I don't think I'll remember it during Shabbos? Also if I need to give a security code to a doorman and I am not sure I'll remember it, can I write it on my wrist before Shabbos? Answer: Yes, with non-permanent ink. See here: https://asktherav.com/are-you-allowed-to-color-on-your-skin-with-a-pen/ Though on Shabbos you would not be able to erase it, or even wash it off. Sources: שו"ע או"ח ש"מ, משנ"ב סקכ"ב, שו"ע אדה"ז סעיף ז…Show more
It would depend on the type of water heater. One would have to determine how their specific water heater works. There are two main types of heaters: tank heaters and tankless/instant-on heaters. With a tank heater: If your heater… It would depend on the type of water heater. One would have to determine how their specific water heater works. There are two main types of heaters: tank heaters and tankless/instant-on heaters. With a tank heater: If your heater doesn't refill unless the water level is below a certain point and you are certain that the water did not hit that point, you may close the hot water tap. But if the heater refills as soon as any water leaves (usually this is the case), then when you close the tap you are causing the fire or electricity to…Show more
Yes, they may be read. Explanation: The Alter Rebbe brings two opinions on the matter, but writes (307:31) that the custom is to be lenient. A G-d fearing person would however be stringent. However, in this case, since… Yes, they may be read. Explanation: The Alter Rebbe brings two opinions on the matter, but writes (307:31) that the custom is to be lenient. A G-d fearing person would however be stringent. However, in this case, since this is a matter associated with a Mitzvah there is no reason to be stringent. See also references here: https://asktherav.com/my-therapist-recommended-i-read-some-books-however-i-dont-really-have-the-time-to-read-them-during-the-week-am-i-allowed-to-read-them-on-shabbos/ Note however Alter Rebbe's Shulchan Aruch 290:5: "The Shabbasos and the festivals were given to the Jewish people solely so that they occupy themselves with Torah study on these days." (This applies particularly to working people and also to those…Show more
Question: I daven in a shul that takes in Shabbos early during the summer months. We don't make an early Shabbos for the purpose of tosefes Shabbos, but rather we find it convenient. Does my wife have to… Question: I daven in a shul that takes in Shabbos early during the summer months. We don't make an early Shabbos for the purpose of tosefes Shabbos, but rather we find it convenient. Does my wife have to accept when I do? I heard that Rav Moshe Feinstein said that's only the case when it's done l'shem tosefes Shabbos, not for convenience. Secondly, I occasionally go to my aunt's house for Shabbos and there's only one shul where she lives and they take in Shabbos early. Do I have to accept Shabbos early if they are taking…Show more
Can I study on Shabbos for a test on Limudei Kodesh subjects? Allowed. ראה שש"כ פרק כח סעיף צב ובהערה רכ, ושם הערה קעח. וכן נפסק בלוח יומי - פורים תשע"ד לענין הכנת קריאת מגילה בשבת. Can I… Can I study on Shabbos for a test on Limudei Kodesh subjects? Allowed. ראה שש"כ פרק כח סעיף צב ובהערה רכ, ושם הערה קעח. וכן נפסק בלוח יומי - פורים תשע"ד לענין הכנת קריאת מגילה בשבת. Can I study on Shabbos for an accounting test? No. Explanation: There are two issues here: One is reading such material on Shabbos. It is permissible to read books of wisdom on Shabbos according to the strict letter of the law but a G-d-fearing person should be stringent. However, since accounting is forbidden on Shabbos, this would not be considered studying wisdom.…Show more
Question: I teach a weekly class via zoom for Kindergarten age children. Most of the children don't use headphones, and it's very possible that others in their home are listening in as well. I was wondering: If there is… Question: I teach a weekly class via zoom for Kindergarten age children. Most of the children don't use headphones, and it's very possible that others in their home are listening in as well. I was wondering: If there is a Halachic issue of Kol Isha and if I'm allowed to sing davening and other songs with the children? Would this change at all if I can actually see a father/brother sitting next to the child on the screen? Answer: There is room for leniency in kol isha via the phone, recording, etc. but highly not appropriate and certainly…Show more
One should eat Melava Malka as close as possible to Shabbos and avoid other activities till eating Melava Malka. Preferably it should at least be before Chatzos. If one did not eat Melava Malka before Chatzos, they should eat… One should eat Melava Malka as close as possible to Shabbos and avoid other activities till eating Melava Malka. Preferably it should at least be before Chatzos. If one did not eat Melava Malka before Chatzos, they should eat after Chatzos. Sources: בפע״ח יח, כד שראוי לא לעסוק במלאכה שאינה או״נ…Show more
Question: Can I say Hamapil after taking off my socks? (I may have touched my feet), or must I get out of bed and wash Negel Vaser first to say this Bracha? If I can say the bracha like… Question: Can I say Hamapil after taking off my socks? (I may have touched my feet), or must I get out of bed and wash Negel Vaser first to say this Bracha? If I can say the bracha like that, can it be done L'Chatchila? Can this be applied to touching other usually covered parts of the body, and in regards to other Brachos? Answer: If you only touched your socks and not your feet, there is no need to wash your hands, unless you touch the section which is sweaty. If you touched your feet, you…Show more
Question: If there will not be Tisha Onim, is it better for the Chazan (6th) to wait and do his Shmonah Esrei out loud and miss Davening with the other 5, or daven and skip Chazara? Answer:… Question: If there will not be Tisha Onim, is it better for the Chazan (6th) to wait and do his Shmonah Esrei out loud and miss Davening with the other 5, or daven and skip Chazara? Answer: If indeed there is no possibility of getting Tisha Onim, then if there is 6 people davening besides the chazan, the best thing would be that the chazan or someone else will wait and not say Shmone Esre quietly rather say the entire Shmonei Esre out loud with Kedushah, after the rest are finished. However if there is only 5…Show more
Yes. He receives award for performing mitzvos which he wasn’t instructed to do, as long as he doesn’t claim it is a mitzvah for him. Nonetheless, he shouldn’t do mitzvos which possess sanctity such as Tefillin etc. Source: …Yes. He receives award for performing mitzvos which he wasn’t instructed to do, as long as he doesn’t claim it is a mitzvah for him. Nonetheless, he shouldn’t do mitzvos which possess sanctity such as Tefillin etc. Source: רמב״ם מלכים י, י. וברדב״ז שם. פיהמ״ש תרומות ג, ט. רדב״ז מלכים שם ט. והנה, בשו״ת אג״מ יו״ד א, ג, ויו״ד ב, ז מפרש שמקבל שכר רק במצות כצדקה והקדש, ולא שאר מצות. וכבר הקשו עליו בכ״מ. וברשימות חו׳ קנט שמ״מ לכתחילה לא יעשה רק בדבר ששכל אנושי מחייב. וראה משנת הגר טז. וראה כאן וכאן. http://www.torahbase.org/בענין-מעשה-מצוות-של-גוי/ #11314Show more
It isn't a problem. Source: See Alter Rebbe Shulchan Aruch 340:4. #11358
You may place them and remove them if it's meant to remain there less than a day. If it will stay longer, one should ideally be stringent. Regarding taking one off its stack (if they are stuck together): It… You may place them and remove them if it's meant to remain there less than a day. If it will stay longer, one should ideally be stringent. Regarding taking one off its stack (if they are stuck together): It should be removed for the first time before Shabbos, and then it can be reattached as needed. See these two links for similar discussions: https://asktherav.com/may-one-tear-open-and-use-bandages-and-sanitary-napkins-on-shabbos/ https://asktherav.com/4114-is-it-a-problem-to-open-the-flaps-of-diapers-on-shabbos-because-they-are-stuck-together/ Sources: ראה בהנסמן שם וגם בהלכה יומית אות תצו. ואף…Show more
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