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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
For example, tefillin, tziztis, shofar, sukkah and lulav? Answer: 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… For example, tefillin, tziztis, shofar, sukkah and lulav? Answer: 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…Show 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
תשובה: לפענ״ד פשוט וברור ללא כל ספק שעליהם לשמור שני ימים. ומותר להם לקבוע מנין בציבור בפרהסיא. וכן גם לענין מלאכה אין צורך להחמיר לא להתראות בפניהם שאינו עושה מחמת האיסור. והמחמיר בזה יחמיר. מקורות: וכמ״ש בשו״ת אבקת רוכל להב״י כו שכך נעשה מימי…
Question: Is there an inyan to leave the Shabbos tablecloth on Motzaei Shabbos? My wife wants the house to be cleaned and she prefers the (fresh) weekday tablecloth, but I always feel a little uncomfortable taking off the Shabbos… Question: Is there an inyan to leave the Shabbos tablecloth on Motzaei Shabbos? My wife wants the house to be cleaned and she prefers the (fresh) weekday tablecloth, but I always feel a little uncomfortable taking off the Shabbos one so soon. (Is it like Shabbos clothes?) Answer: Preferably, one should remove the Shabbos tablecloth after Havdalah and then place a new one for Melave Malka. This new one should be respectable. It’s questionable whether one should ideally avoid using a tablecloth that is ordinarily used for weekday meals. Many, however, are accustomed to leave the Shabbos tablecloth…Show more
Question: Is a goyah allowed to change the setting on my crockpot on Shabbos or Yom Tov from High to Low or from Low to “keep-warm”? Is turning it up a problem? Like from "keep-warm" to the “low” setting?… Question: Is a goyah allowed to change the setting on my crockpot on Shabbos or Yom Tov from High to Low or from Low to “keep-warm”? Is turning it up a problem? Like from "keep-warm" to the “low” setting? Also can I tell her these instructions in advance? For example, on Friday I tell her “on Monday morning (day 1 of Yom Tov) please change the crockpot setting from high to low.” What about adding more water into the hot water urn? Shabbos/Yom Tov? Answer: 1. A non-Jew may be told on Yom Tov to change the setting…Show more
Question: According to the Alter Rebbe, starting a new fire on Yom Tov is a shvus. So is Amira Lanochri. Can I, therefore, ask a non-Jew to turn on my oven on Yom Tov. (Milchig oven does not… Question: According to the Alter Rebbe, starting a new fire on Yom Tov is a shvus. So is Amira Lanochri. Can I, therefore, ask a non-Jew to turn on my oven on Yom Tov. (Milchig oven does not have Sabbath mode and will automatically shut off after 12 hours etc). I can tape the button that pops out when you open the door to alleviate the issues that poses. Answer: Indeed, lighting a fire on Yom Tov (but not on Shabbos, of course) and Amirah Lenachri are both considered Shvus. The Halacha is that "Shvus…Show more
Absolutely forbidden. It goes against all basic rules of modesty. Furthermore, it touches upon the worst prohibitions in Torah, namely, it’s halachically considered an extension of adultery. All Torah sages have ruled so and voiced their strong opposition to… Absolutely forbidden. It goes against all basic rules of modesty. Furthermore, it touches upon the worst prohibitions in Torah, namely, it’s halachically considered an extension of adultery. All Torah sages have ruled so and voiced their strong opposition to any form of drafting women in the army. The Rebbe explained that women who are in the army are actually endangering the entire army, ruining themselves and others. They should instead focus on fulfilling their primary mission, building Jewish families. Sources: איסור חמור לבנות להתגייס לצבא - אג״מ יו״ד ד,…Show more
Yes. Shabbos & Yom Tov, including Chol Hamo’ed. Erev Yom Tov. Purim. Aseres Yemei Teshuvah. And according to many opinions - on Fast Days. In the later years, the Rebbe made it clear that weddings can take place even… Yes. Shabbos & Yom Tov, including Chol Hamo’ed. Erev Yom Tov. Purim. Aseres Yemei Teshuvah. And according to many opinions - on Fast Days. In the later years, the Rebbe made it clear that weddings can take place even on dates when the custom was to avoid in the past (such as in the second half of most months), as explained on pages 14-15 of the Wedding Guide. Nonetheless, it is important to note that it is obvious that this is only true when the wedding will take place earlier. In other words: in the instance when one can…Show more
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Question: In light of the current social upheaval (rioting and looting, and especially against white people, not to mention antisemitism), I am considering learning how to shoot a gun and owning one. Is there any halachic significance to this?… Question: In light of the current social upheaval (rioting and looting, and especially against white people, not to mention antisemitism), I am considering learning how to shoot a gun and owning one. Is there any halachic significance to this? Even if permitted, is it advisable? Is there any hora'ah from the Rebbe(s)? Answer: We await the day when "they shall beat their swords into plowshares". In general, Torah commands us to protect ourselves, see here, Thus, there is no Halachic prohibition against owning a gun for protection, provided it's legal and will be kept in a safe manner.…Show more
If the doctor says you must do it now, yes. Otherwise, it should be delayed till after Yom Tov. Sources: במחה״ש סוסי׳ תסח שאם אמר לו הרופא צריך לשמוע…
There is a prohibition to Kovaya Seuda before davening in case they might forget to daven before the zman tefilla, however, one is allowed to snack on fruits and other foods and eat bread or mezonos up to… There is a prohibition to Kovaya Seuda before davening in case they might forget to daven before the zman tefilla, however, one is allowed to snack on fruits and other foods and eat bread or mezonos up to a beitza (2 kzaysim). Before Shacharis, one may not eat at all. If not eating disturbs one’s kavanah in davening, one may be lenient to eat before Shacharis. Chassidim would be particular to eat before Shacharis in such cases. But since the purpose was not to be kovaya seudah they would ordinarily eat mezonos and not bread. Bichlal…Show more
The accepted custom recorded in Shulchan Aruch is that this Mitzvah does not apply in Chutz L'aretz. In addition, Kohanim nowadays are generally only Kohanim based on Chazaka, thus they can not rightfully claim it. Sources: כפסק המחבר יו״ד סא, כא שכן נהגו שאינו נוהג…
It should be thick enough that she should not be able to see through it, nor should others be able to see her. Explanation: There are a number of reasons why a Kallah wears a veil: The two… It should be thick enough that she should not be able to see through it, nor should others be able to see her. Explanation: There are a number of reasons why a Kallah wears a veil: The two reasons implied in Shulchan Oruch (Even Hoezer 31:2) are: For the sake of Tznius. To indicate that the Kallah consents to the marriage irrespective of the true value of the ring, to the point that she doesn’t even need to see it. It is self-evident that these two aspects are achieved only with a veil that is opaque and not…Show more
Questions: Can one open a new shirt from its package on Shabbos? Can one remove the threaded attachments to a suit? Can one remove a cleaners tag on Shabbos? Answers: 1. Opening shirt package: Since the package is… Questions: Can one open a new shirt from its package on Shabbos? Can one remove the threaded attachments to a suit? Can one remove a cleaners tag on Shabbos? Answers: 1. Opening shirt package: Since the package is generally not glued together, one may open it on Shabbos (if it is glued closed it should be cut on a different area than the glue). One should always be careful not to tear any letters on the package. Removing the plastic/metal pins that hold the shirt together is fine. However, the cardboard as well as the pins are muktza…Show more
Question: Is it inappropriate to go skydiving with a male instructor? It's all done very professionally. It's the same idea as a doctor. I'm just wondering because it's a very close touch. There are no woman instructors. Answer:… Question: Is it inappropriate to go skydiving with a male instructor? It's all done very professionally. It's the same idea as a doctor. I'm just wondering because it's a very close touch. There are no woman instructors. Answer: Incorrect. With a doctor, since it’s for medical purposes, it's permitted. This does not apply to sport. Even when using doctors if female doctors are available. P.S.: One should avoid doing dangerous sports such as skydiving and the like (regardless of the above-mentioned). Reasonings: A Jew should not endanger his life. This is a Biblical conjunction as it says,…Show more
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