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Question: I have a specific pocket in my pants for Maaser, I generally give it to people on the streets who are hungry, but the money somehow fell out today and it was a substantial amount, a little over… Question: I have a specific pocket in my pants for Maaser, I generally give it to people on the streets who are hungry, but the money somehow fell out today and it was a substantial amount, a little over 100. What do I need to do? Answer: Am I responsible for tzedakah money stolen from my house? Whether or not one is responsible for replacing tzedakah money that was stolen while in their possession depends on their shomer (guardian) status. Following are some of the general guidelines: If the tzedakah money had not been designated to a particular…Show more
Question: I read somewhere that we should only lend people money in the presence of witnesses. Is the record that CashApp keeps good enough as a witness in this instance. Or should I send a loan only with actual… Question: I read somewhere that we should only lend people money in the presence of witnesses. Is the record that CashApp keeps good enough as a witness in this instance. Or should I send a loan only with actual witnesses of it happening? Answer: The record of the cash app does not indicate that it is a loan and not a gift. If there is a record that it is a loan then that would be sufficient. For more details about this matter, see Halacha2go #627. #9683Show more
שאלה: חולה בן פרוז שלא קרא את המגילה ביום י"ד, האם יתאמץ ויסע לעיר מוקפת חומה כדי שיתחייב לקרוא כמוקפים, ובזה יתקן את מה שלא קרא ביום י"ד, או שמא אינו חייב להתאמץ ולנסוע? תשובה: בין כך יש… שאלה: חולה בן פרוז שלא קרא את המגילה ביום י"ד, האם יתאמץ ויסע לעיר מוקפת חומה כדי שיתחייב לקרוא כמוקפים, ובזה יתקן את מה שלא קרא ביום י"ד, או שמא אינו חייב להתאמץ ולנסוע? תשובה: בין כך יש לו לקרוא המגילה בט״ו. מקורות: שו״ע או״ח סי׳ תרפ״ח סעי׳ ח׳, ובמג״א סקי״ב ומשנ״ב…Show more
When leaking waters only: If you are wearing a diaper (or the sort) and your clothes are clean, you may Daven and perform all mentioned Mitzvos. You should not start Davening when you actually feel the urge. If you… When leaking waters only: If you are wearing a diaper (or the sort) and your clothes are clean, you may Daven and perform all mentioned Mitzvos. You should not start Davening when you actually feel the urge. If you feel the urge you should pause and continue once it ceases. See also here: https://asktherav.com/12264-davening-with-a-wet-diaper/ When leaking stool: If you are unaware of when it leaks and it doesn't smell, you should clean yourself right before Davening or putting on Tefillin, and may Daven. Preferably you should wear Tefillin for the minimal time and take it off right after Shemoneh…Show more
It applies to the entire vagina, i.e. vulva, the lip, labia, clitoris, but not to the surrounding pubic area. פשוט. וראה עזר מקודש אה״ע כה, א. וכן מובן מהטעמים שנתנו ע"ז בשו"ע או"ח סי' רמ, ס"ד, שמעביר הבושה… It applies to the entire vagina, i.e. vulva, the lip, labia, clitoris, but not to the surrounding pubic area. פשוט. וראה עזר מקודש אה״ע כה, א. וכן מובן מהטעמים שנתנו ע"ז בשו"ע או"ח סי' רמ, ס"ד, שמעביר הבושה ומגרה יצר הרע ועובר על בל תשקצו. #15076Show more
White wine: There is a custom not to make kiddush on Friday nights between 6 and 7. The original sources make no mention of red wine specifically; likewise, the explanations provided for the custom do not link it with… White wine: There is a custom not to make kiddush on Friday nights between 6 and 7. The original sources make no mention of red wine specifically; likewise, the explanations provided for the custom do not link it with the color of wine either. The accepted interpretation is that this applies to all types of wine, and according to many - even if one makes kiddush on bread. The reason for this custom: the Gemara tells us that the hours of the day are associated with the seven Mazalos, constellations or planets - Mercury, Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Sun,…Show more
Some suggest dipping in sugar. Others disagree and say to dip in the bread itself three times. Sources: בכה״ח קסז, לז בשם סולת בלולה ז להטביל בלחם…
Q. I want to try lighting Shabbos lights with olive oil. Would I be able to go back to lighting candles? A. You should verbalize that you don't want to effect a Neder (promise) by using oil, and then… Q. I want to try lighting Shabbos lights with olive oil. Would I be able to go back to lighting candles? A. You should verbalize that you don't want to effect a Neder (promise) by using oil, and then you may switch back to candles. P.S. In my opinion, you shouldn’t change to oil, as our minhag is to use candles. According to many opinions, candles are preferred over oil. Sources: ראה במשנ״ב רסד, כג דנר שלנו שקורין סטרין, היינו…Show more
Q1. What is the earliest time that the children can come say Shema, etc., in fulfillment of the Minhag of a Vach Nacht? A. The custom is to do it at night after tzeis. Any age children… Q1. What is the earliest time that the children can come say Shema, etc., in fulfillment of the Minhag of a Vach Nacht? A. The custom is to do it at night after tzeis. Any age children is fine. In the absence of children, adults are also fine. Q2. Does the all-night learning have to take place in the house where the baby is? In my case, my mother is sleeping on my couch to help out with the baby, my wife is sleeping in the bedroom, and the only other room in the apartment is…Show more
There can be some kashrus concerns with aluminum foil pans. While there are various reasons to allow for leniency, it is nonetheless recommended, if possible, to buy only those with a hechsher or, alternatively, to “kasher” the… There can be some kashrus concerns with aluminum foil pans. While there are various reasons to allow for leniency, it is nonetheless recommended, if possible, to buy only those with a hechsher or, alternatively, to “kasher” the pan by rinsing it first with soap and water and then inverting it over an open flame for a few minutes. Source: דנו בזה מצד כלי העשוי להשתמש בשפע כיון שהחומר שיתכן ואסור באכילה מחמת שומן מן החי הוא מעט מאד, ובאב״י. וי״א דל״ש לגזור אטו ב״י כיון שתמיד הוא אב״י. ועוד שהחומר טעמו פגום ונפסל מאכילה. וגם שהוא…Show more
The Chachamim instituted certain practices of mourning during the days of sefira to commemorate the passing of the students of Rabbi Akiva. One of the practices is to refrain from dancing (see end). The Poskim have explained that this… The Chachamim instituted certain practices of mourning during the days of sefira to commemorate the passing of the students of Rabbi Akiva. One of the practices is to refrain from dancing (see end). The Poskim have explained that this includes listening to music as well; it brings just as much (if not more) joy. Based on this reasoning, we can understand that all types of joyous music would be a problem. With the advance of technology, we have means of playing music through other ("non-live") instruments, such as an electric keyboard or music player ("DJ"). As far as the…Show more
The pasuk (verse) in Tehillim says, “Imru ve’levavchem al mishkavchem v’domu selah” (reflect in your hearts upon your beds and be silent forever)—from which stems the halachic restriction of speaking after completing the recitation of the nighttime Shema. Those… The pasuk (verse) in Tehillim says, “Imru ve’levavchem al mishkavchem v’domu selah” (reflect in your hearts upon your beds and be silent forever)—from which stems the halachic restriction of speaking after completing the recitation of the nighttime Shema. Those who recite the nighttime Shema with the traditional nusach (variation in prayer text from one Jewish community to another) conclude with Hamapil and do not speak afterwards. Some poskim explain that the brachah of Hamapil is an actual brachah on slumber and there should be no hefsek (interruption) between its recitation and falling asleep, similar to the requirement to…Show more
You can ask them to sweep the area that you plan to step on so that there are no possible remnants of nails, and then that will remove all possible concerns. Sources: שולחן ערוך אדה"ז סי' רס סעיף ד. ולכאו׳ יש…
When drinking them clear, without the fruit, shehakol. See here: https://asktherav.com/12851-after-bracha-on-cooked-fruit-juice/ #14698
Question: If one eats dates or any other fruit of the 7 species, and drinks prune juice, how does the after-Brachah of the 7 species affect the after-Brachah of the prune juice. Some opinions hold that prune juice is… Question: If one eats dates or any other fruit of the 7 species, and drinks prune juice, how does the after-Brachah of the 7 species affect the after-Brachah of the prune juice. Some opinions hold that prune juice is adamah, not she'ha'kol. Answer: The din in regards to the soup of fruit soup (fruit that were cooked to be eaten together with the water they were cooked in - however one decided to only drink the water): One should first make a borei nefashos on something else if possible, or if not poosible make first the…Show more
Question: The non-Lubavitch shul I will be at on Yom Tov, has the Kohanim do the long chant before vyishmerecha, vichuneka, and Shalom. Do I say the Ribono Shel Olam nusach during those chants? Or do… Question: The non-Lubavitch shul I will be at on Yom Tov, has the Kohanim do the long chant before vyishmerecha, vichuneka, and Shalom. Do I say the Ribono Shel Olam nusach during those chants? Or do I not say it at all? Answer: You should say the whole Ribono Shel Olam, during the tune that precedes the word Sholom, (and the last 3 words ותשמרני ותחנני ותרצני should be said while the kohanim say the word Sholom,) as according to our Minhag, based on the Arizal, the transformation of dreams through Birchas Kohanim, is specifically…Show more
Question: If I want to begin shemoneh esrei when the tzibur is already holding in the middle of Shemoneh Esrei, it is impossible for me to take three steps back, without entering into another mespalel's 4 amos. What should… Question: If I want to begin shemoneh esrei when the tzibur is already holding in the middle of Shemoneh Esrei, it is impossible for me to take three steps back, without entering into another mespalel's 4 amos. What should I do? Answer: You should start Shemoneh Esrei without the 3 steps. P.s. The idea of taking 3 steps before davening is to go 3 steps forward out of respect. Taking 3 steps backward is only in order to be able to go 3 steps forwards, So if you are able to go forwards without getting in someone's way…Show more
Question: I have a device that cuts pills in halves, it is plastic with a metal razor. Do I have to toivel it? Answer: No, unless the device is used for chewable pills, or if you decide to… Question: I have a device that cuts pills in halves, it is plastic with a metal razor. Do I have to toivel it? Answer: No, unless the device is used for chewable pills, or if you decide to use the device for other food usages. אינו כלי אכילה כלל. #13587Show more
בינתיים מצאנו רק אצל אוה״ע. ולע״ע לא מצאתי שום מקור אמיתי אצל בנ״י, ורק ״המצאות״ לבאר טעם ה״מנהג״. וראה המצו״ב. וניכר שהטעמים נתחדשו זה מקרוב. #14588
Regarding after Bar Mitzvah: Can the garment of the 2 shoulders on the sides of the hole count towards the front/back Amos? I vaguely recall Reb Chaim Naeh writing that if the shoulder parts are a certain width, then… Regarding after Bar Mitzvah: Can the garment of the 2 shoulders on the sides of the hole count towards the front/back Amos? I vaguely recall Reb Chaim Naeh writing that if the shoulder parts are a certain width, then they can count towards the length of the front/back. Answer: Under Bar Mitzvah: The Alter Rebbe rules in the Siddur that the age of Chinuch begins at six. Nevertheless, Minhag Chabad is to begin at the age of three, based on directives of the Frierdiker Rebbe and the Rebbe. See here regarding a child under the age of 3:…Show more
Questions: Is there a concern of: Zoreh of the water? The high-pressure pump, is there a question due to sound? Some of the water sprays plants, so is there a concern of planting? Can a timer be used to… Questions: Is there a concern of: Zoreh of the water? The high-pressure pump, is there a question due to sound? Some of the water sprays plants, so is there a concern of planting? Can a timer be used to have it turned off on Shabbos? Answer: If it makes noise, there is a problem of זלזול שבת. If your clothes get a little wet, there can be an issue of סחיטה. If the clothes are somewhat dirty, there is an issue of ליבון. If none of the above issues exist, then the system may be used if…Show more
Question: I have a lotion made in Israel that has plant material. I tried asking the company if these plants were from Israel but never got an answer. I was told by you to not use it, and… Question: I have a lotion made in Israel that has plant material. I tried asking the company if these plants were from Israel but never got an answer. I was told by you to not use it, and also not to throw it out. It will take decades to degrade. Can I wrap the bottle twice and throw it out? I have nowhere to put it. Most of it is gone. I can't afford to take it wherever I move. There may be a doubt about the plants coming from Israel. Apple extract, watercress extract, and borage oil…Show more
No. Sources: שהרי אינו מכשיר האוכל. והוא רק לתועלת ראיית האדם.…
אין חיוב מעקה בבית הכנסת, ואפילו על גג בית הכנסת אין חיוב, לפי שאינו מקום דירה. אמנם, למעשה אם משתמשים על הגג יש לשים מעקה. מקורות וטעמים: עיין רמב״ם רוצח יא, א. שו"ע חו"מ ס' תכ"ז ס״ג. שו"ע… אין חיוב מעקה בבית הכנסת, ואפילו על גג בית הכנסת אין חיוב, לפי שאינו מקום דירה. אמנם, למעשה אם משתמשים על הגג יש לשים מעקה. מקורות וטעמים: עיין רמב״ם רוצח יא, א. שו"ע חו"מ ס' תכ"ז ס״ג. שו"ע אדה"ז שמירת הגוף והנפש סעיף א. וידוע השקו״ט דמי גרע משאר מקום סכנה. אמנם, בשו״ע אדה״ז הטעם לפי שאין רגילות להשתמש על גגיהן. וכ״מ בסמ״ע שם סק״ב וסק״ה. ולהעיר מל׳ הרמב״ם גגך למעט בית כנסיות ובית מדרשות לפי שאינן עשויים לדירה. ועד״ז בטעם הב׳ ברש״י חולין קלו, א. חינוך מ׳ תקמו. וכנראה מפרש אדה״ז הכוונה שאין משתמשים על הגג. וראה…Show more
The common custom is to say it with the eyes uncovered. Certainly, if due to kavanah it’s easier to say it with the eyes uncovered, one should indeed not cover the eyes. Sources: הנה, בפוסקים בכלל לא נתפרש ד״ז. וכתבו בסתמא רק…
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