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I go make Kiddush for somebody on Friday nights not where I eat my meal. Should I be koveya Seuda there or should I make Kiddush again where I plan on having my meal? You should be Kovea Seuda… I go make Kiddush for somebody on Friday nights not where I eat my meal. Should I be koveya Seuda there or should I make Kiddush again where I plan on having my meal? You should be Kovea Seuda where you make the kiddush. שוע"ר סי רע"ג ס"ו. Alternatively, you can have the one hearing Kiddush eat a seudah and you make kiddush again later where you will eat a meal. Also if I am to be koveya seudah is it enough to do it on mezonos? Yes. שם סעיף ז'. ואף שמצוה להמנע מלאכול שום דבר…Show more
Question: Halacha states that as long as you haven’t explicitly decided to stop eating - such as by saying, “I want to Bentch” - a third person who washes for Hamotzi and joins your meal can be included in… Question: Halacha states that as long as you haven’t explicitly decided to stop eating - such as by saying, “I want to Bentch” - a third person who washes for Hamotzi and joins your meal can be included in a Zimun, provided you still have room in your stomach to eat more (e.g., if dessert were brought, you would partake). This applies even if you didn’t actively eat with that person. My questions are: A) Does reciting Shir Hamaalos signify a decision to stop eating, thereby preventing anyone from joining to form a Zimun in some scenarios (as above)?…Show more
Question I'm inviting guests over for Shabbos and they are not yet shomer mitzvos, can I place cards by their place around the table with random questions about themselves (e.g. what was your best vacation, etc.) And they… Question I'm inviting guests over for Shabbos and they are not yet shomer mitzvos, can I place cards by their place around the table with random questions about themselves (e.g. what was your best vacation, etc.) And they all read aloud their card by the meal? Could there be a cheshash of shtorai hedyotos? Answer: Not a problem mitzad Halacha, although it may not be in the spirit of Shabbos depending on the circumstances. Sources: שהרי יש כאן צורך הגוף וצורך היום, לידע מה…Show more
Question: Hi. We have 4 chickens we keep as pets. One night we mistakenly left the coop door open and a fox got one of the chickens. We scared it off and took the chicken to the vet where… Question: Hi. We have 4 chickens we keep as pets. One night we mistakenly left the coop door open and a fox got one of the chickens. We scared it off and took the chicken to the vet where it got some stitches and antibiotics. She recovered well. The question is can we still eat her eggs. So far what I understand is that because she was essentially bit and manhandled by the fox there’s a Kashrus concern and the only way to know if it’s kosher is to shecht it and check the internal organs (which wouldn’t help…Show more
Q. I struggle with time management. Is it okay to read a book on time management written by a goy, for example? A. If it is only practical tips then it might be okay, but if it's perspectives then… Q. I struggle with time management. Is it okay to read a book on time management written by a goy, for example? A. If it is only practical tips then it might be okay, but if it's perspectives then it might be against Torah. Q. Is it okay to ask someone (a Yerei Shomayim) who already read it, if it has perspectives in it that are against Torah? A. Yes. Q. The same question also about Sholom Bayis, mental health, parenting, teaching, etc: If I feel that I need help (or am in a position to help…Show more
No. In case it is not possible to get a haircut on Sunday, one can (and should) do it on Erev Shabbos. Sources: כגון במקום שהמספרות סגורות ביום ראשון. (והדגשנו בפנים "במקום…
Question: We have a changing table in the kids' room for diaper changes. the kids also have a bookcase of their own seforim. I just don’t know how to juggle the concept of bayis maleh seforim and… Question: We have a changing table in the kids' room for diaper changes. the kids also have a bookcase of their own seforim. I just don’t know how to juggle the concept of bayis maleh seforim and kids having seforim in their room with the practicality of it being a child’s room. My boys all share a room and asthey get older they’ve amassed a collection of their own personal seforim BH. A friend told me it was a problem but I ignored her. I had to rearrange the room to add my son’s crib and now…Show more
Question: I have a talmid, a chassidish bachur who has an issue with body odor. He perspires heavily and I spoke to him about this in a respectful manner. One of the issues is that he does not… Question: I have a talmid, a chassidish bachur who has an issue with body odor. He perspires heavily and I spoke to him about this in a respectful manner. One of the issues is that he does not shower after using the mikvah. Several other bachurim have mentioned that although he is a nice guy, the smell bothers them. I explained to him that although it is a minhag chassidus not to shower after a mikvah, I believe in his case he should shower. I told him that obviously, going to the mikvah does not preclude someone from…Show more
Full Question: Recently in NJ, the government began a free lunch program for kids 18 and under. Over the past couple of weeks, my parents have been making use of the corona meal pickup stations for school kids who… Full Question: Recently in NJ, the government began a free lunch program for kids 18 and under. Over the past couple of weeks, my parents have been making use of the corona meal pickup stations for school kids who aren't at school/camp for my 2 brothers, but one of them is actually 19 and does not officially qualify. I don't know the fine print of whether older kids legally "may not" or "ideally shouldn't" take boxes or whatever, but it's publicized as specifically intended for kids up to age 18. This past week, my dad picked up two boxes…Show more
We are required to wash our hands upon awakening in order to remove forces of impurity that cleave to our bodies during sleep, as well as in order to purify ourselves to serve Hashem and pray. Following washing, we… We are required to wash our hands upon awakening in order to remove forces of impurity that cleave to our bodies during sleep, as well as in order to purify ourselves to serve Hashem and pray. Following washing, we recite a blessing ("al netilas yodaim") followed by "asher yotazr" and the subsequent morning blessings. The forces of impurity do not leave until they are washed 3 times with a cup, thus a shower does not suffice. However one should remove the impurity as soon as possible, but not recite a blessing until taking care of…Show more
There is a disagreement whether fingernails and toenails have the same din which nails to cut first. Sources: בפרישה רמא שאין חילוק. ואף שיש מקום להעמיס בדבריו…
Yes, generally this is true. Several Poskim have derived this Din from the Ram”a in Choshen Mishpat Siman 155 Sief 39 See for example: מעייני התורה עטייא ח"ב בחלק השו"ת ס"י עמוד קנ"ח P.S. Please be aware that… Yes, generally this is true. Several Poskim have derived this Din from the Ram”a in Choshen Mishpat Siman 155 Sief 39 See for example: מעייני התורה עטייא ח"ב בחלק השו"ת ס"י עמוד קנ"ח P.S. Please be aware that avoiding conflict is also important and it is laudable to move to a different spot if possible, instead of getting into an argument. See here in detail: Halacha2go #572: Who has priority: the one who wants the window open, or the one who wants it closed? #12422Show more
Depending on time allowance: The Bracha on Tefillin, Hareini, Birchas Hatorah (Asher Bochar), Shma and Boruch Shem, V'ohavta, V’hoyo, Vayomer, Sheyiboneh, Ach Tzadikim. See also attached, edited by the Rebbe: 1 & 2. #14772
Yes. The Yortzait candle (whenever possible) may be lit before Barchu, after the time of Tzes Shabbos, and after saying “Baruch Hamavdil Bein Kodesh Lechol”. This should not be lit in public in the shul unless it’s… Yes. The Yortzait candle (whenever possible) may be lit before Barchu, after the time of Tzes Shabbos, and after saying “Baruch Hamavdil Bein Kodesh Lechol”. This should not be lit in public in the shul unless it’s long after Shabbos is over. The 5 candles, however, should be lit only after Barchu. Sources: תו״מ רשימת היומן ע׳ תלא. והנה המנהג להחמיר לא…Show more
שאלה: שמעתי שבדרך כלל מורחים על פרות וירקות חומר שאמור להיות בעייתי לאכילה. שמעתי בעיקר על תפוח השאלה על איזה עוד פירות וירקות ידוע שיש בעי'ה? והאם החומר הזה בעייתי והאם יש פתרון שאוכל לאכול אותו? מענה: נחלקו… שאלה: שמעתי שבדרך כלל מורחים על פרות וירקות חומר שאמור להיות בעייתי לאכילה. שמעתי בעיקר על תפוח השאלה על איזה עוד פירות וירקות ידוע שיש בעי'ה? והאם החומר הזה בעייתי והאם יש פתרון שאוכל לאכול אותו? מענה: נחלקו בזה הפוסקים. וכדאי לקלוף כל הפירות. המיקל יש לו על מי לסמוך. ולכו״ע, יש לשטוף לפנ״ז. (ויש המהדרים להוריד כדי נטילה). להלן רשימת הירקות והפירות בהן יש לפעמים בעיה זו (בארה״ב, לפי החוק, צריך לרשום על הקופסא אם משתמשים בציפוי): ירקות: אבוקדו, פלפלים, מלפפונים, חצילים, פלפל ירוק, פלפל חריף, פטרוזילה, רוטבגה, בטטה, קישואים, עגבניות, לפת. פירות: תפוחים,…Show more
Question: Today is Friday. The last time to say Kiddush Levana this month will be on Motzai Shabbos. It looks like there will not be a Levana then. Can I do it tonight if there is no issue with… Question: Today is Friday. The last time to say Kiddush Levana this month will be on Motzai Shabbos. It looks like there will not be a Levana then. Can I do it tonight if there is no issue with carrying? Answer: If you believe you’ll miss out on the chance to do it completely it may be done on Friday night. It should ideally be done from a Gemora - Sanhedrin 42a. In this case, if done with a minyan, Kiddush Levana should be said (after nightfall but) before Maariv, if possible. Sources: כששבת או יו״ט הוא לילה האחרונה - ראה כאן:…Show more
Question: Is it permissible to watch a Rebbe video in the morning, while still in bed, after Modeh Ani and Negel Vasser? Would there be a difference between, for example, watching the Rebbe talking at a Farbrengen or watching… Question: Is it permissible to watch a Rebbe video in the morning, while still in bed, after Modeh Ani and Negel Vasser? Would there be a difference between, for example, watching the Rebbe talking at a Farbrengen or watching the Rebbe give out Kos Shel Brocha? Answer: A video of the Rebbe talking should not be viewed before Birchas Hatorah. A video of the Rebbe davening or giving out Kos Shel Beracha, dollars or kuntresim would be permissible (provided in a respectful manner). See sources here: Halacha2go #259 Halacha2go #260 Halacha2go #602 Kinus Torah following Shavuos 5775.…Show more
שאלה: ישנה אישה שמבקשת מאוד ונפשה בשאלתה כי יביאו לה אבן קטנה שהונחה בציון הקדוש. היא רואה זאת כסגולה. האם מותר הדבר? או שהוא נכלל בגדר של איסור הנאה אין ניאותין בהם וכו'? תשובה: אף שאין איסור בדבר,… שאלה: ישנה אישה שמבקשת מאוד ונפשה בשאלתה כי יביאו לה אבן קטנה שהונחה בציון הקדוש. היא רואה זאת כסגולה. האם מותר הדבר? או שהוא נכלל בגדר של איסור הנאה אין ניאותין בהם וכו'? תשובה: אף שאין איסור בדבר, אבל לפי כל טעמי המנהג אין מקום להסיר האבנים. אם תרצה בדוקא אפשר להניח שם אבן על מנת ליטלו ובאופן כזה אין חשש. מקורות: הנה, איסור הנאה (שו״ע יו״ד שסד, א) ליכא, כפשוט.…Show more
Question: I'm contemplating starting a career initiative in partnership with my employer in teaching hacking (penetration testing) in order to give people a direct path to a cybersecurity career by teaching marketable skills. My concern is that this… Question: I'm contemplating starting a career initiative in partnership with my employer in teaching hacking (penetration testing) in order to give people a direct path to a cybersecurity career by teaching marketable skills. My concern is that this knowledge, taught in high crime areas, may lead some to more sophisticated crime. On the other hand, all this knowledge is already freely available online, and many would stand to gain from such a program run by a cybersecurity consultant who can guide them on the fastest path forward. Is there any issue with such a teaching initiative? Answer:…Show more
While it's not the proper thing to be laying down during Torah learning, however, while someone is preparing to sleep it is proper to learn then as well, even if in a lying position. Chasidic stories are fine, regardless.… While it's not the proper thing to be laying down during Torah learning, however, while someone is preparing to sleep it is proper to learn then as well, even if in a lying position. Chasidic stories are fine, regardless. Sources: כמובן ופשוט. ולהעיר גם מזבחים ה, א: רמי ר״ל…Show more
The day follows the previous night, so you shouldn’t cut hands by night and feet the following day. However, the night after the day is a new beginning. Sources: לא ליטול ידיו ורגליו באותו יום - הוא ממגיד…
Question: What is our minhag on Shabbos Mevarchim which is also erev Rosh Chodesh - do we say by birchas hachodesh "Mochor bayom harishon"? What about when Rosh Chodesh is Shabbos-Sunday - do we say "limochoroso bayom… Question: What is our minhag on Shabbos Mevarchim which is also erev Rosh Chodesh - do we say by birchas hachodesh "Mochor bayom harishon"? What about when Rosh Chodesh is Shabbos-Sunday - do we say "limochoroso bayom harishon"? Answer: There is no clarity about the minhag (see references below). The common minhag is only to say ולמחרתו when Rosh Chodesh is on the following Shabbos and Sunday. If it is just the upcoming Sunday (the day after Shabbos Mevorchim) מחר is recited: מחר ביום הראשון. Sources: בלקו"ש ח"כ ע' 555 "כדאי לברר מנהג ש"ץ בעלי…Show more
Answer: Suntan lotion which is in cream, ointment or thick, slow- pouring oil form, is forbidden to be used on Shabbos, as it may be a violation of the Shabbos Labor of ממרח. Any lotion which is liquidy to… Answer: Suntan lotion which is in cream, ointment or thick, slow- pouring oil form, is forbidden to be used on Shabbos, as it may be a violation of the Shabbos Labor of ממרח. Any lotion which is liquidy to the point that it pours very fast is permitted. A spray would also be permitted. However, there are those who are מחמיר. (This does not fall under the category of taking medicine on Shabbos, as sun lotion is not considered medication, since its purpose is not to heal but to protect.) Thicker liquids may be diluted with water on Shabbos…Show more
A. Yes, but you should not deviate from the accepted custom of the Shul and/or the local custom (local rabbi, etc.). Q. How should the wording be (from singular to plural)? A. If plural men - with a… A. Yes, but you should not deviate from the accepted custom of the Shul and/or the local custom (local rabbi, etc.). Q. How should the wording be (from singular to plural)? A. If plural men - with a "מ" at the end of the words - בעבורם, להחלימם, רמח אבריהם ושסה גידיהם If plural women - with a "ן" at the end of the words - בעבורן, להחלימן, כל אבריהן וגידיהן Q. Can names of women also be included in the same mi sheberach as with names of men? If yes, how would the wording be? A.…Show more
The money should be divided among all the Yorshim (the sons). Sources: חייב מן הדין משום הודאת בעל דין כמאה עדים…
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