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Question: Should one davka be spelling their name the way it is halachically written in a Kesuba/Gett? Perhaps it can be argued that those rules were written for legalese/contract laws and beis din, just so there's certain ground… Question: Should one davka be spelling their name the way it is halachically written in a Kesuba/Gett? Perhaps it can be argued that those rules were written for legalese/contract laws and beis din, just so there's certain ground rules (even if they may perhaps not make sense in reality), but for day-to-day one should spell the way it makes sense linguistically? For example the the name לייב, although on a gett it is written with one yud, practically speaking -outside the legalese of contract writing- if one wants to write the word lion in Yiddish (if a…Show more
Question: I am in seventh grade and I am not yet Bar Mitzvah. My class has a canteen and we sell chametz items. What are we supposed to do with those items. I am more or less in charge… Question: I am in seventh grade and I am not yet Bar Mitzvah. My class has a canteen and we sell chametz items. What are we supposed to do with those items. I am more or less in charge of the canteen though I don't own it. We use the money from the canteen to buy those things. Answer: Because the one who is in charge should be the one selling the chometz, it is recommended that you give over the job of taking care of the canteen to someone who is older than bar mitzvah till…Show more
Question: I recall reading in Igros Kodesh that the Rebbe instructs not to take a baby under 1 year overseas. Question: Is the issue only to go overseas (plane), or even to another (neighboring) country (i.e., driving from the… Question: I recall reading in Igros Kodesh that the Rebbe instructs not to take a baby under 1 year overseas. Question: Is the issue only to go overseas (plane), or even to another (neighboring) country (i.e., driving from the US to Canada)? Was this a personal directive or a general one for everyone? Would you know the reason for this? Answer: It’s not an actual instruction. The Rebbe expresses surprise about the decision to travel with the baby. It’s about traveling to a place which has a different climate. The Rebbe makes specific mention about change in air…Show more
Yes it's wrong, as it’s considered imitation of gentile practices. Sources: כ״כ גדולי ישראל רבים - ראה שו״ת חת״ס ו,…
Question: It is well known the instruction of the Rebbe that everyone should say their own kappitel (chapter) Tehillim corresponding to their age. Is there however any source that if someone (not a child, spouse, or parent) needs a… Question: It is well known the instruction of the Rebbe that everyone should say their own kappitel (chapter) Tehillim corresponding to their age. Is there however any source that if someone (not a child, spouse, or parent) needs a refuah, that one should be saying that person's kappitel responding to their age? Did the Rebbe ever say to others that to daven for another person's refuah one should say the kappitel Tehillim corresponding to their age? Answer: Possibly, however not that I know of. There is however a rumor that the Rebbe instructed to do so in…Show more
Question: I have learned in Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 12 that "If you are traveling and reach the place where you wish to lodge, and ahead of you within a distance of four mil . . you must go… Question: I have learned in Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 12 that "If you are traveling and reach the place where you wish to lodge, and ahead of you within a distance of four mil . . you must go four mil ahead in order to pray with the congregation", How does that work with nowadays cars, and easy transportation? In my particular case regarding Mincha, there is a minyan about 15 minutes away from where I work, stopping my work, traveling, davening, and returning to my work would take around 40 minutes. Is this halachically required or can I…Show more
Question: As a Shliach who deals primarily with sefardim, I often hear that sefardim can strictly only use sefardic tefillin. I've also heard once that Chabad or Arizal is ok for them. Is there any basis for this?… Question: As a Shliach who deals primarily with sefardim, I often hear that sefardim can strictly only use sefardic tefillin. I've also heard once that Chabad or Arizal is ok for them. Is there any basis for this? Just this Shabbos when talking to someone about putting on Tefillin the discussion came up again so I need clarity to be able to advise properly. Answer: According to the major Sefardi Poskim of our generation (Horav Ovadya and Horav B”tz Abba Shaul), a Sefardi can use and make a Brocha on Chabad tefillin (no matter which Ksav).…Show more
Question: How to explain to a not yet observant relative that asking a non Jew before Shabbos to walk with him on Shabbos and pay for the subway for him isn't sufficient even if one isn't swiping the card/pushing… Question: How to explain to a not yet observant relative that asking a non Jew before Shabbos to walk with him on Shabbos and pay for the subway for him isn't sufficient even if one isn't swiping the card/pushing the entrance bar, but rather goes through the mechanic door. Is there a problem of riding itself or something else besides benefitting from a non Jew doing melacha in places where tchum doesn't apply? Answer: The basic explanation is that it violates the principle of Shabbason, resting on Shabbos. This is aside for the fact that it considered…Show more
If the milk was or hotter - you should Kasher it. In this case, Kashering can be done by cleaning the urn well, waiting 24 hours, and pouring boiling hot water on it. Sources: אף בעירוי שנפסק הקלוח צריך קליפה או עכ"פ גרידה,…
Q. If I am ahead of the minyan, is it preferable to say the Tehillim which we usually say after davening, while waiting for the minyan to catch up so that I can say aleinu together with the… Q. If I am ahead of the minyan, is it preferable to say the Tehillim which we usually say after davening, while waiting for the minyan to catch up so that I can say aleinu together with the minyan or should I finish everything and say Tehillim at the end? A. The daily Tehilim should be said after Aleinu and after Ach Tzadikim. Q. When doing chazaras hashatz, does the chazan need to hit his chest by slach lanu like in a quiet shmone esrei? A. Some hold that we tap on the chest by…Show more
There may be an issue involved. Please see here for details: https://asktherav.com/article-739-are-public-hot-water-urns-kosher/ #10794
Charcoal in itself, is not an issue if it's vegetarian. The same holds true for the capsule. When vegetarian is not available: If a physician / medical professional has advised taking Activated Charcoal due to pain that may sometimes… Charcoal in itself, is not an issue if it's vegetarian. The same holds true for the capsule. When vegetarian is not available: If a physician / medical professional has advised taking Activated Charcoal due to pain that may sometimes be severe, tasteless - unflavored - pills may be taken. You may look into getting from Israel with Badatz of Eida Hechsher, or perhaps from Boro Park at KosherVitamins.com. Explanation: Non Vegetarian Activated Charcoal Pill can also be made from non-Kosher ingredients, as Bone Char etc. The same applies with the capsule, as it could be made with Gelatin…Show more
In my opinion: If every time he agrees to put on Tefillin he is going to be pressured to also put on Rabeinu Tam, he may not agree so fast to put on Tefillin anymore. So it's up to… In my opinion: If every time he agrees to put on Tefillin he is going to be pressured to also put on Rabeinu Tam, he may not agree so fast to put on Tefillin anymore. So it's up to you to play it smart and know when to offer Rabeinu Tam and when to refrain from it. It should also be noted that the Rebbe did not include Rabeinu Tam in Mivtza Tefillin. Rabeinu Tam is more the person's own responsibility towards himself, versus Mivtzoim where we have a responsibility towards others as well. Additionally, it should be noted…Show more
Question: It is often repeated that it's "minhag Chabad" not to eat Matzah starting already 30 days before. However the only basis for this is a letter in Igros Kodesh in which the Rebbe writes this to a person… Question: It is often repeated that it's "minhag Chabad" not to eat Matzah starting already 30 days before. However the only basis for this is a letter in Igros Kodesh in which the Rebbe writes this to a person in the context of a response to a person whom the dentist wants to pull out his teeth. Is a letter to a yachid in which the Rebbe mentions something in passing enough to re-establish something as minhag Chabad despite the fact that the Rebbe never came out with any such proclamation or request to add to Sefer HaMinhagim? (It…Show more
Here are a few excerpts from our Halacha guide: Thursday: Denture wearers who are scrupulous, should not eat or drink any warm or sharp chametz substance for a twenty-four hour period prior to kashering their teeth (which should be… Here are a few excerpts from our Halacha guide: Thursday: Denture wearers who are scrupulous, should not eat or drink any warm or sharp chametz substance for a twenty-four hour period prior to kashering their teeth (which should be done on Friday). Friday: Young people with non-removable braces, or those with bridgework or implants should avoid all hot and sharp chametz foods for twenty-four hours beginning this morning at 10:55 am. Prepare boiling water for Shabbos, which will be used after cleaning teeth well before the chametz end-time on Shabbos morning, and then “kashering” their braces or…Show more
White flour is technically more Mehudar, though some communities specifically use whole wheat for various reasons - see below. Sources: בכלל, סולת מהודר יותר לענין ברכה. וכ"ה בעניננו בארחות…
המוצא כתבי קודש וכדומה ברה"ר בשבת, ישאר לידם לשמור אותם עד מוצ"ש ואז יכניס אותם לרה"י. ואם אינו יכול לישאר וחושש שיבואו לידי בזיון (דהיינו בזיון גדול או שיתקלקל וכדומה), יקח אותם פחות פחות מד' אמות, או נותנם לחבירו… המוצא כתבי קודש וכדומה ברה"ר בשבת, ישאר לידם לשמור אותם עד מוצ"ש ואז יכניס אותם לרה"י. ואם אינו יכול לישאר וחושש שיבואו לידי בזיון (דהיינו בזיון גדול או שיתקלקל וכדומה), יקח אותם פחות פחות מד' אמות, או נותנם לחבירו שעומד בתוך ד' אמות וכו', וכשיגיע לבית/חצר הקרוב יתנם לחבירו בשעה שחבירו הולך בתוך הבית/חצר. ואם לא יבואו לידי בזיון, יכול להניחם ע"ג דבר שאינו רה"י, כגון ע"ד דבר שפחות מי' טפחים גובה וד' טפחים רוחב. Source: ראה שו"ע אדה"ז שא, נא-ד בדין המוצא תפילין או ס"ת ברה"ר בשבת. ובערוה"ש סי"ז כתב דה"ה בכל הספרים. ולהעיר משו"ע אדה"ז שלד,…Show more
Renting together is not allowed, even for a short amount of time, as this is considered permanently dwelling with your sister. However you may visit her temporarily (e.g. coming from out of town to stay by her for several… Renting together is not allowed, even for a short amount of time, as this is considered permanently dwelling with your sister. However you may visit her temporarily (e.g. coming from out of town to stay by her for several days or vice versa) but permanently is not allowed. Poskim dispute the exact amount of days that is deemed temporary. A brother and sister living by their parents, are allowed to dwell permanently in the same house, since others are present. Source: אבהע״ז ס׳ כ״ב חלקת מחוקק ס״ק א. אג"מ אבהע"ז ח"ד סי' סד ס"ק ג. #10819Show more
One should not pause unnecessarily in the middle of reading Shema and definitely not interrupt with speech or doing other things. Nevertheless, one does not need to restart Shema even if he had paused for a long time, unless… One should not pause unnecessarily in the middle of reading Shema and definitely not interrupt with speech or doing other things. Nevertheless, one does not need to restart Shema even if he had paused for a long time, unless he has paused because he was not fit to read Shema at that time (e.g. he relieved himself) or he passed a place where he cannot read Shema and the lapse was long enough for him to read the entire Kriyas Shema in it's entirety - in such a case he would have to restart from the beginning of Shema.…Show more
Question continued: If so, why is this not specifically mentioned in Siman 61, where it seems that such a halacha would belong (especially, for example, about pronouncing the word "ve'ahav'ta" with the emphasis mil'ra (like it is in the… Question continued: If so, why is this not specifically mentioned in Siman 61, where it seems that such a halacha would belong (especially, for example, about pronouncing the word "ve'ahav'ta" with the emphasis mil'ra (like it is in the Torah reading) and not mil'el (like many children are taught to sing it in school))? And if it is indeed not necessary to conform to the rules of mil'el and mil'ra when pronouncing the words of davening, why not? Answer: Lechatchila one should be careful to emphasize the correct syllable just as one should be careful with all the…Show more
One should be careful not to put anything on top of tefillin or seforim even when the tefillin/seforim are in a bag. Some are lenient with regards to putting a Siddur in the tallis bag on top of the… One should be careful not to put anything on top of tefillin or seforim even when the tefillin/seforim are in a bag. Some are lenient with regards to putting a Siddur in the tallis bag on top of the tefilin if the tefilin has its own bag. Source: ע”פ שו”ע יו”ד סי’ רפב סי”ט. והנה, יש שהעירו משו״ע או״ח סי’ כה ס”א, דלא יניח כיס התפילין למעלה מן הטלית, דמשמע דיש להניח הטלית ע”ג התפילין, וראה בחיי״א יג, א שכתב בפשיטות להניח טלית על התפילין, וכנראה טעמו לפי שהוא צורך התפילין לפי שצריך להתעטף תחילה בטלית. וכ”ה בקיצור…Show more
It should be pronounced as "Hashem" without saying the actual name, because it’s not a Posuk. #13001
Can I bake my Challa in my fleishig oven? Yes, Challah for Shabbos may be baked in a fleishig oven, even if the oven is dirty (and it’s considered fleishig, see below about cake). If you’re baking regular bread,… Can I bake my Challa in my fleishig oven? Yes, Challah for Shabbos may be baked in a fleishig oven, even if the oven is dirty (and it’s considered fleishig, see below about cake). If you’re baking regular bread, you may use the fleishig oven only if the oven is clean (see below more about its status), or if it's a small amount, or if you make a Heker (sign) before baking. Source: ראה סימן צז סעיף א ברמ"א, שלשבת נחשב כדבר מועט, אבל שאר לחם אסור אף ביש ששים נגד הטוח בעין, ראה משב"ז שם סק"א. בנקי'…Show more
One may remove all Mezuzas for the purpose of checking. If possible, one should borrow Mezuzas to put up in the meantime, especially in a home that is owned and not rented (many Sofrim have such an option). A… One may remove all Mezuzas for the purpose of checking. If possible, one should borrow Mezuzas to put up in the meantime, especially in a home that is owned and not rented (many Sofrim have such an option). A Brocha is made when placing the temporary Mezuzos (on entrances that require a Brocha in the first place). (To note that the outside door of a home is actually sometimes less likely to need a Mezuzah, or at least it might not be min haTorah - see details in article #671). Sources: לא מצינו בפוסקים הקדמונים חשש בזה במשך הבדיקה (אף…Show more
Q. Is it more mehudar to have many wicks in the Havdalah candle? A. Yes, there is a hiddur mitzvah to have more than one flame for the havdalah candle. The Alter Rebbe writes in Shulchan Aruch (298:4): “The… Q. Is it more mehudar to have many wicks in the Havdalah candle? A. Yes, there is a hiddur mitzvah to have more than one flame for the havdalah candle. The Alter Rebbe writes in Shulchan Aruch (298:4): “The optimum manner of fulfilling the mitzvah is to recite the blessing over a torch containing many [burning] brands and many [sources of] light, for the blessing uses the wording “borei meorei ha’eish” [“Who created the lights of fire” in the plural], an expression implying many sources of light.” . Q. Is there an Inyan to specifically use a beeswax…Show more
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