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Question: When someone has twin girls what is the appropriate mi shebeirach to say when naming them? Is one Kiddush sufficient? Answer: Regular Mi Shebeirach, twice. ראה ספר שמא גרים פ״יב אות ז. One Kiddush suffices but… Question: When someone has twin girls what is the appropriate mi shebeirach to say when naming them? Is one Kiddush sufficient? Answer: Regular Mi Shebeirach, twice. ראה ספר שמא גרים פ״יב אות ז. One Kiddush suffices but you should add something extra more than usual, whether food, lchayim, speaker etc. See more here: https://asktherav.com/2313-kiddush-in-honor-of-a-girls-birth/ #13146Show more
Question: I want to do an extended fast for health benefits with doctors recommendation and supervision. This is strictly for health reasons (losing weight and lowering blood pressure). I wanted to know about fasting on Shabbos. We are discussing… Question: I want to do an extended fast for health benefits with doctors recommendation and supervision. This is strictly for health reasons (losing weight and lowering blood pressure). I wanted to know about fasting on Shabbos. We are discussing a 10 day fast. it will be 6 days into the fast already when Shabbos comes. I am drinking Water/tea (nothing added)/coffee (black, no sugar) Answer: As a general rule it is forbidden to fast on Shabbos. If this would be a complete fast it should be done during the week. שו״ע אדה״ז סי׳ רפ״ח סעי׳ א׳. In this…Show more
No. Sources: שו״ת אגרות משה ח״ג סי׳ מ״ה, שו״ת משנה הלכות ח״ח סי׳ מ״ד, שו״ת שבט הלוי ח״ד סי׳ כ״ג, ועוד. #13132…
Yes. However, some disagree with the above answer. Therefore, it would be better to avoid this shaalah by making a shehakol on something else wherever possible. Sources: לענ״ד לברך עליו, ובמכ״ש ממש״כ פעולת צדיק א, פב…
It is forbidden to sled on snow on Shabbos for enjoyment. Sources: ראה במ"מ כאן: https://asktherav.com/12707-may-i-press-snow-with-my-foot-while-walking-on-shabbos/ וגם שאלה #6168 …
times are for NYC - 5785 The Purim se’udah is eaten in the morning, so that we do not disrespect Shabbos by entering the holy day too full to enjoy the Shabbos meal. It is best to begin… times are for NYC - 5785 The Purim se’udah is eaten in the morning, so that we do not disrespect Shabbos by entering the holy day too full to enjoy the Shabbos meal. It is best to begin the meal before chatzos (halachic midday) which is at 1:05 pm (in NYC), or at least before the tenth halachic hour of the day which is at approximately 4:03 pm (in NYC). It is permissible to extend the meal so that it continues into the afternoon, even passing the tenth halachic hour of the day. At the same time, care…Show more
Question: Do I need to wash on Shabbos day If I don't want to? It's too heavy etc.... Answer: Eating Challa by the Shabbos meals is of primary importance and should be practiced, unless there is a medical… Question: Do I need to wash on Shabbos day If I don't want to? It's too heavy etc.... Answer: Eating Challa by the Shabbos meals is of primary importance and should be practiced, unless there is a medical consideration. The required amount per meal is only slightly more than the volume of an egg (see note) and thus a healthy person shouldn't feel too heavy from eating just that amount. If there is a concern that one might not feel well (aside for usual tiredness) after eating this minimal amount, or it would cause pain, there would…Show more
Question: Is it permissible to be a kidney donor? If I am a kidney match and asked to donate a kidney, am I obliged to donate? Is it a mitzvah to do so knowing that you are potentially saving… Question: Is it permissible to be a kidney donor? If I am a kidney match and asked to donate a kidney, am I obliged to donate? Is it a mitzvah to do so knowing that you are potentially saving someone's life? Answer: It’s a big mitzvah, but not obligatory. Explanation: Donating a Live Kidney in our days is considered a safe procedure, but not without a slight risk. The risk is composed of two elements: complications from the surgery itself, and the fact that the donor has only one kidney remaining which could lead to health…Show more
A removed kidney does not make a kohen a baal mum and his avodah is kosher. Additional point: There is a separate discussion in Poskim if one should pursue kidney donation due to the risks associated. See here: https://asktherav.com/2466b-if-i-am-a-kidney-match-and-asked-to-donate-a-kidney-am-i-obliged-to-donate/ Sources: רמב״ם ביאת מקדש ו, ז. (אבל להעיר מתרגום ירושלמי…
It may be used. See here and here. וכש״כ בנדו״ד שצרורים וחתומים. ואף גם במכוסים ועטופים. #2709
The halacha is one may not do melacha on Motzei Shabbos until after havdalah. In order to permit melacha, one should at least recite baruch hamavdil. There is a chumra brought in poskim that a baal… The halacha is one may not do melacha on Motzei Shabbos until after havdalah. In order to permit melacha, one should at least recite baruch hamavdil. There is a chumra brought in poskim that a baal nefesh should be stringent, even after saying atah chonantanu in Maariv and reciting baruch hamavdil, not to do melacha before the community finishes reciting Seder Kedusha, the extra tefillos after Maariv (V’atah Kadosh). Some have a custom not to do a fixed melacha until after melavah malkah. One example mentioned specifically is sewing, which includes…Show more
The Rebbe stated that bachurim should not get involved in Mivtza Neshek (Shabbat candle campaign). Rather, it is their duty to encourage female family members (grandmothers, sisters or aunts) to be involved and influence women and girls to light… The Rebbe stated that bachurim should not get involved in Mivtza Neshek (Shabbat candle campaign). Rather, it is their duty to encourage female family members (grandmothers, sisters or aunts) to be involved and influence women and girls to light Shabbos candles. As a general rule, the Rebbe states many times that Mivtzoim should be done in a Tznius'dike and modest manner: men with men and women with women, although men have an equal obligation to influence women to Torah and Mitzvos in an appropriate manner, in a manner which is permissible according to Shulchan Aruch. Sources: ראה תשורה פרידמן ססוסבר תשע״ד. תשורה זילברשטרום-קטן, שבט תשע״ז…Show more
Question continued: Should they be recited by a) one who has Yahrzeit on Friday b) one who has Yahrzeit on Shabbos or c) both a and b? Answer: Our Minhag is that the Kaddish after Mizmor Shir is said…Question continued: Should they be recited by a) one who has Yahrzeit on Friday b) one who has Yahrzeit on Shabbos or c) both a and b? Answer: Our Minhag is that the Kaddish after Mizmor Shir is said by mourners who commemorate a Yahrtzeit either on Friday or on Shabbos. Sefer Haminhagim page 27 As for the Kaddish after Bame Madlikin, if it’s said before Borchu (as in many kehillos), the same rule applies. However if it is said at the end of Maariv, then only one who has a Yartzeit on Shabbos should recite the Kaddish. …Show more
Question continued: I am a Rov of an Ashkenazi Shul and occasionally we have Sefardim who frequent and need to say Kaddish. There are Ashkenaz congregants who would like for the Sefardim to say Kaddish in Nusach Ashkenaz as to…Question continued: I am a Rov of an Ashkenazi Shul and occasionally we have Sefardim who frequent and need to say Kaddish. There are Ashkenaz congregants who would like for the Sefardim to say Kaddish in Nusach Ashkenaz as to not cause confusion. What should be done? Answer: The Sefardim should follow the Minhag of the Shul in such a case, unless the extra words are said in an undertone and quickly. ראה שו״ת אג״מ או״ח ד,לד. אשרי האיש א, יא, יב. אהלך באמתך כו, יב-ג. יגל יעקב מכתב יח, א. אול״צ ב, ה,יא. וראה קובץ אליבא דהלכתא…Show more
Question continued: Is there any source for what people say that a child should not begin to wear Tzitzis until they are toilet trained? Is there any source pro or against a child starting to wear Tzitzis a while… Question continued: Is there any source for what people say that a child should not begin to wear Tzitzis until they are toilet trained? Is there any source pro or against a child starting to wear Tzitzis a while before their 3rd birthday, like when they are just 2? Answer: Before toilet training: This is a matter of custom. In some communities they had this custom. There are obviously practical reasons for doing so beyond the issue of respect for the mitzvah. There is no halachic objection however to starting earlier and many indeed do so. Under 3…Show more
Question continued: Should it be when the price goes up? When it’s sold? Does Maaser need to be given before one invests it in another stock? Or should it be when one actually get the cash? Answer: Maser should…Question continued: Should it be when the price goes up? When it’s sold? Does Maaser need to be given before one invests it in another stock? Or should it be when one actually get the cash? Answer: Maser should be deducted when one has a realized gain. One is not obligated to give Maaser from an estimated gain (i.e. increased stock value, which is not cashed in). One should therefore give Maaser from any dividends paid or from capital gains, even if reinvesting the money, because the gain is realized, before choosing to reinvest. #13119 Show more
One may not intentionally deceive anyone, including non-Jews, but it is permissible to take advantage of a mistake made by a gentile (ta’us akum), unless doing so will cause a chillul Hashem. In the event where… One may not intentionally deceive anyone, including non-Jews, but it is permissible to take advantage of a mistake made by a gentile (ta’us akum), unless doing so will cause a chillul Hashem. In the event where it is possible for him to find out that he made an error, one may not take advantage of his mistake. It’s best to say "I am relying on your calculation" in order to ensure he isn't trying to test you. In this case that the one behind the counter noticed the mistake, you the money should be returned to…Show more
A woman should not indulge herself with matters which arouse erotic thoughts. From the verse “do not stray after your heart and after your eyes…” – we derive that one may not arouse erotic, promiscuous thoughts. It is worth… A woman should not indulge herself with matters which arouse erotic thoughts. From the verse “do not stray after your heart and after your eyes…” – we derive that one may not arouse erotic, promiscuous thoughts. It is worth adding from Kuntreis Pokeach Ivrim chapter 9, where the Mittler Rebbe strongly admonishes women that they too must protect their eyes and thoughts. They should be careful not to gaze at the beauty of men or engage in idle chatter with men. Ultimately, such thoughts could also lead to other negative emotions or behavior, and possibly lead to Heaven forbid,…Show more
Negel Vaaser shouldn’t be washed over dishes unless one is certain they will be rinsed afterwards. ראה הליכות שלמה תפלה כ הע׳ יא. אשי ישראל ב הע׳ עב. See here and here regarding washing kids hands. #13034
Here's a link to the spoon. Answer: This would be problematic to use on Shabbos, see here: https://asktherav.com/can-i-use-on-shabbos-a-black-mug-that-when-you-put-hot-water-in-it-the-mug-changes-from-black-to-whatever-picture-you-have-on-it/ #13063
One should wear his Tzitzis with a Bendel as done by day. However when sleeping it should be preferably a Bendel without metal. Sources: באג"ק חי"ג ע' כ"ט שיהו כשירות גם בעת השינה…
Yes, a Minyan just for Kriyas Hatorah may be done for Mincha of Shabbos. The only change would be that a Chatzi Kaddish would be said right after the Kriyah (as opposed to when Davening Mincha - i.e.,… Yes, a Minyan just for Kriyas Hatorah may be done for Mincha of Shabbos. The only change would be that a Chatzi Kaddish would be said right after the Kriyah (as opposed to when Davening Mincha - i.e., the Amidah right afterwards - when the Chatzi Kaddish is recited by the Chazan while the Sefer Torah is being returned to the Aron Kodesh). (Of course, if a Minyan is being arranged just for Kriyah not in a Shul etc., one must make sure to follow the special guidelines that apply in such a case. See here.) See here…Show more
There are four options: 1. Put on the Tefilin Shel Yad backwards, so that the (usual) back of the box is facing down, and the Kesher will be on the inside (opposite the heart). 2. A less desirable option… There are four options: 1. Put on the Tefilin Shel Yad backwards, so that the (usual) back of the box is facing down, and the Kesher will be on the inside (opposite the heart). 2. A less desirable option is to put it on the regular way, and the Kesher would be facing outside, and you would wrap the straps inwards. 3. A third option is, if possible, to manually remove the retzuah completely and put it in through the other side of the box. This should only be done if the yud of the tefillin is touching the…Show more
As long as they were packaged by a store or company that has separate section just for produce, it's fine, as you can rely that the knife is used just for that. See last paragraph in Halacha2Go #599. גם… As long as they were packaged by a store or company that has separate section just for produce, it's fine, as you can rely that the knife is used just for that. See last paragraph in Halacha2Go #599. גם בדברים שאינם חריפים מצריכים גרידה (ואם אינו דומה לקשואים, עכ"פ הדחה), ראה יו"ד סימן צו סעיף ה ובנו"כ. #13088Show more
The prohibition of sleeping on one’s back does not apply to women. Generally, there’s no need to sleep with a pillow. However, there are health considerations too. These obviously apply to women as well. Sources: שכיבת פרקדן - שו״ע אבן העזר סי׳ כ"ג סעי׳…
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