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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
Questions: When going on Mivtzoim, what do I have to say with people when putting on Tefilin (besides Shema)? Also, what is the order of priority of what to say? And what’s most important when someone is in such… Questions: When going on Mivtzoim, what do I have to say with people when putting on Tefilin (besides Shema)? Also, what is the order of priority of what to say? And what’s most important when someone is in such a rush that there’s only time for either the bracha on tefillin OR the first passuk of Shema? Where on the list of priorities is having them read or hear the kavana of tefillin, and what is the shortest way it can be summarized, while still including the primary points? When saying brachos and shema with people on mivtzoim, what…Show more
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. (ויש המהדרים להוריד כדי נטילה). המיקל יש לו על מי לסמוך. ולכו״ע, יש לשטוף לפנ״ז. 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…
One may not cut his/her nails on Rosh Chodesh, but may paint them, etc. There is room to be lenient about filing too. In regards to your specific question, a manicure can be permitted on Rosh Chodesh as long… One may not cut his/her nails on Rosh Chodesh, but may paint them, etc. There is room to be lenient about filing too. In regards to your specific question, a manicure can be permitted on Rosh Chodesh as long as it does not involve cutting the nails. Sources: ראה מילי דחסידותא (להגה״ק מבוטשאטש) על צוואת ריה״ח אות…Show more
Yes. א״א תיז תנינא. וראה עוד בשאלה 9438: https://asktherav.com/9438-is-one-allowed-to-manicure-nails-on-rosh-chodesh/ #14646
Question: A shul that is is on the 2nd floor of a house, but the only sink in the house is in the basement, a descent of more than two flights of stairs. But there is a filtered water… Question: A shul that is is on the 2nd floor of a house, but the only sink in the house is in the basement, a descent of more than two flights of stairs. But there is a filtered water machine/tank in the shul. For washing the hands before davening; Is it sufficient to release some water from the faucet of the machine into the cup of one's hand (a cupped palm) and smear it around the hands? Answer: Strictly speaking, water from the tap is sufficient for before Davening too. However, some are stringent to use a Kli…Show more
Normally we don’t fast on this day, however, with regards to a chooson and kallah on the wedding day, fasting is required. Sources: מג״א תקעג, א. חיי״א קלב, מג. קיצור שו״ע קמו,…
Question Someone I know cut down a fruit tree. Since fruit trees are not supposed to be cut down, but in this case, it was already done, would a tikkun be (or is there any reason) to plant another… Question Someone I know cut down a fruit tree. Since fruit trees are not supposed to be cut down, but in this case, it was already done, would a tikkun be (or is there any reason) to plant another fruit tree in its space? Answer: There’s no such tikkun. The correct thing is to do proper teshuva and seek a kaparah from your mashpia. PS Some opinions permit uprooting a tree in order to plant a better tree, worth more money, in its place. It is not clear if this would help after the fact, but…Show more
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