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It depends on the weight content of silver, not the percentage. The amount of silver required (for those that are stringent to use coins that are actual silver) is approx. 9.6g. The 90% coin has a total of 11.25g… It depends on the weight content of silver, not the percentage. The amount of silver required (for those that are stringent to use coins that are actual silver) is approx. 9.6g. The 90% coin has a total of 11.25g of silver, so it’s good. But the 40% coin has only 4.6g. #13110Show more
One may wash children’s clothing if they are of the age where they regularly soil all their clothing. One may only wash that which is needed for the Moed. Towels that are soiled on a regular basis may be… One may wash children’s clothing if they are of the age where they regularly soil all their clothing. One may only wash that which is needed for the Moed. Towels that are soiled on a regular basis may be washed too. Please see the link for clothing of adults: https://asktherav.com/laundry-on-chol-hamoed/ שו״ע תקלד א, ערוך השולחן תקלד ח משנה ברורה תקלד יא. #11413Show more
Yes. However, there are several conditions. See details in Seder Birchas Hanhenin chapter 11. Here are some of them: If they grow as grass, or on a soft stalk, the Berocho is Borei Isvei Besamim. If they grow… Yes. However, there are several conditions. See details in Seder Birchas Hanhenin chapter 11. Here are some of them: If they grow as grass, or on a soft stalk, the Berocho is Borei Isvei Besamim. If they grow on a hard stalk, and certainly if they grow on a tree, the Berocho is Borei Atzei Besamim. If one is unsure how it grows then they should recite the Berocho Borei Minei Besamim. On fruit which possess a good smell one should make the Berocho Asher Nosan Raiyach Tov Bapeiros. This applies only if the fruit…Show more
There is no official optimal time to say the Mi Sheberach for those who need a Refuah Shleima. However, it is usually done at the end of the Torah reading. In any case, it should not be recited between… There is no official optimal time to say the Mi Sheberach for those who need a Refuah Shleima. However, it is usually done at the end of the Torah reading. In any case, it should not be recited between the Maftir and the reading of the Haftorah. See here: https://asktherav.com/13764-when-the-one-receiving-maftir-has-to-bentch-hagomel-when-exactly-should-he-do-so/ #3196bShow more
One calls the Maftir after reciting the Half-Kaddish. Source: Sharei Efraim 9:1 #3196a
Maos Chitim was originally instituted as a tax on every person to help those that are in need for Pesach with wheat or Matzos. Over time it has been extended to include food in general and even other Yom… Maos Chitim was originally instituted as a tax on every person to help those that are in need for Pesach with wheat or Matzos. Over time it has been extended to include food in general and even other Yom Tov necessities. Today this tax is not in effect but we still give sums of money to support those that need for Pesach. Maaser money should primarily be used to support those in need. Therefore, providing those in need with their Pesach necessities, whether food, clothing, cleaning help or other needs may certainly come from Maaser money. However, one may…Show more
If he will keep a new Jewish name, then give him a Jewish name while calling him up to the Torah. If he won't keep the name then call him up with his secular name. He should be called… If he will keep a new Jewish name, then give him a Jewish name while calling him up to the Torah. If he won't keep the name then call him up with his secular name. He should be called up with the father's name that he is familiar with, but you should try to verify if possible. פשוט. וכ״כ בנתיבים בשדה השליחות ח"ב ע' 69-70 מסברא. #3218Show more
Only when bearing the OU symbol. See here on OU's website. #3242
Here are two methods: Method 1: 1. Remove the four outer leaves and discard them. 2. Check the outside of the head. If there is a hole that penetrates into the head, cut around the hole into the depth of…Here are two methods: Method 1: 1. Remove the four outer leaves and discard them. 2. Check the outside of the head. If there is a hole that penetrates into the head, cut around the hole into the depth of the head as far as the hole penetrates. 3. Freeze the head of cabbage in a freezer for at least forty-eight hours. 4. Remove the head of cabbage from the freezer and let it defrost. 5. Direct a stream of water at the leaves, on both sides, making sure to cover every spot. Method 2: 1. Clean the cabbage by…Show more
No, one doesn’t fulfill their obligation by giving to a child under Bar or Bas Mitzva. Sources: מאורי אור (עוד למועד - קל, א). בית עובד…
It is permitted but should not be put at eye level. Nonetheless, rumor has it that the Rebbe was opposed to this, even when not on the eastern wall. See here: https://asktherav.com/6062-is-it-permitted-for-my-students-to-daven-facing-a-wall-that-has-a-rebbe-picture-on-it/ #3232
Generally, when the father dies, his firstborn son - if he was born naturally - receives a double portion and the rest is divided equally among the other sons. Only biological children inherit - not adopted children; only paternal… Generally, when the father dies, his firstborn son - if he was born naturally - receives a double portion and the rest is divided equally among the other sons. Only biological children inherit - not adopted children; only paternal relatives - not maternal ones; only sons - not daughters (unmarried daughters receive a percentage of the assets, not a regular portion). Spouses do not have equal rights to each other’s inheritance. Husbands inherit from their wives only property that she owned or owned jointly at the time of her passing. Even when there is no will, often the siblings…Show more
Q. May I use a train ticket as a bookmark on Shabbos? I use it throughout the week too. A. No. Q. I am preparing a kallah packet for one of the kallahs I am teaching from out… Q. May I use a train ticket as a bookmark on Shabbos? I use it throughout the week too. A. No. Q. I am preparing a kallah packet for one of the kallahs I am teaching from out of town. In the packet, I am including a set of notes for her. I would like to tape a dime onto the page explaining kessamim. That way she will easily be able to measure a kessem if she refers back to her notes once she is married. Would doing so make the page muktza if the dime is there…Show more
Please see here, the same rules would apply. May we have only Simchas! #3285
Yes, it is problematic, though of course it is permissible according to Halacha. In general the Rebbe spoke about the importance that children should only see Kosher animals and birds. In addition, some are particular specifically about having pet… Yes, it is problematic, though of course it is permissible according to Halacha. In general the Rebbe spoke about the importance that children should only see Kosher animals and birds. In addition, some are particular specifically about having pet birds. See Halacha2Go #309 and Halacha2Go #566, and here. #3307Show more
Question continued: We don't have a set Baal Koreh in our Shul. I signal out to someone who reads in place of a Baal Koreh. Sometimes he doesn’t get the Trup correct and sometimes he doesn’t say tune of… Question continued: We don't have a set Baal Koreh in our Shul. I signal out to someone who reads in place of a Baal Koreh. Sometimes he doesn’t get the Trup correct and sometimes he doesn’t say tune of soif possuk - it sometimes seems like a stop more than an ending of a Possuk. Sometimes the words don’t come out perfectly. What are the things that we need to 100% make sure there is no error, at least until we get a proper Baal Koreh? Answer: The ta’amim (cantillation) of the Torah reading is a tradition from…Show more
One may use a drinking cup for Mayim Acharonim. The same is for washing for bread. However, if the cup was used for Mayim Acharonim it should be rinsed well afterwards before using for drinking. Sources: ראה עיקרי הד״ט ט, יז שלא מצאה הקפידא מקום…
Many have the custom to remove the used Mayim Acharonim water from the table. The reason for this is because there is a "רוח רעה" - "negative spirit" in the used water and it is therefore not befitting to… Many have the custom to remove the used Mayim Acharonim water from the table. The reason for this is because there is a "רוח רעה" - "negative spirit" in the used water and it is therefore not befitting to bentch while still on the table. Likewise some have the custom that the water is left on the table but they make sure it is completely covered. Both customs are acceptable. According to strict Halacha, one need not remove nor cover the water, but it’s a custom brought in many places, as an appropriate course of action. Some report that…Show more
Question continued: While most people listening to Kiddush take a small sip from the Kiddush cup (or have wine poured into their cups from it), I have seen some pour a little wine into their cup before Kiddush and… Question continued: While most people listening to Kiddush take a small sip from the Kiddush cup (or have wine poured into their cups from it), I have seen some pour a little wine into their cup before Kiddush and then drink it after Kiddush, without getting anything from the כוס של ברכה. Is the latter practice acceptable? If yes, is it as good as the former, or is it an inferior way of doing it? Answer: The latter approach is superior and is recommended in Alter Rebbe's Shulchan Aruch 190:5. Some say that in this case, the individual…Show more
This is permitted if it doesn't look like a woman’s garment and it’s normal for men to wear it. Sources: ראה שו"ת אהלי יעקב למהריק״ש ע. וראה בשאלה אות…
There is a debate amongst early Rishonim whether ancient astrology has any truth to it, though all agree that a Jew shouldn't lead his life solely based off it, see here for more references. In this case when you are…There is a debate amongst early Rishonim whether ancient astrology has any truth to it, though all agree that a Jew shouldn't lead his life solely based off it, see here for more references. In this case when you are referring to modern astrology, which has certainly no basis in the Torah: even if this wouldn't involve any Issurim - because you wouldn't lead your life based off it - it's still not the proper thing to study or research, as its basis is foolishness. Sources: בחכמת האצטגנינות והשפעת המזלות - להעיר מתענית כט, א.…Show more
Everything is still Parve, as it was originally. However, Lchatchila you should not use a Fleishig ladle with a soup that you plan to eat later with Milchig, unless there is no other ladle available. Sources: סימן צה סעיף ב ברמ״א. וראה מה שהביא ט״ז…
Question continued: I owe money to a friend of mine, and also to a Shul which I pledged money to. I don't currently make enough money to pay them back in the foreseeable future. I have a retirement savings account…Question continued: I owe money to a friend of mine, and also to a Shul which I pledged money to. I don't currently make enough money to pay them back in the foreseeable future. I have a retirement savings account with money to cover the debts, but there is a significant tax/penalty to withdraw the funds before retirement age (which is many years away). Is there an obligation for me to withdraw money from my savings to pay back the debt? Answer: No, you do not need to pay the debt from your savings. However, if the Shul is…Show more
Question continued: Must a man wear an undershirt to cover the visible area above the first button of a dress shirt? Answer: A man must cover any part of one's body that is usually covered. Therefore, if it’s… Question continued: Must a man wear an undershirt to cover the visible area above the first button of a dress shirt? Answer: A man must cover any part of one's body that is usually covered. Therefore, if it’s normal in one’s place that the area of the chest above the top button that is usually closed to be exposed, one does not have to cover it. For related laws on this topic see Halacha2Go #239. Sources: שו״ע אדה״ז או״ח סי׳ ב׳ סעי׳ א׳: ״ולכן לא…Show more
When may we sing Daled Bavos? The following is a list of days and special occasions where it is either recorded that the Niggun Daled Bavos can/should be sung, or that it was sung (some of these occasions it… When may we sing Daled Bavos? The following is a list of days and special occasions where it is either recorded that the Niggun Daled Bavos can/should be sung, or that it was sung (some of these occasions it happened very rarely, or only one time) by the Rebbe's farbrengens (most of them as per the Rebbe's instructions). Additionally, the Rebbe writes in a letter that it can be sung at a Farbrengen, depending on the personal Hergesh (feeling) of the participants, such as it was done at the end of the Farbrengens of Yud Beis Tammuz. And that…Show more
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