People Just Asked
If it will for sure cause the snow to melt (for example if your shoes are already wet), it's preferable to take a different route or to hop over or walk around if easily possible. Otherwise it would not… If it will for sure cause the snow to melt (for example if your shoes are already wet), it's preferable to take a different route or to hop over or walk around if easily possible. Otherwise it would not be an issue. However, just to press down the snow by itself while not walking would not be allowed. See Halacha2Go #233. Sources: שו"ע אדה"ז סימן ש"כ סעיף כ', (לדרוס במקרה שאינו…Show more
You may do so. (In certain instances, you must do so.) Sources: להעיר משו״ע אדה״ז או״ח סי׳ קכ״ח סעי׳ נ״ז, ומהמסופר…
Question continued: When removing a baby's diaper on Shabbos and folding it up, is it permitted to move the diaper aside to make it easier to put on a new one, or is there a problem of Muktzeh? I understand…Question continued: When removing a baby's diaper on Shabbos and folding it up, is it permitted to move the diaper aside to make it easier to put on a new one, or is there a problem of Muktzeh? I understand that it has the Din of גרף של רעי, but that is only allowed to be moved in order to discard, and not לצורך מקומו. If there is in fact an issue, could i rely on the Magen Avraham that it is not Muktzeh to begin with? Answer: You can change the diaper the same way you do it…Show more
Wordless Niggunim that help inspire and uplift a person while davening are definitely allowed, even to be sung by the person davening. In fact, the Rebbe encourages this often and instructs that it be done. During Shmoneh Esrei, one… Wordless Niggunim that help inspire and uplift a person while davening are definitely allowed, even to be sung by the person davening. In fact, the Rebbe encourages this often and instructs that it be done. During Shmoneh Esrei, one must be certain that the Niggunim will not distract from having proper concentration. Sources: ראה הוראת כ"ק אד"ש בענין השירה בנוגע לעבודת התפילה…Show more
Question continued: I have a family Simcha, and a family friend who is in a tough financial situation is a keyboardist, but he is very overpriced. Can I use Maaser to hire him? Answer: If your intention is solely…Question continued: I have a family Simcha, and a family friend who is in a tough financial situation is a keyboardist, but he is very overpriced. Can I use Maaser to hire him? Answer: If your intention is solely to support him, and you wouldn’t consider hiring him otherwise, you may use Maaser to pay the extra money this keyboardist will charge you over the one that’s within your budget. Sources: ראה בדרך אמונה פ״ז ביה״ל ד״ה ואחד מעשרה, צדקה…Show more
A Ben-Noach that does a Mitzvah which has a positive effect on himself or on the world around him, like giving Tzedakah, will indeed be rewarded. However there are no specific Torah guidelines on how much Tzedakah a Ben-Noach… A Ben-Noach that does a Mitzvah which has a positive effect on himself or on the world around him, like giving Tzedakah, will indeed be rewarded. However there are no specific Torah guidelines on how much Tzedakah a Ben-Noach should give. Sources: רמב״ם הל׳ מלכים פ״י ה״י, רדב״ז שם, וראה בספר…Show more
It can be said throughout the day. If it's said after Mincha it should not be said as obligatory, rather as if one is reading Torah (Tehillim). Sources: שו"ע אדה"ז קח, ה #12741…
Question Continued: This year it is nearly impossible to get 100 people to be socially distanced hear Megillah. As Shluchim, we'd like to make a drive in event. Would reading the Megillah on a microphone help in this case… Question Continued: This year it is nearly impossible to get 100 people to be socially distanced hear Megillah. As Shluchim, we'd like to make a drive in event. Would reading the Megillah on a microphone help in this case in any way, shape or form? Answer: No. A microphone may not be used for the Megillah reading, nor can the obligation of hearing the Megillah be fulfilled via telephone or live hook-up. I would suggest you to contact other Chabad Shluchim to find alternatives (which are Halachically acceptable) to approach this present issue. אג״ק כג ע׳ שד.…Show more
Question continued: If a Cohen is in a tent full of people near a cemetery (which has a proper fence around it), and one person sticks his hand out over the fence and above a grave, is it a problem…Question continued: If a Cohen is in a tent full of people near a cemetery (which has a proper fence around it), and one person sticks his hand out over the fence and above a grave, is it a problem for the Cohen? Answer: If the person’s hand and entire arm is a square Tefach large (between 3 to 3.5 inches by between 3 to 3.5 inches), he transports the Tumah to the tent that he’s in, and the Cohen becomes impure. משנה באהלות ספט״ו ורמב״ם הל׳ טומאת מת פי״ח ה״א. ובערוה״ש העתיד ח״א סי׳ ל״ו סעי׳…Show more
When it comes to counting someone with mental special needs (autism, down syndrome, etc.) for a Minyan, it all depends on the specific individual’s level of understanding and comprehension. In general, if the individual has the understanding of at… When it comes to counting someone with mental special needs (autism, down syndrome, etc.) for a Minyan, it all depends on the specific individual’s level of understanding and comprehension. In general, if the individual has the understanding of at least a six or seven year old, and he knows that Hashem gave us the Torah and that we fulfill its Mitzvos, and he intends to daven with the minyan, answer amen, Kedusha, Borchu etc., one may count him in the Minyan as part of the ten. Sources: י״א שפתי אינו כשוטה רק לענין עדות - ראה…Show more
Yes. Sources: נחלקו הפוסקים לענין מחיקת טשטוש דיו שבידיו בשבת, ראה…
You may, as this will keep the harmony. However you may not buy anything that contains beef, lamb, or goat meat and dairy mixed together while hot, for instance a beef hamburger with cheese, or pizza with pepperoni, as… You may, as this will keep the harmony. However you may not buy anything that contains beef, lamb, or goat meat and dairy mixed together while hot, for instance a beef hamburger with cheese, or pizza with pepperoni, as this is prohibited to buy. You may also not buy or gift non kosher wine, or anything that is biblically prohibited. Sources: כל דבר שאיסורו מה״ת - ראה רמ"א יו"ד קיז,…Show more
A man over 13 years old may not babysit a girl over 3 years old. One should not rely on the leniency mentioned by Reb Moishe. This is against סתימת כל הפוסקים והכרעת השולחן ערוך which makes no distinction… A man over 13 years old may not babysit a girl over 3 years old. One should not rely on the leniency mentioned by Reb Moishe. This is against סתימת כל הפוסקים והכרעת השולחן ערוך which makes no distinction between the generations. His position has been rejected by many contemporary poskim. Furthermore, even Reb Moshe only writes not to protest against those who are lenient, but he doesn’t outright permit it. Additionally, his questions are negated if we accept that the concern is אונס קטנה and not פיתוי, as indicated in many poskim. Also, many poskim maintain that the…Show more
Can my son be Chazan on the Maariv of his Bar Mitzvah, or does he need to wait until the next day? Answer: Yes he can, as long as Maariv starts after the Zman, i.e., nightfall. Shulchan Aruch Alter Rebbe…Can my son be Chazan on the Maariv of his Bar Mitzvah, or does he need to wait until the next day? Answer: Yes he can, as long as Maariv starts after the Zman, i.e., nightfall. Shulchan Aruch Alter Rebbe 53:13 PS. I do want to comment however that the Rebbe is not in favor of having Bar Mitzvah boys Davening as Chazan on the day of their Bar Mitzvah. אף שכנראה נהגו כן בכ״מ, וכ״מ ממג״א רכה, ד: כשהנער מתפלל - ראה מענה ח׳ ניסן תשכ״א, נדפס בבית משיח גל׳ 457. #12861 Show more
My grandfather's first Yartzeit is on Taanis Ester. Is it proper to visit the cemetery on Taanis Ester and then to make the Siyum / Yartzeit Seuda that night, which is already Purim? Answer: Yes. כן המנהג הנפוץ. וכן נהגו…My grandfather's first Yartzeit is on Taanis Ester. Is it proper to visit the cemetery on Taanis Ester and then to make the Siyum / Yartzeit Seuda that night, which is already Purim? Answer: Yes. כן המנהג הנפוץ. וכן נהגו לעלות לקברו של הגרמ״פ שיאצ״ט שלו בתענית אסתר. ומש״כ במג״א תרצ"ו, ה והב״ד לעינננו בגשה״ח א, כט, ה ונגררו אח״ז בכמה מספרי המלקטים - שאני התם דמיירי בסוף השבעה, משא״כ ביארצייט. ועוד שבעיון בפנים בשו״ת מהר״ש הלוי י"ג שהביא המג״א מוכח דמיירי שערב פורים הוא בתוך השבעה, ופורים הוא יום השביעי. אבל כשהסתיימה האבלות בערב פורים אין שום מקום לחשש.…Show more
שאלה: לפי הגהת המרי"ל בשו"ע רבינו או"ח סי' קפ"ח האם אדם ששכח לומר רצה בברהמ"ז בסעודת שבת צריך לחזור לברך? תשובה: פשוט שחוזר ומברך. ולא בא מהרי״ל ורבינו הזקן כאן לשנות דין מפורש בכל הפוסקים, ונמצא כבר בגמרא… שאלה: לפי הגהת המרי"ל בשו"ע רבינו או"ח סי' קפ"ח האם אדם ששכח לומר רצה בברהמ"ז בסעודת שבת צריך לחזור לברך? תשובה: פשוט שחוזר ומברך. ולא בא מהרי״ל ורבינו הזקן כאן לשנות דין מפורש בכל הפוסקים, ונמצא כבר בגמרא ברכות מט, ב. אלא לומר שאף שחייב לאכול לחם א״צ להיות לחם גמור. ואדרבה, כ״ז מונח בלשונו, שמש״כ ש״גם בברכת מעין ג' יש בה הזכרה של קדושת היום״ כוונתו לתרץ שלכאורה בגמרא מפורש שמה״ט חוזר בשבת ויו"ט אם טעה ולא הזכיר קדושת היום משום דלא סגי דלא אכיל, והיינו שחייב לאכול פת המחוייב בברכת המזון, וממילא ברכת המזון חובה גמורה…Show more
We're working on toilet training a 4 year old who's been a difficult customer. He is now wearing a wetness alarm that goes off if there is an accident. Not wanting the alarm to go off motivates him to go…We're working on toilet training a 4 year old who's been a difficult customer. He is now wearing a wetness alarm that goes off if there is an accident. Not wanting the alarm to go off motivates him to go when he needs to. Can I have him wear the alarm on Shabbos with the battery out? (I wouldn't tell him that the battery is out so it could still help him focus.) Answer: According to the strict Halacha, it's not an issue. However, if your son understands what Shabbos is and its associated prohibitions, and he thinks it's possible…Show more
Yes, there is a tradition to say ויתן לך while standing, and this is our Minhag. Indeed, the Rebbe usually did so in public (and as far as we know in private as well). Sources: מקובל אצל חסידים שצ״ל מתוך סידור, ועם אחר, ובעמידה.…
No. You only do it on Thursday. This applies even if you stop for a full day in your travels. If however you’ve arrived at your current final destination, even though you’re planning more destinations on the way, a… No. You only do it on Thursday. This applies even if you stop for a full day in your travels. If however you’ve arrived at your current final destination, even though you’re planning more destinations on the way, a separate hagomel is required for each destination. You do not, however, make hagomel twice together. For example, if one leg was on tuesday and you arrive at your next destitatiion on wednesday, you only say hagomel on thursday one time. Sources: עיקרי הד"ט או"ח סי' יו"ד אות א. באר היטב…Show more
Yes, some Maaser funds may be used to give an interest free loan. (When doing so, it is best that you have this in mind when separating the Maaser.) In fact, many Poskim recommend the practice of using Maaser funds…Yes, some Maaser funds may be used to give an interest free loan. (When doing so, it is best that you have this in mind when separating the Maaser.) In fact, many Poskim recommend the practice of using Maaser funds to give out loans, because the money will help more people this way. However this is only as long as the immediate needs of the poor are not neglected. Therefore: If the loan is being given to a poor person who is otherwise eligible to receive it as Tzedaka (but perhaps is more comfortable taking it as a loan), or…Show more
No, a man may not dye his hair in order to look good or young, even if he is uncomfortable with his appearance. This is due to the prohibition of לא ילבש. Sources: יו"ד סימן קפ"ב ס"ו ובט"ז סק"ז. וראה בשו"ת שו"מ…
Question: Are there any granola bars that need to be Pas Yisroel? I noticed that some bars are soft with more of a cookie type texture and in the ingredients it lists oat flour (besides for oats). Would the… Question: Are there any granola bars that need to be Pas Yisroel? I noticed that some bars are soft with more of a cookie type texture and in the ingredients it lists oat flour (besides for oats). Would the fact that it contains flour make that it should need to be Pas Yisroel? Answer: Regarding common granola bars, see Halacha2Go #461. With regards to flour listed in the ingredients: If the flour is a primary ingredient, it would require Pas Yisroel. Such a recipe, however, is highly unlikely to be sold as a 'granola bar' (and is often…Show more
The following applies solely to a married woman, or to a girl who is of marriageable age: Yes, you may wax and color your hair. Pedicure is permitted in case of need, and if done through someone else. טושו"ע סי'…The following applies solely to a married woman, or to a girl who is of marriageable age: Yes, you may wax and color your hair. Pedicure is permitted in case of need, and if done through someone else. טושו"ע סי' שפ"א ס"ו: אשה לא תכחול ולא תפרקס בימי אבלה שכל אלו אסורים כרחיצה, ואשת איש אינה אסורה אלא תוך שבעה, אבל אחר ז' מותרת בכל – כדי שלא תתגנה על בעלה. וראה ברמ"א בדרכי משה סק"ג. והסמ"ע בפרישה שם סק"ו. ש"ך שם סק"ד. וראה בביאור הגר"א שם סק"ז שמציין לסי' ש"צ ס"ה. ובהגהת הרמ"א על המחבר סי' ש"צ ס"ה: שאשה…Show more
When eating crackers with tuna you should only make the Bracha on the cracker, and that Bracha covers the tuna eaten with it. Sources: והנה, מדת חסידות לברך על הטפל לפני העיקר -…
Question continued: The Alter Rebbe in סימן רעג says that לכתחילה one shouldn't make kiddush for someone else if they have already been יוצא, unless they can't make Kiddush on their own. If I made Kiddush on Shabbos day… Question continued: The Alter Rebbe in סימן רעג says that לכתחילה one shouldn't make kiddush for someone else if they have already been יוצא, unless they can't make Kiddush on their own. If I made Kiddush on Shabbos day in Shul, is it better for my wife to make her own kiddush, or can I make Kiddush again for her, even though she is able to do so on her own? Answer: For kiddush by day, there is no need for her to make her own kiddush. Even for kiddush by night, if it's difficult for her to…Show more
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