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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…
Question: Is it permitted to examine an astrological birth chart, to determine general character traits (based on the elements, planets etc.,) if one avoids any predictive astrology or fatalistic interpretations? Answer: There is a debate amongst early Rishonim… Question: Is it permitted to examine an astrological birth chart, to determine general character traits (based on the elements, planets etc.,) if one avoids any predictive astrology or fatalistic interpretations? Answer: 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…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
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
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