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Question: What to do in a situation that the 10th person walks in to Shul, after everyone (the nine men) finished Shmone Esrei and there has definitely been a hefsek after the finish. It is my understanding that there… Question: What to do in a situation that the 10th person walks in to Shul, after everyone (the nine men) finished Shmone Esrei and there has definitely been a hefsek after the finish. It is my understanding that there needs to be 10 davening b'lachash in order to do to the Chazan's repetition. Is it so? Answer: It is permissible in that situation to do Chazaras Hashatz. As a general rule, there only needs to be six people davening in order to do Chazaras Hashatz. Note: you should be aware that there are communities that have a different…Show more
Question: I awoke at about 4am to use the restroom, to my shock and dismay, no qvart was waiting in the shissel by my bed, I thought that my roommate was getting the Negel Vasser. I walked a few… Question: I awoke at about 4am to use the restroom, to my shock and dismay, no qvart was waiting in the shissel by my bed, I thought that my roommate was getting the Negel Vasser. I walked a few steps and stopped, and proceeded in this way - to the kitchen - three flights down!!! I then washed Negel Vasser at the kitchen sink. How was my soul effected? And what exactly can I do to rectify this situation retroactively? Answer: You did the right thing, Your soul was not affected in any way. The Zohar which states…Show more
If there is any סרך קדושה (a slight amount of holiness) discussed in these books, like lessons you can take from it, be it Yiras Shamayim or some other wisdom, there is room for leniency. In any case, it… If there is any סרך קדושה (a slight amount of holiness) discussed in these books, like lessons you can take from it, be it Yiras Shamayim or some other wisdom, there is room for leniency. In any case, it is proper to only read books on Shabbos which are of Torah and instill fear of Heaven. See here as well: https://asktherav.com/my-therapist-recommended-i-read-some-books-however-i-dont-really-have-the-time-to-read-them-during-the-week-am-i-allowed-to-read-them-on-shabbos/ See also Halacha2go article #99. Sources: ראה המצוין שם בהלינק, וראה גם קצה"ש סי' קז…Show more
Question: I have a old set of Seforim and I would like to replace it with a new set. Can I buy the new set (fully or partially) with Ma'aser on condition that I sponsor the old one to… Question: I have a old set of Seforim and I would like to replace it with a new set. Can I buy the new set (fully or partially) with Ma'aser on condition that I sponsor the old one to a Yeshiva or Shul? Answer: No. However, You can donate the old set of Seforim and consider it as part of separating Ma'aser. See also here: https://asktherav.com/using-maaser-for-seforim/ https://asktherav.com/4023-may-one-donate-clothing-or-goods-and-take-the-cost-out-of-their-maaser-if-yes-would-the-condition-matter-is-the-current-or-demoted-cost-used-or-the-original-cost/ #12178Show more
שאלה: במקרה שאני לא התחלתי סעודה מיד (ולא תוך ארבע דקות) אחרי קידוש, לא באשמתי אלא בגלל אונס, ולפני שהתחלתי סעודה יצאתי לכמה רגעים לחדר אחר. האם אני צריך לעשות קידוש עוד הפעם? וכמה זמן נחשב הפסק מוחלט בין… שאלה: במקרה שאני לא התחלתי סעודה מיד (ולא תוך ארבע דקות) אחרי קידוש, לא באשמתי אלא בגלל אונס, ולפני שהתחלתי סעודה יצאתי לכמה רגעים לחדר אחר. האם אני צריך לעשות קידוש עוד הפעם? וכמה זמן נחשב הפסק מוחלט בין קידוש לאכילה? תשובה: אין צריכים לקדש עוד הפעם. הרחבה: בשוע”ר סי’ רעג ס”ה דאם כשקידש היה כוונתו לאכול לאחר זמן לא יצא ידי חובתו וצריך לחזור ולקדש. ובהשיעור של לאח”ז נחלקו טובא. ובבדי השולחן סי’ פא סק”י כתב שהוא כדי אכילת פרס. ויש לדון האם יש לחוש להשיעור של 4 דקות או אפילו כהי”א בשיעור כדא״פ שהוא י״א…Show more
Question: What’s if I fell asleep in the middle of davening, between שומר את עמו ישראל לעד and שמונה עשרה? And what if I fell asleep in the middle of ברכות קריאת שמע? Answer: If you fell asleep… Question: What’s if I fell asleep in the middle of davening, between שומר את עמו ישראל לעד and שמונה עשרה? And what if I fell asleep in the middle of ברכות קריאת שמע? Answer: If you fell asleep in between שומר את עמו ישראל לעד and שמונה עשרה, you should continue on with Shemone Esrei. If you fell asleep in the middle of Birchos Krias Shema; If you interrupted for the amount of time it takes you to say the entire Bracha, you should start from the beginning of the Bracha. If however you interrupted for…Show more
Question: Many Jewish magazines and/or newspapers come with a closed plastic wrapper over them. Is it permitted to tear it open on Shabbos to read the magazine? Answer: Yes, though better if done before Shabbos. See also here.… Question: Many Jewish magazines and/or newspapers come with a closed plastic wrapper over them. Is it permitted to tear it open on Shabbos to read the magazine? Answer: Yes, though better if done before Shabbos. See also here. Sources: בונה וסותר: בנין גרוע בכלים שאין בהם משום בונה וסותר…Show more
Question: Can an adult who wears diapers daven with a wet diaper on, given there is no smell and it's completely covered? Answer: Yes., where no choice exists. However, if you can change first and daven later, you… Question: Can an adult who wears diapers daven with a wet diaper on, given there is no smell and it's completely covered? Answer: Yes., where no choice exists. However, if you can change first and daven later, you should do so. Sources: שו״ע אדה״ז סי׳ ע״ח סעי׳ א׳ וד׳. ולהעיר משולחן…Show more
If you know for sure it happened, and that there was actual residue there, then if the water was below approximately 45 degrees celsius or 113 fahrenheit, or if there was a substantial amount of soap placed on dishes… If you know for sure it happened, and that there was actual residue there, then if the water was below approximately 45 degrees celsius or 113 fahrenheit, or if there was a substantial amount of soap placed on dishes (with only small amount of residue) before it became to that level of heat, there is no issue. If you are in doubt if it happened at all also no issue, otherwise it should be kashered. Sources: סבון - ראה סימן צה סעיף ד ובנו"כ כולל…Show more
According to some there is indeed a prohibition to take a picture of the sun. Even according to those that are lenient, it seems that printing such a picture would be prohibited. There is room for leniency if it… According to some there is indeed a prohibition to take a picture of the sun. Even according to those that are lenient, it seems that printing such a picture would be prohibited. There is room for leniency if it is not of the full sun such as when it has partially sunken or it is partially blocked by some clouds. See also here: https://asktherav.com/drawing-the-sun-moon-and-stars-for-education-purposes/ Sources: ראה מנחת יצחק ח"י, עב. אבל ראה שו"ת שבט…Show more
Question: If a woman would like a service of manicures or pedicures in a salon, and it includes a goy cutting her nails, is the goy allowed to throw the nails out in the garbage or must they still… Question: If a woman would like a service of manicures or pedicures in a salon, and it includes a goy cutting her nails, is the goy allowed to throw the nails out in the garbage or must they still be burned? Answer: The same Halacha as when a yid cutting them. Best to burn them or throw them in the toilet. Many maintain that throwing them into the garbage would be like burning them since eventually the garbage will be burned. Sources: שוע”ר סי’ רס ס”ד. וראה שו”ת בצל החכמה ח”ב…Show more
No, as they will bring in Avoda Zara or do their practices/prayers there. However, if it’s a purely secular school (ran by a church) there is no issue. Sources: שו״ע יו"ד קנא א. שם י. וברמ״א וש״ך שם.…
Question: I hired a snowplowing company to plow my driveway throughout the winter for a flat rate. (That is the local custom here, it is unheard-of to pay per storm). Do I have to tell them not to plow… Question: I hired a snowplowing company to plow my driveway throughout the winter for a flat rate. (That is the local custom here, it is unheard-of to pay per storm). Do I have to tell them not to plow on Shabbos? Does it make a difference that my house is also used as a Shul? Answer: If there is a danger that people will slip and fall, you may allow them or even tell them to do it, otherwise you may not allow them to do it unless in extreme circumstances. See here as well: https://asktherav.com/what-are-the-halachos-of-snow-on-shabbos-may-one-spread-salt-on-an-icy-path-on-shabbos/ Sources: אמירה לנכרי במקום חשש סכנה. ובליכא סכנה אסור, שו״ע…Show more
Question: Is one permitted to cover a Sefer when leaving the room with another Sefer? How about using a Sefer to save your spot (like in 770, putting a Sefer on your spot so that no one else should… Question: Is one permitted to cover a Sefer when leaving the room with another Sefer? How about using a Sefer to save your spot (like in 770, putting a Sefer on your spot so that no one else should sit there)? Answer: Ideally one should not use a Sefer for this purpose. Where one can't find anything else and it will cause bittul Torah if he would close the Sefer and then have to find his place, there might be room for leniency. In any case, one should refrain from using a Chumash or Nach for this purpose.…Show more
You can melt the snow in one area and toivel keilim there. When melting the snow it can't be done by adding hot water there but rather bring heat there. This shouldn’t be done through placing metal heaters on… You can melt the snow in one area and toivel keilim there. When melting the snow it can't be done by adding hot water there but rather bring heat there. This shouldn’t be done through placing metal heaters on the snow. The snow should not be brought elsewhere due to a concern of שאובים. There are ways of bringing it, see below. This is assuming that there is a lot of snow together so there will be 40 סאה of water after it's melted (since snow is about 10 times the size of when it's melted). Sources: במשנה מקואות פ”ז מ”א אלו מעלין ולא פוסלין השלג…Show more
If it's three consecutive words, yes. You may cut out the words which require Sheimos and discard the rest. See also Halacha2go.com article #84. #12528
Question: If I am volunteering and taking kids out who have a sibling in the hospital, can I use Ma'aser money to pay for the kids' entertainment / treats? Obviously not using the Ma'aser money to pay for anything… Question: If I am volunteering and taking kids out who have a sibling in the hospital, can I use Ma'aser money to pay for the kids' entertainment / treats? Obviously not using the Ma'aser money to pay for anything for me, only for the kids. Answer: Ma'aser money may be used. However, it is always better (if possible) to use private funds. Sources: ראה: שו"ע יו"ד סי' רמ"ט סעי' א' בהגהה (בשם…Show more
Question: Around Purim this past year, I heard that saying shnayim mikra on Erev Shabbos is good for the pandemic. I’ve been careful to do it ever since. Now in the winter, and I’m back at work etc. it’s… Question: Around Purim this past year, I heard that saying shnayim mikra on Erev Shabbos is good for the pandemic. I’ve been careful to do it ever since. Now in the winter, and I’m back at work etc. it’s hard to keep it up. Do I need to do Hatoras Nedorim? Answer: Unlike any other Hanhoga Tova, this is an absolute obligation according to Shulchan Aruch. Thus, there is no such thing as Hatoro. I suggest you find some time to do it perhaps on Shabbos. Sources: י״א שאינו חובה גמורה - ראה שו״ת מהרש״ם א,…Show more
Question: Very often in our shul, people hear Kriah before davening, and then, if there is a Minyan, they would daven with that Minyan, It happens where there was only 4 people that didn't hear Kriah. Should we read… Question: Very often in our shul, people hear Kriah before davening, and then, if there is a Minyan, they would daven with that Minyan, It happens where there was only 4 people that didn't hear Kriah. Should we read the Torah? Answer: Krias Hatorah should only be recited if there are six who did not yet hear Kriah (or who had in mind not to be yotze from the earlier Kriah). Sources: ראה נודע ביהודה או"ח תניינא סי' ט"ו, מנחת פתים…Show more
Question: If I understand correctly, when eating a chocolate chip cookie, the brocho is mezonos unless I eat the measurement of 4 beitzim and get satisfied. What if I eat it as a dessert in a meal: if I… Question: If I understand correctly, when eating a chocolate chip cookie, the brocho is mezonos unless I eat the measurement of 4 beitzim and get satisfied. What if I eat it as a dessert in a meal: if I eat less than 4 beitzim can I make mezonos, or is it hamotzi (since I am already satisfied from the entire meal) and therefore I don't make a brocho? Answer: Mezonos. Sources: ידועה הקושיא היאך מברך מזונות על פהב״כ - כשהוא…Show more
Question: When saying Hallel I have adopted the Chabad minhag of repeating "Hodu lashem" (first passuk of kapitel 117) after the first 4 verses. But I recently read in a Chabad source that made me question if, when davening… Question: When saying Hallel I have adopted the Chabad minhag of repeating "Hodu lashem" (first passuk of kapitel 117) after the first 4 verses. But I recently read in a Chabad source that made me question if, when davening alone, "Hodu" should be repeated after the 1st Hodu as well, or only for the next 3 verses? Answer: Not after the verse of Hodu. Only after the following 3 verses. P.S. This isn’t an exclusive Chabad minhag. It’s practiced in many other communities too, as per the sources below. Sources: אינו חוזר אחר פסוק הודו: כמפורש בהיום יום ל'…Show more
לכתחילה ישתה בעצמו את הקידוש. ובאם אינו רוצה לשתות ישמע קידוש מאחר. כשמטעמי בריאות או נדר וכדומה אא״פ לו לשתות, ואין מי שיקדש בשבילו, עדיף להביא את הקידוש לשתות לגדול. ובאם אין גדול, מותר אף לתת לקטן שהגיע לחינוך.… לכתחילה ישתה בעצמו את הקידוש. ובאם אינו רוצה לשתות ישמע קידוש מאחר. כשמטעמי בריאות או נדר וכדומה אא״פ לו לשתות, ואין מי שיקדש בשבילו, עדיף להביא את הקידוש לשתות לגדול. ובאם אין גדול, מותר אף לתת לקטן שהגיע לחינוך. ובאופן כזה, עדיף שישתה הוא בעצמו קצת. וגם עדיף כשהשני השותה במקומו יוצא עכשיו ממנו ידי חובת קידוש. והשותה צריך לשתות כמלוא לוגמיו דהיינו רוב רביעית לאדם בינוני. ולקטן מספיק כמלוא לוגמיו דידיה. מקורות: שוע"ר סי רע"א סכ"ה וסי ערב סי"ב. והנה בשו״ע…Show more
Yes it is Muktza. One may not move objects out of boredom, unless there is an actual need. There is a disagreement if it is permitted if you are doing it for slight enjoyment or out of nervousness (or… Yes it is Muktza. One may not move objects out of boredom, unless there is an actual need. There is a disagreement if it is permitted if you are doing it for slight enjoyment or out of nervousness (or the like). Otherwise only food and books - that are allowed to be read - may be moved even without a substantial need. Sources: ובהקדם, שמצינו לענין קני לחה״פ, בבמאירי שבת קכג, ב…Show more
Question: The Rebbe writes in a letter לקו''ש חלק ז' עמוד 325 that it is permitted to comb your beard with a comb. what does the Rebbe mean by writing in another letter לקו''ש חלק ל''ב עמוד 249 that… Question: The Rebbe writes in a letter לקו''ש חלק ז' עמוד 325 that it is permitted to comb your beard with a comb. what does the Rebbe mean by writing in another letter לקו''ש חלק ל''ב עמוד 249 that it has to be a proper comb. In other words, what type of comb are you allowed to use? Is it better not to comb your beard at all or on the contrary הואיל ונפק מפומי'ה? Just to note, the Rebbe mentions in the above mentioned letter חלק ז about the כיבוד אם that will come as a result of…Show more
Question: Is wearing a belt itself sufficient as a Gartel for Davening? Why do some wear their belt on top of their jackets for davening - isn't wearing it over the pants/underneath sufficient? Answer: The belt helps to… Question: Is wearing a belt itself sufficient as a Gartel for Davening? Why do some wear their belt on top of their jackets for davening - isn't wearing it over the pants/underneath sufficient? Answer: The belt helps to make a separation between ones heart and ervah (though wearing pants close to the body would be enough, even without a belt) however, it isn’t considered the same as wearing a gartel for davening as a act of respect and honor when speaking to Hashem (הכון לקראת אלקיך ישראל). Another advantage of wearing a gartel, as it’s a special…Show more
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