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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
Question: I am packing my seforim in boxes, preparing to move. Is it ok to place the boxes directly on the floor on the same level that people are walking? Answer: You may put the boxes of seforim… Question: I am packing my seforim in boxes, preparing to move. Is it ok to place the boxes directly on the floor on the same level that people are walking? Answer: You may put the boxes of seforim on the floor. Sources: ש”ך יו”ד סי’ רפב ס”ק ח וברמ”א שם -…Show more
Would not wearing a mask in public spaces (when the law demands doing so) result in a Chillul HaShem? Yes, if a religious person would not abide by the law which would result in people speaking badly about Jews,… Would not wearing a mask in public spaces (when the law demands doing so) result in a Chillul HaShem? Yes, if a religious person would not abide by the law which would result in people speaking badly about Jews, it would be included in the prohibition of Chilul Hashem. However, in a place where the law is not adhered to even by the non Jewish residents, it wouldn’t be Chilul Hashem. What defines a Chillul HaShem? Colloquially, the term Chilul Hashem is used when referring to a behavior that denigrates Torah observant Jews in the eyes…Show more
בכמה מקומות מובא שכל הגזירות והסייגים יתבטלו לעתיד לבוא. בנוגע לתפילין שאין מניחים כל היום - הנה מעיקר הדין, מצותן שיהיו מניחים אותם כל היום ונהגו שלא להניחם מפני שאין כל אדם יכול להזהר. לעתיד לבוא לא יהיו חששות… בכמה מקומות מובא שכל הגזירות והסייגים יתבטלו לעתיד לבוא. בנוגע לתפילין שאין מניחים כל היום - הנה מעיקר הדין, מצותן שיהיו מניחים אותם כל היום ונהגו שלא להניחם מפני שאין כל אדם יכול להזהר. לעתיד לבוא לא יהיו חששות כאלו. גם מפורש בכ״מ שכל המצוות יהיו בשלימות לעתיד לבוא. ובמיוחד, בנוגע לתפילין. מראי מקומות: שו״ע ודאדה״ז לז, ב. ולכמה דעות ה״ז ביטול מ״ע כשאינו מניחם כל היום - ראה פמ״ג בא״א ב שנסתפק שהוא רק מדרבנן. וראה שו״ת בי״צ או״ח ח, ג. ישועו״י שם הובא במשנ״ב בבה״ל שם. דע״ת שם. מסכת תפילין ביאור תש״ר ע׳ צו ד״ה היוצר.…Show more
Questions: A few questions regarding the Eiruv: A) The Eiruv must be placed in a "house" that is 4x4 Amos. Does that mean it can't be kept inside a small closet (in the wall) with a door? What about… Questions: A few questions regarding the Eiruv: A) The Eiruv must be placed in a "house" that is 4x4 Amos. Does that mean it can't be kept inside a small closet (in the wall) with a door? What about inside a cabinet on the wall? Or on top of a bookshelf? B) If the family with the Eiruv goes away for Shabbos, does the key to their apartment need to be somewhere accessible in the building itself, or enough if the key is within walking distance? In the latter case, does it need to be on a Shabbos belt…Show more
1) There is Machlokes amongst the later Poskim whether this Kaddish is considered גמר תפלת י"ח. (see the quoted sources below for the context of this Machlokes). 2) In a case where there was no Minyan for Shmoneh… 1) There is Machlokes amongst the later Poskim whether this Kaddish is considered גמר תפלת י"ח. (see the quoted sources below for the context of this Machlokes). 2) In a case where there was no Minyan for Shmoneh Esreh, the usual Chatzi Kaddish & Kaddish Tiskabel should not be said. 3) Nonetheless, if one wishes to do so (and there's a Minyan present), it is appropriate (for an אבל or someone else) to say Kaddish Sholem without Tiskabel (i.e. Kaddish Yosoim) both after Tachnun and after U'vo L'tzioyn, and then continue the Kaddeshim in the…Show more
No. But you should say the following phrase before receiving the vaccine: יהי רצון שיהיה לי לרפואה ראה בארוכה בשאלה 1642: https://asktherav.com/yehi-ratzon-for-an-unwell-individual/ #12735
שאלה: האם יש קפידא אצלנו כשיש שני חיובים שוים לא לחלק התפלה לשני ש"ץ אחד עד אשרי ובא לציון והשני מאשרי וכו' אולי מצד קדיש תתקבל או טעם אחר ואולי לא ראינו אינו ראיה? מענה: אין קפידא שכזו… שאלה: האם יש קפידא אצלנו כשיש שני חיובים שוים לא לחלק התפלה לשני ש"ץ אחד עד אשרי ובא לציון והשני מאשרי וכו' אולי מצד קדיש תתקבל או טעם אחר ואולי לא ראינו אינו ראיה? מענה: אין קפידא שכזו אצלנו (ראה תורת מנחם - רשימת היומן ס"ע תיג. ובארוכה - אשכבתא דרבי ע' 54-57. ושם הביא גם מד׳ המשנ״ב קלב בבה״ל עד״ז. ובאמת מפורש כן כבר ברמ״א יו״ד שעו, ד. צוואת יש נוחלין. ועוד. וראה גם עיקרי הד״ט יו״ד אבילות וק״י יד. ובשו״ת צפע״נ א, יב ביאר לפי דרכו. וראה גם שו״ת בית אבי ה או״ח ה. שארית יוסף…Show more
Technically at any point until after shemona esrei. (He can start chazaras hashatz even though there was another chazzan who finished גאל ישראל out loud). Regarding if they switch by yishtabach: If the chazzan (or the one… Technically at any point until after shemona esrei. (He can start chazaras hashatz even though there was another chazzan who finished גאל ישראל out loud). Regarding if they switch by yishtabach: If the chazzan (or the one taking over the chazzan from pesukei dezimrah) makes a hefsek, he needs to say some pesukim of pesukei dezimrah before saying Kaddish. However, there are other options: someone else may say yishtabach out loud, and the new chazan can say kaddish. Alternatively, the original chazan can recite yishtabach and kaddish and the new chazan can begin…Show more
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