People Just Asked
The Gemora tells of a rather finicky Kohen, Yisachar Ish K’far Barka’ee, who would put on gloves before performing the avodah (holy work) in the Beis Hamikdash. Besides for this conduct being a bizayon – a disgrace – to… The Gemora tells of a rather finicky Kohen, Yisachar Ish K’far Barka’ee, who would put on gloves before performing the avodah (holy work) in the Beis Hamikdash. Besides for this conduct being a bizayon – a disgrace – to the holy karbanos (as he openly displayed his reluctance to touch the karbanos), this posed an issue of a chatzitzah as well, as no substance was allowed to intervene between the Kohen’s hand and the holy vessels. Thus, it was a chillul kodshei shamayim, a desecration to the sanctity of the holy sacrifices. (Although at times one may…Show more
...The dairy cutting board was used to cut onions a few hours earlier and the meat knife was used about 24 hours ago to cut meat. What is the status of the knife, cutting board and salad that the… ...The dairy cutting board was used to cut onions a few hours earlier and the meat knife was used about 24 hours ago to cut meat. What is the status of the knife, cutting board and salad that the olives are in? Answer: Assuming the knife and cutting board were clean, If it used for hot meat the olives are Meaty. If it was used to cut cold meat, the olives are Parve. All the utensils should be washed in cold water and are fine. Sources: שו"ע יו"ד צו, ד ובש"ך ס"ק כ שם. שם…Show more
The custom is not to buy or wear new clothes and expensive attire during the mourning period of a parent for 12 months. However, when there is great need, one can buy the attire and have someone else wear… The custom is not to buy or wear new clothes and expensive attire during the mourning period of a parent for 12 months. However, when there is great need, one can buy the attire and have someone else wear it two or three days first, so it is no longer considered "brand new". If you need “basic” attire such as undergarments, or clothing which is completely casual and worn only during the weekday, (i.e. too casual to wear on Shabbos or to any formal occasion or Simcha,) these may be purchased and worn straight away. Sources: הגהת הרמ"א בשו"ע יו"ד סי' שפ"ט סעי' ג: "בגדים…Show more
Question: I heard that we cannot use the hot drinking water that was used during Shabbos, again after Shabbos, and after Shabbos we need to use fresh water. I didnt hear the reason why. Is this a minhag or… Question: I heard that we cannot use the hot drinking water that was used during Shabbos, again after Shabbos, and after Shabbos we need to use fresh water. I didnt hear the reason why. Is this a minhag or has some basis? Answer: There is a custom recorded in Shulchan Aruch to draw water from a well or natural spring on Motzei Shabbos, because the Well of Miriam is found in them at that time, and drinking from the Well of Miriam cures a person from his/her diseases (see Sicha of the Rebbe quoted below). Based on this…Show more
You can easily search for a letter with your browser's built in search. Press Ctrl+F (Windows) or ⌘ Command+F (Mac). This command can also be found in the Edit menu in Internet Explorer, or in the ☰ menu in… You can easily search for a letter with your browser's built in search. Press Ctrl+F (Windows) or ⌘ Command+F (Mac). This command can also be found in the Edit menu in Internet Explorer, or in the ☰ menu in Chrome and Firefox, in a mobile phone, the Find command is usually in the browser’s menu, usually called “Find in Page”. 5784: Isru Chag Sukkos: War in Eretz Yisroel. Hebrew • Free translation 25 Cheshvon: Washington Rally for Eretz Yisroel. English 5782: Erev Sukkos: Eiruv in Crown Heights. Hebrew 5781: 28 Elul: Hebrew • Free translation 23…Show more
If I cooked pasta, then drained the water, then put cottage cheese and tomato sauce and warmed it up in a pot, is there a question of Hamotzei? Answer: No, as it is in liquid. פשוט כיון… If I cooked pasta, then drained the water, then put cottage cheese and tomato sauce and warmed it up in a pot, is there a question of Hamotzei? Answer: No, as it is in liquid. פשוט כיון שניתן לטעם ולא שלא ישרף. וגם יש לחלוחית בפנים. ובדרך דוגמא - ראה אדה״ז תנא, לו. #10475Show more
Sushi consists of rice and fish; there are many types of sushi, but for this discussion we will address only one type, nigiri, which consists of fish and vinegared rice. There is a machlokes (difference of opinion) among poskim… Sushi consists of rice and fish; there are many types of sushi, but for this discussion we will address only one type, nigiri, which consists of fish and vinegared rice. There is a machlokes (difference of opinion) among poskim regarding which brachah should be made on rice. In the Gemara, it says that we should make a Mezonos on orez (rice), although the after-blessing is Borei Nefashos. However, it is questionable whether what we call rice today is the orez referred to in the Gemara. There are those who say that yes, it is, and therefore we should make…Show more
I teach multiple high school classes to one group in a day. At the beginning of each class, they stand, as is standard. If I teach the more than once a day, should they not stand in the beginning… I teach multiple high school classes to one group in a day. At the beginning of each class, they stand, as is standard. If I teach the more than once a day, should they not stand in the beginning of a second or third class? Answer: One is required to stand up for their teacher only twice a day, unless one is in the presence of others that do not know that the individual has already stood up (due to Maris Ayin). Of course the teacher may be ”mochel” on their honor and establish different Sources: ראה רמ"א יו"ד רמב, טז. והנה בשו"ע סי' רמד,…Show more
If you missed lighting Shabbos candles one week, you should light one extra candle at least one time. Sources: באופן שכבר הדליקו בבית נרות ממש, כיון שאינה מחוייבת…
We have been using the regular bamboo poles for our sukkah. Each year, we are given the suggestion to use the mats which seem to be more convenient. As we expand our sukkah and we need to replace some… We have been using the regular bamboo poles for our sukkah. Each year, we are given the suggestion to use the mats which seem to be more convenient. As we expand our sukkah and we need to replace some of the bamboo poles, we are wondering if the mats are just as mehudar as the bamboo poles? If yes, is there a specific mat or a specific hashgacha that we should look for? Answer: The concept of using a mat as Schach is actually brought down in Shulchan Aruch (although this mat wasn't made specially for the Sukkah).…Show more
Yes, Shofar will be blown in the Beis Hamikdash Hashlishi (in Yavneh) or in any place with a Sanhedrin. From some sources it seems that it will be blown in all places as all Gezeiros will be cancelled. Whether… Yes, Shofar will be blown in the Beis Hamikdash Hashlishi (in Yavneh) or in any place with a Sanhedrin. From some sources it seems that it will be blown in all places as all Gezeiros will be cancelled. Whether we would have one or two days would depend when the witnesses for Kidush Hachodesh arrive. Sources: ראה מסכת ר"ה ריש פ"ד. שבגאולה האמיתית והשלימה, בביהמ"ק…Show more
It doesn't do anything on Shabbos, as I would not be saying her name. (It only "wakes up" when you say the wake-up word, namely "alexa". Otherwise it doesn't do anything). I'm just not sure if it's "listening" the… It doesn't do anything on Shabbos, as I would not be saying her name. (It only "wakes up" when you say the wake-up word, namely "alexa". Otherwise it doesn't do anything). I'm just not sure if it's "listening" the whole time... Answer: Should be shut off. וראה בארוכה בתחומין חוברת מ. #10758Show more
Is there any Inyan to remove these stickers before using them for the Mitzvah on Rosh Hashanah? Is there a concern of damaging the Shofar by removing it? Answer: It's a good idea to remove the sticker so… Is there any Inyan to remove these stickers before using them for the Mitzvah on Rosh Hashanah? Is there a concern of damaging the Shofar by removing it? Answer: It's a good idea to remove the sticker so in case it cracks under the sticker you will notice it. Additionally, there could be a concern that the sticker could affect the sound of the shofar. ראה שו״ת שבט הקהתי ד, קס. #5524Show more
My father received a shofar from a non Jewish friend of his. The shofar had been used by this man during his prayer ceremonies with his congregation. Is the shofar allowed to be used by us or would it… My father received a shofar from a non Jewish friend of his. The shofar had been used by this man during his prayer ceremonies with his congregation. Is the shofar allowed to be used by us or would it be considered "treif" from being used for non Jewish praying previously? Also, are we allowed to keep it in the house since it was used in this way? Answer: The Shofar should not be used. While strictly speaking it should be destroyed, there’s room to be lenient and not destroy it. ר״ה כח, א ובפירש״י. שו"ע או"ח תקפו,…Show more
I see many articles about Covid & Shofar blowing, many people are suggesting to put a mask over the end of the Shofar. From what I understand from the Alter Rebbe's Shulchan Oruch, anything attached to either end would… I see many articles about Covid & Shofar blowing, many people are suggesting to put a mask over the end of the Shofar. From what I understand from the Alter Rebbe's Shulchan Oruch, anything attached to either end would make the blowing on Rosh Hashana pasul. My question is: 1. Is it a kosher Shofar blowing on Rosh Hashanah with a mask or cover on the end of the shofar? 2. If I were to blow in one room & the people listening would be in an adjacent room or behind a partition, is it a problem that…Show more
If you would not walk in the house without these supports, then you may go out with these. Sources: והרי גם בכסא גלגלים יש מקילים. וכש״כ בזה שאינו…
Shehakol. סבה"נ ז, כב - כד. #10917
Initially, Selichos is to be recited early in the morning (In a written reply to Rabbi SZ Gurary OBM, the Rebbe decried the practice of those who “recite selichos soon after the latest time for reciting Shema.”). After the… Initially, Selichos is to be recited early in the morning (In a written reply to Rabbi SZ Gurary OBM, the Rebbe decried the practice of those who “recite selichos soon after the latest time for reciting Shema.”). After the fact, it can be recited before Mincha. שו"ת יחו"ד ח"א סי' מו. #11052Show more
Question: In shul this past Shabbos (Ki-Seitzei) the one reading the Haftorah read עניה סערה instead of רני and completed the after brachos with no one stopping him. It was then that the mistake was realized. What should we… Question: In shul this past Shabbos (Ki-Seitzei) the one reading the Haftorah read עניה סערה instead of רני and completed the after brachos with no one stopping him. It was then that the mistake was realized. What should we have done? Read again with Brachos? Read רני without Brachos? Or just go on with mussaf since it is at least related to שבעה דנחמתא although it was already read two weeks prior? Answer: Read it without the Brachos. If this didn’t happen: Ideally, it should be read next week as follows: After the reading of רני עקרה, skip…Show more
מכתב ערב ראש חודש אלול קורונה
Question: In the current situation where so many peulos of shlichus happen over zoom and over the phone. For example I give a Tanya Shiur over the phone every morning. Is there an inyan to blow shofar -now in… Question: In the current situation where so many peulos of shlichus happen over zoom and over the phone. For example I give a Tanya Shiur over the phone every morning. Is there an inyan to blow shofar -now in Chodesh Elul- to be mezake Yidden that definitely won’t hear it otherwise? Since there’s no yetziyas yedey chov over here. It’s only a minhag to be meorer people, perhaps it’s a proper thing to do as part of my call? And kemuvan I can make a disclaimer before and after that it’s not the real thing.. Answer: In the…Show more
שאלה: שאלנו באתר בנוגע מקרה של חמץ שעבר עליו הפסח והרב התיר. כעת נודע לנו שא׳ התלמידים שאל אצל הרב כאן ואסר. מה לעשות? אבהיר שהרב הראשון לא שמע כל הפרטים כשאסר. תשובה: לפענ״ד אין כאן בית מיחוש… שאלה: שאלנו באתר בנוגע מקרה של חמץ שעבר עליו הפסח והרב התיר. כעת נודע לנו שא׳ התלמידים שאל אצל הרב כאן ואסר. מה לעשות? אבהיר שהרב הראשון לא שמע כל הפרטים כשאסר. תשובה: לפענ״ד אין כאן בית מיחוש כלל. ואבאר: לרוה״פ אין האיסור על השואל ורק על החכם, ול״ש בנדו״ז שהחכם השני לא ידע. וגם השואל לא ידע על הוראת הראשון. (וראה מזה בזכרון אלימלך דלקמן סי׳ יד בסופו. שם סי׳ יז). וכש״כ ועיקר בעניננו, כשלא שמע הראשון פרטי המאורע, ראה גם מהרש״ם אה״ע יז בכעי״ז. וראה חוט שני נדה ע׳ קא אות יח שכשנתברר לשואל שיש עוד…Show more
It seems to say in Shulchan Aruch (288:9) that one may not say mi shebeirach for sick people on Shabbos unless seriously ill? Should I stop saying mi shebeirach for those who are not בסכנה בו ביום? I know… It seems to say in Shulchan Aruch (288:9) that one may not say mi shebeirach for sick people on Shabbos unless seriously ill? Should I stop saying mi shebeirach for those who are not בסכנה בו ביום? I know Chabad nusach on Shabbos is slightly shorter. But if I understood the Shulchan Aruch properly it seems to say not to request rachamim on Shabbos at all unless it is an immediate danger. According to my understanding, perhaps we should not mention a name at all unless the person is in immediate danger? Answer: There are a number of…Show more
I do not like to cook soup or Cholent on summer Shabbosos and neither eating them because it makes me hot and I do not get pleasure to eat them on a summer day. I was told that I… I do not like to cook soup or Cholent on summer Shabbosos and neither eating them because it makes me hot and I do not get pleasure to eat them on a summer day. I was told that I must have something hot on Shabbos, if not the above, then hot tea... which again I do not drink or enjoy on a summer day. Is it an obligation to have something hot on Shabbos, or is it fine that I am not having any and neither anyone in my family? (because I am not cooking it for them either…Show more
Avocado: When it is hard one should not mash it, but one may slice into slightly large pieces, or mash it with a shinui, but only right before eating. There are those who are lenient to mash in… Avocado: When it is hard one should not mash it, but one may slice into slightly large pieces, or mash it with a shinui, but only right before eating. There are those who are lenient to mash in the regular manner with a fork (not with a masher) right before eating. If it is very soft, enough that if you take a piece the rest won't drag along, you may mash it in the regular manner (as done during the week) as long you don't use a masher. Eggs: Regarding the eggs, you may mash regularly…Show more
Have a Halachic Question?
Submit your question and receive an answer shortly.
Submit A Question
