Database

Browse all questions and answers

Teddly

People Just Asked

  Although one may not plant certain types of Kilayim, one may eat them. In fact many of the common fruits in America are originally Kilayim. If this is the first time you are eating it, there is a Machlokes…  Although one may not plant certain types of Kilayim, one may eat them. In fact many of the common fruits in America are originally Kilayim. If this is the first time you are eating it, there is a Machlokes regarding making Shehechiyanu on such a fruit. Therefore one should eat it with another fruit on which one will say Shehechiyanu. If not possible, Shehechiyanu should still be said.   Sources: שו"ע יו"ד רצה, ז: "אסור לקיים המורכב כלאים אבל…Show more
  There is a debate among poskim whether the brachah of Shehecheyanu, which is said before eating a new fruit, may be said if the fruit is a murkav, grown on a tree that is kilayim (one that was…  There is a debate among poskim whether the brachah of Shehecheyanu, which is said before eating a new fruit, may be said if the fruit is a murkav, grown on a tree that is kilayim (one that was grafted with another species), since grafting trees is not permissible according to halachah. Many citrus fruits come from trees that were originally grafted. However, for a number of reasons the prevailing custom is to make a Shehecheyanu: Perhaps the tree was grafted in a permissible manner. It is likely that the tree was grafted by a non-Jew, and according…Show more
  Question: Is it permissible L'Chatchila to place before Shabbos a Challah or a Siddur on the tray on which the Shabbos candles are resting, so that after the candles go out I'll be allowed to move the tray?  …  Question: Is it permissible L'Chatchila to place before Shabbos a Challah or a Siddur on the tray on which the Shabbos candles are resting, so that after the candles go out I'll be allowed to move the tray?   Answer: If the tray is used and designated only for the Shabbos Candles, then it is subject to debate if it’s permissible to move it even if you put a Siddur on the tray before Shabbos. You may move it off the table with your elbows or the back of your hand.   Sources: עיין שו"ע סימן רע"ט סעיף ג מחלוקת באם מותר…Show more
  Yes, you would be able to use it on Shabbos and Yom Tov as long as that it doesn't activate any lights or sensors. However, doing this would require you to make a Eruv Chatzeiros to permit carrying to…  Yes, you would be able to use it on Shabbos and Yom Tov as long as that it doesn't activate any lights or sensors. However, doing this would require you to make a Eruv Chatzeiros to permit carrying to and from the Sukkah on Shabbos (unless there is a Eruv already in place in your area). The Sukkah must be parked in a spot which you have permission to park and in a location that will not inflict damage upon your neighbors — by blocking their windows, for example. Furthermore, the Sukkah must be constructed in a location and…Show more
  Question: We didn't take our Sukkah walls down this year (at first it was just delayed, then we decided there was no need), and I wanted to know if the entrance way requires a Mezuzah. The Sukkah is made…  Question: We didn't take our Sukkah walls down this year (at first it was just delayed, then we decided there was no need), and I wanted to know if the entrance way requires a Mezuzah. The Sukkah is made up of the walls of our house, garage (including the door to the garage), a wall between our backyard and our neighbors, and the added Sukkah panels to enclose the area. There are also horizontal and vertical wooden beams to create a frame (including one across the entrance).   Answer: If there are 4 connected walls and the intent is…Show more

Bent wall (dofen akuma) by a Sukkah

  This overhang from the wall of the house is on a higher level than the Sukkah. I am aware of dofen akuma in this case and the over hang isn’t more than 4 Amos over Sukkah. But does that…  This overhang from the wall of the house is on a higher level than the Sukkah. I am aware of dofen akuma in this case and the over hang isn’t more than 4 Amos over Sukkah. But does that require us to completely cover the entire area directly under the over hang (I.e. posul scach) or we can leave it as is?     Answer: If you need this wall - there are no three walls without it - the area under the overhang should be covered with either kosher schach or other material.   Sources: ראה ב״ח תרלב, ב. מג״א שם ב. שו״ת פנים…Show more
  שאלה: במקרה ששכחו להפריש חלה בערב שבת ונזכרו בשבת שחלה לא הופרדה. השאירו אחת החלות השלמות על מנת להפריש חלה במוצ"ש. האם במקרה כזה מפרישים חלה למפרע עם ברכה או לא? האם יש פרטים מיוחדים נוספים במקרה כזה שצריכים…  שאלה: במקרה ששכחו להפריש חלה בערב שבת ונזכרו בשבת שחלה לא הופרדה. השאירו אחת החלות השלמות על מנת להפריש חלה במוצ"ש. האם במקרה כזה מפרישים חלה למפרע עם ברכה או לא? האם יש פרטים מיוחדים נוספים במקרה כזה שצריכים לדעת?   תשובה: דין זה שאוכל והולך ואח״כ מפריש דהיינו שמשאיר קצת בסוף אכילתו, הוא רק בחלת חוץ לארץ שעיקרו מדרבנן. ואינו צריך להשאיר שלימה דוקא, אלא אפילו פרוסה, אבל בגודל שיוכל להפריש ממנה ולהשאיר חלק. ומפרישים בברכה.   מקורות וציונים: שו"ע יו"ד שכג. ובנוגע לברכה: הנה לדידן שצריך להשאיר מקצת שיהיו שייריה ניכרין וכפסק הרמ"א שם, ליכא לספוקי שמברך…Show more
  The Rebbe asked this question several times but left it unresolved. At times, the Rebbe “tilted” towards one direction, sometimes to say it only once and sometimes twice, but ultimately there’s no definite resolution.   Sources: See Sefer HaSichos 5750 (vol. 2, p. 681, fn.…
  Regarding Negel Vasser: He should wash the other hand and whatever possible on the wounded hand (at least the fingers if possible). חמור נטילה זו מנטילה לסעודה, וכדברי אדה"ז בסידורו שאין רוח הטומאה עוברת לגמרי מכל וכל עד…  Regarding Negel Vasser: He should wash the other hand and whatever possible on the wounded hand (at least the fingers if possible). חמור נטילה זו מנטילה לסעודה, וכדברי אדה"ז בסידורו שאין רוח הטומאה עוברת לגמרי מכל וכל עד שיטול וכו'. אך מכ"מ נטילה למקצת מהני למקצת. וראה קצוה"ש בבדה"ש ב, סקי"א. ממלכת כהנים סימן יט. וכ"כ בשו"ת מנחת אהרן ח"א, יט. לקט הקמח החדש סק"ב בשם א"א מבוטשאטש.   After the bathroom Just wash whatever possible. שו"ע אדה"ז ד, יח.   Regarding Washing for Hamoitzi: He can wash the other hand and keep the wounded hand wrapped…Show more
  I am considering accepting a Chazzanus job by a Shliach, but he explained to me that since a lot of his baalei-batim come just for Yizkor, he would like me to lead that service. I told him that BH  I am considering accepting a Chazzanus job by a Shliach, but he explained to me that since a lot of his baalei-batim come just for Yizkor, he would like me to lead that service. I told him that BH my parents are alive and well and I am not comfortable with this. After some back and forth I told him that I’ll ask a Rav.   Answer: One who Boruch Hashem has both parents living should not even be in the Shul during Yizkor, and should definitely not recite Yizkor (obviously sometimes a Shliach has no choice and needs…Show more
  No.   Sources: חיי״א קמח, י. זכר יהוסף או״ח רכז. שד״ח ד…

Article: Glove-free Mitzvos

  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

Water after Shabbos

  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

Archive of Badatz Letters

  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  23Show more

Bracha on Pasta in Sauce

  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

Article: The Brachah on Sushi 

  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

Standing for teacher multiple times

  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

Can I leave Alexa on over Shabbos?

  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
  Question: 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…  Question: 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…Show more

Have a Halachic Question?

Submit your question and receive an answer shortly.

Submit A Question