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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
The Bracha on pancakes is Mezonos. However, if one is eating to their full, even if the satiation comes from other foods eaten together with the pancakes, or if eating the shiur (volume) of 6 ביצים or more, even… The Bracha on pancakes is Mezonos. However, if one is eating to their full, even if the satiation comes from other foods eaten together with the pancakes, or if eating the shiur (volume) of 6 ביצים or more, even if not full, one should make sure to wash first on a slice of bread, make on it hamotzi, and recite afterwards the regular ברכת המזון. Sources: סדר ברכת הנהנין פרק ב הלכה ב, ו, ז.…Show more
Perhaps this is due to the opinion that Barchu cannot be recited without a Bracha afterwards. See also here: https://asktherav.com/6749-minhag-chabad-regarding-pores-al-shema/ Sources: ראה בריטב״א הל׳ ברכות ו, א ובחי׳ ריטב״א מגילה כג,…
The common use of any putty involves the Melacha of Memachek (smearing), thus rendering it Muktzah. Sources: ראה שו"ע אדה"ז שיד, כא. שו"ת שבה"ל ח"ט סימן…
Not all pop-up Sukkahs are made the same. Here are some important points to be aware of when planning to use one: In general, it is inadvisable to use canvas for any of the walls, even if it is… Not all pop-up Sukkahs are made the same. Here are some important points to be aware of when planning to use one: In general, it is inadvisable to use canvas for any of the walls, even if it is firmly secured, because its center sometimes moves back and forth in the wind even when tied, and the ropes sometimes loosen without anyone noticing; in these cases, the Sukkah walls are no longer considered to be as sturdy as required by Halacha. Someone who wishes to create a Sukkah using flexible materials would do best to place bamboo sticks or…Show more
Question: I heard that we don’t sleep with shoes under the bed. Is it a superstition or written in a Sefer? Because I know people that keep all their shoes under their bed Answer: There’s no problem with… Question: I heard that we don’t sleep with shoes under the bed. Is it a superstition or written in a Sefer? Because I know people that keep all their shoes under their bed Answer: There’s no problem with it whatsoever. On the contrary, the Gemara tells us that Torah scholars keep their shoes under their bed. Some are nonetheless particular about the matter, but there is no such requirement. Sources: ראה ב״ב נח, רע״א. רש״י סוכה כא, ב ד״ה…Show more
One should stand at least to the Sheva Brachos, known as Birchos Nisu’in. Some Poskim specify to stand also for Birchas Eirusin. Nonetheless, the common custom is to be lenient. One proposed justification is the fact… One should stand at least to the Sheva Brachos, known as Birchos Nisu’in. Some Poskim specify to stand also for Birchas Eirusin. Nonetheless, the common custom is to be lenient. One proposed justification is the fact that those sitting are not under the actual Chupa, thus they are considered to be in a separate area and permitted to sit. A scrupulous individual should still be stringent in accordance with a simple understanding of the Halacha. Sources: טעמי המנהג: לכבוד החו״כ העומדים, וחתן דומה למלך; מחמת…Show more
The Torah teaches us that a woman should not dress like a man (and vice-versa). This prohibition includes any clothing, accessories, and even cosmetic effects that are standard for the opposite gender. Thus a woman may not shave her… The Torah teaches us that a woman should not dress like a man (and vice-versa). This prohibition includes any clothing, accessories, and even cosmetic effects that are standard for the opposite gender. Thus a woman may not shave her head, as men often do. שו"ע יו"ד קפב, ה. #10585Show more
One could remove the hair from the nose when it's causing discomfort. Sources: שו״ע יו"ד קפב, א. ועוד דלא ליפוי מכוין -…
Question: The Rebbe said that Jewish children should have a letter bought for them in a children's Sefer Torah. Because we cannot all afford to write a Sefer Torah, adults should also have a letter in a Sefer Torah.… Question: The Rebbe said that Jewish children should have a letter bought for them in a children's Sefer Torah. Because we cannot all afford to write a Sefer Torah, adults should also have a letter in a Sefer Torah. So if a child had a letter bought for himself or herself, should he or she buy another letter themselves in a Sefer Torah when turning Bar or Bas Mitzva? Answer: While is is not necessarily a Halachic requirement, the Rebbe did mention a few times that it is appropriate to purchase a letter even in more than one…Show more
Some have a custom that one who has not been by their parent's grave for over 7 years should not visit anymore. The original source is a quote in the name of Reb Sholem the tzadik of Belz. The… Some have a custom that one who has not been by their parent's grave for over 7 years should not visit anymore. The original source is a quote in the name of Reb Sholem the tzadik of Belz. The explanation given is that there is a concern that the visit may be offensive in such a case as the parent can be upset that the child has not visited for so long. Some say the concern applies only if ten years passed. However, the accepted position is that it’s not really an issue, but nonetheless, many people are accustomed…Show more
If it will cause even the slightest embarrassing or insulting of another person, it is absolutely forbidden. #10574
שאלה: האם הליכה למלון ללילה כדי "לצאת קצת מחוץ לעיר" ולהסתובב בפארק קצת וכדומה מותרים? ואם אפשר לתת קצת יותר הגדרה לסוג טיולים האסורים והמותרים אהיה אסיר תודה. תשובה: סוגי טיול המותרים ואסורים: אין איסור לטייל ברגל, ומותר… שאלה: האם הליכה למלון ללילה כדי "לצאת קצת מחוץ לעיר" ולהסתובב בפארק קצת וכדומה מותרים? ואם אפשר לתת קצת יותר הגדרה לסוג טיולים האסורים והמותרים אהיה אסיר תודה. תשובה: סוגי טיול המותרים ואסורים: אין איסור לטייל ברגל, ומותר ללכת לפארק וכדומה. והמחמיר קדוש יאמר לו. ואם הוא במקום מבודד ומיוחד ונעשה מתוך חיבה יתירה וגורם הרהור - אסור. לטייל באוטו או ספינה לשם טיול אסור, אבל אם המטרה ללכת למקום מסויים מותר, ובלבד שלא יגעו זה בזה. מותר ללכת למלון, אבל כמובן שצריכים להקפיד על כל שאר ההרחקות. #10564Show more
Women may go to sleep with socks for Tznius purposes. See here regarding woman exposing their feet while they are alone: https://asktherav.com/may-a-woman-walk-around-the-house-without-socks-on-if-there-are-no-men-around/#.XRV6Qq-l1A0.link Sources: שלא לישון באנפלאות - ראה במ"מ כאן: https://asktherav.com/in-shulchan-aruch-it-mentions-that-one-is-obligated-to-wear-socks-for-tznius-and-that-one-must-take-off-and-put-back-on-their-socks-while-under-the-blanket-is-this-applicable-these-days-also/ ולהעיר…
Any Yid that was (or R”L still is) Mechalel Shabbos ‘in private’, may cook food for another on any weekday. This is so long their actions remain private and does not become public knowledge nor is the individual doing… Any Yid that was (or R”L still is) Mechalel Shabbos ‘in private’, may cook food for another on any weekday. This is so long their actions remain private and does not become public knowledge nor is the individual doing it with the knowledge that it will become public. Their cooked food is permissible to eat, as long it is not cooked on Shabbos and it is Kosher food. Sources: טושו"ע או"ח סי' שפ"ה סעי' ג: "אם אינו מחללו…Show more
Such a purchase is not recommended and potentially problematic halachically. However if there is a real need, like to help your children relax and fall asleep, and there’s no other way to accomplish this, there is room to rely… Such a purchase is not recommended and potentially problematic halachically. However if there is a real need, like to help your children relax and fall asleep, and there’s no other way to accomplish this, there is room to rely on the lenient opinions, provided that it does not project a three dimensional image. Sources: ראה שו״ע יו״ד קמ"א, סעי' ד' וט"ז סקי"ג ונקוה"כ…Show more
I have an hour walk to the Mikvah Friday night. So we want to hire a babysitter so my husband can walk with me. How can we pay her for this "work" done on Shabbos? One may not… I have an hour walk to the Mikvah Friday night. So we want to hire a babysitter so my husband can walk with me. How can we pay her for this "work" done on Shabbos? One may not accept schar Shabbos (payment for work done on Shabbos). Even though one is being paid after Shabbos, it is nevertheless forbidden since the work is being done on Shabbos. Accepting payment for babysitting on Shabbos falls under the category of schar Shabbos. However, schar Shabbos behavla’ah (when “absorbed” with other payment) is permissible, but only if all of the…Show more
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