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אף שמנהג זה יסודתו בהררי קודש ונתפשט בתפוצות ישראל, ולא רק אצל חסידים, ונהגו בו מדורי דורות, כידוע ומפורסם, ומילא מובן גם שיש לחנך הילדים לקיים המנהג - מעולם לא שמענו שצריך למחות בכגון דא. וישתמש בכח וכושר המחאה… אף שמנהג זה יסודתו בהררי קודש ונתפשט בתפוצות ישראל, ולא רק אצל חסידים, ונהגו בו מדורי דורות, כידוע ומפורסם, ומילא מובן גם שיש לחנך הילדים לקיים המנהג - מעולם לא שמענו שצריך למחות בכגון דא. וישתמש בכח וכושר המחאה לדברים אחרים. ובפרט במי שאצלו לא נהגו במנהג זה (שהרי ידוע שבכמה קהילות לא נתפשט המנהג. וראה אג״ק חי״ג ע׳ קיט). ולהעיר מהסיפור באג״ק ח"ז ע׳ קסא, וכ״ה בתורת מנחם רשימת היומן ע׳ שסה: ידוע הסיפור מה ששמענו מכ"ק מו"ח אדמו"ר, שפעם בליל ניטל, נכנס אחד לכ"ק הצמח צדק ומצאו לומד, ושאלו: רבינו, הלוא ניטל היום, וענהו הצ״צ: פתח [פעטאח]!…Show more
פשוט וברור אצלי שאין שום הבדל בתוכן הלימוד, וגם עניני ניטל בכלל, שהרי כל שלימודו הוא בגדר תורה נהגו לא ללמוד בלילה זה. וכ״ה לכל הטעמים שנאמרו במנהג זה (מחשש סכ״נ, בכדי שילכו לישון, וכיו״ב), שעיקר הענין שלא ילמוד… פשוט וברור אצלי שאין שום הבדל בתוכן הלימוד, וגם עניני ניטל בכלל, שהרי כל שלימודו הוא בגדר תורה נהגו לא ללמוד בלילה זה. וכ״ה לכל הטעמים שנאמרו במנהג זה (מחשש סכ״נ, בכדי שילכו לישון, וכיו״ב), שעיקר הענין שלא ילמוד תורה. וסתמו כפירושו - שלא נחתו לחלק. וכש״כ להטעם הפנימי שהוא בכדי שלא להוסיף חיות בו ובההולכים בשיטתו. (ואינו דומה כלל לעניני אבילות לאבל וכדומה, שאינו גורם שמחה). וגם אם הימצא תימצא באיזהו מקומן שנזכר טעם מחודש, ושלפי טעם זה מקום לחלק בחילוק דקה מן הדקה שבעניני ניטל אין מקום למנהג הנ״ל - פשוט שהעיקר המנהג עצמו, והטעמים שנאמרו -…Show more
Question: I know the minhag of many is not to make kiddush between six and seven. This was what I remember my custom in my parents' home. My question is, sometime this leads to stress in the house either… Question: I know the minhag of many is not to make kiddush between six and seven. This was what I remember my custom in my parents' home. My question is, sometime this leads to stress in the house either rushing through Sholom Aleichem to get on time and rushing from shul home. On the other hand, we have a house of young children at home and waiting till seven can lead to chaos sometimes. Kids are impatient and hungry. In addition, we have guests, and this can add pressure. Is there room to be maikel on this custom? …Show more
In Shulchan Oruch, bringing in Shabbos early is regarded as a noble practice. Nevertheless, in 770, Shabbos was never brought in early, and it is common practice in Chabad not to bring Shabbos in early. [It is told that… In Shulchan Oruch, bringing in Shabbos early is regarded as a noble practice. Nevertheless, in 770, Shabbos was never brought in early, and it is common practice in Chabad not to bring Shabbos in early. [It is told that Tzach once suggested that the Pegishos bring in Shabbos early to make it easier for the students who were tired and not accustomed to a late Friday night schedule. However, the Rebbe responded something to the effect that to bring in Shabbos early is not Minhag Chabad.] Possible suggested reasons for this practice: 1. The Alter Rebbe writes (in…Show more
תשובה: חנוכיה כזו כשרה לכתחילה. ועם כל זה, יש מהדרין שלא להדליק בחנוכיה כזו, משום מצוה מן המובחר. מקורות: ברמ״א תרעא, ד: יש ליזהר להעמיד הנרות בשורה בשוה…
If the salt is fully dried, then yes, provided that the grains of salt are not all very fine (like table salt) nor very big (too big to adhere well to the meat). Generally sea salt is the… If the salt is fully dried, then yes, provided that the grains of salt are not all very fine (like table salt) nor very big (too big to adhere well to the meat). Generally sea salt is the preferred size (even though there are finer grains mixed in with the larger ones). Sea salt is actually the preferred koshering salt of most kashrus agencies. ראה שו"ע יו"ד סי' ס"ט ובנו"כ שם ועוד. #12316Show more
Question: I received a message on my WhatsApp from... explaining why the COVID vaccine is not to be used. I am definitely hesitant about taking it. I am curious to know what the Halacha is regarding this vaccination. … Question: I received a message on my WhatsApp from... explaining why the COVID vaccine is not to be used. I am definitely hesitant about taking it. I am curious to know what the Halacha is regarding this vaccination. Answer: I’ll wait to hear what our doctors will tell us before forming an opinion on this matter. I cannot give a final conclusive opinion without doing proper due research. For a general analysis (in Hebrew) on the matter of vaccination according to halacha, including the COVID vaccine, see the attached document. See also here: https://traditiononline.org/halakha-approaches-the-covid-19-vaccine/ For more about vaccinations,…Show more
Generally, you may leave it on throughout Shabbos, as it is well known that it runs automatically. If it's activated by a motion sensor, it should be turned off. If it also plays videos, it should be turned off.… Generally, you may leave it on throughout Shabbos, as it is well known that it runs automatically. If it's activated by a motion sensor, it should be turned off. If it also plays videos, it should be turned off. #12359Show more
One should preferably not use the same stove top for both milk and meat at the same time. The same grates should not be used even if not at the same time. If this is not possible, then some… One should preferably not use the same stove top for both milk and meat at the same time. The same grates should not be used even if not at the same time. If this is not possible, then some are lenient to use the same grates for both milchig and Fleishig dishes, with the following conditions: The grates are not used to cook Milchigs and Fleishigs simultaneously. Before using the stove top make sure it is clean (from any Milchigs or Fleishigs that might have spilled). Halacha2go.com #425: Separate Grates for Dairy and Meat For pareve dishes, one may…Show more
Regarding a dog specifically - please see Halacha2go.com article #88. There is no halachic prohibition regarding owning other animals (except pigs and dogs), although one would need to learn the laws of caring for them (food, Shabbos etc.). In… Regarding a dog specifically - please see Halacha2go.com article #88. There is no halachic prohibition regarding owning other animals (except pigs and dogs), although one would need to learn the laws of caring for them (food, Shabbos etc.). In general, we are discouraged from looking even at pictures of non-kosher animals, as the negative traits they posses have an effect on us - especially children. For more on this topic see: The Rebbe's Sicha: (Yiddish) Likkutei Sichos vol. 25 pg 309. (Lashon Hakosdesh) Toras Menachem 5744 vol. 1 pg. 487. (English) here See also the some of the…Show more
ת. חייבים להדליק בברכה בבית מלון. מקורות: שוע”ר סי’ רסג ס”ט כשאינו אצל אשתו אינו נפטר…
It is permitted. This is because it doesn't have real resemblance to a person and it won't last for a long time. It should be noted however that there are those who are stringent unless it doesn’t have a… It is permitted. This is because it doesn't have real resemblance to a person and it won't last for a long time. It should be noted however that there are those who are stringent unless it doesn’t have a full body image. Sources: ע״פ מהרי״ט יו״ד לה שכתב להדיא להתיר בנעשה דרך…Show more
Question: Is a legitimate form of separating Ma'aser marking down in a document how much of your money is Ma'aser? There would be no concern of the money being mixed up, it’s organized. Just wondering if the money has… Question: Is a legitimate form of separating Ma'aser marking down in a document how much of your money is Ma'aser? There would be no concern of the money being mixed up, it’s organized. Just wondering if the money has to be actually separated. Answer: Yes it is, because it has been "separated" from the rest of the money. However, there is advantage in actually giving the money right away, or at least physically separating the money into an envelope etc. Regardless, one should not delay the actual giving for too long (some say at least once a year…Show more
When to Make a Brachah on Remaining Secondary Food? When eating a mixture of two or more foods, the brachah is usually made on the ikar (primary food) and not on the tafel (secondary one). For example, when eating… When to Make a Brachah on Remaining Secondary Food? When eating a mixture of two or more foods, the brachah is usually made on the ikar (primary food) and not on the tafel (secondary one). For example, when eating fries with ketchup, a brachah is made on the fries, but not on the ketchup. What is the halachah if some of the tafel is left over after the ikar has been eaten? It depends on whether the ikar and tafel are considered one unit: If the items were cooked or baked together, or if when they were being prepared…Show more
When two or more types of solid foods are mixed, the halacha is to make the Bracha only on the ikar, the food of primary importance, and that Bracha also covers the tofel, the secondary food. For… When two or more types of solid foods are mixed, the halacha is to make the Bracha only on the ikar, the food of primary importance, and that Bracha also covers the tofel, the secondary food. For example, one does not make a Bracha on spices, since they serve a secondary purpose, as they are used to enhance the flavor of the food. When two or more foods are combined and it is difficult to ascertain which is the primary ingredient, we make the Bracha on the roiv, on the food that is in the…Show more
You make the Bracha of the primary ingredient or the one which is the majority. Usually the chicken is the primary ingredient or the majority, and thus the Bracha would be shahakol. (If the vegetables are the primary… You make the Bracha of the primary ingredient or the one which is the majority. Usually the chicken is the primary ingredient or the majority, and thus the Bracha would be shahakol. (If the vegetables are the primary ingredient or the majority, some say the chicken still requires it own Bracha, as chicken cannot become secondary. To avoid this issue, one should in this case make a shehakol on another food). תלוי בהבנת הפי׳ בסדברה״נ פ״ו ה״י אם ר״ל שבשר שבעין לעולם אינו טפל, או דמיירי באופן שעיקר כוונתו שהבשר יתן טעם בפירות, ונתכוון לאוכלם בפ״ע. …Show more
Question: Dear Rabbi, My husband lately is very busy at work during my 2 weeks following mikvah. He is home and attentive mikvah night but most of the 2 weeks we can be together he is out of the… Question: Dear Rabbi, My husband lately is very busy at work during my 2 weeks following mikvah. He is home and attentive mikvah night but most of the 2 weeks we can be together he is out of the house until the wee hours of the morning. I understand the necessity to be out and support his projects and know he is doing important work. However he does not express emotion easily and during those weeks I end up becoming more and more hurt when he is not around physically, but especially emotionally which does not necessarily take large…Show more
You should continue giving out the picture of the Rebbe. The same issue and even more serious is about the Torah literature that you distribute. You should still give it out. See Halacha2go.com article #645 Sources: ראה בנוגע לפרסום ד״ת בעתונים - אג״ק יב ע׳…
From 3 years old the child should be taught the letters. Beforehand, as soon as the child is able to speak, he should be taught תורה צוה, שמע and other Pesukim. It would seem that the names of the… From 3 years old the child should be taught the letters. Beforehand, as soon as the child is able to speak, he should be taught תורה צוה, שמע and other Pesukim. It would seem that the names of the Alef Beis (by heart) would be in the same category. (Some are particular not to teach the letters from a text before this age, but the Rebbe writes that we aren’t particular about this). Regardless, the Minhag by Yidden is to sing songs with words of Torah, and surround the child with letters of Torah, from a very young age.…Show more
Question: Dear Rabbi Braun Shlit"a: As a teenager I unfortunately engaged in forbidden sexual relations all the while living an otherwise (outwardly) Frum life. I am now married and established a family with a big focus on Torah,… Question: Dear Rabbi Braun Shlit"a: As a teenager I unfortunately engaged in forbidden sexual relations all the while living an otherwise (outwardly) Frum life. I am now married and established a family with a big focus on Torah, Mitzvos and Chassidus. I'm obviously not a tzaddik, but I became serious about Halacha and having the correct focus. Some time ago, it dawned on me the seriousness of the punishment for the sins I have committed which are punishable by כרת ר"ל (for example having relations with a woman who is a niddah). I had never before really…Show more
A program may be set up for those days, provided the emphasis in the promotional material is specifically on the fact that there is no school these days and not anything special about the nature of the days, including… A program may be set up for those days, provided the emphasis in the promotional material is specifically on the fact that there is no school these days and not anything special about the nature of the days, including the fact that people are off work. Sources: בשו"ת אגרות משה יו"ד ג, פה, כ׳ לאסור ליתן…Show more
The following options are acceptable, in order of priority: Best would be if all the money is returned to the parties after the game. If for whatever reason you believe this wouldn’t work, then try one of the other… The following options are acceptable, in order of priority: Best would be if all the money is returned to the parties after the game. If for whatever reason you believe this wouldn’t work, then try one of the other options below. All the money goes to Tzedaka. In the beginning before playing all the money is deposited in a box which belongs to all parties. The individuals agree in advance to be makneh the money to whomever wins. This solution isn’t ideal, but could work where for whatever reason it’s necessary to do so. Sources: ראה שו״ע חו״מ רז, יג. ואם תורמים לצדקה, ל״ש אסמכתא…Show more
Question: After we lit our Menorah we realized that the first light is on a branch that is slightly higher than the other branches (1/8 of an inch). We tried to bend down the higher branch to put it… Question: After we lit our Menorah we realized that the first light is on a branch that is slightly higher than the other branches (1/8 of an inch). We tried to bend down the higher branch to put it at the same level than the other branches without success. Does this invalidate the Menorah for the other nights? Answer: While they should lchatchillah be all on the same level, it appears from the picture that the difference in height is very minimal. Thus, you may continue using this Menorah. Sources: בפשטות אם כל נר מוקף בכוסית נפרדת וגם יש…Show more
It really depends on so many factors: The level of necessity for the medication; is this medication halachically mandated; what “ directly utilizes aborted children” means; will not taking the medication (obviously, in the case where according to halacha… It really depends on so many factors: The level of necessity for the medication; is this medication halachically mandated; what “ directly utilizes aborted children” means; will not taking the medication (obviously, in the case where according to halacha one is permitted not take the medication; in other words, refusing the medication has no negative harmful effect on themselves or others) by the individual have a direct effect on the method used to obtain the medication; and whether there is certainty about this information about the source of this medication. Additionally important to know is: Are these abortions done…Show more
Question: I am planning to go to a Shabbaton in a hotel where they have a Shabbos elevator that takes you to each floor up to the 5th floor. I have a 9-month-old baby and was planning to bring… Question: I am planning to go to a Shabbaton in a hotel where they have a Shabbos elevator that takes you to each floor up to the 5th floor. I have a 9-month-old baby and was planning to bring her stroller. Am I allowed to use the Shabbos elevator? My husband tells me the Rebbe was against using a Shabbos elevator because it is our weight that is causing the elevator to move? Answer: I don’t know of any statements from the Rebbe on this matter. There are however serious halachic considerations. An automatic elevator, meaning an elevator…Show more
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