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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…
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
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
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
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