Database

Browse all questions and answers

Teddly

People Just Asked

Anticipating the Coming of Moshiach

  One of the principles of our faith is to believe in Moshiach—and not only to believe in Moshiach, but to anticipate his coming every single day. It is a fundamental tenet of Yiddishkeit, and there are numerous references to…  One of the principles of our faith is to believe in Moshiach—and not only to believe in Moshiach, but to anticipate his coming every single day. It is a fundamental tenet of Yiddishkeit, and there are numerous references to Moshiach’s coming in the Torah. Indeed, we pray many times a day for his coming. One of the first questions asked of each departed soul by the beis din shel malah (Heavenly tribunal) is: “Tzipisa l’yeshuah?” (“Have you yearned for the Redemption?”) Some poskim say that believing that Hashem will redeem us through the coming of Moshiach is…Show more
  In this regard, are recipients in Eretz Yisroel on the same priority level as Crown Heights?   Answer: Your neighborhood comes before Eretz Yisroel. More specifically, this is the order for giving funds to Tzadakah: Family Your city Eretz…  In this regard, are recipients in Eretz Yisroel on the same priority level as Crown Heights?   Answer: Your neighborhood comes before Eretz Yisroel. More specifically, this is the order for giving funds to Tzadakah: Family Your city Eretz Yisroel Other places One may if they so wish to have the great Mitzva of supporting the poor in Eretz Yisroel but not at the expense of the poor in their city. Additionally: one shouldn’t change their tzedaka arrangements.   Sources: שו"ע יו"ד רנא, ג: "עניי ביתו קודמין לעניי עירו,…Show more
  Yes, however one must count Sefira as soon as the alarm rings.   Sources: כך משמע מדין שמש (שו"ע אדה"ז תפט, יז). ​ומסתברא…
  שאלה: לאחדשו"ט ראיתי שכב' ינאם הערב בעניני מכירה ע"י אינטערנעט. סידרתי פה בעירנו המכירה עם גוי בהשעה הנכונה. כשגמרנו המכירה אמרתי להגוי שגם כלול בהמכירה מה שיגיע יותר מאוחר כו'. השאלה: בדקתי באינטרנט וראיתי שממש לפני השקיעה נכנס מכירה…  שאלה: לאחדשו"ט ראיתי שכב' ינאם הערב בעניני מכירה ע"י אינטערנעט. סידרתי פה בעירנו המכירה עם גוי בהשעה הנכונה. כשגמרנו המכירה אמרתי להגוי שגם כלול בהמכירה מה שיגיע יותר מאוחר כו'. השאלה: בדקתי באינטרנט וראיתי שממש לפני השקיעה נכנס מכירה של מאפיה ששייך ליהודי באחת מהערים מחוץ לעירנו. אני בטוח שהיהודי יגיד שהוא מכר את החמץ. האם יכולים לקנות אצלו לאחרי החג? והאם אני צריך להודיע ליהודי העיר שזה הגיע מאוחר? או אולי רק להודיע רק לאלו שהם מאה אחוז שומרי תומ" צ, בגלל שאם לא יקנו שמה-יקנו במקום לא כשר או אולי אפילו לא להודיע לאף אחד? יישר כח…Show more
  The importance of music in terms of elevating the spirit cannot be underestimated. At the same time, the prohibition against music during the time of sefira should not be taken lightly either. Thus, the prohibition against music should be…  The importance of music in terms of elevating the spirit cannot be underestimated. At the same time, the prohibition against music during the time of sefira should not be taken lightly either. Thus, the prohibition against music should be observed properly regardless of the general circumstances. However, in the following situations one may be lenient in playing or listening to music during this time: Where one is suffering from anxiety The music is played for young children One who is unwell and the music can calm him or her and motivate their general well-being One who is quarantined (this…Show more
  The food needs to be thrown out. The spatula needs to be cleaned (not in the pesach sink!) and put away, and the pan needs to be cleaned (as above) and kashered for pesach.   P.S. chometz keilim need…  The food needs to be thrown out. The spatula needs to be cleaned (not in the pesach sink!) and put away, and the pan needs to be cleaned (as above) and kashered for pesach.   P.S. chometz keilim need to be stored in a way that prevents access to them.     ראה שו"ע אדה"ז תמז, ח שנטל"פ אסור בפסח. ואף בכף שרוב תשמיש בכ"ש לא התיר בסימן תנא סל"ג אלא בדיעבד בהפס"מ או מניעת שמחת יו"ט. וראה בדין כיסוי של ברזל שם סמ"א.     #7938Show more
  There are numerous halachic complications involved with this practice (brachos, bentching etc.). For this and other reasons, the Rebbe stopped this practice. [Some Rabonim say that this was only due to the confusion of how to go about it,…  There are numerous halachic complications involved with this practice (brachos, bentching etc.). For this and other reasons, the Rebbe stopped this practice. [Some Rabonim say that this was only due to the confusion of how to go about it, but if a Rov is present that will guide the congregation, it can be done.] The Rebbe himself (and previous Rabeim) never personally partook in this, He only had it done by Farbrengen for others. According to Kabala it is not proper to make Kiddush before Kabolas Shabbos and Maariv.   ראה בארוכה בשו"ע אדה"ז רעא, ט-יא. ובסוף סי"א: כל…Show more
  The broom and mop should ideally be sold and a new one should be used. If not possible, it should be cleaned well from any chometz. If its already pesach and you did not sell it, it must be…  The broom and mop should ideally be sold and a new one should be used. If not possible, it should be cleaned well from any chometz. If its already pesach and you did not sell it, it must be cleaned well and any chometz found must be destroyed (Burn it or flush down the toilet).     #7937Show more
  You may say Boruch Hamavdil and then do Melacha (zoom etc.) and continue eating, however you will not be able to say Yale Veyovo in Bentching. Ato Chonantanu should still be recited during Maariv. Remember to make Havdala afterwards…  You may say Boruch Hamavdil and then do Melacha (zoom etc.) and continue eating, however you will not be able to say Yale Veyovo in Bentching. Ato Chonantanu should still be recited during Maariv. Remember to make Havdala afterwards on wine.   ראה שו"ע אדה"ז תצא, ג. נתבאר בלקו"ש חכ"ב ע' 36 ובהערות שם.     #7953Show more
  Regular Yizkor is recited at home. Those that are not reciting Yizkor should leave the room where it's being said. It should be noted that the main Zechus for the Neshama is from the Tzedaka that the family member…  Regular Yizkor is recited at home. Those that are not reciting Yizkor should leave the room where it's being said. It should be noted that the main Zechus for the Neshama is from the Tzedaka that the family member pledges (bli neder) during Yizkor. Those that light a candle should light them before Yom Tov. If one forgot, they can light on Yom Tov as well, near the Yom Tov candles.   Sources: הזכרת נשמות שלא בביהכ"נ - נת' בשו"ת דודאי השדה…Show more
  Under normal circumstances, it should not be done on Shabbos.   Sources:   נשמת אברהם או״ח שיח, ב - ע׳ שסא.…
  Firstly, the allowances given here to showering on Yom Tov is only when the following conditions are met: a) One will assure not to run into the problem of סחיטה (squeezing) by their wet hair. That is to be…  Firstly, the allowances given here to showering on Yom Tov is only when the following conditions are met: a) One will assure not to run into the problem of סחיטה (squeezing) by their wet hair. That is to be careful from squeezing one’s hair from the washing till the drying. Therefore putting a soap or shampoo on the hair may not be done. b) There is no allowance to use bar soaps since that is considered Me’machek (see Mishna Berurah 326:30).  c) No fire can be lit or activated by turning on the shower faucet, therefore if the boiler…Show more

Saving Lives on Shabbat

  By Horav Y. Braun   When treating on Shabbat a patient who is critically ill, or when dealing with an individual whose life is in danger – known in Hebrew as pikuach nefesh – one is commanded to "violate"…  By Horav Y. Braun   When treating on Shabbat a patient who is critically ill, or when dealing with an individual whose life is in danger – known in Hebrew as pikuach nefesh – one is commanded to "violate" the Shabbat. This applies even if there's a doubt whether it is – or could evolve into – a life threatening situation. Even if retroactively it becomes clear that the act was unnecessary, or didn't accomplish its goal, it is not considered a desecration of the Shabbat, and the individual who acted receives reward for attempting to save a life.…Show more

Beth Din Letter [#7] from 12 Nissan

  This response is only on a general level and various technicalities can change the result of the answer. For example one needs to see what was written on the contract. One needs to see if there was a "force…  This response is only on a general level and various technicalities can change the result of the answer. For example one needs to see what was written on the contract. One needs to see if there was a "force of majeure" stipulation in place. Because there’s so many factors that can influence the decision in this case and also because there are multiple opinions on this matter, in the absence of a properly scheduled Din Torah, it is appropriate to reach some compromise between the parties. This is the advice that Batei Dinim all of the world are telling…Show more
  Shabbos you may add hot water even from a kli rishon as it will not be able to cook the water. You may add hot water on yom tov from a pot that you cooked on yom tov that…  Shabbos you may add hot water even from a kli rishon as it will not be able to cook the water. You may add hot water on yom tov from a pot that you cooked on yom tov that you are drinking from.     #7527Show more
  It’s not allowed, however if you use a pot or pail to do tisha kabin, then you can add hot water that you boiled on yom tov to drink from.   אדה"ז תקיא א.     #7538
  Ideally you should use kosher for Pesach. Check with the certifying agency after explaining your situation if it is Kosher for Pesach. If not, under the circumstances you may use it. Soap is not ingested and therefore it does…  Ideally you should use kosher for Pesach. Check with the certifying agency after explaining your situation if it is Kosher for Pesach. If not, under the circumstances you may use it. Soap is not ingested and therefore it does not need to be kosher for Passover, and even though it comes in contact with dishes as it will be washed off.     #7523Show more

Is Elmer’s glue kosher for Pesach?

  According to law, kids glue must be able to ingested by a child. Therefore, if it contains chometz it’s prohibited to use. If it contains just kitnyos it may be used.     #7522
  Question Continued: There are three possible ways to do it: Turn on Zoom right before YT and leave the plug out so the laptop dies after 2-3 hours. Leave the charger in and my mother can sign on or…  Question Continued: There are three possible ways to do it: Turn on Zoom right before YT and leave the plug out so the laptop dies after 2-3 hours. Leave the charger in and my mother can sign on or off and join us for both sedarim and in general (my children know that she is not shomer shabbos and I wonder if this is the same as driving to us). Same as the first two but for the rest of the family.   Answer: All three options are absolutely forbidden for all. Some have irresponsibly promoted this idea without…Show more
  The Ashkenazi custom is to refrain from eating Egg Matzo throughout Pesach, including on Erev Pesach after Sof Zman Achilas Chometz.  In addition, it is prohibited to eat Egg Matzo from the 10th hour on Erev Pesach until the…  The Ashkenazi custom is to refrain from eating Egg Matzo throughout Pesach, including on Erev Pesach after Sof Zman Achilas Chometz.  In addition, it is prohibited to eat Egg Matzo from the 10th hour on Erev Pesach until the night. For one who is elderly or not well there may be room for leniency. Check out our Halacha guide which is on our website homepage for more on eating on Erev Pesach, and more.   Source: שולחן ערוך אדה"ז תעא, ד. תסב, ז. רמ"א תסב ד.     #7565Show more
  We are Shluchim on a small island. A week ago the government made alcohol sales illegal and shut down supermarkets, we are not allowed to leave our home at all. They did this without any notice and we hadn't  We are Shluchim on a small island. A week ago the government made alcohol sales illegal and shut down supermarkets, we are not allowed to leave our home at all. They did this without any notice and we hadn't yet bought our wine. We did however have 1 bottle of wine that someone had given us a while ago. It's 750 ml, and won't be enough for ד' כוסות for both my wife and I, for both nights. Can I dilute it? If yes, by how much, it's 4% alcohol. We don't have grape juice or any other alternativeShow more
  The options: If it has an automated feeder it can be sold. You may purchase a vacation block and sell entire tank with fish. It must be locked up. Alternatively, you can feed it kiniyos or matzah. As for…  The options: If it has an automated feeder it can be sold. You may purchase a vacation block and sell entire tank with fish. It must be locked up. Alternatively, you can feed it kiniyos or matzah. As for regular fish food, flake or pellet fish foods often contain wheat products and may not be used unless it certified as kosher for Pesach. You may also use freeze-dried brine-shrimp or blood-worms, available at pet stores.     #7562Show more
  72 hours, unless weaned due to sickness or there is a state of sakana even if weaned when healthy. שו״ע יו״ד פא, ז: תִינוֹק יוֹנֵק עַד סוֹף ד' שָׁנִים לְבָרִיא, וְה' לְחוֹלֶה, אִם לֹא פֵּרַשׁ. אֲבָל אִם פֵּרַשׁ, שֶׁגְּמָלוּהוּ…  72 hours, unless weaned due to sickness or there is a state of sakana even if weaned when healthy. שו״ע יו״ד פא, ז: תִינוֹק יוֹנֵק עַד סוֹף ד' שָׁנִים לְבָרִיא, וְה' לְחוֹלֶה, אִם לֹא פֵּרַשׁ. אֲבָל אִם פֵּרַשׁ, שֶׁגְּמָלוּהוּ שְׁלֹשָׁה יָמִים מֵעֵת לְעֵת אַחַר כ"ד חֹדֶשׁ, לֹא יַחֲזִירוּהוּ. וְהוּא שֶׁפֵּרַשׁ מִתּוֹךְ  בֻּרְיוֹ, אֲבָל אִם לֹא פֵּרַשׁ אֶלָּא מִתּוֹךְ  חֹלִי, שֶׁאֵינוֹ יָכוֹל לִינֹק, וּפֵרַשׁ, יְכוֹלִים לְהַחֲזִירוֹ. וְאִם יֵשׁ סַכָּנָה, מַחֲזִירִים אֲפִלּוּ אַחַר כַּמָּה יָמִים. וּבְתוֹךְ  כ"ד חֹדֶשׁ, אֲפִלּוּ פֵּרַשׁ מִתּוֹךְ  בֻּרְיוֹ חֹדֶשׁ אוֹ יוֹתֵר, מֻתָּר לַחֲזֹר וְלִינֹק עַד סוֹף כ"ד חֹדֶשׁ.     #7521Show more
  Technically they should only turn on or off when the room becomes dark or light, but opening or closing window shades and sometimes standing directly in front of the light can cause it to react.   It may be…  Technically they should only turn on or off when the room becomes dark or light, but opening or closing window shades and sometimes standing directly in front of the light can cause it to react.   It may be used, but you may not do anything which will definitely activate the light, such as closing the shade.   משום דבר שא״מ משא״כ פס״ר.     #7528Show more

Have a Halachic Question?

Submit your question and receive an answer shortly.

Submit A Question