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An oven may be Kashered by turning on the self-clean for a full cycle. When Kashering from Milchig to Fleishig one may Kasher even by leaving the oven on for a full hour on the highest setting. The custom… An oven may be Kashered by turning on the self-clean for a full cycle. When Kashering from Milchig to Fleishig one may Kasher even by leaving the oven on for a full hour on the highest setting. The custom among Ashkenazim is to avoid Kashering from Milchig to Fleishig or vice versa. This applies to Kashering done via boiling water (hag'ala), and according to some, even to kashering via direct heat (libun). This custom doesn’t apply when kashering an oven from Milchig to Fleishig via self-clean. For more on the above-mentioned custom please see…Show more
Yes you may. Sources: .ע"פ שו"ע אדה"ז סי' שכא סט"ז. סי' שכו ס"ט…
Question: What is the reason behind not sleeping together even when the wife is tahor? and should one be meikel if it means a lot to his wife? Answer: This is not a halacha, but is based… Question: What is the reason behind not sleeping together even when the wife is tahor? and should one be meikel if it means a lot to his wife? Answer: This is not a halacha, but is based on many holy sources. The Arizal stated that even when performing the mitzvah one should not stay in the one bed for the entire night. It is told that the Alter Rebbe said that he credits himself with a few things, one of them ביטל מטות רחבות (that there should be separate beds even during טהרה days). There are several…Show more
For coffee in general, see halacha2go.com #66: Does a coffee shop need a Hechsher? See also attachment p. 53, for an excellent review of the issues in Hebrew. As for Starbucks, due to constant changes in how Starbucks operates,… For coffee in general, see halacha2go.com #66: Does a coffee shop need a Hechsher? See also attachment p. 53, for an excellent review of the issues in Hebrew. As for Starbucks, due to constant changes in how Starbucks operates, including but not limited to their recent announcement about dropping their kosher program, it is impossible to recommend any drink unless there is certainty that the dishes used weren’t cross-contaminated during washing with other non-kosher or chalav akum ingredients, something which is very difficult to ascertain. See the CRC updated position on this matter here. Additionally, note that many Poskim…Show more
Question: Sunday - Erev Rosh Chodesh is still within the first year, and we were told not to visit before 12 months' end. Monday - Rosh Chodesh, one doesn't visit the beis hachaim at all. The family would rather… Question: Sunday - Erev Rosh Chodesh is still within the first year, and we were told not to visit before 12 months' end. Monday - Rosh Chodesh, one doesn't visit the beis hachaim at all. The family would rather not wait until Tuesday, which is after the yartzeit. What do you recommend? Answer: The best would be to go Tuesday, but if that's not possible one may go Monday or Sunday. The choice to go on Sunday is preferred. However, on Monday, Rosh Chodesh, one should ensure there is no hespiedim or anything to be meoireir tzaar.…Show more
Electric burners with a glass stovetop are different than gas burners in that the glass will also need to be Kashered. Due to the extremely technical and halachic difficulties, glass should not be Kashered. Option 1: To cover the… Electric burners with a glass stovetop are different than gas burners in that the glass will also need to be Kashered. Due to the extremely technical and halachic difficulties, glass should not be Kashered. Option 1: To cover the burner with something (like a blech) when cooking milchig. However, this may damage the glass. Option 2: In the event that you have no other way to cook milchig, one may be lenient and Kasher the stovetop. This should be done by cleaning the area well, waiting 24 hours, turning on the burner to the highest setting for a few…Show more
Is a heter needed from a Rov for a scheduled C-section? If medically mandated, there is no need for a heter. Can a husband be in the room by the wife's head? A husband should not be… Is a heter needed from a Rov for a scheduled C-section? If medically mandated, there is no need for a heter. Can a husband be in the room by the wife's head? A husband should not be present in the room at the time of delivery/birth due to his wife becoming Nidda. This applies to a C-section as well, for all laws of Niddah apply then as well. See here: https://asktherav.com/9501-can-the-husband-be-in-the-delivery-room-especially-if-there-is-no-doula-present/ What is the husband supposed to do in this situation regarding Tehillim or anything else? See here: מקורות: הנה בשו"ע יו"ד סי' קצד סי"ד נפסק שיוצא דופן…Show more
Ideally, you should remove one Mezuzah for rechecking. Even better would be to replace with a better Mezuzah, and make a Bracha when putting it up. Sources: שאינו מברך - כ״מ בש״ך יו״ד רפו, כה. וכן…
Yes, as pretzels are subject to the laws of Pas Yisroel. See here. Sources: חידושי חת"ס יו"ד קיב, יב. דרכי תשובה קיב, מט.…
One should make a fire and burn all the leftover oil and wicks used for the Menorah. (This does not include the oil that is still in the bottle) It is questionable whether Chanukah wicks and oil may be… One should make a fire and burn all the leftover oil and wicks used for the Menorah. (This does not include the oil that is still in the bottle) It is questionable whether Chanukah wicks and oil may be thrown away in a respectful manner, e.g. by putting them in their own bag and putting that bag in the garbage. However, one can destroy them in any other respectful manner. Shabbos candles may be disposed of directly into the garbage. See also: https://asktherav.com/18187-can-i-put-leftover-chanukah-wicks-and-oil-in-the-garbage/ Sources: ראה שו״ע ונו״כ סתרע״ז, ד, ובפר״ח שם. וראה משמ״ש…Show more
לוח כולל חב״ד מוצאי תשעה באב. והוא ממורה באצבע להחיד״א ח, רלט. אבל שם רק לרחוץ פניו. וכ״ה בלוח כולל חב״ד במוצאי יו״כ. ומובן, שאין מקום לחלק. ורחוק בעיני שבמוצאי יו״כ השמיט רחיצת הפה, מחמת שמועה בשם השפ״א שבס׳… לוח כולל חב״ד מוצאי תשעה באב. והוא ממורה באצבע להחיד״א ח, רלט. אבל שם רק לרחוץ פניו. וכ״ה בלוח כולל חב״ד במוצאי יו״כ. ומובן, שאין מקום לחלק. ורחוק בעיני שבמוצאי יו״כ השמיט רחיצת הפה, מחמת שמועה בשם השפ״א שבס׳ דולה ומשקה צישנסקי ע׳ פו. והטעם, לברך בנקיות, וכמו בכל בוקר. אלא, שבגוף הענין, י״ל שאחרי שעבר היום ל״ש הטעם דרירין שבפיו (שו״ע או״ח א, יז. אדה״ז שם קמא יז) - ע״פ רמב״ם אסו״ב ט, לח. אבל אי משום הא, הה״נ במוצאי ת״ב. ועוד, דהיינו רק בג׳ שעות ראשונות, כברמב״ם שם. ערוה״ש יו״ד קצ, פד. ועיקר, שעדיין יש טעם אחר,…Show more
Ma'aser is given from any income, work or otherwise. Thus, Ma'aser should be given from the money. See here: https://asktherav.com/article-737-maaser-on-gift-money/ #6600
Parents often support their grown children by helping them with monthly expenditures, covering a down payment on a house, paying for the expenses of a simchah (happy occasion)—such as the bris of a newborn grandson, new-baby paraphernalia—and other such… Parents often support their grown children by helping them with monthly expenditures, covering a down payment on a house, paying for the expenses of a simchah (happy occasion)—such as the bris of a newborn grandson, new-baby paraphernalia—and other such gifts. Are the children obligated to pay ma’aser (lit., “a tenth”; refers to the practice of tithing earnings for charity) on the money they receive? Beneficiaries of monetary assistance offered for general support without specific instructions on how to spend it—for example, when parents contribute to a young kollel (married men’s yeshiva) couple’s expenses—should give ma’aser. (An exemption would apply…Show more
If you can estimate how much money was in the various pushkas, then divide the $120 proportionally (as much as possible). If not, divide it equally. ראה צדקה ומשפט פ"ח הערה 25 קטע ד"ה נפלו, כשנתערבו מעות של… If you can estimate how much money was in the various pushkas, then divide the $120 proportionally (as much as possible). If not, divide it equally. ראה צדקה ומשפט פ"ח הערה 25 קטע ד"ה נפלו, כשנתערבו מעות של קופות. #6605Show more
לקבלת פנים מותר ללכת, ולהגיש מאכלים על השולחן כמלצר. מותר גם להשתתף בחופה ולצאת לפני שהמוזיקה מתחילה. קשה להקל להתיר לבני דודים להיות נוכחים בסעודת החתונה. אמנם, במצב מיוחד, שלב החתן וכלה יצטערו מהעדר השתתפותו, מקום להקל בהתאם לנסיבות.… לקבלת פנים מותר ללכת, ולהגיש מאכלים על השולחן כמלצר. מותר גם להשתתף בחופה ולצאת לפני שהמוזיקה מתחילה. קשה להקל להתיר לבני דודים להיות נוכחים בסעודת החתונה. אמנם, במצב מיוחד, שלב החתן וכלה יצטערו מהעדר השתתפותו, מקום להקל בהתאם לנסיבות. לכתחילה כדאי להיכנס רק לאחל מזל טוב. אם זה לא מספיק להפיג צער החתן וכלה, אפשר להקל להיות בחתונה ולהיות מלצר לכו"כ אנשים, אבל אין לאכול שם כלל. וכן יש לצאת בשעת המוזיקה. טעמים ומקורות: עיין שו"ע יו"ד סימן שצ"א ס"ג שאין ליכנס לבית המשתה של נישואין (יש ויש הלכה כיש בתרא). ועיין שם ברמ"א שיש מתירים לאכול עם…Show more
מותר לאוכלו. מקורות: ראה רמ"א סימן צ"ה סעיף ב וראה ט"ז סוסק"ד.…
Many authorities have addressed similar questions to yours about this topic. A range of answers have been provided about why this was permissible then, or how it was done differently than what we think was really done. A small… Many authorities have addressed similar questions to yours about this topic. A range of answers have been provided about why this was permissible then, or how it was done differently than what we think was really done. A small selection of references appear below, though much more has been written on the subject. הריקודים היו אך ורק מצד שמחת היום ונעשו בכרמים בסתר, שופטים כא, יט. וללא בחורים. וההסתכלות היתה רק מצד שאסור לקדש עד שיראנה - מהרש"א סוף תענית. יש"ש גיטין א, יח. שו"ת בנימין זאב שה. עץ יוסף בעין יעקב. ערוה"ש אה"ע כב, ג. זכרון יוסף…Show more
Hefsek Tahara should ideally be done right before sunset, i.e. within half an hour of sunset. Best at candle lighting time. But if necessary may be done from the time of Mincha K'tana. This applies to both the Hefsek… Hefsek Tahara should ideally be done right before sunset, i.e. within half an hour of sunset. Best at candle lighting time. But if necessary may be done from the time of Mincha K'tana. This applies to both the Hefsek Tahara Bedika, as well as the afternoon Bedika during Shivah Nekiyim. Sources: הפס״ט - ב״י וב״ח קצו. תוך ח״ש - בא״ח…Show more
If you can only use the points for very specific items you need not give ma'aser. However, if it gives you a broad purchasing power through your credit card it’s considered as a monetary gift and ma'aser must be… If you can only use the points for very specific items you need not give ma'aser. However, if it gives you a broad purchasing power through your credit card it’s considered as a monetary gift and ma'aser must be given. If it can only be used as miles - and the miles are not being exchanged for cash - or to reduce your credit card debt, ma'aser need not be given. Ma'aser need not be separated from miles earned on a flight even if exchanged for cash, as it’s considered a rebate on the ticket. One need not separate…Show more
Question Continued: I've heard of some who either go to the Ohel before the party and cut a little there, or go after the party and save some hair for there. I understand the concept of bringing the boy… Question Continued: I've heard of some who either go to the Ohel before the party and cut a little there, or go after the party and save some hair for there. I understand the concept of bringing the boy on his birthday to the Rebbe, but I'm asking specifically about the actual cutting of the hair. Answer: This is a question of hergesh. Many do the upsherenish at Rashbi in Meron, even if not on Lag B’omer. This might be the same idea. Perhaps, it also stems from the fact that people who asked the Rebbe…Show more
Question: A Bochur closed a Shidduch and during the meetings he was was guided by a friend whose guidance was very useful in sealing the shidduch. The Shadchan has already been payed in full. They have already been married… Question: A Bochur closed a Shidduch and during the meetings he was was guided by a friend whose guidance was very useful in sealing the shidduch. The Shadchan has already been payed in full. They have already been married and the Bochur wants to know if the friend should receive payment as well for his advice in the shidduch. The friend ultimately helped the Bochur form a very good impression on the girl. Answer: While the Bochur may choose to offer his friend something as a token of appreciation, there is no halachic requirement to do so. Sources: אפי' את"ל שדינו כשדכן - ראה בתקנות פראג אות…Show more
Tzitzis strings are considered tashmishei mitzvah, articles used for a mitzvah. This means that they themselves are not sacred; they are merely used for a mitzvah. Therefore, after they have been detached from a Tallis,… Tzitzis strings are considered tashmishei mitzvah, articles used for a mitzvah. This means that they themselves are not sacred; they are merely used for a mitzvah. Therefore, after they have been detached from a Tallis, they may be discarded, even put in the garbage. So long as they are attached to a Tallis, however, it is forbidden to use them for any mundane purpose, e.g., to use them to tie an object or the like, for this would indicate disrespect for the mitzvah. Some authorities hold that even after they have been detached…Show more
Chanterelle Mushrooms are kosher. I am not familiar with a specific method to check these mushrooms for worms (which is very common in this type of mushrooms). It is not suggested to use morel and oyster mushrooms because they… Chanterelle Mushrooms are kosher. I am not familiar with a specific method to check these mushrooms for worms (which is very common in this type of mushrooms). It is not suggested to use morel and oyster mushrooms because they are impractical to check as they have hard to see crevices. All other mushrooms with smoother texture should be washed well under a direct stream of water and no further checking is necessary. #6480Show more
According to Halachah, there is no restriction on eating in a beis ha’avel (house of mourning) and many sources address the meals eaten there during shiv’ah (the seven [days of mourning]). Nonetheless, there is a custom in many communities… According to Halachah, there is no restriction on eating in a beis ha’avel (house of mourning) and many sources address the meals eaten there during shiv’ah (the seven [days of mourning]). Nonetheless, there is a custom in many communities that only mourners (and their families) should partake of food that is brought into a beis ha’avel. The origin of this practice is an age-old minhag (custom) noted by many poskim that restricts a non-mourner from taking lo davar katan, v’lo davar gadol (no thing small or large) from a beis ha’avel, confining all articles—food and inedibles—to the house due…Show more
Does a a child who was circumcised with a Bronstein Mogen Clamp need hatafas dam bris (also implied in the question is would hatafas dam bris help), or not? If the mohel is using the Bronstein Mogen Clamp, is… Does a a child who was circumcised with a Bronstein Mogen Clamp need hatafas dam bris (also implied in the question is would hatafas dam bris help), or not? If the mohel is using the Bronstein Mogen Clamp, is there any advantage if he is Frum or not? What should he the policy regarding accepting such mohelim into Chabad houses, should we allow them to use the clamp in the Chabad house? May we allow mohelim who do milah and priah bvas achas or use gloves to do Brisim in Chabad houses? Is a mohel who uses a mogen…Show more
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