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Yes. https://asktherav.com/5441-6-hours-cheeses/ Reasoning: Feta is an aged hard rennet-set cheese cured in brine between two to six months. However, it doesn’t have a very hard texture and it is not exposed to air during the time of… Yes. https://asktherav.com/5441-6-hours-cheeses/ Reasoning: Feta is an aged hard rennet-set cheese cured in brine between two to six months. However, it doesn’t have a very hard texture and it is not exposed to air during the time of curing. Based on these factors, some wish to say that there is no need to wait for six hours. Nonetheless, it’s advised to wait six hours as it’s likely that these factors don’t affect the waiting period. Additionally, according to many opinions, one should wait six hours after eating any cheese which has a sharp and/or sour taste, as its…Show more
אכן, יש לעשות כל האפשרי להתכונן לימות המשיח. אבל במקרה הספציפי – זו גישה לא נכונה. בספרים מובאים דברים חמורים בנוגע לגידול צפרניים. וההכנה לימות המשיח לא צריכה לבוא על חשבון שאר הענינים במסגרת "מעשינו ועבודתנו כל זמן משך… אכן, יש לעשות כל האפשרי להתכונן לימות המשיח. אבל במקרה הספציפי – זו גישה לא נכונה. בספרים מובאים דברים חמורים בנוגע לגידול צפרניים. וההכנה לימות המשיח לא צריכה לבוא על חשבון שאר הענינים במסגרת "מעשינו ועבודתנו כל זמן משך הגלות". חוץ מזה, שמעולם לא נצטוינו לעשות פעולות כעת בתור הכנה לימות המשיח, כמו הכנת קרבן פסח ודברים דומים לכך. (ואכ"מ בדברים הנראים כסותרים לזה). גישה זו מגיעה מבית היוצר של חוגים אחרים, ולא זו דרכנו. ואף גם לא ראינו אצל רבותינו נשיאינו, או גדולי ישראל בכלל, גישה כזו. ההכנה שנצטוינו עלי' – היינו להיות מוכנים במחשבה דיבור ומעשה מתאימה…Show more
Although, almost all major Poskim hold that one fulfills the mitzvah of פרו ורבו through IVF (See Shevet Halevi 9:209; Minchas Yitzchak 1:50; Igros Moshe E.H 2:18; Minchas Shlomo 3:124 אות ב), still, any fertility treatments must be done… Although, almost all major Poskim hold that one fulfills the mitzvah of פרו ורבו through IVF (See Shevet Halevi 9:209; Minchas Yitzchak 1:50; Igros Moshe E.H 2:18; Minchas Shlomo 3:124 אות ב), still, any fertility treatments must be done under a Rabbinical supervising agency. There are kosher organizations (e.g. Puah and Bonei Olam) that deal specifically with fertility issues. As for donating eggs, this is quite a serious issue within halacha and many, if not most, rabbonim forbid it altogether, allowing IVF only if all the physical components (sperm, eggs, serums, uterus, related medications, etc.) are only of…Show more
And if not, why was it so common to do so up until just a few years ago? Answer: According to halacha, a parent is allowed to hit their child for Chinuch purposes (including to teach proper behavior,… And if not, why was it so common to do so up until just a few years ago? Answer: According to halacha, a parent is allowed to hit their child for Chinuch purposes (including to teach proper behavior, ethics, etc.), because it's being done for the child's good. However, this should only be done when the child is young that it won’t cause him or her to rebel. The parent should not use corporal punishment when in a state of anger. One should only hit a child if it is solely for the child’s benefit and the parent…Show more
Question: Is it necessary to wait 6 hours after eating regular hard cheese like mozzarella, Munster, cheddar cheese, before eating fleishig? As a general rule, is Parmesan considered aged cheese nowadays hence rendering it a '6-hour cheese'? Answer:… Question: Is it necessary to wait 6 hours after eating regular hard cheese like mozzarella, Munster, cheddar cheese, before eating fleishig? As a general rule, is Parmesan considered aged cheese nowadays hence rendering it a '6-hour cheese'? Answer: Mozzarella and Munster cheeses - are soft cheeses and they are aged on average for 30 days. There is no need to wait six hours after eating them. Note that the above mentioned cheeses are produced differently in the U.S.A and in Europe resulting in different taste as well as texture. Also note, that some are strict to wait six…Show more
There is such a custom, practiced in many Chasidic circles, but many poskim criticize it. It seems to have originated in places where a siyum is made on the day of the yahrzeit. It should be noted that on… There is such a custom, practiced in many Chasidic circles, but many poskim criticize it. It seems to have originated in places where a siyum is made on the day of the yahrzeit. It should be noted that on Lag B’omer, considered to be the day of the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, the custom is not to say tachanun. The Rebbeim of Chabad wouldn’t say tachanun on Zayin Adar, which is the day of the birth and yahrtzeit of Moshe Rabbeinu, but this is not a custom is to be observed by their Chassidim. Some say this…Show more
Yes, Shehakol nih’yah bidvaro. Sources: Brachos 36a. Shulchan Aruch and Alter Rebbe's Shulchon Aruch…
Halachically there is no problem with shopping on motzei Shabbos. The Rebbe Rashab would not give out money for household expenses on motzei Shabbos, instead he would give the money to his Rebbetzin before Shabbos and she would buy… Halachically there is no problem with shopping on motzei Shabbos. The Rebbe Rashab would not give out money for household expenses on motzei Shabbos, instead he would give the money to his Rebbetzin before Shabbos and she would buy things motzei Shabbos. From this is evident 1 of 2 things: either that it was a private minhag of the Rebbe Rashab, or that his minhag was only to refrain from designating money but not from shopping itself. ראה רשימת היומן ע׳ נא (פולין סיון-מנ״א תרצ״ב). אג"ק חכ"ז ע' מא. תורת מנחם כרך כא עמ' 272, ושם שיש לזה…Show more
The Rebbe said neither. Her ears can be pierced when the parents wish to do so and it’s deemed safe. ראה לקו״ש כ ע׳ 568, בהוצאת תשמ״ט ואילך. בהוצאות הקודמות נפלה טה״ד. וגרם לאי-הבנה. ושקו״ט עד״ז בכמה מקובצי… The Rebbe said neither. Her ears can be pierced when the parents wish to do so and it’s deemed safe. ראה לקו״ש כ ע׳ 568, בהוצאת תשמ״ט ואילך. בהוצאות הקודמות נפלה טה״ד. וגרם לאי-הבנה. ושקו״ט עד״ז בכמה מקובצי ההערות. אבל נדפס לנכון בתשובות וביאורים בשו״ע ע׳ 388. שערי הלכה ומנהג ד ע׳ רטז. ועוד. וראה גם העו״ב שלח תשנ״ג. הערות הת׳ ואנ״ש כפ״ח שמות תשנ״ג. ועוד. #6323Show more
Full Question: Sometimes when sitting at a table, one's skirt may slide up. If the knees were exposed and visible, one would certainly cover them immediately, however, in this case the knees are covered by the table and partially… Full Question: Sometimes when sitting at a table, one's skirt may slide up. If the knees were exposed and visible, one would certainly cover them immediately, however, in this case the knees are covered by the table and partially the table cloth. In such a situation, must one cover their knees specifically by their skirt, or does the table/cloth suffice? In general, is it halachically acceptable for one to cover one's knees with a material other than one's own clothes when sitting or reclining? Answer: In general, one may cover their body with any material. For example, one…Show more
בענין שיש לו כבר ביגוד ואוכל וכו'. הנה להוי ידוע שעני רשאי לקבל צדקה עד שיהיה לו קרן שיתפרנס הוא בני ביתו מהרויח (שו"ע יורה דעה סימן רנ"ג סעיף ו') ומשמעות הפוסקים שבכלל, מותר לו לקבל צדקה עד שיהיו… בענין שיש לו כבר ביגוד ואוכל וכו'. הנה להוי ידוע שעני רשאי לקבל צדקה עד שיהיה לו קרן שיתפרנס הוא בני ביתו מהרויח (שו"ע יורה דעה סימן רנ"ג סעיף ו') ומשמעות הפוסקים שבכלל, מותר לו לקבל צדקה עד שיהיו לו להוצאות של שנה שלימה. (ערוך השלחן יורה דעה סי' רנ"ג סעיף ב'. משפט וצדקה, פרק ב' סעיף ד'.) וא"כ בדרך כלל אין בזה חשש. בנוגע להחשש שישתמש בהכסף לדברים אסורים. בדרך כלל אין בזה בעי'. (ע"פ דברי אדה"ז או"ח סי' שמ"ז סעיף ד' שכל זמן שיש לתלות שלא ישתמש בחפץ זה לאיסור מותר לתת [ובפרט ע"פ דבריך שיש לו…Show more
הרמ"א כבר כתב "ונהגו כו' שאומרים עליהם קדיש לעולם" (יורה דעה סימן שע"ו סעיף ד) וכן מפורש בשו"ת רב פעלים ח"ד חלק סוד ישרים סי' יז. וראה בשיחת פורים תש״כ (תורת מנחם ע' 467) בביאור הענין שאין הגבלת… הרמ"א כבר כתב "ונהגו כו' שאומרים עליהם קדיש לעולם" (יורה דעה סימן שע"ו סעיף ד) וכן מפורש בשו"ת רב פעלים ח"ד חלק סוד ישרים סי' יז. וראה בשיחת פורים תש״כ (תורת מנחם ע' 467) בביאור הענין שאין הגבלת זמן בנוגע ליארצייט. אכן ישנם שמועות שאין לנהוג יארצייט אחרי חמישים שנה, בשם הדברי חיים מצאנז (תהלות חיים, עמוד שפ"א) ובשם השר שלום מבעלז (ספר הדרת קודש, חלק המכתבים), אבל הרבה כבר ערערו על שמועות אלו. ראה לדוגמה שו"ת מנחת אלעזר חלק ה' סימן ל"ג. וכן נהג כ"ק אדמו"ר (מהורש"ב) נ"ע להגיד קדיש בי"ג ניסן אף כשעבר יותר מנ' שנה…Show more
The saying of Kaddish in general and by a mourner, in particular, has great significance in halacha and more so in kabbala, which is beyond the scope of this answer. Nevertheless, I will give a brief explanation to answer… The saying of Kaddish in general and by a mourner, in particular, has great significance in halacha and more so in kabbala, which is beyond the scope of this answer. Nevertheless, I will give a brief explanation to answer your questions: Our custom, based on instructions from the previous Rabbeim quoted by the Rebbe, is to say kaddish at least 16 times a day. One of the reasons given is that every Kaddish affects the Neshama for 1 1/2 hours; 16 × 1.5 = 24. Obviously any amount of Kaddish will benefit the Neshama. The minimum one should try…Show more
Question: In addition to the Kaddeishim that a non-Chazzan recites, may he supplement them by attending another Minyan and reciting the Kaddeishim there as well, even though others are reciting it too? Answer: He may join an additional… Question: In addition to the Kaddeishim that a non-Chazzan recites, may he supplement them by attending another Minyan and reciting the Kaddeishim there as well, even though others are reciting it too? Answer: He may join an additional Minyan to recite extra Kaddeishim, and it is actually appropriate (albeit not obligatory). Explanation: There is a general rule that just as one diminishes unnecessary Brachos, so too, one should diminish unnecessary Kaddeishim. (There are dissenting opinions who rule that it is proper to increase Kaddeishim, but that is not the accepted practice.) The Rebbe cites this rule…Show more
The saying of Kaddish in general and by a mourner, in particular, has great significance in Halacha and more so in Kabbala, which is beyond the scope of this answer. Nevertheless, I will give a brief explanation to answer… The saying of Kaddish in general and by a mourner, in particular, has great significance in Halacha and more so in Kabbala, which is beyond the scope of this answer. Nevertheless, I will give a brief explanation to answer your question: Kaddish was originally written in Aramaic for a variety of reasons: so that the angels should not understand and become jealous of this special praise we give to Hashem; because it causes Hashem to remember the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash and we don't want the angels to be aware of this and use the opportunity to speak…Show more
The Torah forbids us to wear a garment that contains both wool and linen, which is called Kilayim, or Shatnez. But is it permissible to put on a garment that has not been checked for Shatnez for the purpose… The Torah forbids us to wear a garment that contains both wool and linen, which is called Kilayim, or Shatnez. But is it permissible to put on a garment that has not been checked for Shatnez for the purpose of modeling it for customers, for example? There is a difference of opinion among Poskim whether this is permissible. However, all Poskim agree that Ha’tznu’im Nimna’im = modest, upright, G-d fearing people should avoid doing so. What is the Halachah regarding trying on a suit in a store to see whether it fits well? Some say that even those Poskim…Show more
Question: I put a dry tightly closed plastic container with Pareve food inside of a dry non-Kosher microwave without double wrapping it, for one min of heat. What is the status of the food? What is status of the… Question: I put a dry tightly closed plastic container with Pareve food inside of a dry non-Kosher microwave without double wrapping it, for one min of heat. What is the status of the food? What is status of the container? Answer: The food is Kosher. Even the container is permissible if we can assume more than 24 hours passed since the microwave was used for non-Kosher. If in doubt, you may assume it’s more than 24 hours. Even if less than 24 hours passed, there is room for leniency. Sources: ראה רמ״א יו״ד צב, ח בדין שתי קדרות. ותלוי…Show more
This issue is discussed by several Poskim with reasons to be stringent, as well as reasons to be more lenient. In practice, it depends on the nature of the button. I.e. by regular, simple (non-Choshuve) buttons (as a shirt… This issue is discussed by several Poskim with reasons to be stringent, as well as reasons to be more lenient. In practice, it depends on the nature of the button. I.e. by regular, simple (non-Choshuve) buttons (as a shirt button), one may take the lenient approach. This leniency would also apply to an important button by nature but the person wearing it has no intention of ever using it, thus making it non-Choshuv. However by an important button, for example, a Kapote button, one should take the stricter approach. Even by such buttons, one may be lenient if the…Show more
Any time a hot food item or a hot pot that is wet on the bottom (or if the table is wet) is placed on the table, it potentially transfers its taste and status to the table. For example,… Any time a hot food item or a hot pot that is wet on the bottom (or if the table is wet) is placed on the table, it potentially transfers its taste and status to the table. For example, a hot Milchig food, etc. makes the table Milchig. If the same thing will subsequently be done with Fleishig, there will be an issue. Therefore we must always ensure that the table is covered when hot food is served. #6241Show more
Yes. See here: https://asktherav.com/article-279-trying-on-a-garment-not-checked-for-shatnez/ #6255
In the case of an acquaintance, certainly in the case of cleaning help or handyman as appreciation, it is permissible. #6257
Full Question: I share an office with some non-Jews. We have in our office a hot water dispenser; you put your cup underneath the faucet and you press a button to dispense the water. It is possible that some… Full Question: I share an office with some non-Jews. We have in our office a hot water dispenser; you put your cup underneath the faucet and you press a button to dispense the water. It is possible that some of the non-Jewish workers use the machine to dispense hot water directly on top of their food. Would that cause an issue to use the machine for me due to the stream of water or the steam? Answer: There may be an issue involved. Please see here for more details: https://asktherav.com/article-739-are-public-hot-water-urns-kosher/ #6244Show more
Yes. However, one must also ensure the choice is made with utmost sensitivity to others, in a manner of Shalom. Sources: או״ז מילה קז. ריקאנטי תקצ. רמ״א ולבוש יו״ד רסד,…
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