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We stand during Davening as a slave before his master, with awe and fear. One should make an effort to Daven standing even if it means pushing off Davening until one is feeling better (provided Zman Tefila does not… We stand during Davening as a slave before his master, with awe and fear. One should make an effort to Daven standing even if it means pushing off Davening until one is feeling better (provided Zman Tefila does not pass). If she's not able to wait and can not stand, or can not concentrate while standing, she may sit and Daven. If possible she should stand to go 3 steps back, as well as during the bowing done at the designated places. if this is not possible she should bow while sitting. She should also keep her feet together…Show more
Yes. Sources: ויש בזה קיום מצות פו״ר. וכמו שמצינו בלאה שהתפללה…
People often ask whether it’s permissible to use their maaser money (a tenth of one’s earnings donated to charity) to purchase raffle tickets, such as at a Chinese auction, where the money benefits a tzedakah (charity) organization, but the… People often ask whether it’s permissible to use their maaser money (a tenth of one’s earnings donated to charity) to purchase raffle tickets, such as at a Chinese auction, where the money benefits a tzedakah (charity) organization, but the ticket holder also stands the chance to win a prize. The answer is that maaser money may be used to purchase the raffle tickets, since the money is ultimately benefitting a proper tzedakah. However, were a ticket purchased with maaser money to win, it would be problematic to consider the prize the property of the ‘winner’. Since the maaser…Show more
Question: Is it OK to go to the Ohel at night? How about not eating; I can't eat all day, or it's OK not to eat just from Shkiah? Answer The common custom is not to go… Question: Is it OK to go to the Ohel at night? How about not eating; I can't eat all day, or it's OK not to eat just from Shkiah? Answer The common custom is not to go to a Beis Hakvaros at night. While many have written extensively on this topic, proving that there’s no issue whatsoever with going at night, we find in the writings of the Minchas Elazar that one is supposed to go to Davka by day. Nonetheless, there is no halachic prohibition to go at night. Indeed, many people do go at night,…Show more
Halloween is rooted in Avoda Zara. Celebrating Halloween also involves serious issues of Chukos Hagoyim, especially that it is difficult to find a rational explanation to the celebrations other than its pagan source. The pagan origins are very obvious… Halloween is rooted in Avoda Zara. Celebrating Halloween also involves serious issues of Chukos Hagoyim, especially that it is difficult to find a rational explanation to the celebrations other than its pagan source. The pagan origins are very obvious and they’re still part of the consciousness of the people. At the same time, there’s room to permit it where it involves issues of איבה or דרכי שלום. ראה תורת מנחם - מנחם ציון ב ע׳ 343. See this Article from Emunah Magazine: about Halacha & Halloween #5982Show more
The dedicated team of Rabbonim at AskTheRav would like to wish you a Gut Chodesh Elul! “The King is in the field . . and displays a benevolent countenance to all, and fulfills their requests” On Shabbos Re’eh 5748,… The dedicated team of Rabbonim at AskTheRav would like to wish you a Gut Chodesh Elul! “The King is in the field . . and displays a benevolent countenance to all, and fulfills their requests” On Shabbos Re’eh 5748, the Rebbe presented two directives for the month of Elul: [WISHES:] Each person should bless others (and be blessed in return) with the wish of kesivah vachasimah tovah le’shanah tovah u’mesukah (“May you be inscribed and sealed for a good, sweet year!”). It is appropriate that men bless men, women bless women, boys bless boys, and girls bless girls. This…Show more
It's OK to live near a non Jewish cemetery. Upon seeing a non-Jewish burial site one recites the following Passuk (ירמי׳ נ, יב): בּ֤וֹשָׁה אִמְּכֶם֙ מְאֹ֔ד חָפְרָ֖ה יֽוֹלַדְתְּכֶ֑ם הִנֵּה֙ אַחֲרִ֣ית גּוֹיִ֔ם מִדְבָּ֖ר צִיָּ֥ה וַעֲרָבָֽה׃ שו״ע או״ח רכד, יב.… It's OK to live near a non Jewish cemetery. Upon seeing a non-Jewish burial site one recites the following Passuk (ירמי׳ נ, יב): בּ֤וֹשָׁה אִמְּכֶם֙ מְאֹ֔ד חָפְרָ֖ה יֽוֹלַדְתְּכֶ֑ם הִנֵּה֙ אַחֲרִ֣ית גּוֹיִ֔ם מִדְבָּ֖ר צִיָּ֥ה וַעֲרָבָֽה׃ שו״ע או״ח רכד, יב. לוח ברכת הנהנין יב, יח. ונשמט בסדר ברה״נ יג, יא. וכנראה מחמת הצנזורה. #5943Show more
Question: My children want to say Tehillim on Shabbos Mevorchim and will earn rewards for it. They will earn rewards by the amount of time they spend saying Tehillim. Therefore, the question is, are they allowed to use a… Question: My children want to say Tehillim on Shabbos Mevorchim and will earn rewards for it. They will earn rewards by the amount of time they spend saying Tehillim. Therefore, the question is, are they allowed to use a sand timer so they can make sure they are reading for the designated amount of time? Using the time on a clock will not be as child-friendly and effective. Answer: Sand timers should not be used on Shabbos, even for a Mitzvah. Source: The Alter Rebbe writes (Shulchan Aruch Harav 308, 88) that the above is the common…Show more
This is sourced in many Sefarim. It is considered a Sakana to blow out candles. כלבו קיח. ראשית חכמה בחופת אליהו רבה ג. והוב״ד בבא״ח ש״ב פינחס יח. לחה״פ יו״ד קטז, ה. כה״ח שם קטו. ועוד. וראה שו״ת… This is sourced in many Sefarim. It is considered a Sakana to blow out candles. כלבו קיח. ראשית חכמה בחופת אליהו רבה ג. והוב״ד בבא״ח ש״ב פינחס יח. לחה״פ יו״ד קטז, ה. כה״ח שם קטו. ועוד. וראה שו״ת יבי״א ט, צה, יד. #5912 Show more
One should let the buyer know about the market rate of this second hand item, and if he agrees it is permitted. Sources: חו״מ רכ״ז סכ״א. שוע"ר הלכות אונאה ס״ד. …
Yes. However, it’s best to wrap first in something and then discard. ראה גנזי הקודש טז הערה יט. יט, יג. https://asktherav.com/how-should-one-dispose-of-the-menorah-wicks-and-also-the-shabbos-candles/ #6466
See here for a thorough analysis of the parameters of this Mitzvah: https://asktherav.com/i-am-teaching-a-high-school-class-about-the-mitzva-of-pru-urvu-what-is-the-mitzvah-mdoiraisa-and-what-is-the-mitzva-mderabanan/#.XcvxTrulXq8.link This link in itself deals with the basic premise in your question. In addition to these issues relating to the actual Mitzvah of having… See here for a thorough analysis of the parameters of this Mitzvah: https://asktherav.com/i-am-teaching-a-high-school-class-about-the-mitzva-of-pru-urvu-what-is-the-mitzvah-mdoiraisa-and-what-is-the-mitzva-mderabanan/#.XcvxTrulXq8.link This link in itself deals with the basic premise in your question. In addition to these issues relating to the actual Mitzvah of having children, there are other serious Halachic concerns with many of the methods of birth control. Aside for all of this, the general idea of limiting the amount of children is inconsistent with the Torah view that every child is considered a Bracha from Hashem. See below for a letter from the Rebbe about the topic. A sample representation of…Show more
תשובה: אפשרי. אבל יש שנהגו להחמיר. שאלה: האם אסור בשני הלילות שמע"צ ושמח"ת או רק שמע״צ? תשובה: הרבה מחמירים בשניהם. אבל אפשר להקל בליל שמחת תורה. מקורות: בשכנה״ג רמ בהגה״ט: וכש״כ לילי שבועות עצמן. ומוכח שהוא…
חוברות באתרא דרב חוברת א: בסוגיא דכורך לאור שיטת אדמו"ר הזקן (סיון תשע"ג) - י"ל עם הרבה הוספות בחוברת ד. חוברת ב: בסוגיא דעירוב תבשילין ודין אורח בו (תשרי תשע"ד) חוברת ג: בסוגיא דהבדלה ודין הטועה בנוסח חתימת ההבדלה… חוברות באתרא דרב חוברת א: בסוגיא דכורך לאור שיטת אדמו"ר הזקן (סיון תשע"ג) - י"ל עם הרבה הוספות בחוברת ד. חוברת ב: בסוגיא דעירוב תבשילין ודין אורח בו (תשרי תשע"ד) חוברת ג: בסוגיא דהבדלה ודין הטועה בנוסח חתימת ההבדלה (סיון תשע"ד) חוברת ד: בסוגיא דכורך לאור שיטת אדמו"ר הזקן – בהוצאה חדשה עם הרבה הוספות (יא ניסן תשע"ו) חוברת ה: שיטת אדה"ז בשיעור שתייה לברכה אחרונה - Section in English (סיון תשע"ו) בתוך הדברים מתבאר גם: שיטת אדה“ז להשמיענו משמעות כפולה מדבריו הוצאה מיוחדת - חוברת ה: לדרכו של הרמב"ם במשנה תורה - מלוקט מהנאמר במעמדי סיום הרמב"ם תשע"ה-תשע"ט.…Show more
Forbidden. ראה שו״ע חו״מ שסט, ו. שו״ע אדה"ז דיני גזלה וגניבה סעיף טו ואילך. שו״מ אג״מ חו״מ א, פב. אבל ראה שו״ת משנ״ה תנינא יב, תמה. #5625
https://asktherav.com/1080-eating-nuts-on-rosh-hashana-which-nuts-when-how/ Q. Can I use lemon in the Rosh Hashana food if it’s not strong tasting? A. One can use lemon if it is mixed with other flavors and its taste is not strong. כף החיים תקפג, יח.… https://asktherav.com/1080-eating-nuts-on-rosh-hashana-which-nuts-when-how/ Q. Can I use lemon in the Rosh Hashana food if it’s not strong tasting? A. One can use lemon if it is mixed with other flavors and its taste is not strong. כף החיים תקפג, יח. פסקי תשובות סי' תקפג הערה 30. Q. Can garlic cloves be used in a salad dressing or dip on Rosh Hashana? A. Garlic may be eaten on Rosh Hashana. ראה כלבו סד. ד״מ תקפג, א. תשב״ץ קטן קיח. (ואולי לשונם מורה שהיו שנזהרו בזה. והרי מהר״ם לא נזהר גם באגוזים ומניעת שינה וכיו״ב. וכ״ה להדיא במנהגים דבי מהר״ם סדר…Show more
I am extremely self-conscious on Yom Tov because I am severely pale (also at end of pregnancy now making it much worse) and often people think I look sick etc. and ask questions and I would really be a… I am extremely self-conscious on Yom Tov because I am severely pale (also at end of pregnancy now making it much worse) and often people think I look sick etc. and ask questions and I would really be a lot more comfortable if I can put on Shabbos makeup. It's also hard now with needing to go to Shul but not feeling comfortable to go. Is it OK to use it? Answer: See here at length: https://asktherav.com/article-436-is-it-permissible-to-use-shabbos-makeup-on-shabbos-and-yom-tov/ #5666Show more
If honey isn’t possible, sugar may be used. ראה יפ״ל ג, תקפג, א. מל״ח יב, טז. בא״ח נצבים ש״א ד. שו״ת תורה לשמה תק. כה״ח תקפג, ד. שם יג. שם יז. #5664
ש. האם בחור הניגש לעמוד כש”ץ לסליחות צריך להתעטף בטלית גדול? באג"ק ח"ט ע' ריד וחי"ב ע' תמה וחי"ט ע' רמט שולל כללות הענין אצל בחור, אמנם בחט"ז ע' צז מחלק בסתם ש"ץ בין מנחה ומעריב לסליחות. ת.… ש. האם בחור הניגש לעמוד כש”ץ לסליחות צריך להתעטף בטלית גדול? באג"ק ח"ט ע' ריד וחי"ב ע' תמה וחי"ט ע' רמט שולל כללות הענין אצל בחור, אמנם בחט"ז ע' צז מחלק בסתם ש"ץ בין מנחה ומעריב לסליחות. ת. צריך להתעטף. (וה"ה בתפילות ערבית ונעילה ביוהכ"פ). מקור: ראה בירורי מנהגים (פרידמן) מועדים עמודים 106-107. ש. אז מה עם הברכה לבחור הש"ץ לסליחות על עטיפת הטלית (כאשר סליחות הוא כרגיל אצלינו כבר ביום)? ת. ישתמש בטלית שאולה - ולא בטלית הקהל - ולא יברך. ש. וגם צריך להתעטף על הראש? או מספיק על הכתפיים? ת. עדיף על הראש.…Show more
Q1. Does a pregnant woman need to do Kaparos on behalf of the fetus? A. A pregnant woman uses two chickens and one rooster. She uses the plural formula to refer to all the fowl at once: Eilu chalifaseinu,… Q1. Does a pregnant woman need to do Kaparos on behalf of the fetus? A. A pregnant woman uses two chickens and one rooster. She uses the plural formula to refer to all the fowl at once: Eilu chalifaseinu, eilu temuraseinu, eilu kaparaseinu, eilu ha-tarnagolim yeil’chu le-misah, va-anachnu neiliech le-chayim tovim aruchim u’le-shalom. Q2. Must all 3 Kaparos chickens of a pregnant woman be held/swung together? Or can she do one at a time (in order to be less conspicuous early on in pregnancy) and what nusach would she say in such a scenario? A. I’ve seen…Show more
There are many ovens on the market, and it is impossible in this short space to investigate and address every single model. The best we can do is provide a summary of the many issues to look out for.… There are many ovens on the market, and it is impossible in this short space to investigate and address every single model. The best we can do is provide a summary of the many issues to look out for. It is important that you read through the manuals of any model you are considering for purchase, in order to determine whether, and to what degree, the issues outlined below apply. Thermostat: The main problem with using a oven on Shabbos is the thermostat, which is affected by opening or closing the oven while the oven is on. When…Show more
Yes. However, the food must be at least half cooked before Shabbos, see halacha2go.com #753. ראה שאלה #3506: https://asktherav.com/3506-is-an-oven-with-cooktime-or-stoptime-mode-acceptable-for-shabbos-use/ #5506
The minimum size of a Talis Koton - Tzitzis is approximately 19 in. wide and 19 in. long on each side until the hole for the neck Which is a size 20 (20 in.). It would be better to… The minimum size of a Talis Koton - Tzitzis is approximately 19 in. wide and 19 in. long on each side until the hole for the neck Which is a size 20 (20 in.). It would be better to get a bigger size to take in account inaccuracy in the size and the folds that can happen when wearing the Tzitzis. סדור רבינו ריש הלכות ציצית. שיעורי תורה להר' נאה ע' רמט. #4589 Show more
The Rebbe writes to an individual that forgot to put on Rabeinu Tam that he should learn the laws of Tefillin and be an expert in their laws (it is unnecessary to learn the laws that are relevant for… The Rebbe writes to an individual that forgot to put on Rabeinu Tam that he should learn the laws of Tefillin and be an expert in their laws (it is unnecessary to learn the laws that are relevant for a Sofer like large parts of chapter 32 for example) and 2 or 3 Maamarim that discuss the mitzvah of Tefillin. Also one should be particular to immediately put on Rabeinu Tam after Rashi Tefillin as is brought down in Sefer HaMinhagim page 18. Note, that the Bracha on Rashi covers the Rabeinu Tam Tefillin. Therefore there should not be…Show more
Question: The way Kaporos is done these days it looks like there’s a lot of tzar balei chaim going on. Therefore I ask, why are we so makpid to do it with chicken if at the same time we… Question: The way Kaporos is done these days it looks like there’s a lot of tzar balei chaim going on. Therefore I ask, why are we so makpid to do it with chicken if at the same time we are we are being oiver issurim? Wouldn’t it be better to do it with money? Or how can we be careful to not do any tzar balei chaim during Kaporos? Even if we figure out how to do it right, there’s still so much tzar balei chaim that goes on even before it comes to are hands. They don’t…Show more
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