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Question: If I get pictures or videos (of a Seuda or Shul) that were taken on Shabbos by a non-Shomer Shabbos (or LeHavdil, a Goy), can I print/use/publicize them? Answer: A Jew that is not Shomer Shabbos -… Question: If I get pictures or videos (of a Seuda or Shul) that were taken on Shabbos by a non-Shomer Shabbos (or LeHavdil, a Goy), can I print/use/publicize them? Answer: A Jew that is not Shomer Shabbos - If it was a one-time event, and this picture would not be able to be taken after Shabbos, it would be Asur to benefit from it forever. If this picture can be taken again but it happens to be that it was taken on Shabbos, it is Assur to benefit from it for the amount of time that it would…Show more
He puts on his left hand. There are those that say that in this situation he puts on right arm (מ״ב סי׳ כז ס״ק כב בשם הדגול מרבבה). However the (צמח צדק (שו״ת סי׳ ה and שארית יהודה סי׳… He puts on his left hand. There are those that say that in this situation he puts on right arm (מ״ב סי׳ כז ס״ק כב בשם הדגול מרבבה). However the (צמח צדק (שו״ת סי׳ ה and שארית יהודה סי׳ ב say that where ones arm על פי דרך הטבע will not heal then it is as if it doesn't exist and he should therefore put it on his left arm. Now, although at the end of תשובת צ״צ it's משמע that (by a ספק in general) to be יוצא all שיטות he should put on both hands, (making a…Show more
Some are particular to use tree branches (specifically palm leaves) for various reasons (see references below), although halachically it isn’t a requirement. ונתנו טעם לדבר, שסוכה בגי׳ אילן - ראה כה״ח תרכט, א. וראה לקו״ש לט ע׳ 406.… Some are particular to use tree branches (specifically palm leaves) for various reasons (see references below), although halachically it isn’t a requirement. ונתנו טעם לדבר, שסוכה בגי׳ אילן - ראה כה״ח תרכט, א. וראה לקו״ש לט ע׳ 406. ולהעיר מפי השמועה שהרבי ביקש שלא לסכך בקני סוף בחצר 770 - ראה העו״ב גל׳ א׳קצח ע׳ 45. ולהעיר מהשקו״ט ע״ד ההלכה בקנים הגדלים על המים - פמ״ג במ״ז סוסי׳ תרמג. וראה גדולי ציון הורוויץ א, י. שם ז, כד. See also here: https://asktherav.com/1227-are-bamboo-mats-just-as-mehudar-as-the-bamboo-poles/ #5320Show more
We say והמרחם in every Tefilla which does not have 18 (or 19) Berochos, such as Shabbos, Yom Tov, Musaf of Rosh Chodesh and Musaf of Chol Hamoed. We find a Minhag by the Rabbeim to say והמרחם whenever… We say והמרחם in every Tefilla which does not have 18 (or 19) Berochos, such as Shabbos, Yom Tov, Musaf of Rosh Chodesh and Musaf of Chol Hamoed. We find a Minhag by the Rabbeim to say והמרחם whenever there was no Tachanun. ספר המנהגים ע' 27 וכ"מ בשער הכולל פ"ח לב. אבל שם ספק בנוגע למוסף ר"ח וחוה"מ. וראה רשימות חוברת קנו בנוגע להנהגת כ"ק אדמו"ר (מוהרש"ב) נ"ע ביום היארצייט של אביו - י"ג תשרי (שאין אומרים בו תחנון). ויש להעיר מהנהגת כ"ק אד"ש ביום שא"א תחנון. #4962Show more
While the Rebbe insisted on decorating the Sefer Torah with a Yad, we do not find that it was actually used during Krias HaTorah not in 770 and neither in other Lubavitch shules. I have yet to find… While the Rebbe insisted on decorating the Sefer Torah with a Yad, we do not find that it was actually used during Krias HaTorah not in 770 and neither in other Lubavitch shules. I have yet to find an explanation for this. Nonetheless, having a yad is a positive thing, encouraged by the Rebbe. While its purpose is for beauty of the Sefer Torah, it should obviously be used if necessary. Sources: ראה מג״א קנד, יד. לקוטי שיחות ח"כ ע׳ 428.…Show more
E-cigarettes and VAPES, whether in pod or liquid form are problematic both from a Halachic and health standpoint. See here: Rabbi Daniel Stein: "Are Vaping and E-Cigarettes Kosher?" on TorahWeb.com Article from the Chicago Rabbinical Council, on crcweb.org… E-cigarettes and VAPES, whether in pod or liquid form are problematic both from a Halachic and health standpoint. See here: Rabbi Daniel Stein: "Are Vaping and E-Cigarettes Kosher?" on TorahWeb.com Article from the Chicago Rabbinical Council, on crcweb.org Surgeon General’s Advisory on E-cigarette Use Among The Rabbinical Council of America: The Prohibition of Smoking in Halacha Sources: ראה אצלנו 22365 לענין תעניות. https://asktherav.com/22365-is-one-allowed-to-smoke-a-cigarette-or-a-vape-on-a-fast-day/ וה״נ מצד כשרות, ה״ז בגדר…Show more
I was asked this question by my camper. She described it as "the world-class 7 book series talking about magic and a young boys adventure through school and conquering evil". Answer: This and other books that fall into… I was asked this question by my camper. She described it as "the world-class 7 book series talking about magic and a young boys adventure through school and conquering evil". Answer: This and other books that fall into this category (fantasy novels) are not proper for Jewish reading. Particularly if it discusses magic, witchcraft and other forbidden behaviors. Moreover, the morals and values gleaned from this series are inconsistent with Torah. The Alter Rebbe rules (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chayim 307:30) that it is forbidden to read such books not only on Shabbos but even on the weekdays due…Show more
Question: There aren’t many summer jobs available for my young teenage son. Can he work in a supermarket where they have a nice kosher section, but it’s mostly non-kosher food? Are there certain jobs within such a place that… Question: There aren’t many summer jobs available for my young teenage son. Can he work in a supermarket where they have a nice kosher section, but it’s mostly non-kosher food? Are there certain jobs within such a place that are more or less desirable from a Torah perspective? Answer: It is difficult to answer you properly without knowing you or your son's religiosity background. In general, a boy in Yeshiva should learn or work in an Orthodox Jewish camp (a boys camp and not mixed with girls). A boy in Yeshiva should continue to learn Torah throughout the…Show more
You must inform the store and ask them how to deal with it. #5325
My parents have divorced a few years ago. They are not observant, so dealing with it as a Jewish matter did not occur to them as being important so they just got a civil divorce. Fast forward a couple… My parents have divorced a few years ago. They are not observant, so dealing with it as a Jewish matter did not occur to them as being important so they just got a civil divorce. Fast forward a couple of years later - they are now back together and they said they don't need to remarry because according to halacha they were never divorced. Is this true? Does that mean they are still married? What would the status be civilly? Very good to hear! According to Jewish law, a civil divorce does not affect a Jewish divorce. Thus…Show more
Question: I learned that it is improper for a woman to wear a garment with a slit in it. Does this apply to a garment that is worn atop another garment? I.e trench-coat with a slit over a fully… Question: I learned that it is improper for a woman to wear a garment with a slit in it. Does this apply to a garment that is worn atop another garment? I.e trench-coat with a slit over a fully Tznius dress. Answer: It doesn't apply to a coat as long as it is in a modest style. #5311Show more
If it's on a Blech, it doesn't need to be cooked. But then you may not put it back on the fire on Shabbos. If it's not on a Blech, it should be fully cooked, or at least half… If it's on a Blech, it doesn't need to be cooked. But then you may not put it back on the fire on Shabbos. If it's not on a Blech, it should be fully cooked, or at least half cooked, before Shabbos. See more details at Halacha2go.com #339. #5326 Show more
The Issur to daven in an outdoor public area applies to both men and woman unless one is traveling (see Alter Rebbe 90:5). However, there is nothing not Tznius about a woman davening where men are present. L'chatchilla one… The Issur to daven in an outdoor public area applies to both men and woman unless one is traveling (see Alter Rebbe 90:5). However, there is nothing not Tznius about a woman davening where men are present. L'chatchilla one shouldn't daven Mincha after Shkiah, but one should not protest against those who are lenient. (Seder Hachnosas Shabbos). #566 (3)Show more
A. May a woman go jogging in a public place (i.e Eastern Pkwy) during the day? B. Does this differ from jogging at night (when there are fewer people around)? C. If a woman needs to get somewhere quickly,… A. May a woman go jogging in a public place (i.e Eastern Pkwy) during the day? B. Does this differ from jogging at night (when there are fewer people around)? C. If a woman needs to get somewhere quickly, is it permissible to run during the day? Night? It would be appropriate not to go jogging in a public area, for running draws attention to oneself which is the opposite of Tznius. Jogging in a private area or at night (in places where the streets are basically empty) should be fine provided that it is safe to be…Show more
Questions: 1. Must a woman's stockings be opaque (I.e. the leg isn't seen through the stockings)? 2. Is it permissible to wear stockings which cover the leg completely (no holes), are somewhat sheer (can see the leg through hosiery)… Questions: 1. Must a woman's stockings be opaque (I.e. the leg isn't seen through the stockings)? 2. Is it permissible to wear stockings which cover the leg completely (no holes), are somewhat sheer (can see the leg through hosiery) but are visibly not the woman's leg (I.e. there is a seam or design, or the color is darker than the leg/black) Answers: The area below the knee is considered the Shok and thus is an Ervah and therefore must be covered. The denier of the stockings should be such that it is impossible to see the legs through…Show more
Davening should be said in Loshon Hakodesh only. The words that were instituted in our Davening by our sages cannot be accurately translated into other languages. Additionally, many authorities forbade a Chazan to Daven in other languages. However, for… Davening should be said in Loshon Hakodesh only. The words that were instituted in our Davening by our sages cannot be accurately translated into other languages. Additionally, many authorities forbade a Chazan to Daven in other languages. However, for an individual davening privately (not as a Chazan), if they do not understand the general meaning of the words they should say it in English, but it is preferred that they should daven in Loshon Hakodesh and have a general understanding of what they are saying. This is especially relevant for Shema and Shmone Esrei. In your situation, I would…Show more
Slichos (both of before Rosh Hashana and of a Taanis) is like any other part of Davening which one should understand what he is saying. It is preferred that one should learn the meaning of the words of Slichos… Slichos (both of before Rosh Hashana and of a Taanis) is like any other part of Davening which one should understand what he is saying. It is preferred that one should learn the meaning of the words of Slichos so he would understand it when he Davens in Loshon Hakodesh. Alternatively, he can use a Selichos with translation on the side and pause before each paragraph and read with his eyes and then read the paragraph in Loshon Hakodesh after. On the other hand, if for whatever reason one does not have an understanding of the words of Selichos,…Show more
Question: A local supermarket has introduced several brand-new commercial coffee machines (providing espressos, cappuccinos, americanos etc). They have dedicated one for Cholov Yisroel. These machines self-clean and there is thus no concern of cross-contamination with other utensils. The Cholov… Question: A local supermarket has introduced several brand-new commercial coffee machines (providing espressos, cappuccinos, americanos etc). They have dedicated one for Cholov Yisroel. These machines self-clean and there is thus no concern of cross-contamination with other utensils. The Cholov Yisroel milk is kept in a cabinet fridge beneath the machine, and a pipe extends from the machine into the cabinet, where it is inserted into an open bottle of milk. As each bottle empties, an employee opens the next bottle and moves the pipe to the next bottle. The cabinet is always unlocked which allows customers to confirm that…Show more
B’dieved, one may daven till Chatzos, according to many Poskim. Chassidim who are involved in proper Hachana to davening rely on this. There is no basis to allow davening past Chatzos. True, there were great Chassidim who davened… B’dieved, one may daven till Chatzos, according to many Poskim. Chassidim who are involved in proper Hachana to davening rely on this. There is no basis to allow davening past Chatzos. True, there were great Chassidim who davened Ba'arichus and they relied on various leniencies to extend davening even past Chatzos. However, this doesn’t apply to those who just get up late. Even if davening Ba'arichus, the Rebbe instructed to begin at least before Chatzos and had sharp words to say about those who begin their Shacharis later in the day. See also Halacha2go.com #89 Sources: תפלה בדיעבד עד חצות – שו״ע אדה״ז פט, א-ב. ולהעיר…Show more
Question: How about on Shabbos when the Amidah for Shabbos differs in each Tefillah? What should she do regarding Shachris and Musaf? Additionally, on Shabbos, until what point can she eat in the morning? What if she didn’t get… Question: How about on Shabbos when the Amidah for Shabbos differs in each Tefillah? What should she do regarding Shachris and Musaf? Additionally, on Shabbos, until what point can she eat in the morning? What if she didn’t get to daven at all, can she continue eating throughout the day without having to make Kiddush? (At what point does the obligation to make Kiddush take effect in relation to davening?) Answer: Although there is room to be Melamed Zechus on those women who are lenient to daven Shacharis after Chatzos, this shouldn’t be done, rather she should daven…Show more
Full Question: The medical practice is of an OB/GYN. I asked them if they perform abortion and they said they do not. One of the OB/GYNs said that she would prescribe an oral medication (before the 8th week) if… Full Question: The medical practice is of an OB/GYN. I asked them if they perform abortion and they said they do not. One of the OB/GYNs said that she would prescribe an oral medication (before the 8th week) if there is a patient that requests it. The question is: are there any halachic issues to subleasing an office space from this OB/GYN practice? The sublease would mean that I would be paying this medical practice to use an office room and exam room in their office. Answer: Permitted to sublease. Explanation: It is forbidden for a Jew…Show more
שו״ע או״ח סימן קמו סעיף א-ב, ומשנ״ב שם ס״ק ז׳ וביאור הלכה שם ד״ה ויש מתירים. והאריך בזה כ"ק אדמו״ר (מהורש״ב) נ"ע במודעה רבה נדפס בסוף סידור תורה אור. #5217
This is not something unique to Crown Heights. This applies to any community where an Eiruv is rumored to have been erected, but it is done without consultation and support of the local Rabbonim, nor with any endorsement of… This is not something unique to Crown Heights. This applies to any community where an Eiruv is rumored to have been erected, but it is done without consultation and support of the local Rabbonim, nor with any endorsement of any recognized Posek. The response to your question depends on the nature of the person you are meeting. Something should be said and must be said but only if it’s a person that we may assume he or she will accept what is being said or at least will give it some thought. It would also be advisable to refrain…Show more
Water faucet may not be turned off. The reason: turning off the faucet causes to stop the flow of additional cold water, resulting in heating up the cold water which has already entered. Sometimes this can even close to… Water faucet may not be turned off. The reason: turning off the faucet causes to stop the flow of additional cold water, resulting in heating up the cold water which has already entered. Sometimes this can even close to extinguish the flame or turn off electricity. One may however ask and a non-Jew to turn it off. I advise to turn off the hot water valve completely before Shabbos so as not to cause yourself trouble in the future and in this way also protect your guests from violating Shabbos unintentionally. ראה שו״ת ארץ צבי קיב. מהר״י שטייף או״ח…Show more
This is something which, in and of itself, would not generally disqualify the Mikvah. Nevertheless, there are many things in general which can go wrong and invalidate a Mikvah. Therefore, when a Mikvah is required Min Hatorah (such as… This is something which, in and of itself, would not generally disqualify the Mikvah. Nevertheless, there are many things in general which can go wrong and invalidate a Mikvah. Therefore, when a Mikvah is required Min Hatorah (such as for Keilim immersion according to most opinions), one should ensure that it is under the Hashgocha of a Rov who is proficient in Hilchos Mikvaos. If it is not under the Hashgocha of a Rov, one should not automatically presume that it is Kosher. #5256 Show more
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