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See here: https://asktherav.com/2614-if-a-song-is-written-by-a-yid-but-is-recorded-with-a-non-jewish-singer-is-there-an-issue-listening-to-it-is-the-concept-of-connecting-to-his-neshama-apply-here-as-well/ #4750
It is not forbidden to listen to a non-Jew sing. This is provided that the music, either the lyrics or the purpose of the music, is consistent with Torah, i.e. it’s not heretical, immodest, or goes against other Jewish… It is not forbidden to listen to a non-Jew sing. This is provided that the music, either the lyrics or the purpose of the music, is consistent with Torah, i.e. it’s not heretical, immodest, or goes against other Jewish values. This is purely from a halachic point of view. However, in other sources, the concept connecting to the soul of the composer of non-Jewish music is discussed. This applies specifically to the composer and not to the singer or the one playing. Albeit, there is room for one who wishes to be stringent in this matter and listen to…Show more
The Pasuk in Yeshayahu says "the death will be swallowed up forever and Hashem will erase tears from all faces." See Rashi on this verse where he says "death will be hidden forever." In Breishis Rabbah there is a… The Pasuk in Yeshayahu says "the death will be swallowed up forever and Hashem will erase tears from all faces." See Rashi on this verse where he says "death will be hidden forever." In Breishis Rabbah there is a dispute between the Tenaim if there will be eternal life after Techias Hameisim for the gentiles, but all opinions agree that the Jews will have everlasting life. The view of the Rambam is that eventually even after Techiyas Hameisim people will live a long life and eventually die. Virtually all views reject the Rambam's view, namely the Ramban This is…Show more
Potato chips - fried potato chips should be Bishul Yisroel. Pringles - there is a Machlokes in regards to regular Potato chips if they need to be Bishul Yisroel and one should be stringent as mentioned. However, even according… Potato chips - fried potato chips should be Bishul Yisroel. Pringles - there is a Machlokes in regards to regular Potato chips if they need to be Bishul Yisroel and one should be stringent as mentioned. However, even according to the lenient opinion, there is room to be more stringent in regards to Pringles. Reasoning: Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh Deah 113:1) requires Bishul Yisroel only on foods that are Oleh Al Shulchan Melachim (that would be served at the meals of royalty). The Chachmas Adom 66:4 writes that foods like potato cuttings require to be Bishul Yisroel. Although most…Show more
Yes (see here). However, during the week of Tisha B’av only an exact minyan plus relatives who are ineligible to testify (קרובים הפסולים לעדות) may eat meat. The other invitees, if there are, may not eat fleishigs. Sources: רמ״א תקנא, י. אדה״ז רמט קו״א א. והנה, בלבוש…
Question: I'm making a shofar factory. What do I need to know if I want to shellac the shofar once it's ready for use? Is there an issue with shellacking the mouthpiece? Answer: Shellac should preferably not to… Question: I'm making a shofar factory. What do I need to know if I want to shellac the shofar once it's ready for use? Is there an issue with shellacking the mouthpiece? Answer: Shellac should preferably not to be used at all, due to chashash of shinui hakol, at least, not in the mouthpiece due to chatzitzah. Sources: ראה דרשות הרמב”ן. ריטב״א ר״ה כז, ב. …Show more
In order to be considered Tefilah B'Tzibur there need to be at least six men davening Shmonah Esrei together. If there were no six people davening together, then one cannot do Chazaras Hashatz. If there aren't six before Shmonah… In order to be considered Tefilah B'Tzibur there need to be at least six men davening Shmonah Esrei together. If there were no six people davening together, then one cannot do Chazaras Hashatz. If there aren't six before Shmonah Esrei the Chazzan typically waits so it can be considered Tefilah B'Tzibur and the Chazzan can say Chazaras Hashatz. However, it is advised to start and daven with a proper Minyan. This way one will not need to wait for six before Shmonah Esrei. I have heard a theory (although I have not seen it printed in a Sefer) that…Show more
Is it enough to see the flash or you have to see the actual lightning strike? Answer: Seeing the flash is sufficient to make a Bracha. Sources: ראה שו״ת מנחת שלמה ב, ד, לד. אז״נ ו,…
שאלה: אני עומד בקשר רציף עם יהודי שמתקרב מאד ליהדות. וכעת הוא עומד בפני בעיה הלכתית וצריך פתרון: מדובר ביהודי ישראלי שנמצא כיום בקשר עם בחורה ישראלית (יהודיה כמובן) שמתקרבת יחד איתו בצעדים גדולים. הם גרים כאן בארה"ב כיוון… שאלה: אני עומד בקשר רציף עם יהודי שמתקרב מאד ליהדות. וכעת הוא עומד בפני בעיה הלכתית וצריך פתרון: מדובר ביהודי ישראלי שנמצא כיום בקשר עם בחורה ישראלית (יהודיה כמובן) שמתקרבת יחד איתו בצעדים גדולים. הם גרים כאן בארה"ב כיוון שעובדים פה. התיכנון שלהם הוא להתחתן (מצידו ומצדה) אך ורק בשנה הבאה, מכיוון שהגבר נמצא פה כבר כמה שנים ללא אשרות שהייה מה שאומר שברגע שהוא ייצא מפה הוא יקבל חותמת שחורה ולא יוכל לחזור לפה, לכן הם רוצים להישאר כאן עוד שנה בעסקים ואז לחזור לארץ להתחתן. אבל בכל זמן שהוא נשארים יחד הם חיים באיסור וזה דבר שהם…Show more
In general, women too are included in the prohibition of shaving their body hair during the 3 weeks. Nonetheless, there is room for leniency for a girl who is in shidduchim. Likewise, for a married woman there is… In general, women too are included in the prohibition of shaving their body hair during the 3 weeks. Nonetheless, there is room for leniency for a girl who is in shidduchim. Likewise, for a married woman there is room to be lenient if it offends her husband. Sources: See here: https://asktherav.com/is-an-unmarried-woman-allowed-to-shave-body-hair-during-sefira-i-dont-do-so-regularly-i-just-want-to-feel-good-and-clean-3845/ #9858…Show more
The Rebbe said it’s מעין תפלה בציבור. It is not considered תפלה בציבור in the literal sense. This idea has parallels in many places. See also שו״ת בית יעקב ע. This has been expounded upon in the התמים magazine… The Rebbe said it’s מעין תפלה בציבור. It is not considered תפלה בציבור in the literal sense. This idea has parallels in many places. See also שו״ת בית יעקב ע. This has been expounded upon in the התמים magazine of סיון תשס״א. #4707Show more
No. המנהג הובא בשוע"ר סי' רסג, ה, אך ראה הגהות לסידור רבינו הזקן ע׳ כח. ומשמע שם שזוהי הוראת אדה״ז והצ״צ. וראה הנסמן בקיצור דיני ומנהגי נש״ק ה, ו. קובץ שומרי החומות ע׳ כז. #4712
G-d does love you, and he will always love you. G-d chose every single Jew to be part of his nation. He chose both our souls and our physical bodies too. (To be precise, the soul is considered a… G-d does love you, and he will always love you. G-d chose every single Jew to be part of his nation. He chose both our souls and our physical bodies too. (To be precise, the soul is considered a child of Hashem and the body was chosen). Every Jew, no matter how much Torah or Mitzvos they observe, is dear to Hashem as an only child born to elderly parents. Actually, you also love G-d at the very moment that you might be doing something that is against his desire, G-d forbid. This love is hidden in your heart,…Show more
I recently heard that there is a halachic opinion that if Mikvah night is Friday night, a woman who lives too far to walk can toivel at sundown and drive home before nightfall. I am often serving as the… I recently heard that there is a halachic opinion that if Mikvah night is Friday night, a woman who lives too far to walk can toivel at sundown and drive home before nightfall. I am often serving as the Mikvah lady at our local Mikvah and have always up till now told women who need to drive that they should wait till after Shabbos. Plus even if this is allowed it is very little time from sundown to toivel and be dressed and ready to drive home. It would only apply to people living very close.....? Answer: You…Show more
Question: I am an older Bachur. Is it permissible for me to live alone in the same home (separate bedroom) as my grandmother? There are relatives who live separately in the downstairs of the home and from time to… Question: I am an older Bachur. Is it permissible for me to live alone in the same home (separate bedroom) as my grandmother? There are relatives who live separately in the downstairs of the home and from time to time they come upstairs. (They usually knock, and then enter immediately without waiting for a response.) Answer: There is no issue of Yichud with a grandmother. However, you may not have Yichud with other female visitors, even if your grandmother is around. She doesn’t serve as a protection against Yichud. The same applies with other female relatives other than…Show more
Hatovas Chalom instructions are found in the “old” Siddur Tehillas Hashem (page 377). It should be in the presence of three men. Many opinions say in front of three women is also fine. Sources: בפני ג׳ אנשים - יפה ללב או״ח רכ, ו.…
1. No. סדר ברכת הנהנין יא, טו. 2. Yes. #624 This Q&A is brought to you by: An anonymous partner in appreciation of the Bedatz of Crown Heights and of AskTheRav
Question: Is one allowed to purchase new cutlery for Shabbos in the nine days? If one already purchased dishes for Shabbos in the nine days by accident, can they be Toiveled in the nine days or do we have… Question: Is one allowed to purchase new cutlery for Shabbos in the nine days? If one already purchased dishes for Shabbos in the nine days by accident, can they be Toiveled in the nine days or do we have to wait till after the nine days to Toivel and use? Answer: It is recommended not to purchase expensive dishes in the nine days. But simple dishes may be purchased. Nonetheless, if purchased, they should be Toivled immediately. One should not delay Toiveling, as a general rule. One may use these dishes on Shabbos. You are allowed to buy…Show more
I saw that one shouldn’t build new furniture during the 3 weeks, but can one take possession of new furniture during the 3 weeks? One may not build new furniture from Rosh Chodesh Av until after Tisha B’av (after… I saw that one shouldn’t build new furniture during the 3 weeks, but can one take possession of new furniture during the 3 weeks? One may not build new furniture from Rosh Chodesh Av until after Tisha B’av (after the fast) unless necessary. The same applies to buying, even if it would arrive after Tisha B’av. Before then, it would be permitted. Is one allowed to build a desk during the nine days? One should not build furniture unless necessary in the nine days. Sources: א. שו”ע תקנ”א, ב. שם בפמ”ג א”א סק”ז. ועיין…Show more
There is an unresolved dispute about this matter. Sources: בס׳ המנהגים ע׳ 46 הערה 7 - "מנהג י"ז…
1. Does this Minhag have a Chiyuv or even a source in Halacha, like לא תשלחנו חינם or is it just a type of gratitude? 2. Does it apply to everyone or only to a specific field of employment… 1. Does this Minhag have a Chiyuv or even a source in Halacha, like לא תשלחנו חינם or is it just a type of gratitude? 2. Does it apply to everyone or only to a specific field of employment or to a certain age of the employee or their wealth circumstances. Answers: 1. There are two aspects. Paying out one month per year is based on local common custom. This forms part of the actual salary as per common employment custom. An independent issue is the concept of Haanaka (הענקה) based on ethical considerations. ראה חינוך מצוה…Show more
Whenever you book an airline ticket, you are effectively entering into a “contract of carriage” between yourself and the airline. Usually, hidden-city ticketing is a violation of the binding contract between the traveler and the airline. Even if it’s… Whenever you book an airline ticket, you are effectively entering into a “contract of carriage” between yourself and the airline. Usually, hidden-city ticketing is a violation of the binding contract between the traveler and the airline. Even if it’s not, it’s certainly deceptive. #4657 This Q&A is brought to you by: An anonymous partner in appreciation of the Bedatz of Crown Heights and of AskTheRav Show more
Yes. ראה שאלה 3906. #4553 This Q&A is brought to you by: An anonymous partner in appreciation of the Bedatz of Crown Heights and of AskTheRav
שאלות: א. האם מותר להשקיע במניות של ישראלים שאינם שומרי שבת? ב. האם מותר לקנות מניות של גוי שמוכר טריפות (ויכול להיות שימכור לישראל שאינו שומר תומ"צ)? ג. האם יש בהשקעות בכלל איסור ריבית? ד. האם יש ספר או… שאלות: א. האם מותר להשקיע במניות של ישראלים שאינם שומרי שבת? ב. האם מותר לקנות מניות של גוי שמוכר טריפות (ויכול להיות שימכור לישראל שאינו שומר תומ"צ)? ג. האם יש בהשקעות בכלל איסור ריבית? ד. האם יש ספר או מאמר שכבוד הרב מציע על דיני השקעה? מענות: א. בעייתי. ב. אפשר. ג. אם יודע בוודאי שמלווים בריבית בעייתי. ד. יש אתר שלם בנושא - של מכון כת"ר - באתר הנ״ל נראה שנוטים יותר לקולא בהרבה פרטים. וראה במקורות כאן. מקורות: נחלקו האחרונים בגדר בעלות המניות - בשו״ת מהר''ם שיק…Show more
Shema for the evening may be recited. Although the time it is supposed to be recited originally is during the night, one may say it during the day. However one must first say Birchas HaTorah. Hamapil may not be… Shema for the evening may be recited. Although the time it is supposed to be recited originally is during the night, one may say it during the day. However one must first say Birchas HaTorah. Hamapil may not be recited after Alos. Sources: י״א שאחרי חצות הלילה אין מברכים ברכת המפיל. אבל…Show more
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