People Just Asked
It is forbidden to sell a flight ticket to a Jew that will be flying directly on Shabbos, for both the reasons of "helping one do a sin" and "Chilul Hashem". Sources: Helping one do an Aveira - See Shulchan Aruch…
If one did not give Maaser on the gross income when he received it, he is now obligated to give Maaser on this money. Follow up Question: What if the refund is actually more than what you made,… If one did not give Maaser on the gross income when he received it, he is now obligated to give Maaser on this money. Follow up Question: What if the refund is actually more than what you made, (more than the amount that was reduced from your pay check), but it is being given to you because you don't make so much and have kids? Answer: The amount 'extra' (which was not calculated before) is now obligated in Maaser. Sources: עיין בפתחי תשובה סי' רמט ס"ק א שמביא מהשער…Show more
Full Question: Is there room to be lenient and not need to check a jacket that has no wool or linen stated on the tag, and most of the time I've ever check any jacket, it was Shatnez free?… Full Question: Is there room to be lenient and not need to check a jacket that has no wool or linen stated on the tag, and most of the time I've ever check any jacket, it was Shatnez free? Is there room to be lenient and not need to check my Kapotah that the merchant stated: "no one ever stated to have found shatnez in my Kaptotahs"? Answer: About the jacket- I would recommend to check, because many times there is a problem with the stitching and the stuffing. About the Kapotah- you must check each Kapotah individually.…Show more
No. Unless your parents are not Makpid. Even in this case, if there is someone there who has no parents you shouldn’t say it. The common custom, however, is that even if one’s parents don’t mind they don’t do… No. Unless your parents are not Makpid. Even in this case, if there is someone there who has no parents you shouldn’t say it. The common custom, however, is that even if one’s parents don’t mind they don’t do so if both parents are alive. Sources: רמ"א או"ח קלב, ב. ועד"ז ביו"ד שעו, ד. וגם…Show more
Question: My main reason in sending this Email to you is because the gap between the Klal and the leadership is growing to a point that many people (including myself) feel disregarded, scoffed and misunderstood by Rabbanim. I do… Question: My main reason in sending this Email to you is because the gap between the Klal and the leadership is growing to a point that many people (including myself) feel disregarded, scoffed and misunderstood by Rabbanim. I do not have to explain the integral role that Rabbonim play in leading a Frum life, and what devastating results this dynamic leads to. With children not allowed to go to school (whether or not you agree that they should) the Chinuch of many hundreds of children is suffering. Families have been placed under tremendous burdens during this time affecting Sholom…Show more
Answer: One is not allowed to tear paper towels on shabbos, even not on the perforated line. Regarding toilet paper, where no other other choice exists, one may rip the toilet paper, not on the perforated line. It is… Answer: One is not allowed to tear paper towels on shabbos, even not on the perforated line. Regarding toilet paper, where no other other choice exists, one may rip the toilet paper, not on the perforated line. It is recommended to rip the toilet paper with a Shinui. Ripping toilet paper with the left hand is not considered a Shinui. This should not be relied on under ordinary circumstances; only where toilet paper was not prepared before Shabbos and it’s allowed only in order to preserve human dignity. Reasoning: The issue of ripping toilet paper isn't a issue…Show more
Should I still say Tachanun on my own while they say Hallel? Should I leave the room and say it? If I leave the room, do I put my head on my arm still? Answer: It is highly… Should I still say Tachanun on my own while they say Hallel? Should I leave the room and say it? If I leave the room, do I put my head on my arm still? Answer: It is highly advisable not to daven in such a Minyan on this day, even if it comes at the expense of Davening without a Minyan. It’s important on the one hand not to get into any type of Machlokes with the Minyan, and at the same time not to be perceived as one who is supportive of practices which are questionable. If…Show more
Yes, you should skip Tachanun, but in a manner that doesn't call attention to your behavior. טעמים ומקורות: בכללות הענין ילה״ע מאג״ק ח״ז ע׳ קכה ואילך. והנה יש שדנו משום לא תתגודדו (ראה גם משנ״ב סי׳ קלא… Yes, you should skip Tachanun, but in a manner that doesn't call attention to your behavior. טעמים ומקורות: בכללות הענין ילה״ע מאג״ק ח״ז ע׳ קכה ואילך. והנה יש שדנו משום לא תתגודדו (ראה גם משנ״ב סי׳ קלא סק״ו). אבל בימינו אלה בלקוטאי שנתקבצו מכ״מ עם שינויי נוסחאות ומנהגים לרוב, ל״ש כ״כ לא תתגודדו. ובכלל, לענין נפ״א יש להוכיח שא״צ לעשות כמנהג המקום - ראה מגילה כב, ב. וכש״כ שאין לעשות היפך מנהגו שלא לומר תחנון. וראה שו״ת לבו״מ סי׳ רכו בתשו׳ לבעל קצה המטה. (וצ״ע מש״כ שלרב לא נתגלו ד׳ הזהר שהרי רב היינו ר׳ אבא שכתב…Show more
No. מקור: שו״ע יו״ד פט, א. #4171
There are countless details involved in converting ovens and stoves from meat use to dairy, but this is not the forum to delve into this at length. (We will limit the discussion to details relevant to the Alter Rebbe’s… There are countless details involved in converting ovens and stoves from meat use to dairy, but this is not the forum to delve into this at length. (We will limit the discussion to details relevant to the Alter Rebbe’s treatment of the matter in his laws of Shavuos.) The Alter Rebbe states that those who are accustomed to bake dairy products for Shavuos must be careful when koshering their meat ovens (in which meaty juices and the like occasionally drip or splatter, and these juices are then absorbed into the oven walls)—the oven must be heated to the point…Show more
There is a prohibition of doing business with non-kosher food, in addition to the prohibition of benefiting from some issurim (such as milk and meat mixtures). The best solution is to rent out the restaurant space to a non-Jew,… There is a prohibition of doing business with non-kosher food, in addition to the prohibition of benefiting from some issurim (such as milk and meat mixtures). The best solution is to rent out the restaurant space to a non-Jew, and the non-Jew runs the restaurant and pays a fixed amount as rent for the space. So advises Chelkas Binyamin 117:8. [There is an additional problem of Shabbos operations and revenues. These matters can be dealt with by making a partnership with a non-Jew and drafting a contract which arranges that all Shabbos and Yom Tov revenues will be…Show more
Question: There was a Minhag to eat colored eggs on Lag BaOmer. I once heard that we don't do it any more (Bechukas Hagoyim?). Now it's going around that it's Chabad Minhag to eat them. Is this indeed our… Question: There was a Minhag to eat colored eggs on Lag BaOmer. I once heard that we don't do it any more (Bechukas Hagoyim?). Now it's going around that it's Chabad Minhag to eat them. Is this indeed our Minhag? Answer: There is indeed such a custom, practiced specifically in Lubavitch, Karlin and other circles. The Rebbe was seen publicly practicing this custom. טעמים ומקורות: ראה לקו״ד ע׳ 1045. ס׳ המנהגים ע׳ 43. ליבאווייטש וחיילי׳ ע׳ 57. תולדות חב״ד בארה״ב ע׳ שמא. תשורה י״ד כסלו תשס״ו. אוצר מנהגי חב״ד ע׳ ערה. ע׳ רפ. וכן מקובל מכו״כ. וראה המסופר…Show more
Once she actually slept there. מקורות: ראה שערי דעה לבעל שמן רוקח קצה, ד. וראה…
This requires Libbun Gamur. This can be accomplished by putting it into a self clean oven for a complete cycle. #4066
Question: I am doing construction in my house, and I am getting rid of an opening in the wall of an air conditioner and closing the opening. I remember hearing something about leaving a small hole when closing a… Question: I am doing construction in my house, and I am getting rid of an opening in the wall of an air conditioner and closing the opening. I remember hearing something about leaving a small hole when closing a window for שדים. Is this something that we’re Makpid on and does it pertain to my situation? Answer: Please see here: https://asktherav.com/article-433-what-is-the-source-for-not-closing-up-doors-and-windows/ Sources: ובמ''מ שם, וטעם הדבר: בספר חסידים [סי' אלף קמ"ו]:…Show more
Answer: If you cannot find a Minyan either in Eretz Yisroel or in Chutz La'aretz to hear this Parasha, then there’s nothing else you can do about it. Follow up Question: If it’s OK with the Shul Rav,… Answer: If you cannot find a Minyan either in Eretz Yisroel or in Chutz La'aretz to hear this Parasha, then there’s nothing else you can do about it. Follow up Question: If it’s OK with the Shul Rav, can Shlishi, of Mincha on Shabbos afternoon, read till the end of the Parsha, so I can hear the whole Sedra? Answer: Yes. #4007Show more
Question: I used to join the late Minyanim for Mincha during the week and Friday in 770, since it is hard to get Shabbos prep done and be in Shul early many Fridays. Also, bad habits are hard to… Question: I used to join the late Minyanim for Mincha during the week and Friday in 770, since it is hard to get Shabbos prep done and be in Shul early many Fridays. Also, bad habits are hard to break. Where I live now, I would have to come on time to the only Mincha Minyan, some time before Shkia. There isn't even one minyan Mincha in entire city after Shkia. If the entire city has indeed a minhag/psak to daven before shkia, can Chabad have a different psak/minhag? Please advise me. Answer: There is a…Show more
:תשובה בשיחת י״ט כסלו תשמ״ז (סה״ש תשמ״ז א ע׳ 146 ובהערה 10) בקשר עם תליית שיר המעלות בבית הרפואה, נזכר בדרך אגב, ש״בימינו אלה מסיבות רפואיות יולדות הנשים בבית הרפואה דוקא״. ״ובמילא הרי זה (ע״פ) הוראת התורה״. לאידך, במענה… :תשובה בשיחת י״ט כסלו תשמ״ז (סה״ש תשמ״ז א ע׳ 146 ובהערה 10) בקשר עם תליית שיר המעלות בבית הרפואה, נזכר בדרך אגב, ש״בימינו אלה מסיבות רפואיות יולדות הנשים בבית הרפואה דוקא״. ״ובמילא הרי זה (ע״פ) הוראת התורה״. לאידך, במענה בגוכתי״ק לא׳ הרבנים [ומפי השמועה - המענה דן בנושא זה] (נדפס בבית משיח גל׳ 378 - כ״ד מנ״א תשס״ב. ולא בנוסח שהושמט בתפארת יהודה קלמן ע׳ 63. וכדי בזיון וקצף) ש״בדור שלא נשמע תמיד לפס״ד רבנים - הרי (לבד מהמפורש בשו״ע) יש להזהר ככל האפשרי מהכרזת איסורים שנתחדשו מפני השינוים בסדר החיים (ובפרט כשאין מודיעים טעם זה, ומעורר תמי׳ -…Show more
Question: I run a Chabad camp. We have many non-Chabad counselors. One of our counselors is not comfortable wearing socks and will only agree to wearing ankle socks. May I allow her to wear short socks, as that is… Question: I run a Chabad camp. We have many non-Chabad counselors. One of our counselors is not comfortable wearing socks and will only agree to wearing ankle socks. May I allow her to wear short socks, as that is what her family's standard is? Answer: If part of her leg will be showing, then this is a serious issue. It is a breach of Tznius. The counselors must be such a model of proper behavior and observance of Torah and Mitzvos completely. However, if she will be wearing long skirts such that her leg will not be showing…Show more
No. When the oven door is opened, the thermostat will detect the cold air that rushes in and will activate the heating element if it is off at that moment. It is forbidden to cause this to occur, even… No. When the oven door is opened, the thermostat will detect the cold air that rushes in and will activate the heating element if it is off at that moment. It is forbidden to cause this to occur, even if all the food will be removed all at once before the oven door is re-closed. [If the oven door is re-closed with some of the food remaining inside, there may be additional concerns of Bishul on Shabbos, depending on the circumstances.] See also here: https://asktherav.com/if-food-was-left-in-the-oven-which-is-on-to-continue-cooking-on-shabbos-can-i-take-out-the-food-from-the-on-oven-on-shabbos/ #4012Show more
Here are the links to the rolling pins I was considering to buy: First link. Second link. Answer: The information there is very limited and does not describe with what they are coated. If they are coated with… Here are the links to the rolling pins I was considering to buy: First link. Second link. Answer: The information there is very limited and does not describe with what they are coated. If they are coated with oil or a similar non-stick substance, you should wash it off with cold water and soap before the first use. If they are coated with paint or finish, it poses no problem Halachicly. If you doubt that you will be able to get all of the oil off, or if it will wash off at all, it is better not…Show more
In general terms, frozen fruit or vegetables with no additives may be eaten without a Hechsher, provided they are not from Eretz Yisroel or China, and provided there is no concern for infestation. Strawberries and blueberries can be infested.… In general terms, frozen fruit or vegetables with no additives may be eaten without a Hechsher, provided they are not from Eretz Yisroel or China, and provided there is no concern for infestation. Strawberries and blueberries can be infested. Frozen fruit shouldn’t have natural or artificial flavors, colors or grape juice. If the ingredients list “fruit juice”, they should not be eaten. However, frozen corn on the cob should not be eaten without a Hechsher, as there is concern for infestation and while frozen it is difficult to check. #4037Show more
If the potato Kugel is still warm then you may, if however the potato Kugel is completely cold then you are not allowed. #4050
Question: I am interested in converting to Judaism. However, I am transgender and I have done a lot of research as to whether this is accepted in Judaism, however I can't find any solid answer. Is it accepted in… Question: I am interested in converting to Judaism. However, I am transgender and I have done a lot of research as to whether this is accepted in Judaism, however I can't find any solid answer. Is it accepted in reform Judaism but not orthodox Judaism. Can you help me? Answer: It really depends what you mean when you say that you are transgender. In Judaism there’s a major distinction between emotions and behaviors. Well certain practices are forbidden according to Jewish law, the desires per se are not proscribed in the Torah. I suggest you discuss with the…Show more
It’s very hard to give advice about this matter because it really depends on the particular circumstances of the individual, his capacity etc. It is worthwhile talking with one of your teachers or mentors who knows you very well… It’s very hard to give advice about this matter because it really depends on the particular circumstances of the individual, his capacity etc. It is worthwhile talking with one of your teachers or mentors who knows you very well and can best assist you in this matter. I will only make here some general observations: Review of the material is affected by two fundamental variables, the level of understanding and the motivation. We are likely to remember better and longer if the information makes sense to us. Likewise, if we are very motivated to know this information we are…Show more
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