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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
10% is Maaser. 20% or a fifth is Chomesh. The common practice (there is a Machlokes whether it is Min Hatorah, Miderabanan or a custom which was accepted and obligates us due to general Minhag, ancestors Minhag or it… 10% is Maaser. 20% or a fifth is Chomesh. The common practice (there is a Machlokes whether it is Min Hatorah, Miderabanan or a custom which was accepted and obligates us due to general Minhag, ancestors Minhag or it is like a Neder) is to give Maaser - Ten percent - of all income that one makes to Tzedaka. However some go beyond that and give a Chomesh - one fifth - of their income to Tzedaka. In general, the maximum amount one should give to Tzedaka is a Chomesh, one fifth of their income, however there are situations…Show more
No. See here about trusting a child, l'havdil. #4036
Question: What is the source in Halacha for wearing a Tichel and when this should be done? I learned that one's hair must be completely covered at all times so why would wearing a Tichel in the street be… Question: What is the source in Halacha for wearing a Tichel and when this should be done? I learned that one's hair must be completely covered at all times so why would wearing a Tichel in the street be not OK and at home it is OK? In short, when is a Tichel allowed, and under what conditions? Answer: Firstly, a Tichel is halachically fine as long as it covers all of the hair. The fact however is that this is rarely accomplished. Many a time, some of the hair is protruding from the Tichel. At times, there…Show more
שאלות: א. האם כשעונים באמצע בפסוקי דזמרה לקדיש או קדושה, צריך להיות בין שתי מזמורים, או שמותר וצריך לענות גם כשאוחזים באמצע הענין? ב. האם כשאוחזים לפני ברוך שאמר אפשר לדבר באמצע הפיסקה, או גם זה צריך להיות בין… שאלות: א. האם כשעונים באמצע בפסוקי דזמרה לקדיש או קדושה, צריך להיות בין שתי מזמורים, או שמותר וצריך לענות גם כשאוחזים באמצע הענין? ב. האם כשאוחזים לפני ברוך שאמר אפשר לדבר באמצע הפיסקה, או גם זה צריך להיות בין מקום אחד לשני? תשובות: א. יפסיק אפי' באמצע פסוק. מקור: שו''ע סו, ג. ב. לדבר אסור באמצע פיסקה גם לפני ברוך שאמר. שאלת המשך: א. האם לדבר על ענינים הקשורים עם התפלה מותר בדיעבד? (כמובן כשאין ברירה). ב. ולכתחלה למה אסור לפני ברוך שאמר? תשובות: א. אם הוא לצורך תפילה יש להקל בפסוקי דזמרה. אבל רק…Show more
מפורסם מנהגנו שבדרך כלל אין מברכים שהחיינו על בגדים חדשים ואפילו על טלית, כ״א על פרי חדש, אלא אם יש סיבה אחרת המחייבת (ראה לדוגמא שאלה #1533). יסודו בשו״ע רכג, ו, סדר ברה״נ יב, ה, שעל דבר שאינו חשוב… מפורסם מנהגנו שבדרך כלל אין מברכים שהחיינו על בגדים חדשים ואפילו על טלית, כ״א על פרי חדש, אלא אם יש סיבה אחרת המחייבת (ראה לדוגמא שאלה #1533). יסודו בשו״ע רכג, ו, סדר ברה״נ יב, ה, שעל דבר שאינו חשוב כ״כ כגון חלוק ואנפלאות אין מברכים. וראה ערוה״ש שם ח, דבעינן דבר הבא לעתים רחוקות ולא בדבר שתדיר הוא להתחדש. ובשו״ת מהרש״ג א, צה שמעולם לא בירך על בגד חדש, שאינו חשוב אצלו כ״כ. וראה בין השיטין לענין כלים חדשים 15561: https://asktherav.com/15561-can-i-purchase-a-new-kapota-for-shabbos-during-the-3-weeks/ ופוק חזי מאי עמא דבר, שלמעשה המנהג שאין מברכים על קניית ולבישת בגדים חדשים, רק בבגדים חשובים ביותר,…Show more
במקום אונס, אפשר להתפלל מעריב עד הנץ החמה. אבל אין אומרים השכיבנו. וכן אין להתפלל שמונה עשרה. ויש מתירים להתפלל שמונה עשרה גם כן. (ואף שהיא דעת יחיד, בדיעבד יתכן לסמוך על שיטה זו). הקורא קריאת שמע של ערבית… במקום אונס, אפשר להתפלל מעריב עד הנץ החמה. אבל אין אומרים השכיבנו. וכן אין להתפלל שמונה עשרה. ויש מתירים להתפלל שמונה עשרה גם כן. (ואף שהיא דעת יחיד, בדיעבד יתכן לסמוך על שיטה זו). הקורא קריאת שמע של ערבית אחרי עלות השחר, אין לו לקרוא קריאת של שחרית עד אחרי הנץ החמה. אבל אם לא היה אנוס לא יצא ידי חובתו. במקרה שהלך לישון ללא מעריב, אין זה אונס, ולא יצא ידי חובתו, וחייב להתפלל של שחרית שנים. מראי מקומות: ראה או״ח סרל״ה, משנ״ב וערוה״ש שם. והובאו בלקו״ש חל״ט ע׳ 282. קצוה״ש סכ״ז סקי״ג. ולכאו׳ יש למצוא סימוכין…Show more
I need to have open internet. I know the Rabbonim say that one must have a filter. I have heard that there is some type of filter where the internet is open just they send a list of websites you…I need to have open internet. I know the Rabbonim say that one must have a filter. I have heard that there is some type of filter where the internet is open just they send a list of websites you visited to someone you choose. I can't seem to find this. Would you know what this program is called? Answer: I am not sure why you believe you “need to have open Internet.” Perhaps you can explain your statement. As a general rule, virtually all the Rabbonim have ruled that is forbidden to have open Internet without a filter.…Show more
It depends what the purpose of filtering is. If it is in order to have cleaner water and one is not highly sensitive to the regular water (איסטניס) - then the water may be filtered on Shabbos. (Some question… It depends what the purpose of filtering is. If it is in order to have cleaner water and one is not highly sensitive to the regular water (איסטניס) - then the water may be filtered on Shabbos. (Some question the use of Brita filters for a different reason since the water mixes first with charcoal granules causing it to be inedible. Nonetheless, since the water inserted is clean and exits clean this doesn’t pose a problem.) However, if it’s in order to remove insects this may not be done on Shabbos. It should be noted that most pitcher filters…Show more
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