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Badatz Mezuzah letter 5779: Hebrew English Reprint of Mezuzah Guidelines of Badatz in 5754: Hebrew English https://asktherav.com/article-how-to-choose-a-sofer/
When purchasing STAM (Sifrei Torah, Tefilin, Mezuzos, Megilos), we must heed the words of the Shulchan Aruch, “Tzarich lihiyos me’oid yarei Shomayim v’choraid lidvar Hashem hamisasek bekesivas hatefilin v’tikunon.” One involved in writing and fixing STAM must have a… When purchasing STAM (Sifrei Torah, Tefilin, Mezuzos, Megilos), we must heed the words of the Shulchan Aruch, “Tzarich lihiyos me’oid yarei Shomayim v’choraid lidvar Hashem hamisasek bekesivas hatefilin v’tikunon.” One involved in writing and fixing STAM must have a high degree of fear of Heaven and tremble at the word of G-d. Before we choose a sofer it is crucial to inquire whether he has high standards and is careful to abide by all the halachos scrupulously, that he has a sterling reputation, as well as a ksav kabbalah confirming that rabbonim have attested that he is qualified to…Show more
For example: Discussing תפארת שבתפארת after Shkia but before Maariv of מוצאי בדר''ח אייר. Answer: There is no halachic issue with this. However, there is a Sicha of the Previous Rebbe which can be interpreted to mean there… For example: Discussing תפארת שבתפארת after Shkia but before Maariv of מוצאי בדר''ח אייר. Answer: There is no halachic issue with this. However, there is a Sicha of the Previous Rebbe which can be interpreted to mean there was a custom by Chassidim not to do so (although this is far from clear). ראה סה״ש תש״ח ע' 223. #3939Show more
.לא רק שמותר, אלא זה גם חובה #3944
The matter depends. In general recreational drugs are against Halacha, as we find that the Poskim forbade taking substances like marijuana for a range of reasons (see below), including the reason that one should not extra indulge themselves in… The matter depends. In general recreational drugs are against Halacha, as we find that the Poskim forbade taking substances like marijuana for a range of reasons (see below), including the reason that one should not extra indulge themselves in worldly pleasures. There is no blanket answer regarding taking substances for depression and end of life issues. Certainly one shouldn’t do something which is illegal (Dina Demalchusa Dina). If the substance is legal for the patient and truly needed for medical reasons like tremendous pain, then medical advice should be obtained from a professional doctor. טעמים ומקורות: בפסחים קיג,…Show more
שאלות: א. האם נוהגים להחמיר וליטול ידיים גם אחרי שינת עראי של 3 דק' המוזכר בקצוה"ש סי' ב סק"א? ב. האם דין שינת עראי היא גם כשלא ישן במיטה? ג. האם יש ליטול ידיים סמוך למיטה גם בשינה ביום?… שאלות: א. האם נוהגים להחמיר וליטול ידיים גם אחרי שינת עראי של 3 דק' המוזכר בקצוה"ש סי' ב סק"א? ב. האם דין שינת עראי היא גם כשלא ישן במיטה? ג. האם יש ליטול ידיים סמוך למיטה גם בשינה ביום? (אז נדברו סי' נד). תשובות: א. ההכרעה המקובלת להחמיר רק בשינה של חצי שעה או יותר. [ויש שכתבו שראוי להחמיר בזה אפילו בישן [פחות מג' מנוטין] רק דקה ו-12 שניות - עיין בטעמים ומקורות]. ב. כן, גם כשישן על כיסא וכדומה. ג. המנהג להקל בשינה ביום בהליכה ד׳ אמות. ויש שהחמירו. טעמים ומקורות: עיין בקצות השולחן סימן ב' סק"א שראוי…Show more
Upon awaking in the morning we wash Negel Vasser (ritual washing of the hands in an alternating right/left pattern) to remove the vestiges of impurity acquired while we slept. But what about napping during the day—is the washing in… Upon awaking in the morning we wash Negel Vasser (ritual washing of the hands in an alternating right/left pattern) to remove the vestiges of impurity acquired while we slept. But what about napping during the day—is the washing in the morning due to a Ruach Ra (a harmful spirit) that may have affected us during our nighttime sleep, or is any sleep, even during the daytime, cause for spiritual cleansing? The recommended practice is to wash Negel Vasser even when waking from a daytime nap, though we do so without a Brachah. But not all naps qualify; the measure…Show more
One should not sleep during the day longer than what is called Sheinas Ha’Sus, the duration of time that a horse sleeps. Daytime is for learning Torah, not for sleeping. There are various opinions in Halachah whether Sheinas Ha’Sus… One should not sleep during the day longer than what is called Sheinas Ha’Sus, the duration of time that a horse sleeps. Daytime is for learning Torah, not for sleeping. There are various opinions in Halachah whether Sheinas Ha’Sus is just over three minutes, a half-hour, an hour, or three hours. The two widely-held opinions are a half-hour and an hour. There are some exceptions, such as if one has a need to take a nap in order to serve Hashem better if they are ill or overly tired. But as a rule, people should sleep at night, not…Show more
Yes. Halachicaly cousins may marry. In countries and states that do not allow such marriages, it would not be accepted Halachicaly either. The genetic problems should be considered as well. See also Halachic Article #823. #3887
There are various reasons a person would undergo genetic testing. For those suffering from certain conditions—both children and adults—the presence of chromosomal mutations may reveal a diagnosis (or prognosis) for follow-up medical care. Genetic testing can also prevent two… There are various reasons a person would undergo genetic testing. For those suffering from certain conditions—both children and adults—the presence of chromosomal mutations may reveal a diagnosis (or prognosis) for follow-up medical care. Genetic testing can also prevent two carriers of certain medical conditions from marrying each other, thereby averting the heartbreak of bearing affected offspring. Contemporary Poskim ask: are these tests halachically sanctioned? These are the arguments against testing: In connection with the prohibited practice of consulting seers and psychics, the Torah says, “Tamim Tihyeh Im Hashem Elokecha” (Be complete [i.e., trusting] in Hashem, your G-d). Does this…Show more
If you put it on the Blech before Shabbos, you may even put something which is not cooked Kimachol Ben Drusoie. However, so long it’s not fully cooked, you may not put it back on the Blech on Shabbos,… If you put it on the Blech before Shabbos, you may even put something which is not cooked Kimachol Ben Drusoie. However, so long it’s not fully cooked, you may not put it back on the Blech on Shabbos, once you take it off. (This principle applies to anytime you take off something from a blech on Shabbos). #3888 Show more
Full Question: I had a babysitter on Thursday night, Friday night, and Shabbos day. We never agreed on the amount of money paid per hour. Can I tell her that we’re only paying her for Thursday night and I… Full Question: I had a babysitter on Thursday night, Friday night, and Shabbos day. We never agreed on the amount of money paid per hour. Can I tell her that we’re only paying her for Thursday night and I pay her a lot more than what I decided? And the total is going to be as if I paid her the amount that I decided per hour for Thursday and Friday and Shabbos day? Answer: If she babysits some time for free then you can pay her only for Thursday and for Shabbos would be for free. However…Show more
תנקה את החמץ במים קרים ותוכל להשתמש. #3897
It is forbidden to send gifts to an Avel during Shloshim (YD 385:3). If your main intention is not to provide the meal as a gesture, but rather, to help the Avel manage during this difficult time, you… It is forbidden to send gifts to an Avel during Shloshim (YD 385:3). If your main intention is not to provide the meal as a gesture, but rather, to help the Avel manage during this difficult time, you may wish to think of other ways to achieve this goal. For example, you could arrange with the restaurant that the Avel will pick up her meal and put the bill on an account and that you will come and pay the account afterward. In this way, you are not giving her a gift, but rather, paying her bills, which…Show more
One may cut a Sheitel during Sefira. טעמים ומקורות: דינו כמו בגדים ואינו בגדר תספורת. עיין מה שכתבנו בשאלה #679 לענין ט' הימים. #3904
A Sheitel has the status of a garment and should therefore not be washed in the nine days. If one has no other Sheitel and the Sheitel is in need of being washed, one may be lenient, especially in… A Sheitel has the status of a garment and should therefore not be washed in the nine days. If one has no other Sheitel and the Sheitel is in need of being washed, one may be lenient, especially in the week before Tisha B'av. Combing a Sheitel or even setting it, is permissible. One may even use special sprays etc. for setting it, if necessary. Cutting a sheitel is permissible, especially as it is often an enhancement of Tznius. טעמים ומקורות: כיבוס פאה - מבית לוי (תשע״ג) ע׳ שפא. מבית לוי בין המצרים ע׳ יד. רבבות אפרים ו,…Show more
There are no specific customs that I am familiar of. It’s interesting to note that R’ Yochanan after losing his ten sons carried with him as a memorial the tooth of his tenth son (according to Rabeinu Chananel and… There are no specific customs that I am familiar of. It’s interesting to note that R’ Yochanan after losing his ten sons carried with him as a memorial the tooth of his tenth son (according to Rabeinu Chananel and Rashbam’s interpretation of Baba Basra 116a, because it doesn’t transfer impurity). There is an interesting custom mentioned in שו"ת משנה הלכות חלק טז סי' קיג, although I have not seen this custom be kept. #3920Show more
From the picture, it seems like the Achsadra has two walls, not three. In any case, a Mezuzah should be placed on the right side (from the perspective of someone facing the house), without a Brocho. טעמים ומקורות:… From the picture, it seems like the Achsadra has two walls, not three. In any case, a Mezuzah should be placed on the right side (from the perspective of someone facing the house), without a Brocho. טעמים ומקורות: פטור דאכסדרה (מנחות לג, ב) היינו משום שהעמודים עשויים לחיזוק תקרה, משא"כ בנדו"ד שיש ראש כותל מצד ימין וגם משקוף בולט, לכן יש לקבוע מזוזה כדעת הרא"ש, בלי ברכה כמובן. ובמק״א, בשאלה 2124 הארכנו, בהשקו״ט בדעת הרא״ש בהחילוק בין אכסדרה שהעמודים לחזוק התקרה ופטור ממזוזה לדין ראשי כתלים. וכמה אופנים בדבר. ועיקר הענין לחלק, אם הוא לשם פתח או לחיזוק.…Show more
A knot and a bow on top of it is permitted, however, a double knot is אסור. ראה אדה"ז סימן שיז סעיף ג. #3941
Answer: It is not considered carrying as it’s subordinate to the garment. See Halachic Article #104.
If a person discovers a price or cleaning tag attached to one of their garments on Shabbos, but does not particularly care about it being there and will not even remove it after Shabbos, in such a case it… If a person discovers a price or cleaning tag attached to one of their garments on Shabbos, but does not particularly care about it being there and will not even remove it after Shabbos, in such a case it is not considered carrying on Shabbos. However, for a person who is very particular and is always careful to remove tags, this may be considered carrying on Shabbos as the item being carried (the tag) is significant for this individual. According to some Poskim, in such a case one is not allowed to wear the garment with the tag on…Show more
As a general rule, it is unacceptable to teach in such a school, regardless of where it is situated, unless the school is absolutely independent from the conservative temple, and the Jewish studies in all classes are in a… As a general rule, it is unacceptable to teach in such a school, regardless of where it is situated, unless the school is absolutely independent from the conservative temple, and the Jewish studies in all classes are in a kosher manner. Sources: See Igros Kodesh 14:5298. 14: 5188. 13:4677. 11:3403. 11:3482.…Show more
Question Continued: The definition of bacon according to Wikipedia is: "a type of salt-cured pork. Bacon is prepared from several different cuts of meat, typically from the pork belly or from back cuts, which have less fat than the… Question Continued: The definition of bacon according to Wikipedia is: "a type of salt-cured pork. Bacon is prepared from several different cuts of meat, typically from the pork belly or from back cuts, which have less fat than the belly. It is eaten on its own, as a side dish, or used as a minor ingredient to flavor dishes". I find it extremely offensive that they are calling one of their meats by that name, and that the Hashgacha allowed them to. Answer: I appreciate your sensitivities. I’m sure others might have similar sentiments. At the same time,…Show more
Bikurim are not brought before Shavuos. On the holiday itself, there are different opinions in the Rishonim as to whether it is permissible to bring Bikurim. Sources: Mishna Bikurim chapter 1, Mishna 3. See Tosefos Bechoros…
Environmentalists may seem to have the monopoly on decrying the use of Styrofoam (expanded polystyrene foam) products, but Poskim debate the issue, too. Many Styrofoam cups are lubricated with a chemical substance that contains zinc stearate, which is derived… Environmentalists may seem to have the monopoly on decrying the use of Styrofoam (expanded polystyrene foam) products, but Poskim debate the issue, too. Many Styrofoam cups are lubricated with a chemical substance that contains zinc stearate, which is derived from tallow (animal fat), a non-kosher product. This raises the question whether Styrofoam cups may be used for hot liquids, since, according to Halachah, hot food is generally said to absorb the properties of the receptacle it’s in. However, the consensus among Poskim is that it’s permissible to use Styrofoam cups, and in fact, there are no grounds for being…Show more
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