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Halachah considers Zeiah (steam or vapor) generated by high temperatures to fall under the same category as the food that emits it, whether what’s cooking is solid or liquid: A Fleishig (meat) dish produces Fleishig steam, a Milchig (dairy)… Halachah considers Zeiah (steam or vapor) generated by high temperatures to fall under the same category as the food that emits it, whether what’s cooking is solid or liquid: A Fleishig (meat) dish produces Fleishig steam, a Milchig (dairy) dish produces Milchig steam, and one that has become Treif (non-kosher) will produce Treif steam. The steam that rises from an uncovered dish affects whatever is placed above it, for hot steam transfers taste through B’liah (absorption). How Hot is Hot? Only steam that is transfers its status through B’liah. Therefore, a Pareve (neutral, i.e., not meat or dairy)…Show more
The purpose of not listening to music is in order to conduct ourselves in a state of mourning due to the terrible tragedies that occurred to us during these days of Sefira. This is even if the music is… The purpose of not listening to music is in order to conduct ourselves in a state of mourning due to the terrible tragedies that occurred to us during these days of Sefira. This is even if the music is recorded and not live. This is especially true in such a case where watching the video will bring extra joy. Therefore, the video should not be watched if the music will be played. Sources: See Aruch Hashulchan (Orach Chayim 493:2). Igros Moshe 1/166;…Show more
The prohibition of cutting hair during Sefiras Haomer applies to women too. However, one may pluck eyebrows and eyelashes or do electrolysis. If it’s for Shidduchim purposes it is permitted for a woman to trim her hair if it’s… The prohibition of cutting hair during Sefiras Haomer applies to women too. However, one may pluck eyebrows and eyelashes or do electrolysis. If it’s for Shidduchim purposes it is permitted for a woman to trim her hair if it’s needed. טעמים ומקורות: מריטת גבות עינים וכו׳ - ראה בין פסח לשבועות ע׳ רמא, והליכות שלמה יד בדבר הלכה יט, שאינו בכלל תספורת, והיינו גם לולא הטעם דכבוד הבריות. וכש״כ בכגון דא. ויש להוסיף, דלא שנא משפה המעכבת אכילה והה״נ כשמפריע לראי׳. וחזי לאצטרופי שיש מתירים תספורת לנשים בכלל. וראה בב״ח יו״ד שצ שבמקום שדרכה לגלח משום ניוול מותרת…Show more
It is permitted to do electrolysis during the three weeks, if needed, and even in the nine days, but it should be avoided in the week of Tisha B’av, unless absolutely necessary. In Igros Kodesh (vol. 19 p. 376)… It is permitted to do electrolysis during the three weeks, if needed, and even in the nine days, but it should be avoided in the week of Tisha B’av, unless absolutely necessary. In Igros Kodesh (vol. 19 p. 376) the Rebbe advises if possible to not do medical procedures during the nine days. Electrolysis, however, is not dangerous and rarely has side effects (when done by non-experts with non-professional equipment), therefore it may be done during the nine days. Even so, it should always be done by an expert. Sources: הנה, באבילות שלשים פסק המחבר שצ, ה שאשה מותרת…Show more
Yes. טעמים ומקורות: במכ״ש ממש״כ הפוסקים להתיר גילוח במקום צער - ראה פחד יצחק ערך עומר. ויש שכתבו להתיר במקום הפסד ממון. ועאכו״כ במנהג זה דקיל טפי. וכ״כ בשו״ת אפרקסתא דעניא קעו במקום כבוד הבריות וכדומה. והה״נ בעניננו.… Yes. טעמים ומקורות: במכ״ש ממש״כ הפוסקים להתיר גילוח במקום צער - ראה פחד יצחק ערך עומר. ויש שכתבו להתיר במקום הפסד ממון. ועאכו״כ במנהג זה דקיל טפי. וכ״כ בשו״ת אפרקסתא דעניא קעו במקום כבוד הבריות וכדומה. והה״נ בעניננו. #3808 Show more
The Rebbe wrote that he is not happy (״אין דעתי נוחה כלל״), if people go through the dateline during Sefira, if there isn’t an absolute must to do so. The Rebbe advises that one should avoid entering into… The Rebbe wrote that he is not happy (״אין דעתי נוחה כלל״), if people go through the dateline during Sefira, if there isn’t an absolute must to do so. The Rebbe advises that one should avoid entering into this issue as much as possible. Even when Shavuos is on Sunday Monday, which means that such an individual would keep Shabbos and Sunday, it’s still an issue. טעמים ומקורות: אג״ק כ, ז׳ תקמג: לכתבו ע"ד זמן נסיעתו בשטומו"צ - אין דעתי נוחה מאלה העוברים קו התאריך באמצע ימי הספירה (באם אין הכרח גמור בדבר) - כיון שאז לדעתי…Show more
Many people listen to music in order to relax. Obviously, this is not acceptable during Sefira. However, if the emotional issues have been formally diagnosed, I see no issue with using music as a therapeutic method. #3855
Is there a difference between preschool age and elementary age? Answer: The Alter Rebbe writes (Siman 489:12) that it is appropriate to wait until Tzeis Hakochevim to count Sefira, however, he mentions that the Minhag of the average… Is there a difference between preschool age and elementary age? Answer: The Alter Rebbe writes (Siman 489:12) that it is appropriate to wait until Tzeis Hakochevim to count Sefira, however, he mentions that the Minhag of the average person was to rely on the opinion that one can count Sefira from Bein Hashmashos. However, before Shkiah one should not count at all, if one mistakenly counts before Bein Hashmashos, they should count again, but without a Brocha. So, if it is difficult for your kids to stay up until Tzeis Hakochevim, they may count during Bein Hashmashos (i.e.…Show more
The Minhag is not to, rather one should wait for Shabbos. טעמים ומקורות: ראה היום יום כד ניסן. משא"כ בביהמ"צ שגם בשבת אין מברכים - ראה היום יום כא תמוז. וראה בסה״ש תשמ״ט ח״ב ע׳ 745: "אצלנו נוהגים… The Minhag is not to, rather one should wait for Shabbos. טעמים ומקורות: ראה היום יום כד ניסן. משא"כ בביהמ"צ שגם בשבת אין מברכים - ראה היום יום כא תמוז. וראה בסה״ש תשמ״ט ח״ב ע׳ 745: "אצלנו נוהגים שבימי הספירה אין מברכים שהחיינו על פרי חדש, מלבד ביום השבת ובל"ג בעומר". ואינו דומה למש"כ בשאלה 3815, דהתם מפסיד הברכה ואינו מברך בפעם הבא לראייתו, ואינו צריך לדחות ראית הבת כמש"נ שם. משא"כ כאן שבלאו הכי מברך על פרי חדש יכול לדחות אכילתו לשבת. #3857Show more
Question: My daughter plays keyboard. She does not take any lessons but likes to develop her skills on her own. Is she allowed to play on Sefira, mainly to continue developing her skills? (She obviously enjoys the process, or… Question: My daughter plays keyboard. She does not take any lessons but likes to develop her skills on her own. Is she allowed to play on Sefira, mainly to continue developing her skills? (She obviously enjoys the process, or else she would not be doing it). Answer: Practicing to play an instrument as a hobby during Sefirah is not allowed unless one is practicing for playing that he does for his Parnassah, because then this is not considered Simcha. If it’s just bits and pieces, and not a full song, that's fine. Sources: Igros Moshe, Orach Chaim Chelek 3, Siman 87. Mishnas…Show more
The purpose of not listening to music is, order to conduct ourselves in a state of mourning, due to the terrible tragedies that occurred to us during these days of Sefira. Just like we refrain from hearing music on… The purpose of not listening to music is, order to conduct ourselves in a state of mourning, due to the terrible tragedies that occurred to us during these days of Sefira. Just like we refrain from hearing music on Shabbos, regardless of the fact that it might pain us, we should do likewise during Sefira. At the same time, refraining from music ought not to put us in “intense emotional pain”. If someone feels this is happening to him, it is worthwhile to investigate the cause. There could be some deep emotional issues which need to be resolved. Certainly,…Show more
Question: Nowadays when we don't say Shehechiyanu on clothing, is it still a problem to buy clothing during Sefirah? What about jewelry, coats, shoes or accessories? Answer: There is a Minhag* with sources in early Poskim to… Question: Nowadays when we don't say Shehechiyanu on clothing, is it still a problem to buy clothing during Sefirah? What about jewelry, coats, shoes or accessories? Answer: There is a Minhag* with sources in early Poskim to not buy clothing during Sefiras Haomer (except for Lag B’omer). However, in a pressing situation (i.e., where one will have a financial loss, or they will be uncomfortable until new clothing is bought) and one can’t wait until Shavuos, one may buy clothing during Sefira (however it is best if it is first worn on Shabbos or Lag B’omer). All…Show more
Question: One who is a sticky situation, he missed a day of counting Sefirah (thereby losing the Bracha) but is now the Chazzan for Maariv and faces a big embarrassing moment if he doesn't make the Bracha, is there… Question: One who is a sticky situation, he missed a day of counting Sefirah (thereby losing the Bracha) but is now the Chazzan for Maariv and faces a big embarrassing moment if he doesn't make the Bracha, is there a Heter for him to make the Bracha? (Maybe based on the Halacha of wearing a Passul Tallis on Shabbos Mitzad Kavod Habriyos?) Asnwer: There are Poskim who are Mattir, especially if he is being Motzi one of the listeners with the Bracha. Nonetheless, even better is to allow the embarrassment and not rely on this. In other words,…Show more
I’ve seen people explaining the Alter Rebbe’s opinion in his Shulchon Aruch in different ways... Answer: He may continue counting with a Bracha. טעמים ומקורות: לפענ״ד הסופר בין השמשות יכול להמשיך לספור, וכדעת הפוסקים שג״ז ס״ס, וה״ט… I’ve seen people explaining the Alter Rebbe’s opinion in his Shulchon Aruch in different ways... Answer: He may continue counting with a Bracha. טעמים ומקורות: לפענ״ד הסופר בין השמשות יכול להמשיך לספור, וכדעת הפוסקים שג״ז ס״ס, וה״ט כיון שמעיקר הדין קייל״ן שגם בהפסק יום א׳ לא הפסיד המצוה. ועוד טעמים עד״ז. נחלקו הפוסקים בזה, ונימוקם עמם לחלק בין זה למי ששכח לספור וספר ביום, אף שיש ס״ס (ספק שמא ספירתו מועילה ואת״ל שאינה מועילה שמא קייל״ן שגם בשכח ממשיך לספור), שכאן יש גם ס״ס לאידך גיסא, ספק לילה הבא, ואת״ל שעדיין יום ספק אם אפשר לספור ביום.…Show more
Question: This that we say Ana Bichoach Blachash (quietly) on Friday evening, does it also apply to the Ana Bichoach of Sefiras Ha'omer on Friday night? Does it apply to Ana Bichoach throughout the year too, in Korbanos, Kriyas… Question: This that we say Ana Bichoach Blachash (quietly) on Friday evening, does it also apply to the Ana Bichoach of Sefiras Ha'omer on Friday night? Does it apply to Ana Bichoach throughout the year too, in Korbanos, Kriyas Shema etc.? Answer: Only during Kabolas Shabbos. Sources: כמפורש בהיום יום ב׳ סיון. ואין לך בו אלא…Show more
From the beginning of Sefira up to and including the night of Erev Shavuos, until break of dawn. Once it’s morning, one may listen to music. Re: Chol Hamoed - see here. Re: Shloshes Yemei Hagbala - even those… From the beginning of Sefira up to and including the night of Erev Shavuos, until break of dawn. Once it’s morning, one may listen to music. Re: Chol Hamoed - see here. Re: Shloshes Yemei Hagbala - even those who suggest that there is no mourning during the Shloshes Yemei Hagboloh, nonetheless there is a discussion in Poskim whether one is allowed to listen to music, Rikudim U'mecholos Shel Reshus, music which is not associated with a Mitzvah. Weddings are permissible, but regular music not associated with a Mitzvah should not be listened to until Erev Shavuos. Sources: אסרו חג: ראה בלינק הנזכר. ובפשטות, דינו כשאר ימי…Show more
Most certainly. There is NO dispensation ever for wearing non-Tznius clothing. On the other hand, not wearing new clothing during Sefirah is merely a custom and is waived where it is done for the purpose of a Mitzvah, especially… Most certainly. There is NO dispensation ever for wearing non-Tznius clothing. On the other hand, not wearing new clothing during Sefirah is merely a custom and is waived where it is done for the purpose of a Mitzvah, especially such an important Mitzvah which involves also many potential Issurim. True, it is a Minhag (not mentioned in Shulchan Aruch) with sources in early Poskim (including the Leket Yosher - in the Minhagim of the Baal Terumas Hadeshen and Teshuvos Upsokim Chachmei Ashkenaz - Siman 69) to not buy clothing during Sefiras Haomer (except for Lag B'omer). However, in any…Show more
No, unless they are below the age of Chinuch. Still, it’s educationally sound practice not to play music even for little kids though they haven’t reached the formal stage of Chinuch. טעמים ומקורות: שו"ת אגרות משה או"ח ח"ד… No, unless they are below the age of Chinuch. Still, it’s educationally sound practice not to play music even for little kids though they haven’t reached the formal stage of Chinuch. טעמים ומקורות: שו"ת אגרות משה או"ח ח"ד סי כא, אות ד. ולא שייך כאן אבילות לקטנים משום עגמת נפש כבימי בין המצרים, ראה בארוכה שאלה #558. [ולהעיר דהכי איכא למשמע גם מאג״ק כרך ט ע׳ ד, דקיל מחוה״מ]. ובפרט שגם בהנ״ל לא ברירא מילתא לאיסורא. #3797Show more
The Minhag is to not listen to music (recorded or live) during Sefriah days. Some are lenient to listen to music which is only sung by the mouth (without instruments). However, many contemporary Poskim say this is the same… The Minhag is to not listen to music (recorded or live) during Sefriah days. Some are lenient to listen to music which is only sung by the mouth (without instruments). However, many contemporary Poskim say this is the same as music. Certainly, some of these recordings sound very professional and contravenes the original purpose of the custom. Reasoning: Although the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 493) and Shulchan Aruch Admur Hazaken only mention not to dance during the Sefirah days and do not mention anything about music, the Alter Rebbe does mention Simchos Yeseiros and many Poskim clearly mention…Show more
Specific Questions: 1) Are we allowed to purchase clothing now to be worn after the Omer? 2) If current shoes aren't comfortable, can new ones be purchased and worn in the Omer? 3) If it's more convenient for clothes… Specific Questions: 1) Are we allowed to purchase clothing now to be worn after the Omer? 2) If current shoes aren't comfortable, can new ones be purchased and worn in the Omer? 3) If it's more convenient for clothes to be bought here, is that permitted? 4) Can new clothes be worn on Shabbos? General Answer: There is a Minhag* with sources in early Poskim to not buy clothing during Sefiras Haomer (except for Lag B'omer). However, in a pressing situation (i.e., where one will have a financial loss, or they will be uncomfortable until new clothing is…Show more
Specific Questions: First of all, why is there no mention of the prohibition against dancing until the Magen Avraham (the Shulchan Aruch and Rema don't even mention it). Also, it seems to be taken for granted that since dancing… Specific Questions: First of all, why is there no mention of the prohibition against dancing until the Magen Avraham (the Shulchan Aruch and Rema don't even mention it). Also, it seems to be taken for granted that since dancing is prohibited it follows that music should be as well. What is the basis for this? And finally, if the whole basis is the concern of dancing, why should slow or classical music be prohibited? Answer: See here for a thorough analysis of the matter. Regarding your specific questions, we elaborated on them below in the Hebrew Sources. Sources: לגבי שאלתו הא' - למה לא נזכר בשו"ע: כיון…Show more
The general custom is to avoid taking a haircut on Lag Ba'Omer. If there is a special necessity (for instance, your hair is inappropriately long), you may take a haircut. טעמים ומקורות: כבר העירו שבלוח יומי לילדים (שנערך… The general custom is to avoid taking a haircut on Lag Ba'Omer. If there is a special necessity (for instance, your hair is inappropriately long), you may take a haircut. טעמים ומקורות: כבר העירו שבלוח יומי לילדים (שנערך ע״י הרבי) כתוב שאפשר להסתפר. אבל להעיר שבלוח הנ״ל לילדים לא הובאו בד״כ ענינים השייכים לקבלה או אפילו מנהגי חסידים, וגם בענין זה גופא - הרי הובא שם שכמה פוסקים מתירים בג׳ ימי הגבלה, משא״כ בלוח היום יום כתוב שכ״ק אדמו״ר מוהרש״ב נ״ע לא הי׳ דעתו נוחה מזה. וכמעט ולא מצינו בהיום יום ובמק״א כיו״ב שיובא - וכהוראה למעשה -…Show more
Shouldn’t be worn unless necessary. טעמים ומקורות: בכל מקום שצריך שלא יהא ניכר חידושו, באבילות, בתשעת הימים. ויש אומרים דדי בשעה אחת. ואף ששם מדובר בלבישת בגדים מכובסים, ולכן מהני גם לי״א מה שמניח ע״ג קרקע. משא״כ בבגדים… Shouldn’t be worn unless necessary. טעמים ומקורות: בכל מקום שצריך שלא יהא ניכר חידושו, באבילות, בתשעת הימים. ויש אומרים דדי בשעה אחת. ואף ששם מדובר בלבישת בגדים מכובסים, ולכן מהני גם לי״א מה שמניח ע״ג קרקע. משא״כ בבגדים חדשים - מ״מ מסברא גם בזה צריך שלא יהי׳ ניכר. ועוד שמצינו גם באבילות דיני בגדים חדשים ליתן לאחר ללבוש לכמה ימים. #3818 Show more
Many poskim have choice words to say about men growing a fringe, long hair in the front, or even long hair in the back. A key problem mentioned by many poskim is that of Chatzitzah (separation), that long hair… Many poskim have choice words to say about men growing a fringe, long hair in the front, or even long hair in the back. A key problem mentioned by many poskim is that of Chatzitzah (separation), that long hair can be a Chatzitzah between the Tefilin Shel Rosh (the Tefilin worn on the head), and the head itself, due to the amount of hair. Even in the event where it would not be considered a Chatzitzah, sometimes the extra hair actually does not allow the Tefilin to be worn in the proper way. In addition, it raises the following…Show more
During the Sefirah days we do not listen to music (from instruments, even if recorded). However music which is not intended to make one be happy and/or dance is not forbidden in certain situations (like depression, or heavy fatigue),… During the Sefirah days we do not listen to music (from instruments, even if recorded). However music which is not intended to make one be happy and/or dance is not forbidden in certain situations (like depression, or heavy fatigue), and one may listen to that type of music. However initially one should try their best to avoid even this type of music in all situations. I suggest listening to tapes of Chassidim singing slow Chabad Nigunim. The occasional music which is secondary and background isn’t an issue. Sources: Minchas Yitzchak (1:111) explains that music is forbidden during…Show more
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