People Just Asked
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
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. Sources: במכ״ש ממש״כ הפוסקים להתיר גילוח במקום צער - ראה…
Is there any leniency being that this year the קביעות of שבועות is Shabbos Sunday Monday? Answer: The Rebbe wrote that he is not happy (״אין דעתי נוחה כלל״), if people go through the dateline during Sefira, if… Is there any leniency being that this year the קביעות of שבועות is Shabbos Sunday Monday? Answer: 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. Sources: אג״ק כ, ז׳ תקמג: לכתבו ע"ד זמן נסיעתו בשטומו"צ…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
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