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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
Answer: 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 - allowed, see here. Re: Shloshes Yemei Hagbala -… Answer: 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 - allowed, 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…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
Questions: I'm looking up the background behind the prohibition against listening to music during Sefirah and I would highly appreciate some clarity on this issue, if time permits you: First of all, why is there no mention of the… Questions: I'm looking up the background behind the prohibition against listening to music during Sefirah and I would highly appreciate some clarity on this issue, if time permits you: 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…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. Sources: בכל מקום שצריך שלא יהא ניכר חידושו, באבילות, בתשעת…
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
Question: I know the Bimah needs to be in middle of Shul and was told that one row of seats in the back of the Bimah is sufficient. The Bimah we have has 2 chairs connected to structure of… Question: I know the Bimah needs to be in middle of Shul and was told that one row of seats in the back of the Bimah is sufficient. The Bimah we have has 2 chairs connected to structure of Bimah, would that be enough for having "seating" behind the Bimah, or would we have to put more chairs behind the whole structure? Answer: Since the Bimah appears (based on the picture you sent) to be close to the back wall of the Shul on the west side, there should be chairs also staged behind it, so it is…Show more
It is quoted that the Rebbe instructed that while driving from city to city at night one should stop to rest every hour. Sources: ביחידות עם הרב חיים צימענט (מנהל ישיבת אחי תמימים…
If they took the same water and poured it into the Keurig machine while cold is there any problem? The water being poured was always cold. Answer: If there was hot steam coming out of the Cholent when… If they took the same water and poured it into the Keurig machine while cold is there any problem? The water being poured was always cold. Answer: If there was hot steam coming out of the Cholent when the water was poured (and still hot when reaching the bottle) then the bottle is Fleishig and this is a problem for the Keurig machine. If though there was no hot steam coming out of the Cholent, then this poses no problem for the Keurig machine. Regarding the plastic bottle one should consider it Fleishig. See also the following link…Show more
Yes. Sources: ובמכ״ש מבין המצרים כשיפסיד הברכה - ראה שו״ע או״ח…
Q. Is one allowed to ride with an Uber when a cross is dangling from the driver's mirror? A. Yes. Q. Is there a problem to daven and learn Torah while I'm in the taxi? A. There is… Q. Is one allowed to ride with an Uber when a cross is dangling from the driver's mirror? A. Yes. Q. Is there a problem to daven and learn Torah while I'm in the taxi? A. There is no prohibition when it’s very small and unnoticeable. Even if not, if you are not directly facing it, it is permissible. If necessary, you may be lenient to Daven with closed eyes or turning your face away. Sources: א. אין כאן סרך איסור שהרכב אינו של הנוסע…Show more
Answer: On the Seoul (ICN)-JFK segment, the passenger will be flying against the sun, which will cause the passenger to experience evening, morning, afternoon, and the next evening in quick succession. The only reason it is still Sunday evening… Answer: On the Seoul (ICN)-JFK segment, the passenger will be flying against the sun, which will cause the passenger to experience evening, morning, afternoon, and the next evening in quick succession. The only reason it is still Sunday evening when the passenger lands in JFK is because the passenger crossed the International Dateline, which moves the date one day backward. The two Sunday night are regarded as separate, and the passenger will need to count a different Sefirah on each one. In other words, the passenger with count the Sunday night on the plane as the 9th of the…Show more
According to most poskim, one may listen to music during Chol Hamoed Pesach, and this is the common custom. Sources: ראה שו"ע או"ח סי' תצ"ג ובמשב"ז שם ס"ק א'…
Permitted, and should say Nusach of Bein Kodesh Le'kodesh. Sources: ראה שו״ע אדה״ז רצט,יא. ודון מינה ואוקי באתרין. וראה…
Question: If a family is going away for Pesach and selling the whole house but has a non-religious son that will be staying in the house. Forcing him to leave will cause strife. He will probably eat some of… Question: If a family is going away for Pesach and selling the whole house but has a non-religious son that will be staying in the house. Forcing him to leave will cause strife. He will probably eat some of the Chometz. Does this effect the validity of the sale? Answer: They should have done Bedika and removed Chometz instead of selling. Nonetheless, the sale is still valid. #3773Show more
Question: What is the Halachos for men regarding Tznius Like shorts, covering parts etc.? Answer: The clothing of a man should not be provocative or demeaning. Certainly the garments should not be tight in a way that could… Question: What is the Halachos for men regarding Tznius Like shorts, covering parts etc.? Answer: The clothing of a man should not be provocative or demeaning. Certainly the garments should not be tight in a way that could cause friction in the "erva" area. One must also follow the standard custom of the locale. One must wear pants (not shorts) and that they not be very tight, as is the custom among all G-d fearing Jews. The Rebbe was very displeased with seeing a picture of a man wearing shorts in a bungalow in the summer,…Show more
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