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Question: I have a cast on my left arm from over my elbow to under my wrist. How should I wrap the Tefillin? Should I go straight from the Kesher to my fingers or wrap it on the cast?… Question: I have a cast on my left arm from over my elbow to under my wrist. How should I wrap the Tefillin? Should I go straight from the Kesher to my fingers or wrap it on the cast? Answer: You should wrap it over the cast. Refuah Sheleima! Sources: אין דין חציצה כשאינו שייך לקשירה - שו״ע אדה״ז…Show more
A white noise machine is permitted. Otherwise, one may not leave on a noise machine over Shabbos. However, if it’s really needed for a child, or one who has an ailment, one may be lenient. Sources: רמ״א או״ח רנב, ה. אדה״ז שם טו. ושם להתיר…
The Tzibur should face Mizrach, even if the Aron Hakodesh is in a different direction. However, If the Tzibur is facing the wrong direction, one should not change from their Minhag and one should face the same way as the…The Tzibur should face Mizrach, even if the Aron Hakodesh is in a different direction. However, If the Tzibur is facing the wrong direction, one should not change from their Minhag and one should face the same way as the Tzibur. Sources: מג״א צד, ג. ט״ז ג. שו״ע אדה״ז שם ב-ג.…Show more
Assuming that the Milchig spoon was used for dairy in the last 24 hours, accordingly, if there were sixty times more in the cooked Pareve pan compared to the amount of the spoon that was stuck into the pan, the…Assuming that the Milchig spoon was used for dairy in the last 24 hours, accordingly, if there were sixty times more in the cooked Pareve pan compared to the amount of the spoon that was stuck into the pan, the pan is considered Pareve, and the food may be used for Fleishig. If the food was not sixty times more, it must be considered Milchig from now on. The Pareve food which was cooked in it should also be considered Milchig. Sources: טעמים ומקורות: עיין שו”ע יור”ד ס’ צ”ד ס’ ג-ה.…Show more
Question: Does one have to wash hands after touching a baby's feet (or other body parts that on an older person would be covered) before saying a Bracha etc? Answer: If one touches areas on a child’s body… Question: Does one have to wash hands after touching a baby's feet (or other body parts that on an older person would be covered) before saying a Bracha etc? Answer: If one touches areas on a child’s body which are not normally uncovered they need not wash their hands. The definition of “normally uncovered” is as implies and depends on age, culture and other factors. With very little kids, in many places, anything but the diaper area would be considered normally uncovered. If there are areas which are usually covered but occasionally not, one must wash their hands…Show more
Question: My son's third birthday is on 10 Av, which falls out on Tisha B'av this year, as it is a Nidcha. When should we we make the Upsherenish? Should it be Sunday night (Motzei the fast - since… Question: My son's third birthday is on 10 Av, which falls out on Tisha B'av this year, as it is a Nidcha. When should we we make the Upsherenish? Should it be Sunday night (Motzei the fast - since it is after a Nidcha), or only on Monday, and if so - Monday morning or Monday only after Chatzos? Answer: The Upshernish should be held Sunday night. Sources: משנ״ב תקנח, ד. לוח כולל חב״ד. #2642…Show more
It is a problem to attend. The Rebbe writes: Inasmuch as the Torah and Mitzvot were given to all the Jews, and to each one individually, for all times and in all places, and “these are our lives and… It is a problem to attend. The Rebbe writes: Inasmuch as the Torah and Mitzvot were given to all the Jews, and to each one individually, for all times and in all places, and “these are our lives and the length of our days,” it is clear that every moment of a Jew’s life should be consecrated to Torah and Mitzvot. Hence it is both surprising and painful to see a Jew spending precious time in search of “greener pastures” elsewhere, even if his intentions are good, for, as above, the important thing is the actual deed. Needless to…Show more
It is an ancient custom, on each Rosh Chodesh, to study one verse of the chapter of Tehillim that corresponds with the current years of a person’s life. The verse should be studied with the commentary of Rashi, and… It is an ancient custom, on each Rosh Chodesh, to study one verse of the chapter of Tehillim that corresponds with the current years of a person’s life. The verse should be studied with the commentary of Rashi, and additional commentaries may be added as well. If the current chapter contains less than twelve verses, or in a leap year, when there are more than twelve months, verses that have been studied on a previous Rosh Chodesh should be studied a second time. Similarly, if the current chapter contains many verses, then two or three verses should be studied…Show more
Gedolei Yisroel from time immemorial have Davened at Kivrei Tzadikim. While some have understood this practice as Davening to Hashem but at the location of the Kever, there are clear Torah references (see below) which indicate the idea of… Gedolei Yisroel from time immemorial have Davened at Kivrei Tzadikim. While some have understood this practice as Davening to Hashem but at the location of the Kever, there are clear Torah references (see below) which indicate the idea of speaking to the Tzadik directly and asking him to intercede on our behalf. Some sources clearly state that even the authorities who cautioned against Davening to the Tzadik have no issue with asking him to intercede on our behalf. Indeed, the theme of the Tzadik interceding for us repeats itself many times in the established Tefillos recited at Kivrei Tzadikim,…Show more
If you take off the trays on a daily basis, either by switching from Milchig to Fleshig, or before you put the child in or out of the highchair, then it is permitted to put it on and take it…If you take off the trays on a daily basis, either by switching from Milchig to Fleshig, or before you put the child in or out of the highchair, then it is permitted to put it on and take it off on Shabbos. If however you do not take it off daily, then it is not permitted to do so on Shabbos. Sources: עיין בשו״ע סימן שי"ג סעיף ו. ועיין במ"א ס"ק…Show more
If you wake up after midnight, then you should say all Brachos, as you have become obligated by doing the action corresponding to the Bracha. Thus almost all Brachos will be usually recited when you wake up, except for… If you wake up after midnight, then you should say all Brachos, as you have become obligated by doing the action corresponding to the Bracha. Thus almost all Brachos will be usually recited when you wake up, except for Hanosen Lasechvy Bina which would not normally be said then. You would have to wait till after Alos Hashachar to recite it, unless you actually hear a rooster. Sources: שו"ע אדה״ז מז, ט. סידור אדה״ז סדר ברכות השחר.…Show more
Both days should be observed, L’chumra. PS. It should be noted that often the recording of the time of birth is not completely accurate. If still practically possible, you should ascertain the exact time of birth so there be… Both days should be observed, L’chumra. PS. It should be noted that often the recording of the time of birth is not completely accurate. If still practically possible, you should ascertain the exact time of birth so there be no doubts. According to Halacha, the defining moment is when the majority of the head emerges. Sources: מפי השמועה – ראה התקשרות גל׳ תשעא. ולהעיר מדוגמתו…Show more
Question: Is it permissible to add boiling water with a cup from the Shabbos urn to the Cholent in the crock pot, in order to add moisture so that the Cholent should not burn, without mixing or doing anything… Question: Is it permissible to add boiling water with a cup from the Shabbos urn to the Cholent in the crock pot, in order to add moisture so that the Cholent should not burn, without mixing or doing anything else? Answer: One is not allowed to take water in a glass and pour into the crock pot because of the Issur of Chazara. The water may be poured directly into the crock pot by moving the inner cooking pot to the Shabbos urn, paying attention to the following: 1) Ensure that the Cholent and the water are already…Show more
While there is room for stringency, the custom is to be lenient. Newspapers are printed regularly in Hebrew using square characters, כתב מרובע, and the custom is to use them in the bathroom. Sources: ראה ראשית חכמה שער היראה טו, יא. ד״ה ובכן.…
This may not be done. Sources: איסור גניבת דעת קיים גם בגוי, וכיון שודאי אין…
The Bimah may not be in the front of the shul. If absolutely necessary, there is room to permit so when there is at least one row of seats between the Bimah and the Aron Kodesh. Sources: זח״ג קסד, א. רמב״ם תפלה יא, ג. לולב ז,…
Several Shuls do this with Sifrei Torah from the holocaust... Answer: It is permissible to keep a worn-out invalid Sefer Torah in a glass display in a Shul. This is also a good thing if it is done… Several Shuls do this with Sifrei Torah from the holocaust... Answer: It is permissible to keep a worn-out invalid Sefer Torah in a glass display in a Shul. This is also a good thing if it is done in a respectful way. Since the Sefer Torah is in a glass display, it may stay constantly open as it currently is. Sources: The Aruch Hashulchan (Orach Chayim 154:8) writes that according to…Show more
Yes, there is a Halachik Inyan, practiced by Charedi Jews at large and not unique to Chabad. See references below. Please listen here for a quick explanation on the matter. See also here. Sources: ראה שו״ע או״ח צא, ו. משנ״ב צא, יב. שו״ע אדה״ז…
Question: Ideally, what is the earliest time one can do Tallis, Tefilin, Shema and Shacharis - all of these from Misheyakir? Bedieved, for example someone who starts work really early, what is the earliest time one can do Tallis,… Question: Ideally, what is the earliest time one can do Tallis, Tefilin, Shema and Shacharis - all of these from Misheyakir? Bedieved, for example someone who starts work really early, what is the earliest time one can do Tallis, Tefilin, Shema and shacharis? Answer: Lechatchilah one may Daven Shemone Esrei from Netz Hachamah. However, one should not make a Brochoh on Tallis and Tefilin until after Misheyakir. In this situation, follow this procedure (assuming that after Yishtabach is past Misheyakir): Put on Tallis and Tefilin before Aizehu M’koman as always, but without a Bracha. (Do the usual order-…Show more
As we are looking to record a rap for a fundraiser we are doing and want to have women involved.. Answer: Men may not listen to a woman rapping. This is included in the rule "קול אשה ערוה".… As we are looking to record a rap for a fundraiser we are doing and want to have women involved.. Answer: Men may not listen to a woman rapping. This is included in the rule "קול אשה ערוה". Since one is still benefiting from her voice even in a non-normal way of singing this is also included in the prohibition. This is similar to the Halacha that one may not stare at women's clothes intending to benefit from seeing them. Sources: ראה שולחן ערוך אבן העזר סי׳ כ״א סעיף א…Show more
Question: Does the restriction of learning Kabbalah only after the age of 40 still apply nowadays? How about learning it when it is translated into English? Answer: Firstly, not all agree with this restriction. It is not an… Question: Does the restriction of learning Kabbalah only after the age of 40 still apply nowadays? How about learning it when it is translated into English? Answer: Firstly, not all agree with this restriction. It is not an explicit Halachah in Shulchan Aruch binding on all Jews. The fact is that many of the great Mekubalim, most famous among them the Arizal, passed away before they even turned 40. Some Gedolei Yisroel have expressly written about the importance of studying Zohar and Kabalah even for the very young. In fact, one of the signs heralding the coming of…Show more
You may not, as garlic must be checked since it is sometimes infested. The peels have insects, but the cloves, though, are generally clean. Therefore the peels should be removed and discarded. And the cloves should be rinsed with… You may not, as garlic must be checked since it is sometimes infested. The peels have insects, but the cloves, though, are generally clean. Therefore the peels should be removed and discarded. And the cloves should be rinsed with a strong stream of water and may be eaten.Show more
If the toaster looks clean, it remains Pareve.
No, it is not necessarily completely Pareve. To make a cake Pareve, you have to put the cake in a disposable dish, Pareve dishes, or with a piece of aluminum between the cake and the Fleishig dish. If you… No, it is not necessarily completely Pareve. To make a cake Pareve, you have to put the cake in a disposable dish, Pareve dishes, or with a piece of aluminum between the cake and the Fleishig dish. If you wish to bake it in a Fleishig or Milchig oven, and want to ensure that the cake remains Pareve, you have to make sure: 1) The oven should be clean. 2) Heat up the oven on high heat for about half an hour. 3) Put the cake in disposable dishes, Pareve dishes or a piece of aluminum between the cake…Show more
While there are some traditional Jewish sources mentioning the Hamsa, none make the distinction that you have mentioned. Indeed, there are available ancient Jewish Hamsas which have two symmetrical thumbs. It should be noted that although the Hamsa cannot… While there are some traditional Jewish sources mentioning the Hamsa, none make the distinction that you have mentioned. Indeed, there are available ancient Jewish Hamsas which have two symmetrical thumbs. It should be noted that although the Hamsa cannot be forbidden on account of Darkei Haemori or Chukos Hagoyim, there is strong evidence that its origins are in other cultures and is best avoided, unless one has a community custom otherwise. Regardless of custom, one must always ensure, in the words of the Rashba (Teshuvos 1:413) on similar matters, that “ one’s intention is for Shem Shomayim, and one…Show more
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