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Question: Does Matanos L'evyonim need to be money? In the Badatz Purim guide it says "money or Shove Kesef". Can I take the amount I was going to send a family in need and buy them Shabbos food… Question: Does Matanos L'evyonim need to be money? In the Badatz Purim guide it says "money or Shove Kesef". Can I take the amount I was going to send a family in need and buy them Shabbos food or other basic foods for their house which they do not have? Or should I rather give them the money? Answer: It does hot have to be money. Buying them food for Shabbos is a great idea. Sources: ראה בלוח מטעם הבדצ הערה 54 בארוכה. …Show more
Question: Practically, what are ways one can fulfill the Mitzvah of Matanos La'evyonim on Purim, who is considered an Evyon? What is the best way to do it? Answer: Although some say to seek out extremely poor… Question: Practically, what are ways one can fulfill the Mitzvah of Matanos La'evyonim on Purim, who is considered an Evyon? What is the best way to do it? Answer: Although some say to seek out extremely poor individuals who are absolutely destitute, referred to as Evyonim, for this Mitzvah, the accepted Halacha is that anyone who is considered an Ani, i.e. one who does not have enough funds to support himself and his family, qualifies. Sources: יש שכתב לדקדק לשלוח לעניים מרודים ומופלגים הנקראים אביונים.…Show more
Yes, if you cannot afford to do it with your own money. It remains always Mivtzoim’s possession. It is important to inscribe somewhere who the real owner is. Sources: ראה ט״ז יו״ד רמט, א: וכתב בדרישה בשם תשו'…
You may join the Seudah and even have music if this is normally done every year and your participation is important as host. Nonetheless, you should not actively try to listen to the music. Sources: ראה שו״ע או״ח תרצו, ד ובנו״כ שם. שו״ת חיים…
שאלות: א. האם אפשר לאסוף את הכסף של מתנות לאביונים במבצעים (מכו"כ אנשים), בקופה אחת (ואח"כ לחלק את זה בין שני אביונים), או שצריכים לשים מלכתחילה בשני קופות? (באם כן, האם צריך להדגיש שהכסף ילך לשני אביונים)? ב. אם… שאלות: א. האם אפשר לאסוף את הכסף של מתנות לאביונים במבצעים (מכו"כ אנשים), בקופה אחת (ואח"כ לחלק את זה בין שני אביונים), או שצריכים לשים מלכתחילה בשני קופות? (באם כן, האם צריך להדגיש שהכסף ילך לשני אביונים)? ב. אם תורמים את כל הכסף לקרן צדקה אחת האם זה נחשב כשני אביונים, מאחר והם מחלקים את זה בין כו"כ אביונים? ג. האם אפשר להשתמש בכסף של מבצעים, לזכות יהודים במתנות לאביונים במבצעים? ד. האם אפשר לתת מ"ל מכספי מעשר? תשובות: א. אפשר לאסוף בקופה אחת, העיקר שזה יגיע לשתי אביונים. ב. כן. ג. כן כיון שהכסף במבצעים הוא בכדי…Show more
יש מקום להקל במכונת כביסה, כיוון שאין בו שיהוי. ובפרט בליל פורים, שלכמה דעות מותר בלילה. ואף אם כובס כל בגדיו לכל השבוע, ויוצא שיש בו שיהוי, מ”מ – המלאכה מצד עצמה אין בה שיהוי. כל מלאכה שאין בה… יש מקום להקל במכונת כביסה, כיוון שאין בו שיהוי. ובפרט בליל פורים, שלכמה דעות מותר בלילה. ואף אם כובס כל בגדיו לכל השבוע, ויוצא שיש בו שיהוי, מ”מ – המלאכה מצד עצמה אין בה שיהוי. כל מלאכה שאין בה שיהוי אם יעשה בכמות גדולה – יש שיהוי. #3251Show more
Age of Chinuch in this context is the age when they are capable of listening to the entire Megillah. The custom is to bring even children younger than the age of Chinuch, provided that they will not disturb the… Age of Chinuch in this context is the age when they are capable of listening to the entire Megillah. The custom is to bring even children younger than the age of Chinuch, provided that they will not disturb the reading of the Megillah. Sources: שו״ע או״ח תרפט, ו, ובמג״א שם יא ובנו״כ. ומש״כ…Show more
Women generally are exempt from Machatzis Hashekel. There is a common custom that the husband gives Machatzis Hashekel on behalf of his wife. I have never heard of a custom where the woman herself gives the Machatzis Hashekel. Obviously,… Women generally are exempt from Machatzis Hashekel. There is a common custom that the husband gives Machatzis Hashekel on behalf of his wife. I have never heard of a custom where the woman herself gives the Machatzis Hashekel. Obviously, if she does do so, the husband would be exempt from giving. However, I fail to understand why introduce new customs, and tamper with the existing Minhag Yisroel, when one such a custom clearly does not exist. #3245Show more
Question: We will be having a teen Purim party with Megilla reading. To be able to make a Bracha after Megilla, would it require 10 male Jews, or even girls are included in the 10? Answer: Girls may… Question: We will be having a teen Purim party with Megilla reading. To be able to make a Bracha after Megilla, would it require 10 male Jews, or even girls are included in the 10? Answer: Girls may be included. Sources: נחלקו בזה - ראה משחא דרבותא או"ח סתר"צ סי"ח…Show more
Best not to brush your teeth. If this is difficult, there is room to be lenient. Care should be given not to swallow any water. When rinsing your mouth, do so in a tilted position so you do not… Best not to brush your teeth. If this is difficult, there is room to be lenient. Care should be given not to swallow any water. When rinsing your mouth, do so in a tilted position so you do not swallow. Sources: בנדו״ד, שהכל פגום, וגם המים ששוטף פיו נפגמים ואינם…Show more
אם הכסף מיועד לספק אוכל - גם אם זה מצות - לעניים בחנם. ובכל זאת, עדיף לתת לאביונים את הכסף בפורים עצמו. #3256
Question: A friend, who paid for music files, wants to let me download some tracks on to my MP3 player. Am allowed to do it for a short while, as if I am borrowing them, as long as I… Question: A friend, who paid for music files, wants to let me download some tracks on to my MP3 player. Am allowed to do it for a short while, as if I am borrowing them, as long as I do not keep them? Why would it be different than me just borrowing his MP3 player for a short while, to listen to tracks I do not own? Answer: See here: https://asktherav.com/2942-is-it-permitted-to-listen-to-music-i-have-received-from-a-friend/ The same would be in the case you described. Just as you cannot "borrow without permission" for a short while and give it back (aka stealing). When…Show more
שאלה: המליצו לי לקחת תוסף תזונה הנקרא DHEA בשביל פוריות. המצב כרגע שאין לנו ילדים. ומנסים להביא ילד ראשון בע״ה. אני בת 44 ובעלי 46. האם מותר לקחת מבחינת כשרות? מענה: אם הגלולה ניתנת על פי מרשם של… שאלה: המליצו לי לקחת תוסף תזונה הנקרא DHEA בשביל פוריות. המצב כרגע שאין לנו ילדים. ומנסים להביא ילד ראשון בע״ה. אני בת 44 ובעלי 46. האם מותר לקחת מבחינת כשרות? מענה: אם הגלולה ניתנת על פי מרשם של רופא המתמחה בתחום מותר לקחת גלולה זו היות וזה מטעמי רפואה ואין לו טעם. אבל אם יש אפשרות למצוא גלולה עם הכשר, או שאפשר בקל לקבל את התזונה הנדרשת על ידי מאכלים כשרים, יש להעדיף את הדרכים הנזכרים. טעמים ומקורות: ישנם הטוענים שזה נעשה ממאכלים הכשרים אבל עדיין לא ברור לנו כ"כ. ואיך שיהי׳ ה״ז רק מיעוט שאינו מצוי.…Show more
Question: Is it Muttar to clap on Shabbos - not during a Nigun, but also not as drumming etc. - rather as an applause after a speech? Answer: An applaud which has no rhythm is permissible, as it… Question: Is it Muttar to clap on Shabbos - not during a Nigun, but also not as drumming etc. - rather as an applause after a speech? Answer: An applaud which has no rhythm is permissible, as it is not Derech Shir - musical. Regarding clapping when singing, see here: https://asktherav.com/1881-is-it-a-halacha-or-chumrah-to-not-bang-on-a-table-on-shabbos-like-to-a-niggun/ Sources: ראה שו״ת אז נדברו חלק יג סי״ד (שאלה ב-ג).…Show more
The accepted Chabad Minhag is to always Daven Maariv after Tzeis Hakochavim. The ideal time for Davening Maariv is after the emergence of three small stars. Three medium stars appear, according to the Alter Rebbe, when the sun is… The accepted Chabad Minhag is to always Daven Maariv after Tzeis Hakochavim. The ideal time for Davening Maariv is after the emergence of three small stars. Three medium stars appear, according to the Alter Rebbe, when the sun is approx. 6 degrees below the horizon. Three small stars can be seen when the sun is approx. 6.6 degrees below the horizon (in other words, in New York, a few minutes later). There are computer programs and apps which can calculate this information for you. On fast days, many are lenient to Daven Maariv at the emergence of three medium…Show more
1. Being that you Davened Maariv in the past after Tzeis Hacochovim, you should continue doing so - even if it means not Davening with a Minyan - as long as you continuously are Makpid to do so. See… 1. Being that you Davened Maariv in the past after Tzeis Hacochovim, you should continue doing so - even if it means not Davening with a Minyan - as long as you continuously are Makpid to do so. See also the following link here. 2. The ideal time for Davening Maariv is after the emergence of three small stars. Three medium stars appear, according to the Alter Rebbe, when the sun is approx. 6 degrees below the horizon. Three small stars can be seen when the sun is approx. 6.6 degrees below the horizon (in other words, in…Show more
שאלה: האם צריך לכתחילה לחומרא להיות שני דברים של כזית במשלוח מנות, או שכל המשלוח מנות יהי' כזית או כביצה, או שאפשר אולי לשים 3 דברים שיחד יהיו כב' זתים או כיוצ"ב? מענה: ראוי שכל אחת מה"מנות" תהא… שאלה: האם צריך לכתחילה לחומרא להיות שני דברים של כזית במשלוח מנות, או שכל המשלוח מנות יהי' כזית או כביצה, או שאפשר אולי לשים 3 דברים שיחד יהיו כב' זתים או כיוצ"ב? מענה: ראוי שכל אחת מה"מנות" תהא חשובה ומכובדת, ולפחות בשיעור "כזית" לכל אחד מהם [ובדוחק, כזית לשניהם ביחד]. מקורות: שקו״ט באחרונים. וראה שיחת פורים ה'תשכ"ג. ז' אד"ש ה'תשל"ו.…Show more
Can one give a birthday present to a sibling? An appreciation gift to coworkers? Answer: One should avoid giving presents during the year of "Aveilus" on a parent. However if it is given as remuneration it is permissible,… Can one give a birthday present to a sibling? An appreciation gift to coworkers? Answer: One should avoid giving presents during the year of "Aveilus" on a parent. However if it is given as remuneration it is permissible, for example, a student to a teacher at the end of school year, husband to wife in honor of Yom Tov, or Chosson to Kallah. See also here: https://asktherav.com/1122-birthday-gift-during-aveilus Sources: או"ח תרצו מ"א סקי״א בשם מהרי"ל. ובאמת, כ״ה כבר…Show more
The proper order is that the Sefer Torah which was read last should be the first to be brought and put back in the Aaron kodesh. However, if the other Sefer Torah was taken first you should not rearrange… The proper order is that the Sefer Torah which was read last should be the first to be brought and put back in the Aaron kodesh. However, if the other Sefer Torah was taken first you should not rearrange who takes which Sefer, rather just put back the other Sefer Torah first. Sources: שערי אפרים שער י סעי’ מא #3204…Show more
Because there are a lot of positive elements to those animals. There is a lot we can learn from them. The Mishnah tells us to learn to be bold like a leopard, light like an eagle and strong like… Because there are a lot of positive elements to those animals. There is a lot we can learn from them. The Mishnah tells us to learn to be bold like a leopard, light like an eagle and strong like a lion. The Gemara tells us that we could learn modesty from the cats, not to steal from the ants etc. The issue is only seeing the animals because they have negative forces associated with them and that could affect the purity of our eyesight. Even this is not Halachically forbidden. It is an extra measure of piety, purifying our…Show more
Question: Are women obligated in Machatzis Hashekel on Taanis Ester? If yes, is a women's obligation fulfilled through her husband? Also, should a father give Machatzis Hashekel for his baby? Answer: Women are not obligated in giving Machatzis… Question: Are women obligated in Machatzis Hashekel on Taanis Ester? If yes, is a women's obligation fulfilled through her husband? Also, should a father give Machatzis Hashekel for his baby? Answer: Women are not obligated in giving Machatzis Hashekel. However, some give on behalf of their wives and children (even babies) - this custom is mentioned in the Rebbe’s sichos. One who has begun this Minhag must continue to do so until they reach the age that they are obligated on their own (13 or 20; different opinions), unless they stipulated the first time that this is done…Show more
Question: I am making a Simcha and serving potato Bourekas and pizza Bourekas. The caterer said that it is a water-based dough not made with apple juice. What is the Brocha? Are we required to wash? Answer: The… Question: I am making a Simcha and serving potato Bourekas and pizza Bourekas. The caterer said that it is a water-based dough not made with apple juice. What is the Brocha? Are we required to wash? Answer: The Bracha is Hamotzie. See here. #3222Show more
Question: What is the value of following the Laining of the Megillah with a Chumash? If I miss a word from the Baal Koreh am I Yotzei just by seeing the word in the Chumash? I am guessing saying… Question: What is the value of following the Laining of the Megillah with a Chumash? If I miss a word from the Baal Koreh am I Yotzei just by seeing the word in the Chumash? I am guessing saying the word would not help since it is not a Kosher Megillah. Answer: A listener following the reading from a printed text should not read along with the Ba’al Koreh. If someone in this scenario misses a few words or a Possuk, they may then read it from the printed text and still fulfill the Mitzvah. This can be…Show more
Most Rabbonim have long ago settled the matter and determined that it is a non-issue. There are some anti-Sheitel zealots* who have jumped on the bandwagon to make another brouhaha out of this issue. They are not quieting down… Most Rabbonim have long ago settled the matter and determined that it is a non-issue. There are some anti-Sheitel zealots* who have jumped on the bandwagon to make another brouhaha out of this issue. They are not quieting down and now claim to have “new” “information“ on the matter. An excellent rebuttal of their claims in this matter can be heard on the famous Headlines radio program by Rabbi Dovid Licthenstien. Listen here and here. As far as I know, there is no reliable Hechsher. At least, those who are making the storm about this issue, claim so. …Show more
A Keli is not necessary. Some are Machmir to wash three time with a Keli. (א) Q. Is it enough to pour a few drops of water on my hands and then rub them together? A. No, It… A Keli is not necessary. Some are Machmir to wash three time with a Keli. (א) Q. Is it enough to pour a few drops of water on my hands and then rub them together? A. No, It must be on the entire hand. Q. Is it enough to just rub my hands on clothing? A. For Davening if no water is available one may rub on clothing; this only cleans the hands but does not remove the negative spirit till one washes with water. (ב) Q. Does it make a difference if I am the…Show more
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