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  Question: Regarding a Kiddush for my daughter’s birth, can I do it on Friday night after the meal? Similarly, can I do it during the week?   Answer: The custom of hosting a celebratory feast for the birth of…  Question: Regarding a Kiddush for my daughter’s birth, can I do it on Friday night after the meal? Similarly, can I do it during the week?   Answer: The custom of hosting a celebratory feast for the birth of a daughter has early origins. The Gemoro in Bava Basra (91a) states that Boaz had thirty sons and thirty daughters, and he made a total of 120 feasts in their honor. There are various opinions regarding the purpose of those feasts, and indeed, even several versions of the authentic text of that Gemoro. According to Rabbenu Gershom, sixty of these…Show more
  No.   Sources: פשוט שהאיסור רק בפירות משום יוקר השער. ול״ש בנדו״ד.…

How to Clean a Bite Splint for Pesach

  Question: Because of a dental issue, I have been sleeping with a bite splint in my mouth. I will likely need to wear it also on Pesach. I think it is completely plastic and acrylic (transparent material). I usually…  Question: Because of a dental issue, I have been sleeping with a bite splint in my mouth. I will likely need to wear it also on Pesach. I think it is completely plastic and acrylic (transparent material). I usually only wear it at night after brushing my teeth, but there have been a few times that I put it on without brushing after eating. How I should clean this for Pesach? I am also wondering how to clean it on Pesach. I am supposed to use only antibacterial hand soap on it (no toothpaste, or mouthwash or the like).…Show more
  Question: I own a medical practice. We have 8 employees. I am the only Jew. I have a private office within the practice where I eat. The rest of the office space is common space for any employee to…  Question: I own a medical practice. We have 8 employees. I am the only Jew. I have a private office within the practice where I eat. The rest of the office space is common space for any employee to use. I work on Chol Hamoed. What is the best way to clean for Pesach?   Answer: Inform the staff that you will be cleaning the office from all food before Pesach. Before Pesach, You must remove the Chometz and clean the kitchenware like coffee mugs and microwaves etc. However, as long as you do not plan to use them…Show more
  Questions: 1. Is there an issue of having the Bimah behind the seats in back of Shul rather than in middle? (There is a table behind the Bimah that some sit there). 2. For some reason the Bimah became…  Questions: 1. Is there an issue of having the Bimah behind the seats in back of Shul rather than in middle? (There is a table behind the Bimah that some sit there). 2. For some reason the Bimah became the place where the Chazzan Davens. The Bimah has few steps to to it. Heard it can be an issue. Is there a problem with this?   Answers: 1. The Bimah need not be completely centered. If there is a row of seats in the back of the Bimah it’s sufficient. 2. In principle, the Chazzan may Daven from the…Show more
  This is permitted in this case. One is not allowed to use lotion on an adult as a medical treatment. However if it is not as a medical treatment, it may be dabbed on, but not smeared, to smooth…  This is permitted in this case. One is not allowed to use lotion on an adult as a medical treatment. However if it is not as a medical treatment, it may be dabbed on, but not smeared, to smooth skin. Smearing cream or lotion for chapped hands is forbidden due to Refuah, unless, it is common that people use lotion even not for Refuah. I do not think this is the case.   Sources: שוע"ר סי' שכח סעי' א, ושם כח. דע״ת שכח,…Show more
  The religious women are making sure everything is 100% kosher- made by us and everything is according to Halacha.    Additional Question: At the party I want the Kallah to make the Bracha on Challah dough to get her…  The religious women are making sure everything is 100% kosher- made by us and everything is according to Halacha.    Additional Question: At the party I want the Kallah to make the Bracha on Challah dough to get her to do a Mitzvah before her wedding. A. She will be in her period - is there a problem with that? B. There will be non Jewish women watching and saying 'Amen' is that allowed?   Answer: 1. You may attend the party if the purpose is to get the participants to do Mitzvos or to be able to be…Show more
  No.   Sources: ראה שו״ע אדה״ז תעא, ח - אפילו בנוגע לערב…
  See here for answer.
  Article #180: Non Kosher Pills There is a heter for a sick person to take non-kosher pills, provided they are 1) swallowed whole, and 2) tasteless. Regarding this halachah, illness is defined as a general feeling of malaise, or…  Article #180: Non Kosher Pills There is a heter for a sick person to take non-kosher pills, provided they are 1) swallowed whole, and 2) tasteless. Regarding this halachah, illness is defined as a general feeling of malaise, or what is termed miktzas choli, a minor sickness or pain. (The halachah is different for a child; anything a child needs is considered an illness.) However, if an alternative kosher medication is available, the heter does not apply. If a pill has a taste, a solution would be to enclose it in a kosher capsule or wrap tissue paper around…Show more
  Yes. See here: https://asktherav.com/article-395-does-a-glass-bottle-of-snapple-require-tevilah/     #3357
  On an earth floor, one may not rub the spit but rather they should place their shoe over it without rubbing it. On a wooden floor, in an area where most floors are not earth floors, one may rub…  On an earth floor, one may not rub the spit but rather they should place their shoe over it without rubbing it. On a wooden floor, in an area where most floors are not earth floors, one may rub the spit. Nonetheless, there is room for stringency. On a rug floor, one may rub the spit. Best to do it lightly.   Sources: רוק שע״ג קרקע - שו״ע או״ח שטז, יא. ויניח…Show more
  Question: I am going away for the full Pesach, but my family will be staying at home. Can I just lock up my individual bedroom (and instead of cleaning a room that would not even be walked into, spend…  Question: I am going away for the full Pesach, but my family will be staying at home. Can I just lock up my individual bedroom (and instead of cleaning a room that would not even be walked into, spend the time helping my mother with the rest of the house)?   Answer: Locking the room is not sufficient on its own, but you may sell the Chometz in that room in a Mechiras Chometz. The Mechiras Chometz involves also renting the area over Pesach. Therefore, this room should not be accessed by others throughout Pesach.     #3363Show more
  What is the standard for the Crown Heights community as far as Jeans? Is it accepted or not supposed to be worn? Jeans skirts should not be worn. They are not Tznius. Many are Makpid about the denim fabric…  What is the standard for the Crown Heights community as far as Jeans? Is it accepted or not supposed to be worn? Jeans skirts should not be worn. They are not Tznius. Many are Makpid about the denim fabric in general, even if they are loose and long. A Bas Yisroel is encouraged to always act in a dignified manner, like royalty. While it’s understood that sometimes people want to relax and dress casual, but it should always be in a refined manner and reflect who we really are. Obviously, we would never stand like this in front of…Show more
  יש לסדרן מחדש כראוי.   מראי מקומות: אות חיים ושלום לד, יג. ודלא כשו״ת אבני חן ו. והנה, באות חיים ושלום שם מדבר בהוחלפו לאחרי שכבר הונחו כתיקונן, אבל כאן יש ספק אם הונחו טוב מלכתחילה, ונמצא שאם אף…  יש לסדרן מחדש כראוי.   מראי מקומות: אות חיים ושלום לד, יג. ודלא כשו״ת אבני חן ו. והנה, באות חיים ושלום שם מדבר בהוחלפו לאחרי שכבר הונחו כתיקונן, אבל כאן יש ספק אם הונחו טוב מלכתחילה, ונמצא שאם אף פעם לא הונחו כתיקונן הרי משנה (הפרשיות שהם גוף) הקדושה לחול (שהרי אחת מהזוגות חול) ואסור (שועה”ר סי’ מב ס”ו), אם לא שנסמוך על חזקת כשרות. אבל זיל בתר טעמי׳ שהוא בטעות ולא נתקדש. וראה גם שו״ת משנ״ה יח, מה. צבא אהרן וידר לה. וראה שו״ת שבה״ל ד, ד שהתיר באופן שהזמין רק רש״י ונמצא דר״ת עיי״ש טעמו. והנה, התם…Show more
  Full Question: I came across an interesting situation. There is meat that is Kosher slaughtered (certified by X) but during the Kosher slaughter Muslims say their blessing on it which also makes it Halal for them . . It…  Full Question: I came across an interesting situation. There is meat that is Kosher slaughtered (certified by X) but during the Kosher slaughter Muslims say their blessing on it which also makes it Halal for them . . It is an interfaith meat. It is under X supervision . . And comes from a Glatt Kosher Slaughterhouse . . but these Muslims also do their thing with the meat . . Is this Kosher meat that is blessed by Muslims OK for Jews to eat? There is a Muslim there saying a blessing while the Jews are doing the…Show more
  אין סיבה לעשות כן.   מקורות: בכלל, חזר בו אדה״ז משיעור הנ״ל (ראה שו"ע רבינו…
  Question: Does a mother have to wash her hands before reciting Tehilim etc. if she touched somewhere meant to be covered, since it is not too practical or possible to wash her hands at that point while nursing?  …  Question: Does a mother have to wash her hands before reciting Tehilim etc. if she touched somewhere meant to be covered, since it is not too practical or possible to wash her hands at that point while nursing?   Answer: If while nursing, a mother touches directly with her hand a place which is usually covered (very common), she is required to wash her hands (no need for a kvort) before learning, Davening, saying Tehilim, or saying any Berochos. Ideally, if you want to say Tehilim or Daven while nursing, care should be given to not touch directly with…Show more
  Specifically: Lubavitch meat cooked in Keilim or in an oven which were used to cook non-Lubavitch meat but with a good hechsher? How about Parve food (such as fish, eggs, bread, pastry) cooked in Fleishig oven or Keilim? Regarding…  Specifically: Lubavitch meat cooked in Keilim or in an oven which were used to cook non-Lubavitch meat but with a good hechsher? How about Parve food (such as fish, eggs, bread, pastry) cooked in Fleishig oven or Keilim? Regarding Milchig, I understand that it is not permitted to eat Cholov Yisroel foods that were cooked with Keilim used for non Cholov Yisroel.   Answer: If the food is 100% kosher, you may eat the food too, needless to say that it is permitted to eat food cooked in such utensils. One may eat non-Lubavitch meat. Obviously, the same answer…Show more
  שאלה: יש מנין שמקדימים הכנסת ש״ק ומנסים להתפלל מנחה לפני פלג המנחה. יוצא לפעמים שלפני פלג עדיין חסר מהמנין. והם רוצים לדעת האם עדיף שיתפללו ביחידות לפני הפלג או שעדיף לחכות עד שיהי׳ מנין?   מענה: אם התפללו מנחה…  שאלה: יש מנין שמקדימים הכנסת ש״ק ומנסים להתפלל מנחה לפני פלג המנחה. יוצא לפעמים שלפני פלג עדיין חסר מהמנין. והם רוצים לדעת האם עדיף שיתפללו ביחידות לפני הפלג או שעדיף לחכות עד שיהי׳ מנין?   מענה: אם התפללו מנחה אחרי פלג המנחה אין להתפלל ערבית קודם הלילה. ואם המנין מורכב ממקורבים וכדומה, וא"א להתפלל במנין בלילה, יש מקום להקל שהמנין יתפלל מנחה ומעריב זה אחרי זה אחרי פלג המנחה (למרות השקו״ט ע״פ דין כמבואר בטעמים ומקורות). וכמובן שחסידי חב"ד שבמנין יתפללו מעריב בזמן ביחיד אם אין צורך לעלות כש"ץ. ובכלל, המנהג המקובל בליובאוויטש הוא להתפלל ערבית גם בליל שבת…Show more
  You may only buy eggs from a kosher species of duck, meaning one with a מסורה. See here.   Which species of ducks are permissible? Particularly, are Indian Runners kosher?  (I have seen some disagreement on the matter).  …  You may only buy eggs from a kosher species of duck, meaning one with a מסורה. See here.   Which species of ducks are permissible? Particularly, are Indian Runners kosher?  (I have seen some disagreement on the matter).   Answer: As far as Indian Runners, the Machlokes is based on the understanding of the many Teshuvos on the matter including from the Maharsham, the כרתי ופלתי and more. In practice, there is not enough certainty to permit eating them.     #3317 #39509Show more

ביצי ברווזים

  שאלה: יש לי 2 ברווזים לבנים, זכר ונקבה, הנקבה מטילה ביצה כמעט כל יום האם מותר לאכול את הביצים? האם הן כשרות? האם בהכרח ימצא בהם דם?   מענה: כלל הוא ש'היוצא מן הכשר כשר', ולכן אם הברווז כשר…  שאלה: יש לי 2 ברווזים לבנים, זכר ונקבה, הנקבה מטילה ביצה כמעט כל יום האם מותר לאכול את הביצים? האם הן כשרות? האם בהכרח ימצא בהם דם?   מענה: כלל הוא ש'היוצא מן הכשר כשר', ולכן אם הברווז כשר (דהיינו שיש עליו מסורה), הביצים כשרים (שו''ע יו''ד סי' פו ס''א). לא בהכרח שנמצא דם, וברוב אין דם, אלא שצריך לבדקם לכתחילה.   https://asktherav.com/3317-is-there-any-kosher-issues-about-duck-eggs/   #2884Show more
  Ingredients: caprylic/capric triglyceride, kaolin, hydrogenated polyisobutene, ozokerite, ceresin, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, tocopherol (vitamin E), cocos nucifera (coconut) extract, lonicera caprifolium (honeysuckle) flower extract, lonicera japonica (honeysuckle) flower extract, fragrance. May contain: titanium dioxide (CI 77891), iron oxides…  Ingredients: caprylic/capric triglyceride, kaolin, hydrogenated polyisobutene, ozokerite, ceresin, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, tocopherol (vitamin E), cocos nucifera (coconut) extract, lonicera caprifolium (honeysuckle) flower extract, lonicera japonica (honeysuckle) flower extract, fragrance. May contain: titanium dioxide (CI 77891), iron oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), manganese violet (CI 77742).   Answer: The need for a lipstick to be kosher is debatable, but many are strict as it can (unintentionally) be consumed. This lipstick contains glycerin which in many cases is derived from non-kosher animal fats and would need a Hechsher for those that are strict.   ההיתר: באם יש…Show more
  Does it make a difference if it is just the melody of the Nigun as opposed to with chords, or other types of harmony? Are we more strict with this during the 3 weeks?   Answer: Generally, the Poskim  Does it make a difference if it is just the melody of the Nigun as opposed to with chords, or other types of harmony? Are we more strict with this during the 3 weeks?   Answer: Generally, the Poskim do not permit listening to recorded music during Sefirah. This is because a recording is considered to be like an actual instrument. However, in certain circumstances, it would be permitted. For example, if the music was necessary for one's livelihood. While some authorities do permit music which does not induce feelings of Simcha, this would not apply in the case…Show more
  The Fleishig pan needs to be Kashered. Turn the pan upside down on the fire and allow the heat to penetrate for several minutes. The Milchig utensils are all fine.

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