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Question: Is it permitted to listen to Music I have received from a friend, he did not pay for it either and we both do not plan on buying that specific album, is it considered stealing even though the… Question: Is it permitted to listen to Music I have received from a friend, he did not pay for it either and we both do not plan on buying that specific album, is it considered stealing even though the artist is not losing out by me obtaining the album for free? Answer: The concept of ownership over intellectual property is debated in the Poskim and the general consensus is that when a publisher or producer puts out a new book or invention, he has the right to it forever and no one may reproduce it without his permission.…Show more
Question: The 31st day of a B'chor comes out to be on Erev Shabbos, but it would be much easier and more Kavodik to do on Sunday morning. Would that be permissible to push off Pidyon Haben to day… Question: The 31st day of a B'chor comes out to be on Erev Shabbos, but it would be much easier and more Kavodik to do on Sunday morning. Would that be permissible to push off Pidyon Haben to day 33 instead? Answer: This is absolutely forbidden. Every day that passes after the correct time one violates a Mitzvas Aseh. Sources: בתניא רבתי צח, והובא בשער הכולל טו, ב: מאימתי…Show more
One should try to wash in a sink which is outside the bathroom. If there is no other option, you should cover the toilet before washing and dry the hands outside. Sources: ראה שלמי ציבור יח, ב. זבחי צדק קטז, מח.…
After going to the bathroom, there is no need to wash the amount and method needed for Netilas Yadayim. However, some are particular to wash always three times, especially for Gedolim. Sources: שו״ע אדה״ז סי׳ ד׳ סע׳ יח. מח״ב שם ו…
Watches are not Muktzah unless you need to press a button to see the time. Non-working watch: According to many opinions, if the watch is not working it is Muktzah. Electrical: Even if the watch contains a computer inside… Watches are not Muktzah unless you need to press a button to see the time. Non-working watch: According to many opinions, if the watch is not working it is Muktzah. Electrical: Even if the watch contains a computer inside it is not Muktzah, since its main purpose is to display the time. If you know that you are likely to press the button and use the computer, you should not wear it on Shabbos. Likewise, if it has a button to produce light and you might out of habit press it at night, you should put a sticker or…Show more
If the blade or bowl do not become hot at all in the process, you may use the same mixer. #2945
Question: If you are staying in a Jewish owned and operated Airbnb room, but it is at least occasionally rented out to Non Jewish people at times, is there any Cheshash to use the toaster oven being as that… Question: If you are staying in a Jewish owned and operated Airbnb room, but it is at least occasionally rented out to Non Jewish people at times, is there any Cheshash to use the toaster oven being as that you may not know exactly what they may have put inside of it? Is it alright or make a difference if it's wrapped in foil? This in a situation where I cannot ask the owner (who is Frum) and/or he is not likely to know the Metzius himself one way or another. Answer: The toaster oven may not be…Show more
Organizing the laundry was on Shabbos is not only an issue of borer, but also an issue of ממצוא חפצך, doing something on Shabbos to prepare for a Melacha taking place after Shabbos. The issue of borer can be… Organizing the laundry was on Shabbos is not only an issue of borer, but also an issue of ממצוא חפצך, doing something on Shabbos to prepare for a Melacha taking place after Shabbos. The issue of borer can be circumvented if you throw the pile of clothing in such a way that there will no longer be a mixture of clothing, rather distinct garments spread out across the room. The issue of ממצוא חפצך can only be avoided if such behavior does not appear to onlookers that it is in preparation for a Melacha after Shabbos, or if the…Show more
There are three main Shittos in the Poskim when the latest time for Kiddush Levana is: 1. Maharil – Until the exact halfway point between each Moilad. In other words, since there is 29 days, 12 full hours and… There are three main Shittos in the Poskim when the latest time for Kiddush Levana is: 1. Maharil – Until the exact halfway point between each Moilad. In other words, since there is 29 days, 12 full hours and 793/1080 of an hour (around 44 minutes) between each Moilad, the end time for Kiddush Levana will be 14 days, 18 hours and 396/1080 of an hour (around 22 minutes) after the previous Moilad. The common accepted practice is to calculate the Moilad times according to the clock in Eretz Yisroel. In the first instance, one should strive to follow…Show more
Can I move it out on Shabbos (it may be affecting the tracking as I move it)? Answer: Your coat is not Muktzeh, and the key-chain may be removed from the coat if necessary as long as the… Can I move it out on Shabbos (it may be affecting the tracking as I move it)? Answer: Your coat is not Muktzeh, and the key-chain may be removed from the coat if necessary as long as the tile key finder is not directly touched. Explanation: The tile key finder is designed for a purpose forbidden on Shabbos, which is to ring when activated, and it is thus regarded as Muktzeh. Nevertheless, you mentioned that the tile key finder is attached to house keys. House keys are, of course, permissible on Shabbos. For a number of…Show more
Question: We fried onions in a meat pot which had not been used for more than 24 hours. We then prepared a Pareve soup. Do we need to wait after eating the soup before eating milk foods? Answer:… Question: We fried onions in a meat pot which had not been used for more than 24 hours. We then prepared a Pareve soup. Do we need to wait after eating the soup before eating milk foods? Answer: Although the soup is considered Fleishig, you may have Milchig afterwards. See here: https://asktherav.com/article-365-regarding-an-onion-cut-with-a-fleishig-knife-can-i-have-milchigs-before-after/ #2897Show more
עד המקום שאם ימשוך את האוזן יגיע אליו - נחשב חלק מהפאה, ואסור לספר שם במספר אפס, אלא בשיעור לכוף ראשו לעיקרו, והיינו - שמשאיר אורך שערה של לערך 6 מילימטר. ויש המחמירים שלא לספר את השערות במקום בזה… עד המקום שאם ימשוך את האוזן יגיע אליו - נחשב חלק מהפאה, ואסור לספר שם במספר אפס, אלא בשיעור לכוף ראשו לעיקרו, והיינו - שמשאיר אורך שערה של לערך 6 מילימטר. ויש המחמירים שלא לספר את השערות במקום בזה בכלל, וכן יוצא מהצמח צדק. וראה מראה מקומות ועוד פרטים כאן. #2881Show more
A utensil does not require Tevilah when it does not come into direct contact with food when it is being prepared, served or eaten. Therefore, the oven racks should be Toiveled, as food is sometimes placed directly on it.… A utensil does not require Tevilah when it does not come into direct contact with food when it is being prepared, served or eaten. Therefore, the oven racks should be Toiveled, as food is sometimes placed directly on it. Similarly, the other components that come into direct contact food should be Toiveled. However, the oven itself need not be immersed. (Yoreh De ’ah 120). See here and in the references: https://asktherav.com/article-523-do-i-have-to-tovel-my-refrigerator-shelves-and-oven-racks/ For general information about Tevilas Keilim, see here and here. #2901Show more
Question: May one use Astroglide water-based liquid (personal lubricant) on Shabbos - not only to pour it on but also to smear it around? It is not a gel, but a liquid whose consistency is basically like that of… Question: May one use Astroglide water-based liquid (personal lubricant) on Shabbos - not only to pour it on but also to smear it around? It is not a gel, but a liquid whose consistency is basically like that of olive oil. Answer: Yes. ראה שו"ע או"ח סימן שכז שמותר לסוך בשמן. #6897Show more
Question: The Mikva Bor in yeshiva over 4 years ago had rainwater. The regular Bor is higher than the Otzar and it overflows very often so over the 4 years all the rainwater is gone. Can we still Toivel… Question: The Mikva Bor in yeshiva over 4 years ago had rainwater. The regular Bor is higher than the Otzar and it overflows very often so over the 4 years all the rainwater is gone. Can we still Toivel Keilim in the Otzar? Answer: First, in clarification of your question – In Mikvah construction, Otzar more correctly refers to a backup reservoir of rainwater which issued to replenish the main rainwater Bor without having to wait for rain. However, some people use the term Otzar to refer to the main rainwater Bor. I am assuming from your question…Show more
And if it is not permissible, are there any leniencies to still use it for baby formula? Answer: One may not ask a non-Jew to heat up water on Shabbos. However, if you have no hot water for… And if it is not permissible, are there any leniencies to still use it for baby formula? Answer: One may not ask a non-Jew to heat up water on Shabbos. However, if you have no hot water for the baby bottle or if needed for baby food, you are allowed to ask a non-Jew to heat up water, as much as is needed. The water may only be used for the baby; nobody else may use the hot water. ראה כאן: https://asktherav.com/2768-b-can-a-two-year-old-be-directed-to-turn-off-the-led-light-in-the-childrens-bedroom/ #2853 (2)Show more
Question: If the light is on in a child's room and its a LED light, and it late (so it would be a challenge to find a goy), can a two year old be directed to turn the light… Question: If the light is on in a child's room and its a LED light, and it late (so it would be a challenge to find a goy), can a two year old be directed to turn the light off? [The AR says (chapter 334) that to extinguish even under Chinuch one should be Moche, but perhaps in a child's room one can direct a child to the light.] Answer: Where no other choice exists and it’s needed for the welfare of the child, for example, so that he should be able to sleep at night, he may…Show more
If the cleaning lady made a mistake and you did not tell her anything, for example she mistakenly switched off the light and then she re-lit it, or she turned off the fire and then rekindled it, one may… If the cleaning lady made a mistake and you did not tell her anything, for example she mistakenly switched off the light and then she re-lit it, or she turned off the fire and then rekindled it, one may benefit from the Melacha she has performed. However, if you told her to do something and she misunderstood and then she fixed the mistake, one may not benefit from the Melacha on Shabbos. Likewise, if you told her to fix the mistake, you may not benefit from the Melacha. In your case, since you originally told the cleaning lady that…Show more
Women are not obligated to recite Tachanun, yet they may do so if they wish, and many have the custom to do so. There are, however, many women who do not recite Tachanun. Those who recite Tachanun should do… Women are not obligated to recite Tachanun, yet they may do so if they wish, and many have the custom to do so. There are, however, many women who do not recite Tachanun. Those who recite Tachanun should do so while lowering their head and leaning on their arm. Sources: בכלל, נפ״א רשות - טור או״ח קלא. אדה״ז שם…Show more
Firstly without knowing the Halachic status of the Eiruv it is difficult to answer. If you are referring to a metropolitan city Eiruv those issues are even more questionable, and as we know the Rebbe was generally not supportive… Firstly without knowing the Halachic status of the Eiruv it is difficult to answer. If you are referring to a metropolitan city Eiruv those issues are even more questionable, and as we know the Rebbe was generally not supportive of the construction of an Eiruv in a metropolitan city unless done secretly. In general, if you are of the opinion or understanding that the Eiruv is not kosher you cannot tell another Jew to carry on your behalf. This is because he is considered your Shaliach, acting on your behalf. Additionally, by asking him to do something you consider…Show more
Question: A Chabad guy sends me a daily inspiring message about Moshiach. Today, this is what he sent: ''Since the leader of the generation, who is Moshiach, has been fully revealed, we can already rejoice as allowed only in… Question: A Chabad guy sends me a daily inspiring message about Moshiach. Today, this is what he sent: ''Since the leader of the generation, who is Moshiach, has been fully revealed, we can already rejoice as allowed only in the time of Geula (11 Elul 51)''. When I inquired him whether the law actually is different and how I was to understand this message, he suggested that I asktherav.com. Answer: AskTheRav cannot take responsibility for messages that other people send out. However, below are some very general observations about the matter. Sources: לכל לראש, כבר כתבו כו״כ שאינו איסור גמור, כ״א…Show more
Question: Bread was baked in a Fleishig oven (meat had been roasted uncovered in the oven within 24 hours previously). Someone, ignoring the warning sign on the bread package, cut off a slice of that bread and toasted it… Question: Bread was baked in a Fleishig oven (meat had been roasted uncovered in the oven within 24 hours previously). Someone, ignoring the warning sign on the bread package, cut off a slice of that bread and toasted it in a Milchig toaster oven to eat with cinnamon and sugar topping. The toaster oven probably was not used within 24 hours. Is there a Kashrus problem with the toaster oven? Is there a problem with the Milchig plate the hot toast was put onto? And what is the status of the Parve knife used to spread the margarine on…Show more
Question: What are the Halachos I should be aware of regarding flowers and plants (vases) on Shabbos and Yom Tov - in terms of moving, removing, adding/changing the water, etc.? Answer: Moving flowers (or the vase): Flowers and… Question: What are the Halachos I should be aware of regarding flowers and plants (vases) on Shabbos and Yom Tov - in terms of moving, removing, adding/changing the water, etc.? Answer: Moving flowers (or the vase): Flowers and decorative leaves or branches which were cut and arranged prior to Shabbos or Yom Tov are regarded as a decoration and are not Muktzeh. They may be handled directly. However, if some of the flowers are not yet in full bloom, some suggest that care must be taken to ensure that moving them will not change their position in relation…Show more
Question: Can one bring a Shir Lamaalos card into the labor room to be visible during labor (for the woman to feel safer)? Can it be see through? Would these issues apply to a picture of a Tzadik? … Question: Can one bring a Shir Lamaalos card into the labor room to be visible during labor (for the woman to feel safer)? Can it be see through? Would these issues apply to a picture of a Tzadik? Answer: It must be covered with two covers, one of them not visible. This does not apply according to Halacha to a picture of a Tzadik. Nonetheless, Chassidim have a similar Hergesh with pictures of a Rebbe. See here for more details: https://asktherav.com/1780-shir-lamalos-cards-keli-btoch-keli/ #2848 (4)Show more
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