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Question: There is a women's group who do yoga. It is an exercise/workout class with an instructor, and may not be Jewish. A friend mentioned that yoga may be an issue regarding Avodah Zara. Is there a problem to… Question: There is a women's group who do yoga. It is an exercise/workout class with an instructor, and may not be Jewish. A friend mentioned that yoga may be an issue regarding Avodah Zara. Is there a problem to attend? Answer: 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…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
Question: I grew up knowing that there was a Jewish Hamsa and the hand of Fatima, the Arabic Hamsa. My grandmother who lived in North Africa was very adamant not to let the hand of Fatima in our house.… Question: I grew up knowing that there was a Jewish Hamsa and the hand of Fatima, the Arabic Hamsa. My grandmother who lived in North Africa was very adamant not to let the hand of Fatima in our house. The later has 2 thumbs but the Jewish Hamsa has only one thumb. Are there any sources for this? Today all one can find and sees everywhere is the hand with 2 thumbs. Answer: 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…Show more
See here for answer. Sources: מקורות: חסל״א הובא בכה״ח סב, ז. מנחת יהודה הו״ד…
Are there details as to how I should place it? Answer: You can put it on top of the hot plate, either on top of a pot that is cooking something else on the hot plate, or you… Are there details as to how I should place it? Answer: You can put it on top of the hot plate, either on top of a pot that is cooking something else on the hot plate, or you can take an empty pot or a silver foil tray and turn them upside down on the hot plate, and then place the Challah on top of them. If you are taking it out of the freezer, make sure it is dry and there is no ice. Sources: עיין שו"ע סימן רנ"ג סעיף ג, שהתיר רק חזרה…Show more
The Mitzvah of Tefilin can be fulfilled even without a Brachah. If the only issue is the fact that he cannot speak, not mental capacity, then you can make a Brachah for him. Sources: ברכות אין מעכבות כפשוט. וראה שו״ע יו״ד יט, א.…
If you are putting it on to prevent physical discomfort such as protecting your body from getting soiled, then it is not a problem. If however, you are putting it on only to protect your clothes, for example, during… If you are putting it on to prevent physical discomfort such as protecting your body from getting soiled, then it is not a problem. If however, you are putting it on only to protect your clothes, for example, during the times when secretions are very light, even if the lack of cleanliness makes you uncomfortable, it is an issue to walk outside with it in a place where there is no Eruv. If it is attached to the garment one may go out with it regardless. The packaging may be ripped on Shabbos. If there is an adhesive layer,…Show more
Question: I am living in Beersheva and I will be going to Jerusalem for the first time since arriving in Israel tomorrow. What are the important things I should know about doing Kriah as I enter the city and… Question: I am living in Beersheva and I will be going to Jerusalem for the first time since arriving in Israel tomorrow. What are the important things I should know about doing Kriah as I enter the city and go to the Kosel? Answer: When seeing the cities of Judea one should say, "ערי קדשך היו מדבר" and tear Kriah. It is not clear, however, which cities are located in the same area as the ancient ערי יהודה. But the Rebbe writes that certainly there are many such places on the way between Lud and Yerushalayim. When seeing…Show more
שאלה: כבוד הרב ברוין שליט"א ראיתי דבר"ן בנדרים כותב שלפעמים צריכים להתפלל על החולה שימות, ושמעתי שיש פוסקים שמביאים זה למעשה. יש לי חבר שהרופאים נתנו לו שתי שבועות ר"ל. מה יתפללו עליו? מענה: לכל לראש, בר״ן (נדרים… שאלה: כבוד הרב ברוין שליט"א ראיתי דבר"ן בנדרים כותב שלפעמים צריכים להתפלל על החולה שימות, ושמעתי שיש פוסקים שמביאים זה למעשה. יש לי חבר שהרופאים נתנו לו שתי שבועות ר"ל. מה יתפללו עליו? מענה: לכל לראש, בר״ן (נדרים מ, א ד״ה אין מבקש) מוכח שזהו רק במצטער הרבה וגם רק כשאינו יכול לחיות. אמנם, אף שהובאו דברי הר״ן בכ״מ - וראה תפא״י יומא ח, ז. ערוה״ש שלה, ג - כבר כתבו בכ״מ, ששאר הראשונים לא פירשו כן, וכן במהרש״א שם ס״ל שלא כדבריו, ושלמעשה נדחה מהלכה - ראה שו״ת צי״א ה, רמת רחל, ה, עיי״ש ראיותיו. ועוד הביא…Show more
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