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  Question: Is it permitted to use a competitor's URL in Google Ads (PPC - pay per click), so as to get others searching for the competitor to go to my site? Note that Google has a specific targeting campaign…  Question: Is it permitted to use a competitor's URL in Google Ads (PPC - pay per click), so as to get others searching for the competitor to go to my site? Note that Google has a specific targeting campaign called "client intent" (or something similar), which is structured specifically to catch the competitor's traffic, and is used by many of the largest advertisers (e.g. Costco, Walmart, etc.). If it is permitted, is it wrong Hashkafically? Does it show a lack of Emunah?   Answer: Firstly, one needs to know if this specific trick is legal. If it is illegal,…Show more

Article: Kashering a Microwave

  Cheese was melted in a Fleishig microwave. What should I do?   It must be Kashered. See below.   Article #367: Kashering a Microwave Kashering a microwave from Milchigs to Fleishigs or from Fleishigs to Milchigs on a regular…  Cheese was melted in a Fleishig microwave. What should I do?   It must be Kashered. See below.   Article #367: Kashering a Microwave Kashering a microwave from Milchigs to Fleishigs or from Fleishigs to Milchigs on a regular basis is not appropriate, since it is a generally accepted custom not to Kasher regularly back and forth. However, if inadvertently something Fleishig was put into a Milchig microwave or vice versa, the Halachah is that one should wait twenty-four hours until the microwave is no longer a Ben Yomo, and then it can be Kashered. There are two ways…Show more
  Yes.   See here for a similar -but different- case:  https://asktherav.com/32094-can-an-avel-who-has-yartzeit-on-chanukah-lead-the-minyan-with-hallel/   Sources: פשוט, שעיקר השקו״ט הוא בנוגע לאבל באמירת הלל, כיון…
  Question: I have a certain credit card that gives me rewards that can be turned into money. If I have 100,000 points those points are worth $1000. The company gives me two choices: 1) Get a $1000 check. 2)…  Question: I have a certain credit card that gives me rewards that can be turned into money. If I have 100,000 points those points are worth $1000. The company gives me two choices: 1) Get a $1000 check. 2) Make purchases on the credit card and use the 100,000 points to pay $1000 towards the credit card bill. Now, I used the credit card to give $1000 to Tzedakah because I need to give $1000 Ma'aser. Can I pay the $1000 bill with the points directly? Or do I first need to turn those 100,000 points into actual money,…Show more
  The clothes may be used. Regarding food, some Poskim say that B'dieved they can be used. However, there are those who are wary of a Chashash Sakanah. There are those that suggest to rinse it three times before using.…  The clothes may be used. Regarding food, some Poskim say that B'dieved they can be used. However, there are those who are wary of a Chashash Sakanah. There are those that suggest to rinse it three times before using. See here for more details.   Sources: מ"ב סי' ד ס"ק יד וב קצוה"ש סי' ב…Show more
  A man should not take voice lessons from a woman if this can be done through a man. If she will actually be singing, it is forbidden for a man to hear the singing.   Sources: גם כשאין איסור קול אשה, אין להזדקק לכתחילה למצב…
  The flames of the Menorah must be situated at least three Tefachim (approximately 10 inches) from the floor. The Menorah should not be positioned higher than ten Tefachim (approximately 31 inches). Many Poskim say that it is sufficient if…  The flames of the Menorah must be situated at least three Tefachim (approximately 10 inches) from the floor. The Menorah should not be positioned higher than ten Tefachim (approximately 31 inches). Many Poskim say that it is sufficient if part of the body of the Menorah is below ten Tefachim, even if the flames are above ten Tefachim. It is not the Chabad custom to specifically position them between seven and ten Tefachim, or close to three. In the event that one did light the menorah above ten Tefachim, he has fulfilled his obligation. However, if one lit twenty…Show more
  You should relight them, without a Bracha, if any of them go out before 50 minutes.     #2065
  It is better to light at home, even if after midnight, if some family members are awake.     #2066
  If the teachers are in the category that they may receive Tzedaka - as often is the case - then it may be taken from Maaser money. However, if it is an expectation that parents give, then in such…  If the teachers are in the category that they may receive Tzedaka - as often is the case - then it may be taken from Maaser money. However, if it is an expectation that parents give, then in such a case it is like an obligation and Maaser money should not be used.   Question 2: What if there is an expectation to join, as all the other parents are giving together, but the one meant to give needs Tzedaka herself?   Answer 2: Assuming the teacher is in the category of receiving Tzedaka, the question is, is a…Show more
  Light without a Brachah. Of course we are not advising to go against hospital protocol, especially since there is a potential danger here C"V. You should coordinate with those in charge so that it should be done in the…  Light without a Brachah. Of course we are not advising to go against hospital protocol, especially since there is a potential danger here C"V. You should coordinate with those in charge so that it should be done in the safest and most cautious manner.   Sources: לכמה דעות בימינו שמדליקים בפנים א״צ שיעור. וראה שו״ת…Show more
  She should be Yotzei from you, but she should watch someone in Shul lighting and answer Amen.     #2007
  If the Menorah was moved to a different location in the same area, one is Yotzei B'dieved. Some permit it even L'chatchilla. After 50 minutes, one may certainly move it. For safety issues, one may move the Menorah. If…  If the Menorah was moved to a different location in the same area, one is Yotzei B'dieved. Some permit it even L'chatchilla. After 50 minutes, one may certainly move it. For safety issues, one may move the Menorah. If possible, one should move it to a place that is not significantly further from its original place. However, initially one should light the Menorah in a way that it will not need to be moved later at all.   Sources: ראה מג״א רסג, כג. מחה״ש תרעא, ז. ערוה״ש תרעה,…Show more
  One person may light in the Chabad House with a Brachah as Pirusmei Nisa, but this does not dispense him from his personal obligation to light the Menorah at home/ dormitory. The remainder of people may not light there…  One person may light in the Chabad House with a Brachah as Pirusmei Nisa, but this does not dispense him from his personal obligation to light the Menorah at home/ dormitory. The remainder of people may not light there with a Brachah, as according to many Poskim one is not Yotzei if they light out of their home even if they are eating there, if they are just eating there temporarily. If they are sleeping there for the night, they may light there with a Brachah. If they cannot find a way around the fire regulations at the dorm,…Show more
  Correct. It is kosher, but not ideal.   Question 2: What about refined olive oil? Is only extra virgin olive oil ideal?   Answer 2: They are all kosher L'chatchilla, but extra virgin is ideal.   Sources: כ״כ רבי יצחק סגי נהור בן הראב"ד בקונטרס סוד…
  If the Tzedakah money had not been designated to a particular recipient, no one has a claim to it; thus the one that was holding the money doesn’t have the status of a Shomer, and is not obligated to…  If the Tzedakah money had not been designated to a particular recipient, no one has a claim to it; thus the one that was holding the money doesn’t have the status of a Shomer, and is not obligated to replace it, even if they were negligent. There is, however, room for stringency Latzeis Yedei Shamayim (to do the right thing).   Sources: ב״ק צג, א. שו״ע חו״מ שא, ו. וראה ש״ך…Show more
  You should light at the entrance of the main room, even if it has no Mezuzah.   Sources: לא מצינו בשום דוכתא שיש להדר להדליק בפתח שי״ב…

Article: Height of Menorah

  When it says that the Menorah is supposed be lit between 3 and 10 Tefachim from the ground, does this refer to the height of the stool that the Menorah stands on, or the lights of the Menorah?  …  When it says that the Menorah is supposed be lit between 3 and 10 Tefachim from the ground, does this refer to the height of the stool that the Menorah stands on, or the lights of the Menorah?   The Chanukah Menorah should be placed on a surface that is higher than three Tefachim (approximately ten inches) off the ground, since lower than three Tefachim is Halachically considered as if it's on the ground. L'chatchilah (preferably), it should be placed lower than ten Tefachim (approximately 31 inches) from the ground because of the Mitzvah of Pirsumei Nisa (publicizing the…Show more
  Answer: They may not eat Mezonos or Hamotzi more than a Kebeitza. There are a variety of satiating foods that are not in that category. If there is a Shomer who is not eating, it is OK.   Sources: טעימה מותרת אבל מדת חסידות להחמיר - ע״פ הרוקח…
  Another event where many families will join for a Seuda in a private home. Can the host light candles and be Motzai everyone? Once again, these people may not light the candles when they get home.   Answer: 1.…  Another event where many families will join for a Seuda in a private home. Can the host light candles and be Motzai everyone? Once again, these people may not light the candles when they get home.   Answer: 1. One person can light as Pirusmei Nisa. According to many Poskim, one isn't Yotzei if they are just eating there temporarily. It is recommended to distribute Menorahs for them to light at home. 2. Same answer.   Sources: ט״ז סתרע״ז סק״ב: מי שיש לו דירה בעיר והולך…Show more
  After Shkiah Ha’amitis, several minutes after sunset.   Sources: ראה ספר המנהגים חב״ד במקומו. ובלוח כולל חב״ד: תיכף…
  Half hour. Ten Jews must be present when lighting in order to make a Brachah.   ראה בלוח יומי לחנוכה השקו”ט אם צ”ל עשרה בעת הברכה. וטוב שיהיו כבר בעת הברכה. נשים וקטנים מצטרפים – שו”ת רב פעלים ח”ב…  Half hour. Ten Jews must be present when lighting in order to make a Brachah.   ראה בלוח יומי לחנוכה השקו”ט אם צ”ל עשרה בעת הברכה. וטוב שיהיו כבר בעת הברכה. נשים וקטנים מצטרפים – שו”ת רב פעלים ח”ב או”ח סס”ב. מור ואהלות פוסק אהל המנורה הטהורה סי ב (ס, א). חזו”ע חנוכה ע’ נב. [והשוללים – דס”ל, שמעיקרא לא נתקן רק במקום עשרה אנשים בביהכ”נ].Show more
לא נכון. אמנם, חשוב לדעת, ש מצוי בשוק שמן זית מזוייף שנמכר במחיר נמוך מאוד. השמן המזוייף הוא צהבהב יותר, פחות מריר ויותר מימי. שמן זית אמיתי אינו מבעבע או מקציף בטיגון במחבת, ולא מוציא עשן או ריחות רעים. ניתן…לא נכון. אמנם, חשוב לדעת, ש מצוי בשוק שמן זית מזוייף שנמכר במחיר נמוך מאוד. השמן המזוייף הוא צהבהב יותר, פחות מריר ויותר מימי. שמן זית אמיתי אינו מבעבע או מקציף בטיגון במחבת, ולא מוציא עשן או ריחות רעים. ניתן לזהות את הזיוף באמצעות לקיחת דוגמית מהשמן והנחתה במקרר, שמן אמיתי יהפך לצמיגי יותר. כמו כן ניתן לחמם את השמן, אם לא יוצא ממנו ריח של זיתים אלא ריח ניטראלי ולא מורגש, ככל הנראה מדובר בזיוף. וכדאי שלא לסמוך רק על סימנים הנ״ל (שאינם מובהקים), כי אם לוודא שיש חותמת של מועצת שמן זית מקומית או בינלאומית (נוסף לחותמת כשרותShow more

Lighting Menorah While Traveling

  Question: I will be traveling this Sunday with a long stopover. When I reach my final destination, it will be after Chatzos and perhaps even close to Alos. Should I wait to light at my final destination, or…  Question: I will be traveling this Sunday with a long stopover. When I reach my final destination, it will be after Chatzos and perhaps even close to Alos. Should I wait to light at my final destination, or should I light where I will eat at the stopover?   Answer: Someone who intends to travel should organize his schedule in advance so that they will be able to personally light the menorah at its proper time in their own living quarters. However, if this is not possible, then if you will be arriving at your destination before alosShow more

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