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The Alter Rebbe writes that since there is a safek (doubt) which brachah should be made on rice, we should make a Shehakol, which covers all types of food. Preferably, to satisfy all opinions, we should either eat… The Alter Rebbe writes that since there is a safek (doubt) which brachah should be made on rice, we should make a Shehakol, which covers all types of food. Preferably, to satisfy all opinions, we should either eat it as part of a bread meal so that it is definitely covered, or make brachos on other foods that are Mezonos and Ha’adama (and occasionally Mezonos and Shehakol) respectively, while having the rice in mind—since there are opinions that rice could require any one of these brachos. See here (and in the comments section): https://asktherav.com/article-353-the-brachah-on-sushi/ Generally, when…Show more
Yes, if it is a genuine Chassidishe Farbrengen, i.e. the purpose is indeed to be Meorer to be Mosif in Torah and Mitzvos. The food should be of a normal and reasonable type and amount, not overly indulgent and… Yes, if it is a genuine Chassidishe Farbrengen, i.e. the purpose is indeed to be Meorer to be Mosif in Torah and Mitzvos. The food should be of a normal and reasonable type and amount, not overly indulgent and excessive. #2760Show more
Question: What is the proper way to say the Bracha before and after Hallel? In certain Siddurim it says that when half Hallel is said, the Tzibbur should be Yotzei the first Bracha with the Chazzans Bracha, but this… Question: What is the proper way to say the Bracha before and after Hallel? In certain Siddurim it says that when half Hallel is said, the Tzibbur should be Yotzei the first Bracha with the Chazzans Bracha, but this does not seem to be common practice in Chabad. As well as the final Bracha some say that when we say Chatzi Hallel we do not say the Bracha. What is the proper way and why does it seem to say otherwise in many Siddurim? Answer: The comment in Siddurim is the Psak of the Alter Rebbe. However, the…Show more
Or beyond Matanos L'evyonim, can I give Tzeddakah on Purim from Maaser? Answer: Every person is required to give gifts or money of at least a nominal sum to two poor people on Purim. The obligation can be… Or beyond Matanos L'evyonim, can I give Tzeddakah on Purim from Maaser? Answer: Every person is required to give gifts or money of at least a nominal sum to two poor people on Purim. The obligation can be fulfilled through any type of gift: money, food or clothing. The gifts should be worth at least a Perutah (). That is the minimum requirement; it is proper to give more. Giving to the poor further demonstrates the spirit of unity among the Jewish people. The minimum amount of Matanos L’evyonim must be given from money that is not set…Show more
Question: I know that if you finished Shemoneh Esrei and you forgot Yaaleh Veyavo on Rosh Chodesh by Ma'ariv, you do not go back. However, if you remember while you are still in the middle of Shemoneh Esrei, should… Question: I know that if you finished Shemoneh Esrei and you forgot Yaaleh Veyavo on Rosh Chodesh by Ma'ariv, you do not go back. However, if you remember while you are still in the middle of Shemoneh Esrei, should you go back and say Yaaleh Veyavo? Answer: If you remembered before Hashem’s name at the end of the Bracha of Retzei you go back (to Yaaleh Veyavo), otherwise, you do not. Sources: וגם אין לאומרו לפני מודים - ראה א״ר קיד,…Show more
Question: If one can not do an Upsherenish on their son's birthday since it is on Shabbos or Rosh Chodesh etc. would it be better to do it Motzaei Shabbos or Rosh Chodesh (at night/earliest opportunity) or is it… Question: If one can not do an Upsherenish on their son's birthday since it is on Shabbos or Rosh Chodesh etc. would it be better to do it Motzaei Shabbos or Rosh Chodesh (at night/earliest opportunity) or is it better to do it Sunday after Shacharis? Answer: Some are particular not to do haircuts at night. However, the Minhag is not to be particular about this. In cases where the Upsherenish was scheduled to be on Shabbos, the Rebbe asked for it to be done on Motzaei Shabbos. Sources: להסתפר בלילה - ראה בארוכה מקורות ועיונים להלכה יומית…Show more
As a Tznius safeguard, men at work should not call you by your first name. For an excellent resource on Tznius safeguards at work, see "Nine to Five: A Guide to Modest Conduct for Today’s Workplace" by Rabbi Shmuel… As a Tznius safeguard, men at work should not call you by your first name. For an excellent resource on Tznius safeguards at work, see "Nine to Five: A Guide to Modest Conduct for Today’s Workplace" by Rabbi Shmuel Neiman. Sources: כן הורו גדולי הפוסקים. וסמך מבן יהוידע תענית כ,…Show more
Yes, provided her robe will not rise and there is no chance of men seeing the parts of the body which need to be covered. However, if there are men there dressed inappropriately or even women who are dressed in…Yes, provided her robe will not rise and there is no chance of men seeing the parts of the body which need to be covered. However, if there are men there dressed inappropriately or even women who are dressed in a Priztusdik manner it is not appropriate to go there. Sources: ראה גיטין צ, ב. מל״ח ט, כז. משנ״ב שלט…Show more
הרכיב לנולין כשלעצמו כשר. לגבי המשחה, אין כאן המלצה. ראה כאן ראה בשו”ת מעשה חושב ח”ה, ב. וש”נ. #2702
Question: Can I use a tub of water (e.g. an inflatable pool) for a men's Mikvah? And what are things that I can do to make it better, like attach it to the ground etc? Answer: Preferably, a… Question: Can I use a tub of water (e.g. an inflatable pool) for a men's Mikvah? And what are things that I can do to make it better, like attach it to the ground etc? Answer: Preferably, a Mikvah should be built in a fashion of a building, not with any sort of Keli, whether it was a Keli before bolting it or if it was made into a Keli after bolting it. If this is not possible, you may make a hole in the bottom of the bucket, then attach it to the ground, and then fill…Show more
There are two Halachic issues with making instant oatmeal on Shabbos: 1. Bishul: Since the oatmeal was never cooked before, even if it was already baked, one is still not allowed to cook it. Many maintain that this applies… There are two Halachic issues with making instant oatmeal on Shabbos: 1. Bishul: Since the oatmeal was never cooked before, even if it was already baked, one is still not allowed to cook it. Many maintain that this applies even if using a Kli Shlishi. 2. Lash: When pouring the water and mixing it, it is considered making a dough. If you pour a lot of water at once, so that it is not a thick mixture. and you make Shinui both in the order of placing the ingredients and in the method of mixing it, it would be…Show more
בפורים אין להתחתן. אפשרי לעשות את החופה בתענית אסתר והסעודה בערב. בל״ג בעומר מתחתנים. בכלל – בכל שאלות כאלו יש לפנות למסדר קדושין. #2689
No, unless paying for someone else’s therapy. If someone else offers to pay their Ma'aser, you may use it if you can't afford it on your own. #2698
Question: I have a cast on my left arm from over my elbow to under my wrist. How should I wrap the Tefillin? Should I go straight from the Kesher to my fingers or wrap it on the cast?… Question: I have a cast on my left arm from over my elbow to under my wrist. How should I wrap the Tefillin? Should I go straight from the Kesher to my fingers or wrap it on the cast? Answer: You should wrap it over the cast. Refuah Sheleima! Sources: אין דין חציצה כשאינו שייך לקשירה - שו״ע אדה״ז…Show more
A white noise machine is permitted. Otherwise, one may not leave on a noise machine over Shabbos. However, if it’s really needed for a child, or one who has an ailment, one may be lenient. Sources: רמ״א או״ח רנב, ה. אדה״ז שם טו. ושם להתיר…
The Tzibur should face Mizrach, even if the Aron Hakodesh is in a different direction. However, If the Tzibur is facing the wrong direction, one should not change from their Minhag and one should face the same way as the…The Tzibur should face Mizrach, even if the Aron Hakodesh is in a different direction. However, If the Tzibur is facing the wrong direction, one should not change from their Minhag and one should face the same way as the Tzibur. Sources: מג״א צד, ג. ט״ז ג. שו״ע אדה״ז שם ב-ג.…Show more
Assuming that the Milchig spoon was used for dairy in the last 24 hours, accordingly, if there were sixty times more in the cooked Pareve pan compared to the amount of the spoon that was stuck into the pan, the…Assuming that the Milchig spoon was used for dairy in the last 24 hours, accordingly, if there were sixty times more in the cooked Pareve pan compared to the amount of the spoon that was stuck into the pan, the pan is considered Pareve, and the food may be used for Fleishig. If the food was not sixty times more, it must be considered Milchig from now on. The Pareve food which was cooked in it should also be considered Milchig. Sources: טעמים ומקורות: עיין שו”ע יור”ד ס’ צ”ד ס’ ג-ה.…Show more
Question: Does one have to wash hands after touching a baby's feet (or other body parts that on an older person would be covered) before saying a Bracha etc? Answer: If one touches areas on a child’s body… Question: Does one have to wash hands after touching a baby's feet (or other body parts that on an older person would be covered) before saying a Bracha etc? Answer: If one touches areas on a child’s body which are not normally uncovered they need not wash their hands. The definition of “normally uncovered” is as implies and depends on age, culture and other factors. With very little kids, in many places, anything but the diaper area would be considered normally uncovered. If there are areas which are usually covered but occasionally not, one must wash their hands…Show more
Question: My son's third birthday is on 10 Av, which falls out on Tisha B'av this year, as it is a Nidcha. When should we we make the Upsherenish? Should it be Sunday night (Motzei the fast - since… Question: My son's third birthday is on 10 Av, which falls out on Tisha B'av this year, as it is a Nidcha. When should we we make the Upsherenish? Should it be Sunday night (Motzei the fast - since it is after a Nidcha), or only on Monday, and if so - Monday morning or Monday only after Chatzos? Answer: The Upshernish should be held Sunday night. Sources: משנ״ב תקנח, ד. לוח כולל חב״ד. #2642…Show more
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
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