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Question: Where should I light my Menorah? By the doorpost to our bedroom, or by one of the doorposts that are facing the dining room? Does the Menorah have to be directly in middle of the doorway (though it… Question: Where should I light my Menorah? By the doorpost to our bedroom, or by one of the doorposts that are facing the dining room? Does the Menorah have to be directly in middle of the doorway (though it may block entry through it)? Can it be along the outside wall of the doorway? Answer: The Baal Habayis should ideally light by the door to the dining room. Alternatively, he may light at the door of one of the main rooms if that would be a bigger Persumei Nissa. It is the Chabad custom to position the menorah…Show more
Dried pineapple might be treated with oil or other additives. Unless you are certain that they are naturally dried without any additives, it would require a Hechsher.
Question: How many US dollars should a person give to fulfill what the Alter Rebbe says in Tanya about the 18 polish coins for each particular Aveirah instead of fasting? Specifically for Zera L'vatallah. Answer: 18 Gidolei Polish is…Question: How many US dollars should a person give to fulfill what the Alter Rebbe says in Tanya about the 18 polish coins for each particular Aveirah instead of fasting? Specifically for Zera L'vatallah. Answer: 18 Gidolei Polish is 2/3 of a Sela. A Sela of the Torah is about 19.23 grams of silver. Thus, 18 Gidolei Polish is approximately 12.82 grams. Today, that would be in US currency. This is the Shiur for Tzedaka instead of one day fasting for Kaparah. Sources: החשבון הוא שני שלישי סלע של תורה - ראה…Show more
Q. May a woman sing in front of her father? A. A father may hear his daughter singing. Q. May a woman sing with her father as he recites a Davar Shebikedusha? A. This applies even if he… Q. May a woman sing in front of her father? A. A father may hear his daughter singing. Q. May a woman sing with her father as he recites a Davar Shebikedusha? A. This applies even if he is reciting a Davar Shebikedusha. There is room for a Midas Chassidus to refrain. Q. Does a song with words of Tehillim constitute as a Davar Shebikedusha? Haneiros Halalu? Shalom Aleichem? A. Any Pesukim, or Zemiros which contain Pesukim or Hashem’s name or Halachos are considered a Davar Shebikdusha in this regard. Q. May a woman sing…Show more
If the knife was washed with soap or if the water did not reach , the knife is considered Pareve and you may use the bread for Milchig. However, in the future you should not wash the knife together… If the knife was washed with soap or if the water did not reach , the knife is considered Pareve and you may use the bread for Milchig. However, in the future you should not wash the knife together with the Fleishig if you want it to be Pareve. If it was not washed with soap, or if it was washed with hot water first before applying soap AND the water reached Yad Soledes Bo, the knife would be considered Fleishig and should not be used to cut bread to be eaten with Milichig if you have another knife. Sources: • When washing with soap it ruins the taste…Show more
Halachically, Thanksgiving is not similar to other non-Jewish holidays. This holiday is not based on a specific religion and one who celebrates it does not transgress the prohibition of “going in their statutes". Nonetheless, one should not establish it… Halachically, Thanksgiving is not similar to other non-Jewish holidays. This holiday is not based on a specific religion and one who celebrates it does not transgress the prohibition of “going in their statutes". Nonetheless, one should not establish it as a fixed holiday annually, and some say that a Ba'al Nefesh should be stringent and not celebrate it. So writes Igros Moshe in Even Haezer 2:13. (See also Igros Moshe Orach Chaim vol. 5, 20, 6; Yoreh Deah vol. 4, 11, 4; and Yoreh Deah vol. 4, 12). Mishna Halachos (vol. 10, 116) rules that it is…Show more
Women and girls are equally obligated in the Mitzvah of lighting Chanukah candles. The custom in the homes of the Chabad Rebbeim is that women do not light their own Menorahs, but fulfill their obligation through their father’s lighting. Married…Women and girls are equally obligated in the Mitzvah of lighting Chanukah candles. The custom in the homes of the Chabad Rebbeim is that women do not light their own Menorahs, but fulfill their obligation through their father’s lighting. Married women fulfill their obligation via their husbands. A lady who is unmarried or whose husband will not be lighting in their home, must kindle the flames personally or via a representative. L’chatchilla, one should be present at the time of the Menorah lighting. However, one may be Yotzei even if not present. Sources: כ"ה בספר המנהגים . ובכ "מ . וראה שיחת…Show more
Yes. Sources: יל״ע מצד הגדול, אם הלבשת התינוק היא בגדר גרמא…
A man should not sleep alone at night in a house; according to many Poskim, this also applies to sleeping alone in a room, even if there are other people in the house. One of the reasons given for not…A man should not sleep alone at night in a house; according to many Poskim, this also applies to sleeping alone in a room, even if there are other people in the house. One of the reasons given for not sleeping alone is that it’s considered dangerous, and that the Satan takes the opportunity in such a case to emphasize a person’s shortcomings as an act of Heavenly prosecution. If the door of the room remains open or, according to some, even unlocked, it’s not considered being alone. There are various solutions which are suggested as a means of sidestepping…Show more
Question: Sometimes by Shluchim on Rosh Hashana or Yom Kippur when Chazoras Hashatz is really long, they tell the Chazzan to read it quietly while he gives a speech, and the Chazzan just says the end of the Brachah… Question: Sometimes by Shluchim on Rosh Hashana or Yom Kippur when Chazoras Hashatz is really long, they tell the Chazzan to read it quietly while he gives a speech, and the Chazzan just says the end of the Brachah aloud. It that considered a Brachah Levatalah? Answer: In Chazars Hashatz of (Shachris and Mussaf of) Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur there are two parts, the Tefilah and the Piyutim/Slichos. During the Tefilah, the Chazzan must say it out aloud and the Tzibbur must listen. However, during the Piyutim/Slichos etc. the Tzibbur is supposed to be saying along,…Show more
Question: I bought a suit for my Bar Mitzvah Bachur in a store in Crown Heights. The suit is 65% polyester, 35% rayon. Does it need to be checked for Shatnez? Answer: Many times, there is a problem… Question: I bought a suit for my Bar Mitzvah Bachur in a store in Crown Heights. The suit is 65% polyester, 35% rayon. Does it need to be checked for Shatnez? Answer: Many times, there is a problem of Shatnez in polyester and rayon suits as well, in the stitching and stuffing. Although there are lenient views that would allow you to rely on the batch testing (that many Jewish stores do - you would have to ask to ask to confirm), stories have shown that in some cases there are concerns of Shatnez even when the few…Show more
When Davening it is appropriate to use a Siddur. Besides for the Kedusha that the Siddur has, which the phone does not, the phone is likely to generate unwanted disturbances which are not appropriate during Davening (messages, etc). Chazal… When Davening it is appropriate to use a Siddur. Besides for the Kedusha that the Siddur has, which the phone does not, the phone is likely to generate unwanted disturbances which are not appropriate during Davening (messages, etc). Chazal tell us that one must clear his thoughts from all worldly dealings before Davening to Hashem - this is definitely not enhanced by Davening with a phone, especially if the other apps are not switched off and the phone isn't on airplane mode. Another issue is the Issur to hold expensive items while Davening, as the concern that it might…Show more
Question: My husband is from Eretz Yisroel where they sift flour all the time. We have been doing that here in NY as well. It is impossible to sift the whole wheat flour which we like to use. The… Question: My husband is from Eretz Yisroel where they sift flour all the time. We have been doing that here in NY as well. It is impossible to sift the whole wheat flour which we like to use. The pre-sifted ones with Badatz Hechsher are quite expensive (double the price). Is it really necessary to sift? Could we use regular unsifted whole wheat flour? Answer: In the USA there are special methods used in processing flour to ensure that it remains bug-free until use. Nonetheless, it is recommended to sift all flour in a 70 mesh sieve, particularly…Show more
Question: I've been sifting for a few months and haven't found anything. Is there ever a point when I can stop sifting? Answer: It is hard to know without doing a thorough analysis of the frequency of infestation… Question: I've been sifting for a few months and haven't found anything. Is there ever a point when I can stop sifting? Answer: It is hard to know without doing a thorough analysis of the frequency of infestation in your place. Nonetheless, it is still a good idea to continue to sift. At the very least, it is recommended to buy triple sifted flour and store it in the freezer. See here for a similar question: https://asktherav.com/1669-could-we-use-regular-unsifted-whole-wheat-flour/ #1907Show more
Both days L'chumra. However, you should ascertain the exact time of birth so that there be no doubts. When most of the head emerges, is the time of birth according to Halacha. Also, if it’s immediately after Shkiah, it might…Both days L'chumra. However, you should ascertain the exact time of birth so that there be no doubts. When most of the head emerges, is the time of birth according to Halacha. Also, if it’s immediately after Shkiah, it might still be considered day. The Shkiah in many calendars usually refers to sea level sunset. Additionally, the Alter Rebbe mentions the fact that Shkiah Ha’amitis is a few minutes later. Sources: מפי השמועה - ראה התקשרות גל׳ תשעא. ולהעיר מדוגמתו…Show more
A female driver is preferred. If this is difficult or unpractical, it should be done during daytime hours or at least when the streets are still busy. However, you should ensure that you put boundaries and fences to avoid… A female driver is preferred. If this is difficult or unpractical, it should be done during daytime hours or at least when the streets are still busy. However, you should ensure that you put boundaries and fences to avoid improper situations. Regarding the touching that can mistakenly happen, if it happens accidentally and not intentionally - it’s OK. Sources: ראה גם שיחת ש״פ נח תנש״א - בספר השיחות.…Show more
I thought that there is a potential concern of a D'oraisa of cooking meat and milk together. I used to work in the kosher kitchen of the Shoprite, but new management wants all the staff to be retrained using their…I thought that there is a potential concern of a D'oraisa of cooking meat and milk together. I used to work in the kosher kitchen of the Shoprite, but new management wants all the staff to be retrained using their non-kosher kitchen. Answer: 1) One may learn cooking in a non-kosher kitchen, as long there is no concern of other Jews seeing him there who might think that the kitchen is kosher and that they may eat there. 2) The employee may cook non-kosher food, with the following conditions: A. He doesn't cook milk and meat. Not even milk in…Show more
You do not need to Toivel a metal sink strainer. Sources: צריך להיות כלי סעודה - ראה שו"ע יו"ד סימן…
Question: I usually eat candies and drinks with an OU on it. I wanted to know if it is OK to also eat gushers, a product which includes in it 'white grape juice concentrate'. Is there something we are… Question: I usually eat candies and drinks with an OU on it. I wanted to know if it is OK to also eat gushers, a product which includes in it 'white grape juice concentrate'. Is there something we are more careful with, as Lubavitchers, regarding Stam Yeinom, that others (and other Hashgochas) are not? Answer: There is no reason to be concerned about Stam Yeinom in this case. However, there is a non-Halachic Chumra of Reiyas Nochri that many Hechsherim are not concerned with, as it has no Halachic source. Many Chassidim are particular about this, often just…Show more
You can light at the Chassunah Seudah for Pirsumei Nisa. You would say the Brochos just as you would when you light in a Shul, Beis Hamedrish, and public Menorah lightings. However, you are not Yotzei the Mitzvah with this.…You can light at the Chassunah Seudah for Pirsumei Nisa. You would say the Brochos just as you would when you light in a Shul, Beis Hamedrish, and public Menorah lightings. However, you are not Yotzei the Mitzvah with this. To fulfill the Mitzvah you would have to light at your house.Show more
Mezonos cereals produced of risen batter from the Chameishas Minei Dagan (the five types of grain, i.e., wheat, barley, rye, oats and spelt) are considered Pas (bread product) by many Poskim, since the process resembles the production of bread.… Mezonos cereals produced of risen batter from the Chameishas Minei Dagan (the five types of grain, i.e., wheat, barley, rye, oats and spelt) are considered Pas (bread product) by many Poskim, since the process resembles the production of bread. These cereals are therefore subject to the Issur D’Rabbanan (Rabbinic prohibition) of Pas Goyim (bread of non-Jews), colloquially called Pas Akum. What are these restrictions? Is it homemade or pre-packaged bread? The Issur of Pas Akum forbids a Jew to partake of bread baked by a non-Jew in a private setting. However, Pas Palter (commercially-produced bread) is not prohibited,…Show more
Usually not. In the unusual case where there are not enough people to be mesameach the Chosson and Kallah, as the expected norm, and it is certain that the Chosson/Kallah will indeed be made happy as a result, one… Usually not. In the unusual case where there are not enough people to be mesameach the Chosson and Kallah, as the expected norm, and it is certain that the Chosson/Kallah will indeed be made happy as a result, one may use Masser money towards travel expenses. Nonetheless, one should still seek out to do this Mitzvah locally, where Tzedakah will not suffer from the expenditure. Likewise, one should attempt traveling through cheaper methods of travel, such as car, train, etc. In the event where this isn’t possible, or even if possible, but one would otherwise not go, then one…Show more
Do I make a Brachah when putting up a Mezuzah on a public property, like a school building? or a store? No. Read on for more details. Article: Mezuzos in Offices and Schools An office requires a mezuzah… Do I make a Brachah when putting up a Mezuzah on a public property, like a school building? or a store? No. Read on for more details. Article: Mezuzos in Offices and Schools An office requires a mezuzah, which should be affixed without a brachah. The law of arvus (our responsibility to see to it that other Jews perform mitzvos) dictates that if the boss is Jewish we should encourage him to put up mezuzos on all the doorways throughout the office. However, if he chooses not to, we should at least affix a mezuzah…Show more
In Shulchan Aruch it says that one may not drum, clap, or dance on Shabbos in a musical context. (It is actually a Mishna in Mesechta Baiya Perek 5 Mishna 2). Part of the reason that we have the… In Shulchan Aruch it says that one may not drum, clap, or dance on Shabbos in a musical context. (It is actually a Mishna in Mesechta Baiya Perek 5 Mishna 2). Part of the reason that we have the custom to be lenient with clapping or dancing while singing etc. is because the clapping is a part of Simcha Shel Mitzvah (as mentioned in the Magen Avraham). The same Heter exists in theory with drumming or banging on the table to the tune of a Niggun. However, this should only be done out of true Simcha which assists Avodas…Show more
The name Sahar - סהר is a relatively new name. As you mentioned, it refers to the moon which is also referred to as סהר. See Shir Hashirim (7:3), and also in the Metzudos Dovid and Metzudos Tzion. Although some…The name Sahar - סהר is a relatively new name. As you mentioned, it refers to the moon which is also referred to as סהר. See Shir Hashirim (7:3), and also in the Metzudos Dovid and Metzudos Tzion. Although some suggest that it is not advisable to choose new names which only "sound nice", certainly after a Hebrew name was already given one should not try to revoke it or change it. The Rebbe quotes from the Ariza"l (Sefer Hagilgulim in the introduction) that a name that the parents gave to their child is in essence arranged by Hashem, so…Show more
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