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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
The Jewish employees who have their own offices, should put up a Mezuza without a Bracha. For the other offices, one should not put up Mezuzos. One should also put a Mezuzah on the main entrance or doorways that… The Jewish employees who have their own offices, should put up a Mezuza without a Bracha. For the other offices, one should not put up Mezuzos. One should also put a Mezuzah on the main entrance or doorways that lead into the Jewish offices, but only if there is no concern regarding the respect of the Mezuzos. See here for more information. Sources: יורה דעה רפו, א בהגהה וע''ע מדין חנויות שבשווקים.…Show more
Question: I cracked two eggs, one after the other in the same cup and found a blood spot in one of the yolks. Since they were together, does that render both of them not Kosher? Do I throw out… Question: I cracked two eggs, one after the other in the same cup and found a blood spot in one of the yolks. Since they were together, does that render both of them not Kosher? Do I throw out the whole thing or can I just remove the yolk with the spot? Answer: If they are not fertilized eggs, just remove the yolk with the blood spot. See here for more information: https://asktherav.com/article-468-checking-eggs-for-blood-spots/ #2586Show more
Three years old. Sources: בחי׳ הרשב״ץ ברכות כה, א ד״ה ולענין, דערות בת…
Question: My grandmother recently started requiring someone to be in the house with her 24/7 as she has a very strong asthma condition. For now, my mother is doing it. Due to her condition, she cannot have a lit… Question: My grandmother recently started requiring someone to be in the house with her 24/7 as she has a very strong asthma condition. For now, my mother is doing it. Due to her condition, she cannot have a lit fire in the house, so what should my mother do for Shabbos Licht while she stays with her for Shabbos? Answer: She should use asthma friendly candles, such as 100% soy wax candles. If that is not possible, one may use electric candles, and even make a Bracha on them. It’s recommended to use a battery-operated light, rather than…Show more
Question: What is the Minhag/Halacha for Anash regarding a parent making a Brocha on the birth of a child? The mother saying Hagomel upon giving birth? Answer: The Brocha for a boy - the father recites Hatov V'hameytiv… Question: What is the Minhag/Halacha for Anash regarding a parent making a Brocha on the birth of a child? The mother saying Hagomel upon giving birth? Answer: The Brocha for a boy - the father recites Hatov V'hameytiv immediately upon hearing the news, the mother should wait till she could actually make the Brocha in a clean and tznius state. For a girl - the father recites Shehechiyanu when seeing the baby first, the mother should wait till she could actually make the Brocha in a clean and tznius state. Hagomel: The custom is that women…Show more
Question: I learnt with my Kallah teacher that I have to always be really careful to take off any dead skin from my feet before going to Mikvah and that is what I did for the beginning of my… Question: I learnt with my Kallah teacher that I have to always be really careful to take off any dead skin from my feet before going to Mikvah and that is what I did for the beginning of my marriage. However now I see that in Kitzur Dinei Tahara it does not mention to take off the dead skin from feet. Do we indeed have to be particular on taking off every little piece of skin? Answer: You do not have to take off the dead skin. However, if you do want to take it off often (regardless…Show more
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