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If you actually hear every word, even if it is quick, you are certainly Yotzei. Additionally, it is debatable if one is Halachically obligated to hear every word of Krias Hatorah. Nonetheless, it should be noted that the Frierdiker… If you actually hear every word, even if it is quick, you are certainly Yotzei. Additionally, it is debatable if one is Halachically obligated to hear every word of Krias Hatorah. Nonetheless, it should be noted that the Frierdiker Rebbe (ספר המאמרים קונטרסים ח"ב ע' 790) has very sharp words regarding saying/hearing every word of Kriah properly. He mentions there that listening to Krias Hatorah carefully affects one’s children, health and livelihood. Therefore, it is suggested to attend a Minyan where you can follow along in a Chumash and hear every word properly. #1857Show more
It is forbidden to eat or drink anything between washing the hands and eating the Challah. Sources: שו"ע אדה"ז סימן רעא סעיף כג. קצות השלחן סימן…
If I give a Chomesh, is it better I give only 10% and then be able to give more Tzedakah? Answer: Tzedaka and Maaser are different, although interconnected: Tzedaka - is to give to poor people; essentially it… If I give a Chomesh, is it better I give only 10% and then be able to give more Tzedakah? Answer: Tzedaka and Maaser are different, although interconnected: Tzedaka - is to give to poor people; essentially it has no limit (although that depends on various factors), and every time they ask you are obligated to give. Tzedaka is a Mitzvah Min Hatorah. Maaser - may be given towards other Mitzvos as well; it is a set amount, and there is a Machlokes whether it is Min Hatorah, Mederabanan, or a Minhag which was accepted and obligates us…Show more
Question: Someone got possession of a church's furniture and donated the tables and chairs to a Shul. The Shul does not know where it came from. Someone who knows the source of the furniture is asking if it's OK… Question: Someone got possession of a church's furniture and donated the tables and chairs to a Shul. The Shul does not know where it came from. Someone who knows the source of the furniture is asking if it's OK for the Shul to use it, or does he have to tell them where it's from? Answer: There is no need to notify the Shul. Sources: ראה פמ״ג קנד במ״ז סק״ח שהביא דברי המג״א קנג,…Show more
And if not, if one put them there already, can they still be used? Answer: It is permitted as it is not food. Sources: גם במאכלים לא מצאנו להדיא שאסור להכניס. והוא רק…
Case #1: I washed my Pareve knife in the Milchig dishwasher. Soap in the first cycle. Is it still Pareve? If not, can it be Kashered back to Pareve? Answer: If the soap mixes with the water before… Case #1: I washed my Pareve knife in the Milchig dishwasher. Soap in the first cycle. Is it still Pareve? If not, can it be Kashered back to Pareve? Answer: If the soap mixes with the water before the hot water rinses the dishes, then it does not need to be Kashered. If this is not the case (this depends on which model dishwasher you have), and there is a form of a rinse before the soap mixes, then you need to Kasher the knife. You may Kasher from Milchig to Pareve. Case #2: All of our…Show more
Question: Can Caesarstone quartz counter tops be Kashered? Do you have recommended materials for a new kitchen's counters (other than granite, which is expensive), that would be easy to be Kashered if necessary in the future? Answer: Engineered… Question: Can Caesarstone quartz counter tops be Kashered? Do you have recommended materials for a new kitchen's counters (other than granite, which is expensive), that would be easy to be Kashered if necessary in the future? Answer: Engineered quartz resin counter tops is a man-made material made to look like granite or marble. They are made from a combination of stone, synthetic resins and pigments and is different than natural stone in that it is not porous and thus the surface does not need to be sealed. Common brands are Cambria, Silestone, Zodiaq, and Caesar Stone. These may…Show more
You should schedule to be back an hour before candle-lighting time. If necessary, you may schedule to be back 40 minutes before candle lighting time. It is recommended to calculate travel time double than what it normally takes. But… You should schedule to be back an hour before candle-lighting time. If necessary, you may schedule to be back 40 minutes before candle lighting time. It is recommended to calculate travel time double than what it normally takes. But there is no need to calculate double AND add the extra hour. Sources: בנוגע לנסיעה – ראה קצוה״ש סי׳ סט בבדה״ש סק״ה.…Show more
There is no issue. Sources: שאלה: האם בקני' דרך האינטרנט ניתן להשתמש בקוד הנחה…
Baby corn does not need to be checked as it is not infested under normal circumstances.
If the money was found in a place that many people pass through and was lying in a way that it appears to have fallen there (as opposed to having been placed there), e.g. it was not covered, it… If the money was found in a place that many people pass through and was lying in a way that it appears to have fallen there (as opposed to having been placed there), e.g. it was not covered, it was without a wallet or the like, it was not in a somewhat-safe place, then it belongs to the one who found it. If it was found in a place that does not have many people passing through, then one must assume that it belongs to the owner of that place or his family. If the owner confirms that it…Show more
If you turn off the hot water system completely, so it’s not operational over Shabbos, you may use the cold water. It is worthwhile to test it before Shabbos. #1820
The concept of ownership over intellectual property is debated among the Poskim and the general consensus is that when a publisher puts out a new book or invention, he has the right to it forever and no one may reproduce…The concept of ownership over intellectual property is debated among the Poskim and the general consensus is that when a publisher puts out a new book or invention, he has the right to it forever and no one may reproduce it without his permission. Many different reasons are offered to explain this Halachic concept. The secular copyright laws can also apply, להבדיל. In the case of the Tanya recordings particularly, since it is not just Torah thoughts but songs, there is more reason to prohibit reproduction. Certainly the producer has the right to restrict others from using them without permission.…Show more
1. Cut and separate all the lettuce leaves from the root. 2. Insert the leaves in a bowl filled with a solution of water at room temperature, together with liquid soap, (preferably a special soap for washing vegetables). Use… 1. Cut and separate all the lettuce leaves from the root. 2. Insert the leaves in a bowl filled with a solution of water at room temperature, together with liquid soap, (preferably a special soap for washing vegetables). Use enough liquid soap so that the solution is slippery and sudsy. The bowl should be large enough to be able to agitate the lettuce properly. 3. Mix well the soap and water and agitate the lettuce vigorously, so that the soap will reach all areas. 4. Soak for about 3 minutes. 5. After the soaking, remove the leaves from the…Show more
Question: Is it permissible to make tea and coffee in a Keli Shlishi using instant coffee or tea bags, or is this considered coloring the water? Answer: Almost all Poskim maintain that there is no issue with coloring… Question: Is it permissible to make tea and coffee in a Keli Shlishi using instant coffee or tea bags, or is this considered coloring the water? Answer: Almost all Poskim maintain that there is no issue with coloring food whether solid or liquid. There are those who are stringent L’chatchilla, but their position hasn’t been accepted as Halacha. In fact, the Rebbe has on occasion mixed wine into Mashke bottles in public at Shabbos Farbrengens. Some suggest that when possible to put in the coffee first and then the water to avoid the coloring issue, but there…Show more
The Mitzvah D'oiraisa applies to having two children, one boy and one girl. The primary Passuk is in Parashas Noach 9:7. It is also mentioned elsewhere in the Torah, Noach 9:1. Bereishis 1: 22. 1:28. For an analysis of… The Mitzvah D'oiraisa applies to having two children, one boy and one girl. The primary Passuk is in Parashas Noach 9:7. It is also mentioned elsewhere in the Torah, Noach 9:1. Bereishis 1: 22. 1:28. For an analysis of the multiple sources, see Sefer Hasichos 5751 I pp.75-88. See also Likkutei Sichos 30 p. 28 fns. 41-45. The Mitzvah D'rabonon involves having children so long one has the ability, even after fulfilling the Mitzvah D'oiraisa. This in sourced in Koheles 11:6. This Mitzvah is considered more than a regular D'rabanan; it is categorized often as Midivrei Kabala, meaning stemming…Show more
Question: I am making Shir Lamaalos cards. In order that people not be Nichshal by bringing them into a bathroom with one covering, I would like to add a tiny film (a Ma'shehu) that makes it shinier. Would… Question: I am making Shir Lamaalos cards. In order that people not be Nichshal by bringing them into a bathroom with one covering, I would like to add a tiny film (a Ma'shehu) that makes it shinier. Would this tiny plastic film covering for the purposes of shininess help so that when people place it in their pocket, they have a situation of Kis B'toch Kis? Answer: The definition of Keli B'toch Keli is that at least one Keli isn’t designed specifically for this holy item. There is a disagreement how to interpret the concept of…Show more
Question: My son was born on Chof Adar and his Bar Mitzvah is this year. I assume that we make the Bar Mitzvah Seudah in Adar Sheini. My question is, is there a preference if the Seuda "celebration" is… Question: My son was born on Chof Adar and his Bar Mitzvah is this year. I assume that we make the Bar Mitzvah Seudah in Adar Sheini. My question is, is there a preference if the Seuda "celebration" is Or L'chof or Chof by evening? Answer: The child becomes fully Bar Mitzvah in Adar Sheni. However, L'chumra, he is considered Bar Mitzvah already in Adar Rishon. He should put on Tefillin two months before Chof Adar Sheini. As a general rule, Chabad custom is to have L'chaim with cake in the morning after Shacharis, but the Seudah is…Show more
Whenever the flour/bread component is only a minute amount of the recipe, then it is not considered pas akum. (It goes without saying that you must make sure there is no isur of bishul akum involved). This only… Whenever the flour/bread component is only a minute amount of the recipe, then it is not considered pas akum. (It goes without saying that you must make sure there is no isur of bishul akum involved). This only applies if the bread is for the first time baked together in the recipe. However, if the bread crumbs are first baked separately—as is almost always the case with bread crumbs—and only afterwards mixed in then there is an issue of pas akum. Nonetheless, even if the bread crumbs were first baked themselves, if it is afterwards mixed into…Show more
It is permitted. Of course, one must be certain that the letter is indeed suitable to be read on such a holy day, which is like Yom Kippur. #1768
(המוכר מקראון הייטס אומר שלכאורה אין שעטנז כי הוא מוכר אותם הרבה שנים ואף אחד לא פנה אליו בנידון). על התווית רשום: Wool 50% Polyester 30% Acrylic 15% Other fibers 5% :מענה ע״פ דין צריך רק לבדוק כלי… (המוכר מקראון הייטס אומר שלכאורה אין שעטנז כי הוא מוכר אותם הרבה שנים ואף אחד לא פנה אליו בנידון). על התווית רשום: Wool 50% Polyester 30% Acrylic 15% Other fibers 5% :מענה ע״פ דין צריך רק לבדוק כלי צמר שנקנו מנכרים - שו״ע יו״ד שב, ב, שישראל אינו נחשד למכור שעטנז. אבל אחרוני זמנינו העלו שבזמנינו, שנתחדשו תחבולות באופן עשיית החוטים, שקשה גם לסוחר יהודי להבחין, חייב לבדוק אפילו אם נעשו ע״י ישראל. ולמעשה, כתבו רבני זמנינו בשנים הכי אחרונות, שלא לסמוך על הסוחר, אפילו שומר תומ״צ, אא״כ נבדק ע״י מומחה, שלאחרונה שנמצאו כו״כ פעמים בבגדים רבים שהובטחו…Show more
According to Halacha, it is perfectly fine (though not the custom of many Lubavitcher Sofrim). Indeed, this is how most Arizal R"T Parshiyos are written (by Yidden in general/Chassidishe). Therefore, you are not obligated to not to inform the customer,…According to Halacha, it is perfectly fine (though not the custom of many Lubavitcher Sofrim). Indeed, this is how most Arizal R"T Parshiyos are written (by Yidden in general/Chassidishe). Therefore, you are not obligated to not to inform the customer, even if he explicitly said he wants very Mehudar Tefillin. However, if he explicitly told you that he wants all the Minhagei Anash, or something of that nature, you should give him a full report. P.S. Other issues to consider from a practical, but not Halachic, point of view: Sometimes, in the long run, it’s worthwhile to mention to the…Show more
There is no prohibition to buy a chess set with a cross. However, there are those who are careful to take down the cross, as many (Yirei Shomayim) do. Sources: נחלקו הפוסקים בשתי וערב אם דינה כעבודה זרה ובפרט…
The stove top does not need to be Toiveled. If it is brand new, it does not need to be Kashered either. Sources: לענין טבילה, ראה שו"ע סי' ק"כ סע' ד'. ומה…
Uber: Almost all of the Halachos of driving a regular car apply to a taxi or Uber, i.e. one may travel when it is lit up and during the time when there are people in the street (on those… Uber: Almost all of the Halachos of driving a regular car apply to a taxi or Uber, i.e. one may travel when it is lit up and during the time when there are people in the street (on those streets), and the windows are not tinted in a way that someone can't see into the car.(ראה שערים מצויינים בהלכה סי' קנב ס"ק ג) However, there are those that are Machmir and hold that wherever possible, one should not travel with a non-Jew or a 'Parutz' even by day (ראה מנחת איש פרק יז ה' ד). With an Uber there…Show more
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