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You may attend the Bar Mitzvah. Sources: לכל לראש, ד״ז הוא ממנהגא - ד״מ יו״ד סוסי׳…
Healthforce Superfoods: Vitamineral Green and Vitamineral Earth are certified by the OU when bearing an OU symbol. The Friendly Fats version was discontinued about four years ago and was not kosher. #1757
There is no problem to sing in front of Goyim. However, one should ensure it is always done in a modest manner. One should certainly not sing with deliberate intention to entertain non-Jewish men. Sources: Shu''t Rivevos Ephraim 5:491. וראה בארוכה גן נעול ט,…
Question: Is it better to refrain from using produce of Eretz Yisroel, or to follow the procedure for separating Terumos and Ma'asros as described by the COR, Toronto's Hashgocho, or is there an alternative process? Answer: In general,… Question: Is it better to refrain from using produce of Eretz Yisroel, or to follow the procedure for separating Terumos and Ma'asros as described by the COR, Toronto's Hashgocho, or is there an alternative process? Answer: In general, one should not eat fruits and vegetables from Eretz Yisrael without a good Hechsher. Vegetables may be eaten after performing the procedure of Terumos and Ma'asros. Fruit, however, may still have a Kashrus problem, due to a concern of Orla. You can follow the instructions from the COR. Here is another informational link. There are some people in Chutz La'aretz…Show more
What about putting on new Retzuos, making the Kesher, and painting it at night? Answers: Yes. Sources: See Pnei Maivin (1:14); Daas Torah 31:2 ד"ה ובדין.…
I'm living in an apartment with some friends who aren't very careful with Kashrus. Some of the Keilim used for food are probably not kosher anymore. There's a few Keilim that I think are still perfectly kosher, but it… I'm living in an apartment with some friends who aren't very careful with Kashrus. Some of the Keilim used for food are probably not kosher anymore. There's a few Keilim that I think are still perfectly kosher, but it could be someone mixed it up at a certain point. I can't afford to buy completely new Keilim, which is obviously the most ideal. Can I use the pots and pans that I'm pretty sure are kosher, if they're kept with stuff that aren't for sure kosher, and are being used by people who aren't careful with Kashrus? Answer:…Show more
Q. Can my kids have dolls? Do we need to deface them? A. Best to be stringent and deface by removing the tip of the nose. Q. Does the same problem apply to a lion or cow figurine… Q. Can my kids have dolls? Do we need to deface them? A. Best to be stringent and deface by removing the tip of the nose. Q. Does the same problem apply to a lion or cow figurine since they are included in the Merkavah? We have some cow and lion figurines that are meant to look realistic and we also have some with softer features to appeal to small children. Do we need to disfigure any of those categories? A. A human figurine made for adults is more severe than a doll, and one must deface it,…Show more
Question: What do I do if switching the clocks changed the Ona, do I keep the time or the Ona? My last period came at 5:30 pm which then was the day, but now it's the night. … Question: What do I do if switching the clocks changed the Ona, do I keep the time or the Ona? My last period came at 5:30 pm which then was the day, but now it's the night. Answer: You don’t keep the time if it moves into a new Ona. If it’s a day Ona, the Bedika must be done before Shkiah. If it’s a night Ona, before sunrise. The time mentioned in this context is not on the clock, using standard time, but rather Halachic time, i.e. which part of the day it is and…Show more
As a health practitioner, one may work on and touch women, as well as work on gentiles including gentile women. One may also receive treatment from a female practitioner, as is the case with any other health treatment. However,… As a health practitioner, one may work on and touch women, as well as work on gentiles including gentile women. One may also receive treatment from a female practitioner, as is the case with any other health treatment. However, one must avoid any issues of Yichud, by either having another man/child in the room with him, leaving the door slightly open, or if it is accepted in the office for other workers to enter the room without prior announcement. However, Poskim question whether male health practitioners may engage in massaging females, as it involves excessive touch and isn't usually…Show more
There are those who permit it, but most Poskim maintain kingklip is Treif for many reasons. This is the position of Harav Elyashiv, Harav Shternbuch, the Eida Charedis, the OU, Harav Vosner etc.. One of the reasons is as it…There are those who permit it, but most Poskim maintain kingklip is Treif for many reasons. This is the position of Harav Elyashiv, Harav Shternbuch, the Eida Charedis, the OU, Harav Vosner etc.. One of the reasons is as it lacks the criteria of Sichsuch - see Tzemach Tzedek YD 61 for a precise definition. It should be noted there is more than one type of this fish. Sources: ראה שו״ת תשובות והנהגות ה, רמו. ובארוכה אפיקי מגינים…Show more
Lice should be checked by someone of the same gender. A male may be used if it is a close relative, such as a sibling, parent-child, grandparent-grandchild. Even when there is no other choice (e.g. to prevent or stop… Lice should be checked by someone of the same gender. A male may be used if it is a close relative, such as a sibling, parent-child, grandparent-grandchild. Even when there is no other choice (e.g. to prevent or stop an outbreak of lice and he is the only qualified person available), there are those who forbid using someone of the opposite gender, but there is room for leniency if absolutely necessary, provided one uses a professional. Important note: All of the above concerns examining, but one should ensure that there is no concern of Yichud either. Sources: ראה ש"ך יו"ד סי' קצ"ה ס"ק כ', ומפלה כינים…Show more
This may not be done. Reasoning: Certainly, if the instructor was Jewish there would be a problem of Lifnei Iver. This is true, even if the woman was dressed Tznius, for when a woman is exercising her movements… This may not be done. Reasoning: Certainly, if the instructor was Jewish there would be a problem of Lifnei Iver. This is true, even if the woman was dressed Tznius, for when a woman is exercising her movements and positions could cause a man to have immodest thoughts. If one is fully dressed Tznius, and the aerobic classes are with a non-Jewish instructor, there is no issue of Hirhur (having immodest thoughts) by a non-Jew (see Rivevos Efraim 5:491). Nonetheless, it is a breach in the conduct of modesty and can lead to other unwanted behavior. Incidentally, a…Show more
If one wishes to attend a dinner or Melaveh Malkah for the benefit of a Mosad (a religious institution), and they would like to pay using Ma’aser money, they must first assess the dollar amount they would ascribe to… If one wishes to attend a dinner or Melaveh Malkah for the benefit of a Mosad (a religious institution), and they would like to pay using Ma’aser money, they must first assess the dollar amount they would ascribe to the pleasure derived from such an event, including the food and the entertainment. (Other factors such as the market value or the Mosad’s actual costs are irrelevant.) That amount must come out of their pocket, and anything beyond that may indeed be taken from Ma’aser money, since it’s purely to support the cause. Sources: הנה בענין מע״כ לשאר מצוות, ראה מה שכתבנו בגליון…Show more
Question: A girl that doesn't know her Jewish name and her parents didn't know it either (they gave one but forgot it). They were planning on giving a new Jewish name until the grandmother said that she remembers that… Question: A girl that doesn't know her Jewish name and her parents didn't know it either (they gave one but forgot it). They were planning on giving a new Jewish name until the grandmother said that she remembers that the name is Malkah. May we choose a new name, or should we use the old name? If the old, do we need to have a new name giving ceremony or just start using it? Answer: While Halachically the original name is a Shem Shenitaka, since it’s a Shem Arisa, it’s the right thing to reinstate that name. There…Show more
Question: If I am going to a concert with my wife. Can I sit together with her in family seating, or do we have to sit in the men and women sections separate? Answer: Men and women are… Question: If I am going to a concert with my wife. Can I sit together with her in family seating, or do we have to sit in the men and women sections separate? Answer: Men and women are not supposed to be sitting together at any function. Sources: מפורש לגבי שמחת בית השואבה - סוכה נא, ב.…Show more
One may not eat or drink Milchig (dairy) products within six hours of eating meat. According to Halachah, if onions or other sharp foods are cut with a Fleishig (meat) knife, they have the status of fleishig; if cut… One may not eat or drink Milchig (dairy) products within six hours of eating meat. According to Halachah, if onions or other sharp foods are cut with a Fleishig (meat) knife, they have the status of fleishig; if cut with a dairy knife, they have the status of Milchig. However, if one eats a sharp food that was cut with a meat knife, although the food has the status of Fleishig, one may consume dairy products within six hours. This is because although the sharp food cut with a Fleishig knife is considered Fleishig, the person does not become…Show more
There are two issues: 1. English on a Tombstones: Many Poskim forbid the usage of languages other than Lashon Hakodesh on a tombstone. As part of a Zechus for the Neshsmos, one should be careful in this matter. See… There are two issues: 1. English on a Tombstones: Many Poskim forbid the usage of languages other than Lashon Hakodesh on a tombstone. As part of a Zechus for the Neshsmos, one should be careful in this matter. See here for more details: Halacha2go.com article #170: Language of Tombstones Nonetheless, if the local custom in the cemetery is to be lenient about it, and the family isn’t familiar with Lashon Hakodesh, there is room for leniency to write the family name in English in the back. https://asktherav.com/25608-hebrew-seculer-date-on-a-matzeiva/ 2. A premade Tombstone: Preparing a shared stone is - according…Show more
During Krias Hatorah (preferably) one of the relatives should get an Aliyah and after the Aliyah a Mi Shebeirach should be said, and in the Mi Shebeirach, the girls name should be inserted as appropriate. If this is not… During Krias Hatorah (preferably) one of the relatives should get an Aliyah and after the Aliyah a Mi Shebeirach should be said, and in the Mi Shebeirach, the girls name should be inserted as appropriate. If this is not possible, then the Nusach below should be said, and the new Jewish name inserted in the appropriate place. #1732Show more
בפשטות לא משנה לפני חצות לאחרי, דטעם הדבר שייך לעיכול. וממילא תלוי בתחילת שינתו שצ״ל תמיד בשמאל. אמנם, לפי הקבלה יש בזה חילוק בין חצות לאחרי׳. ונסתפקו בזה. ראה הערות הת׳ ואנ״ש צפת גל׳ ק. ובגל׳ בחצר הקודש סקווירא… בפשטות לא משנה לפני חצות לאחרי, דטעם הדבר שייך לעיכול. וממילא תלוי בתחילת שינתו שצ״ל תמיד בשמאל. אמנם, לפי הקבלה יש בזה חילוק בין חצות לאחרי׳. ונסתפקו בזה. ראה הערות הת׳ ואנ״ש צפת גל׳ ק. ובגל׳ בחצר הקודש סקווירא ויצא תשס״ח א בשם הר״ד מסקווירא, וכן בשו״ת חיי הלוי ב, ז, שבהולך לישון אחר חצות ע״פ קבלה יישן בצד ימין. אבל עיי״ש מעשה רב להיפך. וראה לב שמח חירארי או״ח יב שגם לפי הקבלה כשהתחיל לישון אחר חצות יישן על צד שמאל. #1733Show more
It is permitted to carry in a hospital on Shabbos. Sources: ראה שו״ת מהרש״ם ו, יז ע״פ ב״י סשפ״ב ד״ה…
I washed a Fleishig pot that was used to cook mashed potatoes with a Milchig sponge that was used that day for Milchigs. The pot is metal and the cover is metal and glass. What is the status of… I washed a Fleishig pot that was used to cook mashed potatoes with a Milchig sponge that was used that day for Milchigs. The pot is metal and the cover is metal and glass. What is the status of the pot, and if it has to be Kashered, how do I Kasher the cover? Answer: The pot may be used. Reasoning: The water was probably not hot enough, to cause transfer of taste. Even if hot water was used, since the sponge was absorbed with soap, the taste it transfers is considered a defective taste and doesn’t…Show more
Q. Can I bake vegetables that are going to be used for the fish course in the oven at the same time as uncovered chicken? A. No, unless they’re not eaten together with the fish. (If either the vegetables… Q. Can I bake vegetables that are going to be used for the fish course in the oven at the same time as uncovered chicken? A. No, unless they’re not eaten together with the fish. (If either the vegetables or the chicken is covered, though, then there’s no issue). Q. May I bake Challah that will be eaten with fleishigs in the oven at the same time as fish that is covered? A. Yes. שו"ע יו"ד סימן קטז סעיף ב-ג ובט"ז ס"ק ב-ג שהריח בטל בלחם. ואף למ״ד, וכמו שהוא עצמו כתב שם, שאין ביטול מועיל בדבר סכנה,…Show more
קאי רק על פת פלטר – ראה יו”ד שם ס”ב. דאלו המקילים בפת בעה”ב הוא רק היכא שלא נמצא פת פלטר כלל, משא”כ בנידון של סי”ג שנמצא פת אחרת. וראה ש”ך סק”י. וכן מפורש בס’ מנחת יהודא ועוד פוסקים –…קאי רק על פת פלטר – ראה יו”ד שם ס”ב. דאלו המקילים בפת בעה”ב הוא רק היכא שלא נמצא פת פלטר כלל, משא”כ בנידון של סי”ג שנמצא פת אחרת. וראה ש”ך סק”י. וכן מפורש בס’ מנחת יהודא ועוד פוסקים – והובא בדרכ”ת – דההיתר של ס”ח (בסי׳ קיב) הוא רק אם לא נמצא כלל, ולא אם של בעה”ב יפה ממנו, ע”ש. #1728Show more
שאלה: גוי התחיל להגיע לבית הכנסת ומבקש סידור וטלית. אני נמנע מלתת לו סידור וטלית איך שהוא הוא מצליח לקחת בעצמו או בעזרת מישהו אחר את הסידור/תהילים וטלית. שאלה: מה ההלכה לגבי לתת לגוי סידור וטלית? ומה אפשר לתת… שאלה: גוי התחיל להגיע לבית הכנסת ומבקש סידור וטלית. אני נמנע מלתת לו סידור וטלית איך שהוא הוא מצליח לקחת בעצמו או בעזרת מישהו אחר את הסידור/תהילים וטלית. שאלה: מה ההלכה לגבי לתת לגוי סידור וטלית? ומה אפשר לתת לו במקום זה מבחינת אם הוא רוצה להתפלל לה׳ של העם יהודי? מענה: אין לתת לו טלית. ויש להשתדל שלא יתעטף בטלית. אין שום חשש במה שהוא משתמש בסידור להתפלל, אם הוא מתפלל להשם. אבל עדיף שלא יתפלל בסידור רגיל, כיון שבכמה מקומות הנוסח לא מתאים לבני נח. וכדאי לפעול שייצא מבית הכנסת לפני ברכת כהנים. ואמנם, לפעמים, במצבים…Show more
There is no Issur to write or paint on oneself with temporary paint, as long as one does not also scratch/carve into oneself at the same time. It is however forbidden for girls to walk around like that in… There is no Issur to write or paint on oneself with temporary paint, as long as one does not also scratch/carve into oneself at the same time. It is however forbidden for girls to walk around like that in public due to Tznius. A Moisad should also take into consideration whether the activity is appropriate from a Chinuch point of view. Sources: ראה שו"ע יו"ד סי' ק"פ, עוז והדר לבושה ע'…Show more
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