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  A man should not take voice lessons from a woman if this can be done through a man. If she will actually be singing, it is forbidden for a man to hear the singing.   Sources: גם כשאין איסור קול אשה, אין להזדקק לכתחילה למצב…
  The flames of the Menorah must be situated at least three Tefachim (approximately 10 inches) from the floor. The Menorah should not be positioned higher than ten Tefachim (approximately 31 inches). Many Poskim say that it is sufficient if…  The flames of the Menorah must be situated at least three Tefachim (approximately 10 inches) from the floor. The Menorah should not be positioned higher than ten Tefachim (approximately 31 inches). Many Poskim say that it is sufficient if part of the body of the Menorah is below ten Tefachim, even if the flames are above ten Tefachim. It is not the Chabad custom to specifically position them between seven and ten Tefachim, or close to three. In the event that one did light the menorah above ten Tefachim, he has fulfilled his obligation. However, if one lit twenty…Show more
  You should relight them, without a Bracha, if any of them go out before 50 minutes.     #2065
  It is better to light at home, even if after midnight, if some family members are awake.     #2066
  If the teachers are in the category that they may receive Tzedaka - as often is the case - then it may be taken from Maaser money. However, if it is an expectation that parents give, then in such…  If the teachers are in the category that they may receive Tzedaka - as often is the case - then it may be taken from Maaser money. However, if it is an expectation that parents give, then in such a case it is like an obligation and Maaser money should not be used.   Question 2: What if there is an expectation to join, as all the other parents are giving together, but the one meant to give needs Tzedaka herself?   Answer 2: Assuming the teacher is in the category of receiving Tzedaka, the question is, is a…Show more
  Light without a Brachah. Of course we are not advising to go against hospital protocol, especially since there is a potential danger here C"V. You should coordinate with those in charge so that it should be done in the…  Light without a Brachah. Of course we are not advising to go against hospital protocol, especially since there is a potential danger here C"V. You should coordinate with those in charge so that it should be done in the safest and most cautious manner.   Sources: לכמה דעות בימינו שמדליקים בפנים א״צ שיעור. וראה שו״ת…Show more
  She should be Yotzei from you, but she should watch someone in Shul lighting and answer Amen.     #2007
  If the Menorah was moved to a different location in the same area, one is Yotzei B'dieved. Some permit it even L'chatchilla. After 50 minutes, one may certainly move it. For safety issues, one may move the Menorah. If…  If the Menorah was moved to a different location in the same area, one is Yotzei B'dieved. Some permit it even L'chatchilla. After 50 minutes, one may certainly move it. For safety issues, one may move the Menorah. If possible, one should move it to a place that is not significantly further from its original place. However, initially one should light the Menorah in a way that it will not need to be moved later at all.   Sources: ראה מג״א רסג, כג. מחה״ש תרעא, ז. ערוה״ש תרעה,…Show more
  One person may light in the Chabad House with a Brachah as Pirusmei Nisa, but this does not dispense him from his personal obligation to light the Menorah at home/ dormitory. The remainder of people may not light there…  One person may light in the Chabad House with a Brachah as Pirusmei Nisa, but this does not dispense him from his personal obligation to light the Menorah at home/ dormitory. The remainder of people may not light there with a Brachah, as according to many Poskim one is not Yotzei if they light out of their home even if they are eating there, if they are just eating there temporarily. If they are sleeping there for the night, they may light there with a Brachah. If they cannot find a way around the fire regulations at the dorm,…Show more
  Correct. It is kosher, but not ideal.   Question 2: What about refined olive oil? Is only extra virgin olive oil ideal?   Answer 2: They are all kosher L'chatchilla, but extra virgin is ideal.   Sources: כ״כ רבי יצחק סגי נהור בן הראב"ד בקונטרס סוד…
  If the Tzedakah money had not been designated to a particular recipient, no one has a claim to it; thus the one that was holding the money doesn’t have the status of a Shomer, and is not obligated to…  If the Tzedakah money had not been designated to a particular recipient, no one has a claim to it; thus the one that was holding the money doesn’t have the status of a Shomer, and is not obligated to replace it, even if they were negligent. There is, however, room for stringency Latzeis Yedei Shamayim (to do the right thing).   Sources: ב״ק צג, א. שו״ע חו״מ שא, ו. וראה ש״ך…Show more
  You should light at the entrance of the main room, even if it has no Mezuzah.   Sources: לא מצינו בשום דוכתא שיש להדר להדליק בפתח שי״ב…

Article: Height of Menorah

  When it says that the Menorah is supposed be lit between 3 and 10 Tefachim from the ground, does this refer to the height of the stool that the Menorah stands on, or the lights of the Menorah?  …  When it says that the Menorah is supposed be lit between 3 and 10 Tefachim from the ground, does this refer to the height of the stool that the Menorah stands on, or the lights of the Menorah?   The Chanukah Menorah should be placed on a surface that is higher than three Tefachim (approximately ten inches) off the ground, since lower than three Tefachim is Halachically considered as if it's on the ground. L'chatchilah (preferably), it should be placed lower than ten Tefachim (approximately 31 inches) from the ground because of the Mitzvah of Pirsumei Nisa (publicizing the…Show more
  Answer: They may not eat Mezonos or Hamotzi more than a Kebeitza. There are a variety of satiating foods that are not in that category. If there is a Shomer who is not eating, it is OK.   Sources: טעימה מותרת אבל מדת חסידות להחמיר - ע״פ הרוקח…
  Another event where many families will join for a Seuda in a private home. Can the host light candles and be Motzai everyone? Once again, these people may not light the candles when they get home.   Answer: 1.…  Another event where many families will join for a Seuda in a private home. Can the host light candles and be Motzai everyone? Once again, these people may not light the candles when they get home.   Answer: 1. One person can light as Pirusmei Nisa. According to many Poskim, one isn't Yotzei if they are just eating there temporarily. It is recommended to distribute Menorahs for them to light at home. 2. Same answer.   Sources: ט״ז סתרע״ז סק״ב: מי שיש לו דירה בעיר והולך…Show more
  After Shkiah Ha’amitis, several minutes after sunset.   Sources: ראה ספר המנהגים חב״ד במקומו. ובלוח כולל חב״ד: תיכף…
  Half hour. Ten Jews must be present when lighting in order to make a Brachah.   ראה בלוח יומי לחנוכה השקו”ט אם צ”ל עשרה בעת הברכה. וטוב שיהיו כבר בעת הברכה. נשים וקטנים מצטרפים – שו”ת רב פעלים ח”ב…  Half hour. Ten Jews must be present when lighting in order to make a Brachah.   ראה בלוח יומי לחנוכה השקו”ט אם צ”ל עשרה בעת הברכה. וטוב שיהיו כבר בעת הברכה. נשים וקטנים מצטרפים – שו”ת רב פעלים ח”ב או”ח סס”ב. מור ואהלות פוסק אהל המנורה הטהורה סי ב (ס, א). חזו”ע חנוכה ע’ נב. [והשוללים – דס”ל, שמעיקרא לא נתקן רק במקום עשרה אנשים בביהכ”נ].Show more
לא נכון. אמנם, חשוב לדעת, ש מצוי בשוק שמן זית מזוייף שנמכר במחיר נמוך מאוד. השמן המזוייף הוא צהבהב יותר, פחות מריר ויותר מימי. שמן זית אמיתי אינו מבעבע או מקציף בטיגון במחבת, ולא מוציא עשן או ריחות רעים. ניתן…לא נכון. אמנם, חשוב לדעת, ש מצוי בשוק שמן זית מזוייף שנמכר במחיר נמוך מאוד. השמן המזוייף הוא צהבהב יותר, פחות מריר ויותר מימי. שמן זית אמיתי אינו מבעבע או מקציף בטיגון במחבת, ולא מוציא עשן או ריחות רעים. ניתן לזהות את הזיוף באמצעות לקיחת דוגמית מהשמן והנחתה במקרר, שמן אמיתי יהפך לצמיגי יותר. כמו כן ניתן לחמם את השמן, אם לא יוצא ממנו ריח של זיתים אלא ריח ניטראלי ולא מורגש, ככל הנראה מדובר בזיוף. וכדאי שלא לסמוך רק על סימנים הנ״ל (שאינם מובהקים), כי אם לוודא שיש חותמת של מועצת שמן זית מקומית או בינלאומית (נוסף לחותמת כשרותShow more

Lighting Menorah While Traveling

  Question: I will be traveling this Sunday with a long stopover. When I reach my final destination, it will be after Chatzos and perhaps even close to Alos. Should I wait to light at my final destination, or…  Question: I will be traveling this Sunday with a long stopover. When I reach my final destination, it will be after Chatzos and perhaps even close to Alos. Should I wait to light at my final destination, or should I light where I will eat at the stopover?   Answer: Someone who intends to travel should organize his schedule in advance so that they will be able to personally light the menorah at its proper time in their own living quarters. However, if this is not possible, then if you will be arriving at your destination before alosShow more
  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…  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 singShow 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

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