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Can Maaser be given in advance?

  If not, can one give Maaser for funds received in a check before depositing it? If not, what about after depositing it, before it has been processed (e.g. Mobile deposit, transaction pending, etc.).   Answer: The Halachah is that…  If not, can one give Maaser for funds received in a check before depositing it? If not, what about after depositing it, before it has been processed (e.g. Mobile deposit, transaction pending, etc.).   Answer: The Halachah is that one may in fact give Maaser Kesafim on account of future income. However, one should nevertheless separate Maaser again when those earnings actually arrive and then one could keep it as reimbursement for the Tzedakah that was laid out previously. Poskim state that it is advisable to stipulate before committing to adopt the practice of separating Maaser, that one should…Show more
  Question: If I am teaching a student a song of Davening such as Shmoneh Esrei, can I teach her the song of the Davening using Hashem's name? Is the girl allowed to practice the Davening song using Hashem's name?…  Question: If I am teaching a student a song of Davening such as Shmoneh Esrei, can I teach her the song of the Davening using Hashem's name? Is the girl allowed to practice the Davening song using Hashem's name?   Answer: If you are teaching a full Brachah of Shemone Esrei, you can teach the song using Hashem's name if it is necessary. However, it is preferred to say Hashem’s name as Ado.., without saying the whole name, if the students would understand the intent. While they "Daven", they can sing the song using Hashem’s name, but when practicing…Show more
  Question: I have heard that on some fast days and the night following it, meat/chicken shouldn't be eaten. Which fast days does this apply to and is this the same Din for someone not fasting (pregnancy, nursing etc.)?  …  Question: I have heard that on some fast days and the night following it, meat/chicken shouldn't be eaten. Which fast days does this apply to and is this the same Din for someone not fasting (pregnancy, nursing etc.)?   Answer: This applies according to halacha the night after Tisha B’av. Some follow this custom on the night preceding and following every fast (with the exception of the night after Yom Kippur). This concept can apply even to those who don’t fast, if their health permits. However, the Alter Rebbe implies that this applies only in relation to the night…Show more
  There is no such Halacha, except regarding a Kos Shel Bracha. Some are particular about this as they are concerned that broken dishes are associated with Kelipah, which brings about forgetting one’s learning. However, there is no clear…  There is no such Halacha, except regarding a Kos Shel Bracha. Some are particular about this as they are concerned that broken dishes are associated with Kelipah, which brings about forgetting one’s learning. However, there is no clear source for this custom. In any event, this only applies to clear breakages, not a chip or defect, and only to eating from such a dish, not mere usage of it. Also, women need not be particular. Obviously, if the chip can cause one to hurt themselves, one ought to be cautious.   Sources: נלאו כו״כ למצוא מקור לקפידא הנ״ל. ובכה״ח ב, ג…Show more
  יש החוששים שמורחים כלי מתכת וטפלון בשומן מן החי בשעת היצור ודורשים להגעיל. למעשה, מן הדין אין צורך כלל להגעיל, והוא חומרא בעלמא. ויתכן שגם אינו בגדר מדת חסידות.   מקורות: ד״ז תלוי במציאות. ובזמננו כמעט ואין משתמשים בשומן מן החי.…
  It is forbidden to use on Shabbos.   Sources: עיין סימן שמ מש"ז ס"ק ג בנוגע אותיות שפולטים…
  Question: Are lifting weights and stretching, done for enjoyment, completely Assur on Shabbos? I have a designated routine that I've been doing specifically on Shabbos, so it is not like my regular weekday workout.   Answer: There are multiple…  Question: Are lifting weights and stretching, done for enjoyment, completely Assur on Shabbos? I have a designated routine that I've been doing specifically on Shabbos, so it is not like my regular weekday workout.   Answer: There are multiple issues with exercising on Shabbos. Even if done for enjoyment and using a different routine than during the week, one should still refrain. See here for additional information on the subject: https://asktherav.com/article-363-exercising-on-shabbos-and-yom-tov/   Sources: ראה שו"ע או״ח שכו, ה. שם שכז, ב. שכח,…Show more
  There is no requirement, but it is a Minhag to pay for part or all of the Seudah, depending on circumstances.   Sources: בארחות חיים הל׳ מילה שנותן מעות ליולדת - ואח״כ…
I recently came across a blanket on the street. I was afraid to touch it and find its owner being that I was in an unsafe part of the neighborhood, and the blanket, presumably having been trampled on, was dirty…I recently came across a blanket on the street. I was afraid to touch it and find its owner being that I was in an unsafe part of the neighborhood, and the blanket, presumably having been trampled on, was dirty and probably full of germs. Is it permissible to pass by something lying on the ground and, for safety reasons, transgress the Mitzvah of Hashavas Aveida? What should one do in a situation as such? Answer: You do not need to pick up the item or even go out of your way to announce its' whereabouts. In this case, if…Show more
  The primary issue with putting together jigsaw puzzles is the issue of writing (Koisev), while taking them apart is the issue of erasing (Moichek). The prohibitions of writing and erasing on Shabbos extends to both words as well as…  The primary issue with putting together jigsaw puzzles is the issue of writing (Koisev), while taking them apart is the issue of erasing (Moichek). The prohibitions of writing and erasing on Shabbos extends to both words as well as images, and even if they will not last a long time. Thus putting together a puzzle, thereby creating a picture, or taking it apart and thus erasing it, may be a transgression of this prohibition. (An additional issue will be discussed at the end.) On the other hand, since the picture already exists and one is merely connecting or disconnecting…Show more
  If the money is given for a specific cause, Maaser should not be given. See here for more on this topic: Article: Ma’aser on Gift Money     #2184
It is permissible if when it is plugged in you are careful it doesn’t get unplugged. It is worthwhile to cover the part that is plugged in to remember not to unplug it. Also, cover the controls knobs.
If they will remain for thirty days after Tevilah, it is OK. One may be lenient if it will remain a week after Mikvah, if it will also remain for at least one month from the treatment.   Sources:  בדי השולחן קצח ס"ק קעט, שערי טבילה סימן לד…
  It would depend on what type of dirt you are referring to: • Dirt stuck to clothes and is 1. Moist and soft and 2. A stain will remain after the dirt is removed. You can either: 1. Rub…  It would depend on what type of dirt you are referring to: • Dirt stuck to clothes and is 1. Moist and soft and 2. A stain will remain after the dirt is removed. You can either: 1. Rub the reverse side of the cloth until the dirt drops off. 2. Remove the dirt directly, with one's fingernails or the back of a knife. 3. Wipe the dirt off gently with a dry cloth, taking care not to squeeze out any moisture absorbed within the garment. It is forbidden to 1. Wipe the garment with a wet cloth. 2.…Show more
  Yes.   Source: שוע"ר שי, יד.     #2154b
  L'chatchila a woman should Daven Mincha before lighting Shabbos candles. If she didn't, and she doesn’t have enough time, she should have in mind when lighting Shabbos candles not to accept Shabbos and then she may Daven Mincha after…  L'chatchila a woman should Daven Mincha before lighting Shabbos candles. If she didn't, and she doesn’t have enough time, she should have in mind when lighting Shabbos candles not to accept Shabbos and then she may Daven Mincha after lighting Shabbos candles. If she didn’t make such a stipulation, she may still Daven Mincha afterwards.   Sources: תנאי בהדלק"נ ש"ק לצורך מנחה ל"ג משאר צורך. ומש"כ…Show more
No, unless the owner stores his belongings there or has an office there. In such a case, the front door and all doors leading to his storage area are obligated in a Mezuzah.   Sources: ע״ז כא, א. שו״ע יו״ד רצא, ב. וראה הג״מ…
    I bathe the kids of a family I know. When I come the kids love to ask me questions and sometimes we talk about the Chassidishe Yomim Tovim as we walk to the bathroom and the conversation continues    I bathe the kids of a family I know. When I come the kids love to ask me questions and sometimes we talk about the Chassidishe Yomim Tovim as we walk to the bathroom and the conversation continues there. Also, one of the children likes to play a game in the bath in which she pretends to go to sleep and then wakes up, says Modeh Ani- in full, and then washes Negel Vasser.   Questions: A. Is it permissible to talk about holy things in the bathroom when the children are undressed? B. Is it permissible to…Show more
  Question: If one may not use Maaser for a Mitzvah which one must do regardless, how would that rule apply to a Minhag of giving to a certain cause in certain times - may one use Ma'aser to give…  Question: If one may not use Maaser for a Mitzvah which one must do regardless, how would that rule apply to a Minhag of giving to a certain cause in certain times - may one use Ma'aser to give Tzedakah for instance for a fast day for Pidyon Tanis, or number 18 on Lag B'omer like the Rebbe's Hora'ah?   Answer: The answer to both questions is no. Ma'aser money should not be used.   Reason: For a Pidyon Tanis, since you were going to give the Ma'aser money to Tzedakah regardless, it achieves nothing in terms of Kaparah,…Show more
  Do we put up a Mezuzah on the Tefach HaChitzon on a Brick wall, or is it better to put it on the doorpost?   A common design for the entrance of a brick or stone house is a…  Do we put up a Mezuzah on the Tefach HaChitzon on a Brick wall, or is it better to put it on the doorpost?   A common design for the entrance of a brick or stone house is a Tzuras Hapesach (an opening formed by two side posts and a lintel, i.e. a doorway) which consists of a brick (or stone) portal that is adjacent to a second door-frame made of wood supporting the front door. There is a Machlokes (difference of opinion) among Poskim whether in such a situation, the Mezuzah should be placed on the outer jamb…Show more
Please see here on our website. The same applies in this case. Question 2: I'm wondering if someone that is very seriously in the process of conversion, and keeps Torah and Mitzvos carefully, and is part of the Frum community,…Please see here on our website. The same applies in this case. Question 2: I'm wondering if someone that is very seriously in the process of conversion, and keeps Torah and Mitzvos carefully, and is part of the Frum community, aren't they considered different than a non-Jew on the street? (I mean specifically regarding Maaser). Answer 2: While they are considered different, and should be supported on some level, they are not part of the regular Mitzvah of Tzedaka. They are to be supported on a basic level, but not according with the regular requirements of Tzedaka, to give them…Show more
  No. The money is to be used for food specifically. See a similar discussion here: https://asktherav.com/article-737-maaser-on-gift-money/
  Some are particular not to go to a zoo during pregnancy. There are sources for this custom. If you wish, you may go to the zoo, but do not gaze at the non-Kosher animals. [Your intention should be to…  Some are particular not to go to a zoo during pregnancy. There are sources for this custom. If you wish, you may go to the zoo, but do not gaze at the non-Kosher animals. [Your intention should be to avoid looking at the non-Kosher animals, but unavoidable incidental glances do not pose a problem.]   Explanation: Regarding viewing non-Kosher animals in general, the Rebbe discussed this in a Sicha on 20 Cheshvan 5744. In the footnotes of the edited talk in Likkutei Sichos, the Rebbe clearly makes an exception for going to the zoo, as it is the…Show more
  Question: If I make Challah dough (with oil, eggs, and water) and then use the dough to make babka by adding a spread, cinnamon sugar mixture, chocolate or date paste, what Bracha do I say on the babka?  …  Question: If I make Challah dough (with oil, eggs, and water) and then use the dough to make babka by adding a spread, cinnamon sugar mixture, chocolate or date paste, what Bracha do I say on the babka?   Answer: In order for this dough to revert to be considered Mezonos according to all opinions, the dough needs to be filled with sweets on the inside like fruits or chocolates. The filling must be the primary ingredient and the dough secondary, so that the main intention is not to satiate but for pleasure. Seder Birchas Hanenin 2:8. Sometimes…Show more
  For very young children (till 5-6 years old) and sick people, one can rely on the Minhag brought in the Remah to only wait one hour after meat. One should wash the child’s hands and try to give him…  For very young children (till 5-6 years old) and sick people, one can rely on the Minhag brought in the Remah to only wait one hour after meat. One should wash the child’s hands and try to give him something to eat and drink before giving him milk. With regard to children that are under 2-3 years old, one may be lenient and not wait even an hour where necessary.   Sources: מטעמי ההיתר: לא גזרו בחולה וצרכי קטן כחולה שאיב״ס,…Show more

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