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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
Question: Garlic was cut with a Fleishig knife right after cutting chicken with it. It surely had some chicken fat on it. That garlic was put into a pot of tomatoes to make matbucha (spicy tomato) salad. Before it… Question: Garlic was cut with a Fleishig knife right after cutting chicken with it. It surely had some chicken fat on it. That garlic was put into a pot of tomatoes to make matbucha (spicy tomato) salad. Before it was cooked, much of the garlic was removed, but not all of it. Afterwards, it was cooked. Question is if eating this salad makes somebody Fleishig and needs to wait 6 hours to eat Milchig? Also, can it be served with fish course? Can it be eaten together with fish? Answer: This salad should be considered Fleishig, but one…Show more
Question: Can we delay the Upsherin celebration to Sunday, so that there will be more attendees? We will cut his hair on his actual birthday. Answer: You may cut the hair on the day of his birthday and… Question: Can we delay the Upsherin celebration to Sunday, so that there will be more attendees? We will cut his hair on his actual birthday. Answer: You may cut the hair on the day of his birthday and make the celebration on a later date. If you are leaving some hair to be cut during the party, you should make sure to cut the hair in a way that you are leaving (recognizable) Peiyos on the birthday. It is noteworthy to mention that as a general rule the Rebbe was opposed to arranging events on Sundays, or delaying…Show more
Judaica stores sell special boxes that are marked for Genizah (cached storage of holy material). One can fill the box with their Shaimos (literal translation: names, i.e., worn out holy material), seal it and ship it off to the… Judaica stores sell special boxes that are marked for Genizah (cached storage of holy material). One can fill the box with their Shaimos (literal translation: names, i.e., worn out holy material), seal it and ship it off to the incorporated address to be properly buried. Many people still utilize the old-fashioned “Shaimos bag”, wherein they store their outgoing Shaimos in a ubiquitous shopping bag until it is full and then deliver it to a Shaimos collection enterprise. What are some guidelines for interim storage of this material in a respectful manner? Fill the bag only with Shaimos. Many of…Show more
Question: Can I separate Maaser at night into an envelope? Can I make an online Maaser/Tzedaka donation at night? Answer: Yes to both questions. The only issue with giving Tzedaka at night is if giving directly to the… Question: Can I separate Maaser at night into an envelope? Can I make an online Maaser/Tzedaka donation at night? Answer: Yes to both questions. The only issue with giving Tzedaka at night is if giving directly to the poor person. Furthermore, even when giving to a poor person, if he actually asks for money, one is obligated to give, even at night. After midnight, one may give regardless. Sources: בנתינה לגבאי או לקופת צדקה, כ״ה בכו״כ שיחות קודש…Show more
Question: We cooked shakshuka, and it included jalapenos, garlic, onions cut with a Fleishig knife (not Ben Yomo) and then cooked it in a Fleishig pot (not Ben Yomo), and later it was reheated in a Milchig pan using… Question: We cooked shakshuka, and it included jalapenos, garlic, onions cut with a Fleishig knife (not Ben Yomo) and then cooked it in a Fleishig pot (not Ben Yomo), and later it was reheated in a Milchig pan using a Milchig spatula. We already threw away the food. Is the pan and spatula still kosher? They are both stainless steel, but the spatula has a rubber handle. Answer: The spatula and the pan need to be Kashered. Even rubber may be Kashered in this case. Sources: אף שבצלים לאחרי בשולם פקע חריפותם, ובדרכ״ת צו, ה…Show more
There is a Machlokes about this matter. L’chatchilla one should wipe wet areas before putting on Tefillin. (If a little amount of water remains it’s not a concern). B'dieved, if the area was wet, it is OK. Sources: שקו״ט בזה עפמש״כ במשל״מ עבודת יוה״כ ב, בכהמ״ק בנוגע…
There is a prevailing custom among men—in addition to the tradition of Tevilas Ezra, dating back to the times of the second Bais Hamikdash —to use a Mikvah for spiritual reasons, in preparation for Tefillah (prayer) and before entering… There is a prevailing custom among men—in addition to the tradition of Tevilas Ezra, dating back to the times of the second Bais Hamikdash —to use a Mikvah for spiritual reasons, in preparation for Tefillah (prayer) and before entering the heightened state of Kedushah (holiness) of Shabbos and Yom Tov. There is no ban against showering after exiting the Mikvah pool. Although Halachah considers an individual who has showered with Mayim She’uvim (tap water) to acquire a level of Tumah (impurity), this does not affect the purity attained by dipping in the Mikvah; nonetheless, it is still preferable to…Show more
At the neck, it must be covered to the top of the clavicles or collarbones. In the back, it is until the second vertebrae of the spine. Some are stringent till the first vertebrae. (The bone can be felt… At the neck, it must be covered to the top of the clavicles or collarbones. In the back, it is until the second vertebrae of the spine. Some are stringent till the first vertebrae. (The bone can be felt sticking out when one bends their head forward). Regarding the legs, even if one's skirt covers her knees, her legs must be adequately covered by tights or stockings, but these do not need to conceal the shape of her legs. Even according to the minority opinion—which isn’t the actual Halacha —that maintains that the Shok refers to the upper part…Show more
או לברך שהחיינו במקרה של יותר מחודש? והאם לראות תמונה או וידיאו מוקלט או בזמן אמת נחשב כמו ראייה ממש? מענה: על פי דין צריך לברך שהחיינו אם עברו יותר משלושים יום. אלא שלא ראינו נוהגים כן (והעידו… או לברך שהחיינו במקרה של יותר מחודש? והאם לראות תמונה או וידיאו מוקלט או בזמן אמת נחשב כמו ראייה ממש? מענה: על פי דין צריך לברך שהחיינו אם עברו יותר משלושים יום. אלא שלא ראינו נוהגים כן (והעידו על המנהג בכו״כ אחרונים דלקמן. ומהם - ראה יוסף אומץ דלקמן, שאין נזהרים בברכה זו. ובא״א מבוטשאטש רל, שנשתקע מלברך שהחיינו ע״ז, ושטוב רק בהרהור או בלשון חול. ובערוה״ש דלקמן, שעכשיו מקילים מאד בברכה זו. ובבא״ח דלקמן, שלא נהגו העולם בזה, ויש ג״כ סמך וטעם למנהג, ולכן יברך בלא שו״מ ויהרהר שו״מ בלבו. ובבני ציון דלקמן, שלא ראיתי נוהגים כעת…Show more
One may enter a church to vote, provided it is not in the sanctuary, but rather they specifically set up a room for this purpose, e.g. the basement or a different room, since everyone knows that you are there… One may enter a church to vote, provided it is not in the sanctuary, but rather they specifically set up a room for this purpose, e.g. the basement or a different room, since everyone knows that you are there to vote and not for anything else. This is only permitted if one has no other place to vote. If the location can be changed, it must be changed. Sources: See Teshuvos V’hanhugos 2:410. Chayei Halevi 4:63. See here…Show more
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