People Just Asked
The Crown Heights Badatz has published a letter outlining their policy, available here. Listen also to Timely Messages #35, here: https://asktherav.com/voice-recordings-about-the-corovavirus/ #35: The Positive & Negative Side Effects of COVID-19 Apropos the letter from the Beis Din… The Crown Heights Badatz has published a letter outlining their policy, available here. Listen also to Timely Messages #35, here: https://asktherav.com/voice-recordings-about-the-corovavirus/ #35: The Positive & Negative Side Effects of COVID-19 Apropos the letter from the Beis Din and today’s episode, we share with you a recorded talk about this letter, focusing on proper safe internet usage (and also about utilizing this day Erev Rosh Chodesh appropriately). A brief addendum about safe app usage is also attached. Feel free to disseminate. Show more
Any sunken or protruding image used to represent the sun, moon or stars is problematic. At least half of the sun/moon/star should not be drawn. Some are stringent even with an incomplete sun. Many Poskim extended this prohibition to… Any sunken or protruding image used to represent the sun, moon or stars is problematic. At least half of the sun/moon/star should not be drawn. Some are stringent even with an incomplete sun. Many Poskim extended this prohibition to flat images as well. There is room for leniency when the pictures are: A) For education purposes and B) are incomplete (better minority image), and C) flat pictures. (See Question 2 below) Sources: Refer to Shulchan Aruch YD 141:4, Taz 13, Shach…Show more
Question: In Eretz Yisroel the predominant Minhag is that everyone says Shehecheyanu by the Bris and that L'hachniso is said before the Chituch regardless if they are Ashkenazi or Sephardi. If an Israeli Ashkenazi moves from Eretz Yisroel… Question: In Eretz Yisroel the predominant Minhag is that everyone says Shehecheyanu by the Bris and that L'hachniso is said before the Chituch regardless if they are Ashkenazi or Sephardi. If an Israeli Ashkenazi moves from Eretz Yisroel, do they still follow this Minhag with Shehechyanu and L'hachniso or do they follow the predominant Ashkenazi Minhag of L'hachniso after Chituch but before Periah and no Shehecheyanu? Answer: They should follow the Ashkenazi Minhag. Sources: .ראה גם אג״ק כ ע׳ שט. שו״ת דבר יהושע…Show more
*I want to add that there were candles that were lit that night in the house from other members of the family. Answer: You should light one extra candle every Yom Tov. If you don't feel comfortable to… *I want to add that there were candles that were lit that night in the house from other members of the family. Answer: You should light one extra candle every Yom Tov. If you don't feel comfortable to do it every Yom Tov, then you can light an extra candle just the next Yom Tov. You should take a good Hachloto to be more careful with lighting candles. Sources: בהקדמה שבד״ז נחלקו אחרוני זמנינו זה לכאן וזה לכאן,…Show more
One may carry on Yom Tov keys that are needed or that he thinks that perhaps may be needed on that day. Poskim disagree if one must remove other keys which are on the same key chain. In practice, one…One may carry on Yom Tov keys that are needed or that he thinks that perhaps may be needed on that day. Poskim disagree if one must remove other keys which are on the same key chain. In practice, one should be stringent to remove them. If someone knows for sure that the keys are not needed for that day or for now, for example when going on a walk Yom Tov afternoon he does not need his key to his locker in Shul, or if there is someone home that can open the door for him so that his…Show more
In this link, Rabbi Label Groner says that he heard on many occasions from the Rebbe that he does not allow people who ask him about wearing contacts to wear them in any conditions even for a short time.… In this link, Rabbi Label Groner says that he heard on many occasions from the Rebbe that he does not allow people who ask him about wearing contacts to wear them in any conditions even for a short time. The Rebbe explained that it is a danger, both hard and soft contacts. In Mind Over Matter, p. 344: The Rebbe’s secretary, Rabbi Leibel Groner, relates that the Rebbe refused to use contact lenses. Similarly, he responded to several Chabad women and girls: “It’s not worthwhile.” “Don’t use them (if possible).” “My opinion against using them is well known.” According…Show more
Yes, with your elbow or the back of your hand. Sources: .עיין סוף סימן שיא, ובאדה״ז סימן שח סעיף טו,…
From when one is ready to give birth, experiencing heavy labor, or can’t walk or stand without being aided or blood from birth is flowing, one may be Mechalel Shabbos in all matters needed for her health or comfort.… From when one is ready to give birth, experiencing heavy labor, or can’t walk or stand without being aided or blood from birth is flowing, one may be Mechalel Shabbos in all matters needed for her health or comfort. If contractions are consistent every few minutes, the same Halacha applies. (The above mentioned does not refer to traveling to a hospital which often needs more time - see here at length https://asktherav.com/going-into-labor-on-shabbos/). However, non-Jews may do Melacha prior to this stage - when she is in pain, or having contractions every 15-20 minutes. Things that are for relaxation purposes…Show more
Once Sukkos has passed, the Schach may be used for any purpose, although it is appropriate to avoid stepping on the Schach or using it for a disrespectful purpose. One is allowed to (in a respectable way - leaving… Once Sukkos has passed, the Schach may be used for any purpose, although it is appropriate to avoid stepping on the Schach or using it for a disrespectful purpose. One is allowed to (in a respectable way - leaving in a separate pile than the rest of the garbage) throw out 'תשמישי מצוה'. [With the exception of wicks for the Menorah]. However, there is a Minhag to use them to burn the Chometz or for some other Mitzvah, for once it is used for one Mitzvah it should be used for another Mitzvah. This is not a Chiyuv though.…Show more
Since the sterno is a fire/heat element, it has the same Halacha as a regular stove top. Therefore, first you would have to create some type of Blech if the food isn't fully cooked or if you wish to… Since the sterno is a fire/heat element, it has the same Halacha as a regular stove top. Therefore, first you would have to create some type of Blech if the food isn't fully cooked or if you wish to put back the food on Shabbos. You can turn one pan upside down on top of the fire and then put the food pan on top of that to accomplish this Blech. Even after doing this, one cannot take the food directly from the pan while it is on the sterno, the same as an ordinary Blech, unless the food…Show more
If you wont fall if he moves away then it is permissible. You may also put your hand down between each word. Sources: משנ״ב קכח ס"ק נא-נב; ביאורים ומוספים דרשו, 69-70 …
One may light electric candles in the hospital with a Bracha. It is recommended to use a battery operated light, rather than a regular electric lamp. Some say the light must be incandescent and not fluorescent. One should certainly… One may light electric candles in the hospital with a Bracha. It is recommended to use a battery operated light, rather than a regular electric lamp. Some say the light must be incandescent and not fluorescent. One should certainly not use LED lights. Ideally it should be a light not ordinarily used during the week. Sources: שו״ת בית יצחק א, קכ. ב, לא. הר צבי…Show more
Yes, if he ate at the same table with them. Nonetheless, Lechatchila one should try to get him to wash and have a Kezayis bread. However, if he doesn’t want to wash, he may join even if he just drank…Yes, if he ate at the same table with them. Nonetheless, Lechatchila one should try to get him to wash and have a Kezayis bread. However, if he doesn’t want to wash, he may join even if he just drank a Reviis of any drink, even water. If it is a Zimun with ten people, there is no need to have them eat bread even Lechatchila. Three others may join seven that ate bread, even if they drank water. Sources: שו״ע אדה״ז קצז, ב: אין מזמנין אלא על מי…Show more
There is a dispute among Poskim if the idea of Kol Isha applies to a sister. The issue applies only to a sister who is mature in body and voice. A sister who has not yet reached maturity—according to… There is a dispute among Poskim if the idea of Kol Isha applies to a sister. The issue applies only to a sister who is mature in body and voice. A sister who has not yet reached maturity—according to some so long as she is under 9 years old, or even older according to others—would certainly be permitted to sing in front of her brothers. Even according to the stringent opinion, one need only be careful if it causes Hirhur, or if one is saying Shema or Davening while they are singing. Nonetheless, the common custom in many Jewish…Show more
One who is up the entire night says only the first paragraph of Shema at Chatzos. Being up the entire night means being up until Alos. Question 2: You answered that one should say the first paragraph of Shema before…One who is up the entire night says only the first paragraph of Shema at Chatzos. Being up the entire night means being up until Alos. Question 2: You answered that one should say the first paragraph of Shema before Chatzos Halaila if one plans to stay awake the whole night. What about on other nights when one says all of Krias Shema Al Hamita and sleeps between Chatzos Halaila and Alos Hashachar. On those nights, should one also say the first paragraph of Shema before Chatzos Halila? Answer 2: No. Saying Shema at Chatzos is only when you are…Show more
Q1. For heartburn/acid reflux, may one chew Tums with letters on Shabbos? If not, what should one do? A. Swallowing pills with letters isn’t a problem. The issue is eating where it breaks before swallowing. However, tums are a… Q1. For heartburn/acid reflux, may one chew Tums with letters on Shabbos? If not, what should one do? A. Swallowing pills with letters isn’t a problem. The issue is eating where it breaks before swallowing. However, tums are a problem due to taking medication on Shabbos. It is permissible if either of the following conditions exists: If one takes it before the onset of heartburn. Likewise, if taken for its nutritional value, as a calcium supplement, rather than to cure existing heartburn, there is room to be lenient. If one is bedridden or his pain causes a sickness/ weakness…Show more
It is still Kosher as long as the top two leaves as well as most of the leaves are still intact. If the top two leave aren’t intact, it is still Kosher, but some are Mehader to have them intact.…It is still Kosher as long as the top two leaves as well as most of the leaves are still intact. If the top two leave aren’t intact, it is still Kosher, but some are Mehader to have them intact. It is proper to switch the Aravos sometime during Chol Hamoed. Sources: .ראה שו״ע אדה״ז תרמז .נקטמו העלים העליונים - שו״ע…Show more
Question: Hi, a Gut Moed. My wife is on a medical diet and all she can eat is meat and certain vegetables. On what can she make a Leshev Basukkah? She has not made one as of yet. … Question: Hi, a Gut Moed. My wife is on a medical diet and all she can eat is meat and certain vegetables. On what can she make a Leshev Basukkah? She has not made one as of yet. Answer: Your wife does not have to make a Leshev Basukkah. However, if she Davka wants, she can go into the Sukkah and spend considerable time there enjoying the shade, such as for a walk and fresh air, and if it's a Sukkah that she didn't say Leshev Basukkah yet that day on eating - then she can make a…Show more
אם השאלה שלך במקרה שמישהו לא רוצה לברך אבל מוכן הוא לקחת הד' מינים בלי הברכה - התשובה שעדיף לעשות בלי ברכה משלא לעשות כלל (אבל בודאי צריכים להשפיע עליו שיעשה ברכה - ויש חשש איסור לקיים מצוה ללא ברכה.…אם השאלה שלך במקרה שמישהו לא רוצה לברך אבל מוכן הוא לקחת הד' מינים בלי הברכה - התשובה שעדיף לעשות בלי ברכה משלא לעשות כלל (אבל בודאי צריכים להשפיע עליו שיעשה ברכה - ויש חשש איסור לקיים מצוה ללא ברכה. והרי לוקח כמה רגעים). כמובן, לפעמים יש מצבים שיש לקיים המצוה ללא ברכה, במקום ספק כמו בין השמשות וכדומהShow more
מספיק שיעשו ניענוע כל שהוא. אם רוצות יכולות לעשות כל הנענועים (ראה בלוח יומי לסוכות שי״ל ע״י הבד"ץ הערה 55 אם לא יכולים לברך בעצמן אסור לומר הברכה איתם (בשונה מאיש שמותר לברך איתו אם אינו יודע לברך בעצמו
According to most poskim, one is required to pay. This also seems to be the position of the Alter Rebbe. However, if according to secular law, one would be exempt, one would not have to pay. Regardless, if… According to most poskim, one is required to pay. This also seems to be the position of the Alter Rebbe. However, if according to secular law, one would be exempt, one would not have to pay. Regardless, if there's a חשש for a Chilul Hashem, you must let him know. (Even according to those who maintain one is exempt, and thus after one has already inadvertently damaged a non-Jew's property, to inform and pay for the damage would seemingly be השבת אבידה (returning a lost object), if a Kiddush Hashem is involved by doing so, one should…Show more
The Arizal warned against picking ones beard. One should therefore refrain even from picking. The Rebbe in a letter mentions the conduct of certain special people that wouldn't even comb their beard - but stresses that it was a… The Arizal warned against picking ones beard. One should therefore refrain even from picking. The Rebbe in a letter mentions the conduct of certain special people that wouldn't even comb their beard - but stresses that it was a special conduct. On one occasion, the Rebbe advised someone who had such a habit to put something unpleasant on their hands like mustard, or even better - wear gloves on their hands. There are other issues with this habit - See here: https://asktherav.com/9536-ripping-peeling-off-dry-skin-on-shabbos/ Sources: ראה המלוקט בס' הדרת פנים זקן פי"ב. ראה גם…Show more
The Rebbe maintained that in general terms one may not take pictures on Chol Hamoed. Indeed, many Poskim write that pictures or videos are forbidden on Chol Hamoed due to the Issur of writing. Some maintain that digital cameras are…The Rebbe maintained that in general terms one may not take pictures on Chol Hamoed. Indeed, many Poskim write that pictures or videos are forbidden on Chol Hamoed due to the Issur of writing. Some maintain that digital cameras are different. This is far from certain and a matter of debate amongst contemporary Poskim. There is also the issue of Tircha, doing extra work on Chol Hamoed, even when not a melacha, as well as disgracing Chol Hamoed. Furthermore, saving the first picture on a SD card can be an Issur even according to those who maintain digital pictures aren’t…Show more
If one is returning to the same Sukkah that he made the Bracha in that day, then he would only make another Bracha in one of 2 cases: 1. If he left the Sukkah for 1-2 hours. Practically, one shouldn't…If one is returning to the same Sukkah that he made the Bracha in that day, then he would only make another Bracha in one of 2 cases: 1. If he left the Sukkah for 1-2 hours. Practically, one shouldn't make a Bracha unless 2 full hours elapsed, due to doubt. 2. Even if he left for less than the above time, but when he left the Sukkah he planned not to return till after 1-2 hours, then a Bracha is also made. If, though, you are entering a different Sukkah, then you make the Bracha either way - this…Show more
One is not to plan activities of buying and selling for Chol Hamoed. When there is a need of דבר האבד (that the thing will be lost if not done during the Moed) one may buy on Chol Hamoed, provided…One is not to plan activities of buying and selling for Chol Hamoed. When there is a need of דבר האבד (that the thing will be lost if not done during the Moed) one may buy on Chol Hamoed, provided it wasn’t planned for Chol Hamoed. The purchasing should not be done in public (which can be accomplished through placing an order from the home). Sources: .ראה שו"ע או"ח סי' תקלט סעיף ט ובאור הלכה…Show more
Have a Halachic Question?
Submit your question and receive an answer shortly.
Submit A Question
