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Question: I have a room in the basement of a Chabad house that has no windows, and the door opens to the outside of the room. On which side should I put the Mezuzah? Answer: If the room… Question: I have a room in the basement of a Chabad house that has no windows, and the door opens to the outside of the room. On which side should I put the Mezuzah? Answer: If the room or closet is less than 4x4 Amos, it is exempt from Mezuzah. Some, however, adopt a Chumra - stringency to place a Mezuzah. If there is no other way to access the room, there are conflicting opinions as to which side to place the Mezuzah. L’maaseh, one should put the Mezuzah on the right side entering the room or closet.…Show more
Yes. Sources: פשוט. וגם במקום שיש הסוברים לקבוע באופן שנקבע מקודם,…
A cloth on the faucet reduces the amount of copepods and can be used as a filter on a temporary basis. It is best to use several layers of cloth for extra protection. Ensure that the cloth is tightly… A cloth on the faucet reduces the amount of copepods and can be used as a filter on a temporary basis. It is best to use several layers of cloth for extra protection. Ensure that the cloth is tightly woven, otherwise some copepods can get through. It’s important to clean the cloth regularly, especially when it gets brown, or even better — change the cloth completely, because the water pressure could push apart the fibers of the cloth, even if it’s a tight weave, allowing copepods to get through. #1395Show more
I should point out that there are many opinions amongst Chabad Rabbonim on this matter. Some say that an adult may not eat foods that have a picture on them. However, in my opinion, one should be stringent when… I should point out that there are many opinions amongst Chabad Rabbonim on this matter. Some say that an adult may not eat foods that have a picture on them. However, in my opinion, one should be stringent when it comes to food with letters in all cases (not to break the letters even in your mouth). On the other hand, there is room to be lenient regarding food with pictures, particularly when engraved and not protruding (to allow breaking the picture as it being eaten in your mouth). https://asktherav.com/594-may-one-eat-a-cake-challah-cookie-shaped-as-a-number-or-letter-on-shabbos-how-about-shaped-as-a-picture/#comment-2612 Sources: שו"ע אדה"ז סי ש"מ סעי' ד', סימן תקי”ט סעיף…Show more
If it is possible to open the package without ripping the letters then one may attempt to do so even if there is a chance that he may accidentally tear the letters. Sources: .שו"ע אדה"ז סי' ש"מ ס"ד…
Many poskim maintain, at least in the USA, that corn is a food which isn’t subject to Bishul Yisroel, as it isn't fit to be served at a king’s table. Others disagree. Certainly, with snacks or breakfast food, one… Many poskim maintain, at least in the USA, that corn is a food which isn’t subject to Bishul Yisroel, as it isn't fit to be served at a king’s table. Others disagree. Certainly, with snacks or breakfast food, one may be lenient. See here at length. However, it’s necessary to emphasize one more point : if the food was made in a place where it’s fit to be served on a king’s table, many Poskim maintain it needs to be Bishul Yisroel even if it is shipped to a place where it is not fit to be served on…Show more
The place first needs to be fixed that it will no longer appear that it was a church, and only then one can work there. Only after removing all forms of crosses and Christian images from the building, may one…The place first needs to be fixed that it will no longer appear that it was a church, and only then one can work there. Only after removing all forms of crosses and Christian images from the building, may one enter and work in the building. It is also advisable to do some reconstruction on some of the interior and exterior of the building to give it a 'new face' which also changes its previous status. Until then one can enter the building only for the purpose of planning the physical fixes and alterations to the building. However, there are…Show more
One may not say Brochos if they are unsure if they already said them. Regarding Birchas Hatorah, one is Yotze Birchas Hatorah by reciting Ahavas Olam before Shema and then learning something immediately after Davening. Sources: .ראה אדה"ז סי' מ"ו סעי' א, סימן מ"ז סעי'…
A man may immerse himself in a river on Shabbos if it’s for the purpose of Mikvah. However, one should be careful: Not to swim. Tovel only within 4 Amos to the edge, because one may not walk four… A man may immerse himself in a river on Shabbos if it’s for the purpose of Mikvah. However, one should be careful: Not to swim. Tovel only within 4 Amos to the edge, because one may not walk four or more Amos in a river (where the water is shallow and doesn't cover most of one's body). One should Tovel themselves in this shallow water lying down. Take care to not splash or drip water on any plants. Therefore, one should enter and exit the water in a place where there is no vegetation. When one exits the water,…Show more
There is no prohibition of Yichud when one woman travels with two or more men. At night, or when traveling, three men are required. An independent issue is whether it is altogether appropriate to have women or girls on a…There is no prohibition of Yichud when one woman travels with two or more men. At night, or when traveling, three men are required. An independent issue is whether it is altogether appropriate to have women or girls on a bus dedicated to Bachurim. Certainly it does not make sense to do this on a regular basis. This is something the Hanhalah should determine. Sources: .ראה נו״כ השו״ע אה״ע כב, ה. קיצור שו״ע קנב,…Show more
Yes. Sources: הן מצד הניתוח והן מצד ההרדמה שנעשה בגדר…
Firstly, every Mitzvah Hashem has given us is important, because it is important to him that we keep them. If a king would ask you for a simple thing like a to bring him a cup of water, surely you…Firstly, every Mitzvah Hashem has given us is important, because it is important to him that we keep them. If a king would ask you for a simple thing like a to bring him a cup of water, surely you would immediately obey happily. In addition, every Mitzvah has it's details and 'specialty'. As the saying goes, 'you are what you eat'. Food a person eats later becomes a person's own flesh and blood, and it is therefore very important to keep to the diet that Hashem prescribed for us, a diet that will make sure our flesh and blood…Show more
There is no known Torah source for this. Nonetheless, it is known that many Jewish communities and Gedolei Yisrael were particular. It should be noted that as a general rule we are told not to mock family traditions even… There is no known Torah source for this. Nonetheless, it is known that many Jewish communities and Gedolei Yisrael were particular. It should be noted that as a general rule we are told not to mock family traditions even when they appear to be grandmother tales. Also, Halacha generally frowns upon using mirrors unnecessarily, and Kaballah in particular has issues with it. See more here. Sources: ידועים דברי הרשב״א, שהובא בשו״ת השיב משה או״ח יג,…Show more
It is OK to Kasher from Fleishig (or Milchig) to Pareve. If one did Kasher from Fleishig to Pareve, and then at a later stage wants to now make it Milchig, he may do so. But one should not Kasher…It is OK to Kasher from Fleishig (or Milchig) to Pareve. If one did Kasher from Fleishig to Pareve, and then at a later stage wants to now make it Milchig, he may do so. But one should not Kasher from Fleishigs to Pareve while planning to later make it Milchig. See here at length. Sources: .ראה שו"ת מהרש"ם ח"ב סי' רמ"א מובא בדרכ"ת סי'…Show more
The issue of Anisakis isn’t a particularly Lubavitch issue as such, and although the Tzemach Tzedek dedicates some space to address the issue of fish infestation as discussed in the Gemara, I’m not aware of any inference one can… The issue of Anisakis isn’t a particularly Lubavitch issue as such, and although the Tzemach Tzedek dedicates some space to address the issue of fish infestation as discussed in the Gemara, I’m not aware of any inference one can have regarding the contemporary issue. As mentioned, this is primarily a Halachic issue with many Halachic arguments put forward to support both positions, and therefore a Lubavitch Rov might choose either position. Nonetheless, several Lubavitch Rabbonim have opined on the issue, most notably Horav Landau in Bnei Brak, who wrote to support the lenient position. Indeed, if one wishes…Show more
It is customary [and best] to burn the Hosha’anos with the Chametz. It is however permissible to throw it out in the garbage in a separate bag. Sources: .ראה שו"ע אדה"ז סי' תמ"ה סעי' י"ב, סי' כ"א…
One may interrupt for any pressing Mitzvah matter. Certainly one may - and must - answer אמן ,נקדישך and/or ברכו. One should not interrupt to talk during any learning or Davening, unless it is absolutely critical. Sources: באמצע תפלה: ראה בתר״י ברכות יא, א שאין להפסיק…
All of the Halachos and matters of caution regarding Tznius between opposite genders apply to cousins as well. Certainly one should be careful with touching and Yichud scenarios. Unnecessary lengthy conversations whether in person, over the phone or texting,… All of the Halachos and matters of caution regarding Tznius between opposite genders apply to cousins as well. Certainly one should be careful with touching and Yichud scenarios. Unnecessary lengthy conversations whether in person, over the phone or texting, between relatives, is inappropriate and not tznius in nature. Obviously, extended family may greet each other and speak to each other in a way of Derech Eretz (basic respect and in a tznius fasion) but it should be limited and primarily in a public setting. Sources: See Pirkei Avos 1:5; Shulchan Aruch Even Haezer Chapter…Show more
The 12 step meetings of AA contain several problematic aspects. One should therefore seek other sources which are fitting with Halacha and Jewish Hashkafa. The 12 step program was invented by Christians. Although many of the programs do not… The 12 step meetings of AA contain several problematic aspects. One should therefore seek other sources which are fitting with Halacha and Jewish Hashkafa. The 12 step program was invented by Christians. Although many of the programs do not describe who they refer to when they say “G-d”, the foundation of it was based on belief in Avoda Zara. This can be compared to hearing a lecture on G-d from a priest without mentioning the name of their deity. Even if he will offer some great inspirational self help stories and tools, it is obvious that one should not…Show more
Question 1: May a husband take a trip without his wife during their first year of marriage? Answer: The Halachah is that during Shanah Rishonah (the first year of marriage) a married man may not serve in the… Question 1: May a husband take a trip without his wife during their first year of marriage? Answer: The Halachah is that during Shanah Rishonah (the first year of marriage) a married man may not serve in the army or be tasked (even financially) with the security of the city. Many Rishonim rule that leaving home for an extended period of time is also forbidden, and that is the view commonly followed. According to some Poskim, this is the case even if the wife grants permission. There are Poskim who are stringent and even prohibit taking a trip…Show more
It is permitted to wear it on Shabbos despite the electrical effects. One may also carry them outdoors in a place with no Eiruv, if attached to the individual's actual body. Sources: .מצד החשמל - ראה שו״ת מנחת אשר ח״א סל״ב…
It is during the day hours and the mother can come home at any time, is this considered Yichud? If yes, is there anything that can be done to avoid the Yichud problem? Answer: It is an issue… It is during the day hours and the mother can come home at any time, is this considered Yichud? If yes, is there anything that can be done to avoid the Yichud problem? Answer: It is an issue of Yichud. However, if the mother can come home at any moment, referred to as Yotze V'nichnas, then it is OK. Likewise, according to many Poskim, if others have the key and can come in unexpectedly, it is also OK. However, both of these Heterim have certain limitations - see in the link below. Another solution would be to have…Show more
Question: The Alter Rebbe writes in the Siddur “Lo Yafa Heim” about people that learn or say Tachanunim during Chazaras Hashatz, even if they listen to the end of each Brocho and answer Amen. Assuming this logic, when someone… Question: The Alter Rebbe writes in the Siddur “Lo Yafa Heim” about people that learn or say Tachanunim during Chazaras Hashatz, even if they listen to the end of each Brocho and answer Amen. Assuming this logic, when someone is behind the Minyan and holding in a place where he could (must) answer Amen to Chazaras Hashatz (like in Pesukei D'zimra), would he have to pause and listen to the Brochos to answer Amen? And why? Answer: Since the individual is not part of the Minyan — as he didn't Daven silent Shemone Esrei with the Minyan —…Show more
Yes, it is Minhag Chabad. See below for the sources. Sources: נרות ביהכ״נ - הובא בגמ׳ ברכות נג, א. ובכ״מ…
You may not invite them if they will be driving or paying for a ticket on the subway, unless they will be invited to stay by you (or nearby in a way that they will not have to travel… You may not invite them if they will be driving or paying for a ticket on the subway, unless they will be invited to stay by you (or nearby in a way that they will not have to travel by car) for the entire Shabbos. This is permitted only if you suggest that they sleep and eat there the rest of the Shabbos meals as well, even though you know that they will refuse. This is what is accepted by Rabbonim and Shluchim. Of course, this is all only if inviting them with the intention of being mekarev them…Show more
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