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Question: My cleaning help saw a bottle of non-Mevushal wine on my dining room table, but she did not touch it. Can it be used for Kiddush? Can it be used just as a drink? Answer: The wine… Question: My cleaning help saw a bottle of non-Mevushal wine on my dining room table, but she did not touch it. Can it be used for Kiddush? Can it be used just as a drink? Answer: The wine is permissible. Some have a stringency - not rooted in Halacha - not to use the wine for Kiddush or other Kos Shel Brocho. Many Chassidim practice this stringency. Others are particular not to use it at all. Below is a brief informative discussion on the general topic: Wine Touched by Non-Jews Wine which is not Mevushal, boiled, and…Show more
Am I as a Bochur allowed to hug/hold/touch my 3 year old niece? Despite a common misconception, there are strict Halachic guidelines regarding touching, hugging, and kissing relatives of the opposite gender. In fact, these Halachos are often… Am I as a Bochur allowed to hug/hold/touch my 3 year old niece? Despite a common misconception, there are strict Halachic guidelines regarding touching, hugging, and kissing relatives of the opposite gender. In fact, these Halachos are often more stringent because Libo Gas Ba, there is a higher degree of familiarity among family members. Of course, different Halachos pertain to spouses, parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren. However, an uncle may not touch in a loving, friendly manner, hug, or kiss his niece once she turns three. The same applies to an aunt and her nephew, as well…Show more
There is no Halachic issue whatsoever with doing so, nor is such a Kepeida or custom to be particularly cautious about this matter recorded in any of the Seforim which list a range of “superstitions” in the realm of Shemiras…There is no Halachic issue whatsoever with doing so, nor is such a Kepeida or custom to be particularly cautious about this matter recorded in any of the Seforim which list a range of “superstitions” in the realm of Shemiras Hanefesh. While there are Torah sources which mention to be cautious in matters that people consider worthy of caution, it applies to matters which are rooted in ancient Jewish tradition, but not to “beliefs” which are sourced in general folklore and have no Jewish basis. See also the references listed here in the מראי מקומות tab. Show more
Question: Is there any reason not to give my Maaser to people who stop me on the street asking for Tzedaka? Is it a problem that they may not be Jewish? Can I give Maaser to non-Jews who ask… Question: Is there any reason not to give my Maaser to people who stop me on the street asking for Tzedaka? Is it a problem that they may not be Jewish? Can I give Maaser to non-Jews who ask for money, in the subway let's say? Answer: One must give Tzedaka, even a minimal amount, to all people who stop and ask for Tzedaka. See here and here for the parameters of this obligation. If they are not Jewish, other Halachos apply, as indicated below. In an area where most passersby are Jewish, one should assume they are…Show more
Question: I'm teaching in a school to girls who struggle in many areas. What would you suggest as basic Tefillos that would be the minimum the girls should be trained to say? Answer: Each case should be… Question: I'm teaching in a school to girls who struggle in many areas. What would you suggest as basic Tefillos that would be the minimum the girls should be trained to say? Answer: Each case should be determined individually by the Mechaneches. However, as a general rule regarding women's Davening, the following is a guideline what they should minimally say: (The Mechaneches can subtract some parts from this list if she feels that the class is not ready for all these parts yet.) שחרית: ברכות-השחר, ברכות-התורה, פרשת התמיד, פסוק ראשון של שמע, ברכת אמת ויציב (עד…Show more
Question: On which side of the Mechitzah does a transgender man (i.e., someone who was born a woman but identifies herself as a man) sit? Answer: While there are different opinions among the Achronim about the status of… Question: On which side of the Mechitzah does a transgender man (i.e., someone who was born a woman but identifies herself as a man) sit? Answer: While there are different opinions among the Achronim about the status of a person who R"L goes through a transgender surgery, the consensus is that the individual retains their original status. Regarding where to sit, she should sit in the women’s section dressed as a woman. Even if she doesn't appear completely like a woman, it would be acceptable to sit there in this case. On the other hand, sitting in the…Show more
Yes. But the necklace has to be made before Shabbos. It may also be worn in a place where there’s no eiruv. Sources: עיין משנה שבת ס״ה וגמרא שם במטבע פרפרה עליו…
Question: What happens if somebody buys your (a Jew's) bank note that you owe the bank and that person is a Jew himself (an attorney collection firm). Now he is suing you and is demanding back and future interest… Question: What happens if somebody buys your (a Jew's) bank note that you owe the bank and that person is a Jew himself (an attorney collection firm). Now he is suing you and is demanding back and future interest on the note that he purchased. He’s obviously doing this in secular court. What happens if the court orders you to pay him? You are a Jew paying interest to another Jew and you are ordered by the court of law. Would Dina D'malchusah Dina not apply in this case since there is an Issur of the Torah? Would bankruptcy…Show more
Question 1: When reading Shnayim Mikra, what is the correct way to pronounce Hashem's name spelled with two Yuds? This question is especially applicable when the Possuk uses Shaim Elokim and Onkelos still writes it as two Yuds. For… Question 1: When reading Shnayim Mikra, what is the correct way to pronounce Hashem's name spelled with two Yuds? This question is especially applicable when the Possuk uses Shaim Elokim and Onkelos still writes it as two Yuds. For example, in the first Posuk of Bereishis the Targum writes it with two Yuds, even though it's Elokim (though interestingly when both names of Hashem appear one after the other - like in the beginning of the second Aliya of Bereishis - he does write Elokim). Answer: You should pronounce the Targum exactly as it is written. So for…Show more
There are several reasons for leniency with regard to canned vegetables, sardines, salmon or tuna: Firstly, many vegetables are edible raw, where the Issur of Bishul Akum doesn't apply. With regard to foods that are not edible raw, there… There are several reasons for leniency with regard to canned vegetables, sardines, salmon or tuna: Firstly, many vegetables are edible raw, where the Issur of Bishul Akum doesn't apply. With regard to foods that are not edible raw, there are those who argue that canned food isn’t Oleh Al Shulchan Melachim, fit to be served at a king’s table. Alternatively, it’s not common to invite people for a meal over canned food. See Rambam Maacholos Asuros 17:15. These arguments certainly hold true with some foods, such as sardines. But is highly questionable if it applies to other foods. See…Show more
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
Question: If one stays awake the entire night, would they still say the complete Seder of Krias Shema Al Hamita? At what time is it too late to say it? Answer: One who is up the entire night… Question: If one stays awake the entire night, would they still say the complete Seder of Krias Shema Al Hamita? At what time is it too late to say it? Answer: 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…Show more
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