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אסור משום אבק ריבית. יש כמה אפשרויות לעשות את זה באופן מותר, עיין במ"מ. מראה מקומות: שו"ע אדה"ז הלכות ריבית סעיף כ"ג בנוגע לכל…
The publication gave me the contact information and then I called them. My time is not paid for by them, since I am paid only for the published article. There are two questions that I have based on this: If…The publication gave me the contact information and then I called them. My time is not paid for by them, since I am paid only for the published article. There are two questions that I have based on this: If the publication publishes the article, can I use some of the parts from the interview done on their behalf to write a piece for another publication? If the publication does not publish the article, can I use the information I gathered on their behalf to write an article for another publication? Answer: Such a question is usually a mater of…Show more
The Alter Rebbe in Shulchan Aruch brings down that one should not drink water that was left overnight in metal. This is connected to spiritual "bad spirits" ("רוח רעה"). The common custom is not to be particular about drinking… The Alter Rebbe in Shulchan Aruch brings down that one should not drink water that was left overnight in metal. This is connected to spiritual "bad spirits" ("רוח רעה"). The common custom is not to be particular about drinking water from the faucet, which has been in metal tanks over night. There are many justifications for this custom (e.g. plugged in, heated water, different metal, L’kovod Shabbos, or that Hashem protects regardless) and they have what to rely on. Rumor has it that the Rebbe was not particular about drinking from a plugged in urn that had water over…Show more
Firstly, it is not our place to "correct" and edit any part of the Siddur. This Brocho specifically was composed by Rabban Gamliel in Yavneh with approval from all of the Sages of Israel (see Brachos 28b). Beyond the… Firstly, it is not our place to "correct" and edit any part of the Siddur. This Brocho specifically was composed by Rabban Gamliel in Yavneh with approval from all of the Sages of Israel (see Brachos 28b). Beyond the literal meaning of the Bracha, it also conveys a prayer for the times of Galus where the darkness is very strong, that is the Klipah and Sitra Achra. We ask and pray that the Klipas Nogah be subdued and the three levels of impurity should all be eradicated. This is their only Tikkun (fixing). Additionally, the hatred of evil is…Show more
After washing some of the parts of the machine I realized that I wanted the sandwich maker to be dairy, but I had already washed the parts in the Fleishig sink with a Fleishig sponge in hot water. In the…After washing some of the parts of the machine I realized that I wanted the sandwich maker to be dairy, but I had already washed the parts in the Fleishig sink with a Fleishig sponge in hot water. In the sink there was no dishes were Fleishig was cooked in them. The sponge that I used was used more than 4 days ago with Fleishig. Is it a problem to use those parts of the machine for dairy? Answer: The machine may be used for dairy without a problem.Show more
It is OK to participate in a tour of an ancient non-Jewish cemetery. Upon seeing a non-Jewish burial site, one recites the following Passuk (ירמי׳ נ, יב): בּ֤וֹשָׁה אִמְּכֶם֙ מְאֹ֔ד חָפְרָ֖ה יֽוֹלַדְתְּכֶ֑ם הִנֵּה֙ אַחֲרִ֣ית גּוֹיִ֔ם מִדְבָּ֖ר צִיָּ֥ה וַעֲרָבָֽה׃ One… It is OK to participate in a tour of an ancient non-Jewish cemetery. Upon seeing a non-Jewish burial site, one recites the following Passuk (ירמי׳ נ, יב): בּ֤וֹשָׁה אִמְּכֶם֙ מְאֹ֔ד חָפְרָ֖ה יֽוֹלַדְתְּכֶ֑ם הִנֵּה֙ אַחֲרִ֣ית גּוֹיִ֔ם מִדְבָּ֖ר צִיָּ֥ה וַעֲרָבָֽה׃ One should not go for enjoyment, but rather to bring about thoughts of Teshuvah. If there are crosses or other forms of Avoda Zarah, one should not go. There are those who are stringent based on Kabalah not to go to non-Jewish cemeteries. Sources: שו״ע או״ח רכד, יב. לוח ברכת הנהנין יב, יח.…Show more
According to Halacha, one must be cautious in Tznius even in the privacy of one’s own home or bedroom and even if there are no men around. The Alter Rebbe writes that even men should take off their socks… According to Halacha, one must be cautious in Tznius even in the privacy of one’s own home or bedroom and even if there are no men around. The Alter Rebbe writes that even men should take off their socks when going to sleep only under their blanket, so that the toes should remain covered at all times. While there are many upstanding men who are Makpid on Halacha but are not particular about this nowadays, and there are various Halachic arguments put forth to justify this practice (see the references in Hebrew below), it would be hard to permit…Show more
One may use dish soap without a Hechsher. However, it is recommended to use only one with a Hechsher. Regarding Pesach, see here: https://asktherav.com/7523-the-dish-soap-that-i-have-has-a-hechsher-it-doesnt-say-p-on-it-can-i-use-this-to-clean-my-dishes-on-pesach/ Sources: ע״פ דין יש להתיר, שטעמו פגום, ונפסל מאכילת אדם…
Raisins are often treated after production with oil, and/or glycerin which can come from non-Kosher sources. Also, in the process of drying, often fatty esters are used, creating a Kashrus concern, as to the source of the esters. Some… Raisins are often treated after production with oil, and/or glycerin which can come from non-Kosher sources. Also, in the process of drying, often fatty esters are used, creating a Kashrus concern, as to the source of the esters. Some say that non-golden unflavored raisins produced in the US are free of these concerns. Another serious issue is the infestation all too common in raisins. Some of the infestation can occur when drying in open fields with insects being attracted to the raisins. During prolonged storage too, there can be infestation. Even if oven dried, there is often infestation. Of…Show more
Question: I need to be at work before 8am. May I Daven before Netz or should I work out a different arrangement with my work? Answer: Davening before Netz is only allowed in a Sha'as Hadchak (for example… Question: I need to be at work before 8am. May I Daven before Netz or should I work out a different arrangement with my work? Answer: Davening before Netz is only allowed in a Sha'as Hadchak (for example an early morning flight - not something that happens on a daily basis), or if already done Bedieved one does not need to Daven again. If it is possible to be arranged with work to be able to Daven at a later time, that is definitely the preferred option. Sources: שוע״ר סי' פט סעי' א וט. ולהעיר מטור סוסי׳…Show more
הרבי העלה שאלה זו בהתוועדות והשאיר את זה בספק. גישה אחת היא לחכות עד אחרי חצות ואז לומר תחנון. מקורות: ראה שיחת פסח שני תשמ״ג. ובהנחה - תורת מנחם…
If you teach in a school teaching Torah and it is not part of your obligation to provide incentives, it is permitted to use Maaser money for this cause. One must ensure that the amount and price of incentives… If you teach in a school teaching Torah and it is not part of your obligation to provide incentives, it is permitted to use Maaser money for this cause. One must ensure that the amount and price of incentives and prizes are reasonable. Any leftovers stays as Maaser property. #1525Show more
Question: I do not control the heat. The heat is turned off and on in the whole building and since the thermostat is not on my apartment, it doesn't go on and off depending on the temperature by me.… Question: I do not control the heat. The heat is turned off and on in the whole building and since the thermostat is not on my apartment, it doesn't go on and off depending on the temperature by me. I can only open or close the radiator in my apartment which will allow the heat, which is already on and heating apartments below & on top of me, to flow (or to not flow) into the radiator that is in my apartment. Am I allowed to open and close the radiator knob in my apartment? Answer: On Shabbos,…Show more
My non-religious relative wants to name her baby after her grandmother. Her name in Portuguese was Pola and no one knows her Jewish name. In the Matzeiva it's Pola bas Shmuel. Is Pola a Jewish name? If she doesn't know…My non-religious relative wants to name her baby after her grandmother. Her name in Portuguese was Pola and no one knows her Jewish name. In the Matzeiva it's Pola bas Shmuel. Is Pola a Jewish name? If she doesn't know the Jewish name, can she give Pola? Answer: The name Pola is most likely not of a Jewish origin. I have not seen it brought in most Sifrei Sheimos Nashim, other than as a add-on and ending of another name (similar to Stein which is an ending for Goldstein, Bernstein etc.), or as a secular name. It is recommended your…Show more
You need to give Maaser only on the extra profit from selling the product. For example, if you bought it for $10 and then sold it for $11, giving you a $1 profit, then your Maaser would be 10 cents.…You need to give Maaser only on the extra profit from selling the product. For example, if you bought it for $10 and then sold it for $11, giving you a $1 profit, then your Maaser would be 10 cents. Sources: .שו"ע יו"ד סי' רמ"ט ס"א…Show more
You should go back to the last bracha you remember saying. Sources: לדעת רוה"פ חוזר להתפלל מהברכה שודאי אמר, מחמת ספק…
The Minhag is that all of the Minyanim do not say it. Although this Minhag is questionable in the situation where the entire city doesn’t join the celebrations, nonetheless, this is the Minhag. Sources: ראה אג״ק כ״ק כ״ק אדמו״ר מוהריי״צ ח״ו ע׳ עג…
Question: I was paying for some of my Yeshivah tuition from my own pocket. I recently heard that I might have been able to use Maaser to pay for my own Jewish education (since my parents weren't paying for… Question: I was paying for some of my Yeshivah tuition from my own pocket. I recently heard that I might have been able to use Maaser to pay for my own Jewish education (since my parents weren't paying for it). Can I count the payments that I made as Maaser retroactively? Answer: Payments that were made cannot be considered Maaser if they were made from non-Maaser money. As to using Maaser for personal education — this is highly debatable. A solution would be to arrange that the tuition is free, but you're donating Maaser to the institution. Sources: מה שכבר שילם - פשוט. בנוגע לשכר לימודו -…Show more
The Chazan should bend his head and say ברכו את and pick up his head while saying Hashem's name, and then bend his head again at ברוך and then pick it up at Hashem's name. This was also the Rebbe’s…The Chazan should bend his head and say ברכו את and pick up his head while saying Hashem's name, and then bend his head again at ברוך and then pick it up at Hashem's name. This was also the Rebbe’s custom as Chazan. Sources: .ראה שער הכולל פרק ז' ס"ק א והמקורות שהובא…Show more
So we generally put on Tallis and Tefillin without a Bracha until Yishtabach. When should we say Barchi Nafshi and Mah Yakar? When do we do Atifas Yishmaelim? Answer: Put on the Tallis as always (the usual order- Barchi Nafshi,…So we generally put on Tallis and Tefillin without a Bracha until Yishtabach. When should we say Barchi Nafshi and Mah Yakar? When do we do Atifas Yishmaelim? Answer: Put on the Tallis as always (the usual order- Barchi Nafshi, Atifas Yshmael, and Ma Yakar) but without a Bracha. Ater Yishtabach you should feel around the Tzitzis and then make the Bracha. Sources: .בסידור לא הביא אדה״ז כלל שאפשר לברך מעלות .וגם…Show more
If the produce will be thoroughly blended, a detailed inspection is not necessary; however, it should still be washed and given a quick visual check beforehand. Question 2: Does the same apply to raspberries, which are known to… If the produce will be thoroughly blended, a detailed inspection is not necessary; however, it should still be washed and given a quick visual check beforehand. Question 2: Does the same apply to raspberries, which are known to be heavily infested? What about frozen raspberries? Answer 2: This leniency does not apply to fresh raspberries, as they are considered muchzak b’tolaim (commonly infested) and require proper checking. With frozen raspberries, however, one may rely on thorough washing and a general visual inspection before blending, as described above. Please see here: https://asktherav.com/article-540-why-arent-insects-batel-bshishim-does-grinding-the-infested-product-solve-the-problem/ #1484 Show more
If this is a public building, the Bachur may be on the same floor, since there are others who often come to that floor for pickup, drop-off, or other things. Of course, they should ensure to have proper fences in…If this is a public building, the Bachur may be on the same floor, since there are others who often come to that floor for pickup, drop-off, or other things. Of course, they should ensure to have proper fences in place to prevent unnecessary interaction. In a private home based playgroup, or home school, however, Bachurim shouldn't be teaching. There are also Halachic issues with women, married or single, running a private playgroup from home. See here for possible solutions. Show more
Question: I was run over by a car 7 years ago. B"H I am fine. Should I make a Seudas Hoda'ah? If so, what does that entail? Answer: One that is involved in a car accident or any… Question: I was run over by a car 7 years ago. B"H I am fine. Should I make a Seudas Hoda'ah? If so, what does that entail? Answer: One that is involved in a car accident or any other direct life-threatening situations and has miraculously been saved, has an obligation to thank Hashem after recovering totally. This is done by: • Hagomel: Saying the blessing of Hagomel by the reading of the Torah within the first few days after recovery [the common custom is that women do not recite this blessing, some write that they should come to…Show more
The soup was served hot in a fine bone Fleishig china and metal spoon. Accidentally half a teaspoon amount of butter on a plastic fork was placed in the liquid of the soup for a moment and removed right away.…The soup was served hot in a fine bone Fleishig china and metal spoon. Accidentally half a teaspoon amount of butter on a plastic fork was placed in the liquid of the soup for a moment and removed right away. Can expensive bowl and metal spoon be used going forward? Answer: The spoon must be kashered. Regarding the bowl (that is not able to be Kashered), you may be lenient and continue using it. Nonetheless, it would be best as an extra measure to do “Hagolo” on the china bowl 3 times to satisfy various stringent opinions. Sources: .באי אפשר בהגעלה ובמקום הפסד מרובה - יש להקל…Show more
Electric Keilim (utensils) are becoming increasingly prevalent, and the consensus among Poskim is that even they need to be Toiveled (immersed in a Mikvah). While many of these Keilim come with a warning that immersion in water will ruin… Electric Keilim (utensils) are becoming increasingly prevalent, and the consensus among Poskim is that even they need to be Toiveled (immersed in a Mikvah). While many of these Keilim come with a warning that immersion in water will ruin them, nonetheless the Mitzvah of Tevilas Keilim applies. Generally, if after Tevilah the Keili is dried very well and left to air dry for a couple of days before being used, it will function normally. However, there will probably be a problem with digital Keilim, such as some premium coffee machines which will be ruined if they are immersed…Show more
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