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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 וכדומה #1329Show 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
It is best to avoid school preparation even for Limudei Kodesh if it is arduous work. Arduous work is only to be allowed when there is a need for the Chag itself, or דבר האבד. Since it can be done…It is best to avoid school preparation even for Limudei Kodesh if it is arduous work. Arduous work is only to be allowed when there is a need for the Chag itself, or דבר האבד. Since it can be done after the Chag, it would be preferred. See the Mishna Berurah 530:1 towards the end in the name of the Yerushalmi that the purpose of Chol Hamoed is to learn Torah, so if this work is like "learning Torah" more than "arduous work" there would be room to be lenient. Similarly, if your work involves your creativity, there is room…Show more
Even if one is accustomed to cutting their nails every Erev Shabbos and Erev Yom Tov, they may not cut their nails on Erev Shabbos Chol Hamoed or on Hoshana Rabbah which is Erev Yom tov (Shmini Atzeres), unless… Even if one is accustomed to cutting their nails every Erev Shabbos and Erev Yom Tov, they may not cut their nails on Erev Shabbos Chol Hamoed or on Hoshana Rabbah which is Erev Yom tov (Shmini Atzeres), unless using their hands or teeth. If they have cut their nails this Erev Yom Tov, or if there was nothing to cut on Erev Yom Tov and they grew over Chol Hamoed, they may cut normally on Erev Shabbos Chol Hamoed or on Hoshana Rabbah. If the nail is causing pain, one may be lenient. If one was planning to…Show more
One should refrain from eating fish with milk since there is a danger involved. It is proper to also refrain also from eating cheese with fish, at least when cooked. This applies only to hard cheese. Same applies with… One should refrain from eating fish with milk since there is a danger involved. It is proper to also refrain also from eating cheese with fish, at least when cooked. This applies only to hard cheese. Same applies with parmesan cheese. The Tzemach Tzedek holds that if one adds butter or sour cream to the mixture there is no concern. One can serve the fish and milk on the same table. Sources: ראה ב"י יו"ד סי' פ"ז ד"ה דגים, ש"ך שם…Show more
From Chol Hamoed onward it may be used even for the Mitzvah, and with a Brachah. Sources: .שו״ע אדה״ז תרמה, יא. תרמט, יט #1325…
There is no issue of Bishul (or Pas) Akum applicable here because the oats are not fit for a kings table. They also need more cooking to make them edible or at least to improve them. When you put hot…There is no issue of Bishul (or Pas) Akum applicable here because the oats are not fit for a kings table. They also need more cooking to make them edible or at least to improve them. When you put hot water on them, it is fine. Sources: .אבקת רוכל ל. שו״ת נחלת שבעה עא. חת״ס קיב,…Show more
If someone goes to sleep after Alos Hashachar, should they wash Negel Vasser by the bed? Answer: One who naps in the evening and wakes up before Chatzos needs to wash Negel Vasser by the bed. After one… If someone goes to sleep after Alos Hashachar, should they wash Negel Vasser by the bed? Answer: One who naps in the evening and wakes up before Chatzos needs to wash Negel Vasser by the bed. After one sleeps, whether by day or night, they must wash their hands when waking up. However, if sleeping by day, it does not have to be by their bed. Sources: עפ"י סדור רבינו. וראה כאן: https://asktherav.com/article-623-must-i-wash-negel-vasser-after-a-nap/ #1313…Show more
Question: I went away for Sukkos and planned on bringing enough clothes to last the whole Yom Tov and upon arrival realized that I only brought 2 shirts and forgot the others. Is there room to be lenient and… Question: I went away for Sukkos and planned on bringing enough clothes to last the whole Yom Tov and upon arrival realized that I only brought 2 shirts and forgot the others. Is there room to be lenient and wash them on Chol Hamoed? Do I need to just wear the same shirt for 3-4 days, or maybe buy new ones? Answer: If one has only one shirt, he may wash it Chol Hamoed. Although some Poskim maintain this Heter doesn't apply nowadays, one may rely on the lenient position, which is the mainstream Halacha. If one has…Show more
One is allowed to sweep a tiled or cemented floor house, however, one may not sweep earthen floors. Likewise, one may not sweep a Sukkah which has an earthen floor. Although Chazal decreed against covered floors due to the… One is allowed to sweep a tiled or cemented floor house, however, one may not sweep earthen floors. Likewise, one may not sweep a Sukkah which has an earthen floor. Although Chazal decreed against covered floors due to the concern that people will sweep earthen floors, this does not apply nowadays where most homes are floored. It still applies to outdoor areas, such as a courtyard or in the backyard, but the Sukkah is considered an indoor area. However, one may have a non-Jew sweep an outdoor floor in all situations. One may only use a broom that does…Show more
Work on items attached or being attached to a building may not be done on Chol Hamoed even through a non-Jewish contractor. However, in a location where it is well known that such work in this locale is generally… Work on items attached or being attached to a building may not be done on Chol Hamoed even through a non-Jewish contractor. However, in a location where it is well known that such work in this locale is generally done with a contractor and the workers are hired by the contractor without the owner having any involvement (this is the situation normally nowadays in most places), then it is permitted, provided that this is the case here too that and the contractor is contracted and not paid by the hour, and the owner has no involvement- and they are…Show more
One should not make Kiddush on a plastic or disposable cup. Kiddush should be made on a real cup. If there is no other cup available, one may make Kiddush on a plastic cup. Sources: אג"מ או"ח ח"ג סי' ל"ט (ויש המחלקים שכוונתו היתה…
I also have a fear of giving birth and someone recommended a book to help can I read that book on Shabbos? Answer: These books may be read on Shabbos, as it is for medical purposes. The same… I also have a fear of giving birth and someone recommended a book to help can I read that book on Shabbos? Answer: These books may be read on Shabbos, as it is for medical purposes. The same applies to the book to aid in giving birth. As a general rule, however, it really depends on the nature of the books: If these books are psychological by nature then it has the Halacha of books of wisdom. They may be read on Shabbos, however a G-d-fearing person would be stringent. If they are more of a practical matter,…Show more
Lechatchila, one should not do Kiddush Levana on Shabbos or Yom Tov unless it is the final opportunity. Sources: רמ״א תכו, ב. מג״א שם ז. ושם דשבת חמיר…
In addition to sitting in the Sukkah during Sukkos, there is a Mitzvah to actually build the Sukkah (see references in Likkutei Sichos vol. 17 pg 188 Ha'arah 56). This is not fulfilled through merely learning the Halachos.… In addition to sitting in the Sukkah during Sukkos, there is a Mitzvah to actually build the Sukkah (see references in Likkutei Sichos vol. 17 pg 188 Ha'arah 56). This is not fulfilled through merely learning the Halachos. One must physically build it. Nevertheless, we do find in many places (see Likkutei Sichos vol. 7 Sicha of Pesach Seif 3) about Mitzvos, that one who learns their Halachos it is as if he fulfilled it to a certain degree (again, this is only to a certain spiritual level, but does not substitute in any way the actual…Show more
.כדאי Sources: אף שנהגו בער״ה, ובמט״א תקפא סמ״ט מהשל״ה מס׳ יומא…
If you or the sender did not intend to have it specifically arrive on Shabbos, then you do not need to wait at all. If the package was intended to arrive on Shabbos, one would need to wait after… If you or the sender did not intend to have it specifically arrive on Shabbos, then you do not need to wait at all. If the package was intended to arrive on Shabbos, one would need to wait after Shabbos בכדי שיעשו -the amount of time it would take to do Melacha on Shabbos to send it. Sources: שו״ע או״ח סי׳ תקטו סעיף ח. מ״ב ס״ק סו.…Show more
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