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שאלה: ילמדנו רבינו, לתלמידי הישיבה היוצאים למבצע עשרת הדברות בחג השבועות, האם הם יכולים לשמוע את עשרת הדברות על תנאי כדי שמצד אחד יוכלו להשלים את המניין איפה שצריך ומצד שני היכן שאין מניין שלא יפסידו את המצוה? … שאלה: ילמדנו רבינו, לתלמידי הישיבה היוצאים למבצע עשרת הדברות בחג השבועות, האם הם יכולים לשמוע את עשרת הדברות על תנאי כדי שמצד אחד יוכלו להשלים את המניין איפה שצריך ומצד שני היכן שאין מניין שלא יפסידו את המצוה? מענה: אין הדבר פשוט כלל שאפשר להתנות בכגון דא. מקורות: כמה טעמים בדבר: 1) שאין חיוב על היחיד לצאת…Show more
Question: There is a local Chabad house in my area where I frequently go to be Chazzan and Baal Koreh, because the Mekuravim in the Chabad house enjoy my voice very much, and they urge the Shliach to bring… Question: There is a local Chabad house in my area where I frequently go to be Chazzan and Baal Koreh, because the Mekuravim in the Chabad house enjoy my voice very much, and they urge the Shliach to bring me for Shabbosim... The Shliach does Selichos (on Motzai Shabbos Selichos) every year prior to Chatzos, because he feels that if he would do Selichos after Chatzos very few people would show up. He told me that he contacted a Rov, and the Rov allowed him to do so. However, he wants me to be Chazzan for Selichos. So my…Show more
If she needs the help and can't afford it, it is a legitimate form of Tzedaka. Certainly Maaser money may be used. You should explore if there are cheaper options available, just as you would if you were using… If she needs the help and can't afford it, it is a legitimate form of Tzedaka. Certainly Maaser money may be used. You should explore if there are cheaper options available, just as you would if you were using personal non-Maaser money. #1062Show more
Question: When blowing the shofar during Elul, for the first set of 4: tekia, shevarim-teruah, tekia , do we blow shevarim-teruah on a single breath or two breaths? Answer: Halachically, it does not make a difference what we… Question: When blowing the shofar during Elul, for the first set of 4: tekia, shevarim-teruah, tekia , do we blow shevarim-teruah on a single breath or two breaths? Answer: Halachically, it does not make a difference what we do during Elul. Generally, where there is no particular custom one breath is preferred. Sources: ריטב"א ר״ה כו, ב ד"ה אמר לוי (לגבי מוצאי…Show more
The Bracha for applesauce is Ha'etz. However, if it’s pureed and has no recognizable pieces of fruit, such as commercial applesauce, there is a Machlokes as to its Bracha—and therefore the Halacha is that one should recite Shehakol. There is…The Bracha for applesauce is Ha'etz. However, if it’s pureed and has no recognizable pieces of fruit, such as commercial applesauce, there is a Machlokes as to its Bracha—and therefore the Halacha is that one should recite Shehakol. There is a tradition that the Rebbe Rayatz recited Ha'etz on applesauce. However, its not clear whether this was totally pureed or not. Likewise, in the Brachos guide reviewed by Rav Marlow A”H it says that applesauce is Ha'etz. To avoid any issue, it is recommended that one should recite Ha'etz on a piece of fruit first. Sources: רמ״א או״ח סי׳ רב סעי׳ ז. שו״ע אדה״ז שם…Show more
If there is any grease of the Fleishigs remaining on the walls of the oven, one may not eat the cookies with milk. Even if the oven was completely clean, one may not eat it L'chatchillah with milk, unless… If there is any grease of the Fleishigs remaining on the walls of the oven, one may not eat the cookies with milk. Even if the oven was completely clean, one may not eat it L'chatchillah with milk, unless the chicken was completely covered when cooking. If it was, however, already mixed with milk it may be eaten in both scenarios. One may have milk before or after. See here: https://asktherav.com/article-622-may-i-bake-a-cake-in-a-fleishig-oven-and-then-eat-it-with-milk/ Sources: רמ״א יו״ד סי׳ צה סעיף ב ובנו״כ שם. ולהעיר…Show more
Question: When there is a Chuppah in front of 770 or in 770's Chotzer, if a Minyan is Davening Mincha at the same time as the Chuppah would they need to say Tachanun or not? Answer: It is… Question: When there is a Chuppah in front of 770 or in 770's Chotzer, if a Minyan is Davening Mincha at the same time as the Chuppah would they need to say Tachanun or not? Answer: It is hard to justify the Minhag not to say Tachanun when there is a Chuppah in the Shul’s Chotzer, since the Choson is not part of the Minyan, nor is he present. Moreover, the Chotzer—if at all—is associated with the Shul upstairs and shouldn't exempt those Davening in a different Shul downstairs. Nonetheless, one shouldn’t protest those who act otherwise. …Show more
L'chatchila one should not rely on 3 average size stars for Krias Shema at night, as we are not expert in this matter. Thus, one should wait a bit longer till the emergence of 3 small stars. This is… L'chatchila one should not rely on 3 average size stars for Krias Shema at night, as we are not expert in this matter. Thus, one should wait a bit longer till the emergence of 3 small stars. This is nowadays usually measured by how many degrees the sun is below the horizon. There are several apps, some specifically for Zmanim, which allow calculations for this purpose. This would be approx. 6.6 degrees. The amount in minutes varies according to season. I haven't checked it out, but it should be about 27-33 minutes after Shkiah. You can ascertain this through…Show more
Q. Must I wash bottles or dishes of breast milk with its own sponge? A. Mother's milk is considered Pareve. However, we give it the status of Milchig because of Maris Ayin (that people might not know that this… Q. Must I wash bottles or dishes of breast milk with its own sponge? A. Mother's milk is considered Pareve. However, we give it the status of Milchig because of Maris Ayin (that people might not know that this is breast milk and think that it’s regular milk). Therefore, ideally, you should wash pumps and dishes in Milchig or Pareve, but not with Fleishig. If it was washed by mistake in Fleishig, it is still Kosher. Q. I only have a fleishig dishwasher, can I put a breast milk bottle in it? A. Lechatchila you shouldn’t do…Show more
Is tuition considered Ma'aser? Meaning, can I take it from Ma'aser money? The Gemara says that your financial needs for the whole year is pre-determined, and you should therefore spend with care. But money paid for tuition is… Is tuition considered Ma'aser? Meaning, can I take it from Ma'aser money? The Gemara says that your financial needs for the whole year is pre-determined, and you should therefore spend with care. But money paid for tuition is not included in this total; this money comes from a separate account directly from Above. Practically speaking, however, it is halachically acceptable to use maaser money to pay tuition with the following strict conditions: If no other option seems available. For children who are above the age of Chinuch; according to many Poskim this includes ages six and up. The…Show more
Watches are generally not Muktzah. See more here: https://asktherav.com/2940-are-all-watches-permissible-to-be-worn-on-shabbos-are-they-muktzeh/ Regarding wearing a watch outside in a place with no Eruv, below is a brief discussion on the topic: When in a public domain where there is no Eiruv,… Watches are generally not Muktzah. See more here: https://asktherav.com/2940-are-all-watches-permissible-to-be-worn-on-shabbos-are-they-muktzeh/ Regarding wearing a watch outside in a place with no Eruv, below is a brief discussion on the topic: When in a public domain where there is no Eiruv, we may only ‘carry’ the clothing and jewelry we are wearing (though the Halachic parameters of wearing jewelry are complicated). Everything else is considered a Masa (load), and may not be carried due to the melachah of Hotza’ah (forbidden act of carrying) on Shabbos. Watches don’t assume the Halachic status of jewelry according to most opinions and may not be…Show more
Q. Which deodorant is OK for Shabbos, aerosol spray, or roll on? A. One may put on deodorant. However, it is recommended to use non-scented deodorant (best since it does not give off a good smell, rather just stops… Q. Which deodorant is OK for Shabbos, aerosol spray, or roll on? A. One may put on deodorant. However, it is recommended to use non-scented deodorant (best since it does not give off a good smell, rather just stops the sweating). If one only has scented deodorant available then he may use a regular spray deodorant. A bar of deodorant is forbidden to use on Shabbos. Some maintain one may not use spray deodorant, but most agree that it is permissible. Roll on deodorant (in liquid form, not gel) is permissible according to all. Just one point to add…Show more
Question: After Friday night and day Kiddush I see people drinking the cup of wine and then before giving it out to other people, they pour more wine from the bottle of wine into their cup and then give… Question: After Friday night and day Kiddush I see people drinking the cup of wine and then before giving it out to other people, they pour more wine from the bottle of wine into their cup and then give out (even if it's enough to give out before refilling the Kiddush cup). I am curious to know the Halacha on that (or maybe it's a Minhag). Answer: One should not give wine which has become Pagum, defected, through someone drinking from it first, to participants. Some maintain that if the participant drinks from the original Kiddush cup…Show more
Question: I bought a Sefer (with illustrations) for my class and copied part of the pictures into a workbook for the class's use... I also wanted to post this work on a website to make it available to all… Question: I bought a Sefer (with illustrations) for my class and copied part of the pictures into a workbook for the class's use... I also wanted to post this work on a website to make it available to all teachers. I contacted the publisher to ask permission and he said no (not even for pay). He said I can't even copy it for my own classroom use. Is he entitled to make these restrictions 1) for my classroom use 2) for publicity on the website (both not for money)? Answer: The concept of ownership over intellectual property is…Show more
On the right side upon entering the boiler room. Nonetheless, a Bracha should not be made. Sources: נחלקו בזה רבני אנ״ש, כמפורסם. ולדידי דוחק גדול לומר…
It is permissible to trap mice if they are a nuisance. It is recommended not to allow their extended suffering while in the trap, but to do something which will hasten their death. Sources: אף שלהרבה פוסקים יש איסור צער בעלי חיים גם…
Some kosher products, such as whipped cream, come in spray cans which bear a warning to consult a Rav before using it on Shabbos. One issue relevant to whipped cream may be creating a specialty shape on Shabbos, which… Some kosher products, such as whipped cream, come in spray cans which bear a warning to consult a Rav before using it on Shabbos. One issue relevant to whipped cream may be creating a specialty shape on Shabbos, which violates the melachah of boneh (construction). Even if one doesn’t create a specific shape, there remains the question of whether using a spray can on Shabbos is permissible—or does it violate the melachah of zoreh (winnowing – employing the force of the wind)? According to the consensus of poskim, this isn’t an issue due to the mechanics of the…Show more
If the purpose of the Shabbos party is to teach Torah, instill Torah values, and promote Torah and Mitzvos, like saying 12 Pesukim etc., and the nosh and prizes are important in achieving this goal, then one may use… If the purpose of the Shabbos party is to teach Torah, instill Torah values, and promote Torah and Mitzvos, like saying 12 Pesukim etc., and the nosh and prizes are important in achieving this goal, then one may use Ma'aser for them. One must ensure that the amount and price of the nosh and prizes are reasonable. Any leftovers stays as Ma'aser property. Source: Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 249:1). #1023Show more
Article: Negative Reviews on a “Rate your Sheitel” Forum Book reviews. Restaurant reviews. Hotel reviews. Product reviews. Even “Rabbonim” reviews. At what point do any of these one-or two-star ratings veer into the territory of lashon hara (slanderous talk)?… Article: Negative Reviews on a “Rate your Sheitel” Forum Book reviews. Restaurant reviews. Hotel reviews. Product reviews. Even “Rabbonim” reviews. At what point do any of these one-or two-star ratings veer into the territory of lashon hara (slanderous talk)? The Halachos prohibiting Lashon Hara allow reporting Lashon Hara L’toeles (with a purpose), i.e. passing on information to safeguard a third party. This exemption requires a number of preconditions, which must be accounted for when reviewing another’s business or product negatively. It’s the truth: The negative information must be verified for accuracy; no embellishment is permitted. It must also be…Show more
The prohibition of "a rasha borrows but does not repay" doesn’t apply to one who had all intention of paying but defaulted accidentally. Certainly, if one settles amicably with the lender, this doesn’t apply. An extra consideration applies with credit…The prohibition of "a rasha borrows but does not repay" doesn’t apply to one who had all intention of paying but defaulted accidentally. Certainly, if one settles amicably with the lender, this doesn’t apply. An extra consideration applies with credit card companies which take into account the possibility of defaulting and actually make their money that way. Regarding a non-Jewish company, while it’s important to pay debts, this particular passuk doesn't apply. Sources: ראה שו״ע אדה״ז הלואה ד. והנה, מש״כ אח״כ שבאנוס…Show more
Adar Rishon. But if possible should daven and say Kaddish Adar Sheni too. Sources: See Rama 568: 7. Kitzur SA 221:3. See also…
Continuation: אם הניחו גבינה על גבי הכיסוי מלמעלה והכיסוי חם שהיד סולדת בו, האם זה הופך את המים שבתוך המכשיר לחלביים? נ.ב. המתקן הזה עובד 24/7 וכל פעם שמוציאים ממנו מים נכנסים מיד מים קרים ומתחממים מהר, כך… Continuation: אם הניחו גבינה על גבי הכיסוי מלמעלה והכיסוי חם שהיד סולדת בו, האם זה הופך את המים שבתוך המכשיר לחלביים? נ.ב. המתקן הזה עובד 24/7 וכל פעם שמוציאים ממנו מים נכנסים מיד מים קרים ומתחממים מהר, כך שהמתקן לא שהה מעת לעת מאז שהניחו בו גבינה. לפי מה שהבנתי, מים במיחם נחשב כנ"ט בר נ"ט שנצלו שיש בזה מח' הפוסקים ורמ"א מתיר בדיעבד ורש"ל אוסר אפילו בדיעבד ובכלל בנדו"ד כשהניחו הגבינה מעל המכסה, המתקן היה בפעולה, ונ"ט בר נ"ט בשעת בישול יש אומרים שנחשב כטעם ראשון ואסור עם בשר אפילו בדיעבד. אבל בנדו"ד הרי הגבינה היה רק…Show more
This is a machlokes. According to most poskim, it would be hagofen and al hagefen. However, due to the doubt, in practice, one should say shehakol. Nonetheless, it’s best to add a large amount of… This is a machlokes. According to most poskim, it would be hagofen and al hagefen. However, due to the doubt, in practice, one should say shehakol. Nonetheless, it’s best to add a large amount of other liquids to avoid the shailah. The most difficult aspect is the final bracha, since borei nefashos cannot cover an Al Hagefen, especially that some poskim maintain that the bracha of maain shalosh, al hagfen, is doireisa, biblically mandated. See further below for some solutions. Question: What Bracha do you make on grape ices where the substance is…Show more
Question: Is the placenta considered a part of the person and therefore requires burial or can it just be thrown out in the garbage? Short Answer: No need to bury the placenta. Full Article: After delivering a… Question: Is the placenta considered a part of the person and therefore requires burial or can it just be thrown out in the garbage? Short Answer: No need to bury the placenta. Full Article: After delivering a baby, the question may be raised whether the placenta or the umbilical cord needs to be buried following the birth. There was an ancient custom to bury the placenta, and of course, this custom has roots in Halacha. However, the Alter Rebbe in Likkutei Torah discusses an example when a baby is born, where the shalya, the placenta, is…Show more
Continuation: This sexagenarian yid is a pensioner who wants the money to replace his broken air conditioning. However, I found out that they don't make their loans according to Jewish law, so I told the organization that I want to…Continuation: This sexagenarian yid is a pensioner who wants the money to replace his broken air conditioning. However, I found out that they don't make their loans according to Jewish law, so I told the organization that I want to retract my offer to be a guarantor. My reservations in particular are in regard to the kashrus of the witnesses (or if they will even have witnesses on the shtar) and the kashrus of the shtar. Does the prohibition of going to arkaos apply also to going before a secular Jewish organization that default to civil law and not to…Show more
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