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Question: There is a universal Nigun in the Nusach of Maariv of Yomim Noraim. It is often sung in middle of the Brocha between Boruch Ato Hashem and the Chasima of the Brocha. Is this a problem of Hefsek… Question: There is a universal Nigun in the Nusach of Maariv of Yomim Noraim. It is often sung in middle of the Brocha between Boruch Ato Hashem and the Chasima of the Brocha. Is this a problem of Hefsek for the Chazan? Answer: Singing during Davening, or even in middle of a Brocha, is not a Hefsek, as long as it is wordless, relevant and not overly lengthy. Indeed, this is the custom in Jewish communities when reciting Birchas Kohanim—and Poskim say that the Niggun is part of their Brocha. According to many Poskim, one may even sing…Show more
Question: What time or from when to when is the best time to do Kaporos in NYC this year (I know it says Ashmores Haboker but I want to tell my students what time to do it)? Answer:… Question: What time or from when to when is the best time to do Kaporos in NYC this year (I know it says Ashmores Haboker but I want to tell my students what time to do it)? Answer: Ashmores Haboker is the last Mishmorah of the night. The 12-night hours - from sunset to sunrise - are divided into three Mishmaros of 4 Halachic hours each. It is usually after 3 AM. Sources: .ראה ברכות ג, א. פירש״י בשלח יד, כד. שער…Show more
In practice, this question has no practical bearing, as Minhag Chabad is to make a very specific type of Shevarim, which we all do the same way and, in most instances, the same length too, as follows: too-oo-too oo-oo-too… In practice, this question has no practical bearing, as Minhag Chabad is to make a very specific type of Shevarim, which we all do the same way and, in most instances, the same length too, as follows: too-oo-too oo-oo-too oo-oo-too, plus an extra half shever. Whether this is less than three Trumitin or three is a matter of judgement. However, it appears that this method is some sort of compromise between the Shitos, although this point isn’t clear. Sources: בשו״ע אדה״ז תקצ, ה-ו: צריך להאריך בכל שבר לא…Show more
חייב לפקוד אשתו כשבא מן הדרך. וי״א אפילו בזמן וסתה. ואף שלהלכה אסור בשעת וסתה, מ״מ חובה זו - ובפרט כשיש ביטול מצות עונה - דוחה משנת חסידים שלא לשמש מטתו בליל ר״ה, וכמו בליל טבילה. וכל שכן כשיש… חייב לפקוד אשתו כשבא מן הדרך. וי״א אפילו בזמן וסתה. ואף שלהלכה אסור בשעת וסתה, מ״מ חובה זו - ובפרט כשיש ביטול מצות עונה - דוחה משנת חסידים שלא לשמש מטתו בליל ר״ה, וכמו בליל טבילה. וכל שכן כשיש מקום לחשש מכשול. מקורות: בכללות הענין דליל ר״ה - של״ה מס׳ ר״ה נר…Show more
In order to do Chazraras Hashatz, there need to be at least 6 people who Davened Shemoneh Esrei. If there weren't 6 people who Davened, then the Chazan should Daven his Shemoneh Esrei out loud so that all can… In order to do Chazraras Hashatz, there need to be at least 6 people who Davened Shemoneh Esrei. If there weren't 6 people who Davened, then the Chazan should Daven his Shemoneh Esrei out loud so that all can answer Kedushah. Even if it is just for the Chazan (he is the only one who didn't hear Kedushah) he can say Shemoneh Esrei out loud (but should finish after Hakel Hakadosh quietly. He should continue Elokai Netzor through Oseh Shalom). However, on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur - with the exception of Minchah on Rosh Hashanah when there are…Show more
Question: Some people have on their tablets copyrighted Seforim like Artscroll Shas etc. They get it from Otzar Hachachma. Is it permitted for me to get these Seforim from someone and use them? Answer: This is permitted provided… Question: Some people have on their tablets copyrighted Seforim like Artscroll Shas etc. They get it from Otzar Hachachma. Is it permitted for me to get these Seforim from someone and use them? Answer: This is permitted provided you receive permission from the copyright holder, or you own an Otzar hard drive. The reason is that in this case there is no loss of profits to the publisher, for it does not make sense to purchase a second time for a different usage of the same product. Sources: זכויות יוצרים - שו"ת צמח צדק חו"מ ע, ט.…Show more
Question: I don't have OCD but occasionally I feel that I wish to repeat some words or a part of Davening. Is that allowed or is it a Hefsek? Answer: Purposefully repeating words should be avoided for many… Question: I don't have OCD but occasionally I feel that I wish to repeat some words or a part of Davening. Is that allowed or is it a Hefsek? Answer: Purposefully repeating words should be avoided for many reasons. Among them: the amount of words in Davening is precise and repeating the words tampers with the number; it indicates as though what was said earlier was untrue or no good and needs to be fixed (דובר שקרים); it’s disrespectful to Hashem as though one is talking to a friend etc. Others argue that it might be appear as…Show more
Continued: I'm in a lot of pain and have been for a number of months in my back, foot, leg and hip, the pain is totally getting in the way of my every day life. The vitamin provides anti… Continued: I'm in a lot of pain and have been for a number of months in my back, foot, leg and hip, the pain is totally getting in the way of my every day life. The vitamin provides anti inflammatory benefits and is way more powerful than regular fish oils. The issue is that it contains green lipped muscle (a shell fish). Is there anyway to get permission to take it? Answer: If the Omega XL pills have no taste, then in your situation it would be permissible to take. If they have taste, they should either be…Show more
One should not make a hefsek (interruption) between Shemonah Esrei and Tachanun, and if one does his Tachanun is not fully accepted. However, one need not be concerned about a brief interchange of words. Once you finish Shemonah Esrei,… One should not make a hefsek (interruption) between Shemonah Esrei and Tachanun, and if one does his Tachanun is not fully accepted. However, one need not be concerned about a brief interchange of words. Once you finish Shemonah Esrei, you may pause to answer Kedushah, Kaddish, and any other Davar Shebikedushah, or answer any Amen that comes up. If you are in the middle of Tachanun and the Tzibur is saying the Yud Gimmel Midos, you may pause and say it with them. However, one should not pause in the middle of Tachanun to say Vayehi Binsoa or Aleinu…Show more
One should not be fully undressed שלא לצורך even in a locked restroom. However, one may get dressed in a bathroom, but it should be done בזריזות (in a quick way) without wasting any time there. The Alter Rebbe… One should not be fully undressed שלא לצורך even in a locked restroom. However, one may get dressed in a bathroom, but it should be done בזריזות (in a quick way) without wasting any time there. The Alter Rebbe (Mehadura Basra 2:2) adds that one should not be undressed needlessly אפילו לרגע אחד (even for one moment). It is also not proper to gaze at one’s milah when one is fully undressed even for a slight moment (see Shabbos 118b. Sanhardrin 92a according to some interpretations. Zohar Beshalach 66b. Shulchan Aruch Even Haezer 23:7 .נפש חי׳ חן ויגש קיא…Show more
The Brocha Reshona is Ha'adoma. The Brocha Achrona is Borei Nefoshos. Even though when eating rice, since there is a doubt regarding the Brocha, one should eat them in a Seuda (or make a Brocha on a piece of… The Brocha Reshona is Ha'adoma. The Brocha Achrona is Borei Nefoshos. Even though when eating rice, since there is a doubt regarding the Brocha, one should eat them in a Seuda (or make a Brocha on a piece of Mezonos and Ha'adoma), there is a distinction between rice cakes and rice, because rice cakes are not cooked but rather puffed and therefore they wouldn't be Mezonos (Seder Birkas Hanehnin 1:8). If you want to be Machmir, you can also make a Brocha Shehakol on another food - and have in mind to cover the rice cake. …Show more
If the blender was clean when you ground the seeds, you may use them for chicken. If you washed the blender with soap in between its last usage, you can assume that it was clean enough. Even if you… If the blender was clean when you ground the seeds, you may use them for chicken. If you washed the blender with soap in between its last usage, you can assume that it was clean enough. Even if you only rinsed it with water, if it was only used for milk which isn't greasy - not cheese - you may use the flax seeds to coat the chicken. Sources: Assuming the blender was not used for hot, the…Show more
Question: Is there any way to allow having a cleaning lady work in my house if I'm there alone? What if the window shades or door are open? Answer: It is an issue of Yichud. However, if your… Question: Is there any way to allow having a cleaning lady work in my house if I'm there alone? What if the window shades or door are open? Answer: It is an issue of Yichud. However, if your wife 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 Heteirim have certain limitations - see in the link below. Another solution would be to have the door to the street…Show more
If it’s customary in her family to buy birthday presents, or if you always buy her birthday presents, and this is an expected behavior, you may buy her a present. Sources: רמ״א או״ח תרצו, ו. יו״ד שפה, ג. ובכמה אופנים…
They should be toiveled without a Bracha. And see here: https://asktherav.com/2213-am-i-allowed-to-use-a-plastic-bottle-nipple-without-toiveling-it-and-then-not-reuse-it-even-if-its-meant-to-be-reused-im-makpid-on-toiveling-plastic/ Sources: ראה שו״ת אהל אברהם (שאג) כד (לגבי כלי עצם…
There are several issues with using a river for a Mikvah: 1. The river must not stem from rainwater, unless it’s stagnant - not flowing. Pipes through which water passes can also invalidate the water. Even if the river… There are several issues with using a river for a Mikvah: 1. The river must not stem from rainwater, unless it’s stagnant - not flowing. Pipes through which water passes can also invalidate the water. Even if the river originated from a spring, if often increases due to rainwater or melted snow. 2. Also, the water must be stomach-height so the entire body could be immersed at once; at the same time, it may not be too deep that people would be afraid to immerse there. 3. Additionally, it must be a safe place to Tovel. Aside for safety…Show more
If keeping kids in preschool is saving Jewish children from other non Jewish influences, one may keep the school open and it is encouraged to do so, even having kids write etc. As for the teachers, teaching involves no Melacha.…If keeping kids in preschool is saving Jewish children from other non Jewish influences, one may keep the school open and it is encouraged to do so, even having kids write etc. As for the teachers, teaching involves no Melacha. Therefore, they may go to school and even receive payment for their work. Moreover, it’s L'tzorech Mitzvah, Tzorechi Rabbim as well as a Davar Haaved. Sources: כן הכריעו אחרוני זמנינו - ראה הנסמן בס׳ חוה״מ…Show more
Question: Am I allowed to make a prune icy on Shabbos to help a 2-year old with bowel movement? The child would not drink the prune juice by itself. Answer: It is permitted to freeze ice cubes or… Question: Am I allowed to make a prune icy on Shabbos to help a 2-year old with bowel movement? The child would not drink the prune juice by itself. Answer: It is permitted to freeze ice cubes or ices on Shabbos when necessary, but it is recommended to do so before Shabbos wherever possible. You should only freeze the amount that you are going to use on Shabbos. Regarding taking prune juice (or ices) or other drinks on Shabbos to induce bowel movement, as a general rule, this should not be done on Shabbos unless in great pain…Show more
Separate Challah with a Bracha. However, it is recommended to add some water, even a little bit, to satisfy the opinions that require water. Sources: או״ז הל׳ חלה רכה. ר״ש סירליאו חלה ב, ב.…
למרות שמעיקר הדין נשים חייבות בברכת הגומל כגברים, המנהג למעשה שנשים לא מברכות הגומל. ניתן לכוון בברכת הגומל חסדים טובים בברכת השחר, או לשמוע ברכו בקריאת התורה. כדאי להפריש לצדקה. מקורות - ראה כאן: https://asktherav.com/brachos-after-birth-hatov-vhameytiv-shehecheyanu-hagomel/ #1108
Your Milchig spoon as well as your Fleishig cutlery is all fine. The sponge is fine too. Sources: רמ״א יו״ד צה, ג: וְאִם נִמְצָא קְעָרָה חוֹלֶבֶת בֵּין…
Maaser money may be used for buying Seforim if they are being used by the public. One must inscribe in the Seforim that they were bought from Maaser money. However, in most scenarios, this isn't practical nowadays, as Seforim… Maaser money may be used for buying Seforim if they are being used by the public. One must inscribe in the Seforim that they were bought from Maaser money. However, in most scenarios, this isn't practical nowadays, as Seforim are readily available and people don’t tend to borrow them regularly unless running a public library. Sources: ט"ז יו״ד רמט, א: וכתב בדרישה בשם תשו' מהר"ר…Show more
Yes. The custom does not apply to Kivrei Tzadikim. Sources: בכלל, שקו״ט במקור המנהג - ראה שו״ת מנח״י י,…
This isn’t an issue since they can each be removed without the other. Sources: .ראה רמ״א יו״ד ש, ד. ובנו״כ שם. שו״ת שבה״ל…
How long do we stay separated? Does it start from when the mucus plug comes out? Difference between boy and girl. Am I allowed to help her if no one is around? Answers: When does the Nidda status… How long do we stay separated? Does it start from when the mucus plug comes out? Difference between boy and girl. Am I allowed to help her if no one is around? Answers: When does the Nidda status begin? If any of the following take place: Having steady 5 minutes apart contractions. Can't walk unaided. Seeing blood. Ready to push etc. Water breaking is a concern only if accompanied with blood or steady contractions. The mucus plug coming out is a concern only if it’s tinged with blood. One should avoid being in room even when she isn't…Show more
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