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Question: I put a hot metal bowl on a clean table covered by the plastic table cover in a country house rented from a non-Jew. Afterwards I also put the cutting board under that bowel. The bowel had hot… Question: I put a hot metal bowl on a clean table covered by the plastic table cover in a country house rented from a non-Jew. Afterwards I also put the cutting board under that bowel. The bowel had hot dogs in it which were transferred there straight from the grill. What is the status of the bowl and cutting board? Answer: If the outside of the bowl was not wet, then the hot dogs, the bowl, and the cutting board are all kosher. Sources: .ע"פ שו"ע יו"ד סי' צ"ב סעי' ח' וסי' צ"ג…Show more
Question: Do we count the weeks (16 weeks) or from the date on the calendar? For example from Daled Sivan to Daled Tishrei or from Wednesday to Wednesday? Answer: Count 121 days. Sources: .ע"פ שו"ת צ"צ אבה"ע סי' שט"ז אות י"א …
Question 1: I know that there is a problem with the Bracha Acharona for granola bars and so I have been careful not to eat them unless it's "Bsoich Seudah". I was wondering if the same problem… Question 1: I know that there is a problem with the Bracha Acharona for granola bars and so I have been careful not to eat them unless it's "Bsoich Seudah". I was wondering if the same problem applies with store bought or homemade Granola (like that people put in yogurt...)? Answer: Same issues apply to granola, not in a bar. In fact, granola bars might be less of an issue, though in practice most commercially available bars have the same issue. One solution is to eat less than a Kezayis every 4 minutes. Question 2:…Show more
Question: We purchased our house several years ago. Our backyard came with two trees. It seems as if one is a cherry tree and one is a pear tree. (They are both bitter and not quite edible) We would… Question: We purchased our house several years ago. Our backyard came with two trees. It seems as if one is a cherry tree and one is a pear tree. (They are both bitter and not quite edible) We would like to use that area to extend the house for living and household space. Is it permitted to remove these trees? Answer: Being that this is a complex Halachic question involving a Sakana from Rebbi Yehuda Hachasid, you should ask 3 Rabbonim whether they agree that it is permitted to be done. If they agree, then sell the tree…Show more
.בנוגע ל"קרים טשיז" עם דג ("לאקס") - מותר מקורות: ראה ב"י יו"ד סי' פ"ז ד"ה דגים, ש"ך שם…
Make Havdala immediately (you are not allowed to eat until you have made Havdala). Start from Hineh as usual. Besamim and the Havdala candle are not used at all. Sources: .עיין אדה״ז סימן רצט סעיף ח מנהגנו לומר הנה…
Question: What is the Halacha regarding saying Asher Kedishanu and Birkas Hamazon. My kids don’t like to eat Challah, and I’m wondering if they don’t eat the shiur, do I teach them to not say Asher Kedishanu, and not… Question: What is the Halacha regarding saying Asher Kedishanu and Birkas Hamazon. My kids don’t like to eat Challah, and I’m wondering if they don’t eat the shiur, do I teach them to not say Asher Kedishanu, and not to Bentch?... What about Bentching for the rest of the meal they ate? Do they say Borei Nefashos? Another idea I have is to bake the Challah with chocolate on it. Would it still be Hamotzie, if it’s a regular Challah dough recipe, but it has chocolate around each piece of the braid. Does it affect the Bracha how much…Show more
Continued: A college age young woman who is becoming more observant began lighting two Shabbos candles a number of years ago. She now learned she should only light one. Should she stop lighting two because she began with two… Continued: A college age young woman who is becoming more observant began lighting two Shabbos candles a number of years ago. She now learned she should only light one. Should she stop lighting two because she began with two thinking that was correct, or should she continue lightning two so she won't be going down in holy things? Answer: The young woman should continue to light the same amount of candles she has lit all this time. Sources: Generally, one should light two wicks corresponding to the…Show more
Question: What is the Halacha regarding adding mayonnaise on Shabbos to grated eggs to make egg salad or to the yolks to make deviled eggs? Answer: One may not make a paste or thick batter on Shabbos for… Question: What is the Halacha regarding adding mayonnaise on Shabbos to grated eggs to make egg salad or to the yolks to make deviled eggs? Answer: One may not make a paste or thick batter on Shabbos for it falls under the Melachah of Losh (kneading). Even a thin batter is only permitted when incorporating a Shinui, in a special manner. There are those who have a long standing custom of making egg salad on Shabbos (with oil). Various explanations have been offered as a Limmud Zechus to justify this custom which seems to go against basic Halacha.…Show more
Renovations may not be done on Chol Hamoed even through a non-Jewish contractor. However, in a location where it is well known that building work in this locale is generally done with a contractor and the workers are hired… Renovations may not be done on Chol Hamoed even through a non-Jewish contractor. However, in a location where it is well known that building 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 the contractor is contracted and the owner has no involvement- and they are all non-Jewish and you don't instruct them to work on Chol Hamoed. Sources: שו”ע תקמג, ב. ובחוה״מ יש לחשוש גם לבנ״י שיבואו…Show more
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… 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…
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