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A man should not sleep alone at night in a house; according to many Poskim, this also applies to sleeping alone in a room, even if there are other people in the house. One of the reasons given for not…A man should not sleep alone at night in a house; according to many Poskim, this also applies to sleeping alone in a room, even if there are other people in the house. One of the reasons given for not sleeping alone is that it’s considered dangerous, and that the Satan takes the opportunity in such a case to emphasize a person’s shortcomings as an act of Heavenly prosecution. If the door of the room remains open or, according to some, even unlocked, it’s not considered being alone. There are various solutions which are suggested as a means of sidestepping…Show more
Question: Sometimes by Shluchim on Rosh Hashana or Yom Kippur when Chazoras Hashatz is really long, they tell the Chazzan to read it quietly while he gives a speech, and the Chazzan just says the end of the Brachah… Question: Sometimes by Shluchim on Rosh Hashana or Yom Kippur when Chazoras Hashatz is really long, they tell the Chazzan to read it quietly while he gives a speech, and the Chazzan just says the end of the Brachah aloud. It that considered a Brachah Levatalah? Answer: In Chazars Hashatz of (Shachris and Mussaf of) Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur there are two parts, the Tefilah and the Piyutim/Slichos. During the Tefilah, the Chazzan must say it out aloud and the Tzibbur must listen. However, during the Piyutim/Slichos etc. the Tzibbur is supposed to be saying along,…Show more
Question: I bought a suit for my Bar Mitzvah Bachur in a store in Crown Heights. The suit is 65% polyester, 35% rayon. Does it need to be checked for Shatnez? Answer: Many times, there is a problem… Question: I bought a suit for my Bar Mitzvah Bachur in a store in Crown Heights. The suit is 65% polyester, 35% rayon. Does it need to be checked for Shatnez? Answer: Many times, there is a problem of Shatnez in polyester and rayon suits as well, in the stitching and stuffing. Although there are lenient views that would allow you to rely on the batch testing (that many Jewish stores do - you would have to ask to ask to confirm), stories have shown that in some cases there are concerns of Shatnez even when the few…Show more
When Davening it is appropriate to use a Siddur. Besides for the Kedusha that the Siddur has, which the phone does not, the phone is likely to generate unwanted disturbances which are not appropriate during Davening (messages, etc). Chazal… When Davening it is appropriate to use a Siddur. Besides for the Kedusha that the Siddur has, which the phone does not, the phone is likely to generate unwanted disturbances which are not appropriate during Davening (messages, etc). Chazal tell us that one must clear his thoughts from all worldly dealings before Davening to Hashem - this is definitely not enhanced by Davening with a phone, especially if the other apps are not switched off and the phone isn't on airplane mode. Another issue is the Issur to hold expensive items while Davening, as the concern that it might…Show more
Question: My husband is from Eretz Yisroel where they sift flour all the time. We have been doing that here in NY as well. It is impossible to sift the whole wheat flour which we like to use. The… Question: My husband is from Eretz Yisroel where they sift flour all the time. We have been doing that here in NY as well. It is impossible to sift the whole wheat flour which we like to use. The pre-sifted ones with Badatz Hechsher are quite expensive (double the price). Is it really necessary to sift? Could we use regular unsifted whole wheat flour? Answer: In the USA there are special methods used in processing flour to ensure that it remains bug-free until use. Nonetheless, it is recommended to sift all flour in a 70 mesh sieve, particularly…Show more
Question: I've been sifting for a few months and haven't found anything. Is there ever a point when I can stop sifting? Answer: It is hard to know without doing a thorough analysis of the frequency of infestation… Question: I've been sifting for a few months and haven't found anything. Is there ever a point when I can stop sifting? Answer: It is hard to know without doing a thorough analysis of the frequency of infestation in your place. Nonetheless, it is still a good idea to continue to sift. At the very least, it is recommended to buy triple sifted flour and store it in the freezer. See here for a similar question: https://asktherav.com/1669-could-we-use-regular-unsifted-whole-wheat-flour/ #1907Show more
Both days L'chumra. However, you should ascertain the exact time of birth so that there be no doubts. When most of the head emerges, is the time of birth according to Halacha. Also, if it’s immediately after Shkiah, it might…Both days L'chumra. However, you should ascertain the exact time of birth so that there be no doubts. When most of the head emerges, is the time of birth according to Halacha. Also, if it’s immediately after Shkiah, it might still be considered day. The Shkiah in many calendars usually refers to sea level sunset. Additionally, the Alter Rebbe mentions the fact that Shkiah Ha’amitis is a few minutes later. Sources: מפי השמועה - ראה התקשרות גל׳ תשעא. ולהעיר מדוגמתו…Show more
A female driver is preferred. If this is difficult or unpractical, it should be done during daytime hours or at least when the streets are still busy. However, you should ensure that you put boundaries and fences to avoid… A female driver is preferred. If this is difficult or unpractical, it should be done during daytime hours or at least when the streets are still busy. However, you should ensure that you put boundaries and fences to avoid improper situations. Regarding the touching that can mistakenly happen, if it happens accidentally and not intentionally - it’s OK. Sources: ראה גם שיחת ש״פ נח תנש״א - בספר השיחות.…Show more
I thought that there is a potential concern of a D'oraisa of cooking meat and milk together. I used to work in the kosher kitchen of the Shoprite, but new management wants all the staff to be retrained using their…I thought that there is a potential concern of a D'oraisa of cooking meat and milk together. I used to work in the kosher kitchen of the Shoprite, but new management wants all the staff to be retrained using their non-kosher kitchen. Answer: 1) One may learn cooking in a non-kosher kitchen, as long there is no concern of other Jews seeing him there who might think that the kitchen is kosher and that they may eat there. 2) The employee may cook non-kosher food, with the following conditions: A. He doesn't cook milk and meat. Not even milk in…Show more
You do not need to Toivel a metal sink strainer. Sources: צריך להיות כלי סעודה - ראה שו"ע יו"ד סימן…
Question: I usually eat candies and drinks with an OU on it. I wanted to know if it is OK to also eat gushers, a product which includes in it 'white grape juice concentrate'. Is there something we are… Question: I usually eat candies and drinks with an OU on it. I wanted to know if it is OK to also eat gushers, a product which includes in it 'white grape juice concentrate'. Is there something we are more careful with, as Lubavitchers, regarding Stam Yeinom, that others (and other Hashgochas) are not? Answer: There is no reason to be concerned about Stam Yeinom in this case. However, there is a non-Halachic Chumra of Reiyas Nochri that many Hechsherim are not concerned with, as it has no Halachic source. Many Chassidim are particular about this, often just…Show more
You can light at the Chassunah Seudah for Pirsumei Nisa. You would say the Brochos just as you would when you light in a Shul, Beis Hamedrish, and public Menorah lightings. However, you are not Yotzei the Mitzvah with this.…You can light at the Chassunah Seudah for Pirsumei Nisa. You would say the Brochos just as you would when you light in a Shul, Beis Hamedrish, and public Menorah lightings. However, you are not Yotzei the Mitzvah with this. To fulfill the Mitzvah you would have to light at your house.Show more
Mezonos cereals produced of risen batter from the Chameishas Minei Dagan (the five types of grain, i.e., wheat, barley, rye, oats and spelt) are considered Pas (bread product) by many Poskim, since the process resembles the production of bread.… Mezonos cereals produced of risen batter from the Chameishas Minei Dagan (the five types of grain, i.e., wheat, barley, rye, oats and spelt) are considered Pas (bread product) by many Poskim, since the process resembles the production of bread. These cereals are therefore subject to the Issur D’Rabbanan (Rabbinic prohibition) of Pas Goyim (bread of non-Jews), colloquially called Pas Akum. What are these restrictions? Is it homemade or pre-packaged bread? The Issur of Pas Akum forbids a Jew to partake of bread baked by a non-Jew in a private setting. However, Pas Palter (commercially-produced bread) is not prohibited,…Show more
Usually not. In the unusual case where there are not enough people to be mesameach the Chosson and Kallah, as the expected norm, and it is certain that the Chosson/Kallah will indeed be made happy as a result, one… Usually not. In the unusual case where there are not enough people to be mesameach the Chosson and Kallah, as the expected norm, and it is certain that the Chosson/Kallah will indeed be made happy as a result, one may use Masser money towards travel expenses. Nonetheless, one should still seek out to do this Mitzvah locally, where Tzedakah will not suffer from the expenditure. Likewise, one should attempt traveling through cheaper methods of travel, such as car, train, etc. In the event where this isn’t possible, or even if possible, but one would otherwise not go, then one…Show more
Do I make a Brachah when putting up a Mezuzah on a public property, like a school building? or a store? No. Read on for more details. Article: Mezuzos in Offices and Schools An office requires a mezuzah… Do I make a Brachah when putting up a Mezuzah on a public property, like a school building? or a store? No. Read on for more details. Article: Mezuzos in Offices and Schools An office requires a mezuzah, which should be affixed without a brachah. The law of arvus (our responsibility to see to it that other Jews perform mitzvos) dictates that if the boss is Jewish we should encourage him to put up mezuzos on all the doorways throughout the office. However, if he chooses not to, we should at least affix a mezuzah…Show more
Is the problem drumming on the table or is even banging on the table to a Niggun an issue? Answer: In Shulchan Aruch it says that one may not drum, clap, or dance on Shabbos in a musical… Is the problem drumming on the table or is even banging on the table to a Niggun an issue? Answer: In Shulchan Aruch it says that one may not drum, clap, or dance on Shabbos in a musical context. (It is actually a Mishna in Mesechta Baiya Perek 5 Mishna 2). Part of the reason that we have the custom to be lenient with clapping or dancing while singing etc. is because the clapping is a part of Simcha Shel Mitzvah (as mentioned in the Magen Avraham). The same Heter exists in theory with drumming or banging…Show more
The name Sahar - סהר is a relatively new name. As you mentioned, it refers to the moon which is also referred to as סהר. See Shir Hashirim (7:3), and also in the Metzudos Dovid and Metzudos Tzion. Although some…The name Sahar - סהר is a relatively new name. As you mentioned, it refers to the moon which is also referred to as סהר. See Shir Hashirim (7:3), and also in the Metzudos Dovid and Metzudos Tzion. Although some suggest that it is not advisable to choose new names which only "sound nice", certainly after a Hebrew name was already given one should not try to revoke it or change it. The Rebbe quotes from the Ariza"l (Sefer Hagilgulim in the introduction) that a name that the parents gave to their child is in essence arranged by Hashem, so…Show more
Your son should do a Pidyon Haben, but without a Bracha. Sources: שו״ע יו״ד שה, יח. והנה כשאין האב נמצא, ראה…
Yes. Most certainly. #1890
The hotel can't send someone around to collect the luggage, but they will give us a room to place it in. Are we allowed to put our Muktzeh items in our suitcase before Shabbos, and then Shabbos morning close… The hotel can't send someone around to collect the luggage, but they will give us a room to place it in. Are we allowed to put our Muktzeh items in our suitcase before Shabbos, and then Shabbos morning close it up and bring it to that luggage room, since their suitcase is also holding non-Muktzah items? Answer: You may carry the suitcase if the non-Muktzeh items inside are more important than the Muktzeh items. In principle, one would have to first shake out the Muktzeh items before carrying the suitcase, but in this case specifically this isn’t required.…Show more
Money (coins/bills) make the Talis bag Muktzeh. If you want to move the bag, you need to shake the bag so the money will drop out. After the money drops out, if there is only a Talis in the… Money (coins/bills) make the Talis bag Muktzeh. If you want to move the bag, you need to shake the bag so the money will drop out. After the money drops out, if there is only a Talis in the bag, the bag isn't Muktzeh anymore. If there is also Tefillin in the bag, you may move the bag if you need the place or to use the bag (for example: if the bag is on a chair you want to sit on, you may move the bag). It is important to note that if at the beginning of Shabbos…Show more
If you actually hear every word, even if it is quick, you are certainly Yotzei. Additionally, it is debatable if one is Halachically obligated to hear every word of Krias Hatorah. Nonetheless, it should be noted that the Frierdiker… If you actually hear every word, even if it is quick, you are certainly Yotzei. Additionally, it is debatable if one is Halachically obligated to hear every word of Krias Hatorah. Nonetheless, it should be noted that the Frierdiker Rebbe (ספר המאמרים קונטרסים ח"ב ע' 790) has very sharp words regarding saying/hearing every word of Kriah properly. He mentions there that listening to Krias Hatorah carefully affects one’s children, health and livelihood. Therefore, it is suggested to attend a Minyan where you can follow along in a Chumash and hear every word properly. #1857Show more
It is forbidden to eat or drink anything between washing the hands and eating the Challah. Sources: שו"ע אדה"ז סימן רעא סעיף כג. קצות השלחן סימן…
If I give a Chomesh, is it better I give only 10% and then be able to give more Tzedakah? Answer: Tzedaka and Maaser are different, although interconnected: Tzedaka - is to give to poor people; essentially it… If I give a Chomesh, is it better I give only 10% and then be able to give more Tzedakah? Answer: Tzedaka and Maaser are different, although interconnected: Tzedaka - is to give to poor people; essentially it has no limit (although that depends on various factors), and every time they ask you are obligated to give. Tzedaka is a Mitzvah Min Hatorah. Maaser - may be given towards other Mitzvos as well; it is a set amount, and there is a Machlokes whether it is Min Hatorah, Mederabanan, or a Minhag which was accepted and obligates us…Show more
Question: Someone got possession of a church's furniture and donated the tables and chairs to a Shul. The Shul does not know where it came from. Someone who knows the source of the furniture is asking if it's OK… Question: Someone got possession of a church's furniture and donated the tables and chairs to a Shul. The Shul does not know where it came from. Someone who knows the source of the furniture is asking if it's OK for the Shul to use it, or does he have to tell them where it's from? Answer: There is no need to notify the Shul. Sources: ראה פמ״ג קנד במ״ז סק״ח שהביא דברי המג״א קנג,…Show more
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