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Is there a problem with using public skating rinks? The prohibition against mixed dancing, as well as its terrible repercussions, is well-known. Similarly, mixed swimming is absolutely forbidden according to halachah, and poskim have harsh words to say… Is there a problem with using public skating rinks? The prohibition against mixed dancing, as well as its terrible repercussions, is well-known. Similarly, mixed swimming is absolutely forbidden according to halachah, and poskim have harsh words to say regarding a man swimming among women, and vice versa. Likewise, exercising in a mixed crowd is unacceptable; separate hours for men and women are a must. The same is true for ice skating and rollerblading, which may not be done unless the venue has separate areas or hours for men and women. Again, poskim have very harsh words to…Show more
The common custom (at least when not leading the Davening) is to say in this order: Chof (when applicable) The Rebbe’s Kapitel Your age Yom [3 chapters (Elul etc.)] Sources: כמפורש בריש תהלים אהל יוסף יצחק. אג״ק אדמו״ר מהוריי״צ…
Using the baby wipes that are commonly available can present a serious problem of schitah, squeezing, on Shabbos. There are two permissible alternatives: Some baby wipes have a proper hechsher, permitting their use on Shabbos. They are made… Using the baby wipes that are commonly available can present a serious problem of schitah, squeezing, on Shabbos. There are two permissible alternatives: Some baby wipes have a proper hechsher, permitting their use on Shabbos. They are made entirely of synthetic material which is non-absorbent, and since the liquid on their surface is not absorbed there is no problem of schitah. One should ensure that this is the case and that they are no natural fibers. (There is a specific brand which used to be made of completely synthetic material, but then changed and added some natural…Show more
לכ' מו"ר שליט"א. אחפץ לדעת מה ההוראה המקובלת אצל רוב מורי הוראה (הבקיאים בדיני ע"ח וכו') בדין טלטול בשבת מחדר לחדר או מבנין לבנין (במקום שיש היקף המחיצות) מדובר בבית חולים ענק בחו"ל שיש שם מאות (או אלפי) חולים… לכ' מו"ר שליט"א. אחפץ לדעת מה ההוראה המקובלת אצל רוב מורי הוראה (הבקיאים בדיני ע"ח וכו') בדין טלטול בשבת מחדר לחדר או מבנין לבנין (במקום שיש היקף המחיצות) מדובר בבית חולים ענק בחו"ל שיש שם מאות (או אלפי) חולים גויים, אבל יש עכ"פ ב' יהודים, אשר אם נסבור שיש איסור טלטול נצטרך שכירות רשות וזה לא שייך. תשובה: הנה, בביה״ר ממשלתי ודאי א״צ, שאין להם קנין בחדר שלהם. גם בביה״ר בהנהלה פרטית, מקובל ג״כ שא״צ מכמה טעמים שיכולים לסלקם בכל עת. ואף להדעות שד״ז שייך רק במשכיר הדר שם שלא השכיר לו אדעתא שיאסור עליו, מתירים מחמת שאין…Show more
Shaving beard is not allowed. There is room to be lenient regarding tweezing eyebrows or shaving legs. Sources: בצוואת ריה״ח לא יגלח הראש ולא הזקן. ומשמע שבשאר…
If the fork became treif in something which was not heated via an induction oven, there are those who are stringent not to kasher with water that was heated on an induction oven. Sources: בריטב״א פסחים מא, א שאין להגעיל בחמי טבריא, אף…
A person whom we suspect of violating a specific mitzvah does not have ne’emanus, trustworthiness, regarding that mitzvah; one who desecrates Shabbos publicly loses his ne’emanus regarding all mitzvos, just as, lehavdil, a non-Jew. When it comes… A person whom we suspect of violating a specific mitzvah does not have ne’emanus, trustworthiness, regarding that mitzvah; one who desecrates Shabbos publicly loses his ne’emanus regarding all mitzvos, just as, lehavdil, a non-Jew. When it comes to matters of kashrus, a mechalel Shabbos befarhesia does not have any ne’emanus that the food being offered is kosher. Even if kim lay begavay, we know for a fact that the host is truthful, one should be machmir, strict, and not eat the food. However, in case of necessity, if a person is very weak and…Show more
שאלה: האם יש חשש ללכת לאחות להסרת בתולים? שמעתי שמקובל להורות שלא לעשות כן לכתחילה משום כריתת ברית. אבל אם זה גורם שאינה כורתת ברית, למה מועכות של בית רבי - ביבמות לד, ב - לא חששו לזה? … שאלה: האם יש חשש ללכת לאחות להסרת בתולים? שמעתי שמקובל להורות שלא לעשות כן לכתחילה משום כריתת ברית. אבל אם זה גורם שאינה כורתת ברית, למה מועכות של בית רבי - ביבמות לד, ב - לא חששו לזה? תשובה: בדרך כלל, אין להוציא בתולים ע״י רופא או אחות. ובמקום צורך, יעשו שאלת חכם. מקורות: ראה סנהדרין כב, ב. ומה״ט נקראת בעילת מצוה כבתוס׳…Show more
Question: I went to the Mikvah last night. We are traveling, and since it wasn't my usual mikvah, it took a little orienting to find the supplies. I woke up this morning with the thought "oh no, I don't… Question: I went to the Mikvah last night. We are traveling, and since it wasn't my usual mikvah, it took a little orienting to find the supplies. I woke up this morning with the thought "oh no, I don't remember combing my hair". I have been married for almost 7 years, and I have never had this thought before. What I do know is: There were plastic combs provided, and I remember taking the comb out of the plastic and putting it on the counter before getting in the shower. I also remember throwing out the comb before I…Show more
Question: I have an opportunity to rent to a store that sells beer, non-kosher hamburgers, and pizza. The store is located in a non-Jewish city. Am I permitted to rent the space for a low fixed base rent, plus… Question: I have an opportunity to rent to a store that sells beer, non-kosher hamburgers, and pizza. The store is located in a non-Jewish city. Am I permitted to rent the space for a low fixed base rent, plus an additional percentage of the store’s gross sales? Answer: This arrangement is highly questionable, as besides for the prohibition of doing business with non-kosher food, it violates the prohibition of benefiting from the food. It would be preferable to structure the rental as a higher, fixed rent that is not linked to the products sold or the store’s revenue.…Show more
Question: I am a Shliach in a Yeshiva, and we are doing a mivtza for Yud Shvat. We are having the Bochurim fill out a daily duch of their efforts in the mivtza. However, we are aware that some… Question: I am a Shliach in a Yeshiva, and we are doing a mivtza for Yud Shvat. We are having the Bochurim fill out a daily duch of their efforts in the mivtza. However, we are aware that some of the Bochurim may be struggling with their honesty, so the question is: could there be an issur of Lifnei Iver by allowing the Bochurim to fill out the duch on their own if we know some of them may be "bending the truth"? Alternatively, we can have a Shliach go over to each bocher every day, but there is…Show more
בס"ד, טבת התשפ"ו יתברך מן השמים, בבריאות גופא מלוא חופניים, כבוד הרה"ג יוסף ישעיה ברוין שליט"א שלומך ישגא לעולם מעשה אמיתי שאירע לאדם שהתפלל בלי סידור ושכח לרגע את סיום ברכת 'השיבנו אבינו לתורתך' ובמקום לסיים 'הרוצה בתשובה', טעה… בס"ד, טבת התשפ"ו יתברך מן השמים, בבריאות גופא מלוא חופניים, כבוד הרה"ג יוסף ישעיה ברוין שליט"א שלומך ישגא לעולם מעשה אמיתי שאירע לאדם שהתפלל בלי סידור ושכח לרגע את סיום ברכת 'השיבנו אבינו לתורתך' ובמקום לסיים 'הרוצה בתשובה', טעה וסיים המחזיר בתשובה, האם יצא ידי חובה (מכיון שלא ידע את ההלכה, חזר להתפלל נדבה על תנאי שאם לא יצא בשמו"ע הקודם, יצא בנדבה). מה הדין במקרה זה. בברכת התורה תשובה: לא יצא. וה״ט ששינה ממטבע, ותרי ענינא נינהו. ושקו״ט בכ״מ בכיו״ב כששינה ואומר רופא כל בשר במקום רופא חולי עמו ישראל או איפכא. והתם איכא למימר דחדא ענינא…Show more
Question: Apparently, many lulavim today (including and especially the "better" ones like the "Deri" type) are dipped in glue so that they stay together stronger for longer. The questions would be: Is there a שאלה of חציצה or any… Question: Apparently, many lulavim today (including and especially the "better" ones like the "Deri" type) are dipped in glue so that they stay together stronger for longer. The questions would be: Is there a שאלה of חציצה or any other problem with such lulavim? If there is a problem, would it help to remove the outermost leaves to clear the glue from the bottom part (which is the part being held)? Such lulavim are also the easiest and most effective to ship to ערי השדה while staying in good shape. When options are limited, would it be better to…Show more
Separating two leben containers which were connected since production is forbidden on Shabbos for two reasons: the melachah of mechatech (the prohibited act of cutting something down to a desired size), and primarily the issur of tikkun mana (the… Separating two leben containers which were connected since production is forbidden on Shabbos for two reasons: the melachah of mechatech (the prohibited act of cutting something down to a desired size), and primarily the issur of tikkun mana (the prohibition of fixing a vessel), a derivative of makeh b’patish (literally, the strike of a hammer, indicating an act of completion). This occurs at separation, since the connected items were not considered a user-friendly ‘vessel’ until they were separated. Similarly, separating two ice pops on Shabbos that were attached since production (as opposed to having been separated previously and later…Show more
We are required, as a show of respect to Kohanim, to grant them precedence for all honors, including the first aliyah of krias haTorah (portion of the Torah reading). However, if there is no Kohen present, there is no… We are required, as a show of respect to Kohanim, to grant them precedence for all honors, including the first aliyah of krias haTorah (portion of the Torah reading). However, if there is no Kohen present, there is no obligation to go looking for one, nor is it a mitzvah to call up a Kohen who isn’t participating in the minyan—unless he joined the minyan specifically in order to listen to krias haTorah. In a case where there was in fact a Kohen present, but he was overlooked and the first aliyah was given to a Yisrael…Show more
שאלה: במה שאשה מתגיירת בטבילה בפני בי"ד, והבי"ד נמצאים רק בשעת כניסתה למים ולא בשעת יציאתה (כמש"כ הרמב"ם והשו"ע יו"ד סי' רס"ח ס"ב 'טובלת בפניהם והם מחזירים פניהם ויוצאין כדי שלא יראו אותה כשתעלה מהמים'), וכתבו כמה פוסקי זמננו,… שאלה: במה שאשה מתגיירת בטבילה בפני בי"ד, והבי"ד נמצאים רק בשעת כניסתה למים ולא בשעת יציאתה (כמש"כ הרמב"ם והשו"ע יו"ד סי' רס"ח ס"ב 'טובלת בפניהם והם מחזירים פניהם ויוצאין כדי שלא יראו אותה כשתעלה מהמים'), וכתבו כמה פוסקי זמננו, ע״פ דברי הראשונים שצריך שהטבילה תהא בפניהם ממש, ולא דמי לקידושי ביאה דאמרינן 'הן הן עדי יחוד הן הן עדי ביאה', דהתם הוי בתורת עדות, והכא הוי מדין משפט (ערוך לנר יבמות מז:, מנחת יצחק ח"ד סי' ס"ד, אג"מ יו"ד ח"ב סי' קכ"ז, תשובות והנהגות ח"א סי' תרכ"א). וצ"ע מ"ט א"צ שיהיו הבי"ד רואים עד יציאתה מהמים לדברי הכס״מ שאין…Show more
Question: I soaked a chicken for half an hour before melicha, then put it into the fridge overnight, and salted it the next morning. Is that problematic? Answer: Assuming it was at regular fridge temperature, and it… Question: I soaked a chicken for half an hour before melicha, then put it into the fridge overnight, and salted it the next morning. Is that problematic? Answer: Assuming it was at regular fridge temperature, and it was not in liquid, you have to do melicha again (as long as 3 days haven't passed). You should rinse it again, so it’s not fully dry before salting. Sources: ברמ"א יו"ד סט, א, שיש לחכות קצת אחרי השריה…Show more
Question: I recently got new tzitzis and noticed that on one of the corners, the stitching extended a bit past the end of the beged, almost forming another corner for itself. I assumed it's not a problem because… Question: I recently got new tzitzis and noticed that on one of the corners, the stitching extended a bit past the end of the beged, almost forming another corner for itself. I assumed it's not a problem because it's so small, but I saw that in halacha there could be a problem with some sort of extensions to the beged. I was told I could cut it off, but as I cut the threads, they may have extended a bit more than before. Is it still ok? (Is it a problem of tasseh vilo min haasoi, or do…Show more
Question: If we are traveling from one city to another, and there are two routes: one is shorter but lacks nice scenery, and the other is a little longer but offers beautiful views. Is it permissible for us to… Question: If we are traveling from one city to another, and there are two routes: one is shorter but lacks nice scenery, and the other is a little longer but offers beautiful views. Is it permissible for us to choose the longer, nicer route to reach our destination while my wife is a niddah? Answer: Allowed [if it doesn’t bring kalus rosh or extreme closeness], but it’s a middas chassidus to avoid. Sources: ג״ז בכלל נסיעה לצרכיו. ורק כשהוא דרך טיול לחוד…Show more
אין לכתוב מגילת אסתר. מקורות: גם בשו״ת שבט הקהתי א, ע שהתיר - הוא…
Shkiah. Sources: כן המנהג פשוט מאז ומקדם. וכן גם בכו״כ חוגים אחרים.…
The general rule is that dishes and portable surfaces that come into contact with food require tevilah (immersion in a mikvah) prior to use. This raises the question of whether refrigerator shelves and oven racks need to be… The general rule is that dishes and portable surfaces that come into contact with food require tevilah (immersion in a mikvah) prior to use. This raises the question of whether refrigerator shelves and oven racks need to be toveled as well. While some contemporary poskim do rule that refrigerator shelves and drawers require tevilah, the common custom is not to tovel them. This is presumably because food in the refrigerator is generally stored in containers and isn’t placed directly on those surfaces; even though food may occasionally come into contact with the shelf, it isn’t how the…Show more
Question: Today I got Pesicha. When I opened the Aron, the Sefer Torah, which was apparently leaning against the door, slipped out. It fell straight down and came to rest standing, leaning against the Aron, landing on the handles… Question: Today I got Pesicha. When I opened the Aron, the Sefer Torah, which was apparently leaning against the door, slipped out. It fell straight down and came to rest standing, leaning against the Aron, landing on the handles rather than falling flat on the floor. Is there anything I have to do? Answer: You should accept to fast for half a day. Redeem the other half with tzedaka. Sources: נחלקו אם נגיעת עצי חיים בקרקע כגוף הס״ת (ועכ״פ…Show more
Question: If one leaves the home of the hosts before the end of Shabath is that person desecrating the Shabath of the hosts? I travelled 11 hours (delays, traffic jam) NY to visit my cousin, hozeret l’tchuva, who was… Question: If one leaves the home of the hosts before the end of Shabath is that person desecrating the Shabath of the hosts? I travelled 11 hours (delays, traffic jam) NY to visit my cousin, hozeret l’tchuva, who was staying with her daughter in Brooklyn. They invited me to stay with them for Shabath, but when I said that I need to leave before the end of Shabath, they disinvited me, claiming that I would desecrate their observance. I do not believe that my action outside their home would have any impact on their behavior. I ended up staying…Show more
I received a beautiful glass platter piled with gourmet chocolates as a Mishloach Manos gift from a dear student (with a note that she had toiveled it). Just before Pesach, my family polished off the last of the treats,… I received a beautiful glass platter piled with gourmet chocolates as a Mishloach Manos gift from a dear student (with a note that she had toiveled it). Just before Pesach, my family polished off the last of the treats, and now I would like to use the platter for my Shabbos desserts. Does it count that it was toiveled before it was gifted to me, or must I re-toivel it? The onus of tevilas keilim (immersion of new dishes in a mikvah) is on the owner. If someone purchases a dish and toivels (immerses) it with the intention of…Show more
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