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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
שאלה: ביום א׳ דחנוכה בבית הכנסת שהתפללתי בו, לפני קריאת התורה ביקש הגבאי שמכיון שיש ציבור ספרדי במנין לכן הבעל קורא יקרא את הקריאה מתחילת ברכת כהנים כמנהג הספרדים, ולא מ״ויהי ביום כלות משה״ כמנהג בני אשכנז, וכך היה.… שאלה: ביום א׳ דחנוכה בבית הכנסת שהתפללתי בו, לפני קריאת התורה ביקש הגבאי שמכיון שיש ציבור ספרדי במנין לכן הבעל קורא יקרא את הקריאה מתחילת ברכת כהנים כמנהג הספרדים, ולא מ״ויהי ביום כלות משה״ כמנהג בני אשכנז, וכך היה. השאלה היא האם כשהעולה לתורה הוא מעדות אשכנז, שלא נוהגים להתחיל מברכת כהנים, האם זה נקרא בשבילו הפסק בין הברכה לקריאה. ואולי עדיף שיעלה לקריאה זו ספרדי. וכן האם הציבור ששמעו את הקריאה, והם לא נוהגים כך, האם נחשב להם הפסק בין הברכה לקריאה. תשובה: אין כאן שום חשש. מקורות: מעיקרא לא קיימא לשאלה, דאיזה חשש הפסק יש בקריאת…Show more
Question: Hi, I own a dry-cleaning business. Sometimes we lose items and have to reimburse the customer. The question is how to determine the item's value. The industry standard is to reimburse based on the garment's depreciated value, meaning… Question: Hi, I own a dry-cleaning business. Sometimes we lose items and have to reimburse the customer. The question is how to determine the item's value. The industry standard is to reimburse based on the garment's depreciated value, meaning its value at the time it was brought into the store. This is not the same as the original purchase price, nor is it the current replacement cost in today’s market. A typical example is a kittel. Even though a kittel is worn only once a year, if a ten-year-old kittel is lost or damaged, it is still valued…Show more
Question: Can I benefit from food brought for me on Shabbos since I don’t hold by the Eiruv? Answer: In a community which has a proper Eiruv sanctioned by the local Rabonim, you would be allowed to benefit… Question: Can I benefit from food brought for me on Shabbos since I don’t hold by the Eiruv? Answer: In a community which has a proper Eiruv sanctioned by the local Rabonim, you would be allowed to benefit after the fact, but you cannot tell him to do it for you, if you personally are of the opinion that this Eiruv is not valid. See here. Followup: In general, is הוצאה subject to Maaseh Shabbos? Also, does the Alter Rebbe hold like the Mishna Berura that if something is legitimately mutar but you don't hold by it,…Show more
No. However, it would be best for him to make the Shehechiyanu that he will be making on a new fruit (as per the Rebbe’s birthday directives) right after lighting. P.S. There’s no need for him to wait until… No. However, it would be best for him to make the Shehechiyanu that he will be making on a new fruit (as per the Rebbe’s birthday directives) right after lighting. P.S. There’s no need for him to wait until Tzeis Hakochavim to light on the night of his Bar Mitzvah. Sources: הליכות שלמה פט״ז דבר הלכה כ״ח, חיי הלוי ח״ו…Show more
Technically, yes, but it's not recommended. It’s better to say the entire Al Hamichya, which isn’t that long. [I’ve been informed that in Released Time, they do the whole Al Hamichya and the kids survive…] Alternatively, you can… Technically, yes, but it's not recommended. It’s better to say the entire Al Hamichya, which isn’t that long. [I’ve been informed that in Released Time, they do the whole Al Hamichya and the kids survive…] Alternatively, you can say a shortened version. A potential abridged Al Hamichya appears below. Sources: ברוך אתה ה׳ אלקינו מלך העולם על המחיה ועל…Show more
Question: My wife will be out until late, and I will light the Menorah with my children on time. Does she also have to light when she gets home? Answer: The proper thing is for her to light.… Question: My wife will be out until late, and I will light the Menorah with my children on time. Does she also have to light when she gets home? Answer: The proper thing is for her to light. Sources: לצאת מפלוגתא דברכת הרואה כשמדליקין עליו. וי״א שבני ביתו…Show more
If it can't be funded any other way, one may use maaser money to pay the difference between funding the education of the child at home (like hiring a private teacher) for the summer, vs. the expenses of sending… If it can't be funded any other way, one may use maaser money to pay the difference between funding the education of the child at home (like hiring a private teacher) for the summer, vs. the expenses of sending to overnight camp (provided that the camp is committed to the chinuch of Torah and yiras shamayim). For example: if the expense of hiring a teacher is $200 for the summer and camp is $1000, one may use $800 from maaser. The above applies only if there was no prior decision to fund it from your own money. Source:…Show more
And generally, when the wife feels very vulnerable and needs the support while pregnant, can the husband hold the wife's hand in the car (specifically after an appointment or exam)? Answer: Before halachic labor starts (or before she becomes…And generally, when the wife feels very vulnerable and needs the support while pregnant, can the husband hold the wife's hand in the car (specifically after an appointment or exam)? Answer: Before halachic labor starts (or before she becomes halachically impure due to any other reason): In cases of need, it is permitted to help her as necessary, especially in a place where there are only non-Jews present etc. After halachic labor starts (or if harchakos are in effect for whatever reason): In general, you should make arrangements for there to be help even if this means that you…Show more
אם עקרו דירתם אפילו ללילה אחד, יש לנו להחמיר שאינם נפטרים בהדלקה שבמקום שגרו עד עתה. מקורות: הנה, בשו״ת יחו״ד ו, מג, האריך להוכיח שגם בן…
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