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Question: I have noticed that many shuls that have five people with the minyan will daven amida and then have the six person does the whole chazaras hashatz, is this correct thing to do? What's it based on and… Question: I have noticed that many shuls that have five people with the minyan will daven amida and then have the six person does the whole chazaras hashatz, is this correct thing to do? What's it based on and can they do the same thing if they have four people davening and the fifth one does chazara instead? Answer: 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…Show more
I assume you’re talking about coconut water. Haetz when drinking straight from the fruit and eating the fruit too. Sources: ראה בא״ח ש״א פינחס ט. כה״ח רב, סב. ובשותה…
Tzitzis shouldn’t be cut with metal, rather they should [specifically] be cut with ones teeth. If this proves to be difficult, one can cut them using other materials - such as ceramic scissors or a plastic knife, or in… Tzitzis shouldn’t be cut with metal, rather they should [specifically] be cut with ones teeth. If this proves to be difficult, one can cut them using other materials - such as ceramic scissors or a plastic knife, or in other ways - such as burning off the edges. Sources: מט״מ עמוד העבודה סי׳ י״ג בשם ר׳ דוד בר…Show more
Beer itself is not considered water, although there is room to be stringent for those who wish. Sources: ראה קצוה"ש סי' מ"ח בדה"ש ס"ק י'. כף החיים סי'…
Question: If a recipe calls for enough flour to be chayav in Challah, but the only liquid present is almond or oat milk, is there still a need to add a little water to such a dough or is… Question: If a recipe calls for enough flour to be chayav in Challah, but the only liquid present is almond or oat milk, is there still a need to add a little water to such a dough or is the significant amount of water found in the almond/oat milk enough to make this dough be Rauy L’kabel tumah and no water needs to be added? Answer: There’s no need to add extra water (provided the almond/oat milk indeed contains water in its ingredients, of course. According to many opinions, even one drop of water is enough to make…Show more
One should not interrupt between the conclusion of Shmoneh Esrei and Tachnun. On the other hand, there is an Inyan to say Tachnun with a Minyan. Practically, if when you finish the Tashlumin Shmoneh Esrei, there is a minyan… One should not interrupt between the conclusion of Shmoneh Esrei and Tachnun. On the other hand, there is an Inyan to say Tachnun with a Minyan. Practically, if when you finish the Tashlumin Shmoneh Esrei, there is a minyan which is in the middle of Shmoneh Esrei or Chazoras Hashatz, you should wait to say Tachnun with them. If that is not feasible, you should say it privately. For the proper order of making up - tashlumin for shachris, see here: https://asktherav.com/2718-if-after-a-long-night-farbrengen-i-wake-up-just-after-chatzos-what-is-the-halacha-with-shacharis/ Sources: אין להפסיק בין תפלה לנפילת אפיים - שוע"ר סי' קלא…Show more
Question: I went to buy a hot water urn from a Jewish company/manufacturer (chefman) that says it doesn’t require Tevilah. However it was bought on Amazon. Does it require Tevilah? Answer: If the seller on Amazon is a… Question: I went to buy a hot water urn from a Jewish company/manufacturer (chefman) that says it doesn’t require Tevilah. However it was bought on Amazon. Does it require Tevilah? Answer: If the seller on Amazon is a Jewish company and the order was FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant), there’s indeed no need to Toivel. If the seller on Amazon is a Jewish company and the order is FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon), then Tevilah is required, but without a Bracha. If the seller on Amazon is a non Jewish company, then Tevilah is required with a Bracha. Sources: בכלים של ישראל שנכנסו לרשות גוי - חייב בטבילה…Show more
The bar mitzvah boy. If the girl did do it, it is certainly kosher after the fact. Nonetheless, if the dough doesn’t belong to her, some opinions maintain it wouldn’t be kosher after the fact either, as a minor… The bar mitzvah boy. If the girl did do it, it is certainly kosher after the fact. Nonetheless, if the dough doesn’t belong to her, some opinions maintain it wouldn’t be kosher after the fact either, as a minor cannot become a Shaliach. If however the owner gives her the dough as gift, she is considered the owner and it would certainly be valid. However, she wouldn’t then be able to ask someone else to do it on her behalf according to all opinions. Sources: שו״ע יו״ד שלא, לג. ומשמע שהוא רק בדיעבד. וכ״כ…Show more
Question: I travel almost every week on flights. Once in a while, there are is a long delay and I'm forced to wait in the airport. I'm sometimes in a situation where it is mincha or maariv time and… Question: I travel almost every week on flights. Once in a while, there are is a long delay and I'm forced to wait in the airport. I'm sometimes in a situation where it is mincha or maariv time and I have a minyan every half hour I can attend near the airport. If I don't go now, there won't be a minyan for this tefila when I land. The minyan is less than 18 minutes away and it costs about $25-$30 each way to take a car service there. Am I obligated to spend the money and daven with…Show more
מותר לעטוף החלה ברדיד כסף ולהניחו בתנור חם מערב שבת. אבל יש אומרים שאסור להטמין החלה בכמה שכבות של רדיד כסף ולהניחו בתנור חם. מקורות: ראה שוע"ר סי' רנז שאינו בגדר דבר המוסיף הבל…
Question: If I washed Shabbos afternoon, then continued farbrenging until chatzos, and stopped and said krias shema shel arvis to ensure I said it before chatzos, may I continue eating without havdalah or is it considered as… Question: If I washed Shabbos afternoon, then continued farbrenging until chatzos, and stopped and said krias shema shel arvis to ensure I said it before chatzos, may I continue eating without havdalah or is it considered as if I already took in motzei Shabbos through saying krias shema and I should stop eating? Answer: You may not continue eating. You should not say Retzei in Benching. Sources: בשוע"ר סי' רצט ס"ה כתב שאם התפלל תוך הסעודה…Show more
Such a segula is mentioned in Seforim. However, there are many conditions mentioned. Among them, the stone must be it's natural size not cut and tempered with, it should be touching the persons body, worn only when the… Such a segula is mentioned in Seforim. However, there are many conditions mentioned. Among them, the stone must be it's natural size not cut and tempered with, it should be touching the persons body, worn only when the woman is tohor. It has also been suggested that it’s supposed to be removed before birth. It is questionable whether one should actually use this segulah nowadays. Sources: רבינו בחיי תצוה כח, טו (והובא בלקו״ת פ׳ ויקרא…Show more
Question: There is a fine young man in our community in the process of converting. He's so frum and aidel. Wakes up early, studies many hours of Torah per day, davens with Minyan 3 times a day, and… Question: There is a fine young man in our community in the process of converting. He's so frum and aidel. Wakes up early, studies many hours of Torah per day, davens with Minyan 3 times a day, and keeps many halachic chumras. If I see him in shul on yomtov, may I invite him over for a meal? On one hand... We are forbidden to cook for a non-Jew. On the other hand... If he's not invited to learn about the chagim and experience the meals (in a sukkah), how can he properly convert? Would it make…Show more
Question: I have a question about the kashrus status of a kitchen (stove, oven, counters etc.) and utensils (pots, plates, cutlery). There is someone subletting my apartment as I am abroad now, and I recently found out that she… Question: I have a question about the kashrus status of a kitchen (stove, oven, counters etc.) and utensils (pots, plates, cutlery). There is someone subletting my apartment as I am abroad now, and I recently found out that she is in the process of converting, so currently, she isn't Jewish. She has told me that she is Shomer Shabbos and kashrus. She has been using the kitchen as normal, I.e. using our stove/oven, and pots, plates etc. Is this OK? Or do we need to kasher everything in order to be able to use it again? Answer: The…Show more
Some sources imply - one Siddur. See here: https://asktherav.com/8043-reading-veyiten-lecha-together-fromone-siddur/ #21194
עושה מעשה בראשית without Hashem’s name. If you haven’t seen it within 30 days. כיון שלא נזכר בגמרא ופוסקים. וראה שער העין אריאל ז, ו ובהערה טו. #24818
Question: This seltzer machine (see attached pic) works by filling up a bottle of water, then you put the bottle under the metal stick (blue arrow in picture pointing to it) - which then shoots the bubbles into the… Question: This seltzer machine (see attached pic) works by filling up a bottle of water, then you put the bottle under the metal stick (blue arrow in picture pointing to it) - which then shoots the bubbles into the water. So the water itself does not go through the machine, the only contact between the water and the machine is that you insert the metal piece into the bottle of water (and it touches the water). Answer: Best to have a yid take it apart. If impossible there is room to exempt from tevilah. Sources: מקום להקל לפטור מטבילה בצירוף כמה סברות, חדא דחזי…Show more
The dedicated team of Rabbonim at AskTheRav would like to wish you a Gut Chodesh! "Every Rosh Chodesh the spark of Moshiach, also known as the 'Yechida', which is in every Jew's soul (which is a spark of the… The dedicated team of Rabbonim at AskTheRav would like to wish you a Gut Chodesh! "Every Rosh Chodesh the spark of Moshiach, also known as the 'Yechida', which is in every Jew's soul (which is a spark of the general Yechida - the soul of Moshiach) is revealed. The revelation of this spark resonates and causes a rejuvenation in the entire being of every Jew, so that everything he does in permeated with the level of his Yechida, And, most importantly, through this the revelation and arrival of Moshiach is caused in the most literal sense - a king…Show more
Question: Hi, I'm in on the second day of Shiva for my brother. I am a eighth grade teacher, and the class will probably not end up with a proper substitute. Is there a heter to start teaching after… Question: Hi, I'm in on the second day of Shiva for my brother. I am a eighth grade teacher, and the class will probably not end up with a proper substitute. Is there a heter to start teaching after 3 days if there is no one else? I saw something along those lines in the kitzur shulchan aruch... Answer: The common custom is not to do so, but rather use a substitute. Sources: פשטות ההלכה ברמ״א יו״ד שפד, א לאיסור באומר הלכה…Show more
Question: Is one allowed (and therefore required) to make a zimun in a car? And what about on a plane? And what about a boat with an indoor eating area? ואפרש שיחתי: כתב אדה"ז (קסז, טז) דבספינה מצטרפים אפילו… Question: Is one allowed (and therefore required) to make a zimun in a car? And what about on a plane? And what about a boat with an indoor eating area? ואפרש שיחתי: כתב אדה"ז (קסז, טז) דבספינה מצטרפים אפילו לא היו בשלחן אחת, וע"ד הדין בשדה. משא"כ בבית דבעי שלחן. אח"כ מסתפק אדה"ז ע"פ מג"א בעגלה אי הוי כספינה היות והוא מקום אחד או דלא כספינה הואיל וספינה אינה חשובה מהלכת והעגלה הרי היא מהלכת. ולכן יש לשאול: האם אוטו שלנו נחשב כעגלה דידהו או אולי בגלל שאין סוס ה"ה נחשבת כנחה שהרי אין בה מעצמה כח ההליכה, ואוירון…Show more
שאלה: אם הציצית נפסקו משזירתן כשיעור הפוסל, ואז, חוזר ושוזרן בעצמו, האם הוי בעי' משום תעשה ולא מן העשוי? והרי רואים שלפעמים מקילין שא"צ שזירה (סימן יב ס"ז), וא"כ אפשר שאין בעי' משום תעשה ולא מן העשוי. מענה:… שאלה: אם הציצית נפסקו משזירתן כשיעור הפוסל, ואז, חוזר ושוזרן בעצמו, האם הוי בעי' משום תעשה ולא מן העשוי? והרי רואים שלפעמים מקילין שא"צ שזירה (סימן יב ס"ז), וא"כ אפשר שאין בעי' משום תעשה ולא מן העשוי. מענה: בחוטים שלנו המורכבים משמונה חוטים, אם נשארו שני חוטים שבחוט המורכב מח׳ חוטים, שזורים זה בזה, כשר. (אלא שיש לחתוך המיותר או לכוון שאינו רוצה בו למצוה). וממילא גם אינו בכלל תעשה ולא מן העשוי אם חזר ושזרם. אבל אם לא נשארו שני חוטים שזורים זה בזה, יש להוריד הציצית תחילה, לחזור ולשזור, ואחר כך להטילם שוב לבגד. מקורות: חוטים השזורים משמונה חוטים וכדומה - פמ״ג יא בא״א…Show more
If yes, how dry does it need to be? (this past week even after learning for an hour my beard was still wet). Answer: The common custom is to dry the hair first externally and then there is… If yes, how dry does it need to be? (this past week even after learning for an hour my beard was still wet). Answer: The common custom is to dry the hair first externally and then there is no need to wait until your hair is totally dry. Sources: כבר כתב באהל מועד לר״ש ירונדי שער השבת דרך…Show more
שאלה: האם יש איסור לישב ולשתות קפה, או לעבוד, או להיפגש עם מישהו בבית קפה (כדוגמת Starbucks) מצד גזירת ועד הארצות שלא לישב בבתי משתאות של גויים? או שאין זה דומה לתקנה דאז. מענה: מן הדין, לרוב הפוסקים,… שאלה: האם יש איסור לישב ולשתות קפה, או לעבוד, או להיפגש עם מישהו בבית קפה (כדוגמת Starbucks) מצד גזירת ועד הארצות שלא לישב בבתי משתאות של גויים? או שאין זה דומה לתקנה דאז. מענה: מן הדין, לרוב הפוסקים, אין איסור משום בישולי עכו"ם (משא"כ חלב עכו"ם) בשתיית קפה בבית מכירתו. אך כתבו הפוסקים ששומר נפשו ירחק מזה והוא עפ"י תקנות גדולי ישראל במשך הדורות, ומקצת דבריהם שייכים גם בזמן הזה, בשותה בדרך קבע. מקורות: ראה כאן ובקובץ הערות צמח צדק המצורף שם: https://asktherav.com/6470-is-it-permitted-to-drink-plain-coffee-or-tea-with-a-hechsher-at-a-starbucks-and-the-like/…Show more
Question: In our Hebrew school curriculum, there is an activity to make grape juice from scratch. If I boil the grapes first, and then then kids juice them, is it a problem of yayin nesach? We have non-Jewish… Question: In our Hebrew school curriculum, there is an activity to make grape juice from scratch. If I boil the grapes first, and then then kids juice them, is it a problem of yayin nesach? We have non-Jewish children in the class. Answer: There is a dispute about this. According to those who permit, it’s not a problem, even if non Jews boil the grapes. P.S. This answer does not deal with the issue that you have non-Jewish kids in a Jewish school. Sources: ראה ס׳ הפרדס לרש״י סוף הל׳ יי״נ, רסז: שכר…Show more
שאלה: האם מותר לכתחילה לסלק לצדדים בגדים המונחים על גבי בגד שרוצה ללבוש עכשיו כדי להגיע לו, או שיש בזה איסור בורר? ומה הדין באותו מקרה כשאינו רק מסלקם לצד, אלא גם נוטלם? מענה: להזיז בגד בתוך התערובת,… שאלה: האם מותר לכתחילה לסלק לצדדים בגדים המונחים על גבי בגד שרוצה ללבוש עכשיו כדי להגיע לו, או שיש בזה איסור בורר? ומה הדין באותו מקרה כשאינו רק מסלקם לצד, אלא גם נוטלם? מענה: להזיז בגד בתוך התערובת, מותר. לסלק לגמרי - יש מתירים. ונכון שלא לסמוך על זה. מקורות: ראה משנ״ב שיט, ג בבה״ל ד״ה לאכול מיד. ובמשנ״ב…Show more
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