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A Hetter Iska should be arranged. Reasons in brief: 1. There is room for leniency only when the Ribbis is not D’Orayso. 2. Even then, this leniency applies only when there is no other readily available option, and the… A Hetter Iska should be arranged. Reasons in brief: 1. There is room for leniency only when the Ribbis is not D’Orayso. 2. Even then, this leniency applies only when there is no other readily available option, and the Mitzvah would otherwise not happen. However, in this case, it seems that a Hetter Iska can be arranged. 3. Even in cases where there is room for leniency, it is not unanimous whether the leniency applies from the perspective of the lender as well. Sources: בשו"ע יו"ד סי' ק"ס סעיף י"ח פסק המחבר דכל…Show more
Question: I have a few similar doorways: By the right doorpost, after like 3.5 feet high (more than 10 tefachim) the doorway widens about 9 inches (less than 3 tefachim) and then continues at that width upward… Question: I have a few similar doorways: By the right doorpost, after like 3.5 feet high (more than 10 tefachim) the doorway widens about 9 inches (less than 3 tefachim) and then continues at that width upward till the lintel, meaning that the doorway splits into two levels - a lower door post 3.5 feet tall, and on top of that a upper door post where the doorway widens. After 3.5 feet high (more than 10 tefachim) the doorway widens like 12 inches (more than 3 tefachim). After like 3 feet (more than 10 tefachim…Show more
Question: I know ma'aser isn't supposed to be used for mandatory mitzvos, of which pru u'rvu is one. Is there leniency for ma'aser to be put towards fertility treatments? (in this case, the couple has no children). … Question: I know ma'aser isn't supposed to be used for mandatory mitzvos, of which pru u'rvu is one. Is there leniency for ma'aser to be put towards fertility treatments? (in this case, the couple has no children). Answer: Yes, one may use Maaser money to pay for fertility treatment for other people. When funding their own treatment, they may make an arrangement with another couple, where each pays for the other’s treatment. Where this not feasible, Maaser money may be used for their own treatment if it can not be funded in any other way. This is…Show more
שאלה: כמה נרות חנוכה ידליק גוסס בלילה הראשון של חנוכה, הרי אין לו אפשרות לקיים את ה'מעלין בקודש'? האם כדאי לו לנהוג כבית שמאי? ככה מצאתי: בחידושי הריטב"א החדשות (שבת כא, ב) כתב: "ואפילו למ"ד שהעושה כדברי ב"ש לא… שאלה: כמה נרות חנוכה ידליק גוסס בלילה הראשון של חנוכה, הרי אין לו אפשרות לקיים את ה'מעלין בקודש'? האם כדאי לו לנהוג כבית שמאי? ככה מצאתי: בחידושי הריטב"א החדשות (שבת כא, ב) כתב: "ואפילו למ"ד שהעושה כדברי ב"ש לא עשה כלום או חייב מיתה כדאיתא בפ"ק דברכות (יא, א), שאני הכא שאין מחלוקתם אלא להידור מצוה בעלמא". ובביאור הלכה (סי' תרעא ד"ה וי"א) כתב ג"כ סברא זו: "עיין בביאור הגר"א שכתב דגם דעת הרי"ף כן הוא מדהביא המימרא דרבה בב"ח אמר ר"י וכו'. ולולי דברי קדשו היה אפשר לומר עוד דדעת הרי"ף דזה לא נכנס בכלל מה דקי"ל בעלמא…Show more
Question: The company that I work for - owned by a religious Lubavitcher - manufactured products in China. We make glass bottles which are made specifically for us - as our brand is branded on the bottle itself. There… Question: The company that I work for - owned by a religious Lubavitcher - manufactured products in China. We make glass bottles which are made specifically for us - as our brand is branded on the bottle itself. There is no actual supervision. Must these bottles be toiveled? Answer: Generally, when the raw materials belong to Jews, but the work is done by non Jews, the vessels require tevila without a bracha. If the workers are paid by the hour, or if they’re made through machines, they don’t require tevila at all. However, if one is…Show more
It is permitted to learn before Shacharis (provided one already said Birchas Hatorah if it’s already after Alos - see here), under either of the following conditions: One regularly goes to shule to daven with the minyan at a… It is permitted to learn before Shacharis (provided one already said Birchas Hatorah if it’s already after Alos - see here), under either of the following conditions: One regularly goes to shule to daven with the minyan at a set time. One is teaching other people. If a minyan will gather in a place where he’s learning. If he asks someone else who’s not learning to remind him to daven. If you started before the break of dawn. Regardless, one should not engage in learning Iyun/Pilpula - subjects which involve intense analysis or investigation etc. - immediately before davening,…Show more
We repeat the words אני ה׳ אלקיכם and conclude with אמת. Sources: אג"ק חט"ז ע' רצד, שכמדומה אנ"ש נוהגים כן ע"פ…
Question: If someone tells you a secret (suppose they’re getting engaged or they’re pregnant…) and asks you not to share with anyone. Is it still ok to tell your spouse? Answer: No, unless you received express permission. Sources: מקרא מלא מיכה ז, ה: אף משוכבת חיקך שמור…
It’s similar to any combo lock where you line up the numbers, but these locks are letters. If permitted, can they be set to spell words or would it have to be 4 random letters? Answer: Yes, even… It’s similar to any combo lock where you line up the numbers, but these locks are letters. If permitted, can they be set to spell words or would it have to be 4 random letters? Answer: Yes, even words. Sources: שו"ע אדה"ז שמ סעיף ד מחוסר רק קריבה, שש"כ…Show more
Question: Is the definition of listening to kriah following along in the words or actually paying attention to their meaning? Answer: Strictly speaking one need only follow along the words, though there is a preference to try to… Question: Is the definition of listening to kriah following along in the words or actually paying attention to their meaning? Answer: Strictly speaking one need only follow along the words, though there is a preference to try to understand too. Sources: פשוט שבתושב״כ יוצא גם באינו מבין. ומה״ט ע״ה מברך…Show more
כשמוליכים הספר תורה מארון הקודש לבימה הולכים בצד ימין אף שהיא דרך ארוכה, וכשחוזרים חוזרים בשמאל, בצד השני. וי״א לילך בדרך הקצרה יותר, וכשחוזרים - בדרך השניה, שבמילא ארוכה יותר. וכמדומה שכן מעשה רב במנחת שבת. לכל הדעות אין… כשמוליכים הספר תורה מארון הקודש לבימה הולכים בצד ימין אף שהיא דרך ארוכה, וכשחוזרים חוזרים בשמאל, בצד השני. וי״א לילך בדרך הקצרה יותר, וכשחוזרים - בדרך השניה, שבמילא ארוכה יותר. וכמדומה שכן מעשה רב במנחת שבת. לכל הדעות אין ליקח ספר תורה מחוץ למסלול הרגיל בכדי שיוכלו לנשק. והוא בזיון ס״ת. מקורות: ראה במג״א קמא, ז. פמ״ג שם. שע״א י, ד.…Show more
Question: When tucking the retzuos of teffilin into the gartel (to keep them off the floor), does it matter if they are tucked straight or looped. In the looped instance, are they considered "shortened" the way the beged of… Question: When tucking the retzuos of teffilin into the gartel (to keep them off the floor), does it matter if they are tucked straight or looped. In the looped instance, are they considered "shortened" the way the beged of a tallis/tallis koton might be when the material is folded? My understanding is that the right one needs to be longer. Answer: Some people are particular not to put it in the gartel. In Chabad the custom is to have longer retzuos and they are not placed in the gartel, as long as they don’t…Show more
Question: Would it be considered pronouncing Hashem's name (Yud-Kay) when pronouncing a yud with the vowel patach or Kamatz being that they have the same pronunciation? Can I read those letters from the siddur and also instruct students when… Question: Would it be considered pronouncing Hashem's name (Yud-Kay) when pronouncing a yud with the vowel patach or Kamatz being that they have the same pronunciation? Can I read those letters from the siddur and also instruct students when teaching them how to pronounce yud with the nikud patach or Kamats even though it will sound like Hashem's name is being said? Answer: It may be pronounced regularly. Sources: ראה כעי״ז בא״א מבוטשאטש או״ח פה, ב לגבי תיבת…Show more
Question: B"h my wife is due around yom tov. Her doctor is based out of a hospital in Staten Island. Can we go there from Crown Heights on Shabbos/Yom tov even though we cross a bridge (techum… Question: B"h my wife is due around yom tov. Her doctor is based out of a hospital in Staten Island. Can we go there from Crown Heights on Shabbos/Yom tov even though we cross a bridge (techum) or is it necessary to go to a hospital in Brooklyn where we don't know which doctor will be assigned by the hospital? If yes, can whoever accompanies her travel back to CH after the birth (this is especially necessary if birth occurs on the first day of Yom tov or Friday night as it would be difficult to…Show more
This post has been compiled from all questions on this topic we have received and answered over the years, thus it includes all the information from all other posts which are tagged under "birth on Shabbos". Mazel Tov! … This post has been compiled from all questions on this topic we have received and answered over the years, thus it includes all the information from all other posts which are tagged under "birth on Shabbos". Mazel Tov! https://asktherav.com/halachos-of-childbirth/ Halachos of Birth on Shabbos With Hashem’s help, the birth should go very smoothly, and we should hear Besuros Tovos. Here is a general outline of Halachos regarding labor and birth on Shabbos. The same principles apply to Yom Kippur and Yom Tov (unless otherwise specified). Preparations Before Shabbos Whatever can be done before Shabbos to minimize…Show more
Question: My friend has an elderly and frail mother. She wakes up early on Shabbos morning and davens almost right away. It's hard for her to make kiddush, so she asked her son to make for her. At… Question: My friend has an elderly and frail mother. She wakes up early on Shabbos morning and davens almost right away. It's hard for her to make kiddush, so she asked her son to make for her. At that time he is still before davening, but he doesn't want to keep her waiting. Can he make kiddush and be motzi her before davening? (Obviously he'll make kiddush again for himself after davening). Similarly, sometimes on Friday night he didn't daven kabolas Shabbos/maariv yet but doesn't want to keep her waiting. Is it a problem to make…Show more
שאלה: שמעתי הקלטה של הרב ובו מזכיר פסוק ״קול המון כקול ש-די״. והנני בזה להודיע שכבוד הרב המציא פסוק, שלא קיים כפשוט. ומקורו באימרה לטינית. מענה: ת״ל שאינני בקי באמירות לטיניות. אבל לא תהא תורה שלימה שלנו כשיחה… שאלה: שמעתי הקלטה של הרב ובו מזכיר פסוק ״קול המון כקול ש-די״. והנני בזה להודיע שכבוד הרב המציא פסוק, שלא קיים כפשוט. ומקורו באימרה לטינית. מענה: ת״ל שאינני בקי באמירות לטיניות. אבל לא תהא תורה שלימה שלנו כשיחה בטילה שלהם. והרי הפתגם נמצא אצל ר״ש הנגיד בבן תהלים, בסדר זמנים להר״ס לונגו, ובמדרש שמואל. ועוד. וכבר האריכו בזה כו״כ להתחקות אחר מקור הפתגם. ואין כל חדש תחת השמש. ולדידי די בלשון כ״ק אדמו״ר מוהריי״צ שכתב בענין זה ״וכמ״ש״ בסה״מ תרס״ג ח״ב ע׳ שעג. ולהעיר מסה״ש תורת שלום ע׳ 251. (אף שיל״פ בדוחק שהוא ר״ת ״כמו שנאמר״, ראה עד״ז…Show more
No. Sources: נחלקו בזה, ותלוי אם אהל שמחזיק ביד נקרא אהל,…
Question: I cant talk for a couple days in order to heal a throat muscle strain. Saying even a few words, whispering or mouthing is harmful to the strain. How do I daven/say the necessary brachos? Answer:… Question: I cant talk for a couple days in order to heal a throat muscle strain. Saying even a few words, whispering or mouthing is harmful to the strain. How do I daven/say the necessary brachos? Answer: They are two options, both of which are halachically not simple: Have someone else daven or say brachos loud and you listen to him. Think the words in your mind. Because none of these options are complete solutions, it is recommended to do both if possible. Sources: להוציא אחר בתפלה - לדעת הרמ״א או״ח תקצד. אבל…Show more
שאלה: שמעתי שביום שמחת תורה טעה הש״צ ב770 ואמר מוריד הטל במקום הגשם והרב אמר לו לחזור לתחילת הברכה. האם נכונה השמועה? ומהי הסיבה לכך, שהרי מן הדין אין צריך אפילו לחזור אם נזכר אחרי תוך כדי דיבור. … שאלה: שמעתי שביום שמחת תורה טעה הש״צ ב770 ואמר מוריד הטל במקום הגשם והרב אמר לו לחזור לתחילת הברכה. האם נכונה השמועה? ומהי הסיבה לכך, שהרי מן הדין אין צריך אפילו לחזור אם נזכר אחרי תוך כדי דיבור. מענה: השמועה נכונה. ואכן מן הדין א״צ לחזור כלל. אמנם, בנדו״ד שאני, שלרווחא דמילתא נכון שיחזור לתחילת הברכה. והטעם, ע״פ סברת כמה אחרונים שבש״צ שטעה חוזר גם במקום שא״צ לחזור, דלתקוני שדרתיך ולא לעוותי. והארכנו בזה כאן: https://asktherav.com/17888-hebrew-chazen-said-vesein-tal-umatar-but-corrected-himself-right-away/ ואף שנת׳ שם שאי״ז עיקר לדינא - מ״מ לרווחא דמילתא עדיף לעשות כן לכתחילה בדאפשר (משא״כ כשכבר סיים הברכה שיש בכך משום…Show more
Similar Question: Can one make a sukkah by removing T tops and placing a mat on top, into a kosher albeit, temporary sukkah? Both sides of the roof would be off, but there is a .5 foot separation running… Similar Question: Can one make a sukkah by removing T tops and placing a mat on top, into a kosher albeit, temporary sukkah? Both sides of the roof would be off, but there is a .5 foot separation running down the middle. Answer: A few introductions: A Sukkah has to: be (and have walls that are) at least 32 inches tall and have width of at least 22.4 inches by 22.4 inches; have at least 3 walls; be a place where you are comfortable to eat, drink, spend time and sleep. In this case: A. the Schach would…Show more
Question: Sometimes the Chazan finishes early and takes 3 steps forward to learn/recite tehilim by the amud for comfort while waiting for Tisha onim. 1. Does he need to again take three steps back and forward before beginning… Question: Sometimes the Chazan finishes early and takes 3 steps forward to learn/recite tehilim by the amud for comfort while waiting for Tisha onim. 1. Does he need to again take three steps back and forward before beginning chazaras hashatz (if he didn't move from the amud)? 2. What if the Chazan walks around to verify there are tisha onim and then returns to the amud. Does he need to take 3 steps back and forward before beginning chazaras hashatz? Or can he begin chazaras hashatz without taking any steps (back) and forward? Answer:…Show more
מענה: הרבה הקפידו גם בשאר ברכות. וכל שכן בקריאת שמע קטנה. כמובן, כל זה כשאפשר. ולא לדחות ח״ו ק״ש בזמנה. או ברכת המפיל. מקורות: ראה המצויין אצלנו כאן במקורות וציונים להלכה יומית 423. …
Question: Is there an issue with folding copies of learning material (such as a farbrengen) that were printed before Shabbos and stapled in the center, into a usable kovetz for use on Shabbos? In addition, if there is in… Question: Is there an issue with folding copies of learning material (such as a farbrengen) that were printed before Shabbos and stapled in the center, into a usable kovetz for use on Shabbos? In addition, if there is in fact no issue, may one fold many copies even if one doesn't know if they will be used for certain by people on Shabbos? Answer: Shouldn’t be done. Sources: ראה שש"כ כח, יז. ושם הערה מ בסופו. אבל…Show more
Question: I have seasonal allergies, during the week I put eye drops to calm the pain. On Shabbos I was not sure if I am allowed to. I did not put it in until the pain got really strong.… Question: I have seasonal allergies, during the week I put eye drops to calm the pain. On Shabbos I was not sure if I am allowed to. I did not put it in until the pain got really strong. Was I allowed to? Answer: There are certain poskim that are lenient because you started the treatment before Shabbos. According to this opinion it was certainly ok. But preferably one should avoid relying on this. If the pain is strong that it causes a general weakness, one may take medication regardless. If there is great pain but it doesn’t…Show more
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