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Question: We have 12 Kohanim and 2 Yisroelim, 1 of the Yisroelim will be Laining and is a chiyuv (in the 12 months from the petira of his son). This minyan is happening Shabbos ki Savo, where… Question: We have 12 Kohanim and 2 Yisroelim, 1 of the Yisroelim will be Laining and is a chiyuv (in the 12 months from the petira of his son). This minyan is happening Shabbos ki Savo, where the baal korei normally receives the aliya of shishi. What would be the correct way to go about the Aliyos? Answer: 1- kohen A 2- kohen A bimkom levi 3- yisroel A 4- kohen B 5- kohen C 6- yisroel B (baal koreh), without being called 7- kohen D 8- kohen E P.S.: In this case the baal…Show more
שאלה: אמרתי משהו לא יפה לאדם אחד, עמד אדם אחר במקום וחשב שהתכוונתי אליו ונפגע מכך. האם צריך אני לבקש את סליחתו, בשעה שלגמרי לא התכוונתי אליו? מענה: יש להסביר לו את הטעות כדי שלא יחשוד בו שפגע… שאלה: אמרתי משהו לא יפה לאדם אחד, עמד אדם אחר במקום וחשב שהתכוונתי אליו ונפגע מכך. האם צריך אני לבקש את סליחתו, בשעה שלגמרי לא התכוונתי אליו? מענה: יש להסביר לו את הטעות כדי שלא יחשוד בו שפגע בו, אבל אינו צריך לפייסו עד שימחל לו אלא בעיו"כ. ומ"מ מדת חסידות לפייסו בכל אופן. ועם כל זה, אם נגרמה מחלוקת ח״ו מזה יש לחזר אחריו בדברי שלום שלא להחזיק במחלוקת. מקורות: ראה שפ"א יומא פז ב ד"ה איקפד. אבל מדבריו…Show more
Question: In many camps they use the Shul for playing Gaga or dodgeball, or playing a video to entertain the children on a rain day or just to have fun on a late night, is that okay? I remember… Question: In many camps they use the Shul for playing Gaga or dodgeball, or playing a video to entertain the children on a rain day or just to have fun on a late night, is that okay? I remember learning that there are different steps we take just to respect a synagogue, is this practice okay? Does it matter if it's a rain day? Does it matter if it's a video or a game of dodgeball? And does it help if we cover the Aron kodash? Answer: A shul is a holy place and should be treated…Show more
Once the printer starts printing, prints can take hours or even days. Am I allowed to have the printer print over Shabbos? Answer: It depends. If the printing makes no noise, or even if it does but it… Once the printer starts printing, prints can take hours or even days. Am I allowed to have the printer print over Shabbos? Answer: It depends. If the printing makes no noise, or even if it does but it is white noise, this is not a problem. However, if there is noticeable noise associated with it, it should not be scheduled in a way that it continues printing on Shabbos. See also here: https://asktherav.com/2677-is-it-muttar-to-leave-a-noise-machine-on-over-shabbos-for-a-baby/ ראה שו״ע אדה״ז רנב א-ב. טו-טז. Follow-up Question: What if it is not left in a bedroom but rather in the garage…Show more
The correct spelling among Askenazim is ליב. If the tzaire beneath the ל is pronounced similar to a patach as is done in many Hungarian, Polish and Galician communities, i.e. leib (not labe, as pronounced in Russian, German… The correct spelling among Askenazim is ליב. If the tzaire beneath the ל is pronounced similar to a patach as is done in many Hungarian, Polish and Galician communities, i.e. leib (not labe, as pronounced in Russian, German and Lithuanian communities) it is spelled לייב. Sources: ראה רמ״א אה"ע סוסי׳ קכט. ב״ש שמות אנשים. שם…Show more
Question: Is it only a specific body of water? What would be the geder? Or is it really only a water-carrier? And what exactly should be said? Answer: Yes, there is an Inyan, as stated clearly in… Question: Is it only a specific body of water? What would be the geder? Or is it really only a water-carrier? And what exactly should be said? Answer: Yes, there is an Inyan, as stated clearly in the Hayom Yom of 21 Teves. This applies not only when seeing a water-carrier, rather any body of water, or any water, chanced upon (i.e., when not expecting). What should be said: “The Baal Shem Tov says that water is a Siman Bracha”, as per the Hayom Yom Ibid. Sources: כמפורש בהיום יום כ״א טבת ונת׳ בארוכה בשיחת ליל…Show more
Generally yes. - I'm asking about 2 types of cream: 1) the cream stays on your hand for a while without getting absorbed - there's a layer of actual cream still on the hand, like Vaseline. Yes, it is… Generally yes. - I'm asking about 2 types of cream: 1) the cream stays on your hand for a while without getting absorbed - there's a layer of actual cream still on the hand, like Vaseline. Yes, it is a Chatzitza. משנ״ב סי׳ קס״א ס״ק י״ג. וראה גם בשו״ת שבט הקהתי ח״א סי׳ פ״ה. ערוך השולחן יו״ד סי׳ קצ״ח אות ל״ב. 2) the cream is absorbed into the skin, but when the hand gets wet, it gets 'creamy' again If it is entirely absorbed in the skin, and only remains in the hands in a way that when…Show more
Question: I am considering a career in law enforcement as a forensic accountant. This means that I would be gathering financial evidence to be used in litigation proceedings. Depending on the job, this may only entail analyzing transactions and… Question: I am considering a career in law enforcement as a forensic accountant. This means that I would be gathering financial evidence to be used in litigation proceedings. Depending on the job, this may only entail analyzing transactions and preparing reports for the attorneys, or it may involve actually testifying and presenting the evidence in court. While some cases may involve only monetary penalties if a party is found guilty, other cases may come with a prison term. There is obviously the likelihood of potentially working on cases involving Jews. Although, this may also depend on the type and…Show more
שאלה: נפגשתי לאחרונה עם יהודי, שלפני המלחמה מסרו אותו למנזר, וכך גדל כל ימיו, להיות כומר קתולי י"ה. הזמנתי אותו ל 770, ואולי הוא יסכים להניח תפלין (דבר שלא הסכים בפגישה הקודמת), השאלה האם השתי וערב שיש על חזהו… שאלה: נפגשתי לאחרונה עם יהודי, שלפני המלחמה מסרו אותו למנזר, וכך גדל כל ימיו, להיות כומר קתולי י"ה. הזמנתי אותו ל 770, ואולי הוא יסכים להניח תפלין (דבר שלא הסכים בפגישה הקודמת), השאלה האם השתי וערב שיש על חזהו מעכב את הנחת תפלין? מענה: אין להניח עליו תפילין כשצלב תלוי לו על צוארו. גם אם אין לו צלב תלוי על צוארו בשעת מעשה - יש להיזהר בהבא להלן: אם הוא עדיין ״דבוק״ באמונות נוצריות רח״ל, אתה רשאי להניח אתו תפילין רק אם אין חשש שהוא מניח לצורך עבודה זרה שלו ואין חשש שהוא ישתמש בזה לסיוע בפעילויות הכפירה…Show more
It is permitted to use a flashlight in the way you mentioned on Yom Tov. However, it is best to move it with a shinui (like holding it with fingers one doesn't usually use or by placing it under… It is permitted to use a flashlight in the way you mentioned on Yom Tov. However, it is best to move it with a shinui (like holding it with fingers one doesn't usually use or by placing it under one’s arm etc.), provided that you take extra care not to turn it off. See also here: https://asktherav.com/10503-what-is-and-isnt-allowed-when-using-a-shabbos-lamp/ https://asktherav.com/8128-am-i-allowed-to-leave-a-reading-lamp-on-my-desk-to-learn-over-shabbos-without-any-extra-precautions-keeping-me-from-moving-adjusting-it/ Sources: הנה נחלקו הפוסקים בגדר דין מוקצה דשלהבת, ומזה…Show more
Question: It has become popular to put Mezuzos in see-through cases. I have seen in Seforim that there are certain restrictions when the name ש-ד-י is not covered. My question is are those chumros and what about putting mezuzos… Question: It has become popular to put Mezuzos in see-through cases. I have seen in Seforim that there are certain restrictions when the name ש-ד-י is not covered. My question is are those chumros and what about putting mezuzos in non religious people's homes that the "Shem" is visible? Answer: There is a an advantage to putting the Mezuzah in a see-through case so that the mezuzah with ש-ד-י could be seen. A uncovered mezuzah shouldn't be in sight of a bathroom or any dirty things like changing diapers etc. Nevertheless, in this regard a see through case…Show more
If you’re holding at a place where you can make a Hefsek (such as speaking), yes, you may say it together with the Minyan. Please see in the following links (same applies to your question here): https://asktherav.com/4671-2-also-if-you-started-tachanun-with-minyan-but-they-have-already-said-13-attributes-and-you-decided-to-go-at-your-own-pace-do-you-say-13-attributes-normally-or-with-trope/ https://asktherav.com/4671-1-during-tachanun-if-the-minyan-is-ahead-of-you-and-already-saying-13-attributes-do-you-skip-and-say-with-minyan-or-better-to-continue-at-your-own-pace/… If you’re holding at a place where you can make a Hefsek (such as speaking), yes, you may say it together with the Minyan. Please see in the following links (same applies to your question here): https://asktherav.com/4671-2-also-if-you-started-tachanun-with-minyan-but-they-have-already-said-13-attributes-and-you-decided-to-go-at-your-own-pace-do-you-say-13-attributes-normally-or-with-trope/ https://asktherav.com/4671-1-during-tachanun-if-the-minyan-is-ahead-of-you-and-already-saying-13-attributes-do-you-skip-and-say-with-minyan-or-better-to-continue-at-your-own-pace/ ואף ביגמה״ר שבעת פתיחת הארון שנאמר כתפלה, ה״ז דומה ליגמה״ר בוידוי שאין לומר ביחיד (אף שאין מקפידין בכך, בשאר תפלות שיש בהם יגמה״ר כבפיוטים שסליחות וכו׳) - ראה ברכ״י תפח, ה. שו״ת אבני צדק לו (והתריע על מנהג המתחדשים שהש״ץ אומר בפ״ע ואח״כ הקהל). ועוד. #21591Show more
Question: I have long lists of names of people who need healing that I insert in my prayers when I have the time. I have divided them into those who are Jewish and those who are not. Some people… Question: I have long lists of names of people who need healing that I insert in my prayers when I have the time. I have divided them into those who are Jewish and those who are not. Some people have told me that they don't think I can include the non-Jews' names in this tefillah (I realize the section ends with roifei choiley amoi yisrael.) Is it ok that I mention the names of goyim here? And if not, where can I do so? Answer: Depends. If you’re davening for someone because it affects you directly, such…Show more
One may not carry on Yom Tov if it's not for the sake of Yom Tov. Therefore, practically, one may only take out the garbage to the street if it is causing discomfort in the house because of its… One may not carry on Yom Tov if it's not for the sake of Yom Tov. Therefore, practically, one may only take out the garbage to the street if it is causing discomfort in the house because of its smell or the like, and only if it cannot be kept in the backyard, etc. One may not take it out to where the garbage collectors pick up the garbage for them to pick it up the next day. Likewise, this does not allow one to take out garbage from their backyard or any area where they are not spending…Show more
Question: Is it permissible to take an enzymes supplement to assist digestion on Shabbos or Yom Tov, if one takes them regularly with every meal mixed with food throughout the week? Answer: If you can mix the supplement… Question: Is it permissible to take an enzymes supplement to assist digestion on Shabbos or Yom Tov, if one takes them regularly with every meal mixed with food throughout the week? Answer: If you can mix the supplement into food or drink before Shabbos or Yom Yov, it can then be consumed on Shabbos or Yom Tov. This is not necessary for the second day of Yom Tov if taking the supplement will prevent pain or discomfort. Sources: ובהקדם שח״א כתב לאסור, ונימוקו עמו שאפי' להמתירים ויטמינים…Show more
Meat: It is a mitzvah of Simchas Yom Tov to eat meat on Yom Tov both by night and by day, ideally during the seudah. See here: https://asktherav.com/8974-must-one-eat-beef-on-yom-tov-or-is-chicken-enough/ Fish: While eating fish Yom Tov isn’t a mitzvah like… Meat: It is a mitzvah of Simchas Yom Tov to eat meat on Yom Tov both by night and by day, ideally during the seudah. See here: https://asktherav.com/8974-must-one-eat-beef-on-yom-tov-or-is-chicken-enough/ Fish: While eating fish Yom Tov isn’t a mitzvah like meat, and the mitzvah of Oneg Yom Tov can be achieved through other goods one enjoys, it’s customarily served at a seudas mitzvah, and should be served on Yom Tov too, unless there are mitigating factors. Additionally, seforim mention many reasons why fish should be eaten on Shabbos - indeed the Alter Rebbe writes it should be eaten for…Show more
שאלה: מה הדין אם לא מצא חיטים לשני הלחם, האם יהא מותר להביא מכוסמין, דכוסמין מין חיטין הוא, וכמבואר בדברי חז"ל בכמה מקומות. וכן בריש מסכת חלה דחיטין מצטרפין עם הכוסמין דמינו הוא. מענה: פשוט שאינו כשר וכבכל… שאלה: מה הדין אם לא מצא חיטים לשני הלחם, האם יהא מותר להביא מכוסמין, דכוסמין מין חיטין הוא, וכמבואר בדברי חז"ל בכמה מקומות. וכן בריש מסכת חלה דחיטין מצטרפין עם הכוסמין דמינו הוא. מענה: פשוט שאינו כשר וכבכל מנחות שלא כשרו רק חטים (ראה ירושלמי חלה א, א. ספרא ויקרא דיבורא דנדבה יג, ה. ספרי פינחס קמב. רש״י פסחים לה, א ד״ה אוסר. רמב״ם מעה״ק יב, ב. ולהעיר שיש שפי׳ בירושלמי שם בדעת רבנן ששבולת שועל כשרה לעומר - ראה פי׳ ר״ש סירליאו. פנ״מ ועוד. אבל גם לדידהו כוסמין פסולים לשאר מנחות וכשרות רק מחטים). ובכלל, רק חטים…Show more
שאלות: ראיתי מי שכתב שאפשר להדליק נרות יום טוב שני - ביום טוב הראשון סמוך לחשכה, והוא על פי מ"ש אדה"ז בתקי"ד סט"ו "ומכל מקום מותר לאדם להדליק נרות בביתו ביו"ט ראשון סמוך לחשכה ואין זה כמכין מיו"ט לחבירו… שאלות: ראיתי מי שכתב שאפשר להדליק נרות יום טוב שני - ביום טוב הראשון סמוך לחשכה, והוא על פי מ"ש אדה"ז בתקי"ד סט"ו "ומכל מקום מותר לאדם להדליק נרות בביתו ביו"ט ראשון סמוך לחשכה ואין זה כמכין מיו"ט לחבירו שהרי אף באותה שעה שמדליק הוא צריך לאור הנר כיון שכבר החשיך היום". א. האם כך פוסקים להלכה? ב. האם רק בדיעבד או אפשרי לכתחילה? ג. אם כן, מדוע מקפידים בכל הלוחות לכתוב השעה אחרי צאת הכוכבים? מענות: א. כמובן. ב. לכתחילה. אבל לא בזמננו - ראה להלן. ג. כי היתר זה רק כשהחשיך היום, ורק במקום חשוך, ולא…Show more
Question: When dealing with Mekuravim who had a bris but not in a kosher way - not 8 days, and/or in a hospital: how important is it for them to redo and have hatafas dam? As it is it's…Question: When dealing with Mekuravim who had a bris but not in a kosher way - not 8 days, and/or in a hospital: how important is it for them to redo and have hatafas dam? As it is it's not easy to convince someone to have a bris, but here it's an additional hishtadlus. I'm currently dealing with 2 situations - one is a 5 year old and the other is in his 50's. Can this be pushed off or does it have the same sense of urgency that a regular bris has? Answer: There is a Machlokes…Show more
שאלה: האם ניתן להחזיר את הס”ת מיד לאחר קריאת המפטיר, ולקרוא את ההפטרה אחרי חלוקת הממתקים ואחרי שהילדים ילכו? מענה: לא. ראה כאן: https://asktherav.com/13764-when-the-one-receiving-maftir-has-to-bentch-hagomel-when-exactly-should-he-do-so/ #21503
Question: I have a tallis that has the holes for the tzitzis that are torn. Can I use metal grommets to attach the tzitzis to the tallis? (That is to use a metal ring attached to the tallis… Question: I have a tallis that has the holes for the tzitzis that are torn. Can I use metal grommets to attach the tzitzis to the tallis? (That is to use a metal ring attached to the tallis to pass the threads through.) Answer: You should not use metal grommets. Sources: ראה שוע"ר סי' יא סכ"ד. ובמזבח מצינו ברמב"ם הל'…Show more
Question: May one interrupt between reading shnayim mikra and reading the Haftorah lechatchila, or better not to? (I.e. just as it is better not to interrupt within the chumash itself so too until after Haftorah) Answer: One… Question: May one interrupt between reading shnayim mikra and reading the Haftorah lechatchila, or better not to? (I.e. just as it is better not to interrupt within the chumash itself so too until after Haftorah) Answer: One shouldn’t interrupt until finishing the Haftorah. ראה סידור תפלה למשה להרמ״ק קצב, א. ובשמו - של״ה מס׳ שבת בחלק תורה אור, סוד קריאת שמו״ת (קלח, א). #21055Show more
Question: We are starting a new kehillah on a development site. A third of the development was bought and houses were built before we bought there. We purchased the land last year in August and the land will be… Question: We are starting a new kehillah on a development site. A third of the development was bought and houses were built before we bought there. We purchased the land last year in August and the land will be titled (ownership transfer) in September. We will commence building in September which will take about 6 months or so. Someone sent me a tzavoh from Reb Yehudah Hachasid that one should not build on land that never had a building there prior but if he doesn’t want it to be vacant, he can build and not live there for 12…Show more
Question: We rent a first floor of a house, our Jewish landlord lives upstairs, we share a drive way and a shared garage with non Jewish neighbors, each one has one side of it but the same drive way… Question: We rent a first floor of a house, our Jewish landlord lives upstairs, we share a drive way and a shared garage with non Jewish neighbors, each one has one side of it but the same drive way leads to it. no fence between each side. Can we carry over there on Shabbos? Important to mention that there is an arch made of bricks between the two houses at the beginning of the driveway and the garage has fences all around. Answer: It wasn't absolutely clear in your question, but it seems that the entire area is…Show more
Question: We have a small Chabad house and will only be holding services on the first day of Yom Tov. Are we allowed to do Yizkor on the first day? The people who will be coming will not be… Question: We have a small Chabad house and will only be holding services on the first day of Yom Tov. Are we allowed to do Yizkor on the first day? The people who will be coming will not be attending any other services this YT. Answer: Yes. P.S. Those that can, should say it again on the second day. Of course, this isn’t the ideal arrangement and one should not make a fixed habit of changing the custom. Sources: כמו בבן חו״ל בא״י ודעתו לחזור - ראה שו״ת…Show more
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