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Question: We don't cut nails on Thursday because of the resulting growth of the nails that will start on Shabbos. Why are timers allowed to be used to make appliances start running on Shabbos? Is there a difference? … Question: We don't cut nails on Thursday because of the resulting growth of the nails that will start on Shabbos. Why are timers allowed to be used to make appliances start running on Shabbos? Is there a difference? Answer: The reason why some are particular — and this is this the common custom —not to cut nails on a Thursday is because they will grow back on Shabbos. This will not be considered respectful for Shabbos as they grow back on Shabbos and hence lacking the mitzva of כבוד שבת. The theory that the reason for the custom…Show more
תשובה: מן הדין, מברך על שאר המאכלים והמשקאות. ומכל מקום, עדיף לברך ברכה אחרונה תחילה על פת הבאה בכיסנין לצאת מספק. מקורות: אף שספק שמא דינו כלחם גמור וממילא צ״ל הדין…
שאלה: כתב אדה"ז (בסבה"נ ב, י): "...חוּץ מִפַּת שֶׁנִּלּוֹשָׁה בְּחָלָב וְכַיּוֹצֵא בּוֹ שֶׁאֵין לְבָרֵךְ עֲלֵיהֶם "בּוֹרֵא מִינֵי מְזוֹנוֹת" בְּתוֹך הַסְּעוּדָה אוֹ בְּסוֹפָהּ בְּכָל ענין מֵאַחַר שֶׁיֵּשׁ אוֹמְרִים שֶׁבִּרְכָתָם "הַמּוֹצִיא" כְּלֶחֶם גָּמוּר, וְנִפְטֶרֶת כְּבָר בְּבִרְכַּת "הַמּוֹצִיא", וּסְפֵק בְּרָכוֹת לְהָקֵל ולכאורה… שאלה: כתב אדה"ז (בסבה"נ ב, י): "...חוּץ מִפַּת שֶׁנִּלּוֹשָׁה בְּחָלָב וְכַיּוֹצֵא בּוֹ שֶׁאֵין לְבָרֵךְ עֲלֵיהֶם "בּוֹרֵא מִינֵי מְזוֹנוֹת" בְּתוֹך הַסְּעוּדָה אוֹ בְּסוֹפָהּ בְּכָל ענין מֵאַחַר שֶׁיֵּשׁ אוֹמְרִים שֶׁבִּרְכָתָם "הַמּוֹצִיא" כְּלֶחֶם גָּמוּר, וְנִפְטֶרֶת כְּבָר בְּבִרְכַּת "הַמּוֹצִיא", וּסְפֵק בְּרָכוֹת לְהָקֵל ולכאורה גם עוגות בכלל זה, וא"כ אין מברכים עליהם כלל בתוך הסעודה אפילו כשאוכלם לעידן ולתענוג דלא כמנהג רוב העולם! ואף שהם בגדר רוב דבש שאפילו בעל נפש יכול להקל - הרי גם אז יש דיעה לברך המוציא (ורק מקילים כדעה האחרת), ואם יש טעם לברך עליו מזונות בתוך הסעודה נא להאיר עיני בזה. תשובה: לדעת רבנו בסידורו לדברי הכל…Show more
If so, should the person say/respond with amen? Answers: 1. A bracha can be given in writing or verbally. Each one has its own special power. One should respond "Amen" in writing. 2. Regarding placing the hands… If so, should the person say/respond with amen? Answers: 1. A bracha can be given in writing or verbally. Each one has its own special power. One should respond "Amen" in writing. 2. Regarding placing the hands over one's head while blessing them - Some do this. Some don’t. Some use only right hand. The reasons of this custom: To make the recipient a vessel for the bracha; to unite the one blessing and the recipient; to indicate extra flow of blessing, ayin yafeh; because there are 15 joints in the hand corresponding to the…Show more
Question: In the halochos regarding hair covering, a bald married woman needs to cover her head, meaning the head needs to be covered even though the focus is on a married woman's hair. What if a woman decides she… Question: In the halochos regarding hair covering, a bald married woman needs to cover her head, meaning the head needs to be covered even though the focus is on a married woman's hair. What if a woman decides she wants to extend her forehead and lasers off the hair in the front of her head...is that area allowed to be exposed? Do we define the covering that is necessary based on the head or the hair? What is the beginning point? Answer: Whatever her natural hairline was. However this is only referring to a case where a woman…Show more
Although it's best to be properly covered while learning, nonetheless when it is not possible you can still listen to a shiur. Sources: האשה יושבת וקוצה חלתה ערומה ומותרת לברך (ראה שו״ע…
There is a dispute whether one has the right to restrict others from photographing them. Regardless, if the person expresses explicit opposition one may not to do so, in account of Ahavas Yisroel. Sources: שו״ת שלמת חיים תשעג. שלמת יוסף כ, ה. משנ״ה…
Halachically one may smoke on fast days. On Tisha B'av one should not smoke. However, if one is unfortunately addicted and it is very difficult for him to refrain, he may smoke after Chatzos and in privacy. There is… Halachically one may smoke on fast days. On Tisha B'av one should not smoke. However, if one is unfortunately addicted and it is very difficult for him to refrain, he may smoke after Chatzos and in privacy. There is more room for stringency when it comes to vaping, even on a regular fast day. This is all aside for the general issues with smoking or vaping - See more here: https://asktherav.com/4681-do-the-pods-or-liquid-of-e-cigarettes-and-vapes-need-to-be-kosher/ Sources: עישון בתענית - משנ"ב סי' תקנ"ה ס”ק ח וכ"כ…Show more
שאלה: לגבי בורקס מבצק עלים שנילוש ברוב מרגרינה ראיתי בספר ממלכת כהנים (לגה"ר ישראל יוסף שיחי' הנדל), שער בירורי הלכה סי' יד, כותב שגם לבעל נפש, הברכה על מאפה מבצק עלים תהיה בורא מיני מזונות, כי הולכים בתר… שאלה: לגבי בורקס מבצק עלים שנילוש ברוב מרגרינה ראיתי בספר ממלכת כהנים (לגה"ר ישראל יוסף שיחי' הנדל), שער בירורי הלכה סי' יד, כותב שגם לבעל נפש, הברכה על מאפה מבצק עלים תהיה בורא מיני מזונות, כי הולכים בתר מצב המאפה אחר האפיה, ואחר האפיה, הבצק נעשה שכבות שכבות, ואין בו תואר לחם כלל; ולכן נראה שלדעתו, לא יברכו המוציא על מאפים אלו אף אם יקבעו עליהם סעודה. אך בספר שערי הברכה עמ' תקכ"ג הערה 67, איתא: אולי דינו (של בורקס העשוי מבצק עלים) כטריתא שאין בה קביעות סעודה, מאחר שכל דף בצק הוא דק מאד, אמנם בפשטות…Show more
שאלה: בסדר ברכת הנהנין פ"ב ה"ט מופיע הדין המיוחד של פת שנילושה בדבש כאשר הקמח מועט מן הדבש, שגם בעל נפש יברך עליו בורא מיני מזונות כי עשוי לעדון ומתיקות כו'. ובבדי השלחן סי' מח סקי"ד,… שאלה: בסדר ברכת הנהנין פ"ב ה"ט מופיע הדין המיוחד של פת שנילושה בדבש כאשר הקמח מועט מן הדבש, שגם בעל נפש יברך עליו בורא מיני מזונות כי עשוי לעדון ומתיקות כו'. ובבדי השלחן סי' מח סקי"ד, כותב הגרא"ח נאה: ופשוט דהוא הדין אם עירב בקמח תבלין או שקדים טחונים וכיוצא, עד שהם הרוב נגד הקמח, גם כן ברכתן בורא מיני מזונות לכולי עלמא, ופשוט גם כן שמצרפין יחד הדבש עם המי ביצים ושמן והתבלין, ואם בין כולם הם רוב נגד הקמח, ברכתן בורא מיני מזונות לדברי הכל, ע"כ. ושאלתי: 1. נראה שאז, בעוגות אלו,…Show more
Question: Can one use a non electric carpet and floor sweeper on Shabbos? It works by the wheels turning brushes on the bottom, that picks up dirt and brushes it into a small compartment. Answer: You may not… Question: Can one use a non electric carpet and floor sweeper on Shabbos? It works by the wheels turning brushes on the bottom, that picks up dirt and brushes it into a small compartment. Answer: You may not sweep a carpet on Shabbos as it is potentially included in the Melacha of Melaben as well as other reasons. You may however ask a non Jew to use it. Likewise, one may use a hair brush. You may use a non electric sweeper on hard floors in one’s home, see here: https://asktherav.com/936-is-it-permitted-to-sweep-ones-house-on-shabbos/ Sources: כבר כתבו לאסור משום מלבן, והוא חשש דאורייתא -…Show more
Q. Does the Rebbe want unmarried sefardi girls to disregard the ruling of the sefardi poskim and longstanding sefardi minhag, and instead make a bracha on lighting Shabbat candles? A. The Rebbe maintained that Sefardim may also light.… Q. Does the Rebbe want unmarried sefardi girls to disregard the ruling of the sefardi poskim and longstanding sefardi minhag, and instead make a bracha on lighting Shabbat candles? A. The Rebbe maintained that Sefardim may also light. This is the position of many Sefardi poskim and many maintain was the minhag too. Q. According to Rav Ovadia and the Ben Ish Chai, it is a bracha levatala al pi Bet Yosef. A. The position of the Ben Ish Chai isn’t clear. See below in the references. Q. According to other sefardi poskim that…Show more
It's a health supplement for those pregnant or hoping to conceive Answer: Yes. Nonetheless, it is better to take before Shabbos and after Shabbos. Alternatively, it can be mixed into a food before Shabbos. See also halacha2go.com #716:… It's a health supplement for those pregnant or hoping to conceive Answer: Yes. Nonetheless, it is better to take before Shabbos and after Shabbos. Alternatively, it can be mixed into a food before Shabbos. See also halacha2go.com #716: May I take my medication on Shabbos? Sources: לכמה דעות ה״ז מאכל בריאים. ובנדו״ד ה״ז לפעמים ממש…Show more
The temperature for wine to be Mevushal is 195˚F. [For a further elaboration of this point, see the sources at the end.] Three more things to consider, in case you are referring to flash pasteurization (heating and then… The temperature for wine to be Mevushal is 195˚F. [For a further elaboration of this point, see the sources at the end.] Three more things to consider, in case you are referring to flash pasteurization (heating and then cooling the wine very quickly), or any other similar method: 1) The effect of the cooking on the quality of the wine Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt”l (Minchos Shlomo 1:25) rules that wine cannot be considered mevushal unless the cooking causes a considerable impact to the wine, such as noticeably altering the flavor, color or aroma of the wine. According…Show more
Question: I am a shlucha living in a very hot climate and I would like to start wearing a hat fall instead of a full Shaitel when doing things outside with my kids or going on long hikes and such.…Question: I am a shlucha living in a very hot climate and I would like to start wearing a hat fall instead of a full Shaitel when doing things outside with my kids or going on long hikes and such. A hat fall is a Shaitel that has no hair on the top (where a yarmulke would go) and therefore is much more comfortable to wear and is worn with a hat. I know that Chabad generally doesn’t wear falls but I am wondering if my hair is 100 percent covered by the hat and the Shaitel if this is…Show more
After the fact, yes. Sources: אף שלא מצאתי ד״ז מפורש בפוסקים, מוכרח הוא לפענ״ד.…
Question: If one should be careful to not have urine on his clothing in order to learn Torah and make brachos, etc., how careful does one have to be about droplets that often drip out after using the… Question: If one should be careful to not have urine on his clothing in order to learn Torah and make brachos, etc., how careful does one have to be about droplets that often drip out after using the bathroom? What can one do if there are often droplets even after shaking out? Answer: According to the strict halacha this is not a problem if it’s covered in the garments one is wearing. Nevertheless, there were pious individuals who would be particular about drops of urine in their clothing, in order that they daven with clean clothing. This…Show more
Question: Is one supposed to say סברי מרנן before hagafen that precedes sheva brachos under the chupah (-and the same question would probably be about siddur kiddushin as well)? And what about by the meals on the rest of… Question: Is one supposed to say סברי מרנן before hagafen that precedes sheva brachos under the chupah (-and the same question would probably be about siddur kiddushin as well)? And what about by the meals on the rest of the 7 days, should the person that says the first bracha say it, or maybe the one that makes hagafen after? [I noticed in a recording of the Rebbe being mesader kidushin it sounds like the Rebbe says it before bichas kiddushin as well as before the sheva Brochos] Answer: Yes, סברי מרנן should be said before the…Show more
Question: How come minhag Chabad is not to put ashes on the chosson b'makom tefillin shel rosh or to say/sing im eshachech at the chuppah? Answer: Poskim mention how the custom of placing ashes is no longer done.… Question: How come minhag Chabad is not to put ashes on the chosson b'makom tefillin shel rosh or to say/sing im eshachech at the chuppah? Answer: Poskim mention how the custom of placing ashes is no longer done. Singing אם אשכחך is a recent innovation in some circles and has no authentic source. Some Acharonim mention a custom that the chosson says this passuk, but only as a custom of קצת קהילות. Sources: אפר - משמעות הרמ״א או״ח תקס, ב, ששבירת הכוס…Show more
Question: My son is leaving to camp tomorrow for 2 months and he didn’t manage to get a haircut. Is he allowed to take a haircut tonight since it’s Rosh Chodesh? His hair bothers him and wants a haircut.… Question: My son is leaving to camp tomorrow for 2 months and he didn’t manage to get a haircut. Is he allowed to take a haircut tonight since it’s Rosh Chodesh? His hair bothers him and wants a haircut. Answer: Should not be done. (Unless the hair is exceptionally large - see here:) https://asktherav.com/article-243-men-growing-long-hair/ Sources: אף שיש שכתבו סברא להתיר בליל ר״ח - ראה…Show more
If it is a problem, is there any way to get around it and be able to wear monthly lenses on Shabbos? Answer: There is a dispute about this. Many permit as long as they are still moist.… If it is a problem, is there any way to get around it and be able to wear monthly lenses on Shabbos? Answer: There is a dispute about this. Many permit as long as they are still moist. Regardless, one should not rub them clean on Shabbos. One must also place them in the solution immediately upon removing them from the eyes. Nonetheless, the preferable approach is to do as follows: Clean your lenses well before Shabbos with disinfecting solution and rub them appropriately. On Shabbos soak them only in saline solution in order that the lenses do…Show more
Yes. The Gemara (Shabbos 138:2) says that one may not wear a hat with a brim that protrudes out a tefach (a little more than three inches). So is the halacha in Shulchan Aruch. However, there are a… Yes. The Gemara (Shabbos 138:2) says that one may not wear a hat with a brim that protrudes out a tefach (a little more than three inches). So is the halacha in Shulchan Aruch. However, there are a few reasons brought in Poskim why it would not apply to hats commonly worn on Shabbos, mainly because it is worn as a hat to cover your head, or for beauty and honor, not to protect you from the sun, rain or flies However, it would still be prohibited according to many opinions to wear a baseball cap, cowboy…Show more
Yes. Sources: בנהג כצאן יוסף הל׳ שבת יא הביא מזקינו בעל…
Question: The local Jewish school is making a Motzei Shabbos gathering with Chalav Yisrael pizza baked in a Chalav Stam oven. Is the pizza permitted? Answer: According to the view that cholov stam is considered cholov akum and… Question: The local Jewish school is making a Motzei Shabbos gathering with Chalav Yisrael pizza baked in a Chalav Stam oven. Is the pizza permitted? Answer: According to the view that cholov stam is considered cholov akum and not-kosher, one should be careful not to use utensils/pots etc. If utensils were only used for cold, it’s permitted. In extenuating circumstances there might be other lenient considerations. Regarding the pizza - if the oven was clean and not used for cholov stam for 24 hours, the pizza is permitted after the fact. But one may not ask them lchatchilla…Show more
Obviously a biological woman will always stay a woman and one may not give them an Aliya or let them be Chazzan regardless of how they look or dress. A biological man that looks like or dresses like a… Obviously a biological woman will always stay a woman and one may not give them an Aliya or let them be Chazzan regardless of how they look or dress. A biological man that looks like or dresses like a woman shouldn’t either be given an Aliya or to be Chazzan - or even sit in the men’s or women’s sections while dressed so (see the link below for additional details) - due to the issue of Maris Ayin and other issues. A gay or bisexual man who lives with another man should be treated like any other person that…Show more
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