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Question: I’ve been offered pews from a temple and was wondering if it would be ok to accept this donation or would it be unacceptable for us to do so since it was previously used by reform and conservative.… Question: I’ve been offered pews from a temple and was wondering if it would be ok to accept this donation or would it be unacceptable for us to do so since it was previously used by reform and conservative. If yes, how about the Bimah and Aron Hakodesh? Answer: The pews may certainly be used. The bima and aron hakodesh should not be used. Sources: אפי׳ בספסלים לע״ז - ראה פמ״ג קנד במ״ז ח.…Show more
המנהג שכל אחד מברך לעצמו. טעמים ומקורות: כ״כ במט״א תר, ד, בערוה״ש רצז, ז. רחצ, טז. (ואפי׳ לענין הבדלה עצמה - להעיר מסמ״ע חו״מ רצא, כז הב״ד במג״א רצו, י). ודלא כמשנ״ב רצז, יג. וראה גם קצוה״ש צו… המנהג שכל אחד מברך לעצמו. טעמים ומקורות: כ״כ במט״א תר, ד, בערוה״ש רצז, ז. רחצ, טז. (ואפי׳ לענין הבדלה עצמה - להעיר מסמ״ע חו״מ רצא, כז הב״ד במג״א רצו, י). ודלא כמשנ״ב רצז, יג. וראה גם קצוה״ש צו בבדה״ש ח. (ודרך בדרכו ובאריכות בשו״ת נתיבות אדם א, יא. אלא שאינו עולה יפה בדעת אדה״ז ריג, ה. ויותר נראה שהקפידו שכאו״א יברך לעצמו משום העדר כוונה, ואשכחנא טובא כה״ג, וכמו לענין שהחיינו בליל יו״כ ועוד. וגם בהדלקת נ״ח. והארכנו במק״א. וראה אדה״ז קסז, יח. משנ״ב ריג, יב. שם ח, ג), וכן מחמת מעלת המברך על העונה אמן, ומצוה בו…Show more
Question: If I forget to say yaaleh veyavo in shmone esrei, should I wait to hear chazaras hashatz/kedusha/moidim, daven hallel with the minyan, and hear kriyas hatorah, and then daven again, or do I need to… Question: If I forget to say yaaleh veyavo in shmone esrei, should I wait to hear chazaras hashatz/kedusha/moidim, daven hallel with the minyan, and hear kriyas hatorah, and then daven again, or do I need to daven again right away as soon as I remember (which will cause me to miss kedusha, hallel with the minyan etc.)? Answer: You may wait and daven again Shemone Esrai later. However, you shouldn't interrupt with idle talk. Sources: גם להדעות שה״ז כלא התפלל כלל - וכבר האריכו…Show more
No need to wash three times. If washing three times, wash three consecutive times one hand and then the same on the other hand. Sources: כ"מ בלקו"ש ח"ט ע' 386. וע״פ השמועה מר׳ פאלע…
Question: We wish to build a wall in our bathroom, between the toilet and sink. What is the minimum height that wall can be, in order that the sink area should not be tomei? I heard 10 tefachim… Question: We wish to build a wall in our bathroom, between the toilet and sink. What is the minimum height that wall can be, in order that the sink area should not be tomei? I heard 10 tefachim is enough, however is that sufficient if one can still see the toilet? Answer: Yes, ten Tefachim is high enough. Source: צריכים רק שיהא מקצה מקומו לעצמו, ואינו כמו מחיצות בין אנשים לנשים. ראה גם שו״ת יבי״א ג, ב. See Also: https://asktherav.com/is-it-okay-to-wash-ones-hands-in-the-bathroom-after-using-it-does-it-make-a-difference-if-the-seat-is-covered/ #12668Show more
After the three steps. שכן אד׳ שפתי תפתח הוא חלק מהתפלה. ואין לזוז ממקומו. וראה שו״ת אבני ישפה ו, יט, ב. #20871
Article: A Brachah on Rivers The brachah of Oseh ma’aseh bereishis (thanking Hashem for the wonders of creation) should be recited when we see a large river that has been around since sheishes yemei breishis (the beginning of creation).… Article: A Brachah on Rivers The brachah of Oseh ma’aseh bereishis (thanking Hashem for the wonders of creation) should be recited when we see a large river that has been around since sheishes yemei breishis (the beginning of creation). However, if the river has changed course, even if it happened biyedei shamayaim (due to a natural act from Above), we don’t say the brachah. When encountering a river, we needn’t be concerned that its course may have changed over time, but if it’s unknown whether the river dates back to sheishes yemei breishis, no brachah should be…Show more
There is no problem. Sources: מקורות: אפי׳ בבבואה של הקשת נסתפקו, ויש שהחמירו -…
מצד דין לא ילבש מותר כשנעשה לרפואה או כשמציק לו מחמת גירויים וכדומה. גם בימי הספירה יש להתיר במקרה כזה - ראה בארוכה כאן: https://asktherav.com/11116-where-and-when-can-a-man-shave/ #4060
Question Continued: If not - why? Can you tell others about it later on, when it’s not there anymore? Answer: There are different opinions and customs about this. According to those who forbid, it shouldn't be mentioned later… Question Continued: If not - why? Can you tell others about it later on, when it’s not there anymore? Answer: There are different opinions and customs about this. According to those who forbid, it shouldn't be mentioned later too and on the contrary - afterwards there is less reason to mention it. Sources: מקור הענין בחיי"א בשם סג, ד בשם "מצאתי בספר…Show more
Article #500: Staring at a Wicked Person According to halachah, there are a number of things that one is assur l’histakel (forbidden to gaze at): Assur l’histakel bifnei rasha (it’s forbidden to gaze at the face of wicked person)—yet… Article #500: Staring at a Wicked Person According to halachah, there are a number of things that one is assur l’histakel (forbidden to gaze at): Assur l’histakel bifnei rasha (it’s forbidden to gaze at the face of wicked person)—yet many gedolei Yisroel (Jewish sages) met the political leaders of their time, whether kings, czars or ministers who were reshaim, and exchanged greetings; they must surely have been looking at them. Assur l’histakel bifnei keshes (it’s forbidden to gaze at a rainbow)—yet there’s a special brachah that we make upon seeing a rainbow, which necessitates looking at it. One…Show more
Question: We have a non-Jewish neighbor who has a motion light sensor next to his door. If we want to go to shul we must pass it and the light automatically goes on. What should we do? Answer:… Question: We have a non-Jewish neighbor who has a motion light sensor next to his door. If we want to go to shul we must pass it and the light automatically goes on. What should we do? Answer: There are many differing views among the Poskim on this issue. It is best to try to convince the neighbor if he can change the settings of the light for Friday night so it will not be activated when you walk back from shul. Alternatively, you should wait for a non-Jew to walk by and activate the light. If this…Show more
מותר לומר פסוקי תהלים בעל פה. ראה הלכה יומית אות תלד ובמראי מקומות לשם. ואעתיק החלק השייך לכאן: בנוגע לתהלים - כ״כ בשו״ת חו״י סקע״ה. אלא שמ׳ שם שטעמו משום דחזי לאצטרופי שהוא שגור בפי כל, הא לא״ה… מותר לומר פסוקי תהלים בעל פה. ראה הלכה יומית אות תלד ובמראי מקומות לשם. ואעתיק החלק השייך לכאן: בנוגע לתהלים - כ״כ בשו״ת חו״י סקע״ה. אלא שמ׳ שם שטעמו משום דחזי לאצטרופי שהוא שגור בפי כל, הא לא״ה לא. אולם ממה שהעתיקוהו האחרונים (באה״ט ושע״ת ומשנ״ב על אתר. וכ״ה בקצוה״ש סוסי״ד) בפשי׳, ולא העירו שבימינו שאינו שגור ליתא (ראה עד״ז בלחם הפנים לקיצושו״ע סוסי׳ א) - מ׳ דס״ל שבכל גוונא התיר. וראה בשו״ת חת״ס יו״ד סקצ״א שכ׳ להתיר מטעם אחר. ולהעיר גם מלוח היום יום: ז טבת, יא טבת, ד ניסן, [ה שבט]. אג"ק יח ע' לב. וראה…Show more
please note that some of these links are from last year, and will soon be updated iyh Mechiras Chometz - Sale Form The Hows and Whys of Selling Chometz Pesach Guides Chumros on Pesach (Q&As with Rabbi Braun):… please note that some of these links are from last year, and will soon be updated iyh Mechiras Chometz - Sale Form The Hows and Whys of Selling Chometz Pesach Guides Chumros on Pesach (Q&As with Rabbi Braun): Part I | Part II Mistakes in Davening Tevilas Keilim + Chart Kashering Made Simple מכירת חמץ: טופס מכירה | כיצד למה ומדוע לוח יומי לחודש ניסן חומרות והידורים בפסח קיצור דיני טעות ושכחה טבילת כלים הכשרת כלים Show more
From a strict halachic perspective, there is room to permit all shampoos and soaps on Pesach. But many are strict regarding Pesach and only use soaps that are certified kosher for Pesach (or on a kosher list) on Pesach.… From a strict halachic perspective, there is room to permit all shampoos and soaps on Pesach. But many are strict regarding Pesach and only use soaps that are certified kosher for Pesach (or on a kosher list) on Pesach. Read more here: Pesach-Q&A's Sources: ראה באור הלכה שכו, י בשאר חלב (מטעם סיכה…Show more
Paper cups (hot or cold) and plates present a problem on Pesach, as in the manufacturing process the paperboard is starched. Therefore, plastic cups and plates should be used instead, for food or food-related items, unless the paper product… Paper cups (hot or cold) and plates present a problem on Pesach, as in the manufacturing process the paperboard is starched. Therefore, plastic cups and plates should be used instead, for food or food-related items, unless the paper product is certified kosher for Pesach. Sources: ראה שוע"ר תמב, כו. וכ"ש בנדו"ד שבודאי יפרך לתוך…Show more
Mouthwash and toothpaste are not only a concern regarding Pesach but also the entire year as some may contain animal-derived (not kosher) ingredients. See here: Halacha2go.com article #589: Does toothpaste have to be Kosher? מ”מ Therefore, especially regarding Pesach… Mouthwash and toothpaste are not only a concern regarding Pesach but also the entire year as some may contain animal-derived (not kosher) ingredients. See here: Halacha2go.com article #589: Does toothpaste have to be Kosher? מ”מ Therefore, especially regarding Pesach when a person should be extra careful about what he puts in his mouth (or in some cases where he ends up consuming the item, even though it’s probably unintentional), only mouthwash and toothpaste with a reliable hechsher (or on a kosher list) should be used. #3119aShow more
You may say it until the next morning by Alos. After that time, you can say it but without the Yehi Ratzon. Sources: בפשטות, כל הקורא פסוק בזמנו מביא טובה לעולם שנאמר…
Women and geirim may both say it too. Same wording. ולהעיר מסה״ש תש״נ ח״ב ע׳ 393 הע׳ 7. #20224
שאלה: כאשר הזמן דחוק ואין אפשרות לאכול האפיקומן לפני חצות אלא א"כ ימהר בסעודתו ולא יוכל לאכול כיאה לשמחת יו"ט (או אפי' יצטרך להזדרז באמירת ההגדה וכו') האם יש להקל ולאכול כזית בתור אפיקומן לפני חצות ואחר כך לאכול… שאלה: כאשר הזמן דחוק ואין אפשרות לאכול האפיקומן לפני חצות אלא א"כ ימהר בסעודתו ולא יוכל לאכול כיאה לשמחת יו"ט (או אפי' יצטרך להזדרז באמירת ההגדה וכו') האם יש להקל ולאכול כזית בתור אפיקומן לפני חצות ואחר כך לאכול עו"פ אפיקומן לאחר חצות לקיים "אין מפטירין אחר הפסח" נמצא שגם אכל לפני חצות וגם לא הפטיר אחר האפיקומן? מענה: לא. אף שיש המציעים לעשות כן ולהתנות שאם הלכה כר׳ עקיבא הכזית הראשון אינו בגדר אפיקומן - למעשה הרבה אחרונים חולקים על זה, ומכמה טעמים. וגם מחמת שגם לר׳ עקיבא (עכ״פ לכתחילה) צ״ל אפיקומן לפני חצות (מדרבנן). וגם הוכיחו…Show more
One may only add water to the extent that the wine - or grape juice - can still be drunk as wine and served to guests that way. Regardless, the water may never be 85.7% or more in the… One may only add water to the extent that the wine - or grape juice - can still be drunk as wine and served to guests that way. Regardless, the water may never be 85.7% or more in the mixture (assuming no water was added by the company). One should ideally machmir that the water should always be less than 75%. Regarding adding other drinks, they may not be more than 50%. Sources - See here: https://asktherav.com/7702-diluting-the-seder-wine-due-to-health-concerns/ #13539Show more
Yes (provided it was kept away from Chometz, of course). It should also be checked for potential infestation. Sources: אג״ק כרך יא ע׳ כ״ג (אגרת ג'ת): אם אפשר…
Do they give me the Eiruv to pick up? Answer: Yes, that works. When making their Eruv they give it usually to someone else to pick on behalf of the entire city. In this case, you should pick… Do they give me the Eiruv to pick up? Answer: Yes, that works. When making their Eruv they give it usually to someone else to pick on behalf of the entire city. In this case, you should pick it up and have in mind the entire city and specifically yourself. ראה בארוכה קונטרס באתרא דרב חו׳ ב. #8904Show more
Yes, you may. I would like to point out that there are several other halachos involved in cooking on wood over yom tov that you should be aware of: One may not use firewood for any other purpose than… Yes, you may. I would like to point out that there are several other halachos involved in cooking on wood over yom tov that you should be aware of: One may not use firewood for any other purpose than burning, as it is muktzeh. On yom tov one cannot make a layered pile of wood to burn unless one holds the upper layer suspended in the air while the lower layer is being placed under it. One cannot take a log that has already (partially) caught fire out of the general fire, and if one wants to change the…Show more
Question: What is a permissible way of calculating the price for renting out our apartment short-term which would include days of Shabbos or Yom Tov? What could we do if we aren't sure in advance exactly how many days… Question: What is a permissible way of calculating the price for renting out our apartment short-term which would include days of Shabbos or Yom Tov? What could we do if we aren't sure in advance exactly how many days it will be so it's hard to make a set price. Is there any way to make multiple prices based on different options of how long the tenants will be staying in the apartment? Answer: Rent should be calculated from 12 am to 12 am. Sources: בעצם הענין - ראה מג״א שו, ז. אדה״ז שם…Show more
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