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Q. When is the last time to make a Chanuka Habayis. Can one do it a year after move-in date? A. If it has not been done yet it should be done within a year. Best to schedule to… Q. When is the last time to make a Chanuka Habayis. Can one do it a year after move-in date? A. If it has not been done yet it should be done within a year. Best to schedule to have some of the mezuzos checked and affix them at the event, as long as you don’t delay because of this the affixing of the mezuzos. There’s no prohibition of doing it afterwards but it loses most of the significance. Q. Also when is the last time to say Shehecheyanu on the purchase of the house? A. Shehecheyanu…Show more
It should ideally be dried with a towel or napkin. However where this is not possible one may use such a machine if washing with a full Reviis for each hand. One should make sure to rub the hands… It should ideally be dried with a towel or napkin. However where this is not possible one may use such a machine if washing with a full Reviis for each hand. One should make sure to rub the hands while using the machine and not put the hands facing downwards. Sources: ראה בשוע"ר סי' קנח סי"ז, בפי׳ הראשון, שא' הטעמים…Show more
Question: Someone took money from me; about $1,300; without my permission. They took a few years to pay it back to me. When they finished paying it back, they paid me $50 extra. Do I have to give that… Question: Someone took money from me; about $1,300; without my permission. They took a few years to pay it back to me. When they finished paying it back, they paid me $50 extra. Do I have to give that back to them? Is it considered interest? Answer: First of all, if they gave it to you by mistake, due to a miscalculation or the like, you must return the money to them. If they gave it to you as compensation for the time that they had the money in their hands, in other words, interest, then it would…Show more
Question: Is it a rule that we do not make a שהחיינו on vegetables (for example a fresh tomato)? If yes what is the גדר of vegetables in this context? (is it the same things which would make it… Question: Is it a rule that we do not make a שהחיינו on vegetables (for example a fresh tomato)? If yes what is the גדר of vegetables in this context? (is it the same things which would make it העץ or האדמה?) Answer: Such a rule does exist, but this is not the opinion of the Alter Rebbe and therefore not accepted Chabad practice. There is however a halacha which excludes many vegetables from Birkas Shehechiyanu: we don’t make the Brocho on any fruit or vegetable which can be stored from season to season. Sources: ראה: שו''ע או''ח סי' רכ''ה סעי' ו', פרישה בטור…Show more
Question: Our son was born on 19 Iyar. This year Erev Shavuos is on Shabbos. When should we make the Upshernish - on Friday 4 of Sivan or Tuesday Isru Chag? Answer: • Generally: For a child whose… Question: Our son was born on 19 Iyar. This year Erev Shavuos is on Shabbos. When should we make the Upshernish - on Friday 4 of Sivan or Tuesday Isru Chag? Answer: • Generally: For a child whose birthday is from after Lag Baomer until Erev Shavuos, the Upshernish haircut should take place on Erev Shavuos. [When Erev Shavuos falls on Shabbos - on 4 Sivan (with the exception of someone whose birthday is on Erev Shavuos, in which case it should be postponed until after Shavuos)]. See more in the following pages: https://asktherav.com/4243-when-should-one-get-his-hair-cut-before-shavuos-this-year-since-erev-shavuos-is-shabbos/ https://asktherav.com/13133-when-should-a-boy-start-wearing-kippa-and-tzitzis/ • However,…Show more
Question: Does a sweater with a zipper in front and so has 4 corners (two on top and two on bottom) need tzitzis? (I know there is a discussion about the four corners being on one side, but… Question: Does a sweater with a zipper in front and so has 4 corners (two on top and two on bottom) need tzitzis? (I know there is a discussion about the four corners being on one side, but not sure the halacha b'poel.) If yes how large would the split creating two more corners or how big does the rounding of the corner need to be? Answer: The Alter Rebbe writes: Today's jackets and sweaters which are open in front, both above and below, do not require tzitzis despite the fact that they have four corners,…Show more
Question: I need to transfer a Sefer Torah on the plane, do I need to hold it during entire plane ride? Can I send it as luggage if it’s double wrapped and with a proper case? Answer: You… Question: I need to transfer a Sefer Torah on the plane, do I need to hold it during entire plane ride? Can I send it as luggage if it’s double wrapped and with a proper case? Answer: You may put it in the overhead compartment. As experience has shown the baggage in the baggage compartment is not treated well - thrown around etc. and is definitely not respectful for a Sefer Torah. P.S. It’s always best to bring it before it has been sewed together. If you will be holding it the entire time, which is highly unlikely,…Show more
Question: My mother-in-law purchased a sheital that she was not happy with that she cannot return and wasn't able to sell. She wants to gift it to her daughter (my wife) and we are unsure how to correctly apply… Question: My mother-in-law purchased a sheital that she was not happy with that she cannot return and wasn't able to sell. She wants to gift it to her daughter (my wife) and we are unsure how to correctly apply the idea of שונא מתנות. Is it as straight forward as: you should refuse all gifts and merit long life? Or do we take other factors into situation? Such as the nachas it will give my mother-in-law whenever she sees her daughter wearing the sheitel. Answer: In this case it would be appropriate to accept. ראה שו״ת…Show more
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: https://asktherav.com/article-589-does-toothpaste-have-to-be-kosher/ Therefore, especially regarding Pesach when a person should be extra careful about what… 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: https://asktherav.com/article-589-does-toothpaste-have-to-be-kosher/ 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
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