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No. Sources: גבעת הלבונה או״ח נח. מהרש״ג ב, קיז. שש״כ כט,…
Question: There is an eruv chatzeiros in my Crown Heights building which is mostly filled with Yidden. Does that Eruv extend to include the building's roof? Nobody lives on the roof, and officially the building disfavors that residents to… Question: There is an eruv chatzeiros in my Crown Heights building which is mostly filled with Yidden. Does that Eruv extend to include the building's roof? Nobody lives on the roof, and officially the building disfavors that residents to go up there, and usually the roof is empty from anyone. However, it is very accessible and has a nice view and occasionally a resident or two will go up. Can one carry on this roof? Answer: 1. An Eruv is required to carry from a privately-owned property to a commonly-owned property or vice-versa. However, one may carry from…Show more
One can rinse fruits in their plastic containers. These containers have holes and therefore there’s no problem with borer at all. If there are no holes it is still permitted to immerse the fruits before eating them since the… One can rinse fruits in their plastic containers. These containers have holes and therefore there’s no problem with borer at all. If there are no holes it is still permitted to immerse the fruits before eating them since the rinsing is just for an extra hygiene but not necessarily to remove any dirt. Sources: עיין או״ח סימן שיט ס״ח ובשוע״ר סעיף יא. וע״ע…Show more
The Halacha is that a dish has to be toiveled by the owner or when it's being given as a gift, the recipient. If that is not possible, either because they are not going to do it themselves or… The Halacha is that a dish has to be toiveled by the owner or when it's being given as a gift, the recipient. If that is not possible, either because they are not going to do it themselves or because they will not be able to do it themselves before Yom tov, you may tovel it on their behalf. The procedure is as follows: The giver first makes a kinyan (halachic transfer of ownership) by handing the gift to another person who acts as a shaliach (representative) of the recipient and lifts it up on their behalf. Once the…Show more
Question: I bought a Gluten-Free Bar that is made with a mixture of non-Gluten-free flour. It has potato, oat, tapioca, and a few other types of flour. Is it Pas Yisrael? Answer: It doesn't need to be Bishul… Question: I bought a Gluten-Free Bar that is made with a mixture of non-Gluten-free flour. It has potato, oat, tapioca, and a few other types of flour. Is it Pas Yisrael? Answer: It doesn't need to be Bishul or Pas Yisroel. Sources: שו"ע יו"ד קיב, א. ש"ך שם, ה. אינה עעש"מ…Show more
Question: My nephew is coming to stay by us for Shabbos. My husband isn't always around. I have a 2 1/2 son and a 9-month-old boy. What should be done? Is there a difference by day or night? … Question: My nephew is coming to stay by us for Shabbos. My husband isn't always around. I have a 2 1/2 son and a 9-month-old boy. What should be done? Is there a difference by day or night? Answer: If your husband is in town and can possibly come, he may stay, provided you don’t have a particularly close relationship. If this is the case, he cannot be home when your husband is away. #5594Show more
Question: If I'm at a meal in Crown Heights on Shabbos and someone brings a bottle of wine to the meal on Shabbos can I drink from that wine, or take part of anything else that was carried on… Question: If I'm at a meal in Crown Heights on Shabbos and someone brings a bottle of wine to the meal on Shabbos can I drink from that wine, or take part of anything else that was carried on Shabbos, such as food and so on? Answer: A Jew may not benefit from a Melacha that was done by another Jew on Shabbos. According to many opinions, this includes carrying. After Shabbos it is permitted right away. Many Poskim hold that if a Melacha was done by a non-observant Jew one must wait after Shabbos to benefit from…Show more
Questions: If someone lives in a community like Crown Heights in which constructing an eruv is halachically problematic, A) Is one allowed to make an Eruv around their property or around the properties of a few neighbors? B) How… Questions: If someone lives in a community like Crown Heights in which constructing an eruv is halachically problematic, A) Is one allowed to make an Eruv around their property or around the properties of a few neighbors? B) How does one go about this? C) Is there a limit to how many neighbors can be added? Answers: A) You may make an Eruv between several properties if there is no road, alleyway, or public/city-owned area in the middle. B) In a place like Crown Heights, you should go about this under the guidance of someone well-versed in the…Show more
Question: I live in an apartment building, and the only way to get it in is through an electronic door. I normally wait for a car to drive through the garage door and follow it. Today, I walked up… Question: I live in an apartment building, and the only way to get it in is through an electronic door. I normally wait for a car to drive through the garage door and follow it. Today, I walked up to the garage door and it opened, and there was no car around. I suspect that my non-Jewish neighbor saw me waiting for a passing car and did me a favor and opened the garage door through his remote control. Am I allowed to walk in? Answer: In general, one may not benefit from a Melacha that a Goy…Show more
Question: I need an electric key to enter the building I live in (attached is a picture of the key). On Shabbos, they try to put something in the door that it shouldn't lock, sometimes though some גוים from… Question: I need an electric key to enter the building I live in (attached is a picture of the key). On Shabbos, they try to put something in the door that it shouldn't lock, sometimes though some גוים from the building take it out and it gets locked. The question therefore is: 1. Can one carry this key on their bendel on Shabbos? 2. Can one give the key on Shabbos to a goy passing by (and ask them) to open the door Note, there is no other way to enter the building! Answer: The key is Muktzah…Show more
Question: Does a person who is suffering from a life-threatening illness (can hardly take care of their own basic needs, for example, can’t use the bathroom without assistance) need to wash Negel Vasser at the kitchen sink (or with… Question: Does a person who is suffering from a life-threatening illness (can hardly take care of their own basic needs, for example, can’t use the bathroom without assistance) need to wash Negel Vasser at the kitchen sink (or with water brought to her from the kitchen sink), or is a rinse of the hands in the bathroom sink sufficient? Answer: From your question, it is not clear how the washing affects the life-threatening illness. Generally, In the morning after they wake up, they should be brought Negel Vaser from a sink outside of the bathroom in order to…Show more
Question: If I donate the proper amount of Ma'aser to a tzedaka organization and, after receiving the full amount, that organization sends me a tax-exempt receipt which might help me save on tax payments to the government (for having… Question: If I donate the proper amount of Ma'aser to a tzedaka organization and, after receiving the full amount, that organization sends me a tax-exempt receipt which might help me save on tax payments to the government (for having contributed to a non-profit). Am I allowed to benefit from that receipt and save on tax payments? Answer: Maaser is 10% (and Chomesh is 20%) of the net income. One may keep any tax credit that came about due to tzedaka donations, and even funds given with the purpose of reduce taxes qualifies as maaser. At the same time,…Show more
Question: If someone put on Tefillin before Alos Hashachar but Shema was said after Alos (and the tefillin were taken off before zman tefillin began); Must the person put on tefillin again? With a Bracha or without? Should… Question: If someone put on Tefillin before Alos Hashachar but Shema was said after Alos (and the tefillin were taken off before zman tefillin began); Must the person put on tefillin again? With a Bracha or without? Should Shema be said again? (With tefillin or doesn't matter)? Answer: 1. Lchatchila the tefillin should only be worn after "misheyakir". B'dieved one fulfilled the mitzva from "Alos". If the tefillin were worn earlier, one should move them a bit at "misheyakir" and make the Bracha. Even if they absolutely must be removed before…Show more
Question: When using a towel as a scarf to go to the Mikva on Shabbos, does it need to be wrapped around the neck or does it suffice to just have it hanging down? Some people do wear… Question: When using a towel as a scarf to go to the Mikva on Shabbos, does it need to be wrapped around the neck or does it suffice to just have it hanging down? Some people do wear scarves without wrapping them. Answer: Firstly: One may only use any towel as a scarf in a place where people wear scarfs in the winter. In warmer weather when no one ever wears a scarf - it should not be that big of a towel. Also, a very thick towel is problematic. Additionally, if the towel is damp and…Show more
Yes, provided that the shirt is not tucked in and that there is no bendel or belt around the shirt. In regards to wearing a towel as a "scarf" - see here: https://asktherav.com/12047-using-a-towel-as-a-scarf-on-shabbos-2/ Sources: ראה סימן ש"א פמ"ג א"א סקמ"ז, ואדה"ז סעיף מ"ג.…
The custom is not to put out the match after lighting Shabbos candles, rather you should put it down and let it go out by itself. Sources: Based on Alter Rebbe's Shulchan Aruch 263, 7. Some…
The paddle is now milchig and should be kashered if you want to use the bread for fleishig. This can be done by immersing in boiling water or by placing it in the oven on the highest setting… The paddle is now milchig and should be kashered if you want to use the bread for fleishig. This can be done by immersing in boiling water or by placing it in the oven on the highest setting for an hour. Doesn’t need to be on self-clean. This is assuming the cloth was wet on the outside. If the cloth is dry and the milk is just absorbed in it, the paddle remains pareve. Sources: ע"פ רמ"א יו"ד צב, ז שאם העמידו קדירה חמה…Show more
There is no problem if the streets are well-lit and there is a steady stream of traffic which should be the case at this time of the evening. See here: https://asktherav.com/what-are-the-halachos-of-yichud-when-using-uber-or-uber-pool/ #6174
Question: If two women need to light Shabbos candles and there are only two candles in total what is the preferred action: Should they both hold the match and light together and make the Bracha together? Should one light… Question: If two women need to light Shabbos candles and there are only two candles in total what is the preferred action: Should they both hold the match and light together and make the Bracha together? Should one light one candle and the other one light the other candle? Should they then make individual Brachos? Should one light both candles and make the Bracha and then the other one then extinguishes the candles and relights them and make a Bracha? Answer: They can each light one candle and make their own Bracha. Alternatively, one of them will light…Show more
Question: I saw some Poskim permit using regular lotion on Shabbos even to treat a bad case of chapped hands, being that it's used even for healthy hands. What would you hold? Assuming there is no issue with healing… Question: I saw some Poskim permit using regular lotion on Shabbos even to treat a bad case of chapped hands, being that it's used even for healthy hands. What would you hold? Assuming there is no issue with healing on Shabbos, would the creamy lotion be ok even if it's not an oil? How would you define healing? Is a case of chapped hands Refuah, or does it need to be extremely bad? It seems like tzar would be a defining factor here... Answer: One is not allowed to use lotion (on an adult) as a medical treatment.…Show more
One may enter a social hall of a church if necessary for a non-religious but kosher gathering, provided it is not in the sanctuary. The room would need to be set up for this purpose, e.g. the basement or… One may enter a social hall of a church if necessary for a non-religious but kosher gathering, provided it is not in the sanctuary. The room would need to be set up for this purpose, e.g. the basement or a different room, since everyone knows that it is set up for voting or the like. This applies only for a one-time thing like voting. However, to attend a church social room on a continuous basis for other non-religious social needs would not be allowed. Also, if the location can be changed, it must be changed. Regarding AA in general,…Show more
Depends on the arrangement the employer has with the employee in advance. Either way, this cannot be considered actual Ma'aser. Sources: יש לדון משום לא תעשוק או לא תחמוד. אבל…
Question: My wife and I are vendors for a few product lines/companies and from time to time will do fairs and festivals. From time to time a church will organize events in the city community at large not in… Question: My wife and I are vendors for a few product lines/companies and from time to time will do fairs and festivals. From time to time a church will organize events in the city community at large not in connection with a holiday, but in connection with the arrival of a new season. I assume they make money when vendors pay for their booth or spot at the event. Is it permissible to go as a vendor and sell at an event like this? Answer: If the money goes directly to the church, then it is not permissible,…Show more
Birchas Hamazon must be said seated and in one succession. Some say it is a biblical obligation to say it in one succession. One must also say Birchas Hamazon in the place that they ate. As a practical solution,… Birchas Hamazon must be said seated and in one succession. Some say it is a biblical obligation to say it in one succession. One must also say Birchas Hamazon in the place that they ate. As a practical solution, you can have intent while starting the meal to finish the meal somewhere else and take with you some bread (a kazayis) to 'finish your meal' in the place where you can say Birchas Hamazon properly. Sources: ראה שוע"ר סי' קפג סעי' יא-יג ובמשנה ברורה שם…Show more
Question: My father died יג חשון תשעט which was a leap year. He was buried טו חשון תשעט. What date will the first yahrtzeit be? The date of death יג or date of burial טו? I'm getting conflicting answers.… Question: My father died יג חשון תשעט which was a leap year. He was buried טו חשון תשעט. What date will the first yahrtzeit be? The date of death יג or date of burial טו? I'm getting conflicting answers. Answer: The yahrtzeit is observed on the day of passing, יג חשון, even the first year and even when the burial took place on a later date. Source: Hayom Yom 13 Shevat. #5957Show more
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