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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
Question: Very often we have a Jewish (not yet Shomer Shabbos) caterer that works from our Chabad kitchen. Does there need to be a Mashgiach in the kitchen the entire time if he cooks chicken and meat? Or can… Question: Very often we have a Jewish (not yet Shomer Shabbos) caterer that works from our Chabad kitchen. Does there need to be a Mashgiach in the kitchen the entire time if he cooks chicken and meat? Or can we check on him once every few minutes? Can we take a break to go eat for a few minutes? Please explain if and when we would need someone there and how often? Thank you very much. Answer: You must pass by often. You can leave him alone for a short while but he can’t know exactly for how…Show more
I might have used that knife before to cut cheese but I’m not sure. Answer: It may be eaten at the fish course. See here: Halacha2go.com #365: Six-Hour Waiting Period for Sharp Foods מ"מ Sources: וכמה טעמים בנדו״ד: נוסף לזה שספק אם הסכין חלבי,…
Although basic sourdough starter made with only flour and water is kosher, a store-bought sourdough starter requires a Hechsher as at times other ingredients are added or it comes in contact with other ingredients, utensils, etc. There are sourdough… Although basic sourdough starter made with only flour and water is kosher, a store-bought sourdough starter requires a Hechsher as at times other ingredients are added or it comes in contact with other ingredients, utensils, etc. There are sourdough starters with a hechsher. #6286Show more
שאלה: ראיתי בשערי הלכה ומנהג סי' קלט, שמובא שם תיווך כאשר הקבורה היא לא באותו יום של הפטירה, לגשת לעמוד בלי אמירת קדיש. וטעמו כי עיקר עליית הנשמה היא ע"י התפילה, אבל בנוגע לקדיש יש חשש זלזול בכבוד אביו.… שאלה: ראיתי בשערי הלכה ומנהג סי' קלט, שמובא שם תיווך כאשר הקבורה היא לא באותו יום של הפטירה, לגשת לעמוד בלי אמירת קדיש. וטעמו כי עיקר עליית הנשמה היא ע"י התפילה, אבל בנוגע לקדיש יש חשש זלזול בכבוד אביו. האם יש לנהוג כך למעשה? אני מדבר על מקרה ספציפי שאבא שלי נפטר בשבת ונקבר במוצ״ש, האם יש ענין לגשת לעמוד יום נוסף ללא אמירת קדיש יתום? מענה: אין לעשות כן, וכמסקנת כ"ק אד"ש שם. וכן לענין יארצייט - אין מקום להדר להיות ש"ץ גם ביום הקבורה בשנה ראשונה, ורק אם יום הקבורה הי׳ מופלג הרבה מיום המיתה, וגם…Show more
Women or single girls should not drink alcohol in front of other men, as it is a violation of tznius. Tasting Kiddush is not included. Regarding a married woman, there are allowances for drinking moderately when in the… Women or single girls should not drink alcohol in front of other men, as it is a violation of tznius. Tasting Kiddush is not included. Regarding a married woman, there are allowances for drinking moderately when in the presence of her husband. Sources: ראה הנסמן כאן: https://asktherav.com/1754-intoxication-of-females/ טעימה מכוס של קידוש -…Show more
Question: I was once in a shul where the Luchos were divided. One on one side of the Aron and the other on the other side. A Lubavitcher Rov of the past generation (Rabbi Moshe Drazin) walked in and… Question: I was once in a shul where the Luchos were divided. One on one side of the Aron and the other on the other side. A Lubavitcher Rov of the past generation (Rabbi Moshe Drazin) walked in and saw that, he made a protest and walked out. I am wondering what the source of that is. Also, I have a logo with the Luchos and I am wondering if I should change it since they are not exactly straight and touching each other. Artistically the graphics person felt they would look more attractive on a slant. Also at…Show more
Question: Was this a horah for everyone? Is it from a reliable source, i.e a Rov or someone who has specific knowledge of Milah? For non-Chabad babies can we do brisim on babies plunder 6 lb? Answer: There… Question: Was this a horah for everyone? Is it from a reliable source, i.e a Rov or someone who has specific knowledge of Milah? For non-Chabad babies can we do brisim on babies plunder 6 lb? Answer: There are different opinions among mohalim and rabbonim on this matter. This isn’t just a rumor; it is a printed answer from the Rebbe. The general instruction is not not to do the bris, rather to ask a Rav, although the Rebbe has stated that he is confident that the Rav will rule that in any doubt one should always be…Show more
Question: A milchik spoon was put into a pot of rice and chicken pieces while it was still hot (not sure how hot). The spoon was used earlier that same day in a salad with cheese that included vinegar… Question: A milchik spoon was put into a pot of rice and chicken pieces while it was still hot (not sure how hot). The spoon was used earlier that same day in a salad with cheese that included vinegar and garlic in the dressing. It also was sitting in the Milchig dirty dishes all night. What's the status of the Milchik spoon, the fleishik food, the fleishik pot, and the fleishik pot holder that it was on? Answer: Assuming that the spoon was clean, the spoon should be Kashered and all the rest are fine. Sources: כיון שהכף אינו ב"י. ואין כאן משום דבר חריף…Show more
As a general rule, any food that is not eaten raw and is an important food ("fitting to be on a king's table") must be Bishul Yisroel when cooked. This would include many gluten-free foods, including rice, fish, meat… As a general rule, any food that is not eaten raw and is an important food ("fitting to be on a king's table") must be Bishul Yisroel when cooked. This would include many gluten-free foods, including rice, fish, meat and more. If you have a question regarding a specific food, you can reply with the information. Follow-up Question: Corn? Beans? Flax? Cauliflower? Broccoli? Plantains? Answer: Many of the ingredients are often made into health bars or the like. For more information on that, see here (the link also includes a number of more links on this subject):…Show more
העיקר להלכה שנשים חייבות בהבדלה (מדברי סופרים), ולפי זה גדולה אינה יכולה לצאת ידי חובה ע"י קטנה. טעמים ומקורות: עיין שו"ע אדה"ז סי' רצ"ו סי"ט, שהעיקר להלכה שנשים חייבות בהבדלה מדברי סופרים, משא"כ הקטנה חייבת רק מדין חינוך… העיקר להלכה שנשים חייבות בהבדלה (מדברי סופרים), ולפי זה גדולה אינה יכולה לצאת ידי חובה ע"י קטנה. טעמים ומקורות: עיין שו"ע אדה"ז סי' רצ"ו סי"ט, שהעיקר להלכה שנשים חייבות בהבדלה מדברי סופרים, משא"כ הקטנה חייבת רק מדין חינוך ואין תרי דרבנן מוציא חד דרבנן - כמבואר באדה"ז סי' קפ"ו ס"ג. ולכן אין הגדולה יכולה לצאת מהקטנה. ראה גם אצלנו בהלכה יומית אות רצט. #6351Show more
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