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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
Question Continued: If yes, is there a difference of what type of program we are doing? And what about if we are having a meeting for shlichus? Answer: You may use ma'aser money for any (reasonable) expenses… Question Continued: If yes, is there a difference of what type of program we are doing? And what about if we are having a meeting for shlichus? Answer: You may use ma'aser money for any (reasonable) expenses due to holding a shlichus program. Transportation expenses and babysitting expenses are legitimate causes for ma'aser in this case. Sources: לשלם מכספי מעשר על מצוה - עיין ס' רמ"ט…Show more
Question: Dear Rabbi, I saw a contemporary posek write (Rabbi Ribiat 39 melochos vol. 2 p, 488) that using cough drops on Shabbos is not allowed. What is your opinion, for the Alter Rebbe (328;43) writes that if… Question: Dear Rabbi, I saw a contemporary posek write (Rabbi Ribiat 39 melochos vol. 2 p, 488) that using cough drops on Shabbos is not allowed. What is your opinion, for the Alter Rebbe (328;43) writes that if a food that is primarily used for medical needs is at times used for regular consumption is allowed to be used for a sick person on Shabbos. Seemingly over here (I did a small survey among some family and friends) there is a small percentage of people - 3 out of 200 -that really like the Ricola cough drops and…Show more
Question: I am looking into a potential Shlichus opportunity. But first, the current Shliach needs to interview me. He is not willing to meet me in Crown Heights and therefore needs me to fly down to him (at my… Question: I am looking into a potential Shlichus opportunity. But first, the current Shliach needs to interview me. He is not willing to meet me in Crown Heights and therefore needs me to fly down to him (at my own expense). If the interview goes well, I will also be able to check out the place. Am I allowed to use Maaser money to fly there and pay for other expenses (car rental...)? Answer: Maaser money may be used. However, it is always better (if possible) to use private funds. Sources: ראה: שו"ע יו"ד סי' רמ"ט סעי' א' בהגהה (בשם…Show more
Question: When I prepare a bowl of cereal on Shabbos, I was told that I need to do it with a shinui (by placing the milk inside first), is this correct and does it apply to all cereals? If… Question: When I prepare a bowl of cereal on Shabbos, I was told that I need to do it with a shinui (by placing the milk inside first), is this correct and does it apply to all cereals? If yes, what if a shinuy was not done, is the food allowed? If I made corn flakes for my child and he did not eat it, do I have to pour it out before it becomes a blila ava, or can I just leave it? Answer: It can be done the regular fashion. פשוט, שאין בו אף משום בלילה…Show more
Question: When one says Hashem’s name by mistake during Tehillim or davening (specifically by Shemoneh Esrei), does one say ברוך שם כבוד מלכותו לעולם ועד right then or after they’ve finished (the kapital, or after שמו"ע)? Answer:… Question: When one says Hashem’s name by mistake during Tehillim or davening (specifically by Shemoneh Esrei), does one say ברוך שם כבוד מלכותו לעולם ועד right then or after they’ve finished (the kapital, or after שמו"ע)? Answer: During Tehillim - it should be said straight away. During Pesukei Dezimra, Birchas Krias Shema and Krias Shema - It should be said straight away. During Shemone Esrei - if you just said ברוך אתה ה׳, you should finish off למדני חוקיך. However, if you already finished the Bracha, or you said otherwise Hashem’s name without the words ברוך אתה,…Show more
Question: A friend is printing iron-on Matzah covers for kids to make before Pesach. They would like to print the Brochos on the Matzah cover so people will read the brachos from the matza cover, but are not sure… Question: A friend is printing iron-on Matzah covers for kids to make before Pesach. They would like to print the Brochos on the Matzah cover so people will read the brachos from the matza cover, but are not sure about writing Hashem's name. "Hashem Elokeinu" / "Ado-nai E-loheinu" / Hebrew and English. Etc. They don't want the shemios to be a problem if it is thrown out nor do they want the kids to make the Bracha incorrectly. Please advise, thank you! Answer: Ado- nai E- loheinu / אדנ - י א - להינו A dash should be…Show more
Whatever the normal market value is. See also here: https://asktherav.com/4023-may-one-donate-clothing-or-goods-and-take-the-cost-out-of-their-maaser-if-yes-would-the-condition-matter-is-the-current-or-demoted-cost-used-or-the-original-cost/ Sources: ונראה שגם לדעת שו״ת מהרם מינץ קיג ודעמי׳ שבמזיק…
Question: I recently found out that my local Hillel rents out its multi-purpose room to a church on Sundays. Am I still allowed to study in the Beit Midrash, go to the orthodox minyan, and partake in the Seudas… Question: I recently found out that my local Hillel rents out its multi-purpose room to a church on Sundays. Am I still allowed to study in the Beit Midrash, go to the orthodox minyan, and partake in the Seudas Shabbat? Answer: One should avoid davening or learning in such a room also because the room is set for Avoda Zara on a weekly basis, especially if there are also items of Avoda Zara stored in there. Double covering does not help. Although multi-faith rooms are permissible in principle, in this case since this is formal and on a…Show more
Question: He is in a wheelchair so he can't stand, he also can't keep his hands up for the entire Bracha. Also, being that he has braces on his feet, taking off his shoes is quite an ordeal and… Question: He is in a wheelchair so he can't stand, he also can't keep his hands up for the entire Bracha. Also, being that he has braces on his feet, taking off his shoes is quite an ordeal and uncomfortable for him. However, I should stress that going up to duchan is one of the highlights of his Yom Tov, so is there any room for leniency? Answer: Standing: A kohen which cannot stand, even just for the small amount of time which it takes to say one of the words of Birchas Kohanim, may not do Birchas…Show more
Question: I broke into an argument with a friend and we threw insults at each other..., with time we resumed to be on good terms again. Am I still mechuyav to ask for forgiveness? What if mentioning it will… Question: I broke into an argument with a friend and we threw insults at each other..., with time we resumed to be on good terms again. Am I still mechuyav to ask for forgiveness? What if mentioning it will cause one of us to be uncomfortable? Answer: Yes, you must ask for forgiveness. If they will be uncomfortable, you should not get into details. שוע"ר סי' תרו ס"א. Q. Are you allowed to ask through a shliach? A. In this case, yes. Sources: בשוע"ר סי' תרו ס"ה כתב רק שבאם הוא חוץ…Show more
Question: A Meyer lemon is a mix of a mandarin and a lemon. Is it Hallachically permissible to buy such a tree to plant? Or is it considered Kilayim? Answer: There is a disagreement about this. One should… Question: A Meyer lemon is a mix of a mandarin and a lemon. Is it Hallachically permissible to buy such a tree to plant? Or is it considered Kilayim? Answer: There is a disagreement about this. One should certainly not buy initially such a tree in order to plant. If one has already bought such a tree there might be room for leniency under certain circumstances. Even so, there would be several conditions to allow the maintenance. Sources: בתוספתא כלאים ב, טו: נכרי שהרכיב הפרסק ע״ג עובש…Show more
Permitted. However, you must ensure to remove it before entering a bathroom or any other unclean place. It may also not be worn or be in the room during intimate relations. It may not be worn on Shabbos in… Permitted. However, you must ensure to remove it before entering a bathroom or any other unclean place. It may also not be worn or be in the room during intimate relations. It may not be worn on Shabbos in a place without an Eiruv. One should not wear it at all on Shabbos because one might forget to remove it before going out of the home. Sources: ראה שו״ת ציון לנפש חי׳ לייטר מז. שערים מצויינים…Show more
Question: I made $100 from poker, am I now halachically allowed to go and give $20 to tzedakah from that money, or is that $20 considered "assur"? The gambling was already done. And cannot be sent to… Question: I made $100 from poker, am I now halachically allowed to go and give $20 to tzedakah from that money, or is that $20 considered "assur"? The gambling was already done. And cannot be sent to the original owners. Answer: It depends. If the gambling was with a non-Jew there would be no objection to using the money for tzedaka, though it is still forbidden to do the gambling. If it was done with a Jew, it is considered stealing. Therefore, the money must be returned. Being that you don’t know of a way how…Show more
שאלה: האם יש בעי' כלשהי בלבישת בגד בצבע אדום לגברים? שאלה זו נתעוררה בקעמפ, הילדים (בני י"ג) רצו לדעת אם מותר להם ללבוש חולצה אדומה. ועכשיו נתעוררה אותה שאלה בנוגע לתחפוסות צבעוניות לפורים. ת"ח מראש. תשובה: אף שכתבו… שאלה: האם יש בעי' כלשהי בלבישת בגד בצבע אדום לגברים? שאלה זו נתעוררה בקעמפ, הילדים (בני י"ג) רצו לדעת אם מותר להם ללבוש חולצה אדומה. ועכשיו נתעוררה אותה שאלה בנוגע לתחפוסות צבעוניות לפורים. ת"ח מראש. תשובה: אף שכתבו הפוסקים שבימינו אין בזה חוקות הגוים, מכל מקום כדאי להימנע במקום שאפשר. מקורות: בזמננו - מער״ק ע״ז יא, א. דרכ״ת קעח, טז…Show more
There is no source for this. It is true that the Rebbe and the previous Rebbe used this Chumah during Krias Hatorah. The reason why they used this Chumash is not known. Some suggest it’s because the division of… There is no source for this. It is true that the Rebbe and the previous Rebbe used this Chumah during Krias Hatorah. The reason why they used this Chumash is not known. Some suggest it’s because the division of aliyos is consistent generally with our custom (as well as the fact that it contains the Haftoros in accordance with our custom). Indeed, when not during lenining, such as during the farbrengen, the Rebbe usually used a different Chumash. Others propose because it has on the bottom teachings of Chazal relating to the Pesukim. Regardless, there’s no evidence that…Show more
It is only allowed If: The workers would not place the garbage into the compactor or take out the garbage to the street (in a place where there is no eruv) on Shabbos. The garbage doesn't fall into the… It is only allowed If: The workers would not place the garbage into the compactor or take out the garbage to the street (in a place where there is no eruv) on Shabbos. The garbage doesn't fall into the compactor which will be activated when the garbage falls into it. שו"ת בצל החכמה ח"ד סי' סב. https://asktherav.com/16364-can-one-use-a-garbage-drawer-on-shabbos-or-is-it-muktzeh/ #19465Show more
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