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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
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
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