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Question: Hi, I was wondering about a recent new book which has a picture on the front cover with a married woman and her hair is mostly uncovered, is it ok for me to buy or sell such a… Question: Hi, I was wondering about a recent new book which has a picture on the front cover with a married woman and her hair is mostly uncovered, is it ok for me to buy or sell such a book? Can I have such a book in my house? Is there any halachic problem with it? Are pictures of women that are not tznius different than seeing a woman who is not tznius? How much uncovered hair is a problem? What about if the picture is only on the inside of the book? Could you please provide me…Show more
He may. He may even put on kosher Tefillin if necessary, if he is in the process of giyur. Sources: ע״פ דין, הרי מותר גם לב״נ - ראה רמב"ם…
Question: If an adult takes vitamins daily, is it ok to take on Shabbos? Answer: There is a dispute among poskim about this. Therefore, it should not be done unless necessary. It is advisable always to take one… Question: If an adult takes vitamins daily, is it ok to take on Shabbos? Answer: There is a dispute among poskim about this. Therefore, it should not be done unless necessary. It is advisable always to take one before Shabbos and one after. Sources: במג״א שכח, מג שאפי׳ בבריא אסור כשהוא לרפואה. ובפמ״ג…Show more
Question: Is there an issue with having a black tallis gadol with white strips, instead of the standard white beged with black strips? The actual tzitzis strings would remain white as normal. Answer: Strictly speaking, there are no… Question: Is there an issue with having a black tallis gadol with white strips, instead of the standard white beged with black strips? The actual tzitzis strings would remain white as normal. Answer: Strictly speaking, there are no Halachic requirements relating to the color of the garment. However, the Poskim, including the Alter Rebbe, write that it should be white and consistent with the Tzitzis strings, in order to fulfill the Mitzva according to all opinions. The black stripes are also sourced in Halacha (although not required, and some insist that the garment be completely white without any…Show more
Question: My kitchen has two entrances, one from the dining room and one from the laundry room. From the laundry room, you go out the back door (which we use almost always, to enter from our cars). Which side… Question: My kitchen has two entrances, one from the dining room and one from the laundry room. From the laundry room, you go out the back door (which we use almost always, to enter from our cars). Which side of the post does each kitchen entrance get the mezuzah, (I should also mention that although none have doors the laundry room/back door entrance has hinges)? Answer: You should place the mezuzah on the right side entering the kitchen from the laundry room and on the right side entering the dining room from the kitchen. Sources: בד"כ, מנהגנו דאזלינן בתר היכר ציר, ונתבאר בכ״מ. ואכ״מ.…Show more
Question: A home had goyim and not observant yidden working there as home attendants (one at a time) throughout the day and night during a span of several years. In this home, there was a kosher kitchen with multiple… Question: A home had goyim and not observant yidden working there as home attendants (one at a time) throughout the day and night during a span of several years. In this home, there was a kosher kitchen with multiple cabinets and closets of many pots, pans, utensils, etc. In addition to the workers' being instructed not to touch any dishes, throughout the years of this situation, there were always family members coming in and out at random hours of day and night checking up (although there may have been some shifts/days during which no family members came, but they…Show more
Question: If I rent out property attached to my home to a non-Jew, does that property require mezuzahs? I use one room in that property sometimes and the tenants do not have access to that room, do I… Question: If I rent out property attached to my home to a non-Jew, does that property require mezuzahs? I use one room in that property sometimes and the tenants do not have access to that room, do I need a mezuzah on that one room What about the front door? Answer: 1. The room that you use requires a Mezuzah (assuming it's a storage room - without a Bracha). 2. The front door and all doors leading to that room should have a Mezuza, also without a Bracha. Sources: א. דין בית האוצר – טושו"ע יו"ד רפו, א.…Show more
Question: Instant dairy, non-chalav yisroel coffee was prepared and drunk in coffee mugs which had been used solely for parve hot drinks. We keep chalav yisroel, but the guest who prepared the coffee doesn't. What is the… Question: Instant dairy, non-chalav yisroel coffee was prepared and drunk in coffee mugs which had been used solely for parve hot drinks. We keep chalav yisroel, but the guest who prepared the coffee doesn't. What is the status of the mugs? Must they be kashered? If yes, how is that done? Are the mugs now considered to be milchig? Answer: Assuming these mugs are ceramic, the mugs must be disposed of. If this is a tremendous loss, there might be room for leniency under certain conditions. Sources: בנדו״ז שעירו לתוך קפה שמצ״ע חלבי דינו כעירוי מכ״ר,…Show more
Question: A while back, I was advising a friend of mine, (suffering from various, multiple medical issues) to seek out the advice of an experienced successful Doctor, who uses "Alternative Medicine". My Friend responded to me by saying that… Question: A while back, I was advising a friend of mine, (suffering from various, multiple medical issues) to seek out the advice of an experienced successful Doctor, who uses "Alternative Medicine". My Friend responded to me by saying that someone had mentioned to him that "he heard" that the Rebbe always advised people to follow (only?) the Standard Medical Doctors, to the Exclusion of Alternative Medicine, which is not considered to be the Official Mainstream MD type of Doctors. I was very surprised to hear that and I assumed that it's likely not true, and even if yes, perhaps…Show more
The Alter Rebbe writes (Hilchos Shemiras Guf V'Nefesh 7) that one should not place a cooked dish or other foods or drinks under a bed because of the רוח רעה (evil spirit) then rests on them even if they… The Alter Rebbe writes (Hilchos Shemiras Guf V'Nefesh 7) that one should not place a cooked dish or other foods or drinks under a bed because of the רוח רעה (evil spirit) then rests on them even if they are covered in an iron box. With that said, there is room for leniency בדיעבד (after the fact) with food left underneath a stroller while the baby is sleeping in it for the following reasons: Some Poskim hold that the reason of the evil spirit resting on the food (underneath a bed) is only when the bed belongs to one…Show more
Questions: Taleisim Ktanim worn by small children go through the washing machine very often, this raises several questionable situations: (1) the length of the strings somehow seem to "shrink" away [thus not necessarily remaining twice the length of the… Questions: Taleisim Ktanim worn by small children go through the washing machine very often, this raises several questionable situations: (1) the length of the strings somehow seem to "shrink" away [thus not necessarily remaining twice the length of the 5 knots], (2) the strings are often unraveled, (3) even when the 5th knot is still tightly in place, the loops/circles below it seem to be a wreck, moved far apart etc. (Is this last issue מעכב?) (4) Should one be as concerned with the kashrus of a small child's tzitzis as one would be for an adult? They're anyways…Show more
When addressing alternative medicine, an important point to consider is whether these methods are actually proven to help in a scientific way (whether logically or illogically). Many of these methods have already been discussed by recent Poskim, and there… When addressing alternative medicine, an important point to consider is whether these methods are actually proven to help in a scientific way (whether logically or illogically). Many of these methods have already been discussed by recent Poskim, and there are different opinions on the matter. Generally, the Rebbe discouraged use of such methods. In the Rebbe’s words: “With regard to your question about using the services of Mrs. ... who heals without using any healing remedies at all: Inasmuch as “Torah has granted permission for the healer to heal,” I don’t understand why one should pursue unfathomable paths.” (Igros…Show more
Answer: When one wears a woolen four-cornered garment, he is certainly fulfilling a Mitzvah Min Hatorah. However, when one wears a cotton four-cornered garment, there is a dispute as to whether he is fulfilling a Mitzvah Min Hatorah or… Answer: When one wears a woolen four-cornered garment, he is certainly fulfilling a Mitzvah Min Hatorah. However, when one wears a cotton four-cornered garment, there is a dispute as to whether he is fulfilling a Mitzvah Min Hatorah or Miderabanan. That is why it is generally preferred to wear woolen four-cornered garments, and this is Minhag Chabad. Another dispute concerning a cotton four-cornered garment is whether one may attach to them Tzitzis strings made out of wool, or whether the strings must be made of cotton. The Alter Rebbe confirms that the custom is like the lenient opinion, but…Show more
Size 18 can be Kosher, and you may make a Bracha on it if the garment meets the Halachic minimum size - about 19 inches. See more here. While many size 18 Tzitzis do meet this requirement, it’s not… Size 18 can be Kosher, and you may make a Bracha on it if the garment meets the Halachic minimum size - about 19 inches. See more here. While many size 18 Tzitzis do meet this requirement, it’s not recommended, as it’s difficult to ensure the Shiur will remain fully stretched when worn [see also here]. It’s best to go up to 19 (a newer option on the market), 20, or ideally even larger. #9315 (2)Show more
אם התה היה בתוך שקית, מותר לשתות המים. טעמים ומקורות: ראה מג״א שיח, לב. שוע״ר שם כ. ואף שבדבר התלוי בפלוגתא, מקילים בדיעבד - ראה במשנ״ב שם ב שנשאר בצע״ק בד״ז. וראה שביתת השבת מבשל בבאר רחובות נח.… אם התה היה בתוך שקית, מותר לשתות המים. טעמים ומקורות: ראה מג״א שיח, לב. שוע״ר שם כ. ואף שבדבר התלוי בפלוגתא, מקילים בדיעבד - ראה במשנ״ב שם ב שנשאר בצע״ק בד״ז. וראה שביתת השבת מבשל בבאר רחובות נח. וי״ל לפמש״כ בפמ״ג יו״ד קה בש״ד ה ושם סח במ״ז ט בדין הג׳ - שאין לצרף ספק זה לס״ס. והיינו אף שלא קייל״ן כר״ת דמבשל רק לחומרא ולא לקולא - נידון כודאי. וכבפמ״ג רנד בא״א יא שהמורה צריך לעיין מי הם החולקים. וראה אדה״ז שם בקו״א ב. מחה״ש שם יא. וראה גם פמ״ג שיח בא״א יד וכא ובמ״ז יח. וראה…Show more
If it was used for a mitzvah and is still suitable for mitzvah usage, it should not be used for mundane matters and certainly not for improper usages. One should not bring it into unholy areas. Sources: מגילה כו, א, שה״ז תשמיש מצוה כסוכה וציצית. אמנם,…
Shehakol, since it’s primary usage is as a spice, not plain. #19182
Question: Is it wrong according to halacha to tell a parent (respectfully) that you feel they hurt/insulted you? If a parent doesn't seem to be understanding the child (I.e. a teenager or a young adult in shidduchim) but… Question: Is it wrong according to halacha to tell a parent (respectfully) that you feel they hurt/insulted you? If a parent doesn't seem to be understanding the child (I.e. a teenager or a young adult in shidduchim) but they overall have a good relationship, what's the best way according to halacha to go about expressing this while still remaining respectful and not contradicting what they say. Answer: One must be extremely careful not to embarrass or get angry at their parents. If you feel that they insulted you or don't understand you, and you know they would…Show more
Q. When saying Kriyas Shma bizmana in the morning before davening, should I hold my tzitzis and kiss them during vayomer? A. Yes. פשוט. ואדרבה, ק״ש קטנה עדיפא שבזה מקיים המצוה. ושקו״ט במה שאין מניחין תפלין. ואכ״מ. אבל כשלבוש… Q. When saying Kriyas Shma bizmana in the morning before davening, should I hold my tzitzis and kiss them during vayomer? A. Yes. פשוט. ואדרבה, ק״ש קטנה עדיפא שבזה מקיים המצוה. ושקו״ט במה שאין מניחין תפלין. ואכ״מ. אבל כשלבוש בציצית בודאי יש לאחוז. וזו משנה שא״צ. Q. What about kriyas shema of Rabbeinu Tam tefillin? A. There are various customs. Some don’t hold tzitzis at all; some only hold the front tzitzis; some hold only when reciting the third Parasha of tzitzis. שלחן מלכים דיני תדר״ת כ. ילקוט הגרשוני לד, א - ע׳ לא. זכר חנוך…Show more
תיקון חצות מיסודו נועד שיאמרו כל לילה. אבל בדורות האחרונים נתמעטו אומרי תיקון חצות בכל לילה. ורבותינו נשיאנו הורו ששייך לעיתים מזומנים בלבד. מקורות: בתניא אגרת התשובה י: עצה היעוצה להקדים בחינת תשובה…
First Question - Genevas Daas: I have been practicing shechita at a halal place and many Muslims wear something that looks like a yarmulke. I have learned that some clients thought I was Muslim and therefore allow me to… First Question - Genevas Daas: I have been practicing shechita at a halal place and many Muslims wear something that looks like a yarmulke. I have learned that some clients thought I was Muslim and therefore allow me to shecht (it’s totally kosher for a Muslim to eat the shechita of a Jew, but some prefer a Muslim do it, because it's more "mehudar" in their eyes. Much of the halal meat sold on the market today are treifos from cows shechted by Jews, with a Muslim standing nearby saying his prayer before the shechita). Being…Show more
שאלה: א. שמעתי שמועה שהרבי הריי״צ נ״ע הורה שיאמרו בר"ח 'קוה' מתפילת שבת שבסידור. האם הדבר נכון? ב. ועוד שמעתי שבמוסף ר"ח, יש ללבוש את החליפה במוסף, כאילו מונח עליו תפילין, האם זה מנהג חב"ד? מענה: א. מה… שאלה: א. שמעתי שמועה שהרבי הריי״צ נ״ע הורה שיאמרו בר"ח 'קוה' מתפילת שבת שבסידור. האם הדבר נכון? ב. ועוד שמעתי שבמוסף ר"ח, יש ללבוש את החליפה במוסף, כאילו מונח עליו תפילין, האם זה מנהג חב"ד? מענה: א. מה ששמעתי - ואיני יודע אם שמועה בדוקה היא - שהתלמידים מאוטוואצק שהתגוררו במאנטרעאל - הרמ״א ע״ה גערליצקי, והרמ״ז ע״ה גרינגלאס - היו נוהגים כך. וטעמם שהם התפללו מעיקרא בנוסח ספרד. ובנוסח ספרד - בשבת אומרים פטום הקטורת בנוסח הקצר (רק עד ״מפני הכבוד״) ובחול ממשיכים ואומרים גם תניא ר׳ נתן וכו׳. והשמועה מספרת, שנמסר להם מכ״ק אדמו״ר מוהריי״צ נ״ע, שלפחות…Show more
Question: I recently read in shaila #4427 'As in any other stringency, one should consider first if this stringency suits them, whether it won’t cause other leniencies, etc.' I am unable to understand the Rav's statement. Is the Rav… Question: I recently read in shaila #4427 'As in any other stringency, one should consider first if this stringency suits them, whether it won’t cause other leniencies, etc.' I am unable to understand the Rav's statement. Is the Rav saying that taking upon unnecessary, random new stringencies in life, actually make a person become lenient in other Halachic matters? Answer: Yes. There’s a concept in Halacha called “chumra d’asi lidei kula” - a stringency that leads to a leniency. There are many ways such a thing is possible. As a general rule, any chumra should be…Show more
שאלה: רציתי לשאול בנוגע לתרומות לביהמ"ק בזה"ז: יש כאלו שאומרים שהפשט בשיחת ש"פ תרומה תשנ"ב (סי"ב) הוא לתרום כעת לביהמ"ק הג' ש"הכל חייבין לבנות ולסעד וכו'". והנה, על אף שמכמה סיבות יש לומר שאין זה הפשט בהוראתו הק', מ"מ… שאלה: רציתי לשאול בנוגע לתרומות לביהמ"ק בזה"ז: יש כאלו שאומרים שהפשט בשיחת ש"פ תרומה תשנ"ב (סי"ב) הוא לתרום כעת לביהמ"ק הג' ש"הכל חייבין לבנות ולסעד וכו'". והנה, על אף שמכמה סיבות יש לומר שאין זה הפשט בהוראתו הק', מ"מ אשמח לשמוע דעת הרב, ועוד והוא העיקר - מה ההלכה בזה, האם מותר בזה"ג לתרום כהקדש לביהמ"ק הג'? ואם אכן יש איסור תרומה כהקדש, האם יש היתר רק להפריש בצד ע"מ לתרום לע"ל ברגע שבו תבוא הגאולה בפו"מ? ומצו"ב המענה השלילי להרב ציק אודות תרומות לביהמ"ק (וכן ההבהרה בנידון והבקשה להעביר זאת לכל סניפי צאגו"ח). שאלתי היא, האם מענה כ"ק…Show more
Putting salt in cold water (or other liquids) on Shabbos: For pickling purposes - it is forbidden, even if one will immediately eat some of the foods being pickled. To serve as a dip or dressing - it is… Putting salt in cold water (or other liquids) on Shabbos: For pickling purposes - it is forbidden, even if one will immediately eat some of the foods being pickled. To serve as a dip or dressing - it is permitted, provided that all the following conditions are met. One is making a small amount for only one meal; It is being made immediately before such a meal; The mixture will have a ratio of less than two-thirds of salt. Regarding preparing saltwater for כרפס when Pesach falls out on Shabbos, it should be done before Shabbos. If one forgot…Show more
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