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Question: Is it a problem to drink water while eating fish or right after eating fish without eating or drinking something in between? Answer: Some are particular about this. The common custom is not to be particular about… Question: Is it a problem to drink water while eating fish or right after eating fish without eating or drinking something in between? Answer: Some are particular about this. The common custom is not to be particular about this. Nonetheless, it’s best to eat or drink something else first or have the water flavored somewhat. See also here: Halacha2go.com #746: When Things Might Get Fishy with Meat Sources: ולתועלת הענין, נעתיק ממה שכתבנו בין השאר במראי מקומות…Show more
None of the above should be done. While looking momentarily is not a problem, one should not gaze intently at the deceased. Rabbi Yehuda Hachasid writes that parents should not kiss their child who passed way and that this… None of the above should be done. While looking momentarily is not a problem, one should not gaze intently at the deceased. Rabbi Yehuda Hachasid writes that parents should not kiss their child who passed way and that this could be quite dangerous. Many poskim extend this to anyone kissing the dead. Furthermore, many poskim mention also not to hold the child. In the case where this might be deemed therapeutic for the mother, a Rav should be consulted to determine whether it would be acceptable. It should be noted that there are conflicting studies whether contact with the…Show more
Question: If a minyan finished davening (and concluded final kaddish derabanan) and someone in the year of aveluis arrived and wanted to say a kapital tehilim and kaddish yosom and there was no other minyan in town for… Question: If a minyan finished davening (and concluded final kaddish derabanan) and someone in the year of aveluis arrived and wanted to say a kapital tehilim and kaddish yosom and there was no other minyan in town for him to catch, is there an issue with that? Answer: There is no issue with it, but not following a previous Kaddish after Tehillim. In such a case, it would be better to say Mishnayos and kaddish derabanan. Sources: כן נוהגים בבית האבל ר"ל שלאחרי קדיש דרבנן של…Show more
שאלה: קניתי בית מגוי, ובבית יש ציורים של עבודה זרה משמן, כמו שלשה אנשים. הדרך להוריד את זה הוא, או לכסות את זה עם חומר אחר, או לשבור את הקיר. האם עליי לשבור את הקיר כדי שלא יהיה בבית… שאלה: קניתי בית מגוי, ובבית יש ציורים של עבודה זרה משמן, כמו שלשה אנשים. הדרך להוריד את זה הוא, או לכסות את זה עם חומר אחר, או לשבור את הקיר. האם עליי לשבור את הקיר כדי שלא יהיה בבית כלל, או די שלא יראו? מענה: אם אין הוכחה שעשאן לעבדם, אינו צריך לשבור את הקיר. ודי לכסות בפלסטר או טיט ואפילו לשבור חלק מכל אחד כגון האף וכדומה. מקורות: בד"כ עשוי לנוי, ראה שו"ע יו"ד סי' קמא ס"ד.…Show more
Question: My 3.5-year-old seems to be a left-handed and as I'm teaching him Tzedakah, which hand should he give Tzedakah with? Answer: Left hand. Sources: לעשות כל המצות בימין - ראה ילקוט שמעוני תהלים…
Question: I was taught that as Chazzan on Shabbos, by Hotzaas Sefer Torah, the pesukim Shema Yisrael and Echad Elokeinu should be said facing the crowd, while Gadlu should be said facing Mizrach. Is there a source for this?… Question: I was taught that as Chazzan on Shabbos, by Hotzaas Sefer Torah, the pesukim Shema Yisrael and Echad Elokeinu should be said facing the crowd, while Gadlu should be said facing Mizrach. Is there a source for this? Also, regarding the Minhag to raise the Torah slightly when saying Gadlu, I’ve heard different opinions whether it should be raised by the word “Gadlu” or by the word “uneromemah”. Is there any clear directive on this? Answer: 1. There are various minhagim. The general minhag is as you mentioned. 2. There is no indication to do so during…Show more
It applies to other drinks as well. However, it does not apply to water and the like, which you drink to quench your thirst. קיצור שו"ע מב, ב. שלחן הטהור סי' קע סי"א. #18740
Question Continued: If yes, may I begin putting away Ma'aser money now before I need to pay tuition so that when the time comes, I will have the money available? Answer: Yes. For certain specific expenses under certain… Question Continued: If yes, may I begin putting away Ma'aser money now before I need to pay tuition so that when the time comes, I will have the money available? Answer: Yes. For certain specific expenses under certain conditions. See here for the parameters: https://asktherav.com/tag/tuition/ If you don't have yet kids eligible for Ma'aser on tuition, you can put the money in the interim in a gemach and when the time comes take it out for tuition purposes. Sources: ראה במ״מ כאן בסופן עד״ז: https://asktherav.com/can-parents-use-their-maaser-for-their-childs-wedding/ #6409…Show more
Question: Potatoes were cooked in the same oven as chicken but in separate trays. I'm not sure whether both were covered or perhaps they were both uncovered. Can I eat the potatoes, make an after blessing, and then drink… Question: Potatoes were cooked in the same oven as chicken but in separate trays. I'm not sure whether both were covered or perhaps they were both uncovered. Can I eat the potatoes, make an after blessing, and then drink milk? Or do the potatoes have full status of fleishig? Answer: Since you are not sure if the trays were covered, the potatoes are considered fleishig and one should not eat them with milchig. One must rinse their mouth and hands after eating the potatoes prior to eating milchig. It is accepted that one should also wait…Show more
Question: I have a cart full of stuff that I don't need, yet may be useful to other people. However it is difficult to get the word out, I put it out yesterday with a sign but nothing was… Question: I have a cart full of stuff that I don't need, yet may be useful to other people. However it is difficult to get the word out, I put it out yesterday with a sign but nothing was taken. Is it Ok to dispose of these items? Answer: You may put it out in the garbage. Source: שו"ת שבט הלוי ח"ט סי' קנט ב. #18734Show more
Question: Does the issur apply only when the couple are eating together or even when one has finished eating and does it apply even when one spouse leaves the room? Answer: A husband and wife are not allowed… Question: Does the issur apply only when the couple are eating together or even when one has finished eating and does it apply even when one spouse leaves the room? Answer: A husband and wife are not allowed to eat from the same plate while the wife is a nida even if they are taking turns to eat from the plate. This issur only applies while they are eating together, if however, the husband finished eating, the wife is allowed to continue eating from that plate. P.S. Besides from the issur of eating together from the same plate,…Show more
Is it shehakol because it didn't actually grow in the ground, or is it ha'adama because it is a min that typically grows in the ground? Answer: Shehakol. Sources: בהקדמה, שלדינא מברכים ברהמ״ז על פת שגדל בעציץ שא״נ…
Question continued: The pump is triggered by a buildup of waste, so it’s not directly triggered by the flush. But after a certain amount of waste gathers, the pump (electric) is triggered. Would one be allowed to use… Question continued: The pump is triggered by a buildup of waste, so it’s not directly triggered by the flush. But after a certain amount of waste gathers, the pump (electric) is triggered. Would one be allowed to use such a toilet on Shabbos? Answer: If it won’t definitely be activated when you flush, it's permissible to use. You can check if you can adjust the “float switch” to be activated with a higher water level which will make it less likely to turn on (or get a large tank). Additionally you may be able to set some…Show more
Question: Is one allowed to seal off a hole in the wall to the outside, which was used for ventilation of a dryer or so and is no longer needed? Answer: No, it is considered a window in… Question: Is one allowed to seal off a hole in the wall to the outside, which was used for ventilation of a dryer or so and is no longer needed? Answer: No, it is considered a window in this regard. See this link how to go about it: https://asktherav.com/article-433-what-is-the-source-for-not-closing-up-doors-and-windows/ Sources: דו"ד אינו דומה כלל למה שכתב בשו"ת שבה"ל י,…Show more
Question: Is there a problem to call someone by only one name if they have two names? For example: if someone has the name Yosef Shlomo, can you call him just Yosef? Because someone told me that he saw… Question: Is there a problem to call someone by only one name if they have two names? For example: if someone has the name Yosef Shlomo, can you call him just Yosef? Because someone told me that he saw in a sefer somewhere that you shouldn't. Answer: There’s no problem in doing so. However one must ensure that the second name does not get “lost” and assume the status of a shem shenishtaka. As long as the second name is still used for aliya l’torah, mi shebeirach etc., it’s not a problem. See also here:…Show more
One may remove small bones while eating. This applies only when the bones are still connected to the fish. Non-attached bones, i.e. once the bones have been removed, may not be removed from the plate. The spine or large… One may remove small bones while eating. This applies only when the bones are still connected to the fish. Non-attached bones, i.e. once the bones have been removed, may not be removed from the plate. The spine or large bones should not be removed. One should remove the fish from it when eating. Sources: ראה בפס״ד להצ״צ או״ח שיט ד-ה (יד, ב. יד,…Show more
Question: I read the following on Wikipedia, is it true? The Chabad Ohel . . presents a problem to a visiting kohen. Usual visitors access the Ohel via a walkway that is fenced off from the other graves in… Question: I read the following on Wikipedia, is it true? The Chabad Ohel . . presents a problem to a visiting kohen. Usual visitors access the Ohel via a walkway that is fenced off from the other graves in the cemetery, creating a separate enclosure in which visitors pass but lacking the minimal four tefach requirement on either side of pathway. Thus, even though the Ohel itself is open to the sky to eliminate problems of tum'at met in an enclosure the kohen is unable to gain entry to the actual ohel without coming within four tefachim of the…Show more
אחרי תפלת העמידה יאמר ברכת אמת ויציב כולה. טעמים ומקורות: שסדר הברכות אינו מעכב, וכן אם בירך ברכה אחת ללא השני׳ יצא במה שבירך - ראה שו״ע או״ח ס, ב-ג. אדה״ז שם ב-ג. מאמ״ר שם א. משנ״ב שם… אחרי תפלת העמידה יאמר ברכת אמת ויציב כולה. טעמים ומקורות: שסדר הברכות אינו מעכב, וכן אם בירך ברכה אחת ללא השני׳ יצא במה שבירך - ראה שו״ע או״ח ס, ב-ג. אדה״ז שם ב-ג. מאמ״ר שם א. משנ״ב שם ו ובבה״ל ד״ה שאם (ודלא כהבנת הפר״ח שם ב, בדעת השו״ע שלא יצא יד״ח ברכות כלל. והו״ע חולק ע״ז). וסמיכת גאול״ת לכו״ע אינה מעכבת. ולאידך, באמר ברכה ללא חתימה קייל״ן לדינא שלא יצא כלל - ראה שו״ע אדה״ז נט, א. ובכ״מ בשו״ע אדה״ז - נסמנו אצלנו בקונט׳ באתרא דרב חו׳ ג הע׳ 25. ועיי״ש שהערנו עפ״ז בנוגע לאמירת בריך רחמנא…Show more
The Rebbe questioned whether this is permissible and said it should be clarified with a Rav. To the best of my knowledge, most rabbonim maintain there is no problem whatsoever with this. However, if the flight is scheduled to… The Rebbe questioned whether this is permissible and said it should be clarified with a Rav. To the best of my knowledge, most rabbonim maintain there is no problem whatsoever with this. However, if the flight is scheduled to land close to Shabbos (in the destination), many are Machmir (and in some cases it’s also a practical suggestion, considering potential flight delays) that unless the late scheduling is for a צורך מצוה, the flight should be one that lands earlier in the morning. Sources: להעיר מהמענה בתשורה טלזנר אדר שני תשע״ד. ומצו״ב. וראה…Show more
Question: We received a package of different color peppers, and on the red ones have a sticker that says it's from Israel. What do we need to do with all the red peppers? Answer: The dinim of Shmitah… Question: We received a package of different color peppers, and on the red ones have a sticker that says it's from Israel. What do we need to do with all the red peppers? Answer: The dinim of Shmitah and the way they apply in Chutz La’aretz can be complex, but to summarize: Fruits: Fruits grown in Eretz Yisroel during the year of Shmitah, even if grown without any human effort, have a level of holiness to them and may be only eaten in a certain way, may not be disposed of when still edible, and for most fruit,…Show more
Question: Is it permissible to say Tehillim on Friday night? I am part of a few Tehillim groups that specifically say the Tehillim after licht benching and I also usually start Shabbos Mevorchim Tehillim on Friday night as well.… Question: Is it permissible to say Tehillim on Friday night? I am part of a few Tehillim groups that specifically say the Tehillim after licht benching and I also usually start Shabbos Mevorchim Tehillim on Friday night as well. I was recently told that it may not be good to say Tehillim Friday night and it's the same as Tehillim during the week. I wanted to know if it's okay. Thank you. Answer: In practice, Friday night is treated the same as during the week. See here: https://asktherav.com/4178-can-i-say-tehillim-on-friday-night-and-yom-tov/ One however may say it after candle lighting before Shkiah.…Show more
The following is the common custom: The two children should not be brought in at the same time. One child is brought in first and a the mohel performs the bris on him. After a short break, the second… The following is the common custom: The two children should not be brought in at the same time. One child is brought in first and a the mohel performs the bris on him. After a short break, the second bris is done and the same mohel performs the bris on him making a new bracha. Sources: כן המנהג הנפוץ בכלל, וגם אצל אנ״ש. וכן מורים…Show more
Yes. According to Chabad custom, one should remain stationary and one should turn the Sefer Torah a half circle, to his left side first, moving towards the back, and then another half circle moving forward, towards his right side.… Yes. According to Chabad custom, one should remain stationary and one should turn the Sefer Torah a half circle, to his left side first, moving towards the back, and then another half circle moving forward, towards his right side. Sources: כמה מנהגים בסדר הגבהת התורה: אם עומד במקומו ומחזיר…Show more
מותר. מקורות: רוקח הלכות אבלות סימן שטו מצד ס״ס. מגן אברהם…
Question Continued: If I understand correctly from chapter 4 of "The Laws of Cooking on Shabbos" (by Rabbi Nissan Dovid Dubov, SIE) it can be placed on the blech on Shabbos. ["b) A dry kugel that may emit a… Question Continued: If I understand correctly from chapter 4 of "The Laws of Cooking on Shabbos" (by Rabbi Nissan Dovid Dubov, SIE) it can be placed on the blech on Shabbos. ["b) A dry kugel that may emit a small amount of oil may be reheated."] Answer: This section in the book is addressing the laws of nolad, heating something up when some liquid dissolves, which applies even if below the temperature of yad soledes bo, the temperature which governs the laws of cooking on Shabbos. This is independent of the melacha of bishul, and…Show more
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