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Question: I have a door that leads to a back staircase which I do not want to use for various reasons, do I need to put a Mezuza there? Answer: Yes. Is there something that could be… Question: I have a door that leads to a back staircase which I do not want to use for various reasons, do I need to put a Mezuza there? Answer: Yes. Is there something that could be done to make it patur from a mezuza? If it's sealed and the seal needs to be broken to reopen - it doesn’t require a mezuzah. Sources: שו״ת מהר״מ פאדווה ט. דעת קדושים רפו, כה. משמרת…Show more
It's nothing specific to Lubavitch. Halacha mandates that the arm until the elbow should be properly covered. In a place where the common custom for women is to cover until the hand, it is part of Tznius to cover… It's nothing specific to Lubavitch. Halacha mandates that the arm until the elbow should be properly covered. In a place where the common custom for women is to cover until the hand, it is part of Tznius to cover that as well. Some are stringent to cover the sleeves but this isn’t a requirement. As in any other stringency, one should consider first if this stringency suits them, whether it won’t cause other leniencies, etc. This can be discussed with a mashpia. Sources: ראה כבודה בת מלך פ"ב, ח-ט ובהערות שם. ויש…Show more
שאלה: מהו שיעור הרטיבות בדבר לח שיהא בגדר בישול בשבת, לגבי בישול אחר בישול? מענה: אם הוא לח בשיעור של טופח על מנת להטפיח. טעמים ומקורות: הנה, ל׳ אדה״ז בשו״ע שיח, יא: תבשיל יבש שאין בו רוטב… שאלה: מהו שיעור הרטיבות בדבר לח שיהא בגדר בישול בשבת, לגבי בישול אחר בישול? מענה: אם הוא לח בשיעור של טופח על מנת להטפיח. טעמים ומקורות: הנה, ל׳ אדה״ז בשו״ע שיח, יא: תבשיל יבש שאין בו רוטב כלל. ושם רנג, יח: שאין בו מרק כלל. ומוכח מזה, ממה שהוסיף תיבת ״כלל״ דלא ס״ל כהדעות (מנח״כ במשמרת השבת ב, ב ד״ה התנאי השני. ועוד) שתליא ברוב ומיעוט, ולדידהו כל שרובו יבש אינו בגדר לח. וכ״ה בקו״א רנג, יא שבנגובים קצת יש בישול אחר בישול. וכ״כ להוכיח בזכרון יוסף פאק מ בדעת אדה״ז בסידורו. (ומה שהביאו מל׳ הב״י רנג…Show more
Question: When I finish eating an instant noodle soup and now there is mostly water (but still a few noodles), do I have to make a shehakol on the water? and what if there are no noodles? Would it… Question: When I finish eating an instant noodle soup and now there is mostly water (but still a few noodles), do I have to make a shehakol on the water? and what if there are no noodles? Would it make a difference if I already ate the first part of the soup or not? Answer: If you drink the soup before eating the noodles: if it was cooked for the normal amount of time as per the instructions on the package, which would give taste of the noodles in the water, you should make Mezonos. You should avoid…Show more
Question: We recently bought a 100-cup urn for our Chabad House. It only has an on/off switch. Can we use it on Shabbos? Answer: Generally, it is recommended to have a Hechsher on urns with a thermostat for… Question: We recently bought a 100-cup urn for our Chabad House. It only has an on/off switch. Can we use it on Shabbos? Answer: Generally, it is recommended to have a Hechsher on urns with a thermostat for Shabbos use, as there might be an issue with removing hot water from the urn, causing the remaining water inside to cool off faster, ultimately effecting the urn to boil faster. However, I should mention that there are some inconclusive tests that suggest that even urns with thermostats do not act in such a way. They have proven that the…Show more
נבלות פה - היינו דברי עגבים ודברי חשק. וגם בלא זה, בכלל אין להוציא דבר מגונה מפיו. מקורות: כן מוכח מכמה מאחז״ל, וחלקם צויינו להלן בהעתקת ד׳…
שאלה: ב"ה לכב' הרה"ח רי"י ברוין שי' רב שכונת המלך שלום וברכה! לאחדשה"ט, אבקש לפנות אליך בעניין שמאוד מטרידני לאחרונה ולא מצאתי מי שיכנס לעובי הקורה לפסוק דבר ברור בזה. בעת הזאת, עת המגפה ר"ל שכבר רבים חללים הפילה… שאלה: ב"ה לכב' הרה"ח רי"י ברוין שי' רב שכונת המלך שלום וברכה! לאחדשה"ט, אבקש לפנות אליך בעניין שמאוד מטרידני לאחרונה ולא מצאתי מי שיכנס לעובי הקורה לפסוק דבר ברור בזה. בעת הזאת, עת המגפה ר"ל שכבר רבים חללים הפילה ואין איתנו יודע עד מתי, הרבה מהמקוואות לגברים סגורים (בחו"ל) וגם במקומות שנפתחו הינם במגבלות ידועות ועדיין ההנחיות של רבני אנ"ש לכלל אנ"ש שלא ללכת לטבול ובפרט לאלו הנמצאים בקבוצת סיכון (ואני בכללם). הנכון הוא שמצד הרגש חסידי מחפשים את הכי טוב ולהקפיד דוקא על טבילה במ' סאה, אולם כל זה בימים כתיקונם. האם בגלל זה אומרים לאנשים שלא יקחו…Show more
Question continued: Is it an inyan in general or only when writing Hashem's name? Is a shower good enough, or it doesn't help since it is not good for tosefes tahara? Is this a halacha or minhag?… Question continued: Is it an inyan in general or only when writing Hashem's name? Is a shower good enough, or it doesn't help since it is not good for tosefes tahara? Is this a halacha or minhag? What is the common practice, do most Lubavitcher sofrim make sure to go? Answer: It is a hiddur mentioned in Rishonim for the sofer to be makpid to go to the mikvah. This is mainly for writing Hashem's name and/or for tevilas ezra. It is also an extra hiddur according to kabbalah to always go to the…Show more
שאלה: ס"ת נפל מארון הקודש על המשטח המוגבה (המצופה בשטיח) שאליו עולים בשתי מדרגות מרצפת ביהכנ"ס. כיצד ינהגו: אלו שראו, ואלו שהיו בביהכנ"ס אך לא ראו. מענה: יתענו הרואים יום שלם, ואפשר לדחותו לימים הקצרים, וכן להתענות ב׳… שאלה: ס"ת נפל מארון הקודש על המשטח המוגבה (המצופה בשטיח) שאליו עולים בשתי מדרגות מרצפת ביהכנ"ס. כיצד ינהגו: אלו שראו, ואלו שהיו בביהכנ"ס אך לא ראו. מענה: יתענו הרואים יום שלם, ואפשר לדחותו לימים הקצרים, וכן להתענות ב׳ חצאי יום. והחלושים וכן בחורים יתענו חצי יום וחצי יום יפדו בצדקה. ומי שנפל מידו יתענה עוד ב׳ חצאי יום. ושאר הקהל (בני ביהכ"נ שהיו ולא ראו) - לפחות חצי יום. והעיקר, שיזהרו בקדושת ס״ת לגדור גדר שלא לדבר כלל בעת הקריאה. וכן באמירת שמו״ת. מקורות: בפוסקים שגם במדרגות שלפני ארון הקודש צריך להתענות, ראה…Show more
Question: I've found myself in this situation several times: I lay down to relax or nap Friday night before davening or Kiddush and wake up when it is already becoming bright outside! I know that for the day Kiddush,… Question: I've found myself in this situation several times: I lay down to relax or nap Friday night before davening or Kiddush and wake up when it is already becoming bright outside! I know that for the day Kiddush, I can make up for last night by adding the second paragraph (Mekadesh haShabbas). However, what do I do in the morning prior to davening? I know one may drink water (or coffee) on Shabbas morning before davening, prior to making Kiddush (and when needed for kavanah – even eat). Do I make kiddush in the morning before davening in…Show more
If yes, is there a point in one's life where it would be inappropriate (such as when newly married or below a certain age)? Answer: True. While one may write a tzavaah even earlier, usually it is done… If yes, is there a point in one's life where it would be inappropriate (such as when newly married or below a certain age)? Answer: True. While one may write a tzavaah even earlier, usually it is done after 50. Sources: ראה אגרות קודש ד ע׳ שעג: "ופעם אמרו, אשר…Show more
(i.e. for someone who has BH until now had smooth natural births but still has fear of the pain in childbirth) Answer: There is no halachic objection to using an epidural where there is a need to do… (i.e. for someone who has BH until now had smooth natural births but still has fear of the pain in childbirth) Answer: There is no halachic objection to using an epidural where there is a need to do so. Sources: שקו״ט בכ״מ בכעי״ז אם מותר ניתוח שיש בו חשש…Show more
Question: I passed by my Shul’s Mikvah this past Friday night after davening, and I noticed that there was a steady stream of dryer exhaust/steam coming out of its windows. It was clear that a clothes dryer was in… Question: I passed by my Shul’s Mikvah this past Friday night after davening, and I noticed that there was a steady stream of dryer exhaust/steam coming out of its windows. It was clear that a clothes dryer was in use. This happened two hours after sunset, which means that the Goyim clearly started the cycle on Shabbos. While I know that if a Goy is paid a lump sum to do something every day, including Shabbos (Bihavla’ah), and there is no enjoyment immediately being derived from his actions, then that is fine, however - shouldn’t this case…Show more
How to use a toilet which flushes by a sensor? Where no other bathroom is available, you may use an auto-flush toilet by activating the sensor in an irregular manner, for example walking away on your heels or sides… How to use a toilet which flushes by a sensor? Where no other bathroom is available, you may use an auto-flush toilet by activating the sensor in an irregular manner, for example walking away on your heels or sides of the feet in an uncomfortable manner. Ideally, you should first place a tissue or paper towel over the sensor, in a manner that it will eventually fall off later by itself, so that the toilet won’t flush immediately when you leave the toilet. How to use water from a faucet which is operated only by sensor? You should…Show more
Questions: I know that Shulchan Oruch allows one to have a snack while wearing Tefillin. We often have yahrtzeits in our minyan and after davening people say lechayim on a small amount of mashke. Is saying a "… Questions: I know that Shulchan Oruch allows one to have a snack while wearing Tefillin. We often have yahrtzeits in our minyan and after davening people say lechayim on a small amount of mashke. Is saying a "lechayim" considered "kalus rosh" while wearing Tefillin, or it is allowed? Is eating a piece of mezonos allowed lechatchila or it is a midas Chassidus to wait until after Tefillin is taken off? Is it - forbidden/allowed/better not - to have a small conversation while wearing tefillin? In all above is there any difference between Rashi and…Show more
Question: We're buying glasses for our public seder. For a number of reasons, the stemmed glasses are more desirable (nicer, cheaper, and overall more a keepsake). Is there a minhag to have only stemless? Answer: Chabad custom is… Question: We're buying glasses for our public seder. For a number of reasons, the stemmed glasses are more desirable (nicer, cheaper, and overall more a keepsake). Is there a minhag to have only stemless? Answer: Chabad custom is not to use stemmed wine glasses, though it’s not halachically problematic. Sources: כן מנהג אנ״ש. וכן מעשה רב בהנהגת כ״ק אד״ש…Show more
No. Sources: כן המנהג פשוט בכ״מ. וכן נהגו גם חסידים ואנשי…
No, though it would be ideal to include them too. Sources: ראה שיחת יט״כ תשי״ד לגבי חלוקת הש״ס: כל הש״ס…
In the immediate tefillah right before the siyum, Tachanun should be omitted. Sources: יש שכתבו לדמות להעדר אמירת תחנון בט״ו באב, שהוא…
A siyum for a Yortzeit isn’t made on Shabbos. As for the custom of learning Mishnayos on the day of the Yartzeit, the common custom is to do so on Shabbos. Sources: כן המנהג הפשוט. וה״ט שהסיום הוא במקום תענית של״ש…
Question: What is the step by step “protocol” in terms of saying modeh ani, washing nagel vasser, reciting birchos hashachar, or any other pertaining halachos, when waking up in the middle of the night if: hungry/thirsty/using… Question: What is the step by step “protocol” in terms of saying modeh ani, washing nagel vasser, reciting birchos hashachar, or any other pertaining halachos, when waking up in the middle of the night if: hungry/thirsty/using restroom/tending to baby or child? What if waking up multiple times for any of the above (as in a pregnant or nursing mother)? At what point/how many times does one say modeh ani and wash nagel vasser? Answer: Regarding Modeh Ani: See here: https://asktherav.com/18781-should-one-say-modeh-ani-when-waking-up-in-middle-of-the-night/ See a similar issue here: https://asktherav.com/2957b-1486-when-you-are-up-the-whole-night/ Regarding Negel Vasser: You should wash negel…Show more
Women should say hareini mekabel as it says in the siddur. Sources: בשו"ע הקצר פי"ט אות ז' כ׳ לומר הריני מקבלת…
Before lighting (although some say same as a woman, after the lighting). Sources: בקצוה״ש עד בבדה״ש יט: ומסתימת ל׳ אדמו"ר ז"ל משמע…
Question: Should we make Bracha Shehechiyanu when eating carobs? There is a note from rabbi Hodakov: אור לט"ו שבט, ה'תשח"י ברוקלין, נ.י. שאלתי את כ"ק אד"ש אם יש לברך שהחיינו על באקסער (חרובים), ויען כ"ק אד"ש כי ברוסי' נהגו… Question: Should we make Bracha Shehechiyanu when eating carobs? There is a note from rabbi Hodakov: אור לט"ו שבט, ה'תשח"י ברוקלין, נ.י. שאלתי את כ"ק אד"ש אם יש לברך שהחיינו על באקסער (חרובים), ויען כ"ק אד"ש כי ברוסי' נהגו לברך. גם על הערתי כי מצוי בכל השנה, ענה הלא גם בר"ה מברכים שהחיינו על פירות המצויים, ושאין לחשש שמא הם פירות אשתקד. But other poskim hold that we should not. What is halacha lemaase for the Chabad community? Answer: In today's day and age when carob is no longer normally eaten, it is highly questionable if one can…Show more
Question: A patient in hospital semi-conscious with an open toilet in the room, no divider and no curtain. Do we put Tefillin on? with a Bracha? How about if we cover the toilet with a blanket? Visitors want to… Question: A patient in hospital semi-conscious with an open toilet in the room, no divider and no curtain. Do we put Tefillin on? with a Bracha? How about if we cover the toilet with a blanket? Visitors want to daven say tehilim or learn. Answer: He can put on Tefillin without a Bracha (he also shouldn't daven in that room). If the toilet is covered with a blanket, a Bracha may be made and davening may be said. Visitors may say tehillim or learn. Sources: עיין בגמרא ברכות כו, א "והא אמר רפרם בר…Show more
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