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  About 2 seconds.   Sources: לדינא קייל״ן שהוא שלום עליך רבי (ולא רבי ומורי…
  Question: I have a friend who doesn't eat chalav or pas yisroel, she also drives to shul, though she keeps other parts of Shabbos, she buys pas yisroel cookies that are pareve for me, but she stores them…  Question: I have a friend who doesn't eat chalav or pas yisroel, she also drives to shul, though she keeps other parts of Shabbos, she buys pas yisroel cookies that are pareve for me, but she stores them in Ziploc bags after she opens the package, I've known her for a long time and she respects my standards, can I eat those cookies when she offers them to me?   Answer: In general, you should not eat from it. In extenuating circumstances, there is room to be lenient if you fully trust her and know she won’t violate…Show more
  Question: My son is very not well and is very sensitive to light. It is also hard for him to get out of bed. For his mitzvah of Ner Chanukah, is it better for him to hear the bracha  Question: My son is very not well and is very sensitive to light. It is also hard for him to get out of bed. For his mitzvah of Ner Chanukah, is it better for him to hear the bracha from me even if he can't see the candles, or is it better for him to light by his room if he can only light one candle every night? (lighting more than 1 candle is too much light for him to bear.)   Answer: In this case, he should light himself, even though it will only be one candle. Nonetheless,…Show more
  Question: I know a woman who grew up Sephardi and got married to an Ashkenazi man and took on all ashkenazi minhagim. She is now divorced. Should she stick with her new ashkenazi minhagim or go back to…  Question: I know a woman who grew up Sephardi and got married to an Ashkenazi man and took on all ashkenazi minhagim. She is now divorced. Should she stick with her new ashkenazi minhagim or go back to her spehardim minhagim? Is there a preference? Would she need to perform hataras nedarim?   Answer: She sticks with her ex-husband’s minhagim unless she has no children from the marriage.   Sources: ע״פ שו״ת תשב״ץ ג, קעט. והובא בגליוני הש״ס יבמות…Show more

Does maple syrup need a Hechsher?

  Most certainly. There are serious kashrus concerns with uncertified maple syrup.   See also: https://asktherav.com/16026-is-fresh-maple-syrup-gifted-by-a-non-jew-kosher/     #6438
  שאלות: 1. למי שאינו מבין לשון הקודש, האם יש עדיפות שיקרא קריאת שמע דווקא בלשון שהוא מבין, או שעדיף לקרוא בלשון הקודש. 2. מה נחשב הבנה המעכבת? צריך להבין הפירוש המילולי של כל מילה? 3. מצוי מאוד במבצעים שמקריאים…  שאלות: 1. למי שאינו מבין לשון הקודש, האם יש עדיפות שיקרא קריאת שמע דווקא בלשון שהוא מבין, או שעדיף לקרוא בלשון הקודש. 2. מה נחשב הבנה המעכבת? צריך להבין הפירוש המילולי של כל מילה? 3. מצוי מאוד במבצעים שמקריאים לאדם את ק"ש והוא חוזר עם טעויות, האם זה מעכב, משום שהוא לא אומר את המילים בצורה הנכונה, או שזה נכלל במה שנפסק "קרא ולא דקדק באותיותיה יצא"?   מענות: 1. עדיף שיקרא בלשון הקודש וילמדו אותו פירוש הענין בכללות. 2. לאו דוקא. הבנה כללית מה הוא אומר גם כן טוב. 3. תלוי בסוג הטעות. אם דילג על אותיות או…Show more
  A man or woman may do so, as long as they are dressed in a manner of tznius. Nonetheless, many chasidim are particular to wear a gartel. If the clothes are respectful and clean, one may daven in…  A man or woman may do so, as long as they are dressed in a manner of tznius. Nonetheless, many chasidim are particular to wear a gartel. If the clothes are respectful and clean, one may daven in the same clothes one slept in. Pajamas, however, would not be proper. Generally, Poskim say that one shouldn't sleep in one's clothing. Although this isn’t a halachic requirement, and clearly this isn’t the minhag, ideally, one should put on one garment, even a sweater or robe, that wasn’t worn by night for the reciting of the blessing of malbish arumimShow more

Can Kids Check Eggs for Blood Spots?

  Question: My kids under Bar/Bas Mitzvah, know how to make themselves fried eggs or other simple things in the kitchen, are they allowed to check the eggs themselves? If yes, is that OK for an adult to eat from…  Question: My kids under Bar/Bas Mitzvah, know how to make themselves fried eggs or other simple things in the kitchen, are they allowed to check the eggs themselves? If yes, is that OK for an adult to eat from it or only for them to eat?   Answer: They are allowed to check eggs, even for adults, as long as the child is a bar da’as (capable of understanding), a level of maturity that is attained at around the age of nine. The reason is explained in the article below:   Halacha2go.com article #770: Is a child to beShow more
  There are laws in many countries that forbid the use of wireless service belonging to another without permission. In the United States, federal and state laws restrict "unauthorized access of a computer network,” though what constitutes unauthorized access and…  There are laws in many countries that forbid the use of wireless service belonging to another without permission. In the United States, federal and state laws restrict "unauthorized access of a computer network,” though what constitutes unauthorized access and to what extent it is penalized varies greatly from state to state. But it is a punishable crime in every state to bypass encryption and other security measures for access. Any action that is deemed illegal by the government is normally prohibited by halachah, as well. But if using an open network is acceptable in a specific locale, is it…Show more
  Question: The Chanukah candles many times create a beautiful look on the menorah, especially if the room is rather dark, the candles "light up" the menorah. Is photographing the menorah while the candles are lit and the room is…  Question: The Chanukah candles many times create a beautiful look on the menorah, especially if the room is rather dark, the candles "light up" the menorah. Is photographing the menorah while the candles are lit and the room is dark a problem of deriving use out of the candles? If this is a problem, can it be done after they've burned for 50 minutes? Or be put out after the 50 minutes and then relit?   Answer: It is not a problem. However, it is advisable at all times to have another burning candle or light besides for the…Show more
  Question: Is 15 Kislev considered a taanis yochid or taanis tzibur? Do we have to be mekabel taanis? Does the answer depend if we have a minyan of people fasting, or if we have a minyan for…  Question: Is 15 Kislev considered a taanis yochid or taanis tzibur? Do we have to be mekabel taanis? Does the answer depend if we have a minyan of people fasting, or if we have a minyan for krias haTorah?   Answer: According to some opinions, it’s considered a Taanis Tzibur, therefore one should not rinse out their mouth like all Taanios Tzibur. However there are some opinions that it is a Taanis Yochid, therefore one should be Mekabel the Taanis by Mincha the day before. It is a Taanis Tzibur according to those opinions, even if there…Show more
  Yes. One should make an extra effort to be holding with the Minyan for Hallel. The Rebbe once told someone who was accustomed to daven be’arichus that he should begin prior to the Minayn so that when they reach…  Yes. One should make an extra effort to be holding with the Minyan for Hallel. The Rebbe once told someone who was accustomed to daven be’arichus that he should begin prior to the Minayn so that when they reach Hallel he should be holding with them. Similarly, the Rebbe writes in Igros Kodesh: ”Despite the fact that our Rebbeim would extend their Shabbos prayers over many hours – long after the congregation had concluded the service – they would nevertheless organize their time on Yom Tov so that they would conclude the amidah with the congregation and then recite…Show more
  Question: What is the proper order for Kriah this coming Shabbos - Shabbos, Rosh Chodesh, Chanukah - in a place where there is only 2 Sifrei Torah? Which sefer to use for the Chanukah Kriah and when to be…  Question: What is the proper order for Kriah this coming Shabbos - Shabbos, Rosh Chodesh, Chanukah - in a place where there is only 2 Sifrei Torah? Which sefer to use for the Chanukah Kriah and when to be golel?   Answer: The Maftir (Chanukah) should be read from the first Sefer, provided there is time to roll it before the end of Shvi’i (reading of Rosh Chodesh). Otherwise, it should be read from the second Sefer. Practically: In both cases, the Sifrei Torah should be prepared for the readings of Miketz and Rosh Chodesh. In the first…Show more
  Question: I am a chiyuv. I am usually a chazan on Yom Kippur, but this year my normal shul is closed. I got an offer from a different shul, can I be chazan? I saw seforim bring down…  Question: I am a chiyuv. I am usually a chazan on Yom Kippur, but this year my normal shul is closed. I got an offer from a different shul, can I be chazan? I saw seforim bring down that if you were חזן for many years it’s not a problem.   Answer: No. The allowance is only in the same exact shul.   Sources: מט"א תקפא, כט. וכפשוט, כן הכוונה גם באג״ק ח״ז…Show more
  If you do this work as part of your monthly mashgiach job and the pay is arranged so that it is not described as "Shabbos pay" or "Shabbos hours" so you may do the work. However, if the work…  If you do this work as part of your monthly mashgiach job and the pay is arranged so that it is not described as "Shabbos pay" or "Shabbos hours" so you may do the work. However, if the work is not structured in a way that preparations for your job would take place on the weekday, it’s a machlokes if this is permitted. Many say that one will not see a siman bracha. Of course, this is only if you greatly need the work, otherwise, it would be best to have your day of Shabbos exclusively for מנוחה…Show more

Ribbis When Lending a Credit Card

  Question: If I gave someone my Credit card to use as a loan and he paid me the full amount exactly and I get points for each dollar, are those points considered avak ribbis and is it better to…  Question: If I gave someone my Credit card to use as a loan and he paid me the full amount exactly and I get points for each dollar, are those points considered avak ribbis and is it better to do היתר עיסקא for each charge?   Answer: If there are no late fees, and your question is ONLY regarding cc points, then there is no need for a היתר עיסקא.   See also: Halacha2go.com #241: Interest on a Credit Card   Sources: בכמה פוסקים שכרטיס אשראי כמו ערב שלוף דוץ המבואר…Show more
  שאלה: בשנת אבילות, שמנהגנו לומר אחרי כל תפלה משניות פכ״ד דכלים ופ״ז דמקואות: מה הדין אם שכחתי להגיד משניות בתפילת שחרית, ונזכרתי בתפילת ערבית האם אני יכול להשלים את המשניות של הבוקר (ללא הקדיש).   מענה: לכתחילה יש להשתדל…  שאלה: בשנת אבילות, שמנהגנו לומר אחרי כל תפלה משניות פכ״ד דכלים ופ״ז דמקואות: מה הדין אם שכחתי להגיד משניות בתפילת שחרית, ונזכרתי בתפילת ערבית האם אני יכול להשלים את המשניות של הבוקר (ללא הקדיש).   מענה: לכתחילה יש להשתדל לאמרם סמוך לתפילה או לפחות במשך היום ממש. באם לא אמרם במשך היום, חייב להשלים בלילה.   טעמים ומקורות: ראה ליקוט מאג״ק בשולחן מנחם יו"ד ח"ב סימן קס"ב בנוגע לאמירת ט"ז קדישים לפחות ביום, ומשמע שם שזהו גם עיקר טעם אמירת המשניות כדי להשלים המספר. [שם בנוגע למספר ט"ז בכדי להציל הנשמה ממדורי גהינם במשך המעת לעת, שכל קדיש פועל…Show more
  Question: If the Minyan is saying Birchas Hachodesh and you don't know when the molad is, is it preferred to say it later on, after you can find out? How about for one who anyway isn't holding where the…  Question: If the Minyan is saying Birchas Hachodesh and you don't know when the molad is, is it preferred to say it later on, after you can find out? How about for one who anyway isn't holding where the Minyan is?   Answer: If you will be able to say it later with a minyan while knowing when the molad is that is preferred. If that is not an option you can still say it with the minyan even though you don't know the molad. This is preferred rather than finding out the molad later and saying it…Show more
  Question: I would like to avoid having to burn the leftover Chanukah wicks and oil. Can I make a tenai before Chanukah and then dispose of them by wrapping and putting them in the garbage?   Answer: Yes. The…  Question: I would like to avoid having to burn the leftover Chanukah wicks and oil. Can I make a tenai before Chanukah and then dispose of them by wrapping and putting them in the garbage?   Answer: Yes. The tanai only works for oil remaining after the allotted time, half-hour or 50 minutes according to Minhag Chabad, passed.   Sources: נסתפקתי לענין הפתילות אם מועיל תנאי, דלכאו׳ עדיפי מהשמן…Show more
  Yes, so long that you said first yihyu l’ratzon.   Sources: תוספתא ברכות ג, י. ברכות לא, א. ע״ז ח,…
  According to most Poskim it’s permissible when the seltzer is used for Shabbos. Others are concerned about מוליד, עובדין דחול, מכה בפטיש, however, the custom is to be lenient.   Sources: See the sources tab of Halacha2go.com #484: May I…
  Question: If one missed the time for Shacharis on a Shabbos or Yom Tov, how do they daven? Do you say Mincha first or Musaf first?   Answer: Musaf. Then Mincha, and then tashlumin for Shacharis. If the time…  Question: If one missed the time for Shacharis on a Shabbos or Yom Tov, how do they daven? Do you say Mincha first or Musaf first?   Answer: Musaf. Then Mincha, and then tashlumin for Shacharis. If the time of Mincha arrived, Mincha takes precedence. In this case, Mincha is first, then Musaf, and then tashlumin for Shacharis. Mincha takes precedence only after the time of Mincha Ketana has arrived. However, even before this, from the time of Mincha Gedolah, one must daven Mincha first, in the event that for whatever reason he must daven both tefillos now, for…Show more
  Yes.   Sources: בהקדם שג׳ טעמים בראשונים בחיוב לכסות הפת, משום יקרא…

Abbreviated Bentching for Children

  Question: My daughter is 9 and has a very very hard time with bentching. Would it be ok to have her bentch just the first paragraph? Even that Is a challenge for her but bezh I feel it’s something…  Question: My daughter is 9 and has a very very hard time with bentching. Would it be ok to have her bentch just the first paragraph? Even that Is a challenge for her but bezh I feel it’s something realistic to help her do. (Otherwise, she ends up being koveh seudah on Mezonos or complains that she has ‘nothing' to eat)...   Answer: Here is shortened version of benching for this situation specifically: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יי אֱ־לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, הַזָּן אֶת הָעוֹלָם כֻּלּוֹ בְּטוּבוֹ בְּחֵן וּבְחֶסֶד וּבְרַחֲמִים. הוּא נוֹתֵן לֶחֶם לְכָל בָּשָׂר כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ, וּבְטוּבוֹ הַגָּדוֹל עִמָּנוּ תָּמִידShow more
  פשוט שכן הוא, כשאפשר.   מקורות: כן מובן ממקור הדברים בס׳ המוסר ד בהגה ד״ה…

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