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You may apply the moisturizer normally if it is not very thick (i.e. if it is truly a liquid or an oil). If it is thick, (more like a cream) it should be applied with a shinui (שינוי) [for… You may apply the moisturizer normally if it is not very thick (i.e. if it is truly a liquid or an oil). If it is thick, (more like a cream) it should be applied with a shinui (שינוי) [for instance, you can smear it with a gauze or cloth, instead of with your hands]. Sources: ראה שו"ע אדה"ז סימן תקי"א סעיף א', סימן שכ"ח…Show more
The Bracha on the fish sticks would be shehakol if the breadcrumbs are there to ease the frying or to create a particular texture. If however, the breadcrumbs are there for taste, assuming the bread crumbs are mezonos -… The Bracha on the fish sticks would be shehakol if the breadcrumbs are there to ease the frying or to create a particular texture. If however, the breadcrumbs are there for taste, assuming the bread crumbs are mezonos - not hamotzi - the Bracha should be mezonos. However, the common custom is to make shehakol regardless. (A number of theories have been proposed to justify this practice). To avoid the shaalah one should either remove some of the bread crumbs and recite mezonos on the bread crumbs and then shehakol on something else or mezonos on something else…Show more
Question: I would like to thank Hashem that my daughter is safe, as she was under water for some seconds. What’s the best to do - sponsor a kiddush, make a Seudas Hoda'ah, give tzedakah in her honor? … Question: I would like to thank Hashem that my daughter is safe, as she was under water for some seconds. What’s the best to do - sponsor a kiddush, make a Seudas Hoda'ah, give tzedakah in her honor? Answer: The common custom is to make a Seudas Hodaah when someone was saved from danger. By this Seuda Divrei Torah should be shared. It is a common practice to make this Seuda on Shabbos after Davening – by the Kiddush when there is a big crowd, and the miracle is shared to a bigger public. Also, the custom is…Show more
You may open it after Shabbos after the amount of time it takes to post such a picture or video after Shabbos elapses, which is literally a few seconds after Shabbos. See also here: https://asktherav.com/2039-spending-shabbos-with-family-who-dosent-keep-shabbos/ However, if you believe… You may open it after Shabbos after the amount of time it takes to post such a picture or video after Shabbos elapses, which is literally a few seconds after Shabbos. See also here: https://asktherav.com/2039-spending-shabbos-with-family-who-dosent-keep-shabbos/ However, if you believe that by not opening it, the individual will refrain in the future from sending it to you on Shabbos, you should indeed not open it. If it’s a picture or video of an event that happened on Shabbos, other rules might apply. See here: https://asktherav.com/4378-using-pictures-or-videos-that-were-taken-on-shabbos/ #18295Show more
Question: The governor of New York just released a new mask mandate. The rule is that businesses and venues (which presumably includes shuls) must implement a mask requirement or require proof of fully vaccinated status. Is one halachically obligated… Question: The governor of New York just released a new mask mandate. The rule is that businesses and venues (which presumably includes shuls) must implement a mask requirement or require proof of fully vaccinated status. Is one halachically obligated to follow this? Answer: Yes. Generally, government mandates that are done for the welfare of the community are halachically binding. However, if the rule has not been accepted by society at large, there is no halachic mandate to follow this rule, though it is still legally required (assuming it is within the framework of the local legal code and…Show more
Question: Is there a specific direction the oleh and baal koreh should face or look when saying chazak? Do we have any cheshash that people would say that chazak is written in the Torah, like the discussions we… Question: Is there a specific direction the oleh and baal koreh should face or look when saying chazak? Do we have any cheshash that people would say that chazak is written in the Torah, like the discussions we have about the brachos of Torah and megillah? Answer: While there are those who suggest that the Torah be closed first or at least that the baal korei and oleh face to the side, this is not practiced. Sources: אף שפסק הרמ״א או״ח קלט, ד "בשעה שמברך ברכה…Show more
There is no clear Chabad custom in this matter. The Rebbeim would generally sit. It is reported that the Rebbe however stood. Some sit and raise themself up slightly in the middle of the Brocha. This is what the… There is no clear Chabad custom in this matter. The Rebbeim would generally sit. It is reported that the Rebbe however stood. Some sit and raise themself up slightly in the middle of the Brocha. This is what the Rebbe did in public at the farbrengen, though usually that wasn’t his actual kiddush. Sources: בשעה״כ ענין סעודת שחרית של שבת מוכח להדיא לישב,…Show more
Question: If the Minyan just started and one didn't yet say karbanos, is it better to first say karbanos or can it be said after Shmone Esrei? How about Hodu and Pasach Eliyahu? Answer: Strictly speaking, according… Question: If the Minyan just started and one didn't yet say karbanos, is it better to first say karbanos or can it be said after Shmone Esrei? How about Hodu and Pasach Eliyahu? Answer: Strictly speaking, according to halacha one should Daven with the Minyan and say Korbonos afterwards, however, the Rebbe writes that this "Heter" should not be taught to the youth lest they get into the habit of skipping. Generally, it is not our minhag to skip, even for the purpose of tefillah btzibur. One should skip Hodu and Pasach Eliyahu in…Show more
Questions: Our Eiruv was recently broken and repaired. Is the crooked pole on one side a problem? The pole on the top goes thru a temporary partition to reach the inside wall. Answers: 1. Not a problem, as… Questions: Our Eiruv was recently broken and repaired. Is the crooked pole on one side a problem? The pole on the top goes thru a temporary partition to reach the inside wall. Answers: 1. Not a problem, as long as if you were to make a straight line vertically from the top point to the bottom point, the entire poll would be within three Tefachim (about 10 inches). ראה בשו"ת ויען יוסף או"ח (ח"א) סי' קצט להכשיר. ובשו"ת מנחת שלמה ח"ב סי' לה אות כו כתב להכשיר אם העקמימות פחות מג' טפחים. אך ביותר מזה - עיין חכמת…Show more
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
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 arumim…Show more
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 be…Show 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
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
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