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Question: I am looking into a potential Shlichus opportunity. But first, the current Shliach needs to interview me. He is not willing to meet me in Crown Heights and therefore needs me to fly down to him (at my… Question: I am looking into a potential Shlichus opportunity. But first, the current Shliach needs to interview me. He is not willing to meet me in Crown Heights and therefore needs me to fly down to him (at my own expense). If the interview goes well, I will also be able to check out the place. Am I allowed to use Maaser money to fly there and pay for other expenses (car rental...)? Answer: Maaser money may be used. However, it is always better (if possible) to use private funds. Sources: ראה: שו"ע יו"ד סי' רמ"ט סעי' א' בהגהה (בשם…Show more
Question: When I prepare a bowl of cereal on Shabbos, I was told that I need to do it with a shinui (by placing the milk inside first), is this correct and does it apply to all cereals? If… Question: When I prepare a bowl of cereal on Shabbos, I was told that I need to do it with a shinui (by placing the milk inside first), is this correct and does it apply to all cereals? If yes, what if a shinuy was not done, is the food allowed? If I made corn flakes for my child and he did not eat it, do I have to pour it out before it becomes a blila ava, or can I just leave it? Answer: It can be done the regular fashion. פשוט, שאין בו אף משום בלילה…Show more
Question: When one says Hashem’s name by mistake during Tehillim or davening (specifically by Shemoneh Esrei), does one say ברוך שם כבוד מלכותו לעולם ועד right then or after they’ve finished (the kapital, or after שמו"ע)? Answer:… Question: When one says Hashem’s name by mistake during Tehillim or davening (specifically by Shemoneh Esrei), does one say ברוך שם כבוד מלכותו לעולם ועד right then or after they’ve finished (the kapital, or after שמו"ע)? Answer: During Tehillim - it should be said straight away. During Pesukei Dezimra, Birchas Krias Shema and Krias Shema - It should be said straight away. During Shemone Esrei - if you just said ברוך אתה ה׳, you should finish off למדני חוקיך. However, if you already finished the Bracha, or you said otherwise Hashem’s name without the words ברוך אתה,…Show more
Question: A friend is printing iron-on Matzah covers for kids to make before Pesach. They would like to print the Brochos on the Matzah cover so people will read the brachos from the matza cover, but are not sure… Question: A friend is printing iron-on Matzah covers for kids to make before Pesach. They would like to print the Brochos on the Matzah cover so people will read the brachos from the matza cover, but are not sure about writing Hashem's name. "Hashem Elokeinu" / "Ado-nai E-loheinu" / Hebrew and English. Etc. They don't want the shemios to be a problem if it is thrown out nor do they want the kids to make the Bracha incorrectly. Please advise, thank you! Answer: Ado- nai E- loheinu / אדנ - י א - להינו A dash should be…Show more
Whatever the normal market value is. See also here: https://asktherav.com/4023-may-one-donate-clothing-or-goods-and-take-the-cost-out-of-their-maaser-if-yes-would-the-condition-matter-is-the-current-or-demoted-cost-used-or-the-original-cost/ Sources: ונראה שגם לדעת שו״ת מהרם מינץ קיג ודעמי׳ שבמזיק…
Question: I recently found out that my local Hillel rents out its multi-purpose room to a church on Sundays. Am I still allowed to study in the Beit Midrash, go to the orthodox minyan, and partake in the Seudas… Question: I recently found out that my local Hillel rents out its multi-purpose room to a church on Sundays. Am I still allowed to study in the Beit Midrash, go to the orthodox minyan, and partake in the Seudas Shabbat? Answer: One should avoid davening or learning in such a room also because the room is set for Avoda Zara on a weekly basis, especially if there are also items of Avoda Zara stored in there. Double covering does not help. Although multi-faith rooms are permissible in principle, in this case since this is formal and on a…Show more
Question: He is in a wheelchair so he can't stand, he also can't keep his hands up for the entire Bracha. Also, being that he has braces on his feet, taking off his shoes is quite an ordeal and… Question: He is in a wheelchair so he can't stand, he also can't keep his hands up for the entire Bracha. Also, being that he has braces on his feet, taking off his shoes is quite an ordeal and uncomfortable for him. However, I should stress that going up to duchan is one of the highlights of his Yom Tov, so is there any room for leniency? Answer: Standing: A kohen which cannot stand, even just for the small amount of time which it takes to say one of the words of Birchas Kohanim, may not do Birchas…Show more
Question: I broke into an argument with a friend and we threw insults at each other..., with time we resumed to be on good terms again. Am I still mechuyav to ask for forgiveness? What if mentioning it will… Question: I broke into an argument with a friend and we threw insults at each other..., with time we resumed to be on good terms again. Am I still mechuyav to ask for forgiveness? What if mentioning it will cause one of us to be uncomfortable? Answer: Yes, you must ask for forgiveness. If they will be uncomfortable, you should not get into details. שוע"ר סי' תרו ס"א. Q. Are you allowed to ask through a shliach? A. In this case, yes. Sources: בשוע"ר סי' תרו ס"ה כתב רק שבאם הוא חוץ…Show more
Question: A Meyer lemon is a mix of a mandarin and a lemon. Is it Hallachically permissible to buy such a tree to plant? Or is it considered Kilayim? Answer: There is a disagreement about this. One should… Question: A Meyer lemon is a mix of a mandarin and a lemon. Is it Hallachically permissible to buy such a tree to plant? Or is it considered Kilayim? Answer: There is a disagreement about this. One should certainly not buy initially such a tree in order to plant. If one has already bought such a tree there might be room for leniency under certain circumstances. Even so, there would be several conditions to allow the maintenance. Sources: בתוספתא כלאים ב, טו: נכרי שהרכיב הפרסק ע״ג עובש…Show more
Permitted. However, you must ensure to remove it before entering a bathroom or any other unclean place. It may also not be worn or be in the room during intimate relations. It may not be worn on Shabbos in… Permitted. However, you must ensure to remove it before entering a bathroom or any other unclean place. It may also not be worn or be in the room during intimate relations. It may not be worn on Shabbos in a place without an Eiruv. One should not wear it at all on Shabbos because one might forget to remove it before going out of the home. Sources: ראה שו״ת ציון לנפש חי׳ לייטר מז. שערים מצויינים…Show more
Question: I made $100 from poker, am I now halachically allowed to go and give $20 to tzedakah from that money, or is that $20 considered "assur"? The gambling was already done. And cannot be sent to… Question: I made $100 from poker, am I now halachically allowed to go and give $20 to tzedakah from that money, or is that $20 considered "assur"? The gambling was already done. And cannot be sent to the original owners. Answer: It depends. If the gambling was with a non-Jew there would be no objection to using the money for tzedaka, though it is still forbidden to do the gambling. If it was done with a Jew, it is considered stealing. Therefore, the money must be returned. Being that you don’t know of a way how…Show more
שאלה: האם יש בעי' כלשהי בלבישת בגד בצבע אדום לגברים? שאלה זו נתעוררה בקעמפ, הילדים (בני י"ג) רצו לדעת אם מותר להם ללבוש חולצה אדומה. ועכשיו נתעוררה אותה שאלה בנוגע לתחפוסות צבעוניות לפורים. ת"ח מראש. תשובה: אף שכתבו… שאלה: האם יש בעי' כלשהי בלבישת בגד בצבע אדום לגברים? שאלה זו נתעוררה בקעמפ, הילדים (בני י"ג) רצו לדעת אם מותר להם ללבוש חולצה אדומה. ועכשיו נתעוררה אותה שאלה בנוגע לתחפוסות צבעוניות לפורים. ת"ח מראש. תשובה: אף שכתבו הפוסקים שבימינו אין בזה חוקות הגוים, מכל מקום כדאי להימנע במקום שאפשר. מקורות: בזמננו - מער״ק ע״ז יא, א. דרכ״ת קעח, טז…Show more
There is no source for this. It is true that the Rebbe and the previous Rebbe used this Chumah during Krias Hatorah. The reason why they used this Chumash is not known. Some suggest it’s because the division of… There is no source for this. It is true that the Rebbe and the previous Rebbe used this Chumah during Krias Hatorah. The reason why they used this Chumash is not known. Some suggest it’s because the division of aliyos is consistent generally with our custom (as well as the fact that it contains the Haftoros in accordance with our custom). Indeed, when not during lenining, such as during the farbrengen, the Rebbe usually used a different Chumash. Others propose because it has on the bottom teachings of Chazal relating to the Pesukim. Regardless, there’s no evidence that…Show more
It is only allowed If: The workers would not place the garbage into the compactor or take out the garbage to the street (in a place where there is no eruv) on Shabbos. The garbage doesn't fall into the… It is only allowed If: The workers would not place the garbage into the compactor or take out the garbage to the street (in a place where there is no eruv) on Shabbos. The garbage doesn't fall into the compactor which will be activated when the garbage falls into it. שו"ת בצל החכמה ח"ד סי' סב. https://asktherav.com/16364-can-one-use-a-garbage-drawer-on-shabbos-or-is-it-muktzeh/ #19465Show more
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
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