People Just Asked
It’s not an issue (even if it might be a yid, rachmana litzlan). Sources: שכשנוסע ממשיך במלאכת הבערה בלחיצה על הדוושה, ושכשעוצר יתכן…
To the best of my knowledge there isn’t any Halachic source for dancing specifically then, though in certain circles they have the custom of dancing during Lecha Dodi. Sources: ראה רבינו חננאל ב״ק לב, א: ר״ח הוה מרקיד…
In hot weather, where people often wear it that way - it's allowed as long as one is sure it won't fall off. Sources: שוע"ר שא, ב: אבל אם הוציאם דרך מלבוש שלבשו…
One may generally not take medications on Shabbos. For constipation, it would depend on the severity of it: if it's not too severe, you can try taking it right before Shabbos and right after. Additionally, throughout shabbos you can… One may generally not take medications on Shabbos. For constipation, it would depend on the severity of it: if it's not too severe, you can try taking it right before Shabbos and right after. Additionally, throughout shabbos you can try fiber-rich foods such as prune juice, chickpeas, beans etc., If it is severe to the extent that it's hard to get around, you may take the actual medication. Sources: ראה שו"ע אדה"ז שכח, יט בדין חולה שנחלש ממנו…Show more
Question: In our Chabad House, we have a movable wall made consisting of 10 parts. The 10 small "walls" move on a track in the ceiling. It is entirely mechanical. In order to move the wall to put it… Question: In our Chabad House, we have a movable wall made consisting of 10 parts. The 10 small "walls" move on a track in the ceiling. It is entirely mechanical. In order to move the wall to put it away, there is a special tool to unlock the first section of the wall. Can the tool be used on shabbos? At times we move the wall frequently, at other times it may remain in position for extended periods of time. Attached is a video of the wall. Answer: Generally, If it isn’t usual for the wall to be opened…Show more
There is no problem with such a ceremony even when tachanun is not said, although if done within 30 days before Yom Tov no hesped or sad speeches should be made. Because of this, many people try to push… There is no problem with such a ceremony even when tachanun is not said, although if done within 30 days before Yom Tov no hesped or sad speeches should be made. Because of this, many people try to push off the ceremony to a date where this is no longer an issue. ראה שו"ע או"ח תקמז, ה. משנ"ב סק"ח. שעה"צ סק"ו. ביה"ל ד"ה על המת. שו"ת דבר יהושע ח"ה ליקוטים לג. #8875Show more
I don't see why it would be a problem, especially if people can & do wear digital watches? Answer: In regards to carrying and moving the lamp indoors or in a place which has an Eruv (or on… I don't see why it would be a problem, especially if people can & do wear digital watches? Answer: In regards to carrying and moving the lamp indoors or in a place which has an Eruv (or on Yom Tov), please check out this link: https://asktherav.com/10503-what-is-and-isnt-allowed-when-using-a-shabbos-lamp/ However, outdoors in a place without an Eruv, it will be considered carrying. See in the following link below regarding carrying a watch outdoors on Shabbos. Even according to the minority position regarding wristwatches, a headlamp is certainly not considered a garment. https://asktherav.com/article-574-may-i-wear-my-watch-on-shabbos/ #17221Show more
You should do Hatavas Chalom in the presence of three friends. For details about this process, see here: https://asktherav.com/4557-can-you-please-tell-me-exactly-how-to-do-hatovas-chalom-for-a-bad-dream-and-may-a-woman-do-it-before-3-women/ See here about dreams in general: https://asktherav.com/9542-i-had-a-couple-of-disturbing-dreams-that-i-was-doing-something-against-halacha-is-it-something-i-should-ignore-or-is-there-something-i-should-do-about-it/ Sources: שלא מצינו בשום דוכתא תענית בכגון דא. וכללא כיילו…
You have to make sure your hands are dry when washing them in the morning with a Bracha and when you wash for Hamotzie. All other times you don't need to dry your hands. Sources: ניגוב הידים הוא משום טומאה - ראה בשוע"ר סי'…
Question: Is it acceptable to think words of Torah if you or someone else passed gas and there is an odor? If one is not sure if there is still an odor, is there a general time frame that… Question: Is it acceptable to think words of Torah if you or someone else passed gas and there is an odor? If one is not sure if there is still an odor, is there a general time frame that you can assume the smell has dissipated? Answer: If you passed gas: To think words of Torah is allowed, but not to verbalize Torah. If someone else passed gas: One may even speak Torah, but not Shema and davening. If you don’t sense an odor it’s permitted always. Sources: ראה שו״ע אדה״ז עט, יא. ונראה פשוט שהרהור מותר,…Show more
Question: Is there an inyan to have a modern-day toilet built in a way that the direction of the length of the toilet seat is North to South and not East to West? Obviously, the toilet will be enclosed… Question: Is there an inyan to have a modern-day toilet built in a way that the direction of the length of the toilet seat is North to South and not East to West? Obviously, the toilet will be enclosed by a wall and door. Answer: In the Mahadura Basra of Shulchan Aruch, the Alter Rebbe rules that initially, one should follow the stringent opinion and build a bathroom in such a manner that when using it, the person's back would not face west or east, rather north or south, depending on where one lives in reference to Jerusalem.…Show more
Tevilas Keilim: The lack of Tevilah of the waffle maker is not a concern if the utensil is owned by a non-Jew. Bishul Akum: The fact that waffles may have been made in the past entirely by non-Jewish guests… Tevilas Keilim: The lack of Tevilah of the waffle maker is not a concern if the utensil is owned by a non-Jew. Bishul Akum: The fact that waffles may have been made in the past entirely by non-Jewish guests is also not a concern, for although a utensil becomes forbidden as a result of Bishul Akkum, there is room to be lenient with regards to Pas Akkum, such as waffles. Nevertheless, the waffle maker should not be used due to a strong Kashrus concern. Even if the waffle mix has a Hechsher, as you pointed out, it is…Show more
You may use the cups for cold water and soft beverages, provided that the cups are clean, and you don't leave your liquid in the cups for 24 hours (or as soon as 6 minutes if it is a… You may use the cups for cold water and soft beverages, provided that the cups are clean, and you don't leave your liquid in the cups for 24 hours (or as soon as 6 minutes if it is a strong alcoholic beverage). Sources: שו”ע ופוסקים ריש סי’ צ”א. ודעת אדה”ז בשיטת הש”ך…Show more
אם לא תתבטל תפלת הציבור עי״ז, עדיף להתפלל ביחיד בזמנה מלהתפלל בציבור לפני הנץ החמה. ומכל מקום, נכון לבוא לתפלת הציבור ולשמוע קדיש קדושה וברכו וכו׳. ומה טוב, אם יוכל להתפלל כותיקין, ובתנאי שלא יפריע לכוונת התפלה. מקורות: נחלקו בכיו״ב בנוגע לתפלת ותיקין ביחיד או אחר הנה״ח בציבור איזה…
Question: Is it a minhag/inyan to say my wife's kapitel Tehillim? I have been doing it since we got married, but someone told me there's no source for it. Also, if it's true that it's not an… Question: Is it a minhag/inyan to say my wife's kapitel Tehillim? I have been doing it since we got married, but someone told me there's no source for it. Also, if it's true that it's not an inyan, should I stop? Personally, I don't mind having less Tehillim to say, although it feels weird to say my kapitel, the kids' kapitelach, and not my wife's. Answer: Although not specifically recorded anywhere as a Minhag (as far as I know), it would seem to be an Inyan (in addition to the general merit of reciting Tehillim).…Show more
Question: I teach in a Chabad high school. Students complain that I don't allow eating and chewing gum in class, and other teachers do. They claim it helps them focus. I don't think it is necessary and certainly not… Question: I teach in a Chabad high school. Students complain that I don't allow eating and chewing gum in class, and other teachers do. They claim it helps them focus. I don't think it is necessary and certainly not appropriate. Also, I recall that al pi halacha, it is not respectful to eat with an open Chumash. Is that correct? Answer: You are justified. Though halachically permitted, it is inappropriate. Sources: כ״ה ב״סדר הנהגה לתלמידים״ - שהוגה מאת פני הקודש…Show more
Question: There is a "well-known" thing people say that one may not diet on Shabbos. Whatever weight-loss method one is using must be suspended on Shabbos, and they should eat as if they weren't dieting. Is there basis for… Question: There is a "well-known" thing people say that one may not diet on Shabbos. Whatever weight-loss method one is using must be suspended on Shabbos, and they should eat as if they weren't dieting. Is there basis for this? Answer: Certainly, if one is dieting for health reasons they may do so on Shabbos. Even if there are no obesity concerns, and the diet is purely being done for beauty reasons, it is permissible on Shabbos, provided one ensures to make (or hear) Kiddush, followed by makom seudah, and/or eating at least a kebeitzah of lechem…Show more
The position of the Badatz is to follow medical experts in this matter. See here: Badatz letter from 28 Elul 5781 - Free translation Timely Inspirational Messages about the Coronavirus #51: COVID-19 Vaccination: What Does Torah Say? Click… The position of the Badatz is to follow medical experts in this matter. See here: Badatz letter from 28 Elul 5781 - Free translation Timely Inspirational Messages about the Coronavirus #51: COVID-19 Vaccination: What Does Torah Say? Click here to read a transcript [Click here for all Timely Messages] Badatz letter about Measles - 5779 https://asktherav.com/12302-halacha-regarding-the-covid-19-vaccine/ #17282Show more
Ideally, two other people should stand by the bimah, one to his right and one to his left. The baal koreh should hold both atzei chaim. Sources: שיעמדו ג׳ אנשים - ראה ירושלמי מגילה ד, א.…
Question: I'm baking a gluten-free challah recipe for a guest. I'm not sure how to know if the recipe would be hamotzie or not. The ingredients include: brown rice flour, oat flour, arrowroot, and the liquid is almond milk.… Question: I'm baking a gluten-free challah recipe for a guest. I'm not sure how to know if the recipe would be hamotzie or not. The ingredients include: brown rice flour, oat flour, arrowroot, and the liquid is almond milk. What are the options for eating this in place of traditional challah? Is it ok to wash on? Or should they wash on a bite of regular challah and then eat a lot of this gluten-free bread to make up a halachic amount? How should they bentch? Answer: Since the liquid is almond milk the challah is mezonos up…Show more
Although some have this custom, there is no known source for this and it's not mentioned by our Rabbeim and the Rebbe, even where visiting the kever is mentioned. The Rebbe personally didn’t practice this custom. Sources: לע״ע לא מצאתי מקור קדום לאמירת קדיש על הקבר…
I've seen that there seems to be some dispute regarding this, but what is the halacha l'maase? Answer: You should answer only Amen yehei shmei... and the last Amen. ראה מש"כ בהסכמה לס׳ שמירת התפלה… I've seen that there seems to be some dispute regarding this, but what is the halacha l'maase? Answer: You should answer only Amen yehei shmei... and the last Amen. ראה מש"כ בהסכמה לס׳ שמירת התפלה (ס"ב), ושם בע' 340 ובהנסמן שם בהערה 32. #17276 https://asktherav.com/33148-hebrew-amen-in-pesukei-dezimra/Show more
Question: When lighting Shabbos candles, and the flame on the match goes out before finishing to light all the candles, what is the best way to light the remainder of the candles? Are we permitted to light a match… Question: When lighting Shabbos candles, and the flame on the match goes out before finishing to light all the candles, what is the best way to light the remainder of the candles? Are we permitted to light a match using the flame of the already lit candle or should we strike the match? Answer: You may light the remaining candle(s) directly from another Shabbos candle which was already lit, but not light a match from it. Alternatively, you may strike a new match to light the remaining candle(s). See more here: Halacha2go.com article #621: May I use a…Show more
Question: What is the halachic basis for not saying cities named after a goyish priest who have been sainted such as S-a-nta Monica and the like? Is it a chumrah and inyan or actually a halachic issue? Does the… Question: What is the halachic basis for not saying cities named after a goyish priest who have been sainted such as S-a-nta Monica and the like? Is it a chumrah and inyan or actually a halachic issue? Does the issue apply also in writing or is it only in saying the name of such places? Answer: The name of a “saint” which is also a common name in society may be said, however without the prefix of “saint” (nor any other title of honor). One should also not write it, since it may cause the reader to pronounce…Show more
Question: I’ve seen many people with jewelry made with a coin from the Rebbe. Is there any issue with wearing a coin as a necklace mitzad avodah Zara because there is a face on the coin? Also, is there… Question: I’ve seen many people with jewelry made with a coin from the Rebbe. Is there any issue with wearing a coin as a necklace mitzad avodah Zara because there is a face on the coin? Also, is there any issue of muktzah wearing it on Shabbos and Yom Tov? Answer: No issues. See here: Halacha2go.com article #327: Muktzah with a Holy Coin מ"מ #8908Show more
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