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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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#5237 The Chanuka Dance
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- Q. My most very dear Rabbi Shlit”a and good friend. As you well know, my beloved family including my neighboring friends, B’H have a very nice great and friendly group of Yeshiva Torah learning children in our mixed neighborhood. Every week when our Holy Shabbos comes, we all walk together with our kids to shul.
During this seasons so noticeable “holiday times,” by and large mostly dedicated to our Gentile neighbors traditions and beliefs, our streets are very beautifully decorated with all their usual traditional religious seasonal decorations and adornments.
Our group of children (more or less, between five and ten), walking together to shul, have a tendency, as many other youngsters including Jewish children everywhere else have, that when they see an unavoidably beautiful decorated house, store, and street decorations, they actually not only to just look at them, but stop and enjoy their appearance and beauty, and comment among themselves about it.
What should a Frum Torah family parents do when facing such a common, yet contrary to our very most basic Torah beliefs and principles do?
A: Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in principle, obviously you have to stop your young children from gazing and admiring those Avoda Zarah decorations. It is best done while explaining to them the truth of what they stand for.
Yet instead of saying punishing words or being angry and severe with the children, that may indeed just have the opposite effect, one should try ‘Letzanusso D’ Avoda Zarah’ (Megila 24b) or making fun, ridiculing and using derogatory great and funny jokes towards it. That will likely be far more acceptable and effective.”
(See rest of answer in “That is my answer” article on Parshas Miketz 85.)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 12/29/2024 11:44 PM |
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5236 Chanuka Showtime
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- Q. An elderly friend that is now constantly living in a retirement home, and always lit the menorah during Chanuka, wants to know if he can by turning on the florescent light next to his bed comply with the mitzva and make a brocho?
On question 414 regarding lighting in a hospital we wrote; “Most Poskim rule that you should not recite a brocho on an electric menorah since it lacks a proper wick and therefore does not conform with the definition of “hadloko” or lighting. It also lacks an existing fuel supply, since the necessary electricity is not stored but rather it is constantly being generated. (Bais Yitzchok Y.D. 1: 120 & 2: 130, Levushey Mordechai 3: 59, Yaskil Avdi 3: 17, Nitey Gavriel ”“ Chanuka 18: 23 et. al.).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is likewise, but he permits, when no other possibility exist to light with a brocho on a battery powered electric menorah.
On Shailah 673 we received the following question:
“I’m doing my medical internship and I stay in the hospital overnight some days a week. Can I use a sodium battery powered lamp (so
To what we answered: “In question 667 of this forum we mentioned that in regards to electric lights Beis Yitzchok (Y.D. 1: 120) opines that they could be used instead of Shabbos candles but not as Chanuka lights since they lack Pirsumei Nissah. or recognition with the Chanuka miracle Poskim offer other reasons why electric lights do not qualify.
One being that there is no actual fuel present at the time of lightning; it is constantly being generated at the power stations (Pekudas Elozor O.H. 23, Shmiras Shabbos Kechilchoso 43 n.22, et. al.) Accordingly they would permit the use of a battery powered incandescent light bulb. However, some Poskim do not regard the tungsten filament as a wick (Maharshag 2: 107, Levushey Mordechai 3: 59). Most Poskim would not sanction the commonly used fluorescent and LED lights for Chanuka use.
Lehoros Nossan (11: 17) permits battery powered incandescent lights when in need and no other option is available, such as one hospitalized. Nitei Gavriel (Chanuk,a Teshuva 1) quotes Be’er Moshe’s opinion, that one should light the incandescent light without a brocho.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is also not to recite a brocho even on battery powered incandescent light.
The monochromatic yellow sodium lamp works by creating an electric arc through vaporized sodium metal. Although this lamp also contains a glowing filament, the focal light emanates from the vaporized sodium; therefore they are similar to fluorescent lights mentioned above.
Halogen lights are basically pressurized incandescent lamps, and the glowing filament provides the illumination.”
In our case, the patient should acquire a battery flashlight with bulbs that have a glowing filament and then light it without a brocho.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 12/27/2024 12:22 PM |
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#5235 Choose Your Time?
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- Q. I heard that Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that the Misheyakir time quoted on the My-Zmanim chart for Toronto is incorrect. Is that true?
A. The Misheyakir time, is usually quoted for putting on Tefilin daily in the morning.
It is the time when one would at early normal morning conditions have enough daylight to see and recognize someone else, or the difference between similar colors.
The Rov Shlit’a did mention to add 10 minutes to the Misheyakir time quoted for putting on Tefilin.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 12/27/2024 12:17 PM |
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#5234 Oil Rich?
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- Q. Can I light my menorah with oil that was left open and some flies were there?
A. Horav Pam Shlit’a mentioned that the Halacha is that if the oil became inedible for the user it should be avoided for Chanuka menorah lighting.
5234 - Oil Rich? - Q. Can I light my menorah with oil that was left open and some flies were there?
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 12/27/2024 12:12 PM |
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#5233 Chanuka Geld?
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- Q. Dearest friend and Rabino. My new home in Mexico City is right next to a store that sells many flammable items and the law is that they and their neighbors are not allowed to make a fire outside their home. On Chanukah should I bribe the authorities if needed (as is often done here) since the risk is really small and light the menorah outside as I always did?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one should avoid doing anything that may have a chance to harming others or performing an illegal act against the laws of the state.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 12/27/2024 12:09 PM |
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#5232 Join In and Enjoy
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- Q. Some of my Chasidishe neighbors have a tradition to make a seuda (special meal as the ones done on Shabbos) on every day of Hanukka and they also invite guest and friends including us. Is that a seudas mitzva and I’m obliged to attend?
A. On question 1555 (Chanukah Chag?) we wrote:
“Q. What is the Rov’s opinion about what it says in M”B 529: 19, that one is obligated to eat meat and drink wine on Chanukah, when in fact we know that there is no such obligation?! To what we answered: Although Mishna Berura (ibid.) does rule that one who usually fast and abstains from meat and wine due to his efforts to do teshuva, on Shabbos, Yom Tov, Chanuka and Purim he has to eat. However, the dates are not all equal, since there is no obligation to do so on Chanuka, just a minhag, since after all Rambam mentions that there is a Rabbinical mitzva of simcha and joy on Chanuka.
On question 1222 we wrote: Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that Chanuka is called a Chag and a Yom Tov as we find in Shulchan Aruch (Y. D. 217: 47) regarding a neder done exempting those days, that Chanuka and Purim are also considered Yomim Tovim at least in name. Taz (ibid. 38) explains that in the language and expressions that people commonly use, the are included.
Orchos Rabeinu mentions that Horav Chaim Kanievsky zt’l would indeed greet people with a “Gut Yom Tov” on Chanuka. See similar opinion in Alenu Leshabeach (6: p. 100). “
However, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one does not greet on Chanuka using a “Gut Yom Tov”
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Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 12/27/2024 12:07 PM |
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#5231 Wrong Birthday Party
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- Q. See question above. Is one allowed to sell Christmas decorations when working as an attendant in a store that does, and the refusal would have one fired? How about just wrapping the goods bought?
A. Rema (Yoreh De’ah 141:1, based on the Mordechai, citing from Raavya) and Terumas Hadeshen (196) write that even a cross that is made for jewelry does not constitute any prohibition of idolatry. Some are stringent concerning this matter (see Shach 6), requiring that we know the cross was not “worshiped.”
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 12/27/2024 12:04 PM |
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#5230 False Advertising!!!
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- Q. I work in a store that decorates at this time of the year with Christmas decorations and plays that music. What should I do?
A. On question 4598 we wrote:
Q. One walking or driving during this December time of the year, when the houses, stores and streets are decorated with the seasonal Christmas decorations, since it is almost impossible to avoid looking at them without crashing or stumbling, can one derive the unavoidable pleasure involved? How about listening to the music being played in stores or buses etc. and enjoying it?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that indeed one should avoid as much as possible being in the above sites, streets and stores during this time of the year and looking and enjoying those decorations.
However, since after all, during the whole year one faces “Tznius” and sensualist improper exhibitions and advertising, and one has had to learn to gain control, the similar should be done during this season.
On question 3504 we were asked :
“Our children on this time of the year, when they walk Shabbos evening to or from shul, often like to stop, gaze and enjoy the uncanny and sometimes stupefying Christmas decorations of our non Jewish neighbors.
To what we answered: “Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that obviously you have to stop your young children from gazing and admiring those Avoda Zarah decorations. It is best done while explaining to them the truth of what they stand for.
But instead of punishing or being severe against the children, that may indeed have the opposite effect, one should try ‘Letzanusso D’ Avoda Zarah’ (Megila 24b) or making fun, ridiculing and using derogatory jokes towards it. That will likely be more effective.”
We should add that the Shach (Shulchan Aruch 142: 15), based on Tosfos and the Rosh, writes that it is permitted to derive benefit from decorations that are not directly used for idolatrous practices and that one is only prohibited to stare at ornaments that are on the idol itself. Other ornaments that are set up for decorative purposes but that are not themselves worshiped are permitted.
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Posted 12/24/2024 4:56 PM |
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#5229 Tell all about Nitel
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Q, We have an old tradition that we do not learn Torah on the night of Christmas, named Nitel. This year (24) it coincides with the first night of Chanuka.
We usually celebrate Chanuka by making an important seuda in shul or a special meal with many attending and by saying words of Torah, as if it was a weeding. The above strengthens and gives meaning and proper keeping to the most important Chanuka celebration. What takes precedence on this year?
A, On question 4036 we wrote:
“This coming Sunday is Nitel night (Christmas). I have an old family minhag (tradition) not to learn Torah during that night. I was invited to a wedding on that night, Is it proper for me to attend?
On question 960 regarding getting married on Nitel night we wrote; “Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that for those that observe the minhag of Nitel, it depends on the rationale behind it. If the reason is the inherent avelus and mourning on a day that caused historically so much pain and tragedy to our people, (Korban Nesanel, Chasam Sofer 2), weddings should be avoided.
Nitei Gavriel (Nisuin 1: 48: 18 – Chanuka 5: 4) indeed quotes opinions that some avoid getting married on Nitel night; that being also one reason why we don’t learn Torah on that night, as Torah learning creates simcha and joy. However, if the motive for Nitel is the habitual Sakana or danger for Jews being in the streets on that night, (Taamey Haminhogim) it may not apply in our days.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 12/22/2024 11:06 AM |
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#5228 A Lion Shailah
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- Q. Can one use a menorah that has a silver lion holding the shamosh candle?
A. On question 1174 we wrote: “Can one keep desiccated animals at home? If not, why are children’s dolls or the lions on the Aron Hakodesh permitted?
To what we answered: Poskim are even more lenient when the figures are made for children to play with them, since it is obvious that they are not being given any honor or reverence, they are just used as toys. (Maharit Y.D. 35, Peri Hasade quoted in Binyan Av 37, et. al., see Sh.Sh.K. 16: 108 in regards to making a snowman).
Poskim disagree about the propriety of decorating the Aron Hakodesh with sculptured or embroidered forms of lions. The ancient tradition of many shuln is to have a three dimensional form of lions either sculptured in relief or intaglio on the aron or embroidered on the poroiches, albeit only half of it. (Mordechai – Avoda Zara 3, 840, quoting Rabenu Efraim, Beis Yosef , Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 141: 4-5 ). Remoh (ibid.) maintains that when placed in a site where many attend, there is less reason for suspicion of worship
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Others consider this improper, especially in a place dedicated to honor Hashem. They mention that it is also a source of distraction (Avkas Ruchal 63, Rabenu Eliakim ibid. Sdei Tzoifim – Baba Basra 25b).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is to be lenient on children’s toys or lions on the aron hakodesh.
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Posted 12/20/2024 12:43 PM |
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#5227 A Mitzva With Strings Attached!!!
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- Q. When we light Chanuka candles at home, Baruch Hashem we have a large family and many children including many of our neighbors that we encourage to join us to bring them closer to keeping mitzvos.
Can we place a string to separate the candles from the people including the children in the room? Maybe that makes the lighting of all the candles depended on the string and as we know, it is not proper?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s shlit’a opinion is that, although that separating string is truly most proper, needed and has to be placed, it is not a real part of the lighting of the menorah itself, that carries and maintains no special restrictions.
However, it should rightfully be placed as it only gives proper benefit and shows the real Chesed and care for this most beautiful mitzva and to the safety of all that comply.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 12/20/2024 12:39 PM |
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#5226 Love You, Love Your Dog?
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- Q. Dear Rabbi Shlit’a, I think that you are the right Rabbi for this question.
My neighbor left on a vacation for a week and left his dog in his adjacent backyard to watch the property.
He also left enough dog food containers in the dogs house, that the dog knows how to open and use. Last Shabbat we had a snowstorm in our town and the dog could not access the food left.
Could I give food to the dog on Shabbat? Is that also a mitzva?
A. Although feeding home dogs that depend on the owner to feed them is permitted on Shabbos (Shulchan Aruch O.H. 324: 11).
Mishna Berura (ibid. 21) rules that even if it isn’t a home dog is also a mitzva, as our sages teach that Hashem has compassion on them and so should we.
In this particulat case it is important to take care of the neighbors dog to maintain good relations that will help also in promoting Kiruv and closeness to Torah.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 12/20/2024 12:13 PM |
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#5225 Relief the Real Grief !!!
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- Q. Just out of curiosity (it happened a few years ago by us). What should one do if a neighbor passes away and there is no one at all that is present or seating shiva for her, there are just no family or friends?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s shlit’a opinion is that the neighbors and really true caring individuals, should gather together and conduct at least one or far better more minyanim to remember this particular “Meis Mitzva” (an abandoned gone dead person, that most sadly has no one that cares for her).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 12/20/2024 11:51 AM |
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#5224 A Consolation that Needs Consolation?
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- Q. See question above. Does one comply with the mitzva of Nichum Avelim (comforting the mourners) if one just asks the secretary of the shul to place the add at the Notice Board of the Beit Knesset or in the well read shul magazine.
A. In principle every reasonable and clear expression of sharing the loss and wishing consolation and relief from the pain endured by the mourners is part and parcel of this most important mitzva.
However, one has to assess and evaluate on each separate case what is more momentous and significant in expressing ones sharing of the mourning and condolences.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s shlit’a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 12/20/2024 11:34 AM |
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#5223 - Just to Just Count on the Account?
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- Q. See question above. Can one name a Shaliach (an agent) that represents him, and is traveling to where the shiva takes place and thus comply with the mitzva. Is the above better than just calling or sending an email? If an e-mail was sent should it be posted at the shiva so that all other visitors can see it?
A. We must mention that our Sages teach that Hashem Himself first performed the mitzva of Nichum aveilim when He visited and comforted Yitzchak Avinu after the death of Avraham Avinu (Sotah 14a).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s shlit’a opinion is that whatever expresses more clearly and eloquently the feelings of sharing the loss, bereavement and mourning with the mourner or mourners is part of this great mitzva, therefore the question above depends on the particular circumstances of each case.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 12/20/2024 11:28 AM |
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#5222 A Quick Comfort?
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- Q. Dear Rov we just lost our aunt (and great-aunt) who you knew well. And since she lived in a different country, we have a number of questions.
Can someone comply with the mitzva of Nichum Avelim (comforting the mourners) when they are seating Shiva or subsequent mourning for a dear one, and one is unable to travel by just sending an email?
If possible, can one email be sent to all the avelim or a personal one should be sent to each separately?
A. Igrois Moshe, (OH 4:40:11), Be’er Moshe 2:106; Rivevos Ephraim 3:610, and others maintain that one can comply with the mitzva of Nichum Avelim by phone. See also Pachad Yitzchak, Igrot #33.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s shlit’a opinion is that it is better call by phone than to just send an email, as it is more personal and communicative when a dialogue connection is established. It is also better to console each avel separately when possible.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 12/20/2024 11:11 AM |
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#5221 Beauty Is In the Eye of the Beholder?
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Q. Dearest Rabbi and friend for so many years. As you know I still live in Mexico and I read your truly most interesting questions every week as many many others do.
As you well know Mexico is the “Silver Capital of the World” and one can buy or have made the most new beautiful design that one can imagine.
(I remember your father, although he was the leader of the Religious Department in the Kehila for many years, his business was also manufacturing silver articles and selling for many, including menorahs, as is he most beautiful one in Shaarei Tefilah in now your town). My question is; should one who has been using a Menorah many years and it has therefore great meaning, now that he can afford locally a most great and beautiful new one, do so?
A. Dearest friend, I thank Hashem and you for your sending of great questions. We had a similar one (3640) that I’m including. Please keep on sending more great ones.
Q. Is it better to buy an old menorah that is not very elegant but was used already many years for the mitzvah of Chanuka, or is it better to spend one’s money on a new and very beautiful Menorah? What is the greater Hiddur?
A. Chashukei Chemed (Chanuka 58) has a similar question and he maintains that it depends on the person involved. For some an aged Menorah means a lot and are willing to pay a large sum for it since they greatly appreciate the mitzvos already done on it. Others however, don’t see any beauty or appreciation on an historical object and would rather acquire something new and beautiful.
Chashukei Chemed points out to a Gemara in Gittin (35a) that a woman received some old objects as her Kesuva payment including an antique Sefer Tehilim, Iyov and Mishlei, and they were appraised as worth five manah. That sum, he adds, corresponds to the cost of living for two and a half years, more than double of the payment due to her of two manah
or the monetary needs for one year, that she could have collected for her Kesuva.
However, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that for most it is usually more important and beautiful a new object.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 12/15/2024 11:59 AM |
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#5220. The True Extreme Brochos?
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- Q. (See the questions 5213 -16 above). Is there a special meaning or Brocho for someone that Hashem gives this most unusual beautiful opportunity to light the Menorah during the same Yom Tov, at both corners of the world?
A. One should always thank Hashem for being able to comply with any mitzva properly. That is the reason we recite a brocho, blessing Hashem for giving us that opportunity and gift. In your case you should have that special unique intention in your mind and share it with your family.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 12/13/2024 12:19 PM |
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#5219 Need a Hearing Aid?
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- Q. Someone who uses a removable hearing aid during the week but not on Shabbos, and forgot to take it off before the beginning of Shabbos, can it be removed during Shabbos ? How?
A. He should ask a gentle Gentile to remove it. In need he may hold on to it in an uncommon way (shinui) like with unusual fingers and pull his head away.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 12/13/2024 12:14 PM |
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#5218 A Freilech’n Chanuka?
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- Q. Should an Avel who davens for the Amud do so during Chanuka?
A. On question 4557 we wrote:
Q. An Avel that during the thirty days after the death of his mother leads the services at the Amud. does he have to do it next week, after all Chanuka is called a ‘Chag’?
A. On question 1222 regarding if Chanuka is called a Yom Tov or Chag, we wrote: “Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is called a Chag and a Yom Tov as we find in Shulchan Aruch (Y. D. 217: 47) regarding a neder done exempting those days, that Chanuka and Purim are also considered Yomim Tovim at least in name. Taz (ibid. 38) explains that in the language and expressions that people commonly use, the are included.
Orchos Rabeinu mentions that Horav Chaim Kanievsky zt’l would indeed greet people with a “Gut Yom Tov” on Chanuka. See similar opinion in Alenu Leshabeach (6: p. 100).”
Mishna Berura (671: 44) mentions that an Avel that leads services on the first night of Chanuka he does not light the Menora in shul, since he would have to recite Shecheyanu, although at home he does recite that blessing.
He also mentions that he can lead the services yet abstains from the Halel recitation during Shacharis.
There are indeed different traditions about an Avel being a Shaliach Tzibur during Chanuka.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one should follow the tradition of the shul he attends.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 12/13/2024 12:11 PM |
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Important Numbers
