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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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# 3013 At Cross Purposes
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Q. Dear Rabbi As you realize from my name. I'm an old friend and member of the Kehila in Mexico, your former community. I'm sadly hospitalized in a Catholic hospital in Mexico City and suffering from covid 19. The rooms in this particular hospital have a cross over the bed's headboard and also on the opposite wall facing the patient on the bed. I would not even think to ask them to remove them or cover them, since in the actual conditions, they are doing me the greatest favor in letting me be treated in their facilities. Can I daven, say brochos and learn Torah in such a room? If I cover my eyes or place in front of me sign of 'Shivisi Hashem,' would it then be permitted?
A. On question 1650 regarding if one can say tehilim and tefilos in a beis olam, where you can see the crosses on the non-Jewish cemetery across the fence, we wrote: 'Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one should not recite tefilos, brochos or learn Torah when facing a Christian cross. He should turn to another direction even if he does not face now mizrach (east).' See also similar questions 1654 and 2180, dealing with the historical proliferation of religious signs on coins, stamps and even vehicle plates, as a tool of publicity and promotion of religious ideas.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one facing such situation, should attain a light folding room divider, that could also be used for privacy and separation. He should also wear a cap with a long visor, to shields him from the cross above his bed. But most important, he should have in his room plenty seforim, pictures and objects that should constantly remind him of the presence of the Shechina.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 1/20/2021 3:33 PM |
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# 3012 Pure as the Driven Snow?
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Q. After attending a levaya or exiting a cemetery can one wash hands by sinking them in the snow? Does one have to do it three times? Can it be done in the same place?
A. On question 2074 regarding if one can wash hands netilas yodaim by immersing them in snow on Shabbat, as when exiting the house after touching boots or shoes; we wrote: "Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is permitted. However, one must be careful not to grind or mash the snow into water by rubbing one’s hands together.
During weekdays, one may immerse hands three times in snow that has a volume of more than forty saah or the amount of water in a mikva, when exiting a cemetery and remove the ruach raah from them."
Mishna Berura (4: 25), quotes P'ri Megodim debating if one dips his hands inside a river or in a snow bank on three different places, if it actually removes the ruach hatumah or pouring from a vessel is required. Mishna Berurah further quotes Poskim that maintain that dipping hands in a river, snow or in a mikva brings about the removal of tumah, even if there is no forty saah present. See also Beer Heitev (ibid.).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar. The Rov maintains that if he can dip them on three different places it is better.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 1/18/2021 2:47 PM |
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# 3011 A Smell Test
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Q. If someone due to contracting Covid lost his sense of smell and finds himself in a hospital room where the smell of the bathroom is obviously present, since other patients avoid it and say so. Can he say a bracha or learn Torah there, since after all he can't smell the stink? If not, if he places next to him a deodorizing block that he also can't smell, would it be permitted?
A. On question 1361 regarding davening and saying brochos when visiting a site next to farms where there is an ever-present odor of cow manure, we wrote; "Mishna Berura (79: 28) and Biur Halacha (ibid.) quoting Chaye Adam, rule that you are not allowed to recite brochos in a refes bokor or animal barn that has a bad smell due to animal excretions.
Mishna Berura (85: 7) prohibits even for a person that can't smell. See similar in Vehaya Machanecha Kadosh (2:2:2); that even if the bad smell does not particularly bother someone, since he is used to it, it is prohibited. (Piskei Teshuvos (79:1).
However, Shvilei Dovid (76: end) is lenient for one that cannot smell or has become used to it, as long as the waste material is not human.
It stands to reason that every individual has his own particular adaptation time period for different smells.
Horav Shlomo Miller suggested that in your case, the visitors should bring with them a can of spray air-freshener or odor eliminating product, and spray the area before reciting a brocho. (See similar in Maharsham 2: 38, Minchas Yitzchoh 8: 9, Shevet Halevi 3: 17, Piskei Teshuvos 79:2). Those spray cans could be used also on Shabbos (Igrois Moshe quoted in 39 Melochos 2: p. 377)."
Similarly, in our present question, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that even if someones smell is affected, he may not daven or learn Torah since the bad smell prohibits davening or saying any words of kedusha regardless of his sensitivity.
However as above, if a deodorant was applied and the bad smell would not be felt by others, it would be permitted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 1/17/2021 10:33 AM |
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# 3010 Practice Makes Perfect
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Q Because I am a descendant of the Pnei Yehoshua, I am a descendant of both Rabbeinu Tam and Rashi (as attested by the grandfather of the Pnei Yehoshua in Moginei Shlomo).
Am I obligated to follow Minhogim of Rashi and Rabbeinu Tam? Where Rabbeinu Tam conflicts with his Grand-Pčre Rashi, whose Minhag do I follow?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that as with other conflicting and controversial Minhogim and established practice issues, one should follow the certainly established traditions of his parents.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 1/15/2021 11:58 AM |
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# 3009 My Name is My Name
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Q. When a patient is so ill that a change of name is suggested, does he have to be consulted before or told that there will be or there was a shinui hashem or an addition of a name done for him? Maybe it should be avoided, since telling him about it may cause much worry and despair?
A. Talmud (Rosh Hashana 16b) mentions that changing or adding to the name is one of the four items that will modify the sentence dictated against the severely ill. Two reasons are given as to why it works and help. Rashb'a (Teshuvos 8: 48), maintains that a change of name changes the mazal of the ill. This being similar to the name change of Avraham Avinu and Sarah Imenu. However, Semag (Asin 9) opines that it is part and parcel of the process of teshuva; new person new name.
Ohalei Yaakov (19), explains that the difference between the two reasons is if the patient must be aware and be part of the process, which is essential to teshuva. If he is not at least told, it may be ineffective.
Sefer Hasegulos (quoted by Maaseh Avos p. 198), and others also maintain that the ill should be consulted or at least informed of the change when possible.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar. However, the Rov pointed out that there are proper and careful ways how to ask permission or to inform the choleh of the addition of a name proposed (preferred to change). Bikur Cholim and other knowledgeable Askanim familiar with the process, should be the ones to approach the ill, using true and honestly felt words of hope, comfort and above all trust in the rachamin and compassion of Hashem.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 1/15/2021 11:46 AM |
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# 3008 Not Good for You Not Good for Others?
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Q. Can I give my Rabbeinu Tam tefillin to be checked, painted and fixed to a sofer who doesn't put on himself Rabbeinu Tam's tefilin, since following his minhag they are not necessary, so he will not doing lishmo properly the painting and placing new retzuos?
A. Kesses Hasofer (Lishkas Hasofer 26: 1) indeed rules that a Sofer that does not don Rabbenu Tam's tefilin himself, should not write them for others, since he does not recognize that there is a mitzva to put them on.
A similar shaila is addressed by Chashukei Chemed (Pesachim 50b). he recommends that the sofer should put them on at least once a month, to be able to work on them lishma.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'an opinion is that it is not necessary, since the Sofer understands that there are different Halacha views on that respect and he writes with that intention.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 1/15/2021 11:42 AM |
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# 3007 Make a Name for Yourself
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Q. I would like to start saying the pasuk after the amida that contain the first and last letter of my name. (psukim lesheimos anoshim - noshim), since my father used to say it also. The problem is that I can't find in the list given, a posuk that fits my name. What should I do?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that you should choose from the list a posuk that begins with the first letter of your name, and follow with a second posuk that ends with the last letter of that name.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 1/13/2021 2:44 PM |
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# 3006 A Double Blessing
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Q. If someone left his office and forgot making a bore nefashot after eating some fruits, but when he arrived home and was about to have a coffee, he remembered. Since there was a shinui makom or a change of venue, he needs to make a new bracha of shehakol. But what about the neglected bore nefashot - should he recite it before he drinks or wait and make one bracha acharona for both the fruits and now the coffee?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that based on Rema (O.H. 178: 2) he does not have to recite first borei nefoshos on the fruits he ate at the office. Rather, he should proceed to recite a shehakol on the coffee he is about to drink at home, due to the shinui mokom involved. Then after finishing the coffee, if it was consumed at the proper time frame, he should recite borei nefoshos on both the items eaten at the office and at home.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 1/13/2021 2:29 PM |
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# 3005 We All Daven Together
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Q. I have recently become the Rabbi of a small community. Until now, I have always davened with a Vasikin minyan. My community though, davens at a regular time. Is it more important for me to daven with my community when they daven or better to continue to daven Vasikin and come and sit in my Rabbinical seat afterwards and learn while they daven?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is correct for the Rabbi of a community to daven together with them, as is usually expected and foreseen in the normal work and duties of a Rabbi.
Usually Rabbi - Congregation Contracts contain clauses establishing parameters and conditions regarding the above.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 1/11/2021 2:28 PM |
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# 3004 The Complete Siyum
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Q. Kevod Harav Shlit"a, If a boy under the age of bar mitzvah completes an entire masechta and understands it. Should he also recite the kadish upon completion of the siyum?
A. The common custom is that the kaddish after a siyum is recited by someone who already recites or has recited kaddish. However, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that the not Bar Mitzva yet bochur, who completed an entire masechta may recite the kadish after saying the siyum, since that kadish is not considered a kadish yosom, that should be recited by ones who have lost a close dear one.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 1/10/2021 3:57 PM |
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# 3003 Open 24 Hours?
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Q. Can Hatoras Nedorim (an act of absolution of wows done in front of a court of three people) be done at night after Maariv?
A. Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 228: 3), Rambam (H. Shavuos 6: 6), rule that Hatoras Nedorim can be done at night. Nitei Gavriel (Rosh Hashana 17: 6) maintains that if one can't do Hatoras Nedorim on Erev Rosh Hashana, he may do it on the night before.
However, some maintain that in the onset, it should be done during the day, as we are careful to recite Kol Nidrei before the sh'kiah (Kol Nidrei p. 781).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a position is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 1/8/2021 12:31 PM |
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#3002 Milk of Human Kindness?
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Q. An individual who was always careful and machmir (stringent) to eat only products of Cholov Yisroel, but due to the fact that he became unemployed during the pandemic crisis he can't afford the high prices of these products and needs to at least until times get better to eat Cholov Akum. Does he have to do Hatoras Nedorim (an act of absolution of wows done in front of a court)?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is better if he does Hattoras Nedorim.
However, his Rabbi and friends should try to help him, guide and counsel him how to receive economic relief so he can keep consuming only Cholov Yisroel.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 1/8/2021 12:25 PM |
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# 3001 Tough Answers to Tough Shailes
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Q. My neighbors father lost recently r'l his wife and a son to the covid curse. He became very depressed and is at a high risk of ending his own life. He was placed in a psychiatric hospital by his children, where he is kept mostly drugged and barely conscious. He can answer simple questions, but really has no great self awareness.
Due to the fact that he was always very observant and careful with keeping mitzvos and never lost one day of putting tefilin, they are asking this shaila. Is it proper that in the morning before he is given his daily drugs, they should be postponed a bit, so after being cleaned and changed, he can have his frum caregiver put on tefilin on him and read shema with him. Is that correct?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if when he is not under the influence of the powerful drugs, he can stay properly clean, he also is also aware of what he is doing and is being kept safe, it is correct to avoid his drugs under strict supervision for the short time it takes to don tefilin and recite shema. The above should be authorized by the pertinent medical authorities.'
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 1/7/2021 10:26 PM |
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# 3000 The Early Late Torah
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Q. Should one go to sleep early, at the expense of learning Torah, in order to wake up early and be from the asara rishonim the next day? (He will learn before Shacharis, but maybe learning more at night is a bigger mitzvah, and maybe one shouldn't push off a mitzvah and should rather learn as much as possible at night?)
A. Horav
Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that since this type of question
depends on other personal issues, such as the quality of learning and
remembering at different times of the day or the nature of the
material being learned, as well as the personal awareness changing
daily condition etc. there is no straight forward answer to this
question.
A
competent Rabbi familiar with the individual and his situation and
environment should be consulted.
The
Rov compared this shaila to the Talmud's unresolved question
(Zevachim 91a) of what has priority; todir (a constant or everyday
mitzva) as compared to mekudash (one of higher holiness). Rambam (H.
Temidim Umusafim 9: 2), rules that one should follow his personal
need or desire.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 1/7/2021 10:11 PM |
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# 2999 Unmask the Mask
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Q. Is it permitted to go out on Shabbos with two masks, one for me and one for my friend whose Rav does not allow him to go out with a mask on Shabbos but will be attending a shul where they require it?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should avoid wearing two masks simultaneously, just for the purpose of taking it to shul on behalf of someone that does not wear it where there is no eruv. This is due that it is unusual and unnecessary to do so and is therefore not considered a 'malbush' or a piece of clothing one can wear in a public domain during Shabbos, as explained in question 2640.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 1/6/2021 3:10 PM |
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# 2998 Rise to be First or to the Sunrise?
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Q. Is it better to be from the asara rishonim or to daven vasikin (but not possible to be from the first ten in the vasikin minyan, only in a regular minyan)?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is preferred to daven vasikin (at sunrise), than being from the first ten, when there is no better choice.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 1/6/2021 2:54 PM |
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# 2997 Support The Mask
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Q. There is now available a Face Mask Inner Support. It holds up the mask fabric around the mouth to create more breathing space when a mask is put on face. It is basically a concave plastic frame, that separates the mask from the face, thus providing more space for comfortable breathing and talking. It is washable and reusable. Can one wear it together with the mask on Shabbat when there is no Eiruv?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that since it is used together with a mask that one is allowed to wear on Shabbos. as explained in question 2640, one is also allowed to wear it.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 1/6/2021 2:32 PM |
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# 2996 A Gut'n Erev Shabbos?
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Q. Can one wish on Shabbos morning after davening a 'Gut Shabbos,' or is that improper? I have seen some people answer back, 'A Gutn Erev Shabbos' as if the salute they received was incorrect.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that you may already wish a gut Shabbos on Friday morning, as the posuk says (Shemos 16: 5); 'Vehoyo bayom hashishi veheichinu es asher yoviu. And it shall be on the sixth day as they prepare what they will bring.' Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 250: 1), rules from Talmud (Shabbos 117: 2), that the preparations for Shabbos begin already on Friday early morning. That seems to have been also the minhag of Mori Verabi Horav Moshe Feinstein zt'l, (See Mekadshei Shevii p. 26).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 1/6/2021 2:29 PM |
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# 2995 Say It, Don't Spray It
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A new liquid product that can be sprayed onto cloth face masks is about to become available. The spray coating using electrostatic charges, captures COVID-19 molecules on the surface of the mask, preventing them from being inhaled into the lungs or exhaled into the environment. This greatly increases the effective protection of the masks. Can a mask be sprayed on Shabbat?
A. On question 2220 we wrote; "Poskim permit using during Shabbos suntan and insect repellent liquids, oils and lotions, when they are thin, of low viscosity, and of flowing consistency. They also should not be for medicinal use. (Piskei Teshuvos 327: 1).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is permitted to spray repellent on clothing also, even if it has some aroma, since the main intention is not to impart fragrance, but to repel insects." See also question 1770.
However, regarding the spray in question, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should avoid spraying the mask during Shabbos as the prohibition of 'tikun mana' or changing and fixing an object may be involved, since the intention is indeed to make the mask a better type of filter.
The Rov added that a nurse or one attending several patients, may spray on one self and clothing with disinfectant spray, to avoid carrying viruses from one patient to another.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 1/6/2021 2:23 PM |
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# 2994 Shoelaces Knotty Issues
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Q. Why do people tie their shoelaces on Shabbat when they are wet as when it rains or they walked on snow. Is that not a case of schita or squeezing out the water absorbed in the shoelaces?
Although, one may argue that this is a case of eino miskavein or not having any intent on squeezing out the water, but it is clearly a certainty that it will happen (psik reisha) and also he is glad to be wearing shoelaces that are at least not soaking in water (nicha lei), so why is it not prohibited?
A. Shoelaces have historically been made of materials like leather, hemp, or cotton—typical rope making materials. However, advances in the production of synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester and elastics have made a variety of shoelaces possible. Modern shoelaces often incorporate various synthetic fibers. (From Wikipedia).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is since it is likely or at least possible that the shoelaces involved may be made or contain synthetic fibers that do not absorb water, it is not a certainty or a p'sik reisha that one will be squeezing water when tying them.
When the above is not the case, the Rov added, that one should indeed be careful to tie them lightly, avoiding possible s'chita.
To also avoid other shailos as tying knots on Shabbos, it may be preferable to use shoes using Velcro or other types of modern elastic ties.
One may add that this type of squeezing is likely considered to be an unusual way of s'chita, and therefore one may be more lenient when there is no intention or need to dry the shoelaces, since they will likely become soon wet again.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 1/1/2021 1:24 PM |
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Important Numbers
