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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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# 2657 Raining Cats
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Q. Many of our friends are adopting pets for their elderly parents due to their isolation, during these difficult (covid) times. Is there a prohibition to have a female cat spayed?
A. Spaying is a surgical procedure performed by veterinarians to render female animals incapable of breeding by removing their reproductive organs. The operation, also called ovariohysterectomy, involves the removal of the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, and uterus. It corresponds to neutering in males, usually referred as castration or the complete removal of their testicles.
From the Torah text (Vayikro 22; 24) regarding korbonos, it would seem that the prohibition of castration applies only to male animals.
Poskim disagree regarding female animals if the prohibition is only Rabbinical (Rambam - H. Issurei Biah 16: 11, Shulchan Aruch E.H. 5: 11, Taz ibid. 6, Aruch Hashulchan ibid. 22, and others) or if it is even a Biblical proscription. (Hagra E.H. 5: 25 - 26).
Lev Aryeh (2: 34) rules regarding a doctor experimenting on female animals reproductive organs, that since most Poskim maintain that it is at least a Rabbinical prohibition, it is difficult to permit even in need.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/6/2020 4:59 PM |
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# 2656 Tight on the Leash
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Q. Can one go out on Shabbat where there is no eruv, with one's toddler attached to him/her with a wristband safety leash?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that although, the leash may be needed for the safety of the toddler, since it is not an item that he commonly wears, it is not categorized as a malbush or piece of clothing and therefore not permitted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/5/2020 5:29 PM |
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# 2655 Change for the Better
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Q. I recently heard that Horav Miller Shlit'a changed his former pesak and now permits davening maariv in a porch minyan. Is that correct?
A. Indeed in question 2638 we wrote and quoted a letter from Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a permitting only davening mincha on porch and backyard minyonim and under very specific restrictions.
Although the conditions remain the same, the Rov permits now (5/4/20) davening maariv also, under those same restrictions.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/5/2020 3:55 PM |
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# 2654 Getting Out of Someone's Hair
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Q. Re-question 2651 (Regarding someone unable to take a haircut before Pesach since the barbers were closed. If his long hair is bothering him and there may be also an issue with tefilin; can he take a haircut before Lag Baomer. We answered: Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that, although not taking a haircut now, may involve some strain and distress, we find longer periods of hair growth that are acceptable in Halacha. Therefore one should wait until Lag Baomer.)
Thank you, but I was asking about someone who follows the Arizal, where is a mere chumra, if he can be lenient and get a haircut earlier than Erev Shavous?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that since this is only a minhag lechumra (stringent tradition), one can be lenient during this unusual situation and take a haircut after Lag Baomer.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/5/2020 3:30 PM |
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# 2653 Lost in the Fog?
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Q. I noticed that when wearing a corona mask, it causes my glasses to fog up and I constantly have to remove my glasses to clean them. May I nevertheless wear the mask on Shabbos?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that since the mask is essential and we do not have a proper reshus horabim in most cities only a karmelis, there is, in need room to be lenient.
You may change to another type of mask or face cover that does not cause the fogging effect, or line the bottom of the glasses before Shabbos with tape.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 5/4/2020 2:56 PM |
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# 2652 Actions Daven Volumes
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Q. I used to volunteer for Hatzala and Shomrim, but the last years, my busy business and also the fact. I'm a bit older. did not permit me the extra effort. During these terrible corona days when davening is without a minyan, and I also have more time, should I place a special effort to rejoin, so at least I will be part of a tzibur doing great chessed? Will that count as tantamount to davening betzibur? (I almost never missed tefila betzibur in my adult life).
A. It would seem logical that when one is able and healthy and decides that he will make an extra effort and sacrifice himself and his time, to save the lives and help other people, his acts speak volumes. It stands to reason, that although you may not be able to daven now with a minyan, your tefilos will be gladly accepted in shomaim and greatly appreciated, since they are not only words recited with great kavana and feeling, they are recited by one who's actions are all heart and devotion to Hashem and the tzibur. As one Godol interpreted the saying (Brochos 32b); Tefila is greater than maasim tovim (good actions); meaning, tefila becomes great, when it comes from maasim tovim.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Dovid Pam Shlit'a
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Posted 5/1/2020 6:51 PM |
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# 2651 Getting in Somebody's Hair
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Q. I wasn't able to take a haircut before Pesach as the barbers were closed. My long hair is bothering me and my family too, it also may be an issue with the tefilin. Can I take one now before Lag Baomer, since in our town barber restrictions have been removed?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that, although not taking a haircut now, may involve some strain and distress, we find longer periods of hair growth that are acceptable in Halacha. Therefore one should wait until Lag Baomer.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/1/2020 3:56 PM |
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# 2650 Safe to Save the Sefer?
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Q. There is a person without heirs who was niftar from corona and now there are seforim in his house that need to be sorted through and brought to the yeshiva for eventual sale. If this is not done, perhaps the landlord will thrown them out. Should one (a neighbor) go to his house and do this, or is it not safe (the house is infected)? If yes, whose responsibility is it to do this? If I was asked to volunteer, am I obligated to do it, is it optional, or is it better not to do it? Should one be mevatel torah for this?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if one was asked or is a neighbor and can actually take care of the seforim honorably, it is a great mitzva to do so.
As far as we can tell from the medical reports, after a few days, the chances of contamination are negligible. The Rov recommended to wear a mask, gloves and protective garments. It is also advisable to spray with disinfectants the surfaces before. (follow relevant caution instructions on this procedure)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/30/2020 5:04 PM |
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# 2649 Hit The List
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Q. Can a kolel, shul or a tzedaka organization increase their email list of contacts by copying the addresses available on line from other similar institutions? Sometimes they may appear on the emails one gets, when they were not hidden by Bcc?
Can you do the above, if no collection of funds is intended, just increasing the teaching of Torah to others?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that since the above is a common practice by many in our days, as long as the institution does not specifically indicate otherwise, if the emails were published and sent, one may copy them, especially if the contacts are used for spreading divrei Torah or doing chessed. (See also question 1011).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 4/30/2020 5:00 PM |
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# 2648 Pet Peeve?
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Q. These days when due to the virus endemic we are so isolated, many of us tend to acquire a pet for company. If you touch a pet cat or dog, do you have to wash your hands to make a brocho?
A. Rivavos Efraim (O.H. 8: 7) maintains that in principle one does not need to wash hands. However he mentions that the Kaf Hachaim (200: 81) quotes Yafe Lalev that one should wash hands after touching an impure (non kosher) animal. Although, Shulchan Aruch Horav (93: 7) opines that one does not have to wash, Rivavos Efraim suggests that one should wash netilas yodaim, especially if the animal was soiled. He asserts that when touching a kosher animal, one need not wash, as we constantly do shechita to those animals and no netila is required.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar, since these animals often revolve around the ground. The fact that Moshe Rabbeinu, Moshiach, and other tzadikim rode donkeys, does mot mean that their hands were in direct contact with their bodies.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/30/2020 4:42 PM |
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# 2647 The Daven Maven
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Q. If one has the choice to daven in an outside minyan versus davening b'yechidus in a beis medrash that one has access to, which is better (as there is an inyan of davening in a closed area as well as doing in a beis medrash)?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a suggested that one should daven a proper and slow amida with the necessary and right kavanah beyichidus (by himself), in the beis midrash that one has access to. He should also just exit to that outside minyan, only for answering kedusha and kadish if possible.
The Rov stressed to be careful with the all conditions that were set for attending such a minyan, as described in question 2638.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/30/2020 4:18 PM |
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# 2646 Marriage Made in Heaven?
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Q. As Lag Baomer is approaching. Can one get married during these pandemic days? How?
A. I has been suggested and likely already done, that one may celebrate a wedding at the courtyard or the parking lot of a building, while the immediate family and a few guest remain on the balconies above, and see the ceremony below. The officiating Rabbi and the witnesses would have to be below, at a safe distant. The wine cup would not be handed directly to the chosson rather it would be placed after the brocho is recited on a small adjoining table to be picked up by him.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that the rest of the people that make up the required minyan, should also preferably be on the ground below not above, at a safe distance.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 4/28/2020 11:51 AM |
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# 2645 Call It a Wash?
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Q. If you are constantly wearing disposable plastic gloves (these covid days). do you have to take the off for washing for bread or when you go out of the bathroom, or can you wash netila while wearing them?
A. Q. On question 2585 regarding if one wearing medical or hospital gloves to avoid a possible covid contamination, can wash his hands after sleeping (neig’l vasser). We wrote; "Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that for washing hands for removing ruach ra’a after waking up or coming out of a cemetery, in case of need one does not have to remove the thin plastic medical gloves one is wearing to prevent infections."
Regarding, netilas yodaim for eating bread at a seuda, the Rov maintains one has to remove the gloves before washing.
The same would apply, by common sense, when using a bathroom.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/28/2020 11:31 AM |
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# 2644 A Name That Travels Far
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Q. We are having a Zoom bris mila this week. The family and friends will not join us because of the pandemic attendance and travel restrictions, only a minyan will be present. Can just the name of the baby be given by the Zaidy by phone or on line? Can Zoom attendants recite the horachamons of bentching the same way?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that during normal times, he would not recommend to honor important people of the family, who are unable to attend, to give the Baby's name at the bris mila ceremony, or to recite the horachamons of bentching via Zoom, online or phone. However, in times of crisis, although the Rov still does not endorse it, he understands why for some in need. it could be done. He advises that when the name giver is not present, he should not to say "hayeled haze" or "this child", at the beginning of the name giving.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/26/2020 7:12 PM |
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# 2643 Not Tying Knots?
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Q. Often when the weather permits during these covid days, I daven shacharis by myself on the porch as I find it inspiring to see the trees and listen to the birds. When the wind blows, as it often does, I find it necessary to keep the taalis on my shoulders, to secure it by tying the two front corners together in a single loose knot. Is that permitted?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlita opinion is that it is permitted since it is only a single knot (not a kesher shel kayomo) and it is also loose. Besides the tzitztis are kept untied, free and separated.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/26/2020 5:12 PM |
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# 2642 Chosen Last Words
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Q. Re- question above. I have another question. The aunt of my friend, is herself not frum at all and never was. My friend by the way, is a great askan and mekarev of baalei teshuva. When meeting her today, he wants to be able to say viduy with her. But that may turn out to be very tricky as she may refuse to say anything like that. What is the correct approach in such situation?
A. From my sadly vast experience in tending to non religious patients last moments, while in Mexico, I may advise the following. As I understand, since the friend was not that close to his aunt, first he should establish a relationship with her by reliving past family experiences and stories, that she is likely to remember and cherish. Then taking into account the shortness of time available, he should recite the Shema. From experience, even the most nonreligious and unbelievers, will react positively to listening to the Shema, when they are aware they are passing on.
As I understand, she used to live in Israel, she may react to a Shir Hamaalos, sung to the emotional and well known tune of the Israeali anthem. At that emotive point, you may try to mention making peace with all including Hashem too.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion, is somewhat similar. He added that she does not have to recite in such case the traditional words of viduy herself, as they not only will likely be meaningless to her, it may even be counterproductive and cause further negation at a very crucial time. Best is to just mention an expression of love and unity with the Creator, or at least to recite a tefila to Hashem for her that she understands, and ask her to answer amen.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 4/24/2020 3:34 PM |
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# 2641 Auntie It's Me!
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Q. A friend's elderly aunt is near death. She has no other close relatives in town and he was given permission during these pandemic times, to be with her for a short time while she is still conscious.
He wants to know if when entering her room, as she may not recognize him while wearing his protective face mask, if he can remove it for a few seconds, since it is essential that she knows who he is to establish that so important contact. Can he do it?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if he keeps the required distance, avoids breathing that short time, there should be no problem.
However, the Rov advised he should tell an attending nurse of his intentions, to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and conflict.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 4/22/2020 1:47 PM |
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# 2640 A Blessing In a Disguise?
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Q. Does Rav Miller shlita permit walking outside on Shabbos (for fresh air - where there is no eruv) wearing the customary mask that is being worn in these covid days? Is there any tzad to be machmir? (An opinion to be stringent, because of the carrying prohibition)?
A. The face mask idea is not new. Tzemach Tzedek (O.H. 110: 930) mentions in regards to fasting on Tisha beAv during the Cholera epidemic in the year 5608 -1848: “Someone who wishes to fast in a locale where the sickness is not chas vesholom strong, should be advised and cautioned not to leave one’s house an entire day, and he should be required to wear a small piece of cloth around his nose and mouth, together with a bit of peppermint”.
Shulchan Aruch (O.H.301: 14) permits carrying in a public domain where there is no eruv, items donned as clothing, even if their use is only to avoid soiling oneself.
Regarding regular prescription glasses Mishna Berura (ibid. 44) prohibits carrying them in that street. However, contemporary Poskim are lenient, since today's well adjusted glasses do not easily fall from one's face. Poskim disagree in regard to sun glasses, if they are being used only as protection from the sun. (Shoel Umeshiv (3: 1: 109), Har Tzvi O.H 173, Mishne Halochos 7: 57 et al.).
Neis Lehisnoses (p. 84) questions whether Moshe Rabbeinu was permitted to walk outside on Shabbos since he was wearing a mask. He inclines to say he was not, since the mask was only used for the protection of others.
Poskim usually permitted wearing in the street, a well adjusted gas mask during war or terrorist attacks, to protect oneself from possible poisonous gasses. (ibid).
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a connected the above to the Talmud (Shabbos 66b) in regard to the prohibition of wearing on the street "luketamin" during Shabbos. Rava bar Rav Huna explains: that they are masks. (Rashi adds: they are "peramei," used for scaring children).
However, the Rov maintains that if today's face masks are properly adjusted and secured to the face, one can and should wear them during these pandemic times, even in a street without an eruv, if he has to go out during Shabbos
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/21/2020 3:56 PM |
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# 2639 Whether Permitting...
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Q. Re- prior question 2638 on the conditions Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a permits a front porch or backyard minyan.
1) is this a chiyuv, or only a heter, to participate in such minyanim?
2) how should non-compliance with conditions be treated? (does it void the heter to make the minyan?)
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if one has reasons why he should not be part of that minyan (could be medical or his relations with the neighbors etc.), he can avoid participating and daven beyichidus.
If his presence is required to make the minyan, he may just be there at the beginning of the amida and then retire inside.
Non-compliance with conditions mentioned would indeed void the heter to make the minyan.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/20/2020 5:18 PM |
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# 2638 Rule and Divide
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Q. I heard that Horav Miller Shlit'a changed yesterday (4/19/20) his ruling in regard to minyonim in the backyard, is it true? What is the new ruling?
A. As mentioned in the last question, Covid's sole true constancy is its ability to change. I spoke to the Rov Shlit'a this afternoon (4/20/20) and indeed, he maintains that for the time being, people can attend a front porch or backyard minyan, only once a day, for Mincha, and when davening a "hoiche shemonesre" (without the repetition of the amida), followed by one single kadish yosom.
No taalis should be donned (so not to provoke unnecessary feelings of "eiva," (dislike) with the neighbors.
Essential conditions are that only the people dwelling in those houses are permitted to be part of the minyan, no visitors are allowed and the safe recommended distance must be always maintained.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
In a letter send by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a on Nissan 27, the Rov wrote:
• Each person must stand on HIS porch only
• NO gathering in any yard
• NO outsiders may join at all
If these guidelines are not followed, then there would be no choice but to ban even porch minyanim.
Since in halacha a minyan of people on adjoining porches is unclear, one should not daven Chazaras Ha’shatz or kriyas Hatorah since it is a safek bracha l’vatalah. Therefore, this minyan should only be formed at mincha, with a short Shmonei Esrei in order to say kaddish and Kedusha. One should also be careful that either everyone should see the Chazan, or the Chazan should be able to see everyone.
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Posted 4/20/2020 4:27 PM |
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Important Numbers
