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# 2605 Lashon Hatov?
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Q. If a friend confided to me that he tested positive to the Corona virus illness, but he doesn't want other people to know, and I should keep it to myself. Should I tell others? Would that be lashon hora?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if there is concern that he may unwittingly infect others, as he does not maintain total isolation as required, one should in principle tell others that could be affected to prevent the spread of the disease.
Since they could be other relevant factors to consider, it is better to let the competent Rabbi close to the person affected know first, so a proper response can be implemented.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 3/30/2020 10:16 AM |
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# 2604 Turn Shabbos On
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Q. Can I leave on my computer during Shabbat, without sound just to read if any emergencies are happening with the coronavirus pandemic?
A. Horrav Shlomo Miller's opinion is that at this point in time (3/28/20) there is no reason to leave on a computer screen or any other such news display during Shabbos, and it should be avoided. This is specially important in times when we need the Shabbos protection for all ailments.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 3/28/2020 11:13 PM |
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# 2603 Sever Relations in Severe Times?
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Q. During these difficult times should people abstain from conjugal relations, as the Talmud teaches in regard to times of hunger?
A. Indeed Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 574: 4 and 240: 12) and Rambam (H. Taaniyos 3: 8) rule that one should abstain (assur) from marital relations in times of famine with some exceptions. Rema ibid mentions that it includes also times of other "tzaaros" or hardships and crisis. It serves an act of identification and empathy with the distressful feelings of many. (Mishna Berura ibid,)
However, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that our present covid 19 situation (3/27/20), does not qualify for the above prohibition.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 3/27/2020 4:45 PM |
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# 2602 Can I Help You?
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Q. In our city, we still have a few meshulachim collecting from door to door. This goes on even when they have been given community help and support, to avoid them collecting since they may be prime carriers of the (covid) virus. If one knocks at my door, should I contribute? Is that maybe being a mesayea or a helper to do a sin?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that you may give him a donation, via the door mail slot or under the door etc., and it is not considered being mesayea or a helper to do a transgression.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 3/27/2020 7:35 AM |
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# 2601 Words Of Honor
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Q. I have yohrzait tonight, and I have access to a minyan that meets in a back yard close to my house, should I go?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that at this time (3/24/20), one should not attend a minyan outside of his home, even in someones back yard.
For the purpose of reciting kaddish, it is better on these severe circumstances to learn Torah on the niftar's name.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 3/26/2020 3:02 PM |
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# 2600 The Right Crowd?
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Q. In these covid 19 days, when we are asked to daven at home, is there a hiddur (enhancement) for several people (sons and father) davening at the same time and same place, even though there is no minyan?
A. Our Sages teach that; One cannot compare the many performing a mitzva (or learning Torah), to the few doing it. (Sifra Bechukosai 2: 3, Rashi 26: 8, et al). A reflection to the verse: "Berov Am - In multitudes there is glorification of the King" (Mishle 14:28). Poskim debate whether this applies even to only two individual also (See Shulchan Aruch O.H. 8: 5 - 298: 14 and Mishna Berura ibid. 13).
Therefore, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if these are family members or people as is currently staying in the house, when keeping the necessary precautions, it is better if they daven at the same time and in the same place.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 3/25/2020 1:49 PM |
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# 2599 Recovering Information
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Q. My parents contracted the CoronaVirus. B'chasdei HaShem, their symptoms, though difficult, are not overwhelming and they are quarantined at home.
When, B'ezras HaShem, they recover, and the virus becomes manageable community-wide such that schuls reopen and Jewish community life returns to its wonderful level, is it proper for my father to bentch Gomel and possibly they should make a Seudas Hodaah?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one who became ill with the coronavirus and Be'H recovered, should recite hagomel when he became seriously ill and needed a respirator or at least the help of an oxygen tank or similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 3/25/2020 12:39 PM |
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# 2598 Rise And Shine
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Q. How much effort should one put in to daven (shacharis with the) neitz, (sunrise) when unable to daven with a minyan due to the covid epidemic?
A. There are many very elevated spiritual qualities mentioned by our Sages for the one that davens at sunrise. To mention some; Yerushalmi (Brochos 1) denominates him a chosid and he acquires Yiras Shamaim during that day. He therefore won't sin on that day (Yaaros Devash), He is spared from any harm on that day (Brochos 9b and Tosafos). Some Poskim consider davening vasikin of greater importance than davenig with a minyan (See Zera Yaakov 26 p. 80).
Besides since one should not engage in other activities, even learning Torah before davening unless he is used to daven with a minyan so he wont forget (O.H. 89: 6), it is proper to daven now as early as possible.
Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion is indeed that in our current crisis, one should place all his effort to daven vesikin with the netz if possible.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 3/24/2020 3:55 PM |
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# 2597 Choosing a Place Of Choice
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Q. Given that there is a mitzvah to daven in a shul even without a minyan, may/ should one come to shul to daven there even if there cannot be a minyan due to the virus?
A. The kedusha of a shul is comparable to a degree to the holiness of the Beis Hamikdash. On the pasuk (Yechezkel 11: 16); I have become for them a minor sanctuary (Mikdosh Meot) in the lands where they have come. Targum (YB'U) and Rashi explain that it refers to our Botei Knessios, The above is repeated in many sites and many sources (See Megilla 29a, Yalkut Yeshayahu 481, etc.). Talmud Brochos (6a) teaches that Hashem is to be found in the Batei Knesses and Batei Meddresh, and one's tefila will only be heard from there. Yerushalmi (Brochos 3) mentions that whoever davens in a shul, it is comparable to having sacrificed a korban mincha.
Therefore Poskim rule that even without a minyan, a person should preferably daven in a shul. Ribababos Veyoblos (p. 96) mentions that seating in one's seat or makom kavua in shul, even without a minyan, would make him absorb holiness and purity.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that, in our particular critical time, when we should abstain from any gatherings and all shuls are closed, we should daven at home in a makom kavua or fixed place for davening where one will not be disturbed. (Mishna Berura 90: 59).
However, if one has the option to daven by himself in a shul, or an empty beis midrash, it is better to do so.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 3/24/2020 2:18 PM |
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# 2596 Messirah on Tefillah?
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Q. In these Covid times, is it mesira to report minyanim that are still functioning? Should one avoid informing others of such minyanim?
A. Since not all places and minyanim are the same, and they are various factors involved, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that you may inform the competent nearby Rabbi and if that is not a possibility, call the local Hatzalah, as they are better prepared to make the correct decision and do the right thing.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 3/23/2020 4:26 PM |
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# 2595 And The Help Goes On
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Kavod HaRov
Q. As the situation changes rapidly, I wanted to know whether at this time TorontoGrapevine should allow posts of items for sale and for giveaways - putting social distancing criteria into place such as pick up only outside and payment via etransfer - so money doesn’t need to change hands -and reminders to disinfect items before bringing into home . I am unsure whether it would be considered a necessary reason to go out. People might need items now - especially if they never made pesach - that people would like to sell/give away. What is the Rov’s advice regarding including these items at this time?
A. As we already mentioned on question 2582 and 2578, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should follow the (updated) professional medical and government advise for workplaces, places of worship and schools to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. such as washing hands, and avoiding touching faces and eyes etc.
The Rov strongly advises not to neglect the indispensable and essential help for the elderly and the needy especially during these difficult times. And as we mentioned then; A crisis can bring out and should bring out the very best in people.
Therefore the Rov advises that the great and numerous good deeds and mitzvos that the Toronto Grapevine has constantly achieved, should continue in order to help the ones in need in a time of great need.
However the effort should be concentrated to the needs of this particular time so close to Pesach and deflect other items not essential now.
Great care should be taken to ensure that the items given and collected are clean and disinfected. A principle to follow anyway on anything bought in any store these days where other customers and store workers also handle the merchandise offered.
As you mention if there are payment transfers, they should be done with all the caution necessary
Needless to repeat that everything should be done under competent medical and professional supervision to avoid any potential spread of the virus.
Tizku Leharbe Mitzvos and Maasim Tovim and a prompt Yeshua for all of us.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 3/23/2020 3:40 PM |
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# 2594 Take Stock of Your Stock
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Q. We B'H have five young children in our family, and with the tense and worrisome corona virus situation we are undergoing, we have to stock up food supplies. We don't sell chometz gamur on Pesach, and we are careful to finish everything before. What can we do during these unusual times?
A. You may stockpile instead of bread and other chometz gomur products, food that is kitniyos, such as corn and rice bread or cereals. Cans of beans, chickpeas and other vegan products, the list is long. These products do not have to be sold, unless there is concern that they may contain chometz, and then can be sold even by those who do not sell chometz gomur,
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 3/22/2020 6:04 PM |
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# 2593 Saving Time
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Q. I have terrible stomach issues and I spend between 2 and 3 hours a day in the men's room. Is there any way shape or form I can learn in there or listen to a shiur?
A. See question 2227 regarding if sciences, math, astronomy and other fields of knowledge can be considered as part of Torah learning, when eventually used for solving Halacha questions or understanding some of the mitzvos, we wrote: "Although much has been written and explained about the relationship of our Holy Torah and the other fields of knowledge, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a insists that the above principle has to be maintained and kept constant in our minds. True, sciences, math, technological and other fields of knowledge may be helpful and even sometimes necessary to understand some Halacha questions and akin issues. But there is still a very fundamental difference between them. Our Torah is Hashem's given absolute truth, the others not so much."
Since no Birchas Hatorah is required for their study, (see question 2228) unless they are at the time of study actually applied to the to Halacha questions involved, or the explained Divrei Torah are being learned, the study of these fields of knowledge alone would be the permitted in the bathroom.
On question 2424 in regard to reading in a bathroom stories of tzadikim or Jewish history (kosher) seforim, we wrote: "Piskei Teshuvos (85: 3) argues that it could be that all agree that it is permitted, when no psukim or sayings of the sages are quoted, (and one controls the mind on not pursuing them).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar."
On question 2228 we added: Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 307: 16) rules that one is not allowed to read during Shabbos stories and meshalim of secular value. Mishna Berura (ibid. 58) adds that reading (of the history books of)Yosephus Flavious, Sefer Hayuchsin, Divrei Hayomim of Rav Yosef Hacohen and Shevet Yehuda, is permitted on Shabbos, since one may learn from them words of musar and fear of Hashem, even when written in other languages. It seems that there is indeed, if no Torah value, at least some musar and ethical value on those stories."
As mentioned above, if there is no actual words of Torah mentioned and Torah thoughts are avoided, their reading would be permitted in the bathroom.
The same would apply to reading kosher jokes and funny stories in the bathroom. See question above where we quoted; " Talmud (Shabbos 30b) teaches that Rava, before beginning a lecture would tell a “Milsa D’bedichusa,” a humorous story or witticism that would make people laugh and catch their attention. Meforshim point out that it was part of the Torah learning experience with simcha and joy (See Menuchas Sholom p. 48 and others).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 3/22/2020 5:53 PM |
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# 2592 Special Delivery
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Q. Beezras Hashem we hope that by the time Shabbos Hagadol arrives, the covid virus crisis may be in decline, and we may be able to have a Shabbos Hagodol drosho in shul as usual. In case it doesn't happen, what should a Rabbi do? Email or podcast the drosho? Before Shabbos or on Motzei Shabbos?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should use advantageously the modern ways of online and phone communication including sites that are interactive such as Meet or Zoom and similar, where people can also ask questions.
The Rov advises to send or broadcast the drosho before Shabbos, on Thursday night.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 3/22/2020 5:30 PM |
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# 2591 Lonely Times
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Q. My spouse tested positive to the corona-virus but B'H is recuperating. We have three energetic young children that can't stay at home the whole day. We reside in a condo and I fill terrible to let them go out and play with the rest of the children. What should I do?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a agreed that the best solution may be to take them to an empty park or corner of it. Avoid using slides, swings etc. as they are used by others.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 3/20/2020 3:28 PM |
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# 2590 Way Out?
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Q. Is someone sees in a permitted gathering of a few people, someone who is a sick with the apparent coronavirus symptoms, or knows that the person was sick and is probably still a carrier, and after asking nicely refuses to leave, can one call the police?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion is that calling the police may not be an effective or fast solution at all, and it may depend on the local by laws. The fastest and best answer may be for the people just to pick themselves and leave.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 3/20/2020 3:06 PM |
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# 2589 A Short Parsha?
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Q. Can one read on this Shabbos Vayakhel-Pekudei-Hachodesh just the Parshas Hachodesh from a Sefer Torah with a fast minyan, due to the isolation required by the current corona virus crises?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one cannot even in times of need, just read the Parshas Hachodesh by itself without first reading the full parshios of Vayakhel-Pekudei with all the aliyos as required. The Rov added that one should keep on his location, the restrictions directed by the government and pertinent health authorities.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 3/20/2020 2:23 PM |
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# 2588 Who Rises in Times of Crisis?
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Q. What can people do, during these difficult times of the Covin invasion, to have Siatta Dishmaya to survive and stay healthy?
A. The best way to evoke and elicit Hashem's chessed to us, is for us to do chessed with others. I'm including a letter sent to the leaders and individuals of the community.
With the counsel, guidance and the brochos of Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a, Horav M. M. Lowy shlit'a and the special help of Rebetzin Hirschman and Mrs. Heller of Bikur Cholim, we ask the Rabbonim, presidents or directors of all shuls and congregations, as well as all individuals in Toronto, during these difficult times when people’s lives are being so disrupted, to provide the following crucial help.
Namely, to prepare two lists of their members and contacts. Firstly, a list of the persons in need now, such as the elderly, ill, dependent or lonely individuals, who because of the difficult and stressful situation we are undergoing, cannot cope by themselves. The help during these problematic days may be providing food and other needs, or just a simple phone-call to let them know that other people care for them and they are not alone.
A second list would be a list of volunteers. We know that a crisis can bring out the very best in people, and many are indeed willing to help. They just have to become well organized to do it correctly and fully. The honorable and blessed institution of Bikur Cholim is here to help, receive the lists and coordinate the efforts.
The contact information with Bikur Cholim is 416 783 7983 - info@bikurcholim.ca (Mrs. Heller, Esti, or Naomi).
May Hashem bless us all with rachamim and yeshuos bekorov.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav M. M. Lowy Shlit'a
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Posted 3/19/2020 3:38 PM |
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# 2587 More Change is Here
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Q. I just heard that the Kollel Toronto closed doors, is that true?
A. It does seems so from an email just received, namely:
"Despite having gone above and beyond the guidelines of the ministry of health, it is with a heavy heart and with much pain we must close our doors to minyanim and community services until further notice.
It is our hope and Tefillah that we will be able to resume as soon as possible."
May Hashem listen to our tefilos and bring this tzoro to a prompt and gezunt end.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld
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Posted 3/18/2020 6:33 PM |
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# 2586 Change is Here
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Q. Kevod Horav. What is the latest p'sakim and directives from Horav Miller shlit'a regarding the Covid crisis?
A. The following directives were sent by Kolllel Toronto and appeared on entrance signs; they reflect the opinion of Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a to the changes of the new situation. (As of 3/18/20.)
The Kollel will be open to STEADY ATTENDEES ONLY and then only to daven their usual tefila (THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS). NO CHILDREN UNDER 12 YEARS OF AGE ALLOWED ENTRY AT ANY TIME.
There can be no more than 50 people in a room at any given time.
There will be NO EZRAS NOSHIM until further notice. The MIKVEH (for men) is closed.
If you can learn undisturbed at home, STAY AT HOME. Shabbos Tefila will be for regular attendees only (i.e. those who come every week)
Please be advised that these are the precautions the Kollel has put in place and are subject to change at any time.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 3/18/2020 2:33 PM |
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Important Numbers
