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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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#4996 Drive Safely
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– Q. K'vod Rabboseinu, It seems that the idea of our observant women driving a vehicle in our Torah community is frowned upon. Do you have any idea why that could be? And if it a meritorious approach, why do not other Torah communities have this attitude?
A. Although in most Orthodox communities women do drive cars, in some specially the Chassidic congregations, they are stringent.
However, in our days when tinted glass is common, there is more room for leniency, since it is often difficult to see who is actually driving the car.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one should maintain the traditions of ones congregation.
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 6/7/2024 12:22 PM |
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#4995 Sing Alone
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- Q. K'vod Rabboseinu, A class of girls is traveling on a class trip, for which they chartered a bus. May the girls sing together on the bus, despite the presence of the male driver (as long as it does not affect the driving or irritate the driver)? Does it make a difference if the driver is a Gentile, secular Jew, or observant Jew?
A. On question 1534 we were asked the following similar question:
“Can a woman sing in her home if they are Jewish workers present engaged in their work and are not listening to her?
Similarly, can a group of female students sing while they are traveling on a school bus when the driver is Jewish?
What if the workers are Jewish but not frum at all?”
To what we answered:
“Halichos Shlomo (1: 20: n. 20) rules that a woman should not sing in the presence of Jewish workers even if they are engaged in their work. The hetter permitting sexually arousing activities for people occupied in their occupation or business, such as doctors or women-clothing dealers, namely “beavidetei torid” (“Their mind is dedicated to their work.” Baba Metzia 91a, Avoda Zara 20b), does not refer, since from time to time, they will halt their work and likely listen. The same would apply to a bus driver.
Kinyan Torah (1: 20) similarly prohibits women singing in a theater or hall, even if it is only in the presence of other women, if the sound technicians and other workers are Jewish.
Ohm Ani Chomma (1: p.71) maintains that the above does not apply if the workers are Gentiles, since they are not included in these type of prohibitions.
If the workers are Jewish but not religious, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in need it may be permitted. This being similar as students singing in the bus or in school, when walkers by are occasionally listening to them. The Rov also pointed out to the admissibility of women washing clothing by the river. (ibid.).”
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 6/7/2024 12:17 PM |
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#4994 m A Gentle Touch?
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Q. Is it permissible for Gentiles to touch or hold any part of the Torah?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that Gentiles should not do so.
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 6/7/2024 12:13 PM |
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#4993 Count for Something
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- Q. A Gabbai, eager to start Mincha, wants to count the assembled to see if there is a Minyan, why does he not ask each present to put a coin or similar in a plate, for Tzedaka before davening.
Is the above not better than counting as often is done while saying the pasuk of "Hoshi'o Es Amecha etc."?
A. Your suggestion of counting people by using coins may just be impractical specially in our days, when few people actually carry coins in their pockets.
Tzedaka is also given often by using a card.
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 6/7/2024 12:11 PM |
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#4992 Relations to Relations
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- Q. Dearest Rabbi. As you know my wife and myself, are a first year married couple that thanks Hashem, became Baalei Teshuva. I learned recently on an Halacha shiur, that some people abstain from having marital relations during the three days before Shavuot, as our nation did before the receiving of the Torah at Sinai. Since we are hoping for my wife to become pregnant with Hashems will soon, does that tradition apply to us?
A. Sheloshes Yemei Hagbalah or the “Three Days of Limitation” is the name given to three days immediately preceding the Yom Tov of Shavuos. Based on the verse (Shemos 19: 15): He said to the people, "Be ready for three days; do not go near a woman."
Mishna Berura (240: 7) mentions that some Poskim following Kabala teachings, rule that on Shavuos one should abstain from having marital relations. Yet in Biur Halacha (ibid) he quotes Yeshuos Yaakov that if one has not yet complied with the mitzva of having children (that requires having a boy and a girl) the relations are permitted.
Some Poskim maintain that relations are also prohibited during the three Hagbalah Days mentioned above, (Knesess Hagedola, Mekor Chaim quoted in Piskei Teshuvos 494: 10), yet it is also mentioned that the Arizal's opinion is that it is permitted. They all seem to agree that if one has not yet complied with the mitzva of having children there is no prohibition.
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 6/7/2024 12:09 PM |
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#4991 An Express Question
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- Q. The question is: When vowelizing the Kinah of Maharam MiRotenberg on the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash, (also connected to the death of the Talmidim of Rabi Akiva and the mourning dys of the Omer), is it "Sha'ali S'rufo B'eish" or "Sha'ali S'rufo Bo'eish", i.e. does the Beis have a Sh'vo, or a Komatz?
The old Sifrei Kinos vowelize it with a Sh'vo, whereas in the two places in Tanach where the phrase "S'rufo Bo'eish" appears [Shmuel 1 30:3, Tehillim 80:17], the Beis has a Komatz.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that both expressions are correct
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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 6/2/2024 10:18 AM |
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#4990 A Real Chidush on Chidushim!!!
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Q. Is it true that on Shavuoth it is determined what are going to be the Chidushei Torah that one is going to learn and reveal for others during the coming year?
A. Indeed the Sehloh Hakodosh (Shavuos 19) quoting other sources teaches that most important ruling and heavenly decision of this most essential day.
However, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one should not daven for this particular gift as it really depends on one’s personal effort and endevour.
The Rov Shlit’a mentioned that for those who do recite the Tikun on the night of Shavuos, it would seem that they have a different approach and attitude, and then this praying is correct.
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 5/31/2024 12:48 PM |
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#4989 The Way to World Eruv Info.
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Q. Hello Rav, I'm planing on being in PANAMA CITY, PANAMA during Shabbat. I use the eruv in Toronto and I'm wondering if the eruv there is valid. When I asked my Rav, he said he is not familiar with their eruv. My question is if I can rely on it?
Is an "eruv" an "eruv" or do I need to find out details about to know if okay to use. What kind of details would I need to ask? Thanks.
A. Contact Rabbi David Perets, who studied in Ner Israel, Kol Torah, and Ponevez.
Arrived in Panama after serving as rabbi for seventeen years in Venezuela, leads the congregation. Ahavat Sion - Calle Juan XXIII 100, Panamá, Panama - www.shevetahim.com (225) 599-0.
You can tell him that I gave you his name. We learned together.
I included the above answer since it is valuable for many who travel on these days and have to acquire similar info on many different Torah and Halacha necessities available. It may in our times just only an email away.
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 5/31/2024 12:41 PM |
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#4988 A Last Letter?
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- Q. Kervod Horav is the writing of the last letter of a Sefer Torah most special than others and considered like writing the whole sefer? Should it be valued more than all others?
A. If the last letter, as often happens is already prepared by having only to fill in the lines that it delineates, it may be already technically be considered as written. If the letter is now written complete, it indeed is special and marks the end of the writing of the Sefer Torah then.
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 5/31/2024 12:33 PM |
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#4987 The Head Start
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- Q. Is a seuda (meal) in which the group begins to learn a new Mesechta and officially and publicly start the learning with the first Mishna considered to be a Seudas Mitzva that should be attended by many?
A. Regarding a Seuda that qualifies as a mitzva, it is indeed proper and correct to make a real effort to attend, as mentioned regarding mitzvos that take some time to fulfill a Seudas Mitzva is common when it reaches the end.
See question 3458 regarding the seuda some shuls or private people make on the last day of Chanuka a Seudas Mitzva.
See also question 3560 regarding a Seudas Purim Koton if it is considered a Seudas Mitzva that one invited should attend. We wrote:” Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if the participants say Divrei Torah and sing songs of prize to Hashem for the miracles of survival received as it should be, it becomes a Seudas Mitzva.
On question 3535 regarding if the celebration of a seventy year birthday a Seudas Mitzva that one should attend when invited. We wrote: “Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is a Seudas Hodayah or a meal of thanksgiving that is given to recognize the good that Hashem has granted or Hakoras HaTov, and is therefore a Seudas Mitzva.
It is the tradition of some that when they make a Siyum at the end of learning a Talmud volume, they begin learning the first mishna of the next one.
On question 1096 concerning the ceremony of placing a cornerstone before building an institution or a shul, we wrote several sources an occasions mentioned in Tanach about them and their celebration. Ezra (3: 10,11) describes the solemnities and festivities of the cornerstone foundation of the Second Temple.
It is by now a broadly spread tradition to carry out such dedication ceremonies, as is evident from the recorded Divrei Torah, discourses and addresses said by many Gedolim on such occasions. See Even Sapir (Mishlei 14) who quotes a story on the laying of the cornerstone of the yeshiva of the Maharsho and the great importance of the act.
In our particular case Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that the true simcha and joy of the Torah learning is principally when having already learned. However, if decisive, effective and well established proper efforts for a new shiur were accomplished, including the becoming learning facilities a seudas mitzva could be done, to enhance and promote the starting shiur.
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 5/31/2024 12:30 PM |
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#4986 A Groove for the Grooves?
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- Q. See questions above. Should one in such a situation use shoes that have non flat soles, but rather they have grooves and therefore it diminishes greatly the chances to kill the ants?
A. Indeed it is an additional benefit to be lenient and should so be done when possible.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
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 5/31/2024 12:22 PM |
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#4985 Avant the Ant
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Q. See question above: How far does one have to walk away to avoid steeping on ants on the street?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is hard to give an exact answer as there are many elements and different conditions involved. One should try his best possible at that time.
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 5/31/2024 12:19 PM |
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#4984 The Anticipant Ant
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Q. I came home on Shabbos to a stream of ants and it was almost impossible to not step on them. Could I have swept them aside or is that just as much of a problem as stepping on them?
A. Killing animals including insects is part of the Biblical prohibition of Shechita, (Sacrificing animals for korbanot or eating meat. See Talmud Shabbos 107b) that even a small insect is included.
However, in practice Poskim disagree. Horav Ovadia Yosef zt”l and others rule that in your case the prohibition is only rabbinical (since one does not require the insects that are being killed) and one is not intending to perform the forbidden work.
Our case may be considered a situation where one performs an action whereby the forbidden work will certainly ensue; (P’sik Reisha). However, since one does not really care how the forbidden work is being performed and all one needs is the disappearance of the insects, the forbidden work is then only a Rabbinic prohibition, and in his case it will be permissible.
There is therefore no prohibition to walk on insects on Shabbos when one does not intend to kill them and use their bodies and all one needs is getting read of their disturbing presence. More so when they just may not even perish when steeping on them.
Poskim agree that it is nevertheless preferable not walk directly and step on the insects on Shabbos, as Chazon Ovadia-Shabbat, Volume 5, page 124 mentions: “One may not step on insects, such as ants, on Shabbos even if one does not intend to kill them, for they will surely die when one steps on them. One should be cautious of this in places where they are present. However, if one has no other way to walk, this is permissible.” She'ilat Yavetz 1:110.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that during Summer days one should try to avoid such places. However, when not possible it is permitted.
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 5/31/2024 12:17 PM |
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#4983 Get the Picture?
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Q. I have not been on a video in a mixed zoom class on account that it's more tsnious, (shows modesty and discretion). Is there a source to not show my face on a mixed zoom class as one Rabbi is giving me a hard time? Does the same apply for a woman looking for a shiduch or a candidate to get married?
A. Indeed, it is proper for women just to place their name at the attending list of zoomers to a shiur and not themselves or even their pictures.
The same would apply to the open forum above.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
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 5/31/2024 12:12 PM |
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#4982 Dance Up a Fire Storm?
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Q, Kevod Rabbenu Shlit’a. Is it really permitted to dance around a fire on Lag Baomer?
A. Tusefta (Shabbos 7: 1) mentions that clapping hands or dancing while phasing a fire is prohibited as it is similar to the ways and conduct of the Emorites. Similarly Sefer Haikrim (3: 8) is stringent, mentioning that it is one of the ways Christians adopted when convincing the idolaters to follow them.
However, in our days many thousands of people have a custom to spend Lag B’Omer on Mount Meiron, where Rabi Shimon bar Yochai and his son, Rabbi Elazar, are buried. There, they rejoice greatly, and light bonfires, sing, and dance around them. Among those who participate in these celebrations are great and well kown tzaddikim (righteous individuals) and Torah scholars.
As the well known words of the Yerushalmi and other Poskim mention that a well established and proper tradition is to be accepted.
Halichos Shlomo (Moadim 2 p.36:4 80) is lenient on haircuts made at night, mentioning that since bonfires etc. are, the rest of practices should not be any different.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar for those who have that tradition.
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 5/26/2024 3:21 PM |
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#4981 The Healing Day
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Q. Dear Rov Shlit”a. My father shlit’a needs an open hearth surgery and he was given the opportunity to do it on Lag Baomer. Should he do it on that day?
A. Indeed, Sefarim do mention that Lag Baomer is a day that advocates and promotes Refuos and healing.
The Tzemach Tzedek mentions that the blessing of “Melech Rofeh Neeman Verachaman” (The truthful and compassionate healing King), has the first letters (in Hebrew) of Meron, the city that is most well-known for the burial site of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai.
Every year, on Lag BaOmer, the anniversary of his passing, hundreds of thousands converge in Meron for a joyous celebration of Rabbi Shimon's great and most wondrous life.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if there is no added discomfort or irritation on doing it then, it is correct and worthwhile to seek the Segula and propitious blessing of this very special day.
May he have a prompt Refuah Shleimah.
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 5/24/2024 1:40 PM |
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#4980- Questioning the Questions?
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Q. A Rabbi who is learning Talmud with and his phone rings likely with a Shaila, does he have to stop his learning to answer the question?
A. The Rosh Hayeshiva of Mir, Horav Binyomin Carlebach Shlit’a responded that he should not stop his learning and answer. He explained that if the Shaila is truly a serious and needed one, he will be asked again.
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 5/24/2024 12:59 PM |
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#4979 The Second Follows the First?
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- Q. If someone eats only Shemura Matza during Pesach does he have to eat the same on Pesach Sheni (Second Pesach)?
A. As metioned in other shailos the traditions of Pesach Sheni vary extensively between different communities.
On question 277 in regard to fasting on a yortzait day on Pesach Sheni we wrote: “Poiskim mention different traditions on Pesach Sheni in regards to reciting Tachanun, saying Slichos when it coincides with sheni chamishi vesheni, delivering eulogies and fasting.
Talmud Chulin 129b cites Megilas Taanis that includes Pesach Zeiro (the Lesser Pesach as Pesach Sheni is also known) in the list of days when eulogies and fasting is prohibited.
Binyan Shlomo (quoted in Sdei Chemed 5 p. 375) explains that although the Megilas Taanis has been in general annulled, Pesach Sheini’s restrictions may remain, as we hope that soon the Bais Hamikdash will be rebuilt and Pesach Sheni will be reinstated.
Followers of some Ashkenazi and Lithuanian traditions do recite tachanun and fast when needed on Pesach Sheni, while Chasidim and Sephardim do not (Likutey Mahariach, Eishel Avrohom 131: 20, Maharsham 6:32, Yalkut Yosef p. 649, Nitei Gavriel – Pesach 3, et al.)
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that an individual should follow his family’s tradition when it comes to fasting on a yortzait on Pesach Sheni.”
Indeed some who do celebrate Pesach Sheni eat Matza Shemura and include Maror aso as well as the drinking of wine. (Nitei Gavriel ibid.)
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 5/24/2024 12:55 PM |
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#4978 Only Rabbinical Positive
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Q. How come on the Leshem Yichud tefila said before the counting of the Omer we mention: “Hineni Muchan Umezuman Lekayem Mitzvas Aseh Shel Sefiras Haomer” (I’m ready to comply with the positive commandment of Sefira) Why? After all almost all Poskim maintain that Sefira in our days is only Rabbinical?
A. Indeed, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that the term “Mitzvas Aseh” should be omitted.
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 5/24/2024 12:48 PM |
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#4977 Always a Second Chance
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Q. Shalom Rov Shlit’a. How come there is for bringing the korban Pesach a second chance in Pesach Sheni, something not seen in any other Yom Tov as special as they could be, after all. there is no Yom Kippur Sheni?
A. Sefarim write that since Pesach was the first of the Yomim Tovim, and the beginning of the process of establishing our nation’s believes and the preparation for the receiving of the Torah, it was most important to present right then, that there is always a second chance and a real option for Teshuva and returning to Hashem.
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 5/24/2024 12:39 PM |
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Important Numbers
