|
|
|
|
Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
|
|
|
|
|
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
|
|
|
|
|
# 2469 Scanning the Scan Room
|
|
|
Q. When undergoing an X-ray or cat-scan which requires being alone in a room with the female technician, what should one do to avoid transgressing the prohibition of yichud? Even if one's wife or friend is with him, they cannot be in the actual room due to harmful radiation.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one may be lenient, since the procedure can usually be examined by others via the observation window and video cameras are also common in hospitals in our days. Besides doctors and technicians often go by and may just view the proceedings via an open or partially open door.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/22/2019 9:17 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 2468 Praise the End
|
|
|
Q. One that underwent a prostate operation and bleeds from his member, does he have to recite asher yotzar when he stops bleeding?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if there was no urine discharge at all, no asher yotzar should be recited.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/22/2019 8:58 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 2467 The Blessed Fruits
|
|
|
Q. What brocho does one recite on dried cranberries?
A. On question 1239 we wrote: Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 203: 2) rules that one recites hoadama on berries grown on bushes that yearly loose their trunk and only the roots remain next year. Therefore on strawberries the correct brocho is hoadama and so rule many Poskim (See Mishna Berura ibid.3, Igrois Moishe 1: 86, Maharsham 1: 196, Vesein Bracha p. 392-394, Shaarei Bracha P. 707 n.758 et. al.)
If the plant grows within 3 tefachim (9 inches) of the ground, such as cranberries, we treat them as bushes and thus we recite on them hoadama. (Vesein Bracha p. 392-394, Shaarei Bracha P. 437 n.758 et. al.) The Halachos of Brochos quotes the psak of Horav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, z’tl, “Cranberries grow on creeping vines which grow along the ground. Although the plant produces fruit year after year, nevertheless, since cranberries grow within nine inches of the ground, its brocho is hoadamah.” Rav Belsky, zt”l (quoted in OU Kosher) ruled that the bracha on dried cranberries is hoadama. Although the cranberry plant survives from year to year, and in fact can live for over a hundred years, since the berries grow on or near the ground.
However, the Laws of Brachos by Rabbi Binyomin Forst, writes that the brocho on cranberries is haeitz. Shaarei Brachah (p. 565); Pinas Hahalacha Uminhag, (1309). Pischei Halacha (p. 283) and others maintain that although cranberries as we know them grow on low-lying vines, there are some cranberries that grow on 15 feet high plants. It seems that all cranberries were originally grown higher, but are now grown close to the ground to make the fruit easier to harvest. Therefore, many consider the cranberry a fruit, on which the blessing hoetz should be said.
In Halacha, when the proper brocho is hoadama, the recitation of haeitz would be incorrect, and would result in a bracha levatala and in effect no first bracha having been recited on the food at all. If one recited haeitz, some Poskim maintain that he should take a small bite and then out of doubt, make hoadama on a vegetable or similar. (Vesein Bracha p. 392-394, Shaarei Brocho 17 3 n. 4).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that, the correct brocho on both strawberries and cranberries is hoadama. However, on strawberries even bedieved, after the fact, the haeitz recited on them is levatala (on vain), and a new hoadama blessing should be recited. For cranberries, after the fact, one should follow the last above mentioned opinion.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/22/2019 8:32 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 2466 Up In The Air?
|
|
|
Q. What brocho does one make on hydroponically or aeroponically grown vegetables?
A. Poskim disagree on what brocho one recites on fruits and vegetables grown in non-perforated soil pots. Chayei Adam (51: 17), maintains that the brocho is shehakol, since they are not nourished by the soil in the ground. (See also Nishmas Adam 152: 1, Kaf Hachaim 168: 77, Shearim Metzuyanim B. 41: 1, Tzitz Elezer 9: 12).
Although some Poskim disagree with the Chayei Adam many agree reciting shehakol on vegetables grown in water, which is even further distinguished from earth-grown vegetables. Pischei Halacha also recommends to recite shehakol on hydroponics (See also Yechaveh Da’as 6:12, Machazeh Eliyahu 28 and others.
However, Chazon Ish, Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Vezos HaBracha, Birur Halacha #24), Shevet HaLevi (1: 205), Teshuvos V’Hanhagos 2: 149, and Rav Shmuel Kaminetzky (Kovetz Halachos, Pesach 24:6), ruled that the proper bracha rishonah should be borei pri ho’adamah.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is also borei pri ho’adamah, including the aeroponically grown vegetables.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/21/2019 10:27 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 2465 Intent Coffee
|
|
|
Q. We know that one can drink water, coffee or tea before davening shacharis to help concentration, even with milk and sugar. My question is; if a person is accustomed to drinking black coffee, is it mutar to decide to drink a coffee with milk and sugar before davening shacharis? Or would this be improper? Shkoyach
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it if it helps to concentrate better and have more kavana, it is permitted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/21/2019 10:08 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 2464 Quiet Please
|
|
|
Q. Does the issur of lashon hara apply to something that is public knowledge and that a person himself "shouts from the rooftops," so to speak? For example, a person who constantly walks around in the street smoking wherever he goes, is it lashon hara to mention that he smokes?
A. A mentioned in question 2244 even when repeating facts well known by all there may be a prohibition of lashon haraa, as it still has to meet all the requirements that the Chofetz Chaim cites, to be able to further disclose in such a case, the information to others. (See Shemiras Haloshon klal 2), see also question.1554.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/21/2019 9:34 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 2463 Is That Really True?
|
|
|
Q. If loshon harah is spoken but the listener doesn’t believe the information to be true does this make the speech non loshon harah?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is lashon harah and prohibited as mentioned also by other Poskim.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/21/2019 9:05 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#2462 Many Happy Chanuka Returns
|
|
|
Q. My son is going to have his ninth birthday a few days after Chanuka and we want to give him as a present a silver menorah. Can he light that menorah during chanuka and then light it again during his birthday party, (all nine lights), when he is also making a siyum?
A. Chashukei Chemed (Shabbos 22a) writes of a similar shaila, to permit the use of the family menora by their non-Jewish cleaning lady for the eight birthday of her daughter. She requested it, because she was very impressed by the family ceremony and all the children singing together.
He quotes Mishnas Sochir mentioned on prior shaila, that would prohibit the use of a menora in a Gentiles birthday party, since it is not a mitzva.
In addition he depends his case on the disagreement between the Bach, who prohibits the use of a shofar after Rosh Hashana if it stands to be used next year, and the Magen Avraham who permits. (Mishna Berura 21: 4 and Biur Halacha ibid. D"H Abal).
Chashukei Chemed further debates if the menora is only a hechser mitzva, or a permitter of a mitzva, but not the mitzva itself and not the same as a shofar or a lulav. He also adds the factor of maintaining good relations, similar to the selling of a mezuza to a Gentile, when refusal may create insult and hostility.
In our case, since a siyum and a seudas mitzva is also involved, it stands to reason it should be permitted. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is it is permitted.
Rabbi Abraham Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/20/2019 4:08 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 2461 Wow! Is That a Real Menorah?
|
|
|
Q. Can one light a menorah made of sculptured ice, (the oil cups are glass)?
A. In principle a menorah is not essential in complying with the mitzva of Chanuka, as long as lights are lit in a proper utensil and it is able to stay lit for at least a half an hour.
Therefore, a sculptured ice menorah, that would likely survive several hours and hold in place the glass cups containing the oil or candles could be used. See question 2447, regarding a suka igloo, and 1015 on making or melting ice cubes during Shabbos.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/17/2019 2:42 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 2460 Nice and Quiet
|
|
|
Q. Can one hug and kiss a young child that fell and hurt himself while in shul, to calm him and keep him from crying, when it is difficult to take him out somewhere else?
A. Horav Y. Zilberstein Shlit'a (Aleinu Leshaveach - Shemos p. 579) prohibits kissing a bar mitzva boy in shul after he finishes the haftora or reading the Torah etc. (See question 2459 above).
However, he permits kissing a young child that fell and hurt himself while in shul, since it is not done as a loving act, but just to calm down and tranquilize the infant.
Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/17/2019 2:32 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 2459 Goodbye to Kiss
|
|
|
Q. Since it is prohibited to kiss children in shul, since we should only show in Hashem's house love to Him, why do chasidim kiss the hand of their rebbes when in shul?
A. Remo (O.H. 98: 1) indeed rules that one should not kiss his young children when in shul. in order to establish and promote in his heart that there is no loves as great as the one we must have for Hashem.
Poskim mention that this rule applies not only to small children, but even to grownups. (Sefer Chasidim 255, Binyomin Zeev 163, and others).
However, Poskim permit kissing as a demonstration of honor and kavod to a Rov or a Torah teacher or a Talmid Chacham. (Avos Derav Nosson 6, Maseches Kallah 1: 21, Orach Mishpot 22). Ben Ish Chai (Vayikra 11.), Yechave Daas (4: 12) and other permit kissing their hands.
See also Talmud Nedarim (9b) regarding Shimon Hatzadik kissing a nazir at the Beis Hamikdash and Moshe kissing his brother Aharon when meeting him on Har Hoelokim (Shemos ).
Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion is that it is permitted
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/17/2019 2:30 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 2458 No Returns Accepted
|
|
|
Q. Re question 2450 above. - One who forgot to request mashiv haruach, and he already passed the bracha of Retzei, and then went back only to Shema Koleinu and mentioned it there, is he yotzi?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that even bedieved, if after forgetting to mention mashiv haruach at the second brocho, one did not return to the beginning of the amida as required, even if one mentioned mashiv haruach at shema kolenu, one does not comply.
The reason being is that, as opposed to "vesen tal umotor," that is a request and part of the tefilos included in shema kolenu, mashiv haruach is not. It is only a hazkara or testimonial praise to Hashen, that does not belong in shomea tefila.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/17/2019 1:48 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 2457 A Light Touch
|
|
|
Q. I usually prepare, set and light the menora candles of an elderly almana (widow) that is our neighbor. It is her menora and her candles is that correct? Can I make the brochos on her behalf?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is preferable if she lights at least one candle and recites the brochos herself, since not all Poskim agree that a man can recite in her behalf. (See questions 640 and 773).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/17/2019 1:24 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 2456 Heavenly Attire
|
|
|
Q. Should one who visits the sick wear Shabbos or better clothing, since he is doing a mitzva? (Re- question above)
A. Talmud (Brochos 12b) teaches that on who goes to visit the ill, should cover himself since the presence of the Shechina rest over the head of the patient. (Shulchan Aruch 325: 3).
The Sheloh Hakadosh (2: Peshachim) and Meam Loez (Vayera) write that he should dress and cover himself with honorable clothing, as he would do when attending shul to daven.
As mentioned above, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should wear bigdei kavod when complying with a mitzva.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/17/2019 1:08 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 2455 Dress Up for the Occasion?
|
|
|
Q. Should one wear a Shabbat or any jacket for lighting the Chanuka menorah or at least put on a hat?
A. .Rivavos Efraim (O.H. 125: 7) quotes different sources for wearing special clothing for Chanuka.
Chesed Leavrohom (Vayigash) mentions that the choshen, the first of the special clothing of the Cohen Gadol, has the first letters (roshei tevos) of Ner Shel Chanuka. Since one who dresses properly for this mitzva, merits new and better clothing.
Nitei Gavriel (Avelus 1: 123: 3) maintains that an ovel should not change to special clothing for lighting the menora, even if he usually does so.
Kovetz Beis Aharon Veyisroel (y. 16; p. 116) quotes from Likutei Mahariach that the tradition of many Tzadikim was to wear Begodim Chashuvim for lighting the menorah. Tel Talpios (p. 46) mentions that the Rosh Yeshiva would wear a Shabbos hat.
Many Poskim maintain that for tne mitzva of birchas hamazon one should wear a jacket and a hat (Mishne Berura 183: 11), Ohr Letzion (2: !3: 3, et. al.).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should wear bigdei kavod when complying with a mitzva.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/17/2019 12:49 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 2454 One's Pride or One's Joy?
|
|
|
Q. Should someone that gives shiurim and teaches Torah to a rabbim, travel out of town to the wedding of a good friend, if that would cause the bittul Torah of the many?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a is that when a wedding takes place in town and one's presence requires spending little time, one should make the effort to comply with the great mitzva of being messameach Chassan Vekalah. However, if travel to another city is required and a day or two would be necessary, when the bittul Torah of the many is involved, if possible it should be avoided.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/17/2019 12:37 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 2453 Buyers Beware III
|
|
|
Re-question 2434 and 2429, in regard to immersing utensils manufactured in Israel, but sold in a non-Jewish store. If the item was given on consignment to the Gentile store, does it still need to be toiveled?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that usually the non-Jewish store owner does not actually acquire the items given to him on consignment, as the agreements commonly contain a clause stating that the goods shall remain the consignor's property until sold to consignee's customers. Therefore since the consignor is Jewish, the items would not need tevila. The Rov added that proper inquires should be made to ascertain that there are no other Gentile proper owners involved in the stages of the imported utensils.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/15/2019 1:36 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 2452 Believe This?
|
|
|
Q. Recently the Government of Canada turned down the tax-exempt status for the Atheistic Church.
If they decide to sell properties, can one buy them or are they considered in Halacha as having been used for avoda zarah?
A. Last week as reported by the press, (N. P. Dec 7), the Federal Court of Appeal upheld Revenue Canada’s rejection of an application for charitable tax- exempt status made by a “Church of Atheism” in Ontario’s Lanark Highlands.
The Halacha viewpoint in regard to this institution depends on what they actually belief. The “Church of Atheism” tried to make the argument that it should qualify for a tax exemption as a teacher and promoter of atheism per se. Using the premise that “advancement of religion” has been recognized for centuries as a charitable purpose in itself. If that would be their only claim, it likely would not be defined as avoda zara.
However, they also proposed to treat its interpretation of “Atheism” as a religion, rather than the absence or rejection of religion. The “Church” maintains the worship of “mainstream science” and claims to possess a “Ten Commandments of Energy” which were “created by a wise human being who consists of pure, invisible Energy and has acknowledged Energy’s existence.”
Revenue Canada had demanded evidence that the CoA believes “in a higher unseen power such as a G-d, Supreme Being, or entity,” but that was not forthcoming, thus the rejection.
One may argue that atheism, although prohibited for Bnai Noach, does not qualify as avoda zara and therefore the resulting restrictions do not apply. However, it has been suggested that they may be believers on the divine power of man and his natural energy, and that may indeed qualify as avoda zara.
Rabbi A, Bartfeld as revised by Horabonim Dovid Pam and Aaron Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/13/2019 2:10 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 2451 In Line with the Line
|
|
|
Q. Kvod Harav,
I appreciate your column very much, giving people the ability to stay anonymous for sensitive shailos.
No Frills supermarket has a price match guarantee on any item in their store. Which means that if you show them on your phone that a different store has that item on sale for a cheaper price they’ll match it. I wanted to know is it a problem of a chillul Hashem to go through a whole shopping getting the sales of all supermarkets even though it causes shoppers behind me to wait as much as 4 minutes longer. ( the cashier has to get the supervisor to override each price match.) On a whole $200 shopping I could be saving as much as 60 dollars! Of course I apologize to the people behind me but sometimes I feel maybe as a yid who is being scrutinized to be on a higher level, I shouldn’t cause the people behind to wait a few minutes longer.
Thank you, Habayshan Halomed
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that you should try to do your shopping at the times when few shoppers are in the store and also to choose an empty line when possible.
It may also make a difference the amount of merchandise you are buying and if it is common on that store for others to do follow the same manner of purchase that you follow.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/13/2019 10:48 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 2450 We Accept Returns
|
|
|
Q. One who forgot to request dew and rain in his tefilla, and he already passed the bracha of Retzei, and then went back to Shema Koleinu and mentioned it there, is he yotzi? Even though the halacha is to revert to Boraych Aleinu. May one mention it in Shema Koleinu if the alternative is to miss zman tefilla?
A. Shevet Halevi (10: 23) rules that after the fact, if one who did not mention "vesen tal umotor," in the proper brocho, and remembered only after reciting shema koleinu or until almost the end of the amida, and instead of returning to birchas hashonim as required (Shulchan Aruch O.H. 117: 5) went back only to shomea tefila, he complies after the fact.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar and in our case, bedieved, in need he may return only to shomea tefilah.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/13/2019 10:41 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
Important Numbers
