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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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# 2269 The Priors New Clothes
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Q. May one don a brand new suit during the Three Weeks prior to Rosh Chodesh if the sheheyanu was already recited soon after acquisition (one did not actually make a sheheyanu on the beged, but rather had them in mind when making kiddush on leil Shavuous?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 551: 17) writes that it is correct to avoid reciting shehecheyanu during the days of Bein Hametzarim on new fruits or clothing. Sefer Chasidim (840) and Magen Avraham (ibid. 42) explain that since it is a time of puraniot and disastrous events, one should avoid this blessing then.
Poskim disagree whether it is permitted to wear new clothing even when one is allowed to recite shehecheyanu, such as in Shabbos (Mateh Moshe 697, Mishna Berura ibid. 98 quoting Hagra), while others prohibit, especially if it is an important and significant garment and there is great joy in wearing it. (Eliahu Rabba - ibid. 17, Derech Hachayim - ibid. 6, Toras Chayim - ibid. 122, et al).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in your case or any other instance when no blessing is recited, such as when one blessed at the time he purchased the item, one should still avoid wearing significant and noteworthy new clothing.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/26/2019 1:45 PM |
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# 2268 The Law of the Tablets
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Q. Does a pill-splitter used to cut tablets in half require immersion in a mikva?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's shlit'a opinion is that the pil-splitter does not require tevila, since it is not used for preparing or holding foods, just medicine, and therefore does not constitute a "Kli Seudah"
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/26/2019 1:36 PM |
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# 2267 The Book Cover Shaila
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Q. One who lives with non-frum parents who might or will confiscate a sefer if they see it, may he place goyishe books on top of his seforim so that his parents won't see it?
Similarly, one who comes from a Litvishe mishpacha, and his parents will be upset if they find chassidishe seforim, may he hide them by placing something on top of them, such as clothing or other things?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that someone subject to this type of issues, should be prepared and have at hand a suitable cover, such as a clean towel, small tablecloth or similar, to cover with proper decorum and propriety the seforim as needed. He might also include a handy briefcase, box or bag, furniture drawer, etc. nearby.
In case of need, if the sefer is in danger of being discarded or destroyed, one may indeed use the method you mentioned. (See Brochos 18a, Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 282: 3, in regard to the permissibility of placing a Sefer Torah under the donkey's saddle in order to protect it from being stolen).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/26/2019 1:33 PM |
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# 2266 Coating the Tzitzis
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Q. Which is better - to wear one's long (but old) weekday tzitzis on Shabbos, or wear Shabbos tzitzis that have a proper shiur and which are clean and new, but the Shabbos tzitzis are too short to be seen under one's long jacket worn on Shabbos and therefore one is not able to comply with the idea of having one's tzitzis be visible?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 8: 11) writes that the main mitzva of a taalis kotton is to wear it over his cloths, so he will always see it and remember the mitzvos. Mishna Berura (ibid. 11) quotes Magen Avrohom and Kisvei Hoarizal, that the taalis itself should be covered but the tzitzis should be seen outside.
Vayoshov Hayom (3: 4: p. 387) quotes Chida, Sheloh and others, that the bottom tip of the tzitzis should be seen under the coat (meil). Yalkut Yosef (8: p. 99) mentions that it suffices if they are seen when sitting down.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one does not need to have his tzitzis protruding from under a long coat, a raincoat or a winter coat, worn during the week or on Shabbos, as is the common and normal custom of many.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/26/2019 1:32 PM |
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# 2265 The Score on Settling
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Q. There is a couple transitioning to live in Israel. Next year they are there a month straight, the next year six months, coming back to visit the rest of the time. At what point are they Halachically considered residents of Eretz Yisrael particularly in regards to keeping one day of the Shelosh Regallim.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one is considered in Halacha a resident of Eretz Yisroel for the purpose of keeping only one day Yom Tov, when he stays six consecutive months a year in the land, and is planning to continue to do so in the future.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/26/2019 1:21 PM |
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# 2264 Mixed Message
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Q. Re- above question on creating a message using unattached Scrabble letters: Is there a problem with borer, (choosing - one of the prohibited actions on Shabbos), since one is choosing the letters now, but the message will be received at a latter time, when the people arrive?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if one scatters the Scrabble letters on a wide surface, there is no borer issue, since the letters are not mixed together.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/26/2019 1:12 PM |
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# 2263 The Law of the Letter
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Q. Re- Question 2259 - Playing Scrabble on Shabbos; Can one place a message for his family or guests on a table by using Scrabble letters not attached to anything, but covered with a heavy glass utensil, such as a transparent rectangular pyrex container or similar, so the kids won't grab or move the letters? The covering glass is not touching the letters, just protecting them.
A. As mentioned in question 2259; Poskim permit placing letters together on a board or similar and form words, when the letters are not fixed or attached to the board, or to each other, or when not being held together by a surrounding frame. (Shemiras Shabbos K’ 16: 23, Piskei Teshuvos 34: 16, quoting Igros Moshe O.H. 1:135 and Chaye Adam 37:6).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that although in principle it is permitted, it is preferable to avoid when not in need.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/26/2019 9:15 AM |
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# 2262 Come Heaven or High Water
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Q. One who everyday is tovel in the mikva, and owns a cottage where he uses the lake for his daily tevila before davening. If a proper eruv is placed on the lakefront of the cottage and the eruv of the property covers some of the lake area too (it was placed on metal poles on two parallel docks going into the water and a third cable was placed properly on two poles at the end of the two docks), can one be tovel on Shabbos in the lake, if no mikva is available?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 356: 1) and Mishna Berura (1,2) require proper mechitzos (fences and not just cables or tzuras hapesach), in the water area. Namely, they should be at least ten tefachim high and at least a tefach should be inside or outside the water. Horav Akiva Steinmetz Shlit'a mentioned that due to the waves and likely tides, the mechitzos, should be placed on the outside side of the docks, so one may carry also on them and be high and deep enough, that at least a tefach should always be inside and outside the water level. A similar mechitza should also be placed at the far side, and joining the two docks.
However, one may use an eruv made of tzuras hapesach for the dock itself, that extends and connects to the property eruv and use it for eating there during Shabbos.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is simpler to walk dressed with a bathrobe close to the lake, crossing the eiruv or tzuras hapesach he must have around his property. Since he is not carrying the bathrobe but wearing it. Place it down on the shore close to the water and proceed to immerse in the lake. When he exits, he should be careful to do it slowly so the water will drain from and his body will be mostly dry. He the can pick up his robe and wear it before he crosses into his property eruv.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/24/2019 4:57 PM |
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# 2261 A Little Knowledge of a Dangerous Thing
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Q. Is there a issue of mayim megulim like the opinion of the Pri Chadash in North Miami Beach? I noticed lizards in my rental home (one fell on my head in the house) and a snake in the backyard maybe they come in too... Thank you!
A. Poskim (Chesed Lealofim 4: 10, Kise Eliahu) indeed mention that one should not step or wash on Maim Megulim or uncovered water in places were snakes or scorpions may be present in them. They both quote the P'ri Chadash (Y.D, 116) that nowadays in Yerushalaim there are many snakes and scorpions to be found in the streets (as opposed to the days when the Beis Hamikdosh was extant), and therefore uncovered waters should not be used for washing, and even feeding animals, unless they are a small minority as opposed to the other waters.
Horav Shlomo miller's opinion is that besides the traditional Maim Megulim issues, since there is a distinct possibility that the waters on those areas may attract all kinds of harmful creatures, one and one's family, should not swim on those water and abstain from washing or immersing in them, unless the waters have been kept covered and closed-in by a fence or other means, and also checked before using them or swimming in them, especially when children are involved.
As our Sages constantly teach "Chamiro Sakanta Meisuro," Endangering oneself, is more severe and a greater prohibition than eating or benefiting from proscribed items.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/19/2019 7:59 PM |
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# 2260 Game Over
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Q. A relatively old-new toy creates drawings and words on a handheld screen, by magnetically pulling on small metal balls, sometimes of different colors. A pencil magnet is placed on that point, and it makes the ball come out and stay in that elevated place, thus creating with the balls an image or words. Can that be used on Shabbos?
A. See question 2259 above. Since the balls are held together in a frame, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that playing with this handheld screen would involve a Rabbinic prohibition.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/19/2019 2:37 PM |
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# 2259 Spreadable Scrabble
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Q. Is playing Scrabble allowed on Shabbos?
A. Poskim permit placing letters together on a board or similar and form words, when the letters are not fixed or attached to the board, or to each other, or when not being held together by a surrounding frame. (Shemiras Shabbos K’ 16: 23, Piskei Teshuvos 34: 16, quoting Igros Moshe O.H. 1:135 and Chaye Adam 37:6).
Ohr. Org - Ask the Rabbi 47, mentions: I showed Rabbi Chaim Pinchus Scheinberg, zt”l, an edition of Scrabble which had a flat board, without grooves for the tiles, and asked him if it is permitted to play this game on Shabbat. He acknowledged that some Poskim forbid it, and others permit it. He ruled that it is permitted, but that great care must be taken to ensure that the players do not forget that it's Shabbat and write down their scores. A similar ruling is to be found in Thirty Nine Melochos p. 955.
Some Poskim consider Scrabble a kli shemelachto leisur since the game involves writing down the score. (Tiltulei Shabbos p. 24).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is to better avoid playing games that do not promote the kedusha of Shabbos.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/19/2019 2:32 PM |
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# 2258 Dress the Ship?
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Q. If someone lives in a houseboat or a large boat, does he have to place mezuzos?
A. Poskim disagree. Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 286: 11) rules that a sefina or ship is exempt from having mezuzos. However, Shach (21) and Aruch Hashulchan (27) mention that the reason they are not liable is because they are diras arai or only a temporary abode. Therefore some Poskim maintain that ship cabins and staterooms in our days, that are well build and permanent, should have mezuzos placed. (Aruch Hashulchan ibid., Minchas Yitzchok 2: 84, 4: 55, Piskei Uziel 30, and others. See Kehilas Yaakov- Eiruvin 17 and Menochos 26).
Shevus Yitzchok (13: n. 41) quotes that Horav Eliashiv zt'l ruled that the reason a ship is exempt, is due to the teaching (Tomid 32a) that people who travel on the seas, their mind settles only when they reach the shore. Therefore, one should not recite a blessing when placing that mezuza. Betzel Hachochma (2: 82) asserts that a sefina is exempt since people don't establish their abode in the middle of the seas. (See also question 2035 regarding a mezuza on an igloo and 1226 on a trailer).
It would appear from the above opinions, that one who constantly lives in an anchored houseboat or large boat, does have to place a mezuza on it.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if the houseboat still travels, it is exempt of Mezuza.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/19/2019 2:21 PM |
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# 2257 Coming In into His Boat
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Q. (Re- questions 2254, 2255 above) What if the person lives on a houseboat or a boat year round or just in the Summer?
Does he have to have an eruv built around the boat to carry in and out?
A. Since the sea or the lake are a Karmelis, one may not carry items from or to them.
However, if he was able to build a proper eruv with mechitzos that includes the boat, it may be permitted.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that due to the complexities of building such an eruv, an expert Posek on these Halochos should be consulted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/19/2019 2:13 PM |
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# 2256 A Point of Honor
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Q. Does one have to honor a Cohen with the mitzva of Vekidashto, to be first when entering a room, or to take food first when no mitzva is being performed?
A. Poskim disagree if the mitzva of Vekidashto applies only to matters of kedusah and holiness, as would seem from the words of the Talmud (Gittin 59b), Sanctify him for all matters of holiness or extends to all occasions.
Maharsho (Nedarim 62a) depends the above on Rashi’s interpretation, that we are dealing even with items that do not have holiness, and the opinion of the Rosh and the Ran that maintain it applies to the distribution of the Lechem Happanim or similar.
Shita Mekubetzes (Nedarim ibid.) adds that the meaning of “Dabar Shebekedusha” refers to important and relevant matters, where honoring someone is significant and not to trivial acts, that don’t carry any esteem or recognition.
Tumim (15: 3) explains that the reason Poskim do not mention to give precedence and priority to a Cohen at judgment time, is because it is not a matter of holiness. Similarly, Pri Megodim (135: 1) writes that the serving of a Cohen first, refers to a seudas mitzva and not to a regular meal.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that when possible it is better to honor a Cohen in all occasions when the kavod is meaningful, since according to many this is a Biblical mitzva. One should do so especially if the Cohen can also be regarded as being a Talmid Chacham.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/19/2019 1:58 PM |
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# 2255 Don't Rock the Boat?
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Q. Can someone enter a boat that is tied up to a dock on Shabbat?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 339: 7) rules that one may enter a boat on Shabbos if the boat is sitting on the ground of the sea and not floating at all; and if it is tied up, in the way that boats are to the dock, even if it floats on the water one may enter. Mishna Berura (ibid. 35-37) explains that if the boat floats, one should not enter since it appears as if he is swimming. Being tied up, he adds, is properly on both extremes of the rope. Shemiras Shabbos K’ (16: 38) also permits entering a small boat or sirah, even when floating on the water, if it is tied up properly. See also Shulchan Aruch (O.H 613: 6) regarding traveling on such a boat for the purpose of a mitzva. See also next questions in regard to carrying items to and from the boat on Shabbos.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/19/2019 1:52 PM |
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# 2254 Resorts for a Resort
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Q. Hi, we are going to Gibraltar for Shabbos and they have a hotel there that's called the Sonburn Hotel. It is a boat that used to be in use. Now they took out the engine and they docked it with metal rods its not going anywhere. Am I allowed to stay there for Shabbos?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is permitted if the boat is firmly attached with the metal bars. However, one is not allowed to carry items in or out from that hotel unless a proper eruv was installed. (See next questions).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/19/2019 1:45 PM |
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# 2253 Buoys and their Toys
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Q. Are water toys like tubes, floats and inflatable mattress that are outside the water muktze on Shabbos?
Since their primary use is for swimming inside the water, which is not allowed on Shabbos can you use them when needed outside the water for seating or reclining on them??
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlita opinion is that if they are toys they are not muktze. However, utensils that most of their use is for swimming or in the water, they would be considered a Keli Shemelachto Leissur, or forbidden to use because of their prohibited use during Shabbos. However, they would still be permitted if one needs them for leaning or seating on them and even playing with them, as this is considered Letzorech Gufom. They may also be moved if one needs the space they are in.
If they are equally used in and outside the water, the Rov maintains that one can be lenient, since most probably any use of them would likely involve the Letzorech Gufom condition.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/19/2019 1:36 PM |
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# 2252 Panic Button Help
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Q. An apartment next to a hospital, donated (to Bikur Cholim) primarily for providing necessary lodging of family staying with patients during during Shabbos, has two bedrooms permitting the stay of individuals of different families and gender. To avoid yichud issues a recording security cameras were installed that operate on Shabbos, following the advice of Horav Miller.
Due to security concerns that the presence of unknown visitors may create, it has been suggested that emergency alarm switches should be installed in all rooms including all common areas. Those alarms when triggered would connect directly to 911 or a security facility. Is there a Halachik issue with them?
Is there a specific way that Horav Miller recommends how they should be installed?
A. On question 828 we wrote: Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”’a advised that in order to leave the cameras and recording equipment on during Shabbos, a random timer should be added in order to avoid this becoming a case of psik reisha or certainty of committing a prohibition. There should also not be a light or other on-indicator on the camera when recording.
The Rov recommended that the emergency alarm switches or panic buttons, should be installed as there could be, although uncommon, valid concerns of even Pikuach Nefesh in some instances. He also recommended that they should be connected to a competent security service, rather than effecting a direct 911 call, that may be considered due to its automated nature, to be a fake call. Usually, there may be more responsibility and obligation with a remunerated institution.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/19/2019 1:22 PM |
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# 2251 Oh Say Can You Sing?
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Q. B"H Shalom, Dear Rabbi,
Would it be ok to use the tune of the American national hymn (or the Canadian) for davening, such as Lechah Dodi or any other part of davening? (Perhaps as Hakarat hatov, close to Independence day. Albeit it is an exile, Jews are welcomed to worship Hashem!)
Is there a guiding rule with regards to using tunes in davening?
Thanks.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that although our sages encouraged us to pray for the peace of the land (Pirkei Avos 3: 2) and many shuls recite a special tefila on behalf of the national government, singing the national anthem as part of the liturgy may be incorrect and out of place. Some may even consider this irreverent and disrespectful, and should be avoided.
In principle the tunes singed in shul, should echo holiness, respect and devotion. True, some of the nigunim and tunes we often sing, may have had their origin in not a totally kosher background, and were then incorporated and given kedusha and holiness, still common sense and good judgment are imperative in not turning the service into a humorous and undesired comedy.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/12/2019 5:54 PM |
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# 2250 A Teshuva to do Teshuva
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Q. A shul has a rather recent takana that no aliya to the Torah should be given to someone who does not keep Shabbat. Recently a group of youngsters were engaged on being mekarev a friend who's family are longtime members of that congregation, but are not frum yet. Since they feel that there is a great possibility that the still un-frum friend may become a true baal teshuva can they give him as a necessary encouragement an aliya? If he accepts, is that considered disrespectful to his father, who does not get one?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that as long as the son accepts to not desecrate Shabbos openly, he can be given an aliya. The fact that the son does get called to the Torah then, is an encouragement to his father to follow him.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/12/2019 3:09 PM |
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Important Numbers
