|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
# 2138 Selling Point
|
|
|
Q. Are you allowed to sell with the chometz an open large bag of flour, if you are machmir not to sell chometz gomur?
A. Poskim mention that there is room to be stringent in including in the sale of chometz to Gentiles chometz gomur or items that are certain to be chometz such as bread and many other baked good. The reason being that there are a number of leniencies involved in the process of the chometz sale and therefore when Biblically prohibited chometz is involved, we should abstain from having it included in that sale. (Maase Rav quoting Hagr'a, Igros Sofrim 48 quoting Rab. Akiva Eiger, Orchos Rabbenu - Pesach: 19 quoting of Chazon Ish, Teshuvos Vehanhogos 1: 309, and others).
However, in regards to dry flour that did not come in contact with water Poskim are lenient. (Teshuvos Vehanhogos - ibid., Orchos Rabbenu, ibid., Piskei Teshuvos 448: n. 44).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that when needed one can be lenient.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 4/18/2019 11:41 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (1)
|
|
|
|
|
# 2137 Ill At Ease?
|
|
|
Q. One who is lo alenu sick with a digestive system disease, and often gets nauseous, or in need to vomit and finds it hard to eat. If he eats a kezais of matza at that time does he comply with the mitzva? Is it maybe seen as eating an achila gassa or overeating and he does not comply and has to wait until better and repeat?
A. As advised in question 2124, in need situation one may eat for the seder a smaller quantity of dampened matza.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if the above does not help much, and if the patient was still able to swallow the matza even when nauseous, he complies after the fact in a case of need.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 4/18/2019 11:12 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
# 2136 Every Bite Counts
|
|
|
Q. (Re- questions 2122-23). To clarify - regarding the opinion of the Vilna Gaon that it is a mitzvah to eat matzah all seven days of Pesach, does this meant that one fulfills a mitzvah with every kezayis consumed, or that one fulfills one mitzvah per day that he eats matzah?
A. He fulfills a mitzva every time he eats a kezais as mentioned; "Gilyonei Hashas (Pesachim 38a) compare it to seating on the suka on the rest of the Yom Tov."
Important to note that, as mentioned, it is not only the Gaon's opinion, others also agree such as the Rokeach (291), Chezkuni and Eben Ezra (Mispotim 23: 15), Chasam Sofer (191) mentions that so is the opinion of the Rosh and the Ran, et. al.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 4/18/2019 11:07 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
# 2135 Do me a little flavor
|
|
|
Q. In order to be yotze with maror, how much of the flavor of the horseradish should be left, if it was left open?
A. Poskim disagree if it is preferred to grind the maror before Yom Tov and leave it well covered until the night, or not. (Magen Avrohom 504: 7, Chaye Adam 120: 3, et.al/). When Pesach is on Shabbos, all agree that it should be grated before.
If the flavor of the horseradish became weak, Poskim maintain that one complies, as long as some flavor remains. (See Hilchos Pesach 29: 2). Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar. (See question 2145)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 4/18/2019 11:01 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
# 2134 Thought for Food
|
|
|
Q. Is it necessary to eat by the siyum in order to eat later, and if so what is one to do if no food is provided, as the shul is already clean for Pesach?
A. Poskim indeed write that one should attend and eat at the siyum's seuda a least the amount of a kossebes (about an egg) and thus end his taanis. (Maharam Brisk 1: 33, Minchas Yitzchok 9: 45, Teshuvos Vehanhogos 1: 30).
If no food was provided one must procure his own.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 4/18/2019 10:45 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
# 2133 Party Crasher?
|
|
|
Q. By the siyum on erev Pesach, is it necessary for the bechor to understand what is said, or do they comply if they are not able to hear or to follow what is said?
A. Poskim disagree if it is essential for one who wants to partake and be part of a siyum to understand what is being said at that time. Ben Ish Chai (Tzav 1: 25), Sidur Pesach Kechilchoso (14: 14) quoting Horav Eliashuv zt'l maintain that it is necessary. Yabia Omer (1: 26: 8) thus explains why a mesechta that end with divrei agadda should be chosen, so that all present will understand.
However, many Poskim maintain that it is not essential and if they attend the seuda they can join with them. (Minchas Yitzchok 9: 45, Oz Nidberu 12: 58, Teshuvos Vehanhogos 2: 210, quoting Horav Kanievski zt"l, et al.). Others maintain that he should at least help in setting the meal.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a pointed out that the minhag is to be lenient.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 4/18/2019 10:38 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
# 2132 Quick Sale
|
|
|
Q. If one already sold his chometz and then acquires more, I heard That Rav Miller rules that it is not included in the mechira. Is it enough just to contact the Rov it was sold to and tell him about the new chometz?
What happens when after the mechira, the children arrive and bring chometz?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it suffices to contact and inform the Rov.
If after the mechira, the children arrive and bring their chometz, they have to dispose of it themselves, or sell it to the Rov.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 4/18/2019 10:31 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
# 2131 Not Under the Chometz Influence
|
|
|
Q. People who sell all kinds of chametz liquors before Pesach to a Non-Jew, why do they abstain from selling beer to them?
A. See question above in regards to avoiding the sale of chometz gomur or certainly and Biblically prohibited chometz. Liquors that were created from fermented grain distillation are indeed a product of the condensation of the vapors of that distillation. Yet they are not chometz gomur, since they are only a condensed by product.
However, beer is not a distillate, it is rather the ferment of the grain itself, and thus should be considered chometz gomur, and when possible not be included in the leniency of the chometz sale.
Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 4/16/2019 12:08 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
# 2130 Throw a Shaila on the Scale
|
|
|
Q. Shalom Harav, We know one may not tend to there personal needs before davening; is it a violation of this halocho to go on a scale first thing in the morning which takes about 10 seconds. The reason one would choose this time is that the experts recommend going on the scale at this time in order to see the most accurate depiction of ones weight.
A. On question 1019 regarding a man to using a gym and a trainer before shacharis, we wrote; "Alei Siach (p. 64) writes that Rav Chaim Kanievsky shlit'a answered to a similar question, that it is not correct to do so. Yosef Daas (p.157) mentions different opinions. Tefila Kehilchosa (p. 114, 23) rules in the name of Rav P. Sheinberg zt'l, that if the intention of the individual is to be healthy and strong to be able to serve Hashem better and not for his own benefit and pleasure, it would be considered an act of Heavenly need and is permitted, if it cannot be done at another time. They warn that one should make sure not to miss Tefila Betzibur and the correct time of reading the shema and Tefilah. Hatefilah Vehilchoseha (4: 10) also quotes Divrei Chachamim (1: 2) in the name of Rav Eliyashuv zt'l, that it is permitted since it considered an activity of partial mitzvah. Piskey Teshuvos (89: ) quotes also similar opinions. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlita opinion follows Horav Chaim Kanievsky Shlit'a only lechatchila." See also question1288.
In regard to just weighing oneself on a scale before davening, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is permitted as other personal body needs are, such as taking a shower, brushing teeth etc.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 4/15/2019 1:38 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
# 2129 First In Last Out
|
|
|
Q. On Shabbos Hagodol if there is a Bar Mitzva, who has preference for maftir, the Rabbi who always receives the maftir, or the Bar Mitzva boy who is also a Cohen?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that the Rabbi has preference since the Bar Mitzva is honored by receiving the first aliyah. However, if the Bar Mitzva has already prepared the reading of the haftarah, the Rabbi should let him read it, while he only recited the brochos.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 4/15/2019 1:31 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
# 2128 Happy Returns
|
|
|
Q. Re- Above question on a kinyan (acquisitive act) for the matzos eaten at the seder by family and guests. Should that kinyan be done for them in mind, at the time the host buys his matzos?
Does that apply also to the maror?
A. Mishna Berura (454: 4), advises that when buying matzos, the buyer should be careful to pay for the matzos and not buy on credit, if the seller mentions that he needs the money, as he may not be acquiring those matzos until fully paid. However as mentioned in the above questions, there is no need to buy for the guests or the family.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it could be paid by cheque or by an accepted credit card.
As far as maror is concerned, although Poskim disagree, it is better if it is one's property, since there is a hekesh or link between matza and maror. (Biur Halacha 454: 4 quoting Pri Chadash).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 4/12/2019 3:52 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
# 2127 It Pays to Pay
|
|
|
Q. (Re- Above question on a kinyan (acquisitive act) for the matzos eaten at the seder by family and guests). Is it advisable that the guest pay a symbolic amount to the host for the matzos to be eaten later at the seder?
A. Some Poskim indeed maintain that it is better if something, at least a perutas value, is paid to the host by married children and guests for the matzos. (Piskei Teshuvos 454: 2).
Another reason given is mentioned in question 1923 in regards to a gifted taalis, were we wrote: "Chaye Adam (68: 16) rules that one should not comply with a mitzva for free, but rather pay for it. As King David said to Aravnah, “No; for I will only buy it from you at a price; so that I will not offer to the Hashem my G-d burnt-offerings which I had received for nothing.” (Shmuel II -24: 24). He quotes the Zohar (Terumah) who is very stringent in this principle, and warns that a spirit of impurity rides with free gifts.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit"a opinion is that the above may be a virtuous middas chassidus, but it is not customary
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 4/12/2019 3:24 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
# 2126 Seder Assets
|
|
|
Q. How do you handle during the Pesach Seder, the kinyan (acquisitive act) needed to have the matzos gifted to the family and guests, since matzos have to be owned by the eater?
A. Shulchan Aruch (454: 4) rules that one does not comply with the mitzva of matza, if the matza was
stolen. Mishna Berura (15) explains that the reason is a (gzeira shoveh) link to the mitzva of chalah that requires that one should separate it only from produce that belongs to him. Mishna Berura adds that if one borrowed a matza, he does comply, since when it was lent, he was expected to eat it and not to return that same piece, but rather another one or its value, and that matza actually belongs to him.
Some Poskim maintain that the host who owns the matza, should actually before he hands over to his children and guest the matza, mention that it is a present for them and then they perform a kinyan or acquisitive act when they receive it. (Sefas Emes - Suka 35a, Yad Hamelech - H. Chometz Umatza 6: 7, et. al.).
Some Poskim mention that the fact that the matza was introduced in one's mouth and chewed before being swallowed, the physical change created by the chewing, consists on a shinui maaseh and it is in itself an acquisitive act, so the matza is swallowed is already his property. (Biur Halocho 454: 4, Imrei Binah - O.H. Pesach 24, Betzel Hachochmo 4: 172 and others).
However, many Poskim assert that since they were invited to eat, it is obvious that the portions are gifted to them, and no official declaration or act of acquisition is needed. (Imrei Binah - O.H. Pesach 24, Tzitz Eliezer 2: 37 - 13: 15 and others).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar. The Rov added that throughout the generations, all that was required was for the host to place the matza in front of the family and guests and that is all that is needed.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 4/12/2019 3:18 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
# 2125 Never Too Late to Learn
|
|
|
Q. Re - Last question. (How do you arrange a minimal seder for an elderly lady that is mentally OK, but bed ridden at home). What is the minimal Haggada reading that has to be said for her? Does she have to ask the four kashios? Do you need a full seder plate to be brought to her room?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that she does not have to ask the kashios, but she should listen to them in a language she understands. Then the answer should include the paragraphs of Avadim Hayinu, Mitchila, Vehi Sheamdah, the three paragraphs of Pesach, Matza and Maror, and Halel.
It is commendable to bring a convenient seder plate to her room if possible.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 4/12/2019 3:05 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
# 2124 Mind the Senior Moment
|
|
|
Q. How do you arrange a minimal seder for an elderly lady that is mentally OK, but bed ridden at home.
What is the smallest shiur of matza, and how do you prepare it with water?
A. Normally Poskim recommend for matza are at least approximately 27 or 28 cubic centimeters according to Rav Chaim Noeh. (Shiurei Torah p. 191, 193. However, 28.8 cubic centimeters is mentioned preferable. About 15 - 13.5 gm.). According to Horav Moshe Feinstein zt'l the amount is 43.2 cubic centimeters or about (Kol Dodi, p. 60), and 50 cubic centimeters according to Chazon Ish. (Shiurin shel Torah, pp. 65, 66. There are conflicting amounts quoted as to how much matzo fulfills this opinion. Shiurin shel Torah p. 66 quotes that the Chazon Ish personally assessed half a machine matzo as sufficient, whereas the Steipler Gaon suggests that two thirds of a machine matzo may actually be necessary to meet this amount. Moreover, there are contemporary seforim on halachic measurements suggesting that perhaps even more than two thirds of machine matzo would be necessary to satisfy the Chazon Ish’s opinion.
In regards to an elderly or ill individual, Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion recommends half an ounce or 14.2 gm.
The Rov added that if the matza is to be dampened with water to make it softer and more digestible, it should maintain its tzuras hapas or basic form and structure.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 4/11/2019 2:58 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
# 2123 Shemura Segula?
|
|
|
Q. Is there a segula on eating shmura the entire Pesach?
A. See above question. Moadim Uzemanim (3: 267) writes that even according to the Poskim that maintain there is a mitzva on eating matza the entire Pesach, there is no purpose on constantly eating matza. This being similar to not having to perform the mitzva of shechita perpetually. He adds that eating matza is different from the mitzvos of tzitzis and shiluach hakan, in which there are special segulos mentioned in the Torah for the ones that keep these mitzvos.
However, Piskei Teshuvos (475: 12: n. 66) questions the above, since there are important segulos mentioned in Zohar (Tetzaveh) in regards to eating matza, that is called Michla Demehemenusa, or the food that brings to emuna and belief in Hashem. It is also called the Food of Healing, see Rokeach (291).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should place more emphasis and vehemence in the compliance of the mitzva itself, that in the segulos involved.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 4/10/2019 3:39 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
# 2122 Be Shomer the Shemura
|
|
|
Q. Some people have developed a custom to eat only "shmura" matza the entire Pesach. Is there a basis for such a minhag considering even our "non shmura" is generally watched in a fashion that technically would have been considered shmura to be yotzay the mitzvah of matza m'ikar hadin?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 475: 7) rules that the obligation to eat matza is only on the first night (and Rabbinically also on the second night in chutz laaretz). Mishna Berura (ibid. 44) mentions in the name of the Gr'a that although there is no obligation to eat matza during the rest of Pesach, if one does eat he complies with the mitzva of eating matza. Others also agree such as the Rokeach (291), Chezkuni and Eben Ezra (Mispotim 23: 15), Chasam Sofer (191) mentions that so is the opinion of the Rosh and the Ran, et. al. Avnei Nezer (377) and Gilyonei Hashas (Pesachim 38a) compare it to seating on the suka on the rest of the Yom Tov.
Since one complies with the mitzva of eating matza, according to the above Poskim even on the rest of the days, it is advisable that proper Shemura Matza as the one used at the seder, should be also used.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should follow the established mihagim of one's family. The Rov added that Horav Aharon Kotler zt'l would eat matza shemura during the entire Yom Tov, excepting when he ate kneidlach.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 4/8/2019 11:09 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
# 2121 Is It Nice to See You?
|
|
|
Q. Should one make an effort to see a president or a prime minister in our days?
A. Talmud (Brochos 9b) teaches that one should run to see the honour given even to the Gentile kings, since if he merits, he may be able to see the future difference between the glory that is given to them and the one to be imparted in the future to the Jewish rulers.
As seen in the question above, that glory and honour, has greatly diminished in our days. One may argue, that there is therefore more of a reason to see them, as the difference has greatly increased.
However, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that whatever honour is awarded today, cannot even begin to be a source of comparison and the whole activity is but a futile exercise. (See question 2120 above)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 4/5/2019 4:40 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
# 2120 Fake Brocho II
|
|
|
Q. If one has the opportunity to see a president or a prime minister does he make a special blessing?
If not should one recite without the name of Hashem?
A. In question 173, If it is halachically appropriate to recite a blessing on seeing Prince Charles or Queen Elizabeth, we wrote: "Shulchan Aruch( O.H. 224: 8) quotes the Talmud (Brochos 58a): “On Gentile Kings one blesses “He bestowed from His glory to flesh and blood”. Mishna Berurah (ibid. 8) rules that you only recite the full blessing (mentioning Hashem’s name), if the sovereign has absolute power including life and death decisions, otherwise you bless omitting Hashem’s name.
Birchas Hamedaver (p. 404) quotes opinions that include in the full blessing, a president or leader that is empowered to grant a pardon to a death-convicted individual.
Many Poiskim maintain that the blessing is recited only if the monarch is dressed in distinctive royal or official attire. (Tshuvos Vehanhogos 2: 139, Tzitz Eliezer 22: 14 et al.)
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that on Prince Charles no brocho need be recited meantime. On the Queen you can recite without Hashem’s name."
However, on question 1548 in regard to meeting with President Trump we wrote: "Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that because of the character and nature of the prevalent democracy, the Presidency of the U.S., has become so open to criticism, disparagement and condemnation, even when unwarranted and gratuitous. Therefore it would hardly qualify as an honour comparable to the Creator’s, and no brocho at all should be recited."
The Rov maintains that a similar ruling may apply nowadays to a prime minister.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 4/5/2019 12:58 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
# 2119 Read One Right
|
|
|
Q. A hospitalized person may be able to go down to the hospital shul on Parshas Zachor. If there is no minyan, can he with help, take out the Sefer Torah and read Zachor for himself even without a minyan?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 685: 7) rules that since Parshas Zachor is Biblically ordained, people living in towns with no minyan, will have to travel on this Shabbos to a place where there is one. Rema (ibid.) adds that if they are unable to do so, they should at least read them with their proper tune. Mishna Berura (ibid. 14) maintains that this reading should be done from a Sefer Torah. In Sha'ar Hatzion (ibid. 5) he quotes opinions in regards to the need of a minyan after the fact, when non is available.
Piskei Teshuvos (685: 2) quotes different opinions if Parshas Zachor, when omitted in the morning, could be read latter on during Shabbos afternoon with a minyan, by just calling to the Torah one person who will recite the brocho.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that is this case since there is no minyan to read Kerias Hatorah properly and with a brocho, it is better to read only from a chumash.
The Rov pointed out to Responsa Toras Refoel (1: 2) that maintains there may be even a Biblical prohibition to read from a Sefer Torah in unusual circumstances.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 4/5/2019 12:30 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|