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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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# 2647 The Daven Maven
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Q. If one has the choice to daven in an outside minyan versus davening b'yechidus in a beis medrash that one has access to, which is better (as there is an inyan of davening in a closed area as well as doing in a beis medrash)?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a suggested that one should daven a proper and slow amida with the necessary and right kavanah beyichidus (by himself), in the beis midrash that one has access to. He should also just exit to that outside minyan, only for answering kedusha and kadish if possible.
The Rov stressed to be careful with the all conditions that were set for attending such a minyan, as described in question 2638.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/30/2020 4:18 PM |
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# 2646 Marriage Made in Heaven?
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Q. As Lag Baomer is approaching. Can one get married during these pandemic days? How?
A. I has been suggested and likely already done, that one may celebrate a wedding at the courtyard or the parking lot of a building, while the immediate family and a few guest remain on the balconies above, and see the ceremony below. The officiating Rabbi and the witnesses would have to be below, at a safe distant. The wine cup would not be handed directly to the chosson rather it would be placed after the brocho is recited on a small adjoining table to be picked up by him.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that the rest of the people that make up the required minyan, should also preferably be on the ground below not above, at a safe distance.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 4/28/2020 11:51 AM |
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# 2645 Call It a Wash?
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Q. If you are constantly wearing disposable plastic gloves (these covid days). do you have to take the off for washing for bread or when you go out of the bathroom, or can you wash netila while wearing them?
A. Q. On question 2585 regarding if one wearing medical or hospital gloves to avoid a possible covid contamination, can wash his hands after sleeping (neig’l vasser). We wrote; "Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that for washing hands for removing ruach ra’a after waking up or coming out of a cemetery, in case of need one does not have to remove the thin plastic medical gloves one is wearing to prevent infections."
Regarding, netilas yodaim for eating bread at a seuda, the Rov maintains one has to remove the gloves before washing.
The same would apply, by common sense, when using a bathroom.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/28/2020 11:31 AM |
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# 2644 A Name That Travels Far
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Q. We are having a Zoom bris mila this week. The family and friends will not join us because of the pandemic attendance and travel restrictions, only a minyan will be present. Can just the name of the baby be given by the Zaidy by phone or on line? Can Zoom attendants recite the horachamons of bentching the same way?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that during normal times, he would not recommend to honor important people of the family, who are unable to attend, to give the Baby's name at the bris mila ceremony, or to recite the horachamons of bentching via Zoom, online or phone. However, in times of crisis, although the Rov still does not endorse it, he understands why for some in need. it could be done. He advises that when the name giver is not present, he should not to say "hayeled haze" or "this child", at the beginning of the name giving.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/26/2020 7:12 PM |
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# 2643 Not Tying Knots?
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Q. Often when the weather permits during these covid days, I daven shacharis by myself on the porch as I find it inspiring to see the trees and listen to the birds. When the wind blows, as it often does, I find it necessary to keep the taalis on my shoulders, to secure it by tying the two front corners together in a single loose knot. Is that permitted?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlita opinion is that it is permitted since it is only a single knot (not a kesher shel kayomo) and it is also loose. Besides the tzitztis are kept untied, free and separated.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/26/2020 5:12 PM |
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# 2642 Chosen Last Words
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Q. Re- question above. I have another question. The aunt of my friend, is herself not frum at all and never was. My friend by the way, is a great askan and mekarev of baalei teshuva. When meeting her today, he wants to be able to say viduy with her. But that may turn out to be very tricky as she may refuse to say anything like that. What is the correct approach in such situation?
A. From my sadly vast experience in tending to non religious patients last moments, while in Mexico, I may advise the following. As I understand, since the friend was not that close to his aunt, first he should establish a relationship with her by reliving past family experiences and stories, that she is likely to remember and cherish. Then taking into account the shortness of time available, he should recite the Shema. From experience, even the most nonreligious and unbelievers, will react positively to listening to the Shema, when they are aware they are passing on.
As I understand, she used to live in Israel, she may react to a Shir Hamaalos, sung to the emotional and well known tune of the Israeali anthem. At that emotive point, you may try to mention making peace with all including Hashem too.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion, is somewhat similar. He added that she does not have to recite in such case the traditional words of viduy herself, as they not only will likely be meaningless to her, it may even be counterproductive and cause further negation at a very crucial time. Best is to just mention an expression of love and unity with the Creator, or at least to recite a tefila to Hashem for her that she understands, and ask her to answer amen.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 4/24/2020 3:34 PM |
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# 2641 Auntie It's Me!
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Q. A friend's elderly aunt is near death. She has no other close relatives in town and he was given permission during these pandemic times, to be with her for a short time while she is still conscious.
He wants to know if when entering her room, as she may not recognize him while wearing his protective face mask, if he can remove it for a few seconds, since it is essential that she knows who he is to establish that so important contact. Can he do it?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if he keeps the required distance, avoids breathing that short time, there should be no problem.
However, the Rov advised he should tell an attending nurse of his intentions, to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and conflict.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 4/22/2020 1:47 PM |
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# 2640 A Blessing In a Disguise?
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Q. Does Rav Miller shlita permit walking outside on Shabbos (for fresh air - where there is no eruv) wearing the customary mask that is being worn in these covid days? Is there any tzad to be machmir? (An opinion to be stringent, because of the carrying prohibition)?
A. The face mask idea is not new. Tzemach Tzedek (O.H. 110: 930) mentions in regards to fasting on Tisha beAv during the Cholera epidemic in the year 5608 -1848: “Someone who wishes to fast in a locale where the sickness is not chas vesholom strong, should be advised and cautioned not to leave one’s house an entire day, and he should be required to wear a small piece of cloth around his nose and mouth, together with a bit of peppermint”.
Shulchan Aruch (O.H.301: 14) permits carrying in a public domain where there is no eruv, items donned as clothing, even if their use is only to avoid soiling oneself.
Regarding regular prescription glasses Mishna Berura (ibid. 44) prohibits carrying them in that street. However, contemporary Poskim are lenient, since today's well adjusted glasses do not easily fall from one's face. Poskim disagree in regard to sun glasses, if they are being used only as protection from the sun. (Shoel Umeshiv (3: 1: 109), Har Tzvi O.H 173, Mishne Halochos 7: 57 et al.).
Neis Lehisnoses (p. 84) questions whether Moshe Rabbeinu was permitted to walk outside on Shabbos since he was wearing a mask. He inclines to say he was not, since the mask was only used for the protection of others.
Poskim usually permitted wearing in the street, a well adjusted gas mask during war or terrorist attacks, to protect oneself from possible poisonous gasses. (ibid).
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a connected the above to the Talmud (Shabbos 66b) in regard to the prohibition of wearing on the street "luketamin" during Shabbos. Rava bar Rav Huna explains: that they are masks. (Rashi adds: they are "peramei," used for scaring children).
However, the Rov maintains that if today's face masks are properly adjusted and secured to the face, one can and should wear them during these pandemic times, even in a street without an eruv, if he has to go out during Shabbos
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/21/2020 3:56 PM |
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# 2639 Whether Permitting...
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Q. Re- prior question 2638 on the conditions Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a permits a front porch or backyard minyan.
1) is this a chiyuv, or only a heter, to participate in such minyanim?
2) how should non-compliance with conditions be treated? (does it void the heter to make the minyan?)
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if one has reasons why he should not be part of that minyan (could be medical or his relations with the neighbors etc.), he can avoid participating and daven beyichidus.
If his presence is required to make the minyan, he may just be there at the beginning of the amida and then retire inside.
Non-compliance with conditions mentioned would indeed void the heter to make the minyan.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/20/2020 5:18 PM |
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# 2638 Rule and Divide
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Q. I heard that Horav Miller Shlit'a changed yesterday (4/19/20) his ruling in regard to minyonim in the backyard, is it true? What is the new ruling?
A. As mentioned in the last question, Covid's sole true constancy is its ability to change. I spoke to the Rov Shlit'a this afternoon (4/20/20) and indeed, he maintains that for the time being, people can attend a front porch or backyard minyan, only once a day, for Mincha, and when davening a "hoiche shemonesre" (without the repetition of the amida), followed by one single kadish yosom.
No taalis should be donned (so not to provoke unnecessary feelings of "eiva," (dislike) with the neighbors.
Essential conditions are that only the people dwelling in those houses are permitted to be part of the minyan, no visitors are allowed and the safe recommended distance must be always maintained.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
In a letter send by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a on Nissan 27, the Rov wrote:
• Each person must stand on HIS porch only
• NO gathering in any yard
• NO outsiders may join at all
If these guidelines are not followed, then there would be no choice but to ban even porch minyanim.
Since in halacha a minyan of people on adjoining porches is unclear, one should not daven Chazaras Ha’shatz or kriyas Hatorah since it is a safek bracha l’vatalah. Therefore, this minyan should only be formed at mincha, with a short Shmonei Esrei in order to say kaddish and Kedusha. One should also be careful that either everyone should see the Chazan, or the Chazan should be able to see everyone.
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Posted 4/20/2020 4:27 PM |
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# 2637 Where Were We?
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Q. Referring to the response of the Rov above - (2630), Is this response for Toronto or somewhere else? (Lakewood?) .
A. The related questions 2610, 2624, 2629 and 2630, were all asked by, and are referring to a minyan in Toronto. However, the ruling of Horav Miller Shlit'a would equally apply to any other similar city anywhere. Many other of the Poskim today (4/19/20) would at this time agree with him.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/20/2020 4:24 PM |
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# 2636 Passover Forever?
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Q. An elderly couple, has difficulty in removing all the Pesach utensils and packing them in boxes, as well as returning the chometz dishes and other needed equipment. The help they need will only be with them this Monday. Can they extend their Pesach, eating matzos only, from Friday until Monday? Why is this not prohibited as seating inside the Suka on Motzei Yom Tov is? Do they have to do anything special?
A. Maase Rav (185) relates that the tradition of the Gaon of Vilna was to eat chometz immediately after the end of Pesach and would avoid consuming matza, that one can comply with it the mitzva of matza. The intention was to show that his eating of matza during Pesach was solely done with the intention of keeping the mitzva, and not for the good taste of the matza.
It is also reported that the Tzanzer Rebbe and others would put effort on reciting havdala at the end of Pesach with beer.
However, Maharil (H. Pesach p. 19) quotes that in the home of the Maharash , there was no chometz on Motzei Pesach and they ate matzos.
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a explained, that eating inside the suka after the end of the Yom Tov is not prohibited, if one does not have any intention in keeping a mitzva. (Otherwise, he may be transgressing the prohibition of B'al Tosiff, or adding to the mitzva when not required). The same would apply to eating matza after Pesach.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 4/19/2020 6:29 PM |
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# 2635 Face The Music Again
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Q. May one listen to music during sefira to avoid depression due to the current (covid) matzav?
A. The tradition not to listen to music during Sefira days has become widely accepted in our days, and according to Poskim it includes even non live music such as taped music. (Igrois Moshe O.H. 1: 166, Minchas Yitzchok, 1: 111, Oz Nidberu 8: 58, Yechave Daas 6:34, Tzitz Eliezer 15: 33, Kinyan Torah 2: 99 and many others). However, Chelkas Yaakov (1: 62) argues that an electronic device which did not exist at the time when the decree became accepted, cannot be included in the gezera.
There are some exceptions to this minhag, such as listening to classical music On question 281 we wrote: Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that in principle serious or cheerless classical music would be permitted (during Sefira) as we do sing a sad tune even on Tisha B’av (Eli Tzion). However it is likely that while listening to a symphony, parts of it may meet the criteria of the mood markings of allegro, animato, or giocoso. It is therefore advisable to refrain from listening to all music, unless needed for therapeutic purposes.
On question 1305 we added that the same should apply to playing classical music on a piano or other instruments.
On question 1711 in regard to teaching dancing classes during Sefira, we wrote: "Mogen Avrohom (493: 1) rules that non-mitzva dancing is prohibited during Sefira days. However, Igrois Moshe (O.H. 3: 87) permits teaching instrumental music when it is done as a professional duty and not for enjoyment. See Naharos Eisan (p. 252) in regards to permitting singing and playing music for children in school.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one should avoid if possible attending or teaching dancing classes during Sefira,"
On question 1312, regarding if one is allowed to have a telephone ringtone that is a segment of a song with musical instruments, we wrote: "There are Poiskim who permit listening to music that is not played for the sake of enjoyment or pleasure, as one who employs workers that listen to the radio as they work, or music that is played for a child to calm him to sleep. (Nitei Gavriel , Bein Hametzorim ch. 15, 8-13). Some Poiskim understand the music prohibition as only what conduces to joy and dancing, and permit classical music, played for soothing and comforting the soul. (Shoalin Vedorshim p. 245). However, others disagree.
Similarly they permit to play music to calm a young child, or to listen to music while driving, if the purpose of the music is to keep the driver alert.
Shoishanas Yisroel (Ben Hametzorim 1: 18) mentions that one should change the ringtone of his phone, if it was recorded for the purpose of joy.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in the onset, one should avoid this type of ringtone the year around. However, once set it does not have to be removed."
On question 1401 regarding listening to a happy tune on the phone while being placed on hold, we added: "Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a pointed out that most people do not enjoy being placed on hold, no matter what music is being played."
On question 1390, addressing if one can listen to tapes of chazanos of tefilos, during the three weeks, if one is interested in knowing the nusach and the nigunim, when one davens for the amud on Shabbos or Yomim Noraim, we wrote" Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in principle if they are not melodies of simcha and joy, rather the normal nigunim that a chazan or a baal tefila sing by the amud, that express more sentiment, fervor and emotion than happiness and delight, they are permitted to listen to or sing even during the tefilos of the nine days, especially if one's intention is only for learning them. The fact is that even on Tisha Beav we do sing Keli-Tzion. However, when listening to chazonus, the nigunim may change suddenly to happy and joyful to be avoided songs.
Nitei Gavriel (Pesach 3: 53: 7), Hilchos Chag B’chag (p.63), Halichos Shlomo, (Moadim 2: 11: 14), and others permit an ill patient to listen to music, when it would help him avoid falling in a depression. Divrei Sholom (4: 80), further explains, that if music is needed for one's health, it is certainly better than the permissibility of playing music for a living.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that, one should consult with his doctor, if the listening to happy music would indeed make a difference to his health, he may then follow the above heterim.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 4/19/2020 4:47 PM |
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# 2634 Home Away From Home?
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Q. Re- question 2617 regarding a frum physician working in a hospital that has also Jewish patients during the first or even the second seder as to how to make kiddush etc.. There was mention that the doctor was going to travel back home by Uber late that night to join the seder with his family. Is that permitted?
A. The shaila was mentioned by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a and others. When questioned again, Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a maintained that he would permit for the doctor to travel back home by a prearranged Uber ride, only on Yom Tov but not on Shabbos.
When queried if the fact that he can spend Shabbos with his family and rest at home, may have a positive influence in his well being and thus help him become more capable of tending to his patients, the Rov declined to be lenient. The Rov argued that he may just as well rest in a room in an adjacent hotel or in the hospital itself.
The Rov suggested, that the doctor may likely find a qualified Rabbi willing to be lenient.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/17/2020 6:15 PM |
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# 2633 Forgotten But Not Forgiven
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Q. On Sunday the second day of Chol Hamoed Pesach, we took out the car from the garage and sadly discovered that there was a bag of leftover chametz crackers and cookies, destined to be thrown out to the garbage on Erev Pesach, that somehow fell off and ended on a corner of the garage. We sold our chometz but we don't want that bag of chometz there now. To get rid of it can we borrow the dogs of our non-Jewish neighbor and have them eat the crackers? Can the Rov suggest another way of disposal.
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 448: 66) rules that one cannot feed chometz in Pesach even to someone else or hefker (ownerless) animals. Mishna Berura (ibid. 28) explains that he derives pleasure from feeding those animals. Shaar Hatzion (28) points out that it may be a Biblical prohibition.
One may have a problem even asking a Gentile to dispose of it since it does not belong to him anymore, after all he sold his chometz before Pesach and he may now be stealing it.
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a agreed that probably the best option is to cover it with boxes that will end up being higher than ten tefachim (about one meter) or to create a mechitza (separating curtain) of that minimum height, and treat it as any other chometz that one locks out correctly and sells it before Pesach.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 4/14/2020 6:40 PM |
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# 2632 Drop A Line?
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Q. If I have to text or send emails during Chol Hamoed should I add a few words such as "kedushas Yom Tov", to make a change and establish the holiness of these days?
A. Remah (O.H. 545:) rules that one may be lenient on ordinary writing in need during Chol Hamoed (Mishna Berura ibid 5 and 35) maintains that one may be lenient in ordinary hand writing if he makes a shinui or a change, such as the top line being written in a slant. Yabia Omer (8: 48: 5)) opines that typing on a computer is also considered non-professional writing and not even actual writing, since the letters are not printed. He permits typing up Divrei Torah. or sending greetings for Yom Tov need. (See similar opinions in Igros Moshe E.H. 4: 73: 4 and Shemiras Shabbos K. 66: n. 211, Yalkut Yosef - Kivud Av Vaem p.251) and others).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that adding a few words into the text, would only make the situation worse as those words are unecessary and therefore not permitted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 4/14/2020 4:16 PM |
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# 2631 This Is News To Me
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Q. On Chol Hamoed, should one avoid reading the news, especially about who died, due to the mitzvah of vesamachta b'hagecha? If so, why are the Frum Jewish news sites still posting on Chol Hamoed? Is one obligated to refrain from reading, or is it merely a middas chassidus?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that indeed one should avoid reading depressing and mournful news during Chol Hamoed, as it contravenes the mitzva of vesamachta bechagecha, to rejoice during Yom Tov. Unless one wants to become aware of much needed protective information, or how to help others and concentrate just on that. The above may apply even to Rosh Chodesh.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 4/14/2020 3:11 PM |
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# 2630 Covid's True Constancy = Change
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Q. My backyard adjoins other neighbours who wish to make a minyan across backyard fences in the way described as permitted by the Rov. Do I (and the other adult male members of my household) have an obligation to join such a minyan? Without the 3 people from my house, there would be no minyan in adjoining properties. (I currently daven b’yachid in accordance with the directives from Hatzoloh locally, and Agudas Yisroel of America who have prohibited minyanim “without exception” – as per April 6 Joint Statement with RCA, OU, Lakewood Vaad.)
A. A defining attribute of the Covid crisis is its constant ability to change.
Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion today (4/14/20) is, that due to the changing situation, at this point in time, all minyonim should be avoided. This includes the one you describe, as well as the one addressed in questions 2610, 2624, and 2629. Although, they would comply with the strict letter of the law in our locations, the Rov maintains that the potential for Chillul Hashem, as well as the possible non-compliance of the attendants to all conditions, preempts all other considerations.
Therefore, all minyonim in every form and location, should be avoided at his time.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/14/2020 12:45 PM |
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# 2629 So Far and Yet So Near
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Q. Re- questions 2610 and 2624 regarding a group of five neighbors that share different sides and corners of their back yards, with one standing in the middle, that want to organize a minyan during these critical covid times. Since each family has one or several bar mitzva children and they are all staying home because of the required separation. They organized a minyan by just looking over the fences of the adjoining properties. (See there the important details and conditions).
When reading the Torah in the central backyard, can someone in an adjoining property receive an aliyah without entering into the yard where the Torah is being read?
A. Horav Dovid Pam Shlit'a mentioned that he heard in the name of Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a that he permitted a neighbor that is inside his own backyard and cannot read the Torah from that far, to be called and then recite the brochos from where he is, as he would normally do, and then just listen to the reading of the Torah.
The above is based on the fact that a blind person, can also be called to the Torah and proceed to recite the brochos before and after, even when he can't actually read the sefer, but just hear the reading. (See Remah O.H. 139: 3, and Mishna Berura ibid. 130).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Dovid Pam Shlit'a
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Posted 4/14/2020 12:16 AM |
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# 2628 No Place Like Home
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Q. My father became ill and tested positive to the corona virus. However, since his case is until now B'H mild, his doctors were not convinced that his best option is to be hospitalized. Since he lives in a way off place, the hospital available to him will not provide these days kosher food, due to the restrictions set by the current crisis. The food that would be available to him in the hospital, even if he only eats fruits and vegetables, may still be questionable during Pesach. As he is not in imminent sakana (danger), and BE"H he should keep on that way, what is the correct thing for him to do?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that considering that he is not in sakana now, and being hospitalized may be a detrimental and aggravating factor as his doctors also advised, it would seem reasonable that the best option is to stay at home, where his family can take care of him, and he can also consume proper food. Also he may not be additionally exposed to other infections.
However, great care should be taken to monitor constantly his condition and have the means ready to transport him to the hospital immediately, if that becomes necessary.
One should also maintain his physicians constantly aware of his condition.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 4/13/2020 5:16 PM |
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Important Numbers
