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#5980 - Have a Happy Birthday!
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Rabenu mentioned on question 5973 that it is permitted to celebrate a birthday party during the Three Weeks until Rosh Chodesh Av. Are we allowed to celebrate birthday during the Nine Days at home with only family and no music?
During the three weeks it is permitted, but during the nine days it isn't a correct thing to do, as we don't have parties during the nine days. It should be pushed off until after the nine (10) days. Kovetz Halachos ( R. S. Kaminetzsky shlit"a) Bein Hamitzarim 10-8.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/29/2026 8:22 AM |
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#5979 – The Operational Week?
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Rabenu Shlit’a. Can one schedule surgery for and during the 3 weeks?,
A. One should not schedule surgery for during the Three Weeks, and certainly not during the Nine Days, unless the doctor insists that it should not be postponed.
See Piskei Teshuvot 551:1, Dirshu Mishna Brura 551:note 128 in the name of Rav Shmuel Vosner, Rav Moshe Feinstein quoted in Moadei Yeshurun page 130:footnote 44, Emes Liyaakov 551:footnote 515, Nitei Gavriel 23:8. Rav Bentzion Mussafi permits until Rosh Chodesh to get surgery. See also Chazon Ovadia Arba Ta'aniyot page 128 footnote 2 and Halichot Olam vol 2 pg. 134.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/29/2026 8:21 AM |
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#5979 – The Operational Week?
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Rabenu Shlit’a. Can one schedule surgery for and during the 3 weeks?,
A. One should not schedule surgery for during the Three Weeks, and certainly not during the Nine Days, unless the doctor insists that it should not be postponed.
See Piskei Teshuvot 551:1, Dirshu Mishna Brura 551:note 128 in the name of Rav Shmuel Vosner, Rav Moshe Feinstein quoted in Moadei Yeshurun page 130:footnote 44, Emes Liyaakov 551:footnote 515, Nitei Gavriel 23:8. Rav Bentzion Mussafi permits until Rosh Chodesh to get surgery. See also Chazon Ovadia Arba Ta'aniyot page 128 footnote 2 and Halichot Olam vol 2 pg. 134.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/29/2026 8:21 AM |
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#5978 -A Strong Week Shailah?
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Q. Dear Rabbi. Can one prepare and schedule trips and recreational activities for the Three Weeks?
A. One shouldn't schedule trips and recreational activities for the Three Weeks. However. some maintain that if that is the only time a person can take trips with his family, or it is for medical reasons, it is permitted until the Nine Days.
See Mikroei Kodesh 5:1 quoting the Masas Chaim of Rav Chaim Palagi that the rabbis of his generation established that people shouldn't go on trips during the Three Weeks. He also writes that this is cited by the Sdei Chemed Ben Hametzarim 1:10 and Nitai Gavriel Ben Hametzarim 23 fnt. 7. He also quotes that he heard from Rav Shaul Yisraeli that one shoudln't go on recreational trips during the Three Weeks. See also above Mikraei Kodesh 5:1 citing Rav Mordechai Eliyahu.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/29/2026 8:21 AM |
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#5977- An Engaging Question!
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Q. See question above. Is it permitted to get engaged in the Nine Days and serve a Lechaim?
A. Magen Avraham 551:10 rules that it is permitted to become engaged and write tenaim during the Nine Days, even on Tisha BeAv itself, as long as there is no meal, music, or dancing. Until Rosh Chodesh, one is allowed to celebrate the engagement with a festive meal but without dancing. (Mishna Brurah 551: 19, Aruch Hashulchan 551:8, Yalkut Yosef Moadim page 553. )
However, the Tzitz Eliezer (13:60) notes that many Jews refrain from doing so on Tisha B'Av. In addition, the Ben Ish Chai (Devarim: Halacha 4) writes that in Baghdad, they would not get engaged during the Nine Days between Rosh Chodesh Av and Tisha B'Av. He says further that it is preferred not to get engaged at all during the "Three Weeks."
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/29/2026 8:19 AM |
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#5976 – A Shower of Shailos?
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Q. See question above. Can one take a shower and wear freshly washed clothing?
A. When necessary, it is also permitted to shower for this purpose. It is even permitted to get engaged in the Nine Days (Magen Avraham 551:10).
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Posted 6/29/2026 8:18 AM |
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#5975 -The Date of the Date!
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Q. Dear Rabbi. What are the Halachos of dating in the nine days?
A. There is also no problem to date in the nine days.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/29/2026 8:17 AM |
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#5974 – Enjoy the Birthday Gift?
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Q. See question above. Could we invite friends and receive gifts that will be stored and not opened until after Tisha Beav? Does it make a difference if the birthday is for children?
A. If they will not be used now one may accept them in order to not to embarrass the giver and after explaining to them that they will be used after the Nine Days.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/29/2026 8:16 AM |
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#5973 -Have a Happy Birthday?
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Q. Kevodo, Are we allowed to celebrate birthday in “bein hametzarim” (vacation) at home with no music and just family?
A. It is permitted to celebrate a birthday party during the Three Weeks until Rosh Chodesh Av. (Laws of Daily Living: The Three Weeks (p. 45) .
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/29/2026 8:15 AM |
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# 5972 – The Wisdom Teeth?
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Q. See question above. Does it make any difference if the denture is itself a costly item that provides good luck?
A. It stands to reason that if it is needed for being able to eat, it should be permitted, even if other more simple dentures could be bought, since there would be an added cost.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/29/2026 8:14 AM |
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#– 5971 – A Law with Teeth!
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Q. Dear Rabbi Shlit’a. I have an appointment at my dental surgeon to have my dentures placed on the of the Nine Days. Can I keep that appointment or should I change the appointment for after the Nine Days ?
A. Poskim rule that if the procedure involves any danger, if possible, it is preferable to postpone it until after the three weeks are over, .
(See Emes L'yackov 551- ftnt. 515, Kovetz Halachos 7-4 )
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
See next question.
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Posted 6/29/2026 8:13 AM |
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#5970 - The Musar of Shiva Asar Betamuz
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Q. See question above. Dear Rabbi. Besides the known tragic happenings mentioned above, were there any other historic occurrences in the past or G-D willing in the future on Shiva Asar Betamuz that which were actually beneficial?
A. Other interesting occurrences on this day include Noach sending out the first dove to see if the Flood waters had receded, (Bereishit 8:8) in 1650 (2100 BCE); Moshe Rabbeinu destroying the golden calf, (Shemot 32:20, Seder Olam 6, Taanit 30b – Rashi) and then ascending back up Har Sinai for the second time where he spent the next forty days pleading for forgiveness for the sin of the golden calf. (Shemot 33:11, Rashi)
The Mishna in Ta’anit 4:8 associates the 17th of Tammuz as the “Fast of the Fourth Month” mentioned by the prophet Zechariah. According to this Mishna, the 17th of Tammuz will be transformed in the messianic era in a day which “shall be joy to the House of Judah” full of “gladness and cheerful feasts.”
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/21/2026 7:35 AM |
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#5968 - Much More Mouthwash?
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Q. See question above. How about using baking soda or similar powders to brush teeth?
A. If it’s put on dry without making a paste beforehand or you make a paste before Shabbos it would be permitted.
Yet only a Shabbos Toothbrush may be used.
Regarding tooth powder, besides the possible Shabbos concern, it should not be used even in middle of the week, because of
potential kashrus concerns.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/21/2026 7:33 AM |
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#5967 – Mouth the Mouthwash?
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Q. See question above. One more question. Can one swirl in his mouth on Shabbat a cleaning rough powder. Since he spits it out, does it have a hechsher?
A. It could be used with care and indeed it has to be certified Kosher.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 6/21/2026 7:32 AM |
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#5966 – Don’t Rush to Crush the Brush?
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Q. Rabbenu Shalita’a. Can one use on Shabbat a simple total plastic brush that does not absorb any water for brushing one’s teeth? How about just a dental stick with a pointy rubber head?
A. Indeed both could be used, including also toothpicks.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 6/21/2026 7:30 AM |
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#5965 - Enlightening New Lights
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Q. Dear Rabbi, Incandescent new battery powered LED candles are used on Shabbat where real candles are not lit for safety reasons, such as in hospitals and on cruise ships. There are various opinions pertaining to how the bracha over incandescent candles and LED should be said. Do we say Hashem’s name or not?
Thank you.
A. On question 4565 we wrote:.
“Q. Dear Rov. Can one, when no other option is available, such as when a patient is in hospital or one is traveling by plane use halogen lights for Chanuka?
A. On Shailah 673 we received the following question:
“I’m doing my medical internship and I stay in the hospital overnight some days a week. Can I use a sodium battery powered lamp (sometimes used for medical examinations) for Chanuka lights? How about a Halogen light?”
To what we answered: “In question 667 of this forum, we mentioned that in regards to electric lights, Beis Yitzchok (Y.D. 1: 120) opines that they could be used instead of Shabbos candles but not as Chanuka lights since they lack Pirsumei Nissah. or recognition with the Chanuka miracle. Poskim offer other reasons why electric lights do not qualify.
One being that there is no actual fuel present at the time of lightning; it is constantly being generated at the power stations (Pekudas Elozor O.H. 23, Shmiras Shabbos Kechilchoso 43 n.22, et. al.) Accordingly, they would permit the use of a battery powered incandescent light bulb. However, some Poskim do not regard the tungsten filament as a wick. (Maharshag 2: 107, Levushey Mordechai 3: 59) Most Poskim would not sanction the commonly used fluorescent and LED lights for Chanuka use.
Lehoros Nossan (11: 17) permits battery powered incandescent lights when in need and no other option is available, such as one hospitalized. Nitei Gavriel (Chanuk,a Teshuva 1) quotes Be’er Moshe’s opinion that one should light the incandescent light without a bracha.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is also not to recite a bracha even on battery powered incandescent light.
The monochromatic yellow sodium lamp works by creating an electric arc through vaporized sodium metal. Although this lamp also contains a glowing filament, the focal light emanates from the vaporized sodium; therefore they are similar to fluorescent lights mentioned above.
Halogen lights are basically pressurized incandescent lamps, and the glowing filament provides the illumination.”
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 6/21/2026 7:30 AM |
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#5964 – Enjoy all the Enjoyers?
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Q. Dear Rabbeinu Bartfeld Shalit"a, Chodesh Tov, The Gemara in תענית כב עמוד א speaks about the reward of people who make other people happy. (אנן אנשי בדוחי אנן)
How about a non-Jew who makes Jews or non-Jews happy? What reward does he get? Thanks. (The knowledge is needed to encourage much needed good relations.)
A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a stressed that although this is not explicitly one of the Seven Mitzvos given to the Non Jews, yet indirectly it is likely part to the basic belief in Hashem that includes all humans.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/21/2026 7:29 AM |
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#5963 – Help the Heifer?
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See question above. Q. 3. Is there an obligation to take care of this red heifer and see that it does not get blemished and acquire any Mum or defect which would disqualify it from beoming a “Parah Aduma” Would the Gedolei Hatorah take care of it also?
A. Indeed if the red heifer could be used, it would be reasonable to maintain and keep with care the prospective Parah Aduma.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/21/2026 7:28 AM |
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#5962 – The Healing of the Heifer?
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See question above. Q.2. The ear of the heifer is still recovering, provided that it gets completely healed, can it qualify as פרה אדומה?
Thanks.
A. As mentioned in the last answer, it is likely not a candidate for a Parah Aduma.
See next question.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/21/2026 7:27 AM |
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#5961 – The Seider of the Heifer?
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Q. Shalom, Dear Rabbeinu Shalit"a,
A Red Heifer was born in the Galilee just before Parashat Chukat in Israel!
The heifer had a tag on its ear which was removed, and the heifer is still recovering. I have a number of questions.
1. Since it was born by insemination, can it qualify as פרה אדומה?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a suggested that any change in the normal birth and development of the Heifer could likely create a situation of avoidance for the Parah Aduma.
See next question
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/21/2026 7:27 AM |
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Important Numbers
