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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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#5665 Thanks But No Thanks
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- Q. Dear Rabbi we reside by the Jewish Mexican community in Los Angeles you are familiar with, and we have often send you many questions. Thanks for your great work.
We have yet to celebrate thanksgiving this year (on Thursday, November 27th.) we have some members of our shul that are Baalei Teshuva and want to offer a Kidush on the next Shabbat, since they argue that it is not a religious holiday. Is that permitted?
A. On question 5156 we wrote:
A Freilechen St. Patrick’s day?
– Q. What is one permitted to do on Thanksgiving day?A. On question 4166 we wrote:
“I attend a daily minyan, that as others do, offers an after Shacharit Kiddush with a drink and mezonot. The attendants before drinking a small cup of liquor, as tradition goes wish each other ‘Lechaim’, Mal Tov, or if it is aYohrzait, ‘The Neshama should have an Aliya’.
On St. Patrick’s day, most likely still deep in the Purim ‘spirit’ an usual attendant offers every year a green full bottle of Irish (kosher) liquor. and with a very comical smile, pours a drink to all and wishes a ‘ Freilechen, (happy) St. Patrick’s day’. We all understand that it is only a humorous act, but is it permitted in a shul? I do not want to insult him by refusing the drink or the Lechaim. What is the proper thing to do?”
To what we answered:
“Saint Patrick’s Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador (for provincial government employees), and the British Overseas Territory of Montserrat. It is also widely celebrated in the United Kingdom, Canada, United States, Argentina, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. From the present day literature explaining the meaning of the day, it seems that in most or the many places mentioned it is not anymore a religious commemoration but a cultural and national identity day.
However, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is, that since it still has a strong religious identity in Catholic communities and special services are offered on the day for many, to avoid insulting the fellow who brought the bottle in “good spirit”, one should answer warmly: “Lechaim to all the Tzadikim, Kedoishim and survivors from this and other similar “Holy days,” Lechaim Tovim Ulesholom.”
See also questions 3390 in regards to Thanksgiving Day, 3494 and others regarding wishing a New Year.”
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav
Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 11/23/2025 9:55 PM |
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#5664 Wow to the Wows!
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- Q. See question above.
Can one do Hatarat Nedarim (absolution of wows and promises to avoid keeping the tradition? How about for other difficult traditions?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a often indicated that Hataras Nedarim is not usually used on minhagim and traditions one should keep, since they are not created or established by a neder or promise.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 11/23/2025 9:49 PM |
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#5663 - Take Another Look at the Mirror
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Take Another Look at the Mirror -
Q. See question above. Since we have that minhag (Custom) in our family, as far as I can remember. I also asked my siblings and they agreed. Until when does a child have to keep that tradition? Does it apply both to boys and girls?
A. Akin to many other Minhagim and traditions they have their own customs and practices and as Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a maintains one should follow the traditions of the family he belongs to.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 11/23/2025 9:46 PM |
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#5662 Writing Well a Womans Ketuba!
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- Q. Dear Rabbeinu Shlit’a; What is the correct way to spell on a Ketuba the kallah names of Masha or Basha?
A. Usually it is spelled by using an Alef at the letter A place.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 11/20/2025 11:10 PM |
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#5661 A True Telling Reply?
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- Q. Dear Rabbi Shlit’a. Is it permitted to keep a secret by lying to someone questioning you? (Like repudiate that you were there or that you know the material?)
A. You may find other ways to avoid answering totally untruthfully such as: I’m a bit busy now or I’m a bit tired and can’t remember well details, etc. etc...
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 11/20/2025 11:06 PM |
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#5660 – Valid or Void Velkro?
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Q. Kevodo Nero Yair. 39 melochos mentions it is permitted to use Velcro closings on Shabbat clothing. Does Horav Miller Shlit”a agree?
A. Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchoso (15:78). rules that it is permissible to use Velcro on Shabbos. Velcro is described as essentially the hooking and biding of strands on the one piece through loops on the other. Even if eventually some strands do in fact tear, they are an insignificant few, and besides, they are not designed to tear.
Velcro does eventually wear out, yet only after a long time of use. An analogy is given would be similar walking across a lawn on Shabbat. Even though an occasional piece of grass may be uprooted when you walk over it you certainly didn't intend to uproot it. Since it is not certain that a strand will tear, it is not forbidden to use Velcro on Shabbat.
Just to give you a sense of how Velcro has become a part of Shabbat fashion, Rabbi Twerski of Milwaukee, who is the scion of a Chassidic dynasty, has a gartel (ceremonial belt worn during prayer) that is fastened by Velcro. And who said that Chassidic clothing is straight out of the 18th century!!!
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 11/20/2025 11:03 PM |
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#5659 Listening to the Speaker?
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- Q. Is it permitted to receive a phone call on speaker and have others listen in on the call, without the person on the other end knowing about it?
A. Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a maintains that although it seems for many a common and usual practice, it is incorrect and prohibited to do. One must tell and warn the person on the phone with you, that others may be listening to the conversation.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 11/20/2025 11:00 PM |
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#5658 To-bel or Not To-bel
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Q. Honorable Rabbi. Does one have to tovel (immerse) in a mikva an electric sandwich warmer (not a baker).
A. On question 1259 we wrote the following:
Q. I recently bought a Keurig coffee maker and realized that I might need to toivel it. The instructions say it should not be submerged in water. What is Rav Shlomo Miller’s opinion on it?
Thank you
A. Some Poskim (Beis Avi 1: 114, Chelkas Yaakov 1: 126, 2: 61) maintain that no tevila is required for electrical utensils, since they are to be connected to the electrical circuitry constructed into the walls of the house or building, they are considered as attached to the ground and don’t need tevila.
Others assert that if the tevila will ruin the utensil, then they are exempt from tevila. (See Minchas Shlomo 3:68:2, Avnei Nezer O.C. 418:11 and Beis Meir 120:11). Keurig type coffee machines have digital displays and would be ruined by immersion.
Although Poskim disagree, many maintain that you may be tovel kelim that are liable to tevila only Rabbinicaly in snow, (See Beis Yosef Y.D. 201).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that besides the above issue, in practice it is difficult to achieve proper tevila in utensils such as the Keurig coffee maker that contain small cavities, since the snow needs to be in complete contact. You also have to have the correct amount of snow available in one place (forty seah).
If you are handy or know someone that is, you may disassemble the coffee maker to a point of no use and then reassemble it. It will be then considered as if made by Jewish hands and exempt of tevila. Caution is advised, since the disassemble should not be just superficial but rather what would normally require a professional handy man to repair, it is recommended to handle with knowledge and care. (Tevilas Kelim 4: 16.)
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that the best option is to sell the coffee maker to a Gentile for a small amount e.g. a dollar (using both the money given and his lifting the coffee maker as a kinyan), and then borrowing it from him for use. (See Minchas Yitzchok 2: 72). Although one still has to tovel such utensils rabbinically, adding this premise to the ones mentioned above in regards to electrical equipment, one may be lenient.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a
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Posted 11/20/2025 10:55 PM |
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#5657 Now Know the Snow!
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Q. Dear Rov. If I go to shul on Shabbat, when it is snowing a storm and I don’t want to make wet the shul and molest others, can I shake the snow from my coat before I enter. Does it make a difference if it is a plastic raincoat or regular absorbing clothing?
A. Poskim agree that it does indeed. Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 11/20/2025 10:51 PM |
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#5656 Impresive Informing Impression?
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Q. See question above.
I have another related shailah. Since in our area of Canada it snows plenty and our kids play and walk on the snow also on Shabbat. Can I obtain for my children boots that leave and unusual impression on the snow, so my wife can tell where they went when they play at a park next to our home?
A. Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a maintains in the name of his father Shlit’a, that if boots are available as common merchandise in shoe stores, it is permitted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 11/20/2025 10:41 PM |
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#5655 Sustaining in Snow Season?
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Q. Rabbenu Shlit’a, as the time for snow is starting I have a number of questions that are important to my family. Firstly, can one walk on the snow with boots that leave behind an impression that is unique and unusual.
The purpose being that when I walk after davening to a Kiddush in one of our many neighboring shuls, my kids could follow me and join me, since I walk faster. Is that permitted?
See next question.
A. Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a maintains in the name of his father Shlit’a that if the impression of the boots was not especially made or changed to be unique, yet as often happens, it is naturally different than others, it is permitted to point out and use for the above purpose
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Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 11/20/2025 10:38 PM |
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#5654 Pain in the Pants?
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Q. In Siman 2 it says that one should not put on or take of 2 articles of clothing together. We were wondering if pants with a belt on it is considered 2 articles of clothing?
(I did not get an answer from Rav Berkovits Shlit”a yet).
A. Indeed Mishna Berura (2: 2) mentions a list of actions that promote the forgetting of Torah knowledge and includes the above.
Dirshu (2: 6) quotes two opinions regarding two articles of clothing together Orchos Chaim maintains that it is not detrimental. Yet, Shulchan Hatohor opines it is and should be avoided.
Kaf Hachaim (6) explains that the reason is that every piece of clothing maintains a holy enlightenment and when they are being dressed together it creates a deficiency on that spiritual protecting light. He adds that it applies to all kind of pieces of clothing including a hat and the kipa inside or two double socks.
Piskey Teshuvos (2: 3) quotes different opinions regarding wearing shoes that are inside galoshes or overshoes.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 11/20/2025 10:25 PM |
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#5653 – Add to Advancing the Advise?
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Q. See question above. Would it make a difference if the owner of the store where I was in, is supporting a Son in Law that is learning in a Kolel?
A. There may also be other considerations involved, so let your friend decide himself.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 11/20/2025 10:21 PM |
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#5652 Advancing the Advise?
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- Q. See question above. Would it be permitted to tell him the above even if the owner of the store mentioned where I was, has a number of children and grand children he has to support?
A. As mentioned above it is your decision to give the necessary help to your friend. However you may also tell him the information above mentioned that you know, so he may make his own decision as how to use his money.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 11/20/2025 10:16 PM |
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#5651 Great Good Guidance?
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- Q. Kvod Rabbenu Shlit’a. As I asked you personally, I wonder if I went shopping at a Frum food store and I meet there a friend and he was about to choose an item, and I just came from another nearby similar food store, was I allowed to tell him that I saw that item cheaper in that other store? Is it a Mitzva to do so?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is permitted for you to help you friend and give him the right advice to save his money.
See next question
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Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 11/20/2025 10:15 PM |
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#5650 Block the Black Market Day?
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- Q. Dear Rabbi is one allowed to go shopping tomorrow on “Black Market Day” after all it is seen as a religious day?
A. On question a similar constant yearly question 5191 we wrote:
“Q. Is one allowed to benefit from the sales offered on Black Market Day, as it seems to be a religious holiday? Can a store owner offer such a sale and advertise for it?
A. In our days, Black Friday is global, with Canadians and Europeans joining the deal frenzy. It’s considered the unofficial start of holiday shopping, with many stores offering early openings and deep discounts.
On question 670 and 4552 we wrote:
“Can one take advantage of a sale that is given on a non-Jewish religious holiday or is it as agreeing to the spirit of the celebration? How about on Black Friday?”
To what we answered: “Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that seasonal sales do not have religious significance and are only secular business activities. Black Friday could be only a reflection of the economic success expected, as opposed to “being on the red.” Unquestionably, that seems to be the generalized custom today.”
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 11/13/2025 11:09 PM |
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#5649 Querido Rabino
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- Q. Querido Rabino.
We just had an Electrical power outage from Hydro One. I was wondering if I can sue the Hydro company, since it caused a substantial lose in my Kosher food company as the food spoiled when the food mixing machines stopped. Would the Rov accept a Din Torah against Hydro One? We may be able to collect some substantial compensation?
A. As much as I would like to help you, I don’t believe I have the time and means to follow what you are requesting.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 11/7/2025 11:24 AM |
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#5648 The Meat Of The Matter
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- Q. Shalom Horav: I just read on the National Post that Cloned Meat is getting closer to being sold in Canada without any labels |. If that is true what should we do?
A. We once wrote in respect to cloned meat the following:
Dear Rabbeinu Shalit"a, 1. Can cloned meat be kosher? 2. Halachically, should producers inform customers that the meat is cloned?
A. Cloning is the process of generating a genetically identical copy of a cell or an organism. Cloning happens all the time in nature. In biomedical research, cloning is broadly defined to mean the duplication of any kind of biological material for scientific study, such as a piece of DNA or an Therapeutic cloning enables the cultivation of stem cells that are genetically identical to a patient. This approach, by avoiding risk of rejection by the immune system, has the potential to benefit many patients, including those affected by Alzheimer disease, diabetes, etc.See questions 1230, 1234, 4336, 2114, and others.10) Ask Vaera 8 10)
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Posted 11/7/2025 11:22 AM |
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#5647 – More Room for the Silver Spoon!
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Q. See question above. Dear Rov I heard that the reason is that it is a Segula for having Parnasa and good economic support in the marriage. Is that correct?
A. Indeed another reason for silver use by a wedding is that silver is a good siman (sign). In Hebrew (כסף) the numerical number increases with each letter (20, 60, 80). From Chukai Noshim Ben Ish Chai chapter 45.
By Gentiles (lehavdil), a common practice is the groom presenting the bride with an engraved silver teaspoon on their wedding day to symbolize that they will never go hungry and/or the practice of the new couple stepping over a broom into their new marriage.
The Chabad Rebbe in a Sicha said that the Minhagim (traditions) of the Nosi Hador (Leader of the Generation) are for everyone to follow especially the Minhagai Chasuno (wedding traditions) that are done in giluy. (in public).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 11/7/2025 11:13 AM |
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#5646 – The Room for the Silver Spoon?
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Q. Why do some couples include a silver spoon at the room of Yichud after the Chupa?
A. At a wedding, according Chabad Chasidim have a tradition that a silver spoon is placed at the entrance to the yichud room. The chosson walks in first by stepping over it with his right foot first.
A. Chabad Chasidim maintain that the wedding ring used, is to be made of silver, "kesef" in Hebrew. It is similar to the Hebrew word "kosef," which means yearning and love. Some maintain that since most people use gold rings today, the silver spoon represents this same affection.
All things in Judaism start with the right hand or foot, because it represents strength and permanence. (R’ Eliezer Zalmanov for Chabad.org)"ספר המנהגים חב"ד" עמ' 76
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 11/7/2025 11:11 AM |
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Important Numbers
