|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
#5217 Enlight Others With Your Lighting
|
|
|
- Q. Rov, since I know that there are other Jewish friends and coworkers with us that are also partaking in our work and business team, although they are not frum at all, should I invite them to the Menorah Lighting with us in our home? Is that proper? If yes, How should they partake? Should I ask a small contribution from them?
A. You should invite them and explain to them the reasons of the great mitzva of the Chanuka Menorah lighting and the basic rules for complying with it properly and provide them with the necessary and correct on line contacts of info and where to get what is necessary.
Promoting and helping others to do any mitzva is in itself a great mitzva, especially regarding Chanuka as it stands for Pirsumei Nes or advertising the historical miracle to all. (Be careful with the asking for contributions, it may just spoil this great Kiruv Mitzva. There are organizations that can provide necessary help).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/13/2024 12:07 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5216 – Really? More Real Pirsume Nes Shailos???
|
|
|
- Q. A s mentioned I will be traveling to the extremes north and south of the continent, although my wife and son will be with me, should I better ask someone in my home town in Canada to light for me at my house, even when no one is there, or should I light were I am staying, at the beautiful boat, for over a week, since no one will be and see us at our house?
A. Poskim maintain that one should light were he is staying, specially if his family is present.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/13/2024 11:58 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5215 More Real Pirsume Nes Shailos
|
|
|
Q. See question above. Are there any other valid and better opinions?
A. Indeed there are: Horav Isroel Lipschitz Zt’l , in his commentary Tiferes Yisroel, writes that in polar regions there is allways a 24-hour day, as proven by the fact that the sun rotates in the sky from a high point at noon to a low point near the horizon at midnight.
He does not offer a means of measuring the passage of a 24-hour day during the polar winter when the sun is invisible.[10] He advises that a Jewish traveler observe the beginning and end of the Sabbath based on the clock of the location whence he came. It is unclear whether this refers to his residence or his port of embarkation.
A result of this view is that two Jews who leave from different cities will always observe Shabbos on Saturday, but at different times. A Jew who leaves from America will observe the Shabbos according to the clock of his hometown, while a Jew from Europe will use the clock of his European hometown, which begins and ends Sabbath about five hours earlier than in the United States. Thus, there is no uniquely identifiable beginning and end of the day in the polar regions.
In some views, the time of Yerushalaim can be used to observe the Shabbos while in polar regions.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/13/2024 11:54 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5214 The Real Pirsume Nes Shailos
|
|
|
Q. See question above. It is likely that for my business promotional requirements I will come to my knowledge some very amazing questions. If when I will be traveling in the north of Canada and even reaching Alaska during Chanuka, when and where it is totally dark the whole day, when should I then light the Menorah?
A. Poskim differ as to what to do in the polar regions such as in northern Sweden, where the sky is dark even in the middle of the day for several weeks during the winter, on what is called the polar night.
Sefer Habris (4) addresses the Shailah of what is the Halacha when one travels to either the North Pole or the South Pole where daylight is prolonged for as much as two to three months, and particularly when one must begin observing Shabbos day and Yom Tov or when he must begin his fast on Yom Kippur. He maintains that in those places where the day extends more than 24-hours, he is to divide the day equally into a 12-hour day and a 12-hour night, and thereby act according to this schedule, as if it had been truly night and truly day.
Minchas Elozor (4: 22) questions whether a person’s Shabbos in the Arctic Circle lasts until the next sunset, which could be s everal months later. For example, if a person arrives on Friday, May 15th and the sun sets late that evening, and then rises early the next morning and does not set for two months, it may be a very long Shabbos until after the sun sets again in July! Because of this, as well as other doubts regarding times for davening, he advices that one should not live in or visit these locations during the months when the sun is always up or down.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/13/2024 11:51 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5213 It’s About Time
|
|
|
Q. I will be traveling a lot during Chanuka for my business requirement, and have some important questions. What is the minimum time that the Chanuka candles have to stay on?
A. Nitey Gavriel (31: 2) maintains that the time needed is measured in “Shaot Zemanios” namely that it varies according to the latitude of the place one is in. He adds that in the U.S. it would be approximately 45 minutes.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that a half an hour during the correct time for lighting is enough everywhere. Many Poskim agree.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/8/2024 8:01 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5212 Did We Strike Oil?
|
|
|
- Q. See question above. What is better to light the menorah with olive oil or vegetable oil without a hechsher, when traveling and no other oil is available? Is it better to light then with candles?
A. On a similar question 1968 we answered:
“Some Poskim maintain that one should use for Chanuka lights only oil that is “min hamutar bephicha” or kosher for eating (Shenos Chaim 218, see Sdei Chemed – Chanuka 12). However, most Poskim disagree since it is only a rabbinical mitzva and has no inherent kedusha (Pri Megodim 32: 28, Noda Beyehuda 2: 3, Beis Yitzchok Y.D, 1: 145, Sdei Chemed ibid. et. al.).
Maharsham (9: 39) recommends that on the onset one should be stringent and use for Chanuka lights only kosher oil, since we are mehadrin min hamehadrin or comply with the maximum degree of observance when dealing with this mitzva. See question 682 in regards to lighting with oil that was left uncovered overnight.
There are non-Kosher oils, such as the product of orla or one that contains meat and milk cooked together, that one may not use at all, since besides being prohibited for eating, one cannot derive any benefit from them (Mishna Berura 673: 2). However, some Poskim maintain that one may use them if no other oil is available (Igrois Moshe O.H. 1: 191, Piskei Teshuvos ibid. n. 12).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one may light the menorah with olive or vegetable oil that has no hechsher and it is preferable to candles.
The Rov mentioned that the Talmud (Shabbos 20b) teaches that you may not use “shemen kik” or the oil made from a non-kosher animal, but you may use it for Chanuka (ibid. 21b), proves that non kosher oil is permitted for Chanuka.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/6/2024 1:02 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5211 The Style of Kosher?
|
|
|
- Q. Does one have to use Kosher olive oil for lighting the Chanukah menorah?
A. On question 4575 we wrote:
“In principle it is not needed. Yet, Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a, mentioned that since it is most common in our days, the adding of products, chemicals and even other oils in small quantities, therefore certified kosher oil should be used. Since it attest that at least the origins of the oil are indeed only pure olive oil without any adulteration,
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/6/2024 12:58 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5210 The Head Light Bulb Was Off?
|
|
|
- Q. Dear Rabbi. A Sephardic frum widow, that is about to remarry, when she was trying on the new dress for the important occasion, the woman helping her tore a bit of her dress by her chest.
The bride was terribly terrified and afflicted, and is considering it to be a very bad omen and wants to nullify the wedding. What should be done to help her, as she much needs the shiduch in such a case?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a opinion is that she should not be concerned and the marriage should continue without any worry and concern at all.
I would add what we wrote on question 3281 as follows:
“Q. I was attending some time ago a chupa and I witnessed something strange.The Shamash used a (presumably burnt out) light bulb as the glass keli (utensil) the Groom was to step on and brake at the end of the wedding ceremony. Although it was covered with a napkin, we all realized what it was, due to the exploding noise peculiar to that action. Was that a correct thong to do?
A. Although the breaking of earthenware utensils at the prior Tenaim ceremony, some Poskim maintain that it could be done or should be done even with partially broken vessels (Pri Megodim 560: M’Z 2), the glass ones used at the chupa should be complete, since at that time the simcha of the Chosson is greater.
Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a maintains that it is better to use a complete and useful glass vessel as a Zecher Lechurban or remembrance of the destruction of the Beis Hamikdosh at the greatest of our Simches.”
I must add that while being the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Mexico, I performed almost all weddings and most were for non-religious individuals.
On a few occasions the groom or the bride, objected to the breaking of the glass. I would explain to them what is mentioned in some Sefarim, that this break is actually a Segulah or act of prevention, deliverance and salvation, from the other breaking and tragedies that can occur and often happen in a marriage. The same should be mentioned to our Kallah.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon
Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/6/2024 12:53 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5209 The Real Best Kiddush
|
|
|
- Q. Kvod Rabbenu Shlit’a. If someone that has yohrzait for his father donated the kiddush of this Shabbos morning as he usually does every year, however, this year after the petirah (death) this week of HaTzadik HaGaon HaRav Dovid Shalom Tzadka, Z’tl, some mispalelim of the shul want to donate and participate in a larger kiddush also in his name. Is that permitted?
A. indeed, HaTzadik HaGaon HaRav Dovid Shalom Tzadka, Z’tl, was the Rav of the city of Pardas Channa-Karkur, the son of Rosh Yeshivas Porat Yosef, HaGaon HaRav Yehudah Tzadka, ztl. And had many followers. passed away at the age of 88 after years of being ill.
The niftar was the second son born to his Gadol father in the Beis Yisrael neighborhood of Yerushalayim of old. As a bochur, he learned in Porat Yosef and was one of the close talmidim of the Rosh Yeshivah, HaGaon HaRav Ezra Attiya, H’yd. After his marriage, he lived in Yerushalayim until he was called to serve as the Rav of the Jewish kehilla in Argentina.
In 1970, he was appointed as the Sephardi Rav of Pardes Channa, originally serving along with the Ashkenazi Rav, HaGaon HaRav Chaim Yaakov Levin, z’tl. Since the petirah of Harav Levin in 1991, he served as the sole Rav of the city. Due to his Latin-American background, I had the privilege of having some relationship with him.
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a opinion is that when all agree, the kidush could be done for both.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/6/2024 12:42 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5208 Hashem Helps Who Help Themselves?
|
|
|
- Q. If one is in the middle of the amida and does not remember if he said the right words, can he pray to Hashem to remind him?
A. It would seem logically that it is proper to do so, as other Rabbanim mentioned, however Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a is of the opinion that you may not always be permitted to stop in the middle of the Amida and recite a personal prayer. Therefore, one should follow the Halacha requirements of what to do in such cases.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/6/2024 12:38 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5207 The Say of the AI
|
|
|
- Q. Does one praying by listening to an AI program for davening or reciting brochos, have to repeat the words being heard?
A. Indeed as we have already mentioned, one has to say the words personally of all brochos and tefilos, since the AI programs are not human and cannot have a person comply by just listening to them.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/6/2024 12:36 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5206 Turn the AI Vay to a Great Way!
|
|
|
- Q. See question 5203. Is it recommended that the AI program an ill person uses for keeping company, should also be programmed to monitor the patients bio-readings and medicine consumption?
Does the one that oversees and takes care constantly of this AI and the info provided, comply with the mitzva of bikur cholim?
Does he have to have Kavana (intention) to comply since it is a Biblical mitzva?
A. On question 363 regarding if intention is essential in Social Mitzvos, we wrote:
"Q. Since the Halacha is that you need kavanah or intention to comply with a Torah mitzvah and according to some even on a rabbinical mitzvah and since we do perform many mitzvoth during the day without even thinking, such as helping others, doing favors, supporting our families and even listening to Torah without any specific intention at all, would it not be a good idea if at the beginning of the day a person would declare that all such unintentional good deeds should be considered as being done Leshem Mitzvah? Would that help if you latter forget?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a pointed out that in regards to Kavanah in Mitzvos, there is a difference between the commandments Ben Adam Lamakom, or the ones that involve only complying with the will of Hashem and the ones that additionally benefit others or society too. On the former you need intention, on the latter, it is generally accepted that after the fact you comply with the Mitzvah even if performed without intention, as the benefit was done nonetheless.
The following Poiskim maintain a similar view; Ahavas Tzion , drush 10 in the name of his father the Noda B’eyehuda, Yabia Haomer Y.D. 6: 29, also Chida in Pesach Einaim in regards to Tzedakah and Ridbaz 3: 441. However, Bais Halevy drush1, disagrees in regards to Tzdakah and Binas Simcha p. 144 compiled an extensive list of Mitzvos Ben Adam Lechavero that he considers require Kavanah.
It is also important to note that the mindful intention has to be close to the fulfillment of the Mitzvah, as Mishna Berurah (60: 7) writes: “To intent before he begins”. Piskey Teshuvos (ibid. 5) mentions that the amount of time before should not be longer than the span of Hesech Hadaas, or time enough for the mind to dwell on something else. (Once you begin doing the Mitzvah with proper intention you fulfill the obligation even if you were latter Masiach Daas, see Minchas Shlomo 1:1)."
Therefore a declaration of intention at the beginning of the day may not result in great benefit. However, Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a suggests that it may serve as a reminder to later have proper Kavanah, as we carry on with the daily Mitzvos.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/6/2024 12:34 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5205 The Best Season Greetings
|
|
|
- Q. Dear Rabbi Shlita. I join the thousands that thank you for answering promptly the thousands of very difficult new and most unusual questions we face today and being addressed with the collaboration of a very important and respectable Halacha group of great known Poskim.
May Hashem help you to keep and continue answering many more thousands. I know that the Rov has answered similar questions to mine, yet I have not found exactly my singular case. I do need a prompt answer please.
Our well to do company is composed of a mixture of Jewish and Non- Jewish partners and employees. They want to do a seasonal party for all, as many other companies do. They all want to show at our party a Menorah placed next to the Christmas tree. and asked me to provide it. I do much want to contribute to the spirit of working in harmony and compatibility so essential to the successes of all of us. What should I do?
A. See Question 4603 and others. After consulting with our Poskim they all agreed not to bring a Menorah.
However a great and smart mishpacha friend of mine, suggested to bring some most delicious great looking latkes, ponthkes and festive great kosher drinks and then wish all present, that Hashem, should always help all of us, to help all of those that are in great and most need.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 12/1/2024 12:05 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5204 Face the Music and the Lights?
|
|
|
Q. Can one enter a store or mall at the Christmas season when the music and decorations pertain to Christian religious origins? Should one use hearing plugs that play Jewish music then and also wear dark eyeglasses?
A. On similar questions (689 and 690) we wrote:
“Q. Is there an actual prohibition about deriving any kind of enjoyment from Christmas lights? Can one use them for illumination? Can one comment on their beauty?
A. Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 139: 1) rules that it is prohibited to derive any benefit from anything that is part of an idol, its accompanying adornments or embellishments and the sacrifices or offers dedicated to it. However Christmas lights used for decorating stores or other commercial venues are not in our days an expression of a religion or the symbol of a faith. They are more likely to be used as a business advertiser or a marketing promoter and therefore permitted (Shach Y.D. 142: 32)
Additional considerations to be taken into Halachik account are to what extent are the different factions and sects of Christianity considered Avoda Zarah, and if your common Gentile should be deemed in our times a believer in his nominal faith or more likely an agnostic to it. (Chulin 13b, Ben Ish Chai, Parshas Maasei.) A further factor to take into account is if just benefiting by observing is prohibited or not.
Accordingly enjoying the seasonal lights, commercial displays or the Macy’s parade is in principle permitted.
Nonetheless, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that one must always bear in mind what those lights and displays historically represent to our people. We should recall how much persecution and suffering throughout the centuries are imbedded in them, before we decide to enjoy their sight or comment on their beauty.
690 Want to Face the Music?
Q. Is there an actual prohibition about deriving any kind of enjoyment from Christmas lights?… What about benefiting from other Christmas things – like, is one allowed to enjoy the holiday music they play over loudspeakers in grocery stores?
A. See last answer, most of the points apply to music as well. However, some of the tunes played during the season on the radio or in commercial malls and stores may actually be the same religious melodies or songs performed in houses of worship and thus prohibited. (Igros Moshe Y. D. 2: 56 and 111, Avnei Yashfei 153: 5, Habais Hayehudi p.268)
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that if you don’t have any intent to enjoy or pay attention to them, you may continue with your activities.”
The Rov added that as is, it is a good idea when possible to listen to Torah tapes anytime anyway.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirscenterhman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 11/29/2024 1:05 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5203 The AI Vay Way
|
|
|
- Q. Dear Rabbi this is a question that is right for you, as you were one of the first Rabbis to address AI questions and Halacha.
I have a dear elderly uncle that lost recently his wife after being married almost sixty years in a most beautiful and precious relationship of true real mutual love and care. So he became totally devastated and lonely. After talking to a number of physicians versed in such situations.
I came out with an idea, that I also saw in your questions regarding their use on Shabbat of an AI, of creating a AI companion that sounds like his wife and can comfort him constantly. Is that permitted or even recommended?
A. It stands to reason that one should do everything possible to alleviate and provide relief for the suffering mourners even if it involves an AI help. As mentioned in former shailos it can not be used during Shabbos.
Horav Shlomo Miller”s Shlit”a opinion 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
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 11/29/2024 12:04 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5202 Our Good Smelling Parsha
|
|
|
- Q. On Parshas Toldos we read “Reeh Reiach b’ni kereyach sode asher beracho Hashem”
See that the smell of my son is like the smell of the fields that Hashem blessed.”
Talmud (Taanis 29b) explains that it was the smell of a the Eitz Hadaas (The tree of knowledge, in Gan Eden). Is it true that even men should use a similar perfume?
A. Indeed the Even Ezra (Ruth 3: 3) mentions that the tradition of the Gedolei Yisrael, men and women is to use proper nice smelling perfume (based also on Talmud Shabbos 111 a).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 11/29/2024 12:00 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 5201 A Prison Prayer?
|
|
|
- Q. See question above. Is it similar to Bikur Cholim and you have to say a tefilah for the imprisoned, and if not why not? Is there a special tefilah for the prisoner himself to say as there is for the ill?
A. As mentioned above, since there is no established tradition of visiting the imprisoned as there is Bikur Cholim for the ill, there is also no popular and well known constituted tefilos for them.
Yet one should recite Tehilim and prayers customary for anyone that is in any need and difficulty.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 11/29/2024 11:57 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5200 A Prison Present
|
|
|
– Q. See question above. Since I’m wearing a taalit katan, should I offer to leave it with the imprisoned? Is it a mitzva to leave even if I won’t comply with the mitzva until I get back home?
A. Although some Rabbis maintain that he should not, since after all one is liable to comply with his own obligations and mitzvos firstly, Horav Shlomo Miller”s Shlit”a opinion is that in some situations it may be recommended to leave the taalis koton with the imprisoned.
Since different factors could be involved, on each case, further consideration and reasoning is necessary.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 11/29/2024 11:55 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5199 –Jail Bait?
|
|
|
- Q. See question above. If I’m visiting someone imprisoned doing time and can bring something for them as often some correctional institutions permit, should I get for them Tzitzis and Tefilin?
A. Yes indeed if one can provide Tzitzis, Tefilin, Torah material or any other possibility to perform any mitzva in the occasion and time needed when a fellow Jew is imprisoned and provide so much needed spiritual relief, he should so do and the merit is truly great and worthy.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 11/29/2024 11:53 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5198 Bikur Asurim?
|
|
|
- Q. Dear Rabbi, I much appreciate your work on Ask The Rabbi and the variety of questions your answer. (etc.). I’m a lawyer working for a company that also advocates and defends criminals of all kinds. Since I’m religious, I tend to help whenever possible the Jewish clients of our company and help all the way, especially if they are frum.
I have a number of questions. First of all, as I was just reading in your shailos the great importance of the mitzva of Bikur Cholim. Is there an equivalent mitzva for “Bikur Asurim” or visiting the ones imprisoned in jail, and if not why not?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller”s Shlit”a opinion is that our sages did not establish that there should be an equivalent important and of the essence of “Bikur Asurim” as we have “Bikur Cholim,” since after all the person imprisoned in jail has in our societies has likely done a crime or acted likely wrong to be sanctioned and warrant imprisonment.
Yet one that is able to provide help should certainly do so.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 11/29/2024 11:52 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
Important Numbers
