Q. If you see a meteor shower what bracha do you make?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 227: 1) rules that on "zikim," which is described as a star like object that shoots across the sky and leaves a trail behind, one recites "Ose Maase Bereshis" or Praised be… the One that crafted the workings of creation. Shulchan Aruch adds than one may also recite "Shekocho Ugevuroso Male Olam" or "whose force and strength engulf the universe." Mishna Berura (ibid. 1) includes the opinion that seeing a comet is similar.
Piskei Teshuvos (ibid.) quotes the view of the Mor Uktzio that meteors can be very small grains of cosmic debris that burn up in the atmosphere and mostly disintegrate before hitting Earth's surface. Meteor Showers are predictable and common, since they mostly occur when Earth crosses the tail stream of debris dispersing from a comet.
Since they can only be appreciated in locations far from the reflection of city lights and when there is no Moon, Poskim maintain that it is not customary today to recite a complete brocho with Hashem's name over them. (Piskey Teshuvos ibid. quoting Shaarei Teshuvo and Shulachan Hatahor.) However, when observing clearly the more infrequent comets themselves or when the sky is dark and the effect and magnificence of the meteor shower can be truly appreciated, one should recite the above complete blessing.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit"a opinion is similar. However, he adds that you only recite the brocho when the meteor is a rock of size that actually hits the Earth's surface and can distinctly and prominently be seen as it crosses the sky. Likewise, you bless only when you witness a continuous and populated meteor shower, in which a number of meteors, albeit of small size but still clearly and prominently visible traverse simultaneously through the firmament and burn out.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
Q. Hello - I am currently working at a clinic for credits towards my university degree. This Shabbos there will be orientation. In order to comply with the halocho of "vdaber dovor," I will not be attending. They offered to record it for me. I asked if they normally record it to which they responded no, I said that since it will be recorded special for me I will not be able to benefit from it. They said that they always wanted to record it so it can maybe be used in the future and this will finally be an opportunity to do the recording. Then they said that it was sometimes recorded in the past. I suspect that the main purpose for the recording will be for myself.
Is it muttar or should I seek another solution?
Thank you
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit"a opinion is that if you clearly and specifically tell them that they should not record the orientation lesson for your use and that you will do without it, if they go ahead anyway and do record it, even if they have you also in mind, it will still be permitted to use the recording. (See also questions 627 and 661 on this forum)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
Q. Re-question 692 (Expound the Second Time Around)
On a second marriage can the Choson- Kallah be together at pictures taking, prior to the chupa? How long and how strict is the custom of the Chosson not seeing the Kallah prior to the chupa on a second marriage for both?
A. The accepted custom among many Ashkenazi Bney Torah is that the choson and kallah do not see each other during the week prior to the chupa. Sephardim don't usually keep this tradition (Yalkut Yosef – Chupa Vekidushin 6: 1, Taharas Yaakov p. 47, Mishnas Yehoshua 9:1:1 quoting Horav S.Z. Auerbach zt"l) Some suggest that the rationale for the custom relates to the halachah of dam chimud - concern that meeting the choson may cause the kallah to have a discharge that could invalidate the shivah nekiyim (seven clean days before going to the mikvah; Talmud Nidah 66, ibid.) Although this custom is not Halacha, and has no early source in the Poskim, it is a good custom because it gives the chasan and kallah an opportunity to be alone and to reflect upon the profound changes that are about to take place in their lives. (The Laws of Niddah 2: 458-459).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit"a opinion is that as far as this tradition is concerned it does not make a difference between a first or a subsequent marriage.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
Thanks again Rabbi Bartfeld.
Q. One more follow-up question, if I may.
You said that "Moreover, even if he suspects that they may not be licensed, he may still purchase a ticket." However, instead of "suspecting", what if one actually knows? I.e. If one knows for certain that the Moisad did not obtain a lottery license, may one still purchase a ticket for that lottery?
Thank you and Hatzlocha.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit"a opinion is that even if you actually know that the institution is unlicensed for lottery operation, although not recommended, you may still buy a ticket. The reason is that the license is there for the consumer's protection, a benefit that the buyer may refuse. (Additionally, the act itself may not prohibit the consumer from buying the ticket).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised By Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
Q. On question 687, as to how many shiros or divrei Torah one has to sing or say to turn a Chanuka regular meal into a seudas Mitzvo. What practical difference is there if this meal becomes a seudas Mitzva or no?
A. If the meal eaten in Chanuka was served with the intention of rejoicing and being besimcha because of the yeshuos and miracles attained in Chanuka, and this is demonstrated by the shiros of praise being sung and the divrei Torah being repeated, it would be a mitzvah to attend such a seuda. Talmud (Chulin 95b) relates that Rav would not benefit from a seuda that was not a mitzvah. Similarly in Talmud (Pesachim 49a) Rabbi Shimon says that a Talmid Chacham should not partake from a seuda that is not a seudas mitzvah.
It would make a difference also when someone has a tradition of fasting on a day of yortzait, a seudas mitzvah may be permitted or in regards to eating meat on the nine days. (Aruch Hashulchan Y.D. end of 246 – see also Chavos Yoir 70 and Birchas Moadecha 1, in respect to other differences and why is not every seuda where divrei Torah are repeated is considered as a seudas mitzva)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised By Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
Q. In Ontario, the law requires an organization to have a lottery license to run a lottery.
Q1. Is it Mutar for a Moisad to run a lottery without getting a lottery license?
Q2. May one purchase a ticket in a lottery if the Moisad has no lottery license?
Thank you, IM.
A When a charitable organization is required either by Municipal or Provincial Code to register and acquire a license in order to conduct a lottery, Halacha dictates that they have to comply. The above follows from the edict of Shmuel, namely; Dina D'malchusa Dina, or the law of the land is law. (Nedarim 28a, Gittin 10b, Bava Kama 113b, Bava Batra 54b, Rema in Choshen Mishpat 369, 8.)
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit"a opinion is that a ticket purchaser does not need to inquire if the institution obtained a license. Moreover, even if he suspects that they may not be licensed, he may still purchase a ticket.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
Q. Can you say kidush levanah on the eve of asarah beteveth, since it is not a happy time, which is required for kidush levanah?
A. Indeed Nitey Gavriel (Chanuka 64: 1) mentions that Belz and others refrain from reciting kidush Levana on the eve of Asara Beteveth. This being similar to the three weeks period and its restrictions, which begins from the eve of Shiva Asar Betamuz and not from the morning when the fast starts.
However, in locations where at this time of the year cloudy days prevail, Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a recommends to recite it.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
Q. Why in Eretz Yisrael do they say pitum haketores before pizukai dizimra with korbanos and then repeat it at the end of davening?
A. Remoh (O.H. 132: 2) writes that one should recite Pitum Haketores in the evening and in the morning after the tefilah. He adds that there are those who avoid saying it during weekdays when people are hurried to go to work, out of concern that we may in our rush miss mentioning one of the spices that comprise it and incur in a most severe penalty. Mishna Berura (ibid. 17) explains that the reason of the ones who do recite it (Sefaradim) is because there is no penalty when one forgets only words unwittingly.
Arizal quoting from Zohar (Vayakhel 218b, Yalkut Meam Loez – Shemos p.168) mentions that pitum haketores should be recited three times a day, at the beginning and end of Shacharis and a third time at Mincha. (Od Yosef Chai – Miketz, Ben Yish Chai - Ki Tisa)
Otzrois Chaim (p. 319) citing Benayahu explains that they represent our three forefathers that instituted the tefilos. It is not said at Maariv since there are usually no korbonos at night.
Ben Yish Chai finds an allusion to the three recitations in posuk (Devarim 3: 29) and we settled in the valley opposite Beth Peor. The word "BaGai" or in the valley, hints to three times ("BaG") and eleven ("ai,") the number of the spices and ingredients that compose the ketores. The ketores is the cure for the ills and evils of Beth Peor.
Minhagei Eretz Yisrael (p. 108) and others point out that it is tradition to follow in Eretz Yisroel the minhag of the Arizal and Minhag Sefarad in a number of issues, given that many of the first kehilos were from that persuasion.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
Q. If you use the civil date, are they any preferences as to how you write the date?
Thanks again.
A. It is preferable to avoid numerals for the months (see prior answer) and use when possible the abbreviated names of the months, since these names may also contain pagan connotations (Piskei Teshuvos 156 n. 17).
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a mentioned that Horav Yakov Kamentzki Zt"l would only use the last three ciphers of the year numeral. By the same token it would be better to use the more customary two digits for the year.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
Q. Is it better when not legally necessary to avoid using the Gregorian calendar and use the Hebrew date, or it does not matter today anymore since it is globally used as a civil non-Christian calendar?
A. Some Poskim maintain one may incur even a Biblical prohibition in the use of the Gregorian date (Maharam Shik Y.D. 171., Chasam Sofer – Droshos: Teves: 5593). Consequently, they add to the civil date the word L'misparam, or to "their counting", connoting that we agree to a different reckoning (ibid., Mishmeres Sholom – Smochos 40: 84.) We indeed find numerous quotations of the civil date in diverse s'forim with the above addition (Tshuvos Remoh 51, Shvus Yakov 3:11, Chavos Yoir 184, to mention a few.)
Ramban (Shemos 12: 2) mentions another prohibition and that is using a different numerical count for the months than the one established by the Torah, where Nisan is the first of the months.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit"a opinion is to be lenient when necessary as in legal forms and documents, since today the civil date does not carry religious connotations. (See next answer)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
Q. If someone greets me with a "Happy new year" can I respond likewise?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit"a opinion is that it is permitted since in our days there is no religious connotation to the greeting. In addition, you may initiate the salute if it generates a Kidush Hashem by displaying good manners.
Ohalei Yakov (p. 20) quotes in the name the Apter Rov Zt"l, the meaning of the Posuk (Tehilim 87:6) "Hashem counts in the script of the nations" as conveying that during their New Year we are also granted retroactively a better Rosh Hashono judgment. Since the differences between the individual conduct during the two celebrations, becomes now widely apparent and evident, therefore a Good Year salute to anyone is not out of place. (Nitey Gavriel – Chanuka p.418)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
Q. I work I.T. in a company were I'm the only Frum Jew (ex yeshiva bochur). My managers and co-workers are really nice to me and respect my particular religious needs. I have a number of seasonal questions. I greatly appreciate the clear straightforward answers you provide and the access to Horav Miller's psakim, one of the great Poskim of our generation.
Can I attend at least for a short time a New Years party organized by the company? Only the drinks are kosher. I would hate to be the only employee not attending.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit"a opinion is that you may attend for a short while, however only soft drinks are permitted and no liquor or alcoholic beverages should be consumed in their company. (Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 114: 1. See also Aruch Hashulchan ibid. and Shevet Halevy Y.D. 43, in regards to expensive drinks.)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
Q. Do children from a prior marriage attend the chupa of their parents?
A. It is customary that children from prior marriages do not attend the Chupa. (Nitey Gavriel 51: 9) Some quote in the name of Horav Eliashuv zt"l that it is out of respect to the divorced or deceased parent.
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a pointed out that although the do not attend the marriage ceremony itself, they may attend the reception before and the seudah after.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
Q. What are the differences between the chupa ceremony of a first and a second marriage for both chosson and kallah?
A. There are differences between the minhogim and traditions of a first and those of a subsequent marriage ceremony. According to Poskim (Nitey Gavriel – Nisuin 49: 3: n. 3) they are based on the success of the second luchos over the first broken ones. Due in part to the fact that the latter ones were given without the overwhelming splendor and the great publicity that characterized the giving of the first. Some of the most important differences are as follows:
1) It is customary not to write Tnoim on a second marriage and only do a kinyan between the parties. (Imrei Yosher 2: 203, Maharash Engel 5: 53 et.al.)
2) No invitations are usually printed and the event is carried out with modesty and diffidence (Nitey Gavriel – Nissuin 1: 43: 3)
3) There is no obligation for the chosson to receive an Aliya on the Shabbos before or after the wedding and usually there is no Aufruf ceremony with the traditional throwing of peklach of candies, although some do it.(Maharil, Biur Halocho 137: Shaarei Efraim 2:6)
4) The wording and the amounts written in the Kesuvah are different. (Shulchan Aruch E.H. 66: 6)
5) Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is to preferably avoid the seven hakofos the kallah normally does around the chosson. However, their parents (if present) can accompany the groom and bride to the chupah.
6) Even those who are careful not to get married at the end of the month, do so on a second marriage (Hanisuin Kehilchosom 17: 9)
7) Being more stringent as not to have a chupas niddoh since the main chupa on a second marriage is the yichud or seclusion which can not be carried out when the kallah is a niddoh (Even Haezer 64:5, Bnei Ahuva – Ishus 10: 2, Hanisuin Kehilchoson 17: 12)
8) There are different traditions in regards to the Badeken or the chosson covering the bride with a veil ceremony. Some avoid it altogether, it is done by others instead such as the accompanying women, or it is done by the chosson under the chupah. (ibid.19)
9) The ceremony is done usually indoors and not under the sky (Pischei Teshuvo 62: 1), and no instrumental music is usually played (Aruch Hashulcahn E.H. 55: 24 and 64: 17)
10) There are different traditions as to the wedding dress of the bride. Horav Shlomo Miller indicated that she could dress in white, but not with the prominence, length and extent accustomed in a first wedding. The Chosson wears a Kit'l if that is his family tradition (Nitey Gavriel ibid. 9)
11) In regards to the mitzvah of rejoicing with a new wife during the first year, Yoshiv Yitzchok (E. H. 34) maintains that it applies (following the Minchas Chinuch opinion.)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
Q. Thank you so much for your fast response …On Q. 688, (Chanuka Gelt means a Velt). Why is it not prohibited to give Chanukkah gelt or presents, since after all it is a Chok Hoamim tradition during their holiday?
A. Avnei Yashfe (O.H. 129: 2) addresses this question and he asserts that the prohibition of "not following their edicts" applies, as the Maharik (88) and Remah (Y.D. 178:1) maintain, only to statutes that don't have a valid reason or benefit. As amply explained in answer 688 there are many reasons for Chanuka Gelt. The main one being that Chanuka is a time for joy and happiness, so we also share it with the young ones.
Although that is true of Chanuka gelt, there is no early-established tradition to give gifts. One may argue that the proper present will bestow greater joy and happiness to a child than a few coins. After all a gift is Shove Kesef, and is therefore tantamount to money and should be permitted.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit"a opinion is that it is better to give money to comply with the minhag, but presents are also permitted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
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.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
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.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
Q. Someone who always gives Chanukkah gelt to his children and grand children, but this year is away on vacation, does he have to be matir neder? Can he give when he returns after Chanukkah?
A. When exactly did the tradition of distributing Chanuka gelt, D'mei Chanuka or small monetary gifts to children began, is hard to tell. However Derech Sicha (190) mentions that the source for this tradition is the Mogen Avrohom (beginning of 670) who mentions that Chanuka was a special time for collection of Tzdaka for the poor, including their children. He adds that his Father the Steipler Gaon zt"l use to distribute them on the night of the fifth light of Chanuka, since it never coincides with Shabbos. Kaf Hachaim (670: 4) also mentions this tradition.
Otzreinu Hayoshon p. 82, states that it was an ancient Yerushalaim custom for the talmidim of the Talmud Torah to collect on the eight day, for a Zoz Chanuka banquet.
Chidushei Harim (Pneniney Hachasidut p. 49) explains that the source is the posuk (Mishlei 3: 16) "Length of days is in its right hand; in its left hand are riches and honor". The right hand is a reference to the Mezuza, which is placed on the right side as you access an entrance. Since the Torah (in the daily Shema) rewards with a lengthy life the one who upholds this mitzvah, it follows that the mitzvah of the menora, which is placed on the left side, will be compensated with wealth and honor. Hence, the symbolic Chanuka gelt. He further adds, that the mitzvah of the mezuza is primarily an obligation of the inhabitants of the house (chovas hadar), while the menora's purpose is pirsumei nissa or the exposure of the miracle to the street. Normally Parnassah and monetary funds are obtained in the commercial outside world, hence the custom of Chanuka gelt.
Shaarei Halacha Uminhag 283, p. 280) explains that the Yevanim and Hellenists prohibited Torah learning specially by the youngsters. When they were defeated, the teaching of the young restarted. Rambam (H. Teshuva 10: 5) mentions that the beginning of teaching of the young should be encouraged by small monetary gifts.
Yair Neri (p.146) quotes the Avnei Nezer's reason. This is based on the premise that Chanuka's traditions should be similar to the ones of Pesach. On the Seder night we give out of candies, nuts and sweets to children to enhance their interest and keep them awake, so too in Chanuka we enhance and create interest and the necessary Pirsumei Nissa.
Yogel Yaakov (p. 184) provides one more rationale He explains that in regards to a fast day, the Talmud (Brachot 6b) avers that; the reward for a fast day is the tzdaka given to the poor. Since there was a saving of monies by the abstention of eating. Those saved food funds should be donated to the needy. By the same token, since on Chanuka the miracle provided a saving of oil, those funds are now symbolically given to children.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit"a opinion is that, although many reasons are given for Chanuka gelt, it is only a custom and not a mitzvah, therefore there is no need for Hatoras Nedarim. The monies could be given on Chanuka via an agent or in need after the festivity
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit".
Q. Shulchan Aruch mentions that if you sing during the meals of Chanukkah shirot and praise tunes, the meal becomes a seudat mitzvah. How many songs do you have to sing? If you don't sing but say a dvar Torah, or learn from a sefer when eating alone, does that count?
A. Indeed Shulachan Aruch (O.H. 670: 2) mentions that the meals one eats during Chanuka are considered only a Seudas Hareshus or discretionary and optional act. Remo (ibid.) maintains that if one sings or recites praises to Hashem they became a mitzvah banquet. Mishna Berura (ibid.9) quotes from Maharshal that a seuda eaten with the intention of honoring Hashem for the miracles of Chanuka, or for publicizing those historical miracles is deemed to be a Seudas Mitzva. Therefore as long as one mentions either by a single praise, song or a Chanuka dedicated D'var Torah the intention of the repast, it becomes a Seudas Mitzva.
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a added that even a meal that you always eat at that time, will accordingly turn into a Mitzva feast.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
Important Numbers
