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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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# 4489 Plod Along Alone?
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Q. Dear Rabbi can you please ask Horav Miller Shlit’a if people should avoid this Shabbos walking to shul in certain worrisome areas, due to the possible sakanah (danger) involved?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that specially during this Shabbos people should walk with company and not alone.
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 10/13/2023 12:12 PM |
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# 4488 The Safe Danger
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Q. Should one join a pro-Israel demonstration during these terrible times facing a pro- Arab one, even when separated and protected by police?
A. Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 117: 5), Rambam (H. Rotzeach Veshmiras Nefesh 12: 2) and others rule that one should avoid being in a place of danger.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it all depends on the degree of danger present, since after all we do drive cars and travel by plane, unless of course the speed or other conditions make it indeed unsafe.
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 10/12/2023 5:15 PM |
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# 4487 Sinking Thinking
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Q. If one eats fruits or fries that he sinks in ketchup, pepper sauce or any other similar source of flavouring liquid, does he have to wash hands ‘Netilas Yodaim’?
A. In principle we do not need to wash our hands when eating something that was dipped in or has any of the above flavouring liquids on it, based on a number of reasons. 1. The Halacha of washing our hands on foods that are dipped into liquids is in principle debatable, and many are not particular on observing this tradition.
Even according to those who keep this minhag, if the “liquid” being used as a dip is mostly other ingredients and not water, we don’t consider the item to be one of the seven required liquids, and it seems from the order of the list of ingredients that they are not more than 50% water.
Besides, even if it would be mostly water, according to many Poskim, if the water was cooked together with other items and the liquid doesn’t taste like water, it isn’t considered water. Therefore the above liquids which are basically cooked tomatoes or tomato paste cooked with water, will not be considered one of the required seven liquids, and one would not have to wash hands before eating them.
(Mishna Berurah O:H 158-20, M:B ibid 26. Shulchan Aruch Horav 158-3, Aruch Hashulchan O:CH 158-4,5, 10, Daas Torah Siman 158, Piskei Teshuvos 158-9, Sharei Habracha 1 n. 156.)
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
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 10/12/2023 5:13 PM |
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# 4486 The Blessed Drink
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Q. Does one recite Shecheyanu on new liquor prepared from new esrogim?
A. Horav Horav Yaakov Hirshman Shlit'a explained that since the esrogim are boiled a number of times and after grinding and mixing the paste in alcohol, very little remains of the new fruit; even if one would make a Shecheyanu on the esrog, one does not do so on the liquor.
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 10/12/2023 5:10 PM |
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# 4485 Bracha for Aroma?
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Q. Does one recite Shecheyanu on the pleasant smell of a new fruit or flower on that year?
A..Mishna Brurah (225:16) rules that the bocho of Shechecheyanu is not recited on a fragrance, even on those fruits or flowers that are renewed each year.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
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 10/12/2023 5:08 PM |
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# 4484 In Heavens Name?
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Q. Just like the letters Yud - Hey we are not allowed to write which is the name of G-d. Shouldn’t we also be prohibited to write Vav – Hey, after the title since it is also part of His name?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if it is mentioned as part of Hashem’s name, it also maintains that Kedusha and Holiness.
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Posted 10/12/2023 5:05 PM |
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# 4483 Joy Trip or Stumble Trip
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Q. I have a wedding for a nephew this Thursday after Yom Tov. I was planing to travel to Israel and made all the arrangements. Considering all the tragedies just happening should I better cancel the trip, or is it better to be ‘Mesameach’ and give joy the couple?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in principle one should not cancel this trip. However there may likely be many different conditions and details to consider and a Posek familiar with the case should be asked.
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 10/12/2023 5:03 PM |
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# 4482 Torah or Tehilim?
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Q. What is better, to recite Tehillim for our recent Kedoshim and victims during these terrible times or to learn Torah for them and in their merit?
A. The great power of Torah learning is of course well known and the many benefits and merits it beholds is most amazing and helpful in times of crisis and need.
However, the Maharsha (Talmud Avodah Zarah 19a) teaches that reciting Tehilim causes one to fear Hashem.
Peleh Yoetz (Tehilim p. 641) adds that Tehilim has many different benefits. He concludes that, “One who routinely recitesTehilim is protected from all harm befalling his house, his family and his estate. One who wishes to attach himself to Hashem and His praises should be connected by the Sefer Tehilim.”
After all, Dovid Hamelech requested Hashem that saying Tehillim should be considered like learning Negoim and Ohalos. See Halichos Shlomo (Tefilah 8: footnote 62) and others.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that both of them are effective and helpful, however in different ways.
The great power of Torah learning as mentioned is well known.
The Rov Shlit’a added that by praising an thanking Hashem even in very difficult times, as we do in reciting Tehilim, one shows great love to Him and that results in Him loving us more back and saving us.
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 10/12/2023 5:01 PM |
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# 4481 A Kiddush for Keddohim?
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Q. Someone who has been the Chassan Bereshit in his congregation for many years and he offers a kiddush on that first Shabbat, feels that this year due to the terrible tragedy still happening, he should avoid giving the kiddush. Is that a correct thing to do? Does he have to do ‘Hatarat Nedarim’? (a member of his family is missing).
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that he should offer his accustomed kiddush on Shabbos Bereishis, since Divrei Torah will be said and mitzvos in public will be performed.
At the same time they should mention the terrible tragedy that has happened and the ways to do the necessary Tikunim and resolutions we must b’n undertake to bring relief and help to the victims and their families.
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 10/12/2023 4:58 PM |
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#4480 Difficult Answers to Tough Questions
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Q. I would like you to ask Rav Shlomo Miller (Shlit’a), how is it possible that Hashem should permit that on the happiest day of our calendar such great suffering and tragedies, which that they say had no equal and counterpart since the days of the Holocaust!!!
What does it all mean???
A. It is most difficult to answer this kind of question. Yet on a similar shailah (2625) regarding differences of opinions from our Gedolim and Rabbonim regarding the Heavenly reasons for the difficult covid times, and what is Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion.
To what we answered: “Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is a reflection of the tremendous laxity of morals in our days, especially in relation to parades and similar public displays of indecency, that just openly defy Hashem. Other Rabbonim have expressed different ideas.
After reading what Horav Chaim Kanievsky Shlit’a wrote in an exhorting message and blessing for all of us, one may add. The Rov said: “Everyone must be mechazek (strengthen) to refrain from lashon harah, rechilus, and promote sholom bais. All of us must further strengthen ourselves in the midah of humility and to be maavir al midosav (forgiving). Whoever strengthens himself in these, the merit will protect him and his family members, and not one of them will fall ill.”
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a added that in our days, there may be a message as to how many of us engage with laxity and negligence to the honor of our Torah properly and in the correct place, during the most holy day of Simchas Torah.
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 10/12/2023 4:55 PM |
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# 4479 Feast or Fast Day?
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Q. Dear Rov shilt’a, I heard that some of the Roshei Yeshivos in Eretz Yisroel not only ruled to cancel all seudos of Yisru Chag, but also to fast because of the terrible tragedies that are happening. Is that really true and permitted?
A. We tried to find printed opinions on the above shailah but could not find anything yet. It seems to be from voice communication that many Poskim and Rabbonim maintain that a minimum seuda should be kept for those who have that tradition.
Yet it should be done with a very deep feeling of mourning and grieving feelings for all those who lost their lives or their dear ones and specially for all those still being kept captive as hostages. Similar to a Seuda of Avelim.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
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 10/12/2023 4:51 PM |
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# 4478 A First Last Meal II
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Q. See question (4477) above: Regarding the Seuda sources and obligation of Isru Chag (the day after Yom Tov) we usually celebrate. On this terrible year after the tragedy of all the martyrs and Kedoshim murdered viciously in Israel, is it correct to celebrate a Seuda for Isru Chag?
A. See question (4477) above also regarding the Seuda sources and obligation of the Isru Chag traditions. There seems to be many different opinions by Poskim regarding if one should avoid the traditional seuda this year due to the tragedies ans catastrophes that have occurred , or just have Bitachon and trust in Hashem and do what is usually done
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Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that a reduced or minimal seuda should be done.
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 10/12/2023 4:46 PM |
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# 4477 A First Last Meal I ?
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Q. Is it important to celebrate Yisru Chag (the day after Yom Tov) with a special meal?
On question 3675 we were asked the following. “We often have our children and their families staying with us for Pesach and leaving the day after traveling home. Is it worth it to celebrate with them before they leave a seuda or special meal on Yisru Chag? Would that be a Seudas Mitzva?”
To what we answered. “Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 429: 1) writes that it is tradition to add a bit to the eating and drinking on Yisru Chag. It is considered as if one built the Mizbeach and sacrificed on it all Korbonos.
There are different reasons for this particular tradition. Chassam Sofer (ibid) explains that it commemorates the joy of the people who came to Yerushalaim and now after complying and enjoying so much the Yom Tov, were ready to return home. Torah Lishma (140) quotes Arizal that the Kedusha and holiness of Yom Tov is still felt on that day.
He also quotes Yerushalmi (Avoda Zarah 1: 1) that Yisru Chag is called ‘Briah Demoado’ or the child of Yom Tov (See Nitei Gavriel 22: 4).
Horav Dovid Pam’s opinion is that since after all Shulchan Aruch mentions only to add a bit to the food one eats, if the visiting children are pressed to return home, as often is, it may be better to avoid.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is hat one should follow the traditions of one’s family”.
See next question.
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 10/9/2023 5:36 PM |
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# 4476 Five Strikes and Out?
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Q. How many times does one have to hit the Hoshanos on the floor during Hoshana Rabbah? Should one avoid doing more since it creates s great mess and people walk over them?
A. On question 1874 we were asked: “I have seen often people striking the ground with the arovos on Hoshana Rabba until most or all the leafs are gone, and creating a great mess in the shul or at home is that correct.”
To what we answered: “Mishna Berura (664: 19) quotes Arizal that one should strike the hoshanos five times on the ground followed by hitting on utensils to remove some of the leafs; not all leafs need to be removed.
Bikurei Yaakov asserts that one should hit the arava with might and indeed remove leaffs as this is a symbol to the end of the severity of the days of din and judgment.
However, Chaye Adam (153: 3) mentions that the removal of all leafs is customary by children complying with the mitzva. Mekor Chaim claims it is the minhag of the uneducated and boors.
Piskei Teshuvos (ibid. 5) further explains that the opinion of the Arizal is that none of the leafs should be removed, on the contrary, the aravos should be maintained as kosher as the ones on the lulav, with their leafs on. He adds that according to the Arizal the hoshanos should only be struck on the ground five times. The above is echoed by Kaf Hachaim (ibid. 37), Pri Megodim, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (138: 3) and others.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one should follow the minhogim of his family and congregation. However, the Rov advises to collect all leafs, if any were left on the ground and not to step on them as it constitutes bizui or desecration of a mitzva. (See Shharei Tzion ibid. 2).
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 10/9/2023 5:23 PM |
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# 4475 The Real Travelling Sukka
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Q. See questions above. If there is an opening on top of the van that qualifies for the ‘Shiur Suka’ (minimum size of a Sukka. About 70cm. by 70 cm.), can one sitting under it, when covered by a proper Sukka mat, and while the van is traveling eat with a brocho?
A. Shulchan Aruch rules that one may seat and comply the mitzva of Sukka when it was built and placed on a moving boat, as many often did. Horav Dovid Pam Shlit’a maintains that the same would apply in our case.
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Posted 10/6/2023 6:20 PM |
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# 4474 The Still Travelling Sukka II
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Q. See question above. Are there any other requirements essential?
A. Well, you'd need to lay something (bamboo poles, e.g.) on top of the metal frame before laying the schach down, as the schach shouldn't be supported by metal. Also the height of the mechitzos from the floor should be less than three Tefachim (30 cm.) if possible.
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Posted 10/6/2023 6:15 PM |
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# 4473 The Travelling Sukka
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Q. Dear Rov. I will be traveling G-d willing during Chol Hamoed Sukkoth for over ten hours with my family, as we are visiting our parents. I have a few shailos I would like to ask the Rov, since we are careful not to eat outside the Suka even when traveling.
First question, we are using a large van that has two doors on the back. Can we open both of them, when we stop, and then while hanging a piece of cloth that qualifies as a ‘Mechitza’ (separation that qualifies as a wall) to the van’s inside, the very rear of the van used, namely the wide doors of the van itself while open and then place on top of the doors a Kosher mat for serving as Schach?
Would that be a Kosher Sukka even it is only very temporary?
A. Horav Dovid Pam Shlit’a and other Rabbanim maintain that it would be considered a Kosher Suka, and you could make a brocho when eating in it.
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Posted 10/6/2023 6:14 PM |
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# 4472 Give Sholom to the Newborn Baby?
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Q. If someone is celebrating a Sholom Zochor for a new born baby this year, when the first day Yom Tov Sukos coincides with Shabbos, should the mother bring the not yet circumcised baby to the suka to provide joy and simcha that after all is the great mitzva of Yom Tov and also for the benefit of the neshhama of the newborn?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it could be a good idea to do so if it does not affect in any way the newborn baby.
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 9/29/2023 11:03 AM |
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# 4471 A Meal Into Itself
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Q. This year (23) first day Yom Tov Sukot is on Shabbat. To avoid eating Shalosh-seudot close to the night, since we will then be eating the Seuda of Yom Tov, we usually in similar cases, following the Rav’s advice, as on Rosh Hashana, divided the seuda after musaf into two separate meals.
We ate the first part of the meal including the cholent first. Then recited Birkat Hamazon, and went outside to the street and came back and washed Netilat Yadaim again, made hamotzi on bread, ate the dessert and that was our Shalosh Seudot.
My question is that since our suka is on the driveway at the front of our house, would just walking to the street suffice to separate the two parts of the meal and be considered as two separate seudot?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in any case, but specially in yours, one should go for a walk and wait a half an hour, between the two meals.
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 9/29/2023 11:01 AM |
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# 4470 Not An Empty Nest
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Q. We keep our Suka structure the whole year in our garden. We just saw that some birds build a nest in a corner. The kids are trilled with it and I’m sure most guest will appreciate it also. Can we keep it as a decoration for the Suka?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if you can keep the nest area clean specially from the outside, such as having a container that keeps the bird droppings separated and covered from those seating bellow in the suka, it is permitted.
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 9/29/2023 10:58 AM |
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Important Numbers
