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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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# 4593 A Tight and Dark Night?
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Q. (See questions above). We have a minhag to be careful not to learn Torah on the Nitel Night, does that include also reading the stories of Tzadikim? After all we do not read them in the bathroom?
A. Indeed for those who maintain this Minhag it is advisable to avoid them.
On question 2593 and 2227 regarding learning Torah for one that due to his sickness has to spend a long time in the bathroom. Namely;
Q. I have terrible stomach issues and I spend between 2 and 3 hours a day in the men’s room. Is there any way shape or form I can learn in there or listen to a shiur?
To what we answered: See question 2227 regarding if sciences, math, astronomy and other fields of knowledge can be considered as part of Torah learning, when eventually used for solving Halacha questions or understanding some of the mitzvos, we wrote: “Although much has been written and explained about the relationship of our Holy Torah and the other fields of knowledge, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a insists that the above principle has to be maintained and kept constant in our minds.
True, sciences, math, technological and other fields of knowledge may be helpful and even sometimes necessary to understand some Halacha questions and akin issues. But there is still a very fundamental difference between them. Our Torah is Hashem’s given absolute truth, the others not so much.”
Since no Birchas Hatorah is required for their study, (see question 2228) unless they are at the time of study actually applied to the to Halacha questions involved, or the explained Divrei Torah are being learned, the study of these fields of knowledge alone would be the permitted in the bathroom.
On question 2424 in regard to reading in a bathroom stories of Tzadikim or Jewish history (kosher) seforim, we wrote: “Piskei Teshuvos (85: 3) argues that it could be that all agree that it is permitted, when no psukim or sayings of the sages are quoted, (and one controls the mind on not pursuing them).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.”
On question 2228 we added: Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 307: 16) rules that one is not allowed to read during Shabbos stories and meshalim of secular value. Mishna Berura (ibid. 58) adds that reading (of the history books of) Yosephus Flavious, Sefer Hayuchsin, Divrei Hayomim of Rav Yosef Hacohen and Shevet Yehuda, is permitted on Shabbos, since one may learn from them words of musar and fear of Hashem, even when written in other languages. It seems that there is indeed, if no Torah value, at least some musar and ethical value on those stories.”
As mentioned above, if there is no actual words of Torah mentioned and Torah thoughts are avoided, their reading would be permitted in the bathroom.
The same would apply to reading kosher jokes and funny stories in the bathroom. See question above where we quoted; “Talmud (Shabbos 30b) teaches that Rava, before beginning a lecture would tell a “Milsa D’bedichusa,” a humorous story or witticism that would make people laugh and catch their attention. Meforshim point out that it was part of the Torah learning experience with simcha and joy (See Menuchas Sholom p. 48 and others).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 12/26/2023 3:52 PM |
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# 4592 Bit’l of the Nit’l?
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Q. When is the night of Nitel this year? Why do some people avoid learning Torah? Does it have to be kept?
A. Nittel Nacht is the night of Dec 24. On question 2491 regarding not learning Torah on the Nit’l night, we wrote:
“This day actually marks the birth of 'Oisso Hoish' (Yeshu or Yoshke) and it coincides more or less with the winter solstice. Historically it goes back many centuries, as it was the occasion of pagan festivities such as Saturnalia.
Later on, the Church, as it often did, adopted it and made it coincide with the birth in Betlechem of Yeshu and the celebration of Christmas, better known in our tradition as the night of 'Nittel.' From the term for natalis or being-born in Latin. Or as some argue, it represents the first letters of Nolad Yeshu Tes Leteves. Yeshu was born on the ninth of Teves. (Nitei Gavriel – Chanuka p. 416).
Since the event, turned out to be catastrophic to our nation, giving rise to all kinds of severe persecutions, inquisitions and many a holocaust, it was therefore established as a day of mourning and fasting. The fact that the reason was hidden and deemed forgotten or was disguised by Ezra's yortzait, was simply to avoid further conflict with the Church, that would only increase their antisemitism and abuse. See question 2489 above.
This day follows the Eight of Teves, also a time for fasting mentioned in Shulchan Aruch (ibid.). It marks the day the Torah was translated into Greek. This gave rise to false and mendacious interpretations of the text, and thus made possible and gave authority and validity to the New Testament.”
However, the corresponding Hebrew calendar dates change from year to year.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 12/24/2023 10:57 AM |
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#4591 And then Again?
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Q. Some questions concerning Asarah Beteveth on Friday this year; We usually have trouble gathering the Mincha Minyan on time Erev Shabbat. If we are late and after the Shekiah can we still say Anenu? How about reading Vaichal and Maftir?
A. On question 427 we wrote: “D’var Yehoshua (63: 2) opines that if you usually daven Mincha after the Sh’kiah you can also read Vaychal and say Maftir. Nonetheless, on the onset one should be careful not to recite aneynu on Shabbos, since it is improper to mention on Shabbos “on the day of our fasting”.
However, Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 289: 6) rules that if you fast on Shabbos as is permitted for a bad-dream fast, you are to recite Aneynu after the end of Shmoneh Esrey, before Elokay Netzor (Mishnah Berurah ibid. 22).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that only during the fifteen minutes after the Sh’kiah you may finish the Maftir and do an abbreviated (hoicher) Sh’mone Esreh including Aneynu at Shomeah Tefilah. (See also Maharam Shik O.H. 91, in regards to the admissibility of praying Mincha after the shkiah).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 12/21/2023 12:03 PM |
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4590 Speedy and Fast?
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Q. Dear Rov. Someone who usually is Mekabel Shabbos or begins early, can he do so this coming Shabbos ‘Vayigash’ and make kiddush before the Skekia (sunset) as he usually does, even if it also a fasting day of Assoroh Bteteives? Why did our Sages permit such a fast day on Erev Shabbos?
A. The fast of Asara b’Teves occurs on a Friday about 20 % of the time. The fast continues until after the completion of Maariv for Shabbos.
The Avudraham (Taanios p. 254), in the name of the Responsa of the Geonim, mentions that unlike other fast days (except Yom Kippur) if the Tenth of Teves were to fall out on a Shabbos this fast would actually be observed on that day. This is because of the verse 'Etzem Hayom Haze' (“this very day”) mentioned in Yehchezkel 24-2, is similar to the phrase 'B'etzem Hayom Haze” written in regards to Yom Kippur in Vaikrah 23-28.
He further explains that our calendar calculation is such that the only public fast which can fall on Erev Shabbos is the tenth of Tevet. He adds that if the 13 of Adar falls on Shabbos, we move Taanit Esther back to Thursday, to avoid not being able to proper prepare for Shabbos.
Kol Bo mentions another reason, that it is Darkei Haemori, as other religions fast on Friday. Evidently this is not enough to override the Etzem Hayom Haze.
See also Chidushei R. Chaim (Stencils – Rosh Hashana), who explains that Asara B’Teves is similar to a Taanis Chalom, the fasting for a nightmarish dream, that one observes even on Shabbos, since it brings relief only when kept immediately.
Some further explain that Asara B'Teves is not essentially only a historical fast day of mourning, but rather, like Taanit Chalom, a day of fasting for an actual occurrence of today, as it is in this day that the Heavenly Court decides if the Geulah will take place in this particular year. (Chasam Sofer Vaikra- Drush Zain Adar, see also Ohr Sameach H' Taanis 5-6.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 12/21/2023 11:57 AM |
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# 4589 Bright and Early
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Q. If one has Yohrzait for his father on Assarah Beteves, and he usually makes a Siyum on that day before Maariv and then offers a Kiddush after Maariv for breaking the fast. What should he do this year when most people after Kabbolas Shabbos go home and eat the Shabbos meal there?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a recommends that he should do the Siyum and offer the Kiddush or Seuda on Thursday night instead, since after all that is already the Yohrzait day.
Besides it now includes also ‘Zerizim Makdimim” in keeping Mitzvos. Namely complying earlier is usually better.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 12/21/2023 11:52 AM |
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# 4588 Can’t Speed Up the Fast
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Q. Kvod Harav Shlit’a. My father Shlit’a will not be able to fast this year on Asarah Beteveth due to some medical treatment he has to undergo on Friday morning. Should he fast on Thursday since the three days (8-9-10) are related?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is not necessary or even meaningful.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 12/21/2023 11:45 AM |
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# 4587 A Great Early Mincha?
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Q. (On Asarah Beteveth on Friday this year) can someone daven Mincha early, and then make an early Shabbat and eat before nightfall?
A. On question 428 we answered that Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 249:) quotes an opinion that even on a Taanis Tzibur (communal fast) you only have to fast on Erev Shabbos until you exit the shul after kabbolas Shabbos, past plag hamincha (one and one quarter hour before nightfall). However the Remoh rules that on a communal fast day such as the Tenth of Teves, you should complete the fast until nightfall.
Nitei Gavriel (Chanukah 63: 7) maintains that in the U.S.A. when needed, you can end this fast about a half an hour after the shkiah (ten minutes suffice in Israel). Some Poiskim (Yitzchak Yiranen 41) are more lenient and follow the first opinion of the Remoh (above) and permit ending the fast at the shekiah.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that Ashkenazim should follow the opinion of the Remoh and fast until regular nightfall, however, if someone is stringent and usually keeps Rabeinu Tam’s timetable, in this case he does not have to wait the full seventy-two minutes.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 12/18/2023 6:01 PM |
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#4586 Home Alone
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Q. On question 4572 regarding a frum fellow that was detained in a Central American country, and he will likely be there at least during Chanuka. Since the authorities are nowadays very antisemitic and he most likely will not be able, even with a bribe, to light the Menorah himself, and that would the first time in his life after Bar Mitzva.
This is making him very depressed. Can one stand on the jail’s parking lot outside his cell and just use laser diode rays that will shine the lights through the open window with iron bars on his wall for Chanuka lights. We assumed that in principle, he complies with the mitzva because his wife lights the menorah at home. How long and how many months can he be out of his home until it is not considered his home anymore?
A. The above question applies also to someone who is hospitalized or is new in a retirement institution.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that it truly depends in the case and there are different and variable conditions that would determine which place is now actually his home.
It should be left to the discretion of a competent Rov, that is also familiar with the case and all its details, to decide which is now the true abode of the individual involved.
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 12/15/2023 11:07 AM |
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# 4585 Not an Eide’l Dreidel
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Q. My kid was given a Chanuka dreidel by a friend that has the wining letter ‘Gimel’ on everyone of its four corners, so no mater ho you spin it it will always win. Is it correct to keep such a ‘cheating’dreidel?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that it should not be kept, since it represents dishonesty and wrongful conduct and children should not play with it.
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 12/15/2023 11:04 AM |
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# 4584 The Women’s Praise
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Q. Should a woman who davens shacharis every day recite Halel on Chanukeh with a brocho?
A. Poskim disagree and a woman should follow the tradition and minhag of her community or family.
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 12/15/2023 11:02 AM |
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# 4583 Fix the Mix
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Q. If someone realizes after saying the brocho for Chanuka candles that they will not light since there is too much water in the glass, what should he then do, just fix them and then recite another brocho?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that he can lite the shamesh and ‘bediebed’ after the fact the brocho was not in vain. He should then add the proper other lights of the day without reciting a brocho.
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 12/15/2023 11:01 AM |
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# 4582 Small Smell Test?
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Q. I live in a small condo building and my widow that is facing the street, awfully also faces the garbage cans from the building. Should I light the Menorah by that window?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that if the garbage containers are closed there is no issue if you don’t have another window.
On question 3311 regarding if someone stores in the garage smelly garbage cans, that often contain diapers too, is that garage exempt from a Mezuzah, we answered: “Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that the garbage cans should be kept inside another bigger container, that also shields and protects from the smell.
This applies even if the Mezuza is placed as usual on the outside of the garage door, since often people may say a brocho or words of Torah inside the garage.”
In reality, often people place used diapers at the garbage containers inside the house or kitchen, yet since they are wrapped, covered and don’t smell, we recite brochos next to them.
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 12/15/2023 10:44 AM |
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# 4581 Most Holy Lights
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Q. Does one or his children, especially when travelling and in a hotel, have to be dressed properly in front of he lit Menorah? Can one have marital relations when facing it?
A. Remah (O.H. 275: 12) regarding Shabbos candles rules that one should cover naked young children that are in front of the candles because of ‘Bizui Mitzva’ or the shame and disgrace of the mitzva lights. The same applies to other mitzva lights such as Havdala and Chanuka candles. (Lebush, Tosefes Shabbos 16, Piskei Teshuvos 275: 4).
As far as marital relations one can’t have them in a lit room or in front of any light.
Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a pointed out that many seforim including the ones of Chabad stress that those holy ligths of Chanuka, have to be approached and addressed with much honor and great respect. Not only for the symbolism they have as utensils of the Beis Hamikdosh, but also for the great Nissim, miracles of salvation and heroism they represent.
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 12/15/2023 10:42 AM |
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# 4580 Fire - Away
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Q. See question above. One must take into account that following regulations and insurance policies, no live fire should be left on inside the premises, and since people rush to go home to light their candles and must turn off the shul Menorah.
How long do the candles of the shul or beth midrash have to remain lighted before the last person leaving can turn them off?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that one should try to keep the normal half an hour. In need one may in a shul only turn off after 15 minutes.
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 12/15/2023 10:39 AM |
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# 4579 Right Light @ Right Time
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Q. In a shul where they daven Mincha right before the Shekia (sunset) followed by Maariv, when is the best time to light the Menorah. Between Mincha and Maariv or after Maariv?
A. Most communities and shuln light before Ma’ariv after the Shekia.
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 12/15/2023 10:36 AM |
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# 4578 Uncovering the Uncovered
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Q. Dear Rov and friend. I have a decorated container for the Chanuka oil that has a cover, yet it is open at the pouring end as common hot water or coffee pouring vessels are. If the oil stays on there overnight is that considered oil Meguleh (uncovered)?
A. On question 2969 regarding if one can use olive oil that was left uncovered overnight for lighting the Chanuka menorah, and Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that after the fact, one can use it. Now, many have a tradition that they fill the cups of the menorah with oil, and then after enough time has elapsed, they turn off the lights and save the oil for tomorrow. Would not that make that leftover oil on the menorah overnight disqualified at least lechatchila (on the onset)?
We answered: In a Prior question 682, the Rov was more lenient and ruled that one can you use oil for Chanuka lighting that was left uncovered overnight for a number of reasons. Firstly Poskim disagree whether in our days we should discard certain liquids that were left uncovered or Mashkim Megulim. The main reason for their prohibition is the possibility of their contamination by poisonous snakes (Avoda Zara 30a, Chulin 9b) and since that rarely occurs in our populated cities, we are lenient (Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 116:1, Mishna Berura 160: 23.) However, some Poskim do remain stringent (Pri Chodosh and Pri Toar, quoted by Birkei Yosef and Aruch ha-Shulchan Y.D. 116:1.) There are other issues of ruach ra’ah or a spirit of impurity involved in liquids left uncovered .
It is important to know that when Mashkim Megulim are prohibited they may be so even when left uncovered and unsupervised for a short time, not only overnight.
Poskim also differ if prohibited or non-kosher oil can be used for Chanuka lights and many are lenient (Sdei Chemed – M. Chanuka 14, Kaf Hachaim 673: 11, Beis Shlomo O.H. 10: 108). Others are stringent (Sefer Hachaim quoted by Daas Torah 673).
However the main reason that oil left uncovered is undoubtedly permitted is that there is no Mashkim Megulim issue on oil, since snakes don't drink from it (Chulin 49b, Bais Yosef Y.D. 116, Yemei Chanuka p. 71).
The Rov further added, that once it was placed in the menorah and lighted, it is not considered liquid food and therefore not affected.
The same would apply to the oil left in the cups overnight.
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 12/15/2023 10:33 AM |
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#4577 Chanuka Gelt Means a Velt
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Q. I was visiting a dear modern friend and witnessed something really strange. He lit the first day a great beautiful Menorah, but around it he placed all kinds of gifts for his kids. Is that permitted?
The practice of giving gifts during Christmas time, according to Christian tradition, is symbolic of the presentation of the gifts by the Three Wise Men to their infant deity. So, indeed, why is there a tradition to give gifts or money to children during Chanukah, should it not be prohibited because it is after all the tradition of the other religions to do so at this time of the year during their holidays?
A. On question 688 we wrote:
“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.
On question 691 Shift the Chanuka Gelt to Chanuka Gift? We wrote:
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.
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Posted 12/11/2023 8:17 PM |
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# 4576 Women On Time
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Q. See question 4571 above regarding women's compliance on the Chanuka mitzva. A group of single women, that partake once a week to a Hashkafa shiur around the time of lighting the Menorah candles, can they still maintain on that day the important shiur?
A. Just like men in the case of a similar situation, can have a secure monitor, supervising and reminding them to lite the Menorah, so are women also permitted to do.
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 12/10/2023 11:07 AM |
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# 4575 A Happy Koshern Yom Tov
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Q. Does one have to use Kosher olive oil for Chanukah candles?
A. 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 Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 12/8/2023 12:14 PM |
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# 4574 – Rich or Beautiful?
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Q. Dear Morenu Horav. If someone has an option to use a very beautiful and large silver plated menorah or just a small oldish and kind of ugly but real silver very expensive menorah. Which is the preferable one?
A. There are different opinions in similar situations as to what is better and accepted to choose and follow for complying with a mitzva. Nominally, is it the most valuable and money precious object, or the most beautiful one to the eye.
Yerushalmi (Yuma 6/1) mentions that regarding the he verses tell us (16:7-10) “And he (Aharon, the Cohen Gadol) shall take the two goats…and shall cast upon the two goats lots: one for Hashem, and the other lot for Azazel. And Aharon shall present the goat upon which the lot for Hashem fell, and make it into a sin offering. But the goat on which the lot fell for Azazel shall be set alive before Hashem, to make atonement over him, to send him away for Azazel into the wilderness.”
Our Sages say: (Baba Basra 4a); One who has not seen Herod’s building has never seen a beautiful building in his life. The Gemara asks: With what did he build it? Rabba said: With stones of white and green marble [umarmara]tones sent out an edge a bit and drew in an edge a bit, so that they would better receive and hold the plaster.
He considered covering it with gold, but the Rabbis said to him: Leave it, and do not cover it, since it is more beautiful this way, as it looks like the waves of the sea.
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 12/8/2023 12:08 PM |
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Important Numbers
