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# 4356 An Alcohol Problem
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Q. Someone that has trouble with the idea of fasting, can he take a liquor drink at the Seudas Hamafsekes before commencing Tisha Beav?
A. Mishna Berura (552: 4) rules that it is prohibited. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that there are several products available that can make the fasting easier and should be taken before the fasting begins .
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/21/2023 1:27 PM |
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# 4355 Comfortable as an Old Shoe
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Q. Kvod Horav. Last year I had a big argument with a visiting fellow that came to shul on Tisha Beav and was sitting low next to me. He was wearing a pair new tennis shoes (the label curiously was still on them).
I told him that it was prohibited, and he told me that he had asked a Shaila to his Rabbi, and he ruled he can use them. I think he will be returning on this Tisha Beav also. Was he correct?
A. Actually Kovetz Halochos (p. 225) permits if the shoes are dedicated for use on Tisha Beav only.
One may add that the shoes could be dirtied a bit before using them.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/21/2023 1:23 PM |
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# 4354 High Heaven Stink?
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Q. Since when Tisha Beav arrives, as it is on this year (on Thursday), people have not showered since last Shabbos and it is after all Summer, can one use deodorant on Tisha Beav when in shul not to affect others?
A. Piskei Teshuvos (554: 14) permits. On question 3270 regarding if on Tisha Beav a woman can wear perfume or a man spray deodorant, we wrote: ”Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 554: 15) rules that although ‘Sicha’ or anointing is forbidden during Tisha Beav, it is only when done for pleasure. One who has scabs on their head can normally anoints he has no concern.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit’a opinion is that the use of perfume and similar anointing products should be avoided since it would be included in the prohibition of Sicha. However, when necessary for the removal of bad or molesting odours it is permitted.”
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/21/2023 1:20 PM |
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# 4353 Kosher Dishes Drying Towels
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Q. Dear Rabbi: Is it permitted to wash the dishes drying towels during the 9 Days as they become dirty?
A. Nitei Gavriel (35: 20) permits. However, our Rabbis opined that it may be unnecessary since you may just the dishes to dry by themselves in need. If that is not an option, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that since they are used to dry cleaned dishes, usually do not become dirty enough that they require washing during this special time.
If that is still not an alternative, one may use a roll of paper towels.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/21/2023 1:18 PM |
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# 4352 Clean House
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Q. Can one use a vacuum-cleaner to clean a dirty home carpet during the Nine Days for honouring Shabbos?
On question 594 regarding if one can ask a maid to wash the carpets or curtains during the nine days, we wrote:
“Although you may vacuum clean a carpet during the Nine Days, even a Gentile should not wash them. The same applies to curtains (Nitei Gavriel Ben Hametzorim 1: 35: 20, Shoshanas Yisroel 4: 9)
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is similar.” The Rov added that the vacuuming should be light only.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/21/2023 1:15 PM |
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# 4351 Soup Up?
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Q. It would be very helpful for my fasting (during Tisha Beav) if I could drink a cup of diluted vegetable soup at the Seudat Hamafseketh (last meal) before the fasting begins, after eating the customary hard boiled egg. I usually drink a tea then as I know it is permitted, could I drink instead a cup of that soup?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is not permitted as it constitutes an additional food that is prohibited in that special separating meal.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/21/2023 1:14 PM |
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# 4350 Run and Eat?
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Q. I was eating matza for lunch on a Friday afternoon when it was still six hours before Shabbos. Some guy starts screaming at me that I am being Mechallel Shabbos (desecrating Shabbos), as one may not eat matza then. What is the correct response?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 249: 2) rules the eating a bread meal one is accustomed to eat regularly every day, can in principle be eaten any time on Friday too, yet it is a mitzva to avoid after 3.30 PM (Zemanius hours).
Mishna Berura (ibid. 15)) explains that if someone eats without ‘Kevios Seuda’ or a meal that is not prepared and cooked as being important or significant as for a special ocacion, but just is a regular weekday meal, it can in principle be eaten the complete day, yet if it may affect the appetite for the Shabbos Seuda it is a mitzva to avoid at that time.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/21/2023 1:11 PM |
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# 4349 Teach All A Lesson
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Q. If I can choose a place where to learn in a Beis Midrash, is it better to choose one facing the Mizrach as we do for davening, since we also say “Ki Mitzion Tetzeh Torah, Udevar Hashem M’Yerushalaim” or there is no difference?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that since one of the main purposes of learning Torah is “lilmod Ulelamed” or teach it to others, it does not make any difference where we face.
This is opposed to davening when we only address Hashem and speak to Him. We must then be facing the Kodesh Hakodashim.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/21/2023 1:09 PM |
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# 4348 Man of the Cloth?
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Q. When travelling during the 9 Days may one wear Bigdei Shabbos for the sake of convenience and having less baggage?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that although in need there may be room to be lenient. However, it is unnecessary since one can wear if he has one, the weekday suit and carry the Shabbos jacket over his hand.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/21/2023 1:07 PM |
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# 4347 So, Get a New Head!
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Q. See question above. How about if the head is similar to a heart, and we reach a time when it can be eventually attached to the body of someone else. Who would that person be?
A. On question 4000 regarding hand and arm transplants from donors that amazingly are possible albeit still rare and complicated in our days. If such a transplanted arm be used for putting Tefilin on it and at what point of the process would that be already possible. We wrote:.
“ Indeed as you explained to me that as a physician and surgeon you are familiar with organ transplants. Yet hand and arm transplants from donors is still in our days uncommon and complicated.
As also explained in a Johns Hopkins article, hand and arm transplantation is a procedure to surgically attach a donor’s hand or arm to a recipient, and can be life changing for those who have suffered an amputation or experienced extreme loss of hand function due to illness or injury. It is a complex procedure that involves a rigorous screening process, detailed surgical preparation, up to 12 hours or more of surgery, nerve regeneration, physical therapy and immunosuppressive medications taken for the rest of the patient’s life.
As with organ transplants, the area of greatest concern is preventing rejection. There are two kinds of rejection: acute and chronic. Once controlled the chances of success are positive.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that although there is no certainty of a continuous positive result, once the chances are mostly for the best, one can don Tefilin on the arm with a brocho.”
As mentioned in the previous question Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is still too early to express any Halacha rulings, until these unusual cases actually continue and do become a reality.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/21/2023 1:04 PM |
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# 4346 Lost your Head?
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Q. We just heard that in an extremely rare and complex operation, Hadassah Medical Center surgeons have reattached a 12-year-old boy’s head to his neck after a serious accident in which he was hit by a car while riding his bicycle, the Jerusalem hospital announced on Wednesday.
This case opens the door to a great number of totally new Shailos. Would a person that indeed lost his head and was then reattached to his body be considered as being born again?
A. See questions 1086, 1089, and 1322 regarding heart transplants.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is still too early to express any Halacha rulings, until these unusual cases actually continue and do become a reality.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/21/2023 12:59 PM |
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# 4345 At Face Value
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Q. If I can choose a place where to learn in a Beis Midrash, is it better to choose one facing the Mizrach (east) as we do for davening, since we also say “Ki Mitzion Tetzeh Torah, Udevar Hashem M’Yerushalaim - Torah Comes to us from Tzion And Jerusalem” or there is no difference?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that since one of the main purposes of learning Torah is “lilmod Ulelamed” or teach it to others, it does not make any difference where we face.
This is opposed to davening when we only address Hashem and speak to Him. We must then be facing the Kodesh Hakodashim.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/16/2023 10:42 PM |
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# 4344 A Matter of Life and Death
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Q. Why is that on the day of the Yohrzait of a dear one, it is usual for many to give a kiddush after davening, give a Tikun and offer a ‘Lechaim’. Should not the day of Yohrzait be a sad and mournful day when we remember the dear ones departed?
A. As Sefarim write when the children or other descendants of the deceased honor them and remember them, there is a great mitzva and benefit for the deceased and that is a source for Nechama or consolation and simcha applies.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/14/2023 12:30 AM |
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# 4343 Enlightening the Light
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Q. Kvod Harav; On the night of Tisha Beav if after returning from shul one goes home sits low, continues to recite Kinos or learns the permited Torah parts, does he also have to dim the lights or place some candles?
A. Kovetz Halochos quoting Hagra mentions that there is no need. However, Sefer Haminhagim maintains one should.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one should dim the lights.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/14/2023 12:28 AM |
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# 4342 Be Patient with the Patient
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Q.
See question above. Is one allowed to sit before Chatzot on Tisha
Beav morning when visiting a patient and staying a while?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a
opinion is that if there is a benefit for the sick person one is
allowed to sit with him. The same would apply to a doctor or a nurse.
Rabbi
A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav
Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs
Shlit'a
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Posted 7/14/2023 12:24 AM |
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# 4341 Careful What you Wish
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Q. When someone has to visit a family sick person during Tisha Beav morning, can one wish him a Refuah Shleima or is that prohibited since it may be seen as a prohibited salutation on that day?
A. Kovetz Halochos (p. 421) permits wishing a Refuah Shleima when visiting the ill.
Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a maintains that Refuah Shleima is not a form of greeting.
One may instead just recite aloud a Tefila for the ill and it could be even be more appreciated than just saying Refuah Shleima. One has to daven for the ill when visiting as it is an integral part of the mitzva of Bikur Cholim
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/14/2023 12:23 AM |
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# 4339 Know Where You Stand
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Q. Dear Rabbi. If one travels by subway or bus during the morning of Tisha Beav, does one have to remain standing or can one seat before Chatzot? (midday).
A. Kovetz Halochos (p. 221) rules that on both cases one may sit down, since it is more secure and one is not necessarily doing it for pleasure. (See similar p’sak by Horav C. Kanievsky zt’l in the Chazon Ish name).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/14/2023 12:19 AM |
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# 4338 Curiosity Didn’t Kill the Cat
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Q. If I am home alone for a meal and my cat is sitting with me, can I still say the line about blessing all those that are seated here?
A. Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a maintains that he literal translation of המסובין is guests who gather and partake of the meal which does not apply to animals.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is more important to feed the cat or other pets before one eats.
The words you mentioned are not that common anymore in Sidurim and Benchers, however one can usually pray for all possessions that one has.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/14/2023 12:17 AM |
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# 4337 A Tip on a Mezuza
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Q. I walk by a house that has the Mezuzah on the right side of the door post but tipped away from the house. I mentioned it to the Rabbi who knows the owners but it's still sitting there like that. Do I have any obligation to say anything such as to love your fellow Jew, or should I just ignore it?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that since he complies with the mitzva of Mezuza even when it is tipped away from the door, if one feels he may get into a Machlokes or argument, it is better to avoid telling. However, otherwise he should nicely correct him.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/14/2023 12:15 AM |
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# 4336 Count Your Chickens
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Q. Lab-grown chicken, meat could soon find its way onto American plates after USDA approval, Billed as "meat without the slaughter," lab-grown or "cultivated" meat made by two manufacturers has been approved for sale to U.S. consumers. What is Horav Miller Shlit’a opinion, can one eat it?
A. Although years back on question 1230 and 2114 a similar Shaila was addressed, Horav Shlomo Miler Shlit’a avoided to give an opinion now.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/14/2023 12:13 AM |
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Important Numbers
