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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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# 4328 Answering Aneinu
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Q. Kavod Horav. Since due to age and illness, I’m unable to fast the complete coming fast of Shiva Asar Betamuz, and I have to eat before Mincha. When I daven Mincha do I say Aneinu?
A. Halichos Shlomo (13: 7) rules that one who already broke his fast before Mincha, should say Anenu and just add “Beyom Tzom Hata’anis” or on the day of fasting.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that he should omit even that addition.
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 7/7/2023 11:02 AM |
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# 4327 Your Mezuza in Your Home
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Q. See question above. Who has to pay for the Mezuza?
A. Bachurim pay for the Mezuzos. This is due to the Halacha that the obligation to place a Mezuza is on the one living on that location or “Chovas Hadar.” (Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 291).
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 7/7/2023 11:00 AM |
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# 4326 The Chosen Bachurim
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Q. Bachurim in a yeshiva in America, if the yeshiva rents a basement for them, who is responsible for getting the mezuza and may they delay for 30 days in putting it up?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that the Bachurim should place the mezuza. They indeed have thirty days to comply, yet it is better to do it as soon as possible.
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 7/7/2023 10:58 AM |
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# 4325 Now I See
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- Q. Good evening Rabbi. My husband has very poor vision, and his doctor has recommended a magnifying glass with light for him to read.
The magnifying glass may be used with or without the lights, but the usefulness is greatly enhanced with the light.
The question is if my husband would be able to use this equipment on Shabbat or holidays. Could his caregiver turn the light on and off on Shabbat?
I’m including the specifications for the equipment. Thank you so much:
A. Sorry for the delay, we are B’H very busy. Since the magnifying glass uses LED lights as mentioned in the specifications for the equipment, the prohibition involved in turning on or off the lights is basically only Rabbinical following the opinion of most Poskim. Therefore, since the Gentile caregiver is the one turning the LED lights on and off, it involves a “Sh’vus D’Sh’vus, or only a double Rabbinical prohibition that is permitted in cases of illness or when really needed. It is better to instruct the caregiver before Shabbos what he should do.
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 7/7/2023 10:55 AM |
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# 4324 Not That Intelligent the Artificial I.
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Q. Can one use a computerized scanning machine to check a Mezuzah?
A. On question 3736 we wrote, “Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in our days the Sefer Torah should undergo a computerized test to check if no letters are erased or missing, specially in an old Sefer, before bringing it to the shul.
On question 2002 regarding if one does have to check tefilin and mezuzot using a computer program as it is done in our times with a Sefer Torah. We wrote: “Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if they were checked properly when written, one is not obliged to check them again.
However, the Rov maintains, since occasionally even after being revised by authorized professional scribes, mistakes are still found, it is preferable to have them computer tested and inspected. (See Maayanei Shlomo O.H. 4).”
The above does not mean that a certified Sofer, should not also check the mezuza, as AI machines can also make mistakes.
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 7/7/2023 10:52 AM |
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# 4323 Women Rule?
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Q. See question 9 above. Can a woman be trained and after learning well the Halachot of Mezuza be able to check and certify the Kashruth of a Mezuza?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that a woman should not engage in checking and declaring a mezuza certified kosher, even if she was trained and learned well the Halachot of Mezuza, since she would be rendering Psakim and ruling Halacha.
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 7/7/2023 10:48 AM |
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# 4322 Toys Are Us?
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Q. “Dear Rov, as we spoke by phone, I work with a group that designs and manufactures toys and a few of them are quite advanced and expensive. We recently were asked to develop a toy-bear that has very advanced AI (artificial intelligence).
The bear has all kinds of advanced senses and is programmed to wake up the kid and help him get dressed and ready on time, as well as doing his homework and eventually go to bed and fall asleep. It can tell stories and help with homework etc. It also reports to the parents.
The question I would like the Rov to ask Horav Miller is, can we design a toy-bear that wakes up the young kid and says Mode Anni, with him, tells him (or her) to wash hands properly, dress etc. etc., reminds to say brochos, Shema, helps with Torah learning and time dedicated to play, as well as tells bed stories, and says Shema with the kids when they go to sleep. All this is done with constant contact and report to the necessary parent.
What does Horav Miller Shlit’a think about this toy-bear.
A. “Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that, at this point in time in normal circumstances, it is far better to avoid using AI to teach and guide children. Real human contact and teaching especially from parents is most essential, needed, and recommended.
We must add that parents relying on AI programs to teach and guide their children, may just opt out and totally neglect the so necessary and essential bond created between parents and children when real personal care and contact is the rule”
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 7/2/2023 11:00 AM |
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# 4321 Some Intelligence on Artificial Intelligence
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Q. I’m a Frum surgeon that performs delicate medical operations. Could you kindly ask Horav Miller the following; can I partake according the Halacha in an operation in which I’m assisted by an AI (artificial Intelligence) controlled computer-manipulated surgical robotic devices, that are usually more accurate than the human hand. Can we rely on AI when dealing with human lives?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if the health government institutions permit them you may use them. The reason being that since they are responsible for severe compensation payments if they fail, they are therefore careful and exact in their authorization.
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 7/2/2023 10:31 AM |
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# 4320 Shomer Yisroel?
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Q. Dear Rov. After I get married, during the days of Sheva Brochos, I know that as a Chassan I should not be by myself, but constantly accompanied by my new wife or a Shomer (keeper). If I have a necessary business meeting I have to attend, can I have my non-Jewish lawyer accompany me?
A. Talmud (Brochos 24b) and Rema (Shulchan Aruch E.H. 64: 1) mention and rule that a Chassan and his Kallah during the Seven Days after their wedding, should be not left alone. The reason given is to protect them from the Mazikim hazardous spirits.
Poskim disagree in our case. Yoshiv Yitzchak (61) quotes Derech Emunah that a Gentile cannot serve as a ‘Shomer’ or guardian for this task. However, he disagrees and permits.
Other Poskim also disagree, and comment that it depends on the protection given directly by Hashem to his Chosen Nation.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that when in need one can be lenient specially in our days, when we assume that the damaging power of the ‘Mazikim’ has been diminished.
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 6/30/2023 11:06 AM |
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# 4319 An Isha and her Mezuza
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Q. Can a woman that removed a Mezuza for having it chequed place it back also? Does she make a bracha then?
A. On question 3943 regarding if a woman living alone, can place a mezuza on the entrance of her home,w e wrote:
“Poskim disagree. Yeshuos Malko (H. Mezuza 5: 10) rules that although a woman is obliged in the mitzva of mezuza, she should not affix it in its place herself, as this is similar to writing the mezuza, which she is not qualified to do. Teshuvos Vehanhogos (4:238), Shaarei Hamezuza (16: 6) and others maintain that on the onset, a woman should not affix a mezuza. Beer Moshe asserts that if done, the mezuza should be removed and replaced by a man without a bracha.
However many Poskim permit. Birkei Yosef asserts that since she is bound to keep this mitzva and she is not allowed to dwell in a home without it, if she was not permitted to place the mezuza herself, she would also not be permitted to make an agent or shaliach to do it for her. The reason being that you cannot have a shaliach perform something for you, if you cannot do it yourself. (Gittin 23b).
Chasam Sofer (Y.D. 210, Eretz Zvi (15), Daas Cohen (169), Yabia Omer (3: 18), Chovas Hadar (9: 3) are some of the Poskim that permit women to affix mezuzos.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that a woman may place lekatchila (on the onset) a mezuza with a brocho.”
See also question 3943
Horav Dovid Pam Shlit’a mentioned that she should be careful when reciting a brocho, that it is placed back on the day after, as mentioned in Aruch Hashulchan (289: 4)
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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 6/30/2023 11:01 AM |
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# 4318 Rebuilding the Churban
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Q. See question above. Kvod Horav, as you know we have a shiur for Yeshiva Bachurim and young married men, in which we promote not only the learning of Torah, but more even also the writing of Chidushim and even ‘Vorts’ that we publish in a monthly journal that is well appreciated by all families in our community.
We would very much like to make a Siyum on this coming Friday Erev Parshios Chukas - Balak, to strengthen the group, on the day we mourn for the many wagons replete of Sefarim and priceless and irreplaceable manuscripts, (it predated the printing age), that were burned in Paris by agents of the Church and King Louis IX.
We feel that it is a very appropriate time for our great commitment. Is that correct?
A. As mentioned in question above, for those same reasons the day was declared a day of fasting.
Although, few fast on that day in our times, and the purpose of your Siyum is most correct and to be commended and encouraged, yet the Rov recommends to avoid a meat or significant Seuda on that day. A smaller meal or Kiddush for the Siyum is proper
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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 6/30/2023 10:59 AM |
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# 4317 Mourning the Burning
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Q. We are Iy’H making a Bris for our newborn on this coming Friday Erev Parshas Chukas – Bolok. We usually served meat during the Seuda of the Bris of our other children. Yet I heard that it should be avoided on this Erev Shabbos Parshas Chukas (Bolok) is that correct?
A. On question 2246-47 regarding the source for some fasting on Erev Shabbos Parshas Chukas and why would there be a fasting day on Erev Shabbos when we usually avoid it, we wrote: “Magen Avrohom (580: 9) and Mishna Berura (580: 16) quote the Tanya, that on Erev Shabbos Parshas Chukas, ‘yechidim’ or some individuals accustom to fast. (Oz VeHadar Mishna Berura explains that it refers to the Arizal’s teachings (Shaar HaKavannos of Rav Chaim Vital, Drushei Tikkun Chatzos 1 and Pri Eitz Chaim, Shaar Tikkun Chatzos 3).
The reason given, is that on that day (in the year 1242), twenty (or twenty four) wagons replete of Sefarim Gemaros. Talmudic literature including many works of the Baalei Tosafos and other priceless and irreplaceable manuscripts, (it predated the printing age), were burned in Paris by agents of the Church and King Louis IX. Magen Avrohom adds that it is “worthwhile for every Jew to cry for the burning of the Torah.” He then proceeds to tell of a customary annual fast specifically for this purpose, on Erev Shabbos Parshas Chukas. Additionally on year 5408 (Tach) – 1648, two great European communities were destroyed. The cause that it was instituted on the day of the week (Erev Shabbos) rather than on the day of the month, as all other days of fasting are, is because it was spiritually revealed to them that they should fast then, by using the Targum translation on “Zos Chukas Hatorah” Moed Lekol Chai (quoted by Nitei Gavriel – Bein Hamtzarim 1: 1: 3) mentions that on that Friday, as he remembers from his younger years in Izmir, people would refrain from leaving home and would try to arrange all that was needed for Shabbos on the prior Thursday.
Even in his present day, he adds. people avoid traveling from city to city. He further quotes from Kisvei Hakodesh, the tradition to awake early and recite the Kina or lamentation of “Shaali Serufa Baesh.” We may add to the above that the Targum on “Zos Chukas Hatorah” is “Do gezeras Ora’yso” meaning, this is the gezera (decree) to the Torah. There seems to be a different version on the Targum adding a vav or “VeDo” on day “Vav” or the sixth day, Friday, became gezeras ora’yso (Shibolei Haleket 263).The Torah is foretelling the future tragedies that will occur, and we now mourn the great loss to the Torah that happened on that day.
There is no question that the burning of that collection of Seforim in Paris, at a time when every book was painstakingly written by hand and when many were original and irreplaceable, was a most terrible tragedy. It represented the destruction of generations of Jewish learning and work. It’s estimated that the wagons held about 10,000 sefarim and manuscripts. For how many Sages and Baalei Tosafos, it represented the extinction of a life’s work!”
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that although you did not accept or kept this Ta’anis as a Neder or oath, it is proper to be Mattir Neder and perform prior to the fast day an act of Hattoras Nedorim or absolution of oaths and promises as printed in Sidurim.”
In our case the Rov indeed recommends to avoid a meat Seuda on that important day.
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 6/30/2023 10:55 AM |
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# 4316 A Vort on a Vort
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Q. We Be’H are about to do a Vort (engagement) for our daughter, I heard that it should better not be done on the Seventh day of Tamuz is that correct?
A. Nitei Gavriel – Bein Hametzarim 1: 1. indeed quotes Sefer Chassidim (158 p. 162) that mentions that weddings should be avoided on the seventh day of the months of Elul, Shevat and Tamuz. He warns that it may cause the demise of one of the couple. Yet he also cites that some great Chassidic Rabbis got married on that day.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that even the Sefer Chassidim mentions only celebrating a wedding and not just a Vort, that should be 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 6/30/2023 10:52 AM |
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# 4315 Love Your Dead Friend?
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Q. When someone gives Tzedaka during the Yohrzait of a good friend in his memory, since the friend is not longer alive and there in likely no mitzva of “Vehavata Lereacha” (love your friend) anymore. Which mitzva is actually involved, so he can have the essential and crucial intention for it?
A. It is obvious that helping the poor and destitute is always a great mitzva, however knowing if there is an additional mitzva being complied with in this particular situation may be indeed important.
Generally speaking, we rule that when a person fulfills a Torah Mitzvah, Kavanah or proper intention to comply, is essential in order for it to count. Kavanah means that a person must have in mind that he is fulfilling the Mitzvah of Hashem as found in the Torah, so knowing which mitzva it is seems necessary. This would seem to be the case in regard to Chessed as well.
However, many Poskim have written that although it is required ideally, if one did not have the correct Kavana, the Mitzvah still counts, post facto.
The Chazon Ish was of the opinion that this concept of not receiving credit for a Torah Mitzvah when one does it by rote without intent does not apply in regard to Mitzvos that are between man and man (Toraso Yeh’ge, Miluim #10).
On question 363 regarding intention on social mitzvos we wrote: Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a pointed out that in regards to Kavanah in Mitzvos, there is a difference between the commandments Ben Adam Lamakom, or the ones that involve only complying with the will of Hashem and the ones that additionally benefit others or society too. On the former you need intention, on the latter, it is generally accepted that after the fact you comply with the Mitzvah even if performed without intention, as the benefit was done nonetheless.
However, the Chofetz Chaim holds that kavanah, or intent to perform a mitzvah, is also required and essential for those mitzvos. (Ahavas Chessed 2:23).
In our particular case, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that since after all a person is still being judged during the Yamim Noraim after his death, as it involves the consequences and effects that his life actually had on the past year, and that judgment is very meaningful for the living, therefore donating Tzedaka in his name, is also part of the mitzva of “Vehavata Lereacha.”
See also question 2104.
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 6/30/2023 10:50 AM |
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# 4314 The Pain of a Stain
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Q. A father who was holding his four year old boy while being covered with his Taalis, and the boy made it wet with urine, after it dried can he use it for davening even if it is stained?
A. Poskim maintain that once urine has dried even if the stain could still be seen, whether it is on clothing, floor or furniture. One can recite Tefilos and learn Torah even when facing it.
However, it is proper and a “Hiddur Mitzva” to always wear a clean Taalis and to also daven in a clean shul.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a 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 6/30/2023 10:47 AM |
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# 4313 Pray Remind Me
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Q. I truly wonder since we daven for everything and our Tefilos have blessings for every need, how come we don’t have any prayer for having a good memory that is so essential!
A. Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a pointed out that there is indeed a brocho for it in our common Shemone Essreh. It is included in the fourth blessing of “Atto Chonnen” in which we pray for wisdom, intelligence and understanding.
The Rov quoted Rashi (Avoda Zarah 8a) that mentions; “If one discovers that he cannot remember his learning, he may petition (for an improved memory) on the (fourth blessing of Shemoneh Essrei) “Atta Chonen,” or “He who grants knowledge.”
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 6/30/2023 10:46 AM |
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# 4312 Protect the Good Name
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Q. See question 4302 above. I was wondering Kvod Horav, if even not in Shabbos one may not join the parts of the torn Siddur page when it involves the name of Hashem, and one may be causing the Holy Name to be destroyed when they eventually separate?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that indeed one should avoid the use of a torn page by joining it just temporarily, especially when dealing with Hashem’s different names.
The Rov added that one should avoid using adhesive Scotch tape placed over Hashem’s name, since it is equivalent to erasing that Holy Name as it cannot be usually removed without at least partially removing some of the letters.
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 6/30/2023 10:44 AM |
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# 4311 The Best Kiddush
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Q. Dear Rabbi. I offered to give a Shabbath kiddush and I have the option to have it on Shabbat Korach or Shabbat Chukat. Because of the titles of the Parshiot, is there a preference of one over the other?
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that besides the parsha title, there are both positive and equally not so satisfactory issues in both parshios. Therefore, other external factors should decide and determine which Shabbos is the correct one to donate the kiddush.
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 6/25/2023 1:22 PM |
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# 4310 Can I help You?
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Q. We need to hire a teacher- leader for a summer youth camp to be Mekarev young men to Torah. We have a few options. Is it better to look for a FFB person or an actual Baal Teshuva.
A. On a similar question (3488) regarding: “Our shul is starting a ‘Kiruv” outreach program for neighbors who may want to join and become Frum. They are planing to hire a well remunerated professional ‘Mekarev’ to do the work. They ended with the two best candidates, that as far as the qualities, knowledge and experience are similar. They would like to know if they should give preference to the one who is actually a Baal Teshuva himself or maybe that may be on the contrary detrimental?
To what we answered. One may argue that if one needs a ‘Mekarev,’ to attract and bring close to Torah and mitzvos, someone who has not been keeping anything yet, that Mekarev must be able to identify and comprehend the depth of mind, feelings and experiences of the one seeking a new spiritual life. Since he actually already experienced in person the trials, ordeals and emotions his potential Kiruv candidate is going through, his chances of success are higher.
Moreover, they may be able to share mutual principles and emotions that motivated both to seek a new life.
The Kiruv candidate may not identify at all with someone who is FFB.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that although in other positions such as a Chazan, being a Baal Teshuva may not be recommended, in this particular case he may be indeed the preferred candidate.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 6/23/2023 12:21 AM |
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# 4309 Does My Miracle Need another Miracle
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Q. Dear Rabbi. A true miracle happened to a cousin of mine. She was steeping out of a plane carrying her one month old baby and as she exited she tripped and fell with the baby in her hands. By a true Neiss (miracle) she fell backwards on her back and she didn’t roll down the long metal steps, and B’H both her and the baby are OK. Does she have to Bench (recite) Gomel? Her husband was not travelling with her.
A. The Ashkenazi tradition is that women don’t recite the blessing of HaGomel, that is usually done by men in Shul and in public at the reading of the Torah.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that she should recite with lots of of Kavanah and intention Chapter 107 of Tehilim. There are different traditions how to recite it in such an occasion.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 6/23/2023 12:18 AM |
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Important Numbers
