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#5625 Support the Support!
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- Q. If one davens (prays) next to a bookcase of Torah sefarim and when he reaches the amida he needs to help support himself a bit by leaning against the bookcase, so he removes a few of the sefarim to be able to have a place where to place his arm and have support, yet immediately after the end of the amida he returns the sefarim to their place, is that permitted?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller”s Shli”a and Horav Aharon Miller”s Shlit’a opinion is that it is permitted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 10/24/2025 12:06 PM |
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#5624 The Time to Thank?
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- Q. Kvod Rabbenu Shlit’a. Was the exchange of the 1900 Palestinian prisoners and likely future terrorist for the 20 living hostages permitted? Can one stop now reciting special Tehilim or celebrate with a Kiddush or a Seuda? Is this the Time to Thank?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller”s Shli”a opinion is indeed that no reciting of special Tehilim is now necessary, and that is what applies and is done in the Rov’s Shlit’a Kolel.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 10/24/2025 12:03 PM |
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#5623 Blame the Name?
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- Q. See question above. How about in a Ketuva or Tenaim? Do they have to be redone if the name of the month was as above misspelled?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller”s Shli”a opinion is that in this particular case of the naming of the month Cheshvan or Marcheshvan, one complies with both spellings.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 10/24/2025 11:51 AM |
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#5622 – The Best of all Months?
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- Q. Dearest Rabbi shalita. I wonder what is the most correct way to write in a Matzeiva the name of the month we just started, Cheshvan or Marcheshvan?
A. On question 4503 we wrote:
"Q. My family is planing to erect the Matzeiva of our grandfather A’H who died during the month of Cheshvan, in the near future.
What is most correct when writing the date; to name the month as Cheshvan or MarCheshvan?
A. Rema (Shulchan Aruch Even Haezer 126: 70) mentions that ”Marcheshvon” should be written with only one letter ‘Vov’.
Kav Noki and Nachlas Shiva (they are the accepted guides for the writing of divorces and Ketubos) quote the month as Marcheshvan, and it is usually the way the month is written in those official documents.
In regards to the adding of the prefix ‘Mar’ to Cheshvon, there are two opposite thoughts and explanations.
Some communities have the tradition of not celebrating any weddings on this month. Sdei Chemed (Ma’areches Chassan Vekalah) mentions that the added prefix of “Mar” or bitter is due to the sadness due to the fact that there are no festivities and Yamim Tovim in this month. Also adding that it is the month when Sarah Immenu passed away.
However, Nitei Gavriel (1; 48 p.304) mentions that it is a most important month since it reflects and represents the establishment of the dates and commemorations for the whole year. The word ‘Mar’ stands and represents the ‘Master,’ or leader for the leading month to come. Therefore, the most correct name to be used is Marcheshvan.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch
Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 10/24/2025 11:47 AM |
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#5621 Acumen When No Amen
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- Q. See question above:
Since I’m due for an urgent medical operation and I will be spending from the afternoon onward, time in hospital, can I comply with the hundred brachot by answering Amen on the phone?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller”s Shli”a opinion is that one does not comply in such a case.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 10/24/2025 11:44 AM |
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#5620 – Give and Receive a Hundred Blessings!
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- Q. Kvodo Shlit”a. I make a great effort to recite a hundred Brachot (Blessings) every day. Since I’m due for a urgent medical operation and I will be spending from the afternoon onward, time in hospital, Do the ones said in the Shemone Esre in shul in the morning or the Amen one answers for the Brachot of others also count?
A. Indeed, as mentioned in Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 46: 3) , based on the Talmud (Menachot 43b) one has an obligation to recite a hundred Brachot (Blessings) every day.
Mishna Berura (ibid.), Magen Avrohom and others maintain that in need one can comply by listening and answering amen to the brochos recited in Shul during the repetition of the Amida and other parts of the Tefila and also by the blessings of others.
See next question.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 10/24/2025 11:41 AM |
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#5619 – Choose The Rest of The Best
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- Q. Dear Rabbi. Long Life. I have thanks to Hashem and my good friends recently become a “Baal Teshuva.” I have contacted you for guidance a few times, and I thank you much for your great help.
Since I have a very demanding professional ocupation, I have sadly limited time to spend on learning Torah. Could you ask Rabbi Miller what is more important to spend more time on learning the Halacha, to know how to keep Shabbat correctly and what is kasher to eat, etc. Or to spend time to learn ethics, spiritual values and principles including “Musar”?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller”s Shlit”a opinion is that you should spend more time on the Musar learning, as it will guide you how to find more time and opportunity to learn the rest of what you need to know.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch
Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 10/24/2025 10:58 AM |
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#5618 The Final Report Card!
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– Q. Dear Rabbi as you mentioned “The very last posuk of the Torah finishes with the words; “Moshe performed before the eyes of all Israel”: Rashi explains that this refers to the incident where Moshe Rabbenu smashed the Luchos, as it is said, “and I shattered them before your eyes” (Deut. 9:17- Shabbos. 87a).
Since those are the very last words of the Torah, the ones that we read on the great siyum on Simchas Torah and we eternally honor and rejoice with. Would it not have been more fitting to choose another more positive, appropriate and magnificent chapter to finish the Torah with, than the pathetic making of the eigel and the subsequent tragic braking of the Luchos?
A. My young grandson Binyomin Gestetner once answered to that question the following: ”What I think the answer is that Moshe’s parting words hinted to the idea that no matter what sins Israel commits Hashem will always let out his anger on objects rather than destroy us.”
I wrote to him back: “Beautiful answer that stresses the principle of the survival and perpetuity of Am Yisroel as the most important parting message.
More yet, there is so much more that is being alluded to here. Another perception deals with the Luchos and the Shivrei Luchos , the broken down pieces of the Luchos, both resting in the Aron of the Mishkan. “
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 10/21/2025 10:09 PM |
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#5617 The Real Right Reading?
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- Q. Subject: Birkas Kohanim - Omor Lahem (Bamidbar 6:23): Who should be the makre (reader)?
Dear Rabbi SHELITA, Please ask HaRav Shlomo Miller the following:
1. When the Sheliach Tzibur is NOT a Kohen, should he be the one exclusively pre-announcing the 15 Birkas Kohanim words (Yevarechecha....Shalom) for the Kohanim to repeat (as per SH"A OC 128:13) or can the Makre always be anyone else in the minyan (ibid Seif 18 "mipi hamakre")?
2. IF it indeed belongs Sheliach Tzibur and someone else chapped to be the Makre before the SHA"TZ, would he liable Asara Zehuvim for the part of the miztvah of "Omor Lahem" as in the case in the Gemera (when one snatched someone else's mitzvah of Kisui Hdam or Zimun)?I presume that while this already happening, it would not be appropriate for the SHA"TZ to also be Makre as 2 voices (trei koile) will add to the confusion between the makre and Kohanim.(This e-mail was sent from a contact form on Congregation Bais Dov Yosef (http://asktherabbi.ca/)).
A. Horav Dovid Pam Shlit’a and other Rabbonim agree that if the permission to do the above was granted by a recognized authority of the shul, it is permitted as other helpful minhagim and praying traditions are.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 10/17/2025 11:53 AM |
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#5615 Not a Happy Ending???
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- Q. See question above. Dear Rov Shlit’a. I did suggest that to the above, yet they were unhappy since they explained that the Torah, for a number of reasons does not have a blessed delightful happy ending. Is that really true? And if yes, why not?
A. In reality, the very last verses of the Torah are the greatest tribute to the greatest leader and Prophet our nation ever had. The ultimate tribute the Torah gives Moshe Rabbenu, is both simple and powerful. He was “Haish” - “the man Moshe,” Bamidbar 12/3, “the servant of the Hashem” (Devarim 34/5).
Vezot Habracha is not read as an ordinary Shabbat portion, but instead we read it during Simchas Torah. It is a powerful statement about mortality, the end of life and what it means to be human. The Moshe that we encounter in our Torah is most truly simply a human being that became specially very great, not only by the incredibly unique and gigantic task he was set to carry out, but more so by his incredible humility and rightfulness.
He thus became the ultimate channel through whom the word and power of Hashem flowed for all of the history of the universe, and all eternity.
It would therefore be wise to try to convince at least one of them to be the chosen “Chatan Torah”, and therefore become closer to Moshe Rabbenu.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
See next question.
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Posted 10/17/2025 11:44 AM |
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#5614 – What is Greater, the End or the Beginning?
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- Q. Dear Rov Shlit’a. Our shul from a Latino American background, that had for years two different minyanim on different floors, due to a number of unforeseen difficulties and circumstances had to close one of them and the two groups united together into one large minyan.
As expected, although both minyanim follow Ashkenaz traditions, plenty issues and differences came about. As the Rov was kind enough to help us solve many, we have survived and expanded.
We have a rather small issue we have to solve for this coming Shabbat Parshat Bereshit.(2025).
Two well to do individuals, the Rov knows,for many years on the separate minyanim, always received the honor of being Chatan Bereshit.
Now this year they are in conflict and it can end up being very harmful for our united shul. What would the Rov advice to do to solve the problem this coming after Yom Tov first Shabbat Bereshit?
A. The solution could be if one of the two candidates would accept the honor of being given the last Aliya of the Torah, and thus become nothing less than the Chatan of the whole Torah. That is seen traditionally as a higher honor that just being the Chatan Bereshit.
See next question.
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Posted 10/16/2025 5:37 PM |
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#5613 - Real Joy to Kill the Real Pain!
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- Q. Dear Rov and friend. As we talked on phone, my husband suffers from terrible prolonged chronic pains. Is it permitted or even recommended for him to take on Simchat Torah, when there is a special great mitzva of joy and happiness that he always so much enjoys, extra pills of pain killers to be able to enjoy a bit more the joy of Yom Tov?
A. On a similar question 3933 we wrote:
“One that suffers from constant chronic pain such as arthritis, does he have to consume extra pain killers pills in order to comply with this mitzva of Simchas Yom Tov?
A. There is a definite consideration to minimize anything that prevents joy and happiness during the days of Yom Tov. However firstly, the physician familiar with the patient's condition should be consulted.
Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 10/16/2025 3:50 PM |
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#5612 Five Strikes and Out?
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- Q. Kvod Horav Shalit’a. How many times does one have to hit the Arovot on Hoshana Rabah? What is Horav Shlomo Miller’s opinion?
A. On question 5612 we wrote:
Q. 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.
A. 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 themas it constitutes bizui or desecration of a mitzva. (See Shharei Tzion ibid. 2).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 10/12/2025 3:23 PM |
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#5611 And Build it Nice!
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- Q. One who at the end of Yom Kippur placed some mats on his Suka, to start with the building mitzva early as mentioned in Halacha, replace them or add to them some more attractive Schach covering such as fresh plants or branches?
A. Indeed he can, yet it is better to add, and not replace the mats that were already in place.
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Posted 10/3/2025 1:17 PM |
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#5610 Build on Time!
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- Q. Dear Rabbi Shlit”a. Is there a mitzva this year (2025) to build the Suka on Friday when we have to be preparing for Shabbat? How about after Chatzot (mid day)?
A. Although Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 251: 1) rules that whoever does work on the afternoon of Erev Shabbat (Friday) does not see any blessing from it, it does not apply to the work done for a mitzva, as the preparations needed for Shabbat.
Some Poskim maintain that it also includes the building of the Suka when not essential especially after Chatzot. (See Kovetz Halochos (1: 11)
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Posted 10/3/2025 1:14 PM |
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#5609 – When Does the Feast Begin - III?
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- Q. A third question to the above Shailah, pertains to whether a person must eat a formal meal including bread, or can simply eat whatever appeals to him.?
A. This question – first raised by the Minchat Chinuch (mitzva 313) - might also be a by product of our fundamental question.
Assuming the mitzva serves only to prepare one for the fast, we might not insist on a meal beginning in ceremonial fashion with bread. If, however, we view the ninth as a separate Yom Tov, it may acquire all aspects of Yom Tov, including the beginning of a proper meal.
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Posted 10/3/2025 1:05 PM |
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#5608 – When Does the Feast Begin - II?
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- Q. A second question pertains to the obligation to eat during the night of the ninth?
A. See question above. The Ran (Nedarim 63b) suggests that the mitzva applies both by night and by day, whereas it seems that Conceivably, this question stems from the nature of the mitzva. Assuming the mitzva is geared toward preparing us for the fast, we might not apply it at night, since food eaten at that point would not necessarily help one fast.
If, however, we acknowledge the status of the ninth as a separate Yom Tov, the mitzva of eating might indeed begin the night before, akin to all other Yamim Tovim. In fact, many poskim suggested not saying Tachanun during Mincha of the eighth, since we never say Tachanun during Mincha preceding a Yom Tov beginning that night.
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Posted 10/3/2025 1:02 PM |
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#5607 – When Does the Feast Begin?
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- Q. See question above. I wonder if the mitzva of eating on Erev Yom Kippur applies to the night before also, or is it just on the day?
A. Poskim disagree. From Rashi on Kesuvos 5a it seems that the mitzva does not apply at night. However the Ran (Nedorim 63b) considers that it does.
See next question.
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Posted 9/30/2025 11:05 PM |
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#5606 Better Late than Never!
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- Q. Kevod Rabbenu Shlit”a. Our elderly Rabbi was sadly not filling well this past Shabbat Teshuva and was unable to deliver his great and very well attended customary drasha.
He asked me to reach you and consult with you if he should now on Motze Shabbat send to all his usual large group of members and attendants an email notification that his very necessary message of rebuilding the shul and enhancing the Torah shiurim should be delivered tomorrow Sunday?
He also questions if he is indeed permitted and should do so, if he could then still name it a “Shabbat Teshuva Drasha” when it is delivered on Sunday?
A. We already had a similar question many years back, and the answer of the Gedolim consulted then, was that it can and should be done. Yet, it should be also mentioned that this will, be the message that was, but couldn’t be delivered before.
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Posted 9/29/2025 8:37 PM |
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#5605 – The Best Shabbat Teshuva Drasha!!!
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- Q. Dearest Rabbi, we have in our shul in Mexico a difficult situation.
Since next Shabbat is Shabbat Teshuva, our Rabbi usually speaks and gives the special Drashah of Shabbat Teshuva. On this particular occasion we also have a Bar Mitzva of a great and smart son of one of the main and large families in Shul.
Due to the time factors involved and the very large attendance expected for the great Bar Mitzva festivity we all want to avoid a conflict. As the Rov knows well the families and shul involved, what is the correct thing to do?
A. I was already approached by the familiar family and I have also spoken to the Rabbi. I suggested that since the Bar Mitzva boy is actually very smart and capable, the Rabbi should join with him and prepare together a linked most beautiful Drasha said and shared by both.
No question that the suggestion carries a great potential to induce and educate our youngsters in the learning of Torah and show all the importance of the greatest mitzva right in the most correct time of the year. It will also likely grant great memories for the Bar Mitzva boy and his family.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 9/26/2025 4:44 PM |
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Important Numbers
