|
|
|
|
Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
|
|
|
|
|
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
|
|
|
|
|
#5277 Listening To the Shema!
|
|
|
- Q. I always wondered why in the most important reading of the Shema, that we repeat a number of times every day begins in a singular form, yet it ends in plural?
A. It could well be that the beginning of Shema Yisroel is addressing eternally each singular individual of all our nation, yet the last chapter is directed to our whole and complete nation together.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 1/31/2025 1:07 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5276 Fruits For All?
|
|
|
- Q. Dear Rov Shlit”a. I and many women in my family and friends take part on a Seuda of Tu Bihvat or eat the assorted fruits on Tu Bihvat as men do. Yet I wonder: Why are women required to comply with that Minhag and tradition, after all it should be a “Mitzvat Aseh Shehazman Gramah” (a positive command that depends on a specific time), and women should be exempt?
A. Indeed, Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 17: 2) rules that regarding the mitzva of tzitzis women are exempt as it is time depended, since it applies only during the day time. Yet in principle if they want to wear them they would be allowed to recite the blessing. Nonetheless, since it would seem arrogant and making oneself self-important, women don’t wear them.
However, regarding other time depending family mitzvos, such as seating in a Suka together with the family, when their presence is important and welcomed, they should join all. (Oruch Hashulchan 640: 1, and others).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that for those who maintain the tradition of celebrating a Seuda on Tu Bihvat, women should also join as a 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
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 1/31/2025 1:05 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5275 Women On Time?
|
|
|
- See question above Q. Is it okay (as a woman) to skip davening in the morning so I can be part of a large group of women who say tehillim together and do mincha later in the day when I have less time pressure?
If this on line group is saying Yishtabach without Hashem's name because they already said it earlier in the day, is it a problem when they end it with amen v'amen?
A. As mentioned above, a woman should not skip or delay her davening in the morning at all, (just as men do). The Tehilim can be recited later as needed. Everyone should train themselves to go to rest on time and get up as needed and required by Halacha.
Saying “amen v'amen” is not prohibited when it is just quoted as a pasuk.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 1/31/2025 1:03 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5274 The Torah Blessing Women
|
|
|
- Q. Sometimes I am so pressed for time that I'm not sure what to do first. First of all, I start work at 7 am. I often have a (women) support group meeting at 6:30 am and there are people who say words of Torah. How early can I say morning brachas?
Can I just say Birkat HaTorah and do the morning blessings later when I have a break from work? But firstly, are women also obliged to recite Birkat HaTorah before they learn or teach others?
A. On question 4939 we wrote: “Although Poskim disagree if women have to recite the blessing for the Torah, since after all they have to learn the laws that apply to them. They also daven and hence recite words of Torah and are also encouraged to learn the written Torah parts.
Following the above Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 47: 14) rules that women recite Birchas Hatorah and according to the Levush they may even recite the brocho for men. However, most Poskim maintain that they are not obliged to recite that brocho. Still some recommend they should. (see Piskei Teshuvos 47: 18).
Our Rabbonim maintain that you should recite Birchas Hatorah as soon as you get up with the other brochos. In need you should getup earlier and recithe them all.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 1/31/2025 1:00 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5273: Need an Answer?
|
|
|
Q. Do the above answers apply also in Canada?
A. It would certainly depend to whom you are addressing and their particular viewpoint. There is practically a rainbow of different views and usually shuls, organizations and individuals have their own specific and particular viewpoint.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 1/26/2025 6:15 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5272: Trump Up Trump?
|
|
|
Q. Some people in your (New York) friendly shul want to offer a kiddush this Shabbos to celebrate the victory of Donald Trump is that a correct thing to do?
A. On a similar recent question (5050) we wrote:
Q. Dear Rabbi. This week we were witnesses to the attempted murder of President Donald Trump as his truly miraculous salvation. Since he has been and is a very great friend of Israel and the Jewish community, some people in our shul want to serve a kiddush this coming Shabbat as an act to thank Hashem for his salvation. What is your opinion Rav?
To what we answered: Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that a kiddush in shul should be better avoided. Yet a similar seudas mitzva as a siyum, could be done on a hall outside the shul and you can invite and publicize it, with the representing US authorities available and necessary.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 1/24/2025 12:09 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5271: Pray Tell the Pray
|
|
|
- Q. Kvod Horav is one watching the inauguration of President Donald Trump (or similar) allowed to listen to the prayers of the priests involved?
A. Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Dovid Pam Shlit’a maintain that one should not listen to them.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 1/24/2025 12:07 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5270: Beyond the Grave
|
|
|
Q. See question above. Is that the best that could be done in such a sensitive and very embarrassing situation?
A. With Hashem’s help, I suggested to the family a valuable and effective burial solution which would not only apply to them and the burial place, but also to all others in future generations.
Indeed do firstly what we directed on the answer above. Then write and explain all about the Matzeiva, but not on it, the true proven reality of what happened, and why that Tzadik is buried there, and have the above information publicized and widely available, not only for the family but for all.
I remembered then again a most important and necessary task and undertaking in our days and lives.
Each one of us must write a Matzeiva for ourselves while we are still alive.
Not in a stone that not many will actually read, but in our days in the most accessible recommended media, that became so easy to do and distribute in our times. We can and must tell to our dear children, family members, friends and others, the most important stories and truly valuable and interesting happenings, purposes and reasons of our lives and what we have accomplished and achieved.
This is in reality, the true Matzeiva for each one of us, is not a stone in the cemetery that very few ever even read or see.
This new Matzeiva just described is indeed truly priceless, and very worthy, since in our days, it will easily tell our real story and will become the true monument of our lives. Yet most importantly, it will serve for our descendants not only as a historical document, but also as a guide to understand the past, and help create for them a better future, by changing their lives for the better.
And even far more, as likely it is for many of us who search for great, good, interesting and beautiful stories to tell others, it probable will contain indeed some great remarkable narratives, that then they could and could be used to bring others close to Hashem as well. That is the real true monumental Matzeiva for our dear departed in our days.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 1/24/2025 12:04 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5269: A Very Grave Grave!
|
|
|
- Q. A few days ago we were asked a Shailah about a great Tzadik and Talmid Chacham who bought some years ago a few Kevarim (burial places) for himself and family in a section where his rebetzin, and most of his family members were already buried. Since he was a Cohen, the burial place he chose was next to the end of site and close to the entrance of the cemetery.
Recently, after years went by, he lamentably became aware of very significant changes in his dear Holy cemetery. Now, surprise, surprise! The very next section, closest to his chosen burial place, became a real anti-religious section.
Very sadly, he realized that his most precious chosen holy burial site, was now tragically right next to the burial place acquired by a totally anti-religious activist and even Yom Kippur desecrating individual. He was terribly affected and in pain by this undesirable situation. What could be done?
A. Facing such a critically painful situation, one of the options we suggested was to build an underground brick wall between the burial sites, which would not contradict with the funeral accepted laws of the site, and then add some plants and shrubs between the two sites. Yet that seems a poor answer. (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
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 1/24/2025 12:00 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5268 The End of All Films?
|
|
|
- Q. See question above. Should one email a copy of the film first to the ones involved and asked them if they mind, for others to see them? Or should we assume that since they came and knew they were likely being filmed, so they don’t really care? Is that not what has basically been done until now by almost all?
A. See answer above on the opinion of Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a.
More is to be written soon.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 1/24/2025 11:56 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5267: A Popcorn Film?
|
|
|
Q. Dear Rabbi. It is very common and accustomed to play for family and friends gathering after a wedding, Bar mitzva or any simcha, the films that where taken then.
I’m often worried that if there are on those films some images that may be detrimental or even a bit embarrassing for the ones that were filmed, they should not be shown and should even be be destroyed, since one may be transgressing on the most serious Lashon Hora’a transgressions?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that the films are questionable as is, since they contain the names of Hashem on the blessings and should therefore be avoided.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 1/24/2025 11:54 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5266: No Gain Pain
|
|
|
- Q. Someone who will be finishing shiva on Shabbos morning, and is following the customary ways of not performing openly any of the mourning traditions and prohibitions during Shabbos and will join the Seudos of Shabbos with his family.
Is he allowed during the night to eat and enjoy the foods of Shabbos as he usually does? Is the enjoyment of them maybe not correct on that Shabbos?
A. We read in Koheles: There is a time for wailing (bechi), and a time for laughter (sechok)." As mourning is surely the time for wailing, excessive laughter is not permitted.
However, on Shabbos an Ovel comes to shul, although he is not given usually an Aliya, he stays for the reading of the Torah, and can also read the customary Parsha and Targum, although that may give simcha as Torah usually does, since after all they are important mitzvos.
Horav Dovid Pam Shlit’a pointed to a Rashi on Kesubos (6b) that the Tzaar and pain an Ovel feels is not a mitzva.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 1/24/2025 11:52 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5265: Need to Hear Your Voice!
|
|
|
Q. One of the women attending our shul became recently affected by a chronic illness that lately became a bit distressing and requires more help and supervision. Can her children use a monitor on Shabbat to take care for her during Shabbat?
A. On a similar question regarding “The wife of member of our congregation is l'a chronically ill and mostly restricted to bed. She requires supervision, however due to the current crisis they can't afford a caregiver.
Her husband strongly desires to continue attending shul, at least on Shabbat, but he is afraid to leave her by herself. Can he use a monitor similar to what Hatzala uses, that he will leave on before Shabbat begins and like them carry it to shul?
To what we answered:
On question 2325 regarding the use of a voice baby monitor or room intercom, if it was left on before Shabbat began, and the controls are taped, we wrote: On question 1127 regarding why we prohibit using a microphone on Shabbos, and we permit speaking to a person wearing a hearing aid, we wrote: Igrois Moishe (O.H. 4: 85) explains that microphones became prohibited by most Poskim because they involve “hashmoas kol” or an activity that is publicized and creates awareness to all that a prohibited melocho is possibly being transgressed, which is not the case with a hearing aid
.
Also, he adds, only a small amount of people in need require hearing aids, thus it is a “milsa delo shechiach” or an uncommon occurrence, that our sages usually do not prohibit.
On question 1126, we quoted an additional reasoning that in reality the melocho is not done by the hard of hearing, but by the one who addresses him, and he is “eino mechaven” (does it without intention). Igrois Moishe maintains that it is not an unavoidable melocho (psik reisha) prohibited also when done without intention, since the hard of hearing may not even be listening.
Regarding a baby monitor Poskim disagree. Some are stringent, since unlike a hearing aid, it also involves “hashmoas kol” (Teshuvos Vehanhogos 1: 230, Ma’ayanei Shlomo 41, Vayaan Dovid 1: 69 and others).
However, other Poskim find more room for leniency regarding baby monitor, since an infant is considered to be “an individual ill with a non-life-threatening illness”, because even when he is healthy he is constantly in need of his parents’ care.
Hacham Ovadia Yosef’s grandson Horav Yaakov Sasson rules that one who wishes to be lenient regarding a baby monitor has upon what to rely. He notes that Hacham Ovadia (Teshuvot Yabia Omer 1:19) concludes, based on discussion with Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, who had a very sophisticated understanding of electricity and Halacha, that no Torah prohibitions are violated when using a microphone. Thus, he maintains that the question regarding the use of baby monitors involves only a Rabbinic prohibition, and in need one can be lenient. Maase Choshev (2: 6), Divrei Sholom (6: 128) and others are also lenient.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is to be stringent as mentioned above, due to the prohibition of “hashmoas kol,” (Ma’ayanei Shlomo 41) unless in case of real need."
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in our particular shaila, in need, it is best to leave the monitor turned on before Shabbos, on the table in shul where he seats. It should be kept on at a very low tone, that only the husband can hear, when without touching it directly, he leans and comes close to it. He can then communicate with his wife, without others listening so there is no real Hashmoas Kol.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 1/19/2025 11:22 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5264 A Happy Yohrzait?
|
|
|
Q. See question above. Can one on the Shabbos Yohrzait attend a Bar Mitzva kidush after davening?
A. Nitei Gavriel (p. 176- 24 -4) and other Poskim maintain that on a regular Kidush one is allowed. However, if it is an occasion of a very happy Simcha occasion, then one in Yohrzait should abstain.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 1/17/2025 12:49 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5264 Safe Sick Music?
|
|
|
- Q. See question above. How about If one is listening to the music just for staying awake when driving or when joining someone for a ride? How about when one needs to entertain the children traveling with.
A. Poskim, usually maintain that in such a case 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
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 1/17/2025 12:48 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5263 The Sick Music
|
|
|
- Q. Is one allowed to listen to music from a tape or radio on the day of Yohrzait for parents?
A. Nitei Gavriel (Avelus p.176, (23: 11) and most other Poskim maintain that it is not allowed.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 1/17/2025 12:42 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5262 No Change to the Changing!
|
|
|
- Q. Kevod Horav after our resent meeting together with some most important Roshei Yeshivos and Poskim, and realizing the very rapid and constant changes in the reality of life we are experiencing, and the changes in Halacha of life issues are.
How important and crucial it is to establish a group of Poskim and Torah scientist and technicians that understand and can work together with our recognized Gedolim in Torah on this most important, unusual vital times. What is is Horav Shlomo Miller’ds Shlit’a opinion? What does he advice to do?
A. In reality changes in the world experience are constant, as we have mentioned in many of our Shailos, yet some great Torah institutions and Kolelim dedicate themselves constantly to their development.
Those institutions or individuals dedicated to them are part of our history already for many generations.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 1/17/2025 12:40 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5261 – Don’t Ban the Dominican!!!
|
|
|
- Q. See question above. My community wants to know, how and in what way should thanks be given after so many years for that good intent?
A. As mentioned above an official act should be encouraged, and testimony of that great historical act should be promoted, so other nations would learn from it.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 1/17/2025 12:36 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5260 The Dominican Truly Can!!!
|
|
|
- Q. See question above. I have another Shailah. The República Dominicana was the only country that welcomed Yehudim during the Second World War. The president then was ready to accept as many as one hundred thousand, as he announced and was the only country willing to do so. Unluckily only about a thousand arrived.
Yet, since it was the only country that opened and accepted publicly to receive and save so many Yehudim and as far as I know, no recognition was ever given to them, should we now the survivors gather together and make a public act of recognition ant thanks for them?
A. It may be proper to dedicate a propitious day to remember the above unique act of kindness to our people and recognize their courageous and unique brave action. And invite the correct government representatives to encourage the good will of others to our nation.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 1/17/2025 12:35 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5259 – The Dominican Also Can!
|
|
|
- Q. My Dear Rabbi and teacher. As you very well know me, since we are constantly in contact for delivering your shiurim and shailot to many people on line all over the continent. I have again a number of questions.
As you well know, I live in the Dominican Republic, and there are a few members of our community that are extremely wealthy and visit us from time to time. I know a fellow that for economic reasons resides here and shows up a few times a year. It is believed that he owns about 9 billions dollars in different companies and estates. Does one have to make a bracha when seeing him after a few months?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 224: 6-7) rules that one that sees Jewish Sages recites the special Brocho of; “ Blessed be Hashem that shared his wisdom with those who fear (and respect) Him. However, for Gentile great sages, the blessing changes to: Hashem giving from His wisdom to humans.
Yet, we do not find a special blessing for extremely wealthy people, regardless if they are Jewish or not.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 1/17/2025 12:33 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
Important Numbers
