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# 3946 Don't Cap it All
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Q. (See question above). When taking them to the Mikva, do I have to unscrew the metal cap before I Tovel them?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that you should, since the water will likely not penetrate through the small holes of the cap of the shaker.
Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a further added that the space where the cap is screwed also has to be covered by the Mikva waters.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 10/27/2022 10:35 PM |
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# 3945 Salt and Pepper
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Q. Dear Rov. I have a new bunch of small glass salt and pepper shakers that we will use when we have a large amount of guest. Do I have to immerse these small salt shakers in a Mikva before using them?
A. Poskim write that salt shakers do require Tevila since salt is considered food and we recite a brocho of Shehakol on it. (Tevilas Kelim 11: 114 p. 218).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that salt may be different than pepper as it is a food that can't be contaminated with Tumah (impurity) as Tosafos Baba Basrah 20a mentions. However one can make with certainty a blessing on the pepper shakers. One should still immerse the salt shakers.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 10/27/2022 10:34 PM |
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# 3944 Don't Hang in There
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Q. I have another Mezuza question. I have seen times that people of different religions
hang symbols of their religion on the front of their cars. Is it correct to hang a Mezuza there?
A. Talmud (Brochos 24a) and Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 40: 1) prohibit the hanging of Tefilin. Binyan Av (88) maintains that it equally applies to a Mezuza left just hanging.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is also improper and unbecoming to hang a Mezuza in such a position.
However, the Rov recommends to place a Tzion with the word "Shivisi" inscribed in it. This term referring to the saying of our Sages, and included at the beginning of the Shulchan Aruch that we must place our consciousness and awareness that Hashem is always present in front of us.
It is common for some to place in a respected position the Tefilas Haderech (prayer recited when travelling).
However, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if small children are used to travel in that car and diapers or similar are changed, it is better that it should remain covered.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 10/27/2022 10:32 PM |
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# 3943 Hang on to the Mezuza?
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Q. A group of women students are renting an apartment together. Can they place a Mezuza themselves and say a bracha?
A. Yeshuos Malko (H. Mezuza 5: 10) maintains that even though women are liable to comply with this mitzva, they are not permitted to place the Mezuza as they are also not permitted to write it.
However, many Poskim disagree (Birkei Yosef, Eretz Zvi 15, Da'as Cohen 169, Yabia Omer 3: 18, Miyam Halocho 1: 13 and others).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a 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 10/27/2022 10:30 PM |
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# 3942 Tons of Doubts on Croutons
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Q. Does one make a separate bracha on croutons eaten in a vegetable salad?
What bracha does one make?
What if the croutons are smaller than normal, does it make a difference?
A. Pische Halacha (p. 366) maintains that one recites Hamotzee and when eating the proper amount one says Birchas Hamazon.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that due to the many Halacha doubts involved, a salad with any size croutons should be eaten in a meal where one has already washed for eating bread.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 10/23/2022 4:43 PM |
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# 3941 Man Proposes - the City Disposes
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Q. What is the correct way to dispose of the Hoshanos, Schach and Lulavim after Sukos?
A. See questions 552 and 3814 regarding the disposal of Shemos in invitations, newspapers and magazines if they are permitted to be placed in the recyclables disposal bins.
In our days most of the yard waste is not buried in landfills in Ontario but rather what is collected is turned into compost. The City's yard waste program allows it to divert approximately 90,000 tonnes of yard waste from landfill each year.
Turning yard waste into compost is obviously not the Halacha most proper and honorable way to dispose of items that were used for a mitzva. When possible one should save it for the fire at the burning of the Chometz before Pesach or similar.
Nevertheless, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in need one may use it since after all one just placed it into proper paper bags by the curb and it was others that turned it into compost.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 10/20/2022 10:14 PM |
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# 3940 Avel Travel
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Q. A member of our shul who is L'A an Avel during the first year after the death of his father, joined our minyan during Simchat Torah and we were wondering whether it is correct for him to be there during this happy Yom Tov.
He always leads an Hakafah and we were also in doubt if he should also do so on this occasion, since avoiding it may be seen as Avelut Befarhesia or open mourning whic is prohibited in Yom Tov. What is correct?
A. Rema in Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 660: 2) rules that he does not take part of the Hakofos during that year.
However, many Poskim disagree (Beis Yosef, Yavetz, Chayei Odom 148: 19, Piskei Teshuvos 660: 4, Gesher Hachaim 20: 3: 6 and others).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if he is the Rov or the president of the shul, he can receive his accustomed Hakofo. (See similar ruling in Minchas Yitzchok 6: 62).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 10/20/2022 10:12 PM |
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# 3939 Doing Your Own Thing
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Q. Kevod Horav. It is very common that during the Yom Tov of Sukos family and friend visit and eat together in the Suka. Since there are different traditions as to eating during Shemini Atzeres in the Suka, what should be done when the host maintains one tradition and the guest or a son-in-law keeps another?
A. Indeed, the difference in Halacha traditions are most important, and one should avoid being invited by a host that follows different minhagim.
When that is not possible, as in the case of a son-in-law or similar, the main concern should be to maintain peace and Sholom Bais. Also the respect to the father-in-law or host is essential and a correct plan should be arranged before the Seuda begins.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion (following his tradition) is that one should keep what is written in the Shulchan Aruch.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 10/20/2022 10:10 PM |
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# 3938 Weak as Water?
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Q. Dear Rabbi Shlit'a. If one is very careful not to eat or even drink anything including water outside of the Suka, can he drink water when swallowing pills and medicine outside?
A. One may argue that since after all he does not recite a brocho for water one drinks for that purpose since it is not meant for deriving any pleasure, so equally it could be consumed outside of the Suka as it is not a 'drink'.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlita opinion is that when possible he should also drink that water in the Suka.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 10/20/2022 5:51 PM |
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# 3937 Stand to Reason
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Q. See question above. I have heard that some remain seated during the Hakofes of Simchas Torah when holding a Chumash or a small paper Sefer Torah used by children, is that correct?
A. Although, as mentioned in the prior question, some Poskim are stringent and demand to stand during Hakofes, there are others who are lenient and maintain that the minhag and custom of many is for the ones that are tired and weary to seat (Shulchan Hatohor 149: 2, Aruch Hasulchan 669 and others). Some maintain, that if the Sifrei Torah are kept in an inner circle and there is an outside dancing circle that separates, one can seat in the expanded outside area.
Other Poskim opine that it is only prohibited to seat when the Sefer Torah is being carried to a distinct final area and not when constantly remaining in a moving circle. (See also Piskei Teshuvos 669: 2).
Although Poskim permits the one carrying a Sefer Torah to remain seated when a Sefer Torah goes by, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it does not apply to one holding a Chumash or a small paper Sefer Torah used by children,
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 10/20/2022 5:49 PM |
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# 3936 Make a Stand
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Q. Dear Rov. Why do people seat in the shul during the Hakofes of Simchas Torah?, is it not prohibited to remain seated when a Sefer Torah goes by next to us?
A. One has to stand when a Sefer Torah approaches (Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 282: 2). This applies even when one is occupied in learning Torah (Pischei Teshuva ibid. 3).
However, if the Sefer Torah is being held or carried in a separate area of the shul such as the elevated Bima one is not obligated to stand (Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 242: 18). The same would apply if one is seating in a separate area of the shul.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one may remain seated in need when separated from the rest of the shul by a full size common Shtender (movable pulpit that holds a Sidur etc.). The Rov added that regular Shtenders have the shape of a small door and is seen as a separation.
Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a pointed to Mishna Berura (102) that quotes opinions to be lenient when seating next to a person davening Shemone Essrei, that is usually prohibited but permitted when one is very tired or in pain.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 10/20/2022 5:47 PM |
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# 3935 Just Don't Face the Music
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Q. Can the Avel mentioned in the prior question attend a Simchat Bet Hashoeva during Sukot when there is music being played?
A. Gesher Hachaim (23: 3: 7) maintains that he may attend and recite the Tehilim said, but should not dance. Others permit even dancing when there is no instrumental music being played (Chol Hamoed Keh' 12: 42 quoting Horav Wosner Zt'l).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that he may be present but he should just seat apart in a corner.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 10/20/2022 5:45 PM |
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# 3934 A Piece of Cake
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Q. Does one eating a piece of cake during Sukot have to eat it in the Suka and also recite a blessing? How big should that piece be?
A. Mishna Berura (639: 15 - 16) mentions that for the Mezonos (cakes) eaten at the Kiddush on the mornings of Yom Tov after davening, one can recite Leishev Basuka, since that particular piece of cake is considered as a meal for the purpose of Kiddush. He adds that the common minhag is to do the same during other small meals, as long as the cake has an egg volume and one stays in the Suka some time.
Horav Dovid Pam Shlit'a and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a maintain that it is only a few minutes.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 10/20/2022 5:34 PM |
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# 3933 A Joy to Kill the Pain?
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Q. See questions above. 4) One that suffers from constant chronic pain such as arthritis, is he able to comply with the mitzva of Simcha during Yom Tov?
Does he have to consume extra pain killers pills in order to comply with this mitzva?
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 10/20/2022 5:29 PM |
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# 3932 Music to Your Ears
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Q. See question above. 3) In order to comply with the mitzva of Vesamachta should one carry during Chol Hamoed a recorder that plays happy Yom Tov Nigunim in his ears that make him happy?
A. See answers above. Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion is that although it does not carry the power of Simcha inherent in meat and wine, one does comply with the mitzva of Vesamachta when listening to happy music. However the main emphasis should always be placed on the learning of Torah, which is not only the most important mitzva, but also the greatest source of true joy, happiness and Simcha.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 10/20/2022 5:27 PM |
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# 3931 A Gift of Joy
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Q. See question above. 2) Should one give his family or children gifts that will make them happy and smile so they will comply with the great mitzva of Vesamachta Bechagecha?
A. Rashi on Talmud (Rosh Hashana 6b) mentions that women comply with this mitzva when given new clothing.
Poskim write that children are to be given candies and food they like.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 10/14/2022 5:49 PM |
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# 3930 A Mitzva to Tell a Funny Story?
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Q. Happy Yom Tov Rabbi. Since one of the main mitzvot of Yom Tov is the mitzva of Vesamachta or to be happy I have a number of questions as to what counts in that mitzva.
1) Is listening to a funny story like the ones of the Dubner Magid etc. that makes people smile and even laugh a way to comply with this mitzva?
A. Rambam (H. Yom Tov 6) rules that there is a Biblical mitzva to rejoice on Yom Tov and to eat meat and drink wine. Poskim debate if that applies to other items that provide joy and happiness.
Moadim Uz'manim (7: 112) maintains that there are two characteristics and aspects to this mitzva. One is to be happy and joyful even without doing anything else. The second is by actually carrying on with actions or eating and drinking that would increase the effect. In that sense the telling of happy or funny stories of Gedolim would be part of the mitzva.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 10/14/2022 5:47 PM |
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# 3929 Not Gone With the Wind
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Q. Dear Rov. I have a yearly assembly Suka made of plastic canvas material that even when they are tightly attached to the frame, they still sway a bit with the wind. The manufacturers placed all around the post three additional strings that together with the bottom frame make an added Lovud Mechitza. Those strings are tight and usually don't move with the wind that sway the plastic curtains. Is this set Kosher?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a, Horav Dovid Pam Shlit'a and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a maintain that they are Kosher.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 10/14/2022 5:45 PM |
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# 3928 Is it Really Night Already?
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Q. I have young children that would very much like to eat in the Suka the first night, but I we wait for Tzeis Hakochovim (stars being seen) they may fall asleep. Can we do Kiddush after the Shekiah (sunset)?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion is that you may say Kiddush early, but the brocho on the Sukka should be recited when it is night.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 10/9/2022 10:11 AM |
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# 3927 Wow! What a Beautiful Sukka!
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Q. Can you cover your Sukka with just flowers, are they Kasher Schach? Could you use flowers that trap insects?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion is that flowers could be used for covering the Sukka, and you can also use flowers that trap insects.
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Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 10/9/2022 10:08 AM |
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Important Numbers
