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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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# 3913 Got So, So Many Mitzvos! How?
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Q. Dear Rov. If someone does Teshuva out of love, we know that the sins turn into mitzvos. Since this is a most important point in being successful in the Days of Judgment, I would like to know. Is that love achieved by learning Torah as we say at the end of Uva Letzion: 'May He open our heart to His Torah, and instill in our heart love,' or maybe it is the result of observing all the great gifts and goodness that Hashem constantly does for us and thanking him and thus loving him. Which is the better way?"
A. Indeed, The Talmud (Yoma,86b) states that there are in fact two types of Teshuva: out of fear and out of love. If one performs teshuva out of love, then one’s sins even become merits.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that the best way to obtain that love is as you mentioned by observing all the great gifts and goodness that Hashem constantly does for us."
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 10/3/2022 5:46 PM |
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# 3912 Aliya or Yerida?
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Q. In a large shul, a wealthy member bought an expensive Rosh Hashana Aliya. When he was about to be called to the Torah, he told the Gabai that he wants the Aliya to be given to his father instead. The problem was that the father does not keep Shabbat, and one of the rulings of this shul is, that non-observant people are not to be called to the Torah.
Since this was kind of a very difficult situation as the didn't want to embarrass publicly the father and his son the great donor, and likely create a great commotion and disturbance on Rosh Hashana, the rabbi rapidly and softly suggested to the Baal Koreh reading the Torah, that he should quietly also recite the bracha for the Torah, and he would be counted in truth as the one receiving the Aliya . The Rabbi want's to know if he acted correctly?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that unlikely as this could be, he should at least quietly have suggested that he should try to induce him to accept and keep slowly Shabbos. (See question 124)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/29/2022 11:00 PM |
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# 3911 Crime Doesn't Pay
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Q. If someone sees that the fellow davening next to him has a Machzor that was obviously stolen from a shul and tell him that he may not comply with the davening as it is a Mitzva Haba'a Beavera, (a mitzva done by doing a sin)?
A. On question 3430 we wrote "A Shul from where books are taken outside the shul without permission and often not returned, can they place a sign that whoever takes out a Sefer without the permission of the Gabaim transgresses the prohibition of stealing and his Torah learning is considered a ‘Mitzva Haba’a Beavera’ or a mitzva complied while doing a prohibited act and is invalid.
To what we answered: Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it may indeed be considered a ‘Mitzva Haba’a Beavera’ and one may not be complying at all with the mitzva of learning Torah when at the same time one is performing the prohibited act of using a stolen sefer. This ruling can also be included in the sign posted on the shul, that prohibits the taking out of sefarim from the shul."
However the Rov Shlit'a mentioned that after the fact, one does not have to repeat the davening.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/29/2022 10:58 PM |
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# 3910 The Right Site of the Bed
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Q. Thank so much Kevod Horav for answering the difficult questions involved in the blowing of the Shofar in a large retirement home. Is it permitted for a sick old man to be brought into the shul of the institution in his bed, and place it on a side of the room?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if the patient is clean, he can be brought into the shul during such an important occasion.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/29/2022 10:56 PM |
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# 3909 Time to Learn?
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Q. Another question Rov. My family minhag has been to learn Mishanayos Rosh Hashana during the four meals of those Holy Days. However, when we have guest men and women who don't follow the learning, my wife claims that this learning should be avoided. As one is supposed to keep Shalom Bayt (peace at home) specially during these crucial days, should I avoid this great family minhag?
A. Horav Aharon Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in a case of need, one may just learn one Mishna or two, and end the rest after the meals. He stressed the importance of this so pertinent and relevant Torah learning during the meals of Rosh Hashono.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/29/2022 10:53 PM |
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# 3908 Watch What you Eat
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Q. Dear Rov. I know that during the Ten Yamim Noraim Days one should be more stringent in the foods one eats, including avoiding 'Pas Akum' or bread not baked in a Jewish Bakery. Does that include pretzels, Cheerios and wheat cereals?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that pretzels are Mezonos (Chelkas Yaakov 3: 173) and should be Pas Yisroel. However, Cheerios, although their brocho is Mezonos (Pischei Halacha p.362), since they are boiled are different. The same applies to wheat cereals, that don't need to be Pas Yisroel.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/29/2022 10:51 PM |
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# 3907 Don't Lose Sleep Over This
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Q. Can one sleep when putting his head on a Shtender during Rosh Hashana afternoon, when it says one should not sleep?
A. Although the Arizal is lenient and permits sleeping in that afternoon, other Poskim are stringent such as the Mate Ephraim (598: 1), who claims that we cannot compare ourselves to the Arizal, who would reach the greatest spiritual heights in his sleep, way over what others can even dream about when they are awake.
Nevertheless many Poskim are lenient when sleep is needed, as the Mishna Berura who also quotes the Arizal. (See also, Shulchan Aruch Horav - ibid. 8, Sidur Yaavetz 9, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 129: 20, Aruch Hashulchan ibid. 4, 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 9/29/2022 10:50 PM |
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# 3906 Allow the Blow?
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Q. Can a Baal Tokea blow the Shofar for training on Erev Rosh Hashana?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 581: 3) rules that one should not blow Shofar on Erev Rosh Hashana.
Whether, one may blow for teaching or training, seems to depend on the reason involved.
Mishna Berura (24) quotes Minhagim that a reason is not to let the Sotton become used and accustomed to the blowing, thus not being afraid of the Shofar and not fleeing.
Therefore Mateh Ephraim (7) quotes Maharil and others who rule that even for practising one should not blow the Shofar during Erev Rosh Hashana.
Mishna Berura mentions that another reason is to separate between the Tekios that we are obliged and the ones that are only a Minhag, as in the month of Elul, so one may blow in the privacy of his home.
Eliahu Rabba (4) mentions that one may for training blow inside a Mikva or other secluded room.
Kovetz Halochos also permits when it is done in a private room and the voice of the Shofar can not be heard publicly.
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 9/29/2022 10:48 PM |
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# 3905 Make the Bread to Brake
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Q. Is it correct that on the night of Rosh Hashana you are supposed to make the bracha and cut the upper Chalah? Why?
A. Indeed Mate Ephraim rules that the upper Chalah should be cut first on Rosh Hashana(583:1).
Shulchan Aruch and Remah (O.H. 274: 1) rule that on Shabbos night one slices the lower Chalah while during Yom Tov one cuts the top one first. Remah adds that the reason is based on Kabbalah teachings.
Mishna Berura (4) mentions that this is due to to the fact that words 'Lechem Mishne' are mentioned by the recollection of the Mon.
He quotes, that the Bach questions why go for the lower Chalah, if by avoiding the top and closest one, we could be violating the prohibition of 'Maavirin al Hamitzvos' or neglecting the mitzva nearest to us. However. Taz corrected the above by advising to place the bottom Chalah a bit closer to the one cutting. He adds that one may take the upper one at the time of reciting the brocho and then places it bellow and cuts it.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that as usual one should follow the traditions of his family.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/29/2022 10:46 PM |
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# 3904 Collecting Thoughts on Collection Times
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Q. Does a woman have to make her own Pruzbul at the end of the Shemita year?
A. See questions 614, 871, 872, 873, and 879 on the meaning and Halachos of Pruzbul.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in general circumstances she can rely on her husbands Pruzbul.
For other important details applicable in different cases, a competent Rov should be consulted,
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/29/2022 10:37 PM |
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# 3903 Choosing the Rosh Hashana Best
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- Q. Dear Rabbi; I have an option of davening in a shul where they have an excellent Baal Tokea, (Blower of the Shofar) that follows all the dikdukim, halachos and kavanot (Halacha details and intentions) of the mitzva of Shofar.
I also have an alternative option to daven in a minyan where the Baalei Tefila are superior and posses beautifully emotional and inspiring voices. The davening itself of the mispaleleim attending that they lead is very moving and emotive. However, the Baal Tokea is a bit deficient and often he has to blow a few times until he gets it right. Which minyan does Horav Miller recommend and why?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is better to attend the shul where the davening is very moving and emotive and is recited with lots of Kavana. The Rov added that after all, many Gedolim mention that a major reason for the blowing of the Shofar is to awaken us to daven to Hashem during judgment day and do proper Teshuva. That seems to be accomplished better on the second shul.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/25/2022 4:05 PM |
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# 3902 A Real Sound Problem
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Q. As we spoke by phone, I blow the Shofar for a large group of members of a retirement home that tries to serve the religious needs of a mixed group where only about 20% are orthodox. In the floors where the patients are bed bound and they don't attend the different services given in assembly rooms, Since they don't want to disturb unnecessarily most patients, they permit only one blowing and it is done using a microphone that can be heard in all rooms.
Obviously, the orthodox patients, will ask the nurses not to turn on the sound in their rooms and mostly they can hear the sound of the mouth blown shofar in their rooms. However, that sound is mixed with the loudspeakers resonance. Since if I don't blow a non-orthodox rabbi will take over, is it permitted for me to blow?
Although, I don't intend or need the microphone sound system, yet some of the voice is anyway absorbed and repeated in the rooms that have their volume on, is that mixture of two types of shofar sound permitted? Can I follow the above, when I don't want and need that microphone sound? One has to take into account that this is the only possibility that the directive of the home will permit, and all those patients will miss this great mitzva. What does the Rov recommend?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that using the sounds emitted by the microphone system should be avoided even when mixed with a direct Shofar voice. Besides, even when not intended, the use of a microphone un Yom Tov should be prohibited.
The Rov agrees that the only likely viable solution in such a setting to avoid disturbing others, is to blow the Shofar to the individuals that require it, when they are either secluded in a small closed room or closet or even covered by a blanket. Additional help may be needed to help numerous people.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/22/2022 10:32 PM |
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# 3901 Late Disposal of Sins?
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Q. Due to the length of the davening during Rosh Hashana, the time needed for a seuda with family and guest and the long walk to the water source, is it possible to recite Tashlich immediately after Musaf or even better at night after the seuda?
A. Mishna Berura (583: 8) mentions that one should recite Tashlich after Mincha before sunset. However, Mate Ephraim (598: 7) opines that it can be said before Mincha and even at night. (See Kovetz Halochos 20: 9).
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 9/22/2022 10:28 PM |
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# 3900 Go With the Crowd?
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Q. When someone is blowing Shofar for a patient at a retirement home, is it preferable to gather a minyan for this mitzva?
A. Although in general it is better to perform a mitzva 'Berov Am' or with a significant group of participants, there is no essential need for having a minyan present for Tekias Shofar. (Nitei Gavriel 1: 45: 7). However, Mikroei Kodesh (p. 59) quotes the Meiri's opinion that it is indeed preferable.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/22/2022 10:22 PM |
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# 3899 Let's Get a Real Sharp Mind!
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Q. Dear Rabbi. Can people who much enjoy eating jalapeno (chili) peppers, can they add them to the list of fruits and vegetables one eats on Rosh Hashana and says a Yehi Ratzon on them? I this case it may be appropriate to bless us with having a Shana Tova, full with sharpness in learning Torah. Is that correct?
A. Nitei Gavriel (1: 29: 7) mentions that indeed one may add other Simonim to awaken the Kavanah and intention to recite a Tefila and bracha that is meaningful on Rosh Hashana.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it can be done.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/22/2022 10:20 PM |
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# 3898 Hazoom Es Hakol?
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Q. Can a patient in the hospital during Selichot, zoom a minyan and repeat with them the Thirteen Midot usually said only with a Minyan present?
A. Usually, any Zoom contact does not contribute to mitzvos that require a minyan. On question 2845 regarding saying Tashlich during the Aseres Yemei Teshuva via zoom we wrote:
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one should not. The reason is that reciting Tashlich next to a body of flowing water is similar to other mitzvos, where the presence of the article, place or situation that brings about a blessing or Tefila, has to be real.
After all one recites a brocho only on real lightning or thunder, kiddush levana only on actually seeing the moon and not a picture or reflection or listening to the Megila and answering Kedusha or Kaddish only when the voices are real and present."
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/22/2022 10:18 PM |
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# 3897 Strange Sounds
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Q. I have recently heard a Baal Tokea before blowing the Shofar during Elul, blow air into the Shofar without making a sound, (I have seen something similar some years ago). Is that necessary or even recommended?
A. Poskim don't mention such a minhag, but if the Baal Tokea feels his Shofar may needs the blowing for cleaning, it can be done before the public compliance of the mitzva. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it should be avoided, since it may be considered as an added voice of the Shofar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/22/2022 10:15 PM |
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# 3896 Not Over One's Head
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Q. Since one is to blow the Shofar when the wide opening is facing up, if in a particular case it faces sideways, does the Baal Tokea have to incline his head to comply with the above.
A. Indeed Poskim mention that the wide opening of the Shofar should be facing up, (Shulchan Aruch O.H, 585: 2, Mishna Berura 9). However, when it isn't, Horav Dovid Pam Shlit'a and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a maintain that the Baal Tokea does not have to incline his head for it.
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 9/22/2022 10:13 PM |
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# 3895 Doing Too Much?
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Q. Kvod Harav, I heard that there may be an issue when davening Maariv before the Z'man (night) since one has to repeat the Shema after it becomes proper night, one may transgress the prohibition of Baal Tosif or adding to the mitzvos?
A. Regarding counting repeatedly the Omer and repeating other mitzvos we wrote on question 3109 the following:
"Minchas Yitzchok (6: 45) quoting several great Chassidic authorities, relates that these Tzadikim would mention many times every day, the omer number of that day. Thus giving a different perspective to the meaning of Temimos or complete days. Moadim Uzemanim (7: 230) debates whether Hagr'a would maintain that you comply with the mitzva every time the count is repeated, as he maintains on eating a repetitive Kezais of matza during the days of Pesach.
Poskim maintain that there i's usually no prohibition of Ba'al Tosif when repeating a mitzva several times. Tosafos Rosh Hashana 16b in reference to blowing additional times the shofar on Rosh Hashana or holding the Lulav several times a day in Sukos. Turei Even disagrees (ibid.)
However, Igrois Moshe (O.H. 2: 60) debates if there is a prohibition of Ba'al Tosif when davening Maariv before the z'man, if one recites the shema too early with the intent to fulfill the mitzva. He therefore stresses one should have intent not to fulfill the mitzva at that time. He also argues that Shema is essentially a part of Torah learning and there's no prohibition to learn Torah multiple times.
(See Chavos Daas Beis Hasofek, Safek Safeka: 20, opines, that repeating Shema twice, even within the obligated time is prohibited).
Horav Dovid Pam Shlit'a maintains that one should have in mind a conditional intention, that whichever reading of the Shema is correct, it should be considered as the mitzva. This applies only when one of the readings may not be on the correct time for reading the Shema and then one may violate the Baal Tosif prohibition.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that that it is not necessary as the accepted opinion is not to be concerned with multiple repetitions of Shema.
The common minhag is that people repeat the Shema several times in the day, such as by Korbonos, before going to sleep or when donning Rabenu Tam Tefilin etc.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/22/2022 10:10 PM |
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# 3894 Let's Give Him a Hand
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Q. Can someone who has an artificial hand blow Shofar on Rosh Hashana holding on to the Shofar with that hand.
A. On question 2928 regarding the use of a prosthetic electronic arm hand on Shabbos we wrote:
“Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that a melacha or work performed on Shabbos by using only the electrical charges that emanate from ones controlled and willing thoughts, collected by electrodes attached to the head, is considered a proper melacha. However, for someone who does not usually use his thoughts for the creation of electrical discharges, it likely would be a melacha performed with a shinui or a significant deviation from the norm and therefore only Rabbinically prohibited. However, an invalid or paraplegic that uses this method to constantly move and perform other works, for him it becomes the norm and would constitute a Biblical prohibition.”
Therefore, the use of that bionic arm and hand, regardless whether it is done directly, by using the electrical discharges provided by the nerves or the electrical waves provided by the brain, would not be permitted during Shabbos. However, if one turned off the arm before Shabbos, and just wants to use it as a covering or dressing to look like others, it would be permitted.
On question 2929 regarding if one can wear and carry that electrically disconnected arm or hand in the street, on Shabbat when there is no eruv, we wrote: "Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if it was disconnected and is properly attached so it wont fall off and indeed it makes the carrier look normal, it is permitted."
Therefore, it would be permitted to blow Shofar holding it with that hand.
As a mater of fact, Horav Dovid Pam Shlit'a and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a maintain that in needed someone else can hold the Shofar for him, since as opposed to a Lulav there is no mitzva to hold the Shofar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/22/2022 10:08 PM |
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