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# 3873 Courting a Court
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Q. I have heard that there is an obligation to have a viable Beis Din in a town. How big does the community have to be for that obligation to take effect?
A. Indeed, there is an obligation to have a Beis Din in a Jewish town as Horav Eliashiv Zt'l and others point out (See Vayishma Moshe p. 373).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that there are many difficulties in establishing a correct Beis Din, as it is unusual to find and engage the instructed and reliable Talmidei Hachamim in our common cities and towns, especially outside of Eretz Yisroel. Therefore, one must rely on the well established Batei Din and recognized courts in some of the closest big cities.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/8/2022 10:48 AM |
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# 3872 Zooming the Blow
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Q. As I have told the Rov, I zoom almost daily a good friend who is in hospital talk to him and often learn Torah with him. Is there a point to blow the Shofar of Elul to make him feel better?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is correct if it makes him feel better and it is part of the most important mitzva of Bikur Cholim.
The Rov added that you should make clear to him that this zooming method cannot be used on Rosh Hashana itself, even when offered by some Jewish services at that hospital.
See question 3105 and 2325 regarding someone in a similar situation taking part of a family Pesach Seder on second day Yom Tov using a zoom monitor left on before Yom Tov.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/1/2022 10:52 PM |
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# 3871 Don't Blow the Blow
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Q. In our small shull the Baal Tokea who blows Shofar during Elul was missing one morning. Only another attendant new how to blow Shofar, but he was in the middle of saying the Shema. He actually did blow the Shofar then, was that correct?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is correct, since one may answer when reading the Shema a necessary question to him. However, he should read untill the end of a Parsha.
Kovetz Halochos (1: 19) maintains that even in the middle of the Amida one can do so, if he finds hard to concentrate when avoiding blowing 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 9/1/2022 10:50 PM |
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# 3870 A Fast Break?
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Q. One who does not wear Rabbenu Tam's Tefilin by mistake dropped his friend's Rabbenu Tam's Tefilin. Does he have to fast?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that he does, since those Tefilin carry the same name's of Hashem and Parshios, just in a different order.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/1/2022 10:47 PM |
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# 3869 Brand New Brand?
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Q. I was recently cleaning up the house and found two Pushka boxes that the label has come off and it is not discernible at all what the original Tzedaka was. What do I do with this money?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that you should count the money and give it to a proper Tzedaka of your choice. Then make a note of what occurred and the amounts involved. Iy'H when the day of Hashem's revelation to all comes, you will give those amounts to the proper receivers.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/1/2022 10:46 PM |
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# 3868 Melt Away Shailah
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Q. See question above. Can one use solid cream cheese for a coffee that will melt, when placed in Keli Shelishi?
A. As far as the Bishul prohibition is concerned regarding congealed fat, butter or margarine, Poskim disagree if they are considered a 'Davar Yovesh' (dry food) or not since when heated they will melt. Mishna Berura (318: 16) and other Poskim are lenient.
In our case, since as is we deal with a Keli Shlishi or coffee that has been poured in a third vessel, where Bishul does not usually apply according to most Poskim, it would be permitted. This can also be compared to placing an ice cube
in a drink, where it will melt.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/1/2022 10:44 PM |
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# 3867 A Dry Run
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Q. For the purpose of reheating an already cooked food in Shabbat, how dry does it have to be to be permitted? Are meat balls in their gravy permitted to warm? If yes, how much gravy can it have?
How about if when one began reheating there was little liquid but it increased considerably when warmed?
A. Mishna Berura (318: 32) mentions that as long as the liquid gravy or sauce has been removed from the item in question even if it is still moist enough to transfer wetness to something touching it, it is considered a 'Davar Yovesh.' (See also Igros Moshe O.H. 4: 74: 7)
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if when one began reheating there was little permitted liquid but it increased considerably when warmed, it is still permitted to reheat.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/1/2022 10:41 PM |
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# 3866 Dress for the Occasion
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Q. A Bachur in Shidduchim who has a smartphone with a filter, may he borrow his grandmothers flip phone for the first date to avoid giving a bad impression or is it forbidden to be dishonest?
A.. Rabbeinu Yehudah Hachosid (Sefer Hachasidim 507) rules that one should not conceal flaws from a potential marriage partner, to avoid engaging in a failing marriage. Mori Verbi HoRav Moshe Feinstein Zt'l maintains that just as the Torah (Vayikro 25: 14) prohibits misrepresenting merchandise in order to deceive potential consumers, one may not conceal information in a manner that misleads a potential marriage partner.
Yet, it is a common tradition and acceptable minhag for people seeking a Shidach to dress and be seen in attractive clothing and charismatic appearance.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it can be done when needed.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/1/2022 10:39 PM |
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# 3865 Offer a Helping Hand Offer?
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Q. I saw a house for sale that has since been taken off the market but I was told by the agent that I could still make an offer. I happen to know that the current tenants don't want to move. Is there a problem with me making an offer? It's a very tight rental market so am I obligated to give them extra time to find a place when I make an offer?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that you are entitled to engage in your own needs and interests as Halacha dictates and is legally required. However, out of the Midas Hachessed and the quality of goodness inherent in our Torah, it is advisable that you should try to give them some extra time to find a place when possible.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/1/2022 10:37 PM |
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# 3864 If the Cap Fits
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Q. Tomorrow morning I need to go from Arad to Tel Aviv to get a week long EEG done on me and I will not put on Tefilin Shel Rosh for that time. Is there anything I can do? I will be wearing a cover cap over my head during that week - (picture included).
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that since the cover isn't thick, you should put on the Tefilin Shel Rosh without a brocho.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/1/2022 10:35 PM |
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# 3863 Facts of Life
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Q. Hi Rabbi Bartfeld, Hope you and your family are doing well. It's been a while.
I am looking to ask for guidance on an issue with my dad. My dad has been put in the hospital under the mental health act. He has been diagnosed with Alzheimer and paranoid delusions. He will be in the hospital until he is transferred to long term care.
The Dr. called me asking me what the resuscitation policy should be in case anything happens. My dad at times has told me that he would not want to be a vegetable and at times he said he would want to preserve life. My dad is not Jewish... but I want to do what is right.
Is there an Halacha on this?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in his case it is permitted for him to avoid excessive preservation of life methods, in order to avoid excessive suffering, and to accept what is recommended by his doctor.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/1/2022 10:33 PM |
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# 3862 Up in Arms?
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Q. Up to what point does one have to wash hands when touching his arms?
A. See question 2997 regarding washing hands when putting on Tefilin she Yad. We mentioned that Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a maintains that he usually washes his hand after putting on the Tefilin.
However, when it is just bellow the elbow, no Netilas Yodaim is needed. The elbow itself is debatable. However it would seem that since the common summer shirts leave it exposed, one does not need to wash hands when touching it.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 8/28/2022 4:23 PM |
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# 3861 What did you Say?
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Q. Kvod Horav. I began last year to use a hearing aid. I did not use it during Shofar blowing as pointed in your Shailos. Can it be used during the Shofar blowing during the month of Elul?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it can be used when listening to the Shofar blowing during the month of Elul, since it is basically only a minhag.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 8/26/2022 12:03 AM |
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# 3860 Was I There Already?
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Q. A father promised his son, who always came late to davening a monetary gift for every day he was one of the first ten people to make the Minyan. If the son came on time to be of the first ten and left his Tefilin on a table, but then exited to attend the bathroom, and when he came back there were already more than ten people. Does it still count as being one of the first ten?
A. See question 2991 regarding the importance of being one of the first ten to make the Minyan and bring the Shechina.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in this case if he had in mind to return immediately and he only attended the bathroom to pass water, it is still considered as being one of the first ten who bring the Shechina to the Minyan. The same would apply to anyone attending a Minyan.
Horav Dovid Pam Shlit'a pointed out to a similar ruling in Eishel Avrohom - Tanino (H. Tefilin - Magen Avrohom 3).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 8/26/2022 12:02 AM |
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# 3859 Identity Crisis
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Q. Dear Rabbi, my friend, who is learning for conversion, has the following dilemma:
Her mother died last year on August 25. Her secular name was Romana, daughter of Emilia. She wants to know if it is possible for someone to say kaddish for her.
The mother was not Jewish, and the daughter never asked her if any of her ancestors was Jewish.
Her name was Romana bat Emilia, and the daughter would like to change that name now and name her for the deceased's grandmother (Ester)?
A. On question 1916 regarding an individual who identifies as Jewish but is L’Halacha not Jewish, was murdered because he was a Jew. He was killed by gun shot while the murderer yelled “all Jews must die”.
Is it considered that he died Al Kiddish Hashem? A Jewish friend want’s to say kaddish. Is it appropriate to say Kaddish and learn a Mishna for them? We typically wouldn’t do so for a Gentile.
We answered: "Rambam (H. Teshuva 3: 5) maintains that Chasidei Umos Haolam deserve a place on Olam Habba. On H. Melachim (8: 10-11)he defines the virtuous Gentiles as the ones who keep the Seven Noachide mitzvos.
Talmud (Bava Metzia 114b) relates that Rabah Bar Avuha met Eliahu on a non Jewish cemetery.
Medresh Talpios (Anaf Eliahu Moshiach) comments that he went there to save the soul of a Gentile buried at that place. He was being taken to Gehenam, but since he had done favors to Jewish people in his lifetime, he was saved. See Yechave Daas (6: 60) that permits to recite kaddish on such a Gentile. See also Teshuvos Vehanhagos (2: 43).
Beohala Shel Torah (p.312) quotes as a remez to the above, the verse that establishes the Nusach and form of kaddish; “Vehisgadalti Vehiskadashti …Leinei Goyim Rabbim, And I will reveal Myself in My greatness and in My holiness and will be recognized in the eyes of many nations.”
Chevel Nachalasso (40) addresses the case of a non-Jewish Israeli soldier, killed by Arabs, whether he is considered being Chasidei Umos Haolam, since he gave his life for protecting the Jewish people.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in principle it is better to avoid reciting kaddish, but other tzedaka mitzvos, could be done in his name."
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 8/25/2022 11:58 PM |
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# 3858 Helping Ends Meet
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Q. An aging couple that is undergoing a severe monetary crisis due to uncovered medical expenses that have caused them to have to borrow a large amount of money. The have considered asking the established Chesed institutions in town to help them, but they have declined since they own a valuable house.
Can they themselves or a group of friends help them raise the Tzedaka funds? The do not have any children.
A. The Tzedaka institutions have a valid point since they can raise the money needed in something similar to a reverse mortgage, that could be given by a friendly and helping real estate and properties owner, that may give them a significant sum yearly sum in an arrangement that lets them keep until the end of their lives the house, that would then be transferred to the investor.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar
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Posted 8/25/2022 11:56 PM |
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# 3857 So Many Simchas!
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Q. Dear Rov. As we spoke on the phone my wife is expecting a baby girl (ultrasound test). My recently departed father's zt'l name was Simcha and I would very much like to give that name to the daughter to be born soon. Is that permitted or recommended?
A. On question 1644 regarding a Baal Teshuva whose father although Jewish was never given a Jewish name, – how should the baal teshuva be called up to the Torah, we wrote: "Horav Shlomo Millers Shlit’a suggested he should use his grandfathers name. A few names are similar to men and women, such as Simcha or Chone, if it applies he could use his mother’s name."
Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a related a similar case where the father was advised by a Gadol to have trust in Hashem that his next child would be a boy and so it happened.
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 8/25/2022 11:50 PM |
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# 3856 Yes Parking?
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Q. See question above. Is one allowed to use the parking lot of the mosque, while services (in the middle of the day) are held?
A. While mosque services are being held, entering the temple's parking lot should be avoided, since it may seem to a bystander that one is using the parking lot in order to pray at the mosque.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s opinion Shlit’a is that one should look for nearby parking.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 8/25/2022 11:48 PM |
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# 3855 Contested Entry
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Q. See question above. Regarding Islam, however, most Poskim follow the opinion of the Rambam (Hilchos Ma’achalos Assuros 11: 7) that it is not considered Avodah Zarah (Shulchan Aruch Y. D. 124: 6, Taz 4 and Shach 12. See also Ben Ish Chai, Parashas Balak) Therefore, they do not expressly forbid entering a mosque. (Avnei Yashfei 1: 153 quotes HoRav Y.S. Elyashiv Zt'l as ruling that it is not prohibited to enter a mosque.)
Other more contemporary Poskim prohibit entering a mosque as well (Tzitz Eliezer 14: 91; 18: 47). See also Meiri, Avodah Zarah 57a, who quotes Chachmei Sefarad as ruling that Islam is Avodah Zarah.
All Poskim agree that unless there is a compelling reason to do so, one should not enter.
See question 1182 in regard to davening in a multi faith room at an airport, we wrote: "Beis Avi (4: 31), Shevet Hakehosi (6: 83), Menuchas Emes (3: 6: n.24) rule not to pray in a multi-faith space, so is it amply quoted in the name of Rabbi J. B. Soloveitchic zt’l. (See also Remoh O.H. 94: 9, on davening in a non-Jewish hotel).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar, he suggests to daven outside of the non-denominational room.
Care should be taken as an array of diverse faith symbols may be exposed at the entrance of the room."
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 8/25/2022 11:45 PM |
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# 3854 Do Not Enter?
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Q. Some necessary medical services are offered in a hall that is part of a Muslim temple. Is one allowed to go there?
A. In question 126 regarding if an alcoholic is permitted to enter a church (even possibly the main sanctuary) to attend an AA meeting, we wrote: "It is forbidden to enter a house of Avodah Zarah or a church. (Y.D. 150,1- 157,3 – Shach ibid. 149,1.) R' Moshe Feinstein Zt”l (Igros Moshe O.C. 4,40,26) prohibits students playing ball in a sports hall that belongs to a church, even if no religious images are present. (See Rivavos Ephraim 3, 302,3)
However Poskim do permit voting in a locale adjoining or connected to a church, which specifically set up a venue for that purpose and it is marked or is known to be so. This sanction is only ex post facto, when no other voting location was made available or is found close by. (Teshuvos Vehanchogos 2,410).
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a permits using the A.A. church venue, if the meetings are not held in the sanctuary, and it is clearly identified or known as a setting for social or community activities.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 8/25/2022 11:44 PM |
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Important Numbers
