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# 3637 Searched and Saved?
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Q. We thank Hashem for saving us from a recent accident that severely damaged our car. The car was removed by authorities into an impound car crash area and our insurance company is taking care of it. Since we have children it is likely that there is chometz inside, as in other years, but we don't really have access to the vehicle. What should we do regarding the Bedika and Biur Chometz in the vehicle?
A. As mentioned in the question above the best way to deal with the damaged vehicle is to sell it in an early sell.
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 4/7/2022 10:36 PM |
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# 3636 An Early Sale
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Q. Dear Rov; One that has a basement or a garage one does not want to clean for Pesach and it will be closed completely, does he have to sell in a Mechira Mukdemes (Selling it to a Gentile, the day before Erev Pesach)?
A. Mishna Berura (436: 32) quotes different opinions. Mekor Chaim and Chayei Adam maintain that if they will only be sold on Erev Pesach in the morning, they have to be searched for chametz on the night before as is done with the rest of the house.
However Binyan Olam (20) asserts that no Bedika is needed as the fact that it will be sold tomorrow is in itself tantamount to keeping the chometz one finds until tomorrow to be burned, or the chometz one still want to consume until tomorrow morning, Mishna Berura also quotes that the Chassam Soffer (131) and Eishel Avrohom are lenient. He adds that he should specify that not only he sells that area, but also any chometz therein. He also adds that it is preferable to do an early sell on the thirteen of Nissan.
Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a also advises to do an early sell. 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 4/7/2022 10:33 PM |
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# 3635 Travel First Aid Kit
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Q. Given the very high number of flight cancellations and delays in our days, if our family has to travel by plane on Erev Pesach, should we take matzos and maror and other Seder items with us in case we get stranded?
A. Our Rabbonim insist that one should not travel at all on Erev Pesach this days if there is a reasonable risk of being stranded in an airport or an unknown hotel. Any travel should be done with ample time before or totally avoided.
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 4/7/2022 10:30 PM |
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# 3634 Law In one's Daughter
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Q. Is there a mitzva of Sippur Yetzias Mitzraim to a daughter?
A. Magen Avrohom (O.H. 471: 7), Mishne Berura (13), Aruch Hashulchan (472: 15) and others maintain it does.
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 4/7/2022 10:28 PM |
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# 3633 Enough on One Plate
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Q. In the situation above is there a need to provide a different Seder plate for the son?
A. Horav Dovid Pam and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a maintain that one plate at the center of the table suffices.
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 4/7/2022 10:26 PM |
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# 3632 Like Father Like Son
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Q. A grandfather and his son who has his own children are at the Seder together. Who recites the Haggadah?
A. The mitzva of Sipur Yetzias Mitzraim or telling the Haggadah story applies to a grandfather also. (See Talmud Kiddushin 31a in regard to the mitzva of learning Torah that it applies to grandchildren also). Teshuvos Vehanhogos (2: 236) maintains that it is even a greater mitzva for the grandfather to tell the Haggadah to the children.
Chassam Soffer's opinion is that the grandfather should tell his son, and the son then should tell his children
It would seem that the best way is to divide time. The father should explain shortly to his children the answer to their four questions. The rest of the Haggadah that as is is hard for them to understand and keep attention to, should be recited by the grandfather that as is is leading the Seder.
A father complies with this mitzva even if his children area grownup and also already Talimidei Hachamim. (Rambam H. Chometz Umatza 7:: 2-3).
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 4/7/2022 10:24 PM |
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# 3631 That's The Story of my Life
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Q. Dear Rabbi another question. Does a woman who is a widow have to say the Haggadah with her children and tell them the story of Yetziat Mitzraim as their father did?
What happens if she gets married again. Does the stepfather now have to recite the Haggadah with his step children?
A. Poskim debate whether a woman is included in the mitzva of telling the story of Yetzias Mitzraim to her children. (See Pri Megodim 472: Eishel A. 15, Kovetz Halochos 26: 12).
Horav Dovid Pam and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a maintain she should. However, is she marries again, the stepfather should recite that Haggadah with his step children.
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 4/7/2022 10:22 PM |
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# 3630 Dish the Dishes?
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Q. My mother has a very old fine china porcelain set of dishes that has not been used for twenty years.
She does not remember whether they were used for meat or milk. Can we now Kasher them and use them for Pesach?
A. Horav Aharon Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in need they could be Kashered by immersing then three times in boiling water (on the fire) and changing the water each time.
It would be advisable if in doubt if Tevila was done on them, to repeat it.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is preferable not to use the set for Pesach.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/7/2022 10:18 PM |
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# 3629 A Pot in Hot Water?
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Q. Does one have to be Tovel (immerse in a Mikva) a new pot that one bought specifically for the purpose of Kashering utensils for Pesach by immersing them in this pot while boiling water is in it?
A. Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 120: 4 - 8, Shach 17 and others) rule that a utensil that will not contain or come in contact directly with food does not require Tevila and if this new pot will only be used for Kashering purposes, it fits that description.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/7/2022 10:16 PM |
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# 3628 Don't Beat the Seat
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Q. Does an Avel seating in the corner of the last row in shul have to move to another place, while in mourning, since as is he is already seating at a least respected seat?
How about an Avel who only comes to daven on a Shul on Shabbos, does he also have to change seat, then? If yes, why is this not a case of Avelus Befarhesia or public mourning
that is not permitted on Shabbos?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that the Avel should change his seat even if it is only sideways.
The Rov added that even if he only attends this shul on Shabbos, he should still change place. The reason being that since he will likely be davening there before Shabbos begins and at the end after Maariv, it is a not considered an Avelus of Shabbos.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/3/2022 5:14 PM |
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# 3627 Quote Unquote
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Q. After Birkas Hatorah we learn parts from Torah, Mishna and Gemara to fulfill learning after saying the bracha. The Torah and Mishna Peah we say, are exact quotes. However the Gemara of 'Eilu Devarim Sheadam Ochail Pairosaichem' is not an exact quote of the Gemara in Shabbos 127a.
The question is why was that changed and why it is not an exact quote, as it seems that things were spliced together? Who gave license to change the Gemara around? Also nussach sefard inserts shalom bein ish leishto, where did that come from (the Gemara does not mention that) and when did that originate? Thank you and Happy purim
A. Even the first Mishna of Peah quoted has different versions of the words used, such as 'Raayon' (Siddur Yaavetz) or 'Rooyon' (Siddur Sheloh).
Shaarei Aharon (3: 47: p. 102) also quotes different versions of the Baraissa in Shabbos 127a. In practice it depends on the Nussach one davens such as Ashkenaz, Ashkenaz - Sefard, Sefarrdi, Yemenite etc.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/1/2022 12:28 PM |
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# 3626 Mixed Emotions
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Q. See questions above. Can someone that due to certain emotional issues walks even during winter with sandals and no socks, enter Shul and daven that way?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit'a opinion is that if his particular condition is widely known to others, he may.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/1/2022 12:27 PM |
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# 3625 Rich & Barefoot?
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Q. Hello Rav, I'm wondering if there is a problem of davening without shoes on? I've been in a few situations recently where there was a minyan in a house Motzei Shabbat and its winter in Toronto, so no one is wearing shoes inside the fancy house and they gather a minyan to daven Maariv and no one is wearing shoes.
I was once in a similar situation where the host regularly had a Maariv minyan at his home and he had slippers for everyone for davening. Obviously in our society, its preferable to have nice shoes on for davening, but do the feet need to be covered for davening M'ikar Hadin? (such as in this situation when you really can't avoid this minyan and you also can't put your shoes on in their house)?
thank you!
A. As mentioned in the above question the wearing of shoes in shul and during davening, has undergone a historical transformation.
Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 91: 5) rules that one should not enter a Shul with and uncovered head or feet, if the custom in that place is not to do so in front of great people. Mishna Berura (12) adds not to daven with boots on if the common practice is not to do so in front of leaders. (see also Maharam Mintz 38, Rashbash 285 and others)
Oruch Hashulchan (O. H. 151:9): rules “And there are Muslim lands where they go to the synagogue barefooted, but this is not a good custom, and they learned this from the Muslims, and it should be abolished”.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit'a opinion is that, as mentioned in Mishna Berura it all depends. If one would receive and encounter guest of importance while wearing the clothes and shoes one is, he can daven and enter Shul with them on.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/1/2022 12:26 PM |
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# 3624 An Old Shoe
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Q. I wonder Kvod Horav why is it that in our days we are not supposed to daven barefoot in Shul when in ancient times it was preferred?
A. It is obvious that in Biblical times, it was correct to remove one's shoes before praying to Hashem as mentioned (Shemos 3: 5): And He (Hashem) said (to Moshe), "Do not come closer. Take your shoes off your feet, because the place upon which you stand is holy ground :
In Yehoshua (5: 15) The captain of Hashem's’s host answered Yehoshua, “Remove your shoes from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy.” And Yehoshua did so.
We well know that in the Beis Hamikdash the Cohanim performed the Avoda barefoot. Talmud, (Zevahim 24a) quotes Rabi Ishmael: “Just as with regard to service vessels, nothing may interpose between [the Priest] and the service vessel, so too with regard to the floor, nothing may interpose between [the Cohen] and the floor.” This Halachah was codified by the Rambam (Bi’as Hamikdash, 5: 17).
Moreover, the Mishnah (Berakhot 9: 5) teaches that all people entering Har Habbais would also remove their shoes as mentioned: “One should not enter the Temple Mount with a staff, or with shoes on, or with a money belt, or with dusty feet."
Even in much later times in some places they would take off shoes before entering Shul, as Talmud Yerushalmi (Bava Metzia 2: 8) relates that; 'Yehudah B'ribbi entered a Beis Midrash and left his sandals outside the door. When he returned he realized that they were gone (stolen). He said: Had I not gone to the synagogue, my sandals would not have gone!'
See also Mishnah Megillah (4: 8) “One who says: I will not pass before the ark wearing sandals, he may not pass before it even barefoot
However it was not universal anymore as great importance was given to wearing shoes, as Talmud (Shabbos 129a) tells; “Rav Yehuda said in the name of Rav: One should always sell the beams of his house and purchase shoes for his feet” or “One wearing shoes on his feet — is a human being” (Shabbos 152a)”. See also Talmud Shabbos (10a) Rabbah bar Rav Huna would don 'puzmaki' and pray. He said: “Prepare to greet your G-d, Israel!”
See next question.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/1/2022 12:21 PM |
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# 3623 Wine Talk
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Q. Hello Rav, I was recently at a large Shabbat dinner. After the host made Kiddush, I drank from the wine that was in front of me and did not wait for the host's wine to come around. After drinking I (accidentally) starting speaking to the person across the table for me who had not drank anything and was being quiet waiting for the host's wine to be passed around. He accidentally answered me and starting speaking until his wife pointed out what he had done.
At this point, what should he do now that he has spoken? He is Yotzee Kiddush (comply with) without drinking any wine and is allowed to drink it (because the host has already had some), or given his hefsek, is it better for him to take the sip (its a mitzvah to drink from the wine, but not an obligation) or not (because of the hefsek)?
Second Question: If he does choose to drink from the wine, I assume that would exempt him from saying a Bracha on any other wine he is drinking from the table, but if he choose not to (because of the hefsek), he wouldn't be yotzei the Kiddush and need to make his own "borei Pri Hagefen" before drinking any wine. Is that correct?
A. See answer to question above when one does not need to recite a new brocho.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit'a opinion is that it applies only as long as one has not spoken before drinking some wine.
After drinking some, he is not required to recite another blessing when the one making Kiddush drank from the wine himself.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/1/2022 12:18 PM |
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# 3622 Keep it Coming
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Q. Hello Rav, I recently attended a Shabbat meal with about 50 guests. There was plenty of wine bottles all around the table. When the host makes Kiddush for us on Friday night and we want to taste the wine, Is there a preference to wait for the little bit they are sending around the table and drink from that (takes a while to hand out to 50 guests so there is a hefsek, but it is also from the wine that the Kiddush was said on) or is better to just drink a bit from the bottles that are right in front of me that I can drink immediately and then later drink the kiddish wine when it gets to me? Thanks
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit'a opinion is that if the wine remains of the Kos Shel Bracha or Kiddush cup will reach one promptly while one is still keeping his mind and attention on them and before his mind strays into different matters, one should wait and drink them. However, if that may take longer, then it is best to drink some of the wine close by and later drink the remains of the Kos Shel Bracha as they arrive.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/1/2022 12:16 PM |
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# 3621 Thanks but No Thanks?
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Q. Hello Rav, I'm wondering about what to do when you are in the middle of a bracha and realize you've already said it (or really to need say a different bracha than the one you originally had in mind to say). For example, I'm going to drink some Coke. I said "Baruch Attah Hashem", but then I realized I've already said a Shehakol that covered it.
Is it best to say "Lamedeinu Chukecha" or better to finish the bracha as an "Adama" on a potato chip on the counter. Second question: what if I've finished the shehakol, but then immediately realize I've already said it, should I admit defeat and just say "Baruch Shem Kavod...." or should I switch the bracha (b'toch K'dei....within 2 seconds) to something else by saying "Borei Pri Hadama" and eat the chips on the counter that I wasn't planning on eating.
I was looking around and it seems there could be a difference if the bracha was D'oraita vs Rabbinic and possibly if its an obligatory bracha (teffillin) vs optional (eating). I can't figure out the psak, please help. Thanks!
A. Once the name Elokenu has been said one cannot add Lamdeinu Chukecha as this is not a passuk anymore.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit'a opinion is that the best choice in this difficult situation is to end the bracha of Shehakol and eat a very small piece of the chips in both cases.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/1/2022 12:14 PM |
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# 3620 Found the Lost Men!
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Q. The posuk (Chayei Soro 24: 54) mentions that Avraham's servant (Eliezer) AND THE MEN THAT WERE WITH HIM ate, drank, and slept.
These men were not mentioned until now. Are these men part of Eliezer's retinue? Or do they refer to Besuel and Lovon? If the former, did they come with him? Or did they arrive later? If the former, why did Rivka not offer to give them water as well?
A. There are three mentions of the men that accompanied Eliezer in Parshas Chaye Sarah. It seems from the simple text and Meforshim, that those men came with Eliezer to help him, as he came with a heavily loaded caravan of ten camels.
Chezkuni, Yikro Deuraissa, Meshech Chochmo and others explain that an added purpose for their coming was to complement the minyan needed for a Seudas Eirusin (following Tosafos Kesubbos 7b).
Shaarei Aharon (32) quotes Rav Ephroim that the reason they were not mentioned constantly, was that since they constituted a group that followed Eliezer, they were included with their leader.
He also mentions that it is obvious that if Rivka gave even the camels to drink, she previously had to draw water for the men.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/1/2022 12:09 PM |
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# 3619 Where am I?
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Q. We are planning to come from Eretz Yisroel to North America for Pesach. This year, Shir Hashirim will be read on the 1st day of Pesach in Eretz Yisroel and the 8th day in Chu"l. Since the 8th day is technically not Yom Tov for us (we need to say regular Shabbos Amidah, avoid saying Hallel), should we read Shir HaShirim for ourselves on the 1st day of Pesach?
May we get an Aliyah in the Kri'ah of Aser T'aser?
May they read all of Acharei Mos at Mincha for our benefit?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit'a opinion is that you should preferably recite Shir Hashirim at the Seder, as is the minhag of many.
The Rov Shlit'a maintains that you should not receive an Aliya when reading a parsha that does not correspond to your obligation.
He added, that if Tircha Detzibur and the unnecessary excessive time consuming reading for the rest of the minyan is not an issue, they may read all of Acharei Mos at Mincha.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/1/2022 12:07 PM |
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# 3618 Taanis Ukraine
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Q. Why don't we have a day of fasting and tefillah for Ukraine like the Jews had in the Purim story?
A. The obvious answer is that we are lacking the united and recognized leadership provided by Mordechai and his Beis Din in those days.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s added that we indeed had a Taanis for that purpose, as Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah declared to include during Taanis Esther this year, Tefilos and Tehilim for those Kehilos and individuals.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 3/27/2022 4:46 PM |
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Important Numbers
