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# 4098 Bottle Down II
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Q. Re question 4087. While carrying out the procedure of opening a grape juice bottle as described by the Rav, lets say one bachur offers to open it in the regular manner relying on the lenient opinions. How should the Rebbi respond? Is it permitted to use after the fact?
A. Since the lenient opinions mentioned above are not usually accepted, one should refrain from doing it.
However, after the fact if the grape juice bottle was opened in the regular manner, Horav Dovid Pam Shlit’a and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a rule that if it was done ‘Beshogeg’ or by mistake and lack of knowledge, it can then be used.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 2/9/2023 10:32 PM |
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# 4097 In the Swim of Things?
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Q. My children saw a nice artistic drawing of a Chasidisher Rebbe dancing while crossing back and fort some water pond representing the Yam Suf, while his many Chassidim were singing around him. They want to do the same in our basement this Shabbos Shirah. Placing a plastic sheet with some water and dance in it. Is it permitted?
A. There is indeed a minhag to do as you describe by some Chassidic groups during the last day of Pesach.
However, on question 1736 we mentioned; “Many Poskim in our days prohibit not only swimming but just soaking even in an unheated pool. (Igrois Moshe E.H 2: 13, Minchas Yitzchok 5: 32, Beer Moshe 3: 56, Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchasah 14:12; Yaskil Avdi 6:1, et. al.)
Different reasons are mentioned for this prohibition such as; One may improvise or fix swimming or floating paraphernalia. (Kitzur ibid.). Or one come to squeeze out water from a towel, wet bathing suit or hair. Even taking a cold shower is not allowed. Playing by a pool causes great loss to the intended holiness of Shabbos. However, when the immersion is done for a mitzva purpose, such as Tevila in a mikva, it is allowed. Poskim also permit when the bathing is needed for the ill (Yeshuos Moshe 3: 35, Piskei Teshuvos 339: n. 4).”
One may argue that if one only steps in a small and very shallow puddle of water, similar to what one usually steps inside when walking in the street on a rainy day, and is careful not to get soaked and then squeeze out the water, it should then be permitted for children in a basement under supervision.
Horav Avrohom Kahn Shlit’a suggested the kids should wear boots or galoshes.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one should maintain his family traditions.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 2/5/2023 6:57 PM |
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# 4096 First Save Lifes
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Q. Kvod Horav. I’m a Rebbe in a high school Yeshiva and I also give shiurim in the nearby shul where I daven, so practically Be’H I dedicate my full time to Torah learning and teaching. The Mispalelim in that nearby big shul are mostly aged and often there are issues with their health. On the last two months Hatzalah was called three times.
Is there a point for me to take a First Aid course that could be maybe helpful in saving someones life until help shows up or should I leave it to others and continue with my Torah complete dedication? I would really appreciate Horav Miller’s opinion on this. Thanks so much.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that given the fact that you can likely save a life, in your particular situation, you should indeed take that First Aid course.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 2/3/2023 12:10 PM |
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# 4095 A Late Shabbos
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Q. The Mishna Berura says not to do Melacha 30 or 20 minutes before sundown. May one refrain from Melacha without formally accepting Shabbos in case something comes up, and when should one make the formal acceptance?
A. Indeed, even thou it is recommended to stop work about a half an hour before the Shekia (sunset) that marks the beginning os Shabbos, when in need one may reduce that time.
However, one should even in need accept Shabbos at least five minutes before the Shekia, and stop all work to comply with a minimum of the necessary mitzva of Tosefes (addition) to Shabbos, at the beginning and end of the day.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 2/2/2023 10:15 PM |
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# 4093 Getting Away with Murder?
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Q. I’m a Frum medical student and one of the fundamental steps that allows a doctor to expand their expertise and graduate is completing an internship or residency program in a hospital and that involves examining patients and making treatment recommendations etc. Performing these duties under supervision by a physician assistant, senior resident or other doctor. In our days, it would include being a partner to decisions when to terminate or stop the treatment of patients that could be also children.
A. We have indeed received a significant number of questions regarding the current changes in the termination of treatment given by medical crews in hospitals for the terminally ill and dying patients.
Currently a group of Rabbonim is dealing with the changes and how to handle correctly in Halacha those new conditions.
The same would apply to nurses.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 2/2/2023 10:10 PM |
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# 4092 False Alarm
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Q. There was a very unfortunate incident where a very Choshuve Ben Torah, an extremely close personal acquaintance of mine, needed to walk between two women. He gently placed his arm on the shoulder of a 9 year old Frum boy and asked him to walk together with him. This led to his arrest on kidnapping charges. Could Horav Miller comment on the Halachos pertaining to this incident?
This Yungerman told me personally that while he was davening the Amidah in the police precinct, the police wanted to move him to a different location and were screaming at him and tapping him. What is the Halacha if one may respond to them? Should he sue them?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that suing will likely just create a Chilul Hashem. He should settle with a very merited apology.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 2/2/2023 10:08 PM |
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# 4091 Queer Beer
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Q. Can one that has the Minhag of drinking beer on Tu Bishvat comply comply by drinking some barley vodka?
A. The minhag of drinking beer on Tu Bishvat is based on the fact that we eat fruits of the seven species (Shivas Haminim, Devarim 8: 8) on that day that marks the Rosh Hashana for trees. Wheat and barley, belong to that group. (See Nitey Gavriel – Purim 5: 2 he mentions that the Belzer Rebbe maintained that tradition).
Although barley vodka is just a distillate of the barley and does not contain the direct parts of the barley, for this particular tradition it suffices.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 2/2/2023 10:06 PM |
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# 4090 Forbidden Fruits
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Q. See question above. Is that permitted during this year after Shmita?
A. The holiness of the produce of fruits grown in Eretz Yisroel has numerous Halacha implications. For example, produce that has Kedushas Shevi’is may be eaten only in Eretz Yisrael and by Jews; one may not do business with such produce or actively ruin it (for example, smashing fruit for fun is strictly prohibited). It is prohibited to take Kedushas Shevi’is produce out of Israel. Early authorities bring different reasons behind this prohibition. Rav Shlomo of Siriloi (Talmud Yerushalmi 6:5) rules that since the fruit has holiness, it should only be eaten in the holiest place, the Land of Israel.
Most authorities note that the reason behind not exporting Shevi’is produce is because of various halachic concerns, not because of the essence of Shemitah produce. The Ra’avad (Toras Kohanim, Behar 1:9), for example, writes that the concern of exporting Shemitah produce is that people outside of Israel would not handle such produce with respect. (Kedushas Ha’aretz 21: 6-12).
Therefore, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one should avoid eating on Tu Bishvat also fruits that were grown during the Shemita year in Israel.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 2/2/2023 10:04 PM |
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# 4089 Labor of One's Fruits
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Q. I have a family member that is coming from Eretz Yisroel this week before Tu Bishvat.
(The new year for fruits of trees). I have two questions.
1) Since there is an important Minhag and tradition for many to eat a number of fruits of trees on Tu Bishvat, is it better if they originate from Israel and I should ask to have some fruits from to be brought to us?
A. On question 453 regarding using fruits from Israel on Tu Bishvat, we wrote: “The tradition to eat tree fruits in Tu Bishvat is mentioned in many Poiskim in (O.H. 131), however there is generally no special mention of a requirement to eat fruits from Eretz Yisroel, although some of the Sifrei Chasidus do mentioned it. S’dey Yaar (quoted in Koveitz Maamorim p. 28) mentions that the custom may originate from the fact that Tu Bishvat is the cut-off date in the Jewish calendar for calculating the age of a fruit-bearing tree, and it depends on when most of the rains of the year have already elapsed in Eretz Yisroel. (Rosh Hashono 14a).
Peroisecho Metukim narrates how in many Chasidic kehilos they made a special effort to obtain fruits grown in Israel. Nitei Gavriel (Purim 5 note 6) quotes extensive sources of different Chasidic dynasties and their vehement pursue on Tu Bishvat for fruits from Eretz Yisroel. (See Tur O.H. 208 and Bach ibid. in regards to the holiness of those fruits today and Talmud Sotah 14b in regards to Moshe Rabbenu wanting to eat from Eretz Yisroel fruits).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that you do not have to acquire Israeli fruits for observing the Tu Bishvat traditions, especially if it involves questionable Halachic issues.”
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 2/2/2023 10:02 PM |
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# 4088 Safe Torah Secrets
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Q. Dear Rabbi; I’am divorced and talking to and thinking about going out with a Talmid of Rav Chaim Epstein and told him that I like to go to Breslov shiurim. He suggested that I ask Rabbi Bartfeld to ask Rabbi Miller if it's appropriate for someone in his community to go to these types of Kabbalah Shiurim? The Rabbis that I have been learning with regularly include Rabbi Giselsan from Thornhill and Rabbi Dror Moshe Cussato from Israel. I usually do it on zoom with my camera off. Are Breslov shiurim OK?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is difficult to recommend particular and different ways of Chassidus, often based on the Zohar and other Kabbalah sefarim that are dedicated to singular Hashkafa and particular ways of Avodas Hashem.
In general, it is better and more recommended to maintain the general Hashkafa that many others successfully maintain, unless one belongs to a dedicated and well guided group, with proper Rabbonim and competent leaders.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 2/2/2023 9:58 PM |
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# 4087 Bottle Down
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Q. One who is a Rebbi in a Yeshiva and needs to make Kiddush for the Bachurim but the only bottle of grape juice is closed, should he hint to the Bachurim to open it, or simply sit there until someone will open it? To make Kiddush on the challas will be extremely strange, as the grape juice and Becher (cup) were already on the Rebbi’s table and the Bachurim are expecting to hear Kiddush in the traditional way.
A. When opening the common grape juice bottles of our days, one may be turning the cap into a usable utensil, since after the ring that attaches it to the bottle is broken and separated from the cap, it can be reused many times and should be considered as having created a new ‘Keli” or utensil which is prohibited on Shabbos.
Therefore, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that the best way to open the bottle of juice is by first making a hole with a pointed knife on the cap of the bottle, (carefully avoiding to destroy or obliterate any letters), thus destroying its value as a utensil. (see also Shmiras Shabbos K. 9: 61).
After, having done that you may be stringent and have two people open the bottle with a ‘Shinui’ or a different way of doing it normally. One may just hold on to the cap firmly without turning it, while another would turn the bottle itself and thus detach it from the cap.
On small bottles, when the bottle will be emptied immediately after opening, many Poskim permit. (see sources above).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch
Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 2/2/2023 9:56 PM |
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# 4086 Who is on the Phone?
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Q. Good evening. I was just at a conference where I heard Rav Shlomo Miller shlit’a answer questions about Halacha in business, and it seemed that he gave a P'sak that it was OK to phone a mincha minyan, if the balabos is unhappy if it takes too long to drive there and back , and be yotze kedusha and perhaps even Shemomei Esrei over the phone? Can you please clarify.
A. I consulted with Horav Miller Shlit’a and he explained what he said. He meant that if the minyan is indeed far, one is not obliged to travel there.
However as far as calling in to a minyan to comply with answering Kedusha or Kaddish by phone it is not that simple.
Please see questions 531, 4023, 4024 and others regarding zooming and phone communication for davening and reciting brochos.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 1/30/2023 6:40 PM |
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# 4085 A Hat Trick
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Q. May one wear a winter hood and on top of it a black hat during Shabbos?
A. If they fit well and there is no concern that one may remove them, they could be worn when needed due to the prevailing cold climate during Shabbos, even when in places where one does not carry.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 1/26/2023 10:37 PM |
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# 4084 A Marriage of Convenience?
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Q. Dear Rabbi. Should one avoid marrying a woman whose siblings are not Frum, if she is the right person and has all the qualities one needs and wants?
A. Talmud (Baba Basra 110a) teaches that before one gets married, he should check on the brothers of the woman he wants to marry, since most of the children to be born are similar to them.
However, Poskim omitted this Halacha, since it is considered only a “Mitzva Min Hamubchar” or a better mitzva and not an obligation. (Maharam Brisk 1: 130, Hanisuim Kehilchosom 2: 20 and others).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 1/26/2023 10:33 PM |
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# 4083 Be Up to Date
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Q. See question 4074 above. If Rosh Chodesh Shvat is so important and auspicious, should one make an effort to do a wedding or a Vort on that day?
A. Some Poskim maintain that one should avoid getting married on the first, third and fifth day of the month (Sdei Chemed 21, Sidur Shaar Yisoschor and others).
However, the common tradition is to be lenient (Darkei Teshuva 179: 14 and others).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in our case it is preferred to celebrate on Rosh Chodesh.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 1/26/2023 10:31 PM |
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# 4082 All Dressed Up
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Q. K’vod Horav. Someone who when he davens in shul almost always wears a suit and a tie as well as shoes. When he davens at home does he have to do all the above?
A. on question 3625 regarding davening without shoes on where there is a minyan in a house Motzei Shabbat and its winter in Toronto, so no one is wearing shoes inside the fancy house. Also a similar situation where the host regularly had a Maariv minyan at his home and he had slippers for everyone for davening.
To what we answered: 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.”
In principle, the accepted tradition is to daven in a shul or elsewhere dressed as mentioned, as if one would be welcoming and encountering a guest of importance.
Horav Dovid Pam and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a added that one should dress when possible as if he was to receive the President or Prime Minister.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 1/26/2023 10:27 PM |
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# 4081 In Deep Water
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Q. See question 4073 above. If one is using the water that was warmed before Shabbat, was kept warm in an insulated tank, has no connection to any fresh water and comes down simply by gravity, as described above, and he wants to use it for ‘Tisha Kavim’ purification (he belongs to a group that immerse in a Mikva on Shabbat). Can he do it? Why is it any different than immersing in a Mikva?
A. Although in principle the above case may seem permissible for people who accustom to immerse during Shabbos, especially if a proper Mikva is not readily available, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a and our other Rabbonim are of the opinion that this unusual method of Tisha Kabim purification should be avoided.
Not only for its peculiar and uncustomary nature and the many different necessary conditions to avoid desecration of Shabbos that could easily be forgotten, but also for the fact that the water emanating from the insulated tank could still be at the temperature of ‘Yad Soledes” or about 40 or 45 degrees and since it was heated before Shabbos on that container, it would be still considered a “Keli Rishon’ or a first vessel.
If the water flowing from it falls on the colder water usually found in the floor of the shower facility, it would be considered as being ‘Mevashel’ or cooking the cold water and one would transgress on a Shabbos prohibition.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 1/26/2023 10:24 PM |
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# 4080 Uncharted Waters?
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Q. On question 4060 the Rov mentioned that one has to avoid drinking water during the beginning of the Tekufa only for one hour. Yet, I’m aware that for those who keep that tradition, the prohibition stays on even after. What is correct?
A. Poskim mention that for those who keep the tradition of not drinking water during the hour of the beginning of the Tekufa, as mentioned above, once the water collected then, it maintains its restrictions even after that time and when used or mixed with other edibles, the ones that keep this tradition should abstain from consuming them.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 1/26/2023 10:17 PM |
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# 4079 Lots of Brochos on a New Shul
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Q. When a new shul is inaugurated, is it correct to recite the brocho of ‘Hatov Vehameitiv,’ as is customary when a sheared item is acquired and there is great joy and pleasure for many?
A. Mishna Berura (223: 11) rules that when a new shul was acquired or built, the Shaliach Tzibur should recite loudly and in front of all, while having in mind that they comply too the blessing of Hatov Vehameitiv.
However, Shaarei Teshuva (ibid. 9) quotes Poskim that rule not to recite this blessing and rules accordingly.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is preferred to make this blessing at that time on an new accepted by all opinions object and have in mind to comply with the new shul requirement.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 1/26/2023 10:15 PM |
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# 4078 Watch Your Seat
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Q. Dear Rov Shlit’a. I’m a member of a Bikur Cholim group and B’H I visit a number of the ill every week. I heard that when someone visits a sick person one should should avoid sitting at or near the bottom end of the bed is that true?
A. Aruch Hashulchan (335: 7) and others (See Bikur Cholim Kehilchoso) quote Zohar (Pinchas) that indeed one should avoid sitting at the bottom of the bed, since the Angel of Death could be found there.
However, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a pointed that this Zohar is not familiar or known at all and the common Minhag is not to be careful with this tradition.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 1/26/2023 10:11 PM |
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Important Numbers
