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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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#5247 - Keep the Chanuka Lights Always On and Truly Bless the Great Good Wife!
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- Q. See question 5241 above. Should a "Mi Sheberach" blessing be recited in shul at the reading of the Torah on this Shabbat for all wives and women that were so instrumental in complying with the great mitzva of Chanuka, to thank them for all the great extra work involved?
A. Indeed, as we have already indicated in regard to other Yamim Tovim, a public acknowledgement and recognition for the great work and effort of our women is not only an obligation, but a most beautiful enlightening act.
Specially in our occasion to keep the great an beautiful lights of the Menorah on for the rest of the year, as was done and will be done soon in the Beth Hamikdash.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a.
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Posted 1/3/2025 12:56 PM |
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#5246 Have You Got A Light?
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- Q. (See above questions – I was stranded in an airport during Chanuka.,.). Should I have purchased some cigarettes and light one in the permitted smoking area outside?
Does the Rav have any other idea of what should I have done?
A. It is unlikely that any cigarette would last lit close to a half an hour, especially today’s fire-safe cigarettes that turn themselves off after five minutes.
Even if one would light a cigar, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that a flame is required and a burning glow does not qualify. Besides and most important, the mitzva is pirsumei nissa, letting the miracles of Chanuka be known and that is done by lighting a menora with oil or candles, but not with cigars.
As mentioned above, Horav Shlomo Miller’s opinion is that one should avoid at all costs traveling during Chanuka outside of town, since there are many issues involved that can affect the compliance of the mitzva.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 1/3/2025 12:18 PM |
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#5245 The Torah of the Menorah
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- Q. Can one seat and learn Torah using mostly the Menorah light during the beginning of lighting?
A. Shulchan Aruch (673: 1) prohibits. However Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that there are many ways when it can be permitted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 1/3/2025 12:16 PM |
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#5244 - To Bee or Not to Bee?
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- Q. When using candles for Chanuka, is it better to use bees wax?
A. As discussed with Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a bees wax may involve Kashrus issues and it may be avoided.
However, in practice it can be used.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 1/3/2025 12:14 PM |
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#5243 - More Light Needed
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- Q. We light in shul and sometimes at home Hanuka candles that were already used properly, yet since the time of correct compliance was over, and people had to leave, the lights were turned off.
Is it better to use the leftover lights again or it is more respectful to turn on new fresh lights?
A. Poskim disagree. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 673 : 4 and Mishna Berura 31) maintain that the old ones should be used, since a mitzva was already done with them However maintains that new ones should be used as was the tradition in the Beis Hamikdosh.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that in principle it would depend on which ones light better.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 1/3/2025 12:12 PM |
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#5242 Mexican Poles, Really?
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- Q. Honorable Rabino Nero Yair. I don’t think there is another acceptable Halacha authority we could consult on this most unusual question.
An actually religious neighbor wants to do an important Kiruv Chanukkah Party on the last day of Chanukkah and benefit all of our mixed Mexican neighborhood by lighting Chanukkah candles for all (literally many hundreds).
He wants to place on poles at the permitted height some constant burning fireworks that will even last an hour. Is that OK? Will they comply with the mitzvah?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that t since the above is similar to the traditions and practices of the Gentiles in keeping their festivities, it should be avoided.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 1/3/2025 12:09 PM |
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#5241 - Bless the Great Good Wife!
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- Q. Kevod Moreinu Horav Shlit”a. Thank you for all your many great and very well accepted answers. We are planing on the last day of Hanuka to do a big hopefully beautiful and successful family and friends party.
I know that women have a limitation of doing work some time even after the lighting of candles. Yet as obvious, my wife has to prepare to attend our many guest, any suggestions how to permit?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that since the work done is for the purpose of enhancing and benefiting the mitzva of Chanuka lights it becomes part of it and is permitted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 1/3/2025 12:07 PM |
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#5240 Love That Picture?
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- Q. See question above. If permitted, are the parents and friends allowed to take a picture of them, since the will be benefiting from a Ner Chanuka?
A. In other common situations when the lighting of the menorah is correct and proper, we wrote the following shailah to the taking of pictures:
“419 Q. Hi Rabbi, Can I take pictures of my kids and family by the Hanukah menorah or is this considered as deriving benefit from the light of the Hanukah candles?
A. Chelek Levy (Y.D. 124) permits taking photographs from a matzeivah and benefiting either from glancing at it or selling it, although it is prohibited to benefit from the burial monument itself. His reasoning is that if it would be forbidden to gaze at the pictur
In Pesachim (26a) we learn that there in no meilah or misuse of kodshim for just looking although it still is rabinically prohibited, he quotes Tosafos (ibid.) that it only applies to kodshim and not other benefit prohibitions. He also reasons that it is an indirect benefit.However, Alenu Leshabeach (Shemos, Responsa 3) maintains that one should not use a picture taken by the menorah if that light enhances the picture. He also questions the widespread use of photography by the Kosel, when it is used as a background.
Most Poskim are lenient on the benefit of pictures taken on Shabbos of a newborn at the hospital by a Gentile, especially if he charges for them as he is photographing for his own advantage.(Beer Moshe 3: 84, Yalkut Yosef O.H. 9: 307: 26, Ad’ney Shlomo p. 117, however Melachim Amanecha p.73 following his reasoning in Alenu Leshabeach, is stringent)
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that you can take and use a picture of a Chanuka menorah, since after all it is a mitzvah to gaze at the candles.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 1/3/2025 12:05 PM |
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#5239 - Hold On to The Hold
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- Q. See question above. Q. If it is correct, do they themselves comply with the mitzva?
A. As mentioned above. Not only does one not comply with the mitzva of lighting Chanuka candles, it is likely prohibited for following the customs of other religions.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 1/3/2025 12:02 PM |
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#5238 - Hold Out The Holding
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- Q. My dear Rabbi. Our shul is planing to do a large Chanuka party inviting many neighbors that are not our usual attending youngsters and children, the aim is to bring them closer to keeping Torah and Mitzvoth. There have been a number of attractive suggestion. I would like to hear the Rov’s so commonly accepted opinion.
1) Is it proper to give a well protected candle to hold by the attendants including youngsters, so they will fill part of the Simcha?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O. H. 675: 1) rules that if one lights a candle and keeps on holding on to it, there is no compliance with the mitzva, since it appears that one is just holding it for his own benefit of being able to see.
Although some modern Rabbis may permit and even encourage the above, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it should be avoided as it also resembles the traditions of other religions.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 1/3/2025 12:01 PM |
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#5237 The Chanuka Dance
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- Q. My most very dear Rabbi Shlit”a and good friend. As you well know, my beloved family including my neighboring friends, B’H have a very nice great and friendly group of Yeshiva Torah learning children in our mixed neighborhood. Every week when our Holy Shabbos comes, we all walk together with our kids to shul.
During this seasons so noticeable “holiday times,” by and large mostly dedicated to our Gentile neighbors traditions and beliefs, our streets are very beautifully decorated with all their usual traditional religious seasonal decorations and adornments.
Our group of children (more or less, between five and ten), walking together to shul, have a tendency, as many other youngsters including Jewish children everywhere else have, that when they see an unavoidably beautiful decorated house, store, and street decorations, they actually not only to just look at them, but stop and enjoy their appearance and beauty, and comment among themselves about it.
What should a Frum Torah family parents do when facing such a common, yet contrary to our very most basic Torah beliefs and principles do?
A: Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in principle, obviously you have to stop your young children from gazing and admiring those Avoda Zarah decorations. It is best done while explaining to them the truth of what they stand for.
Yet instead of saying punishing words or being angry and severe with the children, that may indeed just have the opposite effect, one should try ‘Letzanusso D’ Avoda Zarah’ (Megila 24b) or making fun, ridiculing and using derogatory great and funny jokes towards it. That will likely be far more acceptable and effective.”
(See rest of answer in “That is my answer” article on Parshas Miketz 85.)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 12/29/2024 11:44 PM |
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5236 Chanuka Showtime
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- Q. An elderly friend that is now constantly living in a retirement home, and always lit the menorah during Chanuka, wants to know if he can by turning on the florescent light next to his bed comply with the mitzva and make a brocho?
On question 414 regarding lighting in a hospital we wrote; “Most Poskim rule that you should not recite a brocho on an electric menorah since it lacks a proper wick and therefore does not conform with the definition of “hadloko” or lighting. It also lacks an existing fuel supply, since the necessary electricity is not stored but rather it is constantly being generated. (Bais Yitzchok Y.D. 1: 120 & 2: 130, Levushey Mordechai 3: 59, Yaskil Avdi 3: 17, Nitey Gavriel ”“ Chanuka 18: 23 et. al.).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is likewise, but he permits, when no other possibility exist to light with a brocho on a battery powered electric menorah.
On Shailah 673 we received the following question:
“I’m doing my medical internship and I stay in the hospital overnight some days a week. Can I use a sodium battery powered lamp (so
To what we answered: “In question 667 of this forum we mentioned that in regards to electric lights Beis Yitzchok (Y.D. 1: 120) opines that they could be used instead of Shabbos candles but not as Chanuka lights since they lack Pirsumei Nissah. or recognition with the Chanuka miracle Poskim offer other reasons why electric lights do not qualify.
One being that there is no actual fuel present at the time of lightning; it is constantly being generated at the power stations (Pekudas Elozor O.H. 23, Shmiras Shabbos Kechilchoso 43 n.22, et. al.) Accordingly they would permit the use of a battery powered incandescent light bulb. However, some Poskim do not regard the tungsten filament as a wick (Maharshag 2: 107, Levushey Mordechai 3: 59). Most Poskim would not sanction the commonly used fluorescent and LED lights for Chanuka use.
Lehoros Nossan (11: 17) permits battery powered incandescent lights when in need and no other option is available, such as one hospitalized. Nitei Gavriel (Chanuk,a Teshuva 1) quotes Be’er Moshe’s opinion, that one should light the incandescent light without a brocho.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is also not to recite a brocho even on battery powered incandescent light.
The monochromatic yellow sodium lamp works by creating an electric arc through vaporized sodium metal. Although this lamp also contains a glowing filament, the focal light emanates from the vaporized sodium; therefore they are similar to fluorescent lights mentioned above.
Halogen lights are basically pressurized incandescent lamps, and the glowing filament provides the illumination.”
In our case, the patient should acquire a battery flashlight with bulbs that have a glowing filament and then light it without a brocho.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 12/27/2024 12:22 PM |
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#5235 Choose Your Time?
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- Q. I heard that Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that the Misheyakir time quoted on the My-Zmanim chart for Toronto is incorrect. Is that true?
A. The Misheyakir time, is usually quoted for putting on Tefilin daily in the morning.
It is the time when one would at early normal morning conditions have enough daylight to see and recognize someone else, or the difference between similar colors.
The Rov Shlit’a did mention to add 10 minutes to the Misheyakir time quoted for putting on Tefilin.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 12/27/2024 12:17 PM |
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#5234 Oil Rich?
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- Q. Can I light my menorah with oil that was left open and some flies were there?
A. Horav Pam Shlit’a mentioned that the Halacha is that if the oil became inedible for the user it should be avoided for Chanuka menorah lighting.
5234 - Oil Rich? - Q. Can I light my menorah with oil that was left open and some flies were there?
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 12/27/2024 12:12 PM |
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#5233 Chanuka Geld?
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- Q. Dearest friend and Rabino. My new home in Mexico City is right next to a store that sells many flammable items and the law is that they and their neighbors are not allowed to make a fire outside their home. On Chanukah should I bribe the authorities if needed (as is often done here) since the risk is really small and light the menorah outside as I always did?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one should avoid doing anything that may have a chance to harming others or performing an illegal act against the laws of the state.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 12/27/2024 12:09 PM |
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#5232 Join In and Enjoy
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- Q. Some of my Chasidishe neighbors have a tradition to make a seuda (special meal as the ones done on Shabbos) on every day of Hanukka and they also invite guest and friends including us. Is that a seudas mitzva and I’m obliged to attend?
A. On question 1555 (Chanukah Chag?) we wrote:
“Q. What is the Rov’s opinion about what it says in M”B 529: 19, that one is obligated to eat meat and drink wine on Chanukah, when in fact we know that there is no such obligation?! To what we answered: Although Mishna Berura (ibid.) does rule that one who usually fast and abstains from meat and wine due to his efforts to do teshuva, on Shabbos, Yom Tov, Chanuka and Purim he has to eat. However, the dates are not all equal, since there is no obligation to do so on Chanuka, just a minhag, since after all Rambam mentions that there is a Rabbinical mitzva of simcha and joy on Chanuka.
On question 1222 we wrote: Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that Chanuka is called a Chag and a Yom Tov as we find in Shulchan Aruch (Y. D. 217: 47) regarding a neder done exempting those days, that Chanuka and Purim are also considered Yomim Tovim at least in name. Taz (ibid. 38) explains that in the language and expressions that people commonly use, the are included.
Orchos Rabeinu mentions that Horav Chaim Kanievsky zt’l would indeed greet people with a “Gut Yom Tov” on Chanuka. See similar opinion in Alenu Leshabeach (6: p. 100). “
However, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one does not greet on Chanuka using a “Gut Yom Tov”
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Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 12/27/2024 12:07 PM |
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#5231 Wrong Birthday Party
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- Q. See question above. Is one allowed to sell Christmas decorations when working as an attendant in a store that does, and the refusal would have one fired? How about just wrapping the goods bought?
A. Rema (Yoreh De’ah 141:1, based on the Mordechai, citing from Raavya) and Terumas Hadeshen (196) write that even a cross that is made for jewelry does not constitute any prohibition of idolatry. Some are stringent concerning this matter (see Shach 6), requiring that we know the cross was not “worshiped.”
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 12/27/2024 12:04 PM |
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#5230 False Advertising!!!
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- Q. I work in a store that decorates at this time of the year with Christmas decorations and plays that music. What should I do?
A. On question 4598 we wrote:
Q. One walking or driving during this December time of the year, when the houses, stores and streets are decorated with the seasonal Christmas decorations, since it is almost impossible to avoid looking at them without crashing or stumbling, can one derive the unavoidable pleasure involved? How about listening to the music being played in stores or buses etc. and enjoying it?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that indeed one should avoid as much as possible being in the above sites, streets and stores during this time of the year and looking and enjoying those decorations.
However, since after all, during the whole year one faces “Tznius” and sensualist improper exhibitions and advertising, and one has had to learn to gain control, the similar should be done during this season.
On question 3504 we were asked :
“Our children on this time of the year, when they walk Shabbos evening to or from shul, often like to stop, gaze and enjoy the uncanny and sometimes stupefying Christmas decorations of our non Jewish neighbors.
To what we answered: “Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that obviously you have to stop your young children from gazing and admiring those Avoda Zarah decorations. It is best done while explaining to them the truth of what they stand for.
But instead of punishing or being severe against the children, that may indeed have the opposite effect, one should try ‘Letzanusso D’ Avoda Zarah’ (Megila 24b) or making fun, ridiculing and using derogatory jokes towards it. That will likely be more effective.”
We should add that the Shach (Shulchan Aruch 142: 15), based on Tosfos and the Rosh, writes that it is permitted to derive benefit from decorations that are not directly used for idolatrous practices and that one is only prohibited to stare at ornaments that are on the idol itself. Other ornaments that are set up for decorative purposes but that are not themselves worshiped are permitted.
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Posted 12/24/2024 4:56 PM |
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#5229 Tell all about Nitel
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Q, We have an old tradition that we do not learn Torah on the night of Christmas, named Nitel. This year (24) it coincides with the first night of Chanuka.
We usually celebrate Chanuka by making an important seuda in shul or a special meal with many attending and by saying words of Torah, as if it was a weeding. The above strengthens and gives meaning and proper keeping to the most important Chanuka celebration. What takes precedence on this year?
A, On question 4036 we wrote:
“This coming Sunday is Nitel night (Christmas). I have an old family minhag (tradition) not to learn Torah during that night. I was invited to a wedding on that night, Is it proper for me to attend?
On question 960 regarding getting married on Nitel night we wrote; “Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that for those that observe the minhag of Nitel, it depends on the rationale behind it. If the reason is the inherent avelus and mourning on a day that caused historically so much pain and tragedy to our people, (Korban Nesanel, Chasam Sofer 2), weddings should be avoided.
Nitei Gavriel (Nisuin 1: 48: 18 – Chanuka 5: 4) indeed quotes opinions that some avoid getting married on Nitel night; that being also one reason why we don’t learn Torah on that night, as Torah learning creates simcha and joy. However, if the motive for Nitel is the habitual Sakana or danger for Jews being in the streets on that night, (Taamey Haminhogim) it may not apply in our days.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 12/22/2024 11:06 AM |
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#5228 A Lion Shailah
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- Q. Can one use a menorah that has a silver lion holding the shamosh candle?
A. On question 1174 we wrote: “Can one keep desiccated animals at home? If not, why are children’s dolls or the lions on the Aron Hakodesh permitted?
To what we answered: Poskim are even more lenient when the figures are made for children to play with them, since it is obvious that they are not being given any honor or reverence, they are just used as toys. (Maharit Y.D. 35, Peri Hasade quoted in Binyan Av 37, et. al., see Sh.Sh.K. 16: 108 in regards to making a snowman).
Poskim disagree about the propriety of decorating the Aron Hakodesh with sculptured or embroidered forms of lions. The ancient tradition of many shuln is to have a three dimensional form of lions either sculptured in relief or intaglio on the aron or embroidered on the poroiches, albeit only half of it. (Mordechai – Avoda Zara 3, 840, quoting Rabenu Efraim, Beis Yosef , Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 141: 4-5 ). Remoh (ibid.) maintains that when placed in a site where many attend, there is less reason for suspicion of worship
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Others consider this improper, especially in a place dedicated to honor Hashem. They mention that it is also a source of distraction (Avkas Ruchal 63, Rabenu Eliakim ibid. Sdei Tzoifim – Baba Basra 25b).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is to be lenient on children’s toys or lions on the aron hakodesh.
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Posted 12/20/2024 12:43 PM |
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Important Numbers
