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# 3364 Bright and Early
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Q. One who accepts Shabbos an hour early (for the Segula of Tosefes Shabbos, which brings bracha), should the same be done for Yom Tov? Are there any exceptions? Is accepting Shabbos an hour early a Neder?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion that the Segulos and Brochos for accepting Yom Tov early, are similar to Shabbos and are equally encouraged.
The early valid acceptance is after the time of Plag.
All good added traditions and minhagim that one decides to accept and keep, should always be taken and done 'Beli Nedder," specifically without any promise, vow, oath or similar pledge. The above is usually included in the Hatoras Nedarim declaration on Erev Rosh Hashana.
Rabbi A.Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 9/22/2021 10:17 PM |
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# 3363 Let's Have a Good Look
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Q. I have seen some people who seem very Frum check their Esrogim with a magnifying glass. Is that really necessary or even recommended?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion that on the onset it is not necessary at all. However, if there is a doubt and a Shaila, in order to clarify the magnifying glass could be helpful.
Rabbi A.Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 9/22/2021 9:54 PM |
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# 3362 Election Day
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Q. Tomorrow is Election Day. In past elections you wrote that Horav Miller Shlit’a said it is a mitzvah to vote. If one is pressed in time with building his Suka, does that take precedence over voting?
On question 561 regarding if there is a Halacha obligation to vote in the elections for the various levels of government of Canada, we wrote: “It is quite common in times of elections, specially in Israel for the Gedolim or recognized community leaders to voice their Halachic opinion as to the obligation to vote for a certain candidate or party.
However, this obligation belongs to the realm of promoting the observance of the mitzvos of the Torah, not as a required mitzvah per se. (Much has been written about the permissibility of joining Israeli elections. See Hilchos Medinah ch. 3, from Horav E. Y. Waldenberg Zt”l, Horav Nissim Karelitz Shlit’a explaining the Chazon Ish position – Vezorach Hashemesh p. 408, Vehoemes Eid Leatzmo 13, et. al.)
In countries where vote is compulsory (and often enforced,) as in most of Latin- America, Australia, Greece etc., voting would be a Halacha obligation based on “Dinah D’malchusah” or the obligation to comply with the law of the land. (Nedorim 28a, Bava Kama 113b etc. Shulchan Aruch C.M. 369: 8).
However, in Canada, to vote is a right and not obligatory (Section 3 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms). Yet the Novi Yermiyahu (29: 5-7) encouraged the Babylonian exiles to “Build houses and dwell [therein], and plant gardens and eat their produce. – And seek the peace of the city where I (Hashem) have exiled you and pray for it - for in its peace you shall have peace.” Certainly a successful and truthful democracy is essential for peace.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that indeed exercising our right to vote is advisable and recommended.”
In todays election (9, 20, 21) the Rov maintains that one should exercise common sense and try one’s best to be able all to fulfill all mitzvos and recommended acts we need to do and accomplish in this most busy day. Behatzlacha.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 9/20/2021 11:45 AM |
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# 3361 The Best Pray Deal
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Q. Would davening Vasikin (praying at sunrise) in a minyan of 13 people on Yom Kippur override being from the Asara Rishonim (First Ten) in a Yeshiva minyan where 500 people will come after me?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that It is better to daven properly with the right Torah crowd and feelings at the Yeshiva minyan. Besides, by being also from the first ten, one would be entitled to a similar reward given to the all so many.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 9/17/2021 12:29 PM |
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# 3360 Lots of Promise?
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Q. Can you say Kol Nidrei if you were already mekabel (accepted) Yom Kippur. (As when saying Tefilas Zakah before)?
A. Remah (O.H. 619: 1) writes that Kol Nidrei should be said while it is still day, since at least according to some opinions it is an act of absolution by Beis Din of past oaths and promises, and should therefore not be said during Shabbos, Yom Tov or Yom Kippur.
Mishna Berura (5) writes that although we maintain that Kol Nidrei is a declaration for the future, meaning that forthcoming nedarim and oaths should not take effect, it has the appearance of an absolution. Matte Efraim and other Poskim also mention that when delayed it can be recited after the Shekia also. (Kaf Hachaim 619: 25, Piskei Teshuvos ibid: 2, and others)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 9/15/2021 1:32 PM |
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# 3359 To Eat or Not to Eat
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Q. Is it better to accept and begin Yom Kippur earlier (since Tosefes Yom Kippur, or the acceptance and adding to the day is a Biblical mitzva), or is it preferable to eat as long as possible. (Since eating Erev Yom Kippur is also a Biblical mitzva)?
A. Most Poskim recommend to stop the Seudas Hamafsekes (last meal) with enough time to reach the shul and do all the necessary preparations for that so important and crucial day.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should stop eating (at least) a half an hour before the Shekiah (sunset).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 9/14/2021 3:02 PM |
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# 3358 Close and Personal
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Q. Can one ask someone else to do Kappores for him as a shaliach (agent) on a chicken?
A. Ashrei Hoish (O.H. 3; 7: 11) quoting Horav Eliashuv zt'l mentions that although one can name a shaliach to bring a Korban for him and thus obtain redemption and forgiveness, Kappores are different.
He mentions as other Poskim also do, that the main intention and object of Kappores, is to observe what happens to the bird, as if it should be happening to him. Therefore, it is a personal experience that only one can do.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 9/13/2021 11:13 PM |
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# 3357 When Do We Eat?
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Q. Is there a mitzva for women to eat on Erev Yom Kippur as men do, or is it a 'Time Depending Mitzva' and therefore women are exempt. They should just eat for the purpose of being able to fast?
Does the mitzva of eating begin on the night of the ninth or is it only on the day?
A. Mishna Berura (604:1) rules quoting Poskim that eating during Erev Yom Kippur is a Biblical mitzva.
Teshuvos R'A Eiger (16) deals with this question as do other Poskim (Hago'os Chochmas Shlomo ibid., Ksav Sofer 112, Minchas Chinich 313: 16, and others). Most maintain that women are obliged as men are, since they are obliged in the correlated and depending mitzva of fasting in Yom Kippur.
Some Poskim maintain that the mitzva of eating starts on the night before Erev Yom Kippur, when that day begins. (Shloh quoted by Magen Avrohom (604:1) and Eishel Avrohom).
However many Poskim disagree and maintain it begins only in the morning. (Biur Hagra, Yad Efraim, Piskei Teshuvos ibid. and others). Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 9/13/2021 11:05 PM |
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# 3356 Be Right on the Money
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Q. Can I use my Maaser money for Kappores?
A. Piskei Halochos (23: 9, p.283) rules that one may not use Maaser money, since performing Kappores is in our days an accepted tradition that is widely kept, and is tantamount to relieving an obligation by using Maaser money, which is not permitted.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 9/13/2021 10:50 PM |
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# 3355 A Little Fish Story
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Q. My father is hospitalized and I would like to bring Kapparot for him. We usually use a chicken and not money, since that is our minhag and I understand that it is better to use live things that cannot be a korban. Since I cannot bring to the hospital a chicken or a gold fish, can we use flowers or a plant in a pot instead?
A. Mishna Berura (605: 4) rules that if one does not have access to a chicken, then a goose or other living beings that are not fit for becoming korbonos on the mizbeach, including fish can be used.
Magen Avrohom (604: 3) quoting Rashi (Shabbos 81b) mentions that they would use a pot with a plant and circle it around the head.
As it seems from some significant Poskim there is a preference in the use of living things over money.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that money can equally be used.
However, if the father prefers living beings, he may use a goldfish that he may bring in a small closed bottle to the hospital.
The
Rov recommends that the fish should be donated to a child in need, or
its value redeemed for Tzedaka.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 9/13/2021 10:44 PM |
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# 3354 An Eloquent Silence
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Q. One who is keeping a Taanis Dibbur (a silence day - when only holy words are spoken) on Yom Kippur (or any day) what should he do when people ask him a question or try to schmooze with him, and he cannot answer?
A. Some Tzadikim like Horav Sholom Schwadron zt'l who often kept a Taanis Dibbur, would simply keep on repeating the Tehilim that they said by heart and just pointed to their mouths. The ones who were familiar with them, understood that it was one of the occasions of Taanis Dibbur.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it may be better and easier to just have a card ready with the words Taanis Dibbur or similar, to show to the ones approaching.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 9/13/2021 10:20 PM |
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# 3353 The Real Happy Pills
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Q. (see question 3352 above - This Shaila came some time ago and was not answered yet).
I'm a young Yeshiva graduate and happily married man, that possesses a great desire for women. I have worked diligently and placed great effort in conquering my Yetzer Hora (evil inclination) and I don't look at other women, yet the desire is very strong. Would the Rov recommend to take pills that help control those desires, (as are given to soldiers etc.)?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that there is no need for pills to be taken, since we have a better medicine as instructed by our great medical authority the Rambam himself.
At the end of Halachos Yesurei Biah (22: 21) he points out to different causes for that Yetzer Hora and maintains that those feelings will occupy the hearth of someone empty of wisdom. However, the one that totally consecrates and dedicates his mind to the learning of our Holy Torah, the love for that great and most beautiful wisdom, will overcome and subdue any other feelings and desires.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 9/13/2021 10:07 PM |
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# 3352 Mixed Feelings
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Q. I'm a graduate from a religious girls school. During several years I took part in a group that would often talk about other companions and we often ended talking Lashon Hora. B'H, during the last months I was able to overcome my desire to belong to that group and actually was able to gain control on myself. I joined a group that deals with the Halachos of Lashon Hora and I'm proud of myself to be able to reach this coming Yom Kippur with the feeling of having done Teshuva.
However, I still have doubts in my mind if I actually did a complete Teshuva. Often in the past when I contemplated my sad situation, I realized that a lot of my desire to see the faults of others and speak about them, had to do with my personal feeling of haughtiness and arrogance and sadly I know that those feelings I have yet to conquer.
My question is at this very important time, when I daven to Hashem for all the Yeshuos needed in this coming year, have I really done proper Teshuva?
A. No doubt that as human beings all of our actions are governed by decisions made by our reasoning mind together with what we call the feelings of the heart.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that a most important part of the Teshuva is the Tikun Hamiddos and fixing what caused and was the source of our mistakes. The Rov quoted from Rishonim, that the change we can accomplish in our Middos is what will bring the change in the Middos that Hashem will impart to us.
Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a pointed out that feelings or 'Middos,' as we often also call them. can be very detrimental and damaging and they can be the cause and source of many faults and sins. Anger, lust, laziness, or haughtiness, just to mention a few of the long list, are indeed the reason and ground for the averos and mistakes we make. Yet, interestingly, as Baalei Mussar and Poskim point out, the feelings by themselves are often not sins, as they can and should be used for the right purposes and mitzvot.
The Rov therefore maintains, that although there is still a great effort needed to be made in accomplishing Tikun Hamidos or the proper fixing of one's character, if one completely stopped committing the avera in question and does not talk anymore Lashon Hora'a, the mitzva of Teshuva itself was accomplished.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 9/13/2021 9:57 PM |
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# 3351 A Lesson in Teaching
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Q. My brother is a professor at a university in the USA. Among his student. are several not yet observant Jews. Can he ask the administration to find a substitute for the upcoming Yomim Tovim? Or would this be Lifnei Iver? (Placing a stumbling block in front of the blind or encouraging others to do a prohibition). Would it be preferable that he pre-record his lecture to be presented via Zoom on Yom Tov?
Thanks
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is better to just inform the administration he cannot attend to his teaching job during the days of Jewish Holidays and they by their own decision, will do what they usually do and get a substitute. The Rov maintains that pre-recording his lectures to be presented via Zoom on Yom Tov is not recommendable as it can create Maaras Ayn and wrong impressions.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 9/12/2021 5:29 PM |
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# 3350 A Hard Pill to Swallow
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Q. Is it permissible on Yom Kippur to swallow caffeine pills or pain relief pills without water? Can one use caffeine / aspirin suppositories (before or after the onset of a headache),,?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that during Yom Kippur caffeine pills or pain relief pills should not be used regardless of their covering surface, even without water.
However, one may take before the beginning of the day similar time release pills. (They can also be acquired in the Kollel offices).
One is permitted to use caffeine - aspirin suppositories, before or after the onset of a headache, during Yom Kippur.
(See questions 1175 and 2380).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 9/10/2021 11:59 AM |
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# 3349 Have Mercy on the Phone?
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Q. My father is in hospital, but he says Selichot every day at the time they are said in his shul. If he can call a friend in the shul and he maintains his cell phone on, can he answer the Thirteen Midos (13 Qualities of Mercy), with everyone else?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that he should not, since the 13 Midos require the actual presence of a minyan, and a contact by phone is not considered as being part of a minyan. (See similar answers in questions: 2644, 1301, 827, 829, 660, 648 and 927)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 9/10/2021 11:38 AM |
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# 3348 How Sweet!
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Q. Someone who has a very strict diet and he cannot consume any foods that contain sugar, can he deep the apple on Rosh Hashana on a pareve cream that contains sweetener instead of honey and say the Yehi Ratzon for a sweet year?
A. On question 216 regarding someone that has an allergy reaction to pollen and was advised to stay away from bee honey, if he use date honey or maple syrup on Rosh Hashanah, we wrote:
"Throughout the Torah, honey by and large refers to date honey (see Rashi Vaikra 2:11-12, Talmud Kesuvos 111b, Mechilta 13:5), however, as Rashi (ibid.) points out: Any sweet fruit extract is called honey. Nevertheless, some Poiskim write that the preferred honey on Rosh Hashonoh night is bee honey (Nitey Gavriel Rosh Hashono 28:9 quoting Leket Yosher and Midrash Pinchas). Ben Ish Chai (Nitzavim 4) maintains an opposite opinion. Bees, he says, represent Din or judgement since they sting, so date honey or other fruit sweeteners are preferred. Leket Yosher, argues back that bee honey represents the transformation of Din into sweetness.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that if bee honey is to be avoided, one should use date honey. If that is not an option, maple syrup or any other sweet fruit essence is acceptable. In their lack one may use even regular sugar."
In our case Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in need he can use artificial sweetener.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 9/6/2021 6:25 PM |
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# 3347 Bless the Many
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Q. See question 3346 above - If he happens to be also the Baal Tokea, should he save the brocho of Shecheyanu for the morning, when he blows the Shofar for the whole shul, or is it better to do it as early as possible the night before (Zerizim Makdimin)?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is better to save it for the morning when the brocho is made for all the congregants of the shul.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 9/6/2021 6:22 PM |
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# 3346 Time to Call it Night?
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Q. Someone bought a new Ta'alis for Rosh Hashana and he want to recite the brocho of Shecheyanu on it on the second night, since many don't make anymore that blessing on fruits that are mostly available all the year. Can he make it then and put on the Taalis in the night?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that he can indeed put on the Taalis without saying the brocho on the Taalis since it is night. But he can still recite Shecheyanu on it.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 9/6/2021 6:19 PM |
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# 3345 A Real Blessing
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Q. I have a very dear childhood friend that married and moved away to a close by town. About six months ago, he contracted Covid and became very ill for months, but B'H he recovered completely and is coming to visit his parent for Rosh Hashana. I invited him for the second night of Rosh Hashana. Can I make the blessing of Shecheyanu we usually recite on a new fruit now on him?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 225: 1) rules that if one has not seen a friend that is very close and dear to him for thirty days, he should indeed recite the bracha of Shecheyanu. However, Mishna Berura (ibid.) and most Poskim maintain that this bracha is not recited anymore in our times.
Nevertheless, some Poskim rule that if the friend was seriously ill a blessing could be recited. (See Piskei Teshuvos 225: 2: n. 20, 21). Following their opinion a brocho could be recited.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is better to recite the brocho on a fruit and have the friend also in mind
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Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 9/6/2021 6:15 PM |
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Important Numbers
