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# 3317 Your Wake up Call
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Q. Rav Shlomo Miller paskened that it is more important to be from the asara rishonim than to wake someone up for davening, as an alarm clock can be used. if the person says that the alarm clock is not so effective, or one feels obligated to do the chessed due to hakaras hatov, should one be mevater on being from the asara rishonim? Is there a difference between a regular day versus for example Yom Kippur - meaning, could one say to him On Yom Kippur I cannot wake you, as it is very important to me to be from the first ten?
A. Indeed, the Rov maintains that it is almost always achievable to have one wake up without having someone else present to do so. There are many different types of alarm clocks and some also have pads that vibrate strongly and can wake up anybody.
The Rov also suggested to call him on his phone and ascertain that he is awake. He may provide another person to wake him, in order not to lose the great spiritual gain of being from the Asara Rishonim. This would work on Yom Kippur too.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 8/19/2021 10:52 PM |
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# 3316 Grilling the Grill
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Q. My family owns a cottage we use during the Summer months, and we often go away for several days or during weekends. We wonder if we leave on the outside garden a large BBQ grill, if we have to be concerned that someone may have come and used it when we were not there, as the garden isn't locked out, and therefore it is not kosher anymore. Is that a real concern?
A. Since it is unlikely that a stranger braking in into your property would clean up the grill properly, you can easily tell if it was used unlawfully by someone else. Besides you may also tell by the amount of propane extant.
The Rov also recommends in general to have security cameras installed for different reasons. The fact that these cameras are indeed common in our days, makes it unlikely that one should be concerned that their grill was used by strangers.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 8/19/2021 10:50 PM |
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# 3315 Beauty is on the Mouth of the Blower
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Q. My father bought me an Israeli shofar that has a decorative silver covering. Can I use it on Rosh Hashana.
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 586: 16-18) rules that if a shofar has a gold decorative covering and it reaches the place of the mouth or the inside parts, it becomes disqualified. The same applies if the covering in any way changes the natural sound of the shofar. Mishna Berura (16) debates what opening is being addressed, and rules to include both.
On question 860 regarding an engraved shofar with outside decorations that are only superficial or if it has only engraved the initials of the owner or a label with his name, we wrote: "Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 586: 17) rules that it is improper to paint the shofar. Tur quoting Ramban explains that the paint may change the sound of the shofar. (See also Mishna Berura and Kaf Hachaim ibid.) However Remo (ibid.) writes that it is permitted to engrave decorations on the shofar itself. The reason being that even if the sound changes it is from the shofar itself and not due to some extraneous material painted or laid on it. Changing the sound in itself is not detrimental, since all voices from a shofar are acceptable.
However Kaf hachaim (586: 122,) Piskei Teshuvos (ibid.) Zichron Terua (p. 69) and others maintain that it is better not to engrave the shofar at all, since one may accidentally perforate the shofar and disqualify it.
Gluing a label with an identifying name on it, as mentioned before regarding paint, is also improper (Piskey Teshuvos ibid. 10)
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that it is of utmost importance to maintain the traditional ways of observing mitzvos and not to absorb new meaningless alterations, since there are many reasons why we comply with time-honored traditions. This is especially important in regards to the essential mitzva of shofar. (If someone is afraid that his shofar mat be taken by others, he should place it in a becoming bag with his name on it, as we do with the ta’alis and tefilin)"
Since it is very difficult to asses whether there was a change on the sound of the shofar real due to the silver covering and there are real possibilities that some small cracks may have been created during the covering process, the Rov maintains that this shofar should be avoided when it is blown for complying with the mitzva. However it could be used for the added stringent voices some do after davening
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 8/19/2021 10:49 PM |
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# 3314 Have Your Shofar and Eat Too
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Q. Can women who always are careful to come to the blowing of the Shofar, eat before? Do they have to make Kiddush?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 589: 3, 6) rules that although women are exempt from the mitzva of Tekias Shofar, since it is time dependent, they are encouraged to comply with it and listen or recite the blessing.
Poskim write that even if they have accepted the mitzva as an obligation, and they always attend to Tekias Shofar, when in need, they are allowed to make Kiddush before and eat (Chayei Adam 141: 7, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 129: 19, Nitei Gavriel 40: 3, 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 8/19/2021 10:47 PM |
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# 3313 Have a Good Night
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Q. I heard that some Sefarim rule that a Shofar is muktza on the night of Rosh Hashana and cannot be handled when you are not allowed to blow it. Is that correct?
A. Kovetz Halachos (Rosh Hashana 10: 11, p.126) quoting Horav Shmuel Kamemetzky Shlit'a debates the issue. He depends it on the Halacha whether the prohibition of muktza can apply to only a part of Shabbos or Yom Tov. He quotes Mishna Berura (331: 15) that it does, when it applies to the prohibition of muktza due to being a 'Keli Shemelachto Leissur" or a utensil used for a prohibitive act. However, he remains in doubt.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it does not and the shofar is not muktza at all during the day or night of Rosh Hashana, when it does not coincide with Shabbos.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 8/19/2021 10:45 PM |
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# 3312 Patience with the Patient
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Q. Someone visits periodically a chronic old age patient in an Old Age Hospital. The patient is intubated and can't communicate verbally, but his mind seems fine and answers with signs and smiles. Can he put on tefilin on him? Can he recite a bracha for him?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if he can ask the staff and assess that he has been cleaned recently and properly, he may don Tefillin on him but without reciting a brocho.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 8/19/2021 10:40 PM |
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# 3311 Smell Test
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Q. If someone stores in the garage smelly garbage cans, that often contain diapers too, is that garage exempt from a Mezuzah?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that the garbage cans should be kept inside another bigger container, that also shields and protects from the smell.
This applies even if the Mezuza is placed as usual on the outside of the garage door, since often people may say a brocho or words of Torah inside the garage.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 8/16/2021 5:33 PM |
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# 3310 Bribe Away?
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Q. I own a Kosher restaurant in a small town. The Kashruth certification is given by the local Rabbi. Is it correct for me to pay for that service directly to the Rabbi, as there is practically no other way to do it? Could this be interpreted as a case of potential bribery. since he would not be paid if he declares the place not Kosher?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion based on the Chazon Ish (Emuna U’Bitachon (3: 30), would indeed permit doing so, as the prohibition of Shochad or bribery that blind the eyes of the wise, and carries a most impure power (Koach HaTum’ah) applies basically to a Beis Din monetary litigation between two parts.
The Chazon Ish thus explains how anyone can follow a lenient Halacha decision he reads on the Mishna Berura or similar seforim, and applies it to his everyday shailes, when it may involve costs, effort or exertion. If he is truthful, he doesn't have to be concerned maybe he is deciding wrong even if after all there is blinding bribery involved in his decision.
The Rov further explained that monetary disputes between two or more sides, involve more powerful interests and profound involvement, than other issues.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 8/12/2021 10:32 PM |
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# 3309 Head-On John
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Q. Re- question 3295 regarding the permit for someone traveling by plane to face the bathroom wall or door while davening. Does the same Heter (permit) apply for someone facing in the street or his window a construction portable toilet?
A. Although in the case of the bathroom plane we mentioned that Poskim are lenient, in this particular situation Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should avoid davening or saying any words of Kedusha facing a construction portable toilet.
This applies even if the walls and door are of two layers, since they are mainly made for the purpose of the inside room and not for any room on the outside, and unlike an airplane, they are placed on open spaces.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 8/12/2021 10:27 PM |
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# 3308 Flies Away
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Q. Can one sleeping in a Suka on Shabbat and Yom Tov wear the recently available watches or bands that emit ultrasonic waves to repel mosquitoes, bees and other harmful insects?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that they are not muktza when needed and are similar to the common electric watches.
Although many maintain that those watches and bands are ineffective, if one wants to use them anyway, he is permitted to do so.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 8/12/2021 10:06 PM |
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# 3307 Sho-Far So Good
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Q. I go every year to blow shofar to people residing in a Old Age institution. It happened a number of times that when I enter a room, the occupant tells me that he already heard the Shofar by listening to someone else who was blowing in an adjacent room. Do I have to blow for him again since after all whoever was blowing on that room probably did not have any intention to be moitzi (make comply) someone in another room?
A. Mishna Berura (589: 17) rules that if one heard the blowing of the shofar from a neighbors house, as there where blowing for the sick, he does not comply, since they likely did not have any intention for others outside that house to be yotze.
However, the situation when blowing in a hospital room is different, since it is common that others in other adjacent rooms may also want to hear the voice of the Shofar.
Chashukei Chemed (Rosh Hashana 29a) and others rule likewise and so is also the opinion of Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 8/12/2021 10:01 PM |
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# 3306 Turn a Deaf Ear
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Q. 3) See questions above. I'm considering using a cochlear implant will that be any different? Should I install it only on one ear?
A. See question 2013; A cochlear implant is a small electronic device that electrically stimulates the cochlear nerve (nerve for hearing). The implant has external and internal parts. The external part sits behind the ear. It picks up sounds with a microphone. It then processes the sound and transmits it to the internal part of the implant.
Inserting a cochlear implant destroys any residual hearing in the operated ear. Thus, one can not turn back.
Doctors recommend that a person should be completely or almost completely deaf in both ears, and get almost no improvement with hearing aids. Anyone who can hear well enough with hearing aids is not a good candidate for cochlear implants. Therefore, if one uses them he cannot comply with the mitzva of Shofar and cannot blow for others.
If he has only an implant on one ear, if he can disconnect the electricity source or plug that ear, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that he can still comply if he can still hear a little with the other.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 8/12/2021 9:58 PM |
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# 3305 Long Time No Hear
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Q. 2) See question above: If he can only hear with a hearing aid can he still be a Baal Tokea?
A. Poskim maintain that he cannot comply as an electronic reproduction of the sound of the Shofar is not acceptable.
If he can still hear a bit by himself and uses also a hearing aid, most Poskim maintain that he is not Yotze, since at least he is listening to a mixture of sounds from two sources, one proper and one not, and is similar to listening to an echo.
Poskim recomend that is such a case they should avoid using the hearing aid at least during the blowing of the Shofar (Minchas Yitzchok 2: 113, quoting H"T'P Frank zt'l, Piskei Teshuvos 589: 3, 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 8/12/2021 9:55 PM |
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# 3304 A Dialogue On The Deaf
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Q. I have been a Baal Tokea blowing the Shofar on Rosh Hashana for over thirty years. I have now become hard of hearing and have therefore a number of shailos.
1) Can someone hard of hearing be a Baal Tokea?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 589: 2) rules that one who cannot hear even if he is able to speak does not comply with the mitzva of blowing the Shofar, and therefore cannot be the Baal Tokea for others.
However, if he can still hear even faintly the blowing of a close by Shofar, he can comply with the mitzva himself and also for others.
On question 2568 regarding the reading of the Megilla we wrote: "Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 689: 2) and Mishna Berura (ibid. 5), rule that one that can talk but is totally deaf, cannot read the megilla for others, since there is a requirement for pirsume nissa, or publicizing the miracle regarding megilla reading. Mishna Berura quoting Shaarei Teshuva asserts, that the above applies only when he cannot hear at all, but if he hears when being addressed loudly he may read for others.
However, Tzemach Tzedek (E.H. 323) maintains that if he reads with a normal voice that he cannot hear himself, they do not comply. (See Piskei Teshuvos ibid. who quotes more lenient opinions).
Horav Shlomo Millers’ Shlit’a opinion is that if he reads loud enough, that he can hear himself without the hearing aid, he can read lechatchila (on the onset) for others."
The Rov maintains that the same would apply to Shofar blowing.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 8/12/2021 9:50 PM |
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# 3303 As Far As I Can See?
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Q. Someone who follows the tradition to make the bracha of 'Ose Maase Bereshith' when seeing the sea from a plane. At what distance from the sea can he make that bracha?
A. Many Poskim maintain that the blessing to be recited on seeing the major seas, to comply with all opinions is indeed 'Ose Maase Bereshis.' (Chaye Adam 63: 3, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 60: 5, Aruch Hashulchan and others).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that he should be close enough to be able to see even from high the waves and the strength of the sea. (See also similar ruling in Hilchos Brochos quoting Horav S. Wosner zt'l).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 8/12/2021 9:44 PM |
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# 3302 The Responsible Party
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Q. I'm a caregiver for an elderly woman residing in an Old Age Home. I noticed that my client had scratches and bruises on her. Out of years of experience, I was reasonably certain that they were inflicted by the other caregivers that complement her care. I called the police, the did ask some questions, but were unable or unwilling to determine anything helpful. I feel responsible for my client, what can I do?
A. Since there is obviously a family member or members that hired you, are paying for the care, and are likely the responsible persons for your client, it stands to reason that you should make them aware of what is happening, and make them responsible for the outcome.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that them or you should set up recording cameras in all the areas she frequents.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 8/12/2021 9:37 PM |
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# 3301 Show How Much You Care
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Q. A Rov teaches a shiur in a Yeshiva and lost his father and is still within the year of Avelus. One of his close disciples is getting married in the near future and he feels that it is very important for him to be at the wedding and show how much he cares. Is he allowed to go, while he is still an Avel?
A. In principle he could just attend the Chupa and leave before the music and dancing begin. (See Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 391:3. Gesher Hachaim permits after Shloshim).
Horav Dovid Pam Shlit'a mentioned that he can also attend the Chosson's Tish and be a witness or read the Tenoim, if at that time there is no music.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Dovid Pam Shlit'a
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Posted 8/9/2021 6:14 PM |
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# 3300 The Double Pocket
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Q. Can someone carry in his pocket pages of Divrei Torah or a Siddur when he enters a bathroom?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a permits in principle since the pockets of jackets are made of double material.
However, as Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a told me, the Rosh Hakolel is stringent himself.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Dovid Pam and Horav Akiva Steinmetz Shlit'a
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Posted 8/5/2021 10:12 PM |
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# 3299 Not Enough Room
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Q. I have divided my garage in two and created an area of about 4 x 8 feet that had a separate door. I also keep there besides other items the garbage cans that are not always covered and there is also an odor. Do I have to place a mezuza?
A. The minimum size for placing a Mezuza in a room is 4 amos by 4 amos, equivalent to 36 square feet. The area of a room of 4x8 = 32 is not obliged on placing a Mezuza.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Dovid Pam and Horav Akiva Steinmetz Shlit'a
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Posted 8/5/2021 10:05 PM |
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# 3298 It Has Your Name On It
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Q. My son's wife when she became a Baalas Teshuva, she was a teenager and didn't know what her Hebrew name was, so she choose her own name as Rachel Leora - her parents recently discovered when they were clearing out their house after they sold it, that she was called Leah Alexandra when she was born in a Reform shul which makes sense as her English name Celia Alexandra. Does she have to change her Kesuva?
A. On question 438 regarding someone that was severely sick and a name was added, then he got B”H well, if he has to change his Kesuvah, we wrote: "Horav Itzchok Zilberstein Shlit”a in Aleinu Leshaveach (1 p. 611) rules that a Kesuva already written in the past does not have to be changed when a name is added, other Poiskim seem to agree (Avioh Segulos p. 468, Kuntres B’rich Rachmono 36 quoting the Steipler Gaon Zt’L, et al.).
Horav Refoel Alter Shmulevitz Shlit’a mentioned to me from his own experience that he was told by a Horav Yisroel Yaakov Fisher zt”l to change his Kesuva. (Horav Fisher, was supportive of name changing and choosing the right name as a segulah. Please note that any changes of a Kesuva, have to be done by a competent rabbinical authority)
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlita opinion is that an existing Kesuva does not have to be rewritten."
Horav Akiva Steinmetz Shlit'a added that the same would apply to one that through the years changed his/hers name simply by moving to another location or similar. The Kesuva is still valid, if that was the correct name at the time it was written.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Dovid Pam and Horav Akiva Steinmetz Shlit'a
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Posted 8/5/2021 10:01 PM |
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Important Numbers
