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# 3466 Efface The Music?
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Q. Our Daf Hayomi group is planing to make a Siyum on Masechet Taanit on (Monday night) the eve of the fast of Asasrah Beteveth, the night we are actually finishing. In order to increase attendance we are planing to make a nice Seuda and play some music also. Someone posted online a special song for celebrating this particular Siyum that includes the last words of the Masechta. Can it be played during the Seuda?
A. On question 1974 we mentioned different opinions regarding having a wedding on the eve of the Tenth of Teves. Many of the Poskim including Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a advise to avoid a Chupa on that night unless there is great need.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shli'a opinion is that although the Siyum can be done, one should preferably avoid the playing of music.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/13/2021 11:05 AM |
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# 3465 A Fast Shooting?
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Q. Can one take a Covid booster shot on the Asarah Beteves fast day?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shli'a opinion is that it is preferable to avoid taking the shot on the fast day of Asarah Beteves, since the fasting may cause frailty and weakness that could affect the outcome of the booster shot in some people.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/13/2021 10:39 AM |
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# 3464 Grand Old Aged
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Q. In our shul we have two attending elderly Rabbis (now in their late nineties), for many years. One is actually a great Talmid Chacham who has written some Sefarim and was always engaged in teaching Torah. Sadly he is suffering lately from Alzheimer complications and the memory of the Torah he knew is practically gone. Yet he still understands and one can have a conversation with him.
The second one who is also about the same age, although not such a great Talmid Hacham as his colleague, however, he still has an excellent memory and remembers well his Torah learning.
On the past, since both of them have, for all we know about the same age, (They both immigrated from Eastern Europe after the war, it is hard to give any credence to the date in their documents) the shul always honored first the one that was known to be a greater Talmid Chacham.
The question is now, when he has forgotten most of his Torah knowledge, should we honor the second one with seating first and getting the first Aliya etc?
What is the proper thing to do?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shli’a opinion is that with search effort and consulting with their families, you may be able to determine who is actually older. If that cannot be done, the Rov maintains that they should equally share the honors and kovod given by the congregation, by sharing it in time. (One first and then the other).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/9/2021 11:19 PM |
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# 3463 More Rain Shailos
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Q. Someone who traveled from Israel to Chutz Laaretz, and was already saying Tal Umatar in the Amida, as they do there after Sukot. He continued to do so now, as was instructed by his Rabbi. But then he had a day of Yohrzait for his mother and wanted to daven the tefila for the Tzibur,. What should he do now? Should he better not be a Shaliach Tzibur on that day?
A. Teshuvos Ridbaz (5: 2055) quoting R"A Eiger maintains that he keeps on davening in his quiet Shemone Essrei, Vesen Tal Umatar as he did before he left Eretz Yisroel. However, in the repetition of the Amida he recites aloud, he should follow what the people in the shul recite and that is Vesen Bracha.
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 12/9/2021 11:15 PM |
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# 3462 Fake Bracha?
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Q. Does one recite Hamotzi on fake bread? If he did so by mistake, does he need to say another Bracha?
A. On question 3161 we mentioned regarding bread made from special types of flour that Horav Shlomo Miller's and Horav Aharon Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that even a mixture where the wheat is only around 18% approximately (kedei Achilas Prass), would require Hamotzi. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar. However, he recommends on the onset having mostly wheat, yet abstained from mentioning percentages, since there are other factors involved, that would render exact numbers problematic.
Obviously bread that does not contain any amount of the five types of grain required for being considered bread, will not qualify for that blessing.
Although after the fact the blessing of Mezonos will exempt other foods including the ones we recite shehakol on them, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that Hamotzi is different since we mention the word 'Lechem' and that refers to real bread, so fake bread does not qualify.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/9/2021 11:13 PM |
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# 3461 It's Raining Shailos
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Q. A woman who always davens Mincha forgot to say 'Vessen Tal Umatar Libracha' (give us rain and dew) on the first day of the change and adding of this prayer. Does she have to repeat the Amida as men do? If she didn't remember until that night and she usually does not daven Maariv, what should she do?
A. Women who daven Mincha, although not obliged to do so, if they constantly do so, they will have to repeat the Amida if they did not recite Vessen Tal Umatar Libracha, the same as men do (Daas Torah 114: 5).
If the time for Mincha is over, she will have to daven Maariv twice, even if she normally does not recite Maariv at all.
The first Shemone Ezre is a regular one. The second one is a Tashlumim or repayment for the proper Mincha missed.
(See Mishna Berura 263: 43) for a similar ruling.
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 12/9/2021 11:11 PM |
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# 3460 Beauty Is In the Eye of the Beholder?
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Q. Is it better to buy an old menorah that is not very elegant but was used already many years for the mitzvah of Chanuka, or is it better to spend one’s money on a new and very beautiful Menorah? What is the greater Hiddur?
A. Chashukei Chemed (Chanuka 58) has a similar question and he maintains that it depends on the person involved. For some an aged Menorah means a lot and are willing to pay a large sum for it since they greatly appreciate the mitzvos already done on it. Others however, don't see any beauty or appreciation on an historical object and would rather acquire something new and beautiful.
Chashukei Chemed points out to a Gemara in Gittin (35a) that a woman received some old objects as her Kesuva payment including an antique Sefer Tehilim, Iyov and Mishlei, and they were appraised as worth five manah. That sum, he adds, corresponds to the cost of living for two and a half years, more than double of the payment due to her of two manah
or the monetary needs for one year, that she could have collected for her Kesuva.
However, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that for most it is usually more important and beautiful a new object.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/9/2021 11:08 PM |
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# 3459 The Trail of the Trial
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Q. I have noticed that some Chassidim give a brocho to others of Chasima Tova o Gemar Tov (good ending) on the last day of Chanuka, as we usually do in Hoshana Rabba? Is this actually correct and why?
A. Toldos Aharon (Drushim Lechanuka) based on the Mishna Bikurim (1: 6) (See also Pesachim 36b) which teaches: that from Atzeret (Shavuos) until the Festival (of Sukkos), one brings Bikurim and recites the corresponding ordained declaration. From Sukkos until Hannuka, one brings Bikurim but does not recite anything. This establishes that there are two very distinct periods of Judgment. One ends in Hoshana Rabba while the other finishes at the end of Chanuka.
They also quote Talmud Yerushalmi (Shabbos 2: 6) as well as Tur Barekes (581), on the posuk 'Hanosen Bayam Derech,' that the yearly days of Judgment last until the end of Chanuka. They mention that the writing of the verdict of the year's trials is given on Rosh Hashana, then the signature is done on Yom Kippur. Yet the giving over of the Judgment sentences takes place only later on Hoshana Rabba, however, the very delivery and enactment of those sentences does not take effect until the end of Chanuka.
That is why it is still proper to bless others with Chasima Tova or Gemar Tov at the end of Chanuka. (Nitei Gavriel 56: 1)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/9/2021 11:05 PM |
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# 3458 A Fire Feast?
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Q. Is the Seuda some shuls or private people make on the last day of Chanuka a Seudas Mitzva that one should attend or also do? Since it is not mentioned anywhere, why should one take any part on it?
A. The last day of Chanuka is called by many Zois (this is) Chanuka since it represents the highest point achieved in the process of adding lights on this most important festivity. (Pardes Eliezer 13, Zois Chanuka, Imrei Noam and many others)
It is indeed traditional in many Chassidic circles to celebrate the day of Zois Chanuka with a Seuda that begins at the end of the last day of Chanuka and often extends into the night. Likutei Mahariach mentions that the reason is due that whenever we perform a mitzva that involves a prolonged time, we celebrate when we reach the end, as we do with the Siyum of the learning of a tractate of the Talmud. Beis Aharon mentions that his father would sing on the occasion 'Hadran Aloch Chanuka' (Nitei Gavriel - Chanuka 56: 3)
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should follow the traditions of his family and congregation.
See next question.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/9/2021 11:01 PM |
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# 3457 Candle Caution
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Q. My landlord permits me to light one Chanukah candle in the kitchen sink. I live by myself. Can I make a Bracha?
A. Although one should try one's best to comply with all mitzvos in the best, most honorable and respectful way possible, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that when in need, it can be done in the most fitting way the situation permits (with some limitations).
You may suggest to your landlord that it is just as safe to light inside a proper sized metal container open on top and with some water on it, placed next to a window, while being watched all the time the lights are on.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/9/2021 10:56 PM |
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# 3456 The Best Yom Tov?
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Q. When someone is sending invitations for a community Chanuka Party can he mention on the title the words "Chag Chanuka?" Is Chanuka a Yom Tov or not. Is there a Rabbinic mitzva of simcha and joy in Hanuka, after all we do greet each other with a Freilechen Hanuka?
A. On a similar question (976) regarding that even if there is no obligation to eat a seuda on Hanuka as we do in Purim, or eat meat and drink wine, if it is anyway recommended to do so and if making s seuda during Chanuka considered a Seudas Mitzva we wrote: "Rambam (H. Chanuka 3: 3) writes that the days of Chanuka were established by the Sages of that generation as days of “simcha and hallel,” rejoice and praise. Poskim disagree as to the definition of simcha in Chanuka. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 370: 2) rules that the simcha is limited to not fasting or saying hespedim and the meals eaten are not considered Seudos Mitzva,. Mishna Berura (6) quotes the Levush that explains the difference between Chanuka and Purim.
Remah (ibid.), however maintains that there is some mitzva in the seuda and if one recites shiros and sishbachos to Hashem, thanking and praising for the miracles that occurred they are considered Seudos Mitzva.
Chassam Sofer (Y.D. 233), seems to maintain that although the particular mitzvos that apply to Purim and Chanuka are only rabbinical, the instituting of a day of moed on the day a miracle occurred and rejoicing in it, is a biblical mitzva.
Even Ezra (Behaaloscha) explains on the pasuk “ubeyom simchaschem ubemoadeichem” when you were victorious over your enemies and you will establish them as days of rejoice, that it refers to Chanuka and Purim. (See also questions 1222, 1555 and 1971).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one should recite shiros vesishbochos and divrei Torah on the meals of Chanuka and turn them into a seudas mitzva."
In Aleinu Leshabeach (6: p. 342) quotes that Orchois Rabbenu mentions that Horav Y.Y Kanievsky zt'l would greet people he met in Chanuka with a 'Gut Yom Tov.' Horav Y. Zilberstein Shlit'a quotes as a source the Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 217; 47 and Taz 38) maintain that Chanuka is indeed a 'Chag'. he also mentions That his Father in Law Horav Eliashiv zt'l would often say that 'Chanuka is the best of Yomom Tovim.'
However, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is preferable to maintain the usual quotations of Chanuka in Talmud and tefilos, where it is not metioned as a Chag.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/6/2021 2:38 PM |
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# 3455 Still in Place
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Q. If a Menorah was placed in a site where it can affect others walking by or it may be extinguished by them, can one move it to a better and safer place after it was lighted?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it can be moved less that three Tefachim (about 30 cm. or a bit less than a foot) in any direction, since this amount is considered the normal place of an object.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/2/2021 11:39 PM |
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# 3454 Sh'mitah Stringency?
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Q. Should one be makpid for the Chazon Ish's chumros (stringency) on Sh'mittah in Israel? if you buy Sh'metiah food from a store or anything from a store which sells Sh'mitah food and you get back change from the cashier do you need to assume the money may be d'mai shveeis (money that maintains the holiness of Shmitah)?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it depends on each individual and his other common practices if he is to follow the opinion of the Chazon Ish on Shemitah or no.
Regarding the change given in a store it would depend on what the majority of the money available there is.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/2/2021 11:31 PM |
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# 3453 An Eye View
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Q. One is to undergo an operation on both his eyes and he will be bandaged and not seeing for a couple of weeks that coincide with some of the Chanuka days.
Is he allowed then to have a family member direct his hand so he can light himself the Menorah reciting the usual brachos, including 'Lehadlik Ner'?
A. Mishna Berura ((675: 3) quoting Rashal rules that a blind person if he is in a house with his wife or others who light. if he can contribute with them, they should light for him. However, if he is alone, he may light himself with the help of someone else, but should not recite the Bracha.
Shevet Halevi (3: 90) maintains that the blind can also recite the Brocho of Lehadlik Ner. Yalkut Yosef (p. 224) mentions that the tradition of Yerushalaim is also that the blind recite all blessings.
However, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is to follow the Mishha Berura's ruling that others should light for him.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/2/2021 11:24 PM |
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# 3452 See the Light?
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Q. I'm a physician (single) who had to assist on the operation of a patient on a Chanuka night and could not be at home for lighting the candles. I did see a lighted Menorah in the office of a colleague, and said the Bracha of Sheassa Nissim as required for Birchat Haroeh. I did so since the medical procedure was long and as expected it ended close to the early morning. Was I correct?
A. Shulchan Aruch (676: 3) rules that; 'One who did not light (Chanuka candles) and is not going to do so on that night and also has no one lighting for him at home, when he sees a Chanuka light, recites the bracha of Sheassa Nissim. On the first night he also recites the blessing of Shecheyanu.'
Tosafos (Suka 46a) quotes two reasons why our sages instituted a special brocho for seeing the lights of Chanuka, (Birchas Haroeh), one of them is that it was enacted because of the Chavivus or endearment and affection we have for this great mitzva, and also for satisfying the need of those who don’t have any dwelling.
Mishna Berura (5) does mention that if possible he should recite later on when he is able to light his own Menorah with the corresponding bracha of 'Lehadlik.'
On question 414 and 1556 we mention that Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in similar situations the best solution would be for you to name a shaliach or agent and have him light at your home.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/2/2021 11:16 PM |
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# 3451 Have Torah, Will Travel
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Q. The Mishna Taanis 1:3 says that it took those that lived on the farthest borders of Israel took 15 days to travel to Yerushalaim. Males that lived in Israel are obligated in aliyah l'regel 3 times a year.
Practically, does this mean that they were obligated to spend more than 3 months a year traveling to Jerusalem (and away from their wives and small children)? (15 days x 2 x 3, plus the Yom Tov days spent in Yerushalaim)
A. You are indeed referring to the utmost distant people that lived close to the border. However the vast majority were much closer to Yerushalaim and they also traveled with their families.
As the Torah specifies and we read about it in Shema at least twice a day, "Uvelechtecha Baderech," we are constantly reminded to learn Torah even when we are walking on the highways.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/2/2021 11:04 PM |
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# 3450 Enlightening the Lightening
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Q. Hi. I hope I have the right number. I have a question for a Rabbi. I live in Toronto and I will have to leave my house on Sunday before Chanukah lighting. I will be going to see an event that I have tickets for. I would be home around 10 pm or so. To leave for this event, I'd have to leave probably around 4:30 pm or so.
So my question is based on Hanukah candle lighting which I believe is around 5:15 (although correct me if I'm wrong), can I light the candles for the first night BEFORE I go or would it be too early? Thanks in advance.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should light on the onset in Toronto about 25 minutes after the Shekiah (sunset). In your case and in need, you should light early at 4.30 PM since it is after Plag Hamincha.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/2/2021 10:50 PM |
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#3449 Juice Back
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Q. How much water can be added to grape juice before becoming Shehakol? If I am eating by someone Shabbos day and they add too much water, I am not being yotzi kiddush - does that mean I have to walk out? (They are running out of grape juice and they think it's OK to dilute it.)
A. On question 448 we quote Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion that one can dilute our common grape juice (not the light one), up to a bit less than half water and still make Hagofen and use it for Kiddush.
Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a suggested that in your particular case, you may bring as a guest-gift a bottle of grape juice.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/2/2021 10:42 PM |
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# 3448 On Time?
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Q. Where does a yeshiva Bachur light Thursday night when leaving yeshiva for an off Shabbos on Thursday night at 10 pm?
A. Horav Aharon's Miller Shlit'a opinion is that he still lights in the Yeshiva.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/2/2021 10:38 PM |
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# 3447 Thanks A Lot
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Q. Is Hakaras HaTov(recognizing and thanking for a favor received) a mitzvah in the Torah?
Last year Chanukah we provided my sons Rebbe with Chanukah Gelt, with a nice hand written card, and we didn't get any response of Thank you. The same thing happened at the end of the year, when we wanted to show our appreciation for teaching our son for the year. Does a person 'have' to say thank you...?
Thank you very much for your answers each week.
(Would one transgress on a prohibition of 'Lifnei Iver" or placing a stumbling block in front of one that does not care to commit a sin, in the case above?).
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that Hakoras Hatov or recognizing and thanking for a good and favor done to us, is a basic and most important 'Midda Tova" or good character trait, that is reflected by many mitzvos. However, not complying with it is not a transgression of one of the positive or negative mitzvos of the Torah and therefore 'Lifnei Iver" would not apply.
On question 3352 we wrote: "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."
You may ask someone to respectfully and in a proper way remind the Rebbe to also comply with this important good 'Midda Tova".
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/2/2021 10:23 PM |
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Important Numbers
