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# 3177 Just a Handshake?
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Q. Re- question 3176 above. If I use a virtual office of the new Gather Town technology, with holographic Avatars that really resembles the person it represents and it shakes hands with a customer in a business deal will that become a kinyan as when done in the real world? Can you shake hands virtually virtually with a woman?
A. See answer above. Horav Shlomo Millers Shlita opinion is that it would become a kinyan since it is not different from an electronic signature placed on a computer document which is only virtual and also binding in Halocho.
The Rov maintains that there would be no issur negia or prohibited touching of an Erva or prohibited woman on a virtual setting. Yet, as mentioned above, if it causes proscribed thoughts it would be prohibited.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/20/2021 10:10 PM |
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# 3176 Look At Me!
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Q. I'm of a Chasidic background and I run an office for a company that is planing to update their Zoom office program, (as we work from home, and it is likely to continue) to the new Gather Town technology. Basically it has the added component of seeing the virtual "room" or office you and others are occupying, and with the ability to move around and interact with other participants based on your locations in the room, just like in real life. The current version uses Avatar cartoon personalities, as in screen games that youngsters play.
Future ones will use holographic Avatars that really resembles the person it represents. Will that create issues of tznius since many of the employees in our company are women?
A. Horav Shlomo Millers Shlita opinion is that it is difficult to voice an opinion without actually seeing the program work. He did suggest that it cannot be more real, that the real world itself you are used to work in until recently. Therefore, whatever measures of tznius one keeps in dealing with others in a real office, would likely be effective in the new virtual 'real' office too, if they affect prohibited thoughts
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/20/2021 10:06 PM |
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# 3175 Have a Number on Mind
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Q. We learned recently on the Daf that one should not count people directly. When making sure one has a minyan for davening, can one count the present attendants mentally, by just looking at them?
A. Although some Poskim are lenient, Horav Shlomo Millers Shlita opinion is that counting the present in one's mind is also not allowed. However one may count their hats or jackets, as the Talmud (Yoma) mentions that indirect counting is permitted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/20/2021 10:02 PM |
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# 3174 No Tears On a Tear
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Q. If someone touched his hair on his head or pulls or tears some hair from his head or beard, does he have to wash hands three times?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H . 4: 21) rules that someone scratching his head should wash hands. Poskim write that just touching one's hair on the head, even on places that are usually covered, (As when one puts on the Tefilin Shel Rosh) does not require the washing hands three times.
Cutting one's hair requires 'Netilas Yodaim" (ibid. 19). However, just pulling a hair does not.
Poskim write that shaving or trimming one's beard or peyos does not require washing hands three times. (Ohr Letzion 2: 44: 5, Halichos Shlomo 2: 10).
Horav Shlomo Millers Shlita opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/20/2021 9:57 PM |
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# 3173 Earn One's Daily Bread Brocho
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1) Q. In reference to question 3156, since the flour goes through a process and the result is only wheat starch, why isn't it different than other starches or products that have totally changed their form? When an apple changes its form into apple sauce, its brocho becomes shehakol. When the starch from corn or potato is extracted, the product made from the starch is now shehakol. Why then, when the starch is extracted from flour and it it is now a totally new form, why isn't shehakol the appropriate brocho on the product made from such starch?
2) Q. In reference once again to questions 3155 and 3156 in regard to the Molino gluten free flour. Once the starch has been extracted from the flour, it has changed its form so much that it is not possible to make bread from it without the additional ingredients in the flour. For example, without the corn flour it wouldn't rise at all. Therefore the question once again is, why is the brocho of hamotzi given based on the wheat starch?
A. The reason for the Hamotzi brocho, is that the removal of the gluten does not change the end product which tastes, looks and smells like bread.
The process although different from the usual bread baking, involves similar inter-medial transformations, when the dough is inedible and different from the end product. This process has become standardized and common in making this type of bread.
We must note, that the final bread product of all common bread, similarly cannot be reached without adding additional substances also, in its due process.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/13/2021 6:15 PM |
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# 3172 Hair Splitting?
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Q. If someone touched his hair on his head or pulls or tears some hair from his head or beard, does he have to wash hands three times?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H . 4: 21) rules that someone scratching his head should wash hands. Poskim write that just touching one's hair on the head, even on places that are usually covered, (As when one puts on the Tefilin Shel Rosh) does not require the washing hands three times.
Cutting one's hair requires 'Netilas Yodaim" (ibid. 19). However, just pulling a hair does not.
Poskim write that shaving or trimming one's beard or peyos does not require washing hands (Ohr Letzion 2: 44: 5, Halichos Shlomo 2: 10).
Horav Shlomo Millers Shlita opinion is that one can be lenient.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/13/2021 11:34 AM |
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# 3171 Get the Swing of This
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Q. Someone bought a nice swing for the young kids in his family that they much desired. It was delivered on Erev Shabbos a few hours before the shekia (sunset), Since the children so much wanted to have it assembled and use it on Shabbos, and were ready to cry if not, the father did assemble it with time left, as they were already prepared for Shabbos before. Did he do something wrong? Should he now reassemble it again?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 251: 1) maintains that if one performs a melocho close to Shabbos (from Mincha Ketana or two and a half hours onward), he will not see a 'siman brocho' or a blessing and good fortune from the work done. Mishna Berura (5) quotes P'ri Megadim that it is also an actual prohibition.
However, Poskim (ibid) mention that if the work is done for the honor and pleasure of Shabbos, it is permitted when one is able to finish it in time. They also permit when it is only an occasional and temporary work. (Rema ibid.).
Horav Shlomo Millers Shlita opinion is to be lenient.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/12/2021 10:36 PM |
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# 3170 Listen Yisrael
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Q. When one reads Krias Shema and extends the word Echa'ad as required, does he say the elongated alef letter (Sefardi pronunciation) together with the 'chet' or just by itself. I have heard in shul both customs. Which is correct?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 61: 6) rules that one should extend on the 'ches' enough to think that Hashem rules on the heavens above and on the earth bellow. Then on the 'daled' he should stretch out enough to think that Hashem rules on the four corners of the universe. Mishna Berura (61: 18) quotes Magen Avrohom that the ratio of elongation is one third to two thirds.
He further explains that extending too much will create mispronunciation in both cases, including the sound of an 'o' without the 'ches.'
Horav Shlomo Millers Shlita opinion is that extending the 'daled' should be done carefully, without adding any extra vowels sound to it, just the plain repetitive 'D' sound.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/12/2021 10:26 PM |
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# 3169 A Close Shave
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Q. I recently became a caregiver for a few elderly patients that require help and are high risk for Covid contamination. I have to use a double mask, but it is ineffective since I have a large beard that I have grown for many years. Can I cut it very short for the time being, until this gezeira ra'a (bad decree) goes away? Do I have to be Matir Neder?
A. Horav Shlomo Millers Shlita opinion is that since the beard is not completely shaved off, in times of need it is permitted and no Hatoras Nedorim is required.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/11/2021 9:46 PM |
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# 3168 A Long Short Cut
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Q. Hello Rav, If an adult gets a small cut on Shabbat and need to put a band-aid on, is it okay to add a bit of Antibiotic cream (e.g. polysporin) to the inside of the band-aid (ie. you are not smearing it yourself)? The cream is not absolutely necessary, but perhaps could prevent infections, etc.
Any difference if it was a child? Any difference for sephardim? Thx
A. Horav Shlomo Millers Shlita opinion is that even a small untreated wound could be dangerous specially in our days. Antibiotic cream can be placed without any smearing. However, since liquid disinfectant alcohol is widely available in our times, during Shabbos, it would be better to use it for other reasons too, and for children also. The cream can be used after Shabbos ends.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/11/2021 6:12 PM |
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# 3167 See The Light?
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Q. Hello Rav, On Shabbat, are we able to move the new kosherlamps (or any similar light) that have LED or CFL lightbulbs in them? I know fire (and thus incandescent bulbs) can't be moved, but maybe these are not considered fire? If not, can they be moved with your foot like other type of muktza? Thanks!
A. On question 1599 in regards to the new Shabled light we wrote; Horav Shlomo Millers Shlita opinion is in principle to agree to Horav Moshe Heinemanns Shlita certification of the Shabled light use, when left turned on the entire Shabbos and when only the drawer is opened or closed to control the amount of light emitted.
However he disagrees with the New Square Kashrus Council certification that permits moving the unit when permitted utensils such as a watch or jewelry are placed inside the drawer. The reason being, is that the Rov considers the unit to be muktza machmas chisaron kis, since it is an electrical utensil dedicated to giving light that one does not usually use for any other purposes, even when another object is placed on the units drawer. (See similar in Piskei Teshuvos 308: 2: n.9).
Therefore, it cannot be moved even when one needs its place, (lertzorech mekomo), or its use somewhere else (letzorech guffo).
In essence, this new light is not in Halacha much better than the one offered by Kosher Innovations on 2004, that could also not be moved from its place.
Horav Shlomo Millers Shlita opinion in regards to the Shabbulb in principle is similar. The Rov disagrees however with Horav Osher Zelig Weiss Shlita, and maintains that the bulb itself is muktze machmas chisaron kis.
However, there is an additional important reason to avoid using the Shabbulb, since unlike the Kosher Innovation lamp, this bulb looks very similar to a common bulb. A casual observer of the closing and opening of the bulb may mistakenly assume that one is turning on and off a regular bulb which is obviously prohibited." See also question 1622.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/11/2021 5:47 PM |
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# 3166 Get the Name Right
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Q. The name on the Matzeiva of my cousin is different from the Hebrew name that her mother told me when I asked her. Which name should I use for remembering her at Izkor?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is more likely that the name on the Matzeiva is correct, but further research should be done if possible.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/9/2021 5:50 PM |
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# 3165 Women Count
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Q. I belong to a group of women that meets every night for a short zoom shiur on Lashon Harah, and we count Sefira at the end with a bracha. We have been criticized that it is not correct. Should we continue?
A. Mishna Berura (489: 3) writes that women are exempt from the mitzva of counting the Omer as it is time dependent. However he adds, that Magen Avrohom maintains that they have accepted this mitzva as an obligation, but mentions that it is not apparently the common tradition in our communities.
He further quotes Shulchan Shleima and others, that women should avoid reciting the brocho as it is likely they will forget counting and completing the mitzva. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that when reminded properly women can count with a brocho.
Minchas Chinuch (306) mentions From Zohar and the writings of the Arizal, that women should avoid counting at all,
However, others disagree and permit, when they are reminded by their husbands to count. (See Piskei Teshuvos ibid.)
See question above about how in our days it is easy to be reminded by the cell phones etc. to do the counting. They would have to be reminded to count on Friday night also.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that when reminded properly they can count with a brocho.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/9/2021 5:38 PM |
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# 3164 Important Message!
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Q. How should we all react to the recent closing of schools and yeshivos?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a very emphatically declared that we should all protest in every way we can, by signing letters to our representatives, Rabbis, and community leaders, speaking publicly and in Zoom peaceful demonstrations, even placing signs on our front lawns etc.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as directed by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/7/2021 10:03 AM |
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# 3163 Boo to the Zoo?
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Q. Can a pregnant woman visit a zoo?
A. Horav Y.D. Harpeness quotes in Chinuch Yisroel (8: 2; p.525) the Kav Hayoshor's assertion that although one is permitted to see unusual non kosher animals for the purpose of reciting a special brocho, still one should avoid continuous and persistent observation, as it brings a spirit of impurity on the observer. He mentions the above question, if a pregnant woman should be more careful and not even engage on a casual look at the zoo animals as it may harm the unborn and remains on a tzorech iyun or that the question requires further research.
Other Poskim are of the opinion that a pregnant woman should avoid going to a zoo. (Migdal Oz - Chalon Tzuri 32. Sefer Hoigud - Hilchos Reiya, and others)
However, others are lenient . (Boinei Beischa page 332, see also Ashrei Yoladeto p. 31: footnote 25).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar to Chinuch Yisroel, that a casual look when needed is permitted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/6/2021 10:53 PM |
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# 3162 Put an Animal Up
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Q. Re- question 3134 above on making sheheyanu on new and very expensive shoes during sefira. I thought that one does not say sheheyanu on products made of animal skins, since it involves their suffering?
A. Rema (O.H. 223: 6) writes that although many don't recite shehecheyanu on shoes and clothing since they are constantly renewed, they do bless the one who bought them with; "wear them out and get new ones." However, the Rema adds that some assert that this wish should be avoided on new shoes and other clothing made of leather. The reason being that it implies that other animals will have to be slaughtered, and Hashem has compassion on all of his creatures.
Horav Dovid Pam Shlit'a pointed out that the above does not apply to the brocho of Shehecheyanu since the P'ri Megodim (M'Z 22: 1) rules one recites that brocho on a new Shtraimel or an expensive skin coat. (See Piskei Teshuvos (223: 8).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/6/2021 10:38 PM |
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# 3161 Unread Bread
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Q.
Horav Tsvi Heber Shlit'a mentioned regarding question 3156, in
which we wrote that Molino flour manufactured in Italy but
distributed by Kemach Haaretz in Israel, that has a Hechsher from the
Badatz of Machazikei Haddas (Belz) in Yerushalaim and it is being
advertised also as Hamotzi, since it is 51% wheat. Why is it
necessary for the bread to be mostly wheat (51%) since if it has the
shape and form of bread, even less would require Hamotzi, as is ruled
in Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 208: 2) in regard to similar mixtures when
the brocho is Mezonos.
A.
Indeed Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a agreed that Horav Tsvi Heber's
Shlit'a assertion is correct. He maintains 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.
Rabbi
A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon
Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/6/2021 5:02 PM |
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# 3160 Don't Touch
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Q. Re- question 3157 above on women not touching a Sefer Torah during their period. Can they touch it with a Siddur, as I have seen done in some synagogues?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is improper to use a Sefer for this purpose.
Although, one uses usually the Tzitzis to kiss the Torah, they are only a 'Chefetz Shel Mitzva' or an utensil used and dedicated for mitzva purposes, while a Siddur is a 'Chefetz Shel Kedusha,' or a utensil that has holiness and therefore is subject to more restrictions.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/5/2021 4:14 PM |
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# 3159 Put Them to Good Use II
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Q. On question 3142 regarding placing on the geniza sefarim that are still usable but they are not used in our shul, and the place is needed, you wrote that "Chelkas Yaakov (1: 40) rules that if they can still be used it is not correct to send them to a Geniza. Rather they should be donated to an institution or to people who can use them. At least they should be kept in a side room or other storage area until that use is found." What happens if we didn't get the response on time, and gave to the geniza sefarim that were still usable, and it is very difficult to find them in the hundreds or maybe more of bags piled up. Does one have to do still the effort?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that as it seems indeed very difficult to find those bags, in a case of such need, there is nothing more to be done.
As far as we know there is also a Rabbi in charge of receiving and inspecting the material sent to the geniza. Besides, there seems to be a profitable market for using and selling those used sefarim and the responsibility lays on those in charge.
However, in the future. care should be given to avoid the untimely burial of useful Sifrei Kodesh.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/5/2021 3:57 PM |
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# 3158 A Reality Check
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Q. My husband who is severely ill and myself are undergoing hard times and we want to check our mezuzos. The last time we had them checked was seven years ago. Does the Rov anyone who may check them at low fee? We have ten mezuzos.
A. See question1103 "I have mezuzos that were checked properly when bought and they are stored in transparent glass tubing containers where you can clearly see that even the plastic they are wrapped in, is sealed and intact. Do you have to check them every three and a half years?
To what we answered: "Tosafos (Menochos 43a) mentions that the reason for checking out the mezuzos twice in a shemita cycle is not for the purpose of verifying that it was well written and there are no mistakes or misspellings, but rather to confirm that it has not been damaged (by humidity or heat) and it is still complete.
Therefore, Chasam Sofer (283) rules that no professional sofer is required and anyone can check it to ascertain that the mezuzah is still there, there is no water or rot damage and no ink has been erased from any of the letters.
Horav Shlomo Millers Shlita opinion is that in need you can rely on the fact that you can see no damage to the outside parchment of the mezuzah and the letters of Hashems (Shakai) name are complete. This applies only when the mezuzah is in the interior of a year-round climate controlled house and also not exposed to the direct rays of the sun or damaging humidity."
In your case and in need, since the mezuzos were already checked, if you can ascertain that no humidity or water went into them, after you open them and you see that the letters are complete, you can continue using them.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/5/2021 3:52 PM |
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Important Numbers
