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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 Miller’s Shlit’a 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 Hashem’s (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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# 3157 Don't Look
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Q. Is it true that a woman during her period, should not look at the letters of an open Sefer Torah?
A. Remah (O.H. 88: 1) and Mishna Berura (ibid) indeed rule that at that time they should not look at the letters of an open Sefer. However, they may see it when closed. They should also not touch it then. (See Piskei Teshuvos 88: 9).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/5/2021 3:41 PM |
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# 3156 The Life of Flour
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Q. Re- prior question. It is actually a flour mix in which 51% is wheat starch, the rest is made up of corn flour, corn starch, dietary fibres,
This mix is then used like regular flour, adding yeast, salt, etc.. The result looks like a regular bread.
A. You provided also a copy of the commercial Molino flour manufactured in Italy but distributed by Kemach Haaretz in Israel, that provides also the ingredients.
The product has besides the Rabbanut Kashrus certificate, a Hechsher from the Badatz of Machazikei Haddas (Belz) in Yerushalaim. It is being advertised also as Hamotzi, since it is 51% wheat.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is also that following the above ingredients and presentation, the brocho is Hamotzi.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/4/2021 4:38 PM |
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# 3155 Earn Your Bread
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Q. Wheat flour which is soaked in order to extract the gluten and as such what is left is wheat starch, is bread that is made from the wheat starch Hamotzi like any other bread?
A. Thanks for sending this shailah, but we need more information.
(For our readers - Gluten is a substance present in cereal grains, especially wheat, that is to be avoided by the ones allergic to it. It is also responsible for the elastic texture of dough, that permits shaping it into bread and other shapes. It also captures the fermentation gas bubbles. that allow the rising of the dough.
In order to extract gluten from wheat flour, it should be formed into a dough and soaked in water. The gluten present in the wheat flour does not dissolve in water and sinks at the bottom. When filtered the gluten is strained out and removed. The remaining wheat flour (wet) can be used to make various recipes. (from Instructables.com).
How exactly are you making the bread from the resulting liquid or paste wheat starch solution? As mentioned, this is the usual result of home made gluten free flour. What additives are used to bind it into flour and make it rise and then bake it? Does it look like regular bread or does it look different?
(See next question).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/4/2021 4:35 PM |
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# 3154 Leaving Much to be Desired?
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Q. Can a woman listening to Kerias Hatorah in shul, when needed by the necessities of her children or similar exit in the middle of the reading, especially in the Shabbosim with a double parsha, when the aliyos are long.
A. Shulchan Aruch (O,H. 146:1) and Mishna Berura rule that it is prohibited for men to leave the shul from the time the Sefer Torah was opened for the reading, until the aliya ends and it is closed.
Kovetz Teshuvos (3: 48) writes that in our days, when many women understand the Kerias Hatora, if they are then in shul, they should remain there as men do.
However, in need Kaf Hachaim (146: 2) and others rule that they can exit even in the middle of the reading or when the Sefer Torah is still open.
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 5/2/2021 6:00 PM |
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# 3153 Good to Hear This
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Q. Do women have to hear the reading of the Torah on Shabbos?
A. Mishna Berura (282: 12) quotes Magen Avrohom ruling that although women are not included in the mitzva of learning Torah, yet they are obliged to listen to the reading. However, he adds, that women are not careful in keeping this minhag.
Other Poskim assert that it is an accepted tradition that women are not obliged to listen to the Torah reading. They add that Kerias Hatorah is a Chovas Tzibur or communal obligation, to which women are usually excluded. (Aruch Hashulchan 282:11, Hisorerus Teshuva 3: 476. Piskei Teshuvos 282: 6 and others).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is to follow the view of the Mogen Avrohom.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/2/2021 5:51 PM |
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# 3152 Let the Party Begin
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Q. We prepared a Zoom Lag Baomer party with a siyum followed by music and seating around a virtual fire. Since we invited children to join, we want to make it early Thursday evening. How early can we start with the music?
A. On a similar question 2189 we wrote: "Poskim disagree if marriages are permitted on the eve of Lag Baomer. Some maintain that the simcha applies only to the day itself and since Halacha often dictates that “miktzaz hayom kekulo” or part of the day counts as a complete day, they can be performed from the morning of Lag Baomer, but not on the prior evening. Others maintain that weddings are permitted on the eve also (See Chasam Sofer, O.H.: 142, Minchas Yitzchok 4: 84, Igrois Moshe 1: 159, on others).
On question 161 in regard to the earliest time one can cut hair on Lag Baomer, and if it can be done erev Lag Baomer after already reciting maariv, following the plag hamincha, we wrote: “Remah (O.H. 493: 2) rules that one should wait until the morning of Lag Baomer day for having a haircut. Mishna Berura (ibid. 10) explains that it refers to after the netz. However, he points out (ibid. 11) that there are Poskim who permit a haircut on the night before, from Shaar Hatziun (ibid. 12) it seems that he does not agree with them.
Nitei Gavriel (Pesach 3, 49 n. 21) explains that the above depends on the minhag of reciting or not reciting tachanun during mincha erev Lag Baomer.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that even for those who permit hair-cutting on the night before, they definitely not include the time after the plag before nightfall, despite having prayed maariv after the plag”
In our case: Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if one maintains that minhag, one can celebrate with music after nightfall and in need from after the Shekia or sunset."
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/29/2021 11:08 PM |
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# 3151 Women of Torah Letters?
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Q. Is it true that Mishna Berura writes that women can receive an Aliya on Shabbat?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 282: 3) indeed rules that women can be included on the count of the seven Aliyos on Shabbos. However, he immediately adds that our Sages said that a woman should not be called to the reading of the Torah, due to the honor of the congregation.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/29/2021 10:57 PM |
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# 3150 Read On
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Q. One who pronounces Hebrew and davens with Ashkenazi pronunciation and is given an aliya at a Sephardic shul, where the Baal Koreh (Torah reader) pronounces the reading of the Torah following that tradition, should he when standing by the Torah, follow reading quietly the Sephardic pronunciation, or use the one he always uses? He is afraid that since he is not familiar with the reading, he probably will make mistakes if he reads on his own. What is correct?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if he will make mistakes while reading on his own, he should better follow and quietly repeat the Sephardic reading of the Baal Koreh.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/29/2021 10:11 PM |
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# 3149 Buried Treasures
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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 4/29/2021 10:02 PM |
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# 3148 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 Miller’s Shlit’a 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 Hashem’s (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 4/29/2021 9:53 PM |
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# 3147 Unwritten Rules do Rule
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Q. A person who learns in a Kollel where they have certain rules which he wasn't aware of, such as that you have to say the late rabbi's name before learning and no breaks allowed and if one arrives ten minutes late they take off $2.50. Does he need to give back any money from what he received or just be careful to follow the rules in the future?
Also when they say no sichos chullin or taking phone calls, does that mean to try to the best of one's ability or it is literally assur? If one did not adhere to their rules perfectly, what should he do?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if you did not keep the established rules. even if you were not aware of them, you are liable to the fines involved.
As far as the scope and inclusion of any other rules, you should consult with the Rosh Hakollel or the person in charge.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/27/2021 2:36 PM |
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# 3146 A Word on a Word
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Q. A friend offered to buy my house. We had a verbal agreement but the complete details were not put into the offer to purchase and I felt pressured to agree to a lower price than the market price and a closing date which is artificial since I don't actually have anywhere to go.
Not realizing that it is Sefira, I said we could meet on Sunday to finalize the deal. I have since found out that the market price is higher than offered and that one is not supposed to purchase a home during this period of time.
Do I have to agree to this?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that although one should always keep his word, if you did not sign anything or made any Kinyan or act of acquisition, in principle you are not obliged to keep a verbal agreement in case of need, as it is also not binding legally following the Laws of the Land.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/27/2021 2:27 PM |
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# 3145 First Matza on the Second Pesach
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Q. When is the correct time for eating matza this year, Monday day (Pesach Sheni) or Monday night?
Thank you
A. On question 160 we wrote: "There are different traditions in regards to eating matza on Pesach Sheini, or the “second Pesach” given to those who were unable to bring the first sacrifice of Pesach.
There are those who eat matza at the time the korban would have been brought, which is in the afternoon of the fourteenth of Iyar, (Sunday this year – Avnei Nezer as quoted in Klei Chemda, Vaetchanan). This seems to be the prevalent costume according to Nitey Gavriel (Peasch 3,57)
Others (Dvar Yehoshua 4,5 et. al.) maintain that the proper time would be at night (Sunday night this year) as that would have been the time for consuming the korban, in the days of the Bais Hamikdosh.
Some ingest the matza at both occasions (Mikdash Yisroel, Shavuos p.141, mentions that this is the minhag of many Chasidim).
S’fas Emes, (Pesachim 89) offers a novel opinion; namely that the korban of Pesach Sheini, unlike the first, could be eaten also during the day.
And finally, there are the many who do not keep this minhag at all (Most S’fardim, Hagra in Maase Rav 181, and Lithuanian Jewry according to Rib’bos Ephraim 2,129).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one should maintain his own minhogim and traditions.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/26/2021 5:55 PM |
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Important Numbers
