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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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# 3229 Recommended Encouragement?
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Q. (Re- question above). My second question is: If that (above question) is OK, could they then accept upon themselves some restrictions. For example, it is popular today for people to do a "media fast" where they don't use their phones or computers. Would undertaking that kind of voluntary abstinence from technology in addition to honoring the Shabbat be OK?
A. On question 1752 regarding a non-Jew that was a very religious dedicated Catholic for many years (actually a priest) and then decided to convert to Judaism. He argues now that finally he saw the real truth. Can he be trusted that he has really abandoned his former strong beliefs, since he may even be deceiving himself, and besides he does not have a chezkas kashrus yet. We wrote: Horav Shlomo Miller’s opinion is that teshuva is open in principle to all, and the truth is to be found in the depths of the hearts of all human beings.
The Rov suggested that in this particular case the gerus candidate should be offered a priori the easier option of becoming a Ger Toshav, or a Noahide who keeps the seven mitzvos. If he is adamant and insists to becoming a full fledged Ger Tzedek, more preparatory time should be requested from the applicant. (some Batei Din as is have a five year waiting period).
The Rov added that a precise and clear expression of denial of his prior beliefs should also be requested by the Beis Din.
Since Noahides are considered 'Chasidei Umos Haolam' or the righteous among the nations, it stands to reason that they should be helped in their endeavour and undertaking. Since it is very difficult to observe any belief or faith based only on negative commandments such as the keeping of the Seven Noahide Mitzvos. It stands to reason that they should be encouraged on this partial resting of Shabbos.
However, they do have the positive mitzva of learning all about their mitzvos and tefilah as part of Emunah.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that depending on the case, in principle they could be encouraged in their partial enjoying and celebrating of Shabbos.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/23/2021 6:32 PM |
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# 3228 A Gentle Shabbat?
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Q. Shalom Rav Bartfeld Shlita: One of the most contentious issues among Bnai Noach involves the observance of Shabbos. They are hearing extremely different views from various teachers. Some hear that they absolutely have to work on Saturday and are not allowed to take even one day off from working. On the other hand, some rabbis (basing themselves upon Biur Halacha 304) claim that a Ben Noach who has accepted the seven laws before a Beit Din is actually required to observe Shabbos like a Yid.
My question is to what degree may Bnai Noach (to be clear, not seeking Giyur) observe Shabbos?
Until now, I have been advising people that while they may not fully observe Shabbos as a Jew would in terms of avoiding melacha, it is probably OK for them to honor the Shabbos. This would mean that they could have special meals, light candles, dedicate more time for prayer and study, enjoying the company of friends, enjoying nature. etc.
So my first question is: Is that an acceptable m'halech for Bnai Noach?
A. On question 112 and 2741 we mentioned two Biblical reasons for prohibiting a Gentile keeping Shabbos. 'Firstly, the Talmud (Sanhedrin 58b) quotes as a source the verse (Bereishis 8,22): “Day and night they shall not cease (work)”. A second reason is found in the Midrash (Devarim ch. 1,23) that cites the verse; “Between me and Bnai Isroel, (Shabbos) is a sign forever” (Shemos 31,17). See also Talmud Beitzah 16a.'
Rabina (Sanhedrin ibid.) maintains that they are not allowed to rest any other day of the week.
Rambam (H. Melachim 10: 9) rules accordingly. He adds that the death penalty is not given by the Beis Din, however, they do exact other punishments. Rambam seems to opine that the reason for the severe punishment is due that he is seen as trying to create a new religion. The above would explain why other days of the week are included.
There are a number of other reasons given to why Shabbos does not apply to them. Some of them are:
1) Keddushas Levi explains that the nations would understand Hashem's existence from the incredible acts, wisdom and science needed for the Creation of the Universe. While the Jewish Nation see Him even in His actual acts of running the world. At times they seem very difficult to comprehend, such as all the wrongs and suffering, sickness, tragedies etc.. We actually survived with our belief in Him all persecutions, pogroms and even the Holocaust. Shabbos is above Creation.
2) Bas Ayin (Lech Lecha), mentions that our Sages teach (Brochos 7b) that Avraham Avinu was the first to call Hashem 'Adon' or the Sole Universal Master, negating all his own personal will, mind and desires. He completely subdued and annulled all of them, and replaced them with Hashem's will. Shabbos, the rest day, symbolizes the above.
3) Siach Sarfei Kodesh asserts that Shabbos represents a total and continuous holiness and devotion to Hashem, without any interruption at all, day and night. He paraphrases it in the verse "Mechaleleha Mos Yumas," the one who desecrates Shabbos will die. The word 'Chalal' implies a vacuum or empty space.
4) Bnei Yisosschor opines that Shabbos is Hashem's scepter. Only a son is permitted to hold the scepter of the father king.
Your suggestion that if they just have special meals, light candles, dedicate more time for prayer and study, enjoying the company of friends, enjoying nature. etc., but do not keep anything else of the many and complicated Halachos of Shabbos, would exonerate them from the penalty of keeping Shabbos, is correct. (See next questions).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/20/2021 11:22 AM |
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# 3227 Holy Chopsticks!
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Q. One uses a set of still joined chopsticks as tongs to help him put on his Tefilin Shel Yad without touching his usually covered upper arm, and then having to wash that hand. Will those chopsticks become a Chefetz shel Kedusha (an object of holiness) and require proper geniza as other Tashmishei or serving objects to Tefilin do?
A. It should be mentioned that it is entirely possible to put on the hand Tefilin, without touching the arm at all.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a mentioned that he usually washes his hand after putting on the Tefilin. However, he maintains that if someone finds this difficult, then just rubbing the hand on his shirt or jacket to clean it is permissible.
The Rov maintains that the chopsticks do not become Tashmishei Kedusha, being similar to the shirt or jacket on them.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/18/2021 1:36 PM |
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# 3226 Pep Pill Pep Talk?
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Q. Can one who is sleepy and tired take a Pep or stimulant pills during Shabbos?
A. Shemiras Shabbos K' (34: 31) quoting Minchas Yitzchok (3: 21) prohibits Pep or stimulant pills during Shabbos. (see also 39-Melochos 2 p. 497).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that they are permitted when needed.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 6/16/2021 6:08 PM |
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# 3225 Meet and Greet
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Q. When I walk to shul in the morning, I say the Birchos Hashachar (morning blessings) while I walk. If I meet street workers or other Non-Jewish neighbors or just people, is it correct to interrupt the brochos and greet them?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that, if it is between one brocho and the next, it is not only permitted, but it is an actual desirable Kiddush Hashem.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 6/16/2021 6:06 PM |
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# 3224 Early Pill?
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Q. For someone who needs to take medicine every day, is it better to wait some time until it becomes necessary during Shabbos, or can he take it early when he still does not need is so much?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if he hat to take those pills, it actually may be better to take them before, since at that time it may be only preventive and not a medical cure yet.
Rabbi A, Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 6/16/2021 5:49 PM |
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# 3223 A Wash You Don't Wish
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Q. Can one do an enema on Shabbath?
A. Mishna Berura (328: 55- 56) seems to prohibit. However, some Poskim permit with a shinui or a change from the usual way to do it, when the water used is pure and does not contain any medical substances. The reason being is that it is not a cure but rather only a cleansing of the lower bowel. (Daas Torah (328: 49), Shemiras Shabbos K' 34: 11. permits even without a shinui. See similar in Piskei Teshuvos 328).
Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion is that it could be done when needed and only when using only clear water without any medical additives.
Rabbi A, Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 6/16/2021 5:39 PM |
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# 3222 Nice Talking to You
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Q. Re- question 3193 above, regarding a writer that writes and publishes constantly articles against Israel and its non-religious government, where Horav Miller suggested that it is better to avoid machlokes, to friendly convince him that since according to his believes the people of the shul are sinners, he should try to find a minyan that supports his views. We tried that but did not work since there are no other minyanim close enough for him to attend on Shabbos. Some suggested to ask him to stay in a back corner, would that be recommended?
I must stress, that our shul is not Mizrahi but rather more yeshivish, yet we can't stand that this fellow with his extreme anti-Israeli articles, is creating hate and antisemitism from our neighbors, and inviting dangerous violence.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is to explain in a friendly way that since he considers himself to be a great chosid and tzadik, he should certainly avoid having others and himself talk Lashon Haraa. They should also stress that everyone cares for him since he is after all a chosid and a tzadik, and wish him Brocho Vehatzlocho.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 6/15/2021 10:38 PM |
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# 3221 Oh My G-d!
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Q. Re- question 3214. Are there any issues in pronouncing correctly both words Elokai Neshama?
A. Mishna Berura (46: 3) mentions that one should separate the pronunciation of the words Elokai and Neshama, so it does not sound as if his Neshama or soul, is chas veshalom his deity, which constitutes words of heresy and apostasy.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a stressed that often people discussing the Halacha of that brocho, are not careful in how it should be pronounced, and that should seriously be avoided.
However, the Rov added that since after all, if the name of Hashem is not said explicit, on such occasions, only Elokai is mentioned, there could be room to be lenient.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 6/15/2021 10:21 PM |
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# 3220 Don't Lose Sleep Over This
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Q. Can someone take sleeping pills in Shabbos?
A. Ketzos Hashulchan (138: n.31) and other Poskim maintain that one suffering from insomnia or fatigue is permitted to take sleeping pills to stimulate sleep. He argues that it is not considered a 'Refuah" or healing, which would be prohibited on Shabbos, since lack of sleep is not in itself a sickness and the pills taken are not a cure
Rabbi A, Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 6/14/2021 10:57 PM |
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# 2319 Remain in Touch?
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Q. Due to the fear of the current contamination fears, many people who have guest for Shabbat avoid touching the challot with their hands when lifting them and cutting them for all. Since one has to place his two hands and the ten fingers on them and also lift them, can one do so using a thin paper napkin or is that a chatzitza (interposition)? What then should one do?
A. On some cases such as Tefilin or Bigdei Kehuna (clothing that Cohanim wear when they perform their service at the Beis Hamikdosh), water between them and the human body may be considered a chatzitza or interposition, since they actually may be required to touch the body. (Birkei Yosef O.H. 27: 8, Shaarei Teshuva O.H. 27: 5).
See also Chelkas Yaakov Y.D. 110, regarding a new born bechor that was delivered by using forceps if he is considered to be a Bechor.
Some Chassidic Rebbes have a tradition of lifting the challos by putting their hands under the tray holding them and since it is needed to hold them (some times there may be twelve challos) they are not considered a chatzitza.
See similar in regard to the utensils used for sprinkling the blood of the korbanos on Yom Kippur (Yuma 58a).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if the napkin is needed, it is not considered an interposition.
Rabbi A, Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 6/14/2021 10:48 PM |
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# 3218 Signs of Things to Come
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Q. I have seen at school performances, individuals put down "reserved" signs for their family.
More than once, I have then seen people remove those signs and put down their own "reserved" signs for their own family (!)
It seems deceitful and unbecoming, but is it in fact mutar?
Thank you very much.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that you have to consult with the organizers or the people in charge of the event and request from them to set the rules for reserving seats.
Request from them also that they should also publicize those rules with signs or similar, to avoid machlokes and disputes.
Rabbi A, Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 6/14/2021 10:33 PM |
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# 3217 Is the Cure Worse than the Disease?
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Q. Gut Voch.Hope all is well. This the question for Rabbi Miller Shlita.
Should children 20 years old and under take the vaccine based on the fact that doctors at the Hospital for Sick Children( and many others worldwide) affirm that younger people are not endangered when contracting the Covid virus. Recovery is 99.98%.
Many dangerous side effects from the available vaccines have been reported especially myocarditis in the youth.
In view of the above facts does the principle of "shev v'al taasei adif" apply?
Thank you
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that since there are many factors that depend on the particularities of the individuals involved and their medical condition, as well as the recent changes in the development of the Covid infection, a reliable and expert physician that is familiar with the patient, should be consulted in each case.
Rabbi A, Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 6/14/2021 10:19 PM |
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# 3216 Bigwig's Wigs Opinion?
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Q. Re- question 3215 above. Like other women that wear sheitels, I'm very familiar with many kinds of them. I purchased one of these new Lace Top Sheietels months ago after an extensive search. My experience with them is that they truly do look natural. However, your answer quoting many Rabbonim is incorrect, since you cannot see the natural hair or scalp while wearing the wig. If this would be true, the wig would probably look terrible since natural hair usually is different from the wig, and besides if you could see the hair underneath, it would look nothing like a scalp.
Many wigs today look natural whether or not they have a lace top. So why should this type of wig be more prohibited than other natural looking sheitels?
By the way, I did return the new Lace Top sheitel, after I heard that Rabbonim prohibited them.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit"a opinion is that, even if you are correct (as it likely is), one should avoid wearing this new kind of wigs.
One should not sponsor the effort to make sheitels even more natural than they already are.
As mentioned above, it also induces other women not to wear a sheitel at all, since they think that those Frum ladies are not wearing a sheitel.
Rabbi A, Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 6/12/2021 11:38 PM |
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# 3215 Look Out for The Looks
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Q. What does Rav Shlomo, shlit"a hold about the new lace-top and lace-front sheitels? Are they permissible to wear?
A. Rabbonim from Boro Park, Lakewood and other communities, including the Skverer Dayan, Rav Mechel Steinmetz, the Kosover Rebbe and others have recently expressed their concern about the new
“Lace Top” wigs that are extremely difficult to discern from natural hair, adding that the lace is transparent and the natural hair or scalp underneath may be visible. The design seeks to create the appearance that the sheitel hair is actually growing from the human scalp.
Their above description defeats the purpose of tznius inherent in a sheitel and is therefore prohibited by Halacha.
Besides, it induces other women not to wear a sheitel at all, since the also think that those Frum ladies are not wearing a sheitel.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit"a opinion is that they should be avoided
Rabbi A, Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 6/12/2021 11:35 PM |
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# 3214 Lose Sleep On This?
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Q. If one slept on Erev Shavuos afternoon a few hours but stayed up the rest of the Shavuos night learning can he recite Elokai Neshama?
A. Mishna Berura (46: 24) rules that one who was up a whole night, although Poskim disagree, he should avoid reciting Elokai Neshama and ask someone else who slept to say it for him while he listens.
If he slept during the day there are further reasons to be able to say it himself, if he can't fond someone else to be motzi or say it for him.
Since there are other doubts involved, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that it is better, if one can't find someone to recite it for him, to have in mind at the second brocho of the Amida, Mechaye Hamessim to comply with it.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 6/10/2021 9:54 PM |
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# 3213 Tell Another Tale
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Q. If five already davened and five need to daven, should one inform them that there are not six mispallelim or better not to say anything as it will lead to machlokes and upset feelings and frustration over not having a minyan (where it is hard to find a sixth person who didn't daven)?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a mentioned that since it is possible that one of the five who already took part on the earlier minyan, may not have had kavana (intention) when davening the first brocho of the Amida and that is why he is davening again, he should avoid creating a machlokes.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 6/10/2021 9:49 PM |
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# 3212 Pooling of Davening Interests
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Q. At a shiva I recently attended, the davening was carried out in the backyard, next to a swimming pool that is usually heated and also serves some times as a mikva for men. The pool was covered. Was that permitted?
A. Chassam Soffer (O.H. 1: 18) debates about a mikva of hot water in someones house and covered with wooden boards, if the room is to be considered as a bath house and prohibited for learning Torah and reciting brochos therein.
He argues that maybe, since it is only used from time to time, kept clean, and without any foul smells, it is not considered a bath house. However, he quotes Rabenu Manoach, that since one does not place there a mezuza, it seems to be treated as a bath house, and prohibited for learning Torah and reciting brochos.
Nevertheless, Taz (84: 2) and Mogen Avrohom (45) mention that after all women do recite a brocho when they immerse in a mikva (Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 200).
On question 1058 regarding the many hotels everywhere where balconies face the beach or a swimming pool. If early in the morning, when no one is out yet, if there is a problem davening or saying brochos facing an area where usually people are improperly dressed, we wrote: "Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that a beach or a swimming pool area that is empty does not qualify as a bathhouse. Therefore, when no improperly clothed individuals are present, one is allowed to recite brochos, daven or learn Torah in them or facing them."
See also questions 1075 and 1076 regarding clothing needed for reading Shema and davening in a beach or while swimming in a lake. See question 2389 on a Sukka built on top of a swimming pool.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 6/10/2021 9:42 PM |
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# 3211 Lucky Locker
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Q. May one ask someone on Shabbos to open the Havdalah locker in yeshiva (where the items for Havdala are kept), if that person might not be around later and one needs the items for Havdalah?
A. There are two issues involved, one is Muktza and the other is Hachana or preparing during Shabbos for the use on weekdays.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that since this is a standing on the floor locker, there is no issue of Muktza in just unlocking the door, since it also contains the permitted bessamim for Havdalah.
The one unlocking the door during Shabbos, should also take out then those bessamim and make a brocho before smelling them, to comply with the Meah Brochos, as others do on Yom Kippur. Since he is doing this on Shabbos there is no more Hachana.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 6/10/2021 5:58 PM |
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# 3210 Together but Apart
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Q. In our zealous Covid days, our shul provided Shaleshudes and gives small challos for Lechem Mishne, that are packed individually in small transparent paper or plastic bags. Since most only use one of those challos, does it count as Lechem Mishne if the second bread is kept in its bag, so others will use it?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if the challos are placed together, even if one of them is still in its bag, it counts as Lechem Mishne.
However, matzos in a closed matza box, cannot be used for Lechem Mishne.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 6/10/2021 5:43 PM |
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Important Numbers
