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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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#5936 – The Need for the Neder?
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Q. Dear Rov Shlit’a. As I asked this week after your shiur in Shul, regarding Esther, the 14-year-old Jewish girl who was missing for nearly two weeks, I pledged a donation on behalf of her relief, lifesaving and deliverance campaign, a large sum of Tzedaka money as others also did. Now that she returned after likely not being aducted at all, since she just departed herself and her life was not in really any danger, I wonder if I really have to comply with my Neder (promise), since it seems to be that in reality there was no abduction at all. Esther just run away from home herself. What is the Halacha in such a case?
A. Indeed, Esther was the subject of a rare “Level One Search,” with police deploying their mounted and marine units in the effort. Even drones were used to conduct an aerial search of Earl Bales Park. A parallel volunteer search also took place in the North York neighbourhood where Esther was last seen on May 16, with hundreds of volunteers helping to put up posters, seeking tips. A most impressive campaign of prayers for her, and Tzedaka and help for the needy was offered, given and collected in many Synagogues and institutions on her behalf.
Police say that the investigation into her disappearance is continuing, yet no criminal charges have yet been laid.
Police said that their investigation would continue to help determine “whether or not there is any evidence of criminality” associated with Esther’s “prolonged disappearance.”
Police also said that they were “actively” looking into who lived in the home where Esther was found.
You might also consider that any fourteen year old girl without any family supervision, on her own for that amount of time, would be considered in a dangerous situation.
As I consulted with Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a today and other Rabbanim, we must wait some time to get the clear picture and details of what actually happened, to answer your Shaila, if the Neder (promise) you made was indeed a correct and valid one or not?
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/11/2026 6:39 AM |
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#5948 – More Time To Celebrate!
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Q. Can they invite a large group of friends to celebrate with them and join at that time including some members of my family?
A. As wee mentioned above, Tiferet Efraim pp. 481-482 quotes Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky (Kovetz Halachot pp. 15-18) who permitted going to a sports game even during the Nine Days and didn't consider the music to be a problem. Since the music isn't the main focus and is just incidental, it is fine. However, he also quotes Rav Moshe Feinstein (Shemaytata Dmoshe 551:6) as holding that it is permitted during the Three Weeks but not the Nine Days. Rav Soloveitchik as quoted there, held that going to a sports game is forbidden during the Three Weeks because it is a group activity, where being there with others is a simcha shel rabbim.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/10/2026 7:46 AM |
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#5947 – Time to Celebrate?
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Q. Dear Rabbi. I’m a religious Canadian born and now an Israeli Army soldier soon to return after the army service to my family in Canada. Since my background is from a true Torah family, I have a number of Shaalot that I would much appreciate your answer with the background of great Rabanim you represent. Firstly I’m familiar with the new Mossad Chief Roman Gofman and I know well one of the two United Hatzalah medics who saved his life during the October 7 massacre. Are they supposed to celebrate a Seudat Hodaa soon and can they do it during the “Ben Hametzarim” time?
A. Poskim write that it is permitted to celebrate a birthday party during the Three Weeks until Rosh Chodesh Av. (See Halachipedya n.50.)
Tiferet Efraim pp. 481-482 quotes Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky (Kovetz Halachot pp. 15-18) who permitted going to a sports game even during the Nine Days and didn't consider the music to be a problem. Since the music isn't the main focus and is just incidental it is fine. However, he also quotes Rav Moshe Feinstein (Shemaytata Dmoshe 551:6) as holding that it is permitted during the Three Weeks but not the Nine Days. Rav Soloveitchik, as quoted there, held that going to a sports game is forbidden during the Three Weeks because it is a group activity, where being there with others is a simcha shel rabbim.
Some permit music at a meal for a Siyum Masechet of a Gemara (or the like) during the Three Weeks; Yachave Daat 1:45 writes that music is permitted for a seudat mitzvah including a siyum. Torat HaMoadim 5:4 and Yalkut Yosef (Moadim, 5748 edition, pg 554) also agree.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/10/2026 7:45 AM |
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#5946 – The True Three Steps
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Q. See question 5937 above. What if the Shaliach Tzibur has finished davening, and the congregation is ready to begin the repetition of the Amidah, yet there is someone immediately behind the Shaliach Tzibur who is still davening? Can he take three steps back anyways? If not permitted, does then the whole tzibbur have to wait?
A. Since there is an obvious issue of Tircha Detzibur or creating discomfort and irritation to many that usually have to end the Tefilah on time, to be able to attend other activities, it is best to take the three steps sideways.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/10/2026 7:44 AM |
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#5945 – The Third Churban, Really?
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Q. Was there already a third Beth Hamikdash built and destroyed shortly after?
A. Although, some historians argue that this actually happened, it is not our common accepted and proper belief..
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/10/2026 7:43 AM |
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#5944 – Bless the Flowers?
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Q. Mi Querido Rabino. Does one eating a flower as some do in our country have to recite a bracha? What blessing woud one then say?
A. Some flowers are indeed safe to eat, but one must check well and beware since many are highly toxic. One should only eat specific, 100% positively identified species that have been organically grown for culinary use. Also never eat florist flowers or those from roadsides, as they often contain toxic pesticides and other dangerous items.
Some Poskim maintain that if it is a normally eaten item, then it would be hoadama; however if this is unlikely something that most people eat, the bracha would be shehakol. (Bet Horaah – Din). The common answer regarding similar zucchini flowers Shaila is to eat bread and recite Hamotzi and include the zucchini flowers as part of the meal.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/10/2026 7:42 AM |
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#5943 – Two Dollars for Your Shaila!
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Q. I also saw in the shul a two dollar coin on the floor. Since there is likely no simanim or marks that would be required for returning it to the owner, does one have to pick it up and apply effort and time to return it if possible to the owner, or can one just leave it there?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a opinion is that since it likely was in a distinctive place, that information could be used for a siman needed for the return to the owner, when possible.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/10/2026 7:41 AM |
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#5942 – Gone is the Gun?
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Q. I saw on Shabbat in our shul that some of the security guards (religious) were getting an Aliya on the Torah while they were carryng their weapon. Is that permitted?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a opinion is that, if it is needed for complying with the security of the shul, it is permitted, however it is best if they are kept covered.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/10/2026 7:41 AM |
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#5941 – Boon the Moon?
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Q. Kvod Horav, this last Motzei Shabbat was the last day to be able to recite Kiddush Levana (Boon on the Moon). I was with the Rov outside our shul and I saw that the Rov went all the way to Bathurst St. to recite it. While some did it just outside and since the moon was low, although it could be seen clearly, at that point some branches of the nearby trees were covering it partially. Did they comply wit the Kiddush Levana?
A. I consulted with Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a and his opinion is that if one is able to see clearly some of the light of the moon even through some trees, one may recite Kiddush Levana.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/10/2026 7:40 AM |
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#5940 – Severe the Seven Sided Menorah?
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Q. Kvod Mori Horav. Thank you for your answer. Since I know that the Rov Shlit’a learned by Rav Moishe Feinstein Zt”l and reciveed a Yadin Yadin Semicha from him, is it true what I heard that he permited those menoroth in a shul?
A. Actually totally on the contrary, Mori Verabi Horav Moishe Feinstein Zt”l was asked many times this common Shaila and never permitted and would not allow a seven-branched Menorah of any type in a shul.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/10/2026 7:40 AM |
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#5939 – Serve the Seven Sided Menorah?
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Q. Kvod Harav. I lately observed in a big shul in the front next to the Aron Hakodesh, a silver menorah that had only seven branches. Is that permitted?
A.Talmud (Rosh ha-Shanah 24a).forbids fashioning and owing a seven-branched menorah, as is ordered on the prohibition of “imitating” any of the vessels (keilim) that were used in the Mishkan.(Yisro 20:20.) There are at least three views in the early authorities as to the extent of the prohibition: Many Poskim maintain that duplicating the menorah is indeed forbidden even when it is made from other metals, and without all the decorative cups, petals and knobs that were in the original menorah. (Tosafos, Avodah Zarah 43, Beiur ha-Gra, Y.D. 141:21; Birkei Yosef, Y.D. 141:8. See Darchei Teshuvah 141:52 for a more lenient opinion.
See next question
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/10/2026 7:39 AM |
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#5938 – The Time to Travel?
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Q. I would like the Rov to kindly consult with Horav Miller and his important group of Rabanim if one can and should travel to Israel in our dangereos days to visit Israel his family?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is, as we mentioned in recent answers, that it really depends on the particular details of each individual case.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/10/2026 7:38 AM |
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#5937 – The Time to Restart?
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Q. Dear Rov Shlit’a. When is the correct time for the Shaliach Tzibur (or Chazan) in a shul, repeating the amida, to start reading aloud the Amida after waiting for the Rabbi to end his prayer. Is it when he can see that he has ended, or does he have to wait until he goes back the customary three footsteps and also bows down three times?
A. There are indeed diferent traditions, and in principle one should follow the one of the particular minyan he is with.
The Rema (O.H. 124: 3) rules that if some of the participants pray and over delay, the Shaliach Tzibur who is repiting the Shemone Esrei aloud does not have to wait for them, even if they are the important leaders.
Mishna Berura (Ibid 124: 3) adds that they should wait for the Av Beth Din or Torah; he adds that if the leader is extending too long, in need there is place for leniency to not wait for him.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/10/2026 7:38 AM |
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#5935 – A Kohen To Kohen
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Q.. Does a Kohen have to honour another Kohen?
A. Aruch Hashulchan (O.H. 128:72) deals with the question if the obligation of V’kidashto is incumbent only on non-Kohanim, or are Kohanim also included in honouring other Kohanim? Poskim write that the mitzvos of honouring a Kohen, such as offering the Kohen the best portion or offering him to lead the bentching (blessing after the meal), would certainly not apply to a Kohen. Since he can accept the honour himself, he is not ordained to offer it to another Kohen.
However, the question is relevant as to whether a Kohen is permitted to benefit from the service of another Kohen. If the mitzvah does not apply to Kohanim, then they may use other Kohanim for their own benefit.
If Kohanim are also obligated in V’kidashto then the same prohibition that a Yisroel has to not use a Kohen for his own personal benefit would apply to Kohanim as well.
The Aruch Hashulchan leaves this question unresolved. However, the Mishnah Berurah (Beiur Halacha 128, s.v. Assur) writes that a Kohen may be lenient, provided he does not ask a Kohen to perform menial tasks which would be demeaning to the honour of the Kehuna.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/10/2026 7:37 AM |
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#5934 – Can the Kohen Keep the Cash?
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Q. I have more questions. Is a Kohen allowed to forgive others from paying him what they really owe him in money or honour?
A. A Kohen may be mochel any money owed to him and also release others from paying him the honour due to him, except being called up first to the Torah. Rama 128:45; Mishnah Berurah 201:13.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/10/2026 7:36 AM |
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#5933 – Keep the Kovod of a Kohen!
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Q. Rov Shlit’a. Is it true that one should not ask a Kohen to do some task or work for him just as a free favor? How about if he is paid just a little?
A. Our Torah (Vayikra 21:8) demands about a kohen “v’kidashto,” (you shall sanctify him), from which Sages learn to treat a Kohen as an honoured person. (Gittin 59b) Teshubos Maharam M’rotenburg (115), based on a Yerushalmi quotes indeed opinions that one should not be served by Kohanim. Yet he himself maintains that it is permitted even for free, if they so agree wholeheartedly.
Hago’os Mordechai (Gitin 85) tells a story of a Kohen that poured water on the hands of Rabbenu Tam, and one of his present disciples quoted the above Yerushalmi, yet Rabbenu Tam explained that Kohanim in our days lack the great complete holiness since they also don’t wear their Holy Clothing and therefore it is permitted.
See Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 128, 5) and Mishna Berura, which says if the Kohen benefits in any way and wholeheartedly agrees, it is permitted.
See next question
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/10/2026 7:35 AM |
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#5932 – Where is the Killer?
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Q. Hon. Rabbi. As the Rabbi mentioned the above question, I wanted to ask the Rov after the shiur, what do we do in our days with Israeli soldiers or security people that may have killed someone? Can they still do Birchas Kohanim or lead the services in Shul?
A. Poskim mostly rule that they are allowed. This reason is based on the responsa of Rabbi Shimshon of Sens written some 800 years ago. He ruled that a Kohen who circumcised a baby and the baby died may still raise his hands since the mohel had the intent to fulfill a mitzvah.
Similarly so ruled Rabbi Uziel, apparently around the time of Israel’s War of Independence, in a halachic ruling cited by Rabbi Felder (p. 52): “He concluded that Kohanim are obligated to enlist, and that it’s a mitzvah for them to stand in the battlefield and to defend our remnants and the honour of our land. He is doing nothing but fulfilling the command of Hashem, and thus he remains in his complete priestly status like all the sons of Aaron — to raise his hands and bless the people of God.” And so ruled Rabbi Ovadia Yosef (p. 61) regarding IDF soldiers:
All the more so here, where Kohanim who are IDF soldiers stand to defend Israel and our Holy Land — there is no doubt that they are performing a great mitzvah by confronting enemy armies that come to sow destruction and to kill, destroy and annihilate men, women, and children. This is what Maimonides ruled in Chapter 5 of Hilkhot Melachim, that defending Israel from enemy attack is considered a Milchemet Mitzvah, [a commanded war]. Therefore, there is absolutely no doubt that these Kohanim are acceptable to perform the priestly blessing… It is appropriate to say to them: ‘May your hands be strengthened, and may your strength be blessed.”
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/10/2026 7:34 AM |
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#5931 - A Non – Blessed Death!
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Q. Dear Rabbi, I’m a male medical attendant in a well known busy hospital and in some instances due to my heavy duties and other complications, I may have neglected a bit my work and that could have caused damage and even in some unusual case shortened someone’s life. Since I’m a Kohen, can I still continue receiving the honours that a Kohen gets?
A. On question 5450 we wrote: Q. Dear Rabino, Larga Vida! In our community down south in the continent, we have a Kohen who was suffering from a very dangerous severe viral infection. He was warned by his doctors to stay home and not to go to work. But he didn’t pay attention and his infection spread to some of the workers of his business who are mostly Jewish. It seems that at least two of their young children died from the virus. Can he still be a Kohen and recite Birkat Kohanim (The Blessing of the Kohanim)?
A. On question 2535 we wrote:
“Q. A physician who is also a Kohen and learns the Daf, recently became aware that a Kohen whose hands have spilled blood can not raise them and perform Birchas Kohanim. He is wondering with honesty about himself. He has been always recognized, throughout a long successful medical history, as highly dedicated to save lives and to be very careful not to render any mistaken decisions and prognoses.
However, reality is that it is almost impossible that unwittingly and inadvertently some misguided procedures might have happened, that likely shortened the life of a patient. He questions whether he should continue reciting Birchas Kohanim?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 128: 35) rules that the abstention of Birchas Kohanim applies even if the death occurred beshogeg and unintentionally, and even if one makes teshuva.
However, Rema (ibid.) maintains that our tradition is to be lenient after teshuva. Biur Halacha (d’h Afilu) opines that if the slaying was intentional even after teshuva, the Kohen should abstain from Birchas Kohanim.
The Shulchan Aruch (ibid. 36) also is lenient if a child dies after the bris mila. Mishna Berura (132) explains that the mohel certainly intended for the mitzva, and was not negligent.
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a pointed to Talmud (Kidushin 24b and Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 267: 36), regarding a medic setting free his servant by blinding his eye and intention is required.
The Rov’s opinion is that since intention was always for the mitzva of helping and healing his patients, even if unintentional and unexpected mistakes were done, he can continue blessing Birchas Kohanim.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a”
In our particular case it would be correct if he would abstain from blessing Birchas Kohanim.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/10/2026 7:33 AM |
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#5930 – The Timing of Pirkei Avot
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Q. I also wondered, why is this time period chosen for Pirkei Avot and not another time?
A. Because of its contents, the name is sometimes given as Ethics of the Fathers. Pirkei Avot consists of the Mishnaic minor tractate of Avot, the second-to-last tractate in the order of Nezikin in the Mishnah, plus one additional chapter. Avot is unique in that it is the only tractate of the Mishnah dealing solely with ethical and moral principles; there is relatively little Halacha (Jewish law) in Pirkei Avot.
In most communities it is said at least until Shavuot, however many continue beyond Shavuot right through to Rosh Hashanah.
While the core season of this study is in the spring, many traditional communities (such as the Chabad movement) extend this study cycle throughout the entire summer, reading the chapters again every Shabbat until Rosh Hashanah.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/10/2026 7:33 AM |
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#5929 – The Reason to Say Pirkei Avot
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Q. I always wondered why we say or learn Pirkei Avot then?
A. We recite Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) after Pesach as spiritual preparation for Shavuot. Just as the Jewish people refined their character traits after leaving Egypt to become worthy of receiving the Torah, we study these ethical teachings during the Counting of the Omer to improve our own moral integrity and humility.
The tradition spans the seven weeks between Pesach and Shavuot, and provides a dedicated time to focus on personal growth and values. Many people who study or just say Pirkei Avot on Shabbat afternoons do so following Mincha, while others study before Mincha. See next question
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
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Posted 6/10/2026 7:32 AM |
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Important Numbers
