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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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#5649 Querido Rabino
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- Q. Querido Rabino.
We just had an Electrical power outage from Hydro One. I was wondering if I can sue the Hydro company, since it caused a substantial lose in my Kosher food company as the food spoiled when the food mixing machines stopped. Would the Rov accept a Din Torah against Hydro One? We may be able to collect some substantial compensation?
A. As much as I would like to help you, I don’t believe I have the time and means to follow what you are requesting.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 11/7/2025 11:24 AM |
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#5648 The Meat Of The Matter
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- Q. Shalom Horav: I just read on the National Post that Cloned Meat is getting closer to being sold in Canada without any labels |. If that is true what should we do?
A. We once wrote in respect to cloned meat the following:
Dear Rabbeinu Shalit"a, 1. Can cloned meat be kosher? 2. Halachically, should producers inform customers that the meat is cloned?
A. Cloning is the process of generating a genetically identical copy of a cell or an organism. Cloning happens all the time in nature. In biomedical research, cloning is broadly defined to mean the duplication of any kind of biological material for scientific study, such as a piece of DNA or an Therapeutic cloning enables the cultivation of stem cells that are genetically identical to a patient. This approach, by avoiding risk of rejection by the immune system, has the potential to benefit many patients, including those affected by Alzheimer disease, diabetes, etc.See questions 1230, 1234, 4336, 2114, and others.10) Ask Vaera 8 10)
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Posted 11/7/2025 11:22 AM |
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#5647 – More Room for the Silver Spoon!
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Q. See question above. Dear Rov I heard that the reason is that it is a Segula for having Parnasa and good economic support in the marriage. Is that correct?
A. Indeed another reason for silver use by a wedding is that silver is a good siman (sign). In Hebrew (כסף) the numerical number increases with each letter (20, 60, 80). From Chukai Noshim Ben Ish Chai chapter 45.
By Gentiles (lehavdil), a common practice is the groom presenting the bride with an engraved silver teaspoon on their wedding day to symbolize that they will never go hungry and/or the practice of the new couple stepping over a broom into their new marriage.
The Chabad Rebbe in a Sicha said that the Minhagim (traditions) of the Nosi Hador (Leader of the Generation) are for everyone to follow especially the Minhagai Chasuno (wedding traditions) that are done in giluy. (in public).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 11/7/2025 11:13 AM |
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#5646 – The Room for the Silver Spoon?
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Q. Why do some couples include a silver spoon at the room of Yichud after the Chupa?
A. At a wedding, according Chabad Chasidim have a tradition that a silver spoon is placed at the entrance to the yichud room. The chosson walks in first by stepping over it with his right foot first.
A. Chabad Chasidim maintain that the wedding ring used, is to be made of silver, "kesef" in Hebrew. It is similar to the Hebrew word "kosef," which means yearning and love. Some maintain that since most people use gold rings today, the silver spoon represents this same affection.
All things in Judaism start with the right hand or foot, because it represents strength and permanence. (R’ Eliezer Zalmanov for Chabad.org)"ספר המנהגים חב"ד" עמ' 76
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 11/7/2025 11:11 AM |
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#5645 The Kosher Wisher?
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- Q. Dearest Rabbi and friend. As you well know me (even as a child) and my family from the days you were the Chief Rabbi of Mexico, and you helped me and some of my siblings become Ba’aley Teshuva, I would like you to help me and my relatives solve an important family issue.
My very elderly father is celebrating his 90 year old birthday and all our great family is joining. Although, we tried everything to have it done in a Kosher place, he wanted it to be on the hall he met our mother Zt”l and it is a Non Kosher old restaurant.
We can order Kosher food to be served, yet it may be a Chilul Hashem for all of us Ba’aley Teshuva to be celebrating in that place. What is the correct thing to do?
Need answer soon please!!
A. In need, the best thing would be to erect a tent outside the entrance of the restaurant, clearly indicating with large signs that the food being served therein only on this occasion is Kosher. It is recommended to add the reason for that special kosher celebration.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 11/7/2025 11:08 AM |
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#5644 The Spoon Balloon?
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- Buenas tardes Rabino Bartfeld Le escribo para otra Shaile - Vi en una jupa que ponen afuera del cuarto de ijud de los novios una cuchara de plata - Ha escuchado usted de ese minag.
- Translation: Good Evening Rabbi Bartfeld. I’m sending another Shaile. I saw in a Chupa outside of the Yichud Room that they placed a silver spoon. Is there a source to this tradition?
A. It is usually a tradition followed by Chabad Chasidim and other similar Chasidic groups. At the wedding, according to the Chabad custom, a silver spoon is placed at the entrance to the Yichud Room. The Chosson (groom) walks in first by stepping over it with his right foot first.
Some mention that it is to symbolize that they will never be in need and go hungry. Other authors mention that the word Kesef or silver is similar to the term Liksof - "נכסוף נכספתי" – implying the love and care for the new couple to each other. Traditionally, in many other cultures a “Silver Spoon” is a symbol of well being and wealth.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 11/7/2025 11:04 AM |
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#5643 Don’t Get Carried Away
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- Q. Rabino Bartfeld. I have a Shailah: Does the Mitzva of writing a Sefer Torah apply also to women?
A. On question 1407 we wrote:
Q. Are women allowed to carry a Sefer Torah?
A. Teshuvos Vehanhogos (4: 238: 7) quotes a difference of opinion if women are permitted to stitch and sew the parchments that comprise a Sefer Torah. Although he is stringent, he explains the reason of the ones who are lenient, namely, that the stitching may not be an essential needed act, also at that stage it is not a Sefer Torah yet.
Yalkut Yosef (Tzitzis Tefilin and Safrus p. 679) mentions that there was a tradition in some places to honor women at the siyum ceremony by allowing them to stitch a loop that joins the ‘yerios’ together. However, his opinion is also to be stringent. See also Minchas Aviv (1: p.51) in regards to the mitzva of a woman writing a Sefer Torah.
During tefilah women pray separately and do not take part in any act that would require them to carry a Sefer Torah.
Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 282: 9) rules that all people who are in a state of tumah or impurity including women during their period may hold and read a Sefer Torah, as long as their hands are clean. Remoh (O.H. 88: 1) maintains that women even in impurity can touch a Sefer Torah, however the common tradition in their cities was to abstain.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s opinion is that in general women should refrain from carrying a Sefer Torah, if not in need (for the necessary benefit of the Torah). They should therefore abstain from making and dancing their own hakafot carrying a Sefer Torah or taking around themselves a Sefer Torah on the women,s section for the other women to kiss.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 11/7/2025 10:56 AM |
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5642 – Not A Maaser Chaser?
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- Q. See question above.
When I donate, can I use my Maaser money?
A. If it indeed qualifies as permitted help one can use his Maaser Tzedaka funds.\
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 11/7/2025 10:51 AM |
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#5641 An Open Door for All?
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- Q. See questions above.
Does one have to open his home door to supply Tzedaka to a Non-Jew knocking at the door?
A. The Rambam on Hilchos Matnos Aniyim 7:7 rules that; “We provide food and clothing to the needy of other nations just as we do to needy Jews in order to promote peaceful relations.”
If a needy person begs door to door, we don’t give him a lot, just a reasonable accepted usual amount. If someone requests charity, we are not permitted to turn him away empty-handed. As our Sages teach: One should give even a single fig as per Psalms 74:21: “Don’t let the downtrodden turn away in shame.”
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 11/7/2025 10:41 AM |
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#5640 Tzedek For Tzedaka!
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- Q. See questions above.
When I donate for them, is that considered that I comply with the mitzva of Tzedaka, and can I use the monies collected by me in our large shul?
Do I have to ask the other Gabaim that are also in charge?
A. The Aruch Hashulchan [ibid 13] adds that even when a Gentile comes on his own to beg for food we also give Tzedaka to the non-Jew.
However, since you do not need to feed all the non-Jewish beggars with your limited financial resources it is enough to only give a small amount, and keep the rest for your fellow Jews in need.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 11/7/2025 10:36 AM |
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#5639 A Visa to Melissa?
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Q. Rabbenu Long Life. Thanks for answering my recent shailos.
I manage a few buildings that have as tenants a large group of members of communities from across the Caribbean including Jamaica and many of the tenants families are suffering and recovering from the damage done recently by Hurricane Melissa. They are collecting for their help and I fill obliged also to help them.
I have a number of Shailos that require an expert accepted Halacha answer. Firstly, do I have to contribute to their collections in the same amounts that they contribute or can I just give a small amount, just to be “yotzeh”?
A. Rema in Sulchan Aruch Y.D. 251:1, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 34:3., based on Talmud Gittin 28a that rules:
ת"ר: מפרנסים עניי נכרים עם עניי ישראל, ומבקרין חולי נכרים עם חולי ישראל, וקוברין מתי נכרים עם
מתי ישראל, מפני דרכי שלום"" -
“Our Sages ruled that: We should give non-Jews food and clothing just like they give to Jews, also we should visit their ill and provide burial for their deceased because of "Darchei Shalom," promoting positive peaceful relations with Gentiles.
Ran (ibid.) explains that one should support poor non-Jews even if they're not asking together with Jewish poor people. However, the Mordechai (cited by Darkei Moshe 251:1) argues that only if the Jewish and non-Jewish poor are requesting simultaneously and it would be apparent that one wouldn't give to a Gentile, then one should give to the non-Jew as well.
Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 151:12 and Shach 251:2 rule like the Ran. Gra 251:2 understands the Rama to hold like the Mordechai but personally seems to agree with the Ran.
The Talmud [Gitin 61a] states that we should feed the poor non-Jew among the Jewish poor for the sake of peace with our non-Jewish neighbors and the Rema [YD 251:1] wrote it as practical Halacha.
See next question.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 11/7/2025 10:32 AM |
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#5638 A Kosher Payment?
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- Q. I was driving my car and accidentally hit the liftgate in the parking lot of a church. I have already let them know that I did it and wanted to take responsibility, so there is no option for a hit and run (not that I'd want to do that).
My questions are:
1) Is there any issue with giving money directly to the church to reimburse them for the damage?
2) Can I request a donation receipt to help me recoup some of the expense?
3) Is it better if I try to pay the repair company directly? (I'm not sure that they will give me this option but I can try and insist).
A. In principle there is no prohibited issue in reimbursing the church institution for the damage done, since we have to compensate and repay what we owe, both by our Torah mitzvot and the law of the land.
Yet you should not ask for a donation receipt, since it is money owed and not a donation at all.
Doing the above could create a “Chilul Hashem or desecration of Hashem and His Torah values.
As far as offering to pay the repair company directly, if it is legal and acceptable by the church, you can do so.
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Posted 11/2/2025 10:09 PM |
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#5637 Shtick Or Treat?
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- Q. Dear Rabbi I rent an apartment in a building that has many tenants that keep Halloween. This year (2025) October 31 is on Friday and some of the non Jewish tenants kids go around collecting candies since we want to keep good relations with all neighbors can we give candies to those children?
A. On question 1485 we wrote:
Q. We have some Modern Orthodox neighbors that let their kids join the others in the block (many Jewish) and go around collecting candies on Halloween, is that permitted?
Should we advise them not to do it? Can we give children that ring our bell candies?
A. Halloween is a shortening of All Hallows’ Evening, also known as Allhalloween, or All Saints’ Eve, is a festivity observed in a number of countries on 31 October, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows’ Day. It begins the three-day observance dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs, and all the faithful departed.
It is widely believed that many Halloween traditions originated from ancient pagan Celtic harvest festivals, particularly the Gaelic festival Samhain, and was Christianized as Halloween by the early Church.
Today’s Halloween customs, are a combination of Celtic, Roman and Christian holidays. In essence, Halloween is not a secular holiday.
Halacha prohibits celebrating gentile holidays. (Remah Y.D. 178: 1). Even though some gentile holidays today may not considered idol worship, the law which commands us not to behave in the customs and manners of the gentiles, still applies.
Therefore, Horav Shlomo Miller”s Shlit”a opinion is to refrain from letting children join others on their Halloween traditions. However, if there is an issue of Chilul Hashem, the Rov maintains that you may give candies to the children that visit you.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 10/31/2025 10:21 AM |
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#5636 Meet Who at the Meeting!!!
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– - Q. Kvod Rabenu Shlit’a. Recently the Rov forwarded a petition from Kolel of Moreinu Horav Miller Shlit’a to attend a community meeting from the City of Toronto.
It was to hear public opinion about a major proposed government development at Lawrence Plaza of 2,693 condominium units and 1,298 vehicle parking spaces, that would affect greatly the Torah institutions and the well being of all Frum inhabitants in that area.
As requested I attended the meeting, and it was packed with Frum neighbors many wearing hats, and they had to stand on the sides of the hall. Yet very surprising, the lady directing the meeting was dressed very Not Tzinusdick!!! How was that allowed???
A. In truth the meeting was arranged as specified by the City of Toronto. I was given a place up front. Yet when I realized what was happening, as you probably noticed, I just left.
Iy”H b”n, care should be taken in the future to avoid such an embarrassing situation.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 10/30/2025 11:36 PM |
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#5635 A Breakfast Fast?
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- Q. See questions above. Can one just fast on Beahab half a day and still recite the Selichot?
A. It would depend on the traditions of each minyan. In many they recite the Selichos without fasting at all.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 10/30/2025 11:22 PM |
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#5634 Cast the Fast?
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- Q. See question above.
Is there a minhag to recite a special Mi Sheberach for the ones that fast? If someone answers Amen to the Mi Sheberah does he become obliged to fast?
A. Traditionally, on the Shabbat preceding these fasts, a special Mi Sheberach is recited for those who intend to fast.
Most communities recite this Mi Sheberach before returning the Sefer Torah to the Aron Hakodesh , but some (generally Western European communities) add it as an additional line to the Mi Sheberach recited for the community (recited after Yokum Purkan).
One who responds "Amen" to this blessing does not need to accept the fast upon oneself.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 10/30/2025 11:19 PM |
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#5633 Don’t Blast the Fast!
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- Q. What is the correct order for these fasting days, and why?
A. Mishna Berura (492:3), rules the fasts should always be on the first Monday, Thursday, and following Monday, following the first Shabbat after Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan and Iyar.
However, some communities have the custom to delay the fasts in Cheshvan until the end of the month. Since Shavuos is only one day (or two days in the Diaspora), there is less of a concern that one sinned, and there was no widespread custom to fast after Shavuot.
Nevertheless, there have been individuals who fasted on a Monday, Thursday and Monday after Shavuot.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 10/30/2025 11:15 PM |
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#5632 A Fast Reason to a Fast
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- Q. What is the reason for these above mentioned fasting days?
A. One general explaining is that the reason for the fasts is in case one sinned over the festivals of long Sukos or Pesach holidays, and others say that it should be for an atonement before the raining and harvest seasons.
The days of Monday and Thursday were chosen because they are considered days of extra mercy from Heaven.
It is also serves to atone for any forbidden work which one may have performed on Chol Ha'moed. (Eliyahu Rabba 492:3).
Some authorities suggest that the Beahab fast is actually therapeutic in nature, intended to strengthen our bodies in preparation for the changing seasons which occur following Pesach and Sukkot. Levush (492:3 as cited also in Nitei Gavriel
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 10/30/2025 11:13 PM |
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#5631 Have a Beahab?
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- Q. Kvod Horav
Shlit’a. Is it true that people who don’t keep the fasting and
the Selichot of Beahab, should still refrain from eating then meat
and drinking wine? What exactly is the Beahab tradition and its
meaning?
A.
he Fast of Behav (תענית
בה"ב)
refers to a tradition of Jews from Ashkenasi communities to fast on
the Monday, Thursday, and then following Monday after the Yomim Tovim
of Peisach and Sukos. While today few people fast, many Ashkenazi
communities recite the Selichos for these days. Practically, the
fasts are observed in the months of Iyar and Cheshvan, so as not to
fast in the happy months of Nisan and Tishrei
See
next question.
Rabbi
A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam,
Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs
Shlit’a
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Posted 10/30/2025 11:04 PM |
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#5630 Oy Vay AI?
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- Q. We recently had in some ways a quite a few similar questions relating to the constantly changing new AI technologies.
One was an actually common one. If one forgot to turn off his cellular phone when traveling with his wife and left the phone on the night table between the beds in the room they are staying, If the phone will keep on ringing and receiving loud messages, can one just indirectly push it from there to the floor and then kick it under the bed or cover it with pillows so it wont disturb?
A. Indeed one should try to ask a Gentile helper to place it where it will not be heard and disturb. If that is not available, the procedure mentioned above in the question could be done.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 10/30/2025 11:02 PM |
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Important Numbers
