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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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#5959 – No Compensation for this Donation?
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Dear Rabbi. As the Rov is likely also aware, when one goes shopping in some supermarkets in our Toronto neighborhoods, the cashiers ask often for a “LGBT” donation. Many likely ashamed of not contributing, just give a small few dollars or cents. The problem may be that the above abbreviation stands for helping Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people. Is it correct to contribute? If someone fears of making a Chilul Hashem when other do give a small amount, what is the correct thing to do?
A. Clearly explain that the donation is to help some truly very morally affected sick people!
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 6/15/2026 12:45 AM |
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#5958 – Holy Name or Unholy Shame?
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Q. How could they use the Babylonian names for the months; were they not the idolatrous names of their avoda zarah? (See questions 2487- 88 - 89 above)
A. As mentioned above quoting Ramban rather than remembering the Exodus, the Sages of the time decided that more appropriate was to in some way commemorate the latest deliverance from the nation they had been redeemed from. They did so by taking the very same idolatrous month names of their previous exile and turning them into Jewish names.
The name Tamuz was an avoda zarah, as it is written (Yechezkel 8: 14): And behold there the women were sitting, making the Tammuz weep. Rashi explains it was the statue of an idol, although Radak maintains it was the image of a false prophet.
The Rebbe of Rizhin zt’l (Gam Ani Odecho p. 20) added that the Sages of that time embedded kedusha into those names. Based on this principle, the Sages expounded the names of the months – e.g. Elul is an acronym for “ani ledodi vedodi li” (I am to my beloved, and my beloved is to me”), and Nisan is the month of “nissim” (miracles).
Even though the names of the months are linguistically speaking Babylonian or Persian, they were adopted by the Jews with the understanding that they were Divinely inspired names, and are also laden with Cabbalistic meanings. (See Torah Shleima 10 – 11.)
The process of embedding kedusha into those names and by extension to the people returning from Babel, which was so essential to their return to Eretz Yisroel, was accomplished by Ezra, and could be the reason why we observe his yohrtzait on the ninth of Teves, while many others we don’t, such as the Avos or Aharon Hacohen.
See also questions 1650, 1654 and 2180 in regard to reciting tehilim when facing a cross in an adjoining cemetery or kidush levana on the street, since all Ontario vehicle plates have a cross on them; or the use of coins, stamps or utensils that have a religious symbols on them, which are used in our days only as a decoration. (Shach ibid., Chochmas Odom 85,1. See also Igros Moshe Y.D. 1: 69 in regard to a medallion or an award and Igros Moshe Y.D. II, 53 regarding teaching Greek philosophy.) Poskim argue that since the idols of the Babylonian month names are no longer worshiped or revered, there is no prohibition mentioning them.
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a pointed out that the reason these names could be used, may be because the different idols were named after the already existing names of the months and not the opposite.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a
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 6/15/2026 12:45 AM |
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#5957 – Oy Vay! My not god?
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Q. One more question. How come we use for the name of a month the title of a Mesopotamian god. Why is that permitted?
A. The name Tamuz is indeed the epithet of an idolatry, as it says in Yechezkel: (8: 1) And He brought me to the entrance of the gate of the house of Hashem that is to the north, and behold there the women were sitting, making the Tamuz weep. Rashi (ibid) explains: There was an image that they would heat up from the inside, and its eyes, which were of lead, would melt from the heat of the fire, and it would appear as though it was weeping, and they would say, “It is asking for an offering.” “Tamuz” is an expression of heating. It is also true that we are enjoined from using names of idolatry as the Torah ordains: (Shemos 23: 13) The name of the gods of others you shall not mention; it shall not be heard through your mouth. (See Sanhedrin 63: 2).
However, as the Talmud above points out, the names of the avoda zaras recorded in the Torah can be used, yet it seems hard to understand why such a title was chosen.
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 See next question.
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Posted 6/15/2026 12:43 AM |
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#5956 – The Tamuz Minus?
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Q.. Another question. As we are about to begin the sad month of Tamuz, what exactly is the meaning of that name?
A. Tamuz, the fourth month of the Jewish calendar, has two primary meanings: It is and an ancient Mesopotamian god of fertility and agriculture. The word itself stems from the Akkadian form Tammuzi, which ultimately is deriven from Sumerian. The name of the month was adopted from the Assyrian and Babylonian month Araḫ Dumuzu, named in honour of the Mesopotamian deity Dumuzid.
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 6/15/2026 12:43 AM |
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#5955 – The Sivan Minivan?
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Q. What actually occurred on the 20th of Sivan?
A. Yisod Veshoreash Hoavodo (Shaar 9: 11) mentions that the twentieth of Sivan became a day of fasting due to the many tragedies which began on that day.
On the 20th of Sivan (1171) - The first blood libel in France - tens of Jewish men and women including three great tzadikim, were burned alive in the French town of Blois because of the accusation that Jews used the blood of Christian children in the preparation of matzah for Pesach.
The Shach was from the first who instituted this day as a fast day, commemorating the “Gezeiros Tach V’Tat,” (the catastrophic Chmielnicki massacres in Southern Poland and the Ukraine in 1648-1649). It would seem, however, from his own words, that he had established the fast day only for his family and descendants. This would explain why, in 1652, the Vaad Arba Hoarotzos (Council of the Four Lands) also declared a fast on 20 Sivan; they were establishing one for the public at large. It became accepted mostly in Poland. (Taz O.H. 566)
Mishna Berura (566: 10, 574: 2) mentions in regards to the reading of Vayechal, that the 20th of Sivan in his days became less established as a day of fasting, and only a few observed it. He also, by quoting Mogen Arohom and Pri Megodim, debates about eating at a bris mila or other seudas mitzva on that day and what to do on Erev Shabbos.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that today the twentieth of Sivan is not a well known occasion at all and the minhag for most is not to fast or say selichos. Therefore, one may attend the wedding of a close friend and comply with the biblical mitzvah of rejoicing with the chosson and kallah.
There is also no need to search for a minyan that says selichos, which may be hard to come by, unless one has a family tradition to do so.
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 6/15/2026 12:42 AM |
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#5954 – Ending the Wedding?
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Q. Hon. Rabino Larga Vida. I was invited to a wedding last Thursday night which corresponded to the 20th day of Sivan. Since they are good friend, I did attend. Some of my very frum friends told me that we don’t celebrate weddings on that day. Did I do something incorrect? Actually the wedding was performed by an Orthodox Rabbi and most of the attendants were also frum. What is the real Halacha?
A. We once wrote that Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that today the twentieth of Sivan is not a well known occasion at all and the minhag for most is not to fast or say selichos. Therefore, one may attend the wedding of a close friend and comply with the biblical mitzvah of rejoicing with the chosson and kallah.
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
See next question.
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Posted 6/15/2026 12:41 AM |
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#5953 – Can We Fight for Our Soldiers?
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Q. Is there anything that we here can do about the tragic situation some religious Israeli soldiers encounter?
A. Some circles and Shomrei Torah groups of Israel suporters world wide indeed have organized and sent their opinions as done in the past to their right and actually helpful Israeli authorities. One who has the opportunity should also do so.
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 6/15/2026 12:40 AM |
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# 5952 – Protesting the Protesters?
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Q. Rabbenu Shlit’a. One more question. What about the also recent very Frum people demonstrations of sometimes violent protest against the non religious leaders and people. Are they accepted?
A. We also heard that the Rosh Yeshiva HaRav Salim Shlit”a also addressed the strong and sometimes violent protests and demonstrations taking place recently over the draft issue, ruling out the participation of Bnei Yeshivos.
He mentioned that; “The demonstrations and protests, and what’s happening in the streets, don’t help; they’re harmful! And it completely pulls you away from learning.”
“It’s harmful for a person to become accustomed to violence; it harms his character. Everyone should do everything possible to heed the directives of the Rabbanim.”
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion about the recent demonstrations in Israel by Lomdei Torah and Yeshiva students, against the government should be consulted with the true leading Gedoley Israel and reliable accepted Poskim.
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 6/15/2026 12:39 AM |
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#5950 – The Wrong Commander Decision!
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Q. See question above. What was the opinion of the other soldiers present and what is Horav Shlomo Miller’s view?
A. I also read that: ”The soldier’s comrades also criticized the punishment decision, saying it had created a strong sense of injustice within the unit.” It’s absurd that during such an intense period of fighting, when soldiers risk their lives, the army commanders are dealing with things like this,” soldiers said.
The opinions of Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a and our group of Rabbanim was also similar.
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
See next question.
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Posted 6/15/2026 12:38 AM |
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#5949 – A “Moshiach” Soldier?
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Q. Rabbenu Shlit’a. Recently we read on the Arutz Sheva news that An IDF soldier from the Golani Brigade was removed from combat during Shabbos duty due to wearing a “Moshiach” patch during operational activity in southern Lebanon. The soldier argued that he had been subjected to unnecessary Chillul Shabbos because there was no operational need to remove him from Lebanon. However, the battalion commander maintained that the incident constituted a serious disciplinary offense and operational consideration. What is really the Torah and Halacha opinion of this very sad occurrence?
A. Checking on the issue I read that “HaGaon HaRav Avraham Salim, the Rosh Yeshiva of the Maor HaTorah Yeshiva and a member of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah of Shas, connected to the soldier, mentioned the following ruling.
“It makes no sense to impose a disproportionate punishment that harms the motivation of soldiers who are risking their lives for the people and the country,” he said. He added that there was no justification for removing the soldier from Lebanon on Shabbos, when it was not really necessary.
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
See next question.
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Posted 6/15/2026 12:37 AM |
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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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Important Numbers
