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# 3441 High Seas?
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Q. Can one recite say 'Ose Maase Bereishit' when looking at the sea from the great altitude of a flight at the time one cannot see any details, just a great blue surface ?
A. Although it is preferable to recite the Brocho at the beginning of the flight as one sees first the Mediterranean when leaving Eretz Yisroel, Betzel Hachochmo (2: 15) maintains that if the sight carries beauty and awakens admiration and wonder, one can recite the Brocho from the heights of a flying plane.
On question 2573 regarding the "special blessing when he sees a place where a miracle occurred for the Bnai Yisroel, such as the site of the crossing of the sea, when we left Egypt, or the crossing of the Yarden river when entering the land, that we don’t make that bracha today, since we do not know exactly where the sea or the Yarden were split and crossed.
We answered: "Kaftor Vopherach (7), Biur Halacha (208: 1) and others rule that no brochos should be recited unless one is sure and certain that he is witnessing the place where the miracle actually occurred.
Indeed, Horav Ben Sion Abba Shaul zt’l, Rosh Hayeshiva of Porath Yosef, rules in Ohr Letzion (2: 14: 40), that if one travels by plane close to the Jordan river over the area of Yericho, and he sees all the compatible area, he could recite the mentioned blessing.
Horav Shlomo miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that although it may be possible for a plane traveling at the right height to see some specific details and identifying aspects of the location being observed, it would not be possible to do so from space and therefore no brocho should be recited on the crossing of the sea."
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/25/2021 10:34 PM |
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# 3440 A Plane Answer
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Q. If one saw the sea from the plane at the beginning of the trip and did not make the Bracha of 'Ose Maase Bereishit' at the time, can he say it latter during the same flight?
A. Betzel Hachochmo (5: 27) rules that all brochos recited on seeing or listening something of wonder and unusual admiration, even after some time has elapsed, if they are still being seen or listen to, the corresponding brocho can be recited.
Halichos Shlomo (23: 26) maintains that as long as the wonder feeling still persists in the heart and mind of the observer, he can still recite the blessing. However, Rashbatz (Brochos 59a) quoting Ramban, opines that is is only within 'Toch K'dei Dibur' or about three seconds.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld
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Posted 11/25/2021 10:26 PM |
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# 3439 Falling for the Falls
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Q. See question above. Does the same apply to seeing the Lake Ontario and the rivers close to Niagara Falls?
A. On question 3288 regarding Brocho does one say if any when seeing first time Niagara Falls, we wrote:
"Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is than one can recite 'Ose Maase Bereishis.' However, if one has recited that blessing within thirty days, as in the case of seeing the sea, one should not repeat it with Hashem's name."
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/25/2021 10:21 PM |
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# 3438 The Lacking of the Lakes
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Q. See question above Q G-d willing, I am planning a trip to Toronto in the near future. Since I will be traveling over the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and will ostensibly see Lake Ontario while in Toronto, do I make a separate Brocho upon seeing each body of water?
A. On question 3289 regarding the bracha for one visiting first time Canada and seeing Lake Ontario, if should he say a blessing on it, we wrote: "Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is than one should avoid reciting a brocho with Hashem's name on common lakes since there are not that unusual and are similar to others. Therefore, seeing them even first time does not create great wonderment or admiration.
In you particular case, if on the same flight you will also see Lake Ontario, you should indeed have in mind when first reciting the brocho that you want to comply that blessing.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/25/2021 10:11 PM |
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# 3437 From Sea to Shining Sea
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Q. G-d willing, I am planning a trip to Toronto in the near future. Since I will be traveling over the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, (and will ostensibly see Lake Ontario while in Toronto), do I make a separate Brocho upon seeing each body of water?
A. Shulchan Aruch ( O.H. 228: 1) rules that on seeing a sea one recites 'Ose Maase Bereishis.' However, on seeing the 'Great Sea' one recites 'Ose Hayam Hagadol.' The Great Sea. He defines as the sea that one crosses when traveling to Eretz Yisroel or Egypt, namely the Mediterranean Sea.
Mishna Berura (2) debates and quotes opinions if the Yam Hagadol is indeed the Mediterranean Sea and is so named because of the importance of the Land of Israel, or as many Poskim maintain, it is the 'Yam Okianus' or what is named an 'Ocean,' is what carries the name of The Great Sea, since it covers in its connections the whole world. That would be the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans that also connect to the Mediterranean.
It would seem from Biur Halocho (ibid.), that it is better to recite 'Ose Maase Bereishis,' on all seas, since after the fact you comply with that blessing all possibilities.
Halichos Shlomo (H. Tefillah 23: 29) and Vezos Habrocho (p. 154) maintain that it is desirable, that when reciting the brocho on the Mediterranean Sea to say 'Ose Maase Bereishis,' and then add the words 'Ose Hayam Hagadol' Toch Kdei Dibbur or within 2-3 seconds.
Halichos Shlomo (H. Tefillah 23: 27) rules that If one said a brocho upon seeing one ocean and then sees another ocean, one should recite another bracha even if it's within 30 days. Therefore, it is preferable to have in mind when seeing the Mediterranean, and reciting 'Ose Maase Bereishis,' to have in mind the Atlantic and any other upcoming seas, since one knows that soon one will be gazing at them.
See next question
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/25/2021 10:02 PM |
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# 3436 Don't Ask Alexa
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Q. Can one use a computer that follows Alexa or Siri type of vocal instructions do melachot (prohibited works) on Shabbat, if it is programmed to only randomly follow up instructions 50% of the time? Since this scenario is definitely not a Pesik Reisha or a certainty that the Melacha will be done and is also done with a Shinui (in an unusual way), is it permitted?
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is not since it is a 'Dovor Hamiskaven' or an act done with intention, and that is not permitted even when not a Pesik Reisha.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/22/2021 4:01 PM |
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# 3435 Sorry for the Sorrow
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Q. Can someone observing Avelus during Shloshim (the first Thirty Days) attend during Shabbos a Sheva Brochos meal of a family member in a shul, to which he also contributed?
A. See Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 391: 2) that one should not attend a festive meal outside of his home even for a close relatives, while he is still during the first thirty days of mourning.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is advisable not to attend.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/19/2021 9:36 AM |
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# 3434 A Reflection on Sadness
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Q. See question above. Can an Avel during Shloshim (the thirty days after the beginning of mourning for a dear one) attend a Melave Malka (meal at the end of Shabbos), in which singing the Zemiros and happy chants of that particular meal if he is invited to say words of Torah?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is permitted if the Avel does not wash for bread or partakes in the meal offered.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/19/2021 9:33 AM |
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# 3433 A Gut'n Shabbos!
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Q. Can an Avel during Shiva who is used to invite a large group of guest on Friday night, while singing and enjoying great food, for the purpose of Kiruv and bringing people close to Judaism, continue to do so while he is in mourning?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is permitted and should actually do so. The reason being is that since he does so during every Shabbos and if he would discontinue now, it would appear as an open act of Avelus or mourning which is prohibited during Shabbos.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/19/2021 9:29 AM |
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# 3432 Very Last Payment?
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Q. Someone receives the benefits and compensation from a spouses life insurance policy. Does one have to give Maaser on those monies received? Can one discount the payments and other costs involved in acquiring and maintaining the policy?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that indeed one should give Maaser from those gains and one may also discount all expenditures involved.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/19/2021 9:24 AM |
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# 3431 Be Right On the Money
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Q. Is it correct for the Gabaim in charge of a Pushka or Tzedaka collection box place a sign on it that they don't accept pennies or Tzedaka Vouchers?
A. Although one may argue that the Gabai or Gabaim in charge of the collection boxes may be affecting negatively the total amount of the Tzedaka that could have been collected by not accepting the vouchers and that could be far more significant than not accepting pennies.
Pennies have been phased out of Canadian currency for cash transactions on February 2013, however they can still actually be deposited in a bank when rolled in rolls of 50 coins.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that since the Gabai or Gabaim are usually donating their time, they are entitled to qualify their given time and effort to conditions that are easier and more productive for the time donated, and one should try to comply to their conditions.
However, the Rov maintains that the vouchers or pennies deposited in the pushka are anyway considered Tzedaka.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/19/2021 9:21 AM |
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# 3430 A Glance on Stealing
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Q. A Shul from where books are taken outside the shul without permission and often not returned, can they place a sign that whoever takes out a sefer without the permission of the Gabaim transgresses the prohibition of stealing and his Torah learning is considered a 'Mitzva Haba'a Beavera' or a mitzva complied while doing a prohibited act and is invalid?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is indeed considered a 'Mitzva Haba'a Beavera' and one may not be complying at all with the mitzva of learning Torah when at the same time one is performing the prohibited act of using a stolen sefer. This ruling can also be included in the sign posted on the shul, that prohibits the taking out of sefarim from the shul.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/18/2021 10:30 PM |
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# 3429 Bowl Out?
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Q. Can I join a Jewish but not religious bowling team group, if I don't attend their nice party at the end of the season with DJ and cash prizes?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is better to avoid this type of company, even if they dress properly and behave correctly.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/18/2021 10:15 PM |
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# 3428 Minds on the Meeting
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Q. I am part of a recovery group that meets on Saturdays. I obviously cannot attend but they record the meeting. Would it be a problem to watch on another day, knowing that it was recorded on Shabbos? Kol Tuv.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if a Gentile recorded the meeting for himself, and you did not ask him to do so and was also not expecting to give it to you, it is permitted to watch after Shabbos
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/18/2021 10:06 PM |
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# 3427 Cut a Brake
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Q.Parents who live in a remote community gave birth to a healthy baby boy. There are only two Mohalim available. The first Mohel is not Shomer Shabbos but available to do the bris on the 8th day. The second mohel is Shomer Shabbos but is not available until the 9th day. Which one do they choose?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should make every effort and expenditure to import another Mohel who is a Shomer Shabbos and do the Bris. The Bris performed by one who does not keep mitzvos is invalid.
However, the father may instruct the non valid Mohel to prepare everything so only the cutting is needed and the father, if capable can do the cutting itself.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/15/2021 4:01 PM |
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# 3426 What Makes All the Difference?
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Q. If it was such a great and unique achievement for Avraham Avinu to keep mitzvos, how come that Rachel and Leah who grew on Lavan's house were able to do the same when they were so young?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it was the great Midos Tovos and exceptional good character they had, that made all the difference. (See other responses in 'That Is My Answer' on this Parsha).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/15/2021 3:40 PM |
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# 3425 Good as Gold?
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Q. I someone has teeth gold crowns should he avoid being chosen as a Baal Tokea during Rosh Hashana?
A. On question 2863, regarding women wearing gold jewelry on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, we wrote: "Ritva (Rosh Hashana 26b) writes that a “Taalis Mezucheves” or gold decorated taalis can be worn on Yom Kippur, since it is worn on the outside of the Kodesh Hakodoshim.
Hag’ R’ A’ Eiger (O.H. 610: 4) mentions that there are locations where the minhag is not to wear gold on Yom Kippur, to avoid, “Ein kategor na’aseh saneigor,” (or the accuser cannot become the defender – Rosh Hashana 26a). However, he adds that women are not included, since they did not partake in the golden eigel.
Mateh Efraim (609: 9) writes that out of fear for the Judgment Day, women should avoid wearing on Yom Kippur the jewelry they wear on Shabbos and Yom Tov. He also mentions to avoid wearing a gold or gilded, “atara” or crown on the taalis (610: 11).
Devar Meshulam (3: 125) deals with the baal tokea wearing gold jewelry during tekias shofar, that is considered by some like being inside the Kodesh Hakodashim.
Betzel Hachochma (6: 3) rules that one that wears always a golden watch, can wear it on Yom Kippur also. However, if he only dons it on Shabbos and Yom Tov, it should be avoided during Yom Kippur. He mentions as proof, the Talmud Yuma (37a) regarding the lots used on Yom Kippur, that Yehoshua ben Gamla fashioned of gold, and the people would mention him favorably.
Likewise, Rivavos Efraim (6: 323) rules leniently in the case of a gold watch, a gold chain and similar, since they do not have any relation to kapara or redemption.
The minhag is that women don’t remove their gold wedding rings during Yom Kippur.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion, as mentioned on the prior question, is to follow the minhagim and traditions of the congregation where one davens.
Horav Slomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that even according the ones that have the minhag that the Baal Tokea does not wear anything made of gold, it is unlikely that it would include a covered gold tooth.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 11/11/2021 2:52 PM |
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# 3424 Out of Condition?
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Q. See question above. What if when davening Maariv in shul, as often happens, the Shema is read fast and one may not be careful or able to pronounce all the words properly as is required at least on the onset. Can he then have in mind the condition mentioned above?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is unlikely that if the Shema is read fast, he would anyway comply since it is most probable that some words if not omitted were at least mispronounced, so he should anyway repeat the Shema later on at night.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 11/11/2021 12:02 PM |
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# 3423 Beyond Doubt
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Q. If one davens Maariv right after the Shekia, (sunset, at that time the arrival of night is still in doubt) can he make a T'nai (conditional statement) that he only wants to be yotze (comply) with Shema he is saying now, only if he forgets to read it later again when it is certainly night, otherwise he would prefer to be yotze later on when it is certainly night. Is that a correct condition to have in mind?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that no conditional statement is necessary since it is anyway the reality of the situation of the time after the Shekia that is considered doubtful night or day. Therefore, if it was indeed still day he would not comply and the repetition is essential. However, if that time is already night he will not have to repeat.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 11/11/2021 12:00 PM |
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# 3422 Is Someone Listening?
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Q. Since Y'kum Purkan was meant as a prayer to be recited by the Chazan, and according to our Minhag, when in Shul only the Chazan says it aloud, does one refrain from saying it if there is no Minyan?
A. Most Sidurim instruct that Yikum Purkan should not be said when there is no minyan present. Some maintain that then only the second one should be avoided or at least the words addressing the 'Kahalo Kadisho Hadein'(This Holy Congregation) should be omitted (Seder Tefilah p. 443).
A reason mentioned why it is not recited without a minyan is that when no minyan is present there is a lack of the proper presence of the Shechina to accept the Tefilos said and the Malachim (angels) also do not attend to the Aramaic language (Bonim Chavivim 359 and others).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 11/11/2021 11:31 AM |
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Important Numbers
