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# 3271 Sleep Like a Log?
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Q. Someone is camping out during the Three Weeks including Tisha Beav and sleeping on the ground the whole time. Should he on the night of Tisha Beav sleep directly on the floor without his sleeping bag?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H.555: 2) rules that some have the tradition of sleeping on the ground on the night of Tisha Beav and also place a stone as a pillow. Rema (ibid. adds) that if one usually sleeps with two pillows, he should abstain and use only one.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it in this case it may be unnecessary since after all he is already sleeping on the ground.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 7/15/2021 11:13 PM |
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# 3270 The Smell Test
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Q. On Tisha Beav can a woman wear perfume or a man spray deodorant?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 554: 15) rules that although 'Sicha' or anointing is forbidden during Tisha Beav, it is only when done for pleasure. One who has scabs on their head can normally anoint and he has no concern.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that the use of perfume and similar anointing products should be avoided since it would be included in the prohibition of Sicha. However, when necessary for the removal of bad or molesting odors, it is permitted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 7/15/2021 11:06 PM |
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# 3269 Tzitzis Emphasies
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Q. On Tisha Beav morning someone wearing his Taalis Kotton, should he kiss the tzitzis after Boruch Sheomar or Parshas Tzitzis?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that the established tradition is not to kiss the tzitzis of the Taalis Kotton on Tisha Beav, and not to recite a brocho on them as mentioned in Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 555: 1).
See however, Mishna Berura (2) on dissenting opinions when one did not sleep wearing the Taalis Kotton.
Nitei Gavriel (57: 6) quotes opinions that children who always make a brocho in the morning on them, should do the same.
However, the Rov maintains that even children or those young men who do not wear a regular Taalis yet and usually recite a brocho and kiss those tzitzis when davening, should avoid doing so during the Shacharis of Tisha Beav,
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 7/15/2021 11:00 PM |
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# 3268 Question Mark III
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Q. Re- questions 3258-59 on tattoos. Can one put on tefillin on top of a tattoo or is it a chatzitza (interposition)?
A. On question 542 regarding a woman that became a Baalas Teshuvah and she has a tattoo that she is planning to remove or change, if it is meantime considered a chatzitzah for immersion in a Mikvah; we wrote: "Posikim rule that stains that have no substance to them, and they just present a superficial coloration of the skin, such as an iodine or a weak ballpoint stain, on the onset they should be removed when possible. (Har Tzvi Y.D. 163, Pische Zuta 198: 26, Shiurey Shavet Halevy 198: 17, Chut Shani 198: 23, Pischei Halocho 2: 296).
However in regards to tattoos, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that she is permitted to immerse without having them excised, since the stain is under the skin."
The Rov's opinion is that certainly it is not a chatzitza for Tefillin.
See similar answers in Minchas Yitzchok (3: 11), Alei Siach p. 51 quoting Horav C. Kanievsky Shlit'a, and others.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 7/15/2021 10:52 PM |
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# 3267 Safe Space
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Q. One whose minhag is to make his own Havdala due to concerns of spacing out or another reason, can he make his own in the Nine Days or better be yotze with someone else to minimize drinking wine in this time?
A. One spacing out and unable to concentrate, thus in need to recite his own Havdalah, can do so using beer, coffee or tea during the Nine Days. He may also give the cup of wine to one that has the minhag to drink wine in Havdalah. or use grape juice and give the cup to a minor.
If he needs space for Covid separation, he may hear the Havdala from a far corner of a room wearing a mask.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 7/15/2021 10:45 PM |
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# 3266 Hearts and Flowers
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Q. May I give flowers to my nonreligious grandmother for her birthday during Nine Days?
A. On question 3260 regarding one that buys flowers for home every Friday Lik'vod (in honor of) Shabbos, if he should also do so for Shabbos Chazon, (Shabbos before Tisha Beav), we wrote: "As mentioned in a question above, Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 551: 2) rules that from Rosh Chodesh Av until after Tisha Beav one should avoid a 'Binyan Shel Simcha' or building a structure dedicated mainly for pleasure and joy, and that includes planting flora and trees dedicated for those purposes.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that although it is not exactly the same as planting new flowers, it is still better to avoid even just buying them on Shabbos Chazon."
However, in this case due to the most important issues involved, Horav Aharon Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that the flowers can be given.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 7/15/2021 10:24 PM |
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# 3265 The Able Avel II
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Q. Can an Avel get an aliya on Tisha Beav?
A. See question 3264 above regarding the attendance of an Avel to shul during Tisha Beav,
Nitei Gavriel (Ben Hametzarim 2: 60: 11) quotes a number of Poskim that permit an Avel to receive an aliya and even have Maftir or be the Baal Koreh during Tisha Beav (Machazik B'rocho 554, Lev Chayim 2: 167, Shaarei Rachamim 8: 158).
The main reason given is that on that day everyone is also in mourning.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 7/15/2021 10:11 PM |
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# 3264 The Able Avel
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Q. Since Tisha Beav is called Moed or a Yom Tov, can an Avel siting Shiva go to shul and daven at the amud?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 559: 6) rules that an Avel attends shul on Tisha Beav in the night and also in the day until the end of the Kinos recitation.
Mishna Berura (24) explains that although usually Avelim do not exit their home during the first three days, in this case, since we are all in mourning, he may do so. He quotes opinions that differ and maintain that on the first three days he should not attend. He further quotes a leveling position from R"Sh Kluger zt'l that at night since there are fewer Kinos he should better remain home. However in the day, when there are many Kinnos and he would likely be pained for missing them he should attend. After three days, he may attend at night too.
Nitei Gavriel (Avelus 125: 1) mentions quoting Magen Avrohom, that If he is by himself, he may attend at night also. However, he should refrain attending for Mincha.
Sidur Yaavetz maintains an Avel should not daven for the Amud on Tisha Beav. Similarly Mikroei Kodesh (8: 52) quotes some opinions that maintain a mourner should indeed not direct the services during Tisha Beav as it also called a Moed. However, he mentions that most Poskim are lenient. Adonei Paz and Nitei Gavriel (Ben Hametzarim 1: 58: 10) rule likewise.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 7/15/2021 10:06 PM |
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# 3263 Keep on Eating
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Q. When someone bentches (recites Birchat Hamazon), before the Shekiah on Shabbos Chazon that is followed by Tisha Beav as it is this year (2021 - see question above), can he still eat after bentching until sunset, if he didn't had in mind to do so and didn't make a condition as required on the early morning before the beginning of a fast day?
A. Shaar Hatzion (553: 7) rules that there is no need to make a condition before bentching on that case., since one should not exhibit Inuy or affliction during Shabbos, most likely when he bentched he did not have in mind to stop eating until the Shekiah if he so desires. Kaf Hachaim (ibid. 6), Nitei Gavriel (91: 10) and other rule similarly.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is also similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 7/13/2021 10:05 PM |
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# 3262 Make it Interesting!
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Q. A Shul prepares Shalosh Seudos also on Shabbos Chazon that precedes Tisha Beav on Sunday, and the people stay after Mincha and eat there and stop eating as required before sunset. Is it better that they recite Birchat Hamazon (bentch) with a cup of wine, also before the Shekiah, or can they bench after sunset?
Since the Rov speaks at that time until Maariv, there is concern, that if they bentch early, people will leave the shul and only return about an hour later for Maariv. That may cause a significant Bitul Torah for many.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is preferable to recite Birchat Hamazon (bentch) with a cup of wine, also before the Shekiah.
The Rov speaking at that time, should save important and necessary information on the Halochos of Tisha Beav and other incumbent and interesting content, so people will stay. He may invite a special speaker for that important time of learning.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 7/13/2021 9:54 PM |
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# 3261 Get in Tune with the Times
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Q. Is it correct to sing on Friday night - Shabbos Chazon the niggun of Lecha Dodi using the sad tune of E-li Tzion that we sing after Kinos on Tisha Beav? Is that not "Avelus Befarhesia" or a case of open mourning that is prohibited on Shabbos?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that as a mater of fact we have several similar traditions, such as the very sad maftir itself of that Shabbos or the reading with the tune of Eicha of a posuk on the parsha of that Shabbos.
It is all correct to do so, due to the seriousness and closeness of that Shabbos to Tisha Beav.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 7/13/2021 9:49 PM |
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# 3260 A Shabbos Without Flowers?
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Q. One that buys flowers for home every Friday Lik'vod (in honor of) Shabbos. Should he also do so for Shabbos Chazon, (Shabbos before Tisha Beav)?
A. As mentioned in a question 3255 above, Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 551: 2) rules that from Rosh Chodesh Av until after Tisha Beav one should avoid a 'Binyan Shel Simcha' or building a structure dedicated mainly for pleasure and joy, and that includes planting flora and trees dedicated for those purposes.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that although it is not exactly the same as planting new flowers, it is still better to avoid even just buying them on Shabbos Chazon.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 7/11/2021 4:22 PM |
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# 3259 Question Mark II
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Q. (See question 3258 above). If one is not obliged to remove tattoos one acquired when he was still a Gentile or was not frum, would the same apply to tattoos that express immoral messages and show libertine female figures?
A. Poskim maintain that those tattoos should be removed a.s.a.p.. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 7/8/2021 10:39 PM |
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# 3258 Question Mark
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Q. A friend of mine who used to be frum asked you a question regarding being buried in a Jewish cemetery when marked with tattoos.
He would like to know what is the Halacha and if he needs to remove the tattoos before the burial?
A. Poskim disagree if tattooing for other purposes than Idolatry is a Biblical prohibition, some maintain it is. (Tosafos Gittin 20b and Aruch Laner ad loc, Rambam Tur and Shulchan Aruch don’t mention any distinction, Minchas Chinuch 253 debates the issue).
On question 2722 regarding a Ger or a Baal Teshuva who had tattoos done in their earlier days, if they have to remove them when they changed and if it better to remove them; we wrote:
"Minchas Chinuch (35) maintains that it is improper to maintain the tattoos as one transgresses on the prohibition of “following the ways of the nations.”
Yesodei Yeshurun (39 Melochos) debates whether one who has a tattoo and does not remove it, if he is constantly transgressing on the prohibition of kesubas k’aka’a, (getting a tattoo).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that he is not obliged to remove them, (see also questions 2707 – 2708).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 7/8/2021 10:35 PM |
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# 3257 Buen Provecho
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Q. In certain countries like Mexico it is customary to greet a friend eating a meal with Buen Provecho, similar to Bon Apetite in french or Beteavon in Hebrew. One encountering friends eating and not greeting them as mentioned, could be considered as an offense.
If the one eating is an ill person who is allowed to eat on a fast day such as Shiva Assar Betamuz, can he be greeted?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that is is permitted on Shiva Assar Betamuz and similar lesser fast days but not on Tisha Beav since as is, greeting are avoided. One should explain, as is done with other greetings, why it is not proper.
On Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, it is definitely not correct to great one in that way. One should simply wish a Refuah Shleimah to the patient.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 7/8/2021 10:25 PM |
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# 3256 Say It and Spray It
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Q. Can one install a grass sprinkling system during the Nine Days?
A. See question 3255 above. Kovetz Halochos (8: 14: n. 17) permits due a to the fact that the sprinkling system is basically irrigating water and keeping the plants alive and thus preventing loss, which is permitted during the Nine Days.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 7/8/2021 10:19 PM |
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# 3255 Garden Variety
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Q. Can one have his gardener cut the grass, spread weed killer and fertilizer during the Nine Days?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 551: 2) rules that from Rosh Chodesh Av until after Tisha Beav one should avoid a 'Binyan Shel Simcha' or building a structure dedicated mainly for pleasure and joy, and that includes planting flora and trees dedicated for those purposes.
Mishna Berura (12) maintains that if a Gentile was hired to do so for an extended period of time, he may continue, since he basically is performing the work on those days for his own convenience.
However, Mishna Berura adds that if he can convince him easily to do it after Tisha Beav, he should do so.
Kovetz Halochos (8: 14) permits due to the fact that the gardening work is basically maintenance and keeping the grass and plants alive, not planting new ones, thus, it is basically a loss preventive work, which is permitted.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar. The Rov added that the trimming of trees and bushes should be postponed until after the Nine Days.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 7/8/2021 10:16 PM |
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# 3254 Clothes Make the Time?
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Q. If someone is invited to a Bris Milah or a Bar Mitzva during the Nine Days, can one wear Shabbos clothing?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that is is permitted.
Piskei Teshuvos (559: 8) permits the parents of the child on a Bris on Tisha Beav, to wear Shabbos clothing, but not the grandparents etc.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 7/8/2021 10:14 PM |
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# 3253 Stay Put?
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Q. If someone attends a shiur by Zoom and the others can see him attending, is he allowed to leave early? Could this be considered as abandoning the mitzva of 'Berov Am Hadras Melech" (a mitzva should be done by many) and we hold that Ein Maavirin al Hamitzvos or one should not avoid or abandon a mitzva?
A. Poskim debate whether it is permitted to abandon a Bris Milah to attend a Chupa and the opposite. (Machane Yisroel 38). Igros Moshe (O.H. 2: 95) maintains that one should not abandon a Sheva Brochos to attend a Bris Mila since at the former he complies with the mitzva of being Mesameach Chosson Vekalo or giving joy to newlyweds.
Chashukei Chemed (Yuma 70) relates that someone (not an invited guest) approached Horav S.Z, Auerbach zt'l at a chupa, to ask a shailah. After answering the Rov told him, that he is not allowed to leave until after the ceremony, ends following the ruling above.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in need one can leave the Zoom shiur.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 7/8/2021 6:47 PM |
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# 3252 What's Your Pleasure?
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Q. One who must continue to take medications on a fast day since he suffers from a chronic condition and the pills must be taken with water. Does he make a bracha on the water on that day since he much enjoys the water on a Taanis?
A. See question above. It would seem that although normally when taking pills one does not recite a brocho on the water, since it is being used just for swallowing the pills or protecting the stomach, as opposed to this case when one is thirsty and vastly enjoys the liquid, therefore one should recite the blessing.
Some Rabbis further argued that since we also rule that if someone unintentionally ate a tasty prohibited food he had no intention of consuming, he is liable to bring an offering, since we rule that 'Hamisassek Bechalovim' or one that unintentionally eats a savory food, the good flavor and pleasure create intention, therefore, a brocho should be recited on the water in our case.
However, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that no brocho is recited, since his intention is clear. He would not be drinking the water if he didn't have to take the medicine.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 7/8/2021 6:30 PM |
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Important Numbers
