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# 3287 Thanks in Advance?
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Q. Somebody traveled by plane on Motzei Shabbat on this last Tisha Beav that fell on Sunday. When should he have said the bracha of Hagomel?
A. Piskei Teshuvos (551: 54) quotes Sdei Chemed and Yofe Lalev that it is better to wait until after Tisha Beav if it is still within three days of the arrival. However, Nitei Gavriel (Bein Hametzarim 2: 60: 15) seems to follow the opinion of the Kaf Hachaim (559: 38) that it should be recited at Mincha on Tisha Beav
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it could be recited by Mincha.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/29/2021 5:18 PM |
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# 3286 Be in Safe Hands
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Q. Can one that disinfected his hands with the commonly used hand sanitizer that contains glycerin and ethanol touch food, without any concern of kashruth?
A. Glycerin is a sugar alcohol derived from animal products, plants or petroleum. Glycerin is kosher if it is made from kosher vegetable oil or petroleum and processed on kosher equipment. A lot of glycerin is made from animal fat, processed on the same equipment as animal glycerin or made from used oil from non-kosher establishments, rendering the glycerin non-kosher. Glycerin or any product containing glycerin can only be used with acceptable kosher certification.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that since the glycerin used in the hand sanitizer solution has been rendered inedible by being mixed with other ingredients and besides one is not eating it, there should not be any concern for the minimal amount that may transfer from the hands to the kosher food. (See also question 3101 in regard to Pesach use)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/29/2021 5:07 PM |
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# 3285 Good News for Good News
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Q. My daughter is finishing High School and plans to attend college and get a bachelor's degree in journalism, and communications, since her dream is to become a reporter. Should we discourage her since that involves so much Lashon Hara'a, lies and Motzi Shem Ra'a?
A. Horav Aharon Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that she may make a career in writing for Frum Papers and magazines, that follow Daas Torah and are careful with the mentioned prohibitions.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/29/2021 4:55 PM |
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# 3284 Step Into your Shoes
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Q. My mother was very careful not to let her children walk around the house while wearing only socks. Is there a source for such a minhag?
A. Nitei Gavriel (Bein Hametzorim 2: 94: 1: n. 4) indeed mentions that since people in mourning walk around when only wearing socks, people abstain from doing so. (Since it may be opening the mouth for one being charged by the forces of evil). He mentions the above in regard to avoiding taking off shoes when it still is Shabbos before Tisha Beav begins, as one is showing open avelus on Shabbos.
Regarding wearing only socks, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that people should maintain the minhogim and traditions of their families.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a and Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/29/2021 4:10 PM |
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# 3283 Don't Paint Yourself into a Corner
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Q. If someone has a pair of tefillin that have some scratches on the batim, which expose a lighter colour underneath, can he use a black marker to touch up the tefillin himself, or is he obligated to take the tefillin to a Sofer for retouching?
A. The ink used for painting Tefilin does not have special requirements and ingredients, as the ink for writing them has. However, due to different issues it is better to avoid using a common black marker
The recommended special ink or paint can usually be acquired in stores that sell Tefilin and sometimes Judaica.
Often, people who wear Tefilin paint themselves the discolored areas, commonly the corners and edges.
But it has to be done with the special intention or kavanah to be 'Leshem Kedushas Tefilin' or for the sake of the holiness of the Tefilin, and that is essential. The words should be expressed verbally before applying the ink.
Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a suggested to take them first time to a Sofer and to ask him if you can watch and learn how it is done.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/29/2021 3:15 PM |
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# 3282 First Things First
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Q Hi. I am embarking on my teaching career at a frum girls' school and I wish to be in lemudei kodesh. I have one offer to teach Chumash but unexpectedly received another offer to teach biology at a much better time for my schedule and can only accept one offer. If all other factors are equal, is teaching biology like teaching lemudei kodesh because it teaches niflos Haboreh?
A. It would seem rational that even for women that don't have the direct mandatory mitzva of learning Torah, yet when they do, they comply with the mitzva, and can recite a brocho.
On question 262 regarding learning Torah for women, we wrote: "Remoh (Y.D. 246,6) rules that women are obligated to learn and know the Halacha parts of the Torah on the mitzvos that apply to them, so they are able to comply with them correctly (and they are many, such as the laws of Brochos, Shabbos, Yom Tov, Kashrus, Taharas Hamishpacha etc.) .
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a opines that this knowledge takes priority.
However in order not to go astray from the ways of Hashem in today’s promiscuous and unethical society they are also encouraged in learning the written Torah and Nach, Musar and s’forim on Emunah and ethics. (Chofetz Chaim in Likutey Halochos, Sota 21a – Oz Nid’bru 14,3,9 – Tzitz Eliezer 9,3,7 et al, see also Rambam, Talmud Torah 1,13 and Shulchan Aruch Y.D. ibid.).
They may also be exhorted in knowing Tanach as a necessary tool in helping the education and chinuch of their children.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlita opinion is that a well balanced Jewish women education should include all the above."
Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a similarly maintains that teaching Torah takes priority.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/29/2021 3:03 PM |
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# 3281 His Head Light Bulb Was Off?
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Q. I was attending some time ago a chupa and I witnessed something strange.The Shamash used a (presumably burnt out) light bulb as the glass keli (utensil) the Groom was to step on and brake at the end of the wedding ceremony. Although it was covered with a napkin, we all realized what it was, due to the exploding noise peculiar to that action. Was that a correct thong to do?
A. Although the breaking of earthenware utensils at the prior Tenaim ceremony, some Poskim maintain that it could be done or should be done even with partially broken vessels (Pri Megodim 560: M'Z 2), the glass ones used at the chupa should be complete, since at that time the simcha of the Chosson is greater.
Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a maintains that it is better to use a complete and useful glass vessel as a Zecher Lechurban or remembrance of the destruction of the Beis Hamikdosh at the greatest of our Simches.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/23/2021 12:42 PM |
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# 3280 A Repeated Answer of One's Prayers
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Q. If one already davened and is in a shul where they are davening, should one say over Ashrei or Shema if it's Tisha B'Av when we don't learn or say Tehillim?
A. In regard to reciting Tehilim on Tisha Beav, Mishna Berura (554: 7) quotes Magen Avraham that it is permitted after Chatzos. See similar in Halichos Shlomo (15: 8). See also Kovetz Halochos (20: 18) permitting when recited for the ill.
Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a maintains that since these recitations are said in order to show togetherness with the Tzibur, they are also permitted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/22/2021 6:12 PM |
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# 3279 An Early Reach for the Moon
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Q. Can you say Kiddush Levana with a minyan after Tisha BAv ends, but before 72 (minutes after sunset, which is the opinion of Rabbenu Tam) if you are makpid (careful) to wait 72 for other things?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a mentioned once that a minyan that davens early Maariv after the Shekia, could recite Kiddush Levana when in need, even only eighteen minutes after the Shekia, as long as they can clearly see then the moon.
The fact that one can recite Kiddush Levana with a group of people or a minyan and comply with the mitzva of 'Berov Am Hadras Melech' or keeping with a mitzva with many, and also avoiding some of forgetting to do it, is most important.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/22/2021 6:09 PM |
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# 3278 Sing Another Tune?
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Q. This year (5781) when Shabbos Chazon was Erev Tisha Beav, after benching on Shaleshudes before the Shekia (sunset), can one still sing Zemiros of Shabbos?
A. There are different traditions. The more Litfishe (Lithuanian)and Yeshiva people would not. Yet it is a common practice by Chasidim to sing Zemiros until nightfall, and some even after.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that Zemiros and tunes that are earnest and dedicated to seriously awake the service to Hashem are permitted
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Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/22/2021 6:05 PM |
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# 3277 Up to Date
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Q. Can a dating couple wear Shabbos clothing when dating during the Nine Days?
A. Shebet Halevy (9: 131: 4) permits on the onset. However, Halichos Shlomo (14: D'var Halocho 15) maintains that if possible it should be avoided, but in need it is permitted.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is permitted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/22/2021 6:02 PM |
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# 3276 A Happy Birthday?
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Q. Do the attendants to the shul say Mazal Tov to the Bar Mitzva boy or is it like all other salutations and greetings that are prohibited on Tisha Beav?
Can he receive gifts then?
I must mention that my son is somewhat depressed and sad that his Bar Mitzva day fell on Tisha Beav as opposed to his friends that celebrated theirs with much food, music and joy. Is there anything to be done?
A. Horav S"Z Auerbach, zt”l maintains that Mazal Tov for a recent Simcha may be said on Tisha Beav since it is considered a blessing and not a greeting (Halichos Shlomo Bein HaMitzorim Vol. 15, Orchos Halacha 30).
It is mentioned that M'vR' Hoav Moshe Feinstein, zt”l also permited after Chatzos Others maintain if possible, one should wait for a different day to express this Mazal Tov (Chut Sheini 2 p. 327).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that Mazal Tov can be said but gifts should be avoided.
You may want to ask the Rabbi of the shul or another Talmid Hacham, to speak then between Mincha and Maariv, and explain the true greatness of Tisha Beav and why it is called Moed. As our Sages teach Moshiach is to be born on that day, As it already was during the era of the Second Beis Hamikdosh, it will again become the happiest of days.
Horav Shlomo Miller 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 7/22/2021 6:00 PM |
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# 3275 Blessing the Freedom on Time
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Q. Do I as a father usually does, also say the bracha of 'Baruch Sheptarani' (literally, blessed be the One who freed me from the punishment of this one), on Tisha Beav after my son gets his aliya, or should I wait until next day Monday?
A. See question above. Poskim also mostly maintain that this brocho is recited by the father when the son gets his aliya, as is done during other Bar Mitzvas. (See Poskim listed above).
Horav Shlomo Miller 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 7/22/2021 5:57 PM |
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# 3274 A Tisha Beav Initiation
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Q. My son is having his Bar Mitzva birthday on Tisha Beav and we have a number of questions.
1) Does he get an aliya laTorah, on that like all other Bar Mitzva boys? (We are planing to do Be'H a big seuda on Shabbat Nachamu).
A. Poskim write that it is better to give the Bar Mitzva son an aliya on Mincha Tisha Beav. (Halichos Shlomo 15: 8, Nitei Gavriel 2: 60: 16, Kovetz Halochos 10: 26, Kaf Hachaim 554: 88, and others).
Horav Shlomo Miller 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 7/22/2021 5:55 PM |
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# 3273 An Answer to a Prayer Shaila
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Q. On this year that Tisha Beav is Motzei Shabbat, I heard that Horav Shlomo said that women should try to attend shul at night for Maariv. Why?
A. Indeed, the Rov Shlit'a maintains that women on this occasion should daven Maariv (not necessarily in shul) so they can recite Havdalah when saying Shemone Essre, and be permitted to do work, since we do not recite the usual Havdalah until the end of the Taanis, Sunday night.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 7/18/2021 5:54 PM |
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# 3272 A Healthy Havdalah?
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Q. A man is ill and has to eat on Tisha Beav. As Halacha requires he will say Havdalah before he eats. Should his healthy wife listen to the Havdalah then as always or should she make her own on Sunday night before she eats?
How about in the reverse case. Should the fasting husband say Havdalah for his ill wife on Motzei Shabbat, or should she make her own and the husband will say it at the end of the Taanit, on Sunday night?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in both cases the wife should recite her own Havdalah.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 7/15/2021 11:16 PM |
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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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Important Numbers
