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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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# 3247 Words On a Clean Mouth
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Q. See question 3240 above. Can one use a bit of mouthwash while brushing during a Ta'anis Tzibur ? Is it better than water?
A. Some Poskim prefer the use of mouthwash over water, when it is permitted in need during brushing in a Ta'anis, since one does not usually drink it.
However, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is the same.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/1/2021 9:45 PM |
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# 3246 Your Secrets are Safe with Us?
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Q. See question 3245 above. Is it permitted to have a security camera inside a Mikva for men?
Should one avoid attending such a Mikva?
A. On an Israeli newspaper article also published on-line on 05.12.15 it was mentioned that a Rabbi was detained for questioning by the Jerusalem police following complaints that he had installed a camera in a men's Mikva in the neighborhood of Sanhedria in northern Jerusalem. Some of the residents defended the Rabbi's unusual move, explaining that he was concerned by the rise in pedophilia incidents and sexual assaults in Jerusalem's Haredi neighborhoods. The Rabbi's associates explained that he had tried to deter sex offenders by installing security cameras in the Mikva. The Rabbi declined comment. The Jerusalem Police said they were conducting an investigation into privacy breach allegations. Shortly after the rabbi was released, ads were posted outside the ritual bath, warning visitors that the cameras are still being used.
Lately, the use of cameras in Mikves, has expanded in order to protect the people in charge of them from being sued in case of accidents.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is permitted in principle when needed for the security and the safety of the attendants. However, the cameras should be placed in ways that keep the decorum and will not expose the nakedness of the people attending. The attendants should also be informed that they are being filmed.
The recorded material should be stored with great security and only used when needed in emergencies.
The Rov added, that if one has to attend such a Mikva, he should avoid facing the cameras by inclining and covering with a towel as needed.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/30/2021 5:01 PM |
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# 3245 Smile and Daven
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Q. Is it permitted to have security cameras inside a shul? Do you have to inform the attendants that they are being taped?
A. In our times it is common to have security cameras outside the shuls, schools and other community institutions, as is common in businesses and private homes.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is permitted to have them inside a shul also, when needed for the security or the safety of the attendants, and with the agreement of the leaders of the shul. However, the Rov recommends that they should be disconnected during Shabbos when possible.
The Rov also maintains that the people of the shul should indeed be informed that there are now security tapes taping them constantly.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/29/2021 11:48 PM |
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# 3244 Pill Pileup?
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Q. Regarding one taking a sleeping pill during late afternoon Shabbos, for having effect after Shabbos. It is needed to be taken early, since otherwise it will affect that person in the morning after and will not be able to wake up on time. Is that permitted?
A. As we wrote on question 3220 above Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one is permitted to take a sleeping pill during Shabbos when needed. (See also Rechev Eish 130 for a similar p'sak from the Rov).
In this case, one may also take the sleeping pill during Shabbos, even if its effect is intended for after Shabbos. This is similar to the Rov's permit of taking a fasting pill in Shabbos, for help in fasting on a Taanis after Shabbos
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/29/2021 6:02 PM |
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# 3243 A Flying Visit?
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Q. When one goes to the cemetery to take part in a Matzeva unveiling, if he arrived early, can he first visit the Kever of his relatives buried nearby?
If he walked by the Kever of his parents on the way to the unveiling, can he still go after. since it says that one should not visit a Kever twice in the same day?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if one has enough time to visit Kever Avos first, he can do so and then join the Hakomas Hamatzeva.
Although it is correct that Poskim write that one should not visit the same Kever twice in one day, (Tzavoas R' Yehuda HeChosid 12, Magen Avrohom 581: 16), Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that just walking by is not considered visiting.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/29/2021 5:56 PM |
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# 3242 Maftir Mazal
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Q. If two people have yohrzait on the same Shabbos, can they cast a Goral Ha'grah or any other lots or raffle, to decide who gets maftir.
If the one who gets Maftir also pays for the kiddush after davening, can they still do it?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that making a goral or casting lots could be done on Shabbos, when the lottery does not involve any monetary decisions.
In this case both parties should previously agree in concert with the Gabaim of the shul, that the expenses for the kiddush should be offered, when a Mi Sheberach is recited for the one who wins the raffle and receives the Maftir.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/29/2021 5:51 PM |
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# 3241 Spin the Doctor?
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Q. The rofim mumchim (expert physicians) in the New England Journal of Medicine ( NEJM), CHOP, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and of Boston, and Sick Kids in Toronto do NOT RECOMMEND that children up to the age of 20 take the shot. Does this mean that the Rav is saying that you should listen to your local Physician over the rofim mumchim?
A. The opinions of different 'rofim mumchim' keep on changing constantly, and new conflicting views of experts in different parts of the world are now the rule. As we wrote on question 3217 Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that since there are many factors that depend on the particularities of the individuals involved and their medical condition, as well as the recent changes in the development of the Covid infection, a reliable and expert physician that is familiar with the patient, should be consulted in each case.
We must add that the medical opinion you quoted is by far not universally accepted, so indeed let the reliable and expert physician that is familiar with the patient and his particular condition, be consulted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/29/2021 5:22 PM |
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# 3240 Spit In?
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Q. Can one brush his teeth on a Ta'anis without using any water or toothpaste, just one's own saliva and then spiting it?
A. Mishna Berura (567: 11) rules that when in pain and discomfort one may wash the mouth with water, while being careful to keep one's mouth down to ensure no water is swallowed. The above is permitted on the a regular Taanis Tzibur. Mishna Berura is more stringent on Tisha Beav when he permits only in a case of severe pain and discomfort, while he prohibits completely on Yom Kippur. See also Minchas Yitzchok 4: 109 and Kovetz Halochos 2: 9 that are stringent, However Aruch Hashulchan (567: 3) is lenient.
On question 2380 regarding if one may store and save his saliva for use during Yom Kippur to swallow necessary medical pills, we wrote:
"Mishna Berura (567: 13), quotes Magen Avrohom that it is permitted to swallow our owns saliva, even though we rule that it is not permitted to drink even liquids that are not fit to drink, swallowing saliva is different, since the intention is not for drinking at all.
Bach (612). cites different opinions regarding how much saliva is one allowed to swallow in Yom Kippur. Chayei Adam (132: 22) and Mateh Ephraim (ibid. 22) maintain that on the onset one should preferably avoid swallowing saliva that has accumulated in the mouth.
Moadim Uzemanim (1: 59) mentions that Hagra’ch Soloveitchik and the Brisker Rov zt’l were extremely careful not to swallow their own saliva when it accumulated during Yom Kippur.
However, many Poskim are lenient and maintain that this is not the accepted tradition. (Beis Meir, Eishel Avrohom Butchatch; 613. Aruch Hasulchan ibid. 4, Piskei Teshuvos 567: 2). Excepting, when particles of food are still in one’s mouth. at the beginning of the taanis.
Moadim Uzemanim (ibid.), adds that on Yom Kippur, one should not intentionally accumulate saliva in one’s mouth and then swallow it.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that when in need for swallowing necessary pills, it is permitted to store one’s saliva even in a cup and save it for use during Yom Kippur.
The Rov's opinion is that certainly on the lesser Ta'anesim it is permitted for one to brush his teeth without using any water or toothpaste, just one's own saliva and then spiting it.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/28/2021 6:18 PM |
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# 3239 Testing the Tasting
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Q. Because of my medical condition, I'm permitted to take pills during the fast of Shiva Assar Betamuz. The pills have to be taken with a glass of water. Do I make a bracha on the water?
Although, we don't usually say a bracha on water used for taking pills, this case is different since after all I will enjoy the water, as I will already be thirsty, should I then say the brocho?
If I find the flavor of garlic very disgusting, should I add some garlic powder to the water?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that you don't recite a brocho since the real reason you are drinking that water is for taking the pills, and otherwise you wouldn't be drinking it, you are exempt of reciting the brocho.
The Rov's opinion is that you don't have to make the water distasteful by adding unsavory additives.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/25/2021 1:22 PM |
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# 3238 A Fast Sheva Brochos?
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Q. Someone making a Sheva Brochos for a couple that got married this week (the week before Shiva Asar Betamuz) can they play music from a tape on Motzei Shabbos, which is the night of the fast, as it is on Sunday? It is also a Melave Malka.
A. On question 957 regarding if it is proper to make or attend a wedding or a sheva brachoth with music on the night prior to the fast of Asara Beteveth, we wrote: "Remoh (O.H. 550: 3) advises that if there is a Chupa on Asara Beteves on Erev Shabbos, Mincha and Vaichal are recited before the Chupa. However, Shulchan Aruch (551: 2) rules that no weddings are to be done during the Nine Days and Biur Halacha (ibid.) quotes from Eliahu Rabbo and Peri Megodim that it is possible that this also applies to Shiva Asar Betamuz and Asara Beteves.
Bais Avi (3,2,6) writes that the minhag is not to make weddings on the night of the Tenth of Teves since in reality the Ta’anis has already began but the prohibition to eat is only from the morning. Other Poskim are more lenient (Even Pina O.H. 45, P’ri Hasade 1: 2, Yabia Omer 6: 7, Tzitz Eliezer 7: 49).
Da’as Torah of the Maharsham (551: 2) advises that although the Chupa is permitted but one should abstain from dancing even on Asara Beteves. See also Halichos Shlomo (13: 1)
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in principle and by the letter of the Halacha, it is permitted to have a wedding or Sheva Brachos with music on the prior night of the Ta’anis, however, when possible one should be stringent. (He pointed out to the Sdei Chemed – Ma’areches Choson Vekalo p. 21-22)"
Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion is that in our case, since after all it is already Shiva Assar Betamuz, music even taped should be avoided.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/25/2021 12:56 PM |
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# 3237 Deck the Suka?
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Q. Is one allowed during the three weeks to build a backyard deck that will be used for building a Suka on it? The posts for the Suka's schach will be constructed also then.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in need it can be done during the Three Weeks, but should be avoided during the Nine Days
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Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/25/2021 12:25 PM |
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# 3236 Don't Forget This
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Q. How long is one allowed to leave a sefer one is learning from open, when exiting a room?
A. Shach and Taz (Y.D. 277: 1) quote Bach and Yerushalmi Megila, that the one who stops learning and goes to another room, leaving an open sefer, will forget his learning. They quote Cabbala sources which teach, that an angel named Shed (the first letters of Shomer Dafim or the one watching over the Torah pages), will become empowered and make the one who so behaves forget the Torah he has learned. (See question 2520 regarding covering the sefer)
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if one is planing to return promptly to his learning, as when only exiting for attending the facilities or bringing a drink, one does not have to close the sefer/
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/24/2021 10:46 PM |
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# 3235 The Hot Droshos
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Q. One who fainted because he attended an outside lengthy ceremony under the sun and in the heath of the day and was taken on an ambulance to a hospital since he had very low blood pressure.
Be'H he was released some hours later after being tested with several electrocardiograms and blood tests, and found fine . Does he have to recite Birchas Hagomel?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that, since he was found to be healthy, he does not have to recite Birchas Hagomel.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/24/2021 10:43 PM |
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# 3234 One's for the Asking?
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Q. After accepting Shabbos may one directly tell a Jew to do melacha (work) or only through hinting? I accepted Shabbos and afterwards someone wanted to borrow my phone. Can I tell them where it is and give them the password so they can use it?
A. On question 298 we wrote: Shulchan Aruch (O. H. 263: 17) rules that it is permitted for someone that has already accepted Shabbos to ask another that has not, to do a melocho for him. Mishna Berura (ibid.64) warns that this should not be done when it is already too close to sunset, as the majority of the community has already received Shabbos and the few that have not would be drawn by them.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/24/2021 10:32 PM |
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# 3233 Can't Join Them, Don't Beat Them
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Q. A person was hired to help out a minyan. He attended but did not daven with them. Most days they managed to have six mispallelim without him. They are only makpid to have six, not ten. On a few occasions it was only five mispallelim. he says that according to Rav Moshe you need ten mispallelim for tefilla btzibbur and since they are not makpid he refuses to daven with them but simply attends without davening and considers their minyan not to be tefilla btzibbur. Is he entitled to get paid?
A. As mentioned in the above (3232) question, when one is needed to complete the minyan, he should daven with the tzibur so they will be able to repeat the Amida, and recite Kedusha and Kadish, even if only six are davening now.
If he did not do so, not only he should return the fee collected, but he is also liable for the reciting of the brochos in vane.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/24/2021 10:23 PM |
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3232 Can We Count on You?
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Q. A yungerman who was previously makpid (careful) to always daven with asara mispallelim (ten attendants who have not prayed) as Rav Moshe (Feinstein zt'l) says and was now offered to join a Kollel where he will have to daven occasionally or maybe even often with only six, should he join or rather continue his previous practice?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if they can't find anyone else and the needed minyan will not survive, he can temporarily join them, until they find a replacement.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/24/2021 10:10 PM |
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# 3231 A Strange Acceptance of Kabbolas Shabbos
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Q. Can a Gentile who accepted the seven mitzvot and accepted becoming a Ger Toshav keep Shabbat?
A. Ger Toshav is the term used to designate the legal status of a Gentile living in the Land of Israel who doesn't want to convert to Judaism but agrees to observe the Seven Noahide Mitzvos. Any Gentile who accepts the seven commandments and is careful to observe them is of the “pious of the nations of the world” and will have a portion in the World to Come.
Rashi, (Yevamos 48b) maintains that a resident alien or Ger Toshav is obliged to observe Shabbat. Tosafos (ibid. Zeh Ger) questions Rashi but maintains that asking a Ger Toshav to do work on Shabbos for the benefit of a Jew is a Biblical violation.
Ohr Sameach (H. Issurei Biah 14: 7) maintains that the obligation of a Ger Toshav to observe the Seven Mitzvos, differs from the rest of Bnai Noach and is similar to the keeping of them by the Jewish Nation. Ohel Mordechai quotes the Ponovicher Rov adding that since for Bnai Yisroel the desecration of Shabbos is tantamount to serving Avoda Zarah (Chulin 5a), so it is for a Ger Toshav, and therefore he has to observe Shabbos.
Mishna Berura (304: 1) rules that a Ger Toshav does not have to keep Shabbos.
There is a disagreement as to what constitutes and creates a Ger Toshav. Ritva (Makos 9a) maintains that he must accept the Seven Noahide laws before a rabbinical court of three. Rabbenu Nissim, (Avodah Zarah 67b), declares that the status of an unimmersed convert is inferior to that of a Ger Toshav because the former’s acceptance of the “yoke of the commandments” is intended to be binding only upon subsequent immersion.
Rambam (H. Avoda Zarah 10: 4) rules that he is given the right to abode in the land only after his acceptance of the Seven Mitzvos in front of a rabbinical court.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that the accepted view is that the Ger Toshav must accept the Seven Noahide laws before a rabbinical court of three in order to keep Shabbos. However, the Rov maintains that this type of acceptance does not apply in our days.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/23/2021 6:50 PM |
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# 3230 Keep At or Keep Off
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Q. My third question is: How far can this go? We know that when someone is going through the process of giyur, they are supposed to begin observing all of hilchos Shabbos, but still have to do one melacha or shvus privately each week until they finish their giyur. Is it possible for Bnai Noach who are very serious about Hashem and following the Sheva Mitzvos to voluntarily accept upon themselves to abstain from melacha on Shabbos, as long as they don't fully avoid doing melacha? Meaning, they would be m'chalel Shabbos at least once each Shabbos.
A. To avoid the prohibition of keeping Shabbos for a Gentile in the process of conversion, a number of suggestions have been proposed; such as wearing a Taalis in a street that has no Eiruv on Shabbos, or to do work immediately after the end of Shabbos, (Since in the Gentile’s day, the night follows the day). If we are to follow the reason for prohibiting a Gentile to keep Shabbos given by the Talmud (ibid.) that “they should not rest”, both the Rambam (Shabbos 21,1 ) and the Ramban (Beginning of p. Kedoishim) consider even a Rabbinic infringement of Shabbos (a shvus), as a breach in the Biblically ordained resting of Shabbos.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is indeed that it suffices to do a issur d’rabbonon.”
It must be mentioned, that even for someone who is learned and knowing of the Chalachos of Shabbos, may easily transgress them, if he does not constantly revise and review them, since they are numerous and complicated. Besides, in our technologically changing times, new items and processes are constantly appearing and they require further attention and learning.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/23/2021 6:41 PM |
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# 3229 Recommended Encouragement?
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Q. (Re- question above). My second question is: If that (above question) is OK, could they then accept upon themselves some restrictions. For example, it is popular today for people to do a "media fast" where they don't use their phones or computers. Would undertaking that kind of voluntary abstinence from technology in addition to honoring the Shabbat be OK?
A. On question 1752 regarding a non-Jew that was a very religious dedicated Catholic for many years (actually a priest) and then decided to convert to Judaism. He argues now that finally he saw the real truth. Can he be trusted that he has really abandoned his former strong beliefs, since he may even be deceiving himself, and besides he does not have a chezkas kashrus yet. We wrote: Horav Shlomo Miller’s opinion is that teshuva is open in principle to all, and the truth is to be found in the depths of the hearts of all human beings.
The Rov suggested that in this particular case the gerus candidate should be offered a priori the easier option of becoming a Ger Toshav, or a Noahide who keeps the seven mitzvos. If he is adamant and insists to becoming a full fledged Ger Tzedek, more preparatory time should be requested from the applicant. (some Batei Din as is have a five year waiting period).
The Rov added that a precise and clear expression of denial of his prior beliefs should also be requested by the Beis Din.
Since Noahides are considered 'Chasidei Umos Haolam' or the righteous among the nations, it stands to reason that they should be helped in their endeavour and undertaking. Since it is very difficult to observe any belief or faith based only on negative commandments such as the keeping of the Seven Noahide Mitzvos. It stands to reason that they should be encouraged on this partial resting of Shabbos.
However, they do have the positive mitzva of learning all about their mitzvos and tefilah as part of Emunah.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that depending on the case, in principle they could be encouraged in their partial enjoying and celebrating of Shabbos.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/23/2021 6:32 PM |
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# 3228 A Gentle Shabbat?
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Q. Shalom Rav Bartfeld Shlita: One of the most contentious issues among Bnai Noach involves the observance of Shabbos. They are hearing extremely different views from various teachers. Some hear that they absolutely have to work on Saturday and are not allowed to take even one day off from working. On the other hand, some rabbis (basing themselves upon Biur Halacha 304) claim that a Ben Noach who has accepted the seven laws before a Beit Din is actually required to observe Shabbos like a Yid.
My question is to what degree may Bnai Noach (to be clear, not seeking Giyur) observe Shabbos?
Until now, I have been advising people that while they may not fully observe Shabbos as a Jew would in terms of avoiding melacha, it is probably OK for them to honor the Shabbos. This would mean that they could have special meals, light candles, dedicate more time for prayer and study, enjoying the company of friends, enjoying nature. etc.
So my first question is: Is that an acceptable m'halech for Bnai Noach?
A. On question 112 and 2741 we mentioned two Biblical reasons for prohibiting a Gentile keeping Shabbos. 'Firstly, the Talmud (Sanhedrin 58b) quotes as a source the verse (Bereishis 8,22): “Day and night they shall not cease (work)”. A second reason is found in the Midrash (Devarim ch. 1,23) that cites the verse; “Between me and Bnai Isroel, (Shabbos) is a sign forever” (Shemos 31,17). See also Talmud Beitzah 16a.'
Rabina (Sanhedrin ibid.) maintains that they are not allowed to rest any other day of the week.
Rambam (H. Melachim 10: 9) rules accordingly. He adds that the death penalty is not given by the Beis Din, however, they do exact other punishments. Rambam seems to opine that the reason for the severe punishment is due that he is seen as trying to create a new religion. The above would explain why other days of the week are included.
There are a number of other reasons given to why Shabbos does not apply to them. Some of them are:
1) Keddushas Levi explains that the nations would understand Hashem's existence from the incredible acts, wisdom and science needed for the Creation of the Universe. While the Jewish Nation see Him even in His actual acts of running the world. At times they seem very difficult to comprehend, such as all the wrongs and suffering, sickness, tragedies etc.. We actually survived with our belief in Him all persecutions, pogroms and even the Holocaust. Shabbos is above Creation.
2) Bas Ayin (Lech Lecha), mentions that our Sages teach (Brochos 7b) that Avraham Avinu was the first to call Hashem 'Adon' or the Sole Universal Master, negating all his own personal will, mind and desires. He completely subdued and annulled all of them, and replaced them with Hashem's will. Shabbos, the rest day, symbolizes the above.
3) Siach Sarfei Kodesh asserts that Shabbos represents a total and continuous holiness and devotion to Hashem, without any interruption at all, day and night. He paraphrases it in the verse "Mechaleleha Mos Yumas," the one who desecrates Shabbos will die. The word 'Chalal' implies a vacuum or empty space.
4) Bnei Yisosschor opines that Shabbos is Hashem's scepter. Only a son is permitted to hold the scepter of the father king.
Your suggestion that if they just have special meals, light candles, dedicate more time for prayer and study, enjoying the company of friends, enjoying nature. etc., but do not keep anything else of the many and complicated Halachos of Shabbos, would exonerate them from the penalty of keeping Shabbos, is correct. (See next questions).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/20/2021 11:22 AM |
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Important Numbers
