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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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# 3251 A Shining Example
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Q. Can one polish silver plates and similar during the Nine Days?
A. Kovetz Halochos (8: 3: n. 5), quotes Horav Shmuel Kamenetzki Shlit'a saying that it is permitted since those silver utensils are usually used during Shabbos, and for the honor of the day it is permitted.
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 6:20 PM |
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# 3250 Better Never than Late?
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Q. When breaking the fast on Sunday night motzoi Tisha Bav, is it better to wash on bread to be yotzi meleva malka, which some say can be until Tuesday?
A. On question 2919 we wrote: "Shaarei Teshuva (O.H. 30: 1) writes that the Neshama Yiseira (extra holy soul) granted to us at the beginning of Shabbos, stays with us after Shabbos ends, only until chatzos or the midnight on Motzei Shabbos, so the seuda or meal celebrated to honor of the departure of that most elevated day should be observed until before midnight. Mishna Berura (ibid. 2) mentions that this should be eaten as soon as possible after the end of Shabbos.
Chashukei Chemed (Pesachim 102b) deliberates when one only gets the wine necessary for reciting Havdalah after midnight, if he should wait until after chatzos and eat then Melave Malka only after saying havdalah or follow the opinion of Shaarei Teshuva and not eat that seuda after midnight. However, Oisrei Lagefen (p. 551) maintains that if one has not fallen asleep yet, one can eat Melave Malka even after Chatzos. Beis Yisroel Hasholem (p. 200) mentions that the Kristirer Rebeh would celebrate Melave Malka until three hours after chatzos.
Zemiros Leshabbos (p. 183) quotes that the Divrei Chaim once told his grandson Rabbi Shlomo Halberstam, the first Bobover Rebbe, to follow the Rofshitzer Rebbe’s minhag (also his grandson’s forefather), who would not eat Melave Malka on Motzei Shabbos, because he just could not cope with the departure of the Shabbos Kodesh, so he rather ate that seuda after davening on Sunday."
It is mentioned in Chassidic sefarim that some Rebbes would make a Seudas Melave Malka on Tuesday also (Zemiros Shabbos Sholom Umevorach p.157).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is to follow the opinion of the Mishna Berura and there is no place for a Melave Malka on Sunday night.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/4/2021 9:40 PM |
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# 3249 Only Hope in Hashem
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Q. A woman that has a sister living in the recently collapsed building in Miami and lost all contact with her. She assumes that likely she is L'A not alive anymore as a week has already elapsed. Can she attend the Bar Mitzva of a close relative or should she abstain since she may be in Avelut already?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that as long as no identifiable remains have been found, Avelus does not begin. However, attendance to the Bar mitzva should be brief and reserved.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/1/2021 10:54 PM |
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# 3248 Season of no Greetings
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Q. May one write a greeting on Tisha Bav, such as to write good afternoon in an email or to text good morning to his nonreligious mother?
Can one answer an email from a non-observant, or a Gentile with a greeting, since otherwise it would seem insulting or offensive?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 554: 20) rules that one should not greet another on Tisha Beav. However if someone ignorant of this ruling greeted, he may answer back in a slow and serious tone, so as not to embarrass the greeter.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one may express a general wish to all, such as let there be health or peace in the world and similar.
One can also mention in an answer that since this is our greatest day of mourning, he wishes everyone consolation and future happiness.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/1/2021 10:40 PM |
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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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Important Numbers
