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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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#5438 The Real Yichus of our Yom Hameyuchas
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– Q. Dear Rabbi and friend, Long Life to you and to the good work you do. I have a most important time sensitive question.
I was driving alone last week late after attending a simcha of a good friend. Then I took as shortcut into a deserted side street, close to the hall you are certainly familiar with, and as I stooped at a light some local obviously Muslim looking five individuals familiar with the hall and its common Jewish simches, approached my car with guns an knives in their hands.
They forced me out of the car and to give them all I had. I didn’t have much cash and the loss was not great, and as another car was approaching with friends who then jumped out to save, they all run away.
I feel I have not only as required to Bentch Gomel and thank Hashem for the great miracle of salvation. More so as I have to do a siyum on a Masechta I recently ended, I would like to do it also as a Seudas Hodo’a to thank Hashem for his Great, truly Great kindness. My question is, since this coming Thursday is also Yom Hameyuchas, is it worthwhile to make then the siyum and seudas Hodoa?
A. Indeed next Thursday (May 29 2025), will Iy”H be the forty-sixth day of the Sefirah Count of the Omer and is also called Yom Ha Meyuchas, the Day of Distinction. It corresponds to the Second Day of Sivan, also the day before the beginning of the Shloshes Yemei Hagbolah, or the Three Days of Restraint that Moshe ordered the Jewish Nation to observe and prepare for the Receiving of the Torah.
It included the restraint from common pleasures including marital intimacy. The purpose of the latter was so that the entire Jewish People would certainly be pure and full participants on the Day that HaShem would give the Torah to them.
Since it is as is a special day for feeling our clossness to Hashem it would see proper to do your Siyum and Seudas Hodoa.
See next question.
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Posted 5/29/2025 4:47 PM |
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#5437 - The Rosh of Every Rosh Chodesh!
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Q. Kevod Moreinu Horav Shlit’a. Tomorrow Wednesday the 28 of May (2025) is going to be Rosh Chodesh Sivan.
I remember hearing in a shiur that it is a most important day and Hakadosh Baruch Hu listens to all of our prayers and that is something I really truly most need. What exactly is the source of the above?
A. At the receiving of the Torah about to be celebrated, it is written, “And the People of Israel encamped there, opposite the Mountain.”
Our Sages teach us about “that very day” refers to Rosh Chodesh Sivan. Yet the term written in the Torah for “encamped” is “Vayichan” and it is singular, and not as expected plural.
This is to instruct us that the acceptance of the Torah by the Jewish Nation, was to be as one unique single minded people together with Hashem. They were all united with a single heart. That was truly essential and indispensable because the receiving of the Torah was exactly like a marriage contract between Hashem and His nation and, as such, there was no room and place for any hesitation or disloyalty between all the parties.
In Divrei HaYamim (Chronicles II- 15:9, 12), we find, regarding King Asa of Yehudah, written: “And he gathered all of Yehudah and Binyamin, and from those who lived with them, from Ephrayim and Menasheh and from Shimon, for they collected unto him in multitudes, because they saw that Hashem was with him. And they were gathered to Yerushalayim in the third month, of the fifteenth year of King Asa. And they sacrificed to Hashem on that day.”
Our Sages teach us that this entry into a Covenant with Hashem by the Jewish Nation, that occurred approximately six hundred years after the Covenant at Sinai, was indeed on Rosh Chodesh Sivan and it united all of us with Hashem, and He is then all for us. and listens to our prayers.
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Posted 5/28/2025 4:05 PM |
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#5436 – Women Not Working, Really!!!
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On question 3 (5423 see bellow we wrote) the prohibition applies to kehillos that accepted the custom. I am not aware currently of any kehilla that practices this custom?
A. On question 5423 we also wrote: -"Q. Kvodo Shlit’a. I overheard in a shiur on line something truly strange, that women should not do work during the nights of Sefirat Haomer. Is that really true? How come I have not seen anyone even the most frum families keeping this prohibition?
A. Indeed Shulchan Aruch (493: 4) writes that women have the tradition not to do any “Melacha” or work from Pesach until Shemini Atzeres from the sunset onward.
Mishna Berura (ibid. 18) adds as other Poskim also agree, that the above also includes men.”
In reality, as we also clearly mentioned, it is a tradition that is not usually kept.”
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Posted 5/28/2025 2:44 PM |
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#5435 – Get One’s Hair Even More Done
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- Q. The question (5429) about hair is not clear what is permitted for a married and unmarried woman. From your answer it would seem an unmarried woman may have a haircut which she is not allowed to!
A. Kvod Horav Shlit”a On question 5429 we wrote:
“Q. Dear Rabbi and friend. I have some questions concerning the prohibition of cutting hair and shaving during sefira time for women. Can a woman that wears a sheitl or covers her hair and now it is too long and protrudes a bit outside the covering trim it so it won’t?
Can she also cut or trim the excess hair, of her legs before going to the mikva?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that it would be permitted.
On question 5430 we wrote– Q. See question above. Two more related questions. Can a married woman who want’s to look attractive to her husband cut her surplus hair?
And can an unmarried woman who is dating for finding a shiduch do the same?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that it is permitted.
The answers are clear as to what is permitted and what is not.
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Posted 5/28/2025 1:38 PM |
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#5434 - A True Childrens Day!
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- Q. Dearest Rabbi. Tomorrow Tuesday May 27 (2025) is the day dedicated by many to recite the Tefillah (prayer) from the Shelo Hakadosh. Why is this day specially dedicated for it?
A. The Tefillah of the Shelo Hakadosh is a known Segula (accepted dedication) for parents to say on behalf of their children and grand children.
The Shelo Hakadosh wrote that “the most appropriate time to recite this prayer is on Erev Rosh Chodesh Sivan, for that is the month when Hashem gave us His Torah, and when we began to be called his children”.
The Shelah Hakadosh, was Horav Yesaiah HaLevi Horowitz. His Kever is in Tiveria and his Yahrtzeit is - 11, Nisan
Horav Yeshaiah HaLevi Horowitz ZT”L, known as the 'Sh'lah Hakadosh' (1565-1630), was born in Prague. He was a great scholar of outstanding reputation, and he served as chief Rabbi of Krakow, and more famously, of Frankfort (1610-1620).)
After his first wife passed away, Rabbi Horowitz remarried and moved to Israel in 1621. He became the first Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi of Jerusalem.
After being kidnapped by the local pasha, and ransomed by the Jewish community for a backbreaking sum of money, Rabbi Horowitz moved to Tiberias in order to prevent a subsequent kidnapping.
He is known as the Shelah, which is the abbreviation of the title of his great Sefer, Shnei Luchot HaBrit, a classic work in Jewish tradition, combining insights into the weekly portion, the holidays and Halacha.
His most visited Kever is in Tiberias, near the tomb of the Rambam.
The traditional prayer of parents on behalf of their children is read on Erev Rosh Chodesh Sivan.
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Posted 5/27/2025 4:44 PM |
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#5433 The Arch of the March?
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– Q. See question above. Can I tell my father that I’m not feeling well and so avoid going to the march with the rest of my family?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that you may do so if very necessary, yet it is always far better to tell the truth.
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Posted 5/27/2025 4:38 PM |
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#5432 Back the Best Walk!
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Q. Hashem Bless you Rov. I Have an urgent question. My father that keeps mitzvos in his own way, B”H send me to a Yeshiva to learn. I always honor him as much as possible and I have asked the Rov questions on the past. He much wants me to join him this coming Sunday on the walk With Israel, can I do so?
A. As was expected over 56,000 people marched through Toronto during Sunday’s 56th Annual Walk With Israel event, according to the Toronto Police Service.
The rally, organized by the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, took place on the same day as Israel’s National Security Council warned of an “increased threat from terrorist elements against Israelis and Jews” in Canada, raising the threat level from one to two.
Nevertheless, the UJA Federation’s march went ahead as scheduled.
At 56,000, the turnout was even greater than the estimated number of attendees at the Israel Day event on Fifth Avenue in NYC, making the Toronto rally the largest outside of Israel in 2025.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that one who is dedicated to the learning of Torah should continue to do so, as his Torah learning is more effective for the future and well being of our nation everywhere.
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Posted 5/27/2025 4:36 PM |
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#5431 CHAZAK CHAZAK- LET US BE STRONG!!!
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- Kevod Rabeinu Shlit’a. I just heard some really tragic news that the renowned mohel of five of my grandchildren, Rav Emanuel Yechiya Meshulam, zt”l, collapsed suddenly during the middle of a Bris Milah yesterday afternoon at a simcha held in Bilu Junction, in central Israel.
When the presents called for emergency help, the call was received by his very own grandson, Kfir Meshulam — who is a volunteer with Magen David Adom. Rabeinu, I just don’t understand why such a great Tzadik who performed tens of thousands of brisn for free during his lifetime, should see such a tragic end. I really would like to hear what is Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion and what I should do about it?
I did some news research and came across the following article.in YWN.
“R’ Emanuel Yechiya Meshulam, z”l, a beloved mohel and tzaddik known throughout Israel for his decades of mesirus nefesh in performing brissim purely l’shem Shamayim was tragically niftar as he prepared to perform another one. He was 88.
The niftar collapsed suddenly in the middle of a bris milah on Wednesday afternoon at a simcha held in Bilu Junction, central Israel. Shocked onlookers watched as the joyous moment turned tragic in an instant. Emergency medical personnel were immediately called to the scene. The call was received by his very own grandson, Kfir Meshulam — a volunteer with Magen David Adom.
Kfir rushed over, only to discover that the patient was his beloved grandfather. Despite his frantic efforts and rushing R’ Emanuel to the Kaplan Medical Center, doctors were tragically forced to declare his petirah shortly after arrival.
Footage of the mohel’s collapse and petirah has been shared across social media. As a matter of basic respect and sensitivity, YWN will not be doing so.
For over four decades, R’ Emanuel Meshulam Zt”l performed tens of thousands of brissim throughout Eretz Yisrael and beyond, never once accepting payment. “I do it all l’shem shamayim,” he would often say. Any funds offered to him were redirected to support a Beis Knesses he built l’ilui nishmas his father.
His life’s mission was not only in milah but in avodas hakodesh and community service.
A Lieutenant Colonel (Res.) in the IDF’s Military Police, he once served alongside Ariel Sharon. After his military service, he managed a branch of Bank Leumi in the Sh’arayim neighborhood of Rechovot, all while continuing his avodas hakodesh as a mohel.
Just that morning — in what now shows itself as open Hashgachah P'ratis (Hashem`s Dedicated Care)— R’ Emanuel officially certified a talmid who had trained under him for four years. After his petirah mid-bris, that very talmid stepped forward and completed the milah — his very first, in place of his rebbi. Yehi Zichro Baruch. (from YWN).
That, Moreinu Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a taught me,in many other cases, is the reality of our often challenging life and existence.
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Posted 5/25/2025 10:06 AM |
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#5430 Get Out of One's Hair
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– Q. See question above. Two more related questions. Can a married woman who want’s to look attractive to her husband cut her surplus hair?
And can an unmarried woman who is dating for finding a shiduch do the same?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that it is permitted.
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Posted 5/22/2025 10:30 PM |
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#5429 Get One's Hair Done
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– Q. Dear Rabbi and friend. I have some questions concerning the prohibition of cutting hair and shaving during sefira time for women. Can a woman that wears a sheitl (wig) or covers her hair and now it is too long and protrudes a bit outside the covering trim it so it won’t?
Can she also cut or trim the excess hair, of her legs before going to the mikva?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that it would be permitted.
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Posted 5/22/2025 10:27 PM |
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#5428 What Is This?!!!
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– Q. Rabino Bartfeld Buenos dias. Le tengo una pregunta.
Estoy estudiando acerca de la influencia persa en el hebreo, y habla acerca de una braja en nombre de Rabbi Akiva.
La braja es : Baruj ata H’ Adir beahdrei Shira
Alguna vez había usted escuchado esa braja?
(translation}; I have a question for you. I’m studying about the influence of Persian language in our Hebrew language, I came across a bracha in Rabbi Akiva’s name. The bracha is:
“Baruj ata H’ Adir beahdrei Shira.” Has the Rov heard of such a brocho?
A. Although I saw this saying mentioned extensively on line, I Asked Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a and his son Horav Aharon Shlit’a and they said they are not cognizant of any such Bracha or saying.
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Posted 5/22/2025 10:04 PM |
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#5427 Recap The Cap!
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- Q. Hello Rav! I'm wondering if the following situation would be an Issur of some sort on Shabbat (boneh or maka b'patish or sofer?): It is Shabbat and I'm done with a bottle of grape juice and about to toss it into the recycling bin, I don't want the small amount of liquid in the bottle to spill out into the recycling bin so I take the cap and place it back on the bottle. Is there a problem with this given that it will go to recycling and likely never be opened again? Any difference for Sephardim? Thanks!
A. The case is not clear, can you better describe the nature of your bottle and cap. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a also could not get the correct picture.
Please send a picture.
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Posted 5/22/2025 9:57 PM |
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#5426 Finally -Time to Work!
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- Q. See question above. Does that apply to the complete night?
A. Mishna Berura (493: 4: 19) mentions that depending on the reason given for the prohibition (see question 5424 above) the prohibited time for work may be limited, and once already Sefira was counted work is permitted.
As mentioned above few Poskim maintain this prohibition. (See Piskei Teshuvos (ibid.)
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Posted 5/22/2025 9:35 PM |
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#5425 More Work on Why Not Work!
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- Q. See question above. If there is really someone who has that tradition, What kind of work if any is prohibited?
A. Many Poskim maintain that even according to the opinions that there is indeed such a prohibition, it only applies to heavy and extended work.
However, simple work, such as turning on the lights or even cooking, preparing meals,and cleaning is permitted (Kovetz Mibeis Levy, 1, p.57, sidur Yaavetz and others). Other Poskim permit work allowed on Chol Hamoed. (Eishel Avrohom B”).
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Posted 5/22/2025 8:44 PM |
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#5424 Why Should Women Not Work?
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- Q. See question above. I have more work Shailos. What is the reason for this unusual, and little known work prohibition for women or men?
A. The primary reason Mishna Berura (ibid. 19) mentions, is that at that time we mourn the students of Rabbi Akiva who perished as a result of the plague which struck during this period, and were buried then.
Work is one of the prohibitions traditionally kept during mourning. He also quotes another reason mentioned in the Tur (ibid.) that since we count Sefira at that time, and the Torah mentions on this mitzva, the term “Sheva Shabosos” (Seven Weeks) and the term “Shevus” also means resting and avoiding work.
Other reasons given are, that it is also the season in which Hashem judges the world's annual grain supply, and thus, feelings of reverence and awe are in order. (Kaf Hachaim 493: 6).
Also mentioned is that the mourning traditions during this period are also intended to recall the Crusades which wreaked mayhem and destruction on the Jewish communities throughout Europe at this time.
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Posted 5/22/2025 8:42 PM |
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#5423 - Women Not Working, Really?
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-– Q. Kvodo Shlit’a. I overheard in a shiur on line something truly strange, that women should not do work during the nights of Sefirat Haomer. Is that really true? How come I have not seen anyone even the most frum families keeping this prohibition?
A. Indeed Shulchan Aruch (493: 4) writes that women have the tradition not to do any “Melacha” or work from Pesach until Shemini Atzeres from the sunset onward.
Mishna Berura (ibid. 18) adds as other Poskim agree, that the above also includes men. (See next Shailos).
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Posted 5/20/2025 7:35 PM |
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#5422 More Victory to this day!
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- Q. See question above. Can one avoid learning a shiur for attending a Victoria day celebration or parade?
A. See answer above, as the same applies. Our Rabbanim added that the a real true great honor, recognition and thanks to be given to our best extraordinary country of our abode, is indeed honoring it with the learning of our holy Torah also in its behalf, merit and well being.
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Posted 5/19/2025 12:01 PM |
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#5421 A Victory Day!
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- Q. Dear Rov, could you kindly ask Rav Miller Shlit’a and the other Rabbonim of the group if there is any problem in attending the parade and fireworks of Victoria day with our children?
A. Victoria Day (French: Fête de la Reine, lit. 'Celebration of the Queen') is a federal Canadian public holiday observed on the last Monday preceding May 25 to honour Queen Victoria, who is known as the "Mother of Confederation". The holiday has existed in Canada since at least 1845, originally on Victoria's natural birthday, May 24. It falls on the Monday between the 18th and the 24th (inclusive) and, so, is always the penultimate Monday of May (May 19 in 2025 and May 18 in 2026).
Victoria Day is a federal statutory holiday, as well as a holiday in six of Canada's ten provinces and all three of its territories. The holiday has always been a distinctly Canadian observance and continues to be celebrated across the country. It is informally considered the start of the Summer Season in Canada. (Wikipedia).
On question 3713 we wrote:
“Dear Rov Shlit’a is there a problem celebrating Victoria Day by going to a park and watching the fireworks, because of; ‘Lo Telchu Bechukot Hagoyim,’ (following the traditions of the nations)?
A. Victoria Day is not a religious holiday, as is amply recorded. It celebrates the birthday of Queen Victoria, who was the ruling monarch at the time of Canada’s birth as a country in 1867. It’s a day to celebrate all the wonderful things that make Canada the great country it is.
Therefore, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that there is no prohibition of ‘Lo Telchu Bechukot Hagoyim,’ involved. (See also question 3329 regarding that it is also propitious to include the date in a shul or school Luach).”
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one who can and learns Torah should continue doing so and leave the Victoria day celebration to those who don’t.
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Posted 5/19/2025 11:58 AM |
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#5420 The Purim-Lag Blo-Omer!
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- Q. Dear Rabbi, I overheard on a recent shiur that Lag Baomer and Purim are closely related, Is that really true?
A. Indeed it is true on question 2187 we wrote:
“Q. Shulchan Aruch (428) writes that Lag Baomer is always the same day of the week a Purim. (Siman P’lag). What is the connection between them?
A. Many different interpretations have been given to the connection between the two unalike festivities.
To mention only a few; some dwell on Cabalistic teachings that are common to both (Imrei Noam, Givaas Pinchas, et.al.) Others, stress similarities such as the unity of the Nation, that when it was lacking it was the cause of the threat and danger, but when it was mended it became the source of salvation. (Sheloh, quoted by Vayechi Yosef: p.254).
The development and advancement of the non-written parts of the Torah, such as the Torah Shebaal Peh and the Toras Hanistar, is also mentioned (Chazon Lamoed: 18).
R”N of Breslov (Otzar Lag Baomer p. 128) maintains that both days are unique and unparalleled in their attribute and dimension of Hashem listening to our tefilos and prayers and both are comparable to Yom Kippur.
Others see the nexus in the minhag of some of attending the kever of Rashbi during Purim also.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that the association may relate to the “Venahapoch Hu” or total inverse or opposite change, that characterized both occasions.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 5/16/2025 1:39 PM |
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#5419 A More Trimming Teshuva?
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- Q. See questions above. In general, can a married woman cut or trim he hair during Sefirah if required?
A. Some Poskim include women in the prohibition of cutting and trimming hair during Sefira (Pri Megodim 551: 47).
Igrois Moishe (Y.D. 2: 137) and others rule that one should be stringent when not in need, as when required to have one’s hair covered, or attending Tevila. See Piskei Teshuvos 493: 8.
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Posted 5/16/2025 1:33 PM |
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Important Numbers
