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# 3448 On Time?
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Q. Where does a yeshiva Bachur light Thursday night when leaving yeshiva for an off Shabbos on Thursday night at 10 pm?
A. Horav Aharon's Miller Shlit'a opinion is that he still lights in the Yeshiva.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/2/2021 10:38 PM |
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# 3447 Thanks A Lot
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Q. Is Hakaras HaTov(recognizing and thanking for a favor received) a mitzvah in the Torah?
Last year Chanukah we provided my sons Rebbe with Chanukah Gelt, with a nice hand written card, and we didn't get any response of Thank you. The same thing happened at the end of the year, when we wanted to show our appreciation for teaching our son for the year. Does a person 'have' to say thank you...?
Thank you very much for your answers each week.
(Would one transgress on a prohibition of 'Lifnei Iver" or placing a stumbling block in front of one that does not care to commit a sin, in the case above?).
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that Hakoras Hatov or recognizing and thanking for a good and favor done to us, is a basic and most important 'Midda Tova" or good character trait, that is reflected by many mitzvos. However, not complying with it is not a transgression of one of the positive or negative mitzvos of the Torah and therefore 'Lifnei Iver" would not apply.
On question 3352 we wrote: "Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a pointed out that feelings or ‘Middos,’ as we often also call them. can be very detrimental and damaging and they can be the cause and source of many faults and sins. Anger, lust, laziness, or haughtiness, just to mention a few of the long list, are indeed the reason and ground for the averos and mistakes we make. Yet, interestingly, as Baalei Mussar and Poskim point out, the feelings by themselves are often not sins, as they can and should be used for the right purposes and mitzvot."
You may ask someone to respectfully and in a proper way remind the Rebbe to also comply with this important good 'Midda Tova".
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/2/2021 10:23 PM |
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# 3446 Enlightening the Converted
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Q. May a Gentile studying for conversion light a Menorah with Brochos? May one benefit from his candles?
A. On question 639 regarding someone who is preparing himself to become a Ger (convert) and is already enrolled in a learning program, is in contact with the Beis Din and attends regularly a Shul, if he can dance with the Torah on Simchas Torah or be given pesicha of the Aron Hakodesh or Gelilah. Or if he owns a lulav and esrog can he do hakafos around the Bima or the mitzvah of Hoshanos, or if he can he be invited to say a d'var Torah on a kidush, We wrote;
There are certain mitzvos that a Gentile is not allowed to observe even when his intention is to become a Ger, such as Shabbos. (Sanhedrin 58, Rambam – Melochim 10: 9, however, some Poskim permit after becoming circumcised). He is prohibited to learn Torah excepting the parts that are relevant to his observance of the seven mitzvos, the Tanach or written Torah (Meishiv Dovor 2: 77) and basic Halacha, if he is considering conversion (Mitzpeh Aryeh (2 Y.D. 8). He also should not don Tefilin since they have inherent kedusha and they require corporal cleanliness or hold a Sefer Torah or Mezuza (Ridbaz – H. Melochim 10: 10).
Following the above, Chashukei Chemed (Yuma 4a) rules that on the onset a prospective Ger should also not be honored yet with Pesicha (opening) of the Aron Hakodesh although the Rambam and others would permit. Besides the issue of Kovod or honor of the Sefer Torah involved there are other concerns such as Kovod Hatzibur and the fact that he may be equivocally accepted as Jewish even before he has fulfilled entirely his conversion (Aterez Paz O.H. 2)
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar."
In our question Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a also maintains that he should not light and recite any brochos yet and if he did, one may benefit from his candles.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/2/2021 10:15 PM |
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# 3445 Lip Service?
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Q. Why is it correct to say in Shemone Essreh three times a day "Ki Becha Batachnu" or "Because we trust in You," when we know that it is not necessarily always true?
A. On a very similar question (831) regarding why do we say every day three times a day in the amida in the bracha dedicated to the coming of Mashiach, the words “ki lishuat’cha kivinu kol hayom,” or “since we hope for Your salvation the whole day, and wait” Is that not lying openly to Hashem? How could we be so brazen?
We answered: "Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a explained that there are different degrees of consciousness in the mind. At some subliminal level all Jewish souls posses a constant desire for salvation and Bias Hamoshiach.
The Radal (Hagohos on Shir Hashirim Rabbo ch. 7) maintains the correct girsa or wording is Kol Yom, (every day) omitting the letter ה, because of that same concern. However, Talelei Oros (Tefilos p.320) quotes that the Brisker Rov zt”l would interpret the Tefila literally as it is written. The above (ibid.) also quotes Horav Yosef Shoul Natanzon zt’l as explaining that the day in this tefila, refers to the day of Hashem, which is a thousand years.
Other interpretations aver that the tefilos are said in plural since they include the whole nation of Israel. Indeed, when we consider everyone together the statement is true (Rabbi S. Spero). In addition, the word “kivinu” is past tense. Certainly, in the past there were great tzadikim, that could have sincerely said that statement. (R’ Avner Milevsky.)
The word “Ki” also has different meanings, adding to “since” the words “if”, “maybe” and “but.” Some of those interpretations may provide an answer.
Horav Yaakov Galinski zt’l (Vehigadto Balak) explains that everyone expects and desires a yeshua, salvation or help, since that is the normal human condition. What exactly that yeshua entitles depends on the individual. For some it may be something quite banal and inconsequential; for others it is indeed the real thing."
Almost the same parameters would apply to your question.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/29/2021 3:46 PM |
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# 3444 Clean One's Act
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Q. Is it correct for Frum people to leave a discarded toilet for street collection sometimes for more than a week, when the neighbors are people who often learn Torah and also say words of Tefila as they walk in the street where that toilet is?
A. On question 3309 regarding someone facing in the street or his window a construction portable toilet, we, wrote: "Although, in the case of the bathroom in a plane we mentioned that Poskim are lenient, in this particular situation Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should avoid davening or saying any words of Kedusha facing a construction portable toilet.
The above applies even if the walls and door are of two layers, since they are mainly made for the purpose of the inside room and not for any room on the outside, and unlike an airplane, they are placed on open spaces."
Certainly, one cannot think Divrei Torah or recite a brocho when facing a toilet left out for collection and the sight is also annoying and disgusting for most, however Horav Aharon Miller's opinion is that it can be left out for the normal collection time expectancy.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/25/2021 11:08 PM |
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# 3443 The Correct Question
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Q. In Ta'anis Daf 4a R' Shmuel bar Nachmani says that three people asked Hashem shelo kahogen (incorrectly) and He replied twice kahogen and once shelo kahogen. This seems to imply that we must be "careful what we wish for" lest Hashem respond with a literal fulfillment of the request in a way we would not want. This sounds like Hashem acts like the proverbial "Monkey's Paw" which was cursed by an Indian fakir and granted wishes with horrible consequences. Is this really the message?
A. Chas Veshalom to compare Hashem's ways to the behavior of unethical and uncouth Gentiles.
Hagaos of Rav Aizik Chover, mentions that there is a Remez (allusion) to these three in the posuk 'Ish Ki Idor Neder Lashem' or "when someone makes a promise to Hashem,,' the word Ish carries the first letters of the three people who asked Hashem not correctly and to two of them, Eliezer and Shoul he did answer correctly, but not to Yiftach. To him he kept the follow up of the verse; 'Kechol asher yetze mipiv yaaseh' or whatever came out from his mouth will prevail. The reason being was that, his words were indeed mistakenly specific and not careful.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld
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Posted 11/25/2021 10:51 PM |
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# 3442 The Black Sea?
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Q. (See questions above) Can one make the Bracha on the sea when seeing it from a plane while traveling at night?
A. Halichos Shlomo (23: 26) maintains that if one sees enough as when the moon shines strongly on it and awakens feeling of wonder and unusual admiration, one should recite the Brocho of 'Ose Maase Bereishis.'
Rabbi A. Bartfeld
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Posted 11/25/2021 10:42 PM |
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# 3441 High Seas?
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Q. Can one recite say 'Ose Maase Bereishit' when looking at the sea from the great altitude of a flight at the time one cannot see any details, just a great blue surface ?
A. Although it is preferable to recite the Brocho at the beginning of the flight as one sees first the Mediterranean when leaving Eretz Yisroel, Betzel Hachochmo (2: 15) maintains that if the sight carries beauty and awakens admiration and wonder, one can recite the Brocho from the heights of a flying plane.
On question 2573 regarding the "special blessing when he sees a place where a miracle occurred for the Bnai Yisroel, such as the site of the crossing of the sea, when we left Egypt, or the crossing of the Yarden river when entering the land, that we don’t make that bracha today, since we do not know exactly where the sea or the Yarden were split and crossed.
We answered: "Kaftor Vopherach (7), Biur Halacha (208: 1) and others rule that no brochos should be recited unless one is sure and certain that he is witnessing the place where the miracle actually occurred.
Indeed, Horav Ben Sion Abba Shaul zt’l, Rosh Hayeshiva of Porath Yosef, rules in Ohr Letzion (2: 14: 40), that if one travels by plane close to the Jordan river over the area of Yericho, and he sees all the compatible area, he could recite the mentioned blessing.
Horav Shlomo miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that although it may be possible for a plane traveling at the right height to see some specific details and identifying aspects of the location being observed, it would not be possible to do so from space and therefore no brocho should be recited on the crossing of the sea."
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/25/2021 10:34 PM |
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# 3440 A Plane Answer
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Q. If one saw the sea from the plane at the beginning of the trip and did not make the Bracha of 'Ose Maase Bereishit' at the time, can he say it latter during the same flight?
A. Betzel Hachochmo (5: 27) rules that all brochos recited on seeing or listening something of wonder and unusual admiration, even after some time has elapsed, if they are still being seen or listen to, the corresponding brocho can be recited.
Halichos Shlomo (23: 26) maintains that as long as the wonder feeling still persists in the heart and mind of the observer, he can still recite the blessing. However, Rashbatz (Brochos 59a) quoting Ramban, opines that is is only within 'Toch K'dei Dibur' or about three seconds.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld
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Posted 11/25/2021 10:26 PM |
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# 3439 Falling for the Falls
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Q. See question above. Does the same apply to seeing the Lake Ontario and the rivers close to Niagara Falls?
A. On question 3288 regarding Brocho does one say if any when seeing first time Niagara Falls, we wrote:
"Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is than one can recite 'Ose Maase Bereishis.' However, if one has recited that blessing within thirty days, as in the case of seeing the sea, one should not repeat it with Hashem's name."
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/25/2021 10:21 PM |
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# 3438 The Lacking of the Lakes
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Q. See question above Q G-d willing, I am planning a trip to Toronto in the near future. Since I will be traveling over the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and will ostensibly see Lake Ontario while in Toronto, do I make a separate Brocho upon seeing each body of water?
A. On question 3289 regarding the bracha for one visiting first time Canada and seeing Lake Ontario, if should he say a blessing on it, we wrote: "Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is than one should avoid reciting a brocho with Hashem's name on common lakes since there are not that unusual and are similar to others. Therefore, seeing them even first time does not create great wonderment or admiration.
In you particular case, if on the same flight you will also see Lake Ontario, you should indeed have in mind when first reciting the brocho that you want to comply that blessing.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/25/2021 10:11 PM |
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# 3437 From Sea to Shining Sea
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Q. G-d willing, I am planning a trip to Toronto in the near future. Since I will be traveling over the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, (and will ostensibly see Lake Ontario while in Toronto), do I make a separate Brocho upon seeing each body of water?
A. Shulchan Aruch ( O.H. 228: 1) rules that on seeing a sea one recites 'Ose Maase Bereishis.' However, on seeing the 'Great Sea' one recites 'Ose Hayam Hagadol.' The Great Sea. He defines as the sea that one crosses when traveling to Eretz Yisroel or Egypt, namely the Mediterranean Sea.
Mishna Berura (2) debates and quotes opinions if the Yam Hagadol is indeed the Mediterranean Sea and is so named because of the importance of the Land of Israel, or as many Poskim maintain, it is the 'Yam Okianus' or what is named an 'Ocean,' is what carries the name of The Great Sea, since it covers in its connections the whole world. That would be the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans that also connect to the Mediterranean.
It would seem from Biur Halocho (ibid.), that it is better to recite 'Ose Maase Bereishis,' on all seas, since after the fact you comply with that blessing all possibilities.
Halichos Shlomo (H. Tefillah 23: 29) and Vezos Habrocho (p. 154) maintain that it is desirable, that when reciting the brocho on the Mediterranean Sea to say 'Ose Maase Bereishis,' and then add the words 'Ose Hayam Hagadol' Toch Kdei Dibbur or within 2-3 seconds.
Halichos Shlomo (H. Tefillah 23: 27) rules that If one said a brocho upon seeing one ocean and then sees another ocean, one should recite another bracha even if it's within 30 days. Therefore, it is preferable to have in mind when seeing the Mediterranean, and reciting 'Ose Maase Bereishis,' to have in mind the Atlantic and any other upcoming seas, since one knows that soon one will be gazing at them.
See next question
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/25/2021 10:02 PM |
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# 3436 Don't Ask Alexa
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Q. Can one use a computer that follows Alexa or Siri type of vocal instructions do melachot (prohibited works) on Shabbat, if it is programmed to only randomly follow up instructions 50% of the time? Since this scenario is definitely not a Pesik Reisha or a certainty that the Melacha will be done and is also done with a Shinui (in an unusual way), is it permitted?
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is not since it is a 'Dovor Hamiskaven' or an act done with intention, and that is not permitted even when not a Pesik Reisha.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/22/2021 4:01 PM |
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# 3435 Sorry for the Sorrow
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Q. Can someone observing Avelus during Shloshim (the first Thirty Days) attend during Shabbos a Sheva Brochos meal of a family member in a shul, to which he also contributed?
A. See Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 391: 2) that one should not attend a festive meal outside of his home even for a close relatives, while he is still during the first thirty days of mourning.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is advisable not to attend.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/19/2021 9:36 AM |
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# 3434 A Reflection on Sadness
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Q. See question above. Can an Avel during Shloshim (the thirty days after the beginning of mourning for a dear one) attend a Melave Malka (meal at the end of Shabbos), in which singing the Zemiros and happy chants of that particular meal if he is invited to say words of Torah?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is permitted if the Avel does not wash for bread or partakes in the meal offered.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/19/2021 9:33 AM |
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# 3433 A Gut'n Shabbos!
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Q. Can an Avel during Shiva who is used to invite a large group of guest on Friday night, while singing and enjoying great food, for the purpose of Kiruv and bringing people close to Judaism, continue to do so while he is in mourning?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is permitted and should actually do so. The reason being is that since he does so during every Shabbos and if he would discontinue now, it would appear as an open act of Avelus or mourning which is prohibited during Shabbos.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/19/2021 9:29 AM |
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# 3432 Very Last Payment?
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Q. Someone receives the benefits and compensation from a spouses life insurance policy. Does one have to give Maaser on those monies received? Can one discount the payments and other costs involved in acquiring and maintaining the policy?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that indeed one should give Maaser from those gains and one may also discount all expenditures involved.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/19/2021 9:24 AM |
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# 3431 Be Right On the Money
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Q. Is it correct for the Gabaim in charge of a Pushka or Tzedaka collection box place a sign on it that they don't accept pennies or Tzedaka Vouchers?
A. Although one may argue that the Gabai or Gabaim in charge of the collection boxes may be affecting negatively the total amount of the Tzedaka that could have been collected by not accepting the vouchers and that could be far more significant than not accepting pennies.
Pennies have been phased out of Canadian currency for cash transactions on February 2013, however they can still actually be deposited in a bank when rolled in rolls of 50 coins.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that since the Gabai or Gabaim are usually donating their time, they are entitled to qualify their given time and effort to conditions that are easier and more productive for the time donated, and one should try to comply to their conditions.
However, the Rov maintains that the vouchers or pennies deposited in the pushka are anyway considered Tzedaka.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/19/2021 9:21 AM |
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# 3430 A Glance on Stealing
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Q. A Shul from where books are taken outside the shul without permission and often not returned, can they place a sign that whoever takes out a sefer without the permission of the Gabaim transgresses the prohibition of stealing and his Torah learning is considered a 'Mitzva Haba'a Beavera' or a mitzva complied while doing a prohibited act and is invalid?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is indeed considered a 'Mitzva Haba'a Beavera' and one may not be complying at all with the mitzva of learning Torah when at the same time one is performing the prohibited act of using a stolen sefer. This ruling can also be included in the sign posted on the shul, that prohibits the taking out of sefarim from the shul.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/18/2021 10:30 PM |
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# 3429 Bowl Out?
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Q. Can I join a Jewish but not religious bowling team group, if I don't attend their nice party at the end of the season with DJ and cash prizes?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is better to avoid this type of company, even if they dress properly and behave correctly.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/18/2021 10:15 PM |
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Important Numbers
