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# 3069 An Eye on Your Apple
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Q. If someone recited Haetz bracha on an apple or any other fruit and there was apple sauce in front of him but he did not have in mind to include it, does he have to say a Shahakol bracha on it?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that he complies with the Haetz recited first and does not have to recite any other blessing on the apple sauce, since the sauce is also a derivative of the fruit
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 3/2/2021 10:00 PM |
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# 3068 Checking the Bags
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Q. I was wondering, when I open my Tefilin bag, as all others I recall seeing, the zipper opens from right to left. The Tefilin Shel Rosh (head Tefilin) are placed on the right and since the Shel Yad (hand Tefilin), which we put on first are on the left side. Why is this not a case of 'Ein Maavirin Al Hamitzvos' (prohibited passing over the compliance of a mitzva) on the Shel Rosh, which appeared first?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that as long as the zipper does not open completely, it would be somehow difficult to extract the head Tefilin first and therefore they are not considered available at that time.
Only when the zipper opens completely they are readily available, and then the Shel Yad are closer.
In reality Tefilin bags that open from left to right are also common.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 3/2/2021 9:51 PM |
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# 3067 The Robot and the Monkey
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Q. In hospitals that already use robots for carrying and delivering meals for the patients, can one place Shalach Manot to be delivered by them to the sick?
A. Chashukei Chemed (Megila 7a) quotes a story of A Rov that complained to the Satmar Rebbe zt'l, that he received Shalach Mones delivered by a child dressed as a monkey. The Rebbe replied that even if a real monkey would deliver them, one would also comply. He added to the wondering Rabbi, that so is the opinion of the Chassam Sofer (Gittin 22b). Namely, that when the Torah demands that a person should do the mitzva himself, then you have to rely on a proper Shaliach or agent to carry it out in your name. Not so, when to begin with, the mitzva is to be done by using an agent, then even a monkey can also deliver.
However, Chashukei Chemed adds that since the purpose of sending Shalach Mones, is to manifest and create friendship and affection, sending it with a monkey may have an adverse effect.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that you indeed comply by sending the gift with the robot usually used, with the permission of the staff.
(Robots are preferred in some hospitals because of different reasons, including reliability and the avoidance of contamination).
Rabbi A, Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit"a
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Posted 2/28/2021 12:11 PM |
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# 3066 The Customs of Costumes
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Q. Can one wear a Purim costume when davening?
A. Shulachan Aruch requires that one davening the Amida, to be dressed properly as if he would be standing facing a king.
Therefore, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should not wear a costume at that time.
Rabbi A, Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit"a
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Posted 2/28/2021 12:07 PM |
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# 3065 Don't Just Grab a Garb
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Q. Is it correct for children to wear on Purim a costume that resembles King Achasverosh or Haman, who were evil people?
A. See question 3064 above regarding the sources and reasons for wearing attires and disguises on Purim.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is better to avoid costumes. that have any negative connotation, as they may affect a child's emotions and spiritual health.
Rabbi A, Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit"a
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Posted 2/28/2021 12:03 PM |
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# 3064 Face the Mask
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Q. If one wears for Covid protection a mask, would that qualify as 'Partzufin' on Purim, or does one have to wear an additional mask?
A. On question 1279 regarding Rema's ruling (695: 2) that you have to wear Shabbos clothing on Purim. However, it also says that you should wear an attire (partzufin). So which is more correct?
To what we answered; 'Different reasons have been mentioned for the minhag of donning disguises on Purim, such as giving the opportunity to the poor to collect tzedaka without being embarrassed. (Minhagei Kol Aryeh).
The miracle of Purim was disguised in ordinary occurrences and events, such as Vashti being executed and Esther taking her place. The Talmud (Megila 12a) writes that just as the Jews at the time pretended only to be serving other gods, Hashem also pretended that He was going to destroy the Jewish nation, and in the end it was only a semblance (Bnai Isoschor). It would seem that we are being encouraged to wear partzufin. However, Rema (Shulchan Aruch O.H. 696: 8) and Mahari Mintz (17) mention only that it is permitted, but do not encourage it necessarily.
While in regards to wearing Shabbos clothing on Purim, Mishna Berura (695: 3) writes in the name of the (Poskim) Achronim that it is proper to wear them at the night Megila reading also.
The minhag of the Maharil, Avodas Yisroel, Ben Ish Chai (Tetzave) and others was similar (See Yemei Hapurim 5: 1).
Eliahu Rabba (691: 15) mentions that one should change to clothing of import as a remembrance to; 'Mordechai left the king’s presence with royal raiment (Esther 8: 15).'
Horav Yaakov Hirschman Shlit'a suggested that one could dress up with Shabbos Chasidishe clothing, since for one who does not usually wear them, they would constitute a disguise.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that wearing Shabbos clothing supersedes the minhag some have of wearing a costume, at least most of the time.'
In regards to the Purim shaila, obviously the Covid mask has a different use.
Rabbi A, Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit"a
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Posted 2/25/2021 10:27 PM |
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# 3063 The Whole Halel Megila?
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Q. There are in our days a significant amount of people who due to the pandemic restrictions, will be unable to hear the Megillah reading from a proper manuscript this year, either because they are hospitalized and the ones who can read for them are restricted in access or because they are isolated and can't travel to a proper shul these days. Should they recite Halel instead? With or without a bracha?
A. Shaarei Teshuva (693: 2) quoting Meiri and referring to Talmud Megila (14a) that teaches that the reason we do not recite Halel during Purim is because the reading of the Megila is tantamount to it. Therefore, when one cannot read the Megila, one should indeed recite Halel. He recommends to recite without a brocho. Nitei Gavriel (Purim 24: 2) maintains a similar position. (See also Chashukei Chemed Megila 14a regarding women).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that there is no need to recite Halel.
Rabbi A, Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit"a
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Posted 2/25/2021 10:19 PM |
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# 3062 The Propitious Purim Poor
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Q. If one is approached during Purim by people collecting for matonos laevyonim for the local needy and also for the Aniyei or poor of Eretz Yisroel, what should he choose?
A. Rambam (H. Matonos Aniyim 7: 13) based on Sifri (Devarim 15) rules that the needy of one's city take precedence over others. However, Poskim disagree if that includes also the impoverished of Eretz Yisroel. Bach (Y.D. 251) maintains that the local poor prevail, while Peas Hashulchan, Maharam Galanti (76) and others disagree and opine that the Israeli destitute preempt, since besides the mitzva of tzedaka, they are also involved in Yishuv Eretz Yisroel.
Teshuvos Vehanhogos (Y.D. 2: 470) explains that the priority to the resident impoverished applies when one faces them. He also mentions other factors and conditions. See also Y.D. 3: 283
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in principle, one should give first to the local needy.
Rabbi A, Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit"a
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Posted 2/25/2021 10:08 PM |
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# 3061 Amount to Something
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Q. What are the correct amounts for machatzit hashekel and matonos laevyonim this year?
A. On question 1024 and 2572 we wrote: Rema (O.H. 694: 1) rules that we donate besides Matonos Laevyonim, also Machatzis Hashekel, but the amounts differ. Mishna Berura (694: 2) asserts to follow the opinion of the Ritvo (Megila 7b) that one fulfils the matonos laevyonim obligation even with two prutos (one prutah per indigent) or its equivalent in food. (“shaveh Prutah”)
The value of a perutah according to the opinion of the Chazon Ish is 1/40 or .025 of a gram of silver, and according to the Masoro it is .0182 of a gram of silver (Masores Hashekel p.119)”
At today’s (Adar 5780) price of silver (about $0.56 U.S.D. per gram) it would result in $0.0128 or $0.0092, a bit more or less than a penny.
Although one fulfills one’s obligation with a prutah, nonetheless, Poskim write that it’s proper to give each poor person a significant and meaningful gift (Maharsho – Megila ibid.) Others maintain that it should be enough to purchase three egg volumes of bread (Shaarey Teshuvo 694, see also other opinions on Nitey Gavriel Purim 33:2)
Yeme Mishteh VeSimcha (p. 244 published in 5766) quotes Rav Elyashiv zt’l as saying that even though one fulfills one’s obligation with a prutah, nonetheless, it’s proper to give each poor person about 5 shekalim which is an amount which would make the poor person happy. Halichot Shlomo (chap 19, note 62) quotes Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt’l as having said that in order to fulfill all opinions one should give an amount which is significant by the giver and by the taker’s standards.
In question #507 in this forum we wrote that Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a advises to give at least a dollar (Canadian) for matonos loevyonim, (a Zichron Binyomin paper equivalent dollar is also good). The reason is that you can still acquire a roll of bread with something in it, to be used for a minimum seudah. The Rov maintains that on this year, (5780) the above still stands.
The Rov also recommends that one with limited resources should give two dollars to two needy persons, then divide the rest of the money available and donate to as many recipients as possible, even if it less than a dollar, since every act of giving constitutes a new separate mitzva.
A machatzis hashekel (see question 1274) is the value of 9.6 grams of silver lechumra and 7.5 grams in leniency. The price of silver was yesterday (March 6, 20), approximately $0.56 USD per gram. So the value of machatzis hashekel is between $5.38 and $4,20 USD.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that you can use the lower figure. However, the Rov mentioned the accepted minhag that where no coin designated as a half-shekel, it is customary for the gabbaim to bring three halves of silver coins which are issued elsewhere, and to give these coins in exchange, to anyone who makes his contribution in the coins or money available to him. After performing the mitzva, the giver returns the three half-shekels to the plate so that others may also be able to observe the minhag properly.
Although she spot price of silver today (2/22/21) in Canada is 35.56 (Can) per ounce or 1.14 per gram, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that since this is only a minhag one may still give between 7 or 8 Canadian dls.
Rabbi A, Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit"a
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Posted 2/25/2021 10:00 PM |
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# 3060 New Ways of Giving
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Q. Can one comply with the mitzva of Matonos Loevyonim (giving to the poor) during Purim when the receiving pauper uses a mobile credit card reader terminal and one offers to him a credit card that will be charged immediately?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is likely that the indigent is using a Tzedaka Organization to help him receive the monies given to him and is thus able to grant a tax deductible receipt. If that organization, keeping with the Halacha needs of Purim, immediately transfers the monies to his account on Purim itself, the donor will comply with Matanos Laevyonim. However, the above condition should be verified.
Rabbi A, Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit"a
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Posted 2/25/2021 9:52 PM |
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# 3059 A Gift on Time
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Q. Shalom Rav, Purim this year will be a rush no doubt.
Would it be OK to put A shaloch manos by someone’s door after Shabbos already comes in, right? [If the items are not muksa and can be used/eaten on Shabbos? ]
Can we drop off a bunch? Do we have to have a specific machshava (intention)?I was thinking after bentch lechting to go for a little walk to some neighbours I may not have gotten to.....Thank you so much for the forum. A Freilchen Pirim!
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if the time one delivers the Shalach Manos is after light candling, since they cannot be eaten then any more until after the receiving family davens Maariv and the husband comes home and recites Kiddush, even if ithere is an Eiruv and one is permitted to deliver them, still one does not comply anymore with the mitzva of Shalach Manos. There may be also other issues in delivering gifts during Shabbos. See question 1069.
Rabbi A, Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit"a
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Posted 2/25/2021 9:42 PM |
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# 3058 A Drinking Problem?
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Q. I'm a Yeshiva Bachur (after high school), staying in the Yeshiva for Purim. If my mother asked me not to drink any alcohol during the Purim seuda, do I have to listen to her?
A. Halichos Shlomo (19: 25) maintains that one should listen to one's parents and not drink.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that, you should drink a small shiur (amount, such as rov kos - or most of a small cup) of weak or diluted wine, to comply with the mitzva of drinking wine by the seuda.
(Provided that you are of age and healthy).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 2/22/2021 10:46 PM |
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# 3057 A Child Bonus
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Q. Can one give on Purim a few dollars as matanot laevyonim (gifts to the needy), to a child from a family that lost their jobs during the Covid pandemic? Does one have to inform the parents? Is it proper to do so?
A. Aruch Hasulchan (694: 2) and Kaf Hachaim (ibid. 12) maintain that one complies if the youngsters understand why are they given that money on Purim. However, Kovetz Halochos (16: 16) asserts that even if they don't know why, one still abides with the mitzva.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that on small amounts it is proper to give to them, even if they don't understand why it is being given and one does not have to tell the parents. However, one must check that they are old enough not to loose the money given to them.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 2/22/2021 10:42 PM |
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# 3056 Change One's Tune
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Q. Kvod Harav, In the Shul where I daven (and several other places), during the Chazaras Hashatz sometimes there are people who sing along the words of Shmonei Eisrei along with the Chazan. When I am Davening for the Amud, I find this very disturbing to my concentration.
I'm sure they mean well and are trying to harmonize the Shmonei Eisrei.... Since it disrupts my concentration should I politely tell people afterwards not to sing along words of Shmonei Eisrei with me? Is there anything wrong with saying some words along with the Chazan in Shmonei Esrei? What's the Eitza?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that even without the proscribed disturbing of your concentration, people singing along the words of Shmonei Eisrei along with the Chazan should be avoided, as they as well as others present, should be listening to the words of the Baal Tefila and their singing words may not permit it.
You should better ask the Rabbi, if present, to tell them to avert it. In some instances, as when reciting Halel, it may also be a hefsek or interruption.
Saying or singing the words is different from the usual and commendable singing of the nigunim together with the Chazan on the desired locations.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 2/22/2021 11:49 AM |
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# 3055 The Real Spirit of Purim
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Q. I heard that Horav Miller advised this year due to the recommended health restrictions to avoid making large Purim seudos and parties. How about inviting people that don't have where to eat their seuda and would end up eating it alone?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in such cases, it is important to help those individuals and that is the real spirit of Purim.
However, one must also keep the necessary social distancing and other important health conditions such as washing and disinfecting hands, and when applicable also plastic separators.
(See question 2868 regarding having guests for Sukos, especially for the ones that don’t have access to a Suka).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 2/21/2021 9:57 PM |
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# 3054 First Come First Served?
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Q. See above question (3053). Which of the two mitzvos mentioned (gifts to the poor and shalach manos) should one do first on Purim?
A. Although the posuk mentions Mishloach Manos before Matonos Laevyonim, (Esther ). Shulchan Aruch presents the mitzva of Gifts to the Poor on (694: 1) before Shalach Manos (695: 4). (See Likutei Mahariach and Kaf Hachaim).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 2/21/2021 9:51 PM |
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# 3053 Be Right on the Money
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Q. It says to spend more money on matanos laevyonim than on the other mitzvos of Purim. However, if there are many people that I owe to them hakaras hatov (giving thanks for favors received), and I feel obligated to give them mishloach manos as an expression of my hakaras hatov, would doing so take precedence over giving more money to matanos laevynonim?
A. Mishna Berura (694: 3) indeed rules that it is preferable to augment and increase the gifts to the poor over the Shalach Monos givings. since there is no greater joy and exquisite simcha as bringing happiness to the needy and destitute.
However, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that both mitzvos of Purim are most important and essential.
Since there are many variables and changing factors on each case, it requires common sense to establish the correct equilibrium between these two basic obligations.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 2/21/2021 9:41 PM |
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# 3052 The Gift of Gift Giving
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Q. This year (5781 - 2021) Purim will be on Friday. Because of the proximity to Shabbat and also the early seuda, should one comply with Shalach Manot on the night before? Can one take them to a shul before Tefilah and leave them there for the intended people when they arrive?
A. One should not deliver Shalach Monos on the night before, as it is a day mitzva (Rema 695: 4).
Mishna Berura (692: 1) quoting Mogen Avrohom maintains that the Shecheheyanu recited before the day Megila reading applies to Shalach Monos also. Therefore, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should not deliver them before reading the Megila.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 2/18/2021 10:42 PM |
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# 3051 On Noon
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Q. This year (5781 - 2021) Purim will be on Friday. Because of the proximity to Shabbat should one start and also end the seudah (feast) of Purim before chatzot (midday)?
A. Rema (O.H. 695: 2) writes that when Purim is on Friday the seuda should be done in the morning due to the honor we are to give to Shabbos. Mishna Berura (10) explains that it means before chatzos. However, it is only lechatchila (preferable).
As far as finishing before chatzos, Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a pointed to the Maharil's ruling that it is not required.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 2/18/2021 10:30 PM |
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# 3050 Code of Silence
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Q. I have a shaila regarding an elderly mute person that is ill and can't come to shul. Until now someone read the megilah for him reciting the bracha 'lishmoa mikra megilah, as women do, since he is unable to read it himself. I was wondering since he has an electronic voice maker that he places by his throat and can thus speak a few words that make sense. Can the normal bracha for men 'al mikra megilah' be recited for him?
A. Indeed Shaagas Aryeh (6) rules that a mute is obliged on listening to the Megila. However Ridbaz (3: 867) maintains he is exempt as the blind are from the reading of the Torah. P'ri Megodim ( M'Z 285: 2) mentions that even according to the Ridbaz, he may be liable to hear the Megila as women do, and the brocho will be the same as them lishmoa mikra megila.
On question 1593 Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that since without the external artificial vibrations, the mute would not be able to create by his own any speech, the words that he can now articulate are not valid in Halacha. Therefore, he would still need to hear the speech-involving mitzvos from others, and comply by being shomea keoneh.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 2/18/2021 10:00 PM |
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Important Numbers
