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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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# 2959 Face Facts
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Q. For a Rabbi or a Teacher, is there a preference of using a see through plastic shield or a mask during the pandemic?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is better for a Rabbi or Teacher to use a plastic shield, since as mentioned in several passages of the Talmud it is more advantageous and preferable to see the face of a Rebbe.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/10/2020 7:11 PM |
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# 2958 Zooming Along
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Q. We have a daf shiur in the morning before davening for many years, last week because of new restrictions, it became difficult for some to attend since the minyan also dwindled. We are thinking on zooming the daf, as many others have done and we are certain that we are likely to double or triple the attendance. The question is, what is better to teach in person to people who are physically present or to teach on-line to so many more?
A. The opinion of several local Rabbonim I asked, (Horav Dovid Pam and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a, and other Rabbonim) is that that reaching and teaching to more people, even on line, trumps over all other considerations.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar, but the Rov considers that despite the difficulties involved, (such as different times available, as well as joining a minyan etc.), every effort should be made, taking into account today's advanced technology, to achieve if possible both processes. Firstly, teaching to the available real people present at the shiur. While at the same time zooming to the many others, either then when possible, or recording the shiur and sending it later to others.'
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/6/2020 7:31 PM |
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# 2957 Pick the Toothpick
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Q Gefilte fish is served with toothpick inside for people to take instead of using a fork. Is it borer to remove the toothpick?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should treat the toothpick as a fork or similar eating instrument, since that is the purpose it is fulfilling. Therefore no borer prohibition (choosing undesired material) during Shabbos, is actually involved.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/4/2020 2:05 AM |
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# 2956 Do You Follow This?
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Q. Does the prohibition of walking behind a woman apply to following one's mother?
A. Nitei Gavriel (Yichud 56: 13: p. 367) maintains that when in the street, the prohibition applies. However, in ones home when needed for the honor of the mother it is permitted.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/4/2020 2:00 AM |
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# 2955 Keeping Apart?
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Q. It is brought down that a man should not walk between 2 women. Does that also apply to walking between one's mother and one's sister? or between one's mother and one's grand mother? or between two of one's sisters?
A. The source for this tradition is the Talmud Pesachim (111a) that teaches; Three should not be allowed to pass between two people walking along a road, and people should not walk between two of them, and one of them is a woman. Talmud Horios (13b) mentions that this is one of the ten acts that cause the forgetting of the Torah. Although this Halacha is quoted in Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (50: 8), it is omitted in Shulchan Aruch, yet the minhag is kept.
It is quoted that Horav Chaim Kanievky Shlit'a maintains that it applies also to close relatives, such as a mother, sister or daughter. (Gam Ani Odecho 2: p. 5 and Kovetz Zera Yaakov 24: p. 27)). Chut Shoni (3: 286) is also stringent. A story recorded in Migdolei Torah Vachasidus (p. 96) mentions that Horav Leib Eiger zt'l, when still a youngster was careful not to pass between his mother and grandmother.
Mishnas Yosef (6: 3: p. 6) debates this shaila and the reasons involved.
Nitei Gavriel (Yichud 57: 8: p. 370) also deliberates the issue and maintains that it needs further consideration.
However, Divrei B'nayohu (Y.D. 39: p. 321) mentions that the minhag is to be lenient when close relatives are involved.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should follow the tradition of his family.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/4/2020 1:55 AM |
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# 2954 Not a Womans Tool?
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Q. In regard to the prohibition of a woman to wear men's garments, I heard that it applies also to using instruments or weapons that are designated for the use of men. If that is so can a strong woman use a heavy chainsaw to cut some backyard trees?
A. Talmud (Nazir 59a) teaches that a woman should not go out with weapons to war.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if t is possible that in need a woman would use such a heavy tool, there is no prohibition involved.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/4/2020 1:51 AM |
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# 2953 Not Cracking the Crocs
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Q. Can I (his mother) wear my son’s old crocs (that he’s grown out of), or is that beged ish? They could be used either for men or women: (navy blue with red stripes & a red maple leaf on the straps).
A. On question 1355 we wrote; "It is Biblically forbidden for a man to wear women's clothes or for a woman to wear men's garments, as specified in the negative commandment: (Devarim 22: 5) A man’s attire shall not be on a woman, nor may a man wear a woman’s garment, because whoever does these [things] is an abomination to Hashem, your G-d.”. The Torah refers to this kind of conduct as an abomination since it can easily lead to promiscuity and immorality This prohibition, known as “Lo yilbash,” applies even if one cannot be seen by others and even in the privacy of one's home. (See Shulchan Aruch Y.D, 182: 5)
Talmud, (Nedarim 49b), tells that Rabbi Yehuda and his wife shared a cloak. And Poskim deduce from this story, that unisex clothing is permitted for men and women. (Maharsho ibid, Divros Eliahu 42, Divrei B'nayahu Y.D. 26 and others).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if the crocs are indeed made equally for the use of men and women, they could be used by either.
If the crocs were already used extensively by a man, the Rov suggests that it is better that a woman should not use them.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/4/2020 1:47 AM |
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# 2952 Gracing the Garnish
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Q. What is Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion regarding bread croutons eaten with a salad. Do you have to wash hands and make Hamotzi?
A. Vesen Brocho (p. 36 - 466) rules to make mezonos on croutons. When mixed in a salad, the mezonos is recited first, followed by the haadama on the salad. On croutons made from left over slices of bread, the brocho changes to hamotzi,
Vezos Habrocho (p. 122) maintains that croutons made from regular flour and not fried the brocho is hamotzi. When fried or cooked it changes to mezonos. Pischei Halocho (p. 366) rules similarly.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if there is a significant amount of baked and non-fried croutons in the salad, (a kezais) one should wash hands and recite hamotzi.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/4/2020 1:37 AM |
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# 2951 A Fast Stand Fast?
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Q. When not able to step back due to people davening behind you, is there a shiur of how long you are mechuyev (obliged) to wait.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should wait the normal length of what most of the people in that shul take for finishing a regular Amidah. Alternatively, if possible and when needed, one may step back sideways. (See Shulchan Aruch O.H. 102: 5 - 123: 1-2).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/1/2020 6:46 PM |
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# 2950 Sage Advise
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Q. (See question 2949 above). Thanks for your fast and reasonable answer. We have an additional question. Before we bought our property, we were able to change the established zoning- by-laws to permit a place of worship. When the church acquired the neighboring site, they had not applied yet for school building allowance in that area. Our lawyer, suggested that we may now contend the permit to allow a school to be built there. There is a fair chance we may be successful and they may just build a church or maybe it is possible that they may just sell and go somewhere else. What does Horav Miller think is our best option?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that a careful assessment by knowledgeable real-estate lawyers as to the real chances of stopping the permit is firstly necessary. If there is plausible doubt of success, it may be better and wiser not to fight the school building permit, since it may create a great amount of harmful animosity and detrimental future hostility, if they do succeed and stay."
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/30/2020 1:50 PM |
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# 2949 Kosher Fences Make Good Neighbors
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Q. We are a small orthodox shul in a small Midwest city. We recently bought a new empty large property to rebuild and expand our existing shul. It turned out that the also empty property neighboring ours, was then purchased by a church and they want to build there a Catholic school and likely also an area for religious services. If we sell our new bought property, we likely are going to loose money that we very much need. Is there a way we can build our shul in such situation?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that with proper separation between the buildings and yards, it is possible to have these institutions as neighbors, respecting each others principles and values. A competent Rabbi familiar with the particular details should be consulted.
This type of situation was common in the Golus history of our nation, and it still is in many places.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/29/2020 6:04 PM |
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# 2948 Doing it Right when Putting it Right
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Q. See question (2945) above. I understand from your reply that even placing back loose pieces of the wheelchair can be problematic. In our particular case the feet support plate gave in and father's heavy feet dragged on the floor, and made it impossible to use the chair.
Since no parts are reassembled or placed back, as would be the legs of a chair or bed, only the feet plate was kept from falling to the ground. Was it then acceptable to just secure temporarily the loose feet plate to the wheelchair on Shabbos with the cable zip ties?
A. Chazon Ovadia- (Shabbos, 5, p. 75, quoted by Halacha Yomit), mentions regarding plastic cable ties that; 'there is no prohibition involved and one may use them on Shabbat, for this is not considered a “knot”; rather, the plastic cable is only caught and tightened. The Torah never discussed such a reality and our Sages never banned this kind of action, for this does not resemble the forbidden work of tying at all.'
Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion regarding plastic zip ties is similar. Besides, one could also make one knot with a bow, as when tying shoelaces for the day.
In this particular case the Rov's opinion is that when it is obvious that the fix is only temporary and it is also loose, in case of need, it can be done.
(See similar opinion of the Chazon Ish quoted by Piskei Teshuvos (313: 8). In principle it is important that patients and invalids that depend on particular items such as walkers or wheelchairs, should have replacements easily available, specially for Shabbos).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/29/2020 5:47 PM |
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# 2947 If it Looks Like Bread...
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Q. Crackers or wafers made from wheat and advertised as bagel crisps or slices of authentically toasted bagels, that indeed taste accordingly and look like rings cut from a bagel, is their brocho mezonos or hamotzi?
A.
It is unlikely that actual bagels were used for making these sliced
round toasted wafers and they were probably baked in long tubes of
bagel dough and then sliced
or using a similar mass industrial process.
Vessein
Brocho (p. 466) maintains that toasted bagels and pita chips when
specially manufactured
for
the production of
toasted chips, will require a Mezonos brocho. However, if they were
made
from
left over bagels or parts thereof, the brocho should be Hamotzi.
Horav
Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that since even
the first kind,
do look like slices from bagels (Tzuras Hapa'as) and they taste
accordingly, one must wash
Netilas Yodaim
and recite Hamotzi on them. The Rov added that they should also
be Pas
Yisroel.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/29/2020 11:35 AM |
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# 2946 Thought for Food
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Q. Someone ate more than a kezais of mezonos and other Shehakol food and drinks, and then decided that he will not eat anymore cake or mezonos, so he said the bracha 'Al Hamichya' on the mezonos he ate. If he still wants to drink or eat other foods that require the bracha of Shehakol, (which he said), does he now have to repeat it?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if when he recited the 'Bracha Acharona' (the end blessing of 'Al Hamichya' ) on the cakes he ate (mezonos), he still had in mind to continue eating foods and drinks that require the bracha of Shehakol, he can continue eating them without reciting a new blessing. This is due to the fact that he was not "Masiach Daas' or removed his mind from eating them any further.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/26/2020 10:40 PM |
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# 2945 Getting the Fix on a Fix
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Q. My elderly father's old wheelchair broke last Shabbos and since he strongly needed it to move around the house, we temporarily fixed it by using a few nylon cable zip ties that although they are only a temporary solution, they usually are very strong and can last a long time. Was that permitted?
A. Shulchan Aruch (313: 8) rules that if a leg fell out of a bench during Shabbos, one should not place it back. Mishna Berura (51) prohibits even loosely, since he may come to secure it properly, and as he writes (ibid. 41), that may constitute a Biblical prohibition.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in principle one should avoid trying to fix and secure parts of the wheelchair during Shabbos, but rather procure to obtain another one.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/26/2020 10:37 PM |
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# 2944 Dressing Down?
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Q. If someone is wearing a medical dressing made of gauze or a cloth bandage for a wound that his doctor advised he should not remove, can he wear it and keep it on, when he goes to the mikva (for Tisha Kavim tevila) or is it a chatzitza (interposition) ? How about wearing it on Shabbos when he goes to the mikva?
A. As far as chatzitza is concerned, when one is fulfilling tevila or immersion of Tisha Kavim, Horav Shlomo miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is acceptable, since he does not mind its presence. On the contrary, he welcomes the protection and medical benefit he needs and the bandage provides.
Regarding doing it on Shabbos and being concerned of possible s'chita (the Biblical prohibition of squeezing out the water from the bandage). Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 301: 4) rules that if someone was going to attend to a mitzva. such as receiving the presence of his master or teacher, he may cross over a water stream, as long as he does so with a 'shinui' or change, so he will remember not to squeeze out the water.
Nishmas Avrohom (4: 161: 1) quotes that Horav Eliashiv zt'l permitted washing hands or Netilas Yodaim on Shabbos when wearing a bandage, since he does not have any intention in washing the bandage or squeezing the water out of it.
Yet, he also quotes the dissenting opinion of R' S'Z Auerbach zt'l. that if the dressing is not clean or one is fazed and bothered by its wetness. one should avoid making it wet. (See Piskei Teshuvos 301: 4; n. 40).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in both cases, one should cover the bandage with a folded plastic bag, or any other already prepared and available water repellent material. to avoid making it wet.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/26/2020 10:34 PM |
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# 2943 A First Glance
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Q. When no Cohen is present in shul, and when other favoring factors such as being a greater Talmid Chacham or an elder are not applicable, does a Levi get preference for a first aliya? How about for leading in Birchat Hamazon?
A. Mishna Berura (201: 13) maintains that it is better to precede and give honor to a Levy before a Yisroel, when other factors are equal, not only regarding leading Birchas Hamazon or reciting hamotzi, but also in receiving a first aliya. Aruch Hashulchan (135: 12) rules similarly quoting Rosh, since the posuk (Devarim 10: 8) mentions that Hashem separated the tribe of Levi to bear the ark of the covenant and, to stand before Hashem to serve Him, and to bless in His Name, to this day. (See Kovetz Shiurim - Baba Basra 277 that presents a dissenting view).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar to the Mishna Berura. The Rov also quoted the Talmud Horios (13a).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/26/2020 10:28 PM |
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# 2942 A Light Touch
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Q. If someone forgot to kindle a Yohrzait candle on that day for a father or mother, what is the correct thing to do. Should one light two candles when he/she remembers? What happens if someone just remembered in the Yohrzait morning, is lighting for part of the day enough?
A. If one forgot to kindle a Yorzait candle on that day for a father or mother, Yehuda Yaale (Y.D. 315) rules that he should donate the value of the light for tzedaka.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that he should light a candle the day he remembers. Lighting the candle in the morning is also after the fact acceptable.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/26/2020 10:25 PM |
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# 2941 Testing the Tester
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Q. In reference to one of your recent teshuvos, I, an insulin user, requires a constant monitoring of my blood glucose level. Until now I was doing it by extracting blood samples, which you wrote, is a severe shailah on Shabbos of an Issur Deuraisso. I changed to using a sensor that is attached to my arm and connected directly to a blood vessel, and when placed next to an electronic reader gives the required reading. Two questions in regard to this attachment. Can I wear it on the street on Shabbos, if there is no eruv and do I have to take it off to go to the mikva?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that as far as carrying the embedded on the flesh sensor is concerned, it is permitted to wear it during Shabbos, since it is well attached and one will not take it off when being in the street.
However, as far as a woman wearing it when immersing in the mikva is concerned, the Rov's opinion is that it constitutes a chatzitza or interposition between the body and the mikva waters and should therefore be removed before tevila. Normally these battery operated embedded sensors last about two weeks, and their replacement could be programmed to coincide with the immersion.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/26/2020 10:23 PM |
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# 2940 Hold Your Peace
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Q. See question (2939) above. Dear Rabbi, thank you for your prompt answer to our Beis Din shailah. Horav Miller's permission to demand a lie detector test, did have great consequence on our case, since even refusing to take the test, does look very suspicious for the defendant. Then, surprisingly the case took an unusual turn. Before the defendant conceded and offered to pay the very significant sum that he owed, the plaintiff, who has been his partner on other very profitable businesses for many years and very likely desires to continue, offered a practical solution. Since these two litigants who are very wealthy, are big time donors to many institutions, the plaintiff offered that both parties should donate the moneys contested to a Hospital to which both are significant donors (and can claim evenly the tax credit).
What our Beis Din would like to know, at this point, when it is clear to all that the defendant was untruthful and guilty, should the Beis Din agree to this pesharah (mutual settlement) that although it maintains sholom between the parties, does not follow the truth of the case, or rather give a psak that sticks to the facts and the emes of the din. What is the correct thing for the Beis Din to do?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that although the truth may now seem obvious to the Beis Din and both parties, since both parties agree to a pshara in order to avoid the public embarrassment for the defendant if declared guilty, and also to maintain sholom and good relations between both parties including their families and friends, the best option for the Beis Din is to declare that a p'shara settlement was accepted as the ruling of the Beis Din.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/23/2020 10:19 PM |
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Important Numbers
