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# 3136 Saving Who's Life?
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Q. If an elder patient waiting for a life saving organ transplant is given a date, but he knows a young yeshiva bochur who needs the same transplant, can he offer his place in the list? (he will only be removed one or two places).
A. To answer correctly this question more detailed information is needed. Such as the degree of danger to the life of both patients, the amount of time that would be added to the wait for the first recipient etc.
In principle we rule that 'Ones life preempts the life of others' (Bava Metzia 62a). However, up to a certain degree one is permitted to risk his life to save others.
Since all cases are different, and they are many crucial and variable details to every situation, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that questions on specific cases, should be answered by competent Rabbinical and Medical authorities, working together and familiar with the details of the case.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/19/2021 2:49 PM |
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# 3135 Hartzige Music During Sefira
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Q. What does the Rav hold regarding listening to Hartzige music "nigunei neshama" during sefira?
A. On question 1313 we wrote: See questions1305 and 1312 above in regards to what kind of music is permitted during Sefira.
Although, Oz Nidberu (8: 58), Shevet Halevi (8: 127), Tzitz Eliezer (15: 33) and others prohibit listening to taped vocal singing even without instrumental accompaniment, many Poskim permit just plain singing songs of praise, thanks and dveikus to Hashem even on a seudas mereius (a meal gathering of friends) when no dancing is involved. (Aruch Hashulchan 493: 2, Shulchan Aruch Horav ibid :1. See Igrois Moishe E.H. 1: 98, in regards to occasions of intense joy).
A single individual singing to himself when learning or davening etc,. is plainly permitted (Piskei Teshuvos 493: 4, Nitei Gavriel – Bein Hametzorim 15: 11). Still, Leket Yoisher quotes, that his rebbi, the Terumas Hadeshen, would not sing at all during Sefira days. Yosef Ometz (p. 128) mentions that this was also the tradition of the kehila of Frankfurt-Am-Main.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that as long as the tunes are sober and not over-joyous, the benefit, healing and well-being created by singing to the stroke patients and paralyzed individuals, preempts and supersedes all the above issues, even during the Nine Days, since the songs are not for joyfulness they are not prohibited.
The Rov maintains that the chessed done to others in distress and in pain, is the greatest segula and source of brocho and hatzlocho
.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/19/2021 2:37 PM |
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# 3134 If the Shoe Fits Bless It
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Q. If someone bought some expensive shoes for Pesach that he usually makes sheheyanu on them, but did not use them then. Can he wear them on Shabbos after Pesach and say the brocho?
A. See question above regarding reciting Shehecheyanu when a baby girl is born during Sefiras Haomer.
On question 539 regarding a new suit bought before Pesach but not used then, since it was only shatnez tested after Pesach. If one can wear it for Shabbos during sefira and say Shehecheyanu, we wrote: Mishna Berura (493: 2) and Kaf Hachaim (ibid.) rule that if someone came across an item on which normally we recite shehecheyanu, he should recite so during sefira.
Other Poiskim however, mention different minhogim and opinions, and maintain that the common tradition is not to recite this brocho; some recommend doing so on Shabbos (Leket Hayosher p.97, Dover Meshorim 26.)
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that definitely on Shabbos he is permitted to wear the suit and recite Shehecheyanu. (See also question 2269)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/19/2021 2:28 PM |
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# 3133 A Blessing Happy Mother
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Q. Does the mother say Shecheyanu on the birth of her daughter? Does she say it also during the days of Sefira?
A. Mishna Berura (223: 2) maintains that the father and the mother, when they actually see the newborn daughter should recite Shechecheyanu. Other Poskim rule similarly (Orchos Rabbeinu 1: p. 92, Tzitz Eliezer 13: 20: Piskei Teshuvos 223: 1). And as in the prior question the mother can recite the brocho during Sefira.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/19/2021 2:14 PM |
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# 3132 Sefira Baby Blessings
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Q. If someone had a baby girl during the mourning weeks of Sefiras Haomer, should he recite the brocho of Shehecheyanu?
A. Poskim disagree if there is a source or reason at all, to avoid reciting Shehecheyanu during the weeks of Sefira, some maintain there is not. (Levushei Mordechai 153, Likutei Mahariach, Keren Ledovid 119 and others).
Others maintain there is and should be avoided. (Eliahu Zuta 493, quoting Rabbenu Yerucham, and others).
Mishna Berura (493: 2) quotes Ma'amar Mordechai that although our tradition is to avoid reciting Shehecheyanu during the weeks of Sefira, when one does encounter such an occasion, one may recite this brocho. Kovetz Halochos (8: 5) rules similarly.
Some maintain, that when possible one should wait until Shabbos (Leket Yosher p.97, Dover Meshorim 26. and others). The above may not apply to the brocho of Shehecheyanu recited for a new born, since it has a time limit. (See next questions).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/19/2021 2:09 PM |
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# 3131 Adding or Subtracting?
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Q. On above question 3130: The Taalesim also had the unusual condition of having the small added corner patches on both sides of the cloth. Is that correct?
A. It stands to reason that since now on this particular Taalis one cannot tell which side is facing front or back as you can with regular taalesim, and you may end with constantly changing the Tzitzis of the right side to the left, which is incorrect, as we learn from the beams of the Mishkan, that were marked to maintain there usual place and order.
Therefore a mark should be placed to indicate the front from the back of the Taalis Kotton.
Horav Aharon Miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/18/2021 5:31 PM |
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# 3130 Make Whole the Hole
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Q. I received from Eretz Yisroel some Taalesim Ketanim that I requested. But they had the Tzitzis installed following the minhag of two adjacent openings and the tzitzis hanging in the front only. Since that is not my minhag and I'm unable to return them, I decided to remove the threads, and reinstall them following my tradition of only using one hole. Which of the two should I use?
A. Horav Aharon Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in principle it does not matter. However, one should measure the distances, since one may be more correct in Halacha than the other.
Horav Yaakov Hirschman Shlit'a recommended that he should use the same (closer or further) opening for all four corners.
Others suggested to convert if possible the two adjacent openings into a single one.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/14/2021 10:30 AM |
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# 3129 The Bottom of the Food Chain?
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Q. Should not all medical pills be permitted during Pesach or when from an non-kosher source during the whole year, since they are after all a non edible food that even dogs would not eat?
A. Indeed Poskim do mention that reason as a heter or permission even for the sick who are not in life danger (Minchas Shlomo 1: 17, Shemiras Shabbos K. (19: 33) quotes R.S.Z. Auerbach zt'l that this may apply even to sweet quoted pills. However, Har Tzvi Y.D. 97, and others debate the issue.
Other Poskim maintain that one should be stringent, since after all if one is eating them, it becomes a case of 'Achshevei' or one considers and turns them into food.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/13/2021 9:52 PM |
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# 3128 A Taste of One's Own Medicine
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Q. Would it be better for someone needing to take questionable pills on Pesach, or any other time if they could be non kosher, to wait and take them after a heavy meal when one is completely satiated. At that state it would be considered an Achila Gassah or gluttonous eating and therefore permitted?
A. In principle, indeed Achila Gassah or gluttonous overeating is not considered usually a natural act of eating.
However, Poskim stress that it applies when one actually feels revulsion and repugnance to eating anymore. (Yumah 80b. See also Tosafos Pesachim 107b ,'Dilma").
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/13/2021 5:59 PM |
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# 3127 Didn't Remember To Remember
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Q. If one was asked by a friend who is unable to come to shul to say Izkor for his parents, but didn't open the email or forgot the request. What should he do? Does he have to inform his friend that he didn't comply with his request?
A. It stands to reason as mentioned in the earlier question 3125, that when he has the opportunity and it is permitted to recite a Kel Male Rachamim by the reading of the Torah, he should do as he was requested.
Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a also maintains that he does not have to tell his friend that his request was not met, as it may create unnecessary issues of stress and tension between them.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/12/2021 2:57 PM |
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# 3126 A Hard Pill to Swallow II
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Q. On a question 3122 above regarding swallowing pills for someone who has to take them during Pesach that may contain Kitniyos, you answered that it is not permitted.
I don't understand isn't any deviation of the normal way of doing a mitzva or an avera,(sin) a shinui (change) that removes the Biblical prohibition?
A. As we wrote, in principle one who eats prohibited foods in an unnatural or unusual way, will not transgress a Biblical law, (Pesachim 24b, Rambam -Yesodei Harorah 5: 8, Mishne Lemelech idid.).
However, swallowing without chewing is not considered an unusual way. (Nodah Beyehuda Y.D 1: 35, Chelkas Yoav - Y.D. 9 - unless the food is very hot). This opinion followed by many Poskim.
Nevertheless, Toras Chaim (Chulin, 120b) does permit. See also Minchas Shlomo (1; 17).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/12/2021 2:51 PM |
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# 3125 Forgot the Remembrance Light
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Q. What should one do if one forgets to light an Izkor candle for parents as he always lights?
A. On question 2942 regarding If someone forgot to kindle a Yohrzait candle on that day for a father or mother, what is the correct thing to do, we wrote: '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.'
However, regarding Izkor candles or Yohrtzait candles to be lit on Yom Tov itself, Poskim disagree if it is permitted or no. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 98: 1, prohibits lighting a Yohrzait candle during Yom Tov.
Horav Aharon Miller mentioned that Horav Shlomo would be particular to also light the Izkor candles before the beginning of the first day of Yom Tov.
He quoted that nevertheless, Biur Halocho (514 d'h Ner) permits to light a Yohrzait candle in need inside the room one eats on Yom Tov as it adds more brightness and it becomes a needed light. Still, Biur Halocho recommends to light it in shul for the honor of his parents. (See also Tzitz Eliezer 6: 10, Arugas Habossem 110 and others).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/12/2021 2:36 PM |
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# 3124 Can't Live by Matza Alone
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Q. During one of the days of Pesach I had left over a large piece of Shmura Matza from a meat meal; Next day I wondered if I could eat for breakfast cheese with the leftover Matza. Is that permitted?
A. Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 89: 4) rules that one should not use the same bread that was used for meat, when eating milk products or vice-versa. Poskim permit when one was careful to place only some slices of bread on the table and separated the remaining ones. (ibid. 91: 4, see also Igros Moshe Y.D. 1: 38).
It is reasonable that the same limitations would apply to matza.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/11/2021 10:07 PM |
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# 3123 Seeing Eye to Eye
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Q. In 2017 my optometrist, saw a hole in my left retina, and was able to book me in fast, to see a Retinologist, who in turn was able to seal the hole in my retina by laser on that very same day. Failure to act promptly to a torn retina often results in irreversible blindness.
Now I have been found with a thinning in the retina, it's getting ready to become a hole; I have been booked again, however it turned out to be on the 2nd day of Shavuot. The appointments cannot be delayed without greatly increasing the risk.
My Main Question is: Is the risk of loosing the eyesight of one eye considered to be a life-threatening issue that permits to travel to the hospital on Yom Tov (second day) and having done that operation. (The doctors are not Jewish). Could this have been done on the first day of Yom Tov?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 328: 9) rules that illness of the eyes is treated as a life threatening disease and in need one can desecrate Shabbos as medically required to save the eye. Certainly in your case it would be permitted to travel to the hospital for the necessary eye saving operation.
Please contact Bikur Cholim, as the will advise you how to contract Uber and get the necessary transportation that does not need to be paid on Yom Tov. It is proffered that when possible you should stay in the hospital until the end of Yom Tov.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/11/2021 9:54 PM |
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# 3122 A Hard Pill to Swallow?
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Q. Someone who has to take pills during Pesach that may contain Kitniyos (grain products that are not true chometz, but Ashkenazim prohibit). Should he preferably place his pill on a glass with water and then just swallow the pill with the water, lifting his head and ingesting it directly to his throat? Will he avoid the issue of consuming Kitniyos?
A. Some who tried the above mentioned method mentioned that it does not necessarily work, since the pills often get stuck to the cup.
Most important however is that, although the Talmud (Pesachim 115b) does mention that when swallowing Maror one does not comply with the mitzva, since we require feeling the flavor of the bitter herbs while chewing them to be considered eating. However, regarding Matza or the many prohibited foods, swallowing is just as prohibited. (See Rambam and Mishne Lemelech - Maacholos Assurim 14: 12).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/11/2021 9:42 PM |
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# 3121 Everyone Has Their Praise
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Q. After a woman gives birth, does she bench Hagomel or can her husband say Hagomel for her.
A. On question 610 we wrote: Shulchan Oruch (O.H. 223: 1) rules that when a son is born one recites Hatov Vehametiv. For a daughter Mishna Berura (ibid.) suggests to recite shehecheyanu.
Some have the minhag to recite hagomel after one’s wife gives birth or when the yoledes attends shul for the first time. (Mishna Berura 219: 17).
Even when the case warrants reciting Hagomel, if women recite this brocho is debatable, since it has to be said in the presence of a minyan of men. Sephardic women in general do. (Birkei Yosef 219: 2, Kaf Hachaim ibid. 3, Ben Ish Chai – P. Eikev 8, et. al.).
Ashkenazim however, differ in their minhagim, but mostly don’t. (Piskei Teshuvos 219: 10). In regards to a woman giving birth or after one’s wife gives birth, when the yoledes attends shul for the first time, some have the minhag that the husband recites Hagomel and has her in mind (Mishna Berura 219: 17 – see question 610).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that usually women don’t recite this brocho in chutz laaretz and it suffices if they come to shul and recite with kavanah a Tehilim Mizmor of praise and thanks to Hashem.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/8/2021 10:13 PM |
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# 3120 The Reason to Listen
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Q. Our grandfather is living at an old age care facility due to his sensitive health status. We, his grandchildren take turns to visit him and a this time count Sefiras Haomer with him. But sometimes he barely repeats some of the words, does this count? Should we avoid saying a brocho?
A. On question 782 regarding someone counting for a chole who can't speak, but is aware and just moves his lips, if he is yotze, we wrote: Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 489 :1) rules that it is a mitzvah for each individual to count sefiras haomer for himself. Mishna Berura (ibid. 5) explains that although from the verse “usfartem lachem” (You shall count for yourselves) it would seem that sefira is different from any other mitzvah of speech, such as kidush or havdala, where we uphold that listening to others is tantamount to saying oneself, (shomea keone) however, some Poskim opine that they are the same and after the fact you comply just by listening. In Biur Halocho (ibid.) quoting the Pri Megodim, he rules that even after the fact, it is better to repeat the sefira by himself without a brocho.
As far as the brocho is concerned, Poskim agree that as in any other brocho, we say shomea keone. Ma'ase Rav quotes Hagra who instituted that on the onset when praying with a minyan, one should recite the blessing for all present; subsequently each individual should count for himself.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit”a opinion is that in the case of a frail and weak patient you can certainly be lenient and count for him even if he is unable to move his lips. When he recovers he can continue to count with a brocho. Obviously both have to have the intention of complying with the mitzva.
Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a added that the grandchild visiting his ailing grandfather, should on that night is possible wait to count together with his grandfather, so he will not recite a questionable brocho.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/8/2021 10:07 PM |
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# 3119 We All Count when We Count Together
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Q. We daven in our shul Maariv early after Plag and don't count sefirah then as it is too early. I join later on a Zoom Daf and I'm trying to convince them to count at the end of the shiur, when it is already certainly night, to count Sefirah together. Is that correct?
A. It would stand to reason that it is correct, so the participants will remember to count. Besides Poskim write that on the onset it is better to count Sefiras Haomer together with a Tzibur and Rov Am or congregation (Shloh Hakadosh - Pesachim - P. Ner Mitzva, Beer Heitev 489: 20, Siddur Yaavetz and others.
Although a Zoom group does not create a minyan and one does not even have to answer amen to a brocho recited by that media, for some purposes such as a Seudas Mitzva and a siyum it is effective (See question 2721).
Horav Aharon Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it can have the effect of davening at home without a minyan, but at the same time that others are also davening which is preferred. (See Shulchan Aruch O.H. 90: 9).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/8/2021 10:02 PM |
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# 3118 Weak on the Weeks Too
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Q. On the last question, (3117 - when one mentions during the day the Sefira count without any intention to comply with the mitzva), if he also omitted the count of the weeks, will he still be yotze?
A. Hisorerus Teshuva (2: 93) rules that he complies. Horav Aharon Miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/8/2021 9:52 PM |
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# 3117 I Can't Remember What I Forgot
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Q. If I forgot to count sefiras Haomer on the second night, but during the day I commented to my friend how bad my memory is since already on the very second day I lost it. Now since I did mention that it was the second day, although I didn't have any intention to be yoitzeh (comply), can I still continue to count with a brocho?
A. Yabia Haomer (4: 43), Zichron Yehuda (146) and others maintain that even just writing during the day in a letter or document the date of the sefira suffices, since this mitzva is only Rabbinical and one complies without intention. (See also Pischei Teshuva 489: n. 102).
Horav Aharon Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that he has to mention that this is that day (as in today is the second day) to be yotze.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/8/2021 9:47 PM |
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Important Numbers
