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# 3254 Clothes Make the Time?
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Q. If someone is invited to a Bris Milah or a Bar Mitzva during the Nine Days, can one wear Shabbos clothing?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that is is permitted.
Piskei Teshuvos (559: 8) permits the parents of the child on a Bris on Tisha Beav, to wear Shabbos clothing, but not the grandparents etc.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 7/8/2021 10:14 PM |
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# 3253 Stay Put?
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Q. If someone attends a shiur by Zoom and the others can see him attending, is he allowed to leave early? Could this be considered as abandoning the mitzva of 'Berov Am Hadras Melech" (a mitzva should be done by many) and we hold that Ein Maavirin al Hamitzvos or one should not avoid or abandon a mitzva?
A. Poskim debate whether it is permitted to abandon a Bris Milah to attend a Chupa and the opposite. (Machane Yisroel 38). Igros Moshe (O.H. 2: 95) maintains that one should not abandon a Sheva Brochos to attend a Bris Mila since at the former he complies with the mitzva of being Mesameach Chosson Vekalo or giving joy to newlyweds.
Chashukei Chemed (Yuma 70) relates that someone (not an invited guest) approached Horav S.Z, Auerbach zt'l at a chupa, to ask a shailah. After answering the Rov told him, that he is not allowed to leave until after the ceremony, ends following the ruling above.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in need one can leave the Zoom shiur.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 7/8/2021 6:47 PM |
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# 3252 What's Your Pleasure?
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Q. One who must continue to take medications on a fast day since he suffers from a chronic condition and the pills must be taken with water. Does he make a bracha on the water on that day since he much enjoys the water on a Taanis?
A. See question above. It would seem that although normally when taking pills one does not recite a brocho on the water, since it is being used just for swallowing the pills or protecting the stomach, as opposed to this case when one is thirsty and vastly enjoys the liquid, therefore one should recite the blessing.
Some Rabbis further argued that since we also rule that if someone unintentionally ate a tasty prohibited food he had no intention of consuming, he is liable to bring an offering, since we rule that 'Hamisassek Bechalovim' or one that unintentionally eats a savory food, the good flavor and pleasure create intention, therefore, a brocho should be recited on the water in our case.
However, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that no brocho is recited, since his intention is clear. He would not be drinking the water if he didn't have to take the medicine.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 7/8/2021 6:30 PM |
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# 3251 A Shining Example
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Q. Can one polish silver plates and similar during the Nine Days?
A. Kovetz Halochos (8: 3: n. 5), quotes Horav Shmuel Kamenetzki Shlit'a saying that it is permitted since those silver utensils are usually used during Shabbos, and for the honor of the day it is permitted.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 7/8/2021 6:20 PM |
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# 3250 Better Never than Late?
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Q. When breaking the fast on Sunday night motzoi Tisha Bav, is it better to wash on bread to be yotzi meleva malka, which some say can be until Tuesday?
A. On question 2919 we wrote: "Shaarei Teshuva (O.H. 30: 1) writes that the Neshama Yiseira (extra holy soul) granted to us at the beginning of Shabbos, stays with us after Shabbos ends, only until chatzos or the midnight on Motzei Shabbos, so the seuda or meal celebrated to honor of the departure of that most elevated day should be observed until before midnight. Mishna Berura (ibid. 2) mentions that this should be eaten as soon as possible after the end of Shabbos.
Chashukei Chemed (Pesachim 102b) deliberates when one only gets the wine necessary for reciting Havdalah after midnight, if he should wait until after chatzos and eat then Melave Malka only after saying havdalah or follow the opinion of Shaarei Teshuva and not eat that seuda after midnight. However, Oisrei Lagefen (p. 551) maintains that if one has not fallen asleep yet, one can eat Melave Malka even after Chatzos. Beis Yisroel Hasholem (p. 200) mentions that the Kristirer Rebeh would celebrate Melave Malka until three hours after chatzos.
Zemiros Leshabbos (p. 183) quotes that the Divrei Chaim once told his grandson Rabbi Shlomo Halberstam, the first Bobover Rebbe, to follow the Rofshitzer Rebbe’s minhag (also his grandson’s forefather), who would not eat Melave Malka on Motzei Shabbos, because he just could not cope with the departure of the Shabbos Kodesh, so he rather ate that seuda after davening on Sunday."
It is mentioned in Chassidic sefarim that some Rebbes would make a Seudas Melave Malka on Tuesday also (Zemiros Shabbos Sholom Umevorach p.157).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is to follow the opinion of the Mishna Berura and there is no place for a Melave Malka on Sunday night.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/4/2021 9:40 PM |
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# 3249 Only Hope in Hashem
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Q. A woman that has a sister living in the recently collapsed building in Miami and lost all contact with her. She assumes that likely she is L'A not alive anymore as a week has already elapsed. Can she attend the Bar Mitzva of a close relative or should she abstain since she may be in Avelut already?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that as long as no identifiable remains have been found, Avelus does not begin. However, attendance to the Bar mitzva should be brief and reserved.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/1/2021 10:54 PM |
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# 3248 Season of no Greetings
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Q. May one write a greeting on Tisha Bav, such as to write good afternoon in an email or to text good morning to his nonreligious mother?
Can one answer an email from a non-observant, or a Gentile with a greeting, since otherwise it would seem insulting or offensive?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 554: 20) rules that one should not greet another on Tisha Beav. However if someone ignorant of this ruling greeted, he may answer back in a slow and serious tone, so as not to embarrass the greeter.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one may express a general wish to all, such as let there be health or peace in the world and similar.
One can also mention in an answer that since this is our greatest day of mourning, he wishes everyone consolation and future happiness.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/1/2021 10:40 PM |
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# 3247 Words On a Clean Mouth
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Q. See question 3240 above. Can one use a bit of mouthwash while brushing during a Ta'anis Tzibur ? Is it better than water?
A. Some Poskim prefer the use of mouthwash over water, when it is permitted in need during brushing in a Ta'anis, since one does not usually drink it.
However, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is the same.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 7/1/2021 9:45 PM |
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# 3246 Your Secrets are Safe with Us?
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Q. See question 3245 above. Is it permitted to have a security camera inside a Mikva for men?
Should one avoid attending such a Mikva?
A. On an Israeli newspaper article also published on-line on 05.12.15 it was mentioned that a Rabbi was detained for questioning by the Jerusalem police following complaints that he had installed a camera in a men's Mikva in the neighborhood of Sanhedria in northern Jerusalem. Some of the residents defended the Rabbi's unusual move, explaining that he was concerned by the rise in pedophilia incidents and sexual assaults in Jerusalem's Haredi neighborhoods. The Rabbi's associates explained that he had tried to deter sex offenders by installing security cameras in the Mikva. The Rabbi declined comment. The Jerusalem Police said they were conducting an investigation into privacy breach allegations. Shortly after the rabbi was released, ads were posted outside the ritual bath, warning visitors that the cameras are still being used.
Lately, the use of cameras in Mikves, has expanded in order to protect the people in charge of them from being sued in case of accidents.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is permitted in principle when needed for the security and the safety of the attendants. However, the cameras should be placed in ways that keep the decorum and will not expose the nakedness of the people attending. The attendants should also be informed that they are being filmed.
The recorded material should be stored with great security and only used when needed in emergencies.
The Rov added, that if one has to attend such a Mikva, he should avoid facing the cameras by inclining and covering with a towel as needed.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/30/2021 5:01 PM |
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# 3245 Smile and Daven
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Q. Is it permitted to have security cameras inside a shul? Do you have to inform the attendants that they are being taped?
A. In our times it is common to have security cameras outside the shuls, schools and other community institutions, as is common in businesses and private homes.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is permitted to have them inside a shul also, when needed for the security or the safety of the attendants, and with the agreement of the leaders of the shul. However, the Rov recommends that they should be disconnected during Shabbos when possible.
The Rov also maintains that the people of the shul should indeed be informed that there are now security tapes taping them constantly.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/29/2021 11:48 PM |
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# 3244 Pill Pileup?
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Q. Regarding one taking a sleeping pill during late afternoon Shabbos, for having effect after Shabbos. It is needed to be taken early, since otherwise it will affect that person in the morning after and will not be able to wake up on time. Is that permitted?
A. As we wrote on question 3220 above Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one is permitted to take a sleeping pill during Shabbos when needed. (See also Rechev Eish 130 for a similar p'sak from the Rov).
In this case, one may also take the sleeping pill during Shabbos, even if its effect is intended for after Shabbos. This is similar to the Rov's permit of taking a fasting pill in Shabbos, for help in fasting on a Taanis after Shabbos
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/29/2021 6:02 PM |
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# 3243 A Flying Visit?
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Q. When one goes to the cemetery to take part in a Matzeva unveiling, if he arrived early, can he first visit the Kever of his relatives buried nearby?
If he walked by the Kever of his parents on the way to the unveiling, can he still go after. since it says that one should not visit a Kever twice in the same day?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if one has enough time to visit Kever Avos first, he can do so and then join the Hakomas Hamatzeva.
Although it is correct that Poskim write that one should not visit the same Kever twice in one day, (Tzavoas R' Yehuda HeChosid 12, Magen Avrohom 581: 16), Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that just walking by is not considered visiting.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/29/2021 5:56 PM |
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# 3242 Maftir Mazal
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Q. If two people have yohrzait on the same Shabbos, can they cast a Goral Ha'grah or any other lots or raffle, to decide who gets maftir.
If the one who gets Maftir also pays for the kiddush after davening, can they still do it?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that making a goral or casting lots could be done on Shabbos, when the lottery does not involve any monetary decisions.
In this case both parties should previously agree in concert with the Gabaim of the shul, that the expenses for the kiddush should be offered, when a Mi Sheberach is recited for the one who wins the raffle and receives the Maftir.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/29/2021 5:51 PM |
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# 3241 Spin the Doctor?
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Q. The rofim mumchim (expert physicians) in the New England Journal of Medicine ( NEJM), CHOP, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and of Boston, and Sick Kids in Toronto do NOT RECOMMEND that children up to the age of 20 take the shot. Does this mean that the Rav is saying that you should listen to your local Physician over the rofim mumchim?
A. The opinions of different 'rofim mumchim' keep on changing constantly, and new conflicting views of experts in different parts of the world are now the rule. As we wrote on question 3217 Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that since there are many factors that depend on the particularities of the individuals involved and their medical condition, as well as the recent changes in the development of the Covid infection, a reliable and expert physician that is familiar with the patient, should be consulted in each case.
We must add that the medical opinion you quoted is by far not universally accepted, so indeed let the reliable and expert physician that is familiar with the patient and his particular condition, be consulted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/29/2021 5:22 PM |
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# 3240 Spit In?
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Q. Can one brush his teeth on a Ta'anis without using any water or toothpaste, just one's own saliva and then spiting it?
A. Mishna Berura (567: 11) rules that when in pain and discomfort one may wash the mouth with water, while being careful to keep one's mouth down to ensure no water is swallowed. The above is permitted on the a regular Taanis Tzibur. Mishna Berura is more stringent on Tisha Beav when he permits only in a case of severe pain and discomfort, while he prohibits completely on Yom Kippur. See also Minchas Yitzchok 4: 109 and Kovetz Halochos 2: 9 that are stringent, However Aruch Hashulchan (567: 3) is lenient.
On question 2380 regarding if one may store and save his saliva for use during Yom Kippur to swallow necessary medical pills, we wrote:
"Mishna Berura (567: 13), quotes Magen Avrohom that it is permitted to swallow our owns saliva, even though we rule that it is not permitted to drink even liquids that are not fit to drink, swallowing saliva is different, since the intention is not for drinking at all.
Bach (612). cites different opinions regarding how much saliva is one allowed to swallow in Yom Kippur. Chayei Adam (132: 22) and Mateh Ephraim (ibid. 22) maintain that on the onset one should preferably avoid swallowing saliva that has accumulated in the mouth.
Moadim Uzemanim (1: 59) mentions that Hagra’ch Soloveitchik and the Brisker Rov zt’l were extremely careful not to swallow their own saliva when it accumulated during Yom Kippur.
However, many Poskim are lenient and maintain that this is not the accepted tradition. (Beis Meir, Eishel Avrohom Butchatch; 613. Aruch Hasulchan ibid. 4, Piskei Teshuvos 567: 2). Excepting, when particles of food are still in one’s mouth. at the beginning of the taanis.
Moadim Uzemanim (ibid.), adds that on Yom Kippur, one should not intentionally accumulate saliva in one’s mouth and then swallow it.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that when in need for swallowing necessary pills, it is permitted to store one’s saliva even in a cup and save it for use during Yom Kippur.
The Rov's opinion is that certainly on the lesser Ta'anesim it is permitted for one to brush his teeth without using any water or toothpaste, just one's own saliva and then spiting it.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/28/2021 6:18 PM |
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# 3239 Testing the Tasting
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Q. Because of my medical condition, I'm permitted to take pills during the fast of Shiva Assar Betamuz. The pills have to be taken with a glass of water. Do I make a bracha on the water?
Although, we don't usually say a bracha on water used for taking pills, this case is different since after all I will enjoy the water, as I will already be thirsty, should I then say the brocho?
If I find the flavor of garlic very disgusting, should I add some garlic powder to the water?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that you don't recite a brocho since the real reason you are drinking that water is for taking the pills, and otherwise you wouldn't be drinking it, you are exempt of reciting the brocho.
The Rov's opinion is that you don't have to make the water distasteful by adding unsavory additives.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/25/2021 1:22 PM |
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# 3238 A Fast Sheva Brochos?
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Q. Someone making a Sheva Brochos for a couple that got married this week (the week before Shiva Asar Betamuz) can they play music from a tape on Motzei Shabbos, which is the night of the fast, as it is on Sunday? It is also a Melave Malka.
A. On question 957 regarding if it is proper to make or attend a wedding or a sheva brachoth with music on the night prior to the fast of Asara Beteveth, we wrote: "Remoh (O.H. 550: 3) advises that if there is a Chupa on Asara Beteves on Erev Shabbos, Mincha and Vaichal are recited before the Chupa. However, Shulchan Aruch (551: 2) rules that no weddings are to be done during the Nine Days and Biur Halacha (ibid.) quotes from Eliahu Rabbo and Peri Megodim that it is possible that this also applies to Shiva Asar Betamuz and Asara Beteves.
Bais Avi (3,2,6) writes that the minhag is not to make weddings on the night of the Tenth of Teves since in reality the Ta’anis has already began but the prohibition to eat is only from the morning. Other Poskim are more lenient (Even Pina O.H. 45, P’ri Hasade 1: 2, Yabia Omer 6: 7, Tzitz Eliezer 7: 49).
Da’as Torah of the Maharsham (551: 2) advises that although the Chupa is permitted but one should abstain from dancing even on Asara Beteves. See also Halichos Shlomo (13: 1)
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in principle and by the letter of the Halacha, it is permitted to have a wedding or Sheva Brachos with music on the prior night of the Ta’anis, however, when possible one should be stringent. (He pointed out to the Sdei Chemed – Ma’areches Choson Vekalo p. 21-22)"
Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion is that in our case, since after all it is already Shiva Assar Betamuz, music even taped should be avoided.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/25/2021 12:56 PM |
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# 3237 Deck the Suka?
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Q. Is one allowed during the three weeks to build a backyard deck that will be used for building a Suka on it? The posts for the Suka's schach will be constructed also then.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in need it can be done during the Three Weeks, but should be avoided during the Nine Days
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Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/25/2021 12:25 PM |
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# 3236 Don't Forget This
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Q. How long is one allowed to leave a sefer one is learning from open, when exiting a room?
A. Shach and Taz (Y.D. 277: 1) quote Bach and Yerushalmi Megila, that the one who stops learning and goes to another room, leaving an open sefer, will forget his learning. They quote Cabbala sources which teach, that an angel named Shed (the first letters of Shomer Dafim or the one watching over the Torah pages), will become empowered and make the one who so behaves forget the Torah he has learned. (See question 2520 regarding covering the sefer)
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if one is planing to return promptly to his learning, as when only exiting for attending the facilities or bringing a drink, one does not have to close the sefer/
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/24/2021 10:46 PM |
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# 3235 The Hot Droshos
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Q. One who fainted because he attended an outside lengthy ceremony under the sun and in the heath of the day and was taken on an ambulance to a hospital since he had very low blood pressure.
Be'H he was released some hours later after being tested with several electrocardiograms and blood tests, and found fine . Does he have to recite Birchas Hagomel?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that, since he was found to be healthy, he does not have to recite Birchas Hagomel.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 6/24/2021 10:43 PM |
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Important Numbers
