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# 2892 Bris Tricks?
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Q. A baby boy who has jaundice before his 8th day cannot, in most circumstances, be circumcised in time, unless the jaundice disappears in time.
Some employ all sorts of remedies to get the jaundice to disappear. Some wash the baby's hands in the morning (Negel Vasser). Another recent remedy touted is to place live fish in a fish tank in the baby's vicinity and the fish absorb the jaundice and die, and the baby's skin turns an acceptable colour.
Are these remedies advisable or should we let nature take its course and the baby will be ready for his Bris when HaShem prefers? Is the fish remedy permissible or is it something like Darkei Emori and should be avoided?
A. Other segulos are also quoted such as the similar one of bringing a pigeon and placing it on the baby (mentioned by Horav M. Kanner Shlit'a).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that the tefilah bekavanah, learning Torah, doing chessed and helping others, are after all the best segulos for all machlos and tzoros.
Often people see segulos as a magic trick or a shortcut to avoid what Hashem truly desires from us, and then they should be avoided.
However, the Rov added, that effective and proven medical procedures should be used under proper medical supervision.( See also question 54 on segulos and tefilos for the ailing, questions 1113, 1412 on wearing a red string, question 2123 regarding matza shemura and question 1550 regarding the husband of a pregnant woman getting pesicha).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised By Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 10/22/2020 2:03 PM |
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# 2891 Praise Our Saintly Women
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Q. What is the reason and source that women as opposed to men avoid doing certain melochos and work on Rosh Chodesh?
A. Pirkei D' Rabi Eliezer (45) mentions that when the women refused to contribute any of their jewelry for the making of golden calf, for their strong convictions and messiras nefesh, Hashem rewarded them with true simcha and joy, including Rosh Chodesh
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Similarly, Tur (O.H. 417) further explains that the Sholosh Regalim, Pesach, Shavuos and Sukkos, corresponding to different seasons, represents and stand each one also for one of our unblemished Avos. However, when the next stage came to be, the Twelve Shevatim or Tribes, due to the sin of the eigel, did not actually made it by themselves without the help of their unblemished women, and therefore Rosh Chodesh, representing the twelve months, stands mainly for them.
Darkei Moshe ((417: 1, quoting Ohr Zaruah), adds that women, more than men, depend on the timely similar moon cycle, for reaching their body state of conjugal purity. Therefore, Rosh Chodesh that is totally dictated by the moon cycles, is in their zechus and merit.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised By Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 10/20/2020 1:55 PM |
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# 2890 Washing One's Linen in Public?
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Q. The Minhag is that women do not wash clothing on Rosh Chodesh.
I, the husband, do the washing in our home. Is it OK if I hang the washing on the porch where it can be seen by the neighbors, or do I have to avoid the Mar'is Ayin that they might think my wife washed them?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 417: 1) writes that it is a good minhag for women to avoid doing melochos and work during Rosh Chodesh. Remah (ibid.) adds that if the minhag is to avoid doing only some melochos and not others, we have to follow the minhag. Biur Halocho (ibid.) mentions that the tradition remotes to the days of Moshe Rabbenu and quotes from Yerushalmi and many Rishonim and Poskim that invoke people to follow it.
Mishna Berura (4) cites different minhogim regarding which day of Rosh Chodesh is included. Also Poskim write that minhogim disagree whether it applies also at night (Biur Halocho ibid.)
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that taking into account the many variables that may permit the actual washing (see also next question regarding using washing machines), including, as in your case, that it could be done by the husband, there should not be any real issue of ma'aras ayin.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised By Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 10/20/2020 1:47 PM |
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# 2889 Fix For Dinner
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Q. See question 2886 above regarding an Hachnosas Sefer Torah. Do we have to make a seudah during these pandemic days? and how many people should attend?
A. Based on Remah (O.H. 669: 1) that we make a seuda when we end the Torah reading on Simchas Torah, Poskim write that a similar seuda should be arranged when finishing the writing of a Sefer and celebrating the Hachnosas Sefer Torah. (Mataamim, Al Pi Hatorah p. 614 and others). This is at least similar to the seuda done at a siyum.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that although it is proper and correct to make a seuda when possible, in times of need even a kiddush with mezonos will suffice.
The Rov suggested that when times return to normal a siyum should be arranged, also in honor for the new Sefer Torah.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised By Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 10/20/2020 1:34 PM |
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# 2888 Reading Before Writing?
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Q. When writing a letter of a Sefer Torah, at the ceremony of an Hachnosas Sefer Torah, besides saying the required statement that one is writing "Leshem Kedushas Sefer Torah," should not one also have to say aloud the letter or the word that he is about to write, as a regular scribe does when he writes a Sefer Torah? Why is it that we never see that done?
A. Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 274: 2) rules that the one writing a Sefer Torah has to read aloud from another Sefer the word before he writes it on the new one. The source is quoted as the Smag deducing from Baba Basra 15a, that when Moshe Rabbenu wrote the first Sefer Torah, he repeated aloud every word that Hashem told him to write, before he wrote it himself.
Poskim disagree if one copying from a kosher Sefer Torah, also has to read the words aloud (Kesses Hassofer 5: 6) quotes the conflicting opinions of the Chassam Soffer and Bach. It may depend if the reason why it is done. Is it for avoiding a mistake or to impart kedusha to the words).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in our case, when one is just writing one letter or part of it, and the word is practically complete, one does not need to say aloud the word, before writing a letter.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised By Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 10/16/2020 4:04 PM |
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# 2887 The Law of the Letter
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Q. When giving out the kivudim (honors) for writing a letter in a new Sefer Torah, is it a greater kivud to be first to write or the last one?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that the greatest mitzva and kovod goes for the one who finishes and makes the Sefer Torah kosher and acceptable for being read.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 10/15/2020 10:26 PM |
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# 2886 March to a Different Tune
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Q. I want to make an Hachnosas Sefer Torah this week, while my mishpacha is still here, (they came for Yom Tov) do we have to make a parade on the street with a chupa, as it is usually done, or due to the fact that it may create a Chilul Hashem, should it better be avoided?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that indeed, giving the current pandemic circumstances and the stringent and cautions government laws provided against assembly in public places, it would be correct to avoid a public parade on the streets leading to the shul. However, a small entry act, from the not public parking lot, could be done for the honor of the new Sefer torah.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 10/15/2020 10:16 PM |
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# 2885 Not for Reading
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Q. Can I bring a Sefer Torah to an outside back yard minyan on Simchas Torah to be used for hakofes only, if they will not read from it at all?
A. Mishna Berura (669: 9) quotes Ledovid Emes, that if they are only a few Sifrei Torah in a shul, one may bring one temporarily for the hakofes of Simchas Torah. Although, normally one may not remove a Sefer Torah from its permanent location for only a provisional use, during Simchas Torah, for the honor of the Torah 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 10/15/2020 10:07 PM |
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# 2884 Games Over?
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Q. Until what age may a brother and sister play together physically, such as climbing on each other, riding on each other, hugging each other, tickling each other, touching each other?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that children and situations vary greatly. Therefore, this answer should be left to the parents together with their competent Rabbi and mentor, who is familiar with the particular situation of this family.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 10/14/2020 10:19 PM |
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# 2883 A Monumental Decision
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Q. Our family gathered together for Sukkot on these most unusual times. We are planning to do the Hakamath Hamatzevah for our father and grandfather, while we are all together. Since many are departing immediately after Yom Tov, can we do the matzevah on Issru Chag? Any recommendations?
A. Nitei Gavriel (Shavuos 37: 5), Tzion Lanefesh Chaya (end of n. 10), Davar Beito (5756 p. 36) and others mention that the minhag is not to perform Hakomas Hamatzeiva in days when no tachanun and hespedim are said including Issru Chag. They relate that the matzeiva of the Stretner Rebbe zt'l was dedicated on Issru Chag Shavuos, but no hespedim were said. (See also Mekadesh Yisroel - Shavuos 109, regarding Hakomas Matzeiva on the seven days after Shavuos).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in need the dedication can be done, but hespedim should be avoided.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 10/14/2020 10:10 PM |
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# 2882 Follow Your Rov
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Q. What is Horav Miller's opinion psak on just a few people in shul or even one person such as the Rov doing all hakofes. Is that permitted?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion in similar shailes is that the Rov of the shul involved should decide the path to follow, as the variables involved change from place to place.
In principle, the Rov maintains that in time of need changes can be made.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 10/12/2020 10:01 PM |
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2881 Good News
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Q. What is the correct procedure during these difficult Simchat Torah with the Kol Hanearim taalith covering and for the ones that will not have the opportunity to get an aliya?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that the separate families with children present in the shul or courtyard minyan, should cover themselves as individual small groups. These individual small groups should maintain proper distancing from others as well as other necessary precautions.
The Rov recommended that the participants should repeat quietly the complete Birchas Hatorah with the person who received the aliya, and then listen carefully to the words being read, even if they are unable to read them themselves.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 10/9/2020 5:56 PM |
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# 2880 Honor Check
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Q. This is a most unusual Simchas Torah, when many of us are afraid of contamination. Can we cover the Sifrei Torah with transparent plastic bags, to be changed between holders to avoid any further danger? Is the fact that those bags are usually sold as garbage bags a dishonor to the Torah?
A. On past years it became a common practice to cover the Sifrei Torah under their mantles with plastic bags to avoid them being damaged by the sweat of the dancing Simchas Torah carriers.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is not an act of disrespect to use those commercially available transparent plastic bags, since as is they are used for many different uses, including disposing of sheimos and similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 10/9/2020 1:59 PM |
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# 2879 Rise a Shailah
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Q. Can one eat rice cakes out of the Sukkah?
A. Mishna Berura (639: 13) rules that eating many fruits, meat, fish, or anything that isn't made from the five kinds of grain, does not require a suka. However, Poskim maintain that if it is considered a main meal, one should make an effort and eat in the suka without the brocho on the suka. (See Piskei Teshuvos ibid 9, Nitei Gavriel and others)
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 10/9/2020 1:53 PM |
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# 2878 Stay Attached
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Q. A shul provides the Arbah Minim (lulav, esrog etc.) for the people men and women that come on Sukkoth and don't have any of their own. During these problematic times they also provide disinfectant liquid and a sign urges the users to wash their hands prior to taking the four species in their hands. Since mostly their hands are not yet dry when the hold the four species, is that considered to be a hefsek or separation? They also offer plastic gloves. Can they be used?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 651: 1) quotes Tosafos opinion that if someone wraps his hand with a handkerchief when holding the arba minim, he does not comply with the mitzva. Remah (idid.) mentions a minhag to also remove the retzuos of the tefilin and rings from the hand. Mishna Berura (32) explains that it constitutes a hefsek or separation and quotes the Ran's opinion that it is not a 'lekicha tama' or the complete taking, that the Torah requires. He also mentions (ibid. 10) removing strings attached to the hadassim because of hefsek.
Poskim seem to disagree if the wetness of water constitutes a hefsek or not. Tiferes Yisroel (Yuma 3: 4) explains that the reason why the Cohen was required to dry after immersing in the mikva, was to avoid harming the Kehuna vestments he was wearing. However, Mishneh Lemelech (H. Yom Hakipurim 2: 2) mentions that it was to avoid hefsek between his body and the vestments. Others quote Birkei Yosef's (27: 1) ruling, that those who follow the opinion of the Shaloh and wash their arms before donning tefilin, should be careful to dry them well, since besides the dishonor done to the tefilin it may be a considered a hefsek also.
Amudei Ohr (37) addresses the shaila of holding on to the lulav when still wet from the waters it was placed in for preservation and freshness. He rules that since it is done for the benefit of the arbah minim it is not considered a chatzitza. This being similar to the minhag of the people of Yerushalaim, that would decorate their lulavim with gold jewelry (Suka 37b).
However, as the Amudei Ohr points out, it is unlikely that liquids constitute any hefsek, as it is obvious that the Cohanim were standing on the Azarah courtyard of the Mikdosh with wet feet. (See Chashukei Chemed Suka 6b)
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar.
The Rov opines that wearing gloves is indeed a chatziza, as the Mishna Berura points out (ibid. 33). See also question 2585 regarding wearing medical gloves for netilas yodaim for bread, when waking up, or when exiting a cemetery.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 10/9/2020 1:51 PM |
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# 2877 Cover Story
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Q. (See the 3 prior questions; 2674-76). Can one just cover the suka with a plastic tarp or canvas that rests directly on the scahch to protect it from rain?
A. Igrois Moshe (O.H. 5: 39: 4) indeed permits to spread directly on the schach a plastic sheet resting directly on the schach, without any air space between them.
His reason is that since it is only placed temporarily and will be removed after the rain stops, as he needs the suka and does not in principle want that cover, besides there is no tefach space underneath it. Therefore there is no ohel created and no boneh prohibition involved
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 10/8/2020 4:00 PM |
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# 2876 No Soff to It?
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Q. (See the 2 prior questions 2874-75). If the tefach spread is under the extended roof, (soffit) does it count?
A. As mentioned on the questions above, Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 315: 2) rules that if the shlack cover was extended over a tefach before Shabbos began, it is permitted to continue extending it.
The schach under the soffit or overhang (the underside of eaves, that connect the wall of the house to the projecting edge of the roof, and is usually about 18 t0 24 inches wide), is considered as being under a roof, and therefore pasul and one may not seat under it.
We usually say that the Halacha of 'dofen akuma' applies to that underside, as we consider the walls of the house to be curved and reaching the uncovered kosher schach, up to four amos. (Shulchan Aruch O.H. 632:1).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if the tefach spread of the plastic roll lays under that overhang it still counts and the shlack could be spread.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 10/8/2020 3:52 PM |
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# 2875 Keep on Rolling
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Q. (Re question 2874 above). Does it make a difference if the roll was attached to the wall of the house or the suka?
A. Rema (O.H. 626: 3) writes that roof panels that are attached to the roof with hinges, can be closed or opened during Yom Tov, to protect the suka when it rains, as no ohel creating or removing prohibition is involved.
39 Melochos (p. 1077) writes; 'A tarp-shlock that is built into the Sukkah (or the house to which it is connected) is considered an accessory to the structure, and may be opened and closed without the requirement to leave a Tefach of the tarp remaining unrolled.' On note 140a, he adds that any kind of attachment would be equal to hinges.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is to be stringent and a tefach besides the thickness of the roll in necessary to remain open as mentioned in the question above.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 10/8/2020 3:44 PM |
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# 2874 Roll for Cover
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Q On Sukot, we use a roll of a plastic sheet as a shlack to cover the suka when raining. Does the width of the roll count for the tefach (10 cm.) needed to be spread out before Yom Tov?
A. Covering a suka with a plastic sheet or tarp may involve creating an ohel or tent which is prohibited during Shabbos and Yom Tov (as transgressing the boneh or building prohibition). Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 315: 2) rules that if the cover was extended over a tefach before Shabbos began, it is permitted to continue extending it. However, the thickness of the roll itself does not count for the tefach needed. (See Mishna Berura 16, also Chaye Adam who explains that the thickness of the roll is not placed with intent for cover).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 10/8/2020 3:40 PM |
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# 2873 Room For Doubt?
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Q. I saw the reply above (question 2868) regarding plastic shield separation for people seating in a suka. Our father, should be maarich yomim, who is a zoken and frail, is staying with us. and we want him to spend some time with the grandchildren in the suka. I saw a rigid plexiglas small cubicle recently in a hospital, used for disease control it can contain someone seating in a wheel chair. Since it is open on top, can I use it for my father in the suka?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is permitted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 10/8/2020 3:33 PM |
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Important Numbers
