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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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# 2690 Better Late Than Never
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Q. (See question 2689 above). Sometimes the bachur comes late (he has an aide who brings him). What should I do if I am supposed to daven with him but he is late (I am makpid to start shemone ezre with the minyan, as otherwise it is a shaila if it is tefilla btzibbur, plus it is very distracting for me because I keep thinking, "Is he coming, is he not coming, how late will he come"? Could I just start davening on my own (if he is more than a minute late), even though now he won't have anyone to be motzi him? How long should I wait? Plus, in order to reach his place, he walks in front of people who are davening. What should be done?
A. In principle you don't have to sacrifice your own tefilah betzibur for the sake of someone else, especially if he is late. You should daven your own amida properly and then tend to the special needs of your friend and be motzi him.
You should also instruct the aide, that if he arrives once the tzibur has began their amida, they should wait until they end, to avoid walking in front of people while they are davening. You may also ask the Shaliach Tzibur , to be motze him with chazoras hashatz.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/28/2020 1:24 PM |
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# 2689 Praying For Someone
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Q. There is a bachur in the yeshiva who r'l had a stroke, cannot daven on his own, and someone stands next to him and davens out loud to be motzi him; I have a few questions.
What should be done to maintain social distancing?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if he has to get close to him (less that six feet), so he can hear him without disturbing others, he should wear a mask and dress as any other caregiver or nurse would do, to avoid contamination.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/28/2020 1:21 PM |
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# 2688 Blessed Dreams
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Q. If someone goes to sleep for a short time on the night of Shavuos should he say the brocho of Hamapil?
A. Shaarei Teshuva, Birkei Yosef (O.H. 229: 2) and others maintain that if one goes to sleep before daybreak, the brocho of Hamapil should be recited, although some Poskim disagree, when one goes to sleep after chatzoz. (See Nitei Gavriel 17: 1).
Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion is that he should recite even if he takes a nap longer that a half an hour, before daybreak.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/28/2020 12:47 PM |
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# 2687 With The Best Intentions
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Q. Since due to the pandemic, it is likely that we will be learning Shavuos night alone. Can someone have the, intention that when he makes Birchas Hatorah on the morning of Erev Shavuos, not to be yotze (comply) with the brocho after Alos Hashachar (daybreak) on Shavuos morning, so he can then say a new brocho. As there will not be anyone else to be motzi him?
A. Some Poskim maintain that the above is correct (Keren Ledovid 59. Vayitzbor Yosef 50, Nitei Gavriel 8: 1).
However, Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a disagrees.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/28/2020 12:46 PM |
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# 2686 An Early Shave?
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Q. If someone keeps the shitas Haari (the opinion of the Arizal that one does not shave during the whole sefira period), can he shave already on Erev Shavuos after Maariv?
A. Pekudas Elozor (O.H. 493: 2) mentions that Horav Chaim Vital zt'l himself would shave on Erev Sahavuos after Maariv. However, Moed Lechol Chai (6: 7) maintains that one should not shave at night, since it is a time of din (judgment).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one can be lenient.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/28/2020 12:44 PM |
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# 2685 Pray Tell Me
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Q. Which is better(during these covid times): to daven in a street/ backyard minyan b'rov am (with social distance) or in a beis medrash (that was allowed to reopen) with a mere 10?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if you are in a location where Rabbonim and authorities have permitted both scenarios you propose, and after complying with all recommended precautions, if you are part of the ten, preferably daven in a Beis Hamedresh.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/26/2020 4:55 PM |
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# 2684 Bird Watching
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Q. Do you make a brocho on shiluach haken? If yes, which; "Al Shiluach Haken" or "al mitzvas shiluach haken?" Should he recite without the name of Hashem? Do you say shecheyanu?
A. Poskim disagree as to what is the correct bracha if any to be recited.
Many Poskim rule against the opinion of the Ra'aved (Tomim Deim 179), the Rokeach (366) and Aruch Hashulchan (292: 10), and maintain that no brocho should be said at all.
Various reasons are given why we do not recite a brocho. Meiri (Megila 21b) maintains that since one is not obliged to look for a nest and he complies with the mitzva when by chance he finds one, no blessing is to be recited.
Toras Nessanel (9) explains, that the eggs may be already spoiled, (or not there yet at all), so it is a doubtful brocho that we do not recite. Binyan Tzion (14) adds that if he recites, before he can actually send away the mother bird, she may just fly away herself and the blessing will be in vain.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar and no brocho should be recited including Shecheyanu.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/26/2020 4:50 PM |
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# 2683 Sent on a Wild Goose Chase?
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Q. Are geese considered kosher birds for the mitzva of shiluach haken, even if there is no tradition to eat them?
A. Hisorerus Teshuva (4: 155) maintains that a bird that has the simanei or signs of a kosher bird (See Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 82: 3), although if there is no established tradition to eat it, we abstain from it (Rema ibid.), still one should perform the mitzva of shiluach haken as it is possibly kosher. (See similar opinion in Birkei Yosef (292: 10), Shach (ibid.14), Minchas Elozor (3: 43), and others).
Shalach Tishlach (p. 55) quotes that in such a case one should return the eggs or chicks after lifting them to the nest.
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/26/2020 4:33 PM |
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# 2682 Kaddish Yes, Keddusha Yes, Kiddush No!
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Q. I heard that Horav Miller Shlit'a has changed recently his position regarding davening in shuls, what is his latest p'sak?
A. On a letter of Iyar 25, also printed in the Kolel web site Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a wrote:
"With Government restrictions regarding social gatherings slowly being lifted and minyanim organized in a lawful manner are becoming more possible, it is the responsibility of the hosts of these minyanim, to properly organize the minyan in a manner keeping the rules of social distancing. As well, it is incumbent on all individuals partaking in these minyanim to practice proper social distancing of at least 2 meters between other mispalilim and follow all other necessary practices
before, after and throughout davening to avoid any further spread of the virus. The participants may only gather for Tefila and no kiddush."
(Horav) Shlomo Miller
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Posted 5/22/2020 1:37 PM |
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Posted 5/22/2020 12:45 PM |
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# 2681 High-Water Mark
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Q. What is the correct amount of water needed for tisha kavim?
A. Poskim quote different amounts for the nine kavim of water. They vary from approximately 11.3 liters to 17 liters, 18.5 liters or 22 liters (Nefesh Chaya, Beis Boruch on Chaye Adam 1; p. 412. and others).
On question 1945 we wrote: Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a pointed out that one kav is equal to the volume of 24 eggs and tisha kavim is then 216 eggs.
According to the measurements of Rav Chaim Noeh, one egg is equivalent to 57.6 cc, so nine kavim would equal to 12.44 liters (Shiurei Torah p. 263). Following the opinion of the Chazon Ish, it equals 21.6 liters (Midos Veshiurei Torah p. 300).
One has to measure his own shower’s water volume delivery and the time it takes to reach that required volume, as they all vary.
When taking a shower for this purpose, one should first stand under the shower spout and then open the water, so the water immediately goes over all of him as he opens the faucet.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/21/2020 5:09 PM |
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# 2680 Standing Orders
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Q. What is the correct way of standing under the shower when doing nine kabbim?
A. Mishna Berura (88: 4) quoting Mateh Efraim maintains that when tisha kabim water are poured over someone, he should stand straight with his two hands loose and placed close to his heart, so that the water lands on his chest and also his hands.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that when standing under the shower, it may be more effective to stand straight and have his hands down, while the water pours over his head and all over his body.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/21/2020 5:02 PM |
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# 2679 Take a Shower
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Q. In crisis times when we can't go to the mikva and we pour nine kavim of water instead when taking a shower. Does one have to be careful with chatitza (interposition), such as long toe nails?
A. Poskim permit using a shower for pouring the nine kavim of purification ( Minchas Yitzchak 4: 21,Yaskil Avdi 7: p. 387, Taharas Yom Tov 19, Chelkas Yakov 3: 61,, Shevet HaLevi 1:24, Halichos Olam p. 157, Yalkut Yosef 626, Minchas Oviv p. 202, and others, although some disagree Mishne Halochos 3: 1-7, 3: 23)
Shaarei Teshuva (O.H. 88: 4) quotes Maamar Mordechai that a chatzitza does not affect the purification of tisha kavim. Biur Halocho (88: 4) quotes a similar opinion from Sefer Hoeshkol and rules that it is not an interposition, unless it covers most of the body. See also Minchas Chinuch (180: 4).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/21/2020 4:50 PM |
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# 2678 Drop In The Ocean?
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Q. A woman that lost lo-aleynu her father to the pandemic, and is afraid of going to the mikvah, can she tovel (immerse) now that the days are warmer in a lake or the ocean?
A. Poskim beware women to immerse in a sea or lake when it can be avoided. This is due to concerns that a woman immersing at a beach, is likely very conscious of being seen and is plausibly rushing the tevilah and may not do it properly. Also since the tevilah is done at night, in the dark, it is difficult to supervise properly. It is also difficult to find a woman to supervise the immersion, and tevilah without supervision is invalid. On the onset, the husband should not supervise his wife's tevilah.
Another reason is, that it may be difficult to avoid sand or mud from becoming embedded in one's toes. (See Binas Adam 24, Shiurei Shevet Halevi 198: 33-42, Poseach Shaar 23: 28. Pischei Halochos p. 388.)
Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion is that in need situations, it is permitted to tovel in an ocean or lake. However, another woman must accompany her there to ensure that her entire body with all her hair is properly immersed in the water. It is worthwhile for her to go into the water while wearing sandals or Crocs, which should be removed before she immerses. to avoid any chatzitzah adhering to her feet. She should also not be standing on them during the tevilah.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/21/2020 4:33 PM |
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# 2677 A Toast to the Foil
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Q. I bought a new toaster, but since during the pandemic days it is hard to find a mikva for keilim (vessels), can I meantime just place some aluminum foil on the racks and use as is?
A. You may look for a nearby lake or river to immerse your new toaster racks or even sell them or give them as a present to a Gentile.
Disposable aluminum foil does not require tevila (see Minchas Yitzchak (5: 32), Igros Moshe (Y. D. 3: 23).
Therefore, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that, covering the racks with aluminum foil is permitted as a temporary option.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/21/2020 4:15 PM |
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# 2676 Showering After Immersing
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Q. I was told that women that have to go to the mikvah during these coronavirus days, should take a shower after they get back home, but not inside the mikvah itself. I live in an apartment on top of the mikvah, that has no connection or entry to the basement where the mikvah is located. Is it still permitted for me to take a shower at my apartment?
A. Remah (Y.D. 201: 75) maintains that women should not take a bath after immersing in a mikveh. Shach explains that this is based on Talmud (Shabbos 14a), to prevent observes thinking that the bath is the main purifier. Yabia Omer (8: 19), opines that Sepharadic women are lenient. (Remah was an Ashkenazi Posek.
However, Mareh Cohen quotes that Shevet Halevy (5: 125) is lenient for all women when it is done at home, and also quotes RS"Z Auerbach zt'l, that taking a shower is permitted. (See also Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 162 :9 and Taharas Yisrael 161).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in your particular case it is also permitted, as it is not considered being in the mikveh site.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/20/2020 6:18 PM |
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# 2675 The Suka Caves In
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Q. How did Rav Shimon bar Yochai and his son comply with the mitzva of suka while they were in the cave?
A. On question 2197 regarding the opinion of the Chasam Sofer that the mon began to fall on Lag Baomer, we wrote: "Sifsei Tzadik (Lag Baomer 5), questions how Rasb’i and his son were able to comply with all the mitzvos such as kiddush, chalos, matza, maror etc. during all the years they spent eating the choruv tree fruits inside the cave. He explains that the fruits possessed the qualities of the mon that rained on the Bnei Yisroel while they were in the desert. (See Shaar Reuben p. 545 quoting similar from Zohar), and they complied with mitzvos in a similar way."
However. Talmud (Shabbos 11a) debates whether Rashb"i normally would even stop his learning for davening, see Tosafos there. Nevertheless, Yerushalmi (Brochos 1: 2) maintains that Rashb'i would stop Torah learning, even for making a suka.
Shaarei Hamoadim (p. 393) is of the opinion that the years Rashb"i and his son where at the cave, they were inhabiting the "Almo D'eischasio" or the hidden world, and he didn't have to comply with physical mitzvos (maasiyos).
Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion is that he would have been exempt anyway from seating in a suka, as other travelers are while on their way. (Suka 25a, Shulchan Aruch O.H. 640: 8)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/17/2020 6:09 PM |
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# 2674 Thank's For Sharing?
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Q. I am living now separate from my parents due to corona concerns. My parents bring me food for me to eat. Is it permitted for me to invite bachurim to my dira and share the food with them? My parents would not approve (they are not frum), but perhaps we can say that once the food was given to me (as a matana - present), it belongs to me and I can do whatever I want. Or do we say that there is an implied tnai (condition) that only I can eat it?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that after asserting that the food you are receiving from your non-frum yet parents is kosher, it may in principle be shared with others, being careful to follow the covid prevention guidelines. The above assumes, that they probably agree that sharing it with others is better than throwing away the leftovers.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/17/2020 6:01 PM |
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# 2673 How The Cookie Crumbles?
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Q. If cookie crumbs or graham cracker crumbs used as pie crust, are baked again when the pie is baked. does the second baking by a Yid make the crumbs pas Yisroel (bread that was baked by in a permitted way)?
A. Pas Yisroel is a stringency instituted in the times of the Mishnah to prevent assimilation due to the socializing that occurs when breaking bread together with Gentiles. Rema (Y. D. 112: 2) rules that Pas Palter or Pas Akum is in principle permitted even in situations where Pas Yisroel is available, however the custom of many is to be machmir.
Avnei Nezer (100) maintains that regarding the similar prohibition of Bishul Akum (food cooked by a Gentile), re-frying that cooked food or recooking food that was first fried, would render it permissible. He compares it to food that was not fully cooked, that becomes permitted if a Yisroel finishes the cooking.
However Poskim assert, that since in other issues we rule that there is no baking after baking, the above does not apply to our particular question. Besides, they argue that the prohibition of Pas Akum is in essence different than Bishul Akum. Since once the bread was baked by a Gentile it becomes similar to wine, and the prohibition cannot be removed by further fermentation. ((Binyan Av 36)
Poskim disagree if Pas Akum can become permitted by cooking it. Eitz Hachaim (Mahari Hagiz) opines that following the opinion of Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 318: 5) that there is cooking after baking regarding Shabbos, it will turn kosher. However, Maharil (Res. 165), assets that the Pas Akum prohibition cannot be removed by cooking the bread. (Shoel Venishal, introduction by Horav Ovadya Yosef zt'l, Sdei Chemed - Bishul).
Teshuvos Vehanhogos (1: 444) debates whether Pas Akum would become permitted by toasting it.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that although Pas Akum is in principle a stringency, re-baking it will not make it permitted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/17/2020 5:52 PM |
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# 2672 The Truth Be Told
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Q. I was asked to give "oiskumft" or a recommendation for a proposed shiduch on a friend I know well. My friend suffered some years ago from anorexia eating disease, but it is now cured.
Do I have to inform the probable chosson of the condition my friend had? I'm afraid to spoil a good shiduch for her.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that, since you were asked to provide information on your friend, you have to tell the truth. However, you have to clearly stress that she has been cured and is now fine. (See article in NY Times - July 29, 2009 quoting Dr. Kathryn Zerbe, professor of psychiatry at Oregon Health and Science University and a longtime expert on eating disorders, saying: I do believe that people can be healed, even after a lifetime of struggle with an (anorexia) eating disorder).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 5/13/2020 3:41 PM |
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Important Numbers
