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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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#5353 Address the Dress!
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- Q. From what age on do the girls who come to shul have to be dressed with Tznius?
A. Horav Dovid Pam Shlit’a pointed out that in regards to the prohibition of reading words of holiness in front of undressed children Mishna Berura (75: 23) mentions three years of age.
However, Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a mentioned that in our case if the private parts are covered properly, and the issue is only to be dressed correctly as the older women do in shul, the age is six years.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 3/28/2025 11:04 AM |
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#5352 One More Hagada Question?
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- Q. Dear Rov, I heard that there is a special Mitzva when one is invited to a Seder on Pesach to bring your own Hagada, which is basically very similar to the ones being offered by the host. Is that true?
A. It would seem commonsense that if you trust your host with the food served, you can also trust him with the Hagadah being clean for the seder.
If the Hagada offered is easy to read for you and contains the needed instructions, translations, and interpretations, it would seem that likely your host would be pleased with you also using his Hagada.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 3/28/2025 11:01 AM |
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#5351 Joys Of Spring?
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- Q. Dearest Rabbi. As our family is traveling away for Pesach and we are staying with one of our children, when, if and how, do we have to comply with the ceremony of searching for the chamets, as we do at home every year?
A. The Gemara, Pesachim 6a, discusses whether there is an obligation to check one's property for chametz if one leaves the property before the time of bedikat chametz.
According to Rava, if one leaves prior to thirty days and does not plan on returning to that property until after Pesach, he has no obligation to perform bedikat chametz. If he leaves within thirty days of Pesach, he has an obligation to perform bedikat chametz even if he doesn't plan on returning until after Pesach.
The Gemara states that thirty days was chosen as the cutoff point based on the obligation to begin the study of the laws of Pesach thirty days prior to Pesach. [See Mishna Berurah 436:32, regarding one who is planning on selling the chametz in his home and leaving before Pesach.]
Mori Verabi Horav Hagaon R.M. Feinstein ZT"L notes that the equation between the two laws can be understood based on the idea that thirty days prior to a holiday is considered an extension of the holiday. Therefore, one is specifically obligated to perform bedikat chametz on a property that one vacates during that time, even if he doesn't plan on returning before Pesach.
Rabbi
A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam,
Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs
Shlit'a
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Posted 3/23/2025 2:33 PM |
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#5350 Small Sefer – Big Reading?
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- Q. In the case when one can not attend shul early enough, should one take out after davening the sefer Torah and just read it as is, without a minyan?
A. On question 4904 we wrote:
Q. Someone who is waiting in a hospital for an operation can he take with him a small sefer Torah and read Zachor by himself?
A. On question 2119 we answered to a similar question the following:
“Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 685: 7) rules that since Parshas Zachor is Biblically ordained, people living in towns with no minyan, will have to travel on this Shabbos to a place where there is one.
Rema (ibid.) adds that if they are unable to do so, they should at least read them with their proper tune.
Mishna Berura (ibid. 14) maintains that this reading should be done from a Sefer Torah. In Sha’ar Hatzion (ibid. 5) he quotes opinions in regards to the need of a minyan after the fact, when non is available.
Piskei Teshuvos (685: 2) quotes different opinions if Parshas Zachor, when omitted in the morning, could be read latter on during Shabbos afternoon with a minyan, by just calling to the Torah one person who will recite the brocho.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that is this case since there is no minyan to read Kerias Hatorah properly and with a brocho, it is better to read only from a chumash.
The Rov pointed out to Responsa Toras Refoel (1: 2) that maintains there may be even a Biblical prohibition to read from a Sefer Torah in unusual circumstances. See 2119”
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 3/21/2025 11:45 AM |
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#5349 Never Heard This?
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- Q. If someone did not have any intention at all when listening to the parsha of Parah we are going to read this coming Shabbat (2025), does one comply?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that the fact that one was present and paid attention to it, constitutes enough intention of compliance after the fact.
However, one should always place his best efforts and intentions when complying with all mitzvos, especially one as important as Parshas Parah is.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 3/21/2025 11:42 AM |
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#5348 Par up for Parshat Parah?
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Q. – As the Rabbi knows, we have established a new minyan an we are wondering if we have to publish a letter and remind our members including women to attend this coming Shabbat to hear the Parsha of Parah?
A. As mentioned in the above questions you indeed have to announce and publicize the reading of Parshas Parah this Shabbos, and include women also.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 3/21/2025 11:39 AM |
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#5347 Have You Heard, Really?
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- Q. Kvod Harav Shlit”a, how come we don’t comply with the obligation for hearing Parshas Parah when we read it as the regular custom is in shul on Parshas Chukas?
A. On question question 2249 we wrote:
“Q. We became accustomed in our shul to announce when reading Parshas Ki Teitze, that one should have in mind to comply with the mitzva of remembering Mechias Amalek (the destruction of the Amalekites), since positive mitzvos require kavana (intention). Should we then add and follow up by announcing having kavana when remembering the Parah before we read Chukas?”
To what we answered: “On question 1651 we mentioned the reasons why some Poskim maintain that reading Parshas Parah is a Biblical obligation: namely: According to the Staipler Gaon zt’l (Bircha Peretz, Chukas, end of Shiurin Shel Torah), it derives from the posuk (end of Metzora); You should warn from becoming contaminated. The Torah obligates Beis Din to separate the nation from becoming impure.
Meshech Chochmo (Chukas) writes that it originates from the separation required by the Torah to isolate the Cohen Gadol before Yom Kippur and the Tamud (beginning of Yuma) equating it to the process of the Parah Aduma.
Artzos Hachaim and Emes LeYaakov (Beshalach 15: 25) mention it is included in the remembrance of the making of the eiggel, (Devarim 9: 7); since the Parah Adumah redeems the sin of the golden calf.
Aruch Hashulchan (685: 7) maintains that it is based on the posuk that Parah Adumah is an eternal law (chukas olam), even when we don’t have access to the ashes, we can still read it.
However, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in this case, we should endeavor to maintain our eatablished minhogim and traditions and it suffices with what our Sages instituted already, So there is no need to further expand on what is already well instituted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a”
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 3/21/2025 11:36 AM |
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#5346 The Atara of the Parah?
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- Q. Honorable Rabbi. How important is it for a woman to go to shul and listen to Parshat Parah, since I’m a bit indisposed? I would certainly go to hear Parshas Zachor even in my condition.
A. On question 577 we wrote:
“ I’m a woman that traditionally goes to shul to listen to Parshas Parah, same as Parshas Zachor. Should I go to shul this Shabbath considering the existing coronavirus hazardous health situation?
Is there a need to be mattir neder? To what we answered:
A. Regarding a woman’s obligation to listen to Parshas Zachor, on question 1648 and 1281 we wrote: “Many Poskim write that women are exempt from listening to Parshas Parah, even according to the opinions (Tosafos Brochos 13a, Sulchan Aruch O.H. 146: 2 & 685: 7) that maintain it is a mitzva of the Torah for men to read, since the mitzva is on the tzibur or community to procure a Parah Adumah and not on the individuals, as opposed to erasing Amalek’s name.
Some also see it as a “mitzvas asei shehazman g’ramah,” since it serves as a preparation for Pesach, and adding the fact that it can only be done at daytime, turns it into a time sensitive mitzva, that excludes women.
In addition, the Parah Adumah’s purpose is also to atone for the eigel’s sin, and women did not partake in it.
However, Nitei Gavriel Purim 22: 4: n. 6) quotes dissenting minhagim. See also Moadim Uzmanim (2: 168).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar to most Poskim and there is no need for women to come to shul for Parshas Parah, unless they follow a particular established family minchag. There is therefore also no need for them to read the parsha at home.”
As mentioned before, there are some opinions that maintain women should listen to Parshas Parah, and some do. Mikroei Kodesh mentions that since the reason for reading this parsha is to prepare the nation to purify themselves with the ashes of the Parah to be able to bring the Korban Pesach, since women take part in the korban, they should also be included in reading the parsha.”
However, in the current unusual health situation, the Rov maintains that she may avoid going to shul. The Rov added that there is no need to be matir nedder, as she likely never had in mind to create one. (See question 1051).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a”
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 3/21/2025 11:31 AM |
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#5345 Lean to Clean and Begin!
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- Q. Rov, is there a mitzva or an obligation to begin cleaning ones home thirty days before Pesach?
A. Maharil (p. 11: 5 and 13: 2) and others rule that there is . See also Nitey Gavriel (4: 3) and others.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 3/21/2025 11:27 AM |
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#5344 Learning How to Learn?
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- Q. See question above. Can we just ask the people to download the shiurim on Halachot of Pesach on line, and the choice is great and good, or just read them?
A. Bach, Shulchan Aruch Horav, Nitey Gavriel (1: 2) and others mention that since all the Halochos are already published widely, there is no need to teach them in public.
This is very meaningful especially in our days when they are available on tapes or on line also in tape shiurim and videos. One should choose what is best for his time available and other necessary conditions.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 3/21/2025 11:23 AM |
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#5343 The True Time Topic!
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- Q. Dear Rabbi. We have a very interesting Shul shiur in Hashkafa and Jewish values, that many attend. Do we have to change it now to learning about Pesach.
Can we just dedicate just a few minutes to Pesach Halachot to comply with the obligation to learn now about Pesach? What is Horav Miller Shlit’a opinion?
A. On question 4160 we wrote:
“I wonder if there is an obligation to learn from then on the Halachot of Pesach every day?
A. Horav Dovid Pam’s Shlit’a opinion is that following the common practice, people do learn the Halachos of Pesach during that time, but not necessarily on every single day.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that the most important issue is the clear and correct knowledge of the Halochos and mitzvos of Pesach, the learning is just a very necessary step when needed.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 3/21/2025 11:19 AM |
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#5342 Remeber Pesach is Very Soon!
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- Q. Kevodo Shlit’a. I’m very thankful to the Rov and the Rebetzin for inviting me to the real most delicious Purim Seuda in your home.
I enjoyed with the others the program and words of the Rov, yet I’m surprised that the Rov did not mention anything about the Halochos of Pesach? Is it not an obligation to learn them already on Purim?
A. You are correct and in other occasions we have included some Pesach issues it in our words on Purim. Yet we did mention the source of all the Geulos and its importance, obviously including Pesachs in the siyum we performed of Maseches Megila.
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Posted 3/17/2025 11:21 AM |
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#5341 Motzo Matza -
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Q. Dear Rov Shilt’a. Since we have a minhag to eat only Shemura Matza during the whole Pesach, is it permitted for us to eat now before Pesach regular machine matza?
A. On a similar question 2116
We wrote:
Q. Our minhag is not to eat matzos thirty days before Pesach. Since I only eat shemura matzos during Pesach, can I eat now regular machine matzos. Can I eat gebrocht matzos in soup or matzebrai, since we don’t eat gebrochts on Pesach?
A. Rema (O.H. 471: 2) rules that on Erev Pesach it is prohibited to eat matzos that can be used for the seder. Mishna Berura (ibid. 12) adds that some accustom not to eat matzo from Rosh Chodesh Nissan.
Mishnas Yaakov (3: 471), Kitzur Hilchos Pesach, Nitei Gavriel (1: 2: 10) and others maintain that the minhag is thirty days before Pesach. Igrois Moshe (O.H. 1: 155) explains that this is the time we begin the preparations for Pesach.
However, as mentioned the prohibition applies only to the matzo that one can consume at the seder night.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if the eating of matzo is necessary for diet purposes, one can put the well marked matzo in contact with bread and thus make it inedible for Pesach.
Then he may consume it even after Rosh Chodesh until Erev Pesach. when it would be prohibited. The same may apply to gebrochts.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a (December 20, 2019)
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Posted 3/17/2025 11:01 AM |
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#5340 An Early Wedding?
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5340 – An Early Wedding? - Q. Can a couple that engaged recently to be married during the summer, send Shalach Manot this Purim to each other?
A. Remah (695:4) rules that in principle men should not send Shalach Monos to women and vice versa, as it may create a doubt of of Kidushin. Therefore in our case it may create a situation of early Kidushin and cause doubt on the brochois recited by the chupa.
However, Horav Shlomo Mille”s opinion is that one may be lenient, since as is, it customary that a couple to be married do send gifts to each other.
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Posted 3/17/2025 10:53 AM |
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#5339 A Truly Happy Shabbos!
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– Q. Rabenu Shlit”a, I have another Friday Purim shailah. Since it is written that on Shusan Purim or the day after Purim one should celebrate and eat more than regular. Yet on this year the day after is Shabbat and Shushan Purim does not apply, should one then celebrate this year on Sunday?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is to celebrate Shushan Purim on Shabbos to honor Shabbos and comply with the mitzva of Oneg Shabbos.
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Posted 3/17/2025 10:42 AM |
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#5338 Friday Cleaning?
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- Q. Dear Rov as I have mentioned in prior question, we are concerned with the potential Chilul Shabbos, for those who are not careful when Purim is on Friday. One important issue is the cleaning of the faces of the children and even adults that used common water paint or acrylics and watercolors, and they still have to remove it or some remainders of it, after Shabbos began.
A. Indeed attention and care should be taken to remove all you mentioned before sunset and kabbolas Shabbos.
However, Poskim debate as to what is the extent of the melacha of Mochek or erasing in regards to human skin.
Chaye Adam (40: 8) is stringent even regarding the black soot created by removing pots and pans from a charcoal fire.
Mishna Berura and others do not quote that opinion. Shemiras Shabbos (14: n 83) quoting Rav S”Z Auerbach ZT”L is lenient.
Other poskim permit for a woman that must remove her makeup on Shabbos for mikva imersion, yet others are stringent. (see soon following question).
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Posted 3/17/2025 10:35 AM |
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#5337 An Even Greater Purim?
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- Q. See questions above: As the Rov mentioned all the above in his shiur, and that there may be other new ones. I wonder what are the other new “traditions” that people keep on on this year (2025) that Purim is on Friday?
A. Indeed there are those who maintain an alternate approach with regard to the timing of the Purim seuda that seems to be gaining some popularity.
This method, known as "poress mappa," is best described by Rabbi Ari Enkin Shlit’a (in OU Torah) and essentially combines the Purim Seuda and the Shabbat evening meal into one, as follows: “One begins the Purim seuda late Friday afternoon, after one has completed all of one's Shabbat preparations.
Shortly before sunset, one covers all the bread that is on the table, and Kiddush is recited, thereby inaugurating Shabbat. After reciting Kiddush, one simply continues with one’s seuda which has now become the Shabbat evening meal.
One must be sure to eat at least an ounce of bread after the recitation of Kiddush just as is required at every Shabbat evening meal.
The blessing upon wine is not recited in the course of kiddush if it was previously recited during the earlier part of the meal.
So too, the blessing upon bread is not recited after Kiddush if it was previously recited during the earlier part of the meal. There is some discussion whether or not two whole loaves are required at this Shabbat meal."
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Posted 3/12/2025 3:50 PM |
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#5336 The Greatest Purim?
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- Q. See questions above: On this year (2025) that Purim is on Friday, and my great good neighbor invited my family and other neighbors to celebrate a most beautiful Seuda of Purim together, as he often does.
Yet since it is with a large group and with many kids, and it usually extends into the night, and now that is on Shabbat. Can we just continue eating as before? Will it count as the Seudat Shabbat also?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 271: 4) rules that one is not allowed to taste anything before reciting Kiddush on Shabbos – and even if one started eating before Shabbos began, he must stop and recite Kiddush. Further on (471: 21) Mishna Berura writes that one should stop eating even before the Shekia or when sunset begins.
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Posted 3/12/2025 3:43 PM |
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#5335 Purim Hair Dressing
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- Q. This year (2025) that Purim is on Friday can one shave and cut nails as one does every Erev Shabbos?
A. On question 1018 we wrote:
“Divrei Malkiel (5: 237) and Pischei Sheorim (Megilla 5b) mention that although working in Purim is permitted when it is needed for the day (O.H. 696: 1), one should avoid taking a haircut and cutting nails then, so he will prepare and groom himself properly before and honor Purim.
Nitei Gavriel (Purim 66 : 7) quotes diverse opinions, and some permit only a haircut done by a Gentile even if Purim falls on an Erev Shabbos.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is to be lenient when in need.”
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Posted 3/12/2025 3:39 PM |
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#5334 – When Are We Eating?
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- Q. Moreinu Shlit”a. On this year (2025) that Purim is on Erev Shabbat we have a number of questions: First when is it best correct time to eat the Seuda of Purim?
A. Remah (O.H. 695: 2) rules that when Purim is on Erev Shabbos, one should make the Seudah in the morning in honor of Shabbos. Mishna Berura (10) explains that it is before Chatzos or midday.
However Yad Efraim and others permit to eat the Seuda, before the ninth hour of the day. Some Poskim maintain that in such a case when one davens after midday, one should see to daven Mincha before the Seuda. Many advise to eat the Seuda in the morning.
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Posted 3/12/2025 3:29 PM |
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Important Numbers
