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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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# 2612 The Party Line?
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Q. What to do about the siyum Erev Pesach? Can it be done by phone, online or zoom?
A. On question 531 regarding someone joining a siyum Erev Pesach while still traveling via telephone we wrote; "On question 198 we mentioned: If you learned together (a tractate of the Talmud) with a group but now are on vacation somewhere else, can you join (the siyum fleishig banquet during the nine days) via telephone? We answered; Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a ruled that if you learned the whole tractate you can join the siyum via telephone. However, if you did not study, you cannot just dial – a- siyum. Similar opinions are to be found in other Poiskim (Mekadesh Yisroel, Pesach 256, et al.).
Likewise if one learned the Masechta to be finished and is on his way to the siyum he could join the siyum via telephone or online."
In our singular situation when a very dangerous pandemic is raging the Rov's opinion is that since there are grounds as is for people not fasting, one may join in need, a siyum on the phone or online.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 4/3/2020 2:00 PM |
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# 2611 The Longest Aliya Ever?
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Q. When the Eibeshter will have rachamnus (compassion) on us and the shuls will be able to resume, should we lein (read) all the missed parshiyos?
A. Remah (O.H. 135: 2) rules that if we missed the reading of a parsha, the next Shabbos it should be read together wit the next parsha. Mishna Berura (ibid. 6-7) quotes different opinions regarding if several parshios were omitted. Some Poskim including Maharam Mintz and seemingly Hagra, maintain that only the last missed parsha should be read. Other Poskim (Eliahu Rabba, Magen Giborim, Meorei Ohr, Chida and others opine that all missed parshios should be read in order.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that even if c"v it turns out that many parshios were missed, they could be leined during one single Shabbos, as some read the complete Sefer Devarim on the night of Hoshana Rabbah. The Rov mentioned that the Cohen gets that prolonged aliya until the beginning of the current parsha.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 4/1/2020 1:45 PM |
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# 2610 The Neighboring Minyan
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Q. A group of five neighbors that share different sides and corners of their back yards, with one standing in the middle. He wants to organize a minyan during these critical covid times. Since each family has one or several bar mitzva children and they are all staying home because of the required separation. They are considering while the fathers and boys of each family remains each in their own backyard,as they are supposed to do, to join as they are in a minyan together.
Altough there are fences between the properties, since the children play all the time together, there are wide breaches in them and they can clearly see each other through them. Besides, the fences are mainly only four feet high and are chain link material. Can they be mitztaref (Halachikali join together) and daven with a minyan? Can a neighbor that can only see the middle backyard when standing on his porch and watching over a wooden fence also be counted as part of the minyan?
The fact that one family just returned from over the border and they have to keep quarantine. affect the tzifuf and joining of the minyan?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that although there are dissenting opinions, in times of need even if the fence is tall and one can only see the other participants when standing on his porch, and watching over a wooden fence, he can still be part of the minyan.
A person in quarantine can also join by watching from his property, as Horav Pam Shlit'a commented, "he is not in nidui (excommunicated)."
The Rov stressed that no other people or guest that are not the constant inhabitants living in those houses with neighboring backyards are allowed join the minyan. The dwellers and their children should strongly avoid crossing over the fences or even coming close to them to talk to the neighbors. They should clearly stay away from the fences.
However, they may accept or even offer to recite kaddish for those unable to come to a minyan.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 4/1/2020 11:42 AM |
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# 2609 Have a Healthy Shabbos
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Q. Can someone that does not usually take vitamins, take them now even during Shabbos, to build resistance to the Corona virus?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that you should first consult with your doctor as to which vitamins if any are recommended for enhancing immunity. If he does advise to take some, you can take them during Shabbos also.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 3/31/2020 4:35 PM |
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# 2608 What's In a Name?
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Q. Should the custom be not to call this (Coronavirus) disease by name as is the custom with other dreaded diseases?
A. There is indeed a tradition followed by some not to call a frightening disease such as cancer by its name, and they usually say in Yidish; "yene machle" or "that disease," and it is self understood that the speaker is referring to that particular sickness. The reason is likely to avoid giving opportunity to the accuser (Satan) to charge the patient and demand that sickness on him, as he is now in a state of being judged. This in known as "Al iftach adam pe l'Satan" (Brochos 19a), or do not open the mouth of the indicter, and is common in many legal systems. (quoted in Mishpetei Shoul 41, and others)
However, we do find many cases where the Torah itself does mention the name of a terrible sickness, as in "nega tzora'as," where nega is illness and tzora'as is the name of the illness (Ramban). And so are many dreaded others mentioned in the Tochacha and elsewhere. It could be that this tradition for those who keep it, is mainly when referring to a given particular person.
As is obvious from the many articles published by known Rabbonim and Gedolim recently, there is mostly no reluctance to mention the pandemic's name in all its versions.
Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion is similar. (See recent letter of the Rov, quoted on question 2607).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 3/31/2020 3:37 PM |
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# 2607 Travel Light
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Q. Is it true that Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a just prohibited this year yeshiva bachurim to come home for Pesach? We have 3 boys learning in yeshivos in the States. where can they go? Can you urgently enlighten us please!
A. Recently, (3/29/20) Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a send the following letter:
"It is known to all the severity of the Coronavirus that is spreading from day to day. Each person is obligated to do everything he can to minimize the spread.
Therefore, we must be careful to listen to the advice of the doctors. According to their opinion, no one should travel from city to city, especially those from New York and Lakewood should stay at home and not come to Toronto for Pesach.
Even though it may be difficult, one should do whatever he can to stay where they are. Even if you don’t have utensils for Pesach you can use your all year round utensils and kasher them in accordance to Shulchan Aruch siman 451.
Hashem should have mercy on Klal Yisroel and send a Refua Shleima to all those suffering from this Virus, and he should watch over Klal Yisroel from any sickness."
However, the Rov indicated that as the letter states, it is referring mainly to married children that as is have a home somewhere else, so they should stay there.
For bachurim and unmarried daughters that don't have where to be Pesach, and under todays pandemic circumstances they are not likely to be invited, in need they can travel home. Needless to say they have to be extremely careful, comply with all regulations and keep the indicated quarantine periods.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 3/31/2020 12:36 PM |
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# 2606 And The Name Is...
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Q. A few days ago Beezras Hashem my wife gave birth to a healthy beautiful baby girl. We follow the Rov's instructions and we don't go these days to shul. My question is what do we do with giving her a name. Can we just choose the name and be mefarsem it, by publicizing it through phone calls and emails? or maybe we can do a zoom kiddush? Is that effective?
While I was discussing the shailah (via internet of course) with friends, we were also wondering, what do people do during these terrible mesukandik (dangerous) times, when many are, Hashem Yerachem, in intensive care and hanging on by a thread. If one wants do do a shinui hashem and change the name of the ill, how does it take effect?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a, in principle is not much in favor of using the internet. However, during these difficult times, after the fact, it could be used together with phone calls to publicize and establish a new name or to change an existing one. The Rov mentioned that a proper kiddush and seudas hoda'a, to thank Hashem for His great Chessed, should be carried out, iy"H when things change soon for the best.
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Posted 3/30/2020 11:27 PM |
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# 2605 Lashon Hatov?
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Q. If a friend confided to me that he tested positive to the Corona virus illness, but he doesn't want other people to know, and I should keep it to myself. Should I tell others? Would that be lashon hora?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if there is concern that he may unwittingly infect others, as he does not maintain total isolation as required, one should in principle tell others that could be affected to prevent the spread of the disease.
Since they could be other relevant factors to consider, it is better to let the competent Rabbi close to the person affected know first, so a proper response can be implemented.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 3/30/2020 10:16 AM |
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# 2604 Turn Shabbos On
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Q. Can I leave on my computer during Shabbat, without sound just to read if any emergencies are happening with the coronavirus pandemic?
A. Horrav Shlomo Miller's opinion is that at this point in time (3/28/20) there is no reason to leave on a computer screen or any other such news display during Shabbos, and it should be avoided. This is specially important in times when we need the Shabbos protection for all ailments.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 3/28/2020 11:13 PM |
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# 2603 Sever Relations in Severe Times?
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Q. During these difficult times should people abstain from conjugal relations, as the Talmud teaches in regard to times of hunger?
A. Indeed Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 574: 4 and 240: 12) and Rambam (H. Taaniyos 3: 8) rule that one should abstain (assur) from marital relations in times of famine with some exceptions. Rema ibid mentions that it includes also times of other "tzaaros" or hardships and crisis. It serves an act of identification and empathy with the distressful feelings of many. (Mishna Berura ibid,)
However, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that our present covid 19 situation (3/27/20), does not qualify for the above prohibition.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 3/27/2020 4:45 PM |
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# 2602 Can I Help You?
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Q. In our city, we still have a few meshulachim collecting from door to door. This goes on even when they have been given community help and support, to avoid them collecting since they may be prime carriers of the (covid) virus. If one knocks at my door, should I contribute? Is that maybe being a mesayea or a helper to do a sin?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that you may give him a donation, via the door mail slot or under the door etc., and it is not considered being mesayea or a helper to do a transgression.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 3/27/2020 7:35 AM |
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# 2601 Words Of Honor
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Q. I have yohrzait tonight, and I have access to a minyan that meets in a back yard close to my house, should I go?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that at this time (3/24/20), one should not attend a minyan outside of his home, even in someones back yard.
For the purpose of reciting kaddish, it is better on these severe circumstances to learn Torah on the niftar's name.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 3/26/2020 3:02 PM |
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# 2600 The Right Crowd?
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Q. In these covid 19 days, when we are asked to daven at home, is there a hiddur (enhancement) for several people (sons and father) davening at the same time and same place, even though there is no minyan?
A. Our Sages teach that; One cannot compare the many performing a mitzva (or learning Torah), to the few doing it. (Sifra Bechukosai 2: 3, Rashi 26: 8, et al). A reflection to the verse: "Berov Am - In multitudes there is glorification of the King" (Mishle 14:28). Poskim debate whether this applies even to only two individual also (See Shulchan Aruch O.H. 8: 5 - 298: 14 and Mishna Berura ibid. 13).
Therefore, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if these are family members or people as is currently staying in the house, when keeping the necessary precautions, it is better if they daven at the same time and in the same place.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 3/25/2020 1:49 PM |
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# 2599 Recovering Information
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Q. My parents contracted the CoronaVirus. B'chasdei HaShem, their symptoms, though difficult, are not overwhelming and they are quarantined at home.
When, B'ezras HaShem, they recover, and the virus becomes manageable community-wide such that schuls reopen and Jewish community life returns to its wonderful level, is it proper for my father to bentch Gomel and possibly they should make a Seudas Hodaah?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one who became ill with the coronavirus and Be'H recovered, should recite hagomel when he became seriously ill and needed a respirator or at least the help of an oxygen tank or similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 3/25/2020 12:39 PM |
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# 2598 Rise And Shine
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Q. How much effort should one put in to daven (shacharis with the) neitz, (sunrise) when unable to daven with a minyan due to the covid epidemic?
A. There are many very elevated spiritual qualities mentioned by our Sages for the one that davens at sunrise. To mention some; Yerushalmi (Brochos 1) denominates him a chosid and he acquires Yiras Shamaim during that day. He therefore won't sin on that day (Yaaros Devash), He is spared from any harm on that day (Brochos 9b and Tosafos). Some Poskim consider davening vasikin of greater importance than davenig with a minyan (See Zera Yaakov 26 p. 80).
Besides since one should not engage in other activities, even learning Torah before davening unless he is used to daven with a minyan so he wont forget (O.H. 89: 6), it is proper to daven now as early as possible.
Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion is indeed that in our current crisis, one should place all his effort to daven vesikin with the netz if possible.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 3/24/2020 3:55 PM |
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# 2597 Choosing a Place Of Choice
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Q. Given that there is a mitzvah to daven in a shul even without a minyan, may/ should one come to shul to daven there even if there cannot be a minyan due to the virus?
A. The kedusha of a shul is comparable to a degree to the holiness of the Beis Hamikdash. On the pasuk (Yechezkel 11: 16); I have become for them a minor sanctuary (Mikdosh Meot) in the lands where they have come. Targum (YB'U) and Rashi explain that it refers to our Botei Knessios, The above is repeated in many sites and many sources (See Megilla 29a, Yalkut Yeshayahu 481, etc.). Talmud Brochos (6a) teaches that Hashem is to be found in the Batei Knesses and Batei Meddresh, and one's tefila will only be heard from there. Yerushalmi (Brochos 3) mentions that whoever davens in a shul, it is comparable to having sacrificed a korban mincha.
Therefore Poskim rule that even without a minyan, a person should preferably daven in a shul. Ribababos Veyoblos (p. 96) mentions that seating in one's seat or makom kavua in shul, even without a minyan, would make him absorb holiness and purity.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that, in our particular critical time, when we should abstain from any gatherings and all shuls are closed, we should daven at home in a makom kavua or fixed place for davening where one will not be disturbed. (Mishna Berura 90: 59).
However, if one has the option to daven by himself in a shul, or an empty beis midrash, it is better to do so.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 3/24/2020 2:18 PM |
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# 2596 Messirah on Tefillah?
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Q. In these Covid times, is it mesira to report minyanim that are still functioning? Should one avoid informing others of such minyanim?
A. Since not all places and minyanim are the same, and they are various factors involved, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that you may inform the competent nearby Rabbi and if that is not a possibility, call the local Hatzalah, as they are better prepared to make the correct decision and do the right thing.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 3/23/2020 4:26 PM |
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# 2595 And The Help Goes On
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Kavod HaRov
Q. As the situation changes rapidly, I wanted to know whether at this time TorontoGrapevine should allow posts of items for sale and for giveaways - putting social distancing criteria into place such as pick up only outside and payment via etransfer - so money doesn’t need to change hands -and reminders to disinfect items before bringing into home . I am unsure whether it would be considered a necessary reason to go out. People might need items now - especially if they never made pesach - that people would like to sell/give away. What is the Rov’s advice regarding including these items at this time?
A. As we already mentioned on question 2582 and 2578, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should follow the (updated) professional medical and government advise for workplaces, places of worship and schools to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. such as washing hands, and avoiding touching faces and eyes etc.
The Rov strongly advises not to neglect the indispensable and essential help for the elderly and the needy especially during these difficult times. And as we mentioned then; A crisis can bring out and should bring out the very best in people.
Therefore the Rov advises that the great and numerous good deeds and mitzvos that the Toronto Grapevine has constantly achieved, should continue in order to help the ones in need in a time of great need.
However the effort should be concentrated to the needs of this particular time so close to Pesach and deflect other items not essential now.
Great care should be taken to ensure that the items given and collected are clean and disinfected. A principle to follow anyway on anything bought in any store these days where other customers and store workers also handle the merchandise offered.
As you mention if there are payment transfers, they should be done with all the caution necessary
Needless to repeat that everything should be done under competent medical and professional supervision to avoid any potential spread of the virus.
Tizku Leharbe Mitzvos and Maasim Tovim and a prompt Yeshua for all of us.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 3/23/2020 3:40 PM |
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# 2594 Take Stock of Your Stock
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Q. We B'H have five young children in our family, and with the tense and worrisome corona virus situation we are undergoing, we have to stock up food supplies. We don't sell chometz gamur on Pesach, and we are careful to finish everything before. What can we do during these unusual times?
A. You may stockpile instead of bread and other chometz gomur products, food that is kitniyos, such as corn and rice bread or cereals. Cans of beans, chickpeas and other vegan products, the list is long. These products do not have to be sold, unless there is concern that they may contain chometz, and then can be sold even by those who do not sell chometz gomur,
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 3/22/2020 6:04 PM |
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# 2593 Saving Time
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Q. I have terrible stomach issues and I spend between 2 and 3 hours a day in the men's room. Is there any way shape or form I can learn in there or listen to a shiur?
A. See question 2227 regarding if sciences, math, astronomy and other fields of knowledge can be considered as part of Torah learning, when eventually used for solving Halacha questions or understanding some of the mitzvos, we wrote: "Although much has been written and explained about the relationship of our Holy Torah and the other fields of knowledge, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a insists that the above principle has to be maintained and kept constant in our minds. True, sciences, math, technological and other fields of knowledge may be helpful and even sometimes necessary to understand some Halacha questions and akin issues. But there is still a very fundamental difference between them. Our Torah is Hashem's given absolute truth, the others not so much."
Since no Birchas Hatorah is required for their study, (see question 2228) unless they are at the time of study actually applied to the to Halacha questions involved, or the explained Divrei Torah are being learned, the study of these fields of knowledge alone would be the permitted in the bathroom.
On question 2424 in regard to reading in a bathroom stories of tzadikim or Jewish history (kosher) seforim, we wrote: "Piskei Teshuvos (85: 3) argues that it could be that all agree that it is permitted, when no psukim or sayings of the sages are quoted, (and one controls the mind on not pursuing them).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar."
On question 2228 we added: Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 307: 16) rules that one is not allowed to read during Shabbos stories and meshalim of secular value. Mishna Berura (ibid. 58) adds that reading (of the history books of)Yosephus Flavious, Sefer Hayuchsin, Divrei Hayomim of Rav Yosef Hacohen and Shevet Yehuda, is permitted on Shabbos, since one may learn from them words of musar and fear of Hashem, even when written in other languages. It seems that there is indeed, if no Torah value, at least some musar and ethical value on those stories."
As mentioned above, if there is no actual words of Torah mentioned and Torah thoughts are avoided, their reading would be permitted in the bathroom.
The same would apply to reading kosher jokes and funny stories in the bathroom. See question above where we quoted; " Talmud (Shabbos 30b) teaches that Rava, before beginning a lecture would tell a “Milsa D’bedichusa,” a humorous story or witticism that would make people laugh and catch their attention. Meforshim point out that it was part of the Torah learning experience with simcha and joy (See Menuchas Sholom p. 48 and others).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 3/22/2020 5:53 PM |
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Important Numbers
