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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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#5631 Have a Beahab?
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- Q. Kvod Horav
Shlit’a. Is it true that people who don’t keep the fasting and
the Selichot of Beahab, should still refrain from eating then meat
and drinking wine? What exactly is the Beahab tradition and its
meaning?
A.
he Fast of Behav (תענית
בה"ב)
refers to a tradition of Jews from Ashkenasi communities to fast on
the Monday, Thursday, and then following Monday after the Yomim Tovim
of Peisach and Sukos. While today few people fast, many Ashkenazi
communities recite the Selichos for these days. Practically, the
fasts are observed in the months of Iyar and Cheshvan, so as not to
fast in the happy months of Nisan and Tishrei
See
next question.
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 10/30/2025 11:04 PM |
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#5630 Oy Vay AI?
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- Q. We recently had in some ways a quite a few similar questions relating to the constantly changing new AI technologies.
One was an actually common one. If one forgot to turn off his cellular phone when traveling with his wife and left the phone on the night table between the beds in the room they are staying, If the phone will keep on ringing and receiving loud messages, can one just indirectly push it from there to the floor and then kick it under the bed or cover it with pillows so it wont disturb?
A. Indeed one should try to ask a Gentile helper to place it where it will not be heard and disturb. If that is not available, the procedure mentioned above in the question could be done.
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 10/30/2025 11:02 PM |
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#5629 Need a Goy for That Toy?
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– - Q. See question above. If he is not allowed to play with it, how can we remove the toy from his room on Shabbat?
A. It is best to ask a gentile helper to take it out and place it where it will not be heard. If that it not available one should ask the child or another able young child to take it out.
See next question.
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 10/30/2025 10:59 PM |
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#5628 – OY! What a Toy!
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- Q. Dear Rabbi. My four year old child recently at his birthday was given a present of a snake described on the box as an: “Electric Smart AI Snake Toy Automatic Induction, Realistic Cunning Movement for Exciting Pet Playtime Complete Interactive Toy Set - Rechargeable Smart Sensing Interactive Snake Toy”. Since it reacts by AI all by itself, if left on before Shabbat can my child play with it?
I’m sending some pictures and info.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a opinion is that although it reacts by AI all by itself, it can not be used by even a young child since the noises and sounds can be heard all over. See next question.
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 10/30/2025 10:57 PM |
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#5627 Our Most Blessing Women!
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- Q. Kevod Horav Shlit’a. Do women also have to recite one hundred brachot every day?
A. Poskim seem to maintain that there is no obligation for women to recite one hundred brachot every day as men do. (Shebet Halevi 5: 23, Halichos Shlomo 22: 25, Rivavos Efraim 3: 47 and others).
However, Yabia Omer in Halichos Olam (4: 80), Yoshiv Moshe quoting Horav Eliyahiv maintain that they are included.
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 10/27/2025 5:02 PM |
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#5626 Drawing the Raffle?
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- Q. Dear Rov Shlit’a as quoted in recent shailos, some times people in a shul disagree as to what Aliya and bracha for the Torah they should be receiving.
If the disagreement and conflict can’t be settled can they or the Gabaim (leaders of the shul and minyan settle it by casting a goral or raffle to settle their dispute?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller”s Shli”a and Horav Aharon Miller”s Shlit’a opinion is that it is permitted.
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Posted 10/27/2025 4:59 PM |
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#5625 Support the Support!
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- Q. If one davens (prays) next to a bookcase of Torah sefarim and when he reaches the amida he needs to help support himself a bit by leaning against the bookcase, so he removes a few of the sefarim to be able to have a place where to place his arm and have support, yet immediately after the end of the amida he returns the sefarim to their place, is that permitted?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller”s Shli”a and Horav Aharon Miller”s Shlit’a opinion is that it is permitted.
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 10/24/2025 12:06 PM |
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#5624 The Time to Thank?
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- Q. Kvod Rabbenu Shlit’a. Was the exchange of the 1900 Palestinian prisoners and likely future terrorist for the 20 living hostages permitted? Can one stop now reciting special Tehilim or celebrate with a Kiddush or a Seuda? Is this the Time to Thank?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller”s Shli”a opinion is indeed that no reciting of special Tehilim is now necessary, and that is what applies and is done in the Rov’s Shlit’a Kolel.
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 10/24/2025 12:03 PM |
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#5623 Blame the Name?
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- Q. See question above. How about in a Ketuva or Tenaim? Do they have to be redone if the name of the month was as above misspelled?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller”s Shli”a opinion is that in this particular case of the naming of the month Cheshvan or Marcheshvan, one complies with both spellings.
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 10/24/2025 11:51 AM |
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#5622 – The Best of all Months?
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- Q. Dearest Rabbi shalita. I wonder what is the most correct way to write in a Matzeiva the name of the month we just started, Cheshvan or Marcheshvan?
A. On question 4503 we wrote:
"Q. My family is planing to erect the Matzeiva of our grandfather A’H who died during the month of Cheshvan, in the near future.
What is most correct when writing the date; to name the month as Cheshvan or MarCheshvan?
A. Rema (Shulchan Aruch Even Haezer 126: 70) mentions that ”Marcheshvon” should be written with only one letter ‘Vov’.
Kav Noki and Nachlas Shiva (they are the accepted guides for the writing of divorces and Ketubos) quote the month as Marcheshvan, and it is usually the way the month is written in those official documents.
In regards to the adding of the prefix ‘Mar’ to Cheshvon, there are two opposite thoughts and explanations.
Some communities have the tradition of not celebrating any weddings on this month. Sdei Chemed (Ma’areches Chassan Vekalah) mentions that the added prefix of “Mar” or bitter is due to the sadness due to the fact that there are no festivities and Yamim Tovim in this month. Also adding that it is the month when Sarah Immenu passed away.
However, Nitei Gavriel (1; 48 p.304) mentions that it is a most important month since it reflects and represents the establishment of the dates and commemorations for the whole year. The word ‘Mar’ stands and represents the ‘Master,’ or leader for the leading month to come. Therefore, the most correct name to be used is Marcheshvan.
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 10/24/2025 11:47 AM |
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#5621 Acumen When No Amen
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- Q. See question above:
Since I’m due for an urgent medical operation and I will be spending from the afternoon onward, time in hospital, can I comply with the hundred brachot by answering Amen on the phone?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller”s Shli”a opinion is that one does not comply in such a case.
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 10/24/2025 11:44 AM |
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#5620 – Give and Receive a Hundred Blessings!
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- Q. Kvodo Shlit”a. I make a great effort to recite a hundred Brachot (Blessings) every day. Since I’m due for a urgent medical operation and I will be spending from the afternoon onward, time in hospital, Do the ones said in the Shemone Esre in shul in the morning or the Amen one answers for the Brachot of others also count?
A. Indeed, as mentioned in Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 46: 3) , based on the Talmud (Menachot 43b) one has an obligation to recite a hundred Brachot (Blessings) every day.
Mishna Berura (ibid.), Magen Avrohom and others maintain that in need one can comply by listening and answering amen to the brochos recited in Shul during the repetition of the Amida and other parts of the Tefila and also by the blessings of others.
See next question.
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 10/24/2025 11:41 AM |
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#5619 – Choose The Rest of The Best
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- Q. Dear Rabbi. Long Life. I have thanks to Hashem and my good friends recently become a “Baal Teshuva.” I have contacted you for guidance a few times, and I thank you much for your great help.
Since I have a very demanding professional ocupation, I have sadly limited time to spend on learning Torah. Could you ask Rabbi Miller what is more important to spend more time on learning the Halacha, to know how to keep Shabbat correctly and what is kasher to eat, etc. Or to spend time to learn ethics, spiritual values and principles including “Musar”?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller”s Shlit”a opinion is that you should spend more time on the Musar learning, as it will guide you how to find more time and opportunity to learn the rest of what you need to know.
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 10/24/2025 10:58 AM |
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#5618 The Final Report Card!
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– Q. Dear Rabbi as you mentioned “The very last posuk of the Torah finishes with the words; “Moshe performed before the eyes of all Israel”: Rashi explains that this refers to the incident where Moshe Rabbenu smashed the Luchos, as it is said, “and I shattered them before your eyes” (Deut. 9:17- Shabbos. 87a).
Since those are the very last words of the Torah, the ones that we read on the great siyum on Simchas Torah and we eternally honor and rejoice with. Would it not have been more fitting to choose another more positive, appropriate and magnificent chapter to finish the Torah with, than the pathetic making of the eigel and the subsequent tragic braking of the Luchos?
A. My young grandson Binyomin Gestetner once answered to that question the following: ”What I think the answer is that Moshe’s parting words hinted to the idea that no matter what sins Israel commits Hashem will always let out his anger on objects rather than destroy us.”
I wrote to him back: “Beautiful answer that stresses the principle of the survival and perpetuity of Am Yisroel as the most important parting message.
More yet, there is so much more that is being alluded to here. Another perception deals with the Luchos and the Shivrei Luchos , the broken down pieces of the Luchos, both resting in the Aron of the Mishkan. “
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 10/21/2025 10:09 PM |
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#5617 The Real Right Reading?
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- Q. Subject: Birkas Kohanim - Omor Lahem (Bamidbar 6:23): Who should be the makre (reader)?
Dear Rabbi SHELITA, Please ask HaRav Shlomo Miller the following:
1. When the Sheliach Tzibur is NOT a Kohen, should he be the one exclusively pre-announcing the 15 Birkas Kohanim words (Yevarechecha....Shalom) for the Kohanim to repeat (as per SH"A OC 128:13) or can the Makre always be anyone else in the minyan (ibid Seif 18 "mipi hamakre")?
2. IF it indeed belongs Sheliach Tzibur and someone else chapped to be the Makre before the SHA"TZ, would he liable Asara Zehuvim for the part of the miztvah of "Omor Lahem" as in the case in the Gemera (when one snatched someone else's mitzvah of Kisui Hdam or Zimun)?I presume that while this already happening, it would not be appropriate for the SHA"TZ to also be Makre as 2 voices (trei koile) will add to the confusion between the makre and Kohanim.(This e-mail was sent from a contact form on Congregation Bais Dov Yosef (http://asktherabbi.ca/)).
A. Horav Dovid Pam Shlit’a and other Rabbonim agree that if the permission to do the above was granted by a recognized authority of the shul, it is permitted as other helpful minhagim and praying traditions are.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 10/17/2025 11:53 AM |
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#5615 Not a Happy Ending???
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- Q. See question above. Dear Rov Shlit’a. I did suggest that to the above, yet they were unhappy since they explained that the Torah, for a number of reasons does not have a blessed delightful happy ending. Is that really true? And if yes, why not?
A. In reality, the very last verses of the Torah are the greatest tribute to the greatest leader and Prophet our nation ever had. The ultimate tribute the Torah gives Moshe Rabbenu, is both simple and powerful. He was “Haish” - “the man Moshe,” Bamidbar 12/3, “the servant of the Hashem” (Devarim 34/5).
Vezot Habracha is not read as an ordinary Shabbat portion, but instead we read it during Simchas Torah. It is a powerful statement about mortality, the end of life and what it means to be human. The Moshe that we encounter in our Torah is most truly simply a human being that became specially very great, not only by the incredibly unique and gigantic task he was set to carry out, but more so by his incredible humility and rightfulness.
He thus became the ultimate channel through whom the word and power of Hashem flowed for all of the history of the universe, and all eternity.
It would therefore be wise to try to convince at least one of them to be the chosen “Chatan Torah”, and therefore become closer to Moshe Rabbenu.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
See next question.
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Posted 10/17/2025 11:44 AM |
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#5614 – What is Greater, the End or the Beginning?
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- Q. Dear Rov Shlit’a. Our shul from a Latino American background, that had for years two different minyanim on different floors, due to a number of unforeseen difficulties and circumstances had to close one of them and the two groups united together into one large minyan.
As expected, although both minyanim follow Ashkenaz traditions, plenty issues and differences came about. As the Rov was kind enough to help us solve many, we have survived and expanded.
We have a rather small issue we have to solve for this coming Shabbat Parshat Bereshit.(2025).
Two well to do individuals, the Rov knows,for many years on the separate minyanim, always received the honor of being Chatan Bereshit.
Now this year they are in conflict and it can end up being very harmful for our united shul. What would the Rov advice to do to solve the problem this coming after Yom Tov first Shabbat Bereshit?
A. The solution could be if one of the two candidates would accept the honor of being given the last Aliya of the Torah, and thus become nothing less than the Chatan of the whole Torah. That is seen traditionally as a higher honor that just being the Chatan Bereshit.
See next question.
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Posted 10/16/2025 5:37 PM |
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#5613 - Real Joy to Kill the Real Pain!
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- Q. Dear Rov and friend. As we talked on phone, my husband suffers from terrible prolonged chronic pains. Is it permitted or even recommended for him to take on Simchat Torah, when there is a special great mitzva of joy and happiness that he always so much enjoys, extra pills of pain killers to be able to enjoy a bit more the joy of Yom Tov?
A. On a similar question 3933 we wrote:
“One that suffers from constant chronic pain such as arthritis, does he have to consume extra pain killers pills in order to comply with this mitzva of Simchas Yom Tov?
A. There is a definite consideration to minimize anything that prevents joy and happiness during the days of Yom Tov. However firstly, the physician familiar with the patient's condition should be consulted.
Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 10/16/2025 3:50 PM |
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#5612 Five Strikes and Out?
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- Q. Kvod Horav Shalit’a. How many times does one have to hit the Arovot on Hoshana Rabah? What is Horav Shlomo Miller’s opinion?
A. On question 5612 we wrote:
Q. I have seen often people striking the ground with the arovos on Hoshana Rabba until most or all the leafs are gone, and creating a great mess in the shul or at home is that correct.
A. Mishna Berura (664: 19) quotes Arizal that one should strike the hoshanos five times on the ground followed by hitting on utensils to remove some of the leafs; not all leafs need to be removed.
Bikurei Yaakov asserts that one should hit the arava with might and indeed remove leaffs as this is a symbol to the end of the severity of the days of din and judgment.
However, Chaye Adam (153: 3) mentions that the removal of all leafs is customary by children complying with the mitzva. Mekor Chaim claims it is the minhag of the uneducated and boors.
Piskei Teshuvos (ibid. 5) further explains that the opinion of the Arizal is that none of the leafs should be removed, on the contrary, the aravos should be maintained as kosher as the ones on the lulav, with their leafs on. He adds that according to the Arizal the hoshanos should only be struck on the ground five times. The above is echoed by Kaf Hachaim (ibid. 37), Pri Megodim, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (138: 3) and others.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should follow the minhogim of his family and congregation. However, the Rov advises to collect all leafs, if any were left on the ground and not to step on themas it constitutes bizui or desecration of a mitzva. (See Shharei Tzion ibid. 2).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 10/12/2025 3:23 PM |
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#5611 And Build it Nice!
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- Q. One who at the end of Yom Kippur placed some mats on his Suka, to start with the building mitzva early as mentioned in Halacha, replace them or add to them some more attractive Schach covering such as fresh plants or branches?
A. Indeed he can, yet it is better to add, and not replace the mats that were already in place.
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Posted 10/3/2025 1:17 PM |
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Important Numbers
