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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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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Mishna Berura and others do not quote that opinion.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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#5333 A Great Early Gift?
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Q. Shavua Tov and Very Happy Purim Kvod Rabbenu Shlit’a. How early can you send Shalach Manot this year (2025)?
A. On question 1282 , wee wrote:
Q. A religious school advertised a mishloach monos campaign. Many in our community rely on this method of fulfilling the mitzva of mishloach monos. This year the school delivered the monos on Thursday, Taanis Esther. As such have these senders fulfilled the mitzva of mishloach monos.? If not, should the school advise everyone concerned that they have not fulfilled this mitzva?
To what we answered: “Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that you do not comply with the mitzva of mishloach monos when they were not received on Purim. However, they could possibly be sent before if the senders have in mind that the receivers should not to acquire them until Purim, and the receivers are informed not to consume them before Purim. (as was mentioned on question 1275 in regards to matonos laevyonim).
Although, it is most common for people to send or give back small mishloach monos numerous times during Purim, in principle the school should have notified the receivers of the untimely delivery, The Rov mentioned also that even if you may not comply with this premature gift the mitzva of mishloach monos, it is still a mitzva as one performed an act of kindness.
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 3/9/2025 9:39 AM |
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#5332 Let’s Reach an Understanding!
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- Q. Honorable Rabbi. In our large shul, there are plenty people that don’t understand Hebrew, should someone explain to them the meaning and also translation of Parshas Zachor on this coming Shabbat Zachor.
(Our Rabbi usually does so, yet he is attending the wedding of his son in another town).
How important is understanding the meaning of the words to comply with this mitzva? Is the “Kavana” (intention to comply) also essential?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller”s Shlit’a opinion is that indeed, the one now in charge, should follow the accustomed minhag and tradition of the Rabbi, and explain to all the meaning and necessary intention to comply with this important mitzva, including also the translation of the Parshas Zachor on this coming “Shabbat Zachor.”
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 3/7/2025 1:09 PM |
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#5331 Montezuma's Minyan Revenge! Really?
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- Q. Sorry Kevodo for this is a most unusual but truly necessary for me and my minyan question.
I’m often the tenth person in the our daily mincha minyan. But I suffer from stomach troubles and sometimes feel the need to go to the bathroom constantly. If I can hold on for some time necessary for the others just to say Kaddish, should or can I stay?
A. Our Rabbonim maintained that for a short necessary time one may stay.
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 3/7/2025 1:06 PM |
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#5330 – Let Our Memories Serve Well!
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- Q. Linking Jewish present to past. Modern day Israel has instituted a public memorial ceremony on this day for Israel Defense Forces soldiers who have not yet been brought to burial (the unknown soldier). This annual memorial takes place at Mt. Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem.
Some of the members of our congregation want to perform a similar ceremony, yet others object. What is the correct thing to do?
A. A shul has to follow the established traditions customs it has been keeping, that also agree with the laws and principles and other conditions of membership it was constituted with when formed.
In any disagreement on the above, an accepted Rabbinical authority or Beis Din should be consulted or created to resolve the disagreements confronted.
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 3/7/2025 1:00 PM |
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#5329 All, Read Loud and Clear!
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Q. Since women are also ordained to read parshas Zachor, can a man that is ill and does not go to shul comply with the Torah reading of Zachor done at home by his wife for his daughters? (They have a proper Sefer Torah at home).
A. In need he can. Yet, he should also be reading the Sefer Torah, as when placed next to him.
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 3/7/2025 12:53 PM |
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#5328 Remember to Remember!
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- Q. Is one allowed to make kiddush and eat mezonos after Shacharis before hearing Parshas Zachor, as he is significantly hungry already. (A Late Minyan)?
A. Most Poskim agree that in need one is allowed. One should have someone reminding him to be prompt and return to the minyan a.s.a.p.
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 3/7/2025 12:50 PM |
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#5327 – She Talks yet Also Reads!
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- Q. Muy Querido Rabino.
As you well know our family and I will be visiting my mother on Purim who is living with a few other women in a home in Mexico City. Sadly they don’t have one who should read the megila for them. Can I, her daughter read it for them? How about also reciting the brachot?
A. Poskim write that on the onset a woman should not read the megila by herself, rather she should hear it from a proper trained Baal Koreh (qualified expert reader) in a shul minyan. (Magen Avrohom 689: 6 - Eliahu Rabbah ibid 3, Ben Ish Chay Tetzave 1, adding that we don’t usually witness that women read in a women’s public the megila (in Orthodox circles).
However, if she does not have one to read for her, she should actually do so, with a kosher megila and recite the blessings.
Therefore, in your case if there is no other alternative, you can read the megila for your mother, when reciting the proper blessing.
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 3/7/2025 12:47 PM |
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#5326 Anticipation for the Right Translation!
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Q. Shalom U'vrachah. Dear Rabbeinu Shalit"a, our shul President Rafael is asking for the translation of the word ישברו in Tehillim 145 - עיני כל אליך ישברו. And also wants to know if there is a different meaning in Tehillim 146 . 'אשרי שאל יעקב בעזרו שברו על ה אלוקיו. Thanks!
A. The common translation is; “The eyes of all look to You expectantly,” Art Scroll and others translate as “hope.”
Some relate the above to the term used in the versicle: 'ו'3;י'8;'3;֣רְא י'3;עֲק'5;֔ב כ'8;'0;֥י י'2;שׁ־שׁ'2;֖ב'2;ר ב'8;ְמ'0;צְר'4;֑י - When Jacob saw that there were food rations to be had in Egypt, (Bereshis 24: 1).
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 3/7/2025 12:37 PM |
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#5325 – Not a Fish Story!
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- Q. See question above. I was also asked to buy real fresh fish for the party above on Zain Adar. Is there a reason for eating that fish at that festive banquet?
How fresh does it have to be?
A. Sefarim indeed mention eating fish, since the gematria of "דג" is 'ז or 7 and the מזל - symbol of Adar is indeed the fish.
It stands to reason that for this valuable Mitzva it should be tasty and delicious as real true fresh fish 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 3/7/2025 12:32 PM |
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#5324 The Party of Life?
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- Kvod Moreinu Shlit”a. I’m a voluntary part time member of the Chevra Kadisha of our town. What is the usual tradition for the Chevra Kadisha to comply with on Zain Adar due in a few days?
A. On question 3550 we wrote:
“There are different Minhagim and traditions particular to different communities and groups. Most have the custom of fasting and saying a special prayer or “Tikun for the Seventh of Adar.”
It is also customary in many communities for the Chevrah Kadisha to observe the seventh of Adar as a day of gathering for its members. A festive banquet is held and for some the entire community participates. Rabbonim and community leaders attend and Gabaim and other leading members are appointed.
Also, Changing times may demand new rulings and regulations that have to be compatible with Halacha to be discussed and adopted for the coming year.”
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Posted 3/2/2025 5:33 PM |
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#5323 Join and Bless Tonight’s Parade?
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- Q. Kvod Rabbenu Shlit”a, I just read that sky gazers across the Northern Hemisphere will have a chance to see an extraordinary celestial event tonight Friday (Feb. 28, 2025), as all of the planets in our solar system will appear together in the evening sky.
This phenomenon known as a "planet parade," will feature Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune all visible at the same time along a line or arc in the sky, NASA says. Though "planet parade" is not an official astronomical term, it typically refers to when four or more planets are seen together in the sky.
The chance to observe all planets simultaneously is rare. Does one have to recite the bracha of Ose Maaseh Bereishith if he actually watches it?
A. See questions 3702, “A Mask on the Moon” regarding the full lunar eclipse of Sunday May 15 2022, and question 1418 regarding the full solar eclipse of August 2017, that we we wrote:
“We do not find in Talmud or Shulchan Aruch our sages instituted any blessing for eclipses. Although a bracha is recited on other constant ‘Niflaos’ and wonders of Hashem’s Creation such as thunder, lightning, meteors and comets and according to many Poskim even earthquakes.
Contemporary Poskim maintain that we do not recite a brocho on eclipses. (Orchois Rabbenu (1 p. 95) and Shaarei Brocho (21: n. 73- Shaar Hoayin 7: 6 n. 13, mentions that Shevet Halevy was in doubt).
Ase Lecha Rav (5: 7) explains that ‘Ose Maaseh Bereishis’ is only recited for natural events, which are also part of the positive Creation of Bereishis.
On question 708 in regards to the Aurora Borealis lights, we wrote that: Although the Northern Lights is a display of one of the most striking and magnificent phenomena in nature, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that since this event is not recorded in the Talmud or Poskim directly, one should recite Ose Maase Bereshis without the name of Hashem.
It is usually the opinion of Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a to avoid making a brocho with Hashem’s name on unusual extraordinary natural events as there are various points of doubt in the necessity of the blessing.
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 2/28/2025 2:10 PM |
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#5322 Devote to the Vote?
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- Q. Dear Rov Shlit'a. If someone is voting today, does he have to have in mind that he wants to comply with a Torah mitzva since Horav Miller Shlit'a and all other Rabanim ordained to do so?
Thanks.
A. Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a indeed mentioned that one should have in mind that by voting as required, one is complying with a Biblical Mitzva as is usually required to comply correctly.
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 2/28/2025 2:06 PM |
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#5321 The Signs of the Times!
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- Q. Is it correct to place the sign o Mishenichnas Adar Marbim Besimcha at the entrance of home, next to the Zecher Lecchurban or should one cover it or remove it?
A. On Q. 4665 we wrote:
Q. If ones tradition is to hang a sign by the door that expresses our mitzva of rejoicing during the month of Adar. (Mishenichnas Adar Marbim Besimcha). Should one use it to cover the memorial on the entrance for the destruction of the Beth Hamikdash, (Zecher Lechurban) since that one brings sadness and mourning?
- A. Indeed, Yalkut Avrohom (686) mentions that there is wide kept tradition for some to place during Adar a sign at our homes or other locations where people meet, to remind us of the great importance and mitzva of rejoicing even during the month of Adar Rishon (see question 473). See also Nitei Gavriel (begining of H. Purim).
However, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it does not contradict or negate the Churban Beis Hamikdash at all, as we see in many our tefilos of Yomim Tovim when we also mention the destruction and great hope for the prompt rebuilding of our most Holy Temple. We can address both realities at the same time.
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 2/28/2025 2:04 PM |
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#5320 Tough Eggs to Crack?
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- Q. Can a Baalas Teshuva woman who was born from an illicit and adulterous marriage that made her a “Mamzeret” donate her eggs to an infertile friend that cannot conceive and not only help her but merit to have herself Kosher offspring?
A. On question 4290 regarding performing a Bris Mila on Shabbos for a baby whose father isn’t Jewish. If a child is born by IVF from an egg donated by a Gentile mother, we wrote:
“In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) using mature eggs collected (retrieved) from ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab, is not uncommon in our days. In the case above, likely the baby will require conversion, and the Bris therefore cannot be done on Shabbos.”
Although, even when egg donation is permitted, and IVF is used, there are different issues to consider. See question 617 (A Matter of Life and Death).
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 2/28/2025 2:01 PM |
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# 5319 Cater the Water?
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- Q. Dear Rabbi and friend, I just read on a Daas Torah news source, a very motivating article. It mentioned that Sigi Cohen, the mother of Eliya Cohen who was released from Hamas captivity on a recent Shabbos, spoke at a press conference on Sunday evening at Beilinson Hospital in Petach Tikvah.
She first spoke about her efforts over 505 days to bring her son and his fellow hostages home. “I asked Am Yisrael to stand together, to have mutual responsibility, and to be there for one another like brothers and sisters. And what I most asked for was an increase in tefillos and good deeds.”
“From Eliya’s side, we heard that every day, he recited the parshiyot for putting on tefillin and he recited Kiddush on Shabbos on a cup of water, strengthening himself and others. We heard about many nissim and hashgachah (Hashem’s Supervision) that Eliya and his friends experienced there.”
I’m just wondering, if a person finds himself in a similar situation when he can not make Kiddush on any acceptable drink, should he make Kiddush on water.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that kidush can not be said on water.
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 2/28/2025 1:58 PM |
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Important Numbers
