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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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#5407 Healing the Healing?
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- See question above. Q. As mentioned above, my father Shlit”a is a great Talmid Hochom and the head of a Yeshiva, he has additional issues of doing a temporary avoidable Aortic Valve Replacement on Friday as although not expected, he is afraid that complications may occur and it may bring him to Chilul Shabbos.
What is Horav Miller’s Shlit”a opinion of the correct thing to do?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that there are various elements and variables to this question and it is worthwhile for the Rov to cautiously reconsider all of them and also it is advisable to consult all details with another competent Halachic authority.
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 5/9/2025 11:44 AM |
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#5406 – Don’t Lag the Lag Healing of Lag Baomer!
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- See question above - Q. Thank you so much for your prompt answer. I’m still wondering if for someone who is very religious as my father, who is a great Talmid Hochom and the head of a Yeshiva would accept it. Are there any other suggestions?
A. Let me quote you another Shaila.
“2664 - Q. My father who is in need of a hernia operation in about a month, due to the cancellation of another patient, was given his spot, which is on Lag Baomer. His operation is not that urgent and could wait.
Should he take the opportunity and do it early on Lag Baomer? Is that a correct thing to do?
A. Nitei Gavriel (Pesach 3: 42: 7) quoting from Segulos Yisroel in the name of the Arizal, mentions that Lag Baomer stands for the symbol of Hod ShebeHod, and is a prime day for refuos, healing, and brochos.
Similarly, Tzemach Tzedek, Hilula D’Rashb”i, Lechem Shlomo,Sifsei Tzadikim and others maintain that refuos are granted on Lag Baomer. They mention, that the gematrya of the day also alludes to its unique power.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in need he should better have the operation early on Lag Baomer.
As mentioned the day has special segulos for yeshuos and refuos.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a”
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Posted 5/9/2025 11:06 AM |
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#5405 Don’t Lag the Healing of Lag Baomer
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- Q. Dear Rov Shlita my father Shlit"a needs a Suture-less Aortic Valve Replacement that could be done in just a few hours. He can have it done on very early Lag Baomer (Friday this year 2025). He made the appointment on that day because he knows well that Lag Baomer is a day that is recommended for Refuah. Is that correct?
A. Sefarim write that indeed the days of Chodesh Iyar are a time of Refuah (healing), especially the days representing hod, and more so Lag B’Omer, which is Hod Sheb’hod. Thus, the 33rd day, which is the fifth day of the fifth week, corresponds to Hod she-be-Hod (Splendor within [the week of] Splendor).
It is an essential sign of true and complete healing.
The Tzemach Tzedek points out that the first letters of מ׳לך ר׳ופא נ׳אמן ו׳רחמן (the True Healing and compassionate King) spell: מרון. In the merit of Rebbe Shimon who is buried in Meron, Hashem will heal the ill.
Indeed if there are Be"H no other complications, the Aortic replacement will end before midday on Friday, he will go ahead. We all wish him a prompt Refuah Shleima.
See next question.
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Posted 5/8/2025 5:52 PM |
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#5404 Cinco De Mayo Kiddush?
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Q. See question above. I have another question. Last Shabbat morning someone in shul offered a kiddush after prayers, and he said it was dedicated for Cinco de Mayo. Was that correct?
A. On question 4243 we wrote:
“Q. Dear Rov and teacher. As you well know, I’m the rabbi of a shul in Mexico. I have an urgent Shaila. We do, as I remember the Rov also did a Friday night Kiddush and seuda for the people who have a wedding, or other Semachot during the incoming week and that helps much to bring people to shul and do kiruv.
Tomorrow Friday is also Cinco de Mayo, and it is as you well know a great civic holiday in our country.
The mayor of our municipality hinted that he would very much like to attend our congregation, as he does with other communities. Since we do have a great interest in keeping good relations with him, can we invite him and his group to our Shabbat party?
There will be security guards and police cars at the entrance of the shul, does it matter?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that considering the needs and issues, he can be invited, if the honorees and participants to the Seuda also agree.
The security guards and police cars at the entrance of the shul, does not really matter much, as in times of need they are common everywhere.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a”
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Posted 5/5/2025 8:45 PM |
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#5403 – Hayom Chamisho Yomim BeMayo
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- Q. Dearest Rabino mio. As we have been in contact for many years by me asking questions on Halacha, for myself and others in our community of Jewish Mexican immigrants to California. Im very thankful to you etc. etc.
Our growing group is mostly Shomer Shabbat people you are familiar with that also call or send you questions.
As our community has recently grown substantially, we will with Hashem willing send you many hopefully good questions that we know you like to answer and print.
Here comes a few Mexican ones.
We are approaching Cinco de Mayo (May 5) and as the Rav well knows it is a Holiday for Mexicans. Our Gentile neighbors make parties outside. As our children much desire they want we should also celebrate. First, is that permitted?
A. As you mentioned May Fifth although not an official holiday in Mexico, is celebrated by most in the country.
On question 4954 we wrote:
– Q. Estimado Rabino – Hashem lo Bendiga- As you well know in our Spanish group there are some that celebrate Cinco de Mayo (the fifth day of May) and make a party for the family and kids and friends getting together and playing games. Is there a Halacha problem with it?
A. Cinco de Mayo is indeed a special day for Mexicans. In 1862, when Mexico was barely 40 years old as an independent country, it was invaded by maybe the most powerful military at the time: the French Imperial Army.
Since the US was in the middle of a Civil War, Emperor Napoleon saw it as a perfect opportunity to take over. His goal was to conquer Mexico City and create a huge empire that eventually would take over all the Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America.
Luckily, on May 5 when the French army arrived to Puebla, it came across a well-organized army, formed mostly by Indigenous people who were willing to defend Mexico at all costs. It resulted in an unexpected victory that saved Mexico from a brutal conquer.
The triumph over the better equipped and more numerous French troops was an enormous emotional boost for the Mexican soldiers led by Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza (from Rab. Google)
As mentioned in a number of Shailos our sages encouraged us to pray for the peace of the land (Pirkei Avos 3: 2, see question 2251).
Since the above celebration is not a religious holiday at all, there is no reason not to enjoy the day.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 5/5/2025 8:30 PM |
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#5402 How Early is Early?
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Q. Dearest Rov Shlit’a . At this time of the year many of us daven an early Mincha and Maariv. How early can one already count Sefira?
A. It depends on the town you are in. On question 4947 regarding Toronto we wrote:
Q. I daven in an early minyan of Mincha and Maariv. It is very likely as it happened to me many times and to others, that if I don’t count then sefira I will forget later on, When is the earliest one can count sefira in our town?
A. On question 3139 we wrote:
“Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a informed us that Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is (the Rov is out of town), that in need one may recite sefira (in Toronto at the beginning of Sefira) forty minutes after the Shekia (and on great need even thirty five minutes).
Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a mentioned that Horav Eliashiv Zt’l paskened that in Toronto you can count lechatchilla at 30 minutes.
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Posted 5/4/2025 6:10 PM |
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#5401 The Corelle Reality?
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- Q. We have some Pesach dishes that we inherited from our parents many years ago and we're not sure if they are dairy or meat. They are Corelle. Is there any way to use them?
Also we have some Chometz glass dishes that we received recently, not for pesach, with the same dilemma.
A. Corelle is a brand of glassware and dishware. It is made of Vitrelle, a tempered glass product consisting of two types of glass laminated into three layers. It was introduced by Corning Glass Works in 1970.
Corelle is best known for its three-layered glass. Nevertheless the Corelle product line includes items of other materials, such as stoneware and plastic.
Star K maintains that Corelle has the Halachic status of glass.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that one should be stringent and consider it as different pieces of glass glued together or even as clay and ceramic material.
Horav Yaakov Hirschman Shlit”a mentioned that even in the above opinion some Poskim rule that one may relay on the opinion of the Chacham Tzvi, that if the corelle dishes were not used during an extended time one may still use them after proper Kashering.
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 5/2/2025 1:17 PM |
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#5400 Really? - No Kidding?
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- Q. Kvodo Shlit’a. Last year I saw in our neighborhood a group of Chasidim standing outside their Shtivel by the rain with their mouths open and letting drops of rainfall in them.
Very surprised I asked them what were they doing and they told me that it is a Segula for Refuah Shleima. Could that be correct?
A. Indeed Imrei Pinchas 305 and other Seforim of Chasidim mention this unusual tradition.
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 5/2/2025 1:12 PM |
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#5399 Watch the Matza Shemura?
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- Q. Is there importance to eat Matza Shemura of Shabbos after Pesach. How about during the week?
A. There are different Minhagim and traditions by different groups, mainly of Chasisdim. Karlin, Belz etc. maintains only on Shabbos. See also Nitei Gavriel 38: 102. for other traditions.
See question 2638
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that one should maintain his family Minhagim.
Horav Yaakov Hirschman Shlit”a noted to look into eating Matza on Pesach Sheni. (See indeed our past and future shailos of Pesach Sheni).
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 5/2/2025 1:10 PM |
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#5398 Who's Counting?
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- Q. Dearest Rov Shlit”a. I overheard someone asking in Shul to a friend, “Is it today so many days to the Omer”, and the friend answered “Yes it is”, can they still count then with a bracha?
A. Kaf Hachaim 61, Nitei Gavriel 37: 9 and other Poskim rule they can.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is similar.
Horav Yaakov Hirschman Shlit”a noted that this shaila applies only to the fellow asking. The one answering did not count at all!
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 5/2/2025 1:07 PM |
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#5397 A Count that Does Not Count!
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- Q. If a Baal Teshuva counts in Hebrew but does not understand what he is saying. Does he comply with the mitzva? Can he continue counting then with translation?
A. If he counted in Hebrew and did not understand what he was saying it just does not count and he has lost the brocho. However, he should now continue to count without a brocho.
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 5/2/2025 1:05 PM |
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#5396 Early to Vote – Be Wise and Rise!
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- Q. Kvod Horav Shlit’a. I was wondering, since as the Rov wrote as there is a mitzva to vote, is there also a mitzva of “Zerizin Makdimin Lemitzvot” or one has to comply with this mitzva a.s.a.p. before doing other work?
A. Horav Dovid Pam Shlit”a maintains that there is no “Zerizin Makdimin Lemitzvos” involved in this particular case. However other Rabbis mentioned that it does apply, and one should vote early and as correct as possible.
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 5/2/2025 1:02 PM |
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#5395 Earliest Convenience?
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- Q. When counting Sefira is it better to attend an earlier minyan for Maariv which is on the proper time required, or wait to ones regular late minyan after his learning and count Sefira then?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a maintains that it is better to count early.
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 5/2/2025 12:59 PM |
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#5394 A Singing & Dancing Party?
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Q. Dear Rov Shlit”a, If someone is invited to an engagement party during the beginning of Sefira, before Rosh Chodesh Iyar and they arranged a most beautiful meal. Is it correct to assume that this people will start the prohibitive traditions only after Rosh Chodesh Iyar and begin dancing and singing?
A. As mentioned by Poskim (See Shulchan Aruch. Mishna Berura and other Poskim O.H. 493.).
Mishna Berura (ibid.) rules that although it is permitted to celebrate at the above time an engagement party, however one should avoid dancing then.
However other Poskim permit and when one can assume that the people are greatly celebrating as they arranged a most beautiful meal, this group likely will start the prohibitive traditions only after Rosh Chodesh Iyar begins
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 5/2/2025 12:56 PM |
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#5393 What Truly Counts - The Past or Future?
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Q. My dear young son asked me recently why we count Sefira for the days past after Pesach. Would it not make more sense to count the days before Shavuot we still have, so we can prepare for Kabalat Hatorah properly? At what age does one have to teach children to count the Omer?
A. Medresh Raba (Shemos 3: 12) mentions that the whole purpose of Yetzias Mitzraim (leaving Egypt) as mentioned in the above pasuk was to receive the Torah. The people then asked Moshe Rabenu when is that great moment that gives significance to the terrible solitude and spiritual impoverishment we are so long suffering now going to happen? And Moshe answered at the end of fifty days. So they began counting then and in that form of the greatest hope, desire and anticipation for that incredibly great future.
Sefer Hachinuch (Mitzva 306) explains that the Sefira represents the strong desire of our nation and preparation for Kabalat Hatorah. Similar to one expecting to receive the greatest prize and award desired, especially when one wants to run away or fix the most terrible past.
It also establishes the principle that the fixing of the past is essential for the planing to a great future time.
If the child understands the basics of the above, he should already count.
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 5/2/2025 12:53 PM |
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#5392 Give a Blessing to Your Grandfather!
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- Q. See question above. Although I know that the counting has to be natural without any speaking implements, and often he can still do it after resting, can the bracha be said for him by one of us?
A. Indeed, if his counting is correct, it may be easier for others to recite the brocho and for the grandfather and for him just to answer omein. As is, it is better to comply the mitzva with others present.
Horav K. Ochs Shlit"a added that if he’s able to count on his own why shouldn’t he make the bracha himself!
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 5/2/2025 12:49 PM |
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#5391 Let the Voice Be Heard!
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- Q. Dear Rabeinu. As the Rov knows my elderly father has already trouble speaking. Can he count Sefira when his voice is hardly heard? How loud does it have to be for him to comply with the mitzva? Can we place a small speaking amplifier he often uses to communicate when he counts?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 62:3 rules that in order to comply with the Mitzva of Krias Shema it is not enough to just move ones lips, but actually to provide some sound that could be heard.
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a maintains that after the fact, even if it can be heard slightly by one close without any amplifiers one complies with the readings or sayings.
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 5/2/2025 12:37 PM |
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#5390 Early to Vote – Be Wise and Rise!
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- Q. Kvod Horav Shlit’a. I was wondering, since as the Rov wrote as there is a mitzva to vote, is there also a mitzva of “Zerizin Makdimin Lemitzvot” or one has to comply with this mitzva a.s.a.p. before doing other work?
A. Horav Dovid Pam Shlit”a maintains that there is no “Zerizin Makdimin Lemitzvos” involved in this particular case. However other Rabbis mentioned that it does apply, and one should vote early and as correct as possible.
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Posted 4/28/2025 11:15 AM |
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#5389 Eternal Scriptures?
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– Q. See question above. Will that apply for the complete Omer period?
A. We also wrote on question 785 the following:
“However if the day has passed, and he did not repeat verbally the count, Poskim maintain that he can still count the rest of the days with a brocho. The reason being that this situation constitutes a double doubt or s’fek sfeko to be lenient. That is maybe the Halacha follows the opinion that after missing one day you have not lost the mitzvah, and even if you did, maybe writing is indeed the same as saying. (Mekadesh Yisroel – Sefirah 31, Mitzvas Sefiras Haome 44).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that although for many mitzvos and prohibitions the writing on a screen may be considered only temporary or even not writing at all, (See question 383 in this forum in regards to erasing Hashem’s name from a screen, see also question 465 and 466 in regards to e-readers) however, as far as sefira is concerned it is deemed to be writing and the ruling above would prevail. Therefore the person writing the twitter would be able to count the rest of the days with a brocho.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 4/25/2025 1:01 PM |
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#5388 Just Write What is Right?
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– Q. See question above. Dear Rabbi. Can one then just write the day of the Omer on a paper?
A. On Teshuva 785 we wrote;
“Q. During sefira I twitter a reminder in the early night to the members of our college students group to count sefira. It has happened that I have forgotten to count myself later on when I miss mariv in shul. Would I be yotze just with the writing of that twitter on my i-phone, if I intended that in case I forget later that should count?
A. Poskim disagree if writing is tantamount to speaking in regards to counting sefira. Kol Eliahu (30), Ksav Sofer (Y.D. 106) quoting Chasam Sofer, rule that even if writing is not generally equal to talking, in regards to counting sefira it is. Conversely, Birkei Yosef (489: 14), Mahari Asad (Y.D. 316), maintain the opposite. Even if writing is by and large considered like verbalizing, in sefira it is not since the Torah requests counting. (See also Teshuvos Rabi Akiva Eiger 29 and 30).
Since Poskim disagree, one who counted by writing should if able, count again articulating the count without a brocho, or someone else who has not yet counted should recite the brocho for him.
(See following questions).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 4/25/2025 12:56 PM |
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Important Numbers
