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#5343 The True Time Topic!
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- Q. Dear Rabbi. We have a very interesting Shul shiur in Hashkafa and Jewish values, that many attend. Do we have to change it now to learning about Pesach.
Can we just dedicate just a few minutes to Pesach Halachot to comply with the obligation to learn now about Pesach? What is Horav Miller Shlit’a opinion?
A. On question 4160 we wrote:
“I wonder if there is an obligation to learn from then on the Halachot of Pesach every day?
A. Horav Dovid Pam’s Shlit’a opinion is that following the common practice, people do learn the Halachos of Pesach during that time, but not necessarily on every single day.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that the most important issue is the clear and correct knowledge of the Halochos and mitzvos of Pesach, the learning is just a very necessary step when needed.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 3/21/2025 11:19 AM |
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#5342 Remeber Pesach is Very Soon!
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- Q. Kevodo Shlit’a. I’m very thankful to the Rov and the Rebetzin for inviting me to the real most delicious Purim Seuda in your home.
I enjoyed with the others the program and words of the Rov, yet I’m surprised that the Rov did not mention anything about the Halochos of Pesach? Is it not an obligation to learn them already on Purim?
A. You are correct and in other occasions we have included some Pesach issues it in our words on Purim. Yet we did mention the source of all the Geulos and its importance, obviously including Pesachs in the siyum we performed of Maseches Megila.
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Posted 3/17/2025 11:21 AM |
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#5341 Motzo Matza -
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Q. Dear Rov Shilt’a. Since we have a minhag to eat only Shemura Matza during the whole Pesach, is it permitted for us to eat now before Pesach regular machine matza?
A. On a similar question 2116
We wrote:
Q. Our minhag is not to eat matzos thirty days before Pesach. Since I only eat shemura matzos during Pesach, can I eat now regular machine matzos. Can I eat gebrocht matzos in soup or matzebrai, since we don’t eat gebrochts on Pesach?
A. Rema (O.H. 471: 2) rules that on Erev Pesach it is prohibited to eat matzos that can be used for the seder. Mishna Berura (ibid. 12) adds that some accustom not to eat matzo from Rosh Chodesh Nissan.
Mishnas Yaakov (3: 471), Kitzur Hilchos Pesach, Nitei Gavriel (1: 2: 10) and others maintain that the minhag is thirty days before Pesach. Igrois Moshe (O.H. 1: 155) explains that this is the time we begin the preparations for Pesach.
However, as mentioned the prohibition applies only to the matzo that one can consume at the seder night.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if the eating of matzo is necessary for diet purposes, one can put the well marked matzo in contact with bread and thus make it inedible for Pesach.
Then he may consume it even after Rosh Chodesh until Erev Pesach. when it would be prohibited. The same may apply to gebrochts.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a (December 20, 2019)
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Posted 3/17/2025 11:01 AM |
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#5340 An Early Wedding?
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5340 – An Early Wedding? - Q. Can a couple that engaged recently to be married during the summer, send Shalach Manot this Purim to each other?
A. Remah (695:4) rules that in principle men should not send Shalach Monos to women and vice versa, as it may create a doubt of of Kidushin. Therefore in our case it may create a situation of early Kidushin and cause doubt on the brochois recited by the chupa.
However, Horav Shlomo Mille”s opinion is that one may be lenient, since as is, it customary that a couple to be married do send gifts to each other.
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Posted 3/17/2025 10:53 AM |
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#5339 A Truly Happy Shabbos!
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– Q. Rabenu Shlit”a, I have another Friday Purim shailah. Since it is written that on Shusan Purim or the day after Purim one should celebrate and eat more than regular. Yet on this year the day after is Shabbat and Shushan Purim does not apply, should one then celebrate this year on Sunday?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is to celebrate Shushan Purim on Shabbos to honor Shabbos and comply with the mitzva of Oneg Shabbos.
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Posted 3/17/2025 10:42 AM |
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#5338 Friday Cleaning?
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- Q. Dear Rov as I have mentioned in prior question, we are concerned with the potential Chilul Shabbos, for those who are not careful when Purim is on Friday. One important issue is the cleaning of the faces of the children and even adults that used common water paint or acrylics and watercolors, and they still have to remove it or some remainders of it, after Shabbos began.
A. Indeed attention and care should be taken to remove all you mentioned before sunset and kabbolas Shabbos.
However, Poskim debate as to what is the extent of the melacha of Mochek or erasing in regards to human skin.
Chaye Adam (40: 8) is stringent even regarding the black soot created by removing pots and pans from a charcoal fire.
Mishna Berura and others do not quote that opinion. Shemiras Shabbos (14: n 83) quoting Rav S”Z Auerbach ZT”L is lenient.
Other poskim permit for a woman that must remove her makeup on Shabbos for mikva imersion, yet others are stringent. (see soon following question).
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Posted 3/17/2025 10:35 AM |
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#5337 An Even Greater Purim?
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- Q. See questions above: As the Rov mentioned all the above in his shiur, and that there may be other new ones. I wonder what are the other new “traditions” that people keep on on this year (2025) that Purim is on Friday?
A. Indeed there are those who maintain an alternate approach with regard to the timing of the Purim seuda that seems to be gaining some popularity.
This method, known as "poress mappa," is best described by Rabbi Ari Enkin Shlit’a (in OU Torah) and essentially combines the Purim Seuda and the Shabbat evening meal into one, as follows: “One begins the Purim seuda late Friday afternoon, after one has completed all of one's Shabbat preparations.
Shortly before sunset, one covers all the bread that is on the table, and Kiddush is recited, thereby inaugurating Shabbat. After reciting Kiddush, one simply continues with one’s seuda which has now become the Shabbat evening meal.
One must be sure to eat at least an ounce of bread after the recitation of Kiddush just as is required at every Shabbat evening meal.
The blessing upon wine is not recited in the course of kiddush if it was previously recited during the earlier part of the meal.
So too, the blessing upon bread is not recited after Kiddush if it was previously recited during the earlier part of the meal. There is some discussion whether or not two whole loaves are required at this Shabbat meal."
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Posted 3/12/2025 3:50 PM |
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#5336 The Greatest Purim?
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- Q. See questions above: On this year (2025) that Purim is on Friday, and my great good neighbor invited my family and other neighbors to celebrate a most beautiful Seuda of Purim together, as he often does.
Yet since it is with a large group and with many kids, and it usually extends into the night, and now that is on Shabbat. Can we just continue eating as before? Will it count as the Seudat Shabbat also?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 271: 4) rules that one is not allowed to taste anything before reciting Kiddush on Shabbos – and even if one started eating before Shabbos began, he must stop and recite Kiddush. Further on (471: 21) Mishna Berura writes that one should stop eating even before the Shekia or when sunset begins.
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Posted 3/12/2025 3:43 PM |
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#5335 Purim Hair Dressing
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- Q. This year (2025) that Purim is on Friday can one shave and cut nails as one does every Erev Shabbos?
A. On question 1018 we wrote:
“Divrei Malkiel (5: 237) and Pischei Sheorim (Megilla 5b) mention that although working in Purim is permitted when it is needed for the day (O.H. 696: 1), one should avoid taking a haircut and cutting nails then, so he will prepare and groom himself properly before and honor Purim.
Nitei Gavriel (Purim 66 : 7) quotes diverse opinions, and some permit only a haircut done by a Gentile even if Purim falls on an Erev Shabbos.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is to be lenient when in need.”
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Posted 3/12/2025 3:39 PM |
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#5334 – When Are We Eating?
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- Q. Moreinu Shlit”a. On this year (2025) that Purim is on Erev Shabbat we have a number of questions: First when is it best correct time to eat the Seuda of Purim?
A. Remah (O.H. 695: 2) rules that when Purim is on Erev Shabbos, one should make the Seudah in the morning in honor of Shabbos. Mishna Berura (10) explains that it is before Chatzos or midday.
However Yad Efraim and others permit to eat the Seuda, before the ninth hour of the day. Some Poskim maintain that in such a case when one davens after midday, one should see to daven Mincha before the Seuda. Many advise to eat the Seuda in the morning.
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Posted 3/12/2025 3:29 PM |
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#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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Important Numbers
