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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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#5180 A Peace Sacrificial Offering?
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- Q. Dear Rov: On question 5175 above, you apparently permitted frum people when in need to attend the Kristallnacht anniversary. Is that not a most unusual and uncommon minhag for Bnei Torah?
A. Although commonly Bnei Torah and Yeshiva Bachurim don’t attend such ceremonies, when in need for Sholom Bais and respect to parents, it is permitted.
On a similar question (2165) we wrote:
"Q. I’m a yeshiva bochur and my parents asked me and my siblings to attend with them and my Holocaust surviving grandmother to a Yom Hashoah act, that takes place in Chodesh Nisan. I know it is very important to them. Should I go?"
To what we answered: "A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if your attendance is indeed of great importance to your parents and they will be pained if you don’t attend, it is permitted, even during the joyful month of Nisan, when Halacha dictates that avelus, acts of grief and mourning should be avoided.
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 11/15/2024 12:19 PM |
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#5179 A Tinfoil Hat?
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- Q. Hello Rav, My family occasionally stays at the home of a frum ashkenaz relative for up to a week. In their home, they have one microwave that they will use for meat and dairy and apparently were told by their Rav that they can use it for any food as long as they cover the food with a paper towel (ie. nothing is really "sealed"). Additionally the bottom plate is not changed, but It did look clean.
In our home we have 2 separate microwaves for meat and daily and I've always understood that 2 separate microwaves are ideal, and that using one microwave would require either kashering in between (for those who agree to that) or fully sealing at least one of the food types (meat or dairy).
I've also see Rav Heinemen's shilta opinion that if you are just warming the food up briefly so that the walls of the microwave won't get to Yad Soledet Bo, then you could be lenient to put any food in uncovered if the mircrowave is fully cleaned. When we are visiting this family, we try to not bring up our halachic differences too much as it makes everyone very uncomfortable.
However, there are times when we would like to use a microwave. Is there any room for this leniency they are holding by? Should I rely on it as use the microwave the same way they do or should I just avoid the microwave or wrap the food well? Would the psak apply to my children? Any differences for us sephardim? Thanks!
A. Our
Rabbonim maintain that in
similar oven shailos it
is proper to just wrap the food in foil paper as is often done
anyway, and it will not cause any insult or inconvenience.
When
using a microwave the same effect could be attained by wrapping with
a similar high themp wrap. The
Saran Brands website states their brand name wrap can be microwaved. Horav
Shlomo Miller”s Slit”a opinion
is similar.
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 11/15/2024 12:14 PM |
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#5178 Early and Bright?
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- Q. (See above question). How important is it then to make the great effort and wake up so early to daven then?
A. Poskim write that as valuable and important praying with the Netz is, if it would interfere with the crucial intention of prayer or the learning and teaching of Torah and other important mitzvos and endeavors one has to do in the day, one should not sacrifice for it.
Piskei Teshuvos (58: 6) he also mentions that many Gedolim and great men, likely for that reason, did not keep the attending to a Vesikin minyan.
Horav Shlomo Miller”s Slit”a opimiom is similar.
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 11/15/2024 12:11 PM |
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#5177 Everything is Under the Sun
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- Q. A choshuve (important) Marbitz Torah in Toronto told me that the main reason for davening K'Vasikin in the morning is in order to praise HaShem for the benefits of the sun. Does the Rav know on what that is based?
A. Although, I did some research, I didn’t specifically find anything that connotes that to be the main reason for praying at that time. Yet it may be included in all the blessings and thanks we give Hashem always for giving us life in a new day, including all the many, many benefits and great blessings and goodness He grants.
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 11/15/2024 12:08 PM |
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#5176 At Hashem’s Earliest Convenience
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- Q. Dear Rabbi, What are the benefits of davening early Vasikin, (when the sun rises) and how much effort should one do for it?
A. “Tefilas Vasikin” in the Ashkenzi tradition, refers to the very early morning prayer of Shacharis. This early morning minyan is also called “netz”, an abbreviation of “Hanetz HaChama” which means the sunrise.
Talmud (Berachos 26a) answers a contradiction to the Mishna there saying that this baraisa does not establish a binding halacha. Rather, it taught that rule specifically with regard to those who are scrupulous in fulfillment of mitzvot [vasikin]. As Rabbi Yoḥanan said: Vasikin would finish reciting the morning Shema with sunrise, but those who are not vasikin may recite their prayers later.
Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 58: 1) mentions that the one that can venture to end the reading of the Shema and its blessings right at that time, and can exactly then begin the Amida, his reward is very great. Mishna Berura (ibid. 8) quoting Beis Yosef in Rabeinu Yona’s name, that he is promised to be a designated receiver for the “Olam Haba’a” (The Future World to Come).
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 11/15/2024 12:06 PM |
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#5175 – Kristallnacht Clear?
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Q. Dear Rov. Some members of my family keep in their shul the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the "Night of Broken Glass" on Nov 10. They have invited me to attend with them. Is there an issue in Halacha on going?
A. Kristallnacht is the anniversary of the "Night of Broken Glass" that took place on November 9–10, 1938.
As P.M. Netanyahu recently mentioned: “It was a Nazi pogrom that marked a turning point in the escalating persecution of Jews that eventually led to the murder of 6 million European Jews by the Nazis and their supporters during the Holocaust.”
Poskim don’t mention much of this anniversary in Halacha. Yet the reality is that in many Yeshivot and Kolelelim it isn’t kept and no restrictions are placed on performing Semachos as weddings etc. in these days. It also does not usually have those restrictions in non- religious institutions.
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 11/10/2024 11:16 AM |
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#5174 Collect one’s Thoughts on Collect
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- Q. Can I send a collection agency after a Jew who didn't pay their bill of $6K.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that it is permitted when in need.
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 11/8/2024 12:26 PM |
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#5173 Some More AI-Vey
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- Q. Kvod Rabenu. If someone was informed by an AI service email, that is part of a mortuary institution of the death of a close friend, should he already then make the bracha of Dayan Emeth?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that he should double check first directly with the people of the Chevra Kadisha or similar, before reciting 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 11/8/2024 12:20 PM |
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#5172 Wash and Dry and…
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Q. Can one use a tissue paper towel or a napkin used for drying ones hands after washing for a Shabbat meal, to further clean and dry hands, mouth or nose, during the meal, when it still is wet and it may involve prohibited Sechita or squeezing?
A. Poskim usually rule leniently on the use of disposable napkins and tissues, since they are not reusable and one does not benefit and care for the prohibited s’chita or squeezing. (Igrois Moishe O.H. 2: 70, and others).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is similar.
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 11/8/2024 12:17 PM |
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#5171 Good Times Begin with a Blessing!
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- Q. Dear Rov this is a Shaila I‘m sure you will love and we need a real prompt answer. Today in the very early hours of the morning we became aware that Donald Trump won B’H the election. Two questions. 1) Do we say Tachanun this morning or do we treat the day as a Yom Tov and avoid it?
2) Should we make a Seudas Hoda’a or a festive meal to thank Hashem for His great kindness?
A. Although for many of us it is a real happy occasion, still you do recite Tachanun as you would in similar situations such as when a person has a miracle salvation, has or marries a child.
As far as making a Seudas Hoda’a, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that one should always be grateful and thank Hashem for all the acts of kindness and mercy He imparts to His people. On similar situations a kidush on Shabbos is customary for many.
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Posted 11/6/2024 12:35 PM |
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#5170 Justifying Justice
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- Q. If someone a few times a year walk to a shul on Shabbos that is close to a Jewish cemetery and as he comes close he can see clearly the burial places and the Matzeivos (stones) on them, does he recite the customary brocho of “Yotzar Eschem Badin” (He created you with justice) usually said during the week?
It seems improper to recite it on Shabbos, since we do not say in Shabbos Tziduk Hadin.
A. Mahari Assad (Y.D. 371: 1) quoted by Piskei Teshuva (O.H. 224) maintains that we do
say it since it does not actually express “Tziduk” Hadin, or giving justice to the judgment.
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 11/5/2024 6:47 PM |
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#5169 Red Strings Attached?
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- Q. Dear Rov Shlita. Am I allowed to wear during Shabbat where one isn’t allowed to carry, a small piece of the afikoman left from the seder I ate while visiting my grandparents last Pesach? They said it is a segula for not forgeting them and that they should also pray for me and all their grandchildren. Why is it not similar to the red string that many wear and carry?
A. Indeed on a similar question (1412) we wrote:
“Q. May one wear a red string around his wrist while walking in the public domain on Shabbos, if one is accustomed to wear such a string during the week to ward off ayin hara (evil eye)?
A. On question 1113 on this forum we wrote; “Poskim disagree as to the propriety of this popular segula. Orchoseicha Lamdeni (140) prohibits wearing it on the hand.
Hakoton Vehilchoisov (81) quotes a reponsa from Hagrach Kanievsky Shlit”a, ruling that one should abstain from placing such string on a minor to protect him from ayn horah (evil eye), since it may be similar to what the Tosefta (Shabbos 8: 4) considers to be one of the “ways of the Emorites.” However, he mentions that the above may be restricted only to tying the red string on the finger and may not apply to other bodily parts. He quotes such a tradition from the Yerushalaim”s elders, namely to go around Kever Rochel seven times with a red string, before placing it around the neck of the ill. Yechave Da”as (6: 50) asserts that what is not recorded in the Talmud itself, will not be prohibited for being “the ways of the Emorites.”
Be’er Moishe (8: 36) maintains that tying the red string on the hand or the carriage of a child, is a tradition that many used to keep. It is included in the minhagim of our elderly mothers that the Rashbo advises not to belittle, since they have their roots on holy high-ground; even if we do not understand now their reason.
He quotes similar opinions from Kol Bo on mila (p.129) who relates that the Yismach Moishe would advocate the use of the red string for perilous pregnancies. Vayizbor Yosef (115, p. 409) permits the use of a red string chain with a ruby pendant, as long as the intention of its use is for heaven’s sake. Some maintain that the origin of the red string remotes to Kolev’s and Pinchas advise to Rochov, to save herself by keeping the ‘Tikvas Hashoni’ in her window.
Others claim that it goes back to even earlier times: to the birth of Zerach, son of Yehuda and Tamar. The posuk (Bereshis 38: 28) reads; And it came about when she gave birth, that he (the infant) stretched out his hand. So the midwife took and bound a crimson thread on his hand, saying, “This one came out first.”
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlita opinion is that one should maintain the minhagim and traditions of ones family.
In regards to carrying it on Shabbos where there is no eiruv. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that the red string is similar to a kamia (an amulet or charm). A kamiah is an item which is supposed to contain supernatural powers for providing safety, healing and the like. Such items can be a parchment, a symbol item, an herb or similar.
Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 301: 25) rules that a kamia that has not been verified to be effective, one may not go out with it into a public domain on Shabbos, because we suspect that perhaps it does not work at all and therefore does not have the status of an ornament. Therefore, even if one always wears a red string, he should not carry it where there is no eiruv on Shabbos.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a.
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Posted 11/3/2024 10:33 AM |
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#5168 Mentalist Ability Test?
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- Q. Long Life to Kvod Horav. The Ezer Mitzion and other organizations helping Israel invited master mentalist Lior Suchard to Toronto and he will be visiting here next week. I heard that his show is truly wonderful. My question is, is one by Halacha, permitted to attend the show and even bring his children with?
A. Firstly, we must understand what are we dealing with.
Mentalism (as described in Wikipedia and by others), is a performing art, in which its practitioners, known as mentalists, appear to demonstrate highly developed mental or intuitive abilities.
Mentalists perform also a theatrical act that includes special effects that may appear to employ psychic or supernatural forces but that is actually achieved by "ordinary conjuring means", natural human abilities (i.e. reading body language, refined intuition, subliminal communication, emotional intelligence), and an in-depth understanding of key principles from human psychology or other behavioral sciences. Performances may appear to include hypnosis, telepathy, clairvoyance, divination, precognition, psychokinesis, mediumship, mind control, memory feats, deduction, and rapid mathematics.
Mentalism is also commonly classified as a subcategory of magic and, when performed by a stage magician, may also be referred to as mental magic. However, many professional mentalists today may generally distinguish themselves from magicians, insisting that their art form leverages a distinct skillset.
Instead of doing "magic tricks", mentalists argue that they produce psychological experiences for the mind and imagination, and expand reality with explorations of psychology, suggestion, and influence. Mentalists are also often considered psychic entertainers, although that category also contains non-mentalist performers such as psychic readers and bizarrists.
They are also known as a mind-reader or psychological illusionist. A mentalist uses a combination of psychology, magic tricks, neuro-linguistic programming, sleight of hand, showmanship, and pseudo-psychology to create an environment where it feels like they are able to attract your attention and access your thoughts, and influence your behavior.
See further questions.
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Posted 11/1/2024 12:27 PM |
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#5167 Flying With the Wind
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- Q. When one's tie is flying in the wind, is it a problem on Shabbos?
A. Asuming that the question involves walking during Shabbos in a place without a proper Eiruv, so one may be then considered as carrying an object in a Public Domain during Shabbos, therefore, if people normally walk like that in a windy day, it would be permitted.
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Posted 11/1/2024 12:23 PM |
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#5166 Bible Belt and Braces?
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Q. See question above. Is it a Mitzva to burn them?
A. If it won’t create any Chilul Hashem or increase in any way, now or in the future, enmity and conflict from others, it is permitted. Yet because of the complexities involved, further proper consultation in every case is needed.
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Posted 11/1/2024 12:19 PM |
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#5165 Bible Bashers?
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Q. Is it permitted to use the pages of the King James Bible as kindling for a fireplace, (during winter, as I deal with discarded books), or are they Osur B'Hano'o (prohibited in benefit)?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that if the name of Hashem is written in Hebrew (Yud Kei Vov Kei) it would be prohibited to burn them, since one is destroying Hashem’s name. If not, there is no prohibition to burn them and then to benefit from the fire.
See next question.
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Posted 11/1/2024 12:11 PM |
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#5164 Sly As a Fox?
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Q. The Gemara (שבת סז) says that a fox tooth from a live fox helps you stay awake. Is this permitted to do? Does this still work nowadays? (If Horav Miller says “yes” please ask him if the fox has to remain alive for it to work or as long as it was taken from a live fox it works.
Also does it have to be touching your skin or is it good enough if your just wearing it. Also does it have to be whole or can you make a hole in it?). Can you use it for Simchas Beis Hasoeva or for Nitel Nighth? Thank you
A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a opinion is that as, we have mentioned in other Shailos since the nature of the universe keeps constantly changing, one should not rely on curing methods and medicines or drugs used in the past without proper updated medical advice.
See questions 4107, 4272, 3841, 2839, 2860, 2422, 1982, 1836, and others.
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Posted 10/27/2024 11:24 AM |
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#5163 Don’t Be Too Happy?
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- Q. See question above. If someone also plays himself a musical instrument, can he in the above situation still play?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a opinion is that in such a case one it is preferable to abstain.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a.
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Posted 10/22/2024 9:01 PM |
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#5161- Follow The Sign
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- Q. See questions above. Kvod Rabbenu Shlit”a. Is it better in our days of increasing hate and antisemitism that we should place at the entrance of our Sukot that are often by us in the front facing to the street, a large sign that every passerby can read, with a blessing for being blessed with peace with all of our Gentile neighbors, that they can also see?
A. Harav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a opinion is that you should consult with an accepted and recognized Rov that is familiar with your neighbors and he should make the proper and right decision.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a.
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Posted 10/22/2024 8:26 PM |
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#5160 Sleep On This Suka?
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- Q. Dear Rabbi. As we are starting to build our Sukot, in this difficult year of antisemitism and hate to Jews that many now encounter in our neighborhoods, to avoid placing our Suka in the front of our homes facing the street as we always do, and better building it in the back yard?
A. On question 2869 we wrote:
Q. Due to the fruit trees growing nicely on our back yard, we decided this year to make the suka on the front yard facing the street. The problem is that our neighborhood is lately not that safe anymore, and the kids and me too, are afraid to sleep close to the street. Someone told me that there may be a shailah with the suka and it may not be kosher at all, since it isn’t fit to sleep in it at night. Is that true?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 640: 4) rules that one should not erect his suka on a smelly or windy site, that will exempt him from eating or sleeping there, due to the smell or the cold wind. Rema (ibid.) adds that if he is afraid from robbers or thieves when he is in his suka, he does not comply with the mitzva even when the fear is not there, as during the day (Mishna Berura 19).
Mishna Berura (ibid. 20) however, quotes Poskim (Lebush, Magen Avraham, see Biur Halacha ibid.), who maintain that after the fact one complies, since one can eat there without fear during the day.
Shaarei Teshuva (ibid.) quotes a similar ruling in the name of the Chacham Tzvi. He also adds that often in northern countries, it is too cold at night to sleep in the suka and yet we do eat there during the day.
Piskei Teshuvos (640: n. 18) mentions that it is common for some shuls, apartment buildings and restaurants to keep an empty suka that is close to the street for all to use, that is left unlocked at night. (See also question 929, regarding a small suka of 70cm. by 70 cm., in which one can hardly sleep there).
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a added, that even a suka where one would not spend the night in it for security reasons, one may well sleep there during the day and therefore it is called fit for sleep.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a.
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Posted 10/15/2024 5:54 PM |
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Important Numbers
