|
|
|
|
Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
|
|
|
|
|
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
|
|
|
|
|
# 1752 Convert Alert!
|
|
|
Q. Thank you for getting back to me, let me rephrase the question.
A non-Jew that was a very religious dedicated Catholic for many years (actually a priest) and decided to convert to Judaism, since he argues that finally he saw the real truth. Can he be trusted that he has really abandoned his former strong beliefs, since he may even be deceiving himself, and besides he does not have a chezkas kashrus yet? What is Horav Miller's opinion in regards a Beis Din accepting him as a ger?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion is that teshuva is open in principle to all, and the truth is to be found in the depths of the hearts of all human beings.
The Rov suggested that in this particular case the gerus candidate should be offered a priori the easier option of becoming a Ger Toshav, or a Noahide who keeps the seven mitzvos. If he is adamant and insists to becoming a full fledged Ger Tzedek, more preparatory time should be requested from the applicant. (some Batei Din as is have a five year waiting period).
The Rov added that a precise and clear expression of denial of his prior beliefs should also be requested by the Beis Din.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 6/15/2018 9:02 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 1751 A Shaila Wound Around Your Little Finger
|
|
|
Q. Is there a source for the minhag that some people have to point with their little or pinky finger to the Torah when hagbaah is done? Why that finger?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 134: 2) mentions that at the time of hagbaa the presents should be shown the
writing on the Sefer Torah and they should see it and exclaim: Vezos Hatorah... This is the Torah that Moshe placed before the Children of Israel. Mishna Berura (ibid. 12) rules that the above should only be said in front of the Sefer Torah.
Minhag Yisroel Torah (1: 134: 2) mentions that the expression "ze" and similarly "zos' are used for pointing with the finger (See Menohos 29a and Chulin 42a).
Yalkut Meam Loez (Ki Savo 27: 26) indicates that it is a minhag to point with the "zeres" or small finger and then to kiss it.
Rav Chaim Falaggi (Sefer Hachaim 3: 6 and Ruach Chaim Y.D. 285. See also Lev Chaim O.H. 167: 6) quotes different Midrashic sources for using the finger and also mentions using the index finger.
It is quoted in the name of Horav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg zt"l that he gave the following explanation: The Torah lists the ten generations from Noah until Abraham, including Yoktan, who established the largest number of families. Rashi notes that Yoktan merited establishing so many families due to his great humility as his name indicates (from the root katan-little). Horav Scheinberg went on to explain that when pointing at the Torah we take this lesson to heart and we point with our smallest finger - the pinkie - to indicate that we should reach out to try to gain understanding of the Torah with the utmost humility and thus merit to succeed in this aspiration. (Ask The Rabbi - Eish Hatorah, See also Kovetz Beis Vaad L'Chachomim p. 498).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 6/13/2018 11:25 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 1750 Keep Alive the Food's Good Spirits
|
|
|
Q. Is someone had some food in his pockets and entered a cemetery, can he eat the food after he goes out? Is there an issue of ruach ra (bad spirit) involved?
A. Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 368: ) rules that one should honor, behave respectfully and not eat while visiting a cemetery. It would seem that the food brought therein does not become prohibited. So it would appear from Talmud Eiruvin (31a) that for Kohanim there is an issue of placing the food eruv on a kever, apparently for others it does not matter. Vayilaket Yosef (132) quotes from sidur Nahar Sholom a minhag to give out on Erev Yom Kippur sweet foods in the Bais Olam.
However, Eliahu Rabbah (O.H. 224) quoted by Hagaos R.A.Eiger (y.D. 376), explains that one of the reasons of not taking out food from an avel's home during the shiva days, is due to the ruach-ra that permeates the site. (See question 11)
Nevertheless, Chaye Adam (2: 2, in regards to food touched before washing hands after a night-sleep), Nishmas Yisroel (p. 911), Vaylaket Yosef (ibid.), Shevet Hakehosi (4: 288) and others, permit after the fact the food that entered a cemetery.
Horav Shlomo miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar.
In regards to food that is maintained in a container that has a free space of a tefach (about 10 cm.) above the food, the Rov maintains that it is preferable. The Rov added that even on the onset it is permitted to bring food maintained inside a car entering a cemetery, as it is considered a separate domain. (See question 613 in regards to one sitting in a car and standing for an elderly person walking by).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 6/13/2018 11:12 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 1749 Chew This One Over
|
|
|
Q. Does Rav Miller Shlita also hold that you don't make a brocho on flavored chewing gum (as in Listerine strips see prior question 1739)? Don't you eat and enjoy the flavoring agents and sweetener mixed with the gum?
A. Contemporary Poskim disagree whether a blessing must be recited before chewing gum. Many maintain that since Shulchan Aruch (O. H. 202: 15) rules that; “One recites shehakol on sugar, and shehakol is also recited when sucking sweet sticks.” Since sugar or other sweetening and flavoring agents are sucked and swallowed when chewing the gum a shehakol should be said. (Igrois Moshe, O.H. 2: 57, Yabia Omer 7: 33, 9: 108, Or L’Tzion 2: 14: 8.
However, Birkas Hashem (Maamorim 1) maintains that since the gum’s taste is first absorbed into one’s saliva before being swallowed and saliva, even if flavored, is not something upon which a blessing is ever recited, therefore no brocho is said. Shulchan Aruch (210:2) rules that for tasting alone, no blessing is recited. Magen Avraham (9) explains that when the item in question is not swallowed, there was no enactment for a blessing, and refers to Rema (567: 3) which discusses chewing cinnamon sticks. Some have brought this as a proof that one should not recite a blessing over chewing gum, for it is comparable to the cinnamon sticks, which give off taste that is swallowed with a person’s saliva. Zera Emes (87) includes the chewing of a “sweet stick that moistens the mouth, and is spit it out after it is fully chewed” in the ruling of Rema.
Other Poskim also agree, since chewing gum is not considered to be your normal “hanoas achila,” or the way in which food is typically enjoyed. (Yaskil Avdi 8: 20: 54; Yitzchak Yeranen 37. See also Rabbi Chaim Tabasky, “Gum,” Ask the Rabbi, Beit El Yeshiva Center’s Yeshiva.org, 2 Kislev 5767). Some Poskim differentiate between regular and sugar-free gum.
Horav Yisroel Belsky zt’l is quoted asserting that hard gum requires a blessing, while soft gum does not. The reason for the difference is that pieces of the candy shell of hard gum are treated as candy and are actually eaten when chewing it.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that chewing gum is not considered an eating act and no brocho is recited.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 6/11/2018 10:46 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 1748 A Drinking Problem
|
|
|
Q. Dear Rabbi Bartfeld, Can you please ask HoRav Miller Shlit'a if it is best to refrain from scotch in sherry casks due to the isur hanaah (prohibition of deriving benefit) of stam yayin (non-kosher wine). Thank you.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion that the hetter he gave for scotch in sherry casks stands. However, he qualified it as an issue of “hoiro bo chochom,” or that had a shayla and a subsequent permissible ruling. See Chulin 37b where the Talmud explains the praise given on Yechezkel Hanovi as: “He never ate from (the meat) of questionable animal that a Sage ruled (permissibly) on it,” (known as not Glatt).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 6/11/2018 12:39 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 1747 Amen? Ken!
|
|
|
Q. If my minhag is not to say Baruch Hashem l'olam in Maariv (due to concerns of hefsek between geula and tefilla), should I also avoid saying Amein to this bracha?
A. Mishna Berura (66: 27) and Biur Halacha (ibid.) maintain that after reciting "Shomer Amo Yisrael Load," after the brochos of shema in maariv, one is regarded as being bein haprokim. Therefore, Horav Shlomo Miler's Shlit'a opinion is that one can and should answer amen on any brocho he hears.
The fact that one, following his minhag, does not recite that brocho, does not make that an inherently incorrect blessing, since the minhag of others is to recite.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 6/10/2018 11:30 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 1746 See The Light?
|
|
|
Q. I will fly be"h Sunday June 3 from JFK to Moscow flight time 1:05 AM scheduled to arrive in Moscow 5:20 P.M. local time. Moscow is 7 hours ahead of NY when should I daven shacharis?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that this is similar to the common trip to Eretz Yisroel, where people put on tefilin and daven in the plane, when they see the sunrise through the plane's windows, if they will arrive after the end of the z'man tefila. It is important to do so as soon as possible, since the time for davening shortens when traveling eastward.
Horav Dovid Pam Shlit'a made us aware of the new dimming windows available on Boeing's 787 airplanes, which are darkened by an electrical current that usually each passenger in a window seat can control. But they're also networked together, so at times only flight personnel can control, permitting the darkness in the plane so passengers can sleep. In such case you may have to have a watch and a chart of the flight plan including a zemanin table to figure out where you are and when sunrise is or if available use the map provided in the screen. Usually the small windows on the doors of the plane are not darkened.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 6/8/2018 7:28 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 1745 A Perfect Stranger?
|
|
|
Q. A Shadchanit called me about a shiduch and we went on a date. She told me that everything was okay with the boy, but on the date I had a feeling that he was somehow "distant", and some of his responses seemed "off", as though he was answering a slightly different question from the one I was asking. Otherwise, he seemed nice. I accepted to go out with him again, and he is traveling this week from another city to meet me. Mean time, I contacted one of my friends in that place who knows him and I was told that he suffers slightly from some kind of syndrome. I’m not sure I’m interested in this shiduch anymore, but he has already bought his plane ticket and I doubt he can get a refund. He also made arrangements to stay here with a friend and it would be very embarrassing for him to have to cancel.
So I don’t know what is the correct thing to do, should I keep the date, even if there is only a small chance that this shiduch will progress, or just be truthful and cancel everything?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that taking into account the human reality that there is hardly anyone that can be deemed to be totally and completely healthy and perfect, both in body and mind, as long as there is a possibility for a positive outcome, you should continue with the accepted date, and daven to Hashem for the right guidance and assistance.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 6/8/2018 3:15 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 1744 Have a Gezunt Gut Shabbos
|
|
|
Q. As I mentioned yesterday I have lately some respiratory problems and I am waiting to see a specialist (takes too long).
I cannot walk long time,, cannot climb stairs and very often I have some coughing attack – especially night time.
I am using a CPAC machine to distribute oxygen when I am sleeping.
1. What is the Chalacha to use this kind of machine on Shabbat? It has a small electric motor that is helping to pump air into your body.
2. When I am using it I am getting dry mouth and have to drink a few sip of water on night time. What to do on a fast day?
Maybe you had this questions answered on Frum Toronto.
A. Indeed we addressed the question on 389 and 467, which I quote: "If someone has sleep apnea, and is advised by doctor to use a sleep apnea machine every night, can one use it on Shabbos, which requires pushing an electric button to activate it and turning it off in the morning?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that when there is a compelling need for operating the apnea machine on Shabbos, as when the user cannot fall asleep without it (even if his life is not presently in danger), it can be used if it is connected to a timer that automatically turns it on. It should also be the type of machine that does not have a sensor that turns it on and off, responding to the breathing and also adjusts accordingly the pressure needed in real time, (APAP or Auto Positive Airway Pressure system) but rather the simpler continuous air stream machine.
A trial should be done before Shabbos to see if the timer set up works properly."
You use a CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, which is a form of positive airway pressure ventilator, that applies mild air pressure on a continuous basis to keep the airways continuously open in people who are able to breathe spontaneously on their own. From our recent conversation, it is clear that this machine is also controlled by the breathing of the user and it is also continuously monitored remotely by technicians at a central location.
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a suggested to have them add to the machine an optional switch that can override the sensors and monitoring devices for Shabbos use.
If that is not a possibility the Rov further suggested to obtain for Shabbos use, a simple continuous respirator. You should consult with your doctor before doing any changes.
Please get back to us I you were not able to do the above.
As far as alleviating the dry mouth ailment during a fast day, the Rov would recommend using a humidifier, after consulting with the physician and the technicians involved. The Rov also suggested if possible just gargling with water, without actually swallowing. This would not be permitted during Yom Kippur.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 6/8/2018 3:03 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 1743 Don't Trip on that Trip
|
|
|
Q. Is one permitted to leave Eretz Yisroel to visit an ailing parent who has intermarried?
A. See questions 646 and 647 in regards to sitting shiva, mourning and burial for someone who intermarried, and is regarded for some issues as having abandoned Judaism.
However, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if there is a chance that he can influence his parent to become a proper baal teshuva, or even begin to think about doing teshuva, he may visit.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 6/8/2018 9:03 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 1742 Not New - No Sheheya-nu
|
|
|
Q. I live in Eretz Yisroel where varied fruits are not available all year. Rather, they appear in the stores as they are harvested. Around now, after Shavuos, is when ripe sweet grapes are being sold, coincidentally when we are reading Parashas Shlach.
(Coincidentally, not incidentally, as Coincide = Co (Hashem) is inside. -- From the daily nuggets of Rav Refael Moshe Carlebach, may he have a quick refua sheleima.)
Can we make Shehecheyanu on new season grapes, since we drink wine all year? Similarly, can we make Shehecheyanu on oranges, since orange juice is available all year?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that since in developed countries, for the right price you can usually buy stored fruits in controlled atmosphere (nitrogen) and cold storage that look and taste fresh year round or imports at supermarkets all over. Therefore, there is no real inherent great simcha and joy when they appear in stores on their collection season. Additionally, Israel is in the forefront of growing fruits during all seasons. See article "Israeli experts develop grapes that grow all year round" (Ynet 4/4/2015 and others). This fruits often can be seen at weddings or other special banquet occasions during the whole year.
Adding to the above the fact you mentioned of the constant availability of wine and fruit juices the Rov's opinion is not to recite sheheyanu.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 6/7/2018 3:45 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 1741 Conflicts in Interest
|
|
|
Q. Question regarding Ribbis. If one jew lends money to another jew and the other jew who is not observant wants to pay back the favor with money or a sizable gift. The lender explains to the the the other jew that it is strictly prohibited as its considered interest. Since the jew who was loaned the money is demanding to pay back some type of favor, can the lender suggest that she donate money for a shul or sefarim, or can he ask her to repay the favor by starting to keep Shabbos or kosher.
A. Although in principle the prohibition of collecting interest applies only when monies are transferred from the borrower to the lender (Baba Metzia 69b), Poskim maintain that if at the time of borrowing a condition was made, that besides the loan repayment, a sum of money should be donated by the borrower to an institution or to the needy, there could be an issue of ribbis ketzutza (pre-established interest) and may even be Biblically prohibited. (Minchas Yitzchok 6: 78, Lev Aryeh 16, Beis Yehuda 6: 14 and others). In no condition was stipulated at the time of borrowing and the borrower, from his own free will wants to donate to tzedaka, Poskim seem to agree that it is permitted, as would also be starting to keep Shabbos or kosher, which are obligations that one must anyway keep.
In regards to instructing or suggesting to the volunteering borrower to donate to an institution preferred by the lender, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that he should not demand, request or even expect that a contribution should be given to an institution or needy individual the lender has a vested interest to benefit.
However, he may simply suggest that since everyone has a mitzva to contribute tzedaka or help Torah institutions, if the borrower voluntarily so desires, the lender can suggest some that are worthwhile or provide the name of a competent Rabbi who can advise correctly.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 6/7/2018 3:41 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 1740 Sometime One Time is Just Fine
|
|
|
Q. Regarding what Rav Miller wrote that one may attend a university class, etc. on Shabbos, why is it not a Chillul Hashem? Even the goyim understand that for Jewish people Shabbos is a day of rest. And on the contrary if one stands up for one's values and says that he cannot attend and will trust in Hashem to provide his parnassa in a different way, would this not be a Kiddush Hashem?
A. If you read the answer (question 1736) again you will certainly notice that it says; "in case of need (parnassa), since this is only a one time occasion." Need here means; a single mother with children that need parnassa, food, clothing and rent, that they don't have. A similar need situation, you will find on question 156 quoted, where it is a one time occasion for someone dedicated to saving lives. Even Gentiles would understand that difference.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 6/7/2018 3:38 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 1739 Thresh the Bracha on Fresh Breath?
|
|
|
Q. Do you make a bracha on Listerine strips?
A. Chayei Adam (51: 15) rules that when tasting food, even if the food provides a pleasure sensation, if it is not swallowed, no brocho is recited. (See Vesein Brocho p. 203).
On Listerine Pocketpaks Strips, contemporary Poskim disagree. The following opinions are quoted in different articles. According to Horav Yisroel Belsky, Horav Forscheimer and Horav Doniel Neustadt, a shehakol is recited. However, Harav Ephraim Greenblatt, Horav Pinchos Bodner, Horav Wikler, Horav Felder, Horav Fuerst and others maintain that no brocho is said.
Harav Forst asserts that a bracha is said if it is being taken for flavor, but not if it is only taken for fresh breath. (See Halachically Speaking Volume 5, Issue 3, Page 4. et. al.).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that no brocho is recited.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 6/7/2018 3:35 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 1738 A Brocho in a Nutshell
|
|
|
Q. If I made a mezonos brocho on a cracker with peanut butter and I have left some of the peanut butter on the knife I used and want to eat it the leftover by itself, do I have to make a shehakol?
What brocho do you make on chunky peanut butter, that has peanut lumps mixed in it?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that you don't have to recite a shehakol brocho on the reminder peanut butter since it was already included in the original mezonos brocho.
In regards to the brocho on chunky peanut butter the Rov's opinion is that the shehakol brocho is maintained, and no haadama has to be recited, since it the majority of the product is the paste and not the solid peanut pieces.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 6/4/2018 10:55 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 1737 Prisoner with Conscience?
|
|
|
Q. Is there a mitzva of Pidyon Shevuim to try to free a Jewish convicted murderer who has been imprisoned for 28 years? He now puts on tefilin and is a hopeful complete baal teshuva. Should money be collected for helping him seek his release?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that, if he indeed is remorseful and contrite on the murder he committed and is also on his way to becoming a baal teshuva, he is entitled to pidyon shevuim.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 6/3/2018 10:46 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 1736 In the Swim of Things
|
|
|
Q. I'm thinking about working as a baby swim instructor but have to go on an 8-day retreat to complete the training. I will be only listening to instructions and be in the swimming pool. Can I do this over Shabbos if I don't have to write? Can I do it or teach over the 9 days if necessary?
A. Shulhan Aruch (O. C. 339: 2) permits in principle to swim on Shabbos in a pool that is entirely surrounded by walls, as most of our pools are and you can therefore carry in the area.
However, many Poskim in our days prohibit not only swimming but just soaking even in an unheated pool. (Igrois Moshe E.H 2: 13, Minchas Yitzchok 5: 32, Beer Moshe 3: 56, Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchasah 14:12; Yaskil Avdi 6:1, et. al.)
Different reasons are mentioned for this prohibition such as; One may improvise or fix swimming or floating paraphernalia. (Kitzur ibid.). Or one come to squeeze out water from a towel, wet bathing suit or hair. Even taking a cold shower is not allowed. Playing by a pool causes great loss to the intended holiness of Shabbos. However, when the immersion is done for a mitzva purpose, such as tevila in a mikva, it is allowed. Poskim also permit when the bathing is needed for the ill (Yeshuos Moshe 3: 35, Piskei Teshuvos 339: n. 4).
In principle, one may attend in case of need a class or university lecture during Shabbos. Conditionally if, one will not come to touch muktza articles, carry or do any other even Rabbinical melochos. (See question 156).
Therefore, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in case of need (parnassa), since this is only a one time occasion, you may join that instruction group. However, you may not swim on Shabbos, you have to be careful with drying hair or squeezing water of the bathing suit. (The Rov maintains that it is allowed, since people usually are not makpid or care if their bathing clothes are wet).
You must prepare well, all the needs to observe Shabbos properly, including timers, candles, kiddush, chalos etc., to maintain the becoming spirit of kedushas Shabbos.
The Rov maintains that the above could be done even in the nine days in case of great need, otherwise it should be avoided.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 6/1/2018 6:39 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 1735 Waiter! Where Is My Worm?
|
|
|
Q. (See above question 1734) Does this apply to other foods and liquids besides fruits and vegetables, like tequila?
A. Shulchan Aruch (84) rules that what was mentioned in the last question in regards to fruits applies equally to worms that grow inside the water, meat, fish, cheese etc. However, each food or media has its own particular Halachos and details.
Tequila is a regional distilled beverage and type of alcoholic drink made from the blue agave plant. Contrary to popular belief, a common Tequila does not usually contain a worm. It only in the Tequila's lower class similar, the Mezcal that worms were used. The larva is usually either a gusano rojo ("red worm") or a chinicuil ("maguey worm"), the caterpillar of the comadia redtenbacheri moth. The red worm is typically considered tastier and according to some, was added for flavor the Mezcal. It may have been added as a proof to the alcohol content of the drink, as the worm was preserved.
In recent times, as a commercial curiosity incentive, some bottlers began adding a worm to their tequila too.
Obviously, since the worm, grew on the ground attached agave plant and was collected and placed on the alcoholic drink, it is prohibited to be consumed as any other crawling sheretz.
In regards to the worm prohibiting the Mezcal or Tequila drink even if there are sixty parts of drink to the volume of the worm and therefore annuling its effect, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if it was placed for flavor purposes it prohibits the beverage.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 6/1/2018 11:36 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 1734 Worm One's Way In
|
|
|
Q. Is it true that if I find a worm inside a fruit that did not crawl out from the inside of the fruit, it is kosher and one may eat it? Does that mean it can be just picked up, with or without a piece of fruit and be eaten? What bracha does one make on it? Can one dip it in chocolate syrup and dried it as the goyim do (with ants)?
A. The Torah prohibits the consumption of worms, and all other insects, as it is written; (Vayikra 41: 11) And any creeping creature that creeps on the ground is an abomination; it shall not be eaten. The prohibition on eating any sheretz is very severe and often the consumption of a single insect may be a concurrent violation of multiple Biblical proscriptions.(Makos 16b).
There are, however, some exceptions to the rule. One of them is that it is permitted to eat a worm that grew in a fruit that has been detached from the ground and has never crawled out of the fruit or been exposed even partially to the outside air, even if it then returns to the inside. However, worms and other insects which grew in a fruit while it was still attached to the tree are forbidden to be eaten. (Chulin 67a - Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 84: 4). When in doubt, since we are dealing with numerous severe Biblical prohibitions, they remain forbidden. (ibid: 7 and Shach 21, and Pri Megodim 384: 21).
From the above it is apparent, that unless the fruits where grown in a controlled laboratory environment, there would a sofek or doubt at what point the worms developed, and thus prohibited.
Even if there was certainty that the worm developed after the fruit was already detached and they never left the inside of the fruit, there would be prohibited due to the Baal Teshaktzu or eating foods which are disgusting proscription: (Avoda Zara 68b, Maharshal, quoted in Taz 84: 23, Yam Shel Shlomo - Eilu Treifos 104).
Shevet Halevy (7: 123: 3) quoting from Minchas Chinuch (163: 8), rules that even when not prohibited because of sheretz, if eaten with the fruit there would be a Rabbinical prohibition of Baal Teshaktzu. However, if eaten separately, it would be Biblical.
Additionally Shach (Y.D. 84: 46) mentions that there is also a prohibition of Maaras Ayin (doing something that to the observer may appear as a prohibited act).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 6/1/2018 11:34 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 1733 Call In Your Chips?
|
|
|
Q. B"H - Shalom Dear Rabbi,
In Sweden, many people have started to use microchip implants to replace car keys, credit cards and ID Cards.
1. Based on Daat Torah, Is that permissible?
2.In case it becomes the law of the land, will that be permissible?
Thanks!
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that although the microchip cannot be used on Shabbos, one is allowed to carry it in a reshus horabbim, once it was placed inside the body. (See Piskei Teshuvos 301: 28, that all medical devices properly attached to the body, one is permitted to carry on Shabbos, even when not in actual use).
There is also no issue of chatzitza, when immersing in a mikva,
There is also no prohibition of cutting or piercing oneself when when the microchip is being installed, (chovel beatzmo, Bava Kamma 91b, Shulchan Aruch Y. D. 116)) since it is done for a specific need.
However, the Rov recommended abstaining if possible from implanting the device, as we are still unfamiliar with the long term effects it may have on the surrounding body cells.
There may be additional issues of security and losses by one’s identity being stolen, as the risks of the electronic code in the chip being copied are known, as it has often been done with credit cards etc.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 6/1/2018 1:49 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
Important Numbers
