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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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#5618 The Final Report Card!
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– Q. Dear Rabbi as you mentioned “The very last posuk of the Torah finishes with the words; “Moshe performed before the eyes of all Israel”: Rashi explains that this refers to the incident where Moshe Rabbenu smashed the Luchos, as it is said, “and I shattered them before your eyes” (Deut. 9:17- Shabbos. 87a).
Since those are the very last words of the Torah, the ones that we read on the great siyum on Simchas Torah and we eternally honor and rejoice with. Would it not have been more fitting to choose another more positive, appropriate and magnificent chapter to finish the Torah with, than the pathetic making of the eigel and the subsequent tragic braking of the Luchos?
A. My young grandson Binyomin Gestetner once answered to that question the following: ”What I think the answer is that Moshe’s parting words hinted to the idea that no matter what sins Israel commits Hashem will always let out his anger on objects rather than destroy us.”
I wrote to him back: “Beautiful answer that stresses the principle of the survival and perpetuity of Am Yisroel as the most important parting message.
More yet, there is so much more that is being alluded to here. Another perception deals with the Luchos and the Shivrei Luchos , the broken down pieces of the Luchos, both resting in the Aron of the Mishkan. “
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 10/21/2025 10:09 PM |
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#5617 The Real Right Reading?
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- Q. Subject: Birkas Kohanim - Omor Lahem (Bamidbar 6:23): Who should be the makre (reader)?
Dear Rabbi SHELITA, Please ask HaRav Shlomo Miller the following:
1. When the Sheliach Tzibur is NOT a Kohen, should he be the one exclusively pre-announcing the 15 Birkas Kohanim words (Yevarechecha....Shalom) for the Kohanim to repeat (as per SH"A OC 128:13) or can the Makre always be anyone else in the minyan (ibid Seif 18 "mipi hamakre")?
2. IF it indeed belongs Sheliach Tzibur and someone else chapped to be the Makre before the SHA"TZ, would he liable Asara Zehuvim for the part of the miztvah of "Omor Lahem" as in the case in the Gemera (when one snatched someone else's mitzvah of Kisui Hdam or Zimun)?I presume that while this already happening, it would not be appropriate for the SHA"TZ to also be Makre as 2 voices (trei koile) will add to the confusion between the makre and Kohanim.(This e-mail was sent from a contact form on Congregation Bais Dov Yosef (http://asktherabbi.ca/)).
A. Horav Dovid Pam Shlit’a and other Rabbonim agree that if the permission to do the above was granted by a recognized authority of the shul, it is permitted as other helpful minhagim and praying traditions are.
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 10/17/2025 11:53 AM |
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#5615 Not a Happy Ending???
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- Q. See question above. Dear Rov Shlit’a. I did suggest that to the above, yet they were unhappy since they explained that the Torah, for a number of reasons does not have a blessed delightful happy ending. Is that really true? And if yes, why not?
A. In reality, the very last verses of the Torah are the greatest tribute to the greatest leader and Prophet our nation ever had. The ultimate tribute the Torah gives Moshe Rabbenu, is both simple and powerful. He was “Haish” - “the man Moshe,” Bamidbar 12/3, “the servant of the Hashem” (Devarim 34/5).
Vezot Habracha is not read as an ordinary Shabbat portion, but instead we read it during Simchas Torah. It is a powerful statement about mortality, the end of life and what it means to be human. The Moshe that we encounter in our Torah is most truly simply a human being that became specially very great, not only by the incredibly unique and gigantic task he was set to carry out, but more so by his incredible humility and rightfulness.
He thus became the ultimate channel through whom the word and power of Hashem flowed for all of the history of the universe, and all eternity.
It would therefore be wise to try to convince at least one of them to be the chosen “Chatan Torah”, and therefore become closer to Moshe Rabbenu.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
See next question.
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Posted 10/17/2025 11:44 AM |
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#5614 – What is Greater, the End or the Beginning?
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- Q. Dear Rov Shlit’a. Our shul from a Latino American background, that had for years two different minyanim on different floors, due to a number of unforeseen difficulties and circumstances had to close one of them and the two groups united together into one large minyan.
As expected, although both minyanim follow Ashkenaz traditions, plenty issues and differences came about. As the Rov was kind enough to help us solve many, we have survived and expanded.
We have a rather small issue we have to solve for this coming Shabbat Parshat Bereshit.(2025).
Two well to do individuals, the Rov knows,for many years on the separate minyanim, always received the honor of being Chatan Bereshit.
Now this year they are in conflict and it can end up being very harmful for our united shul. What would the Rov advice to do to solve the problem this coming after Yom Tov first Shabbat Bereshit?
A. The solution could be if one of the two candidates would accept the honor of being given the last Aliya of the Torah, and thus become nothing less than the Chatan of the whole Torah. That is seen traditionally as a higher honor that just being the Chatan Bereshit.
See next question.
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Posted 10/16/2025 5:37 PM |
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#5613 - Real Joy to Kill the Real Pain!
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- Q. Dear Rov and friend. As we talked on phone, my husband suffers from terrible prolonged chronic pains. Is it permitted or even recommended for him to take on Simchat Torah, when there is a special great mitzva of joy and happiness that he always so much enjoys, extra pills of pain killers to be able to enjoy a bit more the joy of Yom Tov?
A. On a similar question 3933 we wrote:
“One that suffers from constant chronic pain such as arthritis, does he have to consume extra pain killers pills in order to comply with this mitzva of Simchas Yom Tov?
A. There is a definite consideration to minimize anything that prevents joy and happiness during the days of Yom Tov. However firstly, the physician familiar with the patient's condition should be consulted.
Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 10/16/2025 3:50 PM |
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#5612 Five Strikes and Out?
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- Q. Kvod Horav Shalit’a. How many times does one have to hit the Arovot on Hoshana Rabah? What is Horav Shlomo Miller’s opinion?
A. On question 5612 we wrote:
Q. I have seen often people striking the ground with the arovos on Hoshana Rabba until most or all the leafs are gone, and creating a great mess in the shul or at home is that correct.
A. Mishna Berura (664: 19) quotes Arizal that one should strike the hoshanos five times on the ground followed by hitting on utensils to remove some of the leafs; not all leafs need to be removed.
Bikurei Yaakov asserts that one should hit the arava with might and indeed remove leaffs as this is a symbol to the end of the severity of the days of din and judgment.
However, Chaye Adam (153: 3) mentions that the removal of all leafs is customary by children complying with the mitzva. Mekor Chaim claims it is the minhag of the uneducated and boors.
Piskei Teshuvos (ibid. 5) further explains that the opinion of the Arizal is that none of the leafs should be removed, on the contrary, the aravos should be maintained as kosher as the ones on the lulav, with their leafs on. He adds that according to the Arizal the hoshanos should only be struck on the ground five times. The above is echoed by Kaf Hachaim (ibid. 37), Pri Megodim, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (138: 3) and others.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should follow the minhogim of his family and congregation. However, the Rov advises to collect all leafs, if any were left on the ground and not to step on themas it constitutes bizui or desecration of a mitzva. (See Shharei Tzion ibid. 2).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 10/12/2025 3:23 PM |
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#5611 And Build it Nice!
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- Q. One who at the end of Yom Kippur placed some mats on his Suka, to start with the building mitzva early as mentioned in Halacha, replace them or add to them some more attractive Schach covering such as fresh plants or branches?
A. Indeed he can, yet it is better to add, and not replace the mats that were already in place.
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Posted 10/3/2025 1:17 PM |
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#5610 Build on Time!
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- Q. Dear Rabbi Shlit”a. Is there a mitzva this year (2025) to build the Suka on Friday when we have to be preparing for Shabbat? How about after Chatzot (mid day)?
A. Although Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 251: 1) rules that whoever does work on the afternoon of Erev Shabbat (Friday) does not see any blessing from it, it does not apply to the work done for a mitzva, as the preparations needed for Shabbat.
Some Poskim maintain that it also includes the building of the Suka when not essential especially after Chatzot. (See Kovetz Halochos (1: 11)
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Posted 10/3/2025 1:14 PM |
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#5609 – When Does the Feast Begin - III?
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- Q. A third question to the above Shailah, pertains to whether a person must eat a formal meal including bread, or can simply eat whatever appeals to him.?
A. This question – first raised by the Minchat Chinuch (mitzva 313) - might also be a by product of our fundamental question.
Assuming the mitzva serves only to prepare one for the fast, we might not insist on a meal beginning in ceremonial fashion with bread. If, however, we view the ninth as a separate Yom Tov, it may acquire all aspects of Yom Tov, including the beginning of a proper meal.
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Posted 10/3/2025 1:05 PM |
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#5608 – When Does the Feast Begin - II?
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- Q. A second question pertains to the obligation to eat during the night of the ninth?
A. See question above. The Ran (Nedarim 63b) suggests that the mitzva applies both by night and by day, whereas it seems that Conceivably, this question stems from the nature of the mitzva. Assuming the mitzva is geared toward preparing us for the fast, we might not apply it at night, since food eaten at that point would not necessarily help one fast.
If, however, we acknowledge the status of the ninth as a separate Yom Tov, the mitzva of eating might indeed begin the night before, akin to all other Yamim Tovim. In fact, many poskim suggested not saying Tachanun during Mincha of the eighth, since we never say Tachanun during Mincha preceding a Yom Tov beginning that night.
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Posted 10/3/2025 1:02 PM |
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#5607 – When Does the Feast Begin?
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- Q. See question above. I wonder if the mitzva of eating on Erev Yom Kippur applies to the night before also, or is it just on the day?
A. Poskim disagree. From Rashi on Kesuvos 5a it seems that the mitzva does not apply at night. However the Ran (Nedorim 63b) considers that it does.
See next question.
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Posted 9/30/2025 11:05 PM |
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#5606 Better Late than Never!
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- Q. Kevod Rabbenu Shlit”a. Our elderly Rabbi was sadly not filling well this past Shabbat Teshuva and was unable to deliver his great and very well attended customary drasha.
He asked me to reach you and consult with you if he should now on Motze Shabbat send to all his usual large group of members and attendants an email notification that his very necessary message of rebuilding the shul and enhancing the Torah shiurim should be delivered tomorrow Sunday?
He also questions if he is indeed permitted and should do so, if he could then still name it a “Shabbat Teshuva Drasha” when it is delivered on Sunday?
A. We already had a similar question many years back, and the answer of the Gedolim consulted then, was that it can and should be done. Yet, it should be also mentioned that this will, be the message that was, but couldn’t be delivered before.
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Posted 9/29/2025 8:37 PM |
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#5605 – The Best Shabbat Teshuva Drasha!!!
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- Q. Dearest Rabbi, we have in our shul in Mexico a difficult situation.
Since next Shabbat is Shabbat Teshuva, our Rabbi usually speaks and gives the special Drashah of Shabbat Teshuva. On this particular occasion we also have a Bar Mitzva of a great and smart son of one of the main and large families in Shul.
Due to the time factors involved and the very large attendance expected for the great Bar Mitzva festivity we all want to avoid a conflict. As the Rov knows well the families and shul involved, what is the correct thing to do?
A. I was already approached by the familiar family and I have also spoken to the Rabbi. I suggested that since the Bar Mitzva boy is actually very smart and capable, the Rabbi should join with him and prepare together a linked most beautiful Drasha said and shared by both.
No question that the suggestion carries a great potential to induce and educate our youngsters in the learning of Torah and show all the importance of the greatest mitzva right in the most correct time of the year. It will also likely grant great memories for the Bar Mitzva boy and his family.
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 9/26/2025 4:44 PM |
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#5604 Days of Joy! Really?
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- Q. During the days of Teshuva (from Rosh Hashana until Yom Kippur) should an Avel or mourner lead the sevices in our minyan? After all they are seen as days of joy.
A. Magen Avrohom (O.H. 581: 4) maintains that he should not if there is someone else who can lead the services. However other Poskim disagree. See coming question.
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 9/26/2025 4:40 PM |
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#5603 A Yom Kippur Kiddush Issue, Really???
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- Q. Kvod Rabeinu Shlit’a. In our new Minyan we have a disagreement as to when is best to do Kiddush Levana before Yom Kippur, as on this coming Motzei Shabbat Vayelech – Shabbat Teshuva (2025), or to wait until after Yom Kippur. Which is more correct?
A. There are different opinions. The Remah (O.H. 602: 1) indeed maintains that one should wait until the end of Yom Kippur. However the opinion of Hagrah (Gaon of Vilna) is that one can do it before. The disagreement may depend on the Simcha and joy one acquires after Yom Kippur.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that one should follow the opinion of his family or the shul in which he davens, avoiding all kinds of confrontations.
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 9/26/2025 4:38 PM |
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#Q. 5602 Order an Order for Order!!!
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Q: on Rosh Hashana Night, what is the proper order of the brachos (blessings) and the yehi ratzon (‘may it be your will’) that is recited when and after the apple is dipped in honey?
A: Before eating the honey dipped apple, one should say the usual bracha over fruit (ha’etz). Then, to avoid speaking unnecessarily between the bracha and partaking of the food, one should take a bite of the apple before reciting the yehi ratzon (Mishnah Berurah 583:4).
This applies to the yehi ratzon for challah, which is also dipped in honey, as well as any other fruits/vegetables that will be served for the purposes of a yehi ratzon.
It should be noted that if any of those other fruits is a member of the shevaminim (seven species attributed by the Torah to the land of Israel), they should not be brought to the table until after partaking of the apple.
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 9/22/2025 3:40 PM |
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#5601. Really Real Ready Sweet Honey?
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Q: Can I use real real honey from a real bees honeycomb in my backyard on Rosh Hashana?
A: Yes, honey may be used directly from a honeycomb. Since this honey would still be unfiltered, any noted particles should and will be removed
(see question regarding unfiltered honey above). Extracting honey from a honeycomb involves the issur of mifarek (prohibition of extraction), therefore one should crush the honeycomb before Yom Tov or Shabbat (Mishnah Berurah, 321:48).
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 9/22/2025 3:35 PM |
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Posted 9/22/2025 3:33 PM |
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# 5600 Mazal Tov with Many Many Siman Tov!!!
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Q: In addition to foods dipped in honey, are there other symbolic customs for Rosh Hashana?
A: The following is an abbreviated list of food items that are customary to eat on Rosh Hashana. Many of their symbolic meanings stem from root of their Hebrew, Aramaic or Yiddish terms.
The first three items are representative of our request of G-d to increase our mitzvos and merits as well as for the growth of our nation due to their associations with abundance and proliferation.
1. Pomegranates- due to their abundance of seeds
2. Fenugreek – rubya [Aramaic] whose root word means to increase (Shulchan Aruch C. 583)
3. Carrots – meheren [Yiddish] whose root word means many (Chayei Adam 138:6).
The next three represent our request of G-d to protect us from our enemies, and/or our fervent prayer that our sins be nullified, by their connection to the concept of cessation.
4. Leeks – karsee [Aramaic] whose root word means to cut off.
5. Dates – tamarim [Hebrew] the root of which is tam – to cease.
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 9/22/2025 3:29 PM |
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#5599 – A Date with a Real Date???
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- Q. (see also Q115 and 216 Someone that has an allergy reaction to pollen and was advised to stay away from bee honey, should he use real date honey or maple syrup (on Rosh Hashanah)?
A. Throughout the Torah, honey by and large refers to date honey (see Rashi Vaikra 2:11-12, Talmud Kesuvos 111b, Mechilta 13:5), however, as Rashi (ibid.) points out: Any sweet fruit extract is called honey. Nevertheless, some Poiskim write that the preferred honey on Rosh Hashonoh night is bee honey (Nitey Gavriel Rosh Hashono 28:9 quoting Leket Yosher and Midrash Pinchas).
Ben Ish Chai (Nitzavim 4) maintains an opposite opinion. Bees, he says, represent Din or judgement since they sting, so date honey or other fruit sweeteners are preferred. Leket Yosher, argues back that bee honey represents the transformation of Din into sweetness.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that if bee honey is to be avoided, one should use date honey. If that is not an option, maple syrup or any other sweet fruit essence is acceptable. In their lack one may use even regular sugar.
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 9/22/2025 3:25 PM |
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Important Numbers
