|
|
|
|
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
285
|
|
|
|
|
#5842 AI or OY VAI?
|
|
|
Q. Dear Rov, As I already spoke to you; you are aware that in our Minyan we are trying to increase the number of members that join.
We have a bit of a dilemma. We are trying to attract new young people and they are most interested in shiurim regarding the new technologies and AI activities and communications so prevalent in our days. Yet the more usual members and participants prefer old time traditional Divrei Torah and shiurim. What should we do. What is Horav Miller’s Shlut’a opinion?
We need an answer very soon, please.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a maintains that it really depends on many different conditions and variable details of the people involved and the ambient and kind of society present.
A reliable knowledgeable Rabbi and Posek that is truly familiar with the case and people involved should be consulted.
See next question.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 3/13/2026 11:44 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5841 Always a Good Shabbos?
|
|
|
– Q. Hello Rav.
I once heard that we are not suppose to greet each other with "Good Shabbos" once we have davened Mincha on Shabbat afternoon, possibly having to do with the death of Moshe/David/Yosef at that time.
I find myself in an uncomfortable position when responding to people greeting me with "Good Shabbos" after I have davened Mincha. This is especially problematic for people who might daven an early Mincha.
A few questions: 1) Is there a source for this? 2) How should I greet people I see after mincha on Shabbas afternoon? Is it better to avoid saying "Good Shabbos"? 3) How should I respond when someone greets me with a "Good Shabbos" after I have davened Mincha? Thanks!
A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a maintains that we are not to be concerned with the above, and you can always greet Good Shabbos.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 3/13/2026 11:40 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5840 - Finders Keepers?
|
|
|
– Q. Shalom, Dear Rabbenu Shlit"a,
A week ago, in a kosher supermarket I found an open envelope with no name nor any writing on it. Inside there were two twenty dollar bills. I asked the person who was nearby. It was not his.I gave it to the cashier who called the manager.
The manager asked for my name and telephone number. The money has been kept in the store waiting for someone to ask for it. Does the money belong to the store or to the one who found it?
In case the money belongs to the one who found it, how long should the store keep it before calling the finder?
Thanks.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a maintains that if no one claimed the money found after the proper time passed, in principle it belongs to the one who found it.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 3/13/2026 11:34 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5839 An Embedded Miracle!
|
|
|
– Q. Kvod Rabbenu. We all heard the recent news that last Purim there was an incredible significant miracle.
After an Iranian missile strike on a synagogue in Beit Shemesh, rescuers discovered shrapnel embedded in a Torah scroll.
Shockingly, the fragment pierced the section known as Parashat Zachor, the passage commanding Israel to remember Amalek which is read in synagogues worldwide just one day earlier before Purim.
Many are stunned by the powerful symbolism of this moment. The members of our shul want to offer a Kiddush or even a Seuda. What does Horav Shlomo Miller recommend?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller recommended to thank Hashem always for this and many miracles that constantly happen to many of us, in our difficult times.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 3/13/2026 11:29 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5838 - Thanks B”H – But No Thanks?
|
|
|
– Q. Dear Rabbi.
As you well know my parents live near the Shaarei Shomayim synagogue in North York, which was hit by gunfire late Friday night. Since our family and grandchildren were invited that night and we did hear the shots from far, do we have to recite Hagomel?
Should we give a kiddush as Seudat Hodaah?
What is Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion?
A. Since they were not directly involved in the danger, no Hagomel should be recited. See question 10 – "When is one required to recite Birchas Hagomel."
See also questions 5158, 1696 and others.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 3/13/2026 11:26 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5837 – A Harder to Swallow Shailah!
|
|
|
– Q. See last hard question.
Now another tough one. Since he finds it very difficult to eat a complete piece of matza, can he grind it into small pieces or even into powder. Can he drink some water to swallow it?
A. He can grind it into small pieces or even into powder and comply with the mitzva; yet no water should be added.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 3/13/2026 11:21 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5836 - A Hard to Swallow Shailah?
|
|
|
– Q. Rabbi.
As you know my elderly father has difficulty eating matza and sometimes after eating and swallowing, he vomits it. How long does it have to be in his stomach until it is considered that he ate it? If he ate and then vomited, does he comply with the mitzva?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a maintains that as soon as it was swallowed, he has complied with the mitzva.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 3/13/2026 11:12 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5835 - Honor! Don’t Shame the Holy Name!
|
|
|
– Q. Dearest Rabbi Shlit”a.
As the Rav knows, I B”H teach groups of Baalei Teshuva to come close to the Torah and keep mitzvot.
When I teach them to recite brachot can I say the name of Hashem, since otherwise they will not do it correctly, as we do with children???
A. In principle, when needed, it could be said, as it is part of the normal Torah teaching similar to the teaching of children.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 3/13/2026 11:09 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5834 - This Month Also for Women?
|
|
|
– Q. Rabenu Long Life.
This coming Shabbat (March, 14, 26) is Parshat Hachoddesh since we recite the blessing for the new month of Nissan. I was told that it is a most important Shabbat. If so since women attended the Shabbat of Zachor, do they also have to attend Parshat Hachoddesh? If not, why not?
A. Poskim write that women are not obliged to attend Shul and listen to the reading of Parshat Hachodesh, since after all it is a Mitzva Shehazman Grama or has a determined time and women are usually exempt of them, unless there is a special reason, like we mentioned on Parshas Zachor. That reason does not apply to Parshat Hachoddesh. (Divrei Chaim O.H 2: 14).
See next question.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 3/10/2026 4:03 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5833 - Q. And Now, The Endless Ending?
|
|
|
– Q. Dear Rabbi. I would like to know what is Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion on having Kavana (intention) when eating bread or other Chametz during the 30 days before Pesach to comply with the mitzva of Biur Chametz already?
A. On question 4919 we wrote:
“Q. Should one who owns a fire place or has a discarded oven burn leftover bread, cookies and cakes during the thirty days before Pesach to comply with the Biblical mitzva of Biur Chametz or the burning of the chometz?
Since even just diluting them in water and then disposing of them in the sink is easy and possible, should one not comply the whole month every day and many times a day with such an important Biblical mitzva?
A. Talmud (Pesachim 6a) quotes Rabbi Yehuda in the name of Rav : “One who sets sail or journeys with a caravan thirty days before Peisach, he is not obligated to burn his chometz; If it is within thirty days, he is obligated to burn it.”
That also corresponds to the learning and expounding on the laws of Pesach thirty days before the festival.
Remah (O.H. 636: 1) rules that a brocho should then not be recited, however Biur Halocho and Mishna Berura (ibid.) quote some opinions that a blessing should also be recited then.
The reason why we do not follow a due process to comply with this important mitzva during the whole month prior to Pesach, as mentioned by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a is that our sages did not want to impose a constant everyday and every moment mitzva that would create and result in a great loss of food, time and effort.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller Horav, Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 3/8/2026 10:57 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5832 – No End to the Traveling Mezuzot!
|
|
|
- See questions above.
Also what about putting up a mezuza on the garage - does that require a brocha or is it only a Rabbinical obligation?
A. In our days a garage is also usually used for the storage of different items and other uses, and a mezuza may or should be placed. It is better to do it when placing a mezuza in another proper room to avoid doubts on the bracha. (even places that require a mezuza Rabinically should place it, sometimes even with a blessing.)
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
See also question 3311 in regards to smell. And question 2034 regarding a backyard shed.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 3/8/2026 10:48 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5831 – Wow, Even More Traveling Mezuzot!
|
|
|
- See question above.
Also as they are being put up on different days ,what do I do regarding the brocha? Does the first brocha cover the entire job or do I make a different brocha on the day that I will be putting up the rest. requirement?
Thank you again for answering my questions and may you be zoche to arichas yomim v'shonim.
A. As answered before many details are involved in this question and a Rov that can further verify all other details should be consulted.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 3/8/2026 10:45 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5830 - More Traveling Mezuzot?
|
|
|
Q. Also I want to know while I have about 17 doors to put mezuzos on - I only have now about 11 mezuzos.Where should I place the mezuzos that I have now? Does it make a difference or do I put them on the most prominent areas of the house ?
A. Not only the case itself is complex and requires the real inspection of a competent Rov familiar with the case, that can further verify other many important details, and he should be consulted.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
See next question
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 3/8/2026 10:39 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5829 The Traveling Mezuzot?
|
|
|
– Q.Thank you Rabbi for providing a source of Torah to us all.
My question now is in regards to moving from a rental apartment to a new rental house. I do have mezuzos in the apartment but i was told that i have the option to leave them there and be paid for them instead of taking them to my new address.
The landlord - a Yid - did agree to reimburse me - but i don't know how long it will take to collect the money. Is it preferable to leave the old location with the mezusos or to remove them and use them on the new rental house.
A. The question is complicated as many other factors may also apply. A Rov familiar with the case, that can further verify other details should be consulted.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
See next question.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 3/8/2026 10:28 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5828 Real Special Taste!
|
|
|
– Q. Shalom, Dear Rabbeinu Shalit"a,
In case of sending משלוח מנות to a person who has a very particular taste when it comes to food, is that OK to offer him a gift card or money?
Thanks.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that to comply with the mitzva of Shalach Manot on must send food or edible material or drinks.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 3/8/2026 10:22 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5827 - Q. And Now, The Endless Ending?
|
|
|
– Q. Dear Rabbi. I would like to know what is Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion on having Kavana (intention) when eating bread or other Chametz during the 30 days before Pesach to comply with the mitzva of Biur Chametz already?
A. On question 4919 we wrote:
“Q. Should one who owns a fire place or has a discarded oven burn leftover bread, cookies and cakes during the thirty days before Pesach to comply with the Biblical mitzva of Biur Chametz or the burning of the chometz? Since even just diluting them in water and then disposing of them in the sink is easy and possible, should one not comply the whole month every day and many times a day with such an important Biblical mitzva?
A. Talmud (Pesachim 6a) quotes Rabbi Yehuda in the name of Rav : “One who sets sail or journeys with a caravan thirty days before Peisach, he is not obligated to burn his chometz; If it is within thirty days, he is obligated to burn it.” That also corresponds to the learning and expounding on the laws of Pesach thirty days before the festival.
Remah (O.H. 636: 1) rules that a brocho should then not be recited, however Biur Halocho and Mishna Berura (ibid.) quote some opinions that a blessing should also be recited then.
The reason why we do not follow a due process to comply with this important mitzva during the whole month prior to Pesach, as mentioned by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a is that our sages did not want to impose a constant everyday and every moment mitzva that would create and result in a great loss of food, time and effort.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller Horav, Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 3/6/2026 4:01 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5826 - Real Deep Waters
|
|
|
See question above. We must point out the following question;
On question 1724 we wrote:
Q. Do new scissors used for cutting poultry need tevila in a mikva?
A. Shach (Y.D. 120: 11) rules that a utensil used for food preparation that will require additional changes to make it edible, should be immersed without a bracha.
Similarly the Remoh (ibid. 5) maintains that a shechita knife should preferably be immersed without a bracha. Taz (ibid.7) asserts that this applies even if the shechita knife, as usual, is only used for that purpose. However, Taharas Yom Tov (2: p. 120 – quoted in Tevilas Keilim 1: 3: f. 5) disagrees and opines that no tevila is needed.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if the scissors are only used for raw food like cutting poultry, they require tevila without a bracha. However, if used also for edible food, a bracha should also be recited.
(Tevilas Keilim 1:3:footnote 5, Taz ibid, Aruch Ha’shulchan 39, 41, Avnei Yoshfe 1:148:3. See similar psak in StarK Kashrus Kurrents v.37: 3. See also Kof K Tevilas Kelim p. 5.)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Hirshman,Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit”a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 3/6/2026 3:57 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5826 Real Deep Waters
|
|
|
– Q. See question above. We must point out the following question;
On question 1724 we wrote:
Q. Do new scissors used for cutting poultry need tevila in a mikva?
A. Shach (Y.D. 120: 11) rules that a utensil used for food preparation that will require additional changes to make it edible, should be immersed without a bracha. Similarly the Remoh (ibid. 5) maintains that a shechita knife should preferably be immersed without a bracha. Taz (ibid.7) asserts that this applies even if the shechita knife, as usual, is only used for that purpose. However, Taharas Yom Tov (2: p. 120 – quoted in Tevilas Keilim 1: 3: f. 5) disagrees and opines that no tevila is needed.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if the scissors are only used for raw food like cutting poultry, they require tevila without a bracha. However, if used also for edible food, a bracha should also be recited.
(Tevilas Keilim 1:3:footnote 5, Taz ibid, Aruch Ha’shulchan 39, 41, Avnei Yoshfe 1:148:3. See similar psak in StarK Kashrus Kurrents v.37: 3. See also Kof K Tevilas Kelim p. 5.)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Hirshman,Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit”a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 3/6/2026 3:52 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5825 Deep Waters
|
|
|
– Q. Hello Rav, My wife bought "poultry scissors" that she keeps in the kitchen. She uses them to cut raw chicken. On occasion, they will also get used by her or other family members for other uses.
They were left on the Shabbat table and we debated what status of muktzeh they might be. Generally scissors would be a kli Sh'melacha L'issur, but one sefer I found specifically said "poultry scissors are not muktzeh at all". One guest found that interesting because if they are especially designed and more or less set aside for cutting raw chicken (which I believe we generally hold is muktzeh today), then they should be a kli Sh'melacha L'issur at least.
1) what is the muktzeh status of poultry scissors dedicated to cutting raw chicken.
2) in our case, where they are also used for other purposes sometimes, would that change their muktzeh status?
3) Assuming they are mukzeh and they are on the far end of our Shabbat table, can I move them on Friday night for the Friday night meal even though I don't need that part of the table at all until Shabbat lunch?
A. Indeed as you wrote "poultry scissors" that in principle are in practice used as designated by their name for cutting meat or any food, even when it is ready to be eaten, should not be Muktza on Shabbat.
However, if as you also mentioned, they are used primarily for prohibited work, then on Shabbat, they are indeed Muktza. In that case they still could be used, as you also pointed, but only for and when they are needed for permitted work, such as cutting ready to eat meat or a similar food. Yet, it is preferable to use a regular food knife.
See next question.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 3/5/2026 11:45 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5824 - A Woman’s Work is Always Done, REALLY???
|
|
|
– Q. Querido Rabino. I have a real tough question to ask you. A friend told me that women are not permitted to do work on the day after Purim (Shushan Purim). Can that really be true? First of all why and what is the real reason?
A. On question 3610 we wrote:
Q. Dear Rabbi we so appreciate your questions and answers, because of the anonymity and openness provided. If it wasn’t there many, specially women, would be concerned and afraid to ask question.
We had an unusual situation in our family last Friday, Shushan Purim.
It was an occasion of great need of work, no only to cleanup after Purim, but also to prepare for Shabbos. Yet one of our daughters that learns in Bais Yaakov, insisted that women are not supposed to do work on Shushan Purim. Is there some truth to such an Halacha?
A. Surprisingly in Shulchan Aruch, Darchei Moshe (O.H. 696: 2), Beer Heitev (3) quotes Maharil and Avudraham that there is a source for this prohibition. Nitei Gavriel (p. 180) also quotes opinions that women abstain from melochos on Shushan Purim, including Yalkut Meam Loez on Esther (p. 248: 2) that mentions it is a great sin.
However as Horav Pam Shlit’a pointed out, all work that is permitted on Yom Tov and done for Shabbos needs, is certainly not included.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 3/4/2026 4:18 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
Important Numbers
