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#5429 Get One's Hair Done
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– Q. Dear Rabbi and friend. I have some questions concerning the prohibition of cutting hair and shaving during sefira time for women. Can a woman that wears a sheitl (wig) or covers her hair and now it is too long and protrudes a bit outside the covering trim it so it won’t?
Can she also cut or trim the excess hair, of her legs before going to the mikva?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that it would be permitted.
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Posted 5/22/2025 10:27 PM |
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#5428 What Is This?!!!
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– Q. Rabino Bartfeld Buenos dias. Le tengo una pregunta.
Estoy estudiando acerca de la influencia persa en el hebreo, y habla acerca de una braja en nombre de Rabbi Akiva.
La braja es : Baruj ata H’ Adir beahdrei Shira
Alguna vez había usted escuchado esa braja?
(translation}; I have a question for you. I’m studying about the influence of Persian language in our Hebrew language, I came across a bracha in Rabbi Akiva’s name. The bracha is:
“Baruj ata H’ Adir beahdrei Shira.” Has the Rov heard of such a brocho?
A. Although I saw this saying mentioned extensively on line, I Asked Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a and his son Horav Aharon Shlit’a and they said they are not cognizant of any such Bracha or saying.
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Posted 5/22/2025 10:04 PM |
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#5427 Recap The Cap!
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- Q. Hello Rav! I'm wondering if the following situation would be an Issur of some sort on Shabbat (boneh or maka b'patish or sofer?): It is Shabbat and I'm done with a bottle of grape juice and about to toss it into the recycling bin, I don't want the small amount of liquid in the bottle to spill out into the recycling bin so I take the cap and place it back on the bottle. Is there a problem with this given that it will go to recycling and likely never be opened again? Any difference for Sephardim? Thanks!
A. The case is not clear, can you better describe the nature of your bottle and cap. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a also could not get the correct picture.
Please send a picture.
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Posted 5/22/2025 9:57 PM |
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#5426 Finally -Time to Work!
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- Q. See question above. Does that apply to the complete night?
A. Mishna Berura (493: 4: 19) mentions that depending on the reason given for the prohibition (see question 5424 above) the prohibited time for work may be limited, and once already Sefira was counted work is permitted.
As mentioned above few Poskim maintain this prohibition. (See Piskei Teshuvos (ibid.)
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Posted 5/22/2025 9:35 PM |
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#5425 More Work on Why Not Work!
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- Q. See question above. If there is really someone who has that tradition, What kind of work if any is prohibited?
A. Many Poskim maintain that even according to the opinions that there is indeed such a prohibition, it only applies to heavy and extended work.
However, simple work, such as turning on the lights or even cooking, preparing meals,and cleaning is permitted (Kovetz Mibeis Levy, 1, p.57, sidur Yaavetz and others). Other Poskim permit work allowed on Chol Hamoed. (Eishel Avrohom B”).
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Posted 5/22/2025 8:44 PM |
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#5424 Why Should Women Not Work?
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- Q. See question above. I have more work Shailos. What is the reason for this unusual, and little known work prohibition for women or men?
A. The primary reason Mishna Berura (ibid. 19) mentions, is that at that time we mourn the students of Rabbi Akiva who perished as a result of the plague which struck during this period, and were buried then.
Work is one of the prohibitions traditionally kept during mourning. He also quotes another reason mentioned in the Tur (ibid.) that since we count Sefira at that time, and the Torah mentions on this mitzva, the term “Sheva Shabosos” (Seven Weeks) and the term “Shevus” also means resting and avoiding work.
Other reasons given are, that it is also the season in which Hashem judges the world's annual grain supply, and thus, feelings of reverence and awe are in order. (Kaf Hachaim 493: 6).
Also mentioned is that the mourning traditions during this period are also intended to recall the Crusades which wreaked mayhem and destruction on the Jewish communities throughout Europe at this time.
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Posted 5/22/2025 8:42 PM |
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#5423 - Women Not Working, Really?
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-– Q. Kvodo Shlit’a. I overheard in a shiur on line something truly strange, that women should not do work during the nights of Sefirat Haomer. Is that really true? How come I have not seen anyone even the most frum families keeping this prohibition?
A. Indeed Shulchan Aruch (493: 4) writes that women have the tradition not to do any “Melacha” or work from Pesach until Shemini Atzeres from the sunset onward.
Mishna Berura (ibid. 18) adds as other Poskim agree, that the above also includes men. (See next Shailos).
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Posted 5/20/2025 7:35 PM |
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#5422 More Victory to this day!
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- Q. See question above. Can one avoid learning a shiur for attending a Victoria day celebration or parade?
A. See answer above, as the same applies. Our Rabbanim added that the a real true great honor, recognition and thanks to be given to our best extraordinary country of our abode, is indeed honoring it with the learning of our holy Torah also in its behalf, merit and well being.
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Posted 5/19/2025 12:01 PM |
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#5421 A Victory Day!
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- Q. Dear Rov, could you kindly ask Rav Miller Shlit’a and the other Rabbonim of the group if there is any problem in attending the parade and fireworks of Victoria day with our children?
A. Victoria Day (French: Fête de la Reine, lit. 'Celebration of the Queen') is a federal Canadian public holiday observed on the last Monday preceding May 25 to honour Queen Victoria, who is known as the "Mother of Confederation". The holiday has existed in Canada since at least 1845, originally on Victoria's natural birthday, May 24. It falls on the Monday between the 18th and the 24th (inclusive) and, so, is always the penultimate Monday of May (May 19 in 2025 and May 18 in 2026).
Victoria Day is a federal statutory holiday, as well as a holiday in six of Canada's ten provinces and all three of its territories. The holiday has always been a distinctly Canadian observance and continues to be celebrated across the country. It is informally considered the start of the Summer Season in Canada. (Wikipedia).
On question 3713 we wrote:
“Dear Rov Shlit’a is there a problem celebrating Victoria Day by going to a park and watching the fireworks, because of; ‘Lo Telchu Bechukot Hagoyim,’ (following the traditions of the nations)?
A. Victoria Day is not a religious holiday, as is amply recorded. It celebrates the birthday of Queen Victoria, who was the ruling monarch at the time of Canada’s birth as a country in 1867. It’s a day to celebrate all the wonderful things that make Canada the great country it is.
Therefore, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that there is no prohibition of ‘Lo Telchu Bechukot Hagoyim,’ involved. (See also question 3329 regarding that it is also propitious to include the date in a shul or school Luach).”
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one who can and learns Torah should continue doing so and leave the Victoria day celebration to those who don’t.
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Posted 5/19/2025 11:58 AM |
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#5420 The Purim-Lag Blo-Omer!
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- Q. Dear Rabbi, I overheard on a recent shiur that Lag Baomer and Purim are closely related, Is that really true?
A. Indeed it is true on question 2187 we wrote:
“Q. Shulchan Aruch (428) writes that Lag Baomer is always the same day of the week a Purim. (Siman P’lag). What is the connection between them?
A. Many different interpretations have been given to the connection between the two unalike festivities.
To mention only a few; some dwell on Cabalistic teachings that are common to both (Imrei Noam, Givaas Pinchas, et.al.) Others, stress similarities such as the unity of the Nation, that when it was lacking it was the cause of the threat and danger, but when it was mended it became the source of salvation. (Sheloh, quoted by Vayechi Yosef: p.254).
The development and advancement of the non-written parts of the Torah, such as the Torah Shebaal Peh and the Toras Hanistar, is also mentioned (Chazon Lamoed: 18).
R”N of Breslov (Otzar Lag Baomer p. 128) maintains that both days are unique and unparalleled in their attribute and dimension of Hashem listening to our tefilos and prayers and both are comparable to Yom Kippur.
Others see the nexus in the minhag of some of attending the kever of Rashbi during Purim also.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that the association may relate to the “Venahapoch Hu” or total inverse or opposite change, that characterized both occasions.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 5/16/2025 1:39 PM |
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#5419 A More Trimming Teshuva?
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- Q. See questions above. In general, can a married woman cut or trim he hair during Sefirah if required?
A. Some Poskim include women in the prohibition of cutting and trimming hair during Sefira (Pri Megodim 551: 47).
Igrois Moishe (Y.D. 2: 137) and others rule that one should be stringent when not in need, as when required to have one’s hair covered, or attending Tevila. See Piskei Teshuvos 493: 8.
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Posted 5/16/2025 1:33 PM |
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#5418 A Trimming Teshuva?
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- Q. See question above. The bride while they were dating had her hair cut as needed. She wants to know if it was permitted or she has to Teshuva now?
A. As mentioned above Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that when in need, since the clothing is done for a specific great mitzva, there is place to be lenient as necessary.
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Posted 5/16/2025 1:31 PM |
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#5417 Now, Lets Address the Dress!
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- Q. See question above. The couple bought some very proper and expensive clothing for the wedding ceremony, as corresponds to their wealthy families. How early on Thursday, can they dress and recite Sheheyanu?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that as mentioned above in need, since the clothing is done for a specific great mitzva, there is place to be lenient as necessary.
However, if Sheheyanu is required, it could be recited later at night.
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Posted 5/16/2025 1:29 PM |
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#5416 Decide for the Bride?
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- Q. See question above. Does the answer above also apply for the Kalah? After all she needs more time to prepare, and they also want to make the ceremony as early enough for the youngster of the family to join.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that as mentioned above in need, since the shavings are done for a specific great mitzva, there is place to be lenient as necessary.
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Posted 5/16/2025 1:27 PM |
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#5415 Be Brave and Don’t Shave?
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- Q. Dear Rov Shlit’a. As we spoke by phone, I have a cousin of mine that about a year ago lost his wife, and now he is visiting me, also on a business trip. He happens to be the owner of a number of large corporations and is indeed a very wealthy man.
I suggested to him a great good shiduch and it turned out to be very acceptable to him, and is now already planing his marriage.
After following the necessary preparations with his bride they decided to get married on Lag Baomer, since for busy him, it is the only correct time. The wedding is to take place on Lag Baomer Thursday night (2025), which happens to be unique for both large families to attend.
They have a few unanswered remaining questions. First, since they have youngsters attending the Chupa and they want to do it as early as possible, when is the earliest he can shave? Can he do it after sunset (Shekiah), before proper night?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in need, since it is for a specific great Mitzva, it can be done then.
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Posted 5/16/2025 1:25 PM |
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#5414 Save Time and Shave on Time
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- Q. Greetings Kvod Rabeinu and best wishes for Lag Baomer.
When is it the proper time to shave and take a haircut on this year (2025) that Lag Baomer is on Friday?
A. Shulchan Oruch (O.H. 493: 2) mentions that the minhag is that one should not take a haircut on Lag Baomer, yet one should wait until next day, unless it happens to be also Erev Shabbos and one does so in the honor of Shabbos.
During the week, the custom of Sefardim is to follow the ruling that one should wait until the 34th day of the Omer in the morning.
The Rema in Hilchos Shabbos (251:2) writes that although it is inappropriate to do melacha on Erev Shabbos afternoon, it is permissible for a Jewish barber to give haircuts in honor of Shabbos all afternoon, even if he charges for his services.
Mishnah Berurah (251:7) explains that this is because it is obvious to everyone that the haircut is in honor of Shabbos. Rav Shmuel Wosner zt”l (Kuntres M’beis Levi 5758 vol. 1, p. 87) writes that one may not get a haircut on Thursday night, but must wait until Friday morning. This was also the opinion of Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Halichos Shlomo - Pesach 11: note 31).
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Posted 5/15/2025 6:06 PM |
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#5413 – The Real Milk of Lag Baomer
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- Q. Kvod Moreinu Shlit”a: Is it true that there is a Minhag (tradition) for some to eat a milchig (milk) seuda on Lag Baomer?
A. Indeed, on question 1701 we wrote:
Nitei Gavriel (Pesachim 3: 59: 22) quoting Ezor Eliahu, quotes a minhag to eat milchig foods on Lag Baomer. The reason given is that during Sefira days, before the completion of the seven weeks, the Jewish Nation is considered to be still in a state of tumah or impurity similar to a nidda, seeking purification.
The final tahara is to be achieved at the time of receiving the Torah on Shavuos.
Since the dam (blood) of a nidda is related to milk production, the process is alluded in eating milchig.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that each person should maintain the traditions and minhogim of his family and community.
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Posted 5/14/2025 7:58 PM |
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#5412 - The Second Always Follows the First?
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- Q. I have a minhag (tradition) in our family that we only eat Matza Shemura in Pesach, does that imply that on Pesach Sheni I have to do the same?
A. On a similar question 979 we wrote
A. As mentioned in other shailos the traditions of Pesach Sheni vary extensively between different communities.
On question 277 in regard to fasting on a Yortzait day on Pesach Sheni we wrote: “Poiskim mention different traditions on Pesach Sheni in regards to reciting Tachanun, saying Slichos when it coincides with sheni chamishi vesheni, delivering eulogies and fasting.
Talmud Chulin 129b cites Megilas Taanis that includes Pesach Zeiro (the Lesser Pesach as Pesach Sheni is also known) in the list of days when eulogies and fasting is prohibited.
Binyan Shlomo (quoted in Sdei Chemed 5 p. 375) explains that although the Megilas Taanis has been in general annulled, Pesach Sheini’s restrictions may remain, as we hope that soon the Bais Hamikdash will be rebuilt and Pesach Sheni will be reinstated.
Followers of some Ashkenazi and Lithuanian traditions do recite tachanun and fast when needed on Pesach Sheni, while Chasidim and Sephardim do not (Likutey Mahariach, Eishel Avrohom 131: 20, Maharsham 6:32, Yalkut Yosef p. 649, Nitei Gavriel – Pesach 3, et al.)
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that an individual should follow his family’s tradition when it comes to fasting on a Yortzait on Pesach Sheni.”
Indeed some who do celebrate Pesach Sheni eat Matza Shemura and include Maror also as well as the drinking of wine. (Nitei Gavriel ibid.)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a.
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Posted 5/12/2025 11:37 PM |
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#5411 The First Matza on the Second Pesach
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-The First Matza on the Second Pesach - Q. Dear Rov and friend Shlit’a. Tomorrow Monday 12 of May (2025) will IY”H be the day of Pesach Sheni (Second time to sacrifice the Pesach for those that were unable to do so at the right day).
We have a tradition to eat Matza Shemura on that day, yet we disagree in our family if it is better to eat it for breakfast as early as possible to comply with zerizim makdimin or to eat later on when the Pesach Korban was eaten, which of the two traditions is more correct?
A. On questions i60 and 4972 we wrote:
“There are different traditions in regards to eating matza on Pesach Sheini, or the “Second Pesach,” originally given to those who were unable to bring the first sacrifice of Pesach.
There are those who eat matza at the time the korban would have been brought, which is in the afternoon of the fourteenth of Iyar, (Wednesday this year) following Avnei Nezer as quoted in Klei Chemda, Vaetchanan. This seems to be the prevalent costume according to Nitei Gavriel (Peasch 3, 57).
Others (Dvar Yehoshua 4, 5 et. al.) maintain that the proper time would be at night (Wednesday night this year),as that would have been the time for consuming the korban, in the days of the Bais Hamikdosh.
Some eat the matza at both occasions (Mikdash Yisroel, Shavuos p.141, mentions that this is the minhag of many Chasidim).
S’fas Emes, (Pesachim 89) offers a novel opinion; namely that the korban of Pesach Sheini, unlike the first, could be eaten also during the day.
And finally, there are the many who do not keep this minhag at all (Most S’fardim, Hagra in Maase Rav 181, and Lithuanian Jewry according to Rib’bos Ephraim 2,129).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one should maintain his own minhogim and traditions.”
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Posted 5/12/2025 1:01 PM |
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#5410 Honor Our Mothers Today?
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Q. Is it permitted and recommended to celebrate Mothers Day?
We Wrote the following Teshuva for fathers day:
5008 – Q. Is there anything wrong with celebrating the recent Father’s Day to honor and give the rightful thanks and recognition to one’s father? Is that not a real great Mitzvah? How about if they openly declare and imply that one always needs to give their parents special attention on every day a year?
A. Many Poskim and Rabbonim have expressed their disagreement and displeasure with the celebration of Mother’s or Father’s Day for a number of reasons.
Horav Avigdor Miller ZT’L (Toras Avigdor and tape 122 – May 1976) is well known for his prohibitive opinion on celebrating those days, due to Halachic problem of Chukos Hagoim, or following in the ways of the non-Jews.
He writes: “There’s no question that the American public has been sold an item that was created for the purpose of filling the pockets of businessmen. The American public is the real proverbial gull because no matter what you’ll say about Mother’s Day, it’s a day when people make money. Not only florists! Jewelers and bakers and caterers – everyone is lining his pockets because of Mother’s Day.
Now, Mother’s Day (or Father’s day, doesn’t have any significance based on historical reasons or some religious grounds.”
He adds: “’m going to say something that’s going to be fifty percent unpopular. The authenticity of your celebration of Mother’s Day depends on how much you celebrate Father’s Day. Because Father’s Day like Mother’s Day is not genuine. The truth is that Father’s Day was just an afterthought by the businessmen. That’s all. They thought, “If we’re going to cash in on the mothers, so what about the fathers too?” But it turned out to be a flop. Father’s Day is a very small business item. So they sell a few cuff links, a few cheap things to give the old man; but it’s Mother’s Day – that’s the big day!
And you’re taught that you’d better observe it – or else. And how many fights have arisen between husbands and wives because of insufficient appreciation of Mother’s Day! “Mother’s day!” she says to him. “That’s how you’re going to celebrate my day!”
“Now, whether observing Mother’s Day or Father’s Day is a transgression of walking in the ways of the Gentiles, that I’m going to leave it to the Gedolei Yisroel – because I always do that when it’s a Halacha Shailah. and therefore I’m going to limit myself merely to this overview of the origin of these days.”
However, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that when one’s parents indeed expect and appreciate that celebration as do their colleagues and friends, it could be done. Yet, indeed, only when it is specifically mentioned that it applies to all the days of the year and it is also not done on the same day the others celebrate.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a.
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Posted 5/11/2025 3:49 PM |
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Important Numbers
