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# 764 Have Mezuza Will Travel
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Q. Does a room in a hotel require a mezuza?
A. A hotel owned by a Jewish proprietor should have mezuzos placed in all rooms, as it is used for habitation purposes, (Aruch Hashulchan 286: 48) even when the owner does not reside therein, since he is responsible for the service provided and the cleanliness of the premises. This then becomes as his own house and the clients occupying the rooms as his guests. (Oholei Yeshurun 2: n. 40, quoting R’ M. Feinstein zt”l.) Others maintain that since the owner retains his furniture and fixtures in the rooms, it is similar to a storage facility that also requires mezuza. (Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 286: 18, Kuntres Zera Ya’akov 17: p. 16) However some Poskim assert that no brocho should be recited when affixing the mezuza (K’vias Mezuza Kehalacha 3: 14)
When staying in a Gentile owned hotel, if the room is rented for less than thirty days even in Israel, no mezuza is required. (Chovas Hador 3: 5) If the stay is longer that thirty days, some Poskim maintain that a mezuza should be placed without a brocho, others rule that outside of Israel he is still exempt. (Menachos 44a, Moadim Uzmanim 4: 287, Torah Or quoting R’ Bakshi Doron, Hadar Mezuza p. 112, K’vias Mezuza Kehalacha 4: 10)
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that the owner of a hotel does make a brocho when affixing the mezuzos
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a
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Posted 4/26/2015 10:59 PM |
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# 763 Seedless Grapes, What a Blessing
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Q. What blessing do you recite on seedless grapes? Should you avoid eating them?
A. Some Poskim maintain that on seedless grapes we do not recite “bore p’ri haetz” and also not the usual brocho achrono or the brocho of “p’ri hagefen” on the resulting wine, since seedless grapes are deemed to be unripe fruit (boser) or are regarded as a totally different species. However, most Poskim rule that they are considered normal grapes and we recite all the standard brochos on them. (Maharsham 7 quoting Daas Kedoshim, P’ri Etz Hodor Ch. 2 p. 54-62 quoting many Poskim)
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is similar and you do not have to avoid consuming them or the wine made of them.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a
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Posted 4/24/2015 5:07 PM |
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# 762 Flagship Yes, Flag Ark No?
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Q. Should an Israeli flag be next to the ark in the synagogue?
A. Many Poskim maintain that it is improper to place any flag next to the Aron Hakodesh and a number of reasons are mentioned.
Igrois Moshe (O.H. 1: 46) writes that although it is not prohibited and one therefore should not incur for it into a machlokes or quarrel, still, it is seen as out of context and reason and should be avoided. Others opine that flags are like any other object that may distract or disturb the attention and kavana of the mispalel and therefore should be removed (Haposek 7 p. 79 quoting Horav Yonoson Shtaif zt”l. Hamaor 4:4 p. 17. See also Hama’ayan 43: 3: p.64, quoting Hagrai Kuk zt’l opinion.)
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit"a opinion follows these Poskim.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a
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Posted 4/24/2015 4:59 PM |
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#761 Don't Plug Away
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Q. May I plug during Shabbos a cooking appliance into an
outlet that is now not powered but will be turned on by a timer later on?
A. Horav Shlomo
Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that it is prohibited since it is a P’sik Reisha
Denicha Lei, or an inevitable act that one desires. He would prohibit this in
Yom Tov too.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a
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Posted 4/24/2015 4:16 PM |
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#760 A Blessing in Disguise?
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Q. For the purposes of kiruv, I want to initiate unaffiliated Yiddin into reciting brochos, by saying them in English, is it permitted?
A. It is definitely better to recite brochos in the original Lashon Hakodesh (Mishna Berura 62: 3, 167: 53, 185:1) as one is to adhere to the primary decrees of our sages and the Holy Tongue contains many concealed connotations and spiritual nuances not present in other idioms. Besides, when brochos are recited in other languages one must understand the true translation and meaning of the brocho and must be in a venue where others do so also (Biur Halocho 62: 1, Aruch Hashulchan and Shulchan Aruch HoRav ibid.) However, in case of need, when one lacks the know how, he may recite brochos in other established languages (Shulchan Aruch O.H. 62:1, 185:1, 206: 3, Igrois Moshe O.H. 2: 49)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a
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Posted 4/24/2015 4:07 PM |
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#759 See You In Shul?
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Q. I work at a social service agency where I have both Jewish (some observant) and gentile clients. Recently the local food bank moved to a new location in a church in the same neighborhood. Should I be referring Jewish clients to other food banks outside of the area or are Jewish clients permitted to continue to use the neighborhood food bank even though it is now located in a church?
A. Question #126 on this venue addresses the case of a Jew who is an alcoholic, if he is permitted to enter a church (even possibly the main sanctuary) to attend an AA meeting?
We answered; It is forbidden to enter a house of avodah zarah or a church. (Y.D. 150,1- 157,3 – Shach ibid. 149,1.) R’ Moshe Feinstein Zt"l (Igros Moshe O.C. 4,40,26) prohibits students playing ball in a sports hall that belongs to a church, even if no religious images are present. (See Rivavos Ephraim 3, 302,3)
However Poskim do permit voting in a locale adjoining or connected to a church, which specifically set up a venue for that purpose and it is marked or is known to be so. This sanction is only ex post facto, when no other voting location was made available or is found close by. (Teshuvos Vehanchogos 2: 410).
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a permits using the A.A. church location, if the meetings are not held in the sanctuary, it is clearly identified or known as a setting for social or community activities, and when no better site is accessible.
The same guidelines would apply to the offices of a food bank.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a
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Posted 4/24/2015 3:59 PM |
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#758 Spot Clean Only
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Q. If a shirt gets a bad stain on it are you allowed to wash it on chol hamoed?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 534:1) rules that it is forbidden to launder clothing, on Chol HaMoed. Our sages prohibited laundering so that people would prepare properly before the holiday and engage during the festivals in the appropriate joy of Yom Tov (Moed Katan 14a, see Mishna Berura ibid.) If he only has one single shirt Poskim permit washing it (Shone Halochos p. 56)
However Igros Moshe (O.H. 5:36) permits just removing a stain, as this is not considered laundering for Chol HaMoed purposes (It would be prohibited on Shabbos or Yom Tov). Similar lenient opinions are held by other Poskim (Chol HaMoed Kehilchosoi 5: n.86, quoting R’ Menashe Klein zt”l and R’ Shmuel Halevi Wosner zt”l, Beer Moshe 7: 33, Yalkut Yosef p. 149, et. al.)
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is similar and permits on Chol HaMoed even the laundering of hard to remove stains as long as the stains occurred during Yom Tov, Chol HaMoed or Shabbos Erev Yom Tov, but not before and not washing the entire shirt.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a
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Posted 4/24/2015 3:52 PM |
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#757 Keeping Shabbat to the Letter
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Q. After 20 plus years at this job, my employer now wants me to work Saturdays. I have told him no as I never have as this is my Sabbath. He says unless I provide a letter they will make me work and if I do not it is cause to be laid off. Can they do this, or where can I get a letter stating it is against my religion to work on Saturdays.
A. If you adhere to the Jewish Religion you are obliged to keep Shabbat and other festivities according to the Halacha. I have included a letter for your use (and for others in similar situations) from Rabbi Vale, the director of the Orthodox Rabbinical Vaad of Toronto.
Vaad Shabbos Letter
Rabbi A. Bartfeld
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Posted 4/17/2015 5:47 PM |
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#756 The Matzav of an Early Matzeva
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Q. Can someone order and place a matzeva on his and his wife’s kever while they are still alive? They are afraid that their children may not comply with their wishes. Can they also include their names?
A. It is an established tradition observed by many to acquire while alive a final resting place. Midrash (Vayikra Rabba 5: 5) quotes Rabi Eliezer that a person should have a foothold in the Bais Hakvaroth so he should merit to be buried there. This kever acquisition is not seen as a detrimental “siman” but rather an auspicious one. (See Maharam Mintz 18 and others.)
There are different minhagim in regards to the relationship of the kever-owner and his future burial place as far as visiting, praying or even inviting guest and offering a “tikun’ on site (See; Shaarei Yerushalaim p. 73, quoting the Tzava’ah of Rabi Yehuda HeChasid)
Poskim differ as far as the correctness of purchasing and placing a matzeva while one is alive. Tziun L’nefesh Chayo (21) quoted by Chaye Moshe (p. 269) permits even the inscription of the name.
Kuntres Eitz Chaim (Bobov ,6: p. 146, Birurey Halocho by Rav Chaim Rotter) mentions indeed this particular shaileh, in regards to individuals that cannot rely on their children for complying in a proper matzeva placement and prepare the stone including names and other inscriptions. He, like other Poskim, compares it to Avshalom’s matzeva erected while he was still alive. (Shmuel 2:18:18) However, he mentions that the Arizal would not permit placement of the matzeva.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that while one can prepare the kever itself, the tachrichim one should avoid purchasing and inscribing the stone, as indeed Avshalom’s end was inauspicious.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miler Shlit”a
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Posted 4/17/2015 5:02 PM |
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#755 Don’t Leave the Leaven?
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Don’t Leave the Leaven?
Q. My question on Fleishmann's (aka baking) yeast - I use this to ferment apple and grape juice. Can I assume that I don't have to sell the wine due to chametz (I'm not planning on using it for Pesach)?
If I do need to sell it and let's say the grape juice is not mevushal - would it create Stam Yanum - if no goy actually touches it?
A. Rabbi Tsvi Heber (Director of Community Kosher – COR) answered to our query: “Baker’s yeast is not chometz and could be owned on Pesach. But it cannot be consumed on Pesach.” So the yeast itself and other non-chometz foods that were fermented by it do not have to be sold. However, even if they were to be sold, it would not prohibit the wine thus fermented. Only what was actually touched or moved by a Gentile may be prohibited. (Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 123: 1)
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Posted 4/1/2015 10:38 PM |
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#754 Sale While Stock Lasts
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Q. If I buy more chometz after making the Rav my agent to sell my chometz, will the new chometz be included in my sale or is it a davar shelo ba l'olam regarding my original agreement with the Rav?
Q. (Similar)- If I buy a bottle of whiskey after I make the Rav my shaliach to sell my chometz, will the whiskey also be sold to the Goy? Will it be assur after Pesach?
A. Nitey Gavriel (Pesach 1: 40: 13) quotes Bigdei Yesha (4) and other Poskim that on the onset one cannot name an agent to effect on something that is not yet in his possession. Poskim recommend, to contact the Rabbi who is acting as his agent and inform him so he will include the new acquired chometz items in the sale. (See also Mechiras Chometz Kehilchoso p.21.) After the fact the chometz is permitted.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a
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Posted 3/31/2015 1:52 PM |
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#753 The Gentle Gentile
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Q. If the door of the hotel room closed on you (the tape placed to stop locking fell) can you ask a Gentile to open the door on Shabbos?
If by mistake you left your medicine on a bag inside the safe box in your room can you ask a Gentile to open it on Shabbos?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that you can ask a Gentile, in case of major need indirectly to open the door or the safe as this may be a “shvus d’shvus” (double Rabbinical prohibition,) in pressing need which is permitted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a
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Posted 3/27/2015 5:36 PM |
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#752 Can't Hold the Candle to the Cell Phone Light?
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Q. If you forgot your flashlight and can’t use matches or a candle for searching chometz in a hotel and the table lamp is too heavy and cumbersome, besides the electric cord does not reach far, can you use your cell phone light?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is, being that we are not considering the intense lighting of the flashlight app, which some new mobiles have, but rather the common screen glow of a regular cell phone, it depends on the phone and it’s settings. If it is bright enough to read by or to properly examine an area close by, being at least similar to the illumination provided by a candle, it can be used. He recommends in that case, turning off the bright room lights, if they diminish the illuminating effect.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a
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Posted 3/25/2015 4:05 PM |
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#751 Bible Bilbul
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Q. Someone that due to flight cancellation had to stay overnight in a hotel and did not have any seforim with him, can he use the old testament of the bible provided to learn Torah or go over the parsha? Can he at least look up a translation? Can he keep it in the room or should he ask front desk to remove it?
R. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that one should not use a Christian bible to learn Torah even if the translation is correct (see question 729 in this forum.) It does not have to be taken out of the room if it remains inside the drawer or dresser.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a
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Posted 3/20/2015 2:47 PM |
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#750 Areas of Enlightenment
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Areas of Enlightenment
Q. When staying Shabbos or Yom Tov in a hotel, management usually provides a designated safe area with specially protected tables for lighting the Shabbos or Yom Tov candles. Although that area may be in a well-transited section close to the dining room, is it correct to light there with a brocho or better to use electric lights in the room?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that when you turn on the electric lights in your hotel room, to be left on during Shabbos or Yom Tov, you should do it right before going for hadlokas neros in the designated areas. Then when you recite the brochos there on the candles, have in mind the electric lights left in the room.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a
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Posted 3/20/2015 2:44 PM |
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#749 Key Tov?
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Q. Which is the best way to go (when staying Shabbos in a hotel) with the keyless electronic lock on the door?
A. On Shabbos or Yom Tov you cannot use the electronic card key. Horav Shlomo Miller’s opinion is that you should either place duct tape or a magnetic strip on the metal lock to avoid the door locking. Some hotels will provide the above but will also request that the guest should waive the hotel’s responsibility for lost or stolen property from the room. Other hotels provide a bicycle lock chain or other similar temporary locks.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a
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Posted 3/17/2015 10:36 PM |
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#748 Bar the Mini Bar
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Q What do you have to do (when attending a Pesach hotel) with the food and liquor on the room fridge?
A. Minchas Shlomo (2 p. 237) rules that since the hotel guest is generally responsible for the contents of the fridge as he has to pay for them if they are used or go missing, he would transgress on the chometz prohibition. Therefore he should request the hotel administration to empty out the fridge contents as soon as he arrives.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is to be stringent since the guest could be held responsible. He also suggests that if the administrators refuse to empty the fridge or will not be able to do so on time before the prohibition of chometz begins on Erev Pesach, he should ask them to lock or seal the fridge, and he should declare that he does not accept any responsibility for the contents.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a
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Posted 3/17/2015 10:32 PM |
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#747 Making Sense of Sensors
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Q. What is one to do with the sensors (when staying Shabbos in a hotel) in the room and at the balcony door?
A. If the motion sensors (they could be standing separately or be integrated into the thermostat) are to avoid the air conditioner/heater from going on or for turning off lights when the guest is out of his room, and would therefore turn them back on when he returns, they would have to be disabled before the onset of Shabbos or Yom Tov. This should preferably be done by the staff or can be usually achieved by temporarily taping a piece of aluminum foil or even just paper on the front of the sensor (contributed by Sinai Security Services.) The same will apply to the balcony door if one wants to open or close it during Shabbos. Other sensors such as smoke alarms or security devices should not be tempered with and are permitted
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a
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Posted 3/17/2015 10:28 PM |
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#746 Have a Light?
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Q. When doing bedikas chometz at the Pesach hotel can one say the brocho if searching only with a flashlight? If no flashlight available, can one use the table movable electric cfl light with an extension cord?
A. Many Poskim permit using a flashlight for bedikas chometz as it is more useful and practical than a candle. (Sheorim Hametzuyonim Behalocho 71: 4, Nitey Gavriel – Pesach 1: 17: 19, Shmateso D’Moishe p.348 relates that HoRav Moishe Feinstein zt”l used a flashlight himself in his later years.) It would certainly be recommended in a hotel where lighting matches in the rooms may not be allowed.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that you can use the movable desk or table lamps available in the room if you don’t have a flashlight. If the light is too bright he recommends keeping the shade on, or to partially cover the light bulb with cardboard or similar material thus avoiding one of the “avuka” effects by directing the light towards the area searched.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a
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Posted 3/13/2015 5:02 PM |
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#745 Are You Searching a Good Pesach Hotel?
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Q. If you are going to spend Pesach in a hotel, do you have to search your hotel room for chometz? When do you do the bedika? Do you make a brocho? What to do if you arrive after midday on Erev Pesach?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 437: 1) rules that if someone rents a house before Pesach, if he takes possession (by receiving the keys) before the beginning of the fourteenth day of Nisan and eve of Pesach (the night prior to the seder night.) he has to search the rented premises with a brocho. However in regards to an hotel room Poskim disagree if he is obligated to search for chometz, as this is not an ordinary property rental, since he can be easily transferred to another room and management also maintains an extended control of the premises (Kinyan Torah 1: 120.) Another reason is that the rooms are cleaned everyday and do not have a chazaka or presumption of containing chometz. Other Poskim maintain that the room should be searched with a brocho, if possession took place before the fourteenth (Sidur Pesach Kehilchoso 12: 8, Piskei Trshuvos 427: 1)
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that they should be searched without a brocho unless the guest brings with him pieces of chometz (one of them should be more than a kezais) to be hidden before the bedika. (It is recommended to utilize the same pieces of chometz used on the search at home, see prior question)
All luggage, bags, the pockets of clothing and the car (if there is,) should also then be searched
If he arrived after the time when the prohibition began or during Chol Hamoed, some Poskim maintain that he should do a bedika (Piskei Teshuvos ibid.) with a brocho. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is to search without a brocho
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a
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Posted 3/13/2015 3:58 PM |
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Important Numbers
