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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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#5308 The Battles of the Bottles?
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- Q. Kevod Morenu Horav Shlit”a. If someone donated a large amount of soda bottles to his new shul for a large simcha, does he have to take care of the empty bottles? If there is a gift- promotion involved, is it for him to keep?
A. It stands to reason that it depends on the established traditions of each shul, that usually shuln already have, and one has to follow them. If there is a disagreement, you may have to attend a local impartial Beis Din to solve the differences.
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 2/21/2025 11:06 AM |
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#5307 Mind your E-Mind?
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- See questions above. Q. Will it make a difference if that implant is only biologically human or if it is an advanced electronic addition that can interconnect with the brain?
A. On question 2928 (At Arm’s Length) we wrote: “Can one use that prosthetic electronic arm hand on Shabbat? What if it is not connected to the batteries?
To what we answered: “ On question 1221 regarding new technology that enables the totally invalid or paraplegic to drive a wheel chair only via their brain electrical waves.
Electrodes connected to their head receive those waves and with some training, allow the invalid to control his thoughts and change his mind wave patterns. Those are interpreted by the wheel chair computer to start, stop and direct the movement of the chair.
We also added: “Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that a melacha or work performed on Shabbos by using only the electrical charges that emanate from ones controlled and willing thoughts, collected by electrodes attached to the head, is considered a proper melacha.
However, for someone who does not usually use his thoughts for the creation of electrical discharges, it likely would be a melacha performed with a shinui or a significant deviation from the norm and therefore only Rabbinically prohibited. However, an invalid or paraplegic that uses this method to constantly move and perform other works, for him it becomes the norm and would constitute a Biblical prohibition.”
Therefore, the use of that bionic arm and hand, regardless whether it is done directly, by using the electrical discharges provided by the nerves or the electrical waves provided by the brain, would not be permitted during Shabbos. However, if one turned off the arm before Shabbos, and just wants to use it as a covering or dressing to look like others, it would be permitted”.
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 2/21/2025 11:02 AM |
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#5306 Mind Your Mind?
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- Q. See question above. People who maybe have or will soon undergo such medical treatment, even it is a small addition, does it alter the Halacha status of that individual, or is it just like the common cochlear implant?
A. As mentioned in the name of Horav Shlomo Millers Shlit’a on question above, it is still to early to give a proper answer to this advanced shailah.
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 2/21/2025 10:58 AM |
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#5305 Don’t Loose Your Head!!!
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Q. Most Honorable Rabbi and Posek. I truly like and enjoy your most unusual, new and very interesting Halacha questions, that are also supported by other most meaningful Poskim.
I’m a frum still yeshiva talmid and now also a student of medicine, soon to be graduated and I would like to contribute to this great endeavor of dealing with the Halacha of new and unusual medical situations.
Firstly, I would like to know the following. True, it is still a matter of many years until a whole brain or head transplants will be feasible, (some opine that it may be by 2035-40. However some possibly relevant medical and recent advances suggest that small partial human brain transplants might be sooner possible.
When they do happen will that create any change in the Halacha of duties, obligations and performance of that person?
A. On question 4346 we wrote: “Q. We just heard (July 7, 2023), that in an extremely rare and complex operation, Hadassah Medical Center surgeons have reattached a 12-year-old boy’s separated head to his neck after a serious accident in which he was hit by a car while riding his bicycle, the Jerusalem hospital announced .
If correct, his case opens the door to a great number of totally new Shailos. Would a person that indeed lost his head and was then reattached to his body be considered as being born again?”
To what we answered: “See questions 1086, 1089, and 1322 regarding heart transplants.”
“Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is still too early to express any Halacha rulings, until these unusual cases actually continue and do become a recurrent reality, and then they can be judged properly”
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 2/21/2025 10:54 AM |
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#5304 “Last” or “First” Letters?
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Q. I recently read that During his recent last visit to Washington, DC, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu took part in inscribing letters in the historic “Washington Torah ” - a most unusual and outstanding Sefer Torah being written entirely in the nation’s capital. Could such a Sefer Torah really be in any way Kosher as the Chabbad Chassidim claim it is?
A. On question 169 – Filling in Letters in a Sefer Torah. We wrote:
“Q. I recently attended the giving of a Sefer Torah, and was invited to write a letter for a donation. The letters were already outlined in ink, I just filled in the blank inner space, isn’t that letter kosher anyway, if so what is my mitzvah?
A) There are different opinions in the Poiskim as to what exactly is the mitzvah of writing or fixing an already written letter in an almost finished Sefer Torah. There are those who support this “minhag”, claiming it is based on the Talmud (Menochos 30a) “if someone fixes even one single letter, it is tantamount to having written the whole Sefer”.
In Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 270,1) Remah rules that this applies only if one owns the Sefer or paid to have it written on his name. Writing a letter on someone else’s Sefer does not qualify. (Mikdash M’at 270,6 – Mishnas Avrohom 1,25).
However some argue that paying for the letter makes him a partner in the Sefer and he fulfills the mitzvah of K’sivas Sefer Torah, according to the Poiskim that maintain that partnership is acceptable in the fulfillment of this mitzvah (ibid. – Nitey Gavriel, Ksivas Sefer Torah 13,1)
Horav Chaim Kanievsky Shlit”a, when asked this same query responded similarly. Unless he owns part of the Sefer, there is no mitzvah at all. He suggested filling in the letter “yud”, since without the inner ink filling, it could be read as a small “samech”. (Derech Sicho, Shoiftim).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that there is at least a mitzvah in honoring and beautifying the Torah, by filling in the letter, even if it was already outlined and could be kosher as is.
Rabbi a. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a.”
I did inquire to a very knowledgeable and most important Chabad member of our family, and b’n Iy’H, he will send their response as to what they do on such most crucial and important occasions a.s.a.p.
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 2/16/2025 11:02 AM |
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#5303 Just Enjoy the Delicious Fruits!
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Q. Dear Friendly Rabino. Due to my sad medical circumstances I was hospitalized yesterday (Thursday) during Tu Bishvat (2025), and was unable to eat the fruits together with my family and friends and say the brochos and sing the songs including the Tefilah for a proper and great esrog for Sukot, as I usually do.
Can I eat the fruits and say and sing them now on this Shabbos, as I’m offering a great Kidush to thank Hashem for my very prompt Refuah?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that you can and should offer a kiddush to promptly thank Hashem and you can eat the fruits you missed.
Yet the Rov Shlit’a maintains that you should not recite the words of praying for great good fruits including this year esrog, since one should not recite on Shabbos prayers of need for other occasions even Yomim Tovim.
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 2/14/2025 1:35 PM |
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#5302 - Walk the Walk?
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Q. Is it okay to pace and walk around while I am davening some of the brachas that require standing or don't require sitting, aside from the shemona esrei?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is only permitted in a place were it does not disturb other attendants at all.
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 2/14/2025 12:50 PM |
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# 5301 – Amen to the Amen!
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- Q. Someone in the conversion process was told that he can't say amen to other people's brachas. I thought they are supposed to follow all Jewish laws and customs with the exception of completely observing Shabbos. What am I missing?
A. In principle there should not be a limitation for someone in his situation of being in the conversion process, to answer Amen on the blessings said.
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 2/14/2025 12:48 PM |
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#5300 A New World - Really?
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- Q. Dear Rabbi Shlit’a. I have an important question that Gedolei Hatorah have to address.
Since genetically altered fruits and other food items are constantly becoming more common, does their particular status alter any Halacha considerations regarding food prohibitions or mitzvos done with those foods?
A. Although the common believe of many is that genetically altered fruits and grown produce are most common, Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a pointed out that in reality that is not the case and they are very limited. See following questions.
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 2/14/2025 12:44 PM |
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#5299 A Real Newborn?
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- Q. Dear Rabbi. A friend became religious late in life. An orthodox Rabbi was telling him that he should now have a real bar mitzvah. My friend was very offended and then asked if he should also repeat his bris (circumcision) which was done by a doctor in the hospital. What is your opinion?
A. Regarding the bris (circumcision), it depends whether it was done by a proper Kosher Mohel, if not he should consult with a proper Rabbinical authority to connect him with the correct Mohel to do at least “Hatofas Dam Bris” or a necessary and essential small blood letting cut on the right place, that has the value of a proper brith milah. (there may be other fixings necessary, if the brith milah was not done correctly.
As far as a Bar Mitzva is concerned, in principle it is unnecessary, yet it is a proper good idea to give a Kiddush or similar to celebrate his joining the Jewish Nation.
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 2/14/2025 12:41 PM |
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#5298 Honey, Don’t Pass the Milk!
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- Q. Dear Rov and Magid Shiur. I have another shaila. If I we served at a simcha meal Chalav Yisrael. Yet someone noticed that one of the waiters poured a bit of left over milk from another simcha, that was kosher but not Chalav Yisrael, if it was only a small amount does it become batel and acquire the benefit of being Chalav Ysrael?
A. In general the process of “Bitul” only removes prohibited or forbidden issues in a mixture or similar, it does not give new added characteristics or special new conditions necessary. See question 2043 (The Works of Water Works).
On question 4570 (No Minority Rights?) we wrote:
“Q. Rov Shlit’a. If someone is missing a bit of olive oil to fill a cup on the Menorah, can one use a small quantity of common oil that following an Halachic mechanism of ‘Bitul Berav’ will become nullified in the majority, and be considered as being all olive oil?
A. Poskim disagree. Some maintain that the added bit of oil will become ‘Batel Berov’ or annulled and be part of the majority (Pischei Olam on Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (Chanuka), Eishel Avrohom (693), Chasam Sofer) and others.
However, Peninei Chanuka (p. 144) following the opinion of Oneg Yom Tov (4) maintains that ‘Battel Berov’ can only annul and remove a state of prohibition from the item being mixed into a majority. It cannot acquire and gain a new status of positive new and different conditions and credentials it did not posses before, such as becoming olive oil for the Menorah.
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 2/14/2025 12:37 PM |
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#5297 A Sefer Torah in Aramaic?
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- The Talmud (Megila 9) mentions that according to the opinion that allows a Sefer Torah to be written in aramaic, the reason is because it says יפת אל' ליפת which means G-d glorified יפת by making his language holy. On the other hand the Talmud (Sota 33) teaches that one who is not praying with a quorum should not pray in Aramaic because the angels do not understand,
Tosafot st(Shabbos 12) asks that how could it be they don't understand if they know even a persons thoughts? The Rosh answers that of course angels understand Aramaic, but rather they don’t want to listen or deal with Aramaic because it is a repellent language.
Horav Menashe Klein Zt”l, (Mishne Halochos 13; 147), explains based on the Kuzari that teaches how Avrohom Avinu would speak in aramaic whenever he needed to discuss mundane matters, and in לשון הקודש for all holy matters ) why Adam spoke in aramaic and not (לשון הקודש) because he did not want to use the such a holy language for mundane matters.
Yet the Rema (120) quotes the Bereshis Rabah that says one should respect Aramaic Torah like we see Hashem respected it by using it in the Torah itself.
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 2/14/2025 12:32 PM |
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#5296 Make it in Aramaic?
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- Q. Dear Rov and Magid Shiur. When Hashem spoke to the important people of Babel as, described in the Talmud and Midrashim, did he speak to them in Aramaic?
A. Some significant chapters of Daniel and Ezra, that quote the words of Hashem spoken to the prophets or for Nebuchadnetzar are written in Aramaic, the books of Daniel and Ezra—are written in Aramaic, as are the Babylonian and Yerushami Talmud.
Aramaic was the lingua franca and common language of the Assyrian, Babylonian, and Persian empires, facilitating communication between the diverse nations within each empire. When the Jews returned to the Land of Israel from Babylonian captivity in the 4th century BCE, they began using Aramaic as their vernacular for daily speech, reserving the Holy Tongue for Torah study and prayer. The dominance of Aramaic in Jewish communities in the Middle East continued well into the 9th century CE.
The Zohar, the basic work of Kabbalah authored by Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, quotes often the wortds of Hashem and also employs Aramaic as its primary language. Additional uses of Aramaic in common in Divrei Torah writings that include various Midrashic compositions,
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 2/14/2025 12:27 PM |
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#5295 The True Tu Bishvat
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- Q. The people of our shul have a tradition to make a seuda for Tu Bishvat in which the customary fruits are served. Can they make the Seuda on the night (Wednesday this year 2025) or does it have to be during the (Thursday) day? (They usually do it between Mincha and Maariv).
A. Since Tu bishvat or the 15th of Shevat is a Jewish holiday occurring on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat. Wednesday night is already time to celebrate.
It is also called Rosh HaShanah LeiIlanot (ראש השנה לאילנות), literally "New Year of the Trees." In principle one should wait until proper night time to comply with the traditions involved. Yet Maariv could be said after the meal ended.
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 2/12/2025 10:15 AM |
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#5294 Go For a True Song
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- Q. As we are to read on this Shabbos Shirah the song that gives the name to the Shabbos, does it all have to be read with a special tune
A. There are indeed different traditions. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlita opinion is that indeed the complete shirah should be read with that tune.
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 2/9/2025 10:49 PM |
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#5293 An Eating Problem?
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Q. See question above. I see that frum people go on vacation times or dates to places and restaurants that serve both Kosher and non-kosher food. Is that permitted?
Is there any reason to worry about ma’aris ayin when doing so?
A. Mori Verabi HoRavMoishe Feinstein ZT”L (Igrois Moishe O.H 4: 82) rules that eating kosher food in a non-kosher restaurant is a problem of maaris ayin (Negative impression and example).
One may argue that there is no maaris ayin as a person might enter a non kosher restaurant for numerous reasons as, for a business meeting with a non-Jewish client, or to use the restroom. Nonetheless, these things applied in his time time also, and he still ruled to be stringent.
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 2/9/2025 11:36 AM |
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#5292 A Drink Problem?
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- Q. Can someone traveling and being in an airport or plane, consume a coffee or tea served in what seems to be just items that are essentially kosher? What is Horav Miller’s Shlit’a opinion?
Would he drink it?
A. Although it is common for many to be lenient when all the ingredients are kosher, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlita opinion is to abstain when in public view.
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 2/7/2025 12:15 PM |
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#5291 Sounds Are To Good to Be True?
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- Q. Kvod Moreinu Horav Shlit”a: What is the Halacha regarding the prohibition of Kol Isha (listening to the voice of a woman singing) if the music in question is changed to either raise or lower the pitch? If the voice now sounds like a mans is it permitted?
How about if it is done the other way around, it is a man’s voice that now sounds like a woman?
How about, if one just places on his ears an electronic device that changes the pitch?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlita opinion is that although it is a unique new and unheard Shailah, one should be stringent and not do it.
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 2/7/2025 12:13 PM |
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#5290 Don’t Trim the Shovavim!
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- Q. See question above. Another explanation is because Shovavim falls after the winter solstice, which is when the days start to get longer.
This connects to the narrative recounted in Avodah Zara (8a) that after Adam sinned, he ascertained that the days were getting shorter and feared that his insubordination to Hashem had brought about the end of the universe. Then, as the winter solstice passed, he noticed that the days were getting longer again and was relieved. He saw in it a symbol of his repentance being accepted. Consequently, the period of increasing daylight is seen as a promising and auspicious time.
We don’t find the Shovavim period mentioned in the Talmud, Midrash, Shulchan Aruch or Mishneh Torah; one of the the earliest reference is in the fifteenth-century work Leket Yosher. It was the sefarim of Kabalah and Chasidism who enlarged Shovavim to its current understanding – that also includes fasting on Mondays and Thursdays during this period, every year. Because of their origins, the practices are more prevalent in Sephardic and Chasidik communities than they are among Ashkenazim.
The first practice, as mentioned, is to fast from dawn to dusk on the Mondays and Thursdays of this period. These are the days of the year with the fewest daylight hours, with the result that these fasts are not among the more onerous ones.
Another practice observed at this time is to undertake a taanis dibbur – a fast from speaking. Typically observed on Shabbos (when regular fasting is prohibited), one obligates himself to refrain from talking, except for words of prayer.
On Shabbos during a taanis dibbur, there are those who recite sefer Tehillim – all 150 Psalms – three times, for a total of 450 Psalms! This, of course, is a very large time commitment.
During Shovavim, some people recite Selichos and various Kabbalistic prayers appropriate for the period. Others give extra tzedakah at this time.
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 2/7/2025 12:06 PM |
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#5289 The Shovaim Meaning
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- Q. Dear Rov Shlit’a: I overheard in our shul that we are now at the very special time of the year known as Shovavim. What exactly is the time period of Shovavim? And what does it mean? Why is it so special?
A. Shovavim is the word that represents the first letters of the Parshios of Shemos, Va’eira, Bo. Beshalach, Yisro, Mishpaoim. These are the first six sedras (weekly reading chapters) of the Shemos Sefer (or the book of Exodus), which are read in the end of the winter months.
“Shovavim” is a word also found twice in sefer Yermiyahu (the book of Jeremiah) chapter 3 – in verses 14 and 22, as part of the pasuk “shuvu banim shovavim,”. Or “return, lapsing or troublemaking sons,” Accordingly, the Shovavim period is one of intensified teshuvah (repentance) and tikkun (purification) for personal defects and sins especially those of a sexual nature. Sefarim write that this can range from such matters as unclean thoughts to laxity in the laws of family purity.
Why is Shovavim particular to this time and period? Some maintain that is related to the theme of the Torah portions read over the course of these weeks. We read about how the Jews were exiled in Egypt, where they became entrenched in extreme immorality and sank to the lowest depths of impurity.
Nevertheless, they were able to be redeemed and ended up traveling to Sinai, where they succeeded in receiving the Holy Torah. Also as this particular time precedes the great happiness of Purim and Pesach, it carries an essential and inspiring message of bouncing back from deep impurity to the greatest spiritual heights of the YamimTovim that prepare us to Kabalath Hatorah
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 2/7/2025 12:02 PM |
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