|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
#5119 Winds of Change
|
|
|
- Q. See question above. Can it be better doing the spraying with a “Shinui” or change from the normal usage? What would be a qualifying proper shinui?
A. Indeed it would be preferable when possible to spray with a Shinui. It may be that instead of pressing with ones finger on the spray button one could use the back of the hand or similar
.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 9/13/2024 1:16 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5118 Slug the Bug?
|
|
|
- Q. See the above questions. I wonder since we spend during the summer many Shabbats in the cottages or in vacation camps and we walk to shul there. If there is an Eruv, can one carry and use an insect repellent spray on his way to shul?
A. If the spray does not contain any insect killing poison Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is 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
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 9/13/2024 1:14 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5117 Don’t Miss the Mist
|
|
|
- Q. Can one use on Shabbat spray cans or aerosol dispensers for removal of bad smells in a bathroom or kitchen?
A. Some Poskim question the use of spraying devices on Shabbos, nevertheless, Mori Horav Moshe Feinstein Zt”l, and other Poskim including the Minchas Yitzchok ruled that because the scattering is not caused directly by human blowing or wind force, but rather by the pressure in the can dispenser, it is not similar to Zoreh and it is permitted to be used on Shabbos L’chatchila.
On question 2220 regarding if one can use suntan and insect repellent liquid oils and lotions during Shabbos and Yom Tov, for skin protection when walking outside during the summer, or if one can also spray the new aromatic insect repellent on clothing, we wrote that Poskim permit using suntan and insect repellent liquids, oils and lotions, when they are thin, of low viscosity, and of flowing consistency. They also should not be for medicinal use. (Piskei Teshuvos 327: 1).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is permitted to spray repellent on clothing also, even if it has some aroma, since the main intention is not to impart fragrance, but to repel insects
.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 9/13/2024 1:12 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5116 A Ray of Hope for the Spray
|
|
|
- Q. On last question the Rov mentioned that Pepper Spray if needed for self defense and saving lives, it is permitted to hold and carry all day and night during Shabbos. Is it really better to use it for protection during Shabbat than a gun? How about carrying a knife when one is trained?
A. It is indeed safer to use the spray for self defense than a gun or a knife and when in need the security experts recommend to use and carry it.
We must mention that in Canada the use of Pepper Spray is illegal and prohibited by law, and only law enforcement officers may legally carry or possess it. When in need one must contact the responsible authorities to get the necessary legal permits.
See next 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
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 9/10/2024 11:15 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5115 Say on Stay Away from Spray
|
|
|
- Q. I live in Toronto and as it is well known we suffered recently a series of dangerous antisemitic and life threatening attacks. Is the carrying to shul and constant holding of a pepper spray can, permitted for personal safety reasons during the whole time on a regular Shabbat?
A. Pepper spray is an inflammatory agent used usually as a defense weapon. It works by inflaming the mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. It causes immediate closing of the eyes, difficulty breathing, runny nose, and coughing.
If needed for self defense and saving lives, it is permitted to hold and carry all day and night during Shabbos.
(See next 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
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 9/8/2024 12:37 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5114 Not Nice on Noise!
|
|
|
- Q. I was Baal Tokeah for a neighbor who is bed ridden and lives with her daughter and a significant number of dogs and cats. As I was blowing the Shofar, the dogs where all howling and the cats where meowing quite loudly, accompanying the sound of the Shofar, this is the second year this phenomenon happens.
I could not ask them to take out the animals, as they are Muktzeh. Were this women at all yoitzeh with the Mitzvah, or is this a case of “trey kolei loi mishtamei”, you can not hear two voices at the same time, thus their brocho would be in vain, and I was prohibited to 10cm. blow Shofar for them?
A. On question 874, regarding a small shul that is on a main street, where it is common that the street noises like trucks going by or sirens are heard inside as well as sometimes small children crying or the A.C. making sounds. If those noises are an issue when hearing the shofar and if you have to repeat the shofar, we wrote:
“Remoh (O.H. 588: 3) rules that if two individuals blew the complete set of shofar sounds required on Rosh Hashono at the same time or even if one was blowing a trumpet instead of a shofar, the listener complies with the mitzva.
Mishna Berura (ibid. 11) quoting Talmud Rosh Hashana (26a) explains that although usually we accept that two different voices or sounds cannot be heard simultaneously, when one of them is very pleasant and enjoyed as would be the story of Megilas Esther, you would pay attention to the preferred one and thus comply with the mitzva. In the case of the shofar since it comes only once a year it is also appreciated and liked more than any other sound and of course, noise.
However, Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a advises to minimize as much as possible any other distressing and conflicting sounds, that may disturb the kavana and intention of the people complying with this great and important mitzva.”
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 9/6/2024 1:23 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5113 Uncover the Cover
|
|
|
- Q. Can we cover the wheelchair of a guest visiting our home for a Shabbos meal with a plastic sheet when it is raining outside?
A. Horav Aharon Miller Shlit”a adviced that to avoid making an “Ohel” or tent prohibited during Shabbos, one should be careful to push the plastic cover towards the inner side of the chair, thus living no empty hovering space inside, that may qualify as an even small prohibited “Ohel.” (a space of a “tefach” about about 10cm.).
One could also place the chair inclined next to an outside wall in an angle that would make it now unfit for any inner use to place objects there, and thus no “ohel” would be created.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 9/6/2024 1:18 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5112 – Keep on Pushing?
|
|
|
- Q. See question above. What happens if he fell asleep in his wheelchair can someone still push him?
A. Since there are various different details involved in this particular shailah, the opinion of our Rabbanim is that one should consult a competent Posek on his own particular situation.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 9/6/2024 1:17 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5111 The Will of the Wheelchair
|
|
|
- Q. A person that needs a wheelchair to come to shul or visit friends, can he be pushed by a friend if he can just walk a little by himself, if there is no Eruv on that town? Is it better if he moves the chair himself with his hands?
A. Carrying an inanimate object on Shabbos in a public domain is strictly forbidden by a Biblical prohibition. However, Carrying a live human who is able to walk on his own, is not so strictly forbidden since in Halacha he is considered as if he is “transporting himself” and providing help to his own transport, yet he is still Rabbinicaly prohibited.
If we add that most poskim rule that our streets are commonly only a karmelis and only forbidden rabbinically, therefore to carry a person who can walk on his own, under extenuating circumstances it could be permitted.
See next question.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 9/6/2024 1:13 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5110 Mind the Blow
|
|
|
- Q. In the case above, can I just blow the shofar myself? What if I can only do the tekios (long voice) properly, and not the rest of the usual customary different voices?
A. Siach Yitzchok (264) maintains that one should also blow for himself, as Slichos are also recited even when there is no complete minyan to awake and do Teshuva. It is mentioned that the Lubabitcher Rebbeh Zt”l would also follow this tradition when he davened without a minyan.
However, Tzitz Eliezer (12: 48) and others opine that since the Tur quoting Pirkei Derabi Eliezer (46), maintain that when Moshe Rabbenu ascended the mountain the reason for blowing the Shofar during Elul was to remember and remind all the people when Moshe will be coming down from the mountain, therefore the blowing during Elul is only done when there is a minyan.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 9/6/2024 1:10 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5109 Stop, Look and Listen?
|
|
|
- Q. See question above. If I continued davening the amida, do I have to look for someone to blow for me after davening. After all I did hear it?
A. Even if one was not paying attention to the listening of that shofar blowing, yet he likely heard it and noticed it without intention, since it is only a minhag, it is likely he complied.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 9/6/2024 1:08 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5108 – Stop and Listen?
|
|
|
- Q. Kvod Horav Shlit”a. It happens because of my medical situation that I come late to shul. Sometimes in the past I have had to listen to the shofar blowing at the end of davening during Elul, while I’m still saying the amidah Do I have to stop davening to listen to the blowing? What if the blower is not that good and it takes him sometimes a while, till he gets it right?
A. Nitei Gavriel (Rosh Hashana 4: 6) rules that one does not have to stop his amida prayer to listen to the blowing of the shofar during Elul. He explains that even during Rosh Hashana itself, the opinion of the Magen Avrohom (O.H. 592) is that it is not proper to blow the shofar during the quiet tefila of amida, not to disturb the people davening. So much more in our case when those shofar voices are only a tradition and not obligatory.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon
Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 9/6/2024 1:05 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5107 – Shofar Not So Good?
|
|
|
- Q. Rabino querido. You know my parents well, and following their advice, that is based on what you taught them many years ago to care for others and do mitzvot for their benefit.
I’m therefore learning to become a Baal Tokea and blow the shofar for a minyan of Baale Teshuva at the outskirts of Mexico City. The problem is that the friend teaching me to blow the shofar can only do it at night is that OK?
A. See question 858 and 859. Blowing shofar at night would depend on the opinions quoted. Aruch Hashulchan (581: 12) rules that one should not blow the shofar at night, even if his intention is only for learning.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion however is that you may blow at night the shofar for learning purposes.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 9/3/2024 10:52 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5106 Refer the Sefer
|
|
|
- Q. Can you make a siyum for a Yohrzait of parents when you finish learning an important sefer, such as Mesilas Yeshorim or similar?
A. Usually the common Siyum is on a Talmud volume, a Mishna sefer, or a book of Tanach. However, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that if it was indeed learned properly and with true understanding and perception, a siyum could be done.
Horav Shlomo Shlit”a added that one should consult directly with a capable and competent Rov, that can judge and evaluate the learning conditions and the achievement obtained.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 8/30/2024 11:49 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5105 A True Historic Day
|
|
|
- Q. I heard in our Beis Hamedrash that the 24th day of Av is a special day and therefore Tachanun should be avoided. Why is that day so special?
A. Sources quote that on the 24th day of Av the Chashmonaim replaced the Hellenic legal code with a Jewish one. So therefore this day was celebrated as a holiday.
Another most important celebration is that, tradition maintains that it is also the day when Bogdan Chmielnicki Ymshv’z, leader of the Cossacks perished (6 August 1657).
When this most evil individual, who was the leader of a peasant uprising against Polish rule in the Ukraine in 1648 it resulted in the criminally and voluntary destruction of hundreds of Jewish communities. Chmielnicki was bent on eradicating the Jews from the Ukraine. In the course of their campaigns his followers acted with extreme savage and unremitting cruelty against the Jews. Chmielnicki was bent on eradicating the Jews from the Ukraine.
The Jewish chronicles mention that close to 400,000 killed and more than 300 communities were destroyed. It was during the months of May to November 1648 that most of the massacres took place.
In the annals of the Jewish people, Chmielnicki is branded as "Chmiel the Wicked," one of the most sinister oppressors of the Jews for most generations, the initiator of the terrible 1648–49 massacres, known as “Gezeroth Tach Vetath.” Chmielnicki has gone down in history also as the figure principally responsible for the holocaust of Polish Jewry in that period.
Under the impact of the calamity, the Council of Lithuania, at its meeting of 1650, decreed three years of consecutive mourning. This took the form of a prohibition on wearing elaborate clothes or ornaments during that time, and it was decided that "no musical instrument be heard in the House of Israel, not even the musical entertainment at weddings, for a full year"; "suitable measures were to be taken to limit feasts as much as possible" (ibid., nos. 469–70).
Authors of that generation also mention regulations which sought to prevent the increase within the community of the children born to women ravished by the Cossacks. A great effort was then made to ease the plight of thousands of agunot (wives of missing husbands), and the overwhelming majority of the women who escaped were freed from their marriage bonds by halakhic decisions; many precedents in agunot regulations were then established. His death is indeed a date to be celebrated.
Nevertheless, the members of the Ukrainian nationalist movement in recent generations have come to see him as a symbol of the awakening of the Ukrainian people, while Russian nationalists regarded him as a "great patriot" who brought about the unification of Ukraine with Russia. During World War II, a military decoration was named after him, and in 1954 the town Proskurov was renamed Khmelnitski.
There may be correct meaning in the celebrating on that day.
He Died 6 August 1657 that corresponds to 27 Av 5417.
However, as Horav Shlomo Miller Shli"ta often rules. Each Minyan should follow it's own established Minhagim.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 8/30/2024 11:38 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5104 Allow the Blow?
|
|
|
- Q. If we are starting a new minyan, should we blow the shofar from the first day Rosh Chodesh Elul? The minhag in this part of town is split.
A. Horav Yaakov Hirschman Shlit’a opinion is that since adding an extra day for beginning to blow the shofar is not a prohibition, whatever will create and maintain Sholom Bais and avoid a dispute should be the primary and most important task to be followed.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 8/30/2024 11:32 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5103 Not the Last Stand
|
|
|
- Q. Dear Rabbi; does someone who is already a bit aged and it is a bit difficult for him to have to stand for all the selichos, when everyone else in shul is standing, (they are younger). Should he better look for another minyan, so he will not be the only on seating down?
A. Eliahu Rabbah (581: 9) quotes Kitzur Hashelah and Mateh Ephraim (18) that it is better to stand while reciting selichos. However, one who has difficulty in standing, should at least do so if possible when saying “Kel Melech Yoshev” and the “Thirteen Midos”.
Halichos Shlomo (Tefila 6, Orchos Halocho n. 380 was indeed careful to comply with the above.
Nonetheless, in our case it is a commonly accepted behaviour.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 8/30/2024 11:30 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5102 For a Split Second
|
|
|
? - Q. See question above. If we cannot reach an agreement, for this and other different minhagim, is it better that we should split and the new comers even if they are now a majority, should look for a new place?
A. As already mentioned above; Horav Yaakov Hirschman Shlit’a opinion is that whatever will avoid a dispute and maintain the peace, should be implemented and that should be the most important goal and destination to be followed, especially during this most holy days.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 8/30/2024 11:26 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5101 Divide and Loose
|
|
|
- Q. We recently added a number of new members to our Beis Midrash and some have a very Chassidic background. Their leader mentioned that since Rosh Hashana is approaching and we are going to say and add many different tefilos, we should follow the new majority of the congregants.
A small example that was mentioned in our last shull meeting, was adding this coming Shabbos on the Birchas Hachodesh (blessing for the New Elul Month) the words “Uleteshuva Shleimah” (for complete repentance) normally not said. But since this is the month of Teshuva it belongs and should be mentioned. What is better and correct? To follow the new majority or keep the established way and “Nusach” mentioned for many years (almost eighty since the creation of this minyan)?
A. Horav Yaakov Hirschman Shlit’a opinion is that whatever will avoid a dispute and maintain peace, should be implemented and that should be the most important goal and destination to be followed, especially during the days of Elul.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 8/30/2024 11:25 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5100 – Shofar So Good
|
|
|
- Q. See questions above. We were further wondering, if from the friends camping with us the only one that knows how to blow the shofar (more or less) is my talented son. The problem is that he is only twelve years old. Can he blow on this special occasion?
A. On question 352 regarding a minor blowing Shofar during Elul, we wrote: “Q. Dear Rabbi, In our small weekday minyan we have a problem getting someone to blow the Shofar daily. Can a youngster who is not bar mitzvah yet blow for us? To what we answered;
“Nitei Gavriel (Rosh Hashono 4: 8) writes that if no other Baal Tokea is available to blow the Shofar during Elul, even a minor who is not Bar Mitzah yet, can be asked. However on the onset, a Koton should not blow the Shofar as it is not befitting for the honor of the congregation.
Mekadesh Yisroel (Yomim Noroim p.44) depends this Shaileh on the reason for blowing Shofar during Elul, if it is for awakening the listeners to do Teshuva, then a minor may not be as stirring and as effective as an adult. Other reasons mentioned apply even when a minor blows. (See also Meagel Hashana p.37 and Shevet Hakehossi 1:185).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that he can blow when no adult is available.”
As mentioned in question above, Horav Yaakov Hirschman Shlit’a opinion is that since the blowing of the shofar during Elul is only a minhag and tradition, he maintains that in need one can be lenient.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 8/30/2024 11:22 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
Important Numbers
