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#4920 The Fire in Eating?
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Q. See question above. If one is indeed complying with the mitzva of Biur Chometz, when eating chometz or drinking beer or chometz liquors, although one does not recite a brocho, should not one at least have the intention necessary to comply with all the available possible biblical positive mitzvos?
A. Whether one complies with the mitzva of Biur Chometz when eating it, is subject to the opinion of different Poskim.
Rashash (Psochim 21b) maintains that one who eats chometz or feeds it to animals indeed complies with this mitzva, and adds that even according to Rav Yehuda that the destruction of the chometz has to be done by burning, the natural heat process involved in digestion is similar, as the Pasuk teaches “a human is alike the the tree of the field”. (See Piskei Teshuvos 445: 2, p.423) . See also prior answer.
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 4/4/2024 10:01 PM |
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#4919 The Endless Ending?
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Q. Should one who owns a fire place or has a discarded oven burn leftover bread, cookies and cakes during the thirty days before Pesach to comply with the Biblical mitzva of Biur Chametz or the burning of the chometz? Since even just diluting them in water and then disposing of them in the sink is easy and possible, should one not comply the whole month every day and many times a day with such an important Biblical mitzva?
A. Talmud (Pesachim 6a) quotes Rabbi Yehuda in the name of Rav : “One who sets sail or journeys with a caravan thirty days before Peisach, he is not obligated to burn his chometz; If it is within thirty days, he is obligated to burn it.” That also corresponds to the learning and expounding on the laws of Pesach thirty days before the festival.
Remah (O.H. 636: 1) rules that a brocho should then not be recited, however Biur Halocho and Mishna Berura (ibid.) quote some opinions that a blessing should also be recited then.
The reason why we do not follow a due process to comply with this important mitzva during the whole month prior to Pesach, as mentioned by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a is that our sages did not want to impose a constant everyday and every moment mitzva that would create and result in a great loss of food, time and effort.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller Horav, Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 4/4/2024 9:51 PM |
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#4918 A Broken Vort?
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Q. Many years ago, I was engaged to someone who broke up with me prior to the vort. The ring had been bought and was given to me but was too big so it was left with the jeweler to resize. In reflecting why it is taking me so long to remarry, I was wondering if this situation requires a get.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if the ring was not given in front of “Eidim” or two designated proper witnesses and the accustomed traditional words recited when performing Kiddushin were not said, it would be obvious that no intention of an act of marriage was intended.
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 4/4/2024 9:45 PM |
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#4917 A Household Name
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Q. Is it recommended when avoiding the giving of a baby’s name by zoom for the grand-father or other person to be honored, but can’t be present to name a Sheliach (agent) to represent him when naming the baby?
Should the Shaliach announce before giving the name that he is representing the one that was honored with the name giving but was unable to come?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it could be done and is indeed correct to mention the name of the honored one represented.
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 4/4/2024 9:41 PM |
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#4916 A Yum Frum Zoom?
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Q. If the naming of the baby was done indeed by zoom, should the Koire Hashem be holding a separate cup of wine?
Should in the case above, the person making the Bracha drink the entire cup right away or wait till after Krias Sheim? If he should wait should he hold the cup the entire time?
A. Our Rabbonim maintain that since the zooming is only commendable in need, it is better that the cup of wine should be held and drank by the person actually present by the bris
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 4/4/2024 9:39 PM |
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#4915 Not This Baby?
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Q. If as mentioned above on times of crisis and need zooming could be used for naming a newborn child. Would you then say: ״קיים את הילד הזה״ or is there a different nusach if the baby is not in the same room?
A. In such a case when need permits zooming the giving of a name, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one should omit the word הזה״" since the baby is not actually present.
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 4/4/2024 9:35 PM |
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# 4914 Bring Bright Bris Future?
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Q. See question above. As the Rov of a Shul should I be nervous that this will set a precedent in how people do a Bris in the future?
A. On question 3898 we wrote: “Usually, any Zoom contact does not contribute to mitzvos that require a minyan. On question 2845 regarding saying Tashlich during the Aseres Yemei Teshuva via zoom we wrote: Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one should not.
The reason is that reciting Tashlich next to a body of flowing water is similar to other mitzvos, where the presence of the article, place or situation that brings about a blessing or Tefila, has to be real. After all one recites a brocho only on real lightning or thunder, kiddush levana only on actually seeing the moon and not a picture or reflection or listening to the Megila and answering Kedusha or Kaddish only when the voices are real and present.”
Indeed, one of the concerns would be that this will set a precedent in how people do a Bris or similar mitzvos.
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 4/4/2024 3:22 PM |
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# 4913 No Room for the Zoom?
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Q. Is there any chisaron (negative outcome) in giving a baby his name when doing the bris, if it is via Zoom?
A. On a similar question 2644 during the recent covid pandemic times resulting in the pandemic assistance and travel restrictions, we wrote: “Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that during normal times, he would not recommend to honor important people of the family, who are unable to attend, for them to give the baby’s name at the bris mila ceremony, or to recite the horachamons of bentching via Zoom, online or phone. However, in times of crisis, although the Rov still does not endorse it, he understands why for some in need, it could be done.”
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 4/2/2024 10:36 PM |
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#4912 When Should a Present be Present?
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Q. Is it better to give the needed to be given simcha presents, like for a bar mitzva or a wedding on Purim to increase the simcha that is after all a mitzvah on that day?
A. Our Rabbonim Shlit’a agreed that there is no real cause or reason to give the presents mentioned during Purim, since the reason for the simcha and joy of Purim is different and reflects to the teachings that are mentioned in the Megilah and corresponding Talmud and meforshim.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a.
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Posted 3/29/2024 12:21 AM |
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#4911 The Right Time?
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Q. Dear Rov Shlit’a. On this year (2024) when Purim is on Sunday, is it not better at the end of Shabbos, to stay eating shaleshudes, saying Divrei Torah and prolonging Shabbos and then bench just before Maariv about a half an hour later, to permit the women to drive and come to shul?
A. In principle you may be right, that the best option would be to spend the most time possible as being still in Shabbos and also used for hearing words of Torah or singing the zemiros of shaleshudes.
However, in practice the men attending shaleshudes, will likely want to go home and help their wifes and the children come, so they would like to daven Maariv on time and end Shabbos.
One may dedicate the time after maariv to an interesting Torah shiur that will have all the remaining and waiting join, until the megila reading begins.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a.
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Posted 3/29/2024 12:18 AM |
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#4910 More Intentions Limitations
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- Q. See above questions. Are there anymore limitations to that formerly great principle?
A. Sadly there are. Nesivos Hatalmud (Nesiv 5) maintains that it only applies to the mitzvos we do directly for Hashem’s name, but not on the ones that are “lechavero” or for the benefit of other humans. Since in those last ones, the real benefit intended is actually essential.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a.
Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a. added recently that: Maharal maintains that every (mitzva) bein adam lchaveiro is also bein adam lamakom, (Every mitzva that applies to others, is in essence also a mitzva to Hashem).
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Posted 3/29/2024 12:15 AM |
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# 4909 – Full Atention to Intention
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- Q. Rov. the above is indeed very, very interesting and powerful, since all I have to do is daily spend some good, great time after davening, thinking and planing to all the many, many mitzvos and learning Torah that I can possibly do and really, truly would love to do them if possible. Does the above really apply to all possible mitzvos or is there some limitations?
A. Firstly, we must mention that the Yerushalmi (Gittin 7: 6) disagrees with the above principle and maintains that if one who abstained by accident or against his will from performing a mitzva he wanted and decided to do, does not get credit for it at all.
Then, the Binyan Shlomo (On Rambam H. Milah) is of the opinion that even by the Talmud Babli, it only pertains to mitzvos that could be performed by ordering a shaliach or agent to do them for you and in one’s name since they are not mitzvos that have to be performed “Begufo” or personally.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a.
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Posted 3/29/2024 12:11 AM |
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#4908 All Purposes of Intent
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Q. Dear Rov. If someone avoids doing an avera (sin) our Sages tell us that it is considered as if a mitzva similar or corresponding was performed. If the mitzva involved was Biblical, does one need to have in mind the Kavana to keep that mitzva, as is required in the performance of all positive Biblical commands?
A. Actually you may be referring to the saying of Rav Ashi quoted in Talmud (Brochos 6a);
“If one thought of performing a mitzvah, yet against his will could not comply with it, it is considered as if he actually did it. That being the case, since he actually was fully committed to the compliance of the mitzvah, it is considered as he actually had the right and proper intention.
Chasam Sofer (Res. C.M. 1) explains that it reflects Hashem’s love to us and it is not a truly a legal Halacha legal obligation.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a.
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Posted 3/29/2024 12:07 AM |
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#4907 Not Growing on Trees
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– Q. Can I sell my trees over Passover and let them hire someone to cut them over on Chol Hamoed? Can I do this with a fruit tree that is rotting away?
A. Although it may be the right time for the trees to be cut, one should not do it during Chol Hamoed, rather before or after.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a.
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Posted 3/29/2024 12:04 AM |
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#4906 The Book Stops Here
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- Q. If I am saying tehillim while I need to greet someone or say amen to someone's bracha, can I stop in the middle? Is it better if I stop at the end of a clause, sentence or paragraph?
A. You may just stop at the end of the pasuk.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a.
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Posted 3/29/2024 12:02 AM |
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# 4905 Noise Not Nice
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Q. I know that I'm not supposed to interrupt my davening amida or benching but if the alarm on my cell phone goes off or I forgot to turn off the ringer and the noise is bothering me, can I pause briefly to just flick it off?
A. Indeed if it really bothers you or others and you can’t just go to another place or room where it won’t affect your concentration, you may turn off the ringer during the amida (not during Shabbos). Bentching is more lenient.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a.
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Posted 3/28/2024 11:59 PM |
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# 4904 Small Sefer - Big Reading
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Q. See question above. Someone waiting in a hospital for an operation can he take with him a small sefer Torah an read Zachor by himself?
A. On question 2119 we answered to a similar question the following:
“Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 685: 7) rules that since Parshas Zachor is Biblically ordained, people living in towns with no minyan, will have to travel on this Shabbos to a place where there is one. Rema (ibid.) adds that if they are unable to do so, they should at least read them with their proper tune.
Mishna Berura (ibid. 14) maintains that this reading should be done from a Sefer Torah. In Sha’ar Hatzion (ibid. 5) he quotes opinions in regards to the need of a minyan after the fact, when non is available.
Piskei Teshuvos (685: 2) quotes different opinions if Parshas Zachor, when omitted in the morning, could be read latter on during Shabbos afternoon with a minyan, by just calling to the Torah one person who will recite the brocho.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that is this case since there is no minyan to read Kerias Hatorah properly and with a brocho, it is better to read only from a chumash.
The Rov pointed out to Responsa Toras Refoel (1: 2) that maintains there may be even a Biblical prohibition to read from a Sefer Torah in unusual circumstances. See 2119”
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu. And Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 3/25/2024 3:09 PM |
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#4903 Know Beans About Beans?
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Q. Hello Rav! I wanted to add some canned beans to a salad on Shabbat. After I've dealt with the opening up the can issue, I then had an potential borer (prohibited choosing and separating) issue in rinsing the beans.
I'll explain: Once the can is opened, the beans are in a water/salt/additive mixture that although technically edible, most people will rinse off before eating the beans. Having sat in the can with the beans for a long time, it accumulates particles of beans and is quite repulsive to me. During the weekday we would do this in a strainer.
On Shabbat, I'm wondering if I can use my hand to grab a bunch of beans and then while holding them in my hand, rinse them under the faucet to remove all the excess “pesolet” udesirable liquid/particles. In effect, I would be using my hand and fingers like a strainer to keep the bean in my hand, while letting all the pesolet be washed away with the faucet water.
In the 39 melechas sefer, he discusses that one could wash a cluster of grapes under the water faucet, but in that case it might be that one is holding a stem and not using his fingers/hand like a strainer. And even in that case, he writes that it would be better to wash one grape at a time.
I spoke to one Rav who indeed told me that I would need to rinse one bean at a time. Is this correct? Thank you so much!
A.Horav Slomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is indeed similar to washing any fruit and therefore permitted.
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 3/25/2024 2:40 PM |
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#4902 Don’t Forget to Remember
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Q. Kvod Harav. My husband is ‘Lo Alenu’ chronically ill and finds it very difficult to come to shul early. What should he do with Parshas Zahor?
A. On a similar question 4143 we wrote:
“Since listening to Parshas Zachor is a Biblical obligation, one should make every effort to go immediately to another minyan that davens latter and hear it there. If that cannot be done, Mishna Berura (685: 16) quotes Magen Avrohon that one should ‘Bedieved’ after the fact hear and then have intention to comply with the similar reading of ‘Vayovo Amalek’ that is read during Purim.
Nitei Gavriel mentions in the name of the Chassam Sofer that if there are three people who did not hear Parshas Zachor during Shabbos morning, as explained by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a, they may ask the shul attendants to read it by Mincha instead of the next week parsha of Ki Teitzeh. Poskim disagree as to the obligation of women to hear Parshas Zachor. Yet it is accustomed that they do.”
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 3/23/2024 11:20 PM |
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# 4901 Symptoms of Costumes
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Q. Can a woman get dressed up with men’s clothes as a Purim costume?
Can a girl get dressed with a costume that is half woman in front and half man in the back?
A. Rema (O.H. 696: 8) permits on Purim for men to wear women's clothing and vice-versa, since it is done only for creating joy and simcha. However Mishna Berura (30) quoting Bach and Taz, prohibits doing it.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is to to be stringent in every case.
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 3/21/2024 10:52 PM |
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Important Numbers
