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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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#5268 The End of All Films?
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- Q. See question above. Should one email a copy of the film first to the ones involved and asked them if they mind, for others to see them? Or should we assume that since they came and knew they were likely being filmed, so they don’t really care? Is that not what has basically been done until now by almost all?
A. See answer above on the opinion of Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a.
More is to be written soon.
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 1/24/2025 11:56 AM |
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#5267: A Popcorn Film?
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Q. Dear Rabbi. It is very common and accustomed to play for family and friends gathering after a wedding, Bar mitzva or any simcha, the films that where taken then.
I’m often worried that if there are on those films some images that may be detrimental or even a bit embarrassing for the ones that were filmed, they should not be shown and should even be be destroyed, since one may be transgressing on the most serious Lashon Hora’a transgressions?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that the films are questionable as is, since they contain the names of Hashem on the blessings and should therefore be avoided.
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 1/24/2025 11:54 AM |
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#5266: No Gain Pain
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- Q. Someone who will be finishing shiva on Shabbos morning, and is following the customary ways of not performing openly any of the mourning traditions and prohibitions during Shabbos and will join the Seudos of Shabbos with his family.
Is he allowed during the night to eat and enjoy the foods of Shabbos as he usually does? Is the enjoyment of them maybe not correct on that Shabbos?
A. We read in Koheles: There is a time for wailing (bechi), and a time for laughter (sechok)." As mourning is surely the time for wailing, excessive laughter is not permitted.
However, on Shabbos an Ovel comes to shul, although he is not given usually an Aliya, he stays for the reading of the Torah, and can also read the customary Parsha and Targum, although that may give simcha as Torah usually does, since after all they are important mitzvos.
Horav Dovid Pam Shlit’a pointed to a Rashi on Kesubos (6b) that the Tzaar and pain an Ovel feels is not a 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
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Posted 1/24/2025 11:52 AM |
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#5265: Need to Hear Your Voice!
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Q. One of the women attending our shul became recently affected by a chronic illness that lately became a bit distressing and requires more help and supervision. Can her children use a monitor on Shabbat to take care for her during Shabbat?
A. On a similar question regarding “The wife of member of our congregation is l'a chronically ill and mostly restricted to bed. She requires supervision, however due to the current crisis they can't afford a caregiver.
Her husband strongly desires to continue attending shul, at least on Shabbat, but he is afraid to leave her by herself. Can he use a monitor similar to what Hatzala uses, that he will leave on before Shabbat begins and like them carry it to shul?
To what we answered:
On question 2325 regarding the use of a voice baby monitor or room intercom, if it was left on before Shabbat began, and the controls are taped, we wrote: On question 1127 regarding why we prohibit using a microphone on Shabbos, and we permit speaking to a person wearing a hearing aid, we wrote: Igrois Moishe (O.H. 4: 85) explains that microphones became prohibited by most Poskim because they involve “hashmoas kol” or an activity that is publicized and creates awareness to all that a prohibited melocho is possibly being transgressed, which is not the case with a hearing aid
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Also, he adds, only a small amount of people in need require hearing aids, thus it is a “milsa delo shechiach” or an uncommon occurrence, that our sages usually do not prohibit.
On question 1126, we quoted an additional reasoning that in reality the melocho is not done by the hard of hearing, but by the one who addresses him, and he is “eino mechaven” (does it without intention). Igrois Moishe maintains that it is not an unavoidable melocho (psik reisha) prohibited also when done without intention, since the hard of hearing may not even be listening.
Regarding a baby monitor Poskim disagree. Some are stringent, since unlike a hearing aid, it also involves “hashmoas kol” (Teshuvos Vehanhogos 1: 230, Ma’ayanei Shlomo 41, Vayaan Dovid 1: 69 and others).
However, other Poskim find more room for leniency regarding baby monitor, since an infant is considered to be “an individual ill with a non-life-threatening illness”, because even when he is healthy he is constantly in need of his parents’ care.
Hacham Ovadia Yosef’s grandson Horav Yaakov Sasson rules that one who wishes to be lenient regarding a baby monitor has upon what to rely. He notes that Hacham Ovadia (Teshuvot Yabia Omer 1:19) concludes, based on discussion with Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, who had a very sophisticated understanding of electricity and Halacha, that no Torah prohibitions are violated when using a microphone. Thus, he maintains that the question regarding the use of baby monitors involves only a Rabbinic prohibition, and in need one can be lenient. Maase Choshev (2: 6), Divrei Sholom (6: 128) and others are also lenient.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is to be stringent as mentioned above, due to the prohibition of “hashmoas kol,” (Ma’ayanei Shlomo 41) unless in case of real need."
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in our particular shaila, in need, it is best to leave the monitor turned on before Shabbos, on the table in shul where he seats. It should be kept on at a very low tone, that only the husband can hear, when without touching it directly, he leans and comes close to it. He can then communicate with his wife, without others listening so there is no real Hashmoas Kol.
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Posted 1/19/2025 11:22 AM |
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#5264 A Happy Yohrzait?
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Q. See question above. Can one on the Shabbos Yohrzait attend a Bar Mitzva kidush after davening?
A. Nitei Gavriel (p. 176- 24 -4) and other Poskim maintain that on a regular Kidush one is allowed. However, if it is an occasion of a very happy Simcha occasion, then one in Yohrzait should abstain.
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 1/17/2025 12:49 PM |
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#5264 Safe Sick Music?
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- Q. See question above. How about If one is listening to the music just for staying awake when driving or when joining someone for a ride? How about when one needs to entertain the children traveling with.
A. Poskim, usually maintain that in such a case 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
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Posted 1/17/2025 12:48 PM |
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#5263 The Sick Music
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- Q. Is one allowed to listen to music from a tape or radio on the day of Yohrzait for parents?
A. Nitei Gavriel (Avelus p.176, (23: 11) and most other Poskim maintain that it is not allowed.
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 1/17/2025 12:42 PM |
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#5262 No Change to the Changing!
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- Q. Kevod Horav after our resent meeting together with some most important Roshei Yeshivos and Poskim, and realizing the very rapid and constant changes in the reality of life we are experiencing, and the changes in Halacha of life issues are.
How important and crucial it is to establish a group of Poskim and Torah scientist and technicians that understand and can work together with our recognized Gedolim in Torah on this most important, unusual vital times. What is is Horav Shlomo Miller’ds Shlit’a opinion? What does he advice to do?
A. In reality changes in the world experience are constant, as we have mentioned in many of our Shailos, yet some great Torah institutions and Kolelim dedicate themselves constantly to their development.
Those institutions or individuals dedicated to them are part of our history already for many generations.
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 1/17/2025 12:40 PM |
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#5261 – Don’t Ban the Dominican!!!
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- Q. See question above. My community wants to know, how and in what way should thanks be given after so many years for that good intent?
A. As mentioned above an official act should be encouraged, and testimony of that great historical act should be promoted, so other nations would learn from 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 1/17/2025 12:36 PM |
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#5260 The Dominican Truly Can!!!
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- Q. See question above. I have another Shailah. The República Dominicana was the only country that welcomed Yehudim during the Second World War. The president then was ready to accept as many as one hundred thousand, as he announced and was the only country willing to do so. Unluckily only about a thousand arrived.
Yet, since it was the only country that opened and accepted publicly to receive and save so many Yehudim and as far as I know, no recognition was ever given to them, should we now the survivors gather together and make a public act of recognition ant thanks for them?
A. It may be proper to dedicate a propitious day to remember the above unique act of kindness to our people and recognize their courageous and unique brave action. And invite the correct government representatives to encourage the good will of others to our 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 1/17/2025 12:35 PM |
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#5259 – The Dominican Also Can!
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- Q. My Dear Rabbi and teacher. As you very well know me, since we are constantly in contact for delivering your shiurim and shailot to many people on line all over the continent. I have again a number of questions.
As you well know, I live in the Dominican Republic, and there are a few members of our community that are extremely wealthy and visit us from time to time. I know a fellow that for economic reasons resides here and shows up a few times a year. It is believed that he owns about 9 billions dollars in different companies and estates. Does one have to make a bracha when seeing him after a few months?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 224: 6-7) rules that one that sees Jewish Sages recites the special Brocho of; “ Blessed be Hashem that shared his wisdom with those who fear (and respect) Him. However, for Gentile great sages, the blessing changes to: Hashem giving from His wisdom to humans.
Yet, we do not find a special blessing for extremely wealthy people, regardless if they are Jewish or not.
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 1/17/2025 12:33 PM |
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#5258 Give Big Thanks for Small Blessings?
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- Q. Dear Rabbi. If one is a Baal Teshuva and his parents and grandparents were not religious at all , does he have to keep their Yohrzait and say kaddish and daven for them?
A. On question 3602 we wrote:
" Q. Dear Rabbi Bartfeld, My father was Niftar (perished) when I was young. He himself wasn’t frum nor did he grow up frum, but he did have traditional Jewish values, and was known for his humility and Middos Tovos. I am careful to be mechabed (honor) his Yahrtzeit in accordance with Minhagei Yisroel, i.e. learning Mishnayos, making a tikun, etc.).
I wanted to know what my chiyuv (obligation) is for my extended family (i.e. grandparents) yahrtzeits. Should I be saying kaddish, and observing their yahrtzeitin with learning Mishnayos and making tikkunim?
On the one hand, it is very unlikely anyone else will be saying kaddish for them, as I am one of the few Shomre Torah Umitzvos einekelach.
On the other hand, I harbor resentment at their lack of kiyum of Torah and mitzvos, and therefore why should I take upon this achrayos (both time and financial).
Perhaps I should learn from Chizkiyahu and not be mechabed elterin who did not walk in the ways of HaShem; at least this way they won’t be able to “oseh ma’ase k’zimri umvakesh schar k’pinchas. (demand rewards for wrongs done)”
Kindly let me know da’as Gedolei Torah on this matter?"
To what we answered:
"A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is correct to learn Mishnayos in their name, simply as Hakaras Hatov and giving thanks, since after all you as a descendant likely benefited in various ways from their efforts, even if they were not intended.
Therefore, thanks should always be given, and no better way to do so, than to be merit them with the mitzva of learning Torah.
According to the Rov, grandchildren do not recite Kaddish for their grandparents on their Yortzait. However, there are different traditions when there is no else to recite for them."
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 1/12/2025 12:50 PM |
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#5257 – A Real Painful Shaila - Really?
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- Q. See question above. Is it also true that parents have more pain when their children suffer, than the children have when their parents suffer?
A. We find in last week's Parsha, that Yehudah was pleading to Yosef to allow Binyomin to return to his father, otherwise his father (Yakov) would die.
Why not plead about the suffering of Binyomin's ten sons?
The Kotzker Rebbe answers "From here we see that parents are in more pain when their children are suffering than the pain children have when their parents are suffering".
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 1/10/2025 12:13 PM |
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#5256 -Great Grandparents Love to Grandchildren
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- Q. Kevod Rabenu Shlit’a. I have a number of questions regarding an article I recently saw written by someone close to the Toronto Kollel.
1) Is it true that according to Torah views a parent loves his grandchildren more than his own children?
A. Indeed, Rav Moishe Friedman Shlit’a quoted in his weekly, most interesting, fascinating and valuable points and surprising teachings, known as Emailim Batorah that:
“The Zohar ( Parshas ויחי) writes: "Yaakov bentched (blessed) his grandchildren before bentching his own children because one loves his grandchildren more than his children."
We also find similar ideas in Grandchildren that represent a continuation of the family lineage, and many grandparents experience a deep emotional connection to them. This bond can be stronger than with their own children due to the lessened responsibility and the joy of watching their grandchildren grow.
Unlike parenting, which comes with significant responsibilities and stresses, being a grandparent often allows for a more relaxed relationship. Grandparents can enjoy their time with grandchildren without the day-to-day pressures of parenting.
We must also mention that Rabbi Joshua ben Levi said, “Whoever teaches their grandchildren Torah is regarded as if they had received the Torah from Mount Sinai, as it is said, ‘Teach your children and your children's children.’” Deut. 4:10-11; Kiddushin 30a
The Talmud Yerushalmi puts it differently.
Rabbi Joshua ben Levi used to listen, every Friday, to his grandson reciting the weekly parsha. One week he entered the bathhouse, and after he had begun bathing he remembered that he had not yet heard the weekly parsha from his grandson.
So he immediately got up to leave the bathhouse... They asked him why he was leaving in the middle of his bathing, since the Mishnah teaches that once you have begun bathing on a Friday afternoon, you should not interrupt the process. He replied, “Is this such a small thing in your eyes? For whoever hears the parsha from his grandchild is as if he heard it directly from Mount Sinai” (Yerushalmi Shabbat 1:2).
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 1/10/2025 12:08 PM |
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#5255 – Sing the Right Song at the Right Time
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- See question above Q. When should we on this special occasion sing Sholom Aleichem, Eishes Chail, and recite Kiddush? (When Friday is Asarah Beteveth.)
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one must wait for reciting Kiddush before breaking the fast. One may not even drink water before Kiddush.
Some make Kiddush right away and sing Sholom Aleichem and Eishes Chayil during the meal.
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 1/10/2025 11:58 AM |
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#5254 Time to Daven!
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- See question above - Q. What is the correct time to daven Mincha on on this special year occasion when Friday is Asarah Beteveth.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that some people daven Mincha early.
The reason for this is because they don’t want to daven the Mincha of a Ta’anis in Shabbos clothes and also because they want to distance the Tefilos of a fast day (a day of mourning) from Shabbos. Also, being that Mincha is longer, it is more practical to daven earlier in the day.
Some daven Mincha as usual (immediately before Kabbolas Shabbos). They simply start earlier because of Leining. Even if your Minhag usually is to daven Mincha after Shkiya, this Friday since we lein and say Aneinu during Shemoneh Esreh, one should make sure to daven before Shekiya. (sunset).
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 1/10/2025 11:56 AM |
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#5253 Offer an Early Mincha!
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- Q. One who usually gets to read maftir on a regular Taanis day, can he also on this special year occasion, when Friday is Asarah Beteveth, receive and read the maftir of Taanis, even if it is already after the Shekia and technically it is already Shabbos?
Should he avoid saying that he is receiving Shabbos earlier than the shekiah is, when he always accepts Shabbos early? What about Tosefes Shabbos?
A. One should try to do all the above on the onset before Shabbos begins.
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 1/10/2025 11:53 AM |
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#5252 – Have a Happy Shabbos!
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- Q. If someone is usually stringent and does not wash or shower on a regular Taanit, can one on this Friday take a shower Lichvod Shabath?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one may do all of their Shabbos preparations as usual; one can also take a shower or bath as they usually do for Shabbos. One may also have a haircut or shave.
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 1/10/2025 11:48 AM |
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#5251 – Mourning Until the Morning?
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- Q. An Avel that is sitting shiva since this last Sunday and will have to end Shiva before Shabbos on Friday which is also Asarah Beteveth and will be davening Mincha in Shul with the reading of the Torah.
When does he end his Shiva? Can he have an Aliya Latorah on the mincha of that day?
A. In principle, he is still ordained on the shiva principles until the morning of Shabbos, keeping the private prohibitions that are not seen as mourning in public. He can’t get an Aliya Latorah on mincha before Shabbos.
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 1/10/2025 11:45 AM |
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#5250 No News is Good News?
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- Q. I read something in a recent Yeshiva News head article and I’m worried about of the truth of it. It quoted Nancy Pelosi statement that: ”Women are known to be more ethical than men.” Those that reflect in any way our “Da’as Torah?”
I also wonder if one should say a Bracha on seeing her (the bracha on extreme elderly person) since she is over 84 years?
A. Horav Aharon Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that even if this type of articles are quoted in and by Torah institutions they should not necessarily be repeated, unless there is a valid and real Torah lesson to be learned from them.
One does not recite the blessing on the elderly unless one actually sees them. (not on line). Besides she is not the person one should recite any brochos on.
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 1/10/2025 11:38 AM |
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Important Numbers
