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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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#5058 Enough of a Feast?
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- Q. Dear Rabbi. A group of elderly and ill residents in our old age home, who are allowed by all opinions to eat on a fast day even on Tisha Beav and they sit together in a table, can they recite Birchat Hamazon together and say the brachot of Mezuman (Rabotay Nevarech) etc.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a opinion is that although they are allowed to eat they should avoid eating together and thus giving the appearance of a seuda or a happy occasion.
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 7/26/2024 10:57 AM |
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#5057 Stranger to Danger?
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– Q. Can one on a much needed vacation go and do regular scuba diving during the 3 weeks? How about water skiing?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a opinion is that if it can’t be postponed until after the three weeks, and one is well trained so he is not placing himself in any uncommon danger 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 7/26/2024 10:54 AM |
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#5056 The Ninth Labyrinth
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Q. Is there a minhag at all to mourn on the Ninth of Tamuz since that was the day when the walls of Jerusalem during the First Temple?
A. Sefer Yermeyahu (39.2, 52.6–7) states that the walls of Yerushalaim during the First Temple were breached on the 9th of Tammuz, in the year 3338 from creation (423 BCE).
The Babylonian armies of King Nebuchadnezzar breached the walls of Jerusalem on the 9th of Tammuz ; King Ziddikiahu of Yehudah was captured and taken to Babel. (Yermeyahu 39: 5). A month later, the capture of Yerushalaim was completed with the destruction of the Holy Temple and the exile of all but a small number of Jews to Babylon.
Originally, a day of fasting and mourning was observed on the 9th of Tammuz. Seventy years later, however, when the Second Temple was built, the fast was abolished and the day was turned into a holiday and a day of joy. About 500 years later when Jerusalem fell on the 17th of Tammuz -- prior to the destruction of the Second Temple -- the Sages decreed the 17th of Tammuz to be a fast day to commemorate both tragedies.
Tammuz 9 was observed as a fast day until the second breaching of Yerushalaim’s walls (by the Romans) on the 17th of Tammuz, 3829 (69 CE), at which time the fast was moved to that date. (Talmud, Rosh Hashanah and Tur Orach Chaim 549)
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a opinion is that we don’t usually have that particular Minhag.
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 7/26/2024 10:50 AM |
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#5055 A Lesson on a Lesson
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– Q. My dearest Rov Shlit’a. B’H I was hired as an organ and piano player to an important and very needed and well rewarding position. It is in a wedding and other simches popular Hall.
I’m to begin immediately when Elul starts. Yet I’m still missing, as I can asses on own practice and I’m taking organ and piano lessons. My shailah is, can I do so also on Shiva Assar Betamuz (it is part of the course)?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a opinion is that one should definitely not engage in any musical instruments lessons on Shiva Assar Betamuz.
We all bless you with great brocho and hatzlocho.
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 7/26/2024 10:45 AM |
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#5054 Fast Slowly
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- Q. My naturopathic doctor said that I should not fast (in days like 17 Tamuz) so I was thinking to wake up early to eat breakfast and then eat lunch later in the day. However, I forgot it was a fast day and scheduled an appointment to donate blood.
Although this is a nice thing to do, I am doing it for medical purposes as I have too much iron in my blood. They require drinking 500 ml and eating a salty snack before donating. Can I still do it or do I need to change the day?
A. Poskim usually are lenient on cases that seem as serious as what you describe and no fasting is necessary. However, if you can without any harm fast a few hours at the early beginning, it is also correct.
A well trained and expert MD that is familiar also with these Shailos should be constantly consulted for every change you may make.
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a opinion is 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.
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Posted 7/26/2024 10:42 AM |
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#5053 The Correct Current Swim
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Q. Dear Rov. We are staying at the cottage by the lake this Shiva Asar Betamuz, since I wake early before Alos Hashachar (day brake) to eat a meal so I can fast easier, can I then also go swimming in the lake?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 550: 2) rules that during the common Ta’anis days one may wash as he may wear shoes. However, a Ba’al Nefesh (a soul inspired individual) should avoid taking a hot shower or bath on the fast day (Mishna Berura ibid. 6 and Shaar HaTziyun ibid. 8 citing Pri Megadim).
Mishna Berura (ibid. 6) and in Biur Halocho also mentions that when possible one should be stringent excluding the wearing of leather shoes.
Poskim also maintain that one should not go swimming on the sea or a pool even on the prior night when done for joy and pleasure. (Biur Halacha quoting Pri Megodim). However when it is a health need for required exercise Poskim permit (Piskei Teshuvos ibid. quoting Be’er Moshe 3: 77).
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 7/22/2024 5:07 PM |
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#5052 One Kiddush For All?
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- Q. See question above. In general when we do have a number of people who want to give a kiddush to honor a dear departed one, is it better to give it all together if possible and to make it greater and more beautiful seuda, or to do them separately and in a way the honor to the departed neshama is special and unique. what is better?
A. As mentioned in question above Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlita opinion is that it is better to serve the kidushim together if possible and to make it a greater and more beautiful seuda.
It also shows and openly displays the Achdus and togetherness of the many and this is a true great contribution to the brocho and thankful recognition given to the neshomos of our forefathers.
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 7/22/2024 5:03 PM |
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#5051 The More Kidushin The Better?
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Q. This coming Sunday is the 15 day of Tamuz and is the Yohrzait of two great Gedolim. The Shaagas Aryeh and also the Orach Chaim ZT”L. We want to give a Kiddush this Shabbat to honor their memory.
Is it better to give one great kiddush for both or dedicate one Shabbat for the one and next Shabbat for the other? If we do separate, is it correct to do first the one who was niftar first? Does it matter that the second one would be already during the Three Weeks?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlita opinion is that for those who have the minhag to serve a kiddush on such an occasion, it is indeed better when possible to join both Kiddushim and make a greater and better kiddush Berov Am, with many present.
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 7/22/2024 4:59 PM |
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#5050 Trump Up Trump!
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Q. Dear Rabbi. This week we were witnesses to the attempted murder of President Donald Trump as his truly miraculous salvation. Since he has been and is a very great friend of Israel and the Jewish community, some people in our shul want to serve a kiddush this coming Shabbat as an act to thank Hashem for his salvation. What is your opinion Rav?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that a kiddush in shul should be better avoided. Yet a similar seudas mitzva as a siyum, could be done on a hall outside the shul and you can invite and publicize it, with the representing US authorities available and necessary.
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 7/19/2024 12:35 PM |
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#5049 Testing the Tasting
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– Q. Kvodo, my father Shlit’a although he does fast on Shiva Assar Betamuz has to take now very necessary pills and needs water to swallow them, normally he does not recite a blessing on that water, since it is not drank for pleasure. However, in a fasting day he will greatly enjoy even a sip of water. Should he recite a Shehakol on it?
A. On a similar brocho (3239) we were asked:
“Because of my medical condition, I’m permitted to take pills during the fast of Shiva Assar Betamuz. The pills have to be taken with a glass of water. Do I make a bracha on the water?
Although, I don’t usually say a bracha on water used for taking pills, this case is different since after all I will enjoy the water, as I will already be thirsty, should I then say the brocho?
If I find the flavor of garlic very disgusting, should I add some garlic powder to the water?”
To what we answered:
“Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that you don’t recite a brocho since the real reason you are drinking that water is for taking the pills, and otherwise you wouldn’t be drinking it, you are exempt of reciting the brocho.
The Rov’s opinion is also that you don’t have to make the water distasteful by adding unsavory additives.
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 7/19/2024 12:32 PM |
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#5048 – Calling on the Calendar
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- Q. The Rov of our shul mentioned that people should help in determining and publishing the times for davening and shiurim of the shul. He said that there is a very special and great mitzva for someone to write the times and schedule of the tefilos and shiurim of a shul, is that really true?
A. Talmud (Shabbos 75a) mentions that “Rav Zutra said in the name of Rav, that one who knows how to calculate astronomical seasons and the movement of constellations, and does not do so, one may not speak with him because his actions are improper.
Rabbi Shimon ben Pazi said that Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi said in the name of Bar Kappara: Anyone who knows how to calculate astronomical seasons and the movement of constellations and does not do so, the verse says about him: “They do not take notice of the work of G-d, and they do not see His handiwork” (Isaiah 5:12).
Rabbi Shmuel bar Naḥmani said that Rabbi Yoḥanan said: From where is it derived that there is a mitzva incumbent upon a person to calculate astronomical seasons and the movement of constellations? As it was stated: “And you shall guard and perform, for it is your wisdom and understanding in the eyes of the nations” (Deuteronomy 4:6). What wisdom and understanding is there in the Torah that is in the eyes of the nations, i.e., appreciated and recognized by all? You must say: This is the calculation of astronomical seasons and the movement of constellations, as the calculation of experts is witnessed by all.”
The Smag (Mitzvas Asei 47) deduces from the above that it is also a mitzva to know when exactly our Yomim Tovim will be as is done when making and publishing a luach. (See Peninei Halacha – Shabbos 75a).
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 7/19/2024 12:29 PM |
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#5047 Dish Wishes on Dishes
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- Q. Last Shabbos, we were taking part in a beautiful Sheva Brochos Kiddush. Sadly someone serving tripped and a large pile of dishes fell on the floor and mostly broke. Was it better, since the broken pieces are muktza that just one (the one that broke them, he is Jewish), should collect them or could others also help? Is touching and moving muktza by two more lenient?
A. Talmud (Shabbos 93a) discusses the prohibited Melachos of Shabbos when done by two people together. There is a discussion between Poskim whether the above applies only to become exempt from bringing a Korban for redemption of the sin, or for other punishments for the sin itself.
Eishel Avrohom (Buchach 2 – 305: 19), indeed maintains that there is more leniency when two do the prohibited melacha on Shabbos.
Imrei Yosher (ibid at the end of the Sefer) further explains that as in need one can move a muktza object with his feet or similar, so were our sages more lenient with the Rabbinical prohibition of Muktza when done by two.
However, Oz Nidberu and others remain stringent.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is also 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 7/19/2024 12:25 PM |
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#5046 A Tall Tale?
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- Q. Dear Rov Shlita. As you know I’m looking for a shiduch now. Is it allowed or permitted between all proper qualities wanted to look for a tall Chatan? (As you know I’m not specially tall myself). Thank you and your Rebbetzin for helping me.
A. One should place most importance on such essential and critical life decisions as choosing a partner is, on other character value, spiritual and intellectual principles that a person has, and emphasize the more necessary and indispensable qualities needed to share and create a great Torah family.
Yet, as a secondary trait that creates added care and love for the one who appreciates it, height could be beneficial if everything else is also there. Some of our great Tzadikim and historical leaders as Moshe Rabbenu, were indeed tall.
See also Rambam Hilchos Sanhedrin 2: 6, that counts as a prerequisite to be chosen as a member in the Sanhedrin, to be also ‘Baalei Koma’ that translates according to some as being indeed tall. Yet historically it didn’t seem to be an essential requirement at all.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is 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.
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Posted 7/19/2024 12:22 PM |
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#5045 Don’t Stretch the Truth
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- Q. Can one join a group of people that are learning Shas by dividing it into the people of the group and just share with them one Gemara. Would that then be counted as having finished the complete Shas and get credit in Shamaim for it?
Most important, since I’m also looking for a Shiduch. Could I then tell the shadchan and other people that I learned the complete Shas? (I think it would really make a difference). Could I now also make my own Siyum Hashas?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that although it is immensely important to join, be part and learn with the group you chose, and being a partner with them in their great endevour, it is also most important to tell the truth and represent yourself with the quality of Emes or reality, that is the highest and most basic and essential attribute to our Torah.
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 7/19/2024 12:18 PM |
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#5044 Airing One’s Laundry in Public
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- Q. I found a laundry card in the street between Coldstream and Shelborne on Glennount. Am I obligated to post a sign or ask the superintendent and try to find out who the potential owner is?
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that although those streets are by and close to the Toronto Kollel and many Jewish people live there, one does not have an obligation to return the card since it is not “Gufo Momon” or real money. Yet it is an act of kindness to return it when possible.
Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a also pointed out that very likely the card is not the property of a Jewish neighbor, since they very seldom use any commercial laundry.
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 7/19/2024 12:15 PM |
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#5043 A Great Intelligent Companion.
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Q. An elderly woman that lives alone and lonely, acquired a great AI program that constantly talks to her, follows her with security cameras placed in all rooms, since the above AI program takes care of all needs by calling different services and also contacts family and friends as needed, it is incredibly helpful for her well being . She wants to know since this set up is so essential for her health, if she can keep it on and working during Shabbath, if and when it was turned on before Shabbath began.
A. The very crucial and important issues involved in this most critical question, are still to be explored and resolved in the new reality of how AI works. Many argue that even if we consider it to be independent, self thinking and working by itself, it is still managed and limited by the program that created it, and is not totally independent, individually thinking and self deciding. Therefore, having the program do prohibited work on Shabbos, although intelligent as it may be, it may still be considered as working for and with you and being an extension of yourself.
Although telling or asking a Gentile to do work for you on Shabbos may not be considered in Halacha as a prohibition on the Biblical level, and would give space for lenience in a similar situation when needed. Our case could be different, as mentioned.
The Shailah still needs lots of required technical information, that is constantly changing and advancing.-
At this point, it would be more correct, unless it is a life saving AI program, to avoid using it on Shabbos.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is 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.
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Posted 7/16/2024 10:36 PM |
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#5042 Split Nails?
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Q. Dear Rabbi, if someone is in a hotel and enters a public bathroom and she sees cut nails on the floor, does she have to look for another bathroom.
A. On a similar question 2082 regarding nails found inside a kosher restaurant bathroom used by waiters, we wrote”
"No Danger in these nails as Mishna Berura (260: 6) mentions that indeed when the nails are moved from the location they fell, preferably to another room, they cannot do any harm.
Moreover, Melachim Omanaich (14: 18) quotes Horav Chaim Kanievsky Shlit’a that it does not apply to Gentiles, as they also are not affected by the Ruach Ra’ah or the spirit of impurity that rest on one’s hands after sleep.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is also to 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.
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Posted 7/16/2024 11:42 AM |
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#5041 Last Nail in The Coffin?
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Q. See question above. Does the Chevra Kadisha have to cut decorated nails of women before their burial.
A. There are different Minhagim and traditions for Chevrot Kashishos, as usual Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlt’a opinion is that each group should maintain its particular Minchagim.
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 7/16/2024 11:30 AM |
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#5040 Better Burn or Bury?
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- Q. The ones that do burn or bury their nails, how much burning is needed and how deep do they have to be buried?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlt’a opinion is that just covering them with earth is enough. Changing color would also suffice for being burned.
The above leniency applies especially, since likely they have already been removed from the place they were cut and as the Talmud writes and Mishna Berura quotes (260: 6) then they don’t do any more harm.
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 7/16/2024 11:09 AM |
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#5039 - On the Nail!
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Q. Is it correct to just flush the cut nails on the sink or toilet, or do they have to be buried or burned in the back yard?
A. Talmud (Nidah 17a) mentions that in regard to removing one’s nails, our Sages taught: Three cases were stated. One who burns them is a “Chosid” pious, as he eradicates them entirely; one who buries them is on the slightly lower level of a “Tzadik” or a righteous individual, as they might be dug up; and one who simply throws them where a person might step upon them is a “Rosho” or wicked.
However, the common tradition we usually keep is that they are washed away down the sink and flow away and don’t stay in the ground so people will not step on them.
Why is this permitted? Mishna Berura (260: 6) mentions that since the reason for the above prohibition is to avoid that a woman would step on them and loose her pregnancy, if the location where one is cutting his nails is not a place where women enter, such as a men’s bathroom or mikva, it is permitted. The same obviously applies to nails discarded on a sink or similar area connected to the flow of discarded water.
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 7/16/2024 11:02 AM |
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