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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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#5712 – The Little Yom Kippur!
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- Q. Following my question above. I wonder, is not the day before every Rosh Chodesh named Yom Kippur Katan (“Mini Yom Kippur”) and is usually kept by many, including myself as a day of introspection and repentance for any wrongdoings during the past month?
A. Indeed Yom Kippur Katan (יום כיפור קטן) or the “Minor Day of Atonement", is a practice observed by some on the day preceding each Rosh Chodesh. The observance consists for some of fasting and supplication, but is much less rigorous than that of the real Yom Kippur.
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 12/19/2025 11:39 AM |
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#5711 - Still on the Fifth Day of Chanuka!
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- Q. Why is the night of the fifth of Chanuka so special for many of our neighbors?
A. Every night (and day) of Chanukah is a time of joy and celebration, but the fifth night holds a special place in many traditions, including Chabad. On this night, the rebbes would traditionally host family gatherings called “latke evenings.”1 It's also customary to give additional Chanukah gelt, more than on other nights.
The fifth night marks the first time more candles are lit than are left unlit, symbolizing a tipping point in bringing light into the world.
This concept ties into a famous Talmudic debate between the School of Hillel and the School of Shammai. According to the School of Hillel, we should light one candle the first night and then add a candle each night (and this is the halachah that we follow). According to the School of Shammai, we light eight candles the first night and decrease by one candle each night.
The Rebbe explains that the Schools of Hillel and Shammai differ in their approaches to how we transform the darkness outside with the spiritual light of Chanukah.
The School of Shammai focuses on battling darkness. Thus, they advocate for a giant burst of light at the very start. Once that breakthrough occurs, subsequent battles require less intensity, and they decrease their candles accordingly.
The School of Hillel, however, prefers to increase goodness and allow evil to wither away on its own. They advocate consistently adding light, eventually influencing adversaries to willingly join the forces of light.
The fifth night is the first time when those following Hillel’s approach would have kindled more candles than their counterparts from Shammai’s House. This symbolizes the shift towards illuminating the entire darkness.
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 12/18/2025 8:46 PM |
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#5710 - The Fifth Day of Chanuka!
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- Q. Dear Rabbi Shlit’a. I often attend your shiurim and I also much appreciate the openness of your questions and answers. My question now. In a shul I often attend they make a special kiddush on the day we light the fifth candle of Chanuka. What is so special about that day and for who does it apply?
A. Although every day of Chanuka is a special time of unique joy and festivity celebration, the fifth day of Chanuka has special meaning specially for the Chasidim of Chabad.
Yet truly, the fifth night holds a special place in many different traditions. On this night, the Rebbes would traditionally host family gatherings called “latke evenings. It's also customary to give additional Chanukah gelt, more than on other nights.
A reason behind the above is that the fifth night marks the first time most lights are lit of the customary eight, thus symbolizing a prominent and changing point in the essential bringing of light into the world, represented by the Yom Tov of Chanuka.
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 12/18/2025 8:40 PM |
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#5709 – Say Cheese! on Chanuka?
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- Q. See question above. I also heard that there is a tradition to eat on Chanuka cheese, why?
A. The Book of Yehudit. (A Sefer not considered part of the 24 Books of our Bible, as also the Book of Maccabees containing the Hanukah story— both include Yehudit—the daughter of Yohanan the Kohen Gadol, and brother therefore of Matityahu in our Al HaNisim prayer on the holiday—a daring and beautiful widow, who is upset with her Jewish countrymen for not trusting G-d to deliver them from their foreign conquerors.
She goes with her loyal maid to the camp of the enemy General Holofernes, to whom she slowly ingratiates herself, promising him information on the Israelites. Gaining his trust, she is allowed access to his tent one night and feeds him salty cheese.
To quench his thirst she plies him with wine, and as he lies in a drunken stupor, she decapitates him, then takes his head back to her fearful countrymen. The Assyrians, having lost their leader, disperse, and Israel is saved.
So in her merit, we too may eat cheese.
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 12/18/2025 8:34 PM |
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#5708 – The Mater of the Milk?
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- Q. See question above. What is the reason for the tradition to drink milk or milky foods on Chanuka?
A. A reason for the custom of drinking milk or eating milk products on Chanukah is that the Hebrew word for milk, חלב, (CHoLoV) hints to the three things that the Greeks wanted to remove and abstain from the Children of Israel; Namely, the observance of the New Month, circumcision and the keeping of Shabbos.
The Greeks hoped to conquer the Jews and take over Jerusalem by enacting decrees against compliance of these three basic mitzvos.
These are represented on the three letters of milk or חלב, as follows; “Ches, Lamed and Vais”, and they are portrayed in the following three mitzvos:
The first letter ח' is part of the word חדש – Also represents the New Month. The letter ל' , as in the word מילה is represented by the second letter of חלב. The third letter, represents the ב' in the word שבת . These three basic primary mitzvos, were what the Greeks wanted to prohibit and thus destroy, in order to domain 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 12/18/2025 8:27 PM |
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#5707 – Milk the Cheese for All it is Worth!
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- Q. DEAR Rabbi Is there the minhag (tradition) to drink milk on Chanuka?
A. There is indeed a tradition to eat cheese on Chanuka as mentioned in Shulchan Aruch." (Shulchan Aruch 670:2, Rem"a; Mishnah Berurah 670:10).
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
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Posted 12/18/2025 8:12 PM |
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#5706 - The Real Chanuka Story
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- Q. Estimado Rabino. What is the source in our Bible for Chanuka?
A. There is no open source in the Five Books of the Torah, yet it is told in The Book of Yehudis . (A Sefer not considered part of the 24 Books of our Bible, as also the Book of Maccabees containing the Chanukah story— both include Yehudis —the daughter of Yohanan the Kohen Gadol, and brother therefore of Matityahu mentioned in our Al HaNisim prayer on the holiday.
She was a daring and attractive widow, who was upset with her Jewish countrymen for not trusting G-d to deliver them from their foreign conquerors. She goes with her loyal maid to the camp of the enemy general, Holofernes, to whom she slowly ingratiates herself, promising him information on the Israelites.
Gaining his trust, she is allowed access to his tent one night and feeds him salty cheese. To quench his thirst she caters him with wine, and as he lies in a drunken stupor, she decapitates him, then takes his head back to her fearful countrymen. The Assyrians, having lost their leader, disperse, and Israel is saved.
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 12/18/2025 8:09 PM |
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#5705 Take the Less Traveled Path
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- Q. Kvod Harav. Last year I had this sad experience. If on Chanuka someones overseas flight was delayed until almost daybreak, until when can one still light the Chanuka candles.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one can light with a Bracha until Alos Hashachar (day break) as recorded in a proper and correct Halacha Luach or times list.
We must mention that Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in principle one should avoid traveling during Chanuka, specially in our unsure times of so uncertain traveling schedules and timing programs.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman Horav, Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit
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Posted 12/18/2025 8:01 PM |
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#5704 More Hard Work!
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- Q. See question above. Until what time do women have to avoid working on Chanuka nights?
A. There are several opinions as to the amount of time that women customarily refrain from doing the above housework. Most poskim hold that the custom applies only to the minimum length of time that the candles must burn, which is approximately one-half hour after the stars appear. Others, however, maintain that the custom to refrain from work lasts as long as candles are burning anywhere in the community, which may be as late as midnight.
As mentioned above Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in principle one should follow the opinions kept by his family tradition. However, when in real need one may be lenient following the above mentioned opinions. Yet when possible, as there are obvious variants, one should consult a competent Halacha authority.
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 12/18/2025 7:59 PM |
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#5703 – So Hard to Define the Hard Work?
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- Q. See question above. What kind of work is prohibited for women when the menorah lights are lit on Chanuka ? Does it apply also to unmarried women? Or girls?
A. There are various opinions as to what “work” means vis-a-vis this custom. Most communities prohibit “work” that would be forbidden on Chol ha-Moed, such as doing laundry, sewing, ironing, etc., while cooking, baking and light household tasks would be permitted. But in some congregations, “work” includes all work, including cooking and baking.
As mentioned above, there are two basic reasons why women chose to refrain from work as an expression of their special observance of Chanukah:
1) To serve as a reminder that it is forbidden to “benefit” from the Chanukah candles. Refraining from work when the candles are burning reinforces and strengthens the Halacha that the Chanukah candles are not to be used for any other purpose but as a reminder of the great miracle that took place.
2) In order to highlight the fact that Chanukah is indeed a (Rabbinical) Yom Tov, women refrained from doing “work” – as they refrain on a similar Yom Tov – so long as the candles are burning.
The custom in most communities follows the first view. R’ Moshe Feinstein (quoted in Hilchos Chanukah [Rabbi Eider] p. 4); Orchos Rabbeinu III (new edition) p. 124 note 4; Halichos Vehanhagos HaGrish Elyashiv p. 2; Mishnah Halachos XIII:97.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in principle one should follow the opinions kept by his family tradition. However, when in real need one may be lenient following the above mentioned opinions. Yet when possible, as there are obvious variants, one should consult a competent Halacha authority.
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
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Posted 12/18/2025 7:57 PM |
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#5702- Don’t Women Always Work So Hard???
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- Q. Dear Rabbi , What is the reason that some women don’t do any work when the menorah lights are lit on Chanuka?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 670: 1) writes that women have the custom not to do work while the Chanuka candles are on. Then he quotes the Tur that no leniency should apply to them. Mishna Berura (3) mentions that Magen Avraham explains that the reason is that the miracle of the salvation of Chanuka came by women, since a woman – Yehudis, the daughter of Yochanan Kohen Gadol, played a prominent role in the defeat of the Greeks. In addition, Jewish women suffered from the Greeks more than the Jewish men did.
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
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Posted 12/18/2025 7:52 PM |
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#5701 Need Better Early Lights
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- Q. Dearest Rabbi I’m with Hashem’s help, planing to take a very necessary health trip for an open hearth surgery on Chanuka. I have to be hospitalized at the very beginning of night. In need, how early can you light Chanuka Candles before Sunset?
A. On question 21 we wrote years back the following:
“Q. Can you light in a shul (the menorah) before the shkiah (sunset)?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 672: 1) rules that “you do not light the menorah before the shekiah and one opinion is that in need you may light after plag hamincha” [one and a quarter hour (zmaniyos) before nightfall]. Mishna Berura (ibid. 3) adds that you can light with a brocho.
Nonetheless Shevet Halevy (4: 66) advises that it is better to light using an agent and on the right time rather than lighting oneself before the shkiah (after plag). A few Poiskim also maintain that you should avoid kindling before the shkia and if you have too you should not recite a brocho (Piskey Teshuvos ibid.Nitey Gavriel, Chanukah 3: 11).
However in shul, where one of the main reasons for lightning is persumei nisso or publicizing the miracle and the people are present there and can see the lights, you may be more lenient when it is difficult to gather them at a different time (Shov Yaakov 22, Zivchei Tzedek Hachadoshos p. 211, see also Mishna Berurah 671: 46)”
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is in general to avoid kindling before shkiah unless it is utterly necessary, such as Erev Shabbos were we do recite a brocho. Nonetheless, in a shul, you can be more lenient.”
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is today 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 12/12/2025 1:26 PM |
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#5700 An Early Light?
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– Q. I’m with Hashem’s help, planing to take a very necessary health trip for an open hearth surgery on Chanuka. I have to be hospitalized at the very beginning of night. How early can you light Chanuka Candles before Sunset?
A. On question 21 we wrote: “Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 672: 1) rules that “you do not light the menorah before the shkiah and one opinion is that in need you may light after plag hamincha” [one and a quarter hour (zmaniyos) before nightfall]. Mishna Berura (ibid. 3) adds that you can light with a brocho.
Nonetheless Shevet Halevy (4: 66) advises that it is better to light using an agent and on the right time rather than lighting oneself before the shkiah (after plag). A few Poiskim also maintain that you should avoid kindling before the shkia and if you have too you should not recite a brocho (Piskey Teshuvos ibid.Nitey Gavriel, Chanukah 3: 11). As mentioned in last teshuva, Shevet Halevy (4: 66) advises that it is better to light using an agent and on the right time rather than lighting oneself before the shkiah (after plag).
In your case Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
However in shul, where one of the main reasons for lightning is persumei nisso or publicizing the miracle and the people are present there and can see the lights, you may be more lenient when it is difficult to gather them at a different time (Shov Yaakov 22, Zivchei Tzedek Hachadoshos p. 211, see also Mishna Berurah 671: 46)
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is in general to avoid kindling before shkiah unless it is utterly necessary, such as Erev Shabbos when we do recite a brocho. Nonetheless, in a shul, you can be more 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 12/11/2025 10:35 PM |
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#5699 – Enlightening the Lighting
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- Q. Kvod Harav Shlit’a. In our Shul we light the Chanuka candles between Mincha and Maariv. It is then mostly already after the Shekiah, yet sometimes not? is that correct, How about at home?
A. Let me answer the second question; Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 672: 1) rules that “you do not light the menorah before the shkiah and one opinion is that in need you may light after plag hamincha” [one and a quarter hour (zmaniyos) before nightfall]. Mishna Berura (ibid. 3) adds that you can light with a brocho.
Nonetheless Shevet Halevy (4: 66) advises that it is better to light using an agent and on the right time rather than lighting oneself before the shkiah (after plag). A few Poiskim also maintain that you should avoid kindling before the shkia and if you have too you should not recite a brocho (Piskey Teshuvos ibid.Nitey Gavriel, Chanukah 3: 11).
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 12/11/2025 10:28 PM |
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#5698 The Weak Wick?
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- Q. Estimado Querido Rabino, As we approach Chanuka, I have a number of questions.
We recently expanded our house, as we were digging we discovered a n amount of Sheimot, also discarded Tefilin, Jewish Torah magazines, and some Talitot and Talitei Katan. We were wondering if we can use the discarded strings of the tztzit for lighting Januka lights , since it should be a case of once a mitzva was done with something another should follow.
A. on a similar question 4032 we wrote:
“Kvod Horav Shlit’a. Can one use the threads of old discarded Tzitzis as wicks for Chanuka candles? Is it even recommended to use them as wicks?
Talmud Suka (51a) teaches that it was customary to use old and discarded pieces of holy clothing from the Cohanim that were used during the Avoda in the Beis Hamikdosh as wicks for the lights of the Simchas Beis Hashoeva. It is also customary to save and use the Lulav, Hadassim and Arovos that were left over after Sukos for burning the Chometz during Erev Pesach.
See Rema (664: 9) that we save used Arovos and use them to bake matzos. The reason mentioned (Talmud Shabbos 117b) that RavAmi and Rav Asi would make a meal of the bread that was used for an Eiruv, stating since it was used for one mitzva, let us use it for another. It would therefore seem reasonable to use the discarded threads of Tzitzis as wicks. An important issue is if the treads made of wool are proper material for wicks.
Regarding Shabbos lights Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 264: 1) rules they should not be used as the flame flickers. Yet for Chanuka lights they are permitted. (See Shulchan Aruch 673: 1). Some maintain that they can actually be treated for proper burning. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if indeed they light well they can be used.”
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 12/11/2025 10:04 PM |
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#5697 - Very Special Day Today! For Whom?
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- Q. Moreinu Harav Shlit’a. Thank you for answering immediately, by using for Torah purposes, the modern communicating technology now available. When we read your email for all in shul, some of the present mentioned that it was mainly kept by Chabad Chasisdim, is that correct?
A. This special day is also very significant within the Chabad movement, as it commemorates the date of the day of the liberation of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi from prison (1798).
The imprisonment of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi (Hebrew: שניאור זלמן מליאדי), the first Rebbe of Chabad (also known as the "Alter Rebbe" in Yiddish) occurred against the backdrop of intense days of transcendental communal conflict.
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 12/9/2025 10:32 PM |
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#5696- Today a Very Special Day! Really Why?
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Ask Vayeshev 86 Q. Moreinu Harav Shlit’a. Someone mentioned in shul today (Dec 9 2025) that the day was a very special day for some of our members, as it is the 19 day of Kislev, or י"ט כסלו on the luach. What is so special about it?
A.The 19th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, is celebrated by some Chasidim groups as the Yom Hilula or Yohrzait (anniversaryof the death), of the Maggid of Mezritch, the well known successor of the Baal Shem Tov (the founder of Hassidism), who died on this date on year 1772,
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
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Posted 12/9/2025 10:11 PM |
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#5695 – More on Non Elevated Elevators?
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– - Q. Dear Rov. Can one invite as a Shabbat guest an elderly friend who is not religious yet and since we live on the ninth floor should I ask him that when he takes the elevator he should wait until another non Jewish person arrives and he directs the elevator as required?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that one should not trust the not religious guest to follow his instructions since after all he uses his own elevator and likely even drives on Shabbos.
The best way to invite, is to set up a time when he should come and have someone wait for him and bring him up.
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 12/8/2025 8:30 PM |
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#5694 An Elevated Elevator?
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- Q. Dearest Rov. Is it truly correct and permitted to use in our days of constantly changing AI a Shabbat elevator?
A. On question 476 we wrote:
“The fact that an elevator has been programmed to stop in all floors during Shabbos does not necessarily imply that you can use it. You also have to be concerned with the light, motion and weight sensors that could be triggered when one enters or even approaches the elevator. All these would have to be disconnected before Shabbos.
Hydraulic elevators are seldom used today in buildings that have more that one or two floors, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that the Halacha issues in them are similar to the common cable elevators.
Even when a elevator has been approved for Shabbos use, many Poskim maintain that, as you mentioned it is only for the sick and infirm (Igrois Moishe O.H. 4: 84 and 2: 95, Minchas Yitzchok 3: 60, Shmiras Shabbos Kehilchoso 23: 49-50: n. 138: 139, and in length; Maaliyot B’Shabbat From Rav Levy Yitzchok Halperin Shlit”a, et.al, see also the psak, signed by Horabbonim Nissim Karelitz, Chaim Kanievsky, and Shmuel Halevy Wosner, Shlit’a published in Yated on Elul 2009)
Horav Miller mentioned as an example of the misconceptions and complexity of today’s machinery, that frequently there is more of a Halachik problem descending on an elevator than going up. In many elevators the counter-weight is equal to the weight of the cab plus almost half of its rated cab weight (the maximum number of passengers).
In such an elevator, when a single person enters an empty elevator and wishes to ascend, no assistance from the motor is needed. Assistance is needed, however, to descend.
Not all elevators are created equal and technology changes rapidly these days, therefore Horav Miller Shlit’a advises to have a competent neighboring Rov inspect the intended elevator and rule on it.”
Although the above answer was one of the first written on AI controlled elevators, it is still is applicable.
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 12/8/2025 8:24 PM |
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#5693 – Saved from Separation?
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- Q. Kevod Mori Horav Shlit’a. I go every day (when possible) to be Tovel (immerse) in our close to shul Mikva before davening (praying). When I come out I make effort to dry up as good as possible. Yet sometimes (depending on the weather) my hair may still a bit moist, since there are no hair dryers on that Mikva.
Besides I’m often a bit late and rushing not to loose the minyan. Is there a problem to put on tefilin if my hair is no yet completely dry? Would the slight moist be considered as a Chatzitza (non allowed separation) between the Tefilin and my head unless the hair is totally dry?
A. Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a ruled that a bit of moist it is not considered a Chatzitza between the Tefilin and ones head unless the hair is actually wet and the moisture transfers.
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 12/8/2025 6:10 PM |
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Important Numbers
