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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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# 4620 Nitel to the New Nitel?
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Q. Querido Rabino. Is January 6 a day to avoid weddings since it is a Christian Holiday? How about here in Mexico or in other countries with very sizable Catholic congregations. Is it like Nitel night and learning of Torah should also be avoided.
A. Many Christians around the world annually celebrate Epiphany on January 6. It is a public holiday in many Catholic countries and marks two events in Yoshke’s life, according to their Bible. The first event was when the three wise men, or kings, visited infant Yoshke. The second event was when St John the Baptist baptized that baby.
January 6, which is 12 days after Christmas in the Gregorian calendar, and marks not only the end of the Christmas holidays but also the start of the Carnival season, which climaxes with Mardi Gras.
In some European countries, such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia, children dress as the three kings and visit houses. In their roles as the kings, or wise men, they sing about their deity’s birth and pay homage to the “king of kings”. They are rewarded with praise and cookies.
Dia de los Reyes Magos (The day of the Magic Kings), is the Latin American celebration of Epiphany. In many Latin American countries including Mexico, it is the three wise men and not Santa Claus who bring gifts for children.
Children write letters to the wise men telling them how good they were and what gifts they want. In France Le Jour des Rois (the Day of Kings), sometimes called the Fête des Rois, is celebrated with parties for children and adults. The galette des rois, or “cake of kings”, highlights these celebrations. This cake is round and flat, cut into the pantry, covered with a white napkin and carried into a dining room.
Children in Spain, France and most Latin American counties fill their shoes with straw or grain for the three kings’ horses to eat and place them on balconies or by the front door on Epiphany Eve. The next day they find cookies, sweets or gifts in their place. The “three kings” make an entry in many cities on Epiphany Eve, accompanied by military bands and drummers in medieval dress.
As much as this holiday is very public and much promoted in those countries. It did not acquire the Halachos of Nitel for most Kehilos, and weddings are performed and the learning of Torah is also not interrupted.
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 1/11/2024 6:31 PM |
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# 4619 Test the Water
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Q.(See question above). Does the not drinking water tradition at the start of the Tekufa apply every month? How stringent should one be in keeping this tradition?
A. It applies only at the four beginning of the Tekufos every year as mentioned above. Rema in Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 116: 5) quoting Avudraham, Mordechai and others, mentions the above as a most accepted tradition one should comply with.
Yet, the practice of not drinking water when the Tekufa begins, is not that commonly kept. Taz (ibid. 4) quotes Even Ezra that it is only a Nichush or superstitious custom.
As mentioned on the answer above, it is only four times a year for one hour. Usually those four beginnings are quoted in the Shul calendars. The beginning of the Tekufos also makes a difference in regard to changes on the Tefilos when we pray for rain.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one should keep the traditions of his family.
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 1/11/2024 6:26 PM |
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# 4618 Reasons for the Season’s Traditions
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Q. See questions above. What is the reason for this tradition Does one have to maintain that most unusual tradition in our times?
A. On question 4063 we wrote: “Luach Davar Beito quotes Sefarim that mention they involve a danger of infection and bloating and are connected to tragic historical happenings of those days.
On Nisan, since it was at that time that the waters in Egypt turned into blood.
During Tamuz, it is due to the fact that it was then when Hashem instructed Moshe and Aharon to talk to the stone to deliver the much needed water. Yet, instead the hit the rock and were punished for the act (Bamidbar, 20: 8).
Tekufas Tishrei coincides with the Akeida of Yitzchak and then a few drops of his blood mixed with all waters.
On Tekufas Teves, Yiftachs daughter was sacrificed and her blood also mixed with all other waters.
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 1/11/2024 6:23 PM |
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# 4617 What Time Is It?
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Q. See questions above? Is 4.30 AM on Sunday Israel time? Do we keep the corresponding time here?
A. Most Poskim maintain that for those who follow that tradition, 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 1/11/2024 6:19 PM |
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# 4616 Reason the Season
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Q. What are Tekufos ?
A. On question 4061 we wrote: As we know there are four seasons of the year recognized by our Talmudical Sages and named Tekufos. According to Rav Shmuel, each tekufah marks the beginning of a period of 91 days 7½ hours. The four tekufos are:
1) Tekufas Nisan, known as the vernal equinox, (when the sun enters the Aries constellation); this is the beginning of spring, when day and night are equal.
2) Tekufas Tammuz, commonly known as the summer solstice, (when the sun enters Cancer); this is the summer season (Katzir or harvest-time), also when the day is the longest in the year.
3) Tekufas Tishrei, the autumn equinox, when the sun enters the Libra constellation, and autumn, or “es ha-botsir” (vintage-time), begins, and when the day again equals the night.
4) Tekufas Teves, the winter solstice, (when the sun enters Capricorns constellation;) this is the beginning of winter, or “es ha-cḥoref”,] when the night is the longest during the year. See next question.
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 1/11/2024 6:16 PM |
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# 4615 No Drinks Allowed?
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Q. Dear Rav. My father zt’l followed the tradition of not drinking water at the Tekufa Time. (Change of Season - See next Question). This year following the luach it is 4.30 AM on Sunday 7/1/24.
I have a number of questions. Firstly which water is actually involved and when can we not drink it? What if it is a sealed bottle or water from the tap?
A. On question 4060 we wrote that Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one hour suffices.
Poskim mention that for those who keep the tradition of not drinking water during the hour of the beginning of the Tekufa, as mentioned above, once the water collected then, it maintains its restrictions even after that time and when used or mixed with other edibles, the ones that keep this tradition should abstain from consuming them.
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 1/11/2024 6:13 PM |
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# 4614 Don’t Own the Unknown
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- Q. I lost my brother 2 months ago. The rabbi who facilitated the funeral did not ask me who I want to request to say Kaddish. He said he asked Ner Israel and I had to pay $600 I had second thoughts and want my Chabbad rabbi to say Kaddish. I have not paid Net Israel.
Is it OK if I change to my Chabbad rabbi and give a prorated donation to Ner Israel? Should I ask the rabbi who made arrangements if it is ok with him. I attend this rabbi classes he is also a beneficiary of my late brothers Will. I also go to my Chabbad shul every Shabbat. I would like guidance please.
A. After consulting with our group of important Poskim, due the many variants, issues and possible unknown details involved, following the opinion of Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a we concluded that it is wiser and more correct that you should consult directly with a competent Rov that is familiar with your situation.
Sorry for the delay. Please send us many more, but simpler cases of shailos.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
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 1/11/2024 6:08 PM |
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# 4613 An Idol Doll? II
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Q. Re- question 4604 – Regarding using doll toys and similar that could be considered an idol. I heard that Horav Miller Shlit’a is stringent regarding doll toys and similar. Is that correct?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is what was mentioned. However the Rov is stringent when one orders or instructs the manufacturers to make and create dolls or toys that resemble humans.
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 1/11/2024 6:04 PM |
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# 4612 “Shecheyanu” - A Shaila to Ourselves
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Q. We can only be so incredibly grateful and thankful to Rav Alan Rabinowitz, his honorable family and Wolf Adar – Frum Toronto for their constant great contribution to our community in so many different yet most necessary fields of information and for their astounding great help to us for so, so many, many years. And Be'H we much want to continue and certainly increase.
Ya’a sher Kochachem.
Since we now are renovating our shul website, the good shaila aroused: What is the correct title to our website of Bais Dov Yosef shailos, that is needed since we do have a most necessary search option?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that given that in answering the shailos presented there are a number of very “chosuv” and important Rabbonim and Poskim involved, the title should indeed mention and reflect that fact, and “Ask The Rov” or similar singular is not really a correct option.
However, the corresponding true option, may be a title that reads “Ask the Rabbanim.” The problem is that that title does not sound or transmit well in our times.
The Rov Shlit’a recommended to name the title of our website answering shailos by a number of great Rabbonim, should just be: “Ask a Rav” and that title would grant to all of us, the opportunity to not only ask the most unusual and interesting shailos from so many different sources and diverse countries, but also, when able to do so, offer a correct and true answer from many different great authorities. That answer will Iy’H b’n, be as usual revised and amended not only by our greatest ‘Gadol Hador, Yaarich Shonim Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a’ but by the great Poskim of our group.
Again, our greatest appreciation to Wolf Adar – Frum Toronto and to R' Alan Rabinowitz Shlit'a and family May Hashem bless them with al the Brochos that the ones who help so much the many so deserve,
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 1/5/2024 12:37 PM |
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# 4611 Please Enlighten Us
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Please Enlighten Us - Q. A husband travelling in an essential trip and away from home and a Jewish community for Shabbos, since he can not light candles in the hotel, he relays on his wife doing it at home. He just lights the room the electric lights that he needs for the night and day, without a brocho. He is davening and eating in his room.
How about if they are at different time zones, and she is going to light hours after or even before he already accepted Shabbos, what should he then do?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 263: 2-3) rules that a man, even though he is also ordained in the lighting of Shabbos candles, he can rely on the lighting of his wife at home, even if he is not there.
Piskei Teshuvos (263: 23) rules that the same applies even in different time zones. Yet the husband should maintain enough electric light in his room to be safe and comfortable, even if he can’t make a brocho on them.
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 1/4/2024 10:03 PM |
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# 4610 No Scream about the Cream
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Q. Our Rov Shlita. A dear one that is diabetic and has a wound on her body that could become infected rapidly. Her doctor told her to use promptly an antibiotic cream to avoid likely a dangerous infection, can she use it on Shabbath?
A. Indeed, she can and should, since what she has and in her condition, she is in serious danger.
However, she should if possible, apply the cream with a ‘Shinui’ or a deviation and change from the normal application. Such as placing the cream first on a clean paper or similar and then rubbing the affected wound on it.
Since this question (translated) came from Mexico, it is likely that there is a maid in the house and she can be the one to apply the cream.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, snd Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 1/4/2024 9:58 PM |
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# 4609 Dancing at Two Weddings?
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Q. A couple of divorcees that are getting married a second time (to different mates) and because of their busy working schedules desire to do their small ceremony (to be attended by just about a minyan) during the New Year (2024) and they can choose on Sunday night or on Monday night. Which night is better?
A. Horav Dovid Pam Shlit’a maintains that to comply with “z’rizim makdimim’ or it is better to make earlier a mitzva, the wedding should be on Sunday, even if it is on New Years.
Other Rabbonim argued that Monday night is better, since it is already Tuesday for us and that day is called; ”Bechi Tov” or a good day.
In fact the wedding was done on Monday, simply because of security reasons.
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 1/4/2024 9:52 PM |
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#4608 The Torah of the Haftarah
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Q. Shavua tov Rabino. Could you please explain the difference of the Haftaroth of Parshas Shemot. Ashkenazim read: “Habaim Yashresh Yaakov” on Yeshayahu 27, while Sepharadim say “Divrei Yirmiyahu” at the beginning of Sefer Yirmiyahu. What is the actual connection of these Haftaroth and the Parsha of the week?
A. Both Haftaroth deal with Hashem’s help and redemption which is the main topic of this parsha. Since they specify different areas it may be more sensitive historically to the origins of different groups.
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a pointed to a Rambam in Hilchos Tefilah that quotes a third haftarah.
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 1/4/2024 9:47 PM |
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#4607 Money’s Worth
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Q. Dear Rabbi. In our shul we found a bag full of small coins and some bills, all mixed together with paper plates and notices from different institutions. The plates, were likely placed before the reading of the Megila on Purim or similar occasions, but were never collected. Since the monies are all mixed, what are we supposed to do with them?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that a notice should be placed in shul advertising that there are plates for collection for institutions that have not been collected and were left behind and the involved parties should come and collect a part of the monies left.
If, no one or just a few institutions come to claim, whatever money is left should be donated to necessitated Talmidei Chachamin and Torah learners.
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 1/4/2024 9:43 PM |
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# 4606 Fixing the Repairs?
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Q. My employer is aware of certain repairs that must be done on my work vehicle but has not done them because there is a backlog at the shop. If I documented and reported the issues, who is responsible for paying the ticket, if I get pulled over? If not the employer, and I refused to work, I wouldn't get paid so it feels like I'm in a precarious position.
A. Since there are other issues that may be involved and it is also a monetary case involving different sides, before ruling or giving counsel all sides have to be heard and appraised. The case should be presented to a Beis Din or a mutually accepted representative willing and able to hear all sides.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 1/4/2024 9:40 PM |
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# 4605 Not Invited to the Bris
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Q. The Rov wrote in a number of Teshuvos that the New Year day does not have in our days any religious connotations. There is though many who believe, specially in Latin America that it is linked to the 25th of December and it is the day of Je-sus circumcision. That being the case it should be treated similarly to the 25th?
A. Mov’r, HoRav Moshe Feinstein Zt’l (Igros Moshe, Even HaEzer 2:13) indeed rules that “The first day of the non-Jewish year, 1 January, and American Thanksgiving are not prohibited according to Halachah because today they no longer have any religious significance, but ‘Baalei Nefesh’ or those who are sensible and sensitive, should be strict and stringent on them.
One may argue that in places where New Year still has that significance one should be as strict as the 25th
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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 1/4/2024 9:38 PM |
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# 4604 An Idol Doll?
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Q. Can one give as a present to a child a simple doll toy, or is it a shailah of an idol?
I heard that, one has to cut a small piece of it. Is that correct?
A. P’ri Hasodeh (3: 38) is lenient since it is obvious that the doll toys are not utensils of Avodah Zarah or idolatry at all. Similar opinions are mentioned by Emek Shailah (57: 3), Meishiv Dovor (2: 11), Hochmas Odom 85; 60 and others.
However, in some Chassidick traditions they are stringent.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a.
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Posted 1/2/2024 4:10 PM |
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# 4603 The Menorah Tree
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Q. (See question 4577). Why it is inappropriate to place presents by the Menorah?
A. As we mentioned, it is when the Menorah is tall like a tree and thus the gifts around it give the impression of making it similar to a Christmas tree.
Indeed, it is not uncommon to place candies, chocolate coins and other appropriate children’s gifts by or close to the regular menorah.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 1/2/2024 4:04 PM |
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# 4602 Have a Happy New Year
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Q. On question 4600 the Rov quoted question 695 regarding answering to a greeting of Happy New Year that Horav Miller maintains is permitted since in our days there is no religious connotation to the greeting. In addition, you may also initiate the salute if it generates a Kidush Hashem by displaying good manners.”
I wonder if it is correct to initiate that Good Year greeting to a fellow Frum friend also?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit"a opinion is that in such a case, it is better to avoid and just use the usual greeting.
We must mention that it is common to wish every day in Yidish, when answering a "Gut Morg'n" greeting, with "A Gut'n Yohr"
See additional explaining in this week BDYC ‘That Is’ article.
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 12/29/2023 10:17 AM |
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# 4601 The Blessed Cup
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Q. Hello Rav, thank you for answering my question #4538 recently. I think I may have not explained it properly. In my scenario I explained that in my family there are 3 males and we are eating together AND MAKING A ZIMUN. (for example, every shabbat meal).
Its this case that I was asking about bentching on a KOS or not. I wrote "I know there is a mitzvah to bentch on a Kos of wine/grape juice. I seem to remember it being very common when I was a student in Israel 20 years ago, but these days in Toronto I don't see it often.
A. See Mishna Berura (182: 4) that quotes the different opinions and concludes that if someone has wine or other “Chamar Medino” readily available, it is indeed a mitzva to use it for Birchas Mamozon, yet one does not have to spend effort to get it.
Piskei Teshuvos (ibid) clearly writes that the minhag in our days is not to be “makpid” or place effort on reciting Birchas Hamozon with a cup of wine during weekdays, unless it is a “Seudas Mitzva” like a Bris or similar.
He mentions that the wine may be detrimental to the continuation of the work and duties due during working days, (and most likely driving in our days). Even grape juice may be harmful for the many that have sugar issues.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that unless there is already a wine bottle by the table, one does not have usually to bring one.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 12/28/2023 6:01 PM |
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Important Numbers
