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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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# 4673 Address the Dress for Success
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- Q. During these parshiot in which we learn about the way the Cohen Gadol and other regular Cohanim were dressed for performing the Avodah in the Beit Hamikdash, I have seen seffarim included also in the library of the Kolel that show drawings of the way the Cohen Gadol, as well as how regular Cohanim would dress for that Avodah.
The drawings are very clear and descriptive, and include the face and complete human body drawing of that particular individual in detail. Since in Halacha, we are so specific and stringent of not having any kind of images, and especially human ones created, why are those drawings permitted?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that since the images are totally flat and even, not engraved, built, embedded or carved in any way, they are permitted.
This is similar to the commonly available pictures of many Gedolim and Tzadikim that many people proudly have and expose with their full body image.
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 2/21/2024 11:10 AM |
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# 4672 - Purim Shiurim
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- Q. I have Yohrzait on Purim Katan for my mother A’H. The minhag of our family is to fast on a Yohrzait for parents, but on this occasion I was told I should not fast. Would it be correct then to fast on the day before, since it is called after all a Taanit (Esther?+?
A. Indeed Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 697: 1) rules that one does not fast on Purim Koton
On question 3558 and 3526 in regard to Yohrzait fasting on Tu Bishvat, and if one could keep the Yohrzait Taanis next day, we wrote: Shulchan Aruch (O. H. 568: 9) rules that if the day of Yohrzait for one’s father fell on Shabbos or Rosh Chodesh, the fasting should be done next day. However, Remah adds that the minhag is not to fast at all.
Piskei Teshuvos (ibid) quotes that one may comply earlier with the visit to the Kever on Friday. However, as mentioned the minhag is not to fast at all.
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 2/20/2024 10:10 PM |
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# 4671 Oy! Now - No Joy!
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Q. Rov. Another question for a Happy Purim Katan. Is it true that the spirit of the great Purim also rests on the small one? Should one great another on Purim Kattan with the blessing of a “Frailechn Purim”?
A, On a similar question question 3561 we wrote Nitei Gavriel (Purim 16: 10) quotes Admor of Sanz zt’l that it does, based on the Mishna (Megila 7b) that the only differences between the first and second Purim are the reading of the Megila and the gift to the poor.
He mentions the minhag of Chassidim to light many candles and celebrate with joy.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that every individual should follow the Minhogim and traditions of his community.
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 2/20/2024 10:01 PM |
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# 4670 Small Purim Big Deal Meal?
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Q. See question above. I wonder do you have to make a seuda on Purim Katan on Friday or since it is Erev Shabbat, should it not be better in the night? How about the people that dwell in a city were Shushan Purim is celebrated?
A. As mentioned Remoh (O.H. 677: 1) writes that there is no requirement to do a seudah at all on Purim Kattan, only to add a bit to the regular meal. On Friday this should be done before chatzos. (midday).
Mishna Berura (ibid. 4) rules that there is no need to add to the regular meal on Shushan Purim even for the dwellers of a city that celebrates Purim on the 15th.
However, Eliahu Rabbah (ibid. 2) and Hisorerus Teshuva (quoted in Nitey Gavriel {Purim 16: n. 20) maintain that some do celebrate Shushan Purim Kattan.
According to this singular opinion, Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a suggested that they may celebrate on Sunday.
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 2/20/2024 9:59 PM |
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# 4669 The Big Purim Kattan
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Q. On question 4662 above the Rov Shlit”a wrote regarding Purim Kattan this year (2024), that Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if the participants say Divrei Torah and sing songs of prize to Hashem for the miracles of survival received as it should be, it becomes a Seudas Mitzva.
I wonder since this year Purim Kattan is on Erev Shabbath, is it better to avoid the meal, so we will have appetite for the Shabbath meal?
A. On question 3559 we wrote: Rema (O.H. 697: 1) writes that our minhag is to augment (Leharbos) on the meal one eats during Purim Kattan.
Our Rabbonim maintain that it includes eating bread and meat or making a special dish.
On question 484 regarding if a seuda of Purim Katan on Friday or since should be made on the night, we wrote: Remoh writes that there is no requirement to do a Seuda at all on Purim Kattan, only to add a bit to the regular meal. On Friday this should be done before Chatzos. (midday).
In our case Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that even if one is not obliged to comply with this Seuda, when one does do it, it should be done better during the day and accompanied with meat and wine.
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 2/18/2024 12:21 PM |
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# 4668 Torah about Learning Torah
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Q. See question above. How about when one learns Torah. Is it every word one says or thinks or maybe even letters a separate mtzvah that requires intention?
A. Birchas Shmuel, (Kiddushin, 27) questions the known Gaon of Vilna affirmation that the mitzvah to learn Torah has no minimum by drawing an analogy to the mitzvah to wear tzitzis. And explains that as one would not describe the mitzvah of tzitzis as “without a minimum,” but rather an entirely new and complete mitzvah is generated with the arrival of each new moment, the same should be true of the mitzvah to study Torah.
Horav Boruch Ber Zt’l, further explains that in reality no new and separate obligation to learn is generated each moment; rather, there is just one mitzvah and it is to constantly learn Torah.
As mentioned in last question, once intention was established when reciting the brocho for the Torah, it maintains that intention continuously.
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 2/18/2024 12:16 PM |
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# 4667 - So, So, Many Mitzvos!!!
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Q. When someone wears Tzitzith, either a Taalith Gadol or Kattan, does he comply with a separate mitzva every second or even a fraction of a second he is wearing it? That would be about 86400 mitzvoth every day! How about if he wears two?
Does the same apply to Tefilin during day time? Does it apply to each Mezuza day and night?
Since Halacha rules that Mitzvot Deuraitah (Biblical Mitzvos written in the Torah) require intention to comply with them does one have to keep his intention and mind to comply with them constantly?
A. Our Rabbonim Shlit’a are of the opinion that as long as one had intention at the beginning of his compliance with the mitzva and that is likely when the brocho was recited, what follows, is accepted as being done withe the same intention.
The above follows the principle of “Kol Haosseh Al Daas Rishono Hu Oisseh” (whoever performs a Mitzva, does it following the initial intention). See Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 60: 4,5 – Mishna Berura 10).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a.
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Posted 2/16/2024 11:08 AM |
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# 4666 A Hint on the Drop
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Q. Is the fluid that drips from the nose of some elderly considered like the mucous from ones nose that requires washing of hands when one touches it before one can recite brochos and learn Torah?
A. Horav Dovid Pam Shlit”a pointed to the Remah Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 92: 7) that prohibits touching the dirty (tzoas) secretions from the nose or ears while a person is davening or learning Torah.
However Mishna Berura (ibid 30) quotes that Hagr’a is lenient and so does Shaarei Teshuva in the name of Mor Uketzia.
One must add that the fluid described is different from the regular mucous inside the nose, as will be b’n iy’H explained.
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 2/16/2024 11:05 AM |
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# 4665 The Signs of Times
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Q. If ones tradition is to hang a sign by the door that expresses our mitzva of rejoicing during the month of Adar. (Mishenichnas Adar Marbim Besimcha). Should one use it to cover the memorial on the entrance for the destruction of the Beth Hamikdash, (Zecher Lechurban) since that one brings sadness and mourning?
A. Indeed, Yalkut Avrohom (686) mentions that there is wide kept tradition for some to place during Adar a sign at our homes or other locations where people meet, to remind us of the great importance and mitzva of rejoicing even during the month of Adar Rishon (see question 473). See also Nitei Gavriel (begining of H. Purim).
However, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it does not contradict or negate the Churban Beis Hamikdash at all, as we see in many our tefilos of Yomim Tovim when we also mention the destruction and great hope for the prompt rebuilding of our most Holy Temple. We can address both realities at the same time.
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 2/16/2024 11:02 AM |
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# 4664 A Doggone Shailah
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Q. I heard that in a kibbutz woman was killed by Hamas during the Oct 7, when she stayed behind to protect their dog. The rest of the family was already hiding in a safe room and survived.
In Halacha. is that woman to be treated as a hero and given proper burial with all the details or should she be considered as suicidal and buried in the special section of the cemetery kept for them?
A. Our Rabbonim Shlit’a maintain that if the story is true, although it was a wrong decision, it is not considered a suicide. It is similar to one speeding and loosing life involuntarily in a car accident.
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 2/14/2024 10:37 PM |
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# 4663 The Adar Radar
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Q. Shalom Rav Shlit’’a. As we spoke on the phone we are starting a new minyan in a new town in the outskirts of the Distrito Federal (Mexico City) and we need and have our own Chevra Kadisha to take care of Hashem Yishmor our deceased. We want to use the Zain Adar date (Seventh of Adar) as a date to establish our new Chevra Kadisha. First is it recommended? Then should it be the first or the second Adar?
A. On question 996 and 3548, regarding when is the yortzait of Moishe Rabeinu and when does the Chevra Kadisha make their seuda this year with double Adar, we wrote: “Remoh (O.H. 568: 7) quoting Maharil and Mahari Mintz, rules that in regards to a common yortzait, the custom is to fast on the first Adar.
However, Bais Yisroel (92) maintains that the yortzait of Moshe Rabeinu is observed on the second Adar. His reasoning is based on Talmud (Meggila 13b) that relates the miracle of Purim to the yortzait of Moshe Rabeinu and since Purim is celebrated on the second Adar so is his yortzait.
Hilchos K'tanos (2: 173) also maintains that it is kept on the second Adar since our sages teach that, Hashem fulfills the years of the just until the last day (Rosh Hashana 11a), if the year he past away was a leap year, it would have occurred on the second Adar. (See also Yaaros D'vash 2 p. 140 and Shilas Yavetz 1: 117))
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a pointed out, that although it is custom for the chevra kadisha societies to fast and commemorate their traditional seudah on the seventh day of second Adar, Mishna Berura (580; 15) mentions that the fasting for Moshe Rabeinu's yortzait is on the first Adar."
Indeed, Imrei Pinchas (p.130) elucidates that Zain Adar should be commemorated on the first Adar, since it then coincides with Parshas Tetzave. As the Ba’al Haturim explains that Moshe Rabbenu’s name was omitted to comply with the “Erase me from Your sefer” dictum.
However, many Poskim maintain that Adar Sheni is main (Sheilas Yavetz 1: 117 quoting his father the Chacham Tzvi, Chasam Sofer O.H. 163, Melamed Lehoil 113,2, et. al.) Nitey Gavriel (Purim 13: 4) writes that some observe both dates.
There is a further disagreement of our sages as to when Moshe Rabbenu was niftar. If it was a year with two Adars and in which of the two was his petirah. (Yalkut Yehoshua ch. 5) as there is also a disagreement when he was born (Sota 12b.) There are also different opinions as to if he passed away on the same Adar he was born. (Hilchos K’tanos 2: 173, Ya’aros Devash 2: p. 140).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit”a opinion is that in principle each Chevra Kadisha should consult with the competent Rabbi in charge of the group and follow his opinion. When that is not an option, they should follow the already established minhag they have. If it is a newly created Chevra, they should follow the tradition of the majority of the established chevros in the city”
Horav Aharon Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is indeed better, when there is no established Minhag to keep the Second Adar.
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 2/12/2024 1:24 PM |
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# 4662 Urim on Purim
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Q. Dear Rabino Purim Katan Is coming, is there something we should do to celebrate this precious day?
A. See question 3560 regarding a group of friends that make a Seudas Purim Koton is it considered a Seudas Mitzva that one invited should attend?
To what we answered: Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if the participants say Divrei Torah and sing songs of prize to Hashem for the miracles of survival received as it should be, it becomes a Seudas Mitzva.
We have received a number of interesting Shailos that IyH b'n we will answer and revise when Horav Shlomo Miller Shlita returns.
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 2/9/2024 10:49 AM |
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# 4661 See Beyond your Nose
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Q. Is the fluid that emerges from a runny nose from elderly people considered like mucous and one has to wash hands when touching it?
A. Remoh (O.H. 92: 3) rules that one should wash hands after to be able to recite sayings of kedusha and learn Torah.
However. Mishna Berura (ibid 30) quotes the Vilna Gaon, Shaarei Teshuva and Mor Uketzia, who rule leniently.
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 2/8/2024 7:43 PM |
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# 4660 Hint the Lint
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Q. See question above. Also, could I clean out the lint trap as that is my custom as I tend to forget when I put a load in or is that stuff muktza?
A. The lint is indeed muktza and should not be removed or cleaned during Shabbos.
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 2/8/2024 7:41 PM |
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# 4659 Do Not Call it a Wash!
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Q. I’m (a single woman that) was staying in my friend's place and came home two hours before Shabbos to a lay on the bed. I put everything in the laundry but forgot to take it out of the dryer before I lit the candles. I know it was dry because I had checked it earlier and it was almost dry so it just needed a few minutes longer to be completely dry
I had covered the bed with a random sheet but there was no other linen to put on the bed. Was I allowed to take the sheets out of the dryer and finish making the bed? Does it matter if it was just after candle lighting or hours later? It's not an electronic dryer. It's an old one that doesn't even have a working light.
A. On the onset, one should not leave clothes drying in a dryer once Shabbos has started since one is not allowed to have a noisy appliance run in his home during Shabbos; Igrois Moshe, O.H. 5:22-38, based on Rama, O.H. 252:6.
However, removing the clothes from the drier may be problematic since the dyer itself is muktza. Yet, Poskim permit to open the dryers door as long as no light turns off or on. (Igrois Moishe ibid.). It is better to do it with a Shinui (different way) such as using the back of one’s hand
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 2/8/2024 7:34 PM |
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# 4658- It is all for Free!
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Q. Thanks again for all your great and short answers, but Rov is not free of me yet! How wet does the garment really have to be when Shabbos begins in order to remain muktza for the rest of Shabbos?
A. “Wet” means actually soaking wet; if it was only damp, it may be worn or moved; (Remo O.H. 302:9).
However, If the cloth is only partially wet, it is still considered wet as long as the wet part constitutes an important part of the garment (Shemiras Shabbos K’hilchoso 15:17, note 50).
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 2/8/2024 7:31 PM |
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# 4657 –Laundry List
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Q. Thank you Rov Shlit’a, sorry to bother you again, it is still me and more in the list. I don’t understand. why is wet laundry muktza and yet the wet towels that one can still use when washing hands before a Shabbos meal are not?
A. Rema (O.H. 301: 46) rules that wet laundry is muktza since it is likely that one may forget Shabbos and wring it out to have it dry sooner.
However, towels or rags that are designed to absorb moisture are not, since that is their usual state to be partially wet (Mishna Berura (ibid 175 and others)
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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 2/8/2024 7:27 PM |
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4656 Washing Laundry in Public! A Shailah
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Q. Dear Rov Shlit’a. If my most dearest wife left a piece of my washed needed wet laundry to dry hanging indoors in the bathroom at the start of last Shabbos, could i have used it when it dried as expected during the night?
A. In principle any item which became muktza during the very beginning of Shabbos remains muktza for the entire Shabbos, even if the reason for which it became muktza originally no longer extant. Some contemporary Poskim therefore rule, that a garment that was soaking wet during Bein Hashmoshos (twilight) remains muktza for the remainder of Shabbos, even if it has completely dried by some point later on Shabbos.
However, HoRav Moishe Feinstein Zt’l permits if it was indeed expected to dry and was hanged indoors with that intention.(quoted by Tiltulei Shabbos (36) and other Poskim.
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 2/8/2024 7:24 PM |
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# 4655 - A Great Minor Embarrassment?
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Q. Our kids were acting up in a carpool. I finally lost my temper and said something to the ringleader in front of the other kids. I tried to apologize the next day but he would not talk to me. What should I do?
A. There are many factors to be considered. It really depends on what and how you said it, also if it was somehow necessary. Other factors are the age and the relationship between the kids.
There are also Halacha issues in reference to the prohibitions involved when embarrassing a minor.
It is most often advisable to wait until temper settles and the mode changes. You may ask one of his friends to give over a message. Or even a small gift of candies can work wonders.
It is most correct, if necessary, to consult another friendly parent or teacher, that is familiar with the kid and his group.
Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a added that when the kid becomes Bar Mitzva and is of age for giving proper Mechila, one should ask forgiveness again.
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 2/8/2024 7:18 PM |
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# 4654 Room For Compromise?
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Q. I’m a Frum woman that has a Jewish girlfriend, and she has a Jewish male tenant who lives in her house. Would it be Yichud for me to sleep over in her home on Shabbos? She is divorced so there is no husband in the picture and she's also an empty nester so no kids around either. I know it's yichud for her but she doesn't really care. Is it permitted for me to stay in that home overnight during Shabbos?
A. In principle there is a Yichud (unethical seclusion prohibition) between one man and two women.
On question 1688 regarding a shidduch date and the prospective Chosson came to the apartment, the mother of the young lady was present, as were her two daughters. However, her husband was at work. We wrote: “See Shulchan Aruch (E.H. 22: 15) and in the Poskim therein as to how many women are required to avoid a yichud prohibition.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if there are two present besides the proposed Kalah there is no yichud. Otherwise, the home door should be left unlocked or the meeting should take place in a room with an uncovered window facing the street. If the husband is out of town, a neighbor should be asked to check on the home. An inside security camera could also be set.
He also strongly suggested installing video-surveillance (a recording machine) as advised on question 346.
In your particular case you may add that surveillance on your own phone, after asking permission from your host.
See also question 974 regarding a two bedroom apartment, if a man and women can share the bathroom and kitchen while each lives in a separate private room with locks on door? What if there are more tenants? Would a security camera make a difference?
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that sharing an apartment in the particular setting you describe is not a good idea as it can easily lead to the yichud prohibition of seclusion and then promiscuity, even if more people reside in the co-ed flat.
In question 346, Horav Miller recommended adding a security camera for office employees or for an elderly patient left alone with the female care-giver in question # 828 to avoid yichud.
We there mentioned that Horav Nissim Karelitz Shlit'a (quoted in Moriah-Elul 5771 p.146) maintains that security cameras are to be regarded as an open door to the street in regards to the yichud prohibition, which the Noda Beyihuda (E.H. 71) permits. He mentions that they do not have to be scrutinized on real time, as long as there is a possibility that the tape (or digital recording) could later be seen, and it is therefore an effective deterrent.
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 2/7/2024 4:34 PM |
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