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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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#5504 Too Fast? Now All Fast?
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- - Q. See question above. Are the rest of the people present in the shul also included in the traditional fasting?
A. As we mentioned, There is a late post-Talmudic custom for a person who drops a sefer Torah to fast, usually only one day, although, some believe that this should be even a forty-day fast.
As mentioned. above, this is a widespread notion, and even people lax in other areas of Halachah, seem to be careful with. Yet there is no source in either the Babylonian or Jerusalem Talmud, the Rambam, Tur or Shulchan Aruch for fasting when a Torah falls, let alone as some maintain, fasting for forty days.
However, Rabbi Eliezer Yehuda Waldenberg devoted twenty-five pages (Tzitz Eliezer 5:1) to exploring the development of this tradition, citing sources and providing reasons and parameters for this practice.
In regards to the Sefer Torah itself that fell, Har Tzvi (1: 40) maintains that he does not have to fast, as long as it did not fall completely, including even if the eitz chaim (wodden handles) did not touch the ground.
He suggests that some tzedaka should be donated by the one that was present there.
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 7/18/2025 11:20 AM |
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#5503 Acted Too Fast? Now Fast!!!
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- Q. Someone was present when a small Sefer Torah left unattended by the Bima, and then someones jacket button got hooked to the Taalit the sefer was on and it fell.
First question. 1). Does the person who actually pulled it it has to fast?
A. Although many believe that one has to fast when he even sees a Sefer Torah falling. The above is not mentioned anywhere in Shulchan Aruch.
Yet numerous maintain that there is at least a late post-Talmudic custom for a person who drops a sefer Torah to fast, usually one day.a custom to do so.
Nevertheless, Rabbi Eliezer Yehuda Waldenberg devoted twenty-five pages on his Responsa Sefer (Tzitz Eliezer 5:1) to research the development of this tradition, citing sources and providing reasons and parameters for the practice.
On question 1510 we wrote:
“Q. Someone carrying a Sefer Torah to the bimah tripped and fell. To protect the Sefer he was able to maneuver to fall on his side, and the Torah did not touch the ground. He was also wearing tefilin and the side of his head was on the floor, but again, the tefilin didn’t touch the ground. Does he or others present have to fast?
A. In regards to the Sefer Torah itself Har Tzvi (1: 40) maintains that he does not have to fast, as long as even the eitz chaim did not touch the ground. He suggests that some tzedaka should be donated by the one that fell.
In regards to the Tefilin Shel Rosh, since they also did not touch the ground, Rivavos Efraim (1: 30), rules that since they didn’t touch the ground no taanis is necessary. (See also Piskei Teshuvos O.H. 40: 3, and 2 n. 4).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that he does not have to fast, even if the retzuah of the head touched the floor. If possible he should donate to tzdaka.”
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 7/18/2025 11:16 AM |
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#5502 The Correct Current Swim
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- Q. Rabenu Shlit”a. Thank you so much for the various answers. And I got a new one. This year due to our new Einiklach (grand children), we will stay at our cottage for Shiva Asar Betamuz (we usually return to the city).
Since my Children and grand children will likely stay late on Motzei Shabbat and have a nice party Melava Malka, which the Rov also mentioned many do this year.
They were wondering since the will be eating until half an hour before Alos Hashachar (day brake) can they go for a swim then also. (Usually they don’t as required on Shiva Asar Betamuz)?
A. on a similar question 5053 we wrote
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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 7/18/2025 10:28 AM |
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#5501 Spit In?
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- - Q. Due to a special medical mouth condition, I have have to often wash my mouth to remove excess saliva everyday How is this method best accomplished on a Taanit – (fasting day}?
A. on question 3240 we wrote:
Q. “Can one brush his teeth on a Ta'anis without using any water or toothpaste, just one's own saliva and then spiting it?
A. Mishna Berura (567: 11) rules that when in pain and discomfort one may wash the mouth with water, while being careful to keep one's mouth down to ensure no water is swallowed. The above is permitted on the a regular
Taanis Tzibur. Mishna Berura is more stringent on Tisha Beav when he permits only in a case of severe pain and discomfort, while he prohibits completely on Yom Kippur. See also Minchas Yitzchok 4: 109 and Kovetz Halochos 2: 9 that are stringent, However Aruch Hashulchan (567: 3) is lenient.
On question 2380 regarding if one may store and save his saliva for use during Yom Kippur to swallow necessary medical pills, we wrote:
"Mishna Berura (567: 13), quotes Magen Avrohom that it is permitted to swallow our owns saliva, even though we rule that it is not permitted to drink even liquids that are not fit to drink, swallowing saliva is different, since the intention is not for drinking at all.
Bach (612). cites different opinions regarding how much saliva is one allowed to swallow in Yom Kippur. Chayei Adam (132: 22) and Mateh Ephraim (ibid. 22) maintain that on the onset one should preferably avoid swallowing saliva that has accumulated in the mouth.
Moadim Uzemanim (1: 59) mentions that Hagra’ch Soloveitchik and the Brisker Rov zt’l were extremely careful not to swallow their own saliva when it accumulated during Yom Kippur.
However, many Poskim are lenient and maintain that this is not the accepted tradition. (Beis Meir, Eishel Avrohom Butchatch; 613. Aruch Hasulchan ibid. 4, Piskei Teshuvos 567: 2). Excepting, when particles of food are still in one’s mouth. at the beginning of the taanis.
Moadim Uzemanim (ibid.), adds that on Yom Kippur, one should not intentionally accumulate saliva in one’s mouth and then swallow it.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that when in need for swallowing necessary pills, it is permitted to store one’s saliva even in a cup and save it for use during Yom Kippur.
The Rov's opinion is that certainly on the lesser Ta'anesim it is permitted for one to brush his teeth without using any water or toothpaste, just one's own saliva and then spiting it.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a”
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Posted 7/13/2025 12:04 PM |
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#5500 Does Your New Suit Really Fit You?
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- Q. Kevod Rabeinu. Someone traveling to our town and reaching me on this coming Motzei Shabbat that is already the night of Shiva Asar Betamuz, is delivering for me a new very much needed Shabbos suit.
Can I wear it then and make Sheheyanu blessing (the new clothing Blessing)?
A. Nitey Gavriel (14: 5: 3), permits since the Avelus (mourning) did not start yet, only in the morning, (see question 5493 above).
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 7/11/2025 11:41 AM |
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#5499 – How About Just a Hot or Cold Drink?
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- Q. See question above:
If the water was in the Frigidaire does it also apply? What if it was a hot soup on the stove (already off)?
A. As we mentioned before, very few people seems to keep this tradition. It stands to reason that in the cases you mentioned, even those who keep this practice, would be lenient.
Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a. added that they are only lenient when it was sealed with a חותם. Possibly only an iron seal.
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 7/11/2025 11:34 AM |
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#5498 – But Really, I Can’t Stop Drinking!
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- Q. Just One more question Rov. How long is the time of the prohibition for those who believe on it?
A. On question 4080 we mentioned:
On question 4060 the Rov mentioned that one has to avoid drinking water during the beginning of the Tekufa only for one hour. Yet, I’m aware that for those who keep that tradition, the prohibition stays on even after. What is correct?
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 Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a.
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Posted 7/11/2025 11:29 AM |
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#5497 Another Drinking Problem?
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- Q. I heard that there are more reasons to the above tradition. What are they?
A. See also question 4063.
Various Sefarim explain that the main reason behind this custom is because they are afraid that there is a drop of blood that falls into the water between the Tekufos. (Darkei Moshe 455 in name of Abudarham - Shaar Hatekufos).
The Abudarham explains that the spring season of Nissan begins there is dangerous blood in the water which results from the water of the Nile which turned into blood. When the season of Tamuz (summer) begins there is dangerous blood in the water which results from the hitting of the rock by Moshe Rabbenu, that caused for the rock to bleed and in turn for there to be blood by all waters of the world.
When the season of Tishrei (or fall) begins there is dangerous blood in the water which results from the attempted slaughter that Avraham performed by the Akeidah to Yitzchok, for which a drop of blood fell and became mixed in the waters.
When the season of Teves (winter) begins there is the dangerous blood in the water which results from the slaughtering of the daughter of Yiftach, which caused blood to be mixed in all the waters of the world. (1st explanation in Abudarham Shaar Hatekufos p. 311;
Machzor Vitri ibid) Alternatively, the reason is because the change of seasons consists of a change of guard of angels, and the period between the seasons is empty of any guarding angel, and hence the world is open to potential damage from evil forces (the 2nd explanation in Abudarham Shaar Hatekufos p. 311; Machzor Vitri ibid; Teshuvos Rav Hai Gaon 14) or to damage from evil winds which can penetrate through the crack that is formed between the seasons.
This is the secret and mystical meaning behind the wearing of Tzitzis on the four corners of the garment and the sprinkling of blood and the four corners of the altar.
(Lechem Hapanim ibid; Rikanti Parshas Bereishis; Hagahos Tziyoni Parshas Bereishis; Kaf Hachaim 455:41) Alternatively, as at this time the Satan places a drop of poison in the water.
(3rd explanation in Abudarham Shaar Hatekufos p. 311; Sefer Haminhagim of Raavan Yarchi]
Alternatively, as at this time when a scorpion places a drop of poison in the water. (4th explanation in Abudarham Shaar Hatekufos p. 311; Machzor Vitri ibid).
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 7/11/2025 11:26 AM |
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#5496 Stop Drinking! Really?
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- Q. See question above.
Rov Shlit’a. I read that one should dispose of drinking uncovered water on that “Tekufa” day. Is that true? Why?
Do people really actually keep this? Is there really a source for this tradition, that no one seems to keep or are even aware of, even very frum people?
A. Remah and Taz on Yore Deah (116: 4) quoting Darkei Moishe and Abudraham on Shaar Hatekufos p. 311 mentions that one should abstain from drinking water at the time of the beginning of a Tekufa, as it could be poisonous.
There's an ancient belief of some, that drinking liquids which had been left uncovered during the first hours of the Tekufah can be very dangerous since at the changing of the guardian angels of the Tekufa, they might not notice a demon spirit slipping by them, while the angels of Nisan Tekufa are replaced by those of Tekufah Tammuz, Therefore they sugest to care and keep a lid on the drinks.
This is also maintained by Teshuvos Rav Haiy Gaon 14; Machzor Vitri Hashlama p. 14 580; Even Ezra in Sefer Haibur; Sefer Chassidim 851; Abudarham; Mordechai Remez 593; Rokeiach 275; Maharil 163; Rikanti Parshas Bereishis; Hagahos Tziyoni Parshas Bereishis; Sefer Haminhagim of Raavan Yarchi; Shach 116:6; Peri Chadash 428; Lechem Hapanim 116:7; Beis Lechem Yehuda 116:11; Tzemach Tzedek Kadmon 14; Shem Aryeh Y.D. 28; Koach Shur 12; Aruch Hashulchan 116:12; Kaf Hachaim Y.D. 116:53; O.C. 455:40.
Yet, as you mentioned, in actual practice, very few people in reality keep this tradition.
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 7/11/2025 11:18 AM |
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#5495 The Rhythm of the Seasons.
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- Q. Dearest Rov Shlit’a . I read an the luach that today is the Yom Hatekufa. What does that exactly really mean?
A. Tekufos תקופות literally, "turn" or "cycle") are the four seasons of the year recognized by the Talmud sages and writers. According to Samuel of Nehardea in Lower Mesopotamia, each tekufah marks the beginning of a period of 91 days 7˝ hours.
The four tekufot are:
1. Tekufat Nisan, the March equinox, when the sun enters Aries; this is the beginning of spring, or "eit hazera" (seed-time or planting), when day and night are equal.
2. Tekufat Tamuz. This marks the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, when the sun enters Cancer; this is the summer season, or et ha-katsir (harvest-time), when the day is the longest in the year.
3. Tekufat Tishrei, the September equinox, when the sun enters Libra, and autumn, or "et ha-batsir" (vintage-time), begins, and when the day again equals the night.
4. Tekufat Tevet, the December solstice, when the sun enters Capricornus; this is the beginning of winter, or "et ha-ḥoref" (winter-time) when the night is the longest during the year.
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 7/11/2025 11:13 AM |
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#5494 Decrease the Additions?
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- Q. Kavod HaRav. There are a number of Hosafos (additions) that are recited every day after davening Shacharit. For example, Shesh Zechiros, Parshas HaTeshuva, etc... Can they be recited on Tisha Be'Av as well, when Torah learning is prohibited? Thank you.
A. Horav Yaakov Hirschman Shlit'a opinion is that when they are recited after davening as it usually is, it is permitted.
The reason being that since it is read as a part of the Tefila, that as is includes many pesukim and mizmorim, that are recited for praise or for asking Hashem and not for the purpose of learning of Torah, so therefore they are permited.
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 7/11/2025 11:09 AM |
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#5493 Not so Fast!
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Q. See question above.
Rabenu, let me add a question to my question. If one is usually machmir (stringent) and begins the Taanis (fasting day) already from the night, does that also apply in our year when there is a mitzva of Melave Malka, and we always celebrate it with a very nice and attended group?
Do we say that since he has done it three years it became like a Neder or promise to keep, that includes this year Motzei Shabbat also?
A. See question 5492 above, that in our case this year on Motzei Shabbos, when a meal of Melave Malka is necessary, it takes precedence and priority to the fasting of the day.
Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a mentioned that he shoul do hataras nedarim before melave malka.
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 7/11/2025 11:06 AM |
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#5492 Start Fast the Fast?
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- Q. Rabenu Shlit”a. I remember hearing that Poskim maintain that one should if possible be stringent and begin the fasting of Shiva Asar Betamuz already on the night before. Is that correct? Why?
If one has done so for more that three years and now finds it difficult does he have to do a Hatarat Nedarim (Release of Promises accepted by complying 3 times with a mitzva)?
A. On a regular Shiva Asar Betamuz, Mishna Berura (550: 6) writes that a Baal Nefesh should be stringent and keep the prohibitions already from the night before when possible, since it demonstrates the importance and value of the Taanis.
Horav Yaakov Hirschman Shlit'a opinion is that when one is not keeping it for a valid reason, as would be this year on Motzei Shabbos, no Hatoras Nedarim or release of promises is required. However some of our Rabanim disagree.
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 7/11/2025 10:57 AM |
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#5491 Save and Shave
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- Q. Shalom Uvracha Rabbi Barfteld, Hope all is well. My son wishes to start shaving. Which shavers are permissible lechatchila (on the onset)? Thanks so much!
A. There are multiple options on the constant changing world of available shavers.
Horav Moshe Heinemann Shlit”a of the Star-K explains that Horav Moishe Feinstein ZT”L would test the shaver blades by seeing if the blade was used to try to cut a hair held taught. If it didn’t cut the blade was acceptable.
Therefore, he concluded that blades of rotary head shavers are increasingly sharp and would be problematic. (Star K 2012).
Poskim disagree as the blades in all electric shavers, including rotary shavers, only cut in combination with the screen. Since it functions as a scissor it is acceptable irrelevant of how sharp the blade is. Also, the blade does not touch the skin. There is a tiny gap between the blade and the skin.
Horav Yaakov Hirschman Shlit'a recommended the Ou Tonner Clipper.
However, Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a is out of town are as many other Rabanim, that should be consulted.
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 7/11/2025 10:53 AM |
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#5490 Calling in Question
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Q. If someone has yohrtzait on Shiva Asar Betamuz, but because of old age he does not know if he will be able to fast a full day, can he be called to the Torah on this year during an early Mincha as he always is? He has always fasted before, yet he is afraid this year.
A. on a similar question 5036 we wrote:
“Mishna Berura (566: 19) quotes Magen Avrohom that the ruling of the Shulchan Aruch not to give an aliyah to someone not fasting applies only during Mincha but not during Shacharis in the days when there would be otherwise also Kerias Hatorah such as Mondays and Thursdays.
Mishna Berura quotes other Poskim that debate the issue, and summarizes, that is he was called to an aliyah according to everyone he should proceed.
Although. it isn’t clear from his words if he can be called lechatchila to the Torah, Aruch Hashulchan (ibid.), Divrei Shalom (93) and others rule like the Magen Avrohom and Eliahu Rabbah that he can be called on the onset.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlt’a opinion is similar.”
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a pointed that since Shiva Asar Betamuz, is on Tuesday (2024) and there is no usual reading of the Torah, there is more reason to be stringent, yet it all depends on the case, the changing particular circumstances and the feelings if he can actually fast the whole day.”
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Posted 7/6/2025 1:01 PM |
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#5489 Beg, Borrow or Steal?
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- Q. Can one borrow without asking permission the Tefilin permission from others left in Shul when in need?
A. Although, in general we assume that a person is glad to let others use his Tefilin without approval. (Nicha Lei Lreinish Lemeabad Mitzva Bememonoy).
In our days that may not be correct as we wrote in question 2571: “Besides, even using someones taalis or tefilin without permission may not apply in our days, since we are more careful with the perspiration and sweat from others.”
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 7/4/2025 11:08 AM |
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#5488 Pray and Tell!
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- Q. Hello Rav! I arrived at shul to discover I had left my tefillin at home. I had to choose to daven without them and then put them on around 5pm after work (or for mincha) vs. driving home to get them and davening without a minyan. Which is preferred?
I'm assuming that its preferred to go home and get them and daven alone, but would that still be true if it would mean my time would be very limited before work starts and I would need to skip most of Pezukei D'Zirma? Thanks.
A. The best would have been if you could have borrowed a pair of tefilin from the shul. It is likely that a shul keeps some extra donated ones for situations like this.
Otherwise, it is better to get them, and recite Krias Shema with them on, even if you miss the minyan, since there is a prohibition of reciting the Shema in the morning without tefilin.
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 7/4/2025 11:02 AM |
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#5487 - Plant a Seed of Doubt in Your Mind?
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Q. Kvodo Shlit’a. I have a
question on the summer days we buy flower pots and also use planters.
My kids like to plant on some big ones and planters, different types,
of even small fruit plants and trees. Is there a prohibition of
Kelaim on them if the are planted in a large planter or even if you
join two small planters together at home or over the back yard
plastic material deck? A.
Even the basic laws kelaim which involve planting different types of
trees and fruit plants together are many and complicated to deal with
in just a few lines and when they do apply.
Poskim
mention that although the Torah writes that the prohibition is
“Sodecha Lo Tizra Kelaim” (Vayikra 19: 19), mentioning that it
applies to a field (and a similar expression is mentioned regarding
a vineyard), it would seem that it applies to a field and to the
inside of a house.
Tzofnas
Paneach on the Rambam (H. Kelaim 5: 16) mentions that indeed Torah
forbidden Kelaim apply only on the outside fields and on homes or
other inside types of structures that prohibition is only Rabbical.
However Yeshuas Malko (ibid.) and others disagree and they maintain
that it is also a Biblical prohibition. See also Minchas Shlomo
(2:
101: 10). Variables as the connection to the ground of the plant to
the ground and the kind of grounf are important.
Much
has been written about the prohibition a Shemita (Seventh Year) on
plants kept at home.
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 7/4/2025 10:29 AM |
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#5486 Get a Big Head!
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- Q. See question above. If indeed the are to big can I just use the parshiot. It seems possible that they would fit in mine?
A. If the fit correctly, and are not placed under pressure that could damage the writing, you could indeed use them.
It is most correct and beneficial to ask a practiced and skilled sofer to do it for you.
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 7/4/2025 10:26 AM |
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#5485 A Big Ask?
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- Q. Dear Rov Shlit’a. As you know my father A.H. passed away last month. He left me a beautiful pair of Tefilin that he spend a lot on them, and they are very mehudar in many ways. There is only one problem, they are very big (He had greater head than me). How big can the Tefilin be?
A. There is no official Halachic maximum size for tefilin.
If too large , it is often problematic to keep the head tefilin in the right place, and not have them hanging of the head. We know that the Talmud in Eruvin 95b says that there is room for 2 pair of tefilin on one's head, inferring that their tefilin were relatively small.
Similarly the ancient tefilin from 2,000 years ago, found by archeologists in the Judean desert, were very small.
The Chasidim of Chabad have a custom to buy large tfilin, but as above, there are halachic advantages and disadvantages in doing so.
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 7/4/2025 10:23 AM |
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Important Numbers
