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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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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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# 4600 Season’s Greetings
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Q. How can one thank the building super and a Christmas card like all other tenants do?
A. On a similar question (2083) we answered:
“On question 963 regarding if it is proper to give New Year bonuses to employees right before the New Year or should a company wait until after or give them out weeks before the New Year. Also if one can we include a New Year’s wishing-well card, we wrote:
‘Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that unlike Christmas, New Year is not considered today a religious celebration and therefore you may give out the bonuses right before that day while also accompanied with a New Years greeting card.
See also question 695 regarding answering to a greeting of "Happy New Year" that the Rov maintains that it is permitted since in our days there is no religious connotation to the greeting. In addition, you may initiate the salute if it generates a Kidush Hashem by displaying good manners.”
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 12/27/2023 3:54 PM |
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# 4599 Bedek’n the Deck’n
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Q. See question above. What should a store owner, that has to join on the seasonal spirit and decorations do, so not to loose his customers during this important sales time of year?
A. One may indeed decorate, however using only flowers and “pareve lights” that may be just as or even more attractive and welcoming.
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 12/27/2023 3:51 PM |
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#4598 False Advertising
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Q. One walking or driving during this December time of the year, when the houses, stores and streets are decorated with the seasonal Christmas decorations, since it is almost impossible to avoid looking at them without crashing or stumbling, can one derive the unavoidable pleasure involved? How about listening to the music being played in stores or buses etc.?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that indeed one should avoid as much as possible being in the above sites, streets and stores during this time of the year and looking and enjoying those decorations.
However, since after all, during the whole year one faces “Tznius” and sensualist improper exhibitions and advertising, and one has had to learn to gain control, the similar should be done during this season.
On question 3504 we were asked :
“Our children on this time of the year, when they walk Shabbos evening to or from shul, often like to stop, gaze and enjoy the uncanny and sometimes stupefying Christmas decorations of our non Jewish neighb
To what we answered: “Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that obviously you have to stop your young children from gazing and admiring those Avoda Zarah decorations. It is best done while explaining to them the truth of what they stand for.
But instead of punishing or being severe against the children, that may indeed have the opposite effect, one should try ‘Letzanusso D’ Avoda Zarah’ (Megila 24b) or making fun, ridiculing and using derogatory jokes towards it. That will likely be more effective.”
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a.
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Posted 12/27/2023 3:49 PM |
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#4597 Shum al Shum Ma?
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Q. We do not like like to eat “shum” or garlic to spice our salads, soups and meat with it. I Heard that there is a Minhag (tradition) to eat garlic on the night of Nittel. Is that really true and why?
A. Indeed, Poskim mention that some of the ones that keep the Nitel traditions. eat then garlic. Beis Yisroel (8: p. 301), explains that the reason of the tradition is to remind us how that night stinks for all of us, and how the Goyim who persecuted us made us feel like.
Nitei Gavriel (Chanuka p. 263 - 5: 5) adds that it is to avoid having marital relations on that night, for those that keep that tradition.
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 12/27/2023 3:46 PM |
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# 4596 The Ben Eisav and Tisha Beav
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Q. Moreinu Shlit’a. I have been careful following our family traditions not to learn or teach Torah on the night of Nitel or Chrazmach. However, since as already programmed, I have to give a Shiur that night and after all there is so much written about what and why is permitted to learn then or not, can I follow a similar to the Halachot of Tisha Beav, and permit learning and teaching during this night what is permitted learning and also explaining the above?
A.It is reasonable that it would be permitted.
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 12/26/2023 4:06 PM |
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# 4595 Tell all about Nitel
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Q. This coming Sunday is Nitel night (Christmas). I have an old family minhag not to learn Torah during that night. I was invited to a wedding on that night, Is it proper for me to attend?
A. On question 960 regarding getting married on Nitel night we wrote;
“Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that for those that observe the minhag of Nitel, it depends on the rationale behind it.
If the reason is the inherent avelus and mourning on a day that caused historically so much pain and tragedy to our people, (Korban Nesanel, Chasam Sofer 2) weddings should be avoided.
Nitei Gavriel (Nisuin 1: 48: 18 – Chanuka 5: 4) indeed quotes opinions that some avoid getting married on Nitel night; that being also one reason why we don’t learn Torah on that night, as Torah learning creates simcha and joy.
However, if the motive for Nitel is the habitual Sakana or danger for Jews being in the streets on that night, (Taamey Haminhogim) it may not apply in our days. Interestingly, Nitei Gavriel (Chanuka 48: 18) rules that even for the people who are stringent in keeping the Nitel traditions the y can get married then.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 12/26/2023 4:01 PM |
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# 4594 The Tape Escape?
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Q. Can you listen to a Toiro tape on the Nitl night?
A. This Shaylah actually is mentioned responsa Chai Binyomin (p. 301) where he argues that although you comply with the mitzvah of learning Torah just by listening and thinking (O.H. 47, 4 and Biur Halocho ibid.), since you do not make a brocho, (see Mishnah Berura ibid.) this form of learning may be different enough to permit it on Nit”l night.
Nitei Gavriel (Hanukah end of Volume p. 247) also permits thinking Torah thoughts on Leil Nit”l, basing this conclusion on the opinion that angels do not know the thoughts of humans.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 12/26/2023 3:57 PM |
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Important Numbers
