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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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#5128 In Your Wildest Dream!
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- Q. Over thirty years ago, I was on a flight from Eretz Yisroel to the USA. During the flight, I slept (very novel idea for me) and dreamed an awesome and terrifying dream. I dreamed that a building with a tall antenna on top of it collapsed on itself and caused a huge dust cloud. I thought nothing of it at the time, chocking it up to feeling scared of flying and that it was Dvorim B'teilim caused by my feeling of tension in flying.
When I saw the pictures years later of the collapsing Twin Towers, I was shocked by the fact that I remembered seeing that scene before. And I remembered that I saw it in that dream.
Should my conclusion be still that the dream was Dvorim B'teilim? Or was there a coincidence here?
Everything is a coincidence, as our dear Rebbi, Rav Moshe Carlebach, would say that 'coincidence' comes from the root 'coincide', which means 'Co', or HaShem, is 'inside'.
Should I take care to do HaTavas Chalom whenever I have a terrifying dream, something that occurs with me very infrequently? And what could the Ribono shel Olam want me to take out personally from this experience?
A. As we have mentioned in a number of Shailos, it is proper and correct to do Hatavas Chalom when someone is distressed by a bad dream.
Horav Yaakov Hirschman Shlit”a opinion is that one can also say the tefila recited during duchening (Birchas Cohanim) when the Chazan says Birchas Cohanim before Sim Shalom.
On a recent question 5121 above – (Stuff of Nightmares) - we wrote: Q. Dear Rov Shlita. I’ve had recently a number of very bad dreams, and have some mortifying questions. When someone had a bad dream and wants to recite the proscribed Tefilos with some friends, is it better to do it during that same day or can one wait until he goes to shul on Shabbat?
To what we answered: A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion as well as our other Rabbonim is that it should be done on the same day.
See also the “That is my answer” article on Parshas Vayeshev Miketz of last year “It is all about dreams” and in other sites.
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 9/20/2024 12:50 PM |
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#5127 A Knife at the Court?
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- Q. Last year we ate the first Rosh Hashana meal by a known Rebbe and we saw that he had acquired a new Chalah knife that was still in its box. Is there Is there a special minhag to buy a new Chalah knife for Rosh Hashana?
A. Segulos Yisroel (Reish – 4) indeed quotes that the Rebbe of Ziditshoiv would advise to purchase a new knife for Rosh Hashana and to sharpen the others as a Segula for parnasah and good livelihood.
He relates that the Rebbe of Lublin would send to his close relatives a gift of a new knife for Rosh Hashana.
Likutey Amorim (2: 1) relates that the Rebbe of Mezibuz Z’tl would send to his close followers a small silver knife and fork.
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 9/20/2024 12:46 PM |
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#5126 The Bright Light on the Night
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- Q. Dear Rov. I have seen women in my family that light on the night of Rosh Hashana a plate full of candles (floating wicks on oil). Is there a source for this tradition? If yes how many candles should one light?
A. Nitei Gavriel (21: 4) quoting Machzor Bais Din, just mentions that it is proper to light more candles for a Siman Tov. He adds “Lesimono Tovo Hachonas Oiro.” or “For a good sign, is the setting of lights.”
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that people should keep their family traditions.
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 9/20/2024 12:41 PM |
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#5125 The Art of a Start
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- Q. How much davening is considered as already having begun Mincha before the Shekia, so one may continue with davening the rest followed by Maariv?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that even just a few words of the amida could count as a beginning when said before the Shekia, and would be in need, enough to continue with he rest of the Mincha Tefila.
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 9/20/2024 12:37 PM |
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#5124 – Acting Now on the Future?
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Q. On 828 we were asked:“Rashi (21: 18) quotes Talmud (Sanh. 71b) that the wayward and rebellious son is executed on account of what he will do in the future.
Baalei Mussar and others argue that if this applies to future wrongdoings, it surely should hold true for mitzvos to be done in the future, as long as there is a certainty that they will be so done, (as opposed to Yishmael who was judged only “Baasher Hu Shom,” since the crimes to be committed were by his descendants). According to this opinion, we must wonder, how long does one have to be doing a mitzva for it to be considered as a sure thing so one can already now be given the credit of the future? This can make a tremendous difference on the judgment of the Yemei Hadin.”
A. “Indeed we do find that in merits, Hashem does consider the future good deeds to be done already now. Rashi (Shemos 3: 12) writes; Concerning what you asked, “What merit did the Bnei Yisroel have that they should go out of Mitzrayim? The answer was: I have a great thing depending on this exit, for at the end of three months from their exit from Mitzrayim, they are destined to receive the Torah on this mountain.”
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 9/14/2024 9:42 PM |
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#5123 The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of?
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- Q. Is it important to tell a friend any serious dream, so it could be given a helpful and necessary good interpretation. Should one tell the dream to a Rov, Tzadik or a Talmid Chacham?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is better not to interpret, explain or look for a meaning to one’s dreams.
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 9/13/2024 1:27 PM |
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#5122 Clean the Dream
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- Q. See question above. A woman that had a bad dream can she ask other women to recite for her the proscribed Tefilos?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is correct to do so.
Horav Aaron Miller Shlit’a expressed that one may name a Shaliach or agent to represent her and attend do the above proscribed order of tefilos.
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 9/13/2024 1:24 PM |
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#5121 Stuff of Nightmares
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- Q. Dear Rov Shlita. I’ve had recently a number of very bad dreams, and have some mortifying questions.
When someone had a bad dream and wants to recite the proscribed Tefilos with some friends, is it better to do it during that same day or can one wait until he goes to shul on Shabbat?
Is it better to have a minyan present?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion as well as our other Rabbonim is that it should be done on the same day.
No minyan is required.
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 9/13/2024 1:23 PM |
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#5120 Let’s Call it a Wash
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- Q. Can one use Ventury sprayer on Shabbat?
A. The Venturi spray can uses air is passed through the venturi tubing and the liquid is sheared into extremely fine and uniform particles. It works when air becomes the carrier of the spray instead of high volumes of water.
The "Venturi Effect" is used daily in a multitude of applications; from spray cans, car carburetors, space rockets and even measuring instruments.
A pump spray, such as a Windex bottle, which uses a venturi tube system, might be considered zoreh according to some opinions, because it’s akin to using the force of wind, which is not permissible on Shabbos. (39 Melochos, p. 379 and others).
On question 2850 regarding what is permitted to do when a 2 year old that was going through toilet training and urinated in a spot on the main carpet in a high traffic area in a small living room on Shabbat, we answered: “Covering it up with a rag or wash cloth that is designed for that purpose is permitted. (Mishna Berura 302: 59) and that is what
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a advises.
The Rov added that although one may not spray a deodorizing liquid directly on the carpet, one may do so on the air above, even when some of the spray will indirectly land on the carpet.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that the venturi spray can also be used in time of need.
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 9/13/2024 1:20 PM |
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#5119 Winds of Change
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- Q. See question above. Can it be better doing the spraying with a “Shinui” or change from the normal usage? What would be a qualifying proper shinui?
A. Indeed it would be preferable when possible to spray with a Shinui. It may be that instead of pressing with ones finger on the spray button one could use the back of the hand or similar
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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 9/13/2024 1:16 PM |
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#5118 Slug the Bug?
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- Q. See the above questions. I wonder since we spend during the summer many Shabbats in the cottages or in vacation camps and we walk to shul there. If there is an Eruv, can one carry and use an insect repellent spray on his way to shul?
A. If the spray does not contain any insect killing poison Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is permitted.
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 9/13/2024 1:14 PM |
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#5117 Don’t Miss the Mist
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- Q. Can one use on Shabbat spray cans or aerosol dispensers for removal of bad smells in a bathroom or kitchen?
A. Some Poskim question the use of spraying devices on Shabbos, nevertheless, Mori Horav Moshe Feinstein Zt”l, and other Poskim including the Minchas Yitzchok ruled that because the scattering is not caused directly by human blowing or wind force, but rather by the pressure in the can dispenser, it is not similar to Zoreh and it is permitted to be used on Shabbos L’chatchila.
On question 2220 regarding if one can use suntan and insect repellent liquid oils and lotions during Shabbos and Yom Tov, for skin protection when walking outside during the summer, or if one can also spray the new aromatic insect repellent on clothing, we wrote that Poskim permit using suntan and insect repellent liquids, oils and lotions, when they are thin, of low viscosity, and of flowing consistency. They also should not be for medicinal use. (Piskei Teshuvos 327: 1).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is permitted to spray repellent on clothing also, even if it has some aroma, since the main intention is not to impart fragrance, but to repel insects
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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 9/13/2024 1:12 PM |
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#5116 A Ray of Hope for the Spray
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- Q. On last question the Rov mentioned that Pepper Spray if needed for self defense and saving lives, it is permitted to hold and carry all day and night during Shabbos. Is it really better to use it for protection during Shabbat than a gun? How about carrying a knife when one is trained?
A. It is indeed safer to use the spray for self defense than a gun or a knife and when in need the security experts recommend to use and carry it.
We must mention that in Canada the use of Pepper Spray is illegal and prohibited by law, and only law enforcement officers may legally carry or possess it. When in need one must contact the responsible authorities to get the necessary legal permits.
See next questions.
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 9/10/2024 11:15 AM |
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#5115 Say on Stay Away from Spray
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- Q. I live in Toronto and as it is well known we suffered recently a series of dangerous antisemitic and life threatening attacks. Is the carrying to shul and constant holding of a pepper spray can, permitted for personal safety reasons during the whole time on a regular Shabbat?
A. Pepper spray is an inflammatory agent used usually as a defense weapon. It works by inflaming the mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. It causes immediate closing of the eyes, difficulty breathing, runny nose, and coughing.
If needed for self defense and saving lives, it is permitted to hold and carry all day and night during Shabbos.
(See next questions
)
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 9/8/2024 12:37 PM |
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#5114 Not Nice on Noise!
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- Q. I was Baal Tokeah for a neighbor who is bed ridden and lives with her daughter and a significant number of dogs and cats. As I was blowing the Shofar, the dogs where all howling and the cats where meowing quite loudly, accompanying the sound of the Shofar, this is the second year this phenomenon happens.
I could not ask them to take out the animals, as they are Muktzeh. Were this women at all yoitzeh with the Mitzvah, or is this a case of “trey kolei loi mishtamei”, you can not hear two voices at the same time, thus their brocho would be in vain, and I was prohibited to 10cm. blow Shofar for them?
A. On question 874, regarding a small shul that is on a main street, where it is common that the street noises like trucks going by or sirens are heard inside as well as sometimes small children crying or the A.C. making sounds. If those noises are an issue when hearing the shofar and if you have to repeat the shofar, we wrote:
“Remoh (O.H. 588: 3) rules that if two individuals blew the complete set of shofar sounds required on Rosh Hashono at the same time or even if one was blowing a trumpet instead of a shofar, the listener complies with the mitzva.
Mishna Berura (ibid. 11) quoting Talmud Rosh Hashana (26a) explains that although usually we accept that two different voices or sounds cannot be heard simultaneously, when one of them is very pleasant and enjoyed as would be the story of Megilas Esther, you would pay attention to the preferred one and thus comply with the mitzva. In the case of the shofar since it comes only once a year it is also appreciated and liked more than any other sound and of course, noise.
However, Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a advises to minimize as much as possible any other distressing and conflicting sounds, that may disturb the kavana and intention of the people complying with this great and important mitzva.”
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 9/6/2024 1:23 PM |
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#5113 Uncover the Cover
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- Q. Can we cover the wheelchair of a guest visiting our home for a Shabbos meal with a plastic sheet when it is raining outside?
A. Horav Aharon Miller Shlit”a adviced that to avoid making an “Ohel” or tent prohibited during Shabbos, one should be careful to push the plastic cover towards the inner side of the chair, thus living no empty hovering space inside, that may qualify as an even small prohibited “Ohel.” (a space of a “tefach” about about 10cm.).
One could also place the chair inclined next to an outside wall in an angle that would make it now unfit for any inner use to place objects there, and thus no “ohel” would be created.
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 9/6/2024 1:18 PM |
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#5112 – Keep on Pushing?
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- Q. See question above. What happens if he fell asleep in his wheelchair can someone still push him?
A. Since there are various different details involved in this particular shailah, the opinion of our Rabbanim is that one should consult a competent Posek on his own particular situation.
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 9/6/2024 1:17 PM |
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#5111 The Will of the Wheelchair
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- Q. A person that needs a wheelchair to come to shul or visit friends, can he be pushed by a friend if he can just walk a little by himself, if there is no Eruv on that town? Is it better if he moves the chair himself with his hands?
A. Carrying an inanimate object on Shabbos in a public domain is strictly forbidden by a Biblical prohibition. However, Carrying a live human who is able to walk on his own, is not so strictly forbidden since in Halacha he is considered as if he is “transporting himself” and providing help to his own transport, yet he is still Rabbinicaly prohibited.
If we add that most poskim rule that our streets are commonly only a karmelis and only forbidden rabbinically, therefore to carry a person who can walk on his own, under extenuating circumstances it could be permitted.
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 9/6/2024 1:13 PM |
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#5110 Mind the Blow
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- Q. In the case above, can I just blow the shofar myself? What if I can only do the tekios (long voice) properly, and not the rest of the usual customary different voices?
A. Siach Yitzchok (264) maintains that one should also blow for himself, as Slichos are also recited even when there is no complete minyan to awake and do Teshuva. It is mentioned that the Lubabitcher Rebbeh Zt”l would also follow this tradition when he davened without a minyan.
However, Tzitz Eliezer (12: 48) and others opine that since the Tur quoting Pirkei Derabi Eliezer (46), maintain that when Moshe Rabbenu ascended the mountain the reason for blowing the Shofar during Elul was to remember and remind all the people when Moshe will be coming down from the mountain, therefore the blowing during Elul is only done when there is a minyan.
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 9/6/2024 1:10 PM |
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#5109 Stop, Look and Listen?
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- Q. See question above. If I continued davening the amida, do I have to look for someone to blow for me after davening. After all I did hear it?
A. Even if one was not paying attention to the listening of that shofar blowing, yet he likely heard it and noticed it without intention, since it is only a minhag, it is likely he complied.
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 9/6/2024 1:08 PM |
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Important Numbers
