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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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#5546 Hashem’s Great Grace!
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- Q - See questions above.
Is it proper for one spending a night in a low class hotel on the highway, to leave on the image of the Kotel on his phone next to his bed for protection, since there is no Mezuza on the door?
A. As mentioned on the above questions, the image of the Kotel is questionable. It would be better to take a proper Torah Sefer (book) or Siddur and keep it for learning and davening, next to him when it is permitted by the laws of keeping the holiness of the sefarim next to one’s bed.
Moreover, in our days, by and with Hashem’s great grace, it is truly amazing that we have the availability of material for listening to accessible online, and these outstanding and very interesting Torah lectures and shiurim are often given by excellent and renown speakers.
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Posted 8/18/2025 1:51 PM |
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#5545 Place the Kotel on the Wall?
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- Q - See question above.
If the above is permitted, some have inquired if this image can be displayed on a large screen on the Mizrach (eastern) side of the shul, so people will have more kavana during davening?
A. As mentioned already above it should definitely avoid the images of the people attending.
However, even if only the upper part of the Kotel is displayed, it may not necessarily increase the kavana necessary during davening.
Some of our Rabbis expressed that we don’t really daven to the Kotel but rather to the Makom Kaddosh or the place behind, were the Bet Hamikdash was.
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Posted 8/18/2025 1:46 PM |
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#5544 - See the Phone? Framing the Picture Frame
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- Q. See question above.
Is it proper also for someone traveling by car, who has to stop on the road to daven (pray) a Tefila, to turn on the image of the Kotel on his phone or screen and daven in front of it to increase his Kavanah and intention?
A. As mentioned above, if the images involve the full presence of the people attending the Kotel, there may be many severe issues to avoid.
However, if it only presents the upper part of the Kotel, it would be permitted if it indeed increases the Kavanah and proper intention of the Tefila recited.
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Posted 8/18/2025 1:44 PM |
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#5543 The Contemporary Kotel?
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- Q. See question above. If the Kotel image is permitted, can it be left on during Shabbat also? As it already is, the images are anyway constantly displayed on line, for all to see. (Even on their phones).
A. Regarding leaving it on during Shabbos, on question 1791 we addressed the following inquiry:
“We have in our family room a very large screen which serves as a virtual picture frame. It changes according to the times as we program it, into different scenes, images and pictures of nature that we greatly enjoy.
We also display family photos, portraits etc.
Can you during the nine days, change the images into new ones? I once asked my local Rabbi about it when staying with him during Shabbat and he permitted it, if the controls are covered and inaccessible. Does HoRav Shlomo Miller agree?”
To what we then answered: “Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that since the new picture displayed is only virtual and not real, it is not prohibited. However, to maintain and uphold the spirit of sobriety and sorrow that permeates and pervades during this period, it should better be left until after Tisha Beav.
The Rov also permits leaving on during Shabbos the picture displayed on the screen, if it does not change and stays the same during the complete Shabbos. He also maintains that the controls should be covered and inaccessible.”
In our case, since it is a live camera, Horav Yaakov Hirschman’s Shlit’a and Horav Aharon Miller’s Shlit’a opinions are that it should not be left on during Shabbos.
See also on questions 2334 of May 8, 2023.
“Our Rabbis maintain that the live images of the Kotel should not be displayed especially during Shabbat, since very often besides the lack of proper dressing of some of the attending, they also involve the desecration of Shabbat by some of the visitors.”
It may also likely involve the services of different non Orthodox services and likely also those of other religions.
See also questions 3841 & 3846.
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Posted 8/18/2025 1:40 PM |
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#5542 Framing the Picture Frame?
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- Q. Dearest Rabbi. Is it advised or even permitted to leave at home on the wall of the living room a large screen that displays the constant live image of the Kotel in Yerushalaim, as a Zecher Lechurban or memory of the destroyed Bet Hamikdash.
The live image is available on line for all hours of the day. Is it maybe incorrect and a desecration of the holiness of the Kotel. Can children play then on the living room, or it may be a lack of honor to the Kotel Displayed? Can guest eat and freely talk then there?
A. On a similar question 3841 we wrote:
“Dear Rov Shlit’a. Is it correct to place as a Zecher Lechurban (remainder to the destruction of the Bet Hamikdash) in our family room a small screen that constantly shows what is happening at the Kotel Hamaaravi via a live camera available online, since it gathers the attention of all. Is that advisable?”
To what we answered:
“Horav Yaakov Hirschman’s Shlit’a and Horav Aharon Miller’s Shlit’a opinion was that it is proper to do for those who use that type of communication. You may add a frame to the screen that contains written words of remembrance of the
Churban”
However, we must add that in the scenario you describe, it may be better to avoid using it, since the live images of the area of the Kotel likely involve some people doing, dressing or behaving improperly even when not in the area of the Kotel.
See next questions.
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Posted 8/17/2025 4:21 PM |
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#5541 – Have A True Ketiva Vechatima Tova!
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- Q – My dearest Rav Shli”a, I thank the Rav for all the so many answers you have written to me and the others of my group throughout many years.
I just attended a simcha in a new Shul in our neighborhood this Sunday morning (8: 10: 25), the day after Tu Beav, and after Davening, I heard a few people greeting each other with the customary blessing said on and close to Rosh Hashanah of Ketiva Vechatima Tova.
As I never heard this blessing said so much before the days of Judgement, we got into an argument.
Is it true and right for them, to already start using this blessing now?
A. Indeed, some Poskim write that it is customary for some to use already as early now this greeting.
See Nitei Gaveriel (98: 15), Shaar Yisoschor and others who quote that the tradition of (some) Chasidim, is to bless each other already today with a Ketiva Vechatima Tova.
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Posted 8/10/2025 1:24 PM |
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#5540 Toss The Towel Again ?
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- Regarding question 5537 above Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a added that if necessary one can rely on the fact that the hotel has one owner who has right of access to every room which may not require an eiruv and therefore it should be permitted to carry.
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 8/8/2025 2:52 PM |
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#5539 Have a Real Good Shabbat Night
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- Q. Dear Rabbi Shlit’a. I understand that Tu Beav is important since it marks the time the nights are longer and the time for learning Torah increases. Why is the Torah learning at night more important than the day?
A. On question 5090 we wrote:
“Q. I wonder if I have the opportunity to learn before davening in the morning, or to do it by attending a shiur at night when I’m already a bit tired, which is preferable?
I usually do so in the morning since I’m rested and it is for me altogether much better. Yet I hear and see in Torah articles and tapes that Tu Beav is a great Yom Tov because then the nights get longer and you have a greater opportunity to learn at night, and learning then is better and more important. So really which is it?
A. The Talmud at the end of Ta’anis (31a), teaches that: From the fifteenth of Av onward, when the days begin to shorten, one who adds to his nightly Torah study will add years to his life, and he who does not add [mosif] will be gathered [ye’asef].
The Gemara asks: What is the meaning of the phrase: He will be gathered? Rav Yosef said: It means that his mother will bury him, as he will be gathered to his grave (see Genesis 49:33). We do realize the importance of learning at night and adding to it.
Indeed, as you mentioned, it is better to learn when a person is rested and his mind is clear. However, to comply with the above he should learn some Torah at night also.”
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 8/8/2025 11:02 AM |
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#5538 Dance at the Right Wedding!
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- Q. Dear Rav, as we approach Tu Beav this Shabbat I would like to understand more the real meaning of this day and how it is connected to getting married. Thank you so much.
A. On question 5094 we wrote:
“Q. Kvod Horav Shli”a. Should one choose when possible to get married on Tu Beav? Is there a special meaning and importance on getting married then?
A. Zohar (2 p. 195) mentions that Tu Beav is a day of Simcha and joy due to the Ilui Shechinah. In fact, Tu BeAv is the day that the Jews in the desert merited Hashroas HaShechinah, from the Simcha generated by realizing the decree was rescinded.
According to the Bnei Yisaschar all the reasons that Chazal give for the celebrating of Tu Be’av revolve around reconciliation and harmony, whether it is within the Bnei Yisroel themselves, or between them and Hashem. It is the rectification of the sins of Tisha Beav.
Also, it is the 28th day from Shiva Asar Betamuz, that is the gematria of כח, or strength, as we hope that the incomplete names of Hashem which add up to, and is also highlighted on 22nd day from Shiva Asar BTamuz, or Tisha Beav the day when the Bet Hamikdosh was destroyed, is to be completed and restored on the 28th.
Similarly, the Apter Rebbe Zt”L explains that the significance of the circle dance associated with Tu BeAv is that the ultimate dance of the days of Moshiach, when the righteous will dance in a circle around Hashem.
Tu BeAv refers to the 15th letter (Tu is gematria 15) in the Aleph Bet (Av spells Aleph Bet), which is Samach. The Samach is complete and round. A circle is a symbol of the day upon which the civil war ended and marriages were made because a circle is round without any beginning or end or conflict.
Since the 25 of Elul is the day of the creation of the world, and according to the Arizal, it is the day of the creation of the world in actuality, then 40 days prior is when the thought of its concept was conjured in Hashem’s mind, so to speak.
See also Bnei Yisaschar Mamarei Tamuz – Av 4:1 quoting Rav Avraham Yehoshua Heschel of Mezibush.
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 8/8/2025 10:57 AM |
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#5537 Toss In The Towel?
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- Q. See question above. I would also like to know if it is permitted to carry a towel on the hotel building and swimming pool area?
A. Shoshanas Yisroel (33: 8) above, also mentions this leniency in above case, since he quotes as above, that the custom is that we are not concerned with carrying in this situation, since it is done for a mitzva.
Horav
Kalman Ochs Shlit’a opines that if necessary one can rely on the
fact that the hotel has one owner who has right of access to every
room which may not require an eiruv
However as mentioned above, Horav Yaakov Hirschman and Horav Dovid Pam, Shlita maintain that a proper Eruv has to be made as Halacha dictates.
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Posted 8/8/2025 10:54 AM |
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#5536 Need Deap End of Talent Pool!
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– Q. Kvod Ravenu Shlit’a. Ass we spoke, our family is going on a much needed vacation an we will be staying in a good deal hotel.
Since I usually go to the mikva for Tevilas Ezrah (after family relations), I would like to use in the hotel we are staying, the swimming pool for the Tevilah, as I know is permitted and many do so, even when one is wearing a bathing suit.
My shailah is if it can be done also on Shabbos, as I would go very early when it is still empty.
A. Actually, Shoshanas Yisroel (33: 8) Quotes Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a ruling that it is permitted. Yet one has to be careful not to squeeze any water of the bathing suit. He explains that our Sages permitted it, since we are not concerned of the above when the immersing is done for a Mitzva.
Horav Yaakov Hirschman and Horav Dovid Pam, Shlita maintain that just for a mitzva that is optional and not essential, it should be avoided. Besides, one needs proper Eiruv Chatzeiros set before Shabbos to be able to carry.
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 8/8/2025 10:48 AM |
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#5535 The Sooner the Better?
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– Q. Dear Rabbi. I’m supposed to sign in tomorrow into a new big business and real expensive investment, that is also a very important for some Chesed charities and a great mitzva for my children’s support and others.
As the Rabbi advised, I was waiting until the end of the Three Weeks for doing so. Now I heard and read that it may be even better to wait until after Tu Beav on this coming Shabbat Nachamu. What should I do to get the best Mazal?
A. On question 5087 we wrote:
“Q. I’m getting married next week for a third time, with a chupa done in a small Shul. Is it best to wait until after T’u Beav is over, or is it sufficient just after Shabbat Nachamu or even after the Tenth of Av?
A. Horav Yaakov Hirschman Shlit”a and the rest of our Rabbonim maintain that the sooner the better, since “Zerizim Makdimin Lemitzvos” (The agile and nimble are fast and early in performing miyzvos). In our case it involved the help to many that we must observe.
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 8/8/2025 10:35 AM |
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# 5534 The Best Shave!
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- – Q. Kevodo Shlit”a.
As we just ended the mournful period of the Three Weeks for the destruction of the Temple, and now we can take a haircut or shave for those who avoided it before, since today (on 2025) is Monday, is it better to wait and shave for Shabbat on Friday?
A. A main issue is how much you require the hair-cutting or shaving for your regular daily activities. If possible it is indeed may be better to wait and do it Likvod (for honoring) Shabbat.
We must mention that indeed the Sefer Minhag Tov and others mention this tradition as being special for Shabbat Nachamu.
Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit's maintains that he can shave again lkovod Shabbos |
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Posted 8/4/2025 1:40 PM |
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#5533 A Long Tea Time?
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- Q. See question above.
Sorry but I must add another question. Is there not a problem drinking wine for Havdala on Sunday night, since as we know some mourning traditions still apply on the morning of Monday?
A. In principle, although we know that the some Nine Days’ restrictions continue until at least midday (Chatzos) of Monday the Tenth of Av. However, Mishnah Berurah and Aruch Hashulchan disagree if on the Sunday night Havdalah– after Tisha B’Av one may drink wine for Havdalah.
Mishnah Berurah concludes that Motza’ei Tisha B’Av is not as restrictive as the rest of the Nine Days, and one may therefore personally drink from the Havdalah wine without necessitating and finding a child to drink.
Accordingly, the bracha of ‘Borei Pri Hagafen’ would be the bracha of choice on the Kos for this Sunday night Havdalah.
Yet, the Aruch Hashulchan disagrees, maintaining that the Nine Days restrictions are still fully in effect until the following day, and it is therefore preferable to make Havdalah on ‘Shaar Mashkin’ (Chamar Medina) and not wine.
A third opinion, that of the Elyah Rabba and Pri Megadim, is that one may use wine, but should give it to a child to drink, similar to the Rema’s ruling on a standard Motza’ei Shabbos Chazon, due to the ‘Nine Days’ restrictions.
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Posted 8/3/2025 6:21 PM |
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#5532 Just Tea Time?
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-Q. See question above.
Q. Is it correct in need to drink then (Sunday night) before Havdalah some plain tea, if that is all that is available?
A. Indeed, Nitei Gavriel (ibid.) also permits drinking before Havdala, coffee and tea without milk, when in need.
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Posted 8/3/2025 6:04 PM |
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#5531 Serving Women Drinks?
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- Q. See question above.
Q. Does the same apply to women?
A. Nitei Gavriel (96: 3) rules in a similar case, that if the liquid actually requires Havdala first, they should recite their own Havdala and not wait for their husband.
Yet, he adds and quotes more dissenting lenient opinions that no Havdala is necessary at all, specially for women.
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Posted 8/3/2025 6:00 PM |
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#5530 Drinks are on the House?
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-Q. Estimado Rabino, larga vida. In our shul in Mexico City when we end the fasting of Tisha Beav tonight, when still in shul people are thirsty and they usually want to drink some water before going home.
Due to local circumstances we don’t keep wine or liquors in shul. I have a number of questions that need immediate answer. First, can one drink water tonight before Havdala is recited on wine?
A. On question 3832 we wrote:
“At the end of the fast of Tisha Beav that this year will be delayed until Sunday, before one makes Havdala can one drink some soda water when very thirsty, if that is all what is available in Shul?
A. Shulchan Aruch (299: 1) rules that one may drink water before reciting Havdalah at the end of Shabbos. However, Poskim debate if that permission applies also to sparkling soda water that one drinks reciting a brocho, even when not thirsty, because of the pleasantness and good flavor it has. (Shevet Hakehosi 2: 124).
Other Poskim are lenient (See Piskei Teshuvos ibid. quoting Shalmas Chaim 273). Horav Dovid Pam and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a maintain that when possible one should be stringent, and just drink tap water.”
In your case, if you have, just drink plane bottled water. If not, then shake forcefully the container to convert it as much as possible into plain water, and then drink before Havdala is needed.
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Posted 8/3/2025 5:56 PM |
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#5529 Wow!!! - Now A New Posek!!!
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! - Q. Question. We did IVF treatments to have a family and B”H we now have 4 healthy children. We still have a few frozen embryos left but due to our age and extreme high costs of each procedure we won’t be using them anymore.
The fertility clinic charges us a yearly premium for storing these embryos, can we ask them to dispose of them?
A. Rabbi Berkovits’s Shlit’a opinion is that one may tell them to dispose of the embryos. Care should be taken to clarify that the embryos may not be used for study or other beneficiaries.
Rabbi Dovid Bartfeld.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs and Horav Dovid Bartfeld Shlit’a
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Posted 8/1/2025 12:52 PM |
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#5528 Need a Drush on Rush and Brush?
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- Q. Dear Rabbi Shlit”a. Can one clean a hat or a coat with a brush during the Nine Days.
A. Poskim indeed permit the above. (Nitei Gavriel 35: 12).
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 8/1/2025 12:48 PM |
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#5527 A Non Shmate Kashe!
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- Q. See question above.
Could one in such a case just wash with a wet towel and even soap, his complete body or at least partially? Would that be permitted for someone that sweats a lot on hot days?
A. As mentioned above for necessary medical need 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 8/1/2025 12:44 PM |
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Important Numbers
