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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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# 4338 Curiosity Didn’t Kill the Cat
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Q. If I am home alone for a meal and my cat is sitting with me, can I still say the line about blessing all those that are seated here?
A. Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a maintains that he literal translation of המסובין is guests who gather and partake of the meal which does not apply to animals.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is more important to feed the cat or other pets before one eats.
The words you mentioned are not that common anymore in Sidurim and Benchers, however one can usually pray for all possessions that one has.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/14/2023 12:17 AM |
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# 4337 A Tip on a Mezuza
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Q. I walk by a house that has the Mezuzah on the right side of the door post but tipped away from the house. I mentioned it to the Rabbi who knows the owners but it's still sitting there like that. Do I have any obligation to say anything such as to love your fellow Jew, or should I just ignore it?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that since he complies with the mitzva of Mezuza even when it is tipped away from the door, if one feels he may get into a Machlokes or argument, it is better to avoid telling. However, otherwise he should nicely correct him.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/14/2023 12:15 AM |
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# 4336 Count Your Chickens
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Q. Lab-grown chicken, meat could soon find its way onto American plates after USDA approval, Billed as "meat without the slaughter," lab-grown or "cultivated" meat made by two manufacturers has been approved for sale to U.S. consumers. What is Horav Miller Shlit’a opinion, can one eat it?
A. Although years back on question 1230 and 2114 a similar Shaila was addressed, Horav Shlomo Miler Shlit’a avoided to give an opinion now.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/14/2023 12:13 AM |
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# 4335 Collect your Wits
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Q. There is commonly Hefker clothing offered in yeshiva after Rosh Chodesh. May one take it even though it is 9 days since it will be gone when one returns for Elul Zeman?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that the Yeshiva or institution should well publicize to students and parents, that at the end of the Zeman or school year, whatever is left will be considered abandoned and Hefker, as the institution has to clean, repair and prepare for the next year.
However, collecting and acquiring even used clothing should be avoided even if they are intended for use after the Nine Days. (Remah O.H. 551: 7). Mishna Berura (ibid. 45: 49) includes even inexpensive items, or trivial articles of clothing such as a pair of socks, a belt, a yarmulke, or a kerchief, are included. (Nechamas Yisrael 13: 3 quoting Horav C. Kanievsky zt”l).
Igrois Moshe (O.H. 3: 80) prohibits a new taalis or a taalis koton.
Nitei Gavriel (931: 9) mentions that linen and towels are considered “clothing” and are prohibited to be purchased as during the Nine Days.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is also that if he does not have any intention to do a ‘Kinyan’ or acquire the objects now, he may take them and put them away for use after Tisha Beav.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/14/2023 12:09 AM |
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# 4334 On the Edge of One’s Chair
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Q. What should one do if a wheelchair bound individual requests on Shabbos to be wheeled to or from his Shabbos host, when the eruv is either unreliable or one personally have a minhag not to rely on it?
A. Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a maintains that if the eruv is truly unreliable he should not use it.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if the person pushing the wheelchair usually relies on the existing Eruv and carries on Shabbos, he may also push the wheelchair.
The Rov added as an additional point to be lenient, that the top part of the wheelchair is usually over ten tefachim high (about 1m.) and that is a ‘Makom P’tur’ or exempt area.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/14/2023 12:06 AM |
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#4333 Take the Best Seat
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Q. Dear Rabbi. Does the low seat or stool used during Tisha Beav has to be less that three Tefachim high?
A. A Tefach according to Rabbi Chaim Naeh is about 8 cm, (3.2 inch.), whereas according to the Chazon Ish, one Tefach equals 9.6 cm.
Halichos Shlomo (p. 436) opinion is that it does not necessarily have to be exactly less than 3 Tefachim.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a maintains that on the onset it should be indeed less than three Tefachim, however in need it could be a bit more.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/7/2023 1:13 PM |
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# 4332 In Troubled Waters
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Q. Is it permitted to use the water in a swimming pool when collected in a cup or similar to wash hands for eating bread?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it should not be used as it may be considered water that has been already used for work or another purpose and is therefore disqualified. (Shulchan Aruch O.H. 160: 2).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/7/2023 1:06 PM |
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# 4331 An Essential Email?
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Q. If one was Mekabel Shabbos before receiving an email confirming that the Eruv is up, does he need to avoid carrying on Shabbos until he hears that it is up from someone who was Mekabel (received it) later?
A. The fact is that one can carry on Shabbos regardless of receiving the email attesting that the Eruv is OK, since we rely on the existing Kashrus of the Eruv, unless we know otherwise.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/7/2023 1:02 PM |
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# 4330 Intent the Right Intention
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Q. What is the correct intention to have when reading the shema at a minyan that davens Mincha just before the Plag and Maariv immediately after?
A. Horav Dovid Pam and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a recommend that since it is only the opinion of Rabbenu Tam that you can comply with the mitzva of ‘Shema’ at that early time and all the other Poskim opinions maintain that it is not the proper time yet, therefore reading Shema at that early time may incur the transgression of ‘Baal Tosif’ or adding a mitzva not in the proper time
On question 3895 we wrote: Regarding counting repeatedly the Omer and repeating other mitzvos we wrote on question 3109 the following:
“Minchas Yitzchok (6: 45) quoting several great Chassidic authorities, relates that these Tzadikim would mention many times every day, the omer number of that day. Thus giving a different perspective to the meaning of “Temimos” or complete days. Moadim Uzemanim (7: 230) debates whether Hagr’a would maintain that you comply with the mitzva every time the count is repeated, as he maintains on eating a repetitive Kezais of matza during the days of Pesach.
Poskim maintain that there i’s usually no prohibition of Ba’al Tosif when repeating a mitzva several times. Tosafos Rosh Hashana 16b in reference to blowing additional times the shofar on Rosh Hashana or holding the Lulav several times a day in Sukos. Turei Even disagrees (ibid.)
However, Igrois Moshe (O.H. 2: 60) debates if there is a prohibition of Ba’al Tosif when davening Maariv before the z’man, if one recites the shema too early with the intent to fulfill the mitzva. He therefore stresses one should have intent not to fulfill the mitzva at that time. He also argues that Shema is essentially a part of Torah learning and there’s no prohibition to learn Torah multiple times
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(See Chavos Daas – Beis Hasofek, Safek Safeka: 20, opines, that repeating Shema twice, even within the obligated time is prohibited).
Horav Dovid Pam Shlit’a maintains that one should have in mind a conditional intention, that whichever reading of the Shema is correct, it should be considered as the mitzva. This applies only when one of the readings may not be on the correct time for reading the Shema and then one may violate the Baal Tosif prohibition.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that that it is not necessary as the accepted opinion is not to be concerned with multiple repetitions of Shema.
The common minhag is that people repeat the Shema several times in the day, such as by Korbonos, before going to sleep or when donning Rabenu Tam Tefilin etc
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Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/7/2023 11:08 AM |
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# 4329 Choose Your Lion
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- Q. Dear Rabbi and friend. Our great Shulchan Aruch begins with the eternal words commanding us that “One should strengthen himself like a lion, to stand up in the morning to serve one’s Creator.” I truly wonder, is that not against common medical recommendation and warnings of our times, namely that one should be careful when getting up from sleep so not to stress one’s heart, specially for mature people?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that a lion has indeed seven names in Tanach, and they are: Aryeh, Ari, Kefir, Labih, Layish, Shachal, and Shachatz. The different names represent also different ages of the lion.
Therefore, one can still comply truly with the Shulchan Aruch and also follow as Halacha requires his personal medical advise, depending on his age and the lion that matches with him.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/7/2023 11:05 AM |
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# 4328 Answering Aneinu
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Q. Kavod Horav. Since due to age and illness, I’m unable to fast the complete coming fast of Shiva Asar Betamuz, and I have to eat before Mincha. When I daven Mincha do I say Aneinu?
A. Halichos Shlomo (13: 7) rules that one who already broke his fast before Mincha, should say Anenu and just add “Beyom Tzom Hata’anis” or on the day of fasting.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that he should omit even that addition.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/7/2023 11:02 AM |
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# 4327 Your Mezuza in Your Home
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Q. See question above. Who has to pay for the Mezuza?
A. Bachurim pay for the Mezuzos. This is due to the Halacha that the obligation to place a Mezuza is on the one living on that location or “Chovas Hadar.” (Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 291).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/7/2023 11:00 AM |
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# 4326 The Chosen Bachurim
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Q. Bachurim in a yeshiva in America, if the yeshiva rents a basement for them, who is responsible for getting the mezuza and may they delay for 30 days in putting it up?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that the Bachurim should place the mezuza. They indeed have thirty days to comply, yet it is better to do it as soon as possible.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/7/2023 10:58 AM |
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# 4325 Now I See
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- Q. Good evening Rabbi. My husband has very poor vision, and his doctor has recommended a magnifying glass with light for him to read.
The magnifying glass may be used with or without the lights, but the usefulness is greatly enhanced with the light.
The question is if my husband would be able to use this equipment on Shabbat or holidays. Could his caregiver turn the light on and off on Shabbat?
I’m including the specifications for the equipment. Thank you so much:
A. Sorry for the delay, we are B’H very busy. Since the magnifying glass uses LED lights as mentioned in the specifications for the equipment, the prohibition involved in turning on or off the lights is basically only Rabbinical following the opinion of most Poskim. Therefore, since the Gentile caregiver is the one turning the LED lights on and off, it involves a “Sh’vus D’Sh’vus, or only a double Rabbinical prohibition that is permitted in cases of illness or when really needed. It is better to instruct the caregiver before Shabbos what he should do.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/7/2023 10:55 AM |
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# 4324 Not That Intelligent the Artificial I.
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Q. Can one use a computerized scanning machine to check a Mezuzah?
A. On question 3736 we wrote, “Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in our days the Sefer Torah should undergo a computerized test to check if no letters are erased or missing, specially in an old Sefer, before bringing it to the shul.
On question 2002 regarding if one does have to check tefilin and mezuzot using a computer program as it is done in our times with a Sefer Torah. We wrote: “Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if they were checked properly when written, one is not obliged to check them again.
However, the Rov maintains, since occasionally even after being revised by authorized professional scribes, mistakes are still found, it is preferable to have them computer tested and inspected. (See Maayanei Shlomo O.H. 4).”
The above does not mean that a certified Sofer, should not also check the mezuza, as AI machines can also make mistakes.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/7/2023 10:52 AM |
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# 4323 Women Rule?
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Q. See question 9 above. Can a woman be trained and after learning well the Halachot of Mezuza be able to check and certify the Kashruth of a Mezuza?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that a woman should not engage in checking and declaring a mezuza certified kosher, even if she was trained and learned well the Halachot of Mezuza, since she would be rendering Psakim and ruling Halacha.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/7/2023 10:48 AM |
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# 4322 Toys Are Us?
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Q. “Dear Rov, as we spoke by phone, I work with a group that designs and manufactures toys and a few of them are quite advanced and expensive. We recently were asked to develop a toy-bear that has very advanced AI (artificial intelligence).
The bear has all kinds of advanced senses and is programmed to wake up the kid and help him get dressed and ready on time, as well as doing his homework and eventually go to bed and fall asleep. It can tell stories and help with homework etc. It also reports to the parents.
The question I would like the Rov to ask Horav Miller is, can we design a toy-bear that wakes up the young kid and says Mode Anni, with him, tells him (or her) to wash hands properly, dress etc. etc., reminds to say brochos, Shema, helps with Torah learning and time dedicated to play, as well as tells bed stories, and says Shema with the kids when they go to sleep. All this is done with constant contact and report to the necessary parent.
What does Horav Miller Shlit’a think about this toy-bear.
A. “Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that, at this point in time in normal circumstances, it is far better to avoid using AI to teach and guide children. Real human contact and teaching especially from parents is most essential, needed, and recommended.
We must add that parents relying on AI programs to teach and guide their children, may just opt out and totally neglect the so necessary and essential bond created between parents and children when real personal care and contact is the rule”
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/2/2023 11:00 AM |
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# 4321 Some Intelligence on Artificial Intelligence
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Q. I’m a Frum surgeon that performs delicate medical operations. Could you kindly ask Horav Miller the following; can I partake according the Halacha in an operation in which I’m assisted by an AI (artificial Intelligence) controlled computer-manipulated surgical robotic devices, that are usually more accurate than the human hand. Can we rely on AI when dealing with human lives?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if the health government institutions permit them you may use them. The reason being that since they are responsible for severe compensation payments if they fail, they are therefore careful and exact in their authorization.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 7/2/2023 10:31 AM |
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# 4320 Shomer Yisroel?
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Q. Dear Rov. After I get married, during the days of Sheva Brochos, I know that as a Chassan I should not be by myself, but constantly accompanied by my new wife or a Shomer (keeper). If I have a necessary business meeting I have to attend, can I have my non-Jewish lawyer accompany me?
A. Talmud (Brochos 24b) and Rema (Shulchan Aruch E.H. 64: 1) mention and rule that a Chassan and his Kallah during the Seven Days after their wedding, should be not left alone. The reason given is to protect them from the Mazikim hazardous spirits.
Poskim disagree in our case. Yoshiv Yitzchak (61) quotes Derech Emunah that a Gentile cannot serve as a ‘Shomer’ or guardian for this task. However, he disagrees and permits.
Other Poskim also disagree, and comment that it depends on the protection given directly by Hashem to his Chosen Nation.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that when in need one can be lenient specially in our days, when we assume that the damaging power of the ‘Mazikim’ has been diminished.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 6/30/2023 11:06 AM |
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# 4319 An Isha and her Mezuza
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Q. Can a woman that removed a Mezuza for having it chequed place it back also? Does she make a bracha then?
A. On question 3943 regarding if a woman living alone, can place a mezuza on the entrance of her home,w e wrote:
“Poskim disagree. Yeshuos Malko (H. Mezuza 5: 10) rules that although a woman is obliged in the mitzva of mezuza, she should not affix it in its place herself, as this is similar to writing the mezuza, which she is not qualified to do. Teshuvos Vehanhogos (4:238), Shaarei Hamezuza (16: 6) and others maintain that on the onset, a woman should not affix a mezuza. Beer Moshe asserts that if done, the mezuza should be removed and replaced by a man without a bracha.
However many Poskim permit. Birkei Yosef asserts that since she is bound to keep this mitzva and she is not allowed to dwell in a home without it, if she was not permitted to place the mezuza herself, she would also not be permitted to make an agent or shaliach to do it for her. The reason being that you cannot have a shaliach perform something for you, if you cannot do it yourself. (Gittin 23b).
Chasam Sofer (Y.D. 210, Eretz Zvi (15), Daas Cohen (169), Yabia Omer (3: 18), Chovas Hadar (9: 3) are some of the Poskim that permit women to affix mezuzos.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that a woman may place lekatchila (on the onset) a mezuza with a brocho.”
See also question 3943
Horav Dovid Pam Shlit’a mentioned that she should be careful when reciting a brocho, that it is placed back on the day after, as mentioned in Aruch Hashulchan (289: 4)
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Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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Posted 6/30/2023 11:01 AM |
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Important Numbers
