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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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#5464 Let the Youngsters Count?
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- Q. Dear Rabbi, most warm greetings. As in reality for us during this time of the year we have often truly issues with having a minyan, in our remote location. I would ask you to kindly answer the next questions, as they are a life saver for our minyan.
Can we include one that is not Bar Mitzva yet when holding a Chumash?
A. Shulchan Aruch (0.H. 55: 4) writes that there are opinions that permit reciting words of holiness that usually require a minyan even when one is missing, by replacing him with a minor older than six years, if he already understands the purpose of tefilah.
Yet the Shulchan Aruch rules that the Great Poskim do not accept those opinions. Remah (ibid.) writes that even when the youngster holds a Chumash he should not be included. The he adds that however there are those who maintain that one could be lenient in times of need.
Magen Avraham (55: 5) maintains that the Levush did not know of such a custom. However, the Magen Avraham observes that in his time and place the practice was indeed to include a child holding a chumash. He limits this leniency to obligatory prayers only, thus excluding, for example, the recitation of Kaddish after Aleinu.
Despite it being a minority opinion, it is this position of the Magen Avraham that is relied upon by those who include a child in need in a minyan.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is in principle to avoid this procedure.
(see next question).
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 6/20/2025 11:36 AM |
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#5463 Is This the Good Day?
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- Q. Kvod Rabenu Shlit’a. We are buying Be”H a new house we much want and need, and the agent wants to do the closing on this coming Thursday (19 of June 2025) that corresponds to the 23 of Sivan. I heard that this day is on the list of the unhappy days that some fast. Should I do the closing then. Or better change it to next Tuesday?
A. On question 3198 we wrote:
“Q. If someone needs a very delicate and risky eye operation and is planing to do it on the 23 of Sivan, (June 3, 21)., I have heard different and conflicting opinions as to the Mazal of that day. Should he proceed or change it to another date?
A. Indeed there are conflicting and contradictory sources as to the status of the 23 of Sivan.
Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 580: 2) includes the 23 of Sivan in the list of days of recommended for fasting. The reason given is that it was the day that Yeravam Ben Nevat abolished the bringing of Bikurim, as he officially banned the tribes of the Northern Kingdom from going to Yerushalaim, by placing armed guards on the roads.
However, as mentioned in Megilas Esther (8: 9-17), it was also the day when the revocation of the edict of Haman was sent: “And the king’s scribes were summoned at that time, in the third month-that is the month of Sivan-on the twenty-third day thereof, and it was written according to all that Mordechai commanded… And in every province and in every city, wherever the king’s order and his edict reached, there was joy and gladness for the Jews, a banquet and a festive day.”
Nitei Gavriel (Shavuos 38: 4,5 – Nissuin 1: 48) maintains that even the ones who usually avoid marriages at the second half of the month, permit them on this day. He mentions that the Imrei Emes married of his son with the presence of his father the S’fas Emes on that day. On the invitation he wrote: ‘As our forefathers rejoiced on this day, so Hashem should grant us happiness also.’
The day also carries especial importance in Chabbad and other Chassidic circles.
A possible reason for the drastic change, could be the reversal and tikun of Yeravam Ben Nevat malicious edict, as mentioned in Talmud (Ta’anis 30b). One of the reasons given for the celebration of the Tu Beav (15 of Av), was that on that day Hoshea ben Elah revoked the edict.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that the operation can be done on the 23 of Sivan.
Rabbi A, Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a”
The above would apply to your question.
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Posted 6/17/2025 6:25 PM |
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#5462 - A Most Tragic History Story
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- Q. What is the source for the mourning of the Twentieth of Sivan? (Monday 16, 2025).
A. In the year 1171 in the French town of Blois, a local Christian servant claimed to have seen a Jew throw the corpse of a child into the Loire River. Despite the fact that no child was ever reported missing, no corpse was found, and there was a lack of any corroborating witnesses, the Jews of the town were arrested and tortured.
Initially, the count of Blois, Theobald V, was willing to free them if they gave a large ransom. However, an Augustinian bishop intervened and validated the servant’s testimony by ordeal (i.e., he “tested” if the servant was telling the truth by seeing if he would float on water), and the ransom negotiations collapsed.
The count then gave the prisoners the choice to either be baptized or burned alive. All of them chose to give up their lives rather than betray their faith. On May 26, the 20th of Sivan, in the year 1171 (4931 on the Jewish calendar), 312 Jews—including 17 women as well as some children—were tied up and burned at the stake.
According to an eyewitness account, the fires weren’t consuming their bodies, so the count had the Jews beaten to death, and they then threw their bodies into the fire. As they were being killed, the Jews sang “Aleinu leshabei'ach,” "It is incumbent upon us to praise the L‑rd of all," which is usually recited at the conclusion of all daily prayers and includes praise to G‑d that we are able to recognize His true unity.
As a result of this tragedy, the Jews of England, France and the Rhineland, together with Rabbeinu Yaakov ben Meir, known as Rabbeinu Tam (grandson of Rashi and the Jewish leader at the time), declared the 20th of Sivan to be a day of fasting and atonement.
Perhaps due to the tragic news, Rabbeinu Yaakov Tam died on the 4th of Tammuz, just three weeks later.
Although this was not the first blood libel, this was the first in which the government openly participated in it, and the first time that Jews were killed due to the libel. This was ultimately seen as the harbinger of many similar tragedies and the eventual expulsion of the Jews from France. (from Ch. Org.). See next questions.
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Posted 6/15/2025 10:43 PM |
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#5461 - Hashem Help Us!!! Our Cry on This Shabbos.
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- Q. Dear Moreinu Horav, as you are familiar with our group of young bachurim studying in a Yeshiva High School, I was asked to send you this question.
Our group has many family members in Israel, and the latest news this week of the tough and dangerous Nuclear war situation, they and we, all find ourselves.
Our group wants to stay awake this complete Leil Shabath (Friday Nigth, Behaloscha 2025) and dedicate ourselves to say Tehilim, asking for Hashem to help and save us all. What is Horav Shlomo Miller opinion is it permitted?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller”s Shlit”a opinion is that we may do so. However, he preferred my suggestion to just learn Torah the whole night and in the great Zechus and merit of Torah learning, Hashem will certainly grant us the best Yeshuos and help we all need in this difficult and dangerous time.
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 6/13/2025 1:56 PM |
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#5460 - Fast or Feast?
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- Q. Rabenu Shlit”a, Can I attend a wedding on this coming Monday (June 16. 2025) the 20th of Sivan?
On question 1095 we wrote:
“Q. I have a close friend that is getting married this Sunday, the 20 of Sivan. I heard that there may be an issue in attending a wedding on that day. Is that true?
Should you make an effort to say selichos on that day? (I daven in a shul where they don’t?
A. Yisod Veshoreash Hoavodo (Shaar 9: 11) mentions that the twentieth of Sivan became a day of fasting due to the many tragedies that began on that day.
On the 20 Sivan (1171) – The first blood libel in France – tens of Jewish men and women including three great tzadikim, were burned alive in the French town of Blois on the accusation that Jews used the blood of Christian children in the preparation of matzah for Pesach.
The Shach was from the first that instituted this day as a fast day commemorating the “Gezeiros Tach V’Tat” (the catastrophic Chmielnicki massacres in Southern Poland and the Ukraine in 1648-1649, that ended the lives of approximately six hundred thousand people).
It would seem, however, from his own words, that he had established the fast day only for his family and descendants.
This would explain why, in 1652, the Vaad Arba Hoarotzos (Council of the Four Lands) also declared a fast on 20 Sivan; they were establishing one for the public at large. It became accepted mostly in Poland. (Taz O.H. 566).
Mishna Berura (566: 10, 574: 2) mentions in regards to the reading of Vayechal, that the 20 of Sivan in his days became less established as a day of fasting, and only a few observed it.
He also, by quoting Mogen Avrohom and Pri Megodim, debates about eating at a bris mila or other seudas mitzva on that day and what to do on Erev Shabbos.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that today the twentieth of Sivan is not a well known occasion at all and the minhag for most is not to fast or say selichos. Therefore, one may attend the wedding of a close friend and comply with the biblical mitzvah of rejoicing with the chosson and kallah.
There is also no need to search for a minyan that says selichos, which may be hard to come by, unless one has a family tradition to do so.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a”
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 6/13/2025 1:46 PM |
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#5459 Screening the Screens?
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- Q. Is it permitted to place on the entrance to the shul area of davening, against a side wall on the back a large screen that contains all the information for davening times as well as shiurim and other activities and the times for Shabbat etc.
Or is it questionable if it is proper, as commonly most often those screens are used for all kind of computer activities?
A. In Kolelim, Yeshivos and more traditional Batei Midrash, this modern feature, may not (yet) be an acceptable article.
However, in many Shuln and Batei Kneseth attended even by very traditional and frum members, their use is fast becoming a reality.
The above is due not only because the facility of posting all messages and information needed and providing any fast changes required. More so because it avoids men and women examining and discussing their content and information together, when meeting at the open hall of he entrance area of the shul.
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 6/13/2025 1:40 PM |
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#5458 No Equal Rights? Really???
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- Q. Is it true that there are opinions that the shiurim (amounts) for the eating of mitzvos and benching, are different for women than men?
A. Surprisingly! true indeed. Shita Mekubetzes (Kesubos 64b) quotes Talmidei Rabeinu Yonah opinion that since women don’t engage in hard physical work as men do, their amounts of food required are less and that affects also the requirement for mitzva compliance.
See also Noda Beyehuda (1: O.H. 37), That deals with this issue.
However the real practical established Halacha, is that there is no difference at all.
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 6/13/2025 1:33 PM |
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#5457 Devote to Vote?
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- Q. Dear Rov. Elections in Lakewood N.J. are next week (April 10). I live in Toronto, do I have to make an effort to vote since I can if I try? What is HoRav Shlomo Miller opinion?
A. As mentioned already in a number of Teshuvos, Horav Shlomo Miller”s Shlit”a opinion is that one should in principle vote following the opinion of the Poskim and Rabbis familiar with the issues involved.
Then, it is not only a Mitzva, more so, it is an obligation to vote.
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 6/13/2025 1:28 PM |
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#5456 No More Info Vaccum
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- Q. Kevod Horav Shlit”a Can one stand on a vacuum cleaner that was left next to a bookcase, to reach a high sefer to learn on Shabbat, after all it is muktza?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller”s Shlit”a opinion is that one may do so, when not touching the vacuum cleaner with their hands or something attached to them.
The above is permitted even if the vacuum cleaner moves when standing on it.
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 6/13/2025 1:26 PM |
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#5455 Expanding the Chupa?
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- Q. Rabenu Hachasuv Shlit’a. Thanks for your answer on the chupa for the Sefer Torah.
It is me again and we were all wondering, since the spring and summer days are here, if the same principle of opening the above canopy could be used for opening an umbrella tent on top of a table on the outside deck or yard?
A. In principle it should be permitted when already installed and left a Tefach (10 cm.) open, when needed. The same as is commonly done with the covering of a Suka.
Yet some of our Rabbonim were in doubt.
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 6/13/2025 1:23 PM |
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#5454 - A Motion to Permit a Motion Detector
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- Q. Dear Rabbi, Is there an issue walking past a motion-sensor LED light that is always on but increases its brightness when you walk by it? It should be noted that it is possible to see and walk even when the light is at its dim, baseline level. The question is being asked on behalf of Jews who live in an apartment building which recently installed such lights in all of the hallways. Thank you.
A. On question 537 we wrote:
“Q. I live in a condo complex, and my neighbor installed a Motion Detector for their lights. Is it a problem to walk passed the light even if it will go on?
A. Regardless whether the motion detector is of the passive or active kind (infrared, ultrasonic or electromagnetic-field sensitive), when there is no alternative passage to avoid tripping the device, it would be considered an unavoidable act of Shabbos desecration (p’sik reisho) and prohibited (see Igrois Moishe Y.D. 1: 173 – Shmiras Shabbos Kehilchoso 23: n. 146 – 39 Melochos p. 1214.)
The above applies when you desire and derive significant benefit from the light provided (nicho leih). If you do not, as when there is already enough light to walk by and there is no other option, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that it is permitted in a case of great need, for the sake of a mitzvah, and when there is no other option.
Therefore, you may want to provide your own permanent light for Shabbos on that area, to avoid needing and benefiting from your neighbor’s light.
A similar psak has been amply quoted in the name of Horav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv’s Zt”l. Namely that he ruled, if one is on the way to do a mitzvah, as in going to and from shul, he is permitted to walk past the motion detector light if there is no other way to go. (See Shmiras Shabbos Kehilchoso ibid. and Horav Shmuel Wosner, Tchumin 23 p.277)”
On question 3192 we added the following:
“Q. I live in a building that uses in the halls a new type of electric bulbs. When one comes close to them they go brighter and then, as one walks away they dim. It is an individual process of each bulb. Can these be used during Shabbos? I find it extremely difficult to have to move to another building.
A. Presence sensor “Smart Lights’ are divided into two kinds. They can be activated by motion sensors, and sensors that actually detect the infrared radiation emanating from people around them. These components are usually referred to as infrared sensors, or Passive Infra Red (PIR) sensors.
On question 675 regarding walking down a street on Shabbos and being careful when to not activate motion sensor lights, we wrote:
“Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchoso (23: 53) quoting Yesodei Yishurun (5: p. 160) prohibits entering through an automatic door operated by a sensor. A light likewise turned on would be similar. However when there is already enough light in the street and the additional one being activated by the sensor is unnecessary, it becomes a case of Pesik Reisho Delo Nicho Lei or a sure consequential act that provides no benefit, which Poskim permit when it is not intentional. Some Poskim would permit walking by the sensor even when the light provides benefit, if one closes the eyes (39 Melochos p. 1215.)
Horav Shlomo Miller”s Shlit”a opinion is that one should try to avoid activating the sensor when possible and to cross over to the other side of the street. When that is not an option it is permitted, if it is unintentional.”
The Rov maintains that the same would apply to the new Smart Bulbs. However he recommends using the infrared activated bulbs over the motion activated.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a - May 26, 2022
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Posted 6/13/2025 1:15 PM |
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#5453 – Torah Has Always The Great Beginning!
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- Q. See above question. Since our shul’s large ladies group is very interested in starting a cycle of women shiurim and conferences, is this week Parshat Behaaloscha the right correct time?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller and the other Rabbonim Shlit’a mentioned that it is always a correct time to start a cycle of Torah shiurim and conferences, and Zerizim Makdimin, the earlier the better.
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 6/13/2025 1:10 PM |
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#5452 – An Important Parsha for Women?
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- Q. Kevod Harav Shlit”a. I just overheard in a women’s Torah shiur that there are opinions in the Sifrei Kabbalah that this week’s Parshat Behaaloscha is especially significant and important to women, why? (see next question).
A. Horav Shlomo Miller”s and the other Rabbonim Shlit’a mentioned that they are not aware of the above connection, but then again it could be.
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 6/13/2025 1:07 PM |
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#5451 - A Real True Kidush Hashem Blessed Sarifice!!!
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- Q. Kevodo, This week we experienced a really great sign and message of Hashem. As recorded in YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem: “It was the bodies of two hostages which were recovered in a daring military operation in the Khan Younis area of Gaza overnight last Wednesday and returned to Israel.
During the October 7 massacre, Gadi Haggai, H’yd, 72, and his wife, Judith Weinstein Haggai, H’yd, 70, were brutally murdered while on their morning walk on the kibbutz and their bodies were abducted by terrorists from the Mujahideen Brigade, the terror group that abducted and murdered the Bibas family, H’yd.
Their deaths were confirmed in December 2023.
The location of their bodies was now by miracle discovered during a Shin Bet interrogation of a captured terrorist.
The rescue operation was carried out by IDF forces under the Southern Command with the aid of the Shin Bet, special forces, and Military Intelligence.
Gadi and Judith were both US citizens, and Judith also held Canadian citizenship. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem).
What does that mean for us and how should we react?
A. Thanks for your question. It induced me to write a “That Is” article on this week parshas Naso about it, that you can read on line.
No doubt that their spiritual return is a clear most important sign, that Hashem is protecting the Kedoshim murdered, and that is the truthful completion of their lives, and also it is one that gives birth to a new beginning.
It is the start of a deep, intimate relationship between Hashem and Klal Yisrael.
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Posted 6/7/2025 11:55 PM |
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#5450 A Non - Blessed Death!
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- Q. Dear Rabino, Larga Vida. In our community down south in the continent, we have a Cohen who was suffering from a very dangerous severe viral infection. He was warned by his doctors to stay home and not to go to work.
But he didn’t pay attention and his infection spread to some of the workers of his business who are mostly Jewish. It seems that at least two of their young children died from the virus. Can he still be a Cohen and recite Birkat Cohanim (The Blessing of the Cohanim)?
A. On question 2535 we wrote:
“Q. A physician who is also a Cohen and learns the Daf, recently became aware that a Cohen whose hands have spilled blood can not rise them and perform Birchas Cohanim. He is wondering with honesty about himself. He has been always recognized, throughout a long successful medical history, as highly dedicated to save lives and to be very careful not to render any mistaken decisions and prognoses.
However, reality is that it is almost impossible that unwittingly and inadvertently some misguided procedures might have happened, that likely shortened the life of a patient. He questions whether he should continue reciting Birchas Cohanim?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 128: 35) rules that the abstention of Birchas Cohanim applies even if the death occurred beshogeg and unintentionally, and even if one makes teshuva.
However, Rema (ibid.) maintains that our tradition is to be lenient after teshuva, Biur Halacha (d’h Afilu) opines that if the slaying was intentional even after teshuva, the Cohen should abstain from Birchas Cohanim.
The Shulchan Aruch (ibid. 36) also is lenient if a child dies after the bris mila. Mishna Berura (132) explains that the mohel certainly intended for the mitzva, and was not negligent.
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a pointed to Talmud (Kidushin 24b and Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 267: 36), regarding a medic setting free his servant by blinding his eye that intention is required.
The Rov’s opinion is that since intention was always for the mitzva of helping and healing his patients, even if unintentional and unexpected mistakes were done, he can continue blessing Birchas Cohanim
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Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a”
In our particular case it would be correct if he would abstain from blessing Birchas Cohanim.
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Posted 6/6/2025 1:07 PM |
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#5449 A Truly Great Beginning
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- Q. In our great Shul, a great well to do member donated a beautiul Sefer Torah and decided to make the ceremony as it is appropriate on the second day Shavuot. As customary they used a Chupa or Canopy to carry the Sefer Torah to the shul. Was that a correct thing to do on Yom Tov?
A. On question 2874 we wrote:
“Covering a suka with a plastic sheet or tarp may involve creating an ohel or tent which is prohibited during Shabbos and Yom Tov (as transgressing the boneh or building prohibition).
Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 315: 2) rules that if the cover was extended over a tefach (10 cm.) before Shabbos began, it is permitted to continue extending it. However, the thickness of the roll itself does not count for the tefach needed. (See Mishna Berura 16, also Chaye Adam who explains that the thickness of the roll is not placed with intent for cover).”
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if the canopy was left partially open as described, it could be used for the above ceremony.
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Posted 6/6/2025 12:15 PM |
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#5448 Getting Our Acts Together
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- Q. Hashem Bless you Rov. I once did early mincha/marriv erev Shabbat to take Shabbat in early, and when we got to my host's home (well before shekiah - sunset), he found out his wife had not lit candles yet and said we will wait outside until she does.
I understand that R. Moshe Zt’l says that ones wife should not be doing work for the husbands sake at that point and that several Poskim say that the women should ensure that they have finished performing any necessary melachos, before lighting the Shabbos candles, and accepted Shabbos by the time the husband returns home from shul and that It would be inappropriate for the head of the household to return home from shul after accepting Shabbos to find his family members still performing melacha.
However, is there actually a source to say that he should not enter his home until she does light?!
The only thing I can think of is that the malachim (Angels) that accompany him home, are not fond of finding the candles not lit, (Gemara in Shabbos 119b).
Could this be an actual source for what my host did (stay outside)? are you aware of any Poskim that recommend this? What if the weather had been very bad or I'm an older person that just needs somewhere to sit Thanks!
A. The opinion of most of our Rabonim is that he may enter and his wife can still light the Shabbos candles. See further shailos.
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Posted 6/6/2025 12:11 PM |
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#5447 – B”H, Not another Last Meal Question!
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Q. One more question, I have seen people that on Isru Chag collect all old sefarim and Torah discarded papers also from yeshiva and school attendants and take them to the Geniza on Shavuot Isru Chag, is there a reason for that?
A. Indeed Nitei Gavriel (37: 6) quotes Mayim Chaim 3, and other sources to keep this tradition.
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Posted 6/6/2025 12:01 PM |
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#5446 - Truly! Where is the Real Last Meal question?
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- Q. See question above. In our difficult times should we maintain the above tradition?
A. On question 4478 we added: “Regarding the Seuda sources and obligation of Isru Chag (the day after Yom Tov) we usually celebrate. On this terrible year after the tragedy of all the martyrs and Kedoshim murdered viciously in Israel, is it correct to celebrate a Seuda for Isru Chag?
See also question (4477) above also regarding the Seuda sources and obligation of the Isru Chag traditions. There seems to be many different opinions by Poskim regarding if one should avoid the traditional seuda this year due to the tragedies ans catastrophes that have occurred, or just have Bitachon and trust in Hashem and do what is usually done.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that a reduced or minimal seuda should be done.
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 6/6/2025 11:40 AM |
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#5445 - More of the Last Meal, Really???
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- Q. See question above. How really important and meaningful is to eat and celebrate the special meal of Isru Chag?
A. On questions 3675 and 4477. we were asked the following. “We often have our children and their families staying with us for Pesach and leaving the day after traveling home. Is it worth it to celebrate with them before they leave a seuda or special meal on Yisru Chag? Would that be a Seudas Mitzva?”
To what we answered. “Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 429: 1) writes that it is tradition to add a bit to the eating and drinking on Yisru Chag. It is considered as if one built the Mizbeach and sacrificed on it all Korbonos.
There are different reasons for this particular tradition. Chassam Sofer (ibid) explains that it commemorates the joy of the people who came to Yerushalaim and now after complying and enjoying so much the Yom Tov, were ready to return home. Torah Lishma (140) quotes Arizal that the Kedusha and holiness of Yom Tov is still felt on that day.
He also quotes a Yerushalmi (Avoda Zarah 1: 1) that Yisru Chag is called ‘Briah Demoado’ or the child of Yom Tov (See Nitei Gavriel 22: 4).
Horav Dovid Pam’s opinion is that since after all Shulchan Aruch mentions only to add a bit to the food one eats, if the visiting children are pressed to return home, as often is, it may be better to avoid.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is hat one should follow the traditions of one’s family”.
See next question.
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 6/6/2025 11:33 AM |
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Important Numbers
