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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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# 4252 Little to Late
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Q. It says we cannot daven mincha in front of a Tzibur that was Mekabel Shabbos. (accepted Shabbos). Can one do melacha in front of them such as a person off the street coming in to put on a light in a shul?
A. Indeed if one is late for Mincha, he should daven privately by a secluded corner or in another room.
However, if one is walking in the street on Shabbos to attend his later Minyan and is asked by the people of the shul who received Shabbos earlier, and it is also obvious that he is just now going to his shul, he may help the early people and light for them.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 5/12/2023 12:58 AM |
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# 4251 Don’t Sink the Kitchen Sink
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Q. Hello Rav, I'm wondering how to properly wash parve utensils. We have a meat sink and a dairy sink and each has their own sponges & brushes. What is the proper way to wash a parve item? Is it good enough to check the meat (or dairy) sponge to ensure there is no meat (or dairy) on it, and then use it without very hot water to clean parve items or do I need a separate parve sponge? Thanks
A. See question above. The proper way is to keep close by a separate plastic sink container, marked or distinct by its particular color, to be used in each sink only for Pareve dish washing.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 5/12/2023 12:53 AM |
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# 4250 Starve the Parve?
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Q. Hello Rav, What should we do if we find a parve utensil (eg. knife) or the parve Sponge in the dairy (or meat) sink and there is a possibility that it was lying there while other diary items were cleaned in the sink with hot water? Thank you.
A. Since there are several different doubts involved, such as if there were dairy items or not, if the temperature of the water was indeed 45 degrees, if they were used on that particular day (Ben Yomo) or not, and others, one in need can be lenient.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 5/12/2023 12:51 AM |
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# 4249 Speak for Yourself Again
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Q. Hello Rav, When a man goes up to for an Aliyah to the Torah, there are very minor differences in the after bracha between the Sefardim and Ashkenazim (i.e some Sefardim add the words "et Torato" or "Torato" before "Torat Emet...".
When someone is at a shul with a different nusach than their own, what is the proper procedure for this bracha. Should he say the text of the bracha as per the shul's nusach or according to his personal nusach? (I submitted this question in the past, but the answer wasn't clear if it was paskening
that one should use their own nusach TEXT or just their own pronunciation.) Thanks again!
A. Indeed we wrote so in question 4117, but as is customary in our times, each one
receiving an Aliya, Sefardi or Ashkenazi recites also the brocho following his own usual text.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 5/12/2023 12:49 AM |
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# 4248 Let the Party Begin
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Q. It says you have to wait on Lag Baomer to hear music until the morning. Are there different minhagim?
A. On question 2189 regarding if one can make a Lag Baomer party after the Shekia, with music, we wrote; “Poskim disagree if marriages are permitted on the eve of Lag Baomer. Some maintain that the simcha applies only to the day itself and since Halacha often dictates that “miktzaz hayom kekulo” or part of the day counts as a complete day, they can be performed from the morning of Lag Baomer, but not on the prior evening. Others maintain that weddings are permitted on the eve also (See Chasam Sofer, O.H.: 142, Minchas Yitzchok 4: 84, Igrois Moshe 1: 159, on others).
On question 161 in regard to the earliest time one can cut hair on Lag Baomer, and if it can be done erev Lag Baomer after already reciting maariv, following the plag hamincha, we wrote: “Remah (O.H. 493: 2) rules that one should wait until the morning of Lag Baomer day for having a haircut. Mishna Berura (ibid. 10) explains that it refers to after the netz. However, he points out (ibid. 11) that there are Poskim who permit a haircut on the night before, from Shaar Hatziun (ibid. 12) it seems that he does not agree with them.
Nitei Gavriel (Pesach 3, 49 n. 21) explains that the above depends on the minhag of reciting or not reciting tachanun during mincha erev Lag Baomer.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that even for those who permit hair-cutting on the night before, they definitely not include the time after the plag before nightfall, despite having prayed maariv after the plag”
In our case: Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if one maintains that minhag, one can celebrate with music after nightfall and in need from after sunset.”
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a.
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Posted 5/12/2023 12:47 AM |
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# 4247 Spot Check
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Q. If ones shirt became stained, is it correct for a Ben Torah to immediately change it despite the Bittul Torah or better wait until after Seder or other convenient time.
A. Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a recommended just to cover if possible the area of the stain with ones jacket or coat and to continue learning.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if it cannot be done, one shold continue learning Torah as is,
See also questions 758, 2282, 1991, 2768, and 3043.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 5/12/2023 12:43 AM |
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# 4246 Back to Flat on Back
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Q. Can one lie in his back if he will not fall asleep. I find it extremely comfortable and relaxing to lie on my back after the filling Shabbos seuda. Is it a Kiyum (compliance) of Oneg Shabbos (the mitzva of having pleasure during Shabbos) ?
A. On question 1665 we were asked: “Due to multiple physical issues I’ve been having, my chiropractor has prescribed that I should sleep on my back with various foam-rolls under my neck and back for as much of the night as possible. The Kitzur Shluchan Aruch says lying on the front or back is not permitted. Is it allowed for medical reasons or is it very strict prohibition? Not sure if this is a factor, but I am married and I’ve never had a problem with nocturnal emissions. thanks so much.”
To what we answered: “Mishna Berura (239: 6) rules that it is a severe prohibition to lie flat on ones back or front (parkedan). Shalmas Chaim (226) permits awakening someone sleeping in that position.
Although from the Talmud (Brochos 13b), Rashi, Rishonim and Poskim it would appear that the prohibition applies only when someone is sleeping, some Poskim maintain that one should always avoid lying flat on ones back (Divrei Yisroel 3: 137, Piskei Teshuvos 239: 8, et. al.). However, even the above permit, when there are medical issues involved (ibid.).
Medical doctors we consulted were unaware of a natural biological sex arousal reaction in our days when lying in that position.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is to be lenient in medical need”
On question 2725 regarding resting on a hammock laying parkedon or on his back, we wrote: “In regard to resting on a hammock. the Rov’s opinion is that since one lays in an oblong or semi-oval position as opposed to flat, one can be lenient.”
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 5/12/2023 12:38 AM |
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# 4245 When Do We Eat?
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Q. For one that accepted Shabbos early, is it necessary to eat more bread after nightfall when in the case of having eaten an early Shabbos seuda?
A. Although not necessary, it is indeed proper to eat after nightfall a Kezais (olive volume) of bread, to comply according to all opinions with the mitzva of having that seuda on Shabbos.
See Mishna Berura (267: 5) that rules that on the onset, one should wait and eat Kezais of bread at night, to comply with the mitzva of Seudas Shabbos in the proper time.
The above may be helpful also to remind the early receivers of Shabbos to read the Shema at the proper time.
Horav Shlomo Moller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 5/12/2023 12:31 AM |
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# 4244 Lag behind the Plag?
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Q. Can a person switch from week to week sometimes going with plag of G’ra and sometimes Magen Avraham?
A. Establishing a day in Halacha requires dividing the day into twelve equal parts also known as Sho'os Z'maniyos. There are different opinions from when we begin and end counting that time exactly.
The opinion of Hag’ra and the Ba’al HaTanya, we measure from the time from sunrise to sunset, and then divide this period into twelve parts.
The second opinion is the Mogen Avrohom and the counting is done from the time of dawn (thr very first light on the eastern horizon), until the seeing the stars and that period is divided into twelve equal parts.
This view can only work according to the shitta of Rabenu Tam and other Rishonim regarding the onset of nightfall or Tzeis Hakohovim.
Therefore, in practice regarding Shabbos it is difficult to keep the Plag of the Magen Avrohom.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 5/12/2023 12:28 AM |
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# 4243 Kiddush Cinco De Mayo?
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Q. Dear Rov and teacher. As you well know, I’m the rabbi of a shul in Mexico. I have an urgent Shaila. We do, as I remember the Rov also did a Friday night Kiddush and seuda for the people who have a wedding, or other Semachot during the incoming week and that helps much to bring people to shul and do kiruv.
Tomorrow Friday is also Cinco de Mayo, and it is as you well know a great civic holiday in our country. The mayor of our municipality hinted that he would very much like to attend our congregation, as he does with other communities. Since we do have a great interest in keeping good relations with him, can we invite him and his group to our Shabbat party? There will be security guards and police cars at the entrance of the shul, does it matter?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that considering the needs and issues, he can be invited, if the honourees and participants to the Seuda also agree.
The security guards and police cars at the entrance of the shul, does not really matter much, as in times of need they are common everywhere.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 5/7/2023 2:53 PM |
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# 4242 Brace a Brave Brain
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Q. My son was born with some unusual very negative conditions. Besides being a kleptomaniac, he has great anger, starts fights and hurts others. His doctor advised a good psychiatrist, and he has been treating him well. He recommends using new medical drugs that are not just calming agents that can turn addictive, but medicine that can change the composition and structure of his brain. Is that permitted in Halacha?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that you should consult also with other doctors and patients who have undergone such novel treatment. Yet in principle, the brain is similar to other essential organs as the heart and lungs, and when needed, as in common brain surgery. It can be treated and changed.
The Rov also suggested to consult with a Frum psychiatrist and supervise the effects of the treatment and psychiatric counseling involved, in order to maintain the spiritual and Torah values of the child.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 5/5/2023 10:24 AM |
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# 4241 Don’t Play with Fire
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Q. Dear Rabbi. Is it proper to bring to a Shul where they make a fire on Lag Baomer, used clothing that one will through away as is, to be burned by the fire? Wasn’t something similar done with the used clothing of the Cohanim in the Beis Hamikdash during Sukot? Would that not give good use to clothing that is to be discarded?
A. Using one’s used clothing for a Lag Baomer fire in shul may be seen as a disgusting and offensive act by the other attendants so it is better to avoid.
It cannot be compared to the Big’dei Kehuna, that had a high degree of Kedusha and holiness.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 5/5/2023 10:19 AM |
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# 4240 Promises, Promises
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Q. I have a difficult question that has bothered me for a long time. When someone does any mitzva three times the Halacha is that it is considered as a Neder or promise, unless he said before that he is doing this act B’li Neder or without any promissory intentions. Since, there are so many acts that are mitzvos, such as greeting someone, putting some coins in the Pushka before davening, coming to davening, etc. etc. So we are immersed in a sea of Nedarim, oaths that we have to keep constantly and if we miss one time we incur in a terrible sin!!! Can that be true?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that we relay on the declaration said on Erev Rosh Hashana in which we assert that anything that can be construed or interpreted as a Neder in the future, is void and invalid and unless we have intention otherwise, it annuls all the above mentioned actions.
Therefore, it is most important, that even women that do not attend Selichos on Erev Rosh Hashana should read that declaration.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 5/5/2023 10:17 AM |
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# 4239 When do we Eat?
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Q. This year Pesach Sheni is on Erev Shabbos. There are different traditions as to when to eat matza on that day every year. Some do so on the afternoon of the 14 of Iyar, which was the time when the Korban Pesach Sheni (second) was sacrificed. Others eat the matza at night. If my Minhag is to make a seuda in the day, can I this year since it is Erev Shabbos, eat the matza at the Friday night Shabbos Seuda? Do I have to be Matir Neder (absolve a promise)?
A. The best way is to eat the Seuda on the early Friday afternoon, when usually people eat lunch, after Chatzos or midday when the Korban Pesach was done and also following your tradition.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 5/4/2023 11:01 PM |
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# 4238 Enlight the Fire
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Q. How important is it to light a bonfire on Lag Baomer and what is the source of this tradition?
A. On question 3708 we wrote: "Sefer Ranu LeYaakov (p. 214) mentions echoing Chassam Soffer, that
the source for this very widespread tradition, is the pasuk “Eish Das
Lamo’ (Devarim 33: 2) that well describes the constant fiery fight and
combat the Rabi Shimon Bar Yochai led against those who opposed the
learning of Torah.
See also Lebush Yosef (p. 215), Ginas Reuben (p.13), Vezos LeYehuda (p.
229) and others that quote the minhag and offer other reasons. Many of
them are based on the symbolic representation of fire to the learning
and teaching of Torah, especially of the Nitzotzos or sparks of Kedusha
inherent in the Zohar and Cabalah teachings.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that people should maintain the traditions and minhagim of their families and congregations.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 5/4/2023 10:59 PM |
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# 4237 Dancing at which Wedding?
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Q. I was invited to the wedding of a dear friend on Lag Baomer. The Chupa is during the day as required. Yet the Seuda will be mainly at night, and that is also permitted for many.
I keep the restrictions of Sefira until Shavuot and I also have a Shiur on that night. I wonder if it is better for me to take part on the Seuda and comply with the great mitzva of Mesameach Chatan Vekalah (giving joy to the newly married) or should I better go to my shiur of Torah?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in this case you should better take part in your shiur of Torah.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 5/4/2023 10:56 PM |
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# 4236 Keep Kosher Kettle
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Q. If someone is davening during Shiva at the home of an Avel who is not Shomer Shabbat, and they offer coffee after davening. Can he drink it if the water is boiled in a kettle that was not immersed in a Mikva? The electrical kettle is made from aluminum with plastic parts.
A. Aluminum utensils should be immersed in a Mikva with a brocho, although according to some Poskim it is only a Rabbinical obligation.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that you may drink the hot water, since the obligation of immersing the utensil rests on its owner.
See questions 574 and 113, regarding if the hot water was poured into non-kosher food, if that affects the kettle.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 5/4/2023 10:54 PM |
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# 4235 Near Beer
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Q. Dear Rabbi. Can someone traveling in a plane and sitting next to two non-Jews can he drink beer together with them?
A. Based on Talmud Avoda Zarah (31b), Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 114) rules that a Jew should not drink beer together with Gentiles, to avoid promoting assimilation and intermarriage.
However, Poskim permit when the drinking together is only by coincidence (Derech Aray) and not as an established party or similar (See Chochmas Adam 66: 14).
They also are lenient when it would also avoid enmity and create ill feelings. (See Psokim Uteshuvos 114).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 5/4/2023 10:51 PM |
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# 4234 A Fast BBQ?
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Q. I was invited by a neighbour to attend a BBQ in his Back Yard on the Monday that was the first day of BEHAB (the three days after Pesach, namely Monday, Thursday and Monday, many recite Selichos). Can I attend?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 492: 1) mention that there is a tradition for some to fast three days after the end of Pesach or Sukos, to atone for any misgivings done during the great rejoicing of Yom Tov.
Rema (ibid) maintains that it is the actual tradition of congregations of Germany and France. So also maintains Shulchan Aruch Horav.
Eliahu Rabah, and others quoted by Nitei Gavriel (43: 13) opine that even those who do not fast, should avoid eating meat and drinking wine. Therefore, it is improper to make a BBQ during those three days.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 5/4/2023 10:48 PM |
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# 4233 Be in Bloom
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Q. Dear Rabbi. You wrote a few Shailos on the brocho said on the blooming fruit trees. Does one really have to go and look for such a tree in order to make the brocho? Is it no just a voluntary blessing?
A. Indeed, there is in principle no obligation to recite this brocho as we similarly wrote regarding women on question 4227: “Teshuvos Vehanhogos (1: 190) and others maintain that there is no obligation for women to leave their homes and seek the blooming trees to recite this blessing. (See Piskei Teshuvos 226: 1). However, Poskim maintain that they can recite the brocho, especially during Shabbos.”
Besides the reasons mentioned on question 4229, there is an additional motive and that is that in our days as we travel or walk in the streets, it is likely that we will encounter a blooming tree that fits the description and conditions necessary to recite this brocho and because of its natural beauty, we will be enjoying its presence and image. Yet because we are not then in the condition and proper timing, we wont be able to thank Hashem with the proper brocho. That is likely another reason to recite the brocho in the proper way.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 5/4/2023 10:46 PM |
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Important Numbers
