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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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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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# 4232 Have the Best Night
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Q. On question 4222 the Rov mentioned that there is an issue of not learning the Written Torah during the night. Does that apply to Shabbat also, when saying Divrei Torah on the Parsha by the Shabbat meal? Can one prepare the K’riat Hatorah on Shabbat night for reading the next day?
Does this issue apply even when learning Tanach with Rashi or other Mefarshim?
A. We must mention that Beer Heitev (O.H. 238: 2) mentions the avoidance of learning Mikrah (written Torah) at night. Yet, Mishna Berura (Shar Hatzion ibid), quotes Pri Megadim that even those who avoid, it is not a real prohibition, but on the onset it is better to learn Mikrah during the day.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it also applies to Shabbos, yet Divrei Torah said at the table, usually contain Midrashim, sayings of the Talmud and other Mefarshim that qualify well as Torah She’Baal Peh and are thus permitted.
The Rov maintains that one should better prepare the Parsha to be read, before Shabbos night as well as the usual required of the personal reading twice of the Parsha and the Targum once. If not done it is better to do so when possible during the morning before davening.
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 10:43 PM |
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# 4231 Mind the Reminder
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Q. What is the Rov’s opinion about people who make an early Shabbos and then eat without Krias Shema and Sefira?
May one be meikel (be lenient) if he puts a paper on his pillow as a reminder?
A. Poskim agree that when someone accepts an early Shabbos, before the proper time for reading the Shema and counting Sefira, since when starting at a permitted time, one does not have to stop the meal when the correct time for the above arrives. One may just wait until the end of the meal and the reciting of Birchas Hamazon.
In order not to forget to read and count, one may ask the proper person present to remind the others.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that similarly one may place a note or sign in a place where it will be noticed to remember all of the above mitzvos to be done.
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 10:40 PM |
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# 4230 Honor the Hero!
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Q. Dear Rov: I am a member of a great and known Kolel, learning Torah for years. As the rest of our many traditional Torah learners, we abstain from any of the Zionistic celebrations of Yom Ha’atzmaut completely. Yet, I’m debating on a personal issue that applies only to my close family.
We recently became aware that we are related to the Tzahal Hero major Roi Klein A’H, who was a Torah learner and on 2006 sacrificed his life by jumping and covering with his body a thrown grenade, while screaming Shema Yisrael. He saved the life of many soldiers next to him.
The members of my family want to make a recognition act during Yom Hazikaron (Remembrance day before Yom Haatzmaut), in a Orthodox but Zionistic shul, that I always avoid. Can I attend?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that you should attend.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 4/28/2023 10:23 AM |
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# 4229 Feels So Great, It’s Raining Into Me!
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Q. I heard that on Lag Baomer rain is a good Siman (omen) and it helps bringing a Refua Shleima to the ill. They advise that one in need should stand on the rain with his open mouth at that time. Is that for real?
A. Indeed surprisingly, some Sefarim mention the above, Segulos Yisroel (3: 34), Imrei Pinchos 35, Nitei Gavriel (42: 6).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 4/28/2023 10:21 AM |
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# 4228 Wait for the Joy to Begin
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Q. Is there an issue on painting or renovating one’s home during Sefira days or acquiring then a new car or expensive clothing that one recites the blessing of ‘Shehecheyanu’ on them?
A. Mishna Berura (493: 2) rules that it is permissible to recite the brocho of Shehechiyanu during sefira.
Altough in principle one can recite Shehechyanu during the Sefira days, as it does not maintain the Avelus stringencies of the Three Weeks of Tamuz and Av. Yet some Poskim do mention avoiding great moments of joy as weddings are. (See Piskei Teshuvos 493: 2)
HoRav Ovadya Yosef zt’l (Yechaveh Da’at I:24) also opines that significant and momentous occasions, should be avoided. See also Nitei Gavriel (55: 7: 8).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
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Posted 4/28/2023 10:18 AM |
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# 4227 Blessed Women
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Q. Can women also take part on the blessing on the new fruit of the blooming trees?
A. 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.
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 4/27/2023 11:31 PM |
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# 4226 In Full Bloom
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Q. Is it better to wait to recite the blessing on the new fruit of the blooming trees on Shabbos and with more people?
A. On question 1708 we addressed the following similar questions:
“Since the days of Nissan are over can you still say the bracha for blooming trees with Hashem’s name after Lag Baomer?
Is it better to wait until Shabbath to recite it?
Is it better to recite it with a minyan?
Should one say it and have in mind all, as we do in kiddush?”
To what we answered: “On question 288 we wrote; This year, due to the earliness of Pesach, the blooming of trees at this latitude occurred very late on the Jewish calendar. Although “the days of Nisan” are mentioned in regards to reciting birchas hoilonos (Brochos 43b – Shulchan Oruch O.H. 226, 1), Poiskim maintain that when required it could be said earlier on Adar (Kerem Shlomo 226,1 – Shulchan Hatohor ibid. – Bais Hayotzer 12 et al.) or after Nisan. (Chasam Sofer , hagoos O.H. 226 – Zichron Yehuda – Magid Taaluma 43b – Nitei Gavriel, Pesach I, 6, 5) and even on Sivan (Aruch Hashulchan ibid. – Nitei Gavriel ibid, see also question 83 on this forum).
In regards to waiting until Shabbos on question 287 we wrote; Yalkut Yosef (Shabbos 3, 319,77) quotes some opinions that maintain that this brocho should not be recited on Shabbos either because by engaging one’s attention on the tree one might come to collect some fruit (Moed L’kol Chai 9), or by dint of a Cabalistic injunction on gathering “nitzoitzois” (spiritual sparks) from a tree on Shabbos (Kaf Hachaim 226, 4). However most Poiskim disagree and permit reciting this brocho on Shabbos. (Yalkut Yosef ibid. – Nitei Gavriel, Pesach I, 6,7).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that you can wait until Shabbos (avoid contemplating the tree before) and recite together with a larger group or “b’rov am,” and also have it adjoined to the count of the daily needful Hundred Brochos.
The Rov maintains that no minyan is required for reciting this brocho. However, since we always maintain that “Berov Am Haddras Melreh” or we honor of the King, when many are present, it would be preferred to have others join.
The Rov maintains that each one should recite his own brocho.”
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 4/27/2023 11:29 PM |
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Important Numbers
