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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.

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Blog Image: AskTheRabbi.jpg
# 4367 Clean Code
Q. May one bring clothing to the cleaners this Friday morning 10 of Av?

A. On question 2798 regarding if one is allowed to wash cloths Motzei (night after) Tisha Beav and shower and change the linens, we wrote;

“Shulchan Aruch (O.H.558: 1) rules that the basic prohibitions of the nine days apply to Motzei Tisha Beav and the following day also. According to the Rema’s opinion, only until chatzos of the day after.

However, Mishna Berura (ibid. 3) opines that when that day is Erev Shabbos as it is in this year, they are all permitted when done for the honor of Shabbos. Although some Poskim maintain that the Kovod of Shabbos begins only Friday morning, others assert that if the intention is dedicated truly for Shabbos, as it would be for washing laundry that my be difficult to do in the day, if it really is needed for Shabbos it could be done on Thursday night also, but only for clothing needed on Shabbos.

Taking a shower would be permitted only if one is not planning to take one tomorrow before Shabbos. (Oz Nidberu 8: 40, Shevet Hakehosi3: 182, Piskei Teshuvos 558: 4).

Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that clothing can be washed on Thursday night, Motzei Tisha Beav, when needed for Shabbos, but showers and baths should be avoided until the day.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a



Posted 7/28/2023 1:35 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


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# 4366 Sleep on This
Q. I have a problem Rov. I can’t usually fall asleep unless I thing of Divrei Torah I like. Is just thinking Divrei Torah prohibited during Tisha Beav?

A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 554: 3) quotes that it is prohibited even thinking of words of Torah during Tisha Beav.

Piskei Teshuvos (ibid.) permits just thinking of Torah when the learning is simple and superficial, and that applies even to topics that are permitted on that day.
He also permits writing superficial, simple small notes in order to remember the ideas for after Tisha Beav.

Horav Dovid Pam and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a opinions are similar.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a


Posted 7/26/2023 3:38 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


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# 4365 End of Story?
Q. Can one during Tisha Beav read stories of Tzadikim or similar miracle narratives that saved Yiden, when learning Torah is prohibited?

A. In question 2424 regarding if someone can read in a bathroom stories of tzadikim or Jewish history (kosher) seforim. We wrote:

“Vayivorech Dovid (1: 15) and others maintain that it depends on the disagreement mentioned in last question,(2423). Piskei Teshuvos (85: 3) argues that it could be that all agree that it is permitted, when no psukim or sayings of the sages are quoted, (and one controls the mind on not pursuing them). See also questions 2227, 2228 and 2229 as to what is considered Torah.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.”

In our case Horav Dovid Pam and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a maintain that it is permitted.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a


Posted 7/26/2023 3:33 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


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# 4364 Time to Learn
Q. Dear Rov, I was wondering, since there are limitations to the learning of Torah during Tisha Beav, is there a mitzva at all to learn Torah in that day?

The difference would be in a case of doubt. If there is a mitzva of learning Torah one should be stringent to comply with this Biblical Mitzva as opposed when not. Besides, one should indeed make an effort to engage in learning permitted material!

A. Shevet Yehuda (Y.D. 384: 4) and Erech Hashulchan maintain that indeed that there no mitzva at all to learn Torah during Tisha Beav.

However, most Poskim disagree. And the common accepted minhag is to recite the blessing for Torah learning in the morning of Tisha Beav. See also Piskei Teshuvos (O.H. 554: 1).

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a


Posted 7/26/2023 3:30 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


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# 4363 Time to Teach
Q. See question above. Can a woman that teaches to kallahs (brides) about to be married the Halacha of Niddah on Tisha Beav, since time is of the essence. If not, can she teach on Erev Tisha Beav after Chatzot?

A. Horav Dovid Pam and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a maintain that it is permitted on Erev Tisha Beav after midday in need, since the prohibition of learning Torah during Erev Tisha Beav after midday, is more lenient and in need one can teach these needed Halachos.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a


Posted 7/26/2023 3:25 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


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# 4362 Learning about Learning
Q.   Are women also included in the prohibition of learning Torah during Tisha Beav? After all they are not included in the regular mitzva of learning it?

A. Ribabos Efraim (2: 155) maintains that women are also included in the prohibition of learning Torah during Tisha Beav, since they also enjoy the learning and acquire Simcha. (See Nitei Gavriel 75: 3).

We must add, the opinion of the Maharsho (Taanis 30a) who opines that the reason for avoiding Torah learning is ‘Hessech Hada’as’ or taking one’s mind off and forgetting the Avelus and mourning of Tisha Beav. So women would be included.

We should also mention the ruling of Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 47: 14) that women recite in the morning the brocho on the Torah. Magen Avrohom and Beis Yosef mentions that the reason is that they have to learn the mitzvos that pertain to them. (Biur Halacha ibid.)


Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a




Posted 7/26/2023 3:21 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


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# 4361 Go For a Drive
Q. Can a bus driver that takes non- Jewish children to a treatment centre, do so on Tisha Beav before Chatzos (midday)? It is an important part of the drivers monetary support.

A. Horav Dovid Pam and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a maintain that it is permitted since it is necessary.
After all we are permitted to travel and sit in a car when going to shul during Tisha Beav.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a


Posted 7/26/2023 3:16 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


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# 4360 See You at the Siyum
       Q. My ten year old son wants to make a Siyum after finishing Maseches Taanis during the nine days and wants us to serve meat, is that permitted? (he is doing it on the Yohrzait of his grandmother)

A. Nitei Gavriel (p. 252) permits.

Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a mentioned that in principle one should be concerned that the youngster is just doing the Siyum during the Nine Days to be able to gather a nice crowd that want to eat meat and join him. 

However, since it is on the Yohrzait of his grandmother, it is permitted and desirable.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a


Posted 7/26/2023 3:12 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


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# 4359 Tied to a Tie?
Q. May one wear Bigdei Shabbos for a job interview in 9 days? For a bachur even a tie is a Shabbos beged (clothing). May he wear it to the interview? Is it necessary to don the tie and Shabbos jacket just before the interview and remove right after?

A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that when it is necessary for Parnassah in case of real monetary need it can be done. However it should be removed immediately after the interview.
Horav Dovid Pam and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a opinions are similar.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a


Posted 7/26/2023 3:08 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


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# 4358 Hear about Hair not Here
Q. One that has balls of hair dangling loosely out of his beard in a way that is noticeable, may he rip them out during 3 weeks? How about knots in the beard or hair​?

A. Horav Dovid Pam and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a maintain that it is permitted.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a


Posted 7/26/2023 3:05 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


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# 4357 Look What Dragged the Cat In
Q. My neighbour's cat disappeared last winter. While I was cleaning my garage, I found the skeleton of a cat sitting on a blanket in an old stroller. It was only bones, no fur, guts, or anything else, which seemed sort of strange to me.  Should I say anything to the neighbour? Can I give the skeleton to them or someone else in a school or does it need to be discarded?

A. Ask your neighbour if he thinks it could be his cat and if he wants the remains.


Posted 7/23/2023 5:59 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


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# 4356 An Alcohol Problem
      Q. Someone that has trouble with the idea of fasting, can he take a liquor drink at the Seudas Hamafsekes before commencing Tisha Beav?

A. Mishna Berura (552: 4) rules that it is prohibited. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that there are several products available that can make the fasting easier and should be taken before the fasting begins
.
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


Posted 7/21/2023 1:27 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


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# 4355 Comfortable as an Old Shoe
Q. Kvod Horav. Last year I had a big argument with a visiting fellow that came to shul on Tisha Beav and was sitting low next to me. He was wearing a pair new tennis shoes (the label curiously was still on them).
I told him that it was prohibited, and he told me that he had asked a Shaila to his Rabbi, and he ruled he can use them. I think he will be returning on this Tisha Beav also. Was he correct?

A. Actually Kovetz Halochos (p. 225) permits if the shoes are dedicated for use on Tisha Beav only.
One may add that the shoes could be dirtied a bit before using them.

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


Posted 7/21/2023 1:23 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


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# 4354 High Heaven Stink?
Q. Since when Tisha Beav arrives, as it is on this year (on Thursday), people have not showered since last Shabbos and it is after all Summer, can one use deodorant on Tisha Beav when in shul not to affect others?

A. Piskei Teshuvos (554: 14) permits. On question 3270 regarding if on Tisha Beav a woman can wear perfume or a man spray deodorant, we wrote: ”Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 554: 15) rules that although ‘Sicha’ or anointing is forbidden during Tisha Beav, it is only when done for pleasure. One who has scabs on their head can normally anoints he has no concern.

Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit’a opinion is that the use of perfume and similar anointing products should be avoided since it would be included in the prohibition of Sicha. However, when necessary for the removal of bad or molesting odours it is permitted.”

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


Posted 7/21/2023 1:20 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


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# 4353 Kosher Dishes Drying Towels
Q. Dear Rabbi: Is it permitted to wash the dishes drying towels during the 9 Days as they become dirty?

A. Nitei Gavriel (35: 20) permits. However, our Rabbis opined that it may be unnecessary since you may just the dishes to dry by themselves in need. If that is not an option, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that since they are used to dry cleaned dishes, usually do not become dirty enough that they require washing during this special time.

If that is still not an alternative, one may use a roll of paper towels.

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


Posted 7/21/2023 1:18 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


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# 4352 Clean House
Q. Can one use a vacuum-cleaner to clean a dirty home carpet during the Nine Days for honouring Shabbos?

On question 594 regarding if one can ask a maid to wash the carpets or curtains during the nine days, we wrote:

“Although you may vacuum clean a carpet during the Nine Days, even a Gentile should not wash them. The same applies to curtains (Nitei Gavriel Ben Hametzorim 1: 35: 20, Shoshanas Yisroel 4: 9)
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is similar.” The Rov added that the vacuuming should be light only.

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


Posted 7/21/2023 1:15 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


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# 4351 Soup Up?
Q. It would be very helpful for my fasting (during Tisha Beav) if I could drink a cup of diluted vegetable soup at the Seudat Hamafseketh (last meal) before the fasting begins, after eating the customary hard boiled egg. I usually drink a tea then as I know it is permitted, could I drink instead a cup of that soup?

A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is not permitted as it constitutes an additional food that is prohibited in that special separating meal.

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


Posted 7/21/2023 1:14 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


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# 4350 Run and Eat?
Q. I was eating matza for lunch on a Friday afternoon when it was still six hours before Shabbos. Some guy starts screaming at me that I am being Mechallel Shabbos (desecrating Shabbos), as one may not eat matza then. What is the correct response?

A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 249: 2) rules the eating a bread meal one is accustomed to eat regularly every day, can in principle be eaten any time on Friday too, yet it is a mitzva to avoid after 3.30 PM (Zemanius hours).

Mishna Berura (ibid. 15)) explains that if someone eats without ‘Kevios Seuda’ or a meal that is not prepared and cooked as being important or significant as for a special ocacion, but just is a regular weekday meal, it can in principle be eaten the complete day, yet if it may affect the appetite for the Shabbos Seuda it is a mitzva to avoid at that time.
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 and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a


Posted 7/21/2023 1:11 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


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# 4349 Teach All A Lesson
Q. If I can choose a place where to learn in a Beis Midrash, is it better to choose one facing the Mizrach as we do for davening, since we also say “Ki Mitzion Tetzeh Torah, Udevar Hashem M’Yerushalaim” or there is no difference?

A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that since one of the main purposes of learning Torah is “lilmod Ulelamed” or teach it to others, it does not make any difference where we face.
This is opposed to davening when we only address Hashem and speak to Him. We must then be facing the Kodesh Hakodashim.

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


Posted 7/21/2023 1:09 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


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# 4348 Man of the Cloth?
Q. When travelling during the 9 Days may one wear Bigdei Shabbos for the sake of convenience and having less baggage?

A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that although in need there may be room to be lenient. However, it is unnecessary since one can wear if he has one, the weekday suit and carry the Shabbos jacket over his hand.

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


Posted 7/21/2023 1:07 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)



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