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# 4145 Put Roses in One's Cheeks?
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Q. Can one send roses as Shalach Manot to an elderly woman that is intubated and cannot eat?
A. On question 3073 regarding a patient that is in hospital and is being fed intravenously as he can’t digest any food and a friend would like to send him Shalach Manot to rise his spirits on Purim. Since the patient complained that he dislikes the smell in his multiple people room. Would one comply with this mitzva by bringing him an air freshener with a scent he likes?
To what we answered: “Tzitz Eliezer (9: 33) rules that cigarettes, cigars, smelling and chewing tobacco, although in Yom Tov some Poskim permit their use, since they consider them to be for those who use them Ochel Nefesh or needed as actual food. However, in regard to Shalach Monos you require actual edible and nourishing food.
Other Poskim disagree and permit them for Shalach Monos also (Divrei Yisroel 1: 223, quoted by Piskei Teshuvos 695: 17).
One may argue that the same may apply to other desirable and needed scents and fragrances. And as they also argue, they may be enhancers for getting a greater appetite and eating better. Besides, some Poskim also permit, after one has already complied with proper food Shalach Mones, to send other desirable non-food gifts as Shalach Mones and called them by that title (Divrei Yisroel 1: 223, Beis Sheorim 380, Piskei Teshuvos 695: 17).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that you should make an effort to have the air freshener delivered during Purim if this is going to give the patient happiness and cheer him up. See also question 3055.”
In our particular case, Horav Shlomo Miller’’s Shlit’a opinion is that surprisingly roses and other flowers are edible and considered food. See Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 204: 11) regarding what is the proper brocho one recites on them. Therefore, one would comply with Shalach Monos by sending roses.
Horav Shlomo Miller’’s Shlit’’a opinion is that it also applies to other similar edible flowers.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 3/9/2023 10:29 PM |
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# 4144 Early Pesach
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Q. Kvod Harav. I'm a Rabbi of a shul were we offer during Purim a Seuda. Others and myself say some Divre Torah then. Since one must begin to learn the Halachot of Pesach already from Purim, as stated in Shulchan Aruch, I usually mention a short Halacha. It stands to reason as mentioned by Poskim that first one should speak about Purim, since that is the theme of the day and should have priority. The problem is from experience, that very often one forgets to mention the Pesach Halacha later on. So what does Horav Miller Shlit’a recommend?
A. Shulchan Aruch and Poskim (O.H. 429: 1) mention that indeed one should start learning Hilchos Pesach on Purim itself.
Nitei Gavriel (Pesach 1: n. 2) quotes various opinions and traditions that it should be said before the Seuda.
Horav Shlomo Miller’’s Shlit’a opinion is that in your case a short Halocho such as the essential things that have to be said by the Pesach Seder (Pesach, Matza and Maror) suffices, and should be said before, if one is afraid he may later forget.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 3/9/2023 10:27 PM |
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# 4143 Don't Forget to Remember
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Q. If someone could not hear Parshas Zachor because of illness and overslept or forgot, what should one do?
A. Since listening to Parshas Zachor is a Biblical obligation, one should make every effort to go immediately to another minyan that davens latter and hear it there.
If that cannot be done, Mishna Berura (685: 16) quotes Magen Avrohon that one should ‘Bedieved’ after the fact hear and then have intention to comply with the similar reading of ‘Vayovo Amalek’ that is read during Purim.
Nitei Gavriel mentions in the name of the Chassam Sofer that if there are three people who did not hear Parshas Zachor during Shabbos morning, as explained by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a, they may ask the shul attendants to read it by Mincha instead of the next week parsha of Ki Teitzeh.
Poskim disagree as to the obligation of women to hear Parshas Zachor. Yet it is accustomed that they do.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam
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Posted 3/9/2023 10:24 PM |
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# 4142 A Gift that Keeps on Giving
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Q. Can one give as Matanot Laevyonim or gift to the poor on Purim a volume of the Talmud to a Bachur Yeshiva that in his economic condition qualifies as being ‘poor,’ since he needs that Gemara and will have to spend money that is not easy for him, to get?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one may do so.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 3/2/2023 10:43 PM |
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# 4141 Inside the Box
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Q. Can someone comply with Shalach Manot whe sending just one single box of diverse chocolates? Are they are seen as different pieces of food and therefore counted at least as the required two food items needed for Shalach Manot, or maybe the fact that they are presented in a single box they are counted only as one item?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is better to send an additional food or drink item not included in that box.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 3/2/2023 10:40 PM |
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# 4140 Zachor Anchor
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Q. We have already done during Parshas Zachor an interesting and very liked addition. A Mispalel of ours, who is of Yemenite origin, sings and reads the Torah beautifully with his special Nusach and great voice. On Parshas Zachor after the special Maftir reading of the Torah of this parsha in the regular traditional Ashkenazi tune, he repeats the reading with his beautiful Yemenite nushach, to the benefit and pleasure of all. Is that correct?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is proper. However, the Yemenite reader, should be present next to the Torah at the time when the one receiving that Aliya is reciting the blessing on the Torah and should be included on that blessing as well as with the bracha after now also his reading of the Torah.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 3/2/2023 10:35 PM |
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# 4139 Primed for Purim?
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Q. Is there an Inyan (reason) to shower, cut nails, toivel and wear Shabbos clothing l’kavod Purim as there is for Shabbos and Yom Tov?
A. Rema (O.H. 695: 2) sponsors the tradition that some have of wearing Shabbos and Yom Tov clothing during Purim.
Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a mentioned that the same may apply to the other preparations mentioned when needed.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 3/2/2023 10:33 PM |
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# 4138 The Mean of Lean
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Q. An elderly great teacher who has been the reader of the Purim Megilah for many years, and is an excellent reader, finds it difficult at his age to stand. Can he now read it sitting down? Does he have to be replaced by someone who is not close to his abilities? Can he at least lean on the Bimah?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 690: 1) rules that ‘Lechatchila - on the onset’ one should not read the Megilah for the Tzibur
or a Minyan while seating down.
However, Mishna Berura (ibid. 2) permits leaning when needed.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is to be stringent when one will not be able to remain standing without the leaning.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 3/2/2023 10:31 PM |
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# 4137 Ice Cubes Wash
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Q. When G’d forbid someone dies at home, one is suppose to throw away all uncovered liquids. Does that include also the ice-cubes therein?
A. On question 2284 regarding drinks kept in a hospital room when the patient died there, we wrote: “Poskim also permit water that carries an added commercial name, such as soda-water or mineral-water or has been changed by boiling or mixed with flavoring agents. (Beis Yitzchok Y.D. 150, Maharsham 3: 375, Divrei Malkiel 2: 94 and others).
Ice cubes should be similar.
However, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a pointed that since the main reason mentioned for discarding the uncovered water is, that the Angel of Death may have poisoned the water when cleaning his sword after taking the life of the one who died. As is the case with other poisons, one would discard the ice that had contact with the water, as it may have been also contaminated.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 3/2/2023 10:29 PM |
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# 4136 Powerful Blessings
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Q. Dear Rov, I reside in Mexico City were the Rav Shlit’a was Chief Rabbi for many years. Earthquakes are very common in our city, sometimes small ones are felt more that once a day. Does one have to make a bracha when he feels them?
A. Mexico City is no stranger to earthquakes. In fact, the country trembles almost every day. This is because the west coast of Mexico is located along the so-called “Ring of Fire:” a horseshoe shape that curves around the edges of the Pacific Ocean.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that as similar to the brocho recited on lightening and thundering, that is recited only when it is strong and imposing.
As the Talmud (Brachos 59a) teaches: “Thunder was created only in order to straighten the crookedness of the heart.” As few other natural phenomena can do, thunder wakes us up and reminds us we have an all-powerful Hashem, and to give us that occasional wake-up call. The same should apply to the blessing on earthquakes
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 3/2/2023 10:27 PM |
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# 4135 A Shocking Earthquake
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Q. See question above. Does one say a bracha when experiencing a killer or damaging large earthquake?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 227: 1) rules that on earthquakes as well as lightening and thunder, or on very strong winds
storms one recites the brocho of “Oise Maase Bereshis.” However, if he desires he may say; “Shekocho, Ugevuroso Ma’ale Oloim. His force and strength fulfills the universe.”
Although it may seem strange to bless Hashem for something that is usually destructive and harmful, however, the blessing is obviously recited by the ones that were saved and survived.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 3/2/2023 10:25 PM |
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# 4134 A Fair Shake
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Q. History tells us that in Eretz Yisrael, roughly every one hundred years there is a very large earthquake, of magnitude 6 or above along the Dead Sea fault. Nadav Wetzler, an Israel Geological Survey seismologist mentioned recently that the last quake of that magnitude, 6.2 on the Richter scale, hit the Dead Sea valley in 1927, killing 500 people. Taking into account the terrible results of the recent earthquakes in the area in which so many thousands died, should we all say a Mi Sheberach on Shabbat in Shul asking Hashem to protect us from such tragedies?
A. Although we do recite on Shabbos a ‘Mi Sheberach” after Yukum Purkan for the benefit of the community leaders and others that work for the welfare of all needy members and bless them, usually we do not recite a particular ‘Mi Sheberach’ for the future protection of a specific tragedy that may happen, we just privately pray for them.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a pointed out to the gigantic earthquake predicted by Zechariah (14: 4); “And on that day His feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem from the east. And the Mount of Olives shall split in the midst thereof-toward the east and toward the west-a very great valley. And half the mountain shall move to the north, and half of it to the south.” The fact is that we do pray to be saved from the tragedies and suffering predicted before the Final Geulah
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Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 3/2/2023 10:24 PM |
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# 4133 Death Us Depart?
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Q. Dear Rov Shlit’a. Firstly as an active member of Bikur Cholim, thank you for your efforts in answering and providing help to the many difficult Shaalos and doubts involved in our days, especially in Canada, in not terminating the elderly, the sick and the patients that feel they have no hope.
I have a Shaila that happened to me as I was visiting a patient in hospital. When I was there, there were two doctors that were talking to another Jewish elderly patient nearby in the presence of a family member, They were reviewing some forms signed by the patient in which, as I was listening to, agreed to have his life terminated. The reviewed the signature of the notary and then proceed to offer him a drink that would terminate his life, complying with MAID or medical assistance in dying.
I was kind of shocked and had a few Halacha questions. Firstly should I have protested? Then if that was not the recommended or proper thing to do, should I have approached and recited the Shema with him with some words of Viduy? Did I have to say the brocho od Dayan Emes? Stay and close his eyes and see about the Chevra Kaddisha?
How does one proceed with these Shailos that are becoming L’A so common in our Days?
A. Our Rabbonim disagree, Horav Dovid Pam Shlit’a maintains that it is best to protest and intervene that they should stop. While Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a and Horav Nosson Hofman Shlit’a opine that protesting may cause the medics to call security and end in Chilul Hashem. Some mentioned that just approaching and reciting the Shema with him with some words of Viduy, may seem as an agreement to the procedure.
A third option may be just reading aloud the Shema and reciting Viduy and other Tefilos aloud without approaching the suicidal patient, so it may not seem as joining the suicidal-murder procedure.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that he should just mention aloud that a good Jew does not kill himself and then walk away.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 3/2/2023 10:22 PM |
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# 4132 Moral Fibers
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Q. Does a woman from a Chassidik background that due to her tradition of Tzniyus and modesty usually goes out from the house covered completely, however, when at home she only covers as Halacha requires have to behave the same way, covering herself completely and properly when she is present only before Non-Jews (they are building workers at home) since after all this is not a one of the Seven Mitzvot they have to keep?
A. Horav Aharon Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that she should behave in front of Gentiles in the same way as she would when facing Jewish men.
Talmud (Yuma 47a) relates that "Kimchis had seven sons, all of whom merited to serve as Kohanim Gedolim, (High Priests). The Sages asked her, 'What have you done to merit this?' She answered them: 'The rafters of my house have never seen the braids of my hair.' " Kimchis covered her hair all the time even when she was alone inside her house.
As is obvious from the story, Kimchis ways were over what is normally required.
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 3/2/2023 10:20 PM |
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# 4131 Hit The Bottle?
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Q. I was a guest by someone on Shabbos. He and his Rebbetzin were having a hard time opening a bottle and asked me if I could open it. What is the correct and courteous response can I simply reply that my custom is not to open bottles during Shabbos?
A. On question 4087 regarding the proper way to open the common grape juice bottles of our days, since one may be turning the cap into a usable utensil, as after the ring that attaches it to the bottle is broken and separated from the cap, it can be reused many times and should be considered as having created a new ‘Keli” or utensil which is prohibited on Shabbos.
We wrote that: Therefore, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that the best way to open the bottle of juice is by first making a hole with a pointed knife on the cap of the bottle, (carefully avoiding to destroy or obliterate any letters), thus destroying its value as a utensil. (see also Shmiras Shabbos K. 9: 61).
After, having done that you may be stringent and have two people open the bottle with a ‘Shinui’ or a different way of doing it normally. One may just hold on to the cap firmly without turning it, while another would turn the bottle itself and thus detach it from the cap.
However, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that this second step is unnecessary.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 3/2/2023 10:19 PM |
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# 4130 Join the Party of Life
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Q. In our large Shul there is a tradition that on Zain Adar (day 7 of Adar) there is a Seuda Given in honor of the Chervra Kadisha as is also customary in other places. The Seuda is open for all Shul members to attend, and to give honor and recognize the members of the Chervra Kadisha who sacrifice their time and effort and take care of the dead. Is this Seuda a Seudat Mitzva Chervra Kadisha that one should participate?
A. On question 3550 regarding the proper traditional way for a Chevra Kadisha to comply with Zain Adar, we wrote:
“There are different Minhagim and traditions particular to different communities and groups. Some have the custom of fasting and saying a special prayer or Tikun for the Seventh of Adar
It is also customary in many communities for the Chevrah Kadisha to observe the Seventh of Adar as a day of gathering for its members. A festive banquet is held and in some congregations the entire community participates. Rabbonim and community leaders attend and Gabaim and other leading members are appointed.
Changing times may demand new rulings and regulations that have to be compatible with Halacha to be debated and adopted for the coming year.”
Since the seuda is given for the most important recognition and encouragement of the great and sometimes very difficult work that the Chervra Kadisha accomplishes and besides, Divrei Torah and drashot are usually said by the attending Rabbanim, it is a Seudat Mitzva and one should participate.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 2/27/2023 5:29 PM |
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# 4129 A Flap on the Clap
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Q. Can one play hand clapping games with children or adults?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”’a opinion is that it is better to avoid them since although it is a game done voluntarily, and usually it avoids hurting one another, it still involves hitting one another and sometimes that could be violent and painful.
Besides the inherent idea of clapping one another should be avoided even in a game
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Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 2/23/2023 11:00 PM |
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# 4128 Clean Hands
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Q. Women immersing in a mikva, when they recite the bracha have to place their hands over their middle to separate their upper part from the bottom. But how can they then recite with the name of Hashem a bracha, if with their hands they are touching at that same time the naked parts of their body?
A. Before they use their forearms to separate their body sections, they should immerse their hands in the mikva water and then not touch their bodies with their hands until they finish reciting the blessing.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 2/23/2023 10:58 PM |
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# 4127 Some Light on Night Light
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Q. If we are planing to invite some travelling guest for the Purim Seuda and they may arrive after the Shekia (sunset), is the fact that they arrive and there is light in the house permit them in need to eat then as a well lighted room helps in other similar situations?
A. Although Poskim permit the use of light at night for certain mitzva needs such as Shechita done at night or even a court case or Get in case of need, it does not apply to regular mitzvos such as Tefila and Shema that have to be done during the proper day.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”’a opinion is that the guest should eat his Purim Seuda even for breakfast in need.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 2/23/2023 10:56 PM |
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# 4126 The Brim of the Grim in Purim
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Q. See question above. Dear Rabbi. My father L’A is about to have an brain operation to remove a tumor and it is programmed to take place on the Monday before Purim. He won’t be able to hear the Megilah on Purim. Can he hear it on the Sunday before (Purim this year is on Tuesday) with a brocho?
A. Shulchan Aruch (ibid) rules that it could be read before Purim without a brocho. Mishna Berura (20) mentions that he should gather a minyan.
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 2/23/2023 10:53 PM |
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Important Numbers
