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# 4155 Shovel Ready
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Q. Dear Rav. On question 4150 dealing with the large snowfall on a recent Shabbat, that practically had many locked down and unable in some cases even to open the home door to go to shul. you wrote that “Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in case of real need, as when you cannot enter or exit, one may shovel what is essential.”
I’m wondering if it is better to shovel with a ‘Shinui.’ Also if one is permitted to use the heavy plastic gloves utilized for holding on to hot pots in the kitchen, to remove show from the door and entrance?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it indeed better to shovel with a “Shinui” or change, as when doing work on Shabbos in an unusual way like using the shovel with the lower part turned around and just pushing the snow to the sides, when possible.
The Rov Shlit’a also permitted using the usual large plastic kitchen gloves relying on the Sh’miras Shabbos Kehilchoso (16: note 110) quoting Rav S. Z. Auerbach Zt’l who rules that snow that fell on Shabbos is not Muktze.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 3/13/2023 4:54 PM |
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# 4154 Out of a Hat
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Q. If one’s hat got totally covered with heavy snow, while taking a long walk on Shabbos. Can one continue walking where there is no Eruv or one does not carry?
A. Yalkut Yosef (302: 9) permits. 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 3/9/2023 10:45 PM |
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# 4153 Not Worth your Salt?
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Q. Is it better to prepare for Shabbos use as was now greatly needed, wood shavings or straw, instead of spreading salt?
A. Poskim write that it is better if it will eventually be removed and not become part of the ground surface. 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 3/9/2023 10:44 PM |
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# 4152 Wildcard Blizard
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Q. What can one do when there is no Eruv and to exit the house to go to shul some of the snow will end on the street?
A. On question 3576 regarding if one can one remove some snow on Shabbat from the front of his house to be able to go to shul if there is no Eruv, we wrote: “On question 2069 regarding if snow muktza in Shabbos and if one can shovel it to clear a path and be able to exit and enter one’s domain, we wrote: “Shulchan Aruch (338: 8) and Mishna Berura (ibid. 30) permit the use of rain water collected during Shabbos, as long as it is clean and fit to use. Most Poskim maintain that the same applies to snow (Mekor Chaim 320: 11, Eishel Avrohom (312), Shemiras Shabbos K’ (16: 44) and others.
However, Igros Moshe (O. H. 5: 22) maintains that snow is different and there is an inherent nolad prohibition on it. Tiltulei Shabbos quoting RS”Z Auerbach zt’l suggests that snow in our days should be considered muktza, since it does not have any use and should be like stones and dirt. Nevertheless. Poskim are lenient, since people play with it and shovel it too. (Piskei Teshuvos 338: n. 144).
Horav Shlomo Miller’’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is not muktza. Therefore, one is allowed to shovel a path during Shabbos when in need. The Rov added that when there is no Eruv, one can still shovel the snow just to the immediate close by area, but not when it is taken out from one domain to another or when it piles up over ten tefachim (1 m.) high.
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 10:42 PM |
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# 4151 Snow Alert
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Q. See question above. Could one that heard the forecast of the incoming snow storm ask his non- Jewish usual snow remover, that does not usually come during Shabbat, to come and remove the snow?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that he can tell him before Shabbos and he should also do everything by hand and not use any machines.
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 10:41 PM |
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# 4150 No to Snow?
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Q. During the large snowfall last Shabbat, the practically had us and many others locked down and unable in some cases even to open the home door to go to shul, was it permitted to use a shovel and remove the snow as needed?
On question 394 regarding shoveling snow on Shabbos, we wrote: “Sh’miras Shabbos Kehilchoso (16: note 110) quoting Rav S. Z. Auerbach Zt’l rules that snow that fell on Shabbos is not muktze (see Mishna Berura 338: 30). Igrois Moishe (O.H. 5: 22: 37) disagrees.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in case of real need, as when you cannot enter or exit, you may shovel what is essential. The ground bellow should be paved or cemented and one should be permitted to carry in that area.
If possible, one should ask a Gentile to do the shoveling.
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 10:38 PM |
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# 4149 Special Delivery
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Q. Someone went to deliver Shalach Monois on Purim and realized that his friends were not at home. He called them on their cell and they told him that they are out of town. He realized that he could not just leave the beautiful basket outside as it would likely be stolen, so he went home and had one of his guest make a Kinyan (acquisitive act, such as lifting) on the basket in the name of his travelling friends. Then he took a picture of the beautiful Shalach Monois and send it to his friends, telling them that as soon as they return he would deliver it.
Did he comply with the mitzva of Shalach Monois?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that he complies.
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 10:36 PM |
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# 4148 Over the Top?
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Q. See question above. Can one place a Magazine – Kuntress of Torah articles over a Gemara?
A. See Talmud Megila 27a and Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 282: 19. Orchos Rabenu (3: 162) quotes Chazon Ish that one may place Rishonim and Acharonim over a Gemara. However, Ginzei Hakodesh (ibid. n. 64) quotes opinions that Sefarim of Acharonim should not be placed over Rishonim. Zichron Yaakov testifies that Rav Yitzchok Elchonon zt’l was very careful on the above.
Horav Shlomo Miller’’s Shlit’a opinion is that Torah magazines and Kuntressim, that contain Torah articles in which some items could be inaccurate or incorrect, should indeed not be placed over the Talmud or similar Sefarim.
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 10:34 PM |
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# 4147 Over the Top?
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Q. See question above. Can one place a Magazine – Kuntress of Torah articles over a Gemara?
A. See Talmud Megila 27a and Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 282: 19. Orchos Rabenu (3: 162) quotes Chazon Ish that one may place Rishonim and Acharonim over a Gemara. However, Ginzei Hakodesh (ibid. n. 64) quotes opinions that Sefarim of Acharonim should not be placed over Rishonim. Zichron Yaakov testifies that Rav Yitzchok Elchonon zt’l was very careful on the above.
Horav Shlomo Miller’’s Shlit’a opinion is that Torah magazines and Kuntressim, that contain Torah articles in which some items could be inaccurate or incorrect, should indeed not be placed over the Talmud or similar Sefarim.
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 10:32 PM |
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# 4146 The Story of the Magazine
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Q. My Rabbi in shul was upset at me when I placed a Mishpacha magazine over a Gemara. Is that correct? After all that magazine has many articles of Torah?
A. Although that and similar magazines do have printed Divrei Torah, there are many other articles and advertisements included and therefore it is dishonorable to place them over a Gemara or similar.
See next question.
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 10:31 PM |
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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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Important Numbers
