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# 4218 What Counts to Count
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Q. Our grandfather who is an elderly patient is also undergoing treatment after a severe brain operation. He is sometimes conscious and alert. He asked to be helped by to count the Omer as he did all his life.
He can’t count himself, but he will repeat the words said to him including the bracha. We just want to know how we can tell that he’s mind is good enough for it.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that for the purpose of counting Sefira if he responds correctly to some common questions it suffices.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised By Horav Dovid Pam Shlit’a,Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/23/2023 12:25 PM |
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# 4217 Who is on The Phone?
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Q. Dear Rov. I program my phone to remind me to count Sefira before I go to sleep in case I forgot. I don’t count in shul since we daven Maariv early.
Can I have the phone remind me also on Friday night since we are Mekabel (receive) Shabbat early?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if it is not too loud and it is in a place where you will not reach it, is permitted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised By Horav Dovid Pam Shlit’a,Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/21/2023 10:48 AM |
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# 4216 Zoom Gali – Gali Zoom...
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Q. A Daf Hayomi shiur that zooms nightly, and after the end of the shiur it is already the correct time for Sefira counting, is it correct that all join and count together? Most davened Maaariv before the correct time for Sefira.
A. on question 2721 and others we wrote if one learned the Masechta to be finished and is on his way to the siyum he could join the siyum via telephone or online.
Therefore, if every participant in the siyum, eats his own seuda with his family and friends, it is considered a seudas mitzva. See also recent answer 4192 regarding a Siyum for an Avel on Erev Pesach via zoom.
Therefore, although one cannot recite a brocho for someone else on line and the ones that hear the brocho should also not answer Amen, it is better to perform a mitzva at the same time that others do. It is also beneficial since they may be reminded to count Sefira.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised By Horav Dovid Pam Shlit’a,Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/21/2023 10:46 AM |
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# 4215 Music to our Ears
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Q. Can someone who is in need to calm the nerves and find peace of mind train to play a musical instrument such as an electric keyboard during the Sefira days?
A. On question 2635 regarding if one may listen to music during sefira to avoid depression due to the current (covid) situation; we wrote: “The tradition not to listen to music during Sefira days has become widely accepted in our days, and according to Poskim it includes even non live music such as taped music. (Igrois Moshe O.H. 1: 166, Minchas Yitzchok, 1: 111, Oz Nidberu 8: 58, Yechave Daas 6:34, Tzitz Eliezer 15: 33, Kinyan Torah 2: 99 and many others). However, Chelkas Yaakov (1: 62) argues that an electronic device which did not exist at the time when the decree became accepted, cannot be included in the Gezera.
There are some exceptions to this minhag, such as listening to classical music On question 281 we wrote: Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that in principle serious or cheerless classical music would be permitted (during Sefira) as we do sing a sad tune even on Tisha B’av (Eli Tzion). However it is likely that while listening to a symphony, parts of it may meet the criteria of the mood markings of allegro, animato, or giocoso. It is therefore advisable to refrain from listening to all music, unless needed for therapeutic purposes.
On question 1305 we added that the same should apply to playing classical music on a piano or other instruments.
On question 1711 in regard to teaching dancing classes during Sefira, we wrote: “Mogen Avrohom (493: 1) rules that non-mitzva dancing is prohibited during Sefira days. However, Igrois Moshe (O.H. 3: 87) permits teaching instrumental music when it is done as a professional duty and not for enjoyment. See Naharos Eisan (p. 252) in regards to permitting singing and playing music for children in school.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one should avoid if possible attending or teaching dancing classes during Sefira,”
On question 1312, regarding if one is allowed to have a telephone ringtone that is a segment of a song with musical instruments, we wrote: “There are Poiskim who permit listening to music that is not played for the sake of enjoyment or pleasure, as one who employs workers that listen to the radio as they work, or music that is played for a child to calm him to sleep. (Nitei Gavriel , Bein Hametzorim ch. 15, 8-13). Some Poiskim understand the music prohibition as only what conduces to joy and dancing, and permit classical music, played for soothing and comforting the soul. (Shoalin Vedorshim p. 245). However, others disagree.
Similarly they permit to play music to calm a young child, or to listen to music while driving, if the purpose of the music is to keep the driver alert.
Shoishanas Yisroel (Ben Hametzorim 1: 18) mentions that one should change the ringtone of his phone, if it was recorded for the purpose of joy.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in the onset, one should avoid this type of ringtone the year around. However, once set it does not have to be removed.”
On question 1401 regarding listening to a happy tune on the phone while being placed on hold, we added: “Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a pointed out that most people do not enjoy being placed on hold, no matter what music is being played.”
On question 1390, addressing if one can listen to tapes of chazanos of tefilos, during the three weeks, if one is interested in knowing the nusach and the nigunim, when one davens for the Amud on Shabbos or Yomim Noraim, we wrote:
"Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in principle if they are not melodies of simcha and joy, rather the normal nigunim that a chazan or a baal tefila sing by the amud, that express more sentiment, fervor and emotion than happiness and delight, they are permitted to listen to or sing even during the tefilos of the nine days, especially if one’s intention is only for learning them. The fact is that even on Tisha Beav we do sing Keli-Tzion. However, when listening to chazonus, the nigunim may change suddenly to happy and joyful to be avoided songs.
Nitei Gavriel (Pesach 3: 53: 7), Hilchos Chag B’chag (p.63), Halichos Shlomo, (Moadim 2).”
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in your case it would also be permitted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised By Horav Dovid Pam Shlit’a,Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/21/2023 10:44 AM |
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# 4214 Great Grains of Enlightment II
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Q. Hello Rav, My wife lights Shabbat candles with edible kosher olive oil every week. Just before Pesach I noticed in the COR magazine that olive oil requires a Pesach Hechtsher. I was wondering if the olive oil she uses exclusively for lighting would also need to be special for Pesach. If the concern is a kitniyot issue, would the Halacha be different for us Sephardim?
A. On question 4190 regarding if someone who usually lights Neiros Shabbos and Yom Tov using oil, can light during Pesach with Kitniyos Oil, we wrote: “Mishna Berura (453: 10) rules that in principle it is permitted since the Kitniyos prohibition applies only in eating them, and not to deriving benefit from them which is allowed.
However, he adds that it is apparent that people are usually stringent in using such oil for candle lighting, since the Kitniyos grain could actually contain some chometz grains mixed into it.
Yet Poskim permit, when the oil used has a proper Hechsher and is used for Sephardim that permit Kitniyos.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is permitted, yet it is preferred to keep the oil container with those
lights, properly separated from the food. (See also Piskei Teshivos ibid 7).”
The same would obviously apply to Sephardim.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised By Horav Dovid Pam Shlit’a,Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/21/2023 10:40 AM |
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# 4213 Money Talks
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Q.Hello Rav, I recently heard a story about a Frum Yid that went to visit his dying Non-Frum brother and declined accepting a large sum of money from him because the brother had been involved in business ventures that were not necessarily closed on Shabbat.
I'm wondering if this was a stringency he imposed on himself or if this is the actually Halacha. For example, if a non Frum Jew that sometimes works on Shabbat gave me a gift of some cash, would I be required to decline it? If its not prohibited, is there any room be be Machmir to decline the gift, even if the money is much needed for the Frum family? Is that considered a pious act? Thanks!
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if the money is to be used for Tzedaka and helping the poor and the one’s in need, it can be used.
However, if it is to be invested on material things for a shul building, a Sefer Torah, Tefilin or similar objects of Kedusha it should not be accepted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised By Horav Dovid Pam Shlit’a,Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/21/2023 10:38 AM |
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# 4212 A Quick Shave
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Q. If an elderly patient is required to have an Electroencephalogram (EEG) and has long hair and the physicians said in his case it is better to cut the hair shorter, but it can wait until after Lag Baomer. Is it better to wait or it really does not matter?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is permitted and one does not have to wait at all.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised By Horav Dovid Pam Shlit’a,Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/21/2023 10:36 AM |
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# 4211 Put on Paper
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Q. When someone places a piece of paper or a tissue into a Siddur as a bookmark to save the place and keeps it there for a while, can that be thrown away? How long would that be to make a difference?
A. It would depend on the intention and the nature of the material used for the bookmark. If it is only temporary and it will be discarded promptly as usually a tissue is, it likely will not become an object of Mitzva. Not so if it is a more permanent and dedicated cardboard piece.
However, one should not use a Sefer or Siddur as a place to store tissues which are going to be used mainly for one’s body cleaning, (or were used already).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised By Horav Dovid Pam Shlit’a,Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/21/2023 10:35 AM |
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# 4210 A Close Shave?
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Q. I have hair that grows on my face under my eye. I was told it may be a problem to shave that high up. Is there an Issur (prohibition) to shave so high up?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is considered the eye and not included in other shaving prohibitions, similar to the hair in the nose.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised By Horav Dovid Pam Shlit’a,Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/21/2023 10:33 AM |
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# 4209 Feel the Squeeze?
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Q. See question above. Also curious about S’chita (squeezing prohibited during Shabbos). Is it an issue for squeeze bottles (or eye drop dispensers) on Shabbos?
How about if some of the drops fell on a tissue next to the eye, can I squeeze it back into my eye?
Is it better, if someone else places the drops on the eyes of the patient?
A. Poskim permit squeezing liquids from a plastic bottle since they are not absorbed by the plastic material.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if if some of the drops fell on a tissue next to the eye, they cannot be squeezed back to the eye, since the tissue is absorbent.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised By Horav Dovid Pam Shlit’a,Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/21/2023 10:32 AM |
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# 4208 An Eye View
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Q. Prescription post surgery. I have two prescriptions eye-drops for post surgery, that I have to take 3-4 times a day. Is there any problem for Shabbos?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if it is medically required it is permitted.
However, one should consult with the doctor if at least the last drops can be administered after Shabbos ends.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised By Horav Dovid Pam Shlit’a,Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/21/2023 10:28 AM |
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# 4207 Our Best Hair Day
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Q. A Bachur who normally tries b’n to avoid haircuts the entire Sefira and also on Rosh Chodesh, like the Arizal, may he take a haircut this coming Friday, Rosh Chodesh Iyar, in order to have a fresh haircut L’kavod the new Z’man and to be able to fit in better with the other bachurim in his Litvishe Yeshiva. Is Hataras Nedarim necessary?
Can it be done before Chatzos (midday) on Friday?
A.Mishna Berura (493: 2) permits in this special case when it is Friday, Rosh Chodesh Iyar to shave in honor of Shabbos.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it can be done even before Chatzos.
No Hatoras Nedarim (absolution of vows) is necessary
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised By Horav Dovid Pam Shlit’a,Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/21/2023 10:26 AM |
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# 4206 Thank You Please
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Q. Is there a Torah obligation that one has to say thank you for a favor received? Where exactly is that mitzva written? How about asking ‘please’?
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that there is a most basic mitzva and obligation in our Torah that establishes a number of times, that one has to be and behave as a ‘Mentch’ and follow proper accepted behavior and recognized human values.
The Rov maintains that the above is a Biblical mitzva based on the Posuk: “Vehalachta Bidrachav” (P. Eikev) or “Walk in His Ways”. Thanking for a favor done, is also universally one of them.”
Saying, please is mentioned many times in the Torah as in; ”Daver No Beoznei Haam” (Please speak to the people) etc.
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Posted 4/17/2023 11:05 AM |
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# 4205 Wrapped in a Mystery...
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Q. On question 4198 the Rov mentioned that for one taking medicine pills during Pesach, making them not tasty by adding drops of vinegar, would not make any difference. If one is able to wrap them in a piece of thin tissue would that help? If that is difficult for most to swallow, would wrapping them in salad leaves or placing them inside a fruit like a grape, be any better?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is usually not needed, since pills are Kitniyos and as mentioned, they are as is permitted for the ill.
Nevertheless, if one wants to be stringent, as many do regarding Pesach, if one is able to use very thin paper or any other non-edible materials, it would be meaningful. However, food cannot be used as a separating substance, since it becomes Batel or annulled to the pills themselves.
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Posted 4/14/2023 5:57 PM |
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# 4204 Promises, Promises
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Q. I heard that there is a big Shailah if a father can promise his child that he will buy him a toy or give him some money if he returns the Afikomen. Is that correct?
A. Firstly one must say as usual that it is all B’li Neder.
The recently published Kuntres Moadei Shlomo (p. 72), quotes Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion that one should avoid using the term ‘buying’ which one may not do during Yom Tov but rather just giving. He adds that although money is ‘Muktza’ it is permitted to just say that he will give him that money since the child may accept a gift given instead.
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Posted 4/14/2023 5:56 PM |
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# 4203 Not Cut from the Same Cloth
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Q. Chag Kasher Vesameach Rov. I received as a present from my dear father-in-law, a most beautiful and greatly decorated Kitel that he wants me to wear at the Pesach Seder we are celebrating together.
There is no doubt that I much appreciate the new Kitel, but I have some misgivings about it. Is not a Kitel supposed to be worn during one’s lifetime during Pesach and Yom Kippur and then after 120 years, one is buried wearing it. This done to remember all the good deeds one did in life. Similar to the Taalit also used.
When my father zt’l passed away, we buried him with the Kitel he used, as was the case with most of my relatives.
So should I decline accepting it, since it would look very inappropriate to use such a decorated Kitel for Tachrichim (vestments for burial). Then again I may hurt my Shver’s feelings. What is the correct thing to do?
A. Out of experience in directing many Levayos and also heading the Chevra Kadisha in Mexico, I realize that it is most common to use the special Tachrichim (burial clothes) provided for most deceased at that time and they include the cloth similar to a Kitel.
Yet there are different traditions that some people and congregations have
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Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that you should use the beautiful Kitel for Yom Tov and provide Sholom Bais and joy to your family.
However, for Yom Kippur, since after all it is a solemn and serious period of correcting our misdeeds, it is better to use a simple ordinary Kitel.
I have seen people remove the extra decorations of a Kitel before burial. See also question 142 regarding the reasons of using the Kitel as Tachrichim.
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Posted 4/14/2023 5:54 PM |
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# 4202 A Flowering Shaila
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Q. Can one buy after Pesach flour from a Jewish store that may not have sold the Chametz properly?
A. See Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 453: 4) and Mishna Berura (ibid 24).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one should not use that flour, since it is very likely that the flour was made from washed and thus fermented wheat grains.
However, in need the Rov permits if additional doubts could be added to the prohibition.
Nevertheless, Orchos Rabbenu (2: 24:25) permits in our days its use.
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Posted 4/11/2023 6:04 PM |
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# 4201 Need Something Yesterday
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Q. Our family was invited to eat a Pesach meal at a great neighboring friends house, who is a known Chacham. They are Sephardim and very careful with all the stringencies of Pesach, yet as their tradition is, they do eat Kitniyot. They promised me that they will respect us and not serve any Kitniyot, and the dishes will be disposable.
Do I have to be concerned with the cooking done inside their Kitniyot pots?
A. Kovetz Halochos (10: 6), maintains that if they were not used for a day (Einom Ben Yomo), it is permitted.
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Posted 4/10/2023 12:17 PM |
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# 4200 The Got-Away Car?
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Q. One who rents a car on Chol Hamoed (Pesach), does he have to do Bedikat Chametz in it?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one may be lenient since car rental companies are usually careful and demand that the cars should be returned clean and they further clean them.
The car is therefore considered a place where there is no Chometz and does not require generally searching.
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Posted 4/10/2023 12:14 PM |
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# 4199 Keep in Touch?
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Q. If I don’t eat Kitniyos during Pesach, do they become Muktza for me? If yes, at a kiddush I cannot serve them to a Sephardi who is permitted to eat them?
A. Poskim permit and maintain that they do not become Muktza for Ashkenazim. (Kovetz Halochos 10: 5, and others).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised
by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and
Horav Kalman
Ochs Shlit'a.
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Posted 4/10/2023 12:08 PM |
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Important Numbers
