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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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# 3758 A Sefer on New Seforim
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Q. Does one make a Shecheyanu bracha when buying or receiving a new beautiful Shas or any other precious Sefer?
A. Mishna Berura (223: 13) quotes a disagreement between Poskim if a Shecheyanu bracha should be recited for new seforim, since after all 'Mitzvos Lav Lehenos Nitnu' or they were not given for physical enjoyment.
He quotes Chaye Adam that if one was searching for this sefer, and rejoices when he found it he may make that brocho.
Rs"Z Auerbach zt'l (Halichos Shlomo (1: 23: 17), recommends in such a case to recite Shecheyanu on another item and have in mind the sefer.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/24/2022 10:52 AM |
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# 3757 Stay Apart
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Q. When traveling by plane and walking on the corridor, most often one is going to have to walk between two women seating in the aisle seats. To avoid the prohibition involved, should one take a jacket or other object in one hands to create a separation?
A. Horav Chaim Kanievsky zt'l maintains that one can be lenient when the women are seated in those seats. (Shilhei Dekayito p.168)
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that holding a separating object such as a magazine or a paper helps.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/24/2022 10:51 AM |
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# 3756 Dressed to Kill?
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Q. See question above. If these two women are, as is common nowadays not dressed with Tz'nius (decor), can I still take out a sefer and learn Torah next to them?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 75: 2) rules that one may not read the shema or recite any blessing, including any other expression that is considered a ‘dovor shebekedusha” or holy articulation, in front of a woman who is not dressed properly and even has her hair uncovered, including one's own wife. (Mishna Berura ibid 1).
On question 278 regarding if one should avoid learning Torah while one has to contemplate the ervos walking in front of you in the street or when driving in the Summer days. we wrote:
"Mogen Avrohom (85,2) quoting Talmud Shabbos 150a rules that it is permitted to think Torah thoughts in front of an ervoh or immodestly clad person, only verbalizing is prohibited. “Shomeah keoneh” or listening (to a brocho) is like answering, does not apply in the context of learning Torah. (see Avnei Tzion 2,8 in regards to writing divrei Torah facing an ervoh).
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a commented in addition, that the windshield which is often tinted, although by itself it does not permit the articulation of words of kedusha, (see Mishna Berura 75,5 on ervoh beashoshis), it does provide a further added reason to be lenient and listen to a light Torah tape while driving safely."
However, in your case of seating between two women improperly dressed, if possible, you may just think in learning with closed eyes. I that is not an option and learning from a Sefer is required, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in need it is permitted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/24/2022 10:49 AM |
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# 3755 Talk the Walk
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Q. Dear Rov, I have a few questions concerning traveling by plane this days, when the planes are very often totally full.
If I'm given a seat between two women and I have already asked them if they would kindly change seats with me but they refuse, Do I have to offer them some monetary compensation to avoid the prohibition involved?
A. The source for this tradition is the Talmud Pesachim (111a) that teaches; Three should not be allowed to pass between two people walking along a road, and people should not walk between two of them, and one of them is a woman. Talmud Horios (13b) mentions that this is one of the ten acts that cause the forgetting of the Torah. Although this Halacha is quoted in Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (50: 8), although it is omitted in Shulchan Aruch, yet the minhag is kept.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one does not to compensate monetarily the women to change seats if they refuse after being asked to kindly do so. (See questions 1655 and 2955),
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/24/2022 10:47 AM |
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# 3754 Fill Your Boots
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Q. Can one use a wine-skin or Bota Bag Canteen, made from animal skin to carry wine and other liquids?
A. Those wine or liquid containers are mentioned repeatedly in the Talmud and Poskim.
Talmud Shabbos (110b) mentions the tying up of 'Noidos" or leather wine boots (Rashi) on Shabbos.
Thamud (Avoda Zara (29b) quotes opinions on using the ones already used by Gentiles with their non-kosher wine.
We read (from mibotadevino.com and others) that historically, the Spanish Leather Wine Bota (boot) Bag or Canteen Flask Pouch Container, also known as a wine-skin, is a soft canteen designed to carry liquids, especially wine, in the great outdoors and across long distances. They have been used by various cultures and civilizations for centuries and have an especially long history in Spain.
The skin are usually used in the traditional wine-skin is natural goat skin. Once dried they are tanned with vegetable extracts or tannins, which is shredded bark collected from trees (mimosa, pine and oak), sealing it on the inside. The resin, after being heated is applied to the interior and allowed to cool at which point the Bota is already waterproofed.
The resin is extracted from pine or juniper trees and prepared at high temperatures by the craftsman to seal the interior of the Bota.
In latex wine-skins, the resin is replaced by introducing a latex bladder that performs the same function of waterproofing.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that since the animal leather is treated extensively to avoid any absorbance of the liquids stored in them, it is permitted to use them as it was in ancient times.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/24/2022 10:45 AM |
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# 3753 Miracles Do Happen
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Q. Dear Rov and friend; As we spoke before, I had an accident last week. I tripped and fell into the street when stepping out from my home, hurt my head on the sidewalk and started bleeding. I was rushed to the nearest hospital, and then a true miracle happened. The prominent and also well connected physician treating me examined carefully the sides of my head also and noticed a lump on the left side on the back.
He urged me to have a biopsy done immediately, as I was already in the hospital and he pulled some strings to do so. It showed that it was a malignant life-threatening cancerous tumor already beginning metastases. The good doctor urged me to stay in the hospital and again with Hashem's and his help it was promptly removed. Do I have to recite Hagomel this Shabbat when I return home and go to shul, for the two miracles that happened to me?
A. Surprisingly Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion is that no 'Hagomel' bracha is required. However, great recognition to Hashem's favors should be done and not only good deeds should be carried out but a Seudas Hoda'a is recommended.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/24/2022 10:42 AM |
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# 3752 Get Full Testimony
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Q. During the Chupa ceremony the officiating Rabbi after reading aloud the Ketuba, (Marriage Document), gives the document over to the Chosson (groom), so he can then give it to the bride and she usually transfers it to her mother for temporary safekeeping.
Does that has to be done also in the presence of the witnesses who just testified at the prior ring giving ceremony under the Chupa?
A. Poskim disagree if witnesses are required for the transfer of the Ketuba and if is also part of the Kedushim or not.
Tashbatz (3: 301) and others maintain that they are required. However many Poskim rule that testimony is not needed. (Seder Kesuva Kehilchasa Ch. 8).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that on the onset it is better to ask the witnesses to also observe that act.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/19/2022 5:39 PM |
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# 3751 Just a Cup?
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Q. Hello Rabbi. Can someone make Kiddush using a disposable plastic cup?
A. It is common in some synagogues that when a large Kiddush is offered, the late comers who are reciting their own Kiddush use the disposable plastic cups. Some prefer to use a double cup (one inserted in the other).
However, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that due to the honor involved in complying with this important mitzva, a proper metal Kiddush cup should be used. (Washing the existing one and reusing it).
If that is not practical due to the need of the many, the shul should provide silver colored plastic copies of a 'becher' available in stores.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/16/2022 10:45 PM |
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# 3750 The Tzedek Bedeck
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Q. Hello Rav. Q. I'm aware that some Chassanim (grooms) don't wear any decorative items, such as their golden watch gifted, when they enter their Chupa ceremony. Is there a source to that?
A. Indeed this minhag is mentioned in seforim dealing with the traditions of weddings and are usually kept by individuals with a Chassidic background. Avodas Yisroel and Shulchan Hoezer 2: n. 136 quoting Birchas Aharon mention that it should be avoided to comply with the spirit of also remembering the day of demise at that so crucial and important occasion (See Hilchos Nesuim, Nitei Gavriel - Nisuin 15: 5).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that many don't have that minhag, and one should comply with the traditions of his family and community.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/16/2022 10:43 PM |
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# 3749 Honor the Father
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Q. Is it recommended that a father who is a Rabbi should be the Mesader Kissushin and officiate at the wedding of one of his children?
A. Although some Poskim do mention that there may be an issue of opening oneself to 'Ain Hora'a' (evil eye, resulting from envy), the accepted tradition is not to be concerned at all. (See Nitei Gavriel - Nissuin 19: 5).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/16/2022 10:41 PM |
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# 3748 Get Nowhere Fast
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Q. I daven Maariv in a shul where there is a Chiyuv (an 'obliged' person in mourning who leads the prayers) and he davens very fast. I can not keep up with him at the end of the Krias Shema brochos and I'm still saying Hashkivenu, when he is already about to end the last bracha that many omit (Nusach Ashkenaz) of 'Baruch Hashem Leolam." Can I just skip that last bracha?
A. Horav Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it could be omitted in that case.
On a similar question (2158) regarding someone who Davens Maariv in a minyan that is too fast, and he can’t say the complete “Baruch Hashem Leolam” before beginning the amida betzibur, if he should he omit some or all of the psukim and just continue with the bracha of Yiru Einenu at the end, or if should he omit the complete addition that in other nuschaot is also excluded. we wrote: "Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that the added section of “Baruch Hashem Leolam” before beginning the amida, has to be said complete or not at all. If one will not be able to begin the amida together with the tzibur, it should be totally omitted."
However on question 2438 what happens if someone is davening and already started saying that bracha, but then the chazan rushed and he finished it while he was still in the middle of the bracha. Should he stop right there and begin the amida with everybody or finish the bracha and maybe lose Tefilah Betzibur, we wrote: "Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that indeed, if someone realizes on the onset that he will not be able to recite the complete brocho of “Baruch Hashem Leolam” before beginning the amida of Maariv, he should better avoid it. However, if he already started saying it, and then realizes he won’t be able to finish it on time to begin the amida together with the Tzibur, he should skip and just say the end brocho of “Yiru Einenu”.
Horav 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 6/16/2022 10:40 PM |
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# 3747 Sure Cure
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Q. Good morning Rabbi, both my husband and I are diabetics and require frequent visits to the chiropodist. The next appointment was scheduled for July 28, which is the first day of Av. Should we change the appointment? It generally involves cutting the toe nails.
On question1801 regarding the limitations of the month of Av, we wrote The Mishna Berura (551,1), says that “Mishenichnas Av Memaatin Besimcha” (When the month of Av begins we should reduce joy), applies until Rosh Chodesh Elul. The Mishna Berura (ibid.) mentions the whole month of Av in regards to avoiding a court case with a Gentile during the month of Av, because the month is not of good Mazal.
On question 1406 in regards to postponing a necessary medical surgery on the third week of the month, we wrote “Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 551: 1) rules that from the beginning of the month of Av one should minimize joy. He adds that it is a month when the mazal is inferior and unfortunate (reiya mazleh), and one should avoid going to trial on this month. Mishna Berura (ibid. 2) quotes from the Zohar that at least one should abstain until after Tisha Beav.
Kedushas Levi mentions that the month Av is divided into two distinct sections. Part one belongs to Arur (accursed, implied by the alef of Av) and part B stands for baruch (blessed, inferred on the beis of Av), and this lat one contains good mazal.
Chasam Sofer (Droshos 2: p. 331) maintains that a new month begins with Tisha Beav and is named Menachem. Tisha Beav is day one of that new month (See Yerushalmi Taanis 4: 5, and Yechezkel 26: 1; It came to pass in the eleventh year on the first of the month, that the word of Hashem came to me).
However, Machazik Brocho (Chida 551) and other follow the Beir Heitev’s opinion that the “reiya mazleh” extends for the complete month.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in need a person can be lenient after Assara Beav. (Tenth of Av).”
However, the treatment you mention of just cutting toe nails, does not seem to present any danger
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/16/2022 10:37 PM |
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# 3746 Know Where the Bodies are Buried
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Q. Hello, I'm a Ba'al Teshuva with a Jewish sister that married a Non-Jew (who did a conservative conversion of some type). If she wants to be buried in a Jewish cemetery (which I believe she would) , I'm wondering if he would be allowed to be buried in the Jewish Cemeteries in Toronto? Thanks
A. I consulted with Mr. Mark Benjamin, director of Benjamin Memorial Chapel, Ms Dayan, administrator of Hebrew Basic Burial, and Ms Laura, funeral director of Steels Memorial Chapel, they all expressed that the common rule in all local cemeteries is to accept for burial anyone that has undergone an actual conversion, regardless of the denomination of the Rabbi that gave it, including Conservative, Reform or similar.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that Orthodox communities should keep their own separate sections in the cemeteries as has traditionally being done.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/16/2022 10:35 PM |
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# 3745 Don't Foil this Shaila
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Q. I was told that foil disposable pans should not be squashed on Shabbos (to make room in the garbage bin). Is that true for other items like tissue boxes, cereal boxes, pop bottles, etc? what about if I am squashing it and then resetting it to its original shape to make a new k'li to reuse right then?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that indeed foil disposable pans should not be squashed on Shabbos, as it may be considered braking or destroying an utensil which is prohibited.
On question 431 regarding if one is allowed to crumple up a disposable aluminum pan on Shabbos, we wrote: "Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 314: 1 and Biur Halacha) rule that there is a rabbinical proscription of destroying utensils on Shabbos. However, on a disposable utensil or “keli gorua”, Poiskim maintain that there is no prohibition (Binyan Shabbos 2 p. 173).
Poiskim disagree whether aluminum pans are considered utensils for Tevilah requirement. Many maintain that they do not. (Igros Moshe Y.D. 3:23, Minchas Yitzchok 5:32, Teshuvos Vehanhogos 3:259, Oz Nedberu 7:71, et. al.) Others see them as proper utensils which require immersion (Mishneh Halochos 7:111, Emes Leyakov Y.D. 220. see Tevilas Kelim p.233).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that if the aluminum pan would generally be used a few times by others, on the onset, one should avoid destroying it on Shabbos, unless it is necessary for cleanliness, as would be the case, when you try to fit all the waste in the can and close the lid, to avoid smells or insects. If the pan is burned or soiled and most would not reuse it, it could be crumpled as you would do with paper disposables.
Other items like tissue boxes, cereal boxes, pop bottles, are similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/16/2022 10:33 PM |
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# 3744 Just Saying Thanks
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Q. Re - above question, The Rov mentioned that women after saying a Brocho or Tefila, are required to say Kiddush on Shabbos morning before drinking even water. Don't almost all women say 'Mode Ani" when they wake up as men do. If so they should always have to say Kidush?
A. Horav Dovid Pam Shlit'a explained that Mode Ani is just a thanks expression and not a Brocho or Tefila (that is why it is recited even before washing hands. Mishna Berura 1: 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 6/16/2022 10:31 PM |
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# 3743 A Drinking Problem
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Q. Dear rabbi, I understand that on Shabbos morning, a woman may drink coffee, tea, juice, etc before she davens. Is there a time limit to that? if she wakes up at 11 am and her shul is already finished davening, can she still drink at home before she davens? Does it matter that there are many shuls in Toronto that daven at different times?
A. on question 3469 we wrote: "Regarding women drinking water before davening (on Shabbos morning) Poskim disagree. Some opine that since they comply with davening by just saying a short Tefila or Bracha, then they would be obliged to recite Kiddush even for just drinking water. That is recommended by some Poskim. (Piskei Teshuvos 289: n. 80).
However, commonly many women wait to hear Kiddush until their husbands come home from shul. Igrois Moshe (4: 101) maintains that since a wife follows her husband, and he only recites Kiddush until arriving after davening from shul, she does the same."
On question 3470 we wrote "Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that unmarried women living alone, should better recite Kiddush (on Shabbos morning) after they said some Brocho or Tefila.
However the daughters of one’s home since they also depend on their father and mother for eating the Shabbos Seuda, should wait with Kiddush until the parents recite."
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/16/2022 10:29 PM |
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# 3742 Getting a Green Grave?
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Q. Why would the Chevra Kadisha Society in Toronto refuse to prepare an orthodox woman because she is having an Eco Burial, but in the USA Eco Burials are allowed for Orthodox Jews and the Chevra Kadisha Org. will prepare Jews. It looks like Blackmail by the Society in Toronto re: Jewish Cemetery or no involvement by the Chevra Kadisha Society who claim to be Chessed. Blackmail is not Chessed.
A. An Eco-friendly burial, also called natural burial or green burial emphasizes simplicity and sustainability. In a typical green burial, the body is not cremated, prepared with chemicals, or buried in a concrete vault.
The un-embalmed remains are wrapped in a shroud made of natural, biodegradable fibers and then buried directly in the grave.
Alternatively, the shrouded remains can be placed into a casket or alternative form of container, where the casket or container is also made of sustainable and fully biodegradable materials.For green burial no outside grave liner or protective vault is used. The shrouded and/or casketed body is buried directly into the ground. (from GBSC.com).
I consulted with Mr. Mark Benjamin, director of Benjamin Memorial Chapel, Ms Dayan, administrator of Hebrew Basic Burial, and Ms Laura, funeral director of Steels Memorial Chapel, they all expressed that the common burial offered by their corresponding services coincides and concurs with the accepted definition of a green burial.
They explained that the 'Tachrichim' or shrouds they use are made from natural linen, silk or cotton and totally biodegradable.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if the burial follows Halacha in all details, it is permitted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/16/2022 10:27 PM |
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# 3741 Music to Our Ears
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Q. I visit residents at a religious Jewish Home for the Aged. A counselor there, hearing that I was an accomplished musician and hearing me play for the residents, encouraged me to come play for the residents during Hallel on Rosh Chodesh, telling me that the Home obtained a Heter from a Rav to do so.
I replied that I certainly respect that Rav, and I can see the therapeutic benefit of doing so. However, some time ago, after learning that a Cheirem was pronounced against playing the organ in Shul (over a century ago), I took upon myself the Chumra of never even bringing my instrument into the sanctuary of a Shul.
Is my insistence at not playing for these elderly in the Shul during davening in place, or is this an Atzas HaYeitzer and I should set aside my Chumra in this instance?
A. Instrumental music was historically an essential part of the services in the Beis Hamikdosh. Musical instruments also played traditionally a very important role in other areas of our Torah. They were used to enhance and beautify Semachos and prayers. They were also used by the Prophets to put them in the correct frame of mind to receive prophecy.
However, as you mentioned times have changed and it is different in our days. Some Poskim are more stringent (Chasam Sofer 6: 86 etc.).
Some Poskim permit playing instruments during a Bris Mila celebration in shul. (Yalkut Yosef - Mila 11:5, Sovea Smochos 2: 92.). Others allow also during a Hachnosas Sefer Torah, Simchas Beis Hashoeva and similar. (Minchas Reuben p. 215 and others - see also Melamed Lehoil 1: 16 - p. 46).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that for a good purpose such as benefiting the elderly in a religious Jewish Home for the Aged, could be permitted. But it should be controlled by a competent local Rov.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/16/2022 10:25 PM |
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# 3740 Right Pearly Whites
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Q. Is it permitted to use toothpaste or teeth whitening agents that contain glycerin?
A. Horav Tzvi Tsvi Heber Shlit'a (Director, Community Kosher - COR Kashruth Council of Canada), answered: "that Colgate, Crest and Sensodyne in Canada use vegetable glycerin.
Otherwise, some are machmir, (stringent), while others permit. The leniency is based on the idea that toothpaste is a non-edible which is made for tasting and not ingesting. There is no concern that he might come to swallow it unintentionally since it is not food and not made to swallow. If this shaila is l’maaseh (actual) then its keday (worthwhile) to ask Rabbi Miller."
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that as it seems to be from the available internet information, most glycerin available these days is from vegetable sources, one may indeed relay on this leniency as explained by Horav Heber.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/12/2022 5:43 PM |
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# 3739 Davening by the Kevarim of Tzadikim
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Q. See question above. Can one visit the Kevarim of Tzadikim then? How about on Shabbos?
A. On Erev Shabbos the answer is that it is permitted, however on Shabbos and Yom Tov it is not.
The Arizal (Shaar Hayichudim) argues that on Shabbos the Neshomos of the Tzadikim are not in contact with their earthly abode.
Mishmeres Sholom (5: 29), Nitei Gavriel (Avelus 83: 2) and others permit to visit Kever Avos (burial ground of forefathers) and Tzadikim to pray for someone who is in life danger, during Shabbos or Yom Tov.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/9/2022 10:57 PM |
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Important Numbers
