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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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#5728 – Big Little Nitel?
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- Bekavod HoRav. Many believe that the minhag not to learn on Nitel Nacht, and in the new year is just a Chasidic tradition is that true?
A. See question 5727 above. The חות יאיר in his sefer (ספר מקור חיים (או"ח קנ"ה, writes, not to learn on Nital night is the Minhag of the מהר"ל מפראג.. (About 180 years before the בעל שם טוב)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman Horav, Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 1/2/2026 1:21 PM |
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#5727 – The Kratzmach Kosher Drinks?
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- Q. Shalom. Dear Rabbeinu Shalit"a, Around this season, eggnog is sold and some products have a proper hechsher.
Would that be ok to buy and serve it at home, or not, as some might find it too affiliated with the current non-Jewish celebration? Thanks.
A. Wikipedia describes that eggnog historically is also known as a milk punch or an egg milk punch, when alcoholic beverages are added. It is a rich, chilled, sweetened, dairy-based beverage traditionally made with milk, cream, sugar, egg yolk and whipped egg white (which gives it a frothy texture, and its name). A distilled spirit such as brandy, rum, whiskey or bourbon is often a key ingredient.
Throughout North America and some European countries, eggnog is traditionally consumed over the Christmas season, from early November to late December. A variety called “ponche crema” has been made and consumed in the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Trinidad since the 1900s, also as part of the Christmas season. During that time, commercially prepared eggnog is sold in grocery stores in these countries.
However in our days they are consumed by all and don’t carry any religious connotations. Eggnog is served year round with Kosher certificate in many locations.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman Horav, Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
As an historical fact, many of our common alcohol drinks, wines and also non- alcoholic drinks, have followed that historical development and are eaten by many, when properly supervised.
Most of our Rabbis maintain, that eggnog, if offered all the year and has a proper Kashrut supervision, is permitted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman Horav, Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 1/2/2026 1:20 PM |
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#5726 – Tell All About Nitel!
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- Q. Dear Rov Shlit’a .Why do so many not keep the tradition of not learning on Nitel?
A. Many believe that the Minhag of not learning on Nital Night is only a Chasidishe Minhag for some. In reality Likely most Yeshivot and Batei Kneseth keep almost their usual daily routine.
The חות יאיר in his (ספר מקור חיים (או"ח קנ"ה maintains that not to learn on Nital night is the Minhag of the מהר"ל מפראג(About 180 years before the בעל שם טוב).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman Horav, Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 12/31/2025 4:14 PM |
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#5725 - Watch Out for That Watch!
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- Q. Due to a medical reason I am using an apple watch to detect falls and heart arrhythmia. This watch also counts steps and other activities. The watch does not have a Shabbat mode and I cannot shut down these activities over Shabbat. Can I still wear the watch on Shabbat?
A. In principle, it depends on how much the watch is really needed and if there is an actual possibility of Sakanat Nefashot (life danger) on this Shabbat, and the watch becoming a life saver.
A Rabbi that deals commonly with this Shailos and has medical experience should be consulted. However, in any doubt that a life is in real danger, even before an expert answers, one should place life saving as a first priority.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman Horav, Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 12/31/2025 3:51 PM |
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#5724 – Get That Story Straight?
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- Q. Where is Yoshke in our tradition?
A. There is a four-way most known מחלוקת in ראשונים if the Christian Yoshke is ever mentioned in בבלי Talmud and who he was. Some opinions are:
1) Yoshke was the Talmid of ר' יהושע בן פרחיה
2) There are twoישו הנוצרי in Chazal.Yoshke was not the Talmid of ר'יהושע בן פרחיה
3) There is no mention of Yoshke in Chazal at all.
4) The ones mentioned in Chazal were different משיחי שקר
5) He was the Mamzer בן סטדא - בן פנדירא
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman Horav, Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 12/31/2025 3:43 PM |
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#5723 – Really! the Salt of the Earth?
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- - Q. See questions above. How about spreading salt on the ice of the entrance to the Shul or Home?
A. On question 2073 we wrote:
Q. Can one scatter salt or sand on the snow during Shabbos to prevent people from falling?
A. Poskim permit scattering salt and even sand on snow or ice, since the salt melts and there is no intention for the sand to stay, but rather to be washed out with the later defrosting and rain. Therefore there is no prohibition of boneh or building. Mishna Berura (313: 55, 320: 14). Shemiras Shabbos K. (25: n.49).
In regards to placing it on the street to prevent accidents, where there is no eruv. Shemiras Shabbos K. (25: 9) permits if it is not a Biblical reshus horabim.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman Horav, Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 12/31/2025 3:33 PM |
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#5722 – Icy Shailah?
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- Q. See question above. Thank you Rov for the answers. Can one use also a metal scrapper to break the ice on Shabbat?
A. On question 393 regarding chopping ice on Shabbos. On using a metal scrapper to break ice on a path or steps, we wrote:
“Mishna Berura (320: 36) quotes Mogen Avrohom’s opinion that there is a difference between breaking ice collected on a vessel, which the Shulchan Aruch (ibid. 10) permits and chopping ice that is attached to the ground, where it may be considered building or demolishing.
However Mishna Berura mentions that many Poskim disagree and rules that in need the ice can be broken.” Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a, therefore, permits also the use of the icicles.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman Horav, Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 12/31/2025 3:24 PM |
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#5721 - - Shabbath Shovel Shovelful
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- Q. Is one allowed to clean the entrance and path to it from the street to his house or the Shul during Shabbath if the snow fell then?
A. On question 4155 we wrote:
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 is one 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?
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.
Therefore, one is allowed to shovel a path during Shabbos when in need.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman Horav, Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 12/31/2025 3:19 PM |
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#5720 – Follow Now the Snow Show
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- Q. Dear Rabbi.
If someone wants to impress his southern visiting guest, can one use the snow on Shabbat for drinking purposes, as to cool the drinks?
A. On question 4112 we wrote:
“Dear Rabbi, this question may seem strange, but it is actually needed. At the Shabbath kiddush in shul we have young families with children attending. Many of them like during the deep freeze days to go outside and brake icicles hanging from the low roof in the backyard and then use them to mix their drinks or cool them. Is that permitted?
As mentioned above and also on question 2069 regarding if snow muktza in Shabbos 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’ (created during Shabbos) 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.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman Horav, Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 12/31/2025 3:11 PM |
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#5719 - Real Fast Talk
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Dear Moreinu Shlit'a
My father Shlit'a is already aged and does not usually fast, besides on Yom Kippur and Tisha Beav. He heard on Shiur that the Taanit Of Assarah Beteveth is more stringent and indeed he wants to try to fast as much as possible. Is indeed Assarah Beteveth more important that the other Day Fast Days? Why?
A. On question 1973 we wrote:
Q. If someone undergoes periodical medical treatment and when it occurs on a regular taanis he was given a heter not to fast, exempting Yom Kippur and Tisha Beav, when he was told to postpone the treatment to another day. I was told that Assarah Beteveth is more stringent than a regular taanis is that true? Should one better postpone?
A. On question 1566 regarding being machmir to fast on Asarah Beteveth more than another Taanith and therefore, even someone who because of age and weakness does not fast besides Yom Kipur and Tishaa Beav, should fast on Asarah Beteveth, we wrote: “Beis Yosef (O.H. 550) quotes Avudraham’s opinion that if Asarah Beteves was to occur on Shabbos we would fast on that day, since it is similar to Yom Kippur in which the pasuk mentions “beetzem hayom haze” (Yechezkel 24).
Toras Chaim (550: 4), wonders why Bais Yosef would mention the above detail since it does not have a practical difference, as this fast day cannot according to our luach coincide with Shabbos. He explains that it may be for the purpose of being more stringent on this taanis than others and other prohibitions, such as washing also apply. He mentions that his own father, the Machane Chaim, on the end of his life, when he was very weak and was not supposed to fast, he forced himself to do so on Asarah Beteves.
Biur Halocho (551: 1) mentions that some maintain in Asarah Beteveth the stringency of the Nine Days.
Bnei Isoschor (Teves14) explains that this fast day marks the very beginning of the churban and all the days of avelus that we maintain, and is therefore more severe and strict.
However, in practice many Poskim maintain that one does not have to be more rigorous than in other fast days (Shulchan Aruch and Mishna Berura 550:1, Maharam Mibrisk 3: 29, Nitei Gavriel Chanuka 60: 3 et. al.)
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.”
In this particular case, the Rov’s opinion is also that one should treat Assarah Beteveth like the other day taanesim.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 12/30/2025 3:50 PM |
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#5718 – Avow the Snow Chow?
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- Q. Dear Rabbi. Following the above question, if indeed he has to recite a bracha before eating that snow, will he have to recite also the Bracha Acharona (after food blessing) when he reaches the end of his street walking? Any special conditions?
A. If he ate or drank the right amount needed, he should also recite the Bracha Acharona.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman Horav, Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 12/26/2025 12:35 PM |
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#5717- Watch Out When You Open Your Mouth!
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- Q. Dear Rabbi. I have friends form Panama that visit me often during the winter. Their kids are amazed, at the snowfall that for them is really unusual.
An eight year old was wondering if he opens his mouth while walking in the street and catches some snow flakes in his mouth, which he says he much enjoys, does he have to make a Bracha?
A. Shulchan Aruch (204:7) rules that only if one drinks water for one's thirst does one make a bracha. The source is found in Gemara Brochos 44a and Rambam (Brachot 8:1). Biur Halacha 204:7 s.v. HaShoteh, writes that drinking water in order to assist digestion is equivalent to drinking for thirst.
The Bracha Acharona on water also depends on whether one is thirsty or not as rules the Shulchan Aruch 204:7.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if he enjoys the snow flakes he should recite a bracha as he would when drinking water.
See next question
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman Horav, Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 12/26/2025 12:00 PM |
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#5716 - Remains To Be Seen
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- Q. Kevod Horav Shlit”a. As the Rov knows I give a daily Halacha shiur in our shul, and I thank you for answering the many shailos that I have sent you and to consult with Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a. Thank you so much.
We have quite a bit of unused or half burned wicks and leftover oil now from this ended Chanuka and I wonder why is our minhag not to keep the remains for next year?
A. On a similar question 1565 we wrote:
“Q. Why is it that we burn the leftover oil, half burned wicks and candles from Chanuka, but we don’t do so for the remains of Shabbath or Yom Tov candles?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a pointed to Tosafos Shabbos (44a) who asks this very question and as explained in Kehilas Yaakov (18) it is mainly due to the fact that the lights of Shabbos are for the purpose of one’s private use, and would expect to use any leftovers. therefore our sages did not impose a Issur Hana’ah or benefit prohibition on them.
Chanuka lights however are mainly lit for pirsumei nissa , or for publicizing the great miracle occurred, not for one’s use and one cannot derive any benefit from the remains, therefore, whatever is left is burned. (See Tosafos Harosh ibid. for two similar answers)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman Horav, Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 12/24/2025 10:09 PM |
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#5715 – Watch Those Kids!
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- Q. Dear Rov Shlit’a. Baruch Hashem we have a large family with many children and grand children that visit us for the kindling of the Menorah on Chanuka.
Since many of the children are young and keep on playing close to the candles and as much as we try to prevent it, their racing sometimes turns off some of the many menorah lights we have.
Do we have to light again those menorahs? With a Bracha?
A.Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is not a necessity to light the candles again. Yet it is a "Hiddur Mitzva" or an enhancing of the beauty of the Menorah lightening Mitzva>
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman Horav, Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 12/19/2025 11:59 AM |
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#5714 – The "Daring" Dread of the Dreidl?
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- Q. Kvod Rabbenu Shlit’a is it permited to play a dreidl game and using candies instead of money? If permitted can youngsters play it on Shabbat?
A. Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a maintains it is permitted during weekdays but not during Shabbath.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman Horav, Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 12/19/2025 11:47 AM |
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#5713 On the Bondi Bond?
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- Q. Rabbenu Shlit’a, In our large family, we have a cousin that was injured with one of his children in the commotion of the terrorism attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney Australia. We usually make a large Chanuka party for our great family.
Does Rabbi Miller Shlit’a maintain that we should still do it this year? Can we do instead on Chanuka a memorial act? Is that permitted on Chanuka?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is better to dedicate a significant time to learn the Torah insights of Chanuka that give meaning to the persecution and salvation for the future embedded in the history and teachings of Chanuka.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman Horav, Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 12/19/2025 11:42 AM |
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#5712 – The Little Yom Kippur!
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- Q. Following my question above. I wonder, is not the day before every Rosh Chodesh named Yom Kippur Katan (“Mini Yom Kippur”) and is usually kept by many, including myself as a day of introspection and repentance for any wrongdoings during the past month?
A. Indeed Yom Kippur Katan (יום כיפור קטן) or the “Minor Day of Atonement", is a practice observed by some on the day preceding each Rosh Chodesh. The observance consists for some of fasting and supplication, but is much less rigorous than that of the real Yom Kippur.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman Horav, Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 12/19/2025 11:39 AM |
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#5711 - Still on the Fifth Day of Chanuka!
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- Q. Why is the night of the fifth of Chanuka so special for many of our neighbors?
A. Every night (and day) of Chanukah is a time of joy and celebration, but the fifth night holds a special place in many traditions, including Chabad. On this night, the rebbes would traditionally host family gatherings called “latke evenings.”1 It's also customary to give additional Chanukah gelt, more than on other nights.
The fifth night marks the first time more candles are lit than are left unlit, symbolizing a tipping point in bringing light into the world.
This concept ties into a famous Talmudic debate between the School of Hillel and the School of Shammai. According to the School of Hillel, we should light one candle the first night and then add a candle each night (and this is the halachah that we follow). According to the School of Shammai, we light eight candles the first night and decrease by one candle each night.
The Rebbe explains that the Schools of Hillel and Shammai differ in their approaches to how we transform the darkness outside with the spiritual light of Chanukah.
The School of Shammai focuses on battling darkness. Thus, they advocate for a giant burst of light at the very start. Once that breakthrough occurs, subsequent battles require less intensity, and they decrease their candles accordingly.
The School of Hillel, however, prefers to increase goodness and allow evil to wither away on its own. They advocate consistently adding light, eventually influencing adversaries to willingly join the forces of light.
The fifth night is the first time when those following Hillel’s approach would have kindled more candles than their counterparts from Shammai’s House. This symbolizes the shift towards illuminating the entire darkness.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman Horav, Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 12/18/2025 8:46 PM |
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#5710 - The Fifth Day of Chanuka!
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- Q. Dear Rabbi Shlit’a. I often attend your shiurim and I also much appreciate the openness of your questions and answers. My question now. In a shul I often attend they make a special kiddush on the day we light the fifth candle of Chanuka. What is so special about that day and for who does it apply?
A. Although every day of Chanuka is a special time of unique joy and festivity celebration, the fifth day of Chanuka has special meaning specially for the Chasidim of Chabad.
Yet truly, the fifth night holds a special place in many different traditions. On this night, the Rebbes would traditionally host family gatherings called “latke evenings. It's also customary to give additional Chanukah gelt, more than on other nights.
A reason behind the above is that the fifth night marks the first time most lights are lit of the customary eight, thus symbolizing a prominent and changing point in the essential bringing of light into the world, represented by the Yom Tov of Chanuka.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman Horav, Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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Posted 12/18/2025 8:40 PM |
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#5709 – Say Cheese! on Chanuka?
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- Q. See question above. I also heard that there is a tradition to eat on Chanuka cheese, why?
A. The Book of Yehudit. (A Sefer not considered part of the 24 Books of our Bible, as also the Book of Maccabees containing the Hanukah story— both include Yehudit—the daughter of Yohanan the Kohen Gadol, and brother therefore of Matityahu in our Al HaNisim prayer on the holiday—a daring and beautiful widow, who is upset with her Jewish countrymen for not trusting G-d to deliver them from their foreign conquerors.
She goes with her loyal maid to the camp of the enemy General Holofernes, to whom she slowly ingratiates herself, promising him information on the Israelites. Gaining his trust, she is allowed access to his tent one night and feeds him salty cheese.
To quench his thirst she plies him with wine, and as he lies in a drunken stupor, she decapitates him, then takes his head back to her fearful countrymen. The Assyrians, having lost their leader, disperse, and Israel is saved.
So in her merit, we too may eat cheese.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman Horav, Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a)
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Posted 12/18/2025 8:34 PM |
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Important Numbers
