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# 3884 The Future is Here
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Q. On question 1828 the Rov quoted Baaley Mussar and others who argue that if the Ben Sore Umore is executed on account of what he will do in the future, and if this applies to future wrongdoings it surely should hold true for mitzvos to be done in the future, as long as there is a certainty that they will be so done. The above can make a tremendous difference on the judgment of the Yemei Hadin. The Rov also quoted Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion that even just three days may create such a chazaka.
If I'm starting to give a large Daf Shiur but only after Yom Tov, what can I do to have the above principle apply now to me and really tip the balance in this coming Yom Hadin?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is simple, all you have to do is start now preparing the Dafim you will teach in the future.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/15/2022 10:07 PM |
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# 3883 Blow Away that Moustache?
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Q. If a Baal Tokea has a very full beard and moustache, is there a problem if hairs intercept between his lips and the shofar.
A. Piskei Teshuvos (586: 11) quotes R'A Shlezinger zt'l (2: 382) that the hairs of the moustache are indeed a 'Hefsek' or separation between the lips and the Shofar and should be removed.
After the fact, when the blowing was done and some moustache hairs were separating, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one complied with the mitzva.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/11/2022 4:16 PM |
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#3882 The Matzav of the Matzeiva
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Q. Dear Rabbi, My father Matzeive in 50 years is beginning to slowly crumble, the weather, erosion and acidic rain is working. The quality of the tombstone on the beginning was not the best, I would like to change the existing concrete cover plate to marble one (no change on head stone with writing). Is there any restriction to uncover the place of resting for short period of time and do I have to make a new unveiling?
Or it is better to leave it as it is?
After that I have to do the same for my in-lows Matzeive - same problem. Thank you.
A. Erecting a Matzeiva is an obligation as we mentioned on question 2728. "Yaakov Avinu erected a monument on Rochel’s grave (Bereishis 35: 20). Mishna (Shekalim 2: 5) establishes that obligation and payment dues, to erect a tombstone as asserted by the Tur, Shulchan Aruch (Y. D. 348: 2) and Teshubas Horashbo (56). The Zohar, the Arizal and Sefer Chassidim (738) also place great importance and significance on the monument named Nefesh or soul.(See Gesher Hachaim, Kol Bo and others).
However, regarding the ceremony, Nitei Gavriel (Avelus 2: 67: 3) writes that “after researching all Seforim dealing with the traditions of communities, chevros kadishos, avelus and related topics, he could not find a source for the order of the ceremony of Hakomas Hamatzeiva.” He mentions, what is actually said and recited, depends on each community and the Sidurim and similar texts they use."
Therefore, you should properly fix the Matzeivos as needed. The existing concrete cover would likely be broken into pieces and those should be buried underneath or on the side of the new marble cover plate. There is no restriction to uncover the place of resting of your dear ones, for the short period of time needed for the repairs.
Although, as mentioned no ceremony is basically needed, you should dedicate some time for learning Torah and helping Torah institutions in the name of your dear ones.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/8/2022 10:34 PM |
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# 3881 Value the Glue
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Q. Can one use for supporting the Schach of a Suka wooden beams that have been glued together? Is that considered as 'Maamid' or providing support for the Schach using something that is not fit for being covering a Suka or maybe it just avoids the beams separating and by itself does not give support.
A. Shebet Halevi (137: 9) permits because the glue is usually not visible or is not used as S'chach for covering a Suka, which are the reasons of the 'Ma'amid' prohibition.
However, some Poskim are stringent. (Sefer Hasuka 1: 18: 21 quoting Horav Eliashuv Zt'l on Kovetz M'Beis Levi).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that additionally, if the glue is just holding the beams together and not providing direct support, it would anyway be permitted as nails also are in a similar situation.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/8/2022 10:31 PM |
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# 3880 By the Skin of your Teeth
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Q. See question above. Can one swallow the small pieces of skin that are next to the nails?
A. Rambam (Ma'acholos Assuros 4: 21) rules that human skin is the same as the flesh and is equally prohibited to be eaten. However, Rashbo (Responsa 365) leans to permit, unless it derives from a cadaver, which would render the skin prohibited in benefit.
Although the human flesh eating prohibition is Biblical, regarding skin Poskim disagree whether the prohibition is Biblical or only Rabbinical. (Ben Ish Chai - P. Emor 2: 5, Maadanei Hashulchan 34).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/8/2022 10:29 PM |
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# 3879 Go with Tooth and Nail
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Q. Is one allowed to swallow the nails that he cuts with his teeth?
A. Poskim disagree. Doleh Umashkeh (p. 145) quotes Ben Ish Chai that one should not tear his nails with his teeth, as he may actually swallow a piece and transgress on a Biblical prohibition. However he is lenient, but on the onset one should avoid doing it.
Kaf Hachaim (Y. D. 79: 11) adds concerns that one may eat also some of the skin itself (See next question) or that out of being accustomed, he may do it also on Shabbos.
Torah Lishmah (213) deals with nails that fell into a boiling cooking pot, if the food may also be prohibited due to the 'Ba'al Teshaktzu' prohibition or eating something disgusting. He mentions also that on the onset one should not eat the cooked food, since there is a 'Ruach Ra'ah' or spirit of impurity resting on cut nails.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/8/2022 10:28 PM |
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# 3878 Make a Name for Yourself
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Q. The custom to say a posuk with one's name at end of Shemonei Esrei, how is that done for example Avraham Yisroel, it is the first letter of the first name "A" and the last letter of "L" or last letter of "M"?
or 2 pesukim?
A. Question 3007 mentions: "I would like to start saying the pasuk after the amida that contain the first and last letter of my name. (psukim lesheimos anoshim – noshim), since my father used to say it also. The problem is that I can’t find in the list given, a posuk that fits my name. What should I do?"
To what we answered: "Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that you should choose from the list a posuk that begins with the first letter of your name, and follow with a second posuk that ends with the last letter of that name."
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/8/2022 10:26 PM |
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# 3877 A Point of Honor
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Q. Can one ask a Cohen seating close by in a Seuda to pass over some food or utensil? Would using a Cohen for that purpose constitute a violation of the mitzva of 'Vekidashto' to honor and show respect to a Cohen?
A. On question 2256 we wrote: "Poskim disagree if the mitzva of Vekidashto applies only to matters of Kedusha and holiness, as would seem from the words of the Talmud (Gittin 59b), 'Sanctify him for all matters of holiness,' or it extends to all occasions.
Maharsho (Nedarim 62a) depends the above on Rashi’s interpretation, that we are dealing even with items that do not have holiness, and the opinion of the Rosh and the Ran that maintain it applies to the distribution of the Lechem Happanim or similar.
Shita Mekubetzes (Nedarim ibid.) adds that the meaning of “Dabar Shebekedusha” refers to important and relevant matters, where honoring someone is significant and not to trivial acts, that don’t carry any esteem or recognition.
Tumim (15: 3) explains that the reason Poskim do not mention to give precedence and priority to a Cohen at judgment time, is because it is not a matter of holiness. Similarly, Pri Megodim (135: 1) writes that the serving of a Cohen first, refers to a Seudas Mitzva and not to a regular meal.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that when possible it is better to honor a Cohen in all occasions when the kavod is meaningful, since according to many this is a Biblical mitzva. One should do so especially if the Cohen can also be regarded as being a Talmid Chacham."
On our particular case Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if it is a Seudas Mitzva, when you are asking the Cohen to to pass over some food or utensil, you are asking him to perform a mitzva and 'Vekidashto' is actually being complied.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/8/2022 10:23 PM |
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# 3876 In a Fix?
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Q. When I stayed recently in an old cottage during Shabbos, a pipe of hot water split and started leaking heavily. There was no option to close the water intake (It was very rusty), or to summon a non - Jew.
Could one fix that pipe by covering the split with heavy self-adhesive plastic tape, without tearing it?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one cannot use self-adhesive plastic tape even when not tearing it, as it constitutes 'Tikun Mana' or fixing an utensil. However, one may wrap a plastic bag around the pipe and hold it in place by using rubber bands.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/8/2022 10:21 PM |
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# 3875 Shabbos Private Needs
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Q. Would it make a difference if that day coincides with Shabbath?
A. As mentioned on question above in principle one should avoid davening for personal needs during Shabbos and indeed therefore we don't recite Avinu Malkenu when Rosh Hashana coincides with Shabbos.
See Piskei Teshuvos (287: 1) that it is permitted when the request is recited as a blessing such as Mi Sheberach or Yokum Purkon. See Remoh 284: 7.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/8/2022 10:20 PM |
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# 3874 Pray Tell Me
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Q. Dear Rabbi. If someone has two options; To daven Yamim Noraim in a Shul that is more Halacha minded and serious, as most of the people who daven there are Torah learners or former Yeshiva students, and the davening are said in a solemn and sober. Or to attend a minyan were the people are more emotional and sentimental and often you hear crying as the attendants pray for their children, health. parnassah etc. all things that are to be decided during the Days of Judgment.
Since our Sages teach us that during those special days one should concentrate the prayers mainly on the success of the presence of the Shechina and the rebuilding of the Beth Hamikdash. which shul should one choose?
A. Mishna Berura (294: 2) quotes Magen Avrohom that Havdala on Motzei Shabbos is recited in the first of the intermediate brochos of Shemone Essreh, namely Chonen Hadaas, since one should not pray for personal needs expressed in the Tefila during Shabbos.
Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 288: 9-10) rules that one should not pray for any personal needs on Shabbos besides food needs, a city that was surrounded by enemies, a ship in danger, and even a persecuted or ill person whose life is in danger.
Kovetz Halochos (8: 8: p. 97) maintains that it is also not proper to pray during Rosh Hashono for private needs, rather one should place emphasis on spiritual needs.
However, traditions and Tefilos vary and in many shuln and Minyanim people, especially women do daven for their and their childrens personal needs.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one should daven for the needs of others and then include also his own needs.
On this particular shaila, one should choose to daven in the shul where he will have most Kavana.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/8/2022 10:18 PM |
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# 3873 Courting a Court
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Q. I have heard that there is an obligation to have a viable Beis Din in a town. How big does the community have to be for that obligation to take effect?
A. Indeed, there is an obligation to have a Beis Din in a Jewish town as Horav Eliashiv Zt'l and others point out (See Vayishma Moshe p. 373).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that there are many difficulties in establishing a correct Beis Din, as it is unusual to find and engage the instructed and reliable Talmidei Hachamim in our common cities and towns, especially outside of Eretz Yisroel. Therefore, one must rely on the well established Batei Din and recognized courts in some of the closest big cities.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/8/2022 10:48 AM |
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# 3872 Zooming the Blow
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Q. As I have told the Rov, I zoom almost daily a good friend who is in hospital talk to him and often learn Torah with him. Is there a point to blow the Shofar of Elul to make him feel better?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is correct if it makes him feel better and it is part of the most important mitzva of Bikur Cholim.
The Rov added that you should make clear to him that this zooming method cannot be used on Rosh Hashana itself, even when offered by some Jewish services at that hospital.
See question 3105 and 2325 regarding someone in a similar situation taking part of a family Pesach Seder on second day Yom Tov using a zoom monitor left on before 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 9/1/2022 10:52 PM |
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# 3871 Don't Blow the Blow
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Q. In our small shull the Baal Tokea who blows Shofar during Elul was missing one morning. Only another attendant new how to blow Shofar, but he was in the middle of saying the Shema. He actually did blow the Shofar then, was that correct?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is correct, since one may answer when reading the Shema a necessary question to him. However, he should read untill the end of a Parsha.
Kovetz Halochos (1: 19) maintains that even in the middle of the Amida one can do so, if he finds hard to concentrate when avoiding blowing the Shofar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/1/2022 10:50 PM |
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# 3870 A Fast Break?
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Q. One who does not wear Rabbenu Tam's Tefilin by mistake dropped his friend's Rabbenu Tam's Tefilin. Does he have to fast?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that he does, since those Tefilin carry the same name's of Hashem and Parshios, just in a different order.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/1/2022 10:47 PM |
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# 3869 Brand New Brand?
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Q. I was recently cleaning up the house and found two Pushka boxes that the label has come off and it is not discernible at all what the original Tzedaka was. What do I do with this money?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that you should count the money and give it to a proper Tzedaka of your choice. Then make a note of what occurred and the amounts involved. Iy'H when the day of Hashem's revelation to all comes, you will give those amounts to the proper receivers.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/1/2022 10:46 PM |
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# 3868 Melt Away Shailah
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Q. See question above. Can one use solid cream cheese for a coffee that will melt, when placed in Keli Shelishi?
A. As far as the Bishul prohibition is concerned regarding congealed fat, butter or margarine, Poskim disagree if they are considered a 'Davar Yovesh' (dry food) or not since when heated they will melt. Mishna Berura (318: 16) and other Poskim are lenient.
In our case, since as is we deal with a Keli Shlishi or coffee that has been poured in a third vessel, where Bishul does not usually apply according to most Poskim, it would be permitted. This can also be compared to placing an ice cube
in a drink, where it will melt.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/1/2022 10:44 PM |
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# 3867 A Dry Run
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Q. For the purpose of reheating an already cooked food in Shabbat, how dry does it have to be to be permitted? Are meat balls in their gravy permitted to warm? If yes, how much gravy can it have?
How about if when one began reheating there was little liquid but it increased considerably when warmed?
A. Mishna Berura (318: 32) mentions that as long as the liquid gravy or sauce has been removed from the item in question even if it is still moist enough to transfer wetness to something touching it, it is considered a 'Davar Yovesh.' (See also Igros Moshe O.H. 4: 74: 7)
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if when one began reheating there was little permitted liquid but it increased considerably when warmed, it is still permitted to reheat.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/1/2022 10:41 PM |
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# 3866 Dress for the Occasion
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Q. A Bachur in Shidduchim who has a smartphone with a filter, may he borrow his grandmothers flip phone for the first date to avoid giving a bad impression or is it forbidden to be dishonest?
A.. Rabbeinu Yehudah Hachosid (Sefer Hachasidim 507) rules that one should not conceal flaws from a potential marriage partner, to avoid engaging in a failing marriage. Mori Verbi HoRav Moshe Feinstein Zt'l maintains that just as the Torah (Vayikro 25: 14) prohibits misrepresenting merchandise in order to deceive potential consumers, one may not conceal information in a manner that misleads a potential marriage partner.
Yet, it is a common tradition and acceptable minhag for people seeking a Shidach to dress and be seen in attractive clothing and charismatic appearance.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it can be done 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 9/1/2022 10:39 PM |
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# 3865 Offer a Helping Hand Offer?
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Q. I saw a house for sale that has since been taken off the market but I was told by the agent that I could still make an offer. I happen to know that the current tenants don't want to move. Is there a problem with me making an offer? It's a very tight rental market so am I obligated to give them extra time to find a place when I make an offer?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that you are entitled to engage in your own needs and interests as Halacha dictates and is legally required. However, out of the Midas Hachessed and the quality of goodness inherent in our Torah, it is advisable that you should try to give them some extra time to find a place when possible.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 9/1/2022 10:37 PM |
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Important Numbers
