1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
|
|
|
|
|
# 3791 Ethical Machine?
|
|
|
Q. See questions above regarding the use of new computer programs, artificial intelligence and digital libraries as a help for learning Torah.
Can one use such a program to give him Mussar and ethical spiritual discourses and awakening talks, giving concrete instructions on how to live a meaningful and ethical life?
A. It is likely questionable that one would listen to a machine's reprove; reprimand; censure or reproach on bad conduct and admonishing one to conquer his Evil Inclination, overcome their particular moral challenges or to serve Hashem wholeheartedly. Likely, it would not be very effective.
However, one may program the computer to quote as necessary parts of the actual speeches and Musar lectures given by the Gedolei Hamusar.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 7/14/2022 10:33 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 3790 Intelligent Friend?
|
|
|
Q. See questions above regarding the use of new computer programs, artificial intelligence and digital libraries as a help for learning Torah. Can one use such a program to be a Chavrusa or learning company and learn with it, when traveling or alone at home?
A. In our recent times proactive cognitive artificial intelligence products have been developed that initiate conversation to help seniors stay in touch with family or loved ones, engage in healthy behaviors — including nudges to take medication — and stay connected with the outside world.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that although a human Chaverusa is certainly preferred, when not available, if a program like that is available, and it would help one to learn Torah better and more constant, one can use it.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 7/14/2022 10:30 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 3789 Spin Machine?
|
|
|
Q. See question above regarding the use of new computer programs and digital libraries as a help for learning Torah.
2) Can you use the computer program above to question it on Halacha and what a person should do on a specific cases? What is permitted and what is not?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one cannot consult directly any computer program or any artificial intelligence system to decide what the Halacha is in a specific case or question as deciding Halacha is a human undertaking given to Poskim and qualified Rabbonim.
However, the above, may consult from the program sources and information pertaining the shaila they are dealing with, yet the decision should be done by a qualified and competent Posek or Rabbi and not by a machine.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 7/14/2022 10:29 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 3788 Don't Lag, Log In
|
|
|
Q. Kevod Harav. A group of great Lomdei Torah, experts in modern Halacha questions and some skillful computer and information specialists, have been working together to develop different computer programs that can greatly help now and in the incoming future to all who learn Torah seriously.
We have a number of questions that we would appreciate Horav Miller and the other Rabbonim that work with you to address.
1) Is it permitted using a computer program while learning in a Beis Medresh, to communicate and answer questions as to where Seforim and the topics you want to learn are to be found?
A. Computer programs of this kind have been available for many years now. Some contain 120,000 Judaic Seforim,and have been used practically by all. The novelty of this new program is that it can communicate verbally with the learner, while he is learning.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is permitted to consult the program as to what and where Seforim, Meforshim, Poskim, etc. say and for some even commendable and propitious to do so. since it is a great time saver.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 7/14/2022 10:27 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 3787 Quick Fast
|
|
|
Q. See question 3780 regarding fasting on Erev Shabbos Parshas Chukas. If one follows the vast majority of people who are not even aware of this particular mournful and tragic anniversary of the burning of so many Sefarim and original unique texts, and does not fast the whole day until Shabbos begins, should he at least fast a few hours in the morning if possible?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's shlit'a opinion is that it is commendable and propitious to do so. (Specifying that it is done 'Beli Neder')
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 7/14/2022 10:25 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 3786 Early Wedding?
|
|
|
Q. Is it better for one to get married before Shiva Assar Betamuz and then have some of the Sheva Brachot during the Three Weeks, or better wait until after Tisha Beav and do the wedding then?
A. Nitei Gavriel (Bein Hametzarim 1: 1) quotes a few opinions that one should avoid on the onset celebrating a nuptials when some of the Sheva Brachos will be during the Three Weeks.
Horav Shlomo Miller's shlit'a opinion is that it is better to do the Mitzva as soon as possible and not to delay it.
One may add that weddings performed on the first half of the lunar month are more propitious in our traditions, than the ones done at the second half of the month.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 7/14/2022 10:24 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 3785 City Veracity
|
|
|
Q. See question 3771 above regarding that a shul should be higher than the roofs of the city where people live. How do we define a "city" as far as this din is concerned, does it mean the whole city?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in our days when it is practically impossible to comply with this mitzva comparing to the whole city, one may at least comply by having the shul be higher that the rest of the houses in that particular block.
The Rov added that the above may be correct even for just the next neighboring houses.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 7/14/2022 10:22 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 3784 Lechaim to All
|
|
|
Q. One that is a guest in a house with small children and the father was away for Shabbat. The wife made Kiddush for all and then she poured some wine from her cup to small glasses for all the guest to partake. Is a man allowed to drink that wine?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it would have been preferred that the guest should have recited the Kiddush, however, it is permitted for him to drink the wine.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 7/14/2022 10:21 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 3783 Equal Rights?
|
|
|
Q. In our small early minyan we had a Shaila on the correct shape of a letter in the Sefer Torah,
It was a case that requires a child of about six or seven to recognize the letter. There was only available in the shul a girl that goes to Bais Yaakov and reads as well as any boy at that age. Was it proper in such a situation to ask that girl to read the letter
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in need it is permitted and acceptable. Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a suggested that the Sefer Torah should be taken to a table in the Ezras Noshim.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 7/14/2022 10:20 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 3782 A Bundle of Joy
|
|
|
Q. I was invited to a wedding, being acquainted with one of the parents of the bride. I do not know either the bride or the groom and I am also not the kind of person who is able to gladden the groom through dancing. Is there a problem of eating at the wedding having not participated in the gladdening of the groom?
A. Indeed Shulchan Aruch (E. H. 65: 1) rules that, “There is a mitzvah to rejoice with the Chosson and Kallah and to dance before them.” Poskim mention different ways to comply with this mitzvah. Beer Sheva (50), based upon the above source, writes that the main form of fulfilling this mitzva is by congratulating and complimenting the chosson and thereby enhancing his simcha (see Yaskil Avdi 8" 20:58, Divrei Torah 1:8).
2. Likewise, Harav Chaim Kanievsky Zt'L rules that in order to fulfill one’s obligation one must go over to the chosson and wish him “mazal tov” (oral ruling cited in the Sefer Yismach Lev 251).
3.Horav Elyashiv zt”l rules that if one comes to a wedding when the Chosson and Kallah are still in the “yichud room,” he may partake from the meal and even leave before the couple exits the “yichud room.” He explains that the mere fact that he came and was another person at the wedding gladdens the chosson and kallah. The chosson and kallah desire there to be a lot of people at their wedding and merely by attending the wedding he fulfills his obligation. (Sefer Yismach Lev ibid.)
4. The Shulchan Haezer (vol. 2 page 72) writes that there are those who are not gifted in singing and dancing and are unable to gladden the chosson and kallah in the classical ways. They, therefore, can give gifts that would give simcha to the chosson and kallah.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 7/14/2022 10:18 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 3781 Address the Stress
|
|
|
Q. See questions above regarding Ner Tamid . If there is a general blackout in town, does the Gabai in charge, have to go to the shul and light a candle for Ner Tamid?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that since Ner Tomid is in principle not an obligation, he should go if he is able to do so without excessive stress.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 7/10/2022 5:31 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 3780 Fast and Furious
|
|
|
Q. I have a tradition from my parents to fast on Erev Shabbos Parshas Chukas, even though we don't usually fast on Fridays. I usually fast the complete fast (Mashlim) until after Ma'ariv when I come back from Shul. Due to health issues we began this year making an early Shabbos, and daven Ma'ariv after Plag, not waiting until proper night begins. What should be done with the Ta'anis this Friday?
A. Not many are aware of this unusual Ta'anis and it is proper to explain. On question 2246-47 regarding the source for some fasting on Erev Shabbos Parshas Chukas and why would there be a fasting day on Erev Shabbos when we usually avoid it, we wrote: “Magen Avrohom (580: 9) and Mishna Berura (580: 16) quote the Tanya, that on Erev Shabbos Parshas Chukas, yechidim or some individuals accustom to fast. (Oz VeHadar Mishna Berura explains that it refers to the Arizal's teachings (Shaar HaKavannos of Rav Chaim Vital, Drushei Tikkun Chatzos 1 and Pri Eitz Chaim, Shaar Tikkun Chatzo 3).
The reason given, is that on that day (in the year 1242), twenty (or twenty four) wagons replete of Sefarim Gemaros. Talmudic literature including many works of the Baalei Tosafos and other priceless and irreplaceable manuscripts, (it predated the printing age), were burned in Paris by agents of the Church and King Louis IX.
Magen Avrohom adds that it is “worthwhile for every Jew to cry for the burning of the Torah.” He then proceeds to tell of a customary annual fast specifically for this purpose, on Erev Shabbos Parshas Chukas.
Additionally on year 5408 (Tach) – 1648, two great European communities were destroyed.
The cause that it was instituted on the day of the week (Erev Shabbos) rather than on the day of the month, as all other days of fasting are, is because it was spiritually revealed to them that they should fast then, by using the Targum translation on “Zos Chukas Hatorah”
Moed Lekol Chai (quoted by Nitei Gavriel – Bein Hamtzarim 1: 1: 3) mentions that on that Friday, as he remembers from his younger years in Izmir, people would refrain from leaving home and would try to arrange all that was needed for Shabbos on the prior Thursday. Even in his present day, he adds. people avoid traveling from city to city. He further quotes from Kisvei Hakodesh, the tradition to awake early and recite the Kina or lamentation of “Shaali Serufa Baesh.”
We may add to the above that the Targum on “Zos Chukas Hatorah” is “Do gezeras ora'yso” meaning, this is the gezera (decree) to the Torah. There seems to be a different version on the Targum adding a vav or “VeDo” on day “Vav” or the sixth day, Friday, became gezeras ora'yso (Shibolei Haleket 263).The Torah is foretelling the future tragedies that will occur, and we now mourn the great loss to the Torah that happened on that day.
There is no question that the burning of that collection of Seforim in Paris, at a time when every book was painstakingly written by hand and when many were original and irreplaceable, was a most terrible tragedy. It represented the destruction of generations of Jewish learning and work. It's estimated that the wagons held about 10,000 sefarim and manuscripts. For how many Sages and Baalei Tosafos, it represented the extinction of a life’s work!"
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that although you did not accept or kept this Ta'anis as a Neder or oath, it is proper to be Mattir Neder and perform prior to the fast day an act of Hattoras Nedorim or absolution of oaths and promises as printed in Sidurim.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 7/7/2022 10:44 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 3779 The Right Light
|
|
|
Q. See questions above. Can one use LED lights for Ner Tamid?
A. Ohel Yitzchok (4) permits using electrical light for Ner Tamid in Shul, since no specific requirement regarding this light is mentioned. Chelkas Yaakov (1: 154) mentions that it depends on the tradition of the shul. Mishpetei Uziel (O.H. 2: 23) is also lenient.
Yerushas Pleita (6) maintains that since it is in memory of the Menorah in the Beis Hamikdash, no electrical light should be used. Following the above, Kochabei Yitzchok (12) recommends to use olive oil.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that since Ner Tomid is not an obligation, one can use any kind of light including LED as it usual nowadays.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 7/7/2022 10:41 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 3778 Where is the Flare?
|
|
|
Q. Is there are recommended place to place the Ner Tamid in Shul?
A. Many of the Sefarim quoted above, mention that in a similar way to the Menorah of the Beis Hamikdash, it should placed in front and next to the Aron Hakodesh. However, most unusually, some place in the back.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 7/7/2022 10:39 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 3777 Enlightening the Light
|
|
|
Q. What is the Talmudic and Halachic source for having this tiny flickering light in the Shul above the Aron HaKodesh, called a Ner Tamid, and what does it symbolize, other than having one more thing in Shul with a plaque honouring the donor or the dearly departed in whose memory.
A. The Ner Tamid, also known as the eternal light, usually Hangs above the Aron Hakodesh in every synagogue. It is a symbol of Hashem's eternal and imminent presence in our congregations.
Medresh Hagodol (Tetzave), Medresh Chazis (2), Trumas Hadeshen (345) Mekor Chaim (150; 9), Binyan Tziyon (12), Kochabei Yitzchok (12), Yerushas Pleito (6), and others mention that it is in memory of the Menorah in the Beis Hamikdosh.
Sheloh (Torah Shebeksav) mentions that it is 'merumaz' or implied in the word 'Tamid' used in the Menorah of theTemple, signalling that it will last for all generations, even after the Churban Beis Hamikdash.
Maharam Shik (Y.D. 374) relates about a Rov that on the inauguration of his shul when he lighted for the first time the Ner Tamid, recited complete brocho: 'Lehadlik Ner Tamid.' however, the author disagrees.
Curiously, Mateh Aharon, presents a negative position regarding the Ner Tamid in a shul and maintains it seems to follow the ways of the Gentiles and should not be used.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 7/7/2022 10:38 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 3776 Magnitude of Gratitude
|
|
|
Q. If someone is a great swimmer and swims more than five or six hours (about 5 km. there and back) into the sea far from the shore, which is about the common maximum for regular good swimmers, does he have to say Hagomel when he returns?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that no Hagomel brocho should be recited.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 7/7/2022 10:36 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 3775 Daily Hagomel?
|
|
|
Q. See question above. How about if someone is a plane pilot, does he say Hagomel every day?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should not. He may recite at the end of his term, when he takes a vacation. It is better to have the above in mind when one recites Hagomel for other reasons.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 7/7/2022 10:35 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 3774 Long Time Coming Thanks
|
|
|
Q. See question above. How about if someone travels by boat from a town to another town, does he have to say Hagomel?
A. Mishna Berura (219: 1) maintains that when traveling by boat and arriving to a town where one will spend one or two days, Hagomel is not recited since one is still in the middle of the journey.
Betzel Hachochmo (1: 21) and Shevet Halevy (9: 45) are of the opinion that if one has reached the place of the purpose of his travel and he will stay there three days, Hagomel should be recited. the same applies, if one returns home and will stay three days before starting a new journey.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that thirty days have to pass in order to recite more than one Hagomel
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 7/7/2022 10:33 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 3773 Thanks So Far
|
|
|
Q. . How far does one have to travel in a boat (24 ft.) during the summer to have to say Hagomel when he returns?
A. Poskim disagree as how far should one travel on a sea to be required to recite Hagomel. Following the Sephardic tradition, Ohr Letzion (2: 4) maintains that if one travels on the regular depths of the sea to a distance where the shore cannot be seen anymore and it is over 72min.of travel on one direction, one may bless Hagomel.
The Ashkenazy tradition is to recite only if the travel was longer than a couple of days.
Minchas Yitzchok (4: 12), Betzel Hachochmo (1: 20), Kinyan Torah 1: 16) and others rule that crossing the English Channel (21 miles) does not require Hagomel.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 7/7/2022 10:32 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# 3772 Have a Head for Heights?
|
|
|
Q. See question above . Sometime ago we received the following shaila; Q. Would it be a correct action for our shul to rent out some of its roof space for the installation of a high communication antenna. Two benefits are involved. a) Increasing the height of the shul above all houses in the close area. b) A much needed income for our shul. Is that permitted?
A. Rema (O.H 150: 3) rules that if only one corner of the shul is higher that the other houses it suffices. Mishna Berura (150: 8) adds that when just a metal pole is added to one of the roof corners of the shul, it does not count as a part of the shul.
Similarly, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that as far as the antenna being considered as creating a higher building and structure for the shul, it likely is not, since it is not a functional or needed addition for the shul itself. However, as an income benefit it should be considered propitious. However, other details regarding the Kedusha of the roof of the shul should be addressed.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 7/7/2022 10:31 PM |
Tell a Friend
| Ask The Rabbi |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
Important Numbers
