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# 3691 Process the Bless
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Hello Rav, If I start to make a Borei Peri Ha'adama on a cucumber and I've said everything except the ending "Borei Peri Hadama", then realize I've already said that bracha and that cucumber is already covered, can I quickly take another food type (e.g. a cracker) and finish the bracha with that food's bracha (eg. "borei minei mezonot"). If I don't then I've said a Bracha Levalatala, so what is the best option?
Any difference for Sephardim?
Thanks
A. On similar question 3621 regarding what to do when you are in the middle of a bracha and realize you've already said it or you need say a different bracha than the one you originally had in mind to say. For example, when one going to drink some Coke drink said "Baruch Attah Hashem", but then realized that one already said a Shehakol that covered it.
We answered:
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit'a opinion is that the best choice in this difficult situation is to end the bracha of Shehakol and eat a very small piece of the chips (that were present there).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 5/12/2022 11:58 PM |
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# 3690 The Impending Future
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Q. Why are Gog and Magog only mentioned in the prophecies of Y'chezk'el HaNovi?
A. A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that since Novi Yechezkel was given most of his prophecies of transcendence outside of Eretz Yisroel (Moed Kotton 25a - Rashi Yechezkel 1: 3), he was also gifted with the ones concerning the Geula.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 5/8/2022 5:46 PM |
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# 3689 You Must Be Kidding!
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Q. See question above. Thanks for the answer. Is it also true what I heard that there is a Segula (protection or charm) for healing to stand during the days from Pesach to Shavuos, outside when it rains and have the rain fall on you? Could that really be true?
A. Surprisingly, in Imrei Pinchas (305) Rav Pinchas of Koritz zt'l mentions that there in no better Refuah even for diseases that have no cure, than to stand on those days with a slightly uncovered head and let the rain fall on it, while also opening one's mouth to let the rain drops go straight in (some say to the right side of the mouth).
The above is also quoted by Seggulos Yisroel (Gimel; 34).
Nitei Gavriel (Pesach 3: 42: 6, 7) mentions that the Pappa Rebe zt'l related how his father the Vayaged Yaakov followed the above and indeed was healed.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 5/5/2022 10:55 PM |
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#3688 A Time to Heal
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Q. Lekvod Horav. This is for someone that needs a delicate medical operation. It is usually assumed by some that the month of Iyar is propitious for Refuos and healing. Is that true? What is the source?
A. Chassam Soffer (Talmud Shabbos 147b) mentions that since Sh'muel teaches: 'All medicinal drinks are effective from Pesach to Shavuos', that time is indeed favorable for healing.
Seforim assert that a source is the name of the month itself since the Hebrew letters of this name of this month, א'0;יי'4;ר, are an anagram for the posuk (Shemos 15: 26) 'Ani Hashem Rofecha'. or “I am Hashem, your healer.”
Besides, the month of Iyar is also known as Chodesh Ziv or the month of radiance and health.
Ta’amei HaMinhagim quotes Bnei Yissaschar who maintains as the Rambam teaches that most weakness and illness come from foods which do not accord and harmonize with a person's nature or composition. Since the Mann began to fall during this month and it was a perfect food from which no sickness, pain or even waste matter resulted and even cured those who were ill – Hashem left the curative nature of the month in effect until our days. Accordingly, Iyar is indeed a time of healing.
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 5/5/2022 10:53 PM |
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# 3687 Thanks But No Thanks
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Q. See question above. Does one have to recite the brocho of Hagomel, if the wind was mainly facing the fire not at the house? Should it be said without Hashem's name?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one is not obliged to recite Hagomel since the fire was not facing the house. However, one may without any obligation say it without Hashem's name.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 5/5/2022 10:51 PM |
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# 3686 Every One and His Own Taste
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Q. On an extremely windy day our at a family dinner, the BBQ grill became totally enveloped on a terribly dangerous fire and the neighbors called the fire department. After the fire was B'H extinguished obviously the steaks were totally burned and inedible. Yet if one likes very well done meat, and he would eat and enjoy the inside of the thick meat pieces, does he make a brocho on it? Or do we say that since no one else would touch it, his mind becomes nullified and does not count. Therefore he should make a brocho on something else?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that he may recite a brocho on the meat if he enjoys it.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 5/5/2022 10:49 PM |
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# 3685 Make a Meal of It
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Q. I have a Minhag (although like all my other traditions are all done B'li Neder or without a pledge), to eat a seuda of bread on Rosh Chodesh. Due to unusual busy circumstances, I had only some Mezonos (cake) and mentioned in the Brocho Acharono, Rosh Chodesh. If it is difficult, do I still have to wash and eat a Seuda of bread?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if it difficult you don't have to eat a bread Seuda.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 5/5/2022 10:47 PM |
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# 3684 What Did Grandpa Say?
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Q. Our elderly grandfather although of sound mind can hardly speak. In truth only we his children actually understand what he is saying. Can he still count Sefira with a brocho since practically he does not speak anymore?
A. See question 782 and 3120 regarding someone counting for a chole (sick) who can’t speak, but is aware and just moves his lips, if he is yotze, we wrote: "Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 489: 1) rules that it is a mitzvah for each individual to count Sefiras Haomer for himself. Mishna Berura (ibid. 5) explains that although from the verse “Usfartem Lachem” (You shall count for yourselves) it would seem that Sefira is different from any other mitzvah of speech, such as Kidush or Havdala, where we uphold that listening to others is tantamount to saying oneself, (Shomea Keone) however, some Poskim opine that they are the same and after the fact you comply just by listening. In Biur Halocho (ibid.) quoting the Pri Megodim, he rules that even after the fact, it is better to repeat the Sefira by himself without a brocho."
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in our case since at least a few understand what he is saying, he can count with a brocho.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 5/5/2022 10:45 PM |
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# 3683 Women Do Count
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Q. A daily shiur is given by a woman for other women. At the end of the shiur they count Sefirah. Since some of the women are no counting with a bracha anymore, can the woman leading the shiur say the bracha for all?
A. On question 3165 regarding if it is proper for a group of women that meets every night for a short zoom shiur on Lashon Harah, and then they count Sefira at the end with a bracha, we wrote: "Mishna Berura (489: 3) writes that women are exempt from the mitzva of counting the Omer as it is time dependent. However he adds, that Magen Avrohom maintains that they have accepted this mitzva as an obligation, but mentions that it is not apparently the common tradition in our communities.
He further quotes Shulchan Shleima and others, that women should avoid reciting the brocho as it is likely they will forget counting and completing the mitzva. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that when reminded properly women can count with a brocho.
Minchas Chinuch (306) mentions From Zohar and the writings of the Arizal, that women should avoid counting at all.
On question 773 we mentioned: "However women who follow Ashkenazi traditions do recite brochos on mitzvos they are exempt (Rabenu Tam, Remah – Shulchan Aruch O.H. 587: 6.) Although, Pri Megadim maintains that this applies only to mitzvos were an action is involved as Lulav and Shofar and not verbal mitzvos like Sefira, many Poskim disagree.
It should also be noted that Ramban's (Kidushin 34) position is that Sefirat Haomer is not a time sensitive mitzvah since it is part and parcel of the Yom Tov of Shavuos or depends on Pesach. (See question 774)
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that women who desire to comply with this mitzvah and are steadfast in its constancy, can do so and with a brocho. (See similar opinions quoted from Horav Eliashuv zt'l in Hilchos Chag Bechag and Horav Ch. Kanievsky Shlit”a in Dole Umashke and Piskey Shemuos p. 16)
See question above about how in our days it is easy to be reminded by the cell phones etc. to do the counting. They would have to be reminded to count on Friday night also.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that when reminded properly they can count with a brocho."
In our case the Rov maintains that a woman can make a Brocho for others. (See Nitei Gavriel Pesach 3: 30: 18, that seems to disagree)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 5/5/2022 10:40 PM |
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#3682 Dress to Impress?
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Q. Dear Rabbi, as we talked on the phone I was granted a job interview for a much needed position. I sadly don't have a proper suit for attending that important interview. Can I acquire one during the Sefirah days?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in need you may wear a Shabbos suit for the interview.
See question 539 regarding a new suit for Shabbos during Sefirah.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 5/5/2022 10:37 PM |
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# 3681 First Count Counts
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Q. Rov, I was attending a Maariv minyan at an Avelim home and after Maariv they counted Sefira. For some reason one of the attendants incorrectly corrected the fellow fellow that counted, but he himself was wrong in the date and the attendants didn't pay attention, until later when most of them were gone. Did they have to be contacted to set them right?
A. Poskim rule that if one counted correctly the first time, even if he reversed himself immediately the first counting stands since it was correct. (See Shulchan Aruch 209: 2, Mishna Berura 46: 20, Nitei Gavriel 35: 11, and others).
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 5/2/2022 10:38 PM |
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# 3680 Today's Adornment
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Q. A new pendant for women became recently available. It is a watch that indicates the day of Sefirat Haomer. Can women carry it on Shabbat, where there is no Eruv?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if it is by itself a 'Tachshit' or a proper jewelry adornment 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 5/2/2022 12:05 PM |
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# 3679 Please Be My Guest
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Q. See question above. If someone is celebrating the Bar Mitzva as mentioned by keeping during that year the later period of mourning, can the guest that keep the first Minhag also dance to the sound of the music?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is similar to a wedding and the guest can indeed partake in the dancing and music of the Simcha.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/29/2022 12:14 PM |
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# 3678 Have a Happy Bar Mitzva
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Q. Someone that usually keeps the first of period of mourning (for Rabi Akiva's disciples) that begins on the second day of Pesach and ends at Lag Baomer, is making a Bar Mitzva for his son then. Can he celebrate by playing music and dancing?
Should he better on this particular year change to the Minhag that keeps Avelus from Rosh Chodesh Iyar onward, after the Bar Mitzva?
A. Chaim Shoal (1; 21) quoting Kaf Hachaim (551: 40), permits dancing and playing trumpets at a Bris Mila during Sefira.
Kovetz Halochos ((9: 8) mentions that in principle one can be lenient in playing music and dancing at a Bar Mitzva during Sefira, however, the Minhag is to be stringent.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that following the rulings of Igrois Moishe (O.H. 1: 159 and 2: 95) it is preferable to change one's tradition on this particular year and follow the latter Minhag.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/29/2022 12:09 PM |
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# 3677 Hearing Voices?
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Q. There is a totally new apparatus in the market to amplify the voice of those who have a very low one. It uses something similar to a blue tooth and amplifies one's low voice. If someone uses it, does he have to turn it off when he is counting Sefira, since as mentioned on a question above, unnatural voices such as the ones created by vibrators are not good for counting Sefira?
A. Horav Dovid Pam Shlit'a compared the above apparatus to one speaking in a microphone.
On question 482 we were asked: "Since we do not fulfill our obligation with a bracha recited over the telephone, why do people answer amen when the sheva brachot under the chupa or at the seuda are said over the microphone? Are the chatan and kalah yotze if they hear the bracha mainly from the loudspeakers?
To what we answered: As is mentioned in Talmud (Suka 51b) in regards to the flag signals of the well attended Great Synagogue of Alexandria, we do answer amen even when we did not hear at all the recited brocho, as long as we are aware which brocho is being recited. So rules Igrois Moishe (O.H. 4: 91: 4) in regards to answering amen for a blessing heard via telephone or loudspeaker.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that under the chupa, where there is a requirement to be yotze with the first two brochos of the Rov, even when the Rov who performs the ceremony is reciting the brochos using a microphone, since he is so close to the Chosson and Kallah and they could hear him clearly anyway, they comply with his blessings, as they do not need the loudspeakers at all."
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in our case one can comply with the mitzva of counting since that was after all his intention and the words did come out of his mouth.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/29/2022 12:05 PM |
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# 3676 Good Morning to Mourning
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Q. Rov I just don't understand the opinion of the many who maintain that the days of the mourning for the Talmidim of Rabi Akiva begin with the second day of Pesach and end at Lag Baomer, how and when can one mourn in Yom Tov?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in a way we do since we do not cut our hair on those days.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/29/2022 12:01 PM |
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# 3675 One Last Meal?
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Q. We often have our children and their families staying with us for Pesach and leaving the day after traveling home. Is it worth it to celebrate with them before they leave a seuda or special meal on Yisru Chag? Would that be a Seudas Mitzva?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 429: 1) writes that it is tradition to add a bit to the eating and drinking on Yisru Chag. It is considered as if one built the Mizbeach and sacrificed on it all Korbonos.
There are different reasons for this particular tradition. Chassam Sofer (ibid) explains that it commemorates the joy of the people who came to Yerushalaim and now after complying and enjoying so much the Yom Tov, were ready to return home. Torah Lishma (140) quotes Arizal that the Kedusha and holiness of Yom Tov is still felt on that day.
He also quotes Yerushalmi (Avoda Zarah 1: 1) that Yisru Chag is called 'Briah Demoado' or the child of Yom Tov (See Nitei Gavriel 22: 4).
Horav Dovid Pam's opinion is that since after all Shulchan Aruch mentions only to add a bit to the food one eats, if the visiting children are pressed to return home, as often is, it may be better to avoid.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is hat one should follow the traditions of one's family.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch
Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/29/2022 11:58 AM |
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# 3674 Counting First
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Q. On the above question, if that was the last minyan for Maariv, should one count Sefira first or daven Maariv by himself first?
A. Kovetz Halochos and others maintain that in such a case it is better to count Sefira first with the many of the minyan present (Rov Am) and avoiding to forget to count which is more common when one davens by himself.
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 4/29/2022 11:53 AM |
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# 3673 Do I Really Count?
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Q. Dear Rabbi I would like to know the following Shaila. I usually daven Maariv in a shul that has many Minyanim one after another. I daven after Tzeis (nightfall) and then count Sefirah.
If I came late and practically missed Maariv, but I can still count Sefirah with everyone. Since I'm going to stay anyway for the next Minyan, should I count Sefirah now before Maariv, since we say that a mitzva that becomes available should not be postponed, or should I daven first Maariv as usual and then count Sefirah?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that you should daven first Maariv and then count, since Maariv includes the Shema which is a Biblical mitzva as opposed to Sefirah and is also 'Todir' or more constant and usual and therefore takes precedence.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/29/2022 11:49 AM |
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# 3672 Not So Fast !
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Q. Someone in my family is getting married on the day after Pesach. (they keep the minhag of beginning the prohibitions of Sefira from Rosh Chodesh Iyar). Does the Chassan fast on Issru Chag?
A. Mishna Berura (429: 14, quoting Magen Avrohom. mentions the accepted general tradition of not fasting on any Issru Chag.
Poskim mention that that even a groom on the day prior to the Chupa does not fast specially on the month of Nissan.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/29/2022 11:41 AM |
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Important Numbers
