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# 3671 Talks to Hear Own Voice
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Q. Regarding question 3658 above, the Rov mentioned that for Sefirath Haomer counting with body signals and even with objects moved by brainwaves is not valid since actual sound waves are needed. How about then using electronic voice vibrators or medical handheld battery-operated devices about the size of a small electric razor that is a pressed against the skin under the mandible and produce speech?
A. On question 3050 regarding reading the Megilah as follows: "An elderly mute person that is ill and can’t come to shul. Until now someone read the Megilah for him reciting the bracha ‘Lishmoa mikra megilah, as women do, since he is unable to read it himself. I was wondering since he has an electronic voice maker that he places by his throat and can thus speak a few words that make sense. Can the normal bracha for men ‘al mikra megilah’ be recited for him?
We answered: "Indeed Shaagas Aryeh (6) rules that a mute is obliged on listening to the Megila. However Ridbaz (3: 867) maintains he is exempt as the blind are from the reading of the Torah. P’ri Megodim ( M’Z 285: 2) mentions that even according to the Ridbaz, he may be liable to hear the Megila as women do, and the brocho will be the same as them lishmoa mikra megila.
On question 1593 Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that since without the external artificial vibrations, the mute would not be able to create by his own any speech, the words that he can now articulate are not valid in Halacha. Therefore, he would still need to hear the speech-involving mitzvos from others, and comply by being Shomea Keoneh."
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in our case since he was determined to count and had Kavanah and intention to do so, it will create at least a Sofek (doubt) on the compliance of 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 4/26/2022 10:11 AM |
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#3670 Right from the Beginning
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Q. Can a Bar Mitzva boy that following family tradition puts on Tefilin thirty days before his Bar Mitzva and that falls in Chol Hamoed Pesach, put them on then without a brocho?
A. On a similar question (1033) as follows:. "Following our minhag my son should put on tefilin first time thirty days before his bar mitzvah and that would be on Sunday, the Isru Chag of Pesach. Due to the fact that the family will be together during Yom Tov, can he put on tefilin first time on Chol Hamoed (our minhag is to put on tefilin in Chol Hamoed without a brocha) and make a seuda then, when all the family is home? Should he make then sheheyanu on his new hat and the tefilin?"
We answered: "We find in many mitzvos, events and occasions that the beginnings are vital and crucial. From the Bereishis of Creation, the Rosh Hashono of every year, the “shono rishono” (first year)of a marriage and many others, whatever is built after, stands on the foundations of the commencement. As the well know maxim teaches “everything follows the beginnings”.
Therefore, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that this most important event of donning tefilin for the first time, should be done at a time when the mitzvah of tefilin is undisputed and can be said with a brocho, as opposed to your minhag during Chol Hamoed. See question # 918 on this forum in regards to reciting sheheyanu on new tefilin"
In your case it would be reasonable that he should begin donning Tefilun with a Brocho before Yom Tov begins.
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Posted 4/23/2022 11:06 PM |
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# 3659 Pesach's Last Day Kneidlach Emergency
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Q. This year when the last day of Pesach is Shabbos and eating Kneidlach on that day is a very important tradition in our family. Since we don't eat Gebrochts (Matza dipped in water or matza flour baked, as Kneidlach are), the whole Yom Tov and we have to cook them on Friday, do we have to invite someone that does eat Gebrochts then so we can cook them on Yom Tov for him?
A. On a similar question (1675) we wrote: "Poskim permit preparing the kneidlach on Erev Shabbos, the Seventh Day of Pesach, even for those who strictly refrain from having matza touch water or liquids during Pesach. Although, it cannot be eaten on that same day for them, many others are lenient and eat matza shruya all Pesach, and it would be fit for them.
This applies only if an Eiruv Tavshilin was done. (Machazik Brocho 467: 6, Haelef Lecha Shlomo 343, Mikroei Kodesh 2: 60, Nitei Gavriel 3: 19 et. al.)
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 4/21/2022 2:29 PM |
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# 3658 Count Codes Count?
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Q. Can an elderly and mute person count Sefira by blinking his eyes to signal how many days it is today?
Can a Paraplegic patient that can move his wheelchair using only his brainwaves, use those same waves to count Sefira by moving an object with his mind several times?
A. On question 785, 788 and 789 regarding twitting sefira, using sign language or counting with one's fingers, we wrote: "Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that although twitting is indeed similar to writing and if you maintain that writing is like speaking, you would comply with Sefira counting. (See question 785 that Poskim disagree).
However, you cannot use any sign language for Sefira counting, since for the purpose of this particular mitzvah that requires actual counting, it is not considered as verbal counting.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/21/2022 2:03 PM |
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# 3657 Where Are my Children?
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Q. Regarding a complete family with children that converted to Judaism, how does the father comply with the mitzva of 'Vehigadeta Levincha - telling the story of Pesach to his children? (When they convert Halacha rules that they cease being his children and they are considered being newborn). To whom should he now relate the Hagadah?
A. Since he has to remarry his wife immediately after the conversion, he can tell the story to her.
He may also do what people without children do, tell it to his guest as by Halacha standards his children are.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/21/2022 1:19 PM |
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# 3656 The Taste of Things Gone
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Q. This year we ended the Sedorim very late, almost at 5.00 AM. To keep awake can one drink coffee after eating the Afikomen.
Can one use mouthwash after eating the Afikomen?
Kovetz Halochos p. 458 maintains that although one can drink tea after eating the Afikomen, one should avoid coffee since the flavor is stronger.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is to permit coffee as needed. The Rov also permits the use of mouthwash since one does not swallow it.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised
by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu
Shlit'a
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Posted 4/20/2022 10:50 PM |
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# 3655 Weighing One's Options
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Q. If one is allowed to use a scale for weighing the Matza, does the scale require Tevila in the Mikva?
Some scales offered on line use only a hook or a clip to hold the piece of Matza or Maror, does that make a difference?
A. Tevilas Kelim (11: 77) rules that one should immerse the plates on which the food is placed without a brocho. If one places a tissue or napkin to separate the food from the plate, no Tevila is required.
Horav Aharon Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that no Tevila is required.
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Posted 4/20/2022 10:47 PM |
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# 3654 The Scale of Things
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Q. Is it permissible to keep a mechanical (non-digital) food scale next to the table on the Seder night to measure the appropriate amounts of Matzah and Maror for all those present?
A. Shulchan Aruch 306: 7 rules that our Sages forbade measuring or weighing anything on Shabbos or Yom Tov, for these acts resemble the weekday actions of merchants conducting business. However, one can generally do so for the purposes of a Mitzva (Shabbos 126b). For instance, one may measure a Mikveh on Shabbos in order to ascertain whether or not it is lacking water.
Poskim therefore write that it is permissible in need to weigh Matzo and Maror on Yom Tov or Shabbos (when the Seder night coincides with Shabbos). Chazon Ovadia- Shabbat, Volume 6, page 26 and others. The above applies only to a mechanical scale, not a digital one.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion as explained by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a is that all measurements and weighing should be done before Shabbos and 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 4/20/2022 10:46 PM |
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# 3653 Stands to Reason
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(See question 3652 above) Q. A housewife during the busy serving of the Sedder drank one of the four cups of wine while she was standing did she comply or does she have to drink another cup?
A. Although Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 472: 4) and other Poskim rule that women do not have to recline while drinking the four Kossos of wine, they maintain that they should be at least seating down while drinking them.
Mishna Berura (422: 28) quotes Shibulei Haleket that although Hallel is required to be recited usually while standing, during the Sedder night it is read while seating, since the night requires that we should behave in the ways of free people and released slaves.
Kovetz Halochos (21: 11) quotes Horav Shmuel Kamentzky's Shlit'a opinion that after the fact, if a woman drank a Kos while standing, she does not have to repeat.
However, Horav Dovid Pam's and Horav Aharon Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that she should drink another cup.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised
by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu
Shlit'a
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Posted 4/20/2022 10:45 PM |
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# 3652 Decline to Recline?
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Q. If a woman at the Sedder chooses to recline while eating Matza or drinking the four cups as mendo, can she do so?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 472: 4) and other Poskim rule that although women do not have to recline while drinking the four Kossos of wine or eating Matza, if they are considered women of importance they should do so.
Remah (ibid.) adds that even if they are of the essence and honorable the tradition for them is not to lean, since they rely on the opinion of the Rabiah that times have changed and no women recline at all in our days. Mishna Berura's opinion (12, 13) is similar.
Kovetz Halochos (21: 11) quotes Horav Shmuel Kamentzky's Shlit'a opinion that they are allowed to recline if they choose to. Horav Aharon 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 4/20/2022 4:00 PM |
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# 3651 Have A Gut'n Moed
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Q. This morning first day Chol Hamoed (Pesach) by mistake I davened for Shacharis the Yom Tov Shemone Ezrei. I was told that I have to repeat and say the weekday one and add Yaale Veyovo. I wonder why is that so? After all Chol Hamoed is also a part of Yom Tov as we explicitly repeatedly mention in Yaaleh Veyovo and Mussaf? Besides I have been in Chasidisshe shuln and they great each other with a Gut Yom Tov also in Chol Hamoed?
A. Mishna Berura (490: 5) indeed rules that Chol Hamoed is not called Yom Tov and that is why one has to repeat the Amida in such a case. He also mentions that one should not recite at the end of Birchas Hamazon the Horachamon dedicated to Yom Tov.
Although, in principle and in the meaning and symbolism of the day, Chol Hamoed may be seen as a part of the Yom Tov, in Halacha it is not.
(It isalso a fact that the common greeting that people use on Chol Hamoed is not 'Gut Yom Tov' but rather a 'Gut'n Moed'
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Posted 4/18/2022 9:56 PM |
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# 3650 Something to Lean On
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Q. If one is sitting in a regular chair that does not have armrests, how can then reclining be done at the Seder?
A. Horav Shlomo Millers Shlit'a opinion is that, if one can't recline on a neighboring chair, he may sit a bit sideways in his chair. so the back will be at an angle and he will be able to lean on his left side on it.
The Rov also permits to lean with his left hand on the table. (See similar ruling in Kovetz Halochos 21: 7)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/15/2022 1:24 PM |
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# 3649 Tzedaka Matza?
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Q. Due to the very high price of Matza this year some Tzedaka institutions offer subsidized Matza for the ones in need that can't afford them. If one was offered by a friend some leftovers that he bought at a special discount, can he accepted them or is that morally wrong? If he did accept them what should he now do?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is not correct to use Tzedaka subsidies when one does not need them. If he accepted the Matzos, he should try to compensate the institution for the difference in price.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/15/2022 1:22 PM |
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# 3648 It's In Our Hands
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Q. The reason given for the need of Urchatz or washing hands at the beginning of the Seder is to be able to eat the Karpas that are wet vegetables soaked in salt water, and thus require Netilat Yadaim (Shulchan Aruch O.H. 158: 4).
This is hard to understand since in our days we eat the potatoes and radishes etc. only with forks or spoons and since we don't touch them, there should not be a need for washing?
A. On question 941 we wrote: Although any food that you recite the Ha’adamah blessing on it and is not suitable for maror, is in principle fit for karpas use, the Arizal (Shaar Hakavonos – Pesach, drush 6) exhorts the use of the vegetable named Karpas, to maintain the importance and meaning of the minhagim instituted by our sages. (see also Kaf Hachaim 473: 49, Haggada Moadim Uzmanim p. 46.)
Rashi (Sukkah 39b) says that Karpas could be translated as cress (Artscroll translation) which is similar to parsley. However, he heard (from his rabbis) that Karpas is translated as Apio. Rashi seems to prefer the first interpretation. Yerushalmi (Shviis 9:1) and many Poskim (Mogen Avrohom 473: 4 et. al.) also mention the name “petrosilia,” (Petrishke or petrushil in Yidish) which is parsley (perejil in Spanish)
However, Chasam Sofer 132 quoting his teacher Rabbi Nosson Adler asserts that the Apio vegetable quoted by Rashi, is celery (corresponds to the modern Spanish translation.) An anecdote relates that the Chasam Sofer in year 5545 spent an early Pesach with his Rebbi in Vienna, that year the rivers and ground were still frozen. He paid an exorbitant price for some very hard to find greenhouse grown celery leafs. (Moriah. Shvat 5750: p. 227 – An acronym quoted in his name for Apio is E-l Poel Yeshuos Ato).
Machazit HaShekel (473:4) in name of medical books, and Beis Sheorim 213 concur that Karpas is celery. Halichos Shlomo writes that Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach when he was younger ate celery and in his later years had cucumber as Karpas.
Jastrow and modern Hebrew dictionaries translate Karpas as parsley, some mention also celery.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if indeed the parsley ur celery leafs were thoroughly cleaned, inspected and found insect free, one can use them for Karpas and recite Ha’adama"
Indeed if one uses radishes or potatoes as Karpas, likely he will use cutlery to soak them and eat them. However, celery or parsley can be soaked and eaten by hand, and thus requires Netilas Yodaim. (Some Poskim mention the use of scallions).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/15/2022 1:19 PM |
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# 3647 Accounting for Taste
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Q. For one that has the option, of eating oat Matzos or the regular wheat Matzos, and he likes the flavor of the oat matzos, can he eat them just as regular wheat Matzos?
A. Horav Shlomo Millers Shlit'a opinion is that for one who does not need to eat oat Matzos (due to health requirements), the wheat matzos are preferred.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/15/2022 1:14 PM |
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# 3646 Melted Matza
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Q. Have a Happy Yom Tov Rabbi. If my aged father has difficulty in eating Matza, and he has to make it soft by soaking it in water.
A. On question 3100 regarding a similar case we wrote: "The Rov added that if the Matza is to be dampened with water to make it softer and more digestible, it should maintain its Tzuras Hapas or its basic form and structure.” If it dissolved in the water and one is actually drinking the matza instead of eating it, one does not comply
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If one needs to drink some water while eating the Matza, the water should be taken when there is no Matza in the mouth, between the bites. See Arzei Halvanan (108) that this was indeed the costume of Horav Moshe Feinstein Zt'l in his old age.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/15/2022 1:11 PM |
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# 3645 Up to Date
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Q. What date should someone write on the sell of Chometz when it was done after the Shekia (sunset)?
Should one use the non Jewish date?
A. In principle the commonly used document for the sale of Chometz is just a letter nominating the Rabbi to be an agent to sell one's Chometz as described in it. Even without a date, it would be valid.
However, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that when the date written was before the actual date of the signing, or Sh'tar Mukdam, it is better.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/15/2022 1:09 PM |
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# 3644 Cut Out the Uncut?
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Q. Shalom, Can I bring a Jewish guest to a Pesach Seder if he never had a Bris?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is permitted specially if the purpose is Kiruv. However, he should not eat the Afikomen that represents the Korban Pesach since it was not eaten by the uncircumcised.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/15/2022 1:07 PM |
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# 3643 Call In Sick
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Q. See question above. Does one have to actually wait until one gets sick in order to consume medicine made of Kitniyos, or can one take it as a preventive means to avoid getting ill.
A. Horav Shlomo Millers Shlit'a opinion is that one should take it once the ill feelings begin.
Please double check if the pill you need can be obtained from other non Kitniyos sources.
See question 3122 on one who has to take pills during Pesach that contain Kitniyos, if one may preferably place his pill on a glass with water and then just swallow the pill with the water, and by lifting his head and ingesting it directly to his throat. We answered that it may not help at all.
When I consulted again the Rov Shlit'a and questioned why one should be stringent on preventive medical Kitniyos that have been totally changed from their original natural form and now even animals would not eat them. Therefore they should be permitted as many Poskim rule (See Piskei Teshuvos 442: 5), especially in this case when the likely symptoms are so severe, the Rov replied, that another Rov can rule to be lenient.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 4/15/2022 1:04 PM |
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# 3642 Know Your Beans
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Q. I'm sensitive to carbohydrates including sugar. One year, when I ate all the matzoh and drank all the Grapevine juice, I got so sick that I couldn't make it through the seder. I have since learned that I can dilute the grape juice and eat less matzoh but don't feel well afterwards.
There is a health product that I take during the year that is made of white kidney beans that neutralizes the reaction. It is gluten free made, in a vegetable based capsule with vegetarian magnesium stearate and silica, and those are the only ingredients. I know that as an Ashkenazi Jew, I am not supposed to eat kitniyos but I imagine that for health reasons it could be permitted, providing the other ingredients are okay. Is that correct and can I take this product over Pesach?
A. Mishna Berura (453: 7) permits eating Kitniyos for the ill (See also Chayye Adam (127: 7).
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 4/15/2022 1:01 PM |
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Important Numbers
