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# 3725 Eyes on the Wines
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Q. Dear Rabbi.What is the source for putting some of the Havdallah wine on eyes and in pockets?
A. Remah (O.H. 296: 1) mentions that it is tradition to (slightly) wash one's eyes with the wine of Havdalah as it is considered 'Chivuv Mitzva" or an appreciation of the mitzva performed. However, on the Halachos of Kiddush (271: 10) Remah mentions that when one recites Kiddush, he should look into the cup of wine.
Mishna Berura (48) explains that it is curative for the eyes. Tur (269) quotes Rav Neturay Gaon saying hat even after Kiddush a bit of wine should be placed above the eyes. Nevertheless Kaf Hachaim (269: 6) and other Poskim maintain that during the Kiddush of Shabbos we abstain from doing so, as it may be seen as using medicine during Shabbos which in principle is not allowed.
Kitzur Shelah quotes the Arizal that when done after Havdalah one should say the verse: 'Mitzvas Hashem Boroh Meiras Einaim.' (Tehilim 19: 9 -The commandment of Hashem is clear, enlightening the eyes).
Some do so three times and also place some drops in their pockets as a good Siman and say "Siman Tov Umazal Tov Yichey Lanu Ulechol Yisrael' (Mishmeres Sholom, see Piskei Teshuvos 296: 7)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/2/2022 10:47 PM |
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# 3724 Milk It for All its Worth
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Q. In our Bet Midrash we learn the whole first night of Shavuos, then we daven with the Netz (sunrise) and after davening a Kiddush is offered and cheese danishes and cakes are served. Do we comply with the minhag of eating a milchik meal with just that Kiddush.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one does comply since after all, eating those danishes is considered as 'Kiddush Bemakom Seudah' and therefore it is a proper Kiddush followed by a meal.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/2/2022 10:36 PM |
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# 3723 Crying Over Spilled Milk
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Q. Can someone who is allergic to milk products comply with the tradition of eating a milk-meal on Shavuot, if that person cooks a Pareve food or warms some bread inside an oven used for milk foods? After all we consider such foods as 'Milchik' and avoid eating them with meat.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that the fact that food warmed in that oven it is treated out of caution as being 'milchik,' is not enough to comply with the tradition of consuming a milk-meal on Shavuos.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/2/2022 10:35 PM |
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# 3722 Amelim BaTorah
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Q. Dear Rov and colleague. As we already spoke on the phone, I was offered to give a Shiur on Shabbos afternoon to a large group of advanced Torah learners that meet there only on Shabbos and recently lost their Rabbi. They are very interested in learning the modern topics that I can deliver. Without my teaching the group may just dissolve.
I'm very interested and pleased to be able to teach that distinguished group. However, I have a problem. To reach the shul where this group convenes, I have to walk about forty minutes there and then again back. I'm Be'H not a young man anymore and I have to take care also of my own Shul. Since I also have some small heart issues, I consulted with my physician. He advised me that if I'm feeling well, the exercise is welcome. But I should take with me a heart rates indicator. There is an Eiruv, yet I usually avoid carrying when not essential.
My question to Horav Miller Shlit'a is, should I put all this effort in teaching this shiur? Is it advised or even permitted?
A. if the doctor permits and you feel up to it in each separate occasion, it is very advisable to go ahead and do it. The Rov added that the value, worth and reward for teaching Torah when it is difficult and challenging is most incredible, it is truly incomparable and completely well, well above the simple ordinary easy way we usually teach.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/2/2022 4:14 PM |
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# 3721 A Thank You Signal
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Q. While davening Pesukei Dezimra, I was approached by a dignified Meshulach collecting Tzedaka. I gave him a nice donation and he reciprocated by giving me a beautiful brocho. Could I answer amen then to his blessing?
A. On a similar question (2545) regarding a Gabai that goes around the shul with a pushka during Pesukei Dezimara (by Vaiborech Dovid) to collect Tzedaka for the shul. He often says Yasher Koach or thank you to the givers and he argues that it is not a Hefsek or interruption, since he is only responding to their giving, we wrote:
"Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 51: 5) rules that in the middle of the psalms of Pesukei Dezimra it is prohibited to greet someone deserving to be honored, but it is permitted to answer to that person, when he greeted us.
However, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that thanking for a donation received, is not considered to be a response to a salute. (The Rabbi should explain this Halacha in his teachings, so the people will not expect a thank you then).
The Rov added that the Gabai may attach a noticeable thank-you note to the pushka and point to it if necessary."
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that in our case it is enough to signal thanks with one's hand.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 5/31/2022 5:37 PM |
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# 3720 Amen to Clean Hands
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Q. If I hear someone make a brocho after I have exited the bathroom before I washed hands, can I answer Amen after just cleaning my hands by rubbing them against my clothing?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that you can. However, you must not only clean both sides of the hand but also the areas between the fingers. (It may just be faster, if the little available time permits, to pour some water on the hands).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 5/31/2022 4:56 PM |
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# 3719 A Blessing Wife
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Q. Hello Rabbi. I Because of my very sensitive health state I will be learning and davening alone this Shavuos at home. (And when someone stays awake the complete night, he should not recite certain brochos. He then usually asks another person who did sleep to recite them and be motze him). Can my wife be motzi me with the blessings of Elokay Neshomo and Hamaavir Sheino, when she usually does not recite them?
A. On similar question 2693 we wrote that; 'Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if she slept she can recite for him these brochos'. However as mentioned on question 2694, she cannot recite Birchas Hatorah for him.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 5/29/2022 6:01 PM |
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# 3718 Giving Plastic Flowers?
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Q. Kevod Harav. We always used in our Shul plant decorations for Shavuot. Some board members suggested to change to plastic ones not only for the monetary savings since they can be reused, but also because it keeps the place clean. Is that permitted?
A. One may argue that one may be downgrading the minhag, as one would when offering plastic flowers as a visiting gift.
However, as mentioned above, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that since decorating the shul with greenery is only a minhag and not a mitzva, it can be done for a benefit to the shul.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 5/29/2022 5:57 PM |
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# 3717 Planting Decorations
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Q. Before Shavuos can one place plant and leaf decorations on the Aron Hakodesh?
Will they then have to be disposed as mitzva objects like the Hoshanos and Lulabim?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it depends on the original traditions and conditions when the Aron Hakodesh was built or dedicated.
On question 1882 and 3185 we wrote: "Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 664: 8 and 21:1 and Shaarei Tzion ibid. 20) warn on not stepping on leftover mitzvos as leafs of Hoshanos or threads of tzitzis. Therefore Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that leftover S'chach and Arba'as Haminim should not be thrown into the common garbage bin, since they were used for a mitzva. Rather they should be disposed in paper bags with the rest of leaves and branches that will end up being buried in land fills. They may also be double wrapped or bagged and then disposed off in the regular garbage."
However, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that since decorating the shul with greenery is only a minhag and not a mitzva, the above restrictions do not apply."
The Rov added that the same would apply to the greenery decorations placed on the Aron Hakodesh, when permitted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 5/29/2022 5:54 PM |
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# 3716 Days of Separation?
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Q. For one that usually keeps the Minhag to abstain from marital relations during the 'Shloshes Yemei Hagbalah' (the historical Three Days of Separation prior to Shavuos), have relations this year on Shabbos Erev Yom Tov? (not the Tevila night).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that 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 5/29/2022 5:47 PM |
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# 3715 Eyes on the Snake
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Q. I met a snake on the sidewalk. Should I grant it the right-of-way, or should I dispatch it safely to death with my heel?
A. Common sense would indicate that it depends on the case and the type of snake. If it is a dangerous reptile that could harm others especially children, it should be disposed off. If it does not present any danger at all, it should just be shoveled to the side. (All not on Shabbos).
Zohar (Yisro p. 68) tells a story of R' Elozor and R' Chezkeya finding a snake on their path and R' Elozor stopped R' Chezkeya from killing unnecessarily the snake. Meforshim (ibid) debate whether that was only because it happened in the desert or if that snake was created for a specific needed purpose (See Kaf Hachaim and Maareches Hamishna Berura 2: p. 552)
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 5/29/2022 5:43 PM |
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# 3714 Torah for All
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Q. Dear Rabbi can our Women Torah Learning Group that meets almost every day for different Shiurim. also learn the night of Shavuot? We would like to join our husbands and children for the early Shavuot minyan. and then eat together the early Yom Tov meal. Should they also recite the Tikun of Leil Shavuot?
A. Poskim indeed permit women to learn Shavuos night. However, they may not recite theTikun Leil Shavuos. (Piskei Teshuvos 494: 4 quoting Rav Poalim).
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 5/27/2022 6:00 PM |
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# 3713 A Victory Day
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Q. Dear Rov Shlit'a is there a problem celebrating Victoria Day by going to a park and watching the fireworks, because of; 'Lo Telchu Bechukot Hagoyim,' (following the traditions of the nations)?
A. Victoria Day is not a religious holiday, as is amply recorded. It celebrates the birthday of Queen Victoria, who was the ruling monarch at the time of Canada's birth as a country in 1867. It's a day to celebrate all the wonderful things that make Canada the great country it is.
Therefore, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that there is no prohibition of 'Lo Telchu Bechukot Hagoyim,'
involved. (See also question 3329 regarding that it is also propitious to include the date in a shul or school Luach).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 5/23/2022 6:34 PM |
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# 3712 Knowledge on the Tree
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Q. Kvod Horav. As it happened to various of our neighbors after the severe storm last Shabbos some of our trees fell. One fallen tree was blocking the entry to our front yard and home, since we are surrounded by bushes.
We could not go to shul without pushing the blocking tree away and we did so by pushing it, all together with our backs, (we have B'H a large family). We did so understanding that doing it with our backs would be considered as 'Tiltul Min Hatza'ad' or an indirect way of handling it and we would not transgress on the prohibition on Muktzah.
However, we had later some concern that since the tree was still partially attached to the ground, maybe we transgressed on the prohibition of further cutting off the tree. Since after all that was not our intention (Dovor Sheino Miskaven) and it was not a certainty (P'sik Reisha), was that permitted?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in principle it seems you are correct, as you appear to have good knowledge of the Halachos of Shabbos, and you would be aware that it was not a P'sik Reisha.
One may add for permission the fact that it was also an act done by many
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Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 5/23/2022 6:33 PM |
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# 3711 Flawed Tefilas Geshem
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Q. Last Shabbat I was walking to Shul to learn a shiur and daven an early Mincha Gedola. Then the totally unexpected wildest storm struck and when I arrived in Shul I was totally soaked even my underclothes were wet. I was debating if I can stay, since I was already there, and daven Mincha early or maybe it would be better to return home and daven Mincha later?
A. As I answered you then, it would be better to go home and change, since davening in that condition may contradict a basic requirement of Tefila (Mishna Berura 91: 12) namely that one should dress when davening as is the custom is in that place to receive great and important people. (See questions 3624 - 25).
Besides, you may incur unwillingly in squeezing clothing on Shabbos and also damaging the Shul property.
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 5/23/2022 6:30 PM |
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# 3710 Who Are You, My Son?
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Q. As we spoke by phone, I was wondering if one of my children does not look at all like his siblings but rather is very similar to a neighbor. do I have to be concerned? Should I do a DNA testing on him?
A. Maharsham (3: 160) rules that similar looks do not prove at all parental relationship. He quotes a story told by Medresh Rabba (Vayetze) of a dark couple that gave birth to a white child. When the very surprised parents consulted Rebi, he said it was the result of the environment in their home. A similar ruling is to be found in Chassam Soffer (E.H. 1: 9).
See also Talmud (Berochos 20a) Rabi Yochanan would go and sit by the entrance to the Mikva. He said to himself: When Jewish women come up from their immersion [after their menstruation,] they should see me first so that they have beautiful children like me.
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 5/22/2022 6:07 PM |
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# 3709 Have to Get Married
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Q. I'm to be married B'H after Shavuos. Can I get my required marriage license during Sefira days?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that 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 5/20/2022 1:06 PM |
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# 3708 Light The Fires!
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Q. What is the source of people lighting bonfires on Lag Baomer?
A. Sefer Ranu LeYaakov (p. 214) mentions echoing Chassam Soffer, that the source for this very widespread tradition, is the pasuk "Eish Das Lamo' (Devarim 33: 2) that well describes the constant fiery fight and combat the Rabi Shimon Bar Yochai led against those who opposed the learning of Torah.
See also Lebush Yosef (p. 215), Ginas Reuben (p.13), Vezos LeYehuda (p. 229) and others that quote the minhag and offer other reasons. Many of them are based on the symbolic representation of fire to the learning and teaching of Torah, especially of the Nitzotzos or sparks of Kedusha inherent in the Zohar and Cabalah teachings that were released on that day
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Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 5/19/2022 4:26 PM |
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# 3707 Fit to Light the Candle?
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Q. We have a minhag in our shul that we make a seuda on Lag Baomer and we lite 33 candles, and we honored different people to light. Our shul has B'H grown a lot in the last years and the new board wants to sell the lightning of the candles for much needed income and to avoid conflict.
An elderly and venerable member has been honored for many years to light a candle, he complained that he has already an established right and it should be maintained. What is the Halacha?
A. Poskim deal with similar shailos regarding established aliyos during Yamim Noraim and different opinions are mentioned depending on a variety of factors.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in our case, the most simple solution that would avoid a likely Machlokes, is to light some more candles in a different table or location and to grant the venerable member his already established honor.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 5/19/2022 4:22 PM |
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# 3706 A Happy Yohrzait?
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Q. Kevod Harav. Why is the Yohrzait of Moshe Rabbenu, the Seventh of Adar considered a day of mourning and is kept as the day dedicated for the Chevra Kadisha, while Lag Baomer which is the day we commemorate the Yohrzait of Rabi Shimon Bar Yochai is a day of great joy and Simcha?
A. The reason is likely to the Talmud (Temurah 16a) teaching that Rav Yehuda said in the name of Shmuel: Three thousand Halochos were forgotten during the days of mourning for Moshe Rabbenu. Yet the day when Rabi Shimon Bar Yochai passed away is described by Shaar HaKavonos by Rabbi Chaim Vital and others, as Yom Simchoso, since he gave on that day the greatest spiritual light to the world with the revelation of many of the Zohar secrets.
That turned it into a Yom Hillula, a day of celebration, and bonfires and lights are lit to symbolize the impact of his teachings
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a agrees to this reason.
Other reasons are mentioned including the fact that Moshe Rabenu passed away when he was in distress, as he so much desired to enter the Land of Yisrael and was denied.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
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Posted 5/19/2022 4:17 PM |
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Important Numbers
