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# 3437 From Sea to Shining Sea
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Q. G-d willing, I am planning a trip to Toronto in the near future. Since I will be traveling over the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, (and will ostensibly see Lake Ontario while in Toronto), do I make a separate Brocho upon seeing each body of water?
A. Shulchan Aruch ( O.H. 228: 1) rules that on seeing a sea one recites 'Ose Maase Bereishis.' However, on seeing the 'Great Sea' one recites 'Ose Hayam Hagadol.' The Great Sea. He defines as the sea that one crosses when traveling to Eretz Yisroel or Egypt, namely the Mediterranean Sea.
Mishna Berura (2) debates and quotes opinions if the Yam Hagadol is indeed the Mediterranean Sea and is so named because of the importance of the Land of Israel, or as many Poskim maintain, it is the 'Yam Okianus' or what is named an 'Ocean,' is what carries the name of The Great Sea, since it covers in its connections the whole world. That would be the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans that also connect to the Mediterranean.
It would seem from Biur Halocho (ibid.), that it is better to recite 'Ose Maase Bereishis,' on all seas, since after the fact you comply with that blessing all possibilities.
Halichos Shlomo (H. Tefillah 23: 29) and Vezos Habrocho (p. 154) maintain that it is desirable, that when reciting the brocho on the Mediterranean Sea to say 'Ose Maase Bereishis,' and then add the words 'Ose Hayam Hagadol' Toch Kdei Dibbur or within 2-3 seconds.
Halichos Shlomo (H. Tefillah 23: 27) rules that If one said a brocho upon seeing one ocean and then sees another ocean, one should recite another bracha even if it's within 30 days. Therefore, it is preferable to have in mind when seeing the Mediterranean, and reciting 'Ose Maase Bereishis,' to have in mind the Atlantic and any other upcoming seas, since one knows that soon one will be gazing at them.
See next question
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/25/2021 10:02 PM |
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# 3436 Don't Ask Alexa
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Q. Can one use a computer that follows Alexa or Siri type of vocal instructions do melachot (prohibited works) on Shabbat, if it is programmed to only randomly follow up instructions 50% of the time? Since this scenario is definitely not a Pesik Reisha or a certainty that the Melacha will be done and is also done with a Shinui (in an unusual way), is it permitted?
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is not since it is a 'Dovor Hamiskaven' or an act done with intention, and that is not permitted even when not a Pesik Reisha.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/22/2021 4:01 PM |
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# 3435 Sorry for the Sorrow
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Q. Can someone observing Avelus during Shloshim (the first Thirty Days) attend during Shabbos a Sheva Brochos meal of a family member in a shul, to which he also contributed?
A. See Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 391: 2) that one should not attend a festive meal outside of his home even for a close relatives, while he is still during the first thirty days of mourning.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is advisable not to attend.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/19/2021 9:36 AM |
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# 3434 A Reflection on Sadness
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Q. See question above. Can an Avel during Shloshim (the thirty days after the beginning of mourning for a dear one) attend a Melave Malka (meal at the end of Shabbos), in which singing the Zemiros and happy chants of that particular meal if he is invited to say words of Torah?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is permitted if the Avel does not wash for bread or partakes in the meal offered.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/19/2021 9:33 AM |
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# 3433 A Gut'n Shabbos!
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Q. Can an Avel during Shiva who is used to invite a large group of guest on Friday night, while singing and enjoying great food, for the purpose of Kiruv and bringing people close to Judaism, continue to do so while he is in mourning?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is permitted and should actually do so. The reason being is that since he does so during every Shabbos and if he would discontinue now, it would appear as an open act of Avelus or mourning which is prohibited during Shabbos.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/19/2021 9:29 AM |
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# 3432 Very Last Payment?
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Q. Someone receives the benefits and compensation from a spouses life insurance policy. Does one have to give Maaser on those monies received? Can one discount the payments and other costs involved in acquiring and maintaining the policy?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that indeed one should give Maaser from those gains and one may also discount all expenditures involved.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/19/2021 9:24 AM |
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# 3431 Be Right On the Money
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Q. Is it correct for the Gabaim in charge of a Pushka or Tzedaka collection box place a sign on it that they don't accept pennies or Tzedaka Vouchers?
A. Although one may argue that the Gabai or Gabaim in charge of the collection boxes may be affecting negatively the total amount of the Tzedaka that could have been collected by not accepting the vouchers and that could be far more significant than not accepting pennies.
Pennies have been phased out of Canadian currency for cash transactions on February 2013, however they can still actually be deposited in a bank when rolled in rolls of 50 coins.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that since the Gabai or Gabaim are usually donating their time, they are entitled to qualify their given time and effort to conditions that are easier and more productive for the time donated, and one should try to comply to their conditions.
However, the Rov maintains that the vouchers or pennies deposited in the pushka are anyway considered Tzedaka.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/19/2021 9:21 AM |
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# 3430 A Glance on Stealing
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Q. A Shul from where books are taken outside the shul without permission and often not returned, can they place a sign that whoever takes out a sefer without the permission of the Gabaim transgresses the prohibition of stealing and his Torah learning is considered a 'Mitzva Haba'a Beavera' or a mitzva complied while doing a prohibited act and is invalid?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is indeed considered a 'Mitzva Haba'a Beavera' and one may not be complying at all with the mitzva of learning Torah when at the same time one is performing the prohibited act of using a stolen sefer. This ruling can also be included in the sign posted on the shul, that prohibits the taking out of sefarim from the shul.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/18/2021 10:30 PM |
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# 3429 Bowl Out?
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Q. Can I join a Jewish but not religious bowling team group, if I don't attend their nice party at the end of the season with DJ and cash prizes?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is better to avoid this type of company, even if they dress properly and behave correctly.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/18/2021 10:15 PM |
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# 3428 Minds on the Meeting
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Q. I am part of a recovery group that meets on Saturdays. I obviously cannot attend but they record the meeting. Would it be a problem to watch on another day, knowing that it was recorded on Shabbos? Kol Tuv.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if a Gentile recorded the meeting for himself, and you did not ask him to do so and was also not expecting to give it to you, it is permitted to watch after Shabbos
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/18/2021 10:06 PM |
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# 3427 Cut a Brake
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Q.Parents who live in a remote community gave birth to a healthy baby boy. There are only two Mohalim available. The first Mohel is not Shomer Shabbos but available to do the bris on the 8th day. The second mohel is Shomer Shabbos but is not available until the 9th day. Which one do they choose?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should make every effort and expenditure to import another Mohel who is a Shomer Shabbos and do the Bris. The Bris performed by one who does not keep mitzvos is invalid.
However, the father may instruct the non valid Mohel to prepare everything so only the cutting is needed and the father, if capable can do the cutting itself.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/15/2021 4:01 PM |
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# 3426 What Makes All the Difference?
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Q. If it was such a great and unique achievement for Avraham Avinu to keep mitzvos, how come that Rachel and Leah who grew on Lavan's house were able to do the same when they were so young?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it was the great Midos Tovos and exceptional good character they had, that made all the difference. (See other responses in 'That Is My Answer' on this Parsha).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/15/2021 3:40 PM |
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# 3425 Good as Gold?
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Q. I someone has teeth gold crowns should he avoid being chosen as a Baal Tokea during Rosh Hashana?
A. On question 2863, regarding women wearing gold jewelry on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, we wrote: "Ritva (Rosh Hashana 26b) writes that a “Taalis Mezucheves” or gold decorated taalis can be worn on Yom Kippur, since it is worn on the outside of the Kodesh Hakodoshim.
Hag’ R’ A’ Eiger (O.H. 610: 4) mentions that there are locations where the minhag is not to wear gold on Yom Kippur, to avoid, “Ein kategor na’aseh saneigor,” (or the accuser cannot become the defender – Rosh Hashana 26a). However, he adds that women are not included, since they did not partake in the golden eigel.
Mateh Efraim (609: 9) writes that out of fear for the Judgment Day, women should avoid wearing on Yom Kippur the jewelry they wear on Shabbos and Yom Tov. He also mentions to avoid wearing a gold or gilded, “atara” or crown on the taalis (610: 11).
Devar Meshulam (3: 125) deals with the baal tokea wearing gold jewelry during tekias shofar, that is considered by some like being inside the Kodesh Hakodashim.
Betzel Hachochma (6: 3) rules that one that wears always a golden watch, can wear it on Yom Kippur also. However, if he only dons it on Shabbos and Yom Tov, it should be avoided during Yom Kippur. He mentions as proof, the Talmud Yuma (37a) regarding the lots used on Yom Kippur, that Yehoshua ben Gamla fashioned of gold, and the people would mention him favorably.
Likewise, Rivavos Efraim (6: 323) rules leniently in the case of a gold watch, a gold chain and similar, since they do not have any relation to kapara or redemption.
The minhag is that women don’t remove their gold wedding rings during Yom Kippur.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion, as mentioned on the prior question, is to follow the minhagim and traditions of the congregation where one davens.
Horav Slomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that even according the ones that have the minhag that the Baal Tokea does not wear anything made of gold, it is unlikely that it would include a covered gold tooth.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 11/11/2021 2:52 PM |
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# 3424 Out of Condition?
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Q. See question above. What if when davening Maariv in shul, as often happens, the Shema is read fast and one may not be careful or able to pronounce all the words properly as is required at least on the onset. Can he then have in mind the condition mentioned above?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is unlikely that if the Shema is read fast, he would anyway comply since it is most probable that some words if not omitted were at least mispronounced, so he should anyway repeat the Shema later on at night.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 11/11/2021 12:02 PM |
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# 3423 Beyond Doubt
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Q. If one davens Maariv right after the Shekia, (sunset, at that time the arrival of night is still in doubt) can he make a T'nai (conditional statement) that he only wants to be yotze (comply) with Shema he is saying now, only if he forgets to read it later again when it is certainly night, otherwise he would prefer to be yotze later on when it is certainly night. Is that a correct condition to have in mind?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that no conditional statement is necessary since it is anyway the reality of the situation of the time after the Shekia that is considered doubtful night or day. Therefore, if it was indeed still day he would not comply and the repetition is essential. However, if that time is already night he will not have to repeat.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 11/11/2021 12:00 PM |
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# 3422 Is Someone Listening?
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Q. Since Y'kum Purkan was meant as a prayer to be recited by the Chazan, and according to our Minhag, when in Shul only the Chazan says it aloud, does one refrain from saying it if there is no Minyan?
A. Most Sidurim instruct that Yikum Purkan should not be said when there is no minyan present. Some maintain that then only the second one should be avoided or at least the words addressing the 'Kahalo Kadisho Hadein'(This Holy Congregation) should be omitted (Seder Tefilah p. 443).
A reason mentioned why it is not recited without a minyan is that when no minyan is present there is a lack of the proper presence of the Shechina to accept the Tefilos said and the Malachim (angels) also do not attend to the Aramaic language (Bonim Chavivim 359 and others).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 11/11/2021 11:31 AM |
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# 3421 Give Ta'am to the Ta'amim
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Q. Can the Hebrew portions of Kedusha in Uva L'Tziyon be recited without a Minyan? In the absence of a Minyan, must they be recited with the cantillation notes? (Ta'amim). Is this true also for women saying it at home (since we didn't know for sure, I taught my wife and daughters how to read it with cantillation notes)?
A. Zohar (Teruma 232: 2) Talmud and Rambam (8: 36) teach from the pasuk 'Venikdashti betoch Bnai Yisroel' that words that exalt and demand Kedusha should be recited when a minyan is present.
However, Remah (O.H. 132: 1) maintains that the Kedusha of Uva L'Tziyon is similar to the Kedusha of the brochos of Shema (Yotzer) and can be be recited without a minyan present when translated into Targum. Mishna Berura (ibid 1) quoting Taz maintains that if it is the translated version it should be read quietly, while the Lashon Hakodesh version should be recited aloud and preferably with a minyan. He maintains that although it is better to recite Uva Letzion with a minyan, if needed one can say it without.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a also opines that when no minyan is available, it is better to say it with the Ta'amim. However, he maintains that it is not necessary that women should also do so when saying it at home.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 11/11/2021 11:23 AM |
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# 3420 First to Order
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Q. Thank you for explaining to me that it's OK to be in the Tefillin for the daf in the morning. I was wondering, if I wake up late and I can either make the Zman (time) for davening of Magen Avraham, or attend our Daf Yomi shiur. Should I attend the Daf Yomi shiur and daven late following the Hagra Zman or is it better to daven on time?
A. Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a opinion is that in many shuls during Shabbos it is common to follow the zeman of the Gr'ah, Therefore, as long as you have read the Shema on time with tefilin, it is better to join the learning of the Daf and then continue with the rest of the Tefila before the end of the Hagra zeman.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 11/11/2021 11:16 AM |
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# 3419 Tzedaka Begins at Home
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Q. See question above. Can she give a portion of her Maaser money to her married sister, or to a sister in law? Can she accept maaser from them?
A. Tzedaka is to be given with priority to family members.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if they are in need, both are permitted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 11/11/2021 11:09 AM |
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# 3418 Like the Baby Sleep?
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Q. My married daughters are Kolel wives. Two questions: 1) When one shops with her infant child sleeping in the stroller, often she places food items in the stroller below the sleeping child. Is this a problem?
A. On question 620 regarding food placed an El Al night flight, in the pocket of the seat in front, when probably most passengers are Jewish, we wrote:
"Talmud (Pesachim 112a) and Shulchan Aruch Y.D. (116: 5) mention that food and liquids placed under the bed, ruach ro’oh or a harmful spirit will rest on them, even when covered, and therefore one should avoid placing them there. Pischei Teshuvos (ibid. 4) quotes Shvus Yaakov. that after the fact, they are permitted, others are stringent.
There are also other limitations to this proscription mentioned by various Poskim. Maggen Avraham quoted by Mishna Berura (173: 4) writes that the natural world has changed, and in our times these restrictions may not apply; Hagra and others remain strict. The Ran (Pesachim ibid.) mentions that this applies only to cooked food. Mizmor Ledavid (110) Yafe Lalev (3: 116: 6) maintain that it is restricted to food placed only on uncovered ground or earth, not on land covered by stones or wooden floors etc.. Therefore, Yabia Omer (Y.D. 1: 9, O.H. 9: 95) is lenient of food left on pockets, when one fell asleep. He suggest to wash them three times if possible. Shalmas Chaim (2: 7) adds that it applies only to a bed, therefore children’s bottles left under their carriage are permitted. Shevet Halevy (quoted in Avnei Yashfa 141) asserts that when double wrapped the food is permitted. (as in a bag placed inside a seat pocket). He also maintains that it may not apply to sleeping during the day.
Taking into account all the above and the fact that food placed on an angle in the back of a plane seat, can hardly be considered under, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that you can eat the food."
The same would apply in your case
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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Posted 11/11/2021 11:00 AM |
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Important Numbers
