Thursday, April 25, 2024
  
Homepage - Start here...
log in  •  join

Current Password:
New Password: (5 Char Min)
Confirm New Password:

User name (email)
Password
Remember Me:
Forgot Password?
| Home
Directory
Calendar
Alerts
Classified
Shuls & Tefillos
Contact Us
 Browse the directory by:
Business Listings
Categories
Search the directory for:
 
Important Numbers

Doctors and Physicians (14)
Emergency Numbers (12)
Hospitals (22)
Pharmacy (20)
Pharmacy - 24 Hours (4)
Pharmacy - Midnight (15)
Shatnez (1)
Toronto Jewish Social Services (0)
Walk-in Clinics (3)


FRUMToronto Topics

 Audio and PDF's:
Rabbi Ganzweig>
Weekly Publications>
 Articles:
Articles of Interest (228)
Ask The Rabbi (4756)
Bulletins & Alerts (44)
Community Events Blog (23)
Frum Toronto Staff (2)
Gut Shabbos & Gut Yom Tov (68)
Inspirational Stories (7)
Kuntrus Ramach Avarim (2)
Message Board (30)
Parenting (149)
Parsha Pearls (487)
Readers Recipes (4)
Shemiras Halashon (178)
Shmiras Haloshon Yomi (128)
Special Prayers (34)
Tehillim (99)
Thoughts for the Week (191)

FRUMToronto Links

Advertising Rates>
Eruv Toronto>


From:  Email: 
Enter characters before submitting:

FRUMToronto Articles Ask The Rabbi Show More
Show Less

Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.

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

Blog Image: AskTheRabbi.jpg
# 2590 Way Out?
Q. Is someone sees in a  permitted gathering of a few people, someone who is a sick with the apparent coronavirus symptoms, or knows that the person was sick and is probably still a carrier, and after asking nicely refuses to leave, can one call the police?

A. Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion is that calling the police may not be an effective or fast solution at all, and it may depend on the local by laws. The fastest and best answer may be for the people just to pick themselves and leave.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a


Posted 3/20/2020 3:06 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


Blog Image: AskTheRabbi.jpg
# 2589 A Short Parsha?
Q. Can one read on this Shabbos Vayakhel-Pekudei-Hachodesh just the Parshas Hachodesh from a Sefer Torah with a fast minyan, due to the isolation required by the current corona virus crises?

A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one cannot even in times of need, just read the Parshas Hachodesh by itself without first reading the full parshios of Vayakhel-Pekudei with all the aliyos as required. The Rov added that one should keep on his location, the restrictions directed by the government and pertinent health authorities.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a


Posted 3/20/2020 2:23 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


Blog Image: AskTheRabbi.jpg
# 2588 Who Rises in Times of Crisis?
Q. What can people do, during these difficult times of the Covin invasion, to have Siatta Dishmaya to survive and stay healthy?


A. The best way to evoke and elicit Hashem's chessed to us, is for us to do chessed with others. I'm including a letter sent to the leaders and individuals of the community.

With the counsel, guidance and the brochos of Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a, Horav M. M. Lowy shlit'a and the special help of Rebetzin Hirschman and Mrs. Heller of Bikur Cholim, we ask the Rabbonim, presidents or directors of all shuls and congregations, as well as all individuals in Toronto, during these difficult times when people’s lives are being so disrupted, to provide the following crucial help.
Namely, to prepare two lists of their members and contacts. Firstly, a list of the persons in need now, such as the elderly, ill, dependent or lonely individuals, who because of the difficult and stressful situation we are undergoing, cannot cope by themselves. The help during these problematic days may be providing food and other needs, or just a simple phone-call to let them know that other people care for them and they are not alone.

A second list would be a list of volunteers. We know that a crisis can bring out the very best in people, and many are indeed willing to help. They just have to become well organized to do it correctly and fully. The honorable and blessed institution of Bikur Cholim is here to help, receive the lists and coordinate the efforts.

The contact information with Bikur Cholim is 416 783 7983 - info@bikurcholim.ca (Mrs. Heller, Esti, or Naomi).
May Hashem bless us all with rachamim and yeshuos bekorov.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav M. M. Lowy Shlit'a



Posted 3/19/2020 3:38 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


Blog Image: AskTheRabbi.jpg
# 2587 More Change is Here
Q. I just heard that the Kollel Toronto closed doors, is that true?

A. It does seems so from an email just received, namely:

"Despite having gone above and beyond the guidelines of the ministry of health, it is with a heavy heart and with much pain we must close our doors to minyanim and community services until further notice.
It is our hope and Tefillah that we will be able to resume as soon as possible."

May Hashem listen to our tefilos and bring this tzoro to a prompt and gezunt end.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld


Posted 3/18/2020 6:33 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


Blog Image: AskTheRabbi.jpg
# 2586 Change is Here
Q. Kevod Horav. What is the latest p'sakim and directives from Horav Miller shlit'a regarding the Covid crisis?

A. The following directives were sent by Kolllel Toronto and appeared on entrance signs; they reflect the opinion of Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a to the changes of the new situation. (As of 3/18/20.)
The Kollel will be open to STEADY ATTENDEES ONLY and then only to daven their usual tefila (THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS). NO CHILDREN UNDER 12 YEARS OF AGE ALLOWED ENTRY AT ANY TIME.
There can be no more than 50 people in a room at any given time.
There will be NO EZRAS NOSHIM until further notice. The MIKVEH (for men) is closed.
If you can learn undisturbed at home, STAY AT HOME. Shabbos Tefila will be for regular attendees only (i.e. those who come every week)
Please be advised that these are the precautions the Kollel has put in place and are subject to change at any time.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a


Posted 3/18/2020 2:33 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


Blog Image: AskTheRabbi.jpg
# 2585 Wash Hand in Glove?
Q. On question 2581 (regarding wearing tefilin by a patient undergoing chemotherapy and to avoid possible Covid-19 contamination, is wearing a hooded supper-polymer coverall). Can one in such situation wash his hands after sleeping (neig'l vasser),while wearing medical or hospital gloves?

A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that for washing hands when removing ruach ra'a after waking up or coming out of a cemetery, in case of need one does not have to remove the thin plastic medical gloves one is wearing to prevent infections.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a


Posted 3/18/2020 2:27 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


Blog Image: AskTheRabbi.jpg
# 2584 Change Is In The Air
Q. K'vod Harav. There seems to be many different opinions as to what is the correct thing to do now in Toronto. We just read that the Agudah canceled services. Is Horav Miller shlit's still maintaining his permissive ruling?

A. At this time, as mentioned in the prior questions, the situation is constantly changing. The best and quickest way to find out what is Horav's Miller's Shlit'a latest position, is to log in to the Kollel Toronto - Constant Contact web site.
May Hashem send His Yeshuos and Rachamim to all.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld


Posted 3/17/2020 6:18 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


Blog Image: AskTheRabbi.jpg
#2583 To Tell The Truth
Q. I just received an email send by..., with other important institutions displayed in the letterhead, stating that: "Rabbi Shlomo Miller shlita as well as the rabbis listed below have ruled that those who follow the overwhelming advice of medical professionals do not have a chiyuv to participate in a minyan or any other communal obligation that would necessitate gathering together. People should daven and learn at home."
Well, I just came back from the Kollel and I saw Rav Shlomo there as well as a large group of the usual Rabbanim and lerners. So what is really going on!!??

A. This morning (Tuesday 3/17/20) there was also a minyan as usual in the Toronto Kollel, with the attendance of Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Yaakov Hirschman Shlit'a, and other Rabbonim, followed by the rest of the accustomed shiurim and chavrusos, and that speaks volumes as to what the true and real position of the Rov is.
The Rov was approached by many with a copy of the letter quoted above and he said "sheker vekosov," he never instructed people to avoid coming to the Kollel for davening or learning Torah as they usually do and as the letter asserts.
He mentioned that he would only instruct to close down the Kollel, and that "people should daven and learn at home," if it is requested by the official Health Authorities.
As mentioned in prior questions regarding this unprecedented situation, it is defined by the fact that it changes constantly and rapidly. This morning, the Kollel followed today's new official directives by limiting the amount of individuals allowed in a room to fifty. What changes will happen iy'H in the future, we just have to wait and see.
It is very likely that the situation will change and one should be in contact constantly.
As in the last days, tehilim were recited after davening for Hashem's rachamim and compassion, during difficult times.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a



Posted 3/17/2020 1:26 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


Blog Image: AskTheRabbi.jpg
# 2582 Doing Right In Difficult Times
Q. Kavod HaRov
I am sure the Rov is dealing with major decisions and this might be trivial - and if the Rov has time to reply, that would be much appreciated. Toronto Grapevine is only an email - should we stop posting rides and packages so as not to encourage that activity?  Any other suggestions/directions? 
Thank you for the Rov’s  time and support!  May we hear Besoros Tovos.
This is the email we received:
Good afternoon.
I'm not usually the one to complain, or an alarmist,  but so much has been written regarding this virus- social distancing, no travel that is not essential, proper hand washing, etc.  The government of Canada has told everyone that if you come from anyplace outside Canada you must quarantine 14 days.
To that end, I am shocked that people are still traveling back and forth from Lakewood (are they in 14 day quarantine when arriving?) or the NY area altogether.  I just got an update from YWN that all New Yorkers should consider themselves as if they’ve had some contact with the virus. It’s that bad. Parts of NJ are in lockdown.  Need I go on?
There has been so much good coming from this site. What a great amount of chesed has come from Toronto Grapevine!  However, I think that, if someone is misinformed or does not understand the gravity of the situation, we should not aid in spreading this by bringing packages back and forth or thinking that’s it’ll be business as usual on Pesach. 
Please do not use my name publicly. I’m just trying to protect all of us here from a much worse consequence Chas Veshalom.  There is plenty of matzah to be had here BH. 

A. As we mentioned on question 2578, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should follow the (updated) professional medical and government advise for workplaces, places of worship and schools to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. such as washing hands, and avoiding touching faces and eyes etc.
Because of the many constantly changing factors involved, the Rov asserts that to obtain a correct answer, one must constantly consult with the competent Rabbi and Physician familiar with his particular state and condition.
There is a profound dichotomy and contradiction to a great crisis. It can not only make us realize how small and powerless we really are, but at the same time, on the opposite extreme, it can show us how much good we can actually do. A crisis can bring out and should bring out the very best in people.
Therefor the Rov advises that the great and numerous good deeds and mitzvos that the Toronto Grapevine has constantly achieved, should continue in order to help the ones in need in a time of great need.
Needless to repeat that everything should be done under competent medical and professional supervision to avoid any potential spread of the virus.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a


Posted 3/16/2020 9:59 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


Blog Image: AskTheRabbi.jpg
# 2581 Splitting the Cover Up?
Q. Following question 2580 above, if the patient decides to continue the chemotherapy and to avoid possible Covid-19 contamination, wants to wear while he is attending treatment in the hospital a hooded supper-polymer coverall, that he will keep on until he leaves. Can he wear tefillin on it, since the material is very thin?

A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it would be considered a chatzitza or interposition. The Rov added that the patient should first consult with his doctors if this suit would really help and increase viral protection for him.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a


Posted 3/16/2020 9:52 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


Blog Image: AskTheRabbi.jpg
# 2580 Tough Choice
Q. A patient undergoing chemotherapy in a hospital consulted with his physicians whether he should temporary stop the treatment while the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak is rampant, since the chemo causes the weakening of the immune system and a higher risk of infections. He received conflicting answers from his doctors. Some advised to delay the chemo for a more propitious environment, others said the opposite. What does Horav Shlomo Miller advise?

A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in principle, the concern should be with the already existing medical danger that requires the chemo. The Rov quoted Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 576: 2 and Taanis 21a) that Halacha maintains specific rulings as to what is to be considered the outbreak of a plague. Although, the rulings could be different for distinct situations, places and times, a ruling is required and that may still be at this particular time (3/8), Halachically undecided.
As mentioned, on question 2578 above, because of the many constantly changing factors involved, the Rov asserts that to obtain a correct answer, one must consult with the competent Rabbi and Physicians familiar with his particular state and condition.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a


Posted 3/16/2020 9:43 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


Blog Image: AskTheRabbi.jpg
# 2579 Freezing Energy
Q. If a family's minhag is to sell chometz , like macaroni, flour, boxed cereal and cookies, is it okay to keep loaves of bread in a chometz freezer over Pesach as well?

A. On question 2138 we wrote: Poskim mention that there is room to be stringent when including in the sale of chometz to Gentiles chometz gomur or items that are certain to be chometz such as bread and many other baked good. The reason being that there are a number of leniencies involved in the process of the chometz sale and therefore when Biblically prohibited chometz is involved, we should abstain from having it included in that sale. (Maase Rav quoting Hagr’a, Igros Sofrim 48 quoting Rab. Akiva Eiger, Orchos Rabbenu – Pesach: 19 quoting of Chazon Ish, Teshuvos Vehanhogos 1: 309, and others).
There isn't in regard to Pesach Halacha much difference between loaves of bread and cookies. However, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that keeping frozen bread or any other chometz in the freezer during Pesach, even when properly marked, stored and sold, will cause one to benefit from it during Pesach, since it requires less energy to keep frozen a full freezer than an emptier one.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a


Posted 3/15/2020 6:35 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


Blog Image: AskTheRabbi.jpg
# 2578 Stay Home?
Q. Kvod Horav, the way this pandemic is increasing, should at least the frail and elderly avoid going to shul or to shiurim?

A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should follow the professional medical and government advise for workplaces, places of worship and schools to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. such as washing hands, and avoiding touching faces and eyes etc.
Whether the frail and elderly should avoid going to shul or to shiurim, would depend on the particular state of health of the person and what his physician advises.
Because of the many constantly changing factors involved, the Rov asserts that to obtain a correct answer, one must consult with the competent Rabbi and Physician familiar with his particular state and condition.
Since this is a constantly developing and changing situation, one should be aware of the changes occurring or when necessary ask others to keep track and warn him.
The Rov added that in this dire situation, one should daven to Hashem, that He enlighten all of us, to provide and receive the correct answers.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a


Posted 3/13/2020 1:16 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


Blog Image: AskTheRabbi.jpg
# 2577 Endangering Species
Q. I'm a woman that traditionally goes to shul to listen to Parshas Parah, same as Parshas Zachor. Should I go to shul this Shabbath considering the existing coronavirus hazardous health situation?
Is there a need to be mattir neder?

A. Regarding a woman's obligation to listen to Parshas Zachor, on question 1648 and 1281 we wrote: “Many Poskim write that women are exempt from listening to Parshas Parah, even according to the opinions (Tosafos Brochos 13a, Sulchan Aruch O.H. 146: 2 & 685: 7) that maintain it is a mitzva of the Torah for men to read, since the mitzva is on the tzibur or community to procure a Parah Adumah and not on the individuals, as opposed to erasing Amalek’s name. Some also see it as a “mitzvas asei shehazman g’ramah,” since it serves as a preparation for Pesach, and adding the fact that it can only be done at daytime, turns it into a time sensitive mitzva, that excludes women.
In addition, the Parah Adumah’s purpose is also to atone for the eigel’s sin, and women did not partake in it.
However, Nitei Gavriel Purim 22: 4: n. 6) quotes dissenting minhagim. See also Moadim Uzmanim (2: 168).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar to most Poskim and there is no need for women to come to shul for Parshas Parah, unless they follow a particular established family minchag. There is therefore also no need for them to read the parsha at home.”
As mentioned before, there are some opinions that maintain women should listen to Parshas Parah, and some do. Mikroei Kodesh mentions that since the reason for reading this parsha is to prepare the nation to purify themselves with the ashes of the Parah to be able to bring the Korban Pesach, since women take part in the korban, they should also be included in reading the parsha."
However, in the current unusual health situation, the Rov maintains that she may avoid going to shul. The Rov added that there is no need to be matir nedder, as she likely never had in mind to create one. (See question 1051).

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a


Posted 3/13/2020 1:01 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


Blog Image: AskTheRabbi.jpg
# 2576 Milked and Breakfast
Q. We had a discussion in our shul. Some say that it is better to eat two seudos during Purim day and the first one should be dairy. While others were sure that both should be fleishig. What is correct?

A. On question 1637 regarding if there is a mitzva to eat two seudos on Purim day, the first one before chatzos, we wrote: "Mishna Berura (695: 8) writes that the reason the seuda is not customarily done in the morning is because people are busy sending shalach monos. The activity often prolongs close to mincha time, then you are not allowed to eat unless you daven first. However, Eliahu Rabba and Pri Megodim (E.A. 5) quoting Sheloh maintain that the seuda should be done immediately in the morning after megila.
Kaf Hachaim (695: 23) cites Siddur Harashash that also asserts it should be done after shacharis. Likutei Mahariach and Kisei Rachamim mention that this was also the minhag of the G’ra. (And the seuda should be fleishig - See Piskei Teshuvos 695: 5 n. 28).
Yafe Lalev maintains that the morning seuda should be dairy to symbolize Kabbolas Hatorah that was reiterated on Purim.
However, Mishna Berura (ibid.: 15) opines that even after having eaten the morning seuda, the second seuda consumed in the afternoon is the one called properly the Purim Seuda.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar and adds, that after all we eat daily breakfast, why should Purim be any less."
Regarding if the first meal should be fleishig or dairy the Rov's opinion is that it is preferable that the first meal should be dairy.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a



Posted 3/13/2020 12:35 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


Blog Image: AskTheRabbi.jpg
# 2575 Beware your Cheeks from the Bearing Gifts
Q. If someone sends a box of kosher chocolates or cookies that are not Cholov Yisroel, to someone that is machmir and does not eat them. Is the sender, who does eat those foods yotze mishloach monos?

A. Chashukei Chemed (Megila 7a) quotes Machane Chaim (3: 53) that is in doubt whether we follow the minhag of the giver, who is lenient on cholov Yisroel, or the opinion of the receiver, who isn't. He mentions that it depends on the rationality for sending shalach monos. Poskim mention two main reasons for the mitzva of mishloach monos. Trumas Hadeshen (111) maintains it is for the purpose of all having the necessary food available to comply with the Purim seuda. However, Manos Halevy asserts that it is to increase and support friendship and peace. He maintains that even according to the second opinion, since the receiver will not consume them, it may be similar to just sending him an inedible object and he does not comply. He remains in doubt.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should be stringent. The Rov added that there may be an additional issue of "messayea lidvar avera" or causing someone to commit a prohibited act (to him).

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a


Posted 3/13/2020 12:10 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


Blog Image: AskTheRabbi.jpg
# 2574 Early Pesach Sale
Q. Kvod Horav. We normally sell our entire house for Pesach. We go away and I just lock everything up and sell.
Someone asked me this year if her married kids could stay in my house because she doesn't have room for them. I really want to help her but I'm not able to clean my entire house and I don't want to throw out my food. Is there a way for me to help her?
Please let me know,
Thank you!

A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one may lock up the kitchen, dining room, family room, basement, garage etc., and sell them with a mechira mukdemes (early sell, see questions 68, 148 and 744), thus avoiding also the bedikas chometz search on those areas. One would exempt from the sale only the areas needed to enter and the bedrooms used by the guest.
The rooms and areas locked out and to be sold, should be taped closed with significant strips of noticeable tape and plastic sheets, from top to bottom on their entrances, thus also preventing children from entering them. Notices should be placed on them, mentioning that those areas were sold and are out of bounds.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a


Posted 3/13/2020 11:39 AM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


Blog Image: AskTheRabbi.jpg
# 2573 Blessings From Heaven
Q. Recently, we learned on the Daf that one should recite a special blessing when he sees a place where a miracle occurred for the Bnay Yisroel, such as the site of the crossing of the sea, when we left Egypt, or the crossing of the Yarden river when entering the land. We were told in our shiur that we don't make that bracha today, since we do not know exactly where the sea or the Yarden were split and crossed. However, the Rabbi quoted a famous Sephardic Rosh Yeshiva as ruling, that if one travels by plane close to the Jordan river close to Yericho, he will see all the compatible area, and could recite the blessing. Would the same apply when in the not so far future, we can do touristic space travel and see the land of Egypt and the complete Sinai peninsula. Could we then recite a bracha on the crossing of the sea?

A. Kaftor Vopherach (7), Biur Halacha (208: 1) and others rule that no brochos should be recited unless one is sure and certain that he is witnessing the place where the miracle actually occurred.
Indeed, Horav Ben Sion Abba Shaul zt'l, Rosh Hayeshiva of Porath Yosef, rules in Ohr Letzion (2: 14: 40), that if one travels by plane close to the Jordan river over the area of Yericho, and he sees all the compatible area, he could recite the mentioned blessing.
Horav Shlomo miller's Shlit'a opinion is that although it may be possible for a plane traveling at the right height to see some specific details and identifying aspects of the location being observed, it would not be possible to do so from space and therefore no brocho should be recited on the crossing of the sea.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a


Posted 3/13/2020 11:35 AM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


Blog Image: AskTheRabbi.jpg
# 2572 Catch On The Purim Cash
Q. What are the correct amounts for machatzit hashekel and matonos laevyonim this year?

A. On question 1024 we wrote: Rema (O.H. 694: 1) rules that we donate besides Matonos Laevyonim, also Machatzis Hashekel, but the amounts differ. Mishna Berura (694: 2) asserts to follow the opinion of the Ritvo (Megila 7b) that one fulfils the matonos laevyonim obligation even with two prutos (one prutah per indigent) or its equivalent in food. (“shaveh Prutah”)
The value of a perutah according to the opinion of the Chazon Ish is 1/40 or .025 of a gram of silver, and according to the Masoro it is .0182 of a gram of silver (Masores Hashekel p.119)"
At today's (Adar 5780) price of silver (about $0.56 U.S.D. per gram) it would result in $0.0128 or $0.0092, a bit more or less than a penny.
Although one fulfills one’s obligation with a prutah, nonetheless, Poskim write that it’s proper to give each poor person a significant and meaningful gift (Maharsho – Megila ibid.) Others maintain that it should be enough to purchase three egg volumes of bread (Shaarey Teshuvo 694, see also other opinions on Nitey Gavriel Purim 33:2)
Yeme Mishteh VeSimcha (p. 244 published in 5766) quotes Rav Elyashiv zt'l as saying that even though one fulfills one’s obligation with a prutah, nonetheless, it’s proper to give each poor person about 5 shekalim which is an amount which would make the poor person happy. Halichot Shlomo (chap 19, note 62) quotes Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt'l as having said that in order to fulfill all opinions one should give an amount which is significant by the giver and by the taker’s standards.
In question #507 in this forum we wrote that Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a advises to give at least a dollar (Canadian) for matonos loevyonim, (a Zichron Binyomin paper equivalent dollar is also good). The reason is that you can still acquire a roll of bread with something in it, to be used for a minimum seudah. The Rov maintains that on this year, (5780) the above still stands.
The Rov also recommends that one with limited resources should give two dollars to two needy persons, then divide the rest of the money available and donate to as many recipients as possible, even if it less than a dollar, since every act of giving constitutes a new separate mitzva.
A machatzis hashekel (see question 1274) is the value of 9.6 grams of silver lechumra and 7.5 grams in leniency. The price of silver was yesterday (March 6, 20), approximately $0.56 USD per gram. So the value of machatzis hashekel is between $5.38 and $4,20 USD.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that you can use the lower figure. However, the Rov mentioned the accepted minhag that where no coin designated as a half-shekel, it is customary for the gabbaim to bring three halves of silver coins which are issued elsewhere, and to give these coins in exchange, to anyone who makes his contribution in the coins or money available to him. After performing the mitzva, the giver returns the three half-shekels to the plate so that others may also be able to observe the minhag properly.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a


Posted 3/9/2020 4:21 PM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)


Blog Image: AskTheRabbi.jpg
# 2571 A Blessing in a Disguise?
Q. Can one borrow the "partzufim" or masks, Purim disguises and attires that others left in shul after megilla reading, without the permission of the owners? Is this similar to borrowing and wearing someones taalis, since we assume that "nicha lei leinish" a person is agreeable and accepts others borrowing his property when he doesn't need it and it will be returned unharmed, after he complies with a mitzva?

A. On question 1279 we wrote: " Different reasons have been mentioned for the minhag of donning disguises in Purim, such as giving the opportunity to the poor to collect tzedaka without being embarrassed (Minhagei Kol Aryeh)
Other reasons are that the miracle of Purim was disguised in ordinary occurrences and events, such as Vashti being executed and Esther taking her place. The Talmud (Megila 12a) writes that just as the Jews at the time pretended only to be serving other gods, Hashem also pretended that He was going to destroy the Jewish nation, and in the end it was only a semblance (Bnai Isoschor). It would seem that we are being encouraged to wear them. However, Rema (Shulchan Aruch O.H. 696: 8) and Mahari Mintz (17) mention only that it is permitted, but do not encourage it necessarily."
Following the above, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in our case we do not say "nicha lei leinish" a person is agreeable and accepts others borrowing his property, since no proper real mitzva is being performed.
Besides, even using someones taalis or tefilin without permission may not apply in our days, since we are more careful with the perspiration and sweat from others. The above would also apply to the partzufim and disguises.
The Rov recommended to place a sign in shul, indicating that the partzufim items left in shul, will be considered hefker or abandoned and to be disposed off by the shul.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a



Posted 3/9/2020 11:35 AM | Tell a Friend | Ask The Rabbi | Comments (0)



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



Toronto Eruv
Eruv status verified Friday afternoons. For email notification,  CLICK HERE



Toronto Weather

Home  |  About Us  |  Business Directory  |  Classified  |  Directory Rates  |  FAQ  |  Weekly Specials
Community Calendar  |  Davening Schedule  |  Weekly Shiurim  |  Zmanim  |  Contact Us
www.frumtoronto.com  - Contact Us