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Have a question? Send it in! Questions are answered by Rabbi Bartfeld.
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# 2451 In Line with the Line
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Q. Kvod Harav,
I appreciate your column very much, giving people the ability to stay anonymous for sensitive shailos.
No Frills supermarket has a price match guarantee on any item in their store. Which means that if you show them on your phone that a different store has that item on sale for a cheaper price they’ll match it. I wanted to know is it a problem of a chillul Hashem to go through a whole shopping getting the sales of all supermarkets even though it causes shoppers behind me to wait as much as 4 minutes longer. ( the cashier has to get the supervisor to override each price match.) On a whole $200 shopping I could be saving as much as 60 dollars! Of course I apologize to the people behind me but sometimes I feel maybe as a yid who is being scrutinized to be on a higher level, I shouldn’t cause the people behind to wait a few minutes longer.
Thank you, Habayshan Halomed
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that you should try to do your shopping at the times when few shoppers are in the store and also to choose an empty line when possible.
It may also make a difference the amount of merchandise you are buying and if it is common on that store for others to do follow the same manner of purchase that you follow.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/13/2019 10:48 AM |
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# 2450 We Accept Returns
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Q. One who forgot to request dew and rain in his tefilla, and he already passed the bracha of Retzei, and then went back to Shema Koleinu and mentioned it there, is he yotzi? Even though the halacha is to revert to Boraych Aleinu. May one mention it in Shema Koleinu if the alternative is to miss zman tefilla?
A. Shevet Halevi (10: 23) rules that after the fact, if one who did not mention "vesen tal umotor," in the proper brocho, and remembered only after reciting shema koleinu or until almost the end of the amida, and instead of returning to birchas hashonim as required (Shulchan Aruch O.H. 117: 5) went back only to shomea tefila, he complies after the fact.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar and in our case, bedieved, in need he may return only to shomea tefilah.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/13/2019 10:41 AM |
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# 2449 The Settings of Mitzva Dedication
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Q. Last year it happened to us that we did not have at hand any olive oil when we prepared the menorah for lighting and therefore placed wax candles instead. Then, right before lighting, we received some olive oil. Was it correct to remove the wax candles and use the olive oil?
A. As mentioned in prior question (2446), dedicating or preparing an item for use in a mitzva, does not usually create any restrictions since "hazmana" in regard to mitzvos is not effective (Rema O.H. 638: 1, regarding a suka that was not used).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that he may change the wax candles to olive oil. However, if he already began the brocho, even if he did not mention Hashem's name, he should continue.
Aruch Hashulchan (673: 6) maintains a similar opinion.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/13/2019 10:38 AM |
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# 2448 The Door to the Window
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Q. Is it better to light Chanuka candles bellow ten tefachim next to the door in the inside of the home, or by the window facing the street, but the lights would be over ten tefachim high from the floor?
A. Shaarei Tzion (671: 30) quotes Mogen Avrohom, that it is better to place the menorah by the window, even if that will require it be over ten tefachom high. However, he mentions that although Pri Megodim debates the above, one should follow the opinion of the Mogen Avrohom.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/13/2019 10:36 AM |
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# 2447 Is That What We Need?
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Q. Can one make a suka by placing schach on top of an opening on the roof of an igloo?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 634: 2) rules that a sukka could be circular as an igloo is as long as it has the right size (contain a square of seven by seven tefachim area). Therefore, the circular igloo shape should not be an issue.
However, the fact it is made of snow or ice walls is detrimental and renders it unsuitable for a sukka.
A mechitza made of ice and snow, is not considered a wall for tumah purposes (Ohalos 8: 5). Poskim also maintain that proper mechitzos and fences of an eiruv surrounding a city that were covered by a high snow accumulation, do not disqualify the eiruv, since the snow is only temporal. (Noda Basheorim 2: 5, Zekan Aharon 2: 20, Sheilas Yaavetz 7, et al.).
Similarly, Shaarei Teshuva and Beer Heitev (626 :1) quoting Ginas Verodim rule that one may use a sukka covered with snow.
Therefore, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that an igloo or any other structure that is made by using ice or snow walls, should not be used for a sukka.
See question 2035 regarding placing a mezuza on an igloo.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/13/2019 10:34 AM |
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# 2446 The Good Old Oil?
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Q. Is it better for someone to use the leftover unused olive oil from last year Chanuka, that was bought then, since it was already dedicated for the mitzva or better buy new oil to be used this year?
A. The fact that the oil was purchased for use during Chanuka, does not turn it into a chefetz shel mitzva or an object dedicated for a mitzva, that maintains certain restrictions. Therefore, the principle of "Once a mitzva was done with it, another one should follow" (Talmud Brochos 39b, Mishne Berura 297: 8, regarding hadassim from a lulav to be used as havdala besamim), does not apply to it, since the left over oil, was not actually used for lighting the Chanuka menora. Buying for the purpose of using it for a mitzva is only "hazmana lemitzva" and it does not have great effect (lav milssa hi. O.H.
677: 4. Biur Halacha D'H Hatzarich.
O.H. 638: 1 etc.).
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a opinion is that if the old oil burns as good as the new oil does, it should be used this year, mainly because of considerations of not transgressing on Ba'al Tashchis or destroying or discarding something useful.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/6/2019 1:22 PM |
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# 2445 Light Up Your Siyum Hashas
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Q. We are planning to make a Siyum Hashas for our Daf shiur. Someone suggested that it would be recommended to celebrate it during Chanuka, is that correct?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that although there is no obligation to eat seudos during Chanuka as there may be in Purim, if a Chanuka meal is arranged as a seudas mitzva, dedicated to Torah learning, that was such an essential factor to the miracle of Chanuka, it is recommended.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/5/2019 11:02 PM |
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# 2444 When Do We Begin?
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Q. (Re- question 2443 above) What is considered to having began chazaras hashatz in order to continue if one left and there is no more minyan? Does "Hashem seffasai tiftach" count?
A. Although Mishna Berurah (66: 35) maintains that saying Hashem Seffasai counts as the beginning of shemonesreh for certain purposes, such as not interrupting anymore with replying amen, for the issue of repeating aloud the amida, (see question 1387), when one left and there is no more minyan, Poskim offer different rules.
From the simple reading of the Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 55: 3), it would seem that just the first word "Boruch"of the first brocho counts (Piskei Teshuvos ibid. 8: n. 56). However, Eishel Avraham (Butchatch, ibid) rules that it means the first three words. (Boruch Ato Hashem).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a maintains regarding mincha on a ta’anis, that once one has started the amida and said the first two words of the bracha he should continue with the rest. (See question 1362 and 1387).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/5/2019 10:54 PM |
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# 2443 Stop Right There
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Q. When one notices that the chazzan began chazaras hashatz even though there are not ten people in the room (a minyan of exactly ten, and someone went to the bathroom), is one obligated to tell him that he should stop? Or should one continue reciting the Amidah and allow the chazan to make nineteen blessings in vain?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 55: 3) rules that once the repetition of the amida has began with a minyan, it is continued even if one left and there is no more ten present.
However, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if there weren't ten people present at the beginning of the amida, the chazan should stop and begin again when the tenth one returns to shul.
One still in the amida, may also advise, preferably by signs, to stop and wait for the tenth to return.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/5/2019 10:47 PM |
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# 2442 Bubble Over?
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Q. We learned in Chulin 105b that the froth produced by various drinks is detrimental to one's health. One of the liquids is beer, another is water.
Question 1: Is the froth of today's beer also detrimental?
Question 2: What froth is there in water?
Question 3: Is the froth of carbonated drinks detrimental?
And last, Question 4: Is the froth of diet carbonated drinks (as I've noticed diet cola produces significantly more froth) detrimental?
A. Mishna Berura (179: 18) quoting Magen Avraham mentions that there is a well known principle in Halacha that with the passage of time “Nishtanu Hatevaim” or many things in nature have changed (See Tosafos Moed Kattan 11a). Therefore, we usually maintain in regard to diseases, medical procedures and medicinal issues that applied in Talmudic times, do not necessarily apply today. (See question 1982).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that the same may pertain in the case of foams and the effervescence of beer and soft drinks in our days, as they are not the result of dangerous or unwanted decomposition or decay processes, and therefore not detrimental to one's health.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/5/2019 10:41 PM |
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# 2441 New Day New Life
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Q. Is it true that the Arizal teaches that a single neshama is made of thousands of parts or sparks, reflecting the days of one's life, and some of them can be extinguished by the sin committed on that day. This would amount to a partial death of the neshama on such days. Is that really true?
A. Indeed, Arvei Nachal (Vayehi,) quotes Ohr Chachaim (47: 29) in the name of the Arizal that there is tens of thousands of sparks, each representing a day in one's life. If one serves Hashem properly on that day, that part of the neshama elevates itself in extraordinary spiritual light. Otherwise it just wilts and decays. However, he adds that one can always with true teshuva, return and give life to those sparks. (See question 2170).
Nevertheless, the most important part to remember is not the possible partial death, but rather the constant opportunity to receive a new life and also bring those extinguished sparks to live again.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/5/2019 10:26 PM |
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# 2440 Make a Meal of Shalosh Seudos
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Q. On above question, (2439. Eating shalosh seudos after sunset), if I do follow the Mishna Berura and others opinion to bedieved wash after the shkia in need, can I eat more than a beitza (egg-full volume of challah) or do I have to limit myself to eat only enough to be yotze?
Until how many minutes can one wash bedieved after the shekia in our Toronto latitude?
A. Responsa Oz Nidberu (13: 22) and Ze Hashulchan (299) maintain that one should limit himself to eat only as much as needed for complying with the mitzva of eating the third meal. However many Poskim omit that requirement.
Horav Shlomo Miller' Shlit'a opinion is that one may eat more than a beitza volume if he desires.
In regard to the time the Rov's opinion is thirteen and a half minutes.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/5/2019 10:11 PM |
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# 2439 Shabbos Ride Into The Sunset
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Q. If I was invited to partake of shalosh seudos (third meal of Shabbos) by a certain rabbi, but I know that the rabbi is not makpid (particular) on starting before shkia, (sunset), whereas I am very makpid, what should I do? Should I simply decline the invitation and offer some excuse, as I do not wish to rely on b'dieveds?
A. Mishna Berura (299: 1) maintains that although in principle one should not eat during Shabbos after the beginning of sunset, for the purpose of eating shalosh seudos, if one did not start before the shekiah as required, bedieved he should still eat after, until a half an hour before the end of day.
Teshuvos Vehanhogos (2: 203) mentions that the Brisker Rov and Horav A. Kotler zt'l, were not always particular to begin eating shalosh seudos before the shekiah
However, some Poskim are stringent. Dinim Vehanhogos (10) quotes Chazon Ish, that he would not permit washing even bedieved, after the shekia, Yisroel Vehazmanim (1: 31), adds that he would even permit davening mincha without a minyan if necessary. A similar opinion is mentioned in Orchos Rabbenu in regard to Horav Y. Kanievsky zt'l.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if declining the invitation would hurt the feelings of the Rabbi, it may be correct to follow the bedieved opinion of the Mishna Berura above. The Rov pointed out to the Biur Halocho (415; D'H Veim) regarding an eiruv placed during bein hashmoshos, that if the time fits Rabi Yosi's opinion, although we don't rule like him, it would be bedieved permitted. The Rov added that one may also wash hands and start the third meal before the shekia at home and eat there an egg-full volume of challah, having in mind to continue at the home of the Rabbi.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/5/2019 10:06 PM |
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# 2438 Say It Right or Not at All?
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Q. Since Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that the added section of “Baruch Hashem Leolam” before beginning the amida of maariv, has to be said complete or not at all, what happens if someone is davening and already started saying that bracha, but then the chazan rushed and he finished it while he was still in the middle of the bracha. Should he stop right there and begin the amida with everybody or finish the bracha and maybe lose tefilah betzibur? (see question 2158).
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that indeed, if someone realizes on the onset that he will not be able to recite the complete brocho of “Baruch Hashem Leolam” before beginning the amida of maariv, he should better avoid it. However, if he already started saying it, and then realizes he won't be able to finish it on time to begin the amida together with the tzibur, he should skip and just say the end brocho of "Yiru Einenu".
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/1/2019 11:40 PM |
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# 2437 If Memory Serves
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Q. What happens if someone during the 30 days of establishing a chazaka for saying mashiv haruach in the amida, (see prior question 2428), forgot to say it once. Does he have to start counting full 30 days again from that time?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that he does not need to start all over again with the count of thirty days, if he forgot to say it once or several times, he just has to add that number of occasions missed to complement the correct total number of tefilos said in thirty days.
The Rov added that the above applies only to when the tefilos where mashiv haruach was omitted is less that half of the thirty days required.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/1/2019 11:32 PM |
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# 2436 Sharing Someone's Sorrow
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Q. Someone who lost a stepfather and out of closeness with other siblings sat shiva with them, is he permitted after shloshim to attend a wedding of a close relative?
A. The obligations of Avelus apply only to a one’s biological relatives. Therefore, an adopted offspring need not mourn his stepparent.
However, some have the minhag to follow some avelus traditions, and join other siblings and relatives during shiva out of respect and gratitude for their adopted parents. As the Talmud (Megilla 13a, teaches us that one who raises an orphan in his home, it is as if he gave birth to him. Poskim mention also the honor due to the related biological relative now in mourning. (Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 374: 4, Pischei Teshuvah 374: 3, Yalkut Yosef Y.D. 6: 8).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one, after the shloshim for a stepparent can certainly attend the wedding of a close relative or friend, as it is an important mitzva.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 12/1/2019 11:08 PM |
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# 2435 Show Us The Open Door
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Q. Is it permitted to seclude oneself with the opposite gender if the door is open or unlocked, but there is no realistic expectation of anyone coming in? One knows with 100% certainty that no one is going to come in (for example, the people who usually come in are out of town, or it is an apartment of a person who never has guests and never has anyone come to his house, and has no realistic expectation of anyone barging in)?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if the door that opens to the street or to a hall in the building, where individuals walk occasionally including the hall, is left partially open it is permitted.
One may also ask a neighbor that has an entry key, to occasionally and randomly come and check on him.
Additionally, one may use a cell phone or laptop that has a camera focused on the main area in question. If left turned on, he may ask someone else in another location, to occasionally check on it, without the knowledge of the one's being watched.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a.
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Posted 11/29/2019 11:05 AM |
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# 2434 Buyers Beware II
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Q. Re question 2429, in regard to immersing utensils manufactured in Israel, but sold in a non-Jewish store. If the item is bought at a Jewish-owned store... does it still need to be toiveled?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that the buyer has to check with the Jewish store owner whether he bought it straight from the Jewish manufacturer in Israel, in that case it would not need tevila. Or it could have been purchased from an intermediary Gentile importer or wholesaler, in which case it would need tevila without a brocho.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/29/2019 10:45 AM |
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# 2433 Food for Thought
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Q. One who has limited income - should he rather spend his money on having nicer and more food or drink for Shabbos, or on buying good seforim to learn from (even though he could learn from the sefarim that are available in the beis medrash, he wants to buy sefarim that are not in the beis medrash), or on buying nicer clothing for Shabbos, or something else?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it depends on the individual and his particular spiritual condition and requirements for growth in Avodas Hashem.
The Rov compared it to the different answers to the question "bame heerachto yomim," why did you merit a long life? that was answered differently by various Sages (Megilla 28a).
This question should be better answered by a Rabbi or teacher familiar with the individual.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/28/2019 11:52 PM |
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# 2432 A Penny Saved - Not a Penny Earned
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Q. One who received an apartment that he stayed in for one dollar a month (as a chesed), does he need to calculate the market value and give maaser from the money that he saved? If he would not have been given this apartment, he would not have rented one, but rather stayed by his parents. Does this fact make a difference?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one does not give maaser kesofim on money saved as it is not considered in this respect as having been earned.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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Posted 11/28/2019 11:42 PM |
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Important Numbers
