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# 3997 No Promises to Alex
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Q. Dear Rov. If I use my phone to program my daily schedule of all things to be done every day. Some of those activities are mitzvos such as davening, Torah Shiurim, Bikur Cholim activities, Tzedaka meeting, etc., I vocally, as many others do, instruct my phone to write, program and remind me of all my future appointments as the day goes on.
Since I do tell my phone what does Mitzva activities will be, is that a problem of making a Neder? Do I have to instruct each time my phone that what I want to be written and recorded is 'Beli Neder'. Even better, can I just instruct at a point for the future, that it is all to be done only 'Beli Neder', does that take effect when applied to that artificial intelligence? (I'm learning Nedarim at the Daf).
A. The reality is that you are only instructing the artificial intelligence to record an appointment and to remind you of it. At no point are you mentioning that you are going to do it, you just desire to have it recorded and that is not a Neder at all.
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 11/24/2022 10:29 PM |
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# 3996 Recap the Kneecap
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Q. Someone had his kneecap removed by surgery and replaced by an artificial one, what should he do with the old bones and cartilage removed. Is a Cohen allowed to be in the same room as these removed pieces are?
A. Although Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 369) and Poskim rule that a Cohen cannot be under the same roof of even an 'Ever' or removed member of a living person, it does not apply to a partial bone without flesh.
On question 3406 in regard to the burial of limbs we wrote: Poskim disagree. Pischei Teshuva (Y. D. 361: 1) quoting Shevus Yaakov (2: 101) debates whether one is obligated to do Kevura on limbs, that were detached from the living. (See also Gesher Hachaim p. 145, Minchas Chinuch 537, Igros Moshe (Y,.D; 1: 231-232 and others).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that they should be buried, preferably in the kever where the afflicted is to use eventually. No ceremony is needed.
On question 3407 we added; Poskim disagree if there is a mitzva of burial on every part of the body even before the death of the individual. Mishne Lemelech (end of H. Avel) and others maintain that there is no burial obligation, to anything less than the head and majority of the body. (Based on the Yerushalmi Nazir 7: 1 and Semachos 4: 8).
Tosafos Yom Tov (Shabbos end of p. 10) opine that even a ‘Kezais’ (or olive volume) of a cadaver, should be buried by itself. Gesher Hachaim (ch. 16) is of the opinion that all agree that when possible these parts should be buried with the main body.
Noda Beyehuda (1: Y.D. 90) regarding the burial of a fetus argues that the liability of burial of body parts is to avoid incurring in the prohibition of benefiting from the death. While Gesher Hachaim (ibid) indicates that it is mainly to avoid the prohibition of Cohanim to come in contact or close to parts o a cadaver.
Chassam Soffer (336) adds that it is due to the inherent holiness of the body of a person, which is similar to a Sefer Torah.
However, Shevus Yaakov (2: 101), Maharil Diskin, Tsitz Eliezer (10: 25) are of the opinion that even if there is no obligation, the minhag is to bury them. And on the onset and when possible all the body parts should be buried together.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that the burial obligation applies mainly to body members that have bones in them.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 11/24/2022 10:27 PM |
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# 3995 True Torah Love
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Q. Dear Rabbi. I'm an Yeshiva Bochur about to get Be'H engaged to a great Bais Yaakov Girl who is the daughter of a Cohen. Although, I will Iy'H spend some time after our wedding learning, I'm planing to go soon after into business. Since my Kalah is a Bas Cohen and I know that such a girl should marry a Talmid Chacham which I'm not, is this an issue?
A. Shulchan Aruch (E.H. 2: 8) following Talmud Pesachim (49a) rules that an Am Ha'aretz or ignoramus should not marry the daughter of a Cohen as such a marriage is destined to not being successful. Rather only a Talmid Chacham should take her as a wife.
Some Poskim maintain that in our days this Halacha does not apply anymore (Pischei Teshuvos ibid. quoting Chavas Yoir 70 and others). However, many Poskim disagree.
Tzemach Tzedek (11), Maharam Shik (6) and others maintain that to be considered a Talmid Chacham for this purpose it suffices if he knows one single tractate of the Talmud. Some maintain that even one of the small tractates suffices. (Such as Masseches Kalah).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that for this purpose it is sufficient if a person has a love to learn Torah.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 11/24/2022 10:25 PM |
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# 3994 Love your Insects?
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? Q. Kvod Harav. I wonder in recent questions (3982 - 85) you mentioned the Biblical obligation to feed your pets cats, dogs, fish etc. before you eat. Does that apply also to pet insects such as if the children have an Ant Farm or crickets and grasshoppers as pets?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that there is no prohibition of Tza'ar Ba'al Chaim regarding giving unnecessary pain to insects, that is indeed prohibited in more developed animals. (See question 1427 regarding a dying fly), so there is no need to give the insects to eat first.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 11/24/2022 10:21 PM |
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# 3993 Lechaim to Hashem First?
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Q. On question 3986 you mentioned the minhag of many Sepharadim to say 'Lechaim' before the bracha of Bore P'ri Hagefen when reciting Kiddush. Does not the Halacha dictate not to bless people with Lechaim before reciting the bracha to Hashem for the wine or liquor?
A. People indeed recite the brocho to Hashem first, then drink some wine or liquor and proceed to bless the other with 'Lechaim'.
(See Rabbenu Moshe Soffer p. 436, that this is the Chasam Sofer Psak also). Pardes Hamelech (p. 402) quoting Horav Chaim of Tzanz zt'l mentions as a source the brochos given by Yitzchok Ovinu to his son Yaakov, after drinking some wine.
See also La'asos Es Hashabbos (p. 285), that any other brocho to Hashem should be said before wishing Lechaim to others.
However, Kiddush may be different since 'Vaichulu' was already recited first, amply mentioning Hashem's creation.
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.
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Posted 11/24/2022 10:19 PM |
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# 3992 Enlightening the Lightening
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Q. I am a yeshiva Bachur in town x. On Erev Shabbos Chanukah, I will I'yH travel to town y where I will sleep in a Yeshiva dorm and eat the Seudos by Yungerleit. I cannot light in the dorm because of safety. Where should i light? Can I light by my Friday night host?
A. It is indeed correct to light by your Friday night host.
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 11/24/2022 10:17 PM |
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# 3991 Nice Warm Treatment
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Q. May one immerse in hot Mikva on Shabbos when needed and rely on Korban Nessanel.
A. Talmud (Shabbos 39b) and Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 326: 1) maintain that one should not wash the body with hot water during Shabbos, even when the water was warmed before Shabbos to avoid coming to warm the water on Shabbos.
Mishna Berura (ibid 7) rules that when immersing in a Mikva during Shabbos the water should only be lukewarm.
He does quote also the Korban Nessanel without mentioning his lenient ruling. However, in Shaarei Tzion (5) he rules that in need one can relay on him. Hacham Tzvi permits this Tevila during Bein Hashmoshos.
Some Chassidic groups that immerse in the Mikva daily before davening are lenient to do so during Shabbos also even when the water is still warm.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 11/24/2022 10:14 PM |
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# 3990 You Already Ate!
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Q. May one break a minyan to go eat Shalosh Seudos before it gets too late?
A. It is likely as many shuls and people do, that he ate a Kiddush during the day, so in a sense he ate Bedieved or after the fact already Shalosh Seudos. Otherwise, he may just grab in shul a large enough piece of Mezonos and promptly comply without leaving the shul without a minyan.
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 11/24/2022 10:12 PM |
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# 3989 Best Intentions Always
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Q. When one was not mechaven (had intention) by the first verse of K'rias Shema and realized that during the Amidah, may he interrupt to repeat it if otherwise the Z'man (Time for reciting) will pass? Or between Gaal Yisrael and the Amidah?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that since he is distracted and not paying attention at what he is doing. it is likely that at least he had a bit of Kavana when he read the Shema, at least enough to create a doubt, therefore he should not repeat the Shema even on the situations quoted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 11/24/2022 10:09 PM |
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# 3988 Not a Grand Exit
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Q. Is one allowed to walkaway from a minyan after davening Mincha. This minyan davens Mincha right before the Shekia and Ma'ariv just after, and he wants to daven Maariv later at night, if he leaves the people without a minyan?
A. Igrois Moshe (3: 16), quoted by Piskei Teshuva (56: 32) and other Poskim maintain that one is not allowed to abandon the minyan if there will not be ten without him. Even when he is not participating on that Tefila but rather davening later, he should stay for the time it takes for the present minyan to function.
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 11/24/2022 10:07 PM |
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# 3987 Immersed in so Many Shailos
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Q. 1) When a man gets a haircut L'kavod Shabbos and then Toivels (immerses in a Mikva), are the inevitably remaining detached hairs a Chatzitza (interposition)?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that those hairs are not a Chatzitza for any Tevila.
2) May one Toivel L'kavod Shabbos Thursday night if necessary?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that even thou he usually immerses on Friday morning, when necessary it can be done the night before.
3) Is there value to Toiveling sometime Leil Shabbos, if one didn't do so before Shabbos?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it could be done, as women do.
Many Chassidim also immerse on Shabbos morning.
4) Is it carrying when ones' beard is wet after Mikvah?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is not considered as carrying. as one is also permitted to walk on the rain during Shabbos.
See question 2262 regarding Toveling in a lake Shabbos morning by the cottage.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 11/20/2022 4:23 PM |
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# 3986 No Life Interruption
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Q. The shul I go to has a tradition to pause during Kiddush for people to say L'chaim. (during the day and at night. Before saying Borei Pri Hagafen.) I thought this was only permitted for Sephardim as it is considered an interruption for Ashkenazim. Or is it permitted because it is an outreach shul and there is a long tradition of doing it?
A. Since the 'L'chaim' blessing is said before the brocho is recited, there is no issue of Hefsek or interruption.
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Posted 11/20/2022 4:06 PM |
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# 3985 No Kids First - Really!
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Q. Our Rabonim where wondering, if one has to feed his small children before he feeds himself and this happens to be a Biblical mitzva, how come that whenever we make Kiddush or on every Seuda or meal the children are served last?
Are we not transgressing constantly on a Biblical mitzva and prohibition?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a explained that the time lapse at a Kiddush or Seuda between serving the kids first to eat or the grownups is so small and inconsequential, that other priorities such as honoring parents, Rabbis, or guest take priority.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 11/18/2022 12:24 AM |
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# 3984 Get Your Priorities Right
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Q. Does one have to feed his dog before he feeds his small children?
A. Pele Yoetz (Erech Baalei Chaim)mentions that just as it is prohibited to pain one's animals or pets that depend on him, certainly it applies to human beings that also need one's food.
Igrois Moshe (O.H. 2: 52) rules that small children that cannot feed themselves definitely have priority over pets and animals.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 11/18/2022 12:21 AM |
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# 3983 Tell a Fish Shaila
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Q. See question above. Does one have to feed the fish in his aquarium before he eats his own meal?
A. Sheilas Ya'avetz (1:17) addresses the prior question regarding eating one's meal before feeding his cat or dog. He debates that this household pets may be different to the cattle animals mentioned in the Shema, since they don't have when corraled access to grass or food. Dogs and cats at home may be different, depending on the case.
Mishne Halochos (6: 216) following the above reasoning maintains that aquarium fish may be similar to cattle, since they are also limited to their secluded environment.
However, Shevet Hakehosi (2: 149) maintains that fish in an aquarium may survive if there is plants available or food left over that does not discompose.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 11/18/2022 12:19 AM |
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# 3982 Cat in the Sack?
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Q. Is it true that it is correct to own a pet like a cat or dog to comply with the mitzva of feeding your animal before you eat?
A. Sefer Chassidim Hechodosh, indeed writes that one should own some pets in his home, so they can be fed before one eats and thus comply with the mitzva mentioned in the Shema, of feeding animals before one eats.
Others quoting the Arizal that on the contrary, there is danger in having pets as one may not take care properly for them, causing them to suffer and will thus be punished, sometimes severely. Peleh Yoetz, Tzavoas Chaim and others maintain a similar point.
See question 2962 regarding if it is appropriate to have a pet dog.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 11/18/2022 12:14 AM |
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# 3981 Pray Tell How to Pray
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Q. In our Shemonah Esrei when saying the 8th bracha for Refuah and inserting names for cholim, is it appropriate to include individuals with mental health issues? Should one also include names for individuals with a chronic illness (physical and/or mental) that can last for decades and should you say their name each day for years and years?
A. Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a maintains that one should not repeat a tefila for a sick individual suffering from a chronic illness (physical and/or mental) more that thirty days as it may be considered already as part of the brocho.
The prayer for that particular patient should be said at 'Elokay Netzor' after the Shemoneh Esrei.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 11/18/2022 12:09 AM |
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# 3980 Enlighten the Lights
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Q. I know that Shabbat candle-lighting is supposed to be either where I eat my meal or sleep. I was supposed to eat supper in one location and sleep in another but was (late) coming from home. At the last minute, the sleeping arrangements fell through so I lit and slept at home.
However, what should I have done in the original scenario? Called one or the other and asked them to light for me? If so, would I skip lighting at home. What if I asked the sleeping host to lite and my plans changed at the last minute. Would I still be covered b'dieved?
A. Poskim mention that there are three basic principles and reasons for lighting candles on Shabbos. The first two are Kavod and Oneg Shabbos, or honoring and enjoying Shabbos and they apply basically to lighting candles at the table where one eats. The third reason is Shalom Bayit or having a Shabbos of Peace, referring mainly to not stumbling in a dark room, and it applies mainly at the sleeping room that is usually dark.
Piskei Teshuvos (263: 23: n. 206) mentions that the third reason or lighting candles in the room one sleeps, in practice usually does not apply in our days. The reason being that most bedrooms have windows to a lighted street or there is light on the corridor leading to the room, a bathroom annexed or have a small LED light and thus it is not likely that one may stumble in them. So the fact that you were planing to sleep somewhere else is inconsequential today.
As far as having planned to eat somewhere else where your host lit candles for you thinking you will attend is also of no effect, since you have to light where you actually eat. If that turns out to be in your home, you have to light there with a brocho, before Shabbos begins.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is similar. The Rov's son narrated that the Rosh Hakolel Shlit'a when he is invited to eat Leil Shabbos at his children's home, lights at home before leaving and then when he returns eats some Mezonos where he lit.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 11/18/2022 12:01 AM |
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# 3979 For the Record -
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Q. See question above. What about my cell phone? Would it matter if it was still on or would it have to be turned off since it might record steps.
A. if the phone was left unwittingly on and it is recording without the owners intention, it is basically of no consequence, after the fact, since it is a 'Dovor Sheino Miskaven' or a not intended Melacha and likely of no use at all.
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 11/17/2022 11:58 PM |
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# 3978 Callback the Knapsack?
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Callback the Knapsack? Q. I have a
Shabbat dinner to go to and was wondering if I got there before
candle-lighting, can I store my Presto/bus card in my knapsack over
Shabbos since I will not be returning home? Do I need to
have food in it or anything that I would need over Shabbos
would be enough to keep knapsack from being Muktza. Would it be okay
if I did the same thing with my bank or credit card since I
might have to add money to the card? What about my cell phone? Would
it matter if it was still on or would it have to be turned off since
it might record steps
A.
In principle if there are articles that are considered Muktza inside
the knapsack at the beginning of Shabbos even during sunset, the
knapsack would be considered as a 'Bosis' or base and foundation
supporting the Muktza and thus become also similarly Muktza as ruled
in Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 309).
One
issue would be what kind of Muktza. If money was placed inside the
knapsack, since money is not a usable utensil per se, the type of
Muktza would be more stringent, and cannot be moved at all.
Horav
Shlomo miller's Shlit'a opinion is that credit cards or similar may
be considered a utensil, since they could be used to open a locked
door.
Obviously,
a cell phone is a utensil, but similarly to the cards it is Muktza as
a Keli Shemelachto Leissur,
or prohibited to touch and handle because it is used for forbidden
purposes on Shabbos.
However,
this type of Muktza is more lenient than a non-utensil Muktza, and it
is permitted to touch and move when one requires the use of its space
or even the item itself, as when used for a permitted purpose. An
example would be using a carpentry hammer for cracking edible nuts.
Horav
Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is also that the best way to handle
your case if you need to use or move the knapsack during Shabbos. is
to place before it begins the Muktza articles at the bottom of the
knapsack, while the permitted articles you need should be placed on
top.
Rabbi
A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and
Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 11/17/2022 11:46 PM |
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Important Numbers
