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# 3737 Don't Lose Sleep Over This
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Q. Regarding the brocho on the Torah when someone sleeps during the day, as it was discussed dealing with learning Shavuos night. How come we can sleep during the day, taking a nap and the continue learning Torah without making a new brocho. is that not prohibited since one is not allowed to learn Torah without reciting the blessing first?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 47: 11) writes that although there is a disagreement between the Poskim, the minhag is not to recite a new blessing for the Torah if one sleeps during the day.
Mishna Berura (25) quotes many Poskim that rule that a Brocho on the Torah should be recited and the one who does so does not forfeit.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that although Poskim do disagree regarding reciting a new blessing for the Torah when one slept more than a half an hour during the day and there is a prohibition of learning Torah before reciting the bracha on it (Mishna Berura 47: 2), Birchas Hatorah is different from other doubtful blessings.
The reason being since Poskim do rule that because of the doubt one should not recite the brocho again, thus there is no prohibition of learning then, since that in itself is the ruling of the Torah and indeed it is different from other doubtful brochos such as the blessings on food, when you are not allowed to eat without having recited a certain blessing.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/9/2022 10:53 PM |
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# 3736 Gifts from Above
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Q. Dear Rabbi. As we spoke before Shabbos and Yom Tov, there was an idea in our shul for someone to donate a small Sefer Torah and do the Hachnasat Sefer Torah ceremony on first day Shavuot. The Rabbi mentioned that he would consult with Rabbi Miller Shlit'a.
A. Poskim maintain that it is a great and elevated mitzva to donate a Sefer Torah on Shavuos. Birchei Yosef (494: 12) quoting Olalos Efraim considers it as bringing a Korban Mincha for Hashem in the correct place and time. Piskei Teshuvos (ibid.) mentions that many of the Gedolim, through out the generation followed that tradition (Maharam Lublin 68, Teshuva Meahava 3: 389, and others).
He also deals with other factors and traditions usually performed during a usual ceremony, such as lighting torches, spreading a Chupa and doing it where there is no Eruv etc.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that the Sefer Torah should not be donated but rather lend to the shul as is often done. Besides, the Rov added that in our days the Sefer Torah should undergo a computerized test to check if no letters are erased or missing, specially in an old Sefer, before bringing it to the shul.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/9/2022 10:51 PM |
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# 3735 Need a Hand to Sleep?
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Q. One that sleeps on Shavuos night leaning on his hand, does he say Hamapil?
A. On question 2688 regarding if someone goes to sleep for a short time on the night of Shavuos should he recite the brocho of Hamapil, we answered: "Shaarei Teshuva, Birkei Yosef (O.H. 229: 2) and others maintain that if one goes to sleep before daybreak, the brocho of Hamapil should be recited, although some Poskim disagree, when one goes to sleep after Chatzoz. (See Nitei Gavriel 17: 1).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s opinion is that he should recite even if he takes a nap longer that a half an hour, before daybreak."
The Rov maintains that the same applies if he just sleeps seating down and leaning on his hand.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/9/2022 10:47 PM |
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# 3734 A Holy Encounter
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Q. Someone mentioned on a recent speech that the Sh'lah Hakadosh was a reincarnation of Ruth Hamoavia. Can that really be true?
A. Interestingly we find in Sefer Hadoros (5389) something similar. Not a reincarnation, but rather that the Neshama of Ruth 'joined' the Sh'lah when he visited Eretz Yisrael. He provides a Remez of the name of the Sh'lah on the Roshei Tevos (beginning letter) of the eight words of Megilas Ruth that do not start with the letter Vav.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/9/2022 10:46 PM |
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# 3733 Bless Your Goodbye?
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Q. Dear Rov Shlit'a: On the second day Shavuot the Tefila was very long due to the reading of Ruth and Izkor. If someone had guest waiting for him to come home, (and that may create an issue of Shalom Bait) can he leave the shul before the repetition of the Amida of Musaf thus avoiding Birkat Hakohanim?
A. Poskim disagree if the mitzva of Birchas Cohanim applies also to the Yisroelim being blessed. Sefer Charodim, Hafloeh (Kesubos 24b) and others maintain it does and therefore they are not allowed to leave before it is recited.
D'var Avrohom opines it is a mitzva but not an obligation.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that he should not leave the shul before the Cohanim's blessing and he should explain at home that the reason for his lateness was to bring a blessing for all.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/9/2022 10:43 PM |
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# 3732 Cite but be Polite
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Q. If the Rav of the shul or yeshiva made a mistake and started saying Tachanun on a day of no Tachanun, should one pretend to say it to avoid embarrassing him?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should not directly correct the Rov as that likely will be embarrassing and most likely also done in public. One may quietly ask as a question if Tachanun is recited on that day.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/9/2022 10:41 PM |
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# 3731 The Torah of Life
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Q. I'm a member of a Zoom Daf group. Our teacher is a Talmid Chacham that has l'a undergone recently a serious operation and is now hospitalized for an extended time. A few days after the operation he called us and asked us to resume the shiur by zoom as always. He does so from his bed and is obviously in pain. Our question is, should we continue with the shiur now or wait until he is better? What is Horav Miller's opinion?
A. You should first consult with his physician if it is not dangerous to continue.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that the Torah teaching will likely be of very great benefit for him not only spiritually but also mentally and physically, since besides the incredibly great mitzva performed, it will also give him a most important and needed satisfaction and hope in difficult times. (See question 3722).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/7/2022 5:12 PM |
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# 3730 Blessed Dreams
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- Q. If I'm just going to lay on my arm and sleep for a short time on the night of Shavuos, do I say the brocho of Hamapil?
A. On a similar question (2688) we wrote: "Shaarei Teshuva, Birkei Yosef (O.H. 229: 2) and others maintain that if one goes to sleep before daybreak, the brocho of Hamapil should be recited, although some Poskim disagree, when one goes to sleep after chatzoz. (See Nitei Gavriel 17: 1).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s opinion is that he should recite Hamapil if he takes a nap longer that a half an hour, before daybreak.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/2/2022 11:18 PM |
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# 3729 The Day That Made Us Special
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Q. I'm planing to make a siyum before Shavuos, is doing it on Yom Hameyuchas a desired day to celebrate with a Siyum?
A. Yom Hameyuchas is a day of distinction, it is the second day of Sivan and the forty-sixth day of the Omer. It is also the day before the beginning of the Shloshes Yemei Hagbalah, or the Three Days of marital restraint, that Moshe Rabbenu commanded the Jewish People to observe.
Yichus stands for being of distinguished lineage. There are a number of reasons for this day and the name it carries.
One common explanation is based on Talmud (Shabbos 86b-87a). The second of Sivan was the day when Hashem chose our Nation to become the "Mamleches Cohanim V'goy Kadosh — a priestly nation and a holy people".
When Moshe Rabbenu delivered this message the People answered, “Everything that Hashem has commanded we will do” (Shemos 19: 8)
The Aruch Hashulchan, (Orach Chaim 494: 7), explains that this is the reason why it is called Yom Hameyuchas — the day upon which we as a Jewish people attained our distinguished place among the family of nations.
Another reason quoted is that Judaism, is fundamentally a meritocracy. A person is rewarded for his own achievements, not those of his father’s or his sons.
Others suggest that in fact the day itself has no special or unique quality, but rather since it sits squarely between
Rosh Chodesh on the previous day and the Shloshes Yemei Hagbalah, it too is swept up in the overall simcha of the period. As such, Yom Hameyuchas achieves its prestige from its proximity to the holy days that surround it.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should do the Siyum as soom as possible.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/2/2022 11:15 PM |
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# 3728 Special Times
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Q. Since this year (82-22) Erev Shavuot is Shabbat, which is the correct way to daven Mincha and eat Shaleshudos?
A. One should not eat a meal before sunset on Erev Shavuos at the time when normally we have Sholosh Seudos There are those who daven Mincha before the Shekia and then learn or listen to a shiur until Maariv or go home in between.
On question 2208 we addressed the following Shaila: "This year, Shabbos is Erev Shavuos. Since we are going to eat a seuda (meal) of Yom Tov at night, many avoid eating shaleshsudos (the third meal of Shabbos) after mincha, before the shekia (sunset). It is common to divide the seuda after davening in the morning, into two parts. That is, one may wash hands, eat the fish and then bentch, and then wash netila again and eat the cholent, and that will become the shaleshudes meal. How long should one wait between one meal and the other? Should one wait until after chatzos (midday)?"
To what we answered: "On question 1943 we wrote: “Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that on the onset, one should not wait to eat the seuda on Shabbos morning until after chatzos, even if one drinks something before. (Rambam H. Shabbos 30: 9, Kaf Hachaim 291: 2, See Shulchan Aruch 288: 1, Mishna Berura ibid. 1, Piskei Teshuvos ibid. n. 6).
The Rov also maintains that one should avoid on the onset eating two meals, immediately one after the other, as one may incur in the prohibition of reciting unnecessary brochos (Mishna Berura 291: 14 -17) unless one makes a significant hefsek, such as taking a walk outside (ibid.) or waiting at least a half hour in between. (Piskei Teshuvos ibid. n. 50. He quotes a quarter hour )”
The Rov added that the third meal should be lechatchila (on the onset) a half an hour after chatzos, which is the early time to daven Mincha."
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/2/2022 11:08 PM |
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# 3727 Wake Up and Smell the Coffee
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Q. Dear Rov. On the first night of Shavuot the meal usually finishes very late. Someone went to sleep and woke up early to daven with the Netz (sunrise) Minyan, if on the night meal one ate meat, can he drink a coffee with milk before davening, even if no six hours have passed since the end of that meal?
A. Some Poskim are lenient and in general don't require a wait of six hours exactly. They lenient even when most or even part of the sixth hour has passed (minhag of Lakewood Yeshiva).
Others are lenient after sleeping a night sleep, and maintain that then less than six hours suffice.
Horav Y. D. Harpenas (Mekadesh Yisroel - Shavuos 85) quotes the lenient Poskim and also a story from Zichron Moshe who relates that the Chassam Soffer wanted to be lenient and not require six full hours when sleeping, since then the digestion accelerates. However, he retracted when he saw as a sign from Heaven and the coffee with milk cup spilled.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/2/2022 11:04 PM |
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# 3726 Drop Everything
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Q. See question above. Do you also place some drops of the Havdallah on the eyes, if you make Havdallah on beer or tea?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that since those drinks can be used used for Havdalah since they are considered 'Chamar Medina' or the equivalent of wine in that location, one should also place a bit over the eyes.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/2/2022 10:56 PM |
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# 3725 Eyes on the Wines
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Q. Dear Rabbi.What is the source for putting some of the Havdallah wine on eyes and in pockets?
A. Remah (O.H. 296: 1) mentions that it is tradition to (slightly) wash one's eyes with the wine of Havdalah as it is considered 'Chivuv Mitzva" or an appreciation of the mitzva performed. However, on the Halachos of Kiddush (271: 10) Remah mentions that when one recites Kiddush, he should look into the cup of wine.
Mishna Berura (48) explains that it is curative for the eyes. Tur (269) quotes Rav Neturay Gaon saying hat even after Kiddush a bit of wine should be placed above the eyes. Nevertheless Kaf Hachaim (269: 6) and other Poskim maintain that during the Kiddush of Shabbos we abstain from doing so, as it may be seen as using medicine during Shabbos which in principle is not allowed.
Kitzur Shelah quotes the Arizal that when done after Havdalah one should say the verse: 'Mitzvas Hashem Boroh Meiras Einaim.' (Tehilim 19: 9 -The commandment of Hashem is clear, enlightening the eyes).
Some do so three times and also place some drops in their pockets as a good Siman and say "Siman Tov Umazal Tov Yichey Lanu Ulechol Yisrael' (Mishmeres Sholom, see Piskei Teshuvos 296: 7)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/2/2022 10:47 PM |
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# 3724 Milk It for All its Worth
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Q. In our Bet Midrash we learn the whole first night of Shavuos, then we daven with the Netz (sunrise) and after davening a Kiddush is offered and cheese danishes and cakes are served. Do we comply with the minhag of eating a milchik meal with just that Kiddush.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one does comply since after all, eating those danishes is considered as 'Kiddush Bemakom Seudah' and therefore it is a proper Kiddush followed by a meal.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/2/2022 10:36 PM |
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# 3723 Crying Over Spilled Milk
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Q. Can someone who is allergic to milk products comply with the tradition of eating a milk-meal on Shavuot, if that person cooks a Pareve food or warms some bread inside an oven used for milk foods? After all we consider such foods as 'Milchik' and avoid eating them with meat.
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that the fact that food warmed in that oven it is treated out of caution as being 'milchik,' is not enough to comply with the tradition of consuming a milk-meal on Shavuos.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/2/2022 10:35 PM |
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# 3722 Amelim BaTorah
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Q. Dear Rov and colleague. As we already spoke on the phone, I was offered to give a Shiur on Shabbos afternoon to a large group of advanced Torah learners that meet there only on Shabbos and recently lost their Rabbi. They are very interested in learning the modern topics that I can deliver. Without my teaching the group may just dissolve.
I'm very interested and pleased to be able to teach that distinguished group. However, I have a problem. To reach the shul where this group convenes, I have to walk about forty minutes there and then again back. I'm Be'H not a young man anymore and I have to take care also of my own Shul. Since I also have some small heart issues, I consulted with my physician. He advised me that if I'm feeling well, the exercise is welcome. But I should take with me a heart rates indicator. There is an Eiruv, yet I usually avoid carrying when not essential.
My question to Horav Miller Shlit'a is, should I put all this effort in teaching this shiur? Is it advised or even permitted?
A. if the doctor permits and you feel up to it in each separate occasion, it is very advisable to go ahead and do it. The Rov added that the value, worth and reward for teaching Torah when it is difficult and challenging is most incredible, it is truly incomparable and completely well, well above the simple ordinary easy way we usually teach.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/2/2022 4:14 PM |
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# 3721 A Thank You Signal
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Q. While davening Pesukei Dezimra, I was approached by a dignified Meshulach collecting Tzedaka. I gave him a nice donation and he reciprocated by giving me a beautiful brocho. Could I answer amen then to his blessing?
A. On a similar question (2545) regarding a Gabai that goes around the shul with a pushka during Pesukei Dezimara (by Vaiborech Dovid) to collect Tzedaka for the shul. He often says Yasher Koach or thank you to the givers and he argues that it is not a Hefsek or interruption, since he is only responding to their giving, we wrote:
"Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 51: 5) rules that in the middle of the psalms of Pesukei Dezimra it is prohibited to greet someone deserving to be honored, but it is permitted to answer to that person, when he greeted us.
However, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that thanking for a donation received, is not considered to be a response to a salute. (The Rabbi should explain this Halacha in his teachings, so the people will not expect a thank you then).
The Rov added that the Gabai may attach a noticeable thank-you note to the pushka and point to it if necessary."
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that in our case it is enough to signal thanks with one's hand.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 5/31/2022 5:37 PM |
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# 3720 Amen to Clean Hands
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Q. If I hear someone make a brocho after I have exited the bathroom before I washed hands, can I answer Amen after just cleaning my hands by rubbing them against my clothing?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that you can. However, you must not only clean both sides of the hand but also the areas between the fingers. (It may just be faster, if the little available time permits, to pour some water on the hands).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 5/31/2022 4:56 PM |
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# 3719 A Blessing Wife
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Q. Hello Rabbi. I Because of my very sensitive health state I will be learning and davening alone this Shavuos at home. (And when someone stays awake the complete night, he should not recite certain brochos. He then usually asks another person who did sleep to recite them and be motze him). Can my wife be motzi me with the blessings of Elokay Neshomo and Hamaavir Sheino, when she usually does not recite them?
A. On similar question 2693 we wrote that; 'Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if she slept she can recite for him these brochos'. However as mentioned on question 2694, she cannot recite Birchas Hatorah for him.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 5/29/2022 6:01 PM |
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# 3718 Giving Plastic Flowers?
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Q. Kevod Harav. We always used in our Shul plant decorations for Shavuot. Some board members suggested to change to plastic ones not only for the monetary savings since they can be reused, but also because it keeps the place clean. Is that permitted?
A. One may argue that one may be downgrading the minhag, as one would when offering plastic flowers as a visiting gift.
However, as mentioned above, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that since decorating the shul with greenery is only a minhag and not a mitzva, it can be done for a benefit to the shul.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 5/29/2022 5:57 PM |
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Important Numbers
