Question: Can I heat up cooked food with its liquid on a blech on Shabbos?Please note, some of the liquid may have congealed. Answer:According to some Posqim, it is assur to heat up cold food that is liquid or congealed. This is the view of Rashi, Rosh and Smag. According to other Posqim, it is …
1. Massa One is required to eat one k’zayith (the volume of an average olive) of massa for both Akhilath Massa and for the Afiqoman at the end of the Seder. The volume of a k’zayith is 3 cc. If one wishes to be mahmir (stringent), 5 cc. This is approximately equal to …
In answer to the many who have asked: to those who have the z’khuth to live in EY, I recommend that one wear T’phillin, at least at some point during the day, on the second day of Tishre. One should not do M’lakha in public where it is likely to lead to discord and mahloqeth. …
Statement: I despise the corruption and wickedness of the Knesset and the government of Israel. I don’t see the point of voting for such an impure institution. Answer: One must separate one’s emotions from rational thinking regarding the issue of voting. If good, pro-Torah, pro-Eretz Yisrael Jews do not vote then we are abandoning …
Question: Could the Rav please describe the correct procedure for the transition from Shabbat to Tisha b’Av? For example, when does one take one’s shoes off? Must one say arvith before doing so, and before performing melacha? May one say only “baruch hamavdil” in these circumstances? Answer: 1. The general principle is …
Question: Shalom Mori. Yesterday I was involved in a car accident. Another driver ran the light and smashed into my driver’s-side door. Flames started coming out of the back of the car. I thought I was dead. I jumped out the passenger-side. Do I need to say HaGomel? What about saying something …
Question: In Hil. Tefillah 3:1 the Rambam says that we can daven shacharit until hatzot. Do you posken like him, or is the Kessef Mishnah correct in saying that the Rambam meant that you can make up that davening by mincha? I’m not looking for a “heter for sleeping in”, just trying to understand the …
Question: When should one recite Qidush L’vana this month? Is there an Inyan of saying it with a Minyan? Answer: One should always recite Qidush L’vana at the very first opportunity. This is the case all year round. Thus states the Talmud Bavli Sanhedhrin 41b-42a, and thus writes Riph and …
Question: Which bracha of the Birkot haShachar do I say as I put on my pants in the morning? Answer: The Bracha that end withs Ozer Yisrael Bigevurah/אוֹזֵר יִשְׂרָאֵל בִּגְבוּרָה 21st of Kislev, 5769 18 December 2008
Question: After Shabbat is over, can one say “hamavdil bein kodesh lechol” to enable himself to do melacha? Answer: One should only do melacha after one has either said Shmone Esre of motza’ei Shabbat (i.e., with “ata honantanu”) or havdalah. Simply saying “hamavdil bein kodesh lechol” is inappropriate under ordinary …
Question What is the Halachic source for Selikhot? Is saying Selikhoth obligatory like other mitzvoth? Answer 1. Saying S’lihoth is a minhagh (custom). The Geonim, Rambam (T’shuva 3:9) and Tur (OH 581) mention rising early (at night) between Rosh HaShanna (RH) and Yom Kippur (YK) to pray and beseech HASHEM as a universal Jewish practice. …
Question: Is Seudah Shlishith on Shabbat obligatory? Answer: Seudah Shlishith is indeed just as obligatory as the other two seudot. One should have lechem mishne (two loaves of bread). 9th of Nisan, 5769 Friday, 03 April 2009
Question: Does one have to use liquid soap on Shabbat? Answer: No, one may use hard soap. 9th of Nisan, 5769 Friday, 03 April 2009
Question Hi. I was trying to learn the pronunciation that you are promoting but I saw https://www.tiberianhebrew.com/letters and it seems waw is not always w but most often v. And there are nuances for other letters. Can you comment or make a video regarding that academic research Answer …
Question Should there not be a distinction between the pronunciation of the letter “sin” and “samech”? Answer Shalom Rav, I have heard of this theory. The samekh and the sin are pronounced identically by all ‘edhoth of ‘Am Yisrael. It is …
Question: Which bracha does one say when putting on one’s shoes in the morning? Answer: One says שעשה לי כל צרכי which is one of ברכות השחר. Each bracha is said for a particular action – see Talmud Bavli Brachot 60b, Rambam’s MT Tefillah Chap. 7, Rosh Brachot 9:23. …
Question: Is Melaveh Malkah obligatory? Answer: Melaveh Malkah is obligatory. One must say haMotzi. BeDiavad, one can eat mezonot. 9th of Nisan, 5769 Friday, 03 April 2009
Question: Does the Rav hold that one ought to marry by the time one turns 20? Answer: This is a complicated issue for several reasons. Each individual case must be considered with all relevant information. Having said that, the earlier one is able to get married the better. This is a weighty decision not …
Question: Which birkat hashachar do I say as I don my kippah (yarmulke) in the morning? Answer: The bracha which ends in “Oter Yisrael beTifarah/עוֹטֵר יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּתִפְאָרָה” 21st of Kislev, 5769 18 December 2008
Question: What standard of bishul yisroel does the Rav hold by? Answer: I hold by the standard usually associated with the Ashk’nazi Pos’qim – If the oven/flame is lit by the Jew, it is mutar. This includes even adding a small piece of wood to the fire, as Rambam writes: הל’ מאכלות אסורות יז, …
Question: What do you think of the modern practice of teaching Kabbalah to the masses through Hassidut? Doesn’t the Mishna forbid this? Was the AriZal correct in saying that the time had come to teach Kabbalist teachings to the wider public? Answer: Shalom, I cannot claim to know with any certainty what the Ari …
Question Should the person who gets an aliyah to the Torah also layn (read from the Torah)? Answer 1. Hazal intended that the person called to the Tora recites the b’rakha and reads from the Tora. All Rishonim acknowledge this fact (see Rambam, for example) which is beyond any doubt or discussion. Most Jewish communities, …
Should the person who gets an aliyah to the Torah also layn (read from the Torah)? Read More »
Question: When should I say Birkot haShachar? Should I say the brachot that appear at the beginning of the siddur consecutively in shul at the beginning of davening or at home? Answer: Birkoth haShahar should be said as one performs the relevant action. For example, after one opens one’s eyes upon awakening one says …
Question: שלום עליכם: I wanted to ask the Rabbi how does he allow to bake Matzo on a frying pan? What does he say about the opinion that says that one should bake the Matzo in such a way that heat will bake it from both sides at the same time? I will be …
Question: May I switch nuschei tefillah on a daily basis? For example, may I daven nusach Ashkenaz today, nusach Eretz Yisrael tomorrow, and nusach HaRambam the next day? I find that alternating nusachim helps me keep my tefillah fresh and directed towards Hashem. Answer: One may use a different nusach tefillah every day. The Avudrahim …
Switching, Changing, and Praying: Nusah Tefillah Read More »
Question: When davening, how much should I pronounce the words? Is it enough to, as the Rambam suggests, say them in my mind? Should I, like the Shulchan Aruch says, form them with my lips? Or do I need to at a minimum whisper them so I can hear? Answer: 1. I assume that …
Enunciating Words During Tefillah and Other Brachot Read More »
Question: Hi Rabbi, I’m writing now regarding the mitzvah of having seudot on Shabbat and Yom Tov after listening to your explanation of why oats is not one of the seven species. I’m working with a nutritionist to help address a common hormone imbalance in women called polycystic ovaries (pcos) that affects the …
Question: 1. What is the reason that we stand on Erev Shabbat for Mizmor leDavid? 2. Also why do we stand for Aleinu? Answer: 1. There is no hova (requirement) to stand when saying any mizmor from Tehillim; this applies to the mizmor you mention which we recite on Erev Shabbat, as well …
In my article, “The Misswa of Lulav on Shabbath-Getting Back on Track”, I presented the Halakhic foundation for taking the Lulav on the first day of Sukkoth which falls on Shabbath. I was subsequently asked by several readers if we should also have blown the Shophar since Rosh HaShanna this year fell on Shabbath. There …
Question: Should I avoid talking after saying the birkat hashachar “haMechin Mitzadei Gaver”, but before I have crossed the threshold of the entrance to my home? Also, what if I do not intend to leave my home on a given day, do I still say the the bracha in the morning? Answer: So long …
The Bracha of haMechin Mitzadei Gaver in the Morning Read More »
Question: Should I wear tzitzit at night as well as during the day? Answer: Yes, the mitzvah of tzitzit applies at night as well. 9th of Nisan, 5769 Friday, 3 April 2009
Question: Is Megillat Antiochus historically accurate? Answer: Megillat Antiochus is not historically reliable. It contains many fanciful inaccuracies. Monday, 15 December 2008
Question: Should I say the bracha on tzitzit each time I put them on during the course of the day? Answer: If one takes off one’s tzitzit for more than just a few moments then one should indeed again say the bracha on tzitzit before putting them on again. 9th of Nisan, 5769 …
Question: If it is uncomfortably hot in the sukkah am I exempt from the mitzvah? Answer: One who experiences significant discomfort because of prevailing conditions in the sukkah is exempt from the misswa. See Rambam, Hilchoth Sukkah 6:2 Friday, 11 March 2011
Question: What is the meaning of the phrase “b’Orcha nireh ohr” (by your light we shall see light)? Answer: The phrase “b’orkha nir’e or” is the second half of a verse which in its entirety reads: “For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light do we see light”. The thrust of …
Question: When do I say the bracha: leisheiv baSukkah? Answer: On the first night of Sukkot one should say kiddush standing up in the sukkah, say the bracha, “leisheiv baSukkah”, sit down, and then say the bracha, “shehecheyanu”. In accordance with the Talmud Yerushalmi one should not say the bracha again during the rest …
Question: Should I leave Israel to go to Uman on Rosh HaShana? Answer: One should not leave Israel to go to Uman. Rav Kook pointed out that there are enough gravesites of tzadikim in Eretz Yisrael, and therefore leaving Eretz Yisrael for such a purpose is inappropriate. Friday, 03 April 2009
Question: Should one do Tashlich on Rosh HaShana? Answer: No, one should not. As the Vilna Gaon (haGra) points out, this is an unseemly custom. 9th of Nisan, 5769 Friday, 03 April 2009
Question: Must I wash mayim achronim before I say birkat hamazon? Answer: Yes, one should wash with a cup as one does before eating bread. Upon washing one’s hands before mayim achronim one should say the bracha “asher kideshanu be’mitzvotav vetzivanu al rechitzath yadayim”, which is in accordance with the opinion of the Raavad, …
Question: Must a Kohen nowadays make sure to take a haircut at least once every 30 days? Answer: Such a requirement does not exist so long as the Beit HaMikdash is not standing. See Rambam, Hilchot Biat HaMikdash, Chapter 1, Halacha 11. http://www.mechon-mamre.org/i/8301.ht 10th of Nisan, 5769 Friday, 03 April 2009 …
Question: If I go on a day trip with my family during Chol haMoed Sukkot, which involves going to remote areas where there are no sukkahs, must I avoid eating mezonoth or bread? Answer: When one goes on the type of day trip which you describe one would be exempt from needing to eat …
Question: During the Shemittah year should I buy Arab produce or rely on heter mechira? Answer: Neither – Otzar Beth Din is the correct alternative which does not involve strengthening the hold of our enemies on Eretz Yisrael in any manner. Friday, 03 April 2009
Question: Isn’t Machon Shilo treading potentially dangerous territory by promoting new minhagim\customs? Answer All of my teachings, and those of Beth HaWaadh, are firmly rooted in the authentic teachings of Hazal. With certain systematic exceptions, we generally follow the halachic rulings and methodology of Rambam and Gra to mention, but two giants of Torah. …
Question: There is an idea quoted in the name of the Ar”i (it was actually first written already generations after him) that in the future (perhaps it was olam haba) halacha will follow Bet Shammai. Regardless of who actually said it first, does this have a source in Hazal? Answer: None. And no-one knows …
Question I am a Kohen. If I am not allowed to move from my place while standing during the chazarath hashatz, then how do I wash my hands in preparation for birkath hakohanim? Answer This is an excellent question. Firstly, one must remember that so long as one has not had a hesech hadaath …
How do I wash my hands in preparation for birkath hakohanim? Read More »
Question: What types of b’rachoth are appropriate on desserts eaten during a meal with bread? Does it matter what type of dessert is eaten? Answer: All foods, including cakes, which are served after the main course as a dessert, require the appropriate b’rakha both before and after the dessert, before Birkath HaMazon. If one …
Question Should I say the bracha “shehecheyanu” upon purchasing a new article of clothing? Answer During the Talmud buying new articles of clothing in general was a source of great happiness. Nowadays, it would only be correct to make the bracha “shehecheyanu” upon purchasing a particularly high-quality article article of clothing. Tuesday, 16 …
Should I say the bracha shehecheyanu upon new clothing? Read More »
Question: When should my shul do the final tekiya of the shofar at the end of Yom haKippurim? Answer: It is correct to do so after Arvit, as opposed to after Neilah as many are accustomed to do. Thus, one avoids the issue of blowing shofar when perhaps Yom haKippurim has not yet ended. …
Question: What is the Rav’s opinion on מחללי שבת בפרהסיא as תינוקות שנשבו? Should one refer to non observant Jews who don’t observe Shabbath and are מחלל שבת בפרהסיא today as תינוקות שנשבו or as רשעים? I understand that there are different opinions on this matter and would like to know Machon Shilo’s stance on …
Question: May one use body deodorant on Yom haKippurim? Answer: One may dab only a very small amount. Otherwise, this may be considered to be in violation of the prohibition against sicha (annointing). 9th of Nisan, 5769 Friday, 03 April 2009
Question: When should I say the bracha “Elohai Neshema”? Answer: One should say “Elohai Neshama” (ending with the bracha “haMahazir neshamot lifgarim meytim’) – or the Nusach Eretz Yisrael version of this bracha, which begins with “Baruch… and ends with “Baruch Mehaye haMeytim” – immediately upon awakening. 29th of Kislev, 5771 Sunday, 05 …
Question: What’s the Rav’s opinion on women saying blessings on commandments which they are not obligated in, such as lulav? Answer: The opinion of Rabbenu Tam, Tosaphoth, Rosh and many other Rishonim z”l is that women who choose to perform a misswa from which they are exempt may recite the relevant B’rakha. I subscribe …
Question Is it obligatory to say the entire tachanun as printed in the siddur? Answer Nefillat Apayim is on the one hand a hovah (obligation), yet the individual may choose what the content will be. Essential elements of nefillat apayim are pesukim (verses) which relate to techinnah (supplication), selichah (request for forgiveness), and vidui (confession). …
Is it obligatory to say the entire tahanun as printed in the siddur? Read More »
Question: Is there a bracha for when taking off tefillin? If so, what is it and when does one say it? Answer: 1. The bracha is “Asher kideshanu b’mitzvotav vetzivanu lishmor chukav”. 2. Ramban z’l (Nida 51b) explains at length that the bracha “lishmor chukav” (see TY B’rakhoth 2:3) is to be said …
Question 1: When is one halachically required to wash one’s hands, i.e. to Netilat Yadayim? Answer: One is required to wash one’s hands with a kli (cup) and say the bracha “al netilat yadayim” before reciting Shema, before all Tefillot (18 Brachot): Shacharit, Mincha, and Arvit (See Rambam’s MT, Hilchot Tefillah 4:1-3 and Hilchot Brachot …
Question: I have a question based on this article I wrote a few months ago: http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/11728#.UIAWpmfAHmc. My understanding is that mishkav zachur (sodomy) is also prohibited for gentiles under the Sheva Mitzvot Bnei Noach. If so, what is the scope of enforcement for gentile governments? Specifically, are they obligated to criminalize private acts of homosexuality …
Question: Is bread from a non-Jewish store (without Rabbinic supervision) allowed? Answer: 1. Where kosher bread baked by a Jewish bakery is available, one should stick to that bread. 2. Where such bread is not readily available, one may eat non-Jewish bread provided that one knows for a fact that all ingredients are …
Question: My friend has a dairy pot which, at the time of this incident, had not been used for dairy in several days. Its lid is glass with a metal rim and a plastic handle. She was cooking soup in the pot on the stove, lifted up the lid to check the soup, it was …
Question: I usually pray in a shul where they do not wear tefillin on Chol haMoed, however I do regularly wear them during this time, but pray at home so that I will not cause any undue strife. Thus, for the past couple of days I have been praying b’yehiduth in my sukkah. This being …
Wearing Tefillin on Chol haMoed Where Others Do Not Read More »
Question: Should we take the lulav when the first day of Sukkot falls on Shabbat? Answer: Yes, if you are a resident of Eretz Yisrael. This is explained explicity in the Mishnah and in both the Talmud Yerushalmi and Talmud Bavli. This was the custom for hundreds of years in Eretz Yisrael and is …
Taking the Lulav When the First Day of Sukkot Falls on Shabbat Read More »
Question: Can I eat chocolate bars which contain “halav akum”? Answer: The correct term is “halev goyim” or “halev nokhrim”. ‘Akum is indeed ‘aqum (crooked); the term was invented by the Christian censors who were once authorized to “sanitize” Jewish texts before printing and was unknown to Hazal. The terms utilized by Hazal to …
Question: How much is a k’zayit of bread? Answer: As the term suggests, a k’zayith is a volume equivalent to the size of an average olive. 1. The type of olive referred to by Hazal is the strain known as ‘Ssuri’ or ‘Ssori’. This is the conclusion of Prof. Mordechai Kislev of Bar-Ilan University, …
Question: We are aware of a tradition of not eating matzah just before Pesah. However we already turned over our kitchen and dining area for Pesah. For this Shabbat we were wondering what should we make hamotzi on, and in general how long before Pesah must one refrain from eating matzah? m Answer: 1. Hazal …
Question: I have family members with 2 or 3 young children below the age of 4 each. They have been told that they must get a heter from a Rav to use birth control to pace the frequency of births. Also that they must get a heter if they at some point want to have …
Question May I ask the Rav a shaila? I am interested in astronomy. Do you recommend I say a bracha when I witness an unusual astronomical event such as the transit of the sun by Venus that is to occur in a few days? Answer 1. Your question is a very good one. The …
Question: Yesterday was election day. Last night I was at a shul not far from my community. Before Aravit a rabbi got up and explained why he felt it was important to register and vote. He said that it doesn’t matter who we vote for, as long as our community votes and is noticed by …
Question: I live on the 4th floor. Where should I put my Hanukkiah? Answer 1. Even were your apartment to be on the ground floor,but inside the building (as opposed to the door to your apartment opening directly on to the street), it is unclear whether it would be correct to place your Ner …
Question: I am writing a diary which will be seen by others. May it contain lashon hara against a relative of mine? Answer: No, the fact that one is writing a personal history does not entitle you under ordinary circumstances to include lashon hara against a relative. Friday, 03 April 2009
Question: Someone once told me of a rabbi who claimed that since man and wife are really one unit that it is permissible for them to speak lashon hara with one another. Is this true? Answer: Man and wife must also fulfill the halachot which prohibit lashon hara when speaking to one another. …
Question: If I put on tefillin more than once on a given day should I say the brachot on them each time? Answer: The Talmud Yerushalmi says that one should say the brachot on only the first time one puts on tefillin during a given day. The logic behind this is that tefillin is …
Question: Which bracha should I make upon putting on my tallit katan? Answer: One should make the bracha “lehitatef betzitzit” upon putting on one’s tallit katan. One should also make the same bracha upon putting on one’s tallit gadol. The bracha “al mitzvat tzitzit” does not appear in the gemara, and therefore the …
Question: Must I light a shamash as part of my hanukkiah on Hanukkah? Answer: There is no such obligation. A shamash historically was simply that which was used as the source of fire to light the candles of the hanukkiah. Therefore, one is only obligated to light the candles of Hanukkah, without there being …
Question: If it is raining heavily while I am in the sukkah, though I am exempt from having to stay in the sukkah, is it considered admirable to remain anyway? Answer: Just as one is not expected to sit in a room while water leaks upon one’s head, one is not expected to sit …
Question: What sin am i committing by choosing to purchase Arab produce during the Shemittah year? Answer: Lo Tichanem. By purchasing such produce one is helping to sustain our enemies and thereby strengthening their hold on Eretz Yisrael. Tuesday, 11 September 2012
Question: Should I sleep in the sukkah during Sukkot? Answer: Men must indeed sleep in the sukkah under ordinary circumstances. 26th of Elul, 5769 Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Question: Can I neuter my dog? Answer: I am afraid I know of no heter to neuter your dog. This issur is explicit in the Tora (Vayikra 22:24), and includes all animals as well as humans, see Rambam MT, Issure Bi’a 16:7 (or 16:10 in Vilna edition). The punishment for so doing, in normal …
Question: What type of etrog should I buy? Answer: One should buy a Yemenite etrog. 9th of Nisan, 5769 Friday, 03 April 2009
Question: May I ingest a health pill/capsule which contains an ingredient(s) (e.g.oil) from a non-kosher fish? Answer: Yes, one may take such a pill if one swallows it with water without chewing and thereby derives no pleasure from it as one would from food which one chews first, as opposed to merely swallowing. (See: …
Medication Containing Ingredients from Non-Kosher Fish Read More »
Question: What is the halacha concerning joining and participating with non-Jewish courts? Answer: It is permissible in Chutz laAretz – dina demalkhutha dina. (See TB Nedharim 28a, Gittin 10b etc). Keep in mind too that gentiles are required to establish a court system: see MT, Hilkhoth Melakhim, Chapter 9. The exception would be when …
Halacha Concerning Joining and Participating in Non-Jewish Courts? Read More »
Question: Are there any halachic considerations that should be considered when I change my last name? Answer: The concept of a last name is non-Jewish in origin. It came into being about 220 years ago, when European governments decided to enforce the use of last names. Jews were always called so-and-so the son of …
Question: Should one who follows customs of Eretz Israel wear a kittel at the Pesah Seder? Answer: 1. I can think of no reason to wear a kittel at any time during the year. 2. On Yom Tov one should wear one’s finest clothing – see Rambam’s MT Yom Tov 6:15 and Shabbat …
Wearing a Kittel for the Seder or the High Holidays Read More »
Question: Should I say a bracha upon building my sukkah? Answer: Yes. In accordance with the Talmud Yerushalmi the appropriate bracha to say upon building one’s sukkah is “asher kideshanu bemitzvotav vetzivanu la’asoth sukkah”. 26th of Elul, 5769 Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Question: If I say Mincha with tefillin on and then when I take them off it is already after shkiah (sunset) should I still say the bracha “asher kideshanu b’mitzvotav vetzivanu lishmor chukav” upon their removal? Answer: Yes, one should say this bracha before one removes one’s tefillin for the last time on a …
MONDAY, 15 DECEMBER 2008 18:08 Question Must I wash my hands before Minha or Arvith? Answer One is required to wash one’s hands with a k’li (cup) and say the b’rakha “al n’ttilath yadhayim” before all T’philoth (18 B’rakhoth): Shaharith, Minha, ‘Arvith. See Rambam’s MT, Hilkhoth T’phila 4:1-3 and Hilkhoth B’rakhoth 6:1-2; Rosh B’rakhoth …
Question: What are the minimum obligations of a woman regarding davening in the morning? Answer: A woman must say birkoth hashachar and shmoneh esre, including nefillat apayim. It should be noted that nefillat apayim is an extension of shmoneh esre which is why a woman must also say it. Question: Must a …
Question: May I light the hanukkiah indoors and then move it in front of the entrance to my home? Answer: No, one may not do so. One should light the hanukkiah in the same location as one will leave it. As the gemara says in Masecheth Shabbath, Amud 23A: “Hadlakah Oseh Mitzvah” See Rambam, …
Question: I am not sure how feasible it is for me to put my Hanukkiah out this year since my official residence for the chag is on the fourth floor, meaning four floors plus the ground floor. Is this too high? How does this translate into amoth? Would it be preferable to place th Hanukkiah …
Question Dear Rabbi I booked tickets a long time ago for a family holiday to the USA. I did not realize that the flight was on “tisha b’av” as it was not marked in my calendar – I assume because this year the fast is put off to the Sunday. Our flight leaves Israel at …
Fasting on 10th Av (Tish’a b’Av deferred) while in Flight Read More »
Yom 3, 30-05-67 —30 Av 5774 — 26-08-2014 Question: Rav Bar-Hayim Have you seen the most recent edition of the Nusach Sepharad Siddur by Koren publishing? It seems to be a very clean version of the text and I do not see the repetitive verses in the brachot that are in other …
Nusah S’pharad and the Importance of Studying T’hilim in Depth Read More »
Tuesday, 16 December 2008 14:14 Question If I am davening Shacharit with a minyan and I am in the middle of saying Ashrei before Uva Letziyon, but the minyan is davening very fast and has already begun saying Uva Letzion, should I stop saying Ashrei and begin saying Uva Letzion? Answer Under the circumstances …
If I am davening Shacharit with a minyan and I am in the middle of Ashrei… Read More »
TUESDAY, 16 DECEMBER 2008 12:59 Question Before I leave work to daven Mincha I first do netillath yadayim with a bracha. On my way to the shul I take a short-cut which involves my leaning with my hands on an outside concrete surface. Does touching that surface mean that the netillah which I did …
Wednesday, 17 December 2008 18:05 Question Must I say Alaynu Leshabeach? Answer The saying of “Alaynu Leshabeach” at the end of davening is not obligatory, since this is a minhag (custom). If one does choose to perform this beautiful minhag then one should do so with kavannah.
TUESDAY, 16 DECEMBER 2008 17:03 Question Must I say tachanun (nefillat apayim) during the period between Yom HaKippurim and Succot? Answer As a rule, nefillat apayim is obligatory and constitutes an extension of the shmone esre. Nefillat Apayim must be said unless specifically stated otherwise by an authoritative source. There is no …
Tuesday, 16 December 2008 16:52 Question I read in the kitzur shulchan aruch that a kohen should avoid being chazan during a tefillah in which birkat hakohanim must be said. Is this the halacha? Answer Yes-this halacha is based on a mishna in the fifth chapter of masechet brachot. Under ordinary circumstances a kohen …
Wednesday, 17 December 2008 17:42 Question How should I conduct myself during the chazarath hashatz of the shaliach tzibbur? Answer One should obviously not be speaking or communicating in any fashion with anybody else. In addition, one’s feet should be together as they are during the tefillah belachash, and one should be focusing …
How should I conduct myself during the chazarath hashatz of the shaliach tzibbur? Read More »
Eating Meat During the Nine Days The Mishna (Ta’aniyoth 4:7) states: ON THE EVE OF THE NINTH OF AV ONE MAY NOT PARTAKE OF A MEAL OF TWO COURSES NOR EAT MEAT NOR DRINK WINE. This refers to the S’udha Maphseqeth (the meal prior to the commencement of the fast). ‘Meat’ here refers to …
Clapping on Shabbath and Yom Tov; Davening Shaharith Late; Stockings for Women Yom 4, 28-07-67 — 28 Tishre 5775 — 21-10-2014 Question Shalom Rabbeinu: Do you hold that dancing, clapping, etc. are forbidden on Shabbath and Yom Tov as per Beitza 30a? In Hil. Tefillah 3:1 the Rambam says that we can daven …
Halakhoth of the ‘Shavua shehal bo’ when Tisha beAv falls on Shabbath or Sunday Question: When 9th Av falls on Shabbath or Sunday, are we required to follow the Halakhoth of the ‘Shavua shehal bo’ during the previous week? Answer: It states explicitly in the Talmud …
Laundry during the 9 Days Question: Regarding the 9 Days and laundry. We are blessed with two boys, one three and the other 9 months. We use cloth diapers. It’s permitted to do their laundry as needed, correct? We also don’t use paper towels in the house, only cloth towels. Is it permitted to …
What is the Status of 10th Av: May One Eat Meat? Question: My father has his birthday on 10th of Av (Friday this year) and I wanted to make a barbecue for him. Is it permissible to eat meat, drink wine and be joyful on the 10th of Av? According to my parents, …
Baking Bread in “Fleischig” Oven Yom 2, 26-04-65 — 26 Tamuz 5772 — 15-07-2012 Question We have a single oven in our home, which we cook basari in. The oven is clean – there are no “meat splatters” all over the insides. I cook bread in this oven (I found a …
Can My Son Sing a Christmas Song? Question: Shalom Rav Bar Chaim, Two of my sons aged 8 and 6 attend public school in *****, NJ. Their music class (which is a required class) includes Christmas songs during this time of year. I have instructed my sons not to sing those songs, …
Carrying within a campus on Shabath Question: Can I carry on Shabbos in a fenced-in campus, where the front gate is always left open? There are two other gates that are open on weekdays, but are locked at night and on Shabbos/Chagim. The front gate is never closed. It is open 24/7. Answer: According …
Do I Need to Check My T’philin? Question: The last time my teffilin were checked was 10 years ago. Nothing major has happened to them. Should they be checked again? The black straps are getting worn. May I just paint them with the special black ink I already possess? Please advise. …
Is Gelatin Kosher? Question: Rav Bar-Hayim – I remember a tshuva by Rav Abadi saying that gelatin in all its forms is completely kosher and parve, and that this is true for all Jews, Ashkenazi, Sepharadi etc. What is your view? Answer: I concur with HaRav Abadi regarding this matter (and many others). All …
The False Mashiah of Lubavitch-Habad Question: In your lecture “Rabbinical Paralysis” you mentioned (around the 24th/25th minute) a false Moshiach from the recent past. To whom do you refer? As far as I know there has been no false Moshiach since Shabsai Tzvi. Answer: I was speaking of the leader of the Lubavitch/Habad …
Haircuts During the Three Weeks and Nine Days Question Kvod HaRav, Am I allowed to get a haircut during the Three Weeks.? Also, can my wife get a haircut before the Nine Days? Thank you Answer As is well known, it is a misswa to look presentable and well-groomed Likhvodh Shabath. This …
Making Shabath Early Question: Can I do early shabbos? Answer: Yes, making Shabath early is entirely acceptable. Most people who do this, however, go about it incorrectly. Namely: one should daven Minha before P’lagh HaMinha, and then, after PHM, one can daven ‘Arvith, i.e. the 7 B’rakhoth of the Amidah or “Sh’mone …
Cooking and Eating Poultry with Milk Products Question: Why can we not eat chicken with milk products? In the Tanakh we are instructed not to “boil the kid in its mother milk”, and I understand that this edict is the basis of this interpretation not to eat fowl and dairy products, but as …
13 Teveth 5769 Question: Is P’suqe d’Zimrah obligatory?Answer: It is true that Hazal do not state that P’suqe d’Zimrah is obligatory. This is implied clearly by the Talmud’s choice of words (Bavli Shabbath 118b) and is confirmed by Rambam’s precise formulation: “The Sages praised highly he who recites certain selections from Psalms daily…” …
Hilkhoth Nida – Basic Concepts and Requirements in Brief Yom 5, 21-10-65 — 21 Teveth 5773 — 03-01-2013 Questions This is a very frustrating mitzvah for me! Although we do keep it fully. I’m so confused about many things regarding Taharat Mishpacha. Isn’t it true that when a woman is Niddah (or a …
Peanut Oil and Quinoa During Pesah Question Kvod HaRav, I know your position regarding kitniyot, but I am still adhering to the custom. Perhaps I’ll work up the courage, but not this year. My question concerns peanut oil. Is peanut oil mutar for those who refrain from kitniyot? I know my mother …
Question: My family made Aliyah from the States in August 2006. We are Ashkenazim. The following Pesach I asked the Rav of our Yishuv if we could eat Kitniyot as taking on the custom of Eretz Yisrael etc. and he said no. Are we bound by this answer and is there a way to change …
Which Targum to Read? Yom 1, 16-11-65 —16 Sh’vatt 5773 — 27-01-2013 Question What do you suggest people in Israel do for shnayim mikra v’echad targum? Here in America, I read an English translation instead of Onkelos since it seems obvious to me that there is no point in translating a passuk from …
A Discussion Regarding Truth, Authenticity, Tradition and Reason Did R. Shimon Ben Yohai or his Disciples Write the Zohar? A Response to a Letter Letter Honoured Rav, I will answer your question with some of my own. I Who wrote the Talmudh? Ravina and Rav Ashi? Baloney! The Talmudh itself makes …
Halakha: Truth or Convention? Questions: May I ask someone who does not follow my chumrot on Shabath to do something for me which I cannot because of the chumrot on Shabath? Why? If I consider that a specific Eiruv is not valid (halakha, not a chumra) but a different Jew considers it …
13 Teveth 5769 Hannukah Candles Question: At what time should one light Hannukah candles?Answer: The Talmud Bavli (Shabbath 21b) states that one should light Hannukah candles “mishetishqa’ haHamah”, i.e. immediately after the sun has set completely. (Rav Avraham Ben HaRambam clarifies that “sh’qiyath haHama” is the moment when the entire disc of the …
Immersing Glass Bowl in a Miqwe Question: Dear Rabbi Bar Hayim My mother purchased a glass bowl and says it’s for me – sort of – (she will also be using it for herself), but on condition that I don’t have to “dunk it in that garbage.” She implies that if it needs tevilah …
Hebrew Pronunciation Yom 2, 24-11-65 —24 Sh’vatt 5773 — 04-02-2013 Question Does the Rav feel that supporters of your Torah should try to revive Middle English or Old English? I have sometimes wondered whether this would not be the proper direction to take in the name of returning to a less corrupted form …
Horseradish or Lettuce for Maror? Question Kvod HaRav, Is it preferable to use horseradish or lettuce for maror at the seder? I have heard different opinions and am confused, and so are many people I know. I have heard of people who use both. How can the Jewish people not know what …
Kashering Meat Questions: Do you rely on regular Glatt Kosher meat (Beit Yosef, etc.) that is rinsed and salted, or do you consider it not enough like the Rambam because Halitta was not done? Would Chicken fall into this category as well or is their more room to be lenient? Is it true that a …
Kashruth of Meat – General Question: I understand that all meat slaughtered by a Shochet who is Jewish and observes the Shabbath and Mitzvoth are kosher regardless of the “Official Kashruth Organization” which places their seal on it. By extension I presume that all Kashruth Organizations which are operated by Jews …
Kashruth of Meat – Checking Knives Question: I have read in the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah regarding the slaughter of animals that the Shochet must inspect the knife before and after slaughtering each animal. I believe this is also the traditional Temani postion. Nowadays this practice is not followed; they inspect their blades then …
Living Outside Israel – Living Outside the Community Question: Rav Bar-Hayim, I would like to hear your opinion on this matter, based on halakhah. My family and I live in a small Jewish community in North America. We left jobs and family to move to an observant community and to live within …
Is There an Issur of Qol Isha Regarding Tora Reading? Question: Hello rabbi, Is there an issur of kol isha for leining? Answer: In TB M’ghila 23a a B’raytha is quoted that all may be called to read from the Tora, including a minor or a woman. It …
Sidur Nusah Eress Yisrael –Davening in General –L’kha Dodhi – Shalom ‘Alekhem Question: Kavod HaRav, In the Sidur Nusah Eretz Yisrael that I presently own there are many additions of later liturgy (Lecha Dodi, Shalom Aleichem, etc.) and/or Bavli liturgy. I was wondering whether the siddur you will be publishing will have later material as well …
What B’rakha on Massa? Question When I lived in Israel I was taught that on matzot after pesach one said mazonot before and birkath hamazon afterwards if the person ate a shiur. I think this is the sefaradi psaq. What should I say? Response Shalom ‘Alekha. This is a relatively new …
Tying Ssissith Question: I have heard that you disagree with Rambam’s opinion regarding how one should tie ssissith. I understand that you claim that tying according to Rambam is not feasible. Could you please explain why? Answer: For a shitta regarding the tying of ssissith to be viable, it must comply with the following …
Vegetarianism? Question: I have been growing more and more inclined to keep a vegetarian diet. Recently, after speaking with an unabashed vegetarian, she sent me a link to a documentary which contains videos of the slaughtering of cows under kosher supervision. The videos show treatment to animals that seems to be beyond …
What Must I Daven in the Morning? Question: What is a Jew Halakhically required to say each morning as part of Shaharith? Answer: The following is the minimal Halakhic requirement: Birkoth HaShahar (without Birkoth HaTora which were intended for someone who rises very early, before Q’riyath Sh’ma, in order …
Vitamins & Medications During the Year and During Pesah Question I would like to know if vitamins that don’t have a Hekhsher are kosher? Also on one post you said “All forms of gelatin are mutar because it is a tasteless.” What if it does have a taste and is a chewable …
Vitamins & Medications – During the Year and During Pesah Read More »
When is P’lagh HaMinha? Question: In a shiur—http://machonshilo.org/en/eng/list-ask-the-rav/55-shabbath-yom-tov/388-making-shabath-early—the Rav spoke of making Shabbath early, i.e. davening Minha before Plag HaMinha and Arvit (the Shemona Esre) after Plag HaMinha. My question is by which opinion does the Rav hold: a) Gra & Baal Tanya, or b) Magen Avraham using “Fixed 72 minutes…”, or both, i.e. …
Women Counting Omer — Forgetting to Count Question: What is your opinion regarding one who forgets to count the Omer for an entire day? My wife just realized that she did not count the Omer yesterday. Should she continue counting without the bracha, or is there a different opinion? Answer: If one forgets to count …
Shalom Rav There are points on which we agree. Briefly: We are in agreement regarding the period of time the Second Miqdash stood. You are perturbed by the fact that Hazal were mistaken about certain historical facts and the overall chronology of Bayith Sheni. Hazal were indeed mistaken with regards to certain historical events, …
Romaine Lettuce is No Joke Letter You wrote: “Maror comes from the word ‘mar’ meaning bitter. As everyone knows ‘bitter’ is distinct from ‘hot’ or ‘sharp’. Horseradish and wasabi are sharp but most certainly not bitter; grapefruit and coffee are bitter but most certainly not sharp.” I am not such a meivin to be …
Is Reincarnation a Jewish Belief? Question: What is your opinion regarding Reincarnation?? I personally do not see the logic in it and find it quite absurd. I haven’t found any clear reference to it in the Tanach. Do you have any teachings on it? In the last couple of years it has been mentioned in some way at …
Shaving with an Electric Shaver Question: I asked my friend what exactly he did to the shaver I gave to him to make it kosher (in his opinion). He told me that he removed the lifting part and left the cutting. He said it’s like a pair of scissors now. He pointed me to this website …
Shaving, and during Hol HaMo’edh Question: I don’t understand why we are told (by some at least) that we can’t shave during Hol Hamoed. Would you also say the same? Does the reason originally given – so that people would prepare for the Hag beforehand – apply now since many …
S’lihoth Question: What is the Halachic source for Selichot? Is saying Selichoth obligatory like other mitzvoth? Answer: Saying S’lihoth is a minhagh (custom). The Geonim, Rambam (T’shuva 3:9) and Tur (OH 581) mention rising early (at night) between Rosh HaShanna (RH) and Yom Kippur (YK) to pray and beseech HASHEM as a universal Jewish …
Spilling Drops of Wine From One’s Cup During the Seder Question Kvod HaRav, I am aware of some, but very likely not all, of the reasons for the minhag of spilling drops of wine from one’s cup during the seder. This minhag seems a new convention and I would like to know …
Spilling drops of wine from one’s cup during the seder Read More »
Studying T’hilim in General –Reciting the Tiqun HaK’lali of R. Nahman of Breslev Question: Rav Bar-Hayim, Do you think it is wrong to say the 10 psalms that Rebbe Nachman recommended as the ‘complete remedy’ (Tikun Haklali)? I think maybe it could be a good thing to do, but I don’t know. …
Studying T’hilim-Reciting the Tiqun HaK’lali of R. Nahman of Breslev Read More »
