Question:
Chalom Rabbi,
May I ask you for a couple of questions!
1 – Smell
– Can we pray when I smell taref food from outside (cooking/food smell)?
– I buy food with no kosher certification. Can I pray when the air is fulled with this smell.
– If I see bird gropping or any other grops, can I pray?
– In the street, can I speak or think when they are birds gropping much or less dry or wet?
– If I smell something while praying, do I have to stop completely the prayer, while the smell appears strong? How do I do if I cannot wait the smell disapears? How can I manage into the Amidah?
– I sometimes stop the ‘Amida (by doing the 3 steps backwards), and continue afterwards (after making 3 steps forwards) ’cause of a smell. Is that authorized?
2 – Dirt
– Can I make a berakha when my hands are not clean (daily used, not dirty)?
– Can I pray or study when the pants or shoes with dirt on them?
– Can I pray while wearing shoes just used after walking into the forest (when I am not completely sure of the cleanliness (horse and dogs poops)?
3 – Avoda Zara
– Can I think and speak, in a place with statues, crosses in relief, figurines, nearby, even while turning the back or going away from them (they are in the same place, and I cannot go out (work)?
– How can I manage, even if I don’t see them, but they are under the same roof?
– What should I do if they are some, in a jewish place/house, and we study or pray nearby/under the same roof?
4 – Critics
The critics are forbidden. Sometimes in a dialog, I give advice by frustration or in a lively speech. However it seems to be critics, even hidden into Torah words. What should I do?
I understand that I should say nothing. How can I do with my wife, while I don’t understand or try to let her understand something? It looks that I like to critize with nice words. What do you recommend to?
Kol tuv! Todah rabah for your time!
Brakha veHatzlacha!
Answer:
I suggest you find some reliable Rabbinic authority who knows you personally and will be able to cater his answers especially for your needs.
Sources: