I am allowed to wear reflector band on shabbos because I cross big roads with 6 lanes on each side? Answer: Yes, this is permitted where necessary. There is a preference to sew it onto the garment, where this is possible. Best wishes. Sources: The fundamental question is whether an armband can be considered a […]
Author Archives: Rabbi Yehoshua Pfeffer
Applying Heter Iska to Old Loan
My father took a loan on his house to pay for an extension on mine six months ago. He has been paying the loan until now. Can I make a heter iska now and include interest previously paid. If yes how can it be structured? It should be noted that the mortgage also paid off […]
Dreams and Halachah: A Halachic Appraisal of Dreams
In Parashas Vayeishev we learn about the importance of dreams. Yaakov Avinu, the Torah informs us, “kept the matter” of Yosef’s prophetic dreams, anticipating their future fulfillment. Ultimately, the dreams were realized when Yaakov and his sons were brought before Yosef, after he had been made the Egyptian viceroy. Later in this parashah as well […]
Renting Property for Christian Funeral Service
May one rent out a funeral room out to goyim that will have church services in it during that time? Answer: Yes, one can be lenient for this. Sources: The question of renting a house for purposes of Church services is debated by authorities, and depends on the classification of Christianity as idolatry. However, in […]
A Jewish Shabbos-Goy: Asking others to do labor
A Jewish Shabbos-Goy: Asking a Friend to Perform an Act of Labor on Shabbos In this week’s parashah, Parashas Vayishlach, Chazal find the first mention of keeping Shabbos by one of the Avos. On the verse (Bereishis 33:18), “and he camped before the city,” the Midrash writes: “He arrived as the sun was setting, and […]
Torah Study v. Honoring Parents
Parashas Vayishlach begins with messengers – some say angels – that Yaakov sent to his brother Eisav. The messengers returned to Yaakov and informed him of Eisav’s coming towards him with an army of four hundred men. The Pasuk informs us that Yaakov was dismayed to hear the news, and: “Yaakov was very afraid” (Bereishis […]
Intent for Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin
It says that when one wears 2 pairs of Tefilin, Rashi & Rabbeinu Tam, one should have in mind that whichever is not according to halacha should be regarded as wearing plain straps. Does that only apply when wearing them both at the same time, or also when putting on Rabbeinu Tam after Rashi does […]
Going to Mixed Concert
My parents are visiting from America, and would like to take my children to a concert by Yaakov Shwecky. The concert is mixed seated, but the whole family will sit together. Is there any issur to attend such a concert due to the mixed seating and/or that people (men and women) in the audience sing […]
Sleeping with Head or Feet Facing Door
Is there a problem in halacha or minhag of sleeping with your head or feet facing the door? Answer: It is fine to sleep with one’s head facing the door. Concerning feet, please see below. Best wishes. Sources: There is a custom not to sleep with one’s feet pointing towards the door, and it is said that […]
Deception – “Theft of the Heart”
This week’s article deals with the prohibition of geneivas daas, deception or creating false impressions. Although many maintain that this is a full Torah prohibition, there remains little awareness of it, and it is all too easy to transgress it without even noticing. What is the definition of the prohibition? Is it related to theft, or to morality? Is there a difference between financial matters and other matters? These questions, and others, are discussed in this week’s article.
Donations to “Tzedakah” in Shul
Chalom uVracha We have had a discussion in the beith midrasch regarding someone who when called to the Torah promised (with or without neder) a certain sum to tzedakah. The question is: what does tzedakah means? is it only anyim? or can this money be used for other purposes, like for the shul, etc…. BeBirkat Hatorah […]
Rules for Expelling Students
What is the Halacha regarding the expulsion of a student deemed a “nuisance student”? Are there Halachic Sources regarding the expulsions of a “nuisance student”? Or Halchic sources of not expelling a “nuisance students”? (Is this issue ever addressed as a real halachic issue?) Below are some examples of what i mean by a “nuisance” […]
“Fun Tak” on Shabbos
Dear Dinonline, My daughter asked me if she is allowed to use “fun tak” on Shabbos. It is part of a project that she made in school. It is stuck on the back of a ‘mentchie’ in order to be able to stick and unstick the mentchie around a piece of paper. Thank you. Answer: […]
The Tzitzis Garment: What and When?
In Parashas Noach we find that Shem, our forbear, took pain to preserve the modesty of his drunken father, Noach, by covering him with a garment. According to the Midrash quoted by Rashi (Bereishis 9:23), the Jewish people were rewarded with the mitzvah of Tzitzis on account of this virtuous deed. The Midrash shines a […]
Bugs in Sechach
Why must one check schach for bugs – if the concern is that maybe a bug will fall into his food? a) Wouldn’t this be a sfek sfeika? b) Wouldn’t this be a miut which is eino matzui, or at least would depend on the degree of infestation? c) Schach is exposed, so bugs can […]
Donated Beis Midrash
Someone donated a beis midrash to a community. After a few weeks the hanhala decided that bachurim could only learn there at certain times and at certain tables. Is this permitted? Could bachurim go at other times al pi halacha? Answer: It is hard to define clear guidelines to answer this question. In general, a […]
Traveling and Daytrips on Sukkos
As Sukkos is approaching, this article will address the issue of eating and sleeping outside the sukkah during trips taken during Chol Ha-Mo’ed.
Chol Ha-Mo’ed provides many with an opportunity for a family daytrip, and outings are likewise organized by youth groups and other organizations.
Can sandwiches be taken and eaten on such trips during Sukkos, even where there is no sukkah in which to eat them? If the trip extends overnight, is there an obligation to find a sukkah in which to sleep? Is it lechatchilah to arrange such trips at all?
We will seek to answer these questions by researching the subject from its first principles.
Restaurant Open on Shabbos
If a Jewish friend owns a restaurant, or makes certain foods they sell for a living however they do not have a hechsher from the beis din of the place then, 1) can one eat there even if it does not have a hechsher provided you trust the owner that all food is kosher. 2) […]
Self-Winding Watch on Shabbat
Is it permissible to wear on shabbat or yom tov a watch that winds up automatically with the movements of the hand? Answer: This is permitted, as we have explained here. Best wishes.
Burial of Man next to Woman
Is it permissible to bury a male and female side by side in separate graves if the 2 are unrelated? Yoreh Deah speaks of this but I do not know if this question is covered. Answer: There is no halachic problem in burying a man next to a woman. Some try to be particular for […]
Lashon Hara to Relieve Tension
Can a person speak to a parent or spouse about things that bother them in order to release tension. These things might be loshon hara about a relative or boss or co worker or someone from shul, ect. Answer: Please see here for an answer to this question. Best wishes.
Otzar Beis Din
I see ads in the paper to sign up for otzer beit din and get a prepaid card. What do I need to know and is this important? Answer: Ozar Beis Din is a way in which Shemittah produce can be bought without transgressing the Shemittah prohibitions against marketing Shemittah produce. The payment is to […]
Principles of Faith for Conversion
When someone converts to Judaism, aside from kabbalat hamitzvot are they also asked to accept the rambams 13 principals of faith? What if the convert does not believe in Torah min hashamayim or holds some belief that is questionable, is that something they are interviewed about and would it passul the conversion? Answer: According to […]
Taking Cellphone to Shul
My wife is due to give birth on succot and could go into labor any moment. She is worried that she will go into labor when I am at shul and will have no way to contact me. On Rosh Hashana, can I carry a phone in my talis bag so she can call me […]
Kiddush Early on Rosh HaShanah
Im having elderly people over for Rosh hashana. Can I make Kiddush early after Plag on the first night, second night, and this year Friday night? Please answer asap. Thank you. Answer: Yes, under the circumstances you can make Kiddush early on both nights. Best wishes. Sources: It is possible to start Rosh Hashanah early […]
Father Hugging Daughter
Is it OK for a mother to fully hug her teenage son? And likewise a father to fully hug his teenage daughter? If so, why isn’t there a problem as each would be feeling certain areas that make it very awkward? Thanks. Answer: Both ways are fine. The reason for this is that between a […]
Baby Showers before Birth
Dear Rabbanim, Are there any rules/prohibitions related to baby showers (parties in honor of the baby BEFORE the baby is born)? Answer: No, there are no principles or halachic rulings relevant to a baby shower before birth. Some might be concerned for ayin hara, but this is a personal matter, and if you are not […]
Wearing Stockings in Halachah
1. Are female legs below the knee erva? 2. In a city where rov women do NOT wear stockings, is it permissible to go stocking-less if the knee is covered? Many Thanks. Answer: 1. There is a dispute among authorities concerning the statement of the Gemara whereby the “shok” is considered an erva. According to many […]
Investing in Banks
Which american banks is it assur to invest in due to a problem of ribbis? I would especially be interested in Chase, Capital One and Sovereign. Answer: To my knowledge none of these banks are of majority Jewish ownership, and therefore it is permitted to invest in them without concern for Ribbis. Please see here […]
Claiming Kesuba without Document
If a divorcing woman has misplaced her kesuva document, can she still claim a kesuva amount from her husband? If yes, what if the written kesuva amount is unknown? Answer: She can still claim the kesuba. She can only claim the amount that is agreed. In general (for a besulah) this is assumed to be […]
Naming after Deceased People
Dear Rabbanim, Are there any rules related to naming a baby (Ashkenazi)? Can/Should a person be named after two different deceased persons? If naming after a deceased person, should there be an additional name added? Answer: There are no hard and fast rules concerning naming after deceased people. Some have the custom of naming children […]
Kvater Custom
Is there a source for the “segula” to have a child by being kvater and kvaterin at a bris? Answer: Not that I know of. It is generally believed to be a Segulah, but the source for this is unclear. The idea of the Kvater is that really the mother should pass the baby to […]
Free Will vs. Determinism
People are born into situations where they have no choice. They are compelled to follow the path of evil. How do we define freedom of choice? The Rambam (Teshuva Perek 5) presents freedom as absolute. Hashem does not decree that a person be evil. Yet reality contradicts this assumption. Where does one find (preferably in […]
Wearing Kinetic Watch on Shabbos
Are you allowed to wear a kinetic watch on Shabbos and Yom Tov. A Kinetic watch is a watch that needs no batteries or winding it stays running by the movement of your hand. Answer: It is permitted to wear this type of watch on Shabbos and Yom Tov. Best wishes. Sources: Many poskim forbid […]
Retirement Fund for Teacher
Someone wanted to be a teacher on my legal name because of their financial reasons… I agreed to do the him the favor… now a few years later I got a statement from a government retirement fund that they owe me money for retirement. To whom does the money belong? Answer: In this case the money […]
Women Driving in Halachah
Dear Rabbi, I remember asking a question about driving for women but I cannot find the answer anymore. When I use the link received by email, it just does not work anymore. Do you know where it is ? Sincerely. Answer: Unfortunately, a number of recent posts were erased by a bug, and we were […]
Divorced Parents Leading Children Down the Aisle
Is there any issue with divorced parents walking their child down the aisle? Answer: Some are particular that divorced parents should not do this. However, where parents will be offended by this refusal, it is better to perform the mitzvah of honoring parents and permitting them to walk their children down the aisle, rather than preventing […]
Litigant Insisting on Din or on Zabla
Does either litigant in a beis din case have the right to insist on zabla? Does either litigant in a beis din case have the right to insist on “din” (and not peshara)? Answer: Where there is a Beis Din Kavua a litigant cannot demand zabla. However, where there is no Beis Din Kavua, which […]
Shul Membership with Maaser Money
Can one use maaser money to pay shul fees. At the end of the day, it’s not really benefiting us because wether we can pay or not, we are still allowed to daven in the shul and participate normally. We can’t afford the fees and if you can’t they don’t make you pay. We do […]
Bar Metzra in Case of Houses
Regarding the Din of Bar Metzra. In my area I am trying to buy a house. The house i am trying to buy is attached to a friend of mine who says he has first rights. What I say is that #1) There is no house for sale in the neighborhood other then this house. […]
Number of Challos on Shabbos
I’m trying to view this answer again but for some reason the link to the answer doesn’t work. Any way to reactivate it? Is it halacha to davka use only 2 challos for lechem mishna or is it ok if 3 or 4. Answer: Unfortunately, a technical bug caused almost two months worth of posts […]
The Judiciary and the Executive: A Torah Perspective
In Parashas Shoftim we learn of the different agencies in operation after Israel reaches its land: The king, the prophet, the Kohanim, the judges and the officers. The Torah defines these roles and provides their basic laws. The beginning of the parashah mentions judges and officers – shoftim and shotrim. Rashi explains that these refer […]
Using Ice for Sores on Shabbos
Can someone use ice on a cold sore, or insect bite,etc. on Shabbos or Yomtov? Answer: It is permitted to use ice on a cold sore etc. on Shabbos. Best wishes. Sources: The Shulchan Aruch (328:43; see Mishnah Berurah 136) rules that it is permitted to perform medical procedures on Shabbos where they are not generally […]
Tort Case Taken to Court
I have a kollel couple renting an apt from me in Lakewood, NJ. He slipped on the steps & broke his ankle. He has filed suit in civil court! He says he hasn’t consulted with a Rov. Is he allowed to do this? Should I call HIM to a din Torah? Answer: He is definitely […]
Nivul Peh for Dirty Words
Hi, there is a gemara in shabbos 33a “כל המנבל פיו אפילו חותמין עליו גזר דין של שבעים שנה לטובה הופכין עליו לרעה does this gemara refer to if someone speaks about sexual topics or is it even referring to if someone is upset and randomly says even one dirty word out of anger? the […]
Dairy Cup in Meat Dishwasher
IF a cheres coffee cup was put in a meat dishwisher by mistake and the dishwasher ran with dirty meaty dishes (mainly sauces and tiny residue from the meat meal) can one assumer the milky coffee cup is now trief or can one rely upon the shittas that say the soap is pogem everything (like […]
Treatment of Minim
As per my 2 previous questions about minnim. Does this Halacha (if it applies, meaning that you said that it does not apply to a drop out teen) cancel out other mitzvos? For example: 1. Ahavas Yisroel 2. Shalom Bayis 3. Hating a Yid 4. Grudge etc. etc. So does this Halacha go above all […]
Paying Fees after Cancellation
Shalom Kvod Harav, I would like to ask about the following situation. I recently reserved an apartment with an online provider that pairs up travelers with hosts with available short-term rentals. The provider then takes a fee. The host has informed me that he is relocating and will no longer be able to rent out […]
Tevillah for Sandwich Maker
Does one need to tovel in a mikvah a sandwich maker? It will be water damaged. Answer: The general approach of Poskim is to be stringent in this matter. From experience with toveling electronic utensils that “may not be immersed in water,” toveling does no damage, provided the utensil is allowed to dry completely (must […]
Tisha Be’Av–a reason to cry, a reason to laugh
A Reason to Cry; A Reason to Laugh Tisha Be’Av 5770 Maseches Makkos concludes (24b) with the famous anecdote of Rabbi Akiva and three of his peers as they beheld the destruction of Jerusalem. Upon reaching the Temple Mount, the group saw a fox leaving the Holy of Holies, at which Rabbi Gamliel, Rabbi Elazer […]