Dear Rabbi There is a beautiful organization in Israel called Lev LaLev and they help needy orphaned girls in so many wonderful ways. My question is that if a person gives to them, will it be considered Maaser or Tzedakah that is not Maaser? Thank you Rabbi for your help Answer: Charity for orphaned girls […]
Author Archives: Rabbi Akiva Dershowitz
Attending Wedding During Mourning
Can my sisters-brothers attend my son’s wedding after our Mother was niftar and the wedding is after Shloshim but within year of Aveilus? If so, what are the the halachos relating how to attend. We are all a close family together. My parents would definitely have wanted us to attend – without any Sofek! Answer: […]
Vacation During Mourning Period
Hi I would like to know if I’m allowed to go on a one day vacation just to rest Up me and my wife since my father passed away 3 weeks ago and has been very sick for a while. Please advise. Thanks. Answer: Yes, this type of trip is permitted. Sources: See Shulchan Aruch […]
Vaccines Made from Insects
Dear Rabbi, My employer requires yearly flu shots. I have egg allergy and had medical exemption until this year. This year new vaccine is offered that is based on cells of caterpillar (armyworm). The name of the vaccine is Flublok. As an observing Jew, i feel uncomfortable injecting caterpillar cells into by body. Please advise […]
Yichud and Ervah Discrepancy According to Chazon Ish
Shalom, according to the lenient opinion of the Chazon Ish, why is the age for yichud 3 whilst for ervah etc it depends on appearance? Thanks Answer: The halacha of yichud is a concern for forbidden relations. This applies to any girl who can have what is considered relations according to the Torah. This is […]
Bedika Before Netz Hachama
Hello,My wife made bedike at least 1x a day for first 6 days, most days second bedike before shkiye. On 7th day she made only 1 bedike in the morning. Turns out that it was about 30-40 minutes before nets, which is still well after alors and even good 20 minutes after misheyakir. She didn’t […]
Reciting Kiddush Twice
Shalom, My one recite kiddush including the blessing over wine for someone else in the course of a meal they’ve already recited kiddush/blessing over wine? What if the one -Reciting the blessing specifically had in mind to cover wine during the meal? Thank you Answer: Yes, since both the blessing over the wine and the […]
Microwave in Motel
Hi, Am I allowed to use the microwave at a motel? I have frozen food in plastic containers, the kind you would get at a deli. Tizku lmitzvot Answer: If the food is sealed properly in a good container, it would be permitted. Sometimes the heat causes the container to pop open, to avoid problems […]
After Shmoneh Esrei Before Three Steps Back
What is the halocho when I finish my Shmoineh Esrei before someone standing behind me but within 4 amos? 1) Do I say oiseh sholoim without taking 3 steps back or can I only say it when stepping backwards once the person behind me has finished? 2) Can I answer a) boruch hu uvoruch shemoi; […]
Genizah for Tzitzis
Tzitzis which are not kosher and or worn out, do they have to be buried in the genizah? Answer: They may be discarded without geniza. However, they should not be thrown directly in the garbage, rather wrapped up in a bag. Some are stringent to put them in geniza, this is a commendable practice. Sources: See […]
Maaser for Father
My father needs financial help, after being in a number of brain surgery procedures, he is 71 and with meager earnings. and no savings. Can I use Ma’aser money to help him out get through this challening time. I am myself self B”H able to pay my bills for the last 2 months. after being […]
Amish Mishkan Model
Can I visit a model of the mishkan, which was constructed by Amish people? Answer: As long as they are just describing the Mishkan and not adding on their beliefs, which is some form of Christianity, it would be permitted. Presumably there will be many erroneous descriptions as they do not have the explanations and […]
Davening by Kevarim
It says in Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim SIman 71 SIf 7 that it’s ossur to say Krias Shema in a Beis HaKavaros and if one does they are not yotzee. The M”B is don there in regards to if the person has to go back or not. He also mentions the point that it’s OSSUR […]
Paprika on Egg Salad
Is there a problem putting paprika on top of egg salad for looks. Would it be tzoyveya? Answer: This is permitted. Something commonly done for spicing and for the taste of the food, is permissible even when done for the looks. Something which is used specifically for coloring purposes [such as food coloring] is a […]
Attaching Mezuza with Velcro
Hi, Can I hang a mezuza with velcro strips? It can swing a little if you bump into it, but it doesn’t fall. Thanks, Answer: One should not affix a mezuza with velcro. Although it may be somewhat securely fastened, the nature of velcro is to be a non permanent connection, to easily come on […]
Checking for Shaatnez
When buying a suit, what needs to be checked for shatnez if at all? Does the pants and jacket need checking? Answer: In modern tailoring, finding shatnez in suits is extremely rare. Nevertheless it has become widespread custom that wool suits be checked for shatnez. When taken to be checked, both the pants and jacket […]
Kavana in Shmone Esrei
If I feel that I didn’t say a bracha in Shemonah Esrei with proper kavana, may I say it over again if I did not yet say the actual bracha (i.e. Baruch Atah ect.)? Does it make a difference if I said Hashem’s name or not? Thank you! Answer: The MIshna Brura Siman 101 s”k […]
Greasy Residue
Is there a point in which a davar muat of shamnunis left on a kli is nosen taam lifgam according to all shitos? Also, if the small piece literally breaks into pieces of dust/dirt when crumbled (was not washed or kashered, just dried out to a week’s worth of sun exposure; it began as grease/residue), […]
Milk and Meat
If a milky crumb falls into a meaty washing bowl, does it make the washing bowl not usable? Answer: It is not exactly clear what the case is, what you mean by a “crumb” and “washing bowl”. In any event, as long as everything was cold when it came in to contact, it could just […]
Tevilah Without Relations
The dr said it takes ten days for the birth control to work and my wife had a c section and is not aloud to become pregnant. My wife made a hefsed Tahara and will be able go to the Mikva before the ten days from when she started the birth Control. So my question […]
Tikkun Rachel During Shmitta Year
Dear Rabbi, I remember reading somewhere that during the shmitta year certain parts of tikkun chatzot are not said, some hold that in israel tikkun rachel is not said on shmitta year, can u please clarify for me the halachic ruling. Answer: The Kaf Hachaim in Siman 1 s”k 12 quotes the custom not to […]
Al Naharos Bavel
Why do we say Al Naharos Bavel/Shir HaMaalos? Why do few people still say Al Naharos Bavel? Which Poskim/Gedolim did or didn’t say it? Where did the paragraph of Tehillas come from? Which Poskim/Gedolim did or didn’t say it? When do we say Shir HaMaalos as opposed to Al Naharos? Answer: The minhag to say […]
Smoke Detector on Shabbos
If a smoke detector in one’s home goes off for no reason on Shabbos, making a tremendous noise, how should one act? Could one for example turn it off by throwing it off the balcony? Does the fact that it could make the fire service react for no reason create some license to at least […]
Location of Bracha Achrona
If someone is at kiddush, and ate a kazayis of mezonos or Bread must he make the Birchas Mein Shalosh or Birkas Hamazon anywhere in the room. Or only within 4 Amos of where he ate a kazayis of mezonos. If not, would a kezayis of non mezonos or bread allow him to make a […]
Yichud with Many Women
I take excersize at night with a group of eight~ other ladies. the lesson takes place in a kupat cholim office located in a shopping center. The ;esson takes place between 9-10PM. the shopping center closes at 10PM. The problem is that the kupat cholim is locked at that hour (The cleaning man opens it […]
Powdered Milk – Chalav Stam
Is powdered milk considered chalev stam? Answer: This is a matter of debate, and one who is lenient has whom to rely on, especially if it is mixed into a product. However common custom has become to be stringent [for one who is stringent in chalav stam]. This is due to the fact that powdered […]
Same Name as Father in Law
Can a hatan have the same Jewish name as his father in law? Answer: According to Biblical and Talmudic law there is no problem with this. However based on the Tzavaah of Rav Yehuda Hachasid [one of the great Rishonim] many have a custom to avoid this. People of Sefardic descent generally do not abide […]
Pizza on Meaty Tray
Someone heated up a slice of frozen pizza on a meat oven tray. I noticed while the cheese on the pizza still hadn’t melted. The only part of the pizza which actually touched the tray was the base. Is the tray still kosher? Answer: If the oven tray had not heated up at all yet, […]
Zman Rabeinu Tam for Fast Day
If one holds Rabbeinu Tam for Motzai Shabbos should one l’chatchela hold this zeman for a fast day? Answer: Many have the custom to be stringent for Motzai Shabbos to keep Rabeinu Tam, even though for other ares they are lenient for the earlier zman. This is because of the stringency of Shabbos which is […]
Purchasing New Hat During 3 Weeks
Is a person allowed to purchase a shabbos hat during the period between sheva asar btamuz and RH Av? Answer: If one’s custom is to make a Shehecheyanu on such a purchase, it should not be made during the 3 weeks. If he will not make a bracha it may be purchased until Rosh Chodesh […]
Shehakol Before Washing
If I make a shahakol or hadama then decide to wash. Do I first make a borei nefoshos or can I wash and be yoitze with bentching Thank you Answer: A Borei Nefashos should be made first. Sources: See Mishna Brura 176:2 and Shaar Hatzion s”k 8. cf. Biur Halcha 174:7 sv. Veafilu, who brings […]
Bas Kohen and Ger
I am aware that a Kohen is not permitted to marry a Geyores, however is a Bas Kohen permitted to marry a Ger Tzedek? Answer: A bas kohen may marry a ger. Sources: See Rambam Isurei Biah 19:11, Shulchan Aruch E:H 7:22.
Deducting Taxes from Maaser
Hi The government takes taxes and gives benefits for me, do i need to pay maser of the gross amount that the government pays me, or i can deduct what they took from me? thank you Answer: One may deduct taxes from his from his maaser accounting. Sources: See Pischei Tshuva, Yoreh Deah 259:1 in […]
Gilui Arayos
I’m very confused and would like to know if you can clarify. I understand that eishas ish is the gravest form of gilui arayos. I’m not though exactly clear what is part of ayshis ish. please respons asap thank you very much Answer: The ‘eishes ish’ which is punishable by capitol punishment refers to having […]
Yichud for Father and Son
Is it yichud for a woman to host a man and his 12 year old male child in her apartment? Answer: This would be permitted by day, as the father and son provide shmira. If they are staying overnight however, there is a yichud issue. At night an additional shomer is required.
Davening with Minyan
If your praying shacharit and you’re in the the middle of prayer say tachnun, and the whole minyan is already finished and the chazzan starts kaddish, do you continue saying tachnun and whenever you have to say amen you say it and then read and then say amen etc, or do you stop tachnun altogether […]
Bal Tosif
If a person takes the arba minim at Sukkos (Lulav, esrog, hadasim, aravos) and adds on another min in a way they are ovar on bal tosif and they now have 5 minim, are they still yotzee the mitzvah since at the end of it all they still “took” the four minim, even though they […]
New Clothes During Three Weeks
Can someone buy new clothes or shoes during the 3 weeks for clothes that one does not normally make a shechiyanu on? Like leather shoes, or shirts, or pants.Not a suit, ect.Please elaborate. Answer: During the 3 weeks clothing which one does not recite a Shehechiyanu on, may be purchased and worn. However from Rosh […]
Carrying on an Island on Shabbos
Is it permissible to carry on Shabbos on an island with respect to the natural ‘walls’/boundaries of the island acting an Eiruv? Answer: While the seashore or beachfront surrounding an island may theoretically serve as proper mechitzos to create a Rshus Hayachid, practically speaking a person vacationing on an island may not rely on these […]
Eating Shviis Fruits.
Is it a mitzvah to eat the fruits of shmitta? Who holds yes? Who holds no and why? Answer: The Torah tells us that the fruits of the seventh year are “for eating”. The Ramban is his commmentary on the Rambam’s Sefer Hamitzvos has a list of Mitzvos he holds the Rambam overlooked. The third […]
Tachanun When Only Kallah is Present
During the week of Sheva Brachos, a Kalla, without the Chassan, showed up at Shacharis. The question was whether to skip Tachanun. The Gabbai (me) ruled not to skip it, on the ground she was on the other side of the Mechitza and thus in a separate Rishus. Was I right for the right reason, […]
Childhood Damages
Shalom, Does a person who harmed another when they were minors need to ask forgiveness when he reaches bar mitzvah age or older? Does it matter if the person that was harmed was also a minor? Does it matter what the type of harm was? Thank you Answer: While there is no obligation according to […]
Kavana in Birkat Avot
Hi Hachamim! I have a rather simple question in regards to birchat Avot (the first blessing in the amida) I understand that if one does not have kavannah in the first blessing he is not yotzei the amida. My question is what is considered having Kavana as far as being yotzei? Does it have to […]
Crock Pot for Pareve
Hello, I have a crock pot i use once a week for cholent. I want to cook hot cereal in it during the week using a plastic liner. I havent used the crock pot since shabbos. Can I pour milk into the cereal once it’s cooked and removed from the pot? Answer: You may use […]
Sodastream on Shabbos
Is a sodastream allowed to be used on shabbos to add carbonation into water? Answer: Yes, this is permitted, as long as no electric device or lights are involved in the machine’s use. see Shulchan Shlomo SIman 313 in the name of Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach.
Making Sushi on Shabbos
I wanted to know if sushi could be prepared on shabbos and found, what seems to me to be conflicting responses on this site. In the English site dinonline.org it seems to say that it is permitted to make a sushi roll on shabbos as long as the rice is not too hot. But on […]
Cervical Bleeding
my is in her second day of shivaa nekiem a few hours after she inserted her nuvaring she saw a bright red stain, her doctor said it is from the cervix not the uterus. Does she have t start her checking again and start the count from 0? or is the cervix not an issue […]
Aliyah Without Reading Along
If one receives an aliyah, he is obligated to read along quietly with the baal korei. What is one to do if he cannot read along, due to not knowing Hebrew, and the baal korei leins too fast for him to be able to repeat word by word? Should he refuse the aliyah, to avoid […]
Length of Tzitzis Strings
Can one make a bracha on tallis kattan, if the strings are shorter than double the knots? Is this just a hidur. Explain further. What if its longer, should one cut the strings ? Answer: One can make a bracha on such a tallis katan. The length of double the knots is in fact just […]
Havdala Sitting or Standing
Dear Rabbi When making havdalah, is it best to stand or sit? Answer: There are varying customs, both are acceptable. One who has no custom in his family or community should sit. Sources: See Shulchan Aruch 296:6 where the Mechaber rules to sit while the Rama notes the widespread custom to stand. The Vilna Gaon […]