Rabbonim of the Beis Hora'a, Author at Ask The Rabbi

parve toaster oven

Question: I have a parve toaster oven that I want to make dairy after Pesach. I served a meaty meal and my hands got very greasy, then washed them with soap and took out something from the parve toaster oven. My hands were still a bit wet and water dripped into the oven. Is my […]

Eruv Tavshilin

Question: Is an eruv tavshilin needed to use a flame for lighting candles during the chag if the chag falls on a weekday other than Sunday? Answer: You most probably mean if the chag is on another day other than Friday, when you would light a match to light your Shabbos candles. there is […]

brochos

Question: What bracha do you make on on matzah bri I take two matzah crumple them up into small pieces, pure hot water on them till very soft then add two eggs and fried onions then I fry it in a pan on the stove What bracha do I make? Answer: When matzoh bri […]

Discussing business ideas on Chol Hamoed

Question: Are you allowed to discuss business ideas on chol hamoed. If I am scared I am going to forget it am I allowed to write it down? Thank you Answer: It is permitted discuss business ideas on Chol Hamoed, as the halachos of “vdaber davar” are not applicable on Chol Hamoed. (See M”B […]

Mouthwash for autoimmune disease to protect teeth on Pesachh

Question: Can I use biotene mouthwash for a very dry mouth and a fluoride mouthwash like Act to prevent cavities on Pesach? They contain xylitol, sorbitol hydroxyethycellulose , flavor, sucrolose plus other chemicals? Answer: Hello, Anything with a flavor, would need verification as to its source, before using it on Pesach. Best wishes

Pyrex

Question: I have pyrex dishes that I have not used in about 3 years. They were used for Fleishig. Can I use them for milchig now? Answer: Hello, Since they were not used in a long time, you can kasher them to use for milchigs. It should preferably be koshered beforehand by inserted into […]

WOMEN- SEFIRA

Question: Can girls: Pluck eye brows, Wax upper lip, shave legs ect… during sefira Answer: Hello, Plucking hair is not[1] considered taking a haircut, and permitted. Waxing, and shaving other[2] parts of the body, according to a number of poskim is not permitted unless there is a specific need. Best wishes Sources: [1] נטעי […]

Taking off eye makeup on shabbos/ yt

Question: Hi! Is there a permissible way to remove eye makeup on yom tov? wetting a cloth with makeup remover is definitely not an option… Whats the best way to do this? Answer: Hello, You are right, that makeup may not be removed with a wet cloth, as it will be squeezing it from […]

Excluding certain food from sale of chametz

Question: Hi – Do all food items that aren’t specifically certified kosher l’Pesach have to be included in mechiras chametz? For example, suppose I have some butter or cheese that I ate during the year half a stick or some slices are currently in my fridge. No Pesach sensitive ingredients but also not specifically certified […]

OCD Question

Question: I have written several times about my struggles with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) that revolves around Kashrut. Thankfully, I continue to make good progress with the therapy. Essentially, when the OCD got bad my wife removed me from the kitchen, however, recently my son was hospitalized, which has thrust me back into it. Mostly, […]

kashering utensils

Question: In regards to kashering utensils, I know that you’re not supposed to kasher something that was used with hot water in the last 24 hours, but what if you had cleaned it within 24 hours of the kashering (with cold, soapy water)? I’ve already kashered the items in question.. Answer: Hello, The 24 […]

Lying and teshuva

Question: I am going through a hard time but when I am feeling fine I sometimes would put on a sad face so that others that know I’m struggling would worry about me and ask me if I’m ok because even though in that moment I was fine I was struggling a lot of the […]

Halachah of bedikas chametz if going to non Jewish hotel during Pesach

Question: What are halachos of bedikas chametz if going to stay in non Jewish hotel during Pesach. ie, going chol hamoed. [Eating elsewhere, or own food in room.] Thank you. Answer: Hello, You would have to do a bedika on the room when you get there, since there was no bedika done on this […]

FructAid on Pesach

Question: Are there any ingredients in the nutritional supplement FructAid that are Chametz? The ingredients read as follows: glocose isomerase enzyme, microcrystalline cellulose, trehalose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, shellac, triacetin. Thank you! Answer: Hello, According to the kashrus professional that I contacted regarding your question, “There are both kashrus issues and potential Pesach ingredient-sourcing issues”. Therefore […]

Tzitzis- Kosher? Pls answer quick

Question: Use one pair of Tzitzit daily, was bombed, slept in shirt n Tzitzit, usually more careful, have others, np, but are the ones I slept in, Kosher or-? Answer: Hello, Sleeping in one’s tzitzis does not make them unkosher. Best wishes

Mushrooms

Question: Is it true that we cannot eat mushrooms during pesach, because mushrooms are fungus not plant. Can you please explain why exactly we cannot eat fungus, if this is true. Answer: Hello, Mushrooms are not inherently prohibited on Pesach, as they are not from the five grains, nor kitnios. However they do have […]

Pesach Vitamin List

Question: Is there an up to date listing of vitamins and dietary supplements for Pesach online or a booklet? I’m having trouble locating such a thing. Thank you. Answer: Hello, generally it is very difficult to give a hechsher for Pesach on vitamins, as the ingredients come from a lot of places, and it […]

Pink – time sensitvie

Question: HI! I recently got a ton of bright pink shirts, and fringe skirts (a little at the bottom) I consider myself very tznius, I don’t have short hair but I try to do my best. My mother spent a ton of money on all these clothes, just to hear me come home and my […]

Chometz

Question: Is myle meta box lemon mint kosher for pesach Answer: Personally I don’t know, but it does not to have a hechsher for Pesach. Chag sameach

Chametz

Question: I am renting a room where the owners live. I have all of my belongings in storage. My landlord sold the chametz on this house. Should I include this house (room) when I sell my chametz in storage? (Two different addresses) Answer: Hello, Yes, you should sell your chametz independently of you landlord. […]

Selling chometz

Question: Do you have to sell if you’ve throughly cleaned and gotten rid of chometz Answer: Hello, Technically you have nothing to sell. However there can always be mistakes, therefore nevertheless it is a good idea to do so. Best wishes

ky pesach

Question: May ky be used on pesach Answer: KY has no issues of chometz of kitnois. Best wishes Sources:

Sproated Grains in Rolls

Question: Hi……I purchased “Sprouted Burger Buns” from Angelic Bake House (OK hechsher and Pas Yisroel.) The ingredients in order are “Sprouted Whole Grain Wheat Berries, Water, Quinoa, Millet, Amaranth, Oat Groats, Barley, Rye, Berries, Whole Wheat Flower, Water, Sunflour Oil etc. I was unable to find the amount of wheat flour in the roll…..In light […]

Ribbis

Question: My wife is a social worker and has a private practice. Some clients pay cash and others pay via credit card. I am aware that there is an issue of Ribbis in charging the credit card customers an additional fee to cover the costs. Firstly, I would assume that it doesn’t work the other […]

(time sensitive – kol isha / driving)

Question: Is it permissible for me to drive while playing kol isha songs, with windows down? Have a good night! Answer: Hello, I’m not sure I understand your question, but it depends on who is driving, for a woman it is fine, but not for a man. Best wishes

Retracted Neder

Question: Hi, If someone makes a Neder, but then changes it within 3 seconds, are they obligated in the original Neder? Thanks so much. Answer: Hello, The amount of time one has to change from what was said is called “toch kdey dibur”, the amount of time it takes to say “shalo, aleicha rebi”, […]

Mix mayonaise and chrein on Shabbos?

Question: Is one allowed to mix mayonaise and chrein on Shabbos? Thank you! Answer: Hello, Regarding mixing mayonnaise with prepared horseradish, some Poskim say that it is permitted to mix without[1] any shinui, since it is similar to adding more liquid to the horseradish. Other Poskim[2] say that it should be mixed with a […]

Forerunners events of the coming of the Anointed One to the Jewish People?

Question: Do devout Torah Jews beleive the following is forerunners of the coming of the Anointed one and the appearence of the 3rd Temple? 1) The 2004 revival of the Sanhedrin assembly? 2) Ingathering of Jews communities up to Israel from the galat of Europe; Arab Countries et al? 3) The Formation of the 3rd […]

Pesach questions- tums and washing machines

Question: 1) Is it okay for an ashkenazi to take Tums on Pesach to help manage heart burn? In general, is it ok to take Tums on Shabbos? 2) Funny question, but is there any kashrus problem with washing my Pesach towels/oven mitts/table cloths/etc in the washing machine since I usually wash chametz dish towels/etc […]

Pesach seder

Question: Why do we drink arbah kosos? Answer: We drink the four cups, as a sign of thanks and celebration, for four different stages, of our redemption from Egypt. The first was that Hashem, released us from the tough slavery, the second, one is that we were freed from all work. The third is […]

Marriage

Question: Hello Rabbi, I am 28 year’s old and I have been trying to get married but so far noone wants to marry me. I was working with a Shaddachan but no luck. I usually have a very Simcha approach to everything in life so I don’t like to complain about laking something because it […]

Doing bedika when leaving for pesach?

Question: Hi , I am leaving for Pesach (fri morning) when should I do bedikah? With a bracha? Also I’m staying in someone else’s empty house do I do another bedikah there? With a bracha? Answer: Hello, You would make a bedika on the apartment you are staying in, on thursday night, but without […]

Carrying a phone on shabbat

Question: If I’m walking somewhere on Shabbat and I prepare a bag of stuff to bring before Shabbat starts with things for afterwards am I allowed to put my phone in it turned off and then carry that bag on Shabbat Answer: Hello, This is not a good idea. First of all, it is […]

Getting paid on Shabbos

Question: Hi, I am self employed and one of my Jewish clients sent a past due payment during shabbos. Am I able to accept the payment and if not, how do I proceed? Thanks! Answer: Hello, You may use the money, however you would have to wait to use it after Shabbos, as not […]

OCD- Unlocked Front Door & Kosher Kitchen

Question: I have submitted several questions related to situations around my obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). The OCD mostly revolves around kashrut. This question is somewhat related to this one I submitted a few weeks back: https://dinonline.org/2024/04/02/unattended-kosher-food-in-hospital-room/ Today, I went for a walk on Shabbat with my daughter leaving nobody else at home. Unfortunately, I did […]

Possible for an Ashkenazi to have a (one) vertical mezuza?

Question: Hi rabbi – as an Ashkenazi, can I put a mezuza (one) vertically like Sephardim in a certain area that would simply look better (all others in the house would be slanted like normal), or am I actually prohibited from doing so? This is not related to spacing or the like that could require […]

Tzitzis for shabbos, new bracha?

Question: After my shower I put on special tzitzis worn only on shabbos, does it require a bracha? I don’t make a bracha in the morning on weekday tzitzis as I wear a tallis Answer: Hello, After putting on the new tzitzis wait until you come out of the shower or mikva and make […]

Chametz

Question: I would like to know if bread or an item made out of bread, such as french toast, may be sold to a non-Jew. Answer: Hello, It is permitted to sell even real chametz to a gentile, as you do not own it now. however many people are stringent according to the poskim […]

Chumetz

Question: I would like to ask on a few items if they are chumetz? Baking powder Quinoa Barley Pinhead barley Baking sode Answer: Baking powder- needs to be kasher for Pesach Quinoa- Is controversial among the poskim if it is kitnois or not. Barley- According to the Star-k, CRC, and others, barley is not […]

Men’s non-Mikva Tevila

Question: Shalom. have to travel for the upcoming Pesach to a coastal city. There will be separate beaches available. While I am a bit reluctant to sit at the beach, if I submerge myself in the water, could that be considered Tevila (for men) in honor of Yom Tov? Thank you. Answer: Hello, Yes. […]

Taking a haircut (shaving/trimming) Rosh Chodesh

Question: From what I understand the source given for one refraining from cutting hair on Rosh Chodesh is the Tzavvah of Rabbi Yehudah Hanassi, and the reason being a Skannah… What exactly is the assumed Skannah of cutting hair specifically on Rosh Chodesh? Answer: I don’t know, alot of the things that he says […]

Dairy Glass after Meat Dinner

Question: My daughter drank out of a dairy glass (made of glass) about an hour after eating a meat dinner. She did not brush her teeth or rinse her mouth first. Basically, she was not thinking and it was by accident. Are there any kosher issues or is it sufficient to simply wash the glass […]

Splitting Car Rental

Question: Shalom, We have two options for renting a car 1) for two weeks at 2400 2) for the week of Pesach at 1800. We discussed with our parents the rental (2) which is while they are with us, and they would pay for all of it. We also have option (1),which we didn’t discuss […]

Sous Vide machine for Pesach

Question: Hi, I have a sous vide machine that I use during the year in my chometz pot. When I use the machine it is a clean soup pot filled with plain water and the meat is spiced in a sealed ziplock bag. Can this sous vide machine be used on Pesach without kashering? Thank […]

Brachos

Question: Hi. Can someone be exempt from making a blessing over food (not for a mitzvah), if he says amen to someone else’s blessing? For example, can Reuven say amen to Shimon’s blessing over a banana, and eat his own banana, or must he have a piece of Shimon’s banana first (assuming Shimon had him […]

Visiting close to the site of a Buddha statue in Thailand

Question: Is one allowed to deliberately go close to the site of a Buddha statue in Thailand and look from a distance? Not interested in anything other than merely looking. Answer: Hello, To Jews an avoda zara is disgusting and we distance ourselves from them as much as possible, and don’t drive any benefit […]

Hefsek Tahara

Question: Thank you for this service. How many times does one have to turn her finger while doing a Hefsek? Is just once enough? Also does one have to turn her finger while going in and coming out? Thank You Answer: Hello, The issue here is not how many times she should turn her […]

COVER LEGS IN HOTEL

Question: Hi! IYH I will be going to a pesach hotel, it is clear to me that women don’t have to cover their legs by the pool, is this true even if men are subject to see them? if so is it permissible to come down stairs from my room to the pool and walk […]

OCD with Kosher

Question: I have to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) related to kashrut and have been working with a therapist on exposure response therapy (ERP). One of the exposures is not checking kosher symbols on products in my own home. Previously, one of the compulsions would be to check and recheck kosher symbols on these products repeatedly. […]

Yom kippur Katan –night or day only?

Question: Hi Rabbi, 1. If Rosh Chodesh is Monday night and Tuesday, when is Yom kippur Katan? Sunday night and Monday? I get confused if its the entire night before (Sunday sundown until Monday sundown, when RC begins or just Monday day until Monday sundown.) Thank you so much, Answer: It is only by […]