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

Attending an interfaith wedding

Question: May I attend a close friend’s interfaith wedding if I know know that skipping it would push him further away from Judaism? Answer: In general, we do not attend a wedding when the person is intermarrying. Attending the wedding is in a way giving credence to the abomination that this person is doing, […]

Second marriage in the year of avelus

Question: Can a chasson who is an avel for a parent get married within the year of avelus? Is there a difference if it is a second marriage, and the chasson has fulfilled the mitzvah of pru u-rvu? Answer: Hamakom yinachem eschem b’toch shar aveilei Tzion v’Yerushalyim. A choson may get married after the […]

Present for host

Question: The גמרא במסכת מגילה כו עמוד א three lines from the bottom says “אמר אביי ש״מ אורח ארעא למישבק אינש גולפא ומשכא באושפיזיה״ is that the הלכה בזמן הזה? Is it brought down in הלכה? And if it’s not brought down in הלכה is there a reason why it’s not brought down? Answer: […]

Stealing Back A Stolen Bike Seat

Question: Lichvoid HaRav, I hope you are well. I have a bike which I left tied up outside my building and haven’t used it for over 9 months. Now that it is bein hazmanim I decided I wanted to use it and I went to get it and I realized someone stole the seat. I […]

Is There Any Way To Kasher A Pyrex Dish

Question: I had chicken in a pyrex fridge. A yogurt spilt in the fridge. I put the pyrex dish with chicken in the oven and cooked it. Afterwards I realized that inside the oven was bits of the yogurt. I assume I have now made the oven and pyrex dish treif. My question is, I […]

Bad thoughts

Question: Hello, I have OCD and sometimes I have intrusive thoughts (that curse Hashem for example). what should I do about this? Answer: Hello, First of all, don’t get nervous over the fact that you have such thoughts! It is part of your yetzer hora, and many people have fleeting thoughts of doing self-destructive things, […]

Learning practical Halacha

Question: Hi. I have a question which has been bothering me for some time. Many Kitzur sefarim on halacha have a disclaimer at the beginning that the halachos in here should not be followed – it was just written so people can know potential shailas rather everyone should either learn their halacha themselves from the […]

Feeling bad about certain mitzvos

Question: In your answer to someone, you said that if he did an aveira in the past, he should move on and not dwell on it. I’m having trouble understanding how and why mitzvos like women’s mitzvos and Pidyon Haben are so joyful if we have them because of aveiros – Chava’s aveira and cheit […]

Letting cat out into the backyard on Shabbath

Question: Shalom Cvod Harav, Is it allowed to let a cat out of the house into an enclosed backyard on Shabbat? If I let him back inside may I shut the door? I haven’t ever seen him climb anything like fences or trees. Answer: Hello, From your question, is seems that you are referring […]

Using perfume on Shabbos

Question: Is this a permitted manner to apply cologne or perfume on shabbos? Spraying the cologne in the air, and then walking into it while dressed? You are not spraying the cologne on clothes, but into the air and having it dissolve on your clothes from the spray. Answer: Hello, What you are describing […]

Buying things for a baby before it’s born

Question: Hi Rov Hope you are having a good bein hazmanim. Just a quick question. What is the deal with buying things before a baby is born? Should one wait till after? Why? Thanks so much Answer: Hello, There are people who have such a hanhaga although it isn’t clear what the reason is. […]

Tzedakah: Self-Employed Income Tax Deductions – which year are they deducted?

Question: L’cvod HaRav, My “ma’aser year” for Maaser cesafim is Rosh Hashonah and Rosh Hashonah (1st Tishrei to 29 Elul). This corresponds to September/October to September/October in most years. In my country, the income tax for self-employed income is calculated on 6th April (which usually falls in Nissan and sometimes Adar Sheni) and can be […]

Standing on a table to replace light fixtures in a synagogue

Question: I was in my synagogue replacing the light fixtures in order that people can have an easier time studying with new bright lights. I brought my tallest ladder, but it still was not tall enough for me to reach the ceiling, so I put the ladder on a table to get the few extra […]

Coughing During Silent Amidah

Question: If one needs to cough during the silent Amidah is it considered an interruption, or can someone simply continue after it passes? For example, I had a cough after ‎וכל החיים יודוך סלה and then just continued on to שלום רב after it passed. It seemed unnecessary to return to רצה but wanted to […]

Walking in Shul

Question: As a follow up to https://dinonline.org/2022/08/19/walking-in-shul/ The M.B. #151 – 1, states: “Ein metayelin bo…… ” one does not walk in a Shul…. I assume that means one stands still and Davens to HKB”H as if one were in a court standing before a Judge. Thanks Answer: Hello, The Shulchan Aruch here is quoting a […]

Walking in Shul

Question: In Hilchos Kedushas Bais Hakneses it says, Ain Mehalchin Bvais Hakneses. In our Yeshiva there are many Bochurim who pace up and down while Davening in front of others who are Davening, standing or sitting. This is disturbing and creates a situation where one who is saying Modim, is bowing to the Pacer and […]

Tzoah bemashehu and the ravs chiddush something that can only be seen by the eye

Question: Hello I saw the Rav’s psak on a mashehu of tzoah and am bothered by it. Here’s the link to what I’m referring to https://dinonline.org/2017/02/12/how-much-tzoah-is-problematic/ First off if the halcha is only what the eye can see than why don’t the poskim mention it? and who says it’s a clal by all things maybe […]

Listening to Father or Mother

Question: If your father tells you to do something, and your mother tells you not to do it who should you listen to? Answer: Hello, The Gemorah says that if both father and mother ask something from a child, that the child should do his father’s bidding first. This is because the child’s mother also […]

Horseracing

Question: Is it ok to go watch a horse race? I mean without gambling, just to watch for entertainment. I heard that it may be an issue because the horses are in pain… Answer: Without getting into any issues if this is the type of place for you to be visiting, or the correct type […]

Yichud

Question: I am staying in a yeshiva dorm during the bein hazmanim and the goy that cleans, on two occasions, brought a shiksa into the dorm when I was the only bachur there. (I don’t know if she is related to him.) When this happens, what should I do? May I enter briefly if necessary […]

Hatov V’hameitiv on grape juice and wine

Question: If I make kiddush on grape juice and then have wine during the seudah, do I make a hatov vhameitiv? Answer: Hello, In general, we don’t really make hatov v’hameitiv nowadays, in part because there are ten conditions that have to be met in order to make the bracha. Additionally, there are poskim […]

Overcharging a client

Question: I am a handyman who was asked by a tenant to do a job. I spoke to the owner who told me to go ahead at whatever price the tenant arranges. I quoted $1,000 and the tenant told me to charge $1,400 and to give him $200. I am assuming this is not allowed […]

Refuah Shleimah to a person with Alzheimer’s?

Question: The father of someone I know was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. I wished her father a “Refuah Shleimah,” but she retorted “that’s unlikely.” She continued, “Better to say: ‘a brocha for arichas yamim and clarity of mind as long as possible.” Was I wrong in wishing a “refuah shleimah?” Was her expression more appropriate? […]

Counted towards minyan from ezras nashim?

Question: If a man goes to shul and sits in the ezras nashim (during a time when no women are there) does he count towards the minyan? If he’s the 10th? Answer: L’chatchila he should be in the same room as everyone else, however b’dieved if they can actually see him, i.e. he is […]

Is it ok to bend the truth when the truth interferes with shalom bayis?

Question: Hello Rabbi, Today, I was checking blueberries for insects and my husband who is not yet observant asked me if I was checking them for bugs. I said no because I didn’t want an argument (we have many kashrus arguments) to follow and for him to stop me from checking the blueberries. In this […]

Walking in front of people davening

Question: If the person behind you has started davening the amidah just a second before you, it seems you couldn’t take steps back to start your amidah… what would you do in such a situation? What is considered a hefsek for the purposes of walking in front of someone davening? Can you use lavud? Thank […]

Follow up regarding Netilas Yodayim

Question: Hello Based on this question https://dinonline.org/tag/netilas-yodayim/ Isn’t there a problem of it not being ‏ ‏ ב‏שפיכה ‏אחתif one pours slowly? If not what’s the reasoning that it’s still considered ‏ ב‏שפיכה אחת ,and what did the poskim mean by saying it has to be ‏ ‏בשפיכה אחת Answer: Pouring slowly is not […]

Lo tischonem – Tripadvisor review

Question: Hello, If I had a positive experience staying in a non-jewish hotel, would there be an issue of lo tischonen to leave a positive review for them on tripadvisor or google? I would get no benefit from leaving the review and would not make a kiddush hashem being they wouldn’t know who I am. […]

Landlord didn’t put in enough lighting

Question: Dear Rabbi, My landlord promised to put lighting in the living room which was contingent upon us signing the contract. The unit was under construction so we didn’t have access or any input on said lighting. Once we got the apartment. The light that was put in is a spotlight and does not adequately […]

Silk tie on Rosh Hashana

Question: Am I allowed to wear a silk tie on Rosh Hashana Answer: Even though Rosh Hashana is a day of judgment, we wash ourselves and change into Yom Tov clothing. We do this to show our bitachon in Hashem, that he will judge us favorably if we do teshuva and daven. However, we […]

Indirect purchase of apartment

Question: We are looking to move from one apartment to another. A real estate agent showed us the plans for one we like, it is under construction, and should be finished in about 18 months. He said that the builder needed money to finance the construction, and a friend put up some of the construction […]

Became Nidda while away

Question: Hi, we are on holiday in Switzerland. I took period delay tablets but it didnt work as long as it should have. Is it okay to ride cable cars and chair lifts together if kids are with us? thank you. Answer: It is permitted, however it is preferred for one of the kids […]

Washing whole hand for Netilas Yadayim

Question: How does one make sure that water comes on the whole hand completely for netilas yadayim Answer: The first things to do to make sure the whole hand gets washed is to wash with a lot of water, and pour it slowly. It is helpful if you will separate your fingers and point […]

Dairy and Meat w/ spice containers and its ramifications

Question: Hello, I believe I heard a few years ago from my Rosh Yeshiva that if someone uses a spice container with small holes on top to pour onto a hot food that is dairy (like putting garlic powder on hot pizza), the garlic powder becomes milchig b/c of the the steam of that food […]

Shiluach haken

Question: Hi Hope this finds you well. I am staying at a cousins apartment. There is a pigeon on the window sill with eggs. Am I able to do shiluach haken with this pigeon? It’s not my house and the window belongs to my cousins. I can’t ask them to be mafkir the bird- they […]

Business with a Jew homosexual

Question: Is it a problem to buy goods from a homosexual Jew and give him Jewish money? Thanks Answer: Hello, While making sure to keep yourself safe, I don’t see a specific issue with doing business with him. It isn’t much different than doing business with other Jews that unfortunately do aveiros, like a mechalel […]

Safek neder

Question: Can I rely on a sfek sfeika for Example, if someone decided to fast on the upcoming בהב But he’s not sure if he decided it to be permanent And he’s not sure if he had in mind every Monday and Thursday can he eat on a regular Monday and Thursday? Thank you. […]

Workplace Drama

Question: I am a college student who works part time at a grocery store. I asked a customer, a woman forty years of age, not to wear a crucifix in our store, on the grounds that it is an insensitive symbol. In truth, this necklace is distressing for me because it is a violent faith. […]

Habitually turning on a light on Shabbos when half asleep

Question: I saw posted that somebody who habitually turns a bathroom light off on Shabbos is considered a Shogeg. What would be the Halacha if someone wakes up in middle of the night and remembers that it is Shabbos and goes to the bathroom and turns on the light without realizing that he is doing […]

pets

Question: Hi Rabbi. My kids really wanted a pet. and a dog was too much. somebody was giving away a free bunny so we took it. the kids enjoy it, I just wanted to know if there is any halachik or hashkafic or kabbalistic issue of owning a pet. If I remember correctly there is […]

What bracha is potato bread/roll?

Question: Hello, I am wondering what bracha you make on Martin’s potato bread. The first ingredient is unbleached enriched wheat flour, but it also contains nonfat milk, reconstituted potatoes from potato flour, sugar, etc. Would this bread be hamotzei or mezonos? Thank you! Answer: I am not familiar with this type of bread, but […]

Drinking on Tisha ba’av

Question: 1. Can one swallow his saliva on Tisha ba’av or should it be spit out. If spit out -in what receptacle 2. As a symbol of discomfort can one drink one’s urine Answer: There are some pious people who do this for Yom Kippur, however we don’t find it regarding Tisha B’av. We […]

Brachos in the morning

Question: I am a night shift nurse that works from 7p-7a. I go to pray after work. Since I woke up 4pm the previous day can I say brochot on my own? Answer: Since you slept the day before, according to many poskim you can say all of the brachos. Regarding Elokai neshoma and […]

Eggs Onion and Garlic

Question: I saw it years ago in Sefer Taamei Minhagim, and was told it is in the Gemara as well, that eggs-raw or cooked, without the shell, onions without a “head”, and garlic without a “head” cannot be eaten if left overnight. It is dangerous for one’s health.(Eggs, if mixed with other ingredients like oil […]

Mice in my apartment

Question: I rent an apartment in America that is part of a two family house. Our landlord is Jewish, as well as our neighbor downstairs, who also rents from the same landlord. Recently, we began seeing mice. The main cause seems to be the downstairs neighbor, as he has a lot of junk. The landlord […]

Purim shpiel

Question: Hi, Many yeshivas run skits during Purim in which they poke fun at the rabbis at the yeshiva (at their quirks, mannerisms, or maybe even their dei’os). Isn’t this considered loshon hara? Moreover, isn’t this loshon hara b’rabim? How is this such a widespread custom? Answer: The main issue here is that, although […]

Mikveh Immersion Guidlines

Question: Would it be permissible for a black convert to immerse in the mikveh with cornrows(after ensuring it was clean) so as to keep their hair neat or must it be loose? Answer: Before getting to your question, you should just know that a person that does actually make the decision to change their […]

Keil Maleh Rachamim

Question: Can Kale Male be said on yarhtzeit falls on Tisha b’Av that is a nidcheh? Answer: Hello. There is no difference between Tisha Bav that is a nidche or not. On the Yahrtzeit it is permitted to say Keil Maleh Rachamim. Even though in general eulogies are not said on Tisha Bav, however […]

Making a bracha in a bathing suit

Question: Can one make a bracha on cold drink with yarmulka and swimsuit only? Answer: Hello, In general, there are few things to consider before saying a bracha, that would be applicable for your question. The man’s private parts (ervah) are not exposed. There is a separation between the person’s heart and his private […]

Heathers: Shatnez?

Question: Hello. I am concerned… I purchased a clothing item (undergarment) that was assumed previously to be completely free of wool. It is all cotton and polyester. That being said, the label says ‘Heathers: 90% Cotton / 10% Polyester’. I looked up what heathers means and it is (maybe) referring to an effect created by […]