If someone find a small sum of money in his coat on Shabbos (and therefore not muktzeh machmat chisaron kiss), Is he allowed to take it out normally since it’s muktzeh shemelachto leisur and he needs to wear the coat (letzorech mekomo)? Answer There are a number of misconceptions here. Firstly, coins are not considered […]
Author Archives: Admin-EN
Property belonging to a woman in a second marriage
I am married to my second husband. I bought an apartment for us. I am now receiving an inheritance from my late father. My husband says it is halachically his. He also says that I cannot halachically leave the apartment to my children. What is the halachic position please? I am 60 and have three […]
Sheitel pins on Shabbos
What are the halachos of pins in sheitels and combs left in shaitels going into to shabbos? Can one remove the pins or combs of the shaitel on shabbos or not? After a women wears the shaitel can she put pins back into the shaitel to make sure the shaitel stays on the shaitel stand? […]
Soap Bubbles on Shabbos
There is a hand cleaner that is used instead of soap by some people. The bottle has a liquid substance in it and when one presses on top of the bottle a bubble foaming substance comes out. The bubbles kind of evaporate over time if left untouched. People then clean their hands with this mass […]
Pesach knife mixed in with chometz knives
Question: I found a Pesach knife mixed in with my chometz knives after Pesach. Do I boil it in Pesach pot or chometz pot? The knife doesn’t have neither plastic nor wooden handle. Thank you. Answer: Before anything, the knife should be cleaned well. It may then be kashered in a pot of boiling water, preferably one that […]
Pay tax from Tzedaka
With tax dollars going to fund federal programs that aid the needy, can any portion be considered tzedakah? Answer The Taz says (Yoreh Deah, the beginning of siman 249) that one cannot use his ma’aser money to pay taxes even though the Gemoro B.B. 9A calls taxes tzedaka. See the Maharsho thereon who explains that […]
Kohein in a car
If I as a kohain, being a passenger of a car, inadvertantly pass under a tree in full bloom whose branches extend into a Jewish cemetery is it considered as if I stepped into the cemetery itself or is the car considered a chatzitzah? Answer The car is not considered a mechitzah, and so it […]
Repairer who broke the goods
My computer was having trouble. I brought it to a fellow for repair. He charged me $60 and claimed to have fixed it. When I checked it at home, I realized that he did not fix it. He may have tried, but the original issue was still there. He gave me instructions how to potentially […]
Ribbis when paying more for an extension of payment time
A person is a broker who sells a product for a Jewish company and the buyer is a Jew. The parties agree that the price per unit is $50. When the buyer says that he needs 45 days to pay, as opposed to the normal 30 days, the broker says that the price would need […]
Buying a used car during the Sefira
Can one buy a used car and use it during sefira? Answer The Shulchan Aruch (493) rules that one does not get married or have a haircut during the Sefira. There is no mention of not saying Shehecheyanu, and indeed the Ma’amar Mordechai (quoted in the Mishnah Berurah) permits it. Nonetheless, there are sources for […]
Haircut on Erev Shabbos when Lag Be’Omer is on Sunday
Lag B’Omer this years falls on Sunday, May 2nd. Am I allowed to get a haircut on Friday, April 30th erev Shabbos? Answer Yes [Remo”h in Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 493:2] This is also the view of Maharika”sh (Oholei Yaakov 98), quoted in Yabi’a Omer, (vol. 6, Orach Chaim 47). However, Kaf Hachaim (O.C. 493: […]
Wearing new clothes in the Sefira
Is it permitted to wear something new on Rosh Chodesh Iyyar? Answer The Shulchan Aruch (493) rules that one does not get married or have a haircut during the Sefira. There is no mention of not saying Shehecheyanu, and indeed the Ma’amar Mordechai (quoted in the Mishnah Berurah) permits it. Nonetheless, there are sources for […]
Inflated business expenses for tax returns
My CPA prepared my tax return & inflated some business expenses to reduce my taxes. Is this ok? Answer It is forbidden to make a dishonest declaration in order to avoid paying taxes.
Tanach riddle
Where in the Torah do we find two samechs that make up a word by itself. Answer Yeshayahu 51:8 כִּי כַבֶּגֶד יֹאכְלֵם עָשׁ וְכַצֶּמֶר יֹאכְלֵם סָס וְצִדְקָתִי לְעוֹלָם תִּהְיֶה וִישׁוּעָתִי לְדוֹר דּוֹרִים:
Women’s prayer
What is a single woman’s obligation in tefillah, and can she daven shacharis until chatzos? Answer Women are obliged to daven every day, and should try to do so before sof zeman tefillah. In the event that this time has passed one may still daven until chatzos – midday.
Kashering kitchen after renting to gentiles
I am renting out my apartment to non jews. It is fully equipped. What, if any of the appliances are ‘kashurable’ so that I wont need to replace them. I am assuming that my self clean ovens are not a problem. I am more concerned about my dishwasher, microwaves and electric cooktop. Additionally, can I […]
Arev of Loan with Interest
I was a orev on a shtar that was written and the interest was written into the loan as part of the principal does this possel the shtar that was written in regard to the arvus that I signed? Answer: Someone who borrows money with interest still owes the money (at least the principle). Even […]
Found – Mussar seforim
I found two Musar seforim – brand new a few days ago near a tree in a non-Jewish neighborhood, how long do I have to advertise it in publications and may I use it in the interim, until the person that lost it comes forward Thank you Shimshon Answer If it appears that the seforim […]
Hetterim from different poskim
Where can i find out about looking for heterim by asking different poskim? I think is it wrong but i would like to see it in a sefer thank you Answer The Mishnah in Pirkei Avos writes, “Asseih lechah Rav’” – make for yourself a Rav. The Commentaries there explain that everyone should choose for […]
Raglayim L’Davar
What exactly is, “Raglayim L’Davar?” Answer It means that there is circumstantial evidence or reason to believe or suspect, although no conrete knowledge or proof is available. The exact definition and examples of what is considered Raglayim L’Davar will depend on the context.
שמעו הבדלה ולא שתו
מי שהבדיל על כוס יין וטעם רק משהו, אף השומעים לא טעמו כלום האם יצאו ידי חובתם תשובה: אם הבדיל בתפילתו אינו צריך לחזור ולהבדיל, אולם אם לא הבדיל בתפילתו, לכתחילה ישמע מאדם אחר את ההבדלה שוב מקור: שמירת שבת כהלכתה (פרק ס סעיף לו והערה קלט)
Stolen Photographs
I recently sold several of my photographs to the Wall Street Journal to appear on their website credited to me. Later I found out that two Jewish newspapers had copied my pictures from the website and published the pictures in their newspapers without reshus and without crediting me and without paying me. After I contacted […]
Golf on Shabbos
I know that golfing on Shabbas is not a Shabbas activity, but is there anyway to permit it? How can a frum Jew play in PGA events that are Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday? If we play in an eruv, avoid carrying (if still necessary), avoid hitting the grass, is there a permissible way to […]
Birthday on Assarah BeTeves
My birthday is Asara B’Teves. Would it be proper to have music and dancing on the night of Asara B’Teves, or should I make the seudah on another night which is not the Bo Bayom? In otherwords, this year, Asara B’Teves comes out on Friday. Should we make the seudah with music and dancing on […]
Lewhiff- is it kosher?
There is a new product called ‘lewhif.’http://lewhif.com/ It is made of chocolate powder that apparently only goes into one’s mouth but not into one’s lungs or stomach. It’s like a breath freshener, but more, since it gives pleasure like eating chocolate. Would it be kosher, even if the ingredients are not? Answer: Since the item […]
Yoga
Is is permissible to practice yoga? Answer: The question is quite broad. Please read these past questions and answers and be more specific in your question if you still have a question. past questions pdf
Obligation to Seek Out Seller?
Shalom Chashuva Rabbonim and Dayonim. First off – poschim bichvod achsanya. Thank you very much for whomever is hosting this service. My question is related to two maasim which happened to me this past year. First Maaseh: A mechaber of a pairush on mishneh sells his mishnayis on the basis of a phone call with […]
Mentioning mother’s name
My workmate has the same name as my mother. Am I allowed to mention her name when I talk about work? Answer If the name is unusual, one may mention the workmate’s name not in your mother’s presence, but in her presence you should not use this name. However, if the name is common, you […]
Undiscussed additional costs (2)
I had filed an insurance claim due to damage done at my home. The broker had come down with an insurance adjuster to assess the damages At that time I was unaware of the fact that I AM responsible to pay the adjuster. After the claim was put together the adjuster gave me a form […]
Undiscussed additional costs
We had an agreement (written & verbal) with an insurance adjuster (heimeish) regarding payment on a claim submitted. After settlement was reached with insurance company & we received payment on our claim the adjuster suddenly changed the terms (verbally). When I explained that we already had an agreement on his payment he continued to say […]
Teshuvah on intellectual theft
Hi, How does one do teshuva on gnevas da’as that happened over 40 years ago? It was kind of intellectual theft without any monetary damage. Thanks Answer It is unclear from the question exactly what took place all those years ago. If the “victim” was caused pain or distress, you should ask forgiveness (if he […]
Payment for unsatisfactory services rendered
I ordered a pair of glasses from an optician. The glasses had some unusual specifications, but this optician was recommended as someone who’s the best in town. It took several corrections until the glasses were made even close to properly. Sometime in the process, I paid about 4/5 of the price. After these attempts to […]
A kohen and a divorcee
Is there any heter or condition for a Cohain to marry a divorced women? If a marriage was done by a conservative rabbi with one of the witnesses being a non Jew…is the marriage considered valid? Does it matter if there are no children from the marriage? Answer A kohen may not marry a divorced […]
Pareve food cooked in a meaty pot
These are theoretical questions, not a request for psak. I’m asking from an Ashkenzi perspective. 1) The Rema rules in Yoreh Deah 95:2 that non-charif pareve food prepared in an aino ben yomo meat pot may be eaten with milk. Is this Halacha l’maaseh? 2) Let’s say I cook a lot of macaroni in a […]
Building in East Jerusalem
Being an advocate in Denmark and at the same time having a warm sympathy for the Jewish “cause” (I witnessed what took place here in 1943) I need to know more about the reason for the building plans in East Jerusalem in order to partake in discussions here about this controversial problem. I am positive, […]
What does one do with Elihayu Hanavi’s cup after the seder?
Question: I saved the wine that I left for Eliyahu Hanavi at the Seder as he did not drink it (or at least he did not drink all of it ;) ). I was wondering if there is any problem with using this wine for another mitzvah such as Shabbos kiddush? It may be relevant […]
Warming up food on a blech on Shabbos
On Shabbos we always used a blech. Can food be put on the blech to be warmed, then taken off after it was warmed? Answer Liquid food may not be placed on a blech on Shabbos to warm up. Solid food which is already fully cooked may be warmed up on the blech, but should […]
Shaving during sefira if you look bad
I know there is a reference somewhere that says if your wife or a friend says you look bad with your sefirah beard, you can shave it. I just don’t know exactly where to find it. Thank you Answer With regards to the Halachos of mourning for a relative, there is such a halachah, that […]
Repaying a shekel loan in the US
I live in the states and I went to Israel for seminary. While I was there I borrowed money from a friend in shekel and I don’t know what the exchange rate was then. I am back in America and I didnt pay her back yet. How do i know what to pay her?(shekel, dollars, […]
Rabbeinu Tam – when can one go to the Mikva; Music in Sefirah
Hi! if we normally keep Rabbeinu Tam for Shabbos etc.. can my wife go IN the mikva 55 min after shkiya (she won’t be home until after 72 minutes after sunset)? Also, can I make a slide show (before lag ba’omer) that includes music, for my son’s bar mitzva which will be on lag baomer […]
Beis Yosef Meat for Ashkenazim
Can Ashkenazim eat Beis Yosef meat? Answer: If the Hechsher is Makpid on the Rema’s rulings yes, but sometimes such hechsherim are only Makpid on the Beis Yosef – so a Ashkenazi, who has to be Makpid on the Rema cannot eat it.
My employee stole from me
Someone stole from my account $ 530,000.00 ? He was an employee & had access to the account. What can I do besides having that person arrested. Answer: If he is a frum person, take him to Beis Din. If he won’t come or won’t accept their Psak the Beis Din will permit you to […]
Right to Photographs
I printed a picture in my yeshiva newsletter and the one who took the picture would like me to pay for his right to the picture please let me know if i am mechuyav to pay or not, and if there is lifnim meshuras hadin to pay him anyway. Answer: If the picture was taken […]
Ma’aser to Son in Kollel
1. Is a father allowed to give all of his maaser money to his son learning in kollel? 2. I need some help in formulating a shtar that will enable some mechalalei Shabbat to do at least a shetar mechira of their business. Answer 1. The Gemora (Eruvin 63) says that one should not give […]
Kashering Crystal Cups
Can colored crystal glasses (there is no gold or silver on them, just the crystal itself is colored) that came from Jews that were not very frum but have not been used for over 25 years be kashered for use on Shabbos or even on Pesach after having been immersed totally for 3 complete 24 […]
Bride – Derasha at wedding?
The old minhag was that the chasan at the chasuna would say a Dvar Torah. If the chasan is very shy would there be an issue if the kallah spoke instead? If yes can I get a mareh makom please? I need to stop it from actually happening. thank you Answer: The fundamental of reaching halachic […]
Liability for Loss Caused by Mistake
I and my two neighbors entered into an agreement back in June of last year with the New York City Waterboard to pay arrears on a large waterbill. We have to pay $630 monthly, which amongst ourselves we agreed would be paid in equal installments of $210 each. The terms were such that as long […]
Backing out of Business Deal
I contacted a firm that was to negotiate a short sale for me and the deal set was that if the firm cant get me the deal i will not be liable for ANY charges, in the mean time 4 Months have past and the firm has not performed getting any deal for me and […]
Broken thermostat in borrowed apartment
Ploni borrowed someone’s house to stay in over Pesach.At the end of Pesach he discovered that the themostat on the water heater had broken on its own, not thru any action of his.Is he chayav for onsin as a shoel. Does it make a difference whether heater is bolted bown to floor or wall- talush […]
Noach’s Wife
B”H Noah is mentioned as a righteous man etc etc. In the Torah is there any mention of his wife and what ‘her’ character may have been? (you only need to respond with a yes or no…i understand you are busy…and I don’t need any other reply…i was just curious because I was reading something […]