My mother is 90 years old, with mild to moderate dementia, a history of small strokes that have somewhat affected her speech & comprehension. She cannot take any more blood thinners due to the fact that she bleeds very often because her skin is very fragile. She also has many cancerous skin lesions (not melanoma). […]
Author Archives: Admin-EN
Spilled Coffee into Meaty Sink
Without thinking, unfortunately, I poured from that cup less than a tablespoonful of cooled leftover coffee that had milk in it into a fleishig sink where nothing was in the sink at the time. What is the halacha? How is it kashered if that is necessary? Answer: Nothing needs to be done. Rinse the sink, […]
Heating Dairy in Pareve Oven
Can a dairy equipment product be heated up in my pareve oven lechatchilah without effecting the pareve Status of the oven? Thank you. Answer: Yes, this is fine. A “dairy equipment” product is not dairy, though it should not be eaten with meat according to Ashkenaz custom. Because it is not dairy, there is no […]
Killing Shepherds on Mission
I recently read the story of a Navy Seals team that while on a mission to kill terrorists were hiding, when unexpectedly 3 shepherds (of goats) uncovered the Seals positions. The Seals grabbed the shepherds and had to decide whether to let them go free (with the possibility that the shepherd would reveal the Seals […]
Tal Umatar after Returning to US
I was on a trip recently to Israel. While in Israel, I said “v’sain tal u’matar” during shema koleinu, now that I am back in the states should I continue to say it during Shema Koleinu? Answer: No, there is no need to continue saying it in Shema Kolenu. Best wishes. Sources: The question of […]
Rights to Airspace
I’m currently learning Hilchos Shchainim. Do you have any Mareh Mekomos as to what my Halachic rights to my airspace are? Thanks. Answer: There are several halachos that pertain to airspace, but all in terms of the types of use that were known in times of Chazal – the use of air as a medium […]
St. Mary’s
1.Can you refer to a school saint Mary’s by that name ie in terms of mentioning the avodah zorah or for eg the place Saint Louis 2. I asked the other day . Regarding a cuppachino machine , when you toivel it , do the internal pipes have to be filled with water completely and […]
Found Money in Bought House
If you purchase a house and the seller (who inherited the house from some relatives that passed away) says they are leaving everything in the house that they don’t take for you (example they took some furniture but left other furniture), and you find some money in the house which the sellers would not have […]
Using Microwave for Meaty and Dairy
Is there any problem in using a microwave for meat and milk on an ongoing basis if the food on the meat/milk plate is always covered with cling-film? What possible issues could arise if food of both types spills onto the microwave glass turntable? Answer: No, if the food is covered properly there is no […]
Looking into Neighbor’s Property
I’m learning Siman 153 and I’m trying to figure out if there’s Hezek Re’iya if I spy on my neighbor in a way I know 100% Yediah Berura that there is no way he will ever know I’m spying on him therefore he will still feel completely comfortable to do everything private and i won’t […]
Beliyos for a Keli Sheini
Are we Machmir like the Taz that Kli Sheini causes Bliyos Uplitos unless it’s Hefsed Meruba? Any Mareh Mekomos you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much! Answer: The question of beliyos in a keli sheini is discussed by Rishonim, as brought in the Beis Yosef (Yoreh De’ah 105). The Shulchan Aruch (105:2) writes […]
Games with Shinto Mythology
I own a video game where the premise of the game is you are playing as a goddess in Shinto mythology. The deities are made to be animals (a wolf, a chicken, a horse, etc.). I am wondering if it okay to own it. I read somewhere that digital images are not considered permanent and […]
Fruit and Vegetables in Eilat
I am planning on going to Eilat in December and was wondering what do I do about shmitta when I am there? What can I not eat? And I was also wondering if there are any Mehadrin restaurants that will are okay to eat at? Many thanks. Answer: The general rule for December is that […]
Electric Lights for Shabbos Candles
Can one use electric lights as Shabbos candles? Answer: This is a question that has been dealt with in detail by many Poskim. The general consensus is that this is not a lechatchilah option, but that if there is no other way, then they should be used. Concerning reciting a berachah, if you have an […]
Nasal Rinse on Shabbat
Shalom: My doctor recommended that I use a nasal rinse nightly. The product I use consists of a plastic bottle with a “tube” inserted into it. You fill the bottle with water and add the contents of a saline packet. The end of the tube is inserted into the nostril, and you squeeze the bottle […]
Store Open on Shabbos
Hi, Thank you very much for taking the time to reply my question at, https://dinonline.org/2014/10/30/owning-store-that-sells-non-kosher-food/ With respect to meats that are Torah prohibited, would a Jewish store owner be allowed to shift ownership and control of such items by making an agreement with a non-Jew? Or can the jewish store owner carry/sell such items if […]
The Halachic Obligation of Consulting
Many sources refer to the Divine habit of taking counsel. Before coming to destroy Sedom, the Midrash (Tanchuma, Vayeira 7) writes that Hashem revealed the plan to Avraham in order to take his counsel: “It is as a king who has an orchard, which he gave to his friend as a gift. After some time […]
Owning Store that Sells Non-Kosher Food
Is a Jew allowed to own a local convenience store that also stock’s/sell’s some non-Kosher products? Thanks! Answer: A Jew must refrain from owning a store that sells Torah prohibited non-Kosher products (such as non-Kosher meat, or products that were made by cooking together meat and milk). However, under extenuating circumstances, where a person’s income […]
Selling non-Kosher Food
Hi, I would greatly appreciate if the Rabbi can kindly clarify the following halachic question; is it permissible for a jew to own a local convenience/mini grocery store that also stock’s/sell’s some non-Kosher products? Thanks so much! Answer: It is not permitted to sell non-kosher foods, but this applies specifically to Biblically prohibited foods and […]
Paying Taxi Fare
I told the dispatcher of a cab driver I was going to my home – when I got in the cab I didn’t say anything – then near the end I said drop me off before my house. It turned out it was a lesser fare where I asked him to drop me off – […]
Taking Coffee into Bathroom
What is the issur on making a bracha on a cup of coffee & then taking that cup of coffee into the bathroom with you ? Answer: This is fine, in particular for a bathroom with a shower etc. For the status of bathrooms today see here, and this is all the more relevant for […]
Notarization Today
1 Is notarization recognized/used in Batei Dinim today or they have not much validity since there are not 2 eidim? 2 Do Beis Din today “mekayaim shtaros” as is discussed in Choshen Mishpat siman 46? Answer: 1. Yes, this is recognized because of the legal implications of notarization (similar to the idea of Shtaros or […]
Parent Limiting Mitzvah Performance
While someone is not supposed to listen to their parents if they tell him to violate commandments of the Torah, what would happen if the parents demanded the performance of mitzvos in specific/restricted circumstances. Examples: a.(if living in their house) The parent says “no tefillin or Torah study in this house, if you want to […]
Working for Hechsher
There are many hechsherim out there, some are given the status of ‘not reliable’ by non-partisan kashrus oversight agencies. Generally speaking, would it be permissible for a shomer mitzvos Jew who needs an income to work for such a hechsher, knowing that he himself would not eat from the products they endorse? Answer: Many people […]
Time of Stepping Forwards after Davening
I learnt that after taking three steps back at the end of Shemoneh Esrei, one should wait a few seconds (the amount of time it takes to walk 4 amos) before stepping forward. Does this mean even after the Yehi Ratzon, or is that included in the time? Thank You. Answer: The Yehi Ratzon is […]
Pasuk at End of Shemoneh Esrei
In regards to saying a passuk corresponding to my name at the end of Shemoneh Esrei, if I have two names, do I say two psukim, one for each name, or just one passuk combining both names? Answer: The custom is to say one pasuk that combines both names. Best wishes.
Using Oven for Meat after Dairy
How long do I have to wait after using my oven for dairy to use for meat? Answer: There is no need to wait, and an oven can be used for meaty right after use for dairy. However, if both the dairy and the meaty foods are moist, the oven should be cleaned and left […]
Using Old China Dishes
We have a set of china, I believe, porcelain that has a glaze over it. We bought them from an antique place. It suddenly dawns on me that they were more than likely used for non kosher foods. Is there a way today to kasher them or must they be disposed of? Answer: The china […]
Mezuzah Case with Human Image
Is it forbidden to have a mezuzah case which has an image of a human being on it? Certainly there is no intention of Avodah Zarah in these cases but does it make a difference if a Jew may own them? Answer: No, this is not prohibited, though it is not proper. Please see here […]
Birshut Maranan
Why by hallel for example does the chazan say Birshus Moray Verabosai, and why does the kahal answer back Shamayim? Answer: This custom, which is practiced mainly in Sefardic communities, reflects the need for the Chazan “receiving permission” from the congregation, and the congregation giving their permission “from the Heavens.” Best wishes.
Two Shadchanim
If 2 shadchanim redt the same girl to a person, can the person select the 2nd shadchan to go with or he must use the first one? Assuming that no communication has been initiated yet between the shadchan & the girl. Answer: If a person is more comfortable with the second shadchan for continuing with […]
Invisalign Braces on Shabbos
I just got invisalign braces. Is it a problem to put them in and out on shabbos? Thanks. Answer: To my understanding there’s no problem of putting them in and out on Shabbos. Best wishes.
Entering Church for Jews
Firstly, Moadim l’ Simcha Why is it prohibited for a Jew to enter a Church? Does this same prohibition stand also when visiting as a tourist? Chag Sameach. Answer: For an answer to this question please see here. The prohibition applies even for tourists. Best wishes.
Package Arrived on Yom Tov
If one receives a package through US mail or fedex, and It arrives on yom tov (a book), can one open the parcel? Answer: This will generally be permitted. The package must be opened in a way that is “destructive” (such that it cannot be reused), so that there should be no concern for the prohibition […]
Writing on Chol HaMoed
Are you allowed to write a kitzur of what you learn on chol hamoed? Answer: Yes, it is permitted to write on Chol HaMoed. This writing is necessary for remembering your learning, and it is therefore permitted. It is also permitted to write out the learning in full. Note that it is generally permitted to […]
Nichum Aveilim on Chol HaMoed
Is there nichum aveilim on chol hamoed? Answer: No, there is no nichum aveilus (and other aveilus practices) on Chol HaMoed. Best wishes and a Gut Moed.
Planting on Chol HaMoed
Can I plant aravos on chol hamoed, or put a fence around aravos on chol hamoed? Answer: You cannot plant aravos during Chol HaMo’ed, because they won’t be ready for Yom Tov, so that it is an unneeded melachah. Of course this doesn’t apply to the shemittah year, during which it is forbidden altogether to […]
Earnings for Bachur
I have an invention i would like to patent and sell. Will the earnings belong to my father being that i am a bachur and supported by him (samuch al shulchano)? Answer: No, your earnings are yours and not your father’s. The halachah is that a find belongs to your father, because you are samuch […]
Different Days of Shiva Nekiim
I remember learning that the first 3 days of the 7 nikiim are different from the last 4. Can you tell me what’s the difference? (I seem to remember something about stains.) Thank you. Answer: There is no essential difference between the different days. On the first day there is more reason to “suspect” stains, […]
Most Leaves Fell off Arava
What is the din if most of the leaves fell off the aravos – not on the first day? Answer: If most of the leaves have fallen off the aravah is passul. Best wishes. Sources: Shulchan Aruch 647:2.
Exchange Rate for Repayment
I borrowed a large sum of money from a relative. The money got sent to my account in Sterling and then transferred from Sterling to shekels. (They preferred it should be transferred through my account as opposed to their own.) When I repay the loan, the relative would prefer shekels. How much should I repay, […]
Exercise on Chol HaMoed
Is exercising [weight lifting, push-ups, etc…] (at home) permitted during Chol HaMoed? Gute Moed. Answer: Exercising is permitted on Chol HaMoed, both for enjoyment and for health purposes. Best wishes. Sources: See Shulchan ARuch 532:2.
Used Somebody Else’s Ticket
Hi, I went out with a guy he was supposed to come in for the date for me with the Mega Bus company and then he ended up realizing his passport was expired so I ended up paying and travelling to him even though he paid for a bus fare for a separate ticket. With […]
Birkat Kohanim Sukkot 2014
When is birkat hacohanim at the kotel for sukkot 2014? Answer: Birkat Kohanim will take place on Sunday 18th Tishrei (12.10.14) at the Kotel. The first Berachah (Shacharis) will be at 09:00 am and the second (Mussaf) at 10:00 am. Best wishes.
Constant Donation to Poor People
If there are a few poor people who sit in front of shul every day is there a chiyuv to give them tzedakah every time you pass by? If they ask you specifically? Or they repeat “tzedakah”? or they just hold out a boul? Answer: In principle there is an obligation to give charity to […]
Discarding Etrog Box with Pesukim
After removing the Etrog from the paper box where it came in, I realized that the box has the pasuk “Ulkachtem Lachem…V’Arbei Nachal” (twice). Does the paper box require Geniza/Shaimos? Answer: Under the circumstances one can be lenient and discard the box after wrapping it in a bag. Best wishes. Sources: The pasuk is not […]
Putting Mattress on Bed on Yom Tov
The Halacha books say that one may erect a folding bed on Shabbos and Yom Tov. Can I then put a mattress on even though the mattress is covering the spaces between the slats of the bed? Is this allowed because it is only מוסיף על אהל ארעי? (Need to know for Sukkos.) Thank you […]
Intrauterine Coil
My wife has a shila. She was told there is something that can be inserted in her (a coil) for about 5 years without getting her period. She is 39 and just had her 5th child and we are not going to be having any more children regardless as we aren’t the type that can […]
Rabbi in Chabad
What do you need to know to be a rav that could answer shalos (in chabad)? Answer: To be a Rabbi in Chabad one needs to obtain the Chabad semicha (ordination). All Chabad yeshivot offer an ordination program for budding rabbis. Best wishes.
Selling Aliyos and Zechuyos
On Yom Kippur the Aliyos were auctioned off in the Yeshiva I daven. The starting price was 950 USD and some went up to 4000 USD (Maftir Yona). At the end the Gabbay said that everbody that bought should please not forget to pay because the last few years a lot of people did not […]