Question: A number of years ago I saw an article on Revach.net regarding cremation that addressed this issue. I cannot locate it. If one’s relative lived his/her whole life totally unobservant of mitzvos and wishes to be cremated, is there a reason to discourage it Answer: You should do everything in your power to discourage […]
Author Archives: Rav Y Wiener
Negiah
Question: Is it mutar for a male to hug his female cousin where it is clear he is only doing so in order not to make her feel bad (i.e. she is not religious and does not understand the whole concept of ervah)? Answer: You should not initiate but if she approaches, you do not […]
Fasting on Tisha Bav
Question: I am 7 months pregnant with mono di twins (they are sharing one placenta.) It is a very high risk pregnancy and I am at risk for preterm labor. I become very uncomfortable unless I am constantly eating. I don’t see how I will be able to safely fast this tisha baav. Please let […]
Whitestrips Kosher?
Question: Do the Crest or other company White Strips for the teeth have to have a Hechsher? If not, are there any ingredients I have to be aware of to avoid? Or is it not considered edible and therefore is okay no matter what ingredients it contains? Answer: If the white strips are flavored it […]
Carrying in park
Question: you wrote a park is a karfaf and prohibited from carrying most parks have water fountains once there is drinking water it should not be a karfaf – just like pasei biraos for olei regalim [rashi beg. of perek osin pasin] Answer: I am not sure if the water fountain alone would make it […]
Washing in the 9 days
Question: Hi, My husband and I are leaving on holiday the morning after Tish Ba’av. We will be traveling around and not necessarily have access to washing facilities. We don’t have time to do washing motzei tish baav either as we are leaving very early morning and the clothes won’t dry on time. Is there […]
Yehoshua’s latter years
Question: I’m looking at Bemidbar 31:3. The Midrash Tanchuma Mattos 4 says Yehoshua was slated to live 120 years like Moshe. Why did Yehoshua think he would die immediately after conquering the kings of Canaan? He wanted to live longer so delayed. Therefore G-d shortened his life by 10 years. Tetzavaeh 9 says he lost […]
Expelling nations from Israel
Question: I’m looking at Bemidbar 33:55 Rabbi SR Hirsch says the book of Shofetim is a history of what happened to the jews when they failed to kick out the inhabitants of the land. Why did King David conquer new territory (Shmuel 2 8:5,6) without driving out the existing inhabitants? Should Ezra have also tried […]
Tefilla during the Chuppah
Question: At what point during the chuppah is one supposed to say the tefilla cards that are often handed out by chuppahs? Answer: You can say the tefillos when ever you wish. The teffilos are optional not mandatory. Sources:
Cutting nails
Question: What days are you not supposed to cut your nails? Answer: Thursday before Shabbos. Some don’t cut on Rosh Chodesh. Sources: O:CH 260:1 Mishnah Berurah 6 & 7
Shatnez
Question: What clothing items need to be checked for shatnez? any items containing wool and linen? what articles typically contain wool and linen? Answer: Generally garments containing wool are prone to have shatnez i.e suits, coats etc. I suggest you contact your local shatnez tester and clarify the issue with him. Sources:
Ribbis
Question: Can i put a fine for paying rent late in my contract? Answer: Many do, but add “based on the heter iskar printed in the Chochmas Adam” or something similar. Sources:
Very Concerning
Question: Dear Rabbis, I am in my 40s today and learned some recently that my bris was not a bris. I was given a circumcision by a doctor as reported by my parents on the 2nd day of my life. I have a birth certificate from a reform synagogue that reports that I am given […]
Kosher kids sore throat lollies
Question: Are the red throat lollies for kids who have sore throats kosher ? I think they were made by Goldees, or Golden. Please let me know. Answer: Ask a religious industrial chemist or kashrus organization. Sources:
Kohanim entering hospitals in the US
Question: I’m considering taking a summer job in northern Pennsylvania where I may be required to accompany children to the hospital (for broken arms, stitches etc.). I understand that it may be problematic for kohanim to enter a hospital under these circumstances. I’d like to know if one may be lenient in such a case […]
Maaser mony to pay Mohel
Question: May I use maaser money to pay the Mohel who performs to bris on my son? Answer: It is a dispute amonst the Rishonim and Achronim. If the situation necessitates you can rely on the lenient opinions. Sources: Y:D 249 Shach 3, Taz 1 Pishcheuy Teshuvah 2
Marital relations on a parents’ yartzeit
Question: May a couple have marital relations on a parents’ yartzeit ( not the first year)? Answer: It is permitted, only on the first yartzheit does one have to keep the laws of mourning. Sources: Y:D 395:3 Ramo
Avel accepting a gift
Question: If one is in the year of aveilus for a parent, may one take a one time check from a relative to help cover basic living expenses or would this be considered a gift? I would imagine the relative had in mind to help out (as tzedakah) not to gift for any special occasion […]
Automatic watches
Question: Is one allowed to hand an automatic watch to somebody to look at on shabbos or are you only allowed to use it in the normal course of wear? Answer: One allowed to hand an automatic watch to somebody to look at on shabbos Sources: Teshuvas Chelkas Yaakov 1:75, Tzitz Eliezer 9:20, Mishnah Halochos […]
Tisha Be’av
Question: Was there tisha bav during the bayis sheni? Answer: Huge machlokos. Sources: Mishnah Rosh Hashono18a יוצאים (אף) על אייר depends if we leave the word “אף”, Tosefos Rosh Hashono 18b ד”ה הואיל , Rambam Perush Hamishnayis. Gevuras Ari ibid, Magen Avrohom 51:11, Teshuvas Chasam Sofer O:CH 157. and much more.
Tisha Be’Av
Question: How late on Shabbat Chazon (Erev 9 Av) can I learn? How early on Tisha Be’Av evening can I resume learning? Can I recite the daily Tehillim on Tisha Be’Av morning? Thank you. Answer: Tehillim can be said. The other questions ask your local Rabbi. Sources: O:CH 554 Mishnah Berurah 7
Split peas
Question: how do u check? Answer: Spread them on a plate and dispose of any peas that look suspicious. Sources:
using siddur without permission
Question: The following question occurred to me last Friday night: In the ezras nashim, there is an English siddur that I need to daven. (All the other siddurim are in Hebrew). There is a sign saying that one should not remove any siddurim from the ezras nashim, as they were donated to be used in […]
granola bars
Question: what is bracha of nature valley rolled oats bars? Answer: Depends how it is made. On raw oats the brocho is borei pri hoadomo, if they are ground and baked it is hamotzei. If they are cooked it is mezonos. If fried in shallow oil is doubtful if considered as cooking. Perhaps hoadomo would be the […]
yichud
Question: My son has to see a psychotherapist for his eating disorder issues. She is a lady. When he comes in, we are the only people in the office (last patient of the day). She insists that she would like to speak to him privately (not with parents) so that he should feel comfortable talking […]
Reheating something that was pickled on shabbos
Question: Is there yesh bishul achar kevisha just like yesh bishul achar tzli and afiya. Please include source. Thanks. Answer: There is bishul achar kevisha. Sources: Chidushey Rabbi Akiva Eiger Y:D 87:1 ד”ה מותרת, Y:D 105 Gilyon Maaharsho ד”ה מלבד, ibid Chidushey Rabbi Akiva Eiger ד”ה אזלינן.
Davening in front of excrement
Question: A few weeks back i went into a public bathroom and noticed after it was too late that i stepped in dryish excrement on the lfloor….how well do i have to clean them before i can wear them while davening etc? They certainly do not smell of excrement and i dont even know if […]
zmanim krias shema
Question: Hello Rabbi. I had a question on the latest krias shema of the GRA. I rely on the site myzmanim.com for the shema times. I was wondering if it was ok to start krias shema about 5 minutes before the posted times and finish about a minute before the posted time? I understand this […]
headhunter job recruiter
Question: My friend asked me this question and I dont know the answer: I am a recruiter by trade. I am contacted by a company and asked to find a suitable candidate. I then ask around people in that field if they are looking to move around. if they respond they are i attempt to […]
Loshon Hara in work place.
Question: Its has happened on several locations that my boss has asked me if a specific group of coworkers have been doing their job. This information can be found with out actually going through me, by simply checking the company database. I feel every time i answer, saying no and giving specifics based on each […]
Shofar
Question: How late during the weekdays in Elul can the Shofar be sounded? Shkia? Tzeit HaKochavim? All night? Thank you. Answer: If in shul, it was blown already by day. If it is done privately to practice one can be lenient and blow in a closed room. Sources: O:CH 581:3 Mishnah Berurah 24
Listening to music right after Tisha B’av
Question: Is it permitted to listen to music on Sundayמןעיא following tisha B’av nidche? I noticed different opinions. Some say it’s even more Chamur than meat and wine. Answer: It is permitted. Sources: O:CH 558 Mishnah Berurah 4 Shaarey Tzion 4 quoting the Pri Megodim.
Disposal of Holy/ secular materials
Question: Hello, My question (in two parts) is regarding disposal of items according to Jewish law. 1. What is the proper way to dispose of challah that was blessed for Shabbat? Would putting it in a separate bag near the garbage disposal be acceptable? I usually store much of the excess bread (used and unused) […]
Lashon Hara (clarity)
Question: Hello, I was wondering if I may have clarity on the specifics of lashon hara. You mentioned that if a statement can not be interpreted negatively, then it is not lashon hara. I was wondering the rule regarding a statement meant with good intent and to try to promote peace and good will within […]
Going to the Kever on Shloshim
Question: If the mishpacha is not erecting the matzeiva at the Shloshim, are they still required to go to the Kever? The family went when they got up from Shiva. Is it a minhag or halacha? Answer: The custom is to visit the grave on the termination of the shloshim even if no matzeiva will be erected. […]
Shehecheyanu
Question: I tasted a new fruit and did not say a Shehecheyanu. May I still say it on the 2nd one? Answer: Unfortunately you cannot. Sources: O:CH 225 MIshnah Berurah 13
Unveiling
Question: Is one allowed to have an unveiling (hakomas matzeivah) during Chol Hamoed? Answer: Since the custom is to say a hesped about the niftar at the hakomas hamatzeivah therefore it should not be done during Chol Hamoed. Sources: Teshuvas Minchas Yitschak 3:51&52
Speaking in a bathroom
Question: I know you should not speak to someone from within a bathroom to someone outside. However, is it permissible to speak to another person in a bathroom? For example, in a public bathroom where there are urinal stalls – would it be permissible to talk to someone else? Answer: One should not speak in […]
Bracha on “natural” bars
Question: your question about “What would be the Bracha on these “natural” bars. Recipe below. Thank you, LD from Jerusalem” was received on site DIN, rabbis will try to answer as soon as possible. The number of question for clarifications is #38709. Answer: If you use flaxmeal it is shehakol, but if you use […]
Bracha on “natural” bars.
Question: Ingredients 1 can chickpeas or white beans (250g after draining) 2 tsp pure vanilla extract scant 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp baking soda 2 tbsp nut butter or allergy-friendly sub 2 tbsp coconut oil or additional nut butter 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, agave, or honey 1 1/2 cups rolled or quick oats or […]
Killing people by staring
Question: 16:5 Rashi says Sarah caused Hagar to miscarry by giving her the evil eye. What had the fetus done wrong? When Rabbis of the Talmud kill people by looking at them, is this not murder? For example R’ Yochanan with Rav Kahana and Reish Lakish. Also R’ Shimon Bar Yocahi and his son after […]
Is a fence an eiruv?
Question: I go to a public park on Shabbos that has a 5 foot fence around it with open and shut doors for entering. Can I carry within those parameters on shabbos Answer: One cannot carry in a public park even though it is en-fenced. Since it is bigger in area than “beis sosyim” (approx […]
Fish collagan, is it kosher?
Question: Collagan made from kosher fish scales or skin. Can it be eaten? What if it’s from a non kosher fish or non kosher beef bones? Answer: Collagan made from kosher fish scales or skin is permitted if it has a hechsher but if it’s from a non kosher fish or non kosher beef bones it […]
Background music on the 3 weeks
Question: Can someone listen to background music while taking a nap or cleaning or driving allowed on the 3 weeks? Answer: General practice is to refrain from listening to music during the three weeks. If music is used for therapeutic purposes i.e. a person is tense whilst driving or he can’t fall asleep and music […]
Rabbis
Question: Why is it important for a man to have a rabbi? Answer: The simple answer is for halachic guidance. But a rabbi can also be useful for advice, council, direction, instruction, enlightenment, He can also be used for information and this answer is the best proof. Sources: Avos !:8
Is royal jeffy from bees kosher
Question: Is Royal Jelly kosher? It’s from bees like honey. Answer: Unlike honey, royal jelly is a glandular secretion and its color is a whitish yellow. Its consistency is creamier and less viscous than honey. Its taste is bitter, although not offensively so. Worker bees produce royal jelly as the initial food for developing larvae, […]
Three Weeks
Question: Tonight, a young boy became Bar Mitzvah and after Night Seder, the Chevra started dancing with him, while wishing him Mazal Tov. Is the dancing permitted during the three weeks? Answer: Although dancing is prohibited during the three weeks there is a dispute regarding dancing at a seudas mitzvah. Sources: O:CH 551 Eliyohu Rabah […]
Wearing a Hankercheif on Shabbos
Question: With no EIRUV, can a person wear a handkerchief or undershirt (new or old) around one’s neck on Shabbos to absorb sweat winter or summer? Answer: If the person is wearing the handkerchief or undershirt as a garment to keep him warm or absorb sweat he can wear it even if there is no eruv. […]
metal dairy spoon found in meat dishwasher
Question: I found a metal dairy spoon in the meat dishwasher . Im not sure if I ate meat with it or if it was used for dairy and accidentally end up on the meat side. I saw on the site another question which was answered regarding porcelain that it requires Kashering through HaGalah . […]
Kashrut
Question: A meaty spoon was used for cold milk in a glass bowl, what do I do with the spoon? Answer: Wash the spoon well with soap and water and everything is fine. Sources: O:CH 451:25