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הגהות תורת שלום לכה״ח פלאגי Day-to-Day Guide | לוח יומי בין המצרים יהפכו לששון ולשמחה

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Can children eat fleishigs during the nine days? Is Erev Shabbos any different?

Kids under six may eat meat in the nine days. On Erev Shabbos, even older kids may eat if it’s close to Shabbos when they normally eat as they will be going to sleep later. שו"ת אגרות משה… Kids under six may eat meat in the nine days. On Erev Shabbos, even older kids may eat if it’s close to Shabbos when they normally eat as they will be going to sleep later. שו"ת אגרות משה או"ח ח"ד סי' כ"א אות ד'. #10196Show more

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Calculating the Correct Date for Hanachas Tefillin

Question: My son will become a Bar Mitzvah in Cheshvan iyh. So Chol Hamoed Sukkos will be in the middle of his two months prior. I’ve seen some sources where it says that that the Rebbe advised to… Question: My son will become a Bar Mitzvah in Cheshvan iyh. So Chol Hamoed Sukkos will be in the middle of his two months prior. I’ve seen some sources where it says that that the Rebbe advised to begin a week earlier to make up for that time. And other sources (Chabad sources obviously) that I’ve looked at didn’t mention that at all. I’ve also heard some Rabbonim say that that letter from the Rebbe was for a particular person/situation and not necessarily a Horaah lerabim. Would you be able to advise me on what proper conduct…Show more

People Just Asked

Will the third Beis Hamidosh have inventions such as central air conditioning and heating, WiFi, electric lights, a sound system, elevators, etc?

It's very possible. We will have to wait and see. See also here: https://asktherav.com/is-it-ok-to-make-heated-floors-in-the-beis-hamikdosh-when-moshiach-comes-so-that-the-kohanim-dont-get-cold-feet ובנדו״ד יש להוסיף דעת היראים שעו, שבתלוש ליכא משום הכל בכתב. (וכ״כ בשו״ת דברי מלכיאל ד, קב מד״ע. ושם הוא לענין בימה של… It's very possible. We will have to wait and see. See also here: https://asktherav.com/is-it-ok-to-make-heated-floors-in-the-beis-hamikdosh-when-moshiach-comes-so-that-the-kohanim-dont-get-cold-feet ובנדו״ד יש להוסיף דעת היראים שעו, שבתלוש ליכא משום הכל בכתב. (וכ״כ בשו״ת דברי מלכיאל ד, קב מד״ע. ושם הוא לענין בימה של עץ דלקמן. אבל שם רק לפי שעה ודעתו ליטלו משם. וראה משה״ק באמרי יוסף אלקלעי ביהב״ח א, ט. וי״ל). ושקו״ט בבימה של עץ דהקהל - ראה שירי קרבן לירושלמי מגילה א, ד ד״ה מפני התקיעה, שאינה מצוה ורק לפי שעה. שו״ת דברי מלכיאל שם (כנ״ל). דובב מישרים א, נב (שאינה מצוה רק לכבוד המלך. והב״ד שערי קרבן הנ״ל. ור״ל דמצוה…Show more

Article: When Things Might Get Fishy with Meat

Halachah states that it is a sakanah (danger) to eat fish with meat, and relates that eating them together can cause tzora’as (leprosy) chas v’shalom. We are careful not to mix meat and fish products, though we are… Halachah states that it is a sakanah (danger) to eat fish with meat, and relates that eating them together can cause tzora’as (leprosy) chas v’shalom. We are careful not to mix meat and fish products, though we are permitted to eat them separately at the same meal. Indeed, it is the custom on Shabbos and Yom Tov to eat both at the seudah (festive meal). We eat the fish course before the meat at a seudah on Kabbalistic grounds, but it is also suggested by the Rambam for medical reasons: we should eat lighter foods—in this instance, fish—before…Show more

Placing Food Wrapped in Aluminum Foil on a Crockpot or Blech (Hatmanah)

Question: Can I leave a kugel wrapped in aluminum foil on the blech over Shabbos, or is this considered hatmanah? Also, may I place challos wrapped in aluminum foil on top of a crockpot of cholent to warm them?… Question: Can I leave a kugel wrapped in aluminum foil on the blech over Shabbos, or is this considered hatmanah? Also, may I place challos wrapped in aluminum foil on top of a crockpot of cholent to warm them? Answer: Hatmanah refers to insulating or wrapping food in a way intended to preserve or add heat. If the aluminum foil is used for practical reasons, such as keeping the blech clean or preventing the food from drying out, it is not considered hatmanah, and it is permitted. Therefore, a kugel wrapped in foil may be left on the…Show more

Article: Melachah on Rosh Chodesh

According to halachah, it is permissible to do work on Rosh Chodesh. However, women have the custom of refraining from work on Rosh Chodesh—and this custom is binding—as a reward they received for refusing to give… According to halachah, it is permissible to do work on Rosh Chodesh. However, women have the custom of refraining from work on Rosh Chodesh—and this custom is binding—as a reward they received for refusing to give their jewelry to make the Eigel, the Golden Calf, and for not having worshipped it. The three yomim tovim of Pesach, Shavuos, and Sukos correspond to Avrohom, Yitzchok, and Yaakov respectively, whereas the twelve days of Rosh Chodesh every year correspond to the twelve tribes (Tur Orach Chaim 417). After the men sinned with…Show more

Article: Buying and Giving Presents during the Nine Days

There is no Halacha that forbids us from giving presents, including birthday presents, during the Nine Days, with the exception of Tisha Be’Av on which it is forbidden to give a present. Even buying the present during the Nine… There is no Halacha that forbids us from giving presents, including birthday presents, during the Nine Days, with the exception of Tisha Be’Av on which it is forbidden to give a present. Even buying the present during the Nine Days is permitted. According to Halacha, if one needs to buy something they need right now, such as in the case of a birthday, when the gift needs to be given to the person on the day of the birthday which happens to be in the Nine Days, one is allowed to buy the item even during the Nine…Show more

Article: Fish and Meat

There is no need to have separate pots for fish and meat. While there is a danger to mix fish and meat together, Plaitas Kelim, the taste that remains in pots, is not a danger, and the same pot… There is no need to have separate pots for fish and meat. While there is a danger to mix fish and meat together, Plaitas Kelim, the taste that remains in pots, is not a danger, and the same pot may be used for both fish and meat. While Yesh Machmirim, there are those who are strict to designate separate Kelim, separate pots, for fish and meat, this is only a Chumra, a stringency, and only lechatchila, in the first instance. After the fact, if fish was cooked in a meat pot or vice versa, all agree that there is…Show more

Article: The Halachah of Colors

Halachah speaks of four basic colors: shachor (black); adom (red); lavan (white); and yarok—which can refer to shades from blue to yellow and any combination of them in various shades of green. There are other colors that are… Halachah speaks of four basic colors: shachor (black); adom (red); lavan (white); and yarok—which can refer to shades from blue to yellow and any combination of them in various shades of green. There are other colors that are used in the Torah, some which are obsolete today, but those colors are generally named for a specific item or coloring agent of that shade. One example is the blue (or purple) color of a dye called techeles, which is made from the blood of the chilazon (a type of marine creature). There are many halachos that reference color. The…Show more

Our camp rule is no bathroom breaks during class. May I enforce it according to halacha?

You may, but it is not recommended. Bal teshaktzu prohibits forcing the body into a state of harmful retention. A brief, reasonable delay, or asking permission rather than leaving at will doesn't reach that level, since the issur is… You may, but it is not recommended. Bal teshaktzu prohibits forcing the body into a state of harmful retention. A brief, reasonable delay, or asking permission rather than leaving at will doesn't reach that level, since the issur is about real, sustained withholding, not a short wait. It’s permitted to prioritize limud haTorah over an immediate bathroom break in the case of one who is in the middle of learning and would cause bittul Torah by stopping - see here. A teacher's authority to structure the classroom, requiring students to ask rather than get up freely, fits within this.…Show more

האם קיים מקור כלשהו בספרי הפוסקים להוראה בחשאי לברך ענט”י כשניעור כל הלילה?

בההנהגה למעשה, ראה כאן. וכ״ה בב״ח או״ח ד ד״ה וידקדק, הובא במג״א שם יב, דלא פלוג רבנן. וכ״כ גם בדעת הרא״ש. וכש״כ בדעת הרשב״א. (ושאר האחרונים ס״ל שלרא״ש ודאי אין לברך. ונחלקו בדעת הרשב״א. ולדעת אדה״ז בשו״ע מהדו״ק ד,… בההנהגה למעשה, ראה כאן. וכ״ה בב״ח או״ח ד ד״ה וידקדק, הובא במג״א שם יב, דלא פלוג רבנן. וכ״כ גם בדעת הרא״ש. וכש״כ בדעת הרשב״א. (ושאר האחרונים ס״ל שלרא״ש ודאי אין לברך. ונחלקו בדעת הרשב״א. ולדעת אדה״ז בשו״ע מהדו״ק ד, יג גם בדעת הרשב״א ספיקא הוא. ולכאורה כ״ה דעתו גם במהדו״ב ובסידור. וראה שלחן הזהב פרידלנד מהדו״ק שם שהאריך. וראה לקמן). ועיי״ש בשלחן הזהב שהביא שכ״פ הרגצובי לברך. ואפשר כדאי שימשמש במקומות המכוסים, כמו בישן שינת עראי, ראה בסידור שם. ובהגהות רעק״א למג״א יב, לברך בניעור ועשה צרכיו מס״ס. וכ״ה בהוראה ביחידות נדפסה בהיכל מנחם ב ע׳ ריג שעכ״פ יעשה…Show more

Article: Mishum Sakono

There are certain foods that are forbidden according to Halacha on the basis of danger. For example, one is not allowed to eat fish that was cooked together with meat, or meat that was cooked together with fish, as… There are certain foods that are forbidden according to Halacha on the basis of danger. For example, one is not allowed to eat fish that was cooked together with meat, or meat that was cooked together with fish, as that is considered dangerous to the person. Food placed under a bed is considered dangerous as well. A Ruach Ra, a negative, impure spirit, rests on those foods. Eggs, onions, and garlic that were completely peeled and then left overnight are considered dangerous, and one should not each such foods. A Ruach Ra also rests on food that was…Show more

איפור בימי השבעה לכבוד שבת

שאלה: אשה אבילה בתוך שבעה שאסור להתאפר: אם רגילה כל ערב שבת להתאפר לכבוד שבת, האם יש צד להתיר לה להתאפר לכבוד שבת, שאם לא תתאפר נחשב לה אבילות בפרהסיא? תשובה: אין להתיר. מקורות: הנה, ראיתי תשובת ח״א שליט״א, שאין להתיר משום אבלות…

Article: Snubbing Scoffers vs. Retaining Dignity

The opening phrase of the Tur (the 13th century halachic compendium that forms the basis of the Shulchan Aruch) quotes the Mishnah in Pirkei Avos: “Hevei Az Kanameir” (Be bold as a leopard). The Rema cites the… The opening phrase of the Tur (the 13th century halachic compendium that forms the basis of the Shulchan Aruch) quotes the Mishnah in Pirkei Avos: “Hevei Az Kanameir” (Be bold as a leopard). The Rema cites the Tur’s explanation of the Mishnah at the beginning of Shulchan Aruch: “Lo yeivosh mipnei hamal’igim” (one should not be bashful in front of scoffers)—we should strengthen ourselves internally when performing mitzvos and ignore those ridiculing us for such “old-fashioned” behavior. On the other hand, there is a concept in halachah of kavod habriyos (upholding human dignity); a heter (dispensation)…Show more

Serving from pots on cool side of the blech

Question: When dealing with a blech on top of a fire, it’s possible to arrange that the fire is off on part of the blech so that the area on the side isn’t so hot. If the area isn’t… Question: When dealing with a blech on top of a fire, it’s possible to arrange that the fire is off on part of the blech so that the area on the side isn’t so hot. If the area isn’t so hot, can you take your soup to the edge and serve without having to actually lift it off the blech? Answer: Any part of the blech in which the pot would not be able to reach Yad Soledes Bo is considered off the fire, and you may serve straight from the pot without lifting it. If you want…Show more

Article: Should a beis din annul a neder made to quit smoking?

If someone in their struggle to quit smoking—or stop abusing drugs—made a neder (vow) to stop, but now wishes to have their neder annulled, should the beis din acquiesce? The halachah is that a beis din should not be… If someone in their struggle to quit smoking—or stop abusing drugs—made a neder (vow) to stop, but now wishes to have their neder annulled, should the beis din acquiesce? The halachah is that a beis din should not be matir neder (annul a vow) that was made to stop one from violating an issur (a prohibition). However, some poskim argue that if there’s a chance that the person will violate the issur—and leaving the neder in place poses an additional michshol (pitfall) for them, possibly resulting in transgressing both the issur and the neder—the neder should be…Show more

Calling someone with same nickname as father

Question: My father has a name that is not super common but not rare either, but he goes by a nickname that is pretty rare - I've only heard it used one or two times. I'm working at a… Question: My father has a name that is not super common but not rare either, but he goes by a nickname that is pretty rare - I've only heard it used one or two times. I'm working at a sleepaway camp, and one of the staff has the same nickname as my father. Is it an issue to call him that nickname even though my father is not here? Answer: There is a dispute about this. Though one may be lenient, it is worthwhile being stringent. Sources: ברמ"א יו"ד רמ, ב: ואם הוא שם פלאי שאין…Show more

Article: Hatoras Nedarim over the Phone

If a person undertakes self-imposed restrictions or obligations and they no longer wish to practice them, they must perform Hatoras Nedarim (The Annulment of Vows). Hatoras Nedarim should be done in the presence of a Beis Din (Rabbinical court)… If a person undertakes self-imposed restrictions or obligations and they no longer wish to practice them, they must perform Hatoras Nedarim (The Annulment of Vows). Hatoras Nedarim should be done in the presence of a Beis Din (Rabbinical court) consisting of three people, at least one of whom knows what the vow in question is, as well as the halachos of how and when it’s permissible to annul vows, and the other two should be knowledgeable enough that if the halachos of Hatoras Nedarim were explained to them they would understand. Sometimes it’s difficult to assemble the three people…Show more

שתל קוכליארי

נשאלתי מחכם אחד בדבר מי שאינו שומע אלא על ידי שתל קוכליארי (שתל פנימי בשבלול האזן), אם חשוב כשמיעה בדיני תורה, במקום דבעינן שמיעה ממש, כגון שופר, מקרא מגילה, קידוש והבדלה, וכן בכל שאר הדברים ששומע כעונה. ויסוד השאלה… נשאלתי מחכם אחד בדבר מי שאינו שומע אלא על ידי שתל קוכליארי (שתל פנימי בשבלול האזן), אם חשוב כשמיעה בדיני תורה, במקום דבעינן שמיעה ממש, כגון שופר, מקרא מגילה, קידוש והבדלה, וכן בכל שאר הדברים ששומע כעונה. ויסוד השאלה ע״פ ההנחה פשוטה המקובלת אצלנו שבמכשיר שמיעה רגיל אינו יוצא, לפי שאין זו שמיעת הקול עצמו אלא קול מחודש, כאשר כבר האריכו האחרונים בכ״מ. ומעתה עלינו לבאר אם הטענות להעדיף שתל קוכליארי על מכשיר שמיעה נכונות, או שאינן אלא טעות, ומה שנראה כמעלה באמת אינו אלא חסרון גדול יותר. והנה, לכל לראש, פתח דברינו יאיר, שאין הנידון דשתל קוכליארי ונידון…Show more

Article: Tzedoko – How to Pledge Properly?

If a person made a mental, even non-verbal, commitment to give tzedakah, this is called gomar b'libo, and he is obligated to fulfill that commitment. A common problem that could be caused by this, is that if a… If a person made a mental, even non-verbal, commitment to give tzedakah, this is called gomar b'libo, and he is obligated to fulfill that commitment. A common problem that could be caused by this, is that if a person made such a commitment, but the meshulach disappeared from his sight or he can't get hold of the gabbai tzedakah he made this non verbal pledge to. The solution is to always make these commitments bli neder, or to make a point that these commitments are made in a way that is not a final decision, rather more theoretical.…Show more

Article: A woman has made a neder and is not comfortable approaching a beis din. What options does she have?

If a married woman makes a neder (vow) placing a restriction upon herself, or she commits to a minhag tov (good practice)—which is tantamount to making a neder—the halachah is that her husband can resort to hafaras nedarim… If a married woman makes a neder (vow) placing a restriction upon herself, or she commits to a minhag tov (good practice)—which is tantamount to making a neder—the halachah is that her husband can resort to hafaras nedarim (voiding her vows) by saying “Mufar lichi” (or something similar) three times. However, hafaras nedarim only works for vows involving devarim shebeino lebeinah (interpersonal matters affecting him) or inui nefesh (afflicting herself), and only if he had not previously approved of her neder. Moreover, it must take place b’yom sham’o (before sunset of the day that he hears…Show more

Article: Weekend Traveler’s Dilemma: What to Wear?

Among the ways in which the Navi (Prophet) Yishayahu instructs us to distinguish Shabbos from the rest of the week is: “V’chibad’to mei’asos d’rachecha” (Honor it by [refraining from] your regular ways). Chazal state that the manner… Among the ways in which the Navi (Prophet) Yishayahu instructs us to distinguish Shabbos from the rest of the week is: “V’chibad’to mei’asos d’rachecha” (Honor it by [refraining from] your regular ways). Chazal state that the manner in which we fulfill the instruction of “v’chibad’to” is “Shelo yehei malbushcha shel Shabbos k'malbushcha shel chol" (Your Shabbos clothing should not be like your weekday clothing). Poskim add that anshei maaseh (pious people) are careful not to wear any garments on Shabbos that were worn during the week—even pants, shirts, and belts. Many men have a separate…Show more

E-scooter/bike safety and children

Question: What's the halachic perspective on parents buying an electric scooter or bike for their young child (or at least allowing them to have one)? Are they allowed to? And if their child hurts someone (as happens very often,… Question: What's the halachic perspective on parents buying an electric scooter or bike for their young child (or at least allowing them to have one)? Are they allowed to? And if their child hurts someone (as happens very often, unfortunately) are the parents liable for any resulting damages and/or costs? What’s the halacha of someone (especially) an adult who rides an electric scooter on the sidewalk which is illegal in New York and endangers the people around them? Answer: 1. Parents are obligated to ensure that doing so does not create an unreasonable risk of harm. If the…Show more

Article: Can a woman be home alone with a male worker?

A woman who is alone at home with a contractor or worker could run into a problem of Yichud, of being alone with a man. The Halacha of Yichud does not apply if Baala Be'Ir, her husband… A woman who is alone at home with a contractor or worker could run into a problem of Yichud, of being alone with a man. The Halacha of Yichud does not apply if Baala Be'Ir, her husband is in town, whether because the husband might arrive at any given moment, or whether because the presence of her husband in town instills enough fear that there shouldn’t be an issue of Yichud. There are practical differences for these two explanations in cases where the husband cannot come, such as in very large cities when he’s at the…Show more

Article: Fasting

Regarding fasting on all fast days with the exception of Yom Kippur, the halacha is that a choileh she’ein bo sakana, someone who is not well but there is no danger to their life, is exempt from… Regarding fasting on all fast days with the exception of Yom Kippur, the halacha is that a choileh she’ein bo sakana, someone who is not well but there is no danger to their life, is exempt from fasting, and according to many opinions, this includes Tisha Be’Av as well. Such a person is one who feels unwell, is lying in bed and would not go to work, is feeling dizzy, faint, or weak. It should be noted that some of these situations may sometimes even be halachically considered a sakana. One who is not well, even…Show more

Article: Behavior on a Fast Day

Poskim mention that a baal nefesh (pious individual) should be machmir (stringent) and take on the stringencies of Tisha Be’Av and Yom Kippur on other fast days as well, namely to begin the fast the night before and not… Poskim mention that a baal nefesh (pious individual) should be machmir (stringent) and take on the stringencies of Tisha Be’Av and Yom Kippur on other fast days as well, namely to begin the fast the night before and not to wash nor anoint oneself—but one should not refrain from wearing leather shoes. However, the accepted custom is to be lenient about all these things on the other fast days. One may wash their face, hands, and feet in hot water; it is preferable, though, not to wash one’s entire body in hot water at once, unless one is perspiring…Show more

Article: Eating the Edge of a Challah

It is a commonly accepted custom not to eat the tip of the challah (or any bread) since it is assumed to be kasheh leshikchah (causes a person to forget their Torah learning). There is no known Torah source… It is a commonly accepted custom not to eat the tip of the challah (or any bread) since it is assumed to be kasheh leshikchah (causes a person to forget their Torah learning). There is no known Torah source for this custom. Consequently, one is not obligated to keep it unless it is a custom in their family. The Rashba tells us that what noshim zekeinos (righteous elderly women) say, even if it has no source in Torah, should be just as honored as those customs that do; therefore, if it is a family tradition, one should not abandon…Show more

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