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?בלימוד חומש לתשב״ר – היאך צריך לפרש פרה אדומה – א רויטע קוה (קו), או א ברוינע קוה

שאלה: בלימוד חומש לתשב״ר. היאך צריך לפרש פרה אדומה - ״א רויטע קוה /קו״, או ״א ברוינע קוה/קו״. ראה המצורף בזה. ונפשי בשאלתי מה הדרך הנכונה. תשובה בענין פרה אדומה היכל הוראה פרה אדומה (2) תשובה: ״א רויטע… שאלה: בלימוד חומש לתשב״ר. היאך צריך לפרש פרה אדומה - ״א רויטע קוה /קו״, או ״א ברוינע קוה/קו״. ראה המצורף בזה. ונפשי בשאלתי מה הדרך הנכונה. תשובה בענין פרה אדומה היכל הוראה פרה אדומה (2) תשובה: ״א רויטע קוה״, כאשר הורגלו עד עתה. במש״כ בהמצו״ב - הנה, הדברים עתיקים ויגעים. ולמרות שבשו״ת פאת שדך צה ר״ל כסברת העולם, שלכן דמי׳ יקרים מחמת נדירות צבע אדום, כבר סתרו דבריו בכ״מ. והעירו שברמב״ם פרה אדומה ג, ב בהלכות אלו גופא, בנוגע תולעת שני שדומה לגרעיני החרובים, שהם ברוין. והרי פרה אדומה הוא ע״ש אם יאדימו כתולע. (אבל בכ״מ שתולעת…Show more

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Article: When Private Playgroup Poses a Problem

Halachah states that a single man may not be a melamed (teacher of young children) because of the halachic boundaries that may be breached by regular interactions with the children’s mothers who come there. A married melamed (whose wife… Halachah states that a single man may not be a melamed (teacher of young children) because of the halachic boundaries that may be breached by regular interactions with the children’s mothers who come there. A married melamed (whose wife would usually be home or around town) does not encounter the same problem. A woman, however, should not teach young children whether she is single or married, because yichud (halachically proscribed seclusion of males and females) situations may arise when fathers come for pickups, drop-offs, forgotten lunchboxes and conferences. A Public Education Single melamdim (and women teachers of any status)…Show more

Article: Which mitzvos aren’t obligatory for women, yet they are most involved in?

There are some mitzvos that involve women, often in crucial roles, although they aren’t obligated to perform them. One example is peru urvu (the mitzvah of bringing children into the world), which is the obligation of the husband, yet… There are some mitzvos that involve women, often in crucial roles, although they aren’t obligated to perform them. One example is peru urvu (the mitzvah of bringing children into the world), which is the obligation of the husband, yet the wife is clearly the key person in implementing it, and she gets a special schar (reward) for being mesayeia (assisting) and enabling her husband to fulfill the mitzvah. Similarly, the mitzvah of chinuch (Torah-based education) is incumbent upon the father, yet it’s indisputable that the ikar (primary) chinuch is accomplished by the mother who is the akeres habayis (mainstay…Show more

חשש סכנה לקום מיד אחר השינה

שאלה: מבואר בגמרא ובפוסקים שיש חשש סכנה למי שישן וקם מיד בלא שיהוי זמן. ויש לעיין לפי זה באלו המורידים ילד קטן לבית הכסא תוך כדי השינה [כדי שלא ירטיב] והרי הוא מעמידו על רגליו תוך כדי השינה ולכאורה יש…שאלה: מבואר בגמרא ובפוסקים שיש חשש סכנה למי שישן וקם מיד בלא שיהוי זמן. ויש לעיין לפי זה באלו המורידים ילד קטן לבית הכסא תוך כדי השינה [כדי שלא ירטיב] והרי הוא מעמידו על רגליו תוך כדי השינה ולכאורה יש בזה חשש סכנה? תשובה: אין חשש. מקורות: אין לנו אלא מה שאמרו. ונדו״ד שאני בכמה אנפי,…Show more

Article: Bar Metzra (The Neighbor’s Right) when Purchasing Property from a Non-Jew

The halachah of bar metzrah grants the next-door neighbor priority to purchase a property or field that is adjacent to theirs; however, if the seller is a non-Jew, the next-door neighbor does not always have precedence. Due to the… The halachah of bar metzrah grants the next-door neighbor priority to purchase a property or field that is adjacent to theirs; however, if the seller is a non-Jew, the next-door neighbor does not always have precedence. Due to the possibility that the non-Jewish neighbor might wish harm to the Jewish family—as is the case in places where anti-Semitism is rife—buying that property is considered ari avrechi lach (literal translation: I chased a lion away from you), i.e., the aspiring buyer may tell the next-door neighbor, “Listen, you should let me buy the property next door, since your non-Jewish neighbor…Show more

Halachos of land flipping

Question: If I want to start wholesaling land, called land flipping, where I buy low and sell high, what is the permissibility? I speak with landowners, agree on a price, sign a contract, and then assign the contract to… Question: If I want to start wholesaling land, called land flipping, where I buy low and sell high, what is the permissibility? I speak with landowners, agree on a price, sign a contract, and then assign the contract to another buyer for more money. I never buy the land myself — I only sell my contract and earn the difference. For example, a seller agrees to sell me their land for $12,000. I find another buyer willing to pay $18,000. The seller still gets the full $12,000, and I earn the $6,000 difference for assigning my contract. Is this…Show more

Article: How important is it to wear a tallis katan at all times?

The mitzvah of tzitzis isn’t a mitzvah chiyuvis, one that we are commanded to actively seek out, but rather a mitzvah kiyumis, one that becomes obligatory only if a man chooses to wear a four-cornered garment. However,… The mitzvah of tzitzis isn’t a mitzvah chiyuvis, one that we are commanded to actively seek out, but rather a mitzvah kiyumis, one that becomes obligatory only if a man chooses to wear a four-cornered garment. However, the Gemara states that a malach (angel) informed Rav Katina that those who don’t wear tzitzis are a target for Divine punishment b’idan rischa (at a time of Heavenly anger). Poskim add that since wearing tzitzis at all times has become accepted by Klal Yisrael, this minhag (custom) has become mandatory and has assumed the status of a neder…Show more

I saw written that after 2 weeks of shloshim an ovel is allowed to cut his nails on erev shabbos, if he does it every erev shabbos. Am i correct?

This is the position of the דעת קדושים יו״ד שצ, quoted at the end of שו״ת איתן ארי׳ קח, using it as one factor of many to allow, in a specific case, to cut nails. The דעת קדושים also… This is the position of the דעת קדושים יו״ד שצ, quoted at the end of שו״ת איתן ארי׳ קח, using it as one factor of many to allow, in a specific case, to cut nails. The דעת קדושים also addresses a very specific case. This shouldn’t be relied on otherwise. Sources: כן הובא בכ״מ בשם דע״ק יו״ד שצ. והובא בשו״ת…Show more

My child has a toy eraser that is made into a bird shape, we don’t plan to erase with it rather she uses it as a toy. Is it Muktzah or a toy?

An eraser is normally kli shemelachto le’issur, because its use is for erasing. The only way it stops being that is if, in practice, it really stops being treated as an eraser and becomes a fixed “toy item”,… An eraser is normally kli shemelachto le’issur, because its use is for erasing. The only way it stops being that is if, in practice, it really stops being treated as an eraser and becomes a fixed “toy item”, not just occasionally played with, but actually set aside that way in the home, especially before Shabbos. Therefore, if it’s sitting in a pencil case / school supplies and just happens to be played with, it stays kli shemelachto le’issur. You can move it if needed for its place or l’tzorech gufo, but it’s still a “tool.” If…Show more

האם לדעת כתר”ה יש לסמוך בכלל על השיעורים ש’הוכיחו’ בשנים האחרונות שאצבע הוא 1.9 סנטימטר, וטפח הוא 7.6 סנטימטר?

קשה לסמוך לקולא, מאחר שלא כולם קיבלו ההוכחות הנ"ל כהוכחות חותכות ומוחלטות. ולהלן הראיות שהובאו כדי להקטין שיעור האצבע והטפח מדעת הגרא"ח ע"ה נאה, ושוברן בצדן, בהמשך הדברים לקמן: א. בבדיקת מטבעות עתיקים מימי הרמב"ם והגאונים, נמצא שהדרהם המקורי… קשה לסמוך לקולא, מאחר שלא כולם קיבלו ההוכחות הנ"ל כהוכחות חותכות ומוחלטות. ולהלן הראיות שהובאו כדי להקטין שיעור האצבע והטפח מדעת הגרא"ח ע"ה נאה, ושוברן בצדן, בהמשך הדברים לקמן: א. בבדיקת מטבעות עתיקים מימי הרמב"ם והגאונים, נמצא שהדרהם המקורי הי׳ קל יותר (בערך 2.8 גרם) מן הדרהם שנקט הגרא"ח נאה (3.205 גרם). ולפיכך, יוצא שנפח הרביעית קטן מכפי שחישב, ורוחב האצבע העולה ממנו הוא 1.9 ס"מ בלבד. ב. בפירוש המשניות להרמב"ם (בכורות ח, ז) מבואר שמשקל חמשת סלעים של פדיון הבן שוה למשקל של 31.5 דרהם מצרי, ואילו לענין נפח הנוזלים קבע (עדיות א, ב) ששיעור רביעית מים מחזיק…Show more

Article: “Oh, no! I forgot to say the Brachah before separating Challah!”

The procedure of hafrashas challah (separating a portion of bread dough)* is to make the brachah, separate a piece of dough and to declare aloud the separated portion as challah: “Harei zu challah” (this is challah). Poskim mention that… The procedure of hafrashas challah (separating a portion of bread dough)* is to make the brachah, separate a piece of dough and to declare aloud the separated portion as challah: “Harei zu challah” (this is challah). Poskim mention that verbally confirming hafrashas challah is an offshoot of the practice of krias shem (calling by name, i.e., verbal identification) when separating terumah (gifts [for the kohen in the Land of Israel])—“harei zu terumah.” (There is a machlokes haposkim—halachic dispute—regarding when to say the brachah on hafrashas challah: do we recite it before separating the challah or before…Show more

If a Bug Is Missed Despite Proper Checking, Does It Still Have the Spiritual Effect Described in Tanya?

Question: When you check lettuce and other vegetable for bugs and you do the best you can or it you are eating out at a place with a good hashgacha and there is a bug in the vegetables that… Question: When you check lettuce and other vegetable for bugs and you do the best you can or it you are eating out at a place with a good hashgacha and there is a bug in the vegetables that was missed, does it still affect you since it is a not kosher? It says in Tanya that if someone by mistake eats not kosher even if they never find out it still becomes a part of your body and affects you. Or is it not considered a bug because you or the hashgacha did your hishtadlus and it's considered…Show more

Article: Separating Challah at a “Challah Bake”

There is a halachah in Shulchan Aruch that when dough for baking challah is prepared kedei le’chaleik, in order to divide and distribute it, “taking” challah is not required unless each portion is of the requisite shiur. There are… There is a halachah in Shulchan Aruch that when dough for baking challah is prepared kedei le’chaleik, in order to divide and distribute it, “taking” challah is not required unless each portion is of the requisite shiur. There are many opinions regarding how to interpret the words kedei le’chalek; there is a lengthy discussion by poskim, including the Tzemach Tzedek, who dedicates a lot of space to this discussion. At a challah-baking event where many people gather to bake challah, a large amount of dough is prepared, and often the portion that each participant receives is not sufficient for…Show more

Is there a problem to wear the red string from Kever Rochel and why?

Should not be done. Sources: בעיקר הסגולה - האריכו בקובץ עץ חיים באבוב גל׳…

I bought a kosher for Shabbos toothbrush. Can I use it on Shabbos? Also, can I use toothpaste? If toothpaste is not allowed can I use tooth powder?

Here is what tooth powder is Answer: See here: https://asktherav.com/article-626-may-i-brush-my-teeth-on-shabbos/ Regarding tooth powder, besides the possible Shabbos concern, it should not be used even in middle of the week, because of potential kashrus concerns. ב׳ סוגים באבקת… Here is what tooth powder is Answer: See here: https://asktherav.com/article-626-may-i-brush-my-teeth-on-shabbos/ Regarding tooth powder, besides the possible Shabbos concern, it should not be used even in middle of the week, because of potential kashrus concerns. ב׳ סוגים באבקת שיניים, שמערבבים עם מים ונשטף אח״כ, או - כבנדו״ד ששמים אבקה יבשה על השיניים ולא נשטף אח״כ כיון שהוא אכיל, וגם יותר אפקטיבי עבור השיניים. בנוגע לאבקה המעורבת מים, יש לחוש משום לישה, וכן משום מוליד, שנעשה משחה ואח״כ חומר מוקצף. אלא שאין כ״כ חשש מאכלות אסורות שאינו אכיל, ומקום יותר להקל בכגון דא. באבקה יבשה, אין חששות הנזכרות, שאין…Show more

If the mezuzah is properly attached to the doorpost but isn’t very firm and can move when touched, is this a problem?

Answer: It's not a problem. Sources: לפמש״כ בשו״ת ארץ צבי א, צ ד״ה אמנם, שהוא…

Article: A Calf that is Sold like Chometz

In the days of the Bais Hamikdash (Holy Temple), a bechor beheimah (first-born [kosher] male domesticated animal) that belongs to a Jew is kadosh (holy) must be gifted to a kohen within the first year of its life (after… In the days of the Bais Hamikdash (Holy Temple), a bechor beheimah (first-born [kosher] male domesticated animal) that belongs to a Jew is kadosh (holy) must be gifted to a kohen within the first year of its life (after being raised by the owner for a minimum of thirty or fifty days). If the animal is without a mum (blemish) it is offered in the Beis Hamikdash as a korban (sacrifice) and its flesh is eaten by the kohen b’taharah (in a state of purity). If the animal is deemed blemished, it may be slaughtered by the kohen for…Show more

Eating the Areinfirenish egg the next day

Question: If the egg with pesukim written on it, using food coloring, was not finished on the same day as the areinfirenish, does it need to be eaten the next day by the boy? Can it be eaten? It… Question: If the egg with pesukim written on it, using food coloring, was not finished on the same day as the areinfirenish, does it need to be eaten the next day by the boy? Can it be eaten? It was not mixed with anything other than the food coloring, and the shell was totally removed. Answer: Some are particular to have it finished. If a peeled egg is left overnight and not mixed with anything else, it should not be eaten the next day. (There is a discussion in Poskim if the letters help in a different way,…Show more

Article: Gifts to the Kohen

There is a mitzvah in the Torah of Matnois Kehuna, giving gifts to a Kohen. The mitzvah is to give him three parts of an animal: the zeroia (foreleg), the lechayayim (the jaw), and the kaiva… There is a mitzvah in the Torah of Matnois Kehuna, giving gifts to a Kohen. The mitzvah is to give him three parts of an animal: the zeroia (foreleg), the lechayayim (the jaw), and the kaiva (the hindleg). According to the mainstream position in halacha, this mitzvah is applicable both in Eretz Yisroel and in Chutz La’aretz, outside of Eretz Yisroel, even nowadays. Nonetheless, the Shulchan Aruch writes, “Lo nahagu kein”, the minhag is not to do so outside of Eretz Yisroel. However, there were Gedolei Yisroel, great sages,…Show more

הידוק תפילין של ראש

שאלה: יש אצלי תפלין גדולות כנהוג אצלנו, אבל אינם מהודקים די צורכם שיוכלו לעמוד על מקומם כראוי לפי שיש לי ראש קטן ושערות דקות ודלילות, ובפרט אם מקפידים שהקשר יהיה מונח בחלקו עכ"פ על הגולגולת למעלה מהגומא, שזה מקשה… שאלה: יש אצלי תפלין גדולות כנהוג אצלנו, אבל אינם מהודקים די צורכם שיוכלו לעמוד על מקומם כראוי לפי שיש לי ראש קטן ושערות דקות ודלילות, ובפרט אם מקפידים שהקשר יהיה מונח בחלקו עכ"פ על הגולגולת למעלה מהגומא, שזה מקשה על ההידוק. האם עדיף תפלין קטנים יותר, ולסמוך על הפוסקים הסוברים ששיעור אצבעיים על אצבעיים קאי על התיתורא, וכן עשיתי ניסיון בעצמי, ואותם התפילין עמדו על מקומן משך זמן ארוך בלי שאצטרך להדקם שוב ושוב. תשובה: בנידון זה, עדיף שהתפלין יהא במקומו הראוי, מההידור של תפלין גדולים. מקורות: במכתב רבינו מט' תמוז ה' תשטז (אג״ק יג ע׳…Show more

Using hot (sun-heated) water to clean dirty baby to prevent rash

Question: If before Shabbos I turn off the electrical element on the hot water heater, which is a sun-heated boiler on the roof, can I use warm water to clean out my baby's dirty bottom? Using wipes inevitably leaves a…Question: If before Shabbos I turn off the electrical element on the hot water heater, which is a sun-heated boiler on the roof, can I use warm water to clean out my baby's dirty bottom? Using wipes inevitably leaves a rash since he has very sensitive skin. Could I consider this in the category of a sick person to allow this? Answer: No. Warm water should be prepared before Shabbos. A typical localized diaper rash, even if somewhat painful or recurring, does not fit the classic definitions of חולה שאין בו סכנה, such as נפל למשכב or חלה כל…Show more

Article: Separating Challah Again and Again

The halachah is that a person who separates challah many times a day, such as a baker or a mashgiach, should make the brachah of hafrashas challah (the blessing made when separating challah) the first time they do… The halachah is that a person who separates challah many times a day, such as a baker or a mashgiach, should make the brachah of hafrashas challah (the blessing made when separating challah) the first time they do so that day, with the intention of including all the subsequent separations of challah in that brachah. This applies even if the other batches of dough have not yet been prepared. Likewise, only one brachah should be made in a home setting as well. However, this is provided that there is no interruption, such as speaking about unrelated matters between…Show more

Article: Can I sneak out after the chuppah?

The Gemara uses harsh words to describe someone who is asked to join a seudas mitzvah (a meal celebrating a mitzvah) but refuses to participate. The Rema likewise cautions not to refrain from participating in the seudah held after… The Gemara uses harsh words to describe someone who is asked to join a seudas mitzvah (a meal celebrating a mitzvah) but refuses to participate. The Rema likewise cautions not to refrain from participating in the seudah held after a bris. The guest should not decline the invitation even in cases where the host would graciously accept his refusal. Many people who receive invitations to a simchah (a happy occasion such as a wedding), which is a seudas mitzvah make their decision whether or not to attend based on social obligation or convention, without regard to the above…Show more

Article: Does accumulating dough in the freezer create a shiur for separating challah?

One of the rules of hafrashas challah is that if different batches of dough are placed in the same bowl, even if each individual portion is less than the shiur (requisite amount) for separating challah, hasal metzarfan (the ‘basket’… One of the rules of hafrashas challah is that if different batches of dough are placed in the same bowl, even if each individual portion is less than the shiur (requisite amount) for separating challah, hasal metzarfan (the ‘basket’ [or receptacle] combines them) into one large dough; by virtue of the fact that they are in the same bowl, challah must now be separated. A tanur (oven), on the other hand, does not combine the batches of dough placed inside it; if each batch placed in the oven is less than the shiur, they remain exempt from challah.…Show more

Taking abandoned bicycle parts

Question: There is a bicycle locked outside my house that appears to have been abandoned for a long time. It doesn’t look like it can be driven, it is rusty, the tires are flat, and it seems clear that… Question: There is a bicycle locked outside my house that appears to have been abandoned for a long time. It doesn’t look like it can be driven, it is rusty, the tires are flat, and it seems clear that either the owner forgot about it or no longer has any interest in it. My question is: am I permitted to take a small part of the bicycle? Or would this still be considered someone else's property despite its apparent abandonment? Answer: You may not take it. Sources: יש לעיין באדם שהניח אופניים נעולים ברה”ר, במקום דריסת…Show more

Article: When Challah is Separated from Afar

When one separates challah in Eretz Yisroel, all the individual parts of the dough from which challah is to be taken have to be min hamukaf (nearby); according to one opinion, this means that all the pieces of dough… When one separates challah in Eretz Yisroel, all the individual parts of the dough from which challah is to be taken have to be min hamukaf (nearby); according to one opinion, this means that all the pieces of dough must touch each other, and according to another—they must all be in the same bowl. In Chutz La’aretz (outside Eretz Yisroel), it is midas chassidus (pious behavior) to separate challah min hamukaf, but bedieved (after the fact), if there are no other options, it’s acceptable to do so shelo min hamukaf (even if the different parts of dough…Show more

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