Dose of Halacha

Question: We’re having a lot of people over for Shabbos lunch. Are we allowed to move the bookcase into the other room to create extra room? Answer: The Gemara (Shabbos 35a) cites a machlokes as to how heavy an item needs to be in order for it to be rendered muktza. Tosafos, however, demonstrate that the halacha does not follow this Gemara as elsewhere (ibid. 45b; Eruvin 102a), the Gemara allows moving large items on Shabbos. Thus, the Shulchan Aruch (308:2) writes that an item does not become muktze based on its size or status. The Mishna Berura (308:9) adds that this applies even if it takes a few people to lift the item. The Mishna Berura (308:8) and R’ Yehoshua Neuwirth (Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchasa 20:22) write, however, that if one would normally be hesitant about moving something because they are concerned about it getting ruined, then it is considered to be muktza machmas chisaron kis ( valuable items which cannot be moved). The Gemara (Shabbos 138a) teaches that the...

Question: I see that some people switch off the lights during havdala before saying the beracha, borei meoiray haeish. Is this necessary? Answer: The Mishna (Berachos 51b) teaches that one doesn’t recite the beracha, borei meoiray haeish, unless one benefits from the light, though there is a machlokes in the Gemara (ibid. 53b) as to whether one actually needs to benefit from the light or not. Thus, Rambam (Shabbos 29:25) and the Shulchan Aruch (OC 298:4) write that one should ensure that the flame is close enough so that one would be able to distinguish between various types of currency. While R’ Moshe Sternbuch ( Moadim Uzemanim 6:90) writes that he switches the lights off during havdala, elsewhere (Teshuvos Vehanhagos 5:86) he writes that one would still say amen upon hearing the beracha while the lights were on, as if necessary , one can rely on the electric lights themselves (See Rivevos Ephraim 2:115 :32). Similarly, R’ Menashe Klein (Mishne Halachos 15:92) writes t...

Question: Can I wrap my pot of soup in tea-towels to keep it warm on Shabbos? Answer: The Gemara (Shabbos 34a) writes that one can only insulate food ( hatmana ) providing that they use a material that doesn’t emit heat and that they do so before Shabbos. The Shulchan Aruch (OC 257:3) lists which substances are considered to be heat emitting, and therefore forbidden to place around one’s pot even before Shabbos. Rambam (Shabbos 4:3) explains that chazal were concerned that if one were to place their pot among the embers, they may come to stoke the coals. Thus, one would be able to wrap a pot with tea-towels, provided they did so before Shabbos. The Shulchan Aruch (OC 257:8), however, writes that while one can leave a pot on a stove on Shabbos, one would not be able to wrap it with tea-towels even before Shabbos. While the tea-towels themselves don’t emit heat, they will insulate the heat coming from the stove. For it to be considered a prohibition of hatmana , the insulation wo...

Question: I have a nice silver menora though it takes a lot of effort to clean. Is there an advantage to using this over a cheap disposable one? Answer:   When the Bnei Yisrael sang shira  after crossing the yam suf, they said “ zeh eli veanvehu,  this is my G-d and I will glorify Him” (Shemos 15:2). The Gemara (Sukka 11b; Nazir 2b) writes that this passuk  teaches us that we should not just perform mitzvos  in their most basic manner, but we should make extra effort to build a nicer sukka  and spend more money on our lulav and esrog, etc. Similarly, the Gemara (Shabbos 23b) teaches that one who is particular about lighting their Shabbos candles will merit having children who will be Torah scholars. The Tur (OC 263) and Bach (OC 263:1) qualify this to those who make beautiful lights . Rashi writes that this applies equally to the Chanuka menora . Thus, the Shulchan Aruch (OC 673:3) writes that earthenware dishes should not be reused as th...

Question: I know that we can heat up solid foods on Shabbos but not liquids, though am confused as to where to draw the line. Can I heat up chicken with a little bit of sauce on a hotplate? Answer: The Shulchan Aruch (OC 318:4) writes that one may heat up a davar yavesh , dry cooked item of food on Shabbos, but not a davar lach , liquid food. There is a machlokes , however, as to how dry the food needs to be to allow it to be reheated. The Pri Megadim (Mishbetzos Zahav OC 253:13) quotes some rishonim who define the issur of bishul as a food made up mainly of liquid which will improve through further cooking. Thus, he writes if the dish is mainly solid then it is considered to be a davar yavesh. R’ Ovadia Yosef (Yabia Omer OC 7:42:6; OC 9:108:169; Yechave Daas 2:45) quotes other poskim who likewise maintain that if less than half of the dish is liquid, it is still considered to be dry and may be heated on Shabbos (See Kaf Hachaim OC 253:91; Har Tzvi OC 1 Mevashel:1) Th...

Question: I took a tray out of the fridge on Shabbos morning, thinking it was schnitzel, and placed it on the hotplate though it was chicken in a sauce. Could I have served it? Answer: There is a machlokes among the rishonim as to whether the rule ‘ ein bishul achar bishul , something that has been cooked cannot be cooked again’, applies to liquids as well as sol ids. Rambam  ( Shabb os 9:3 ) , Rashba ( Shabb os 40b ) and Ran  ( Shabb os 19a )   write that it applies to liquids, too and so there would be no issur mideoraisa to reheat liquids (See Beis Yosef OC 318:4). The Shulchan Aruch (OC 318:4), however, follows Rashi (Shabbos 34a), Rabbeinu Yonah and the Rosh (Shabbos 3:11), who holds that reheating liquids is bishul (See Biur Halacha 318:4). The Gemara (Kesubos 34a, Chullin 15a) writes that if one transgressed a melacha on Shabbos, there is a machlokes as to whether they or others can benefit from it on Shabbos or afterwards. The Gemara discusses whet...

Question: Can I deliver bar mitzva invitations on Shabbos to people who I only see then? Answer: The Shulchan Aruch (OC 307:1) writes that one shouldn’t make plans on Shabbos for what they are going to do after Shabbos. The Mishna Berura (307:1) explains that this prohibition only applies to actions that are otherwise forbidden on Shabbos. As there is a machlokes as to whether one can discuss mitzva matters that involve melachos , he writes that it is best to avoid such conversation. However, there would be no issue in talking about such a mitzva if it means that they are more likely to perform it afterwards. Thus, one is allowed to pledge money to tzedaka when receiving an aliya , etc. R’ Chaim Falagi (Lev Chaim 3:72) writes that as one gets such simcha , enjoyment, from inviting people to special occasions, one may do so on Shabbos. R’ Ephraim Greenblatt (Rivevos Ephraim 8:185:1; 8:500) quotes this but adds that one shouldn’t hand out printed invitations, however, to avoi...

Question: My children like to create various tents and shelters by draping curtains and blankets onto furniture. Can they do this on Shabbos? Answer:   The Gemara (Shabbos 125b) writes that it is forbidden to build a temporary ohel, tent, on Shabbos. Rambam (Shabbos 22:27) explains that building a permanent ohel is a tolda of boneh, building, and therefore assur mideoraisa. Chazal made a gezeira, decree, that one shouldn’t build a temporary ohel to prevent one from making a permanent one . Thus, the Mishna Berura (315:1) writes that one mustn’t spread out mats or sheets like a tent on Shabbos. The Shulchan Aruch (OC 315:2) writes that if the ohel existed already, then one may add to it. Thus, one may place long tablecloths over tables or add to other structures, providing the roof is at least a tefach wide. Nonetheless, the Shulchan Aruch (OC 315:3) and Mishna Berura (315:17) write that one may build a temporary structure if they construct it in a backwards manner. Th...

Question: We were going out for Friday night Dinner so I lit candles and stayed with them for a while before leaving the house. I later found out that I lit them before plag hamincha . Did that count, or does it mean that I didn’t light Shabbos candles? Answer: The Gemara (Shabbos 23b) writes that one should not light the Shabbos candles too early or too late. Thus, the Shulchan Aruch (OC 263:4) writes that one shouldn’t light the Shabbos candles before plag hamincha , one and a quarter halachic hours before nacht, as it wouldn’t be apparent that one is lighting them for Shabbos. The Rema adds that if the candles were lit too early, they need to be blown out and relit for Shabbos. R’ Akiva Eiger (OC 263:4) writes that the Rema only requires relighting the candles if they weren’t lit lekavod Shabbos . While lechatchila one shouldn’t light too early, if one lit early lekavod Shabbos, they have fulfilled their obligation. The Mishna Berura (263:20; Biur Halacha) argues that ...

Question: My neighbour has started a minyan for maariv in his house on Motzaei Shabbos. They begin 15 minutes before nacht . Is this ideal? Answer: The Gemara (Rosh Hashana 9a; Yuma 81b) teaches that there is a mitzva of tosefes Shabbos , to add on a little bit of time both at the beginning and at the end of Shabbos. One should therefore endeavour to bring Shabbos in a few minutes early and not end it until a few minutes after nacht (See Mishna Berura 261:19). Thus, the Shulchan Aruch (OC 293:1) writes that one should delay davening maariv on motzaei Shabbos in order to add some time onto Shabbos. The Mishna Berura (293:1) writes that this is the universal practice. The Rema adds that there is even a minhag to say the opening words of maariv , vehu rachum, very slowly to add on a few extra seconds. The Shulchan Aruch (OC 293:3) writes that in extenuating circumstances, such as one had a pressing mitzva matter, they can daven maariv after pelag hamincha . Nonetheless,...

Question:  Should we stand up for a Rav or an elderly person who enters our shul while we are davening ? Answer: The Shulchan Aruch (YD 244:1) writes that there is a mitzva mideoraisa to stand for a talmid chacham or anyone over seventy years old. R’ Ovadia Yosef (Yechave Daas 3:70) writes that if one is uncertain whether the person is seventy, one should stand regardless, following the principle of safek deoraisa lechumra, that we are strict with regards to doubts of Torah laws. The Shulchan Aruch (YD 244:11) further writes that if a talmid chacham walks in while one is learning, one should interrupt their learning to stand. The Aruch Hashulchan (YD 244:7) clarifies that this is consistent with other mitzvos that require interrupting one’s learning. The Mishna (Berachos 2:1) and the Shulchan Aruch (OC 66:1) discuss when one can interrupt during shema and its berachos for significant reasons. However, the Magen Avraham (66:1) and Mishna Berura (66:2) note that, in practi...

Question: I forgot that I was still meaty and accidentally said a beracha on a cup of tea. What should I have done? Answer: The Gemara (Chullin 105a) writes that after eating meat, Mar Ukva would wait until the next meal before eating milky food. There is a machlokes however, as to how long this wait is. Rambam ( Maachalos Asuros 9:28) and the Shulchan Aruch (YD 89:1) writes that one must wait six hours after eating meat before eating cheese while the Rema writes that one only has to wait one hour, wash their hands and rinse their mouth first. While the Dutch community typically waits one hour and many wait three, the Taz (YD 89:2) notes that the main minhag is to wait six hours. The Gemara (Berachos 33a) writes that we learn from a passuk not to say a beracha levatala. According to Rambam (Berachos 1:15) and the Shulchan Aruch (OC 215:4), it is forbidden mideoraisa while Tosafos (Rosh Hashana 33a) holds that it is forbidden miderabanan (See Mishna Berura 215:20) . R’...

Question: At what age should our son get his own aliya on Simchas Torah? Answer: The Rema (OC 669:1) writes that on Simchas Torah we add on extra aliyos, reading the same parsha a few times. The Mishna Berura (669:12) explains that we want to give everybody an opportunity to participate in the simcha of the Torah. R’ Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Halichos Shlomo, Sukkos 12:15) adds that when everyone receives their aliya they get to recite the beracha , ‘ asher bachar banu.. venosan lanu es toraso , Who chose us.. and gave us His Torah’ (See Rivevos Ephraim 2:176) While the Mishna Berura (282:12) writes that we shouldn’t call up a child under bar mitzva for an aliya during the year , the Rema writes that on Simchas Torah we are accustomed to give all the children a joint aliya . The Mishna Berura (669:13) explains that this serves to train them in the mitzva of reading from the Torah. According to the Shaarei Ephraim (8:57) this is also to give them a love for the Torah. The...

Question: What is the procedure for leaving the sukka if it rains? Answer: The Mishna (Sukka 2:9) teaches us that if it rains enough to ruin one’s food then one may leave their sukka . While the Mishna writes that it is a bad sign if one has to leave due to rain, the Aruch Hashulchan (OC 639:20) writes that this specifically applies in Eretz Yisrael, but not in places where it is likely to rain. The Rema (OC 639:7) and Aruch Hashulchan write that one who stays in the sukka when they are exempt is considered to be unrefined (See Teshuvos Vehanhagos 2:304). Nonetheless, the Rema (OC 639:5) writes that this halacha does not apply on the first night, as if it is raining then, one must still make kiddush and eat a kezayis of bread in the sukka . According to the Mateh Ephraim (625:51), one should ideally eat a kebeitza . While one who is mitztaer (uncomfortable) is usually exempt from eating in the sukka , the Mishna Berura (639:35) explains that according to the Rema, this exemptio...

Question: Can I take pills on erev Yom Kippur to help me fast more easily? Answer:   The Gemara (Berachos 8a; Yoma 81b) writes that there is a mitzva to eat on erev Yom Kippur. According to Rashi, we do so to properly prepare for the fast on the following day (See Rashi, Rosh Hashana 9a). The Sdei Chemed (Yom Kippur 1:18) writes that one mustn’t purposely continue eating until the fast begins as this will prevent one from feeling that they’re fasting on Yom Kippur. R’ Eliezer Waldenberg ( Tzitz Eliezer 7:32:4 ), R’ Menashe Klein (Mishne Halachos 2:66:4; 7:82) and R’ Ovadia Yosef (Yabia Omer OC 9:54), however, challenge this, writing that we are not supposed to actively do anything to oppress ourselves on Yom Kippur. If we are supposed to eat and drink more before Yom Kippur, then we are allowed to plan our eating in this way. Thus, these poskim write that one may take slow release energy capsules before Yom Kippur (See Rivevos Ephraim 3:413:2) . While R’ Ovadia Yosef writ...

Question: Last year, I joined a new shul where they do many things differently to what I am used to. I have always done hataras nedarim by myself, though in this shul people do it together. Is this okay? Answer: The Gemara (Nedarim 23b) writes that if one doesn’t want their nedarim , vows, to endure throughout the year, they should proclaim on Rosh Hashana that they wish them to be annulled. According to the Ran (Nedarim 23b), this is the source for saying kol nidrei on Yom Kippur. According to the Mishna Berura (619:2), kol nidrei does not automatically annul all vows, however. Likewise, the Shaarei Teshuva (581:1) quotes various poskim explaining why one should specifically perform hataras nedarim on erev Rosh Hashana, while it is still Elul (See Kaf Hachaim OC 581:12; 19; Minchas Yitzchak 9:61) . The Chayei Adam (138:8) stresses the importance of performing hataras nedarim at this time, writing that people erroneously view it as another prayer. Rather, people should s...

Question: I have always found it difficult to get up extra early for selichos before Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur though have read that they should not be recited after maariv . What should I do? Answer: The Shulchan Aruch (OC 581:1) writes that one should say selichos at the break of dawn. The Magen Avraham (565:5; 581:1) and Mishna Berura (565:12) write that the end of the night is an auspicious time for selichos . Thus one should not recite selichos before chatzos , midnight, for Kabbalistic reasons. R’ Ovadia Yosef (Yechave Daas 1:46) quotes the Chida (Birkei Yosef OC 581:1) who explains that this time is one of din ¸ judgement, rather than rachamim, mercy. This is so important, that if one is present when others are saying selichos at this time, they should not participate. According to the Chida (ibid.) it would be better not to say selichos at all than to say it at this time of night (See Mateh Ephraim 581:20; Rav Pealim OC 2:2). While there are poskim who write that...

Question: We recently bought a house though we won’t be moving in for a couple of months while we renovate and furnish it. When should we affix our mezuzos ? Answer:   The Beraisa (Maseches Mezuza 2:11) teaches that one is obligated to affix a mezuza on a new house as soon as it is completed. There is much discussion, however, as to whether this refers to owning the house, furnishing it or actually living in it (See Shevet Halevi 6:161). R’ Moshe Sternbuch (Teshuvos Vehanhagos 2:544; 4:440) writes that one is only obligated to affix one’s mezuzos when the house is fit to be lived in. So long as the house is unfurnished, it isn’t considered to be habitable and so exempt from mezuzos . He quotes R’ Akiva Eiger (Teshuvos R’ Akiva Eiger 141:9) who questions whether one who leaves his house for a few weeks, leaving it uninhabited, should recite the beracha over one’s mezuzos upon their return. R’ Yehoshua Leib Diskin challenges this as so long as the house has remained furnish...

Question: We have just signed a year’s lease on a new flat. When should we affix our mezuzos ? Answer: The Gemara (Menachos 44a) writes that while one who rents in Eretz Yisrael must affix a mezuza immediately upon moving in, one who rents a home in chutz la’aretz isn’t obligated to affix a mezuza for the first thirty days. Thus, one renting a holiday home in chutz la’aretz for a week or two has no obligation to affix a mezuza . Following this, there is a machlokes as to whether one renting a home for over a month in chutz la’aretz should wait until the thirtieth day to affix their mezuzos or should do so immediately. R’ Moshe Feinstein ( Igros Moshe YD 1:179) quotes the Pischei Teshuvah (YD 286:17) who writes that one may say the beracha earlier while the Nachlas Zvi (YD 286:22) wonders whether it is ideal to wait until the thirtieth day. Thus, R’ Moshe writes that one should fix a mezuza straight away but not recite the beracha until the thirtieth day. R’ Yit...

Question:  We have just bought a house and are leaving our rented one. As our ‘old house’ is going to remain empty for a few weeks until the next (Jewish) tenants move in, can we remove our  mezuzos ? Answer: The Gemara (Bava Metzia 102a) writes that one renting a house from a Jewish person shouldn’t remove their mezuzos upon leaving (See Rambam, Mezuza 5:11; Shulchan Aruch YD 291:2 ). Tosafos ( Shabb os 22a ) e xplains that aside from serving to remind us of Hashem, mezuzos also protect the house from harm. The Tur (YD 285:2) stresses, however, that this isn’t the reason for this mitzva and one shouldn’t affix one’s mezuzos with this in mind (See Aruch Hashulchan YD 285:3). The Rema (YD 291:2) points out that the old tenant can charge the new tenant or owner for their mezuzos. R’ Ovadia Yosef (Yabia Omer YD 3:18) writes, therefore, that even if one knows that the new tenant will be affixing their own mezuzos , the old ones must stay up until they affix their new o...

Question: Can we crack open nuts and remove peas from pods on Shabbos? Answer: The Gemara (Beitza 13b) writes that one mustn’t roll grain between one’s fingers to remove its chaff on Shabbos. Such extraction, mefarek , is a tolda of the melacha of dosh , threshing. The Shulchan Aruch (OC 319:6), writes, therefore, that if one wants to eat the grain, one would have to remove the chaff with a shinui such as using one’s fingertips. The Magen Avraham (OC 319:8) and Mishna Berura (319:21) add that this prohibition only applies when the pod or shell is inedible. There is a machlokes , however, as to what exactly mefarek applies to. According to the Taz (OC 319:4), it only applies when the food is attached to its outside shell such as peas in a pod while the Maharil (quoted in Elya Rabba 319:11) and Pri Megadim (Eshel Avraham, Introduction to 320) write that it applies specifically to loose food, unattached to its shell like peanuts. Following this, R’ Shmuel Wosner (Shevet Halevi 1:81)...

Question: Does one need to take maaser from gifts? Answer: Tosafos (Taanis 9a) quotes the Sifri (Devarim 14:22), which states that the mitzva of maaser , tithing one’s crops, applies equally to other forms of income. Although this statement is not found in our editions of the Sifri, R’ Baruch Epstein (Torah Temima, Devarim 14:22) explains that this is one of many examples of statements from the Sifri that the rishonim saw but are now lost to us. The Shulchan Aruch (YD 249:1) extends this principle, instructing that one should give between ten and twenty percent of one’s earnings to help the poor. The Taz (YD 331:32) elaborates that this obligation applies equally to wedding gifts, even those received from one’s own parents (see Rabbeinu Yona, Sefer Hayira 213). While this applies to money gifts, R’ Shmuel Wosner (Shevet Halevi 5:133:7) writes that if one inherited property or if one’s parents contributed towards buying them a flat, one would not need to give maaser on these gi...

Question: When Tisha B’av falls on Shabbos and so is observed on Sunday, are the restrictions lifted earlier? Can I shower, shave and listen to music on Sunday night? Answer: The Gemara (Taanis 29a) writes that the Beis Hamikdash continued burning throughout the tenth of Av. Therefore, the Shulchan Aruch (OC 558:1) writes that one mustn’t eat meat or drink wine on the tenth either. The Rema, however, limits this until chatzos, noon, of the tenth of Av. The Mishna Berura (558:2) writes that this applies to the other restrictions of the nine days , too, including laundry, haircuts and bathing. The Rema (OC 558:1) writes that when Tisha B’av is observed on the tenth of Av due to Shabbos, however, one should still refrain from meat and wine until Monday morning. The Mishna Berura (558:4) notes that the other restrictions such as haircuts are permitted that night, though. Thus, the Shaarei Teshuva (558:4) writes that those who are accustomed to avoid haircuts that night are mistaken...

Question: I forgot that it was the nine days and I prepared some meaty food for myself. I only remembered once I had said the beracha. What should I have done? Answer: The Gemara (Taanis 26b) forbids eating meat and drinking wine at the seuda hamafsekes , though many rishonim record the minhag to abstain throughout this time period . Thus, the Shulchan Aruch (OC 551:9) writes that there are various minhagim as to exactly when this applies. Some just refrain throughout the week of Tisha B’av, others from Rosh Chodesh Av while others refrain throughout the entire three weeks. The Mishna Berura (551:58) writes that the ashkenazi minhag is to refrain from meat and wine during the nine days . The Aruch Hashulchan (OC 551:23) explains that this minhag serves to remind us of the korbanos that we can no longer offer up since the churban (See Tur OC 552:2; Biur Hagra OC 551:11). While it is a minhag, he notes that it is observed universally and so one who eats meat has broken a...

Question: Can my children continue their music lessons throughout the three weeks ? Answer: The Mishna Berura (551:16) writes that one mustn’t listen to music during the three weeks between Shiva Asar B’tammuz and Tisha B’av (See Minchas Yitzchak 1:111:4) . The Pri Megadim (Eshel Avraham 551:10) writes that musicians who are employed by non-Jews may play during this time. He compares it to working on chol hamoed, which while normally forbidden, is permitted for one who would otherwise lose substantially as a result ( davar ha’avud ). The Mishna Berura (Biur Halacha 551:2) explains that this only applies until Rosh Chodesh Av. One cannot, though, play music even for work purposes during the nine days (See Shearim Metzuyanim Behalacha 122:2). Other poskim are more lenient. R’ Eliezer Waldenberg ( Tzitz Eliezer 16:19) quotes t he Kaf Hachaim (OC 551:39) who allows employed musicians to continue playing up until Rosh Chodesh. He continues writing (ibid. 41) that one who does tea...

Question: I was once at a shul where someone said baruch sheptarani for his daughter’s bas mitzva . Should I say it for my daughter’s bas mitzva ? Answer: The Rema (OC 225:2) writes that when one’s son becomes bar mitzva , his father recites baruch sheptarani meonsho shel zeh, ( Blessed is He who exempted me from this one’s punishment ). The Magen Avraham (OC 225:5) and Mishna Berura (225:7) explain that as the father is obligated to educate his son, he is responsible for his son’s misdeeds, too. The son is responsible for himself upon turning bar mitzva . Thus, his father recites this beracha upon being released from this obligation. As the obligation to educate one’s sons in learning Torah does not apply equally to girls (Nazir 29a), the Pri Megadim ( Eishel Avraham 225:5) writes that this is one of the reasons why parents don’t say baruch sheptarani on their daughter’s bas mitzva. The Kaf Hachaim (OC 225:15) adds that as girls typically stay at home and are sup...

Question: Our mezuza fell out of its case on Shabbos. Should we have picked it up and replaced it? Answer: The Shulchan Aruch (OC 308:4) writes that one is allowed to move kisvei kodesh, holy writings, on Shabbos, though the Rema adds that tefillin are muktze . The Magen Avraham (OC 308:11), however, writes that one may move tefillin to protect them if they are in the way ( gufo umekomo ). While tefillin are expensive and have a very specific purpose, R’ Yehoshua Neuwirth (Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchasa 20:n32) explains that they are categorized as muktze machmas issur (items with a prohibited use) rather than muktze machmas chisaron kis (valuable items which cannot be moved even for such reasons). The Magen Avraham (OC 308:19) and Mishna Berura (308:35) write that a door that fell off is muktze . R’ Neuwirth quotes R’ Shmuel Burstein (Minchas Shabbos 88:38) who compares this to a mezuza that fell, and writes, therefore, that one mustn’t move it unless it is in a place where it ...

Question: How important is it to sit in the same seat in shul? If someone takes my place should I ask them to move? Answer: The Gemara (Berachos 6b) writes that there are special praises and rewards for one who establishes a fixed place for their tefilla . Rabbeinu Yonah (Berachos 3b) explains that this refers to davening in the same shul, though if one has to daven at home, they should do so in a designated place. The Rosh (Berachos 1:7) and Shulchan Aruch (OC 9:19), however, disagree, writing that one must have a designated seat within their shul. Some poskim follow both these rishonim. Hence, the Aruch Hashulchan (OC 90:23) writes that one should have both a designated spot in shul as well as at home if they sometimes daven there. Nonetheless, the Magen Avraham (OC 90:34) and Mishna Berura (90:60) extend this to davening within four amos of one’s seat. If one has an important reason to move, however, one may do so. Thus, the Kaf Hachaim (OC 90:118) writes that if on...

Question: Our local hospital is outside our eruv . Can I carry food from the Shabbos room to a patient in a ward? Answer: The Shulchan Aruch (OC 370:4) writes that neighbours whose houses back onto a shared courtyard where they eat together do not require an eruv as they are considered to be like one family. In the previous seif , the Shulchan Aruch writes that a boarder does not need to make an eruv with their host even if they sleep on a separate floor. As they use the house for functions other than sleeping, it is all considered to be one house for purposes of eruvin . R’ Nosson Gestetner (Lehoros Nosson 5:29 ) compares this to a hospital where patients receive their food, bedding and medication from the hospital. Unlike a hotel where guests rent a specific room, the hospital reserves the right to move patients around from one ward to another as they deem fit (See Biur Halacha 370). Thus, R’ Avraham Borenstein (Avnei Nezer 3:380) writes that patients are not considered to ...

Question: I had a lot of friends and family join us for lunch and I asked my regular cleaning helper to come on Shabbos to help me clean up afterwards. Was it okay for her to have used the dishwasher? Answer: The Mishna (Shabbos 121a) teaches that one mustn’t ask a non-Jewish person to perform melacha on their behalf on Shabbos. While the Levush (OC 243:1) and Elya Rabba (243:1) write that this prohibition, amira leakum, is mideoraisa , the consensus of poskim (Beis Yosef OC 244; Mishna Berura 243:5) is that it is miderabanan (See Gemara Gittin 8b). The Taz (OC 276:5) writes that one may instruct a non-Jewish person to wash dishes on Friday night even though they will have to switch the light on to do so. As they are doing so for themselves, that isn’t considered to be amira leakum (See Mishna Berura 276:27) . R’ Yehoshua Neuwirth (Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchasa 30:23) explains that while one may ask them to do something that inevitably means they will be doing a melacha , that...

Question: Is one allowed to wash clothes on Friday? Answer: The Gemara (Bava Kama 82a) writes that one of Ezra’s ten decrees was that one should wash their clothes on Thursday in honour of Shabbos (See Shulchan Aruch OC 242:1). The Magen Avraham (OC 242:3) explains that the reason is that people should not be preoccupied with their laundry while they’re supposed to be otherwise getting ready for Shabbos. The Mishna Berura (242:5; Shaar Hatziyun 242:16) quotes the Elya Rabba (242:9), who writes that the main reason is to ensure that nothing prevents one from having clean clothes for Shabbos. R’ Yehoshua Neuwirth (Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchasa 42:n13) questions whether this decree still applies nowadays when we wash our clothes in washing machines. He quotes R’ Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, however, who held that since we typically wash our clothes for the following day, it is ideal to do our laundry on Thursday as that best demonstrates that we are washing for Shabbos. R’ Benzion Abba...

Question: Can I remove food from the freezer on the first day Yom Tov so that it can defrost in time for the second day? Answer: The Shulchan Aruch (OC 503:1 ) writes that one mustn’t prepare on Shabbos or Yom Tov for the following day, even if that day is Shabbos or Yom Tov. Thus, one mustn’t wash dishes on Shabbos or Yom Tov that won’t be used that day (ibid. 323:6). The Mishna Berura (667:5) writes that this issur even applies to preparing for mitzva purposes, such as rolling a sefer torah for the next day’s leining . The Mishna Berura (ibid.) quotes the Chayei Adam (153:6) who allows one to bring water or wine from a storeroom during the daytime while it’s still light for the following night. One should do it earlier in the day, however, to not make it too obvious to others that one is doing so for the following day. The Chayei Adam, writes, however, that this specifically applies to something needed for a mitzva such as a Yom Tov meal. Similarly, the Magen Avraham (OC...

Question:  We just planted new grass and need to water it every day. Are we allowed to place a sprinkler on a timer so that it waters the grass on Shabbos? Answer:   The Gemara (Moed Katan 2b) writes that there is a  machlokes  as to whether one who waters plants on Shabbos transgresses the  melacha  of  choresh,  plowing, or  zorea , planting. Rambam (Shabbos 8:2) writes that it is considered  zorea.  Thus, one mustn’t turn on a sprinkler on Shabbos. The Shulchan Aruch (OC 252:5) writes that one is allowed to open a flow of water before Shabbos that will run onto a garden on Shabbos (See Shabbos 18a). The Rema adds that if the action creates a noticeable sound   ( avsha milsa ) , such as a flour mill, then it must not operate on Shabbos. While the sprinkler may be seen, the Shulchan Aruch Harav (OC 265:8) notes that  chazal  were not concerned that people will jump to the wrong conclusions and think tha...

Question: Can I use a potato peeler to peel fruits and vegetables on Shabbos? Answer: The Shulchan Aruch (OC 319:1) lists three conditions for allowing one to select an item from a mixture on Shabbos so as not to transgress the melacha of borer. One must select the ochel, wanted item, from the pesoles, unwanted item, use one’s hand rather than an implement, and it must be for immediate use. While peeling requires one to remove the pesoles from the ochel , the Rema (OC 321:19) writes that one may peel garlic and onions on Shabbos providing it is for immediate use. The Biur Halacha (321) explains that this is permitted because it is the normal way of eating such food. The Magen Avraham (OC 321:30) extends this halacha to peeling apples. R’ Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe OC 1:124) notes that as it isn’t feasible to peel an apple without a knife, doing so is considered as an extension of one’s hand, rather than considered to be using a special implement. The Pri Megadim (Eshel ...

Question: I have heard that some people eat matza on pesach sheni . Should I do so? Answer: Rambam (Korban Pesach 5:1) writes that anyone who didn’t manage to bring the korban pesach on Pesach either because they were tamei or because they were too far away from the beis hamikdash could do so on the 14 th of Iyar. While this doesn’t apply nowadays, R’ Yaakov Emden (Siddur Beis Yaakov, Shaar Hayesod 21) writes that there is a minhag to eat matza on pesach sheni . According to the Piskei Teshuvos (492:n11) and Nitei Gavriel (Pesach 57:9), many chassidim do so together with maror and a cooked egg. Others do so on the following night, instead. Unfortunately, some people have a tendency to confuse such minhagim with performing the actual mitzva. Thus, R’ Yisrael Weltz (Divrei Yisrael 1:130) suggests that the reason why many who eat matza on pesach sheni do so specifically during the day and not at night is to avoid any issue of bal tosif , adding onto mitzvos. Likewise,...

Question: Is it really necessary to check lettuce for bugs? Answer: The Gemara (Pesachim 24a; Makkos 16b) writes that one who eats an insect transgresses multiple aveiros . While mideoraisa certain prohibited foods in a mixture would be battul berov, annulled against the majority, Tosafos (Chullin 95a) writes that this wouldn’t apply when the forbidden item can be clearly seen. Additionally, the Shulchan Aruch (YD 100:1) writes that a beriya , whole creature, is not even battul in a ratio against one thousand kosher parts (See Gemara Chullin 99b). The Rema (YD 84:8) quotes the Rashba (Toras Habayis 3:3; Teshuvos 274) who writes that one only needs to check dates if there is a miut hamatzuy, reasonable chance, that they are infested. There is a machlokes , however, as to what constitutes a miut hamatzuy. R’ Yaakov Bruchin (Mishkenos Yaakov YD:17) writes that it refers to a 10% chance. There is a further debate as to how to calculate this (See Minchas Shlomo 2:61). R’ Shmue...

I feature on this clip for Yom Ha'aztamaut. What has Israel got to be proud of? Where is it going? What does that mean for us?

Question: I don’t really need a new suit, but there is a sale on. Can I buy one during the omer ? Answer: The Shulchan Aruch (OC 493:1) writes that because the students of R’ Akiva died during the omer period, one shouldn’t get married or have haircuts during this time. R’ Ovadia Yosef (Yabia Omer 3:26; Yechave Daas 1:24) writes that many people confuse this time period with the three weeks leading up to Tisha B’Av. Unlike the three weeks which is a time of mourning for the churban , the omer is primarily a time of growth leading up to Shavuos. Thus, while the Shulchan Aruch (OC 551:17) writes that one should ideally not say shehecheyanu during the three weeks on new clothes or a new fruit, the Mishna Berura (493:2) writes that one may say shehecheyanu during the omer. R’ Eliezer Waldenberg (Tzitz Eliezer 18:41) notes that there were some communities that had the minhag to avoid saying shehecheyanu, though even they would allow it on Shabbos. Unless, one has such a minha...