Bais Dov Yosef

Answer On question 4356, we wrote: Mishna Berura (552: 4) rules that it is prohibited. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that there are several products available that can make the fasting easier and should be taken before the fasting begins. Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a Answered by: Admin User Published: July 23, 2026 Previous Question Back to All Questions Next Question Community Discussion Log in to comment

Answer Random answer for ask the rabbi Answered by: Rabbi Bartfeld Published: May 26, 2026 Previous Question Back to All Questions Next Question Community Discussion Log in to comment

Answer Most Poskim hold it is from the day one began reciting. However it depends on your family's custom, but the standard and most widely practiced calculation measures the 11 months from the date of death. However, some traditions, particularly certain Ashkenazi customs, calculate it from the date of burial. Answered by: Admin User Published: July 23, 2026 Previous Question Back to All Questions Next Question Community Discussion Log in to comment

Answer On question 21 we wrote years back the following: “Q. Can you light in a shul (the menorah) before the shkiah (sunset)? Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 672: 1) rules that “you do not light the menorah before the shekiah and one opinion is that in need you may light after plag hamincha” [one and a quarter hour (zmaniyos) before nightfall]. Mishna Berura (ibid. 3) adds that you can light with a brocho. Nonetheless Shevet Halevy (4: 66) advises that it is better to light using an agent and on the right time rather than lighting oneself before the shkiah (after plag). A few Poiskim also maintain that you should avoid kindling before the shkia and if you have too you should not recite a brocho (Piskey Teshuvos ibid.Nitey Gavriel, Chanukah 3: 11). However in shul, where one of the main reasons for lightning is persumei nisso or publicizing the miracle and the people are present there and can see the lights, you may be more lenient when it is difficult to gather them at a different time (Shov Yaakov 22, Zivchei Tzedek Hachadoshos p. 211, see also Mishna Berurah 671: 46)” Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is in general to avoid kindling before shkiah unless it is utterly necessary, such as Erev Shabbos were we do recite a brocho. Nonetheless, in a shul, you can be more lenient.” Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is today similar. Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman Horav, Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a Answered by: Hagaon Rav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a Published: December 12, 2025 Previous Question Back to All Questions Next Question Community Discussion Log in to comment

Answer Poskim rule on the Seudas Ha'mafseket that roasted foods should be avoided, since one should ensure not to eat more than one cooked food. Therefore, fried foods are the equivalent of cooked foods in this regard. See Rama 552:3 Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit”a Answered by: Admin User Published: July 23, 2026 Previous Question Back to All Questions Next Question Community Discussion Log in to comment

Answer On question 21 we wrote: “Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 672: 1) rules that “you do not light the menorah before the shkiah and one opinion is that in need you may light after plag hamincha” [one and a quarter hour (zmaniyos) before nightfall]. Mishna Berura (ibid. 3) adds that you can light with a brocho. Nonetheless Shevet Halevy (4: 66) advises that it is better to light using an agent and on the right time rather than lighting oneself before the shkiah (after plag). A few Poiskim also maintain that you should avoid kindling before the shkia and if you have too you should not recite a brocho (Piskey Teshuvos ibid.Nitey Gavriel, Chanukah 3: 11). As mentioned in last teshuva, Shevet Halevy (4: 66) advises that it is better to light using an agent and on the right time rather than lighting oneself before the shkiah (after plag). In your case Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar. However in shul, where one of the main reasons for lightning is persumei nisso or publicizing the miracle and the people are present there and can see the lights, you may be more lenient when it is difficult to gather them at a different time (Shov Yaakov 22, Zivchei Tzedek Hachadoshos p. 211, see also Mishna Berurah 671: 46) Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is in general to avoid kindling before shkiah unless it is utterly necessary, such as Erev Shabbos when we do recite a brocho. Nonetheless, in a shul, you can be more lenient. Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman Horav, Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a Answered by: Hagaon Rav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a Published: December 11, 2025 Previous Question Back to All Questions Next Question Community Discussion Log in to comment

Answer On question 5086 we wrote: Some Poskim permit drinking coffee or tea at the Seudas Hamafsekes. (Shaarei Teshuva 552: 1) Similarly some Poskim permit diluted juice in need. However, as mentioned in the former Shaila, Poskim prohibit any alcoholic drinks. Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a Answered by: Admin User Published: July 23, 2026 Previous Question Back to All Questions Next Question Community Discussion Log in to comment

Answer The Seudas Hamafsekes is eaten on the ground. As it is not intended for social gathering or for socializing, it should also be eaten alone. When there are a number of people in the same house they should eat it separately, each one on his . (i.e. not sitting in a circle together or the like) While it is preferable to refrain from all socializing, one must make sure not to eat as three or more people together as this would obligate the men involved in a Zimun. [The reason for this is that since this meal isn’t meant for socializing, there is no kvius together even if it was eaten together. Therefore, it is important to avoid putting ourselves in a situation in which it is questionable whether it is necessary to me Mezamen]. In the event three people did eat the meal together they still shouldn’t be mezamen. (Refer to brackets.) Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Aharon Miller Shlit”a Answered by: Admin User Published: July 23, 2026 Previous Question Back to All Questions Next Question Community Discussion Log in to comment

Answer Shiva begins immediately following the burial and lasts for seven days, ending after the morning service on the seventh day. See next question. Answered by: Admin User Published: July 23, 2026 Previous Question Back to All Questions Next Question Community Discussion Log in to comment

Answer Poskim maintain that the requirement of placing salt on the bread (or the bread contacting the salt) is only on the onset, especially if as is the bread already has salt. See next question. Answered by: Admin User Published: July 23, 2026 Previous Question Back to All Questions Next Question Community Discussion Log in to comment