Bais Dov Yosef

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 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 It may depend on the Sheliach Tzibur involved and also on the different quality of Minyanim. A reliable Rov familiar with the case should br consulted. 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 8, 2025 Previous Question Back to All Questions Next Question Community Discussion Log in to comment

Answer on a similar question 4032 we wrote: “Kvod Horav Shlit’a. Can one use the threads of old discarded Tzitzis as wicks for Chanuka candles? Is it even recommended to use them as wicks? Talmud Suka (51a) teaches that it was customary to use old and discarded pieces of holy clothing from the Cohanim that were used during the Avoda in the Beis Hamikdosh as wicks for the lights of the Simchas Beis Hashoeva. It is also customary to save and use the Lulav, Hadassim and Arovos that were left over after Sukos for burning the Chometz during Erev Pesach. See Rema (664: 9) that we save used Arovos and use them to bake matzos. The reason mentioned (Talmud Shabbos 117b) that RavAmi and Rav Asi would make a meal of the bread that was used for an Eiruv, stating since it was used for one mitzva, let us use it for another. It would therefore seem reasonable to use the discarded threads of Tzitzis as wicks. An important issue is if the treads made of wool are proper material for wicks. Regarding Shabbos lights Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 264: 1) rules they should not be used as the flame flickers. Yet for Chanuka lights they are permitted. (See Shulchan Aruch 673: 1). Some maintain that they can actually be treated for proper burning. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if indeed they light well they can be used.” 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 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 Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a ruled that when one was sitting with the other participants or even when one was praying on his own sitting, he should not stand up when saying the Shema. Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a maintains that if it is obvious that you are standing up for other reasons, such as if your chair was unsafe and shakes or a great Talmid Chacham entered your place, it would be permitted to stand up. 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 8, 2025 Previous Question Back to All Questions Next Question Community Discussion Log in to comment

Answer As mentioned above As this Shaila is indeed complicated and locations are different, one should consult with the local proper Rov about this debatable question. 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 8, 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 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 Let me answer the second question; 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). 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