Ha-Rav
answers hundreds of text message questions a day! Here's a sample:
Screaming
Ceremony
Q:
When young people go out into the wilderness in order to scream to Hashem:
"Please, Hashem, save us" or similar things, it is considered idol
worship? Is it preferable to going to a
discotheque?
A:
This is an invention of Breslov Chasidim.
It is not idol worship, since they are not worshipping a foreign god,
but Hashem, and it is a type of prayer.
It is surely better than a discotheque. but it is obviously preferable to
Daven in the normal manner (see Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 582:9 and the
commentaries there).
Eating
Etiquette
Q:
Are there guidelines for polite eating?
A:
Certainly. Use utensils, don't lick
one's fingers but use a napkin, don't put too much food into one's mouth, don't
get food on one's clothing or beard, don't chew too quickly, don't make noise
when chewing, etc. Piskei Teshuvot
170:14.
Q:
Does this apply even when one is eating alone in his house?
A:
Yes. Ibid.
Blessing
the State of Israel in Birkat Ha-Mazon
Q:
Did Rabbenu Ha-Rav Tzvi Yehudah say in the Birkat Ha-Mazon: "May the
Merciful One bless the State of Israel, the beginning of the blossoming of our
Redemption" and "May the Merciful One bless Tzahal, who stands guard
over our Land"? Can I add it?
A:
Rabbenu did not say it. You can add it
but it is preferable not to make changes.
After all, you see that Rabbenu did not add it and you are not more of a
Zionist than him. The State of Israel
and Tzahal are included in the blessing over the Land and the food (and see
Shut Beit Mordechai #28 and Shut Be-Ohela Shel Torah 4:5 who explain that there
is no blessing for the Mitzvah of Yishuv Eretz Yisrael since it is included in
this blessing in the Birkat Ha-Mazon).
CPR
Course
Q:
What is preferable – a CPR course or learning Torah during that time?
A:
Learning Torah, which resuscitates the soul.
Learning Torah is equal to them all.
Ha-Rav Moshe Feinstein wrote that while it is a Mitzvah to save people,
there is no Mitzvah to study medicine (In his Teshuvah on whether or not it is
permissible for a Cohain to study medicine.
Shut Igrot Moshe, Yoreh Deah 2:155).
Transgender
Q:
If a man undergoes an operation to become a woman, or visa-versa, what is
his/her status?
A:
There is doubt whether one is a male or female, and that person is required to
be strict in Mitzvot in both directions (It is written in Nishmat Avraham, Even
Ha-Ezer 44:3, that such an operation is certainly forbidden. And see Shut Tzitz Eliezer 10:25 which
discussions all of the issues involved).
Flag
of the State of Israel
Q:
Does the flag of the State of Israel possess holiness? Does one have to kiss
the flag if it falls on the floor? Must it be put in the Geniza if it is worn
out?
A:
No. It does not contain holiness. But one must treat it with respect (see
Nefesh Ha-Rav, pp. 99-100. Shut Igrot Moshe, Orach Chaim 1:46. We heard from
Rav Aharon Rakefet that Ha-Gaon Ha-Rav Moshe Feinstein once said that he did
not regret any of the Teshuvot he wrote, except for the one about davening in a
shul which has the flag of Israel, in which referred to those who had made the
Israeli flag as "Wicked").
Asking
a Rabbi
Q:
Must one ask a Rabbi regarding everything in his personal life?
A:
No. There are things which one can solve
by himself and there are things for which one needs help. See Orot Ha-Torah, Chapter 5.