Ha-Rav
answers hundreds of text message questions a day! Here's a sample:
Passing
of Ha-Rav Ovadiah Yosef
Q:
When Ha-Rav Ovadiah Yosef passed away, I recited the blessing of "Dayan
Ha-Emet". But I also feel that
there is a good aspect to it since he was dragged into disputes and spoke
against different communities. Should I
also recite the blessing of "Ha-Tov Ve-Ha-Meitiv", like in the case
of someone whose father dies and he receives an inheritance, in which he
recites two blessings: "Dayan Ha-Emet"
(over the death) and "Shehechiyanu" (over the inheritance. See Bereachot 59b).
A:
You are crazy (I say this to give you the benefit of the doubt).
Mashiach
Now!
Q:
After the immense pain of the passing of Ha-Rav Ovadiah Yosef ztz"l, I
have a feeling that the Mashiach is going to come right now. Is there a basis for this?
A:
No. We do not know when the Mashiach
will come, and we wait each day for his arrival. One of the Rambam's 13 Principles of Faith.
Utensil
which was Cooked in on Shabbat
Q:
Does one have to Kasher a utensil which was purposefully cooked in on Shabbat?
A:
No. Ha-Rav Ovadiah Yosef permits it
(Livnat Chen 42), although the Mishnah Berurah (318:4) does not (Ha-Rav is also
lenient for Ashekenazim, since it is a Rabbinic law).
Saying
"Tal U-Matar" Out Loud
Q:
It is permissible during the Shemoneh Esrei to say "Tal U-Matar" or
"Yaale Ve-Yavo" out loud in order to remind others to say it?
A:
One is required to recite Shemoneh Esrei with an awe of holiness, as one would
have standing before a king. It is
therefore forbidden, although some authorities are lenient (The Chazon Ish
opposed this custom since it was not proper to say it out loud during
Davening. Dinim Ve-Hanhagot Le-Chazon
Isj 4:24. Orchot Rabbenu Vol. 1, p.
207. Ha-Rav Chaim Kanievski related that
in his youth, he once Davened with his uncle, the Chazon Ish, on the 7th
of Marcheshvan (when we begin reciting "Tal U-Matar" in Eretz
Yisrael) and he raised his voice when he said "Tal U-Matar". After the Davening, the Chazon Ish came out
and said to him: "We do not yell out in Davening". Divrei Shi"ach #35 – Lech Lecha
5774. Ha-Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach,
however, said that there are Acharonim who mention the Shamash saying it aloud,
i.e. Magen Avraham 114:2, but it is improper for others to do so. Halichot Shlomo – Tefillah, Chapter 8 note
#20. Brought in Ishei Yisrael, Chapter
20 note #72. But Ha-Rav Yosef Shalom
Elyashiv said that others may do so since it is for the benefit of the
Davening. Ashrei Ish, p. 113. In any event, Ha-Rav Chaim Kanievski says
that there are those who are lenient in order to remind others, but it is
preferable to hit on the Shtender before the Shemoneh Esrei as a reminder. Da'at Noteh, p. 298).
Missed
Torah Reading
Q:
If we did not read the Torah reading on Shabbat, is it possible to make it up
at Minchah?
A:
Yes. Mishnah Berurah 135:5, unlike the
ruling of the Kaf Ha-Chaim ibid. #9.
Chalav
Stam
Q:
If I have a product that is not Chalav Yisrael and I do not eat it, is it Bal
Tashchit to throw it out?
A:
If it has Rabbinic certification, give it to someone who is not strict about it
(see Shut Igrot Moshe Yoreh Deah 1:47.
Shut She'eilat Shlomo 1:314).
Throwing
Bread
Q:
Is it permissible to throw bread in a clean place where one knows it will not
get ruined?
A:
No. This is a special stricture by
bread. Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim
171:1. Mishnah Berurah #9. But some permit it. Piskei Teshuvot ibid. #2.
