Growing
a Beard
Q:
I want to grow a beard but my mother is opposed. What should I do?
A:
You should grow it, and appease her by telling her that you want to marry a
woman who wants a husband with a beard (Ha-Rav Chaim Kanievski related that the
Chafetz Chaim also gave the same advice, and the mother of the man agreed that
he should grow a beard. Minchat Todah p.
89).
Cohain
Leaving Eretz Yisrael
Q:
Is there more of a prohibition for a Cohain to leave Eretz Yisrael for the
impurity of the lands outside of Israel than the general prohibition of leaving
Eretz Yisrael?
A:
Yes (And this is the opinion of Ha-Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach. Halichot Shlomo – Tefillah, Chap. 10 note
#12. Unlike the opinion of Va-Yoel
Moshe, Maamar Yishuv Eretz Yisrael, Chap. 132 #11 and Shut Teshuvot Ve-Hanhagot
2:565).
Kol
Isha
Q:
Why is it written in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 75:3) that it is forbidden
to hear a woman sing during Keriat Shema, it is always forbidden to hear a
woman sing?
A:
Then it is forbidden to even hear your wife sing (And the Rama explains so
there).
Slap
for Rav Ovadiah's Honor
Q:
Is it permissible for me to give someone a slap who makes fun of Rav Ovadiah?
A:
No. But admonish him.
Shul
in Name of Yitzchak Rabin
Q:
Is there a problem to Daven in a Shul named in memory of Yitzchak Rabin?
A:
There is certainly no problem. That is a
strange question.
Adult
Films
Q:
A Rabbi said that one who watches adult films on the internet is evil. Is this true to such an extent?
A:
Certainly, since these films are made by taking advantage of poor and down-cast
women's weaknesses, forcing them, raping them and destroying them. One who is a partner to wickedness is evil.
Finds
a More Beautiful Woman
Q:
Rabbi Akiva says that if one finds a woman more beautiful than his wife, he is
permitted to get a divorce. Gittin
90a. This is difficult to understand.
A:
If one finds a woman more beautiful than his wife, it is a sign that the
marriage is in poor condition.
Boycotting
Israel
Q:
What should we do if European countries boycott Israeli products?
A:
Let's see how they get along without the technological advances we invented in
cell phone, computers and medical equipment.
Taking
Counsel with One's Wife
Q:
Why did Yaakov Avinu take counsel with Rachel and Leah about whether or not they
should return to Israel, when Hashem explicitly commanded him to do so?
A: One should not give his wife orders but
include her respectfully in the decision.
Commentary of the Shelah ibid.
Modesty
Q:
I dress extremely modestly but every time a hair pops out of my head-scarf, my
husband points it out. I am insulted and
I tell him. He then gives me
Mussar. What should I do?
A:
Tell him you are no longer a teenager in high school. And in any case, not all religious high
schools point out to the girls when something needs improvement. If need be, speak to my wife.
