Environmental Quality
Q: Is Halachah "Green", obligating us to be concerned
about environmental issues?
A: Yes. It is forbidden to cause damage to the environment.
But we must always weigh the expense of protecting it against other essential
expenses such as food for the poor, education and the military.
Friendship
Q: In which book can I learn about proper friendship?
A: Mesilat Yesharim (See also Ha-Rav's book "Vehalachta
Bidrachav").
Yom Kippur Katan
Q: What is the source for the custom of observing Yom Kippur Katan
on every Erev Rosh Chodesh? Is it
obligatory?
A: Rabbi Moshe Cordovero, brought in the Mishnah Berurah Chapter
#417. The custom is not obligatory, but
one should fix Erev Rosh Chodesh as a day of repentance.
Fasting on Rosh Chodesh
Q: Is there a problem with fasting on Rosh Chodesh?
A: It is forbidden. Mishnah
Ta'anit. Shulchan Aruch (Ta'anit
15. Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 418:1).
Torah Learning by a Mourner
Q: The Ben Ish Chai relates in his commentary on the Gemara
"Ben Yehoyada" (Berachot 24b) that a great Rabbi who could not
restrain himself learned Torah when he was sitting Shiva (subjects that are not
permitted during this time). And there
are other similar stories. Is it
permissible to act in this way?
A: No. Although it is
written in the Talmud Yerushalami in Moed Katan (3:5) that it is permissible
for one who is impassioned about learning Torah to do so during Shiva, the
Halachah does not follow this opinion (Ha-Rav Chaim Kanievski said that this
story of the Ben Ish Chai is not true.
Derech Sichah Vol. 1 pp. 100-101.
Ha-Rav Ovadiah Yosef, however, quotes it in Shut Yabia Omer 2 YD
26. It is also told that the Rogachover
Gaon would learn Torah on Tisha Be-Av (aside from the permitted subjects) since
he could not restrain himself. Roah
Devarcha p. 225. Derech Sicha Vol. 1 p.
487. The Lubavitcher Rebbe said the same
of his boyhood teacher. Siach Sarfei
Kodesh p. 178. And see Shut
Ha-Meharsha"m 1:84 who notes that he wrote this Teshuvah on Tisha
Be-Av. He explains that this Teshuvah
involves freeing an Agunah, and it is written that one who frees an Agunah
builds one of the destroyed areas of Yerushalayim. It is certainly proper to do so on Tisha
Be-Av when we mourn the destruction of Yerushalayim. Aleinu Le-Shabe'ach – Devarim p. 530).
Maaser Kesafim
Q: Ha-Rav said that it is not permissible to give Maaser Kesafim
as a wedding gift since this money is designated for the poor. What is the definition of a poor person?
A: Someone who lacks the essentials.
Q: Everyone lacks something!
A: Nice Pilpul, but Pilpul is not food for the poor.
Temple Mount
Q: Is it permissible today to visit the Temple Mount?
A: Since the Chief Rabbinate of Israel posted signs there saying
that it is forbidden, there is not even a question. There is therefore no need for an answer.
War
Q: Why do we need a large army?
Perhaps it is preferable to have a small army! Hashem will protect the few in the military,
and the many in the merit of their learning Torah?
A: We do not rely on miracles.
"When a camp goes out against your enemies". Devarim 23:10. We do not go out haphazard but in a
well-organized manner. Sifre ibid. Malbim ibid.
Netilat Yadayim for Birkat Cohanim
Q: I am a Cohain. The
doctor told me that it is forbidden for me to get my hands wet for two
days. What should I do?
A: Do not go up to recite the Birkat Cohanim (See Shulchan Aruch,
Orach Chaim 128:6. Piskei Teshuvot ibid.
note #90).