Soldier
Forced to Write
Q:
If a soldier is forced to write on Shabbat in order to protect lives, is it
preferable to write with a pen or computer?
A:
With a computer, since writing with a pen or pencil is a Torah prohibition, and
writing with a computer in such a situation is a Rabbinic prohibition (see
Kishrei Milchamah 3:41).
Difficulty
in Concentrating during Davening
Q:
Despite my best efforts, I can't concentrate during the Shemoneh Esrei. What should I do?
A:
Concentrate at least during the first Blessing – "Avot" and at the
conclusion of each blessing. Shulchan
Aruch, Orach Chaim 98:1. Mishnah Berurah
#1.
Removing
Tefillin to use the Restroom
Q:
If one removes his Tefillin in order to use the restroom, does he recite
another blessing when he puts them on again?
A:
Ashkenazim recite a blessing. There are
divergent opinions among Sefardim (Mishnah Berurah 25:47, 8:37. Biur Halachah 25:12 d.h. Ve-Yesh Omrim. Ben Ish Chai, Shana Alef, Vayera #13. Kaf Ha-Chaim 25:78).
Sichot
Ha-Rav Tzvi Yehudah
Q:
What is unique about Sichot Ha-Rav Tzvi Yehudah?
A:
1. It contains the essentials of Rabbenu's philosophy in a manner comprehensible
to all. 2. It is based on the weekly
Torah portions. 3. It does not explain
individual words and sentences, rather is a meeting with the Master of the
Universe.
Ha-Rav
Moshe Feinstein's Opinion Regarding Smoking
Q:
I heard that Ha-Rav Moshe Feinstein permits smoking.
A:
This is how he ruled when the doctors said that smoking was not dangerous (Reb
Moshe's son, Ha-Rav David Feinstein, also said that his father's ruling in Shut
Igrot Moshe, Choshen Mishpat 2:76, allowing one to act leniently and smoke was
based on the presumptions of that time that the overwhelming majority of those
who smoked were not in danger. This is
certainly no longer the case. Kovetz
La-Torah Ve-Hora'ah 5772 p. 67).
Davening
in the Wrong Direction
Q:
After I finished Davening, I realized that I was not facing Yerushalayim. Do I have to Daven again?
A:
You fulfilled your obligation (Be'er Heitev, Chapter 94. Shut Meishiv Davar 1:10. Shut Teshuvot Ve-Hanhagot 1:79).
Soldier
Washing Uniform on Shabbat
Q:
If a soldier's uniform is filthy and unbearable to wear, is it permissible to
wash it on Shabbat?
A:
A non-Jew may wash it for him. Shulchan
Aruch, Orach Chaim 276:2. Mishnah
Berurah #25. And it is considered for
the sake of a Mitzvah.
Yishmael
Q:
It is permissible today to name one's son Yishmael? After all, Yishmael, the son of Avraham
Avinu, repented (Baba Batra 16a. Rashi
on Bereshit 25:9).
A:
It is permissible. There was Rabbi
Yishmael Cohain Gadol and others with that name.
