Gemara
or Talmud
Q:
Why do we use the Aramaic word "Gemara" instead of the Hebrew word
"Talmud"?
A:
Out of fear of the censor, since the Christians made a decree to burn all of
the Talmuds, and they even hated the word "Talmud".
Carrying
a Weapon
Q:
I live in Yesha and want to carry a gun but my wife is scared to have a gun in
the house. What should I do?
A:
Carry a gun. But in your house, keep it
in a safe as the law requires.
Folding
One's Talit
Q:
Is it true that folding one's Talit on Motzaei Shabbat is a Segulah for Shalom
Bayit?
A:
No. And regarding this question, a
Tzadik answered: He should fold up his sleeves and help his wife. This is greatest Segulah for Shalom Bayit
(And some relate this in the name of the Satmar Rebbe. Satmar Chasidim end Shabbat very late due to
a long Seudat Shelishit and the Rebbe's talk. Once, on a Saturday night, the Satmar Rebbe
saw that one of his Chasidim was the last one in the Beit Midrash and was
folding his Talit with great precision. The
Rebbe asked him what he was doing. The Chasid said that he saw in various books
that care in folding one's Talit is a Segulah for Shalom Bayit. The Rebbe responded: A better Segulah is to go
home and help your wife wash dishes. And
others say this incident in the name of Ha-Rav Chaim Shmulevitz, Rosh Yeshivat
Mir. The book "U-Piryo Matok - Bereshit" of Ha-Rav
Yitzchak Zilberstein, p. 140).
Children
at a Funeral
Q:
At what age is it appropriate to bring children to a funeral?
A:
There are no set guidelines. It depends
on the child. If one does bring a child,
he should talk to the child about it both beforehand and afterwards. Bringing a child is sometimes necessary as a part
of final separation from a beloved person whose has passed away (see a
discussion of this issue at the end of Ha-Rav's book for children "Abba Lo
Yashuv – Abba Will Not Return" [Hebrew]).
Extra
Soul on Shabbat
Q:
Is it true that since one gains an additional soul on Shabbat, he does not gain
any weight?
A:
Nonsense.
Worms
for Fish Bait
Q:
Is it permissible to use worms for fish bait, or is it forbidden because of
"Tza'ar Ba'alei Chaim" (causing pain to animals)?
A:
It is permissible. 1. It is a human need
(Rama, Even Ha-Ezer 5:14). 2. Some
Poskim hold that "Tza'ar Ba'alei Chaim" does not apply to worms
(Piskei Teshuvot 156:23 #6).
Shiduchim
Q:
Why is it so difficult for me to find a Shiduch?
A:
It is impossible to solve this issue in a text message. You can call and we can think about this
together.
"Nusach Achid"
Q: I am Sefardi but feel a closer connection to "Nusach
Achid" (The "Unity" Nusach for davening) than the Nusach of Sefardim.
Can I use it?
A: "Nusach Achid" is essentially "Nusach
Sefard" of Ashkenazim (which was introduced by the Chasidim in Eastern
Europe). One should, as much as possible, use the Nusach of one's father and
ancestors (Shut Yechaveh Da'at 3:6. We have heard in the name of Ha-Rav Shlomo
Goren, who established "Nusach Achid", that his intention was not to
create a Nusach to unite Klal Yisrael, but to use in the army where it is
difficult to distribute all types of different Siddurim. He therefore chose this
Nusach, which contains aspects of the various traditions).
Payment for Damage
Q: Someone damaged my car and paid restitution. Is it
permissible for me to use the money for a different purpose?
A: Yes. He is obligated to pay for the damage, but the money
is yours.
Hilltop Youth
Q: What is Ha-Rav's view of the Hilltop Youth?
A:
Idealistic and courageous youth. They need to learn patience. The most important thing is that there not be
a war between Jews.
