Choosing
a Nursery School
Q:
How does one choose a nursery school?
A:
Choose the one where the teacher is the most motherly (see Ha-Rav's book
"Chinuch Be-Ahavah" Volume 1).
Wedding
Present
Q:
I am invited to my friend's wedding, but do not have money to buy a gift
because I am a student and work to pay for my studies. Is it permissible for me to eat at the wedding?
A:
It is permissible. Each person according
to his ability (see Shut Aseh Lecha Rav 1:24 that one should bring a wedding
gift which is worth at least as much as the meal being served. But I have heard Rav Aviner say that it is
understood that some of those invited are unable to bring a gift, and the bride
and groom understand and are just happy that they come to the wedding).
Stolen
Bikes
Q:
There are illegal immigrants in Tel Aviv who sell bikes which seem to be
stolen. Is it permissible to buy them?
A:
Certainly not, as our Sages say: The mouse is
not what steals, but rather its hole - i.e. without the hole, the mouse would
not have reason to steal. Likewise, without a buyer, the thief would not have
reason to steal (Gittin 45a).
Using Another's Sefer Without Permission
Q: Is it permissible to use someone's Sefer?
A: It is forbidden without his permission, since there is a
fear that the pages might tear. Rama,
Orach Chaim 14:4.
Q: What about a Siddur or Machzor?
A: Same. Mishnah
Berurah #16. But some permit it since people
are not particular about them. Aruch
Ha-Shulchan #13.
Emunah through Intellect
Q: Does Emunah have to be through one's intellect?
A: No. Emunah is intellect
above normal intellect: it is cleaving to Hashem. See Midot Ha-Re'eiyah, Emunah 18.
Ambush on Shabbat
Q: If a soldier goes out of an ambush on Shabbat or returns
from an ambush on Shabbat, is it permissible for him to take personal items
with him?
A: It is permissible to take food which will contribute to
his alertness. There is a dispute
regarding non-essential items. The
Chafetz Chaim is lenient in his book "Machane Yisrael" (see
Ke-Chitzin Be-Yad of Ha-Rav Avichai Ronski, former Chief Rabbi of Tzahal,
Volume 2 pp. 36-37. And Kishrei Milchama
of Colonel Ha-Rav Eyal Krim,
head of the Halachah Department of Tzahal, Volume 4 pp. 86-90).
