Netilat
Yadayim on One Hand
Q:
If someone has only one hand, does he recite "Netilat Yadayim" (in
the plural) or "Netilat Yad" (in the singular)?
A:
"Netilat Yadayim". The same is
true if one is only able to do Netilat Yadayim on one hand because it is
paralyzed or bandaged. Piskei Teshuvot
158:3.
Person
who Faked Kidnapping
Q:
A person faked his kidnapping and caused a huge burden for Tzahal. Can a claim be made against him for the
expense?
A:
Yes. He should also be imprisoned for
doing so, in order to prevent such future cases.
Student
Ticket
Q:
I am a student in Yeshiva. When I travel
on the light-rail, is it permissible for me to buy a student ticket?
A:
Ask the information desk of the light-rail or your Rabbi in Yeshiva.
Nechama
Leibowitz
Q:
Is it proper to learn the books of Nechama Leibowitz? Are the things she writes worthwhile?
A:
Almost all of them.
Reciting
Tehillim
Q:
Is there value in reciting Tehillim quickly, without thinking about their
content?
A:
There is always a value in reciting holy words in any form, but the true value
of reciting Tehillim is in acquiring the character trait of piety. Mesilat Yesharim Capter 21 (Ha-Rav Yosef
Shalom Elyashiv was once asked about the custom which many women have taken on
of reciting Perek Shira, and he responded: "I do not know about it. Our mothers and grandmothers would recited
Tehillim, and this is certainly good.
After all, Perek Shira is a Baraita, and if one does not understand what
he is saying, it is nothing, which is not the case with Tehillim, which also
benefits one even if he does not understand what he is saying". And another time, Rav Elyashiv said about
reciting Tehillim without understand the words: "This is okay, David
Ha-Melech had enough Kavanah for all of us". Eulogy for Rav Elyashiv by his son, Ha-Rav
Avraham in the book "Reish"a De-Geluta" p. 12 and
"Ha-Sod" p. 48).
Shaming
a Torah Scholar
Q:
If I hear a Torah scholar belittling my Rabbi, should I respond?
A:
Flee from dispute (see Imrot Tehorot of Ha-Rav Yehoshua Tzvi Michal Shapira).
Talkbacks
Q:
Is it permissible to read talkbacks on the internet?
A:
Certainly not. They are filled with
Lashon Ha-Ra, lies, insults and shaming Torah scholars. They contain all of the transgressions of
speaking, even worse than in the newspapers.
Do not read and do not respond.
