Casino
Q:
Is it permissible to work for a website which involves casino gambling?
A:
No. 1. Gambling is forbidden. 2. It is taking advantage of poor people and
people who are addicted to gambling.
Time
of Zecher Le-Churban
Q:
Baruch Hashem, we built in a house in the community of Neriya! When does one have to make the Zecher
Le-Churban (part of the wall left undone as a remembrance of the destruction of
the Beit Ha-Mikdash) when moving into a new house?
A:
One is certainly obligated to make a Zecher Le-Churban. The Halachah however does not say that it is
forbidden to live in a house which does not have a Zecher Le-Churban, although
the person is lacking the fulfillment of a Positive Mitzvah. Regarding a Mezuzah, there is an opinion in
the Rishonim that it is permissible to live in a house without a Mezuzah, but
the basic Halachah is that it is forbidden to do so. This is not the case, however, for a Zecher
Le-Churban. But obviously, we have a
general principle: "The diligent fulfill
Mitzvot as early as possible" (Zerizim Makdimim Le-Mitzvot).
Musical
Instruments during Davening
Q:
Is it permissible to play instruments during Hallel?
A:
It is forbidden on account of "Chukat
Ha-Goyim - following the non-Jewish practices" (Shut Chatam Yoreh Deah
#84-96, Choshen Mishpat #192. Kaf
Ha-Chaim, Orach Chaim 151:19. Shut
Minchat Yitzchak 5:96).
Jewish
Star
Q:
We were told that one should place a Jewish star (Magen David) in his house as
protection. Is this true?
A:
No. There is no source in Judaism for
the Jewish star, though it is obviously a beloved symbol.
Mashiach's
Kippa
Q:
What type of Kippa will the Mashiach wear: knit, black velvet, etc.?
A:
We do not know what will happen in times of Mashiach until they happen. Rambam, Hilchot Melachim 12:2.
Demographic
Problem in Yesha
Q:
What does one answer to those who claim that we should leave Yesha on account
of the Arab population's higher birthrate than that of the Jewish population?
A:
1. It is a Mitzvah to settle of the entire Land of Israel and Hashem already
thought of this issue when He commanded us to do so. 2. If we were originally concerned about this
issue, we would not have established the State of Israel. 3. It is a lie. The birthrate among Arabs in Yesha is 2.8
children per family and is decreasing, while the Jewish birthrate is 5.1 children
per family and is increasing. It is true
that 20 years ago the birthrate in Yesha was 6.0 for Arabs and 2.5 for
Jews. Baruch Hashem, the Mitzvah of
"Be fruitful and multiply" is being fulfilled by us.
Hashem
is the King
Q:
There is a sticker which says "Hashem is the King". Is this a proper way to publicize the
Kingship of Hashem?
A:
1. Throughout the generations, our great Rabbis did not use this method. 2. Faith is deep and not a sticker. By the way, one must cover such a sticker when
one enters a bathroom.
Bringing
the Torah to People to Kiss
Q:
Is it permissible to bring the Sefer Torah in the Shul towards people who want
to kiss it?
A:
No. This is a disgrace to the Sefer
Torah. They should approach the Sefer
Torah. Piskei Teshuvot 134:6.
Anti-Semitism
Q:
Will Anti-Semitism ever end?
A:
The Rambam explains in Igeret Teiman that the reason for Anti-Semitism is
opposition to the word of Hashem.
Therefore, when humanity is in love with Hashem, Anti-Semitism will cease.
Talit
Switching
Q:
I accidentally switched my Talit with my friend's, and have been unable to get
in touch with him. It is permissible for
me to use his Talit?
A:
Yes. Since he will also use yours. Piskei Teshuvot 14:11.
Questions
in Emunah
Q:
If someone has questions in Emunah, does this mean that his faith is somehow
lacking?
A:
No. His faith is simple, which is a very
high level of faith. If he has
questions, however, he should learn books having to do with Emunah. See Midot Re'eiyah, Emunah #18.
