Why
Ha-Rav Wears a Non-Black Knit Kipa
Q:
In a talk, Ha-Rav said that although the basic Halachah is that one may wear a
non-black Kipa, there is a positive aspect to wearing a black Kipa, as was the
practice of many in previous generations, including Rabbenu Ha-Rav Tzvi Yehudah
and many of his great students also follow this practice. If so, why doesn’t Ha-Rav want the Zechut of
wearing a black Kipa? Why does Ha-Rav instead
wear a blue Kipa with a white stripe?
A:
I want to wear a Kipa similar to that of Tzahal soldiers, who display
self-sacrifice to sanctify Hashem's Name (i.e. a knit Kipa with color).
Choosing
a Yeshiva
Q:
How does one choose a Yeshiva?
A:
By finding a place where he will be filled with the most positive character
traits and fear of Hashem, and where he will learn the most Torah.
Class
on "Road Safety" to Arabs
Q:
Can I teach classes on "Road Safety" (both for drivers and
pedestrians) in an Arab school?
A:
Absolutely. It is part of the seven
Mitzvot incumbent on non-Jews.
Mitzvot
Worth 20 Times in Eretz Yisrael
Q:
Rabbenu Ha-Rav Tzvi Yehudah said in the name of the Chafetz Chaim that
fulfilling a Mitzvah in Eretz Yisrael is worth 20 times of fulfilling the same Mitzvah
outside of Israel (Le-Netivot Yisrael Volume 1, pp. 160, 202. Sichot Ha-Rav Tzvi Yehudah - Vayikra, p.
265. Sichot Ha-Rav Tzvi Yehudah - Talmud
Torah, p. 247). What is the source of 20
times?
A:
It is just an expression to emphasize that fulfilling Mitzvot in Eretz Yisrael
is on a different level (The Satmar Rebbe said that fulfilling a Mitzvah in
Eretz Yisrael is worth twice that of fulfilling it in Chutz La-Aretz. Vayoel Moshe, Ma'amar Yishuv Eretz Yisrael
132:1. He also writes that transgressing
in Eretz Yisrael is much more severe than doing so outside of Israel).
Edible
Page of Gemara
Q:
Is it permissible to print a page of Gemara on edible material to put on a cake
and then eat it?
A:
No, since it is forbidden to erase words of Torah. Although there is room to discuss the fact
that it was printed for this purpose (See Shut Zekan Aharon 2:70).
Inviting
Rabbis to Wedding
Q:
My son is getting married and I don't have the courage to invite all of the Rabbis,
since it would mean hours of travel for them to get there. What should I do?
A:
Indeed, do not invite them. It is Bitul
Torah (The Meharshag said that his Rebbe, the Maharam Shick, told his grandson
not to go to all happy occasions and weddings, adding that when one sits and
learns Torah, he never regrets it. Shut
Meharshag 2:125. And at the wedding of
the granddaughter of the Admor of Tzanz from Netanya, they were discussing this
Teshuvah, and Ha-Rav Shlomo Lemberger, Av Beit Din Makava Ashdod, said: My
father ztz"l would say: And how many weddings where there in the
Meharshag's city? Two or three a
year… The Admor of Tzanz said: In the
large cities like Bnei Brak, it is difficult to fulfill the obligation to
participate in Simchas… B"H, Bli
Ayin Ha-Ra, there are so many every day, may they increase… In the weekly parashah sheet 'Betzila
Demehimnuta' - Parashat Vayera 5778).
Great
Torah Scholars and Redemption
Q:
How is it possible that great Torah scholars hold that Redemption cannot come
through natural processes?
A:
They are great Torah scholars in other areas.
