Ha-Rav
answers hundreds of text message questions a day. Here's a sample:
Name
of Eliezer
Q:
Why isn't Eliezer's name mentioned in the entire story of him being sent by Avraham
Avinu to find wife for Yitzchak Avinu?
A:
Because he was not independent but rather an agent of Avraham Avinu (And Ha-Rav
Yechezkel Levenstein once answered that it was not for a lack of honor. On the contrary, he was given the most honorable
of titles: "Servant of Avraham".
Peninim Mi-Shulchan Gavoha - Bereshit p. 121).
Forgotten
Items in Shul
Q:
What should we do with the piles of items which were forgotten in our Shul?
A:
Hang a sign that they will be disposed of in two weeks (a person uses the Shul
based on this understanding).
Hitler,
may his name be blotted out
Q:
Is it true that Hitler did not commit suicide in the year 5705 but rather fled
and hid in various countries?
A:
These rumors were spread by Stalin to confuse the West. This issue was researched at length and it
was clearly concluded in 5778 that he died in 5705, may his name be blotted
out.
Flag
on Shabbat
Q:
Is a flag Muktzeh on Shabbat?
A:
No.
Sitting
in Bus Stop
Q:
Is it permissible for me to sit on the bench in a bus stop if I do not intend
to ride the bus?
A:
Yes. On condition that you are not
taking the place of someone who is planning to ride the bus.
Satmar
Rebbe and the World to Come
Q:
Does the Satmar Rebbe have a place in the World to Come, or does he not,
because he separated himself from the community?
A:
He certainly does! And you must perform
Teshuvah for asking such a question! (see the introduction to our book
"Alo Naale").
Aa-aa-men
Q:
Is it permissible to say aa-aa-men at the end of a blessing when it fits the
tune?
A:
No. It distorts the word.
Cell
Phone in Pocket During Davening
Q:
Is it permissible to leave a cell phone in my pocket during Davening?
A:
With two conditions: 1. You do not use it at all. 2. The ringer is off.
Arab
Children during Military Activities
Q:
I am a combat solider. Sometimes during
military activities in Arab homes, there are young children who are very
scared. I thought about giving them
candy. Is it a good idea?
A:
Certainly. Hashem is merciful to all of
his creations. Obviously, you should
only do this with your officer's permission.
Books
of Heresy
Q:
Is it permissible to steal books of heresy from a book store and burn them at
home?
A:
No! And you need to learn a lot of
Mesilat Yesharim.
