Volume 32 Number 43
Produced: Mon Jun 5 6:28:04 US/Eastern 2000
Subjects Discussed In This Issue:
Coca-Cola
[Keith Bloomfield]
Comforting a Mourner (2)
[Yisrael Medad, Carl Singer]
Computer Course For Frum Person
[Yitzchak Hirshman]
Conferences on Shabbat
[Jonathan Baker]
Keys on Shabbat (2)
[Janice Gelb, Alan Strauss]
Kiddush for a daughter as a segula for a good shiduch
[Judith Weil]
Lazman haze vs. Lizman haze
[Gilad J. Gevaryahu]
Mehadrin
[Batya Medad]
Mourning
[Batya Medad]
Napster
[Michael Lipkin]
Not eating Nuts on Yomim Noraim
[Dov Teichman]
Rav Shalom Masas
[Yisrael Medad]
Sale of liquor over Pesach
[Carl Singer]
Shir shel yom
[Alan Strauss]
Sihot of Rabbi Avigdor Halevi Nebenzahl
[Rabbi Yaakov Shemaria]
Three Stars and Shabbat
[Shalom Kohn]
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From: Keith Bloomfield <KMBloom@...>
Date: Fri, 2 Jun 2000 10:10:14 EDT
Subject: Re: Coca-Cola
I stand corrected. So is the use of HFCS during Passover acceptable?
Keith Bloomfield
[HFCS is Soda would not be acceptable for most Ashkenazi use, as Corn
Syrup is considered Kitnius and not used on Pesach. It should be
acceptable for most Sepharadim. Mod.]
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From: Yisrael Medad <isrmedia@...>
Date: Fri, 02 Jun 2000 16:14:25 +0300
Subject: Comforting a Mourner
Rose Landowne <ROSELANDOW@...> wrote:
>I increasingly see the custom of
>people lining up at the funeral parlor, before the funeral, before the
>kriah, actually, to go in, walk by, and say something comforting to the
>family...Are people experiencing this in other communities? (I live
>in Manhattan) Is there any justification for it?
Here in Israel, there is a new custom. Shortly after a death whether in
an accident, military duty or criminal incident, family members
including the closest, i.e., parents, children and spouses, agree to be
interviewed for the TV cameras, even live. On the one hand, that
journalists would see a story and reaction is one thing, but it appears
that many people actually seek out the press/media either to "unload" or
otherwise be famous (Warhol's 15 minute syndrome). The
announcer/interviewer speaks pro forma words of participation in grief,
and then the "show" continues.
Yisrael Medad
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From: Carl Singer <CARLSINGER@...>
Date: Fri, 2 Jun 2000 07:07:14 EDT
Subject: Re: Comforting a Mourner
Let me expand on the question -- what do we do if the funeral is delayed
for several days (it was rachmuneh lahatzlan out of the control of the
mourner due to divorce, this also happens at times to BT's re: non-frum
siblings / parents) -- and the person is an onane for an extended period
of time -- even "across" a Shabbos.
Carl Singer
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From: Yitzchak Hirshman <yhirshman@...>
Date: Fri, 2 Jun 2000 16:50:50 +0100 (BST)
Subject: Computer Course For Frum Person
I am a Kollel man, 30+, from yerushalayim with basic knowledge of
computers. I am looking for a course (ultimately a job) in computer
programming fit for a frum person. I have heard of one by Machon Lev (8
months - full day), would anybody be able to rate that one, propose an
alternative one, or give me any contacts.
"Gedola melacha shemechabedet et beala'ha" (Nedarim 49:1) Thanks alot.
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From: Jonathan Baker <jjbaker@...>
Date: Fri, 2 Jun 2000 14:24:37 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Conferences on Shabbat
My wife Debra wrote an extended essay on the subject, geared
particularly to science-fiction conventions, called "Cons for Frummies"
(by analogy to the "For Dummies" series). It was written for the SF
fanzine "Widening Gyre". You can read it at:
<http://www.nightroadsassoc.com/frummies.html>
Jonathan Baker | Daffynition: Omernasolaryngologist:
<jjbaker@...> | Iyar, nose & throat doctor.
Web page update: Teachings of the Rav http://www.panix.com/~jjbaker/
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Janice Gelb <j_gelb@...>
Date: Thu, 1 Jun 2000 09:27:45 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Keys on Shabbat
Y. Askotzky <sofer@...> wrote:
> The heter for the belt has absolutely nothing to do with a shinui! The
> key acts as an integral part of the belt and therefore it is
> considered as clothing which we obviously know is permissible to wear
> on shabbos! Its the same as the button on your shirt!
I've always found this, and the "key as brooch item of jewelry," to be
stretching the definition in the halacha although I know that
technically it's permissible.
To me, this is *not* the same as the buttons on your shirt: shirts are
sold with buttons. The only reason that the key is an integral part of
the belt is that you've modified the belt in order to be able to carry
the key. The key wouldn't be part of the belt buckle if you didn't want
to be able to carry it on Shabbat.
I much prefer either the combination lockbox method mentioned by Louise
Miller, or doing what a friend in Chicago did, converting his front door
lock to a mechanical combination lock. (He says that part of the added
cost is covered by the fact that they no longer have to replace the
numerous keys his children used to lose regularly :-> )
-- Janice
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From: Alan Strauss <Alan_Strauss@...>
Date: Fri, 2 Jun 2000 12:30:09 -0700
Subject: Re: Keys on Shabbat
<<I was given an ingenious idea by a friend who now lives in LA. We keep>>
<<our keys in a real estate agent lock box, which we have permanently >>
<<attached to our doorknob.>>
Another "key" issue that I have not heard much about is the act of
putting the key in the door and letting it swing inward (the key in the
door that is). What is happening there is the key is being transported
from r'shut harabim (public domain) to r'shut hayachid (private domain).
This might not be an issue in a private house with a front porch, but
what about in an apartment house.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Judith Weil <weildj@...>
Date: Thu, 01 Jun 2000 20:35:52 +0300
Subject: Re: Kiddush for a daughter as a segula for a good shiduch
>Someone told me that they heard of someone who went to a Rebbe and said
>that their daughter was having a big problem finding a shidduch. The
>Rebbe asked if they ever made a kiddush for their daughter to which they
>replied "no".
>The Rebbe said that they should make a kiddush for their daughter and she
>will then have success n finding a shidduch. To which they did.
>Has anyone heard of that ma'sey?>>
>
>Here's my question on that: Was the kiddush a "segula" in a mystical sort of
>way, or was it a way of publicizing the fact that the daughter was available
>for shiduchim? Either might have helped.
I heard this story once, and I got the impression that it was the good
wishes that did the trick. She'd missed out on the good wishes she
should have had as a baby.
However I must say that I did feel rather sorry for a girl of 20+ having
a kiddush in this way, and I wonder how they managed it tactfully. Maybe
someone can help here.
Best wishes,
Judith
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Gilad J. Gevaryahu <Gevaryahu@...>
Date: Fri, 2 Jun 2000 10:36:22 EDT
Subject: Lazman haze vs. Lizman haze
The Mishna Berura (Chafetz Chaim), the Aruch Hashulchan (R. Epstein),
following the Magen Avraham who follow the Marshal (brought in Mate
Moshe) say that we are supposed to pronounce 'bizman' and 'lizman'
instead of 'bazman' and 'lazman' in birkat hazman (Shehecheyanu
vekiyemanu vehigianu LAZMAN haze) and in Chanukah (bayamim ha-hem BAZMAN
haze) (OH 676). On the other hand, the authoritative Otzar Hatefilot
says that we should pronounce 'lazman' and 'bazman' (with a patach) but
does not cite any sources.
I have reviewed many siddurim and only Tehilat Hashem of Lubavitch
follow the pronunciation 'bizman,' 'lizman.' I am sure that there are
many siddurim which I did not review, and some might have 'bizman,'
'lizman' too, but they are the minority.
These words do not appear in the Bible under this construct, and
grammatically, the first letter should have a patach for the missing hey
of the definite article.
a. What is the source for 'bizman,' 'lizman'? Or, put it differently,
what is the story behind this varied pronunciation?
b. Why most of us (Ashkenazim) do not follow it?
Gilad J. Gevaryahu
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Batya Medad <isrmedia@...>
Date: Fri, 02 Jun 2000 14:06:35 +0300
Subject: Re: Mehadrin
Recently I was invited to a "sheva brachot" and asked to contribute
food. I readily agreed, but then I was told that it had to be
"mehadrin;" not only the food cooked for the event, but cooked in a
"mehadrin pot"... L'havdil, it sounds like the kosher covered frying
pan my sister bought for my visit last year. Is my "just plain
carefully kosher kitchen" traif for "mehadrin only eaters?" Or am I
just over-sensitive. I dread shmita for this reason. Kitniot's a dream
in comparison. One thing--it only lasts a week.
Batya Medad
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Batya Medad <isrmedia@...>
Date: Fri, 02 Jun 2000 14:06:35 +0300
Subject: Re: Mourning
It's a shame that even though the halachot of mourning are considered by
many mental health professionals to be the "best," people are influenced
by goyish customs. For years, my mother has complained about "serving
food" during shiva.
Here there's a problem, since though Ashkenazim don't, the Sephardim do,
in order to hear brachot.
Re: Rose's comment about visitors/comforters before the shiva. It would
be a good idea if the same close friends, or non-sitting family members
would "protect" the mourner/s by keeping people away. Politely of
course. In addition to answering the phones, instead of the mourner/s,
they should be at the door, since the open door is only after the
funeral, and isolate, if need be, the mourner before the funeral begins.
Batya Medad
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From: Michael Lipkin <msl@...>
Date: Fri, 2 Jun 2000 07:25:09 -0400
Subject: Napster
I would be interested to see a halachically based discussion on the
ethics of using this software.
For those who aren't familiar with it, Napster allows individuals to
exchange music files (mp3 format) via the internet. Napster maintains a
database of the users who have signed up and allowed access to their PC.
Using the software one enters an artist or song title and few seconds
later is presented with a listing of all the matches (there are already
lots of hits under "Carlebach", "Miami Boys Choir", etc.).
According to this week's cover story in Newsweek there are over 1
million songs in the database. Napster is causing a major ethics debate
in the secular world. (They are being sued by a recording industry
association group and 2 artists). Also, as more books go digital this
type of "problem" will expand to books as well.
Michael
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Dov Teichman <DTnLA@...>
Date: Thu, 1 Jun 2000 23:16:15 EDT
Subject: Re: Not eating Nuts on Yomim Noraim
Daniel Katsman writes:
<<(It reminds me of the gemara -- I don't remember where -- that at the
beginnining of the Bayit Sheni the Anshei Keneset ha-Gedola prayed for
the yetser ha-ra to be destroyed. Their prayers were answered, but had
a serious side effect: without the yetser ha-ra, nobody had the energy
or ambition to get any work done. They prayed again, and G-d brought
back the yetser ha-ra for everything except idolatry.)>>
This can be found in the Talmud Tractate Yoma 69b and Sanhedrin 64a.
Dov Teichman
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From: Yisrael Medad <isrmedia@...>
Date: Fri, 02 Jun 2000 16:16:10 +0300
Subject: Rav Shalom Masas
Kenneth G Miller <kennethgmiller@...> wrote:
>And in the last paragraph, Rav Zolti mentions that he also discussed it
>with Rav Shalom Masas, who was then the Sefaradi Chief Rabbi of
>Jerusalem,
and still is.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Carl Singer <CARLSINGER@...>
Date: Fri, 2 Jun 2000 07:11:03 EDT
Subject: Re: Sale of liquor over Pesach
<< With regard to $50 Dollar Scotch I am one great fan of single malt
scotch. I have been known to have $100 Dollar Scotch in my home.>>
We have friends who will not sell liquor as part of their chumetz, but
will only give it away (not to be given back.) Does anyone have sources
on this?
Carl Singer
[I would strongly suspect that this friend does not sell any actual
chumetz. It is our custom to get rid of all actual chametz except for
wiskey. From what I remember, this was quite common among the crowd I
grew up in, as the non-liquer chametz would not likely fall under hefsed
merubah (major loss). Things that are not actually chametz, just not
Kosher for Pesach is what was usually sold. Mod.]
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Alan Strauss <Alan_Strauss@...>
Date: Fri, 2 Jun 2000 12:35:33 -0700
Subject: Re: Shir shel yom
<<From: Irv Cantor <ibclc@...>
<<Can anyone give me source for a discussion of the reasons for each one
<<of the tehilim said at the end of davening each day, based on the
<<content of the particular perek that is said? I've never seen an
<<analysis of this.
I don't know exactly where, but the Gemara near the end of Masechet
Ta'anit explains each day's perek's significance.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Rabbi Yaakov Shemaria <shyaakov@...>
Date: Fri, 2 Jun 2000 13:09:34 +0200
Subject: Sihot of Rabbi Avigdor Halevi Nebenzahl
The latest volume of Sihot of Rabbi Avigdor Halevi Nebenzahl, ( the Rav
of the Old City of Jerusalem, and a Rosh Hayeshiva at Yeshivat Hakotel)
to Book of Bamidbar has just been released. The sihot are in Hebrew and
are were edited and annonated by Rabbi Yosef Eliyahu. The price is
$25.00. If interested please contact me Yaakov Shemaria
<shyaakov@...>
SHEMARIA JUDAICA - Israel's gateway to outprint Hebraica and Judaica Books
Rabbi Yaakov Shemaria
P.O. Box 15 - Beit El - D.N. 15 Mizrach Binyamin - 90631 Israel
phone: 00-972-2-997-2663 - Fax: 00-972-2-997-9007
E-mail: <shyaakov@...> - Web: www.judaicabooks.net
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From: Shalom Kohn <skohn@...>
Date: Fri, 2 Jun 2000 10:15:13 -0500
Subject: Three Stars and Shabbat
Does anyone on the m-j list have a contact with an astronomer (or
interested layman) who might assist in observations as to when 3 "stars"
are visible around sunset? I have been working on a paper/d'var torah
analyzing the views of Rabbeinu Tam on sunset (which I believe is
somewhat revolutionary), but need some help with empirical observations.
Unfortunately, in my urban area, city lights and buildings prevent me
from doing accurate observations on my own.
This work would be a good basis for paper on Historical Astronomy, which
would be of potential professional utility to anyone in the field
Any help would be appreciated.
Shalom L. Kohn
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End of Volume 32 Issue 43
