From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A [Thursday 15th Shevat 5785]

Every time I use the term Tu Beshvat in my Chabad Yeshiva, they tell me that the rebbe said not to use these words. Is there a source for such a thing?

No. In fact, this term was used in the Rebbe’s letters.

From the Rav’s Desk: Saying Chamisha Asar Beshvat versus Tu Beshvat

You are to continue to separate Maaser Sheiyni on all fruits that are picked after 15th of Shevat if they blossomed prior to the 15th. Hence, at least for the next several weeks all fruits will still retain their second year Maaser Sheiyni status.

The one exception to this is the lemon, which is under debate as to whether the fruit that is picked after the 15th follows the previous year or the new year and hence once a separate both Maaser Sheiyni and Ani due to the doubt, without reciting a blessing on the redemption of the Maaser Sheiyni.

From the Rav’s Desk: How to separate Maaser from Lemons-Maaser Ani or Maaser Sheiyni

1) olives; 2) dates; 3) grapes; 4) figs; 5) pomegranate

Ketzos Hashulchan 44:7

The sugared pineapple, since you like it more.

Which blessing should one precede-Hadama or Haeitz

Haeitz.

What blessing is recited over cranberries such as craisins-Haeitz or Hadama?

Yes.

Toras Menachem 5747 vol. 2 pg. 425; Piskeiy Teshuvos 225:17

Yes.

See

Saying Shehechiyanu on dried fruits

I hired a Frum girl from the community to do some cleaning help and cooking for me on Thursday night. She accidentally broke the food processor by placing a can of olives with pits instead of without. Can I make her pay for it. It cost over $200?

While there is a halachic discussion on this matter, and in many cases from the letter of the law they can be held liable, practically the custom is not hold them liable by accidental damage, and so is the final ruling today in Batei Dinim.

In addition, even if she were to be held liable in a court, I would recommend to follow the Alter Rebbe’s advice that even if a worker broke something due to negligence, it is a mitzvah for the employer to go above and beyond the letter of the law and be forgiving and not force him to pay for it. Furthermore, if the person is poor and needs the money, then one should pay him his full salary, and this is the way of the righteous, to do righteousness and justice above the letter of the law.

See Admur Hilchos Sechirus Halacha 19; Michaber and Rama C.M. 304:1; 333:6; Shach 333:39; Shvus Yaakov 3:177; Chavos Yair 106; Pischeiy Teshuvah 331:1; Aruch Hashulchan C.M.   331:7; Shaareiy Shlomo 2:71