From the Rav’s Desk: Covid patient eating in Sukkah; Using rubber bands to tie Lulav; How to say Hallel with “Family Minyan”; Hoshanos by Covid Minyanim; Printing papers Chol Hamoed; Cutting nails Chol Hamoed; Purchasing jewelry Chol Hamoed

1. Question: [Friday, 14^th Tishreiy 5780]

I am unable to tie my Lulav using Lulav leaves. May I use other material such as a rubber band.

Answer:

Yes.

Sources: See Admur 651:2-4

2. Question: [Sunday, 16^th Tishreiy 5780]

My child was playing with plastic straps used for tying Sukkos, also known as plastic handcuffs, and closed it over her wrist. It is loose enough to not be of danger but I cant slide it off. May I cut it on Shabbos?

Answer:

Yes.

The reason: In general, plastic is viewed as a non-sturdy material which may be destroyed on Shabbos for a Shabbos need. Now, although this material is strong and can last a long time, nevertheless sit is viewed as temporary and disposable and is usually used for short term purposes. Thus, it would fall under the above allowance to break on Shabbos.

Sources: See Admur 314:1; 16-18; Piskeiy Teshuvos 317 footnote 135 [permits]; Meishiv Nefesh p. 90 [leaves with Tzaruch Iyun]

3. Question: [Sunday, 16^th Tishreiy 5780]

How many people are needed to recite Hodu in Hallel out loud similar to the Chazan? How should Hallel be done at home if we are doing a “Family Minyan?”

Answer:

If one is reciting Hallel without a Minyan it is a Mitzvah to have another two people listen and answer [for Hodu and Ana]. Even one’s wife, and children that have reached Chinuch, join to make up the other two people needed for this purpose.  However, it is a Mitzvah Min Hamuvchar to say it with two other men that are above the age of Mitzvos.  Even if one has already recited Hallel he can join to answer for Hallel.

Sources: See Rama 422:2; Rama 479:1 regarding the night of the Seder; Admur 479:6 regarding the night of the Seder; See also Sefer Haminhagim p. 41

4. Question: [Monday, 17^th Tishreiy 5780]

Min Hatorah, how many strings must be tied to the corner of the Tzitzis for it to be Kosher. I am asking because I learned in today’s Rambam that there is no Shiur, which I thought was quite strange.

Answer:

Practically, it is implied from the Poskim that we rule that Biblically four strings are required, which are then folded into eight strings. However, the Rambam is of the opinion that this is only Rabbinically required. The Poskim indeed question this ruling of the Rambam and explain it in different ways.

Sources: See Admur 11:1; Menachos 39b; Tur 11; Rashi and Tosafus Menachos 38a; Taz 11:13; Rosh Tzitzis 6; Kesef Mishneh on Rambam Tzitzis 1:1 “It is implied from Menachos 39b that the number of strings is Biblical. Vetzaruch Iyun” Opinion of Rambam: See Rambam Tzitzis 1:1; Kesef Mishneh on Rambam ibid and Beis Yosef 11 who explains him to be saying that its only Rabbinical, although concludes with a Tzaruch Iyun, as brought above; Beis Yaakov of Rav Yaakov Beirav p. 52 that even according to the Rambam its Biblical; Birkeiy Yosef 13

5. Question: [Monday, 17^th Tishreiy 5780]

How should Hoshanos be performed when Davening in an outdoor Covid Minyan where we follow social distancing, and many people are on their porches and lawns?

Answer:

By such a case, the best thing is for the Chazan to perform Hoshanos alone around the Bima, and everyone else can bring a personal table outside with a Tanach on top of it and perform Hoshanos around their personal table. It is better to do it at the same time as the Chazan using one’s p[ersonal table than to do so around the street Bima after Davening.

Sources: See Bikureiy Yaakov 660:2 [negates if no Sefer Torah]; Ben Ish Chaiy Haazinu 1:15 who writes above Eitza by Yachid; Ashel Avraham Butchach 651 that Hoshanos was not instituted for a Yachid; Piskeiy Teshuvos 660:2

6. Question: [Monday, 17^th Tishreiy 5780]

I am sick with Covid and we do not have our own Sukkah [we do not have a porch] but rather a communal one that is used by our entire building. What should I do?

Answer:

Since it is not possible for you to reach your Sukkah and remain in your Sukkah without exposing others to the illness, you are therefore exempt from the Mitzvah, as there is no greater Mitztaer Patur Min Hassukah than this. You may eat and drink at home as you need, and may Hashem send you a complete Refua Shleima, and may the merit of you allowing others to perform the Mitzvah of Sukkah by not infecting them, or causing them to quarantine stand in your favor!

7. Question: [Monday, 17^th Tishreiy 5780]

May I print papers on Chol Hamoed?

Answer:

No, unless the papers are needed for the sake of Chag are needed for the public or is a great need, or is being done to prevent monetary loss.

The reason: It is disputed amongst Poskim as to whether we follow the end result or actual entailed effort regarding the definition of Maaseh Uman, and accordingly, whether using a printer on Chol Hamoed is considered Maaseh Uman is under this debate. Thus, initially it should only be done in cases that Maaseh Uman is permitted, such as Tzarchei Rabim, or Davar Haveid. Nonetheless, in a time of great need, seemingly one may be lenient as according to Admur Melacha on Chol Hamoed is a mere Rabbinical prohibition, and hence one can rule Safek Derabanon Lihakel in a case of great need.

Sources: See Elya Raba 460:6 in name of Amrakel; Ashel Avraham Butchach 545; Rav Moshe Feinstein in Sefer Chol Hamoed English 30; Rav SZ”A in SSH”K 66 footnote 209; Beir Moshe 7:41; Kinyan Torah 2:97; Chol Hamoed Kihilchaso 6:89 and 95; Piskeiy Teshuvos 545:2

8. Question: [Monday, 17^th Tishreiy 5780]

I forgot to cut my nails on Erev Yom Tov. May I do so now?

Answer:

No, unless you are Sephardi, in which case some communities are lenient. You should not cut them even on Erev Shemini Atzeres, unless they are causing you pain.

The reason: It is disputed amongst Poskim as to whether one may cut them on Erev Yom Tov Achron if one did not cut them before Yom Tov, and is usually particular to cut them. Practically, it is implied from Admur that one should not do so.

Sources: See Michaber and Rama 532:1; Admur 468:6; Shaareiy Teshuvah 468:1; Kaf Hachaim 532:5; Chol Hamoed Kihilchasa 4:6

9. Question: [Monday, 17^th Tishreiy 5780]

May I purchase jewelry on Chol Hamoed?

Answer:

Yes, if needed for Simchas Yom Tov [i.e. will be worn on Yom Tov].

Sources: Michaber 539:11 regarding clothing and the same applies to jewelry; Piskeiy Teshuvos 539:5 and 7a