From the Rav’s Desk: Khat arla, Mi Shebeirach for Ger, nice vessel for Mayim Achronim

Question:

Is one required to separate Terumos Umaasros from the Khat plant whose leaves are used for chewing and swallowing the juice that comes out upon chewing it. The leaves are then spat out and not actually swallowed. Likewise, is one required to follow the Arla laws regarding this plant?

Answer:

The khat plant does not need to follow the years of Arla, and its leaves may be chewed as soon as they grow. Likewise, it is not necessary to tithe these leaves, as is the rule regarding all herbs that are not eaten.                                                       

Sources: Ruling of Rav Yosef Kapach and Rav Yitzchak Ratzabi in Beiros Yitzchak 5 Birchas Hapeirs 39 that so is the Yemenite custom See regarding Arla: Nidda 8a; Radbaz 499; 563; Avnei Nezer O.C.66:3; Har Tzevi Zeraim 2:6-2; See regarding Teruma Maaser:  Michaber Y.D. 294:2; Rambam Maaser Sheiyni 9:13; Mishneh Arla 1:7

How to call up a convert to the Torah if his parents also converted

Question:

My family converted to Judaism when I was a child. When I’m called to the Torah, shall I use my father’s current Jewish name, or should I be called up as Ben Avraham. I have a similar question regarding a Mi Shebeirach for the sick, should I be called by my mother’s Jewish name or as Ben Sarah?

Answer:

A convert is to be called up to the Torah as Ben Avraham even if both of his parents have converted. For Mi Shebeirach for the sick, he is to be called up as Ben Sarah, although some are accustomed to always say Ben Avraham for a Ger even by a Mi Shebeirach for the sick.                            

Sources: See Rama 139:3; Tzur Yaakov 33; Minchas Yitzchak 1:136; 2:115; 4:49; Kinyan Torah 1:48; Poseiach Es Yadecha p. 630 in name of Rav Chaim Kanievsky that one may call them Ben Avraham or Ben Sarah for Mi Shebeirach for sick

Question:

I was at the Judaica store and purchased a beautiful Mayim Achronim set as a gift for my hosts by whom I stayed over the summer, as I noticed that they didn’t have one. When I gifted it to them, they’re very touched and thanked me for it, although said that I shouldn’t feel ashamed if they don’t use it, because there custom is not to use a fancy vessel for Mayim Achronim. In the end I ended up exchanging it for something else that the family needed. In any event I would like to know what the Halacha really is about this matter? Is there really an issue with having fancy Mayim Achronim sets, and if so then why do they produce them?

Answer:

It is indeed recorded in Sefarim, including Sichos of the Rebbe Rayatz, that one should not use a silver vessel for Mayim Achronim as we do not desire to give the side of evil their portion in a fancy vessel. Based on this, some are accustomed not to have a beautiful Mayim Achronim set, even if not made of silver. The Rebbe was witnessed to use a plain glass cup for Mayim Achronim. While not forbidden, there is a root behind the custom of not having a designated fancy Mayim Achronim set.

Sources: See Kav Hayashar; Taamei Haminhgaim; Ashel Avraham Butchach Tinyana 181:2; Otzer HaChaim 106 and Darkei Chaim of Tzanz; Sefer Hasichos 1702 p. 92; Minhag Yisrael Torah; Piskeiy Teshuvos 181:13 footnote 18 and 51; Sefer Shemiras Haguf Vihanefesh [Lerner] 56:4; Maaseh Melech p. 53