Q:
Is there anything wrong with patronizing a kosher branch of a fast-food store that is modeled after a goyishe franchise? Let’s say there’s a glatt kosher McDonalds, can I go in there to eat?
A:
Go someplace else. The name already smells bad.
TAPE #613
Q:
Is the davening I do in שמונה עשרה enough, or do I have to talk to Hashem besides that, at the end of the שמונה עשרה?
A:
Now רבותי, that’s a very important question. I must tell you that all the things, the specific things, that you want Hashem to do for you, you should say it then. Don’t rely on שמונה עשרה, because שמונה עשרה itself is too general – [at this point the tape ends וחבל על דאבדן]
TAPE #E-199
Q:
Is the ספר הישר reliable for learning Jewish history?
A:
Now, you really shouldn’t ask me that question because I don’t want to say anything about ספרים. However, you’ll find better history in other ספרים. Better than the ספר הישר. Better history. It’s a form of מדרש but it’s not guaranteed to be on the same level as the מדרש רבה and other מדרשים.
TAPE #E-162
Q:
Is it important to learn CPR, in order to know how to revive somebody?
A:
It’s important to do whatever you can, so that you can learn what to do in case of emergencies. It’s a mitzvah.
TAPE #489
Q:
I read recently that some astronomers have informed us that in the year 2126 a comet of ice will collide with the earth and destroy the world? What should our attitude be when we hear news like that?
A:
We should say, “Ah nechtigeh tug.” It’s an absurdity! We shouldn’t even bother repeating such foolishness. It’s a waste of time.
TAPE #901
Q:
The Rav said that we have to be more involved with spiritual matters and try to avoid luxuries. But what are we supposed to do when we go to tzedaka auctions and things like that, where they’re giving away these types of luxurious items?
A:
If you want to be an עולם הבא person and you don’t want to live a luxurious life, then take the item that you win and give it back to the Yeshiva. There’s no rule that you have to accept all the luxuries and use them. You paid for it, you won, and now you can donate it back again. The tzedaka organization can use it to make more money. Give it back – I don’t see the problem.
TAPE # 815
