We will now begin discussing the Melachos of Boneh and Soser, building and destroying, on Shabbos. This set of Halachos is quite intricate and full of details and sometimes surprising applications which B'Ezras Hashem we will understand more fully by the time we get through them.
1) It is prohibited to build something on Shabbos, even if the item being built is only partially built, the transgression is in effect for the part that was built. (Mishna and Talmud Shabbos 102b. See also Rambam Hilchos Shabbos Perek 10:12)
Even one who fills in a small crack in an otherwise fully built wall has transgressed the Melacha of Boneh. (ibid.)
2) Any improvement made to any existing structure is a transgression of Boneh even if nothing was actually added to the structure. (See Talmud Shabbos 73b)
Even if one makes a hole in an existing wall for the purpose of placing a window into that space, or even for the purposes of the hole allowing outside air or light into the home, the Melacha of Boneh has been transgressed. (Rambam Hilchos Shabbos Perek 10:14)
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Reader's Question:
I will be doing an activity with my class in which girls get blindfolded and taste foods. Before I put the food in their mouth, I will tell them to make the appropriate bracha. Do they have to make a bracha on the following foods, and if yes, which bracha: salt, oil, cocoa, flour.
Which brachos should I tell them to make on: strawberry jam, honey, bamba (snack), klik (choc. balls with some crispy cookie or wafer-like substance inside), lasso (licorice)?
Answer:
The best thing to do would be for them to make the appropriate brachos on different foods first and have in mind to exempt whatever else you "serve" them.
However, since you asked, I will answer:
Salt: If enjoyed a bit, SheHakol, otherwise since it isnt a food that is eaten, even when one is extremely hungry no Bracha. (See Mishna Berura Siman 204:5)
Oil: If it's olive oil, and it isn't dangerous to drink it would be Borei Pri HaEitz. Other oil is SheHakol. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 202: 4 and 8)
Cocoa: SheHakol
Flour: It is no better than raw dough which according to most Poskim is SheHakol ( Some may rule Mezonos. A Rav should be consulted for halacha L'Ma'aseh)
Strawberry jam: SheHakol
Honey: SheHakol
Bamba:SheHakol (according to some opinions, HaAdama)
Klik (choc. balls with some crispy cookie or wafer-like substance inside):probably Mezonos, as the wafer is there for taste and not just for texture. A Rav should be consulted for halacha L'ma'aseh.
Lasso (licorice): Although it contains flour, it is only there as a binder to hold it together, and is not there to add to the taste or nutrition value, thus it isn't significant, according to most contemporary Poskim, and a Shehakol is recited. (There are some Poskim that rule to say Mezonos on certain licorices, so for halacha L'ma'aseh a Rav should be consulted)
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
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זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
Bizback2
Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a "steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout.
Today's Halachos are dedicated by a daily reader as a Zechus Refuah Sheleimah for [baby] Aryeh Lev ben Einat Hadassah B'soch Sha'ar Cholei Yisroel.
1) It is permitted to add salt to eggs, meat and other foods on Shabbos for use at the meal now being eaten.
It is best not to add salt to foods in preparation for a meal that will not be eaten until later on that Shabbos, and surely not for foods that will not be eaten until after Shabbos. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 321:3 and Mishna Berura S"K 21)
2) Large quantities of salt water should not be prepared on Shabbos as doing so looks like they will be used for pickling.(Shulchan Aruch Siman 321:2)
However, it is permitted to prepare small quantities of salt water which will be used during the meal now being eaten. (ibid.)
If the mixture will consist of two thirds salt to one third water, even small quantities may not be prepared on Shabbos. (ibid. See also Mishna Berura S"K 12)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Reader's Question:
On Friday nights, I often walk down a street where it is almost impossible not to turn on a "motion-sensor" light (houses on both sides of the street have them). Is this a violation of Shabbos? Is one obligated to take a different route to try to avoid this problem?
Answer:
Some Poskim allow one to walk by these motion sensors L'Chatchilah, as long as it isn't your intention to turn the lights on, but are simply walking to your destination.
It is best to try and not walk by these sensors if possible to cross the street or take a different but equally short route, but if it is impossible or extremely inconvenient, you don't need to walk out of your way and may rely on the Poskim that allow it.
See Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 9 Siman 69. See also Chayei Adam Hilchos Shabbos Klal 18:3 and the explanation of the Nishmas Adam there that even though it's a Psik Reisha (it will surely happen) it is permitted as something that is a pesik Reisha is only prohibited if an extra action needs to be done to cause the Melacha. However in cases that one simply does what he would do anyhow (such as in your case where you are walking and not doing any extra action to cause the light to go on) even in instances of pesik Reisha its allowed.
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
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זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
Bizback2
How much better do we behave when someone is watching?
Our morals, like our clothes, seem designed for display.
In The House of Mirth, Edith Wharton writes of one of her characters: "It would have been impossible for Mrs. Peniston to be heroic on a desert island." Knowing others are looking spurs us to goodness, as the motorist who spots a camera at the corner brakes at the yellow light. Technology might help here: Perhaps a camera in every cellphone will lead to a viral outbreak of ethical behavior?
In the Mishna, Hillel declares, "In a place where there are no men, strive to be a man." This is usually taken to mean that when other people are acting in an indifferent or cowardly fashion, one should stand up and be a mature, courageous human being. But it could also mean that one should act as a mensch -- a decent person -- when there are no others around, in a place where there literally are no men. God may be always watching but many of us care less for God's good opinion than for that of our neighbors. So we may have to fall back on the old standby -- strength of character, the kind of rock solid soul that would lead one to be heroic, even alone, on a desert island.
Submitted by daily reader Chana; written by Authoer David Wolpe
1) It is permitted to add salt to vegetables which are not commonly pickled and vegetables where salt does not further process them; rather it simply enhances their taste.
Thus it is permitted to add salt to slices of tomatoes, peppers and similar vegetables. (See Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchaso Perek 11 footnote 6 quoting Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal that although tomatoes are indeed pickled, they are only pickled whole and not in slices and thus adding salt to slices does not look like pickling. Furthermore, tomatoes that are pickled are usually pickled in vinegar and not in salt and thus when adding salt to them we are not concerned that it will look like pickling.)
2) A salad that contains a medley of vegetables may be salted as long as the majority of vegetables in the mixture are the varieties that aren't commonly pickled. (See Orchos Shabbos Vol. 1 page 261 footnote 20)
Moreover, if the salad contains oil, vinegar or salad dressing it is surely permissible to add salt [here, even if a majority of the vegetables are of the variety that are commonly pickled] as once the dressing has been added it weakens the salt's ability to further pickle any of the vegetables, as we discussed yesterday. (Mishna Berura Siman 321:14)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Reader's Question:
I just davened mincha and for most of the brachos, the chazzan didn't leave even a tiny pause between finishing one bracha and starting then next one.
I heard that one needs to say Amen before the chazzan starts the next bracha and if he says it afterward, it is an Amen Yesoma.
First I want to clarify if this is indeed correct. if it is, would this also affect the chazzan's brachas being L'vatala?
Answer:
This is a huge problem indeed.
The halacha is that the Shatz may not proceed with the next bracha until at least the majority of the Tzibur (and in certain cases, where the bracha is an obligation such as shofar, Kidush etc. the entire Tzibur) has answered Amen.
Many Poskim rule that Chazaras Hashatz today has a status like a Bracha that needs to be heard, and thus the entire Tzibur must be done answering Amen.
Answering Amen after the Shatz is already a few words into the next Bracha is an Amen Yesoma and should not be answered, as its better to not answer Amen than to Chas V'Shalom answer an Amen Yesoma that has punishments attached to it.
The Rav/gabbai of each shul should indeed make sure that people davening for the Amud are aware that they must slow down and not start the next Bracha until all (or at least most) of the Tzibur responded Amen to the last Bracha.(See Shulchan Aruch Siman 124:8 and 9 and Mishna Berura S"K 31-38. See also Biur Halacha Dibur Hamaschil Miyad Shekala.)
This applies to Kaddish as well.
Regarding Bracha L'Vatalah, if the first Bracha of Chazaras Hashatz didn't have 9 people answer Amen to it properly, indeed it is a Bracha L'Vatalah. The rest of the Brachos, may also be Brachos L'Vatalos, or at least close to it. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 124:4 and Shu"t Minchas Shlomo end of Siman 10)
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
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זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
"Torah is the ammunition which one can use to be victorious in the constant battle of life.
But without learning mussar as well , one will not realize that he's even in the midst of a war and all the ammunition in the world is not going to help."
Rav Nosson Wachtfogel Zatzal quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
1) It is prohibited to add salt on Shabbos to [a quantity of] vegetables which are commonly pickled or to any vegetables where salt would further process and enhance them. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 321:3)
Thus, it is prohibited to salt [a quantity of] radishes, onions, garlic, cucumbers and similar vegetables. (See Mishna Berura Siman 321:13)
This prohibition is in place even if the vegetables will be eaten immediately, before the salt is able to start working to process them, as even though they aren't actually being pickled, it still looks like they are. (Mishna Berura Siman 321:14)
If oil or vinegar has been added to the vegetables it is then permitted to add salt, as once the oil or vinegar is added it minimizes the effect of the salt and is not likened to pickling. (Mishna Berura ibid.)
2) It is permitted to add salt to one piece of any of the aforementioned vegetables if the intention is to eat this piece right away, as salting one piece and eating it right away does not resemble pickling. (Mishna Berura ibid.)
However, if it will not be eaten right away, even one piece of the vegetable may not be salted. (ibid.)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Reader's Question:
I have heard that there is no problem with making a bracha when drinking water from a water fountain. How is this possible due to the fact that one can not see the water he is about to drink?
Answer:
Although the food/drink one is reciting a Bracha over needs to be in front of them, and preferably in their hands, while reciting the bracha, in the case of a water fountain it is not possible.
Ideally, the water should be filled into a cup and then the Bracha recited. If that is not practical, the water must at least be turned on and flowing before the bracha is recited, as even though the actual water that was there when the bracha was recited is different than the water you will drink, still it is considered from the same water flow and thus isn't a Bracha L'Vatalah. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 206:6 regarding one who drinks from a flowing stream. See also Shu"t Rivevos Ephraim Vol. 3 Siman 129)
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
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זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
Question:
Why do animals become extinct?
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
Animals become extinct because Hakadosh Baruch Hu wants to show us that nothing in this world is forever. A tremendous lesson! Once upon a time, in the times of Adam and Meshuselach, the elephants were tremendous; much bigger than our little elephants of today. The beavers - a beaver is this big today - in those days a beaver was six foot long! It's a fact. Everything was big in those days.
And so Hakadosh Baruch Hu showed that the great ones fall eventually. Nobody is too important to hang around a long time in this world. That's the lesson for us. Now, the ancients were expected to utilize what they saw with their eyes. We are not capable of utilizing too many things, so Hashem gives us a limited number of things. Let us look at these things because not all these things will be around forever. Little by little, some more species will be extinct. Then we'll look back at the good old days. If we could have seen the great mastodon elephant, or the great reptiles, almost as high as a two story house, then we would see the Nifloas Haborai.
But today what do we have to look at, little crocodiles? We have nothing to look at. So Hashem says look at the crocodiles, when you see a crocodile, be amazed at it. Why does it have such a thick skin? It's an armor on it. Is it an accident? Where did it get all those teeth? Is it an accident? It's a tremendous thing that the crocodile can swim in water and he can walk on land, and you see the miracles of his constitution. So while we still have them, let's utilize them... because nothing is forever in this world.
1) Another area of food preparation is the presentation and serving of salads and dips such as Chumus, Babaganush, tuna salad, or similar items.
It is common to spoon these items on a plate or in a bowl and then smooth out the top to make it flat, as doing so makes it more appetizing.
The question is if doing this on Shabbos is a prohibition of the Melacha of Memachek, smoothing, which is prohibited on Shabbos.
2) M'Ikar Hadin it is permissible to smooth out food items on Shabbos, as the Melacha of Memachek does not apply to food as it is able to be eaten without being smoothed out. (Rama Siman 321:19)
However, it is indeed praiseworthy to be stringent and refrain from smoothing out foods on Shabbos. (ibid. See also Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 80:25 where he rules that when preparing eggs and onions on Shabbos it should not be smoothed out. It isn't clear if he ruled this way as well for egg salad that was made from before Shabbos and is simply being transferred to a plate on Shabbos or specifically for egg salad initially being prepared on Shabbos. For Halacha L'Ma'aseh, as always, a Rav must be consulted.)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) Smearing butter, mayonnaise, jam, or any other salad or spread on a piece of Challah is permitted on Shabbos, even if done with a utensil and with the intention that the food is well spread over every piece of the Challah. (See Mishna Berura Siman 321:82)
The reason this is permitted is because the food is being spread in order to cover the bread and enjoy every piece of the bread with the spread, and not being done for the purposes of smoothing out the spread.
2) Thus, if indeed the reason it is being so well spread over the bread is to smooth out the spread (e.g. a fruit jam that has pieces chunky of fruit in it, and it is being thinly spread specifically in order to smooth out those pieces) it is indeed praiseworthy to refrain from doing it. (See Biur Halacha Siman 321 Dibur Hamaschil Tavo Alav Bracha)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Reader's Question:
If one wears a removeable toupee can he make a brocha on the [Tefilin] shel rosh.
If not and it would be embarrising to take it off in shul should he just make a bracha on the shel yad and when he gets home make a bracha on the shel rosh?
Does he have to put on the shel yad again when he gets home.
Can you please describe the best way of doing things if one cannot make a bracha when it is on.
Answer:
No, Tefilin may not be donned on a toupe as it is a Chatzitza, a separation, and certainly no Bracha recited as doing so will be a Bracha L'Vatalah as the tefilin was not placed on the head.
If the actual tefilin is on the head and only the straps would be on the toupee, there may be room for leniency in certain instances, and a Rav should be consulted.
If he is embarrassed, the Tefilin should be donned and their Brachos recited, in private.(See Mishna Berura Siman 27:16 and Shu"t Mishne Halachos Vol. 6 Siman 8)
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
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זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
"Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength."
---
"Some people think it's holding on that makes one strong- sometimes it's letting go."
1) It is common to add powders or concentrates to water to produce a flavored drink (e.g. punch, often referred to in Eretz Yisroel as 'Petel')
There exists a variety of colors and flavors of these concentrates, and making them a certain color often aides in identifying the flavor of the drink (e.g. red is cherry, green is sour apple etc.)
It is permitted to add these concentrates to water on Shabbos even though the color is desired to identify the flavor, as the main purpose of the drink is for its flavor and not for its color.
2) However, if a child specifically requests a certain color punch, it is best to be stringent and not mix it for the child on Shabbos, as he is more interested in the color than the flavor. (Ruling of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal in Shulchan Shlomo; Shabbos Vol. 2: Siman 320:20 and footnote 31)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Reader's Question:
It is well-known that regular coffee is pretty much kosher everywhere.
However, is iced coffee kosher everywhere? What about flavored iced coffee (specifically the hazelnut iced coffee flavor from Dunkin Donuts).
Answer:
Iced coffee and flavored coffee should not be purchased without a Hechsher on the coffee and/or the establishment where it is being sold.
Even regular hot coffee can only be bought from a machine that is used only for plain coffee, not from a machine that vends other kinds of flavored coffees and other hot drinks which may be problematic.
I do not know about Dunkin Donut's coffee. It is best to contact a reliable Kashrus agency to inquire about the status of any particular brand.
"Many of the great achievements of the world were accomplished by tired and discouraged men who kept on working."
---
"Age wrinkles the body. Quitting wrinkles the soul."
1) Often when eating certain foods the lips assume the color of the food.
This is common when eating a red or blue or other dark colored ice pop or foods containing beets or similar ingredients.
There is no prohibition of "coloring" the lips if this occurs as the lips turning colors is not the intended purpose of eating the food.
2) However, if a woman eats such a food with specific intent that her lips become colored it would indeed be prohibited. (Ruling of Maran HaRav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita in Sefer Ashrei HaIsh; Shabbos, page 340)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Reader's Question:
[You wrote in your halachos for July 29 2010 :] "It is a Mitzvah for Jewish males to hold their Tzitzis in their left hands, near the heart, during the recitation of Krias Shma [of Shacharis]. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 24:2)"
Do you have any information as to what a male does if his heart is on the right side rather than the left side? Situs inversus totalis is a medical condition in which there is complete right to left reversal (transposition) of the thoracic and abdominal organs including the heart .
Answer:
The Poskim do indeed discuss this , and do not conclusively rule either way if he does things according to his heart or according to the side where most people's hearts are.
In the rare instance where this will come up, a Rav needs to be consulted for Halacha l'Ma'aseh. (See Shu"t Mishneh Halachos , Mahadura Tinyana, Orach Chaim Vol. 1 Siman 33 and Shu"t Avnei Nezer Yoreh Deah Siman 32:9. See also Shu"t Kanfei Yonah (printed in Prague 1812) Siman 46 where he discusses this phenomenon).
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
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זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
Hashem won't ask what kind of car you drove; He'll ask how many people, who didn't have transportation, you drove in it.
Hashem won't ask about the clothing you had in your closet; He'll ask how many less fortunate people you helped to clothe.
Hashem won't ask what your highest salary was; He'll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.
Hashem won't ask what your job title was; He'll ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability
Hashem won't ask how many friends you had; He'll ask how many people you were a friend to.
Hashem won't ask you in what neighborhood you lived; He'll ask how you treated your neighbors.
Hashem won't ask about the features in your appearance; He'll ask about the features of your character.
Hashem won't ask why it took you so long to seek forgiveness; He'll ask why you didn't forgive those who wronged you.
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1) A skilled worker or a retailer that colors a food in order to make it look more appealing to buyers is always prohibited from doing so on Shabbos.
Thus a wine seller may never add red wine to white wine as this is being done specifically for the purpose of coloring. (See Pri Megadim; Eishel Avraham Siman 320:25)
2) According to some Poskim, food coloring may never be added to a food on Shabbos, even by an ordinary person in their own home, as usually food coloring is used by skilled workers and manufacturers in the production of food for the express purpose of coloring the food and thus it is considered a "food coloring agent" even if not being used for that express purpose.(See Nishmas Adam Klal 24:3)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Reader's Question:
Are you allowed to put in eye drops on Shabbos?
Answer:
If the eyes are simply itchy or irritated no eyedrops may be inserted on Shabbos. if they are inflamed or if the eye drops are otherwise medically necessary they may be inserted.
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
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זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
"
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take;But by the moments that take our breath away."
CURRENT TOPIC: HILCHOS SHABBOS; 39 MELACHOS; FOOD PREPARATION
1) When it comes to coloring food there is a difference if the purpose of adding the ingredients is for it to result in a colored food or not.
When adding tea essence or instant coffee to hot water, even though the water will become colored, it is permitted as the main purpose of adding the tea or coffee is for taste and not to color the water. (See Mishna Berura Siman 320:56)
2) However, if one wants to add red wine into a glass of white wine for the express purpose of turning the wine red, according to some Poskim this would be prohibited. (See Mishna Berura ibid. and Halichos Shlomo; Pesach; Perek 9:5 and footnote Dvar Halacha 11)
The better option when doing this is to pour in the red wine first and then add the white wine to the red. (See Sha'ar HaTziyun Siman 318:65 where he writes that when done this way, according to all opinions, it isn't considered coloring.)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Reader's Question:
Is it allowed to wear sunglasses on Shabbos, if the sun is too bright and it is painful to go without sunglasses?
Answer:
Ordinary sunglasses used to shade the eyes from the sunlight may not be worn outside on Shabbos (unless there is an Eiruv) , as we worry that when a shady area is reached, they will be removed and ultimately carried on Shabbos.
If they are worn outdoors for health reasons, there may be room for leniency and a Rav should be consulted for Halacha L'Ma'aseh.
If they are prescription glasses which are also tinted to serve as sunglasses, they may be worn.
If they are not prescription, but are worn even indoors for health reasons, they may be worn outdoors as well.
(See Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchasa Perek 18:18 and footnote 71)
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
Moshe blessed the Jewish people: 'May it be His will that the Divine Presence rest upon the work of your hands.'
A blessing cannot rest on an empty vessel. This is true in one's mundane life as well as one's spiritual service. A person is expected to act and not just sit with folded hands, for only then will he merit Divine assistance.
This is what Moshe meant in his benediction: When you expend genuine effort, Hashem's blessing will rest upon your endeavors.
Rabbi Shlomo Kluger Zatzal quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
CURRENT TOPIC: HILCHOS SHABBOS; 39 MELACHOS; FOOD PREPARATION
Now that the Chagim are behind us, we will resume our coverage of the Halachos of the thirty nine melachos of Shabbos.
So far we covered the Halachos of Bishul, Borer, Dosh, Tochen and Lisha.
1) In preparation of food and drink, often certain precautions need to be taken to ensure that no Shabbos prohibitions are transgressed. We will now examine a few common food preparation activities.
Although, coloring and painting items is a prohibition on Shabbos, according to many Rishonim there is absolutely no such prohibition when it comes to food items. (This is halachically referred to as "Ain Tzviah B'Ochlin". see Bais Yosef Siman 320 quoting the Shibolei Haleket and Sefer Yereim)
The reason for this not being prohibited, according to these Rishonim, is that food items are not regularly colored and thus even when they happen to become colored they are not subject to the prohibition.
2) Thus, according to these Rishonim there is never a problem when adding a Turmeric or other colorful spice or dye to a food item (providing that there is no issue of Bishul, cooking) that will then assume the color of the spice.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Reader's Question:
We are all eagerly awaiting the arrival of Mashiach.
Can you possibly explain what we are waiting for?
I know that I am not the only one of your readers who doesn't really understand what will happen when Mashiach comes. Though I know that my Neshama is yearning for him to come, I don't really know exactly what I should be yearning for.
Answer:
To answer your question, I have translated for you (as best I can) a line of Gemara and a few paragraphs of the Rambam that deal with this issue, which I hope will sufficiently give you at least a little glimpse into what kind of world we can expect when he arrives, may it be soon and may we merit going along with him:
* The only difference between the world as we know it and the world after Mashiach arrives is that the subjugation of the nations over the Jews will cease. (Talmud Brachos 34b)
* For what reason did the Jewish nation and its wise men and prophets crave the arrival of Mashiach? So that they can get a break from the evil governments which didn't allow them to peacefully and properly study Torah and perform Mitzvos.
Ridding them of these oppressive regimes in the Galus will allow them to amass more wisdom and thus help them merit eternal life in Olam Haba, as in the days of Mashiach there will be an increase of Da'as, knowledge, Chochma, wisdom and Emes, truth...
...The king, a descendant of Dovid that will be in place at that time will be wiser than Shlomo Hamelech he will be almost as big a prophet as Moshe Rabbeinu, and therefore he will teach the nation the way of Hashem, and even the nations of the world will come to listen to him...
The [physical] world will continue to function as before with the exception that the reigning kingdom will be the Jewish nation. (Rambam Hilchos Teshuva Perek 9 Halacha 2. He writes similar language in Hilchos Melachim Perek 12 Halacha 4)
* [Regarding the appearance of Eliyahu Hanavi to announce Mashiach's arrival, as well as other details of war and peace that will precede Mashiach] nobody will know what will transpire until it happens, as these occurrences were hidden from all the prophets, and even the Chachamim only deduce certain events based on their interpretation of various Pesukim, and thus even amongst themselves there is a lot of differences of opinion.
Bottom line, knowing exactly how these things will unfold is not an important tenet of Judaism, and is best if the Midrashim and Aggados regarding them are not delved into too deeply, as getting too involved in these matters does not bring to love and/or fear of heaven. Also, it is best to stay away from trying to calculate the timing of the arrival of Mashiach, as the Chachamim said that those who delve into these calculations will lose their minds.
Rather, we must wait and believe in the imminent arrival of Mashiach, as it can be any moment. (Rambam Hilchos Melachim Perek 12 Halacha 2)
* When Mashiach arrives there will be no more hunger, war, jealousy or strife. The abundant goodness of Hashem will be so plentiful and all the pleasures of the world will be readily available like earth. The only thing the inhabitants of the world will busy themselves with is the knowledge of Hashem... (Rambam Hilchos Melachim Perek 12 Halacha 5)
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
The Korban Todah was brought as a means to give thanks to Hashem after a person experienced a miraculous salvation and underwent a life-altering change.
But if a person lives a normal life - he and his family are healthy, blessed with sustenance and happiness - should he be any less obligated to give thanks for the pain that was withheld?
Rav Elazar Menachem Shach Zatzal quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
Halachos for Wednesday, Hoshana Rabbah, October 19 2011
1) Many people have the custom to make the blessings on the Lulav and Esrog each day of Sukkos in a Sukkah, before going to Shachris.
Others have the custom, if the Shul has a Sukkah, to recite the blessings on the Lulav and Esrog in that Sukkah.
Many people, however, have the custom to recite the blessings in Shul immediately before reciting Halel. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 644:1 and Kaf HaChaim Siman 644:3. See also Siddur Ya'avetz, Orchos Rabeinu from the Steipler Vol. 2 page 292 and Halichos Shlomo Perek 11 footnote 73 for further details and reasoning for these customs)
2) It is important to be careful with the Lulav,Esrog, Hadasim and Aravos and not to treat them disrespectfully.
They shouldn't be placed in a place where they may be stepped on, near a garbage etc. (See Birkei Yosef Siman 15:4. see also Shulchan Aruch Siman 664:8 for a more in depth discussion about this)
Halachos for Thursday, Shmini Atzeres (Simchas Torah in Eretz Yisroel), October 20 2011
1) After davening on Hoshana Rabba, after using the Lulav and Esrog for the last time, many have the custom to place the Lulav (with the Hadasim and Aravos still bound to it) on top of the door, on top of the Aron Kodesh, or in another safe place and save it for Erev Pesach when it can be burned together with the Chametz.
The purpose of doing this is to use something that was used for a Mitzvah (the Lulav) in conjunction with yet another Mitzvah (burning the Chametz) (See Kaf HaChaim Siman 664:60. Based on a Talmud Yerushalmi Eiruvin Perek 6:7, quoted in Tur Siman 297:4. See also Orchos Rabbeinu from the Steipler Zatzal Vol. 2 Page 316)
2) Some have the custom to make a jelly/jam out of the Esrogim that were used for a Mitzvah. This jelly/jam is given to pregnant women to eat while they are in labor, as eating this Mitzvah jelly/jam is a Segulah for an easy birth and for the child to be healthy.
Many people also have the custom to taste this Esrog jelly/jam on the eve of Tu B'Shvat. (See Kaf HaChaim ibid. and Orchos Rabbeinu ibid.)
[It is proper to pray on the eve of Tu B'Shvat that one merit having a nice Esrog on the next Sukkos. See Bnei Yissoscher Chodesh Sh'vat Ma'amar 2. See also Sefer Lashon Chachamim Vol. 1 Siman 38]
It is a Segulah for pregnant women to bite off the Pitum of the Esrog on Hoshana Rabbah, and to give Tzedakah and daven for an easy labor. (See Likutei Maharich Sukkos page 106a. See also Elef Hamagen Siman 660:6 and Sefer Moed L'Kol Chai Siman 24:25 where a special Tefilah text is printed for the woman to say)
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh, Simchas Torah (in Chutz L'Aretz), October 21 2011
1) When dancing with the Torah on Simchas Torah, it is a mitzvah to rejoice as best as one can; this Simcha should be L'Shem Shomayim, in honor of Hashem and His holy Torah, and not simply an unstructured "party" or "good time" and surely one must be careful to avoid any levity or lightheadedness (S'Chok V'kalus Rosh) (See Tur and Rama Siman 669. See also Ben Ish Chai Parshas V'Zos HaBracha, year one, Siman 18 and Kaf HaChaim Siman 669:23. See also Mishna Berura Siman 669:11 and Rambam Hilchos Lulav Perek 8:15)
2) M'Ikar HaDin (according to the letter of the law) one must stand the entire time that the Sifrei Torah are out for the hakafos, in respect of the Torah. (Rav Bentzion Abba Shaul Zatzal was extremely stringent with this and didn't sit down the entire Hakafos and ruled this way for all who were with him that were healthy and able bodied)
However, if it is difficult for one to stand, the Poskim are lenient and allow sitting down, besides for the first time around the Bimah of each hakafa when everyone must stand. (See Halichos Shlomo Perek 12:9 for the reasoning behind this leniency)
Some have the custom to only sit while holding a Sefer Torah in their hands. (This was the minhag of the Steipler Zatzal and YB"LCT Maran Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh, Shabbos Bereishis, October 22 2011
1) Shmini Atzeres/Simchas Torah is an extremely opportune time, an Eis Ratzon, for one's Tefillos to be accepted by HaKadosh Baruch Hu. Therefore it is proper to daven with extreme Kavanah. (See Sefer Moed L'Kol Chai Siman 25:1. This is based on a Zohar HaKadosh Parshas Noach and Parshas Tzav where it basically says that all that one asks for (in earnest) will be given to them! See also Sefer Seder HaYom Seder Simchas Torah Dibur Hamaschil U'Bsefer HaZohar)
2)It is customary to bid on and try to purchase the Aliyos known as "Choson Torah" (The aliyah where the Torah is "finished") and "Choson Bereishis" (The Aliyah where the Torah is once again begun) for large amounts of money, which goes to support Talmidei Chachamim or the needs of the Shul where people daven and learn.
If possible, it is best to try and have these Aliyos go to Talmidei Chachamim or at least to respected people in the Tzibbur. (See Mishna Berura Siman 669:1)
The custom is for those who received the two aforementioned aliyos to make a Kiddush (on an upcoming Shabbos over the next few weeks) to celebrate their receiving these exalted Aliyos, as they are a celebration of the completion [and re-starting] of Torah. (Tur Siman 669. See also Beis Yosef there and Kaf HaChaim 669:24 and Rama Yoreh Deah Siman 246:26)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Reader's Question:
If someone wears glasses with "Transitions" lenses (i.e. lenses that tint into sunglasses when exposed to sunlight), is it a transgression of Shabbos to wear those glasses, if bringing them into the sunlight will cause the lenses to change colour to become darker?
Answer:
According to virtually all contemporary Poskim, it is permitted to wear these "Photo Gray" glasses on Shabbos even if the lenses will change colors, as this isn't considered "coloring" on Shabbos as no color is being added, rather the color that is already there is appearing and disappearing. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 3 Siman 45, Shu"t Tzitz Eliezer Vol. 14 Siman 31, Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchoso Perek 18 footnote 70 , Shu"t Be'er Moshe Vol. 6 Siman 46 and Piskei Teshuvos Siman 320 footnote 38).
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
The last day of Sukkos is Hoshana Rabba. The purpose and objective of Hoshana Rabba, is to receive a 'Kiss' from Hashem Yisborach! In fact, on this day which is the culmination of the beautiful journey of Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Aseres Y'mei Teshuva and Sukkos itself, we reach an exalted level where we are one with Hashem.
In the Yehi Ratzon which we recite upon completing the Hoshanos, we mention and acknowledge this special (and reciprocal) 'mouth kiss' between us and Hashem Yisborach. The definition of a 'mouth kiss', is that it is entirely reciprocal. There is no way to avoid complete reciprocation under these conditions. If one party turns away from the other - even slightly, it cannot be considered a true mouth kiss, since the faces are not completely lined up with one another.
Therefore, a true 'N'shikas Picha' by definition, is where you give a kiss and receive a kiss at the very same time. (The Torah tells us that Moshe Rabbeinu merited a 'Misas N'shika' from Hakadosh Baruch Hu at the end of his life. This is the most exalted and beautiful way for a human being to depart from this Earth, by receiving a 'kiss' from Hashem.)
The significance of this Kiss to Hashem on Hoshana Rabba, is to 'breathe' our Neshama into Hashem (so to speak) as an illustration and display of our desire to sacrifice ourselves to his will.
Since this kiss is reciprocal in nature (as we explained), we receive a new/cleansed Neshama from our Hakadosh Baruch Hu in return, since indeed when we give a kiss, we receive one in return!
1) After reciting the Bracha on the Arba Minim, and then again during the recitation of Halel, the Lulav and Esrog are shaken three times per direction to and fro in all four directions and up and down. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 651:8 and 9)
There are various different customs as to the order of which direction to follow.
The Shulchan Aruch rules to shake to the east, south, west, north, upward then downward. (Siman 251:10. This is also the ruling of the Derech HaChaim and the Chayei Adam. See Mishna Berura S"K 47)
The reason for this order is based on the principle of "B'chol Pinos SheAta Poneh, Tifneh L'Yemin, whenever you have a choice to go to the right or to the left, always choose to go to the right".(See Maseches Midos Perek 2 Mishna 2 and Talmud Yoma 15b and Sotah 15b)
Thus, since we are standing facing east, the direction to follow is a circle to the right. (Mishna Berura ibid. quoting the Mogen Avraham 651:21)
The Arizal had a different order to shake the Lulav, as follows: South, north, east, upward, downward then west. (See Be'er Heitev 651:20. See also Sha'arei Teshuva 651:10 for additional variations in the order of directions that other Poskim followed. Of course, every individual should follow their own accepted custom.)
2) Regardless which minhag any one individual follows in regard to the directions to shake the lulav, there is no difference between a left handed person and a right handed person regarding the order to be followed. (Mogen Avraham ibid.)
The person shaking the Lulav does not need to actually turn around in all the directions, as long as the Lulav is shaken in the proper directions it suffices. (Mishna Berura ibid.)
When circling the Bimah during the recitation of Hoshanos each day of Sukkos (and seven rounds on Hoshana Rabbah) the circle should begin from the right side of the Bimah. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 660:1 and Mishna Berura S"K 3)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Reader's Question:
Is one required to put a mezuzah on the entrance to his sukkah?
Answer:
No. A Mezuzah is only required for a permanent dwelling.
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
The Midrash (Midrash Rabbah, Shmos 15:21) teaches that Hashem will bring forth ten new creations in the era of Moshiach:
1. He will create a new light for the world.
2. He will bring forth a freshwater spring from Yerushalayim whose waters will heal all illness.
3. He will create trees that every month will produce new fruits that have curative powers.
4. All the cities of Eretz Yisroel will be rebuilt, including even Sodom and Amora.
5. Hashem will rebuild Yerushalayim with sapphire stone that will glow and thereby attract all the nations of the world to come and marvel at the beauty of the city.
6. The cow and the bear will graze together, and their young will play together. (See Yeshaya 11:7).
7. Hashem will make a covenant with all the creatures of the world and banish all weapons and warfare. (See Hoshea 2:20.)
8. There will be no more crying in the city of Yerushalayim.
9. Death will perish forever.
10. Everyone will be joyful, and there will be an end to all sighing or worry.
Submitted by a daily reader; taken from the writings of Rabbi Y. Kaganoff.
1) The Lulav(branch of a palm tree) has three Hadasim (myrtle) and two Aravos (willow) tied onto it, and is held upright in the right hand and the Esrog (citron) is held in the left hand each day of Sukkos. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 651:2)
According to the Mechaber (Rav Yosef Cairo, author of the Shulchan Aruch) a left handed person follows the same procedure and holds the Lulav in the right hand and the Esrog in the left hand, as since the Lulav has in it three Mitzvos (i.e. 3 of the 4 species) and the Esrog is only one Mitzvah, the item with more Mitzvos is held in the more highly regarded hand. Most Sephardic Jews follow this ruling. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 651:3 and Mishna Berura S"K 18)
However, the Rama (ibid.) rules that left handed people should switch the order and hold the Lulav in their strong hand (left) and the Esrog in their weaker hand (right). Most Ashkenazic Jews follow this ruling.
An ambidextrous person should take the Lulav in his right hand and the Esrog in the left hand. (ibid.)
If the Lulav was held in the wrong hand, the obligation has been satisfied, however, it is best to be stringent and take the Lulav and Esrog again in the correct hands without reciting a new Bracha. (Rama ibid. and Mishna Berura S"K 19)
Many left handed people are stringent after taking the Lulav in their left and the Esrog in their right (or vice versa) to repeat the process the other way around (without a new Bracha) to satisfy the rulings of both the Shulchan Aruch and the Rama. (See Kaf HaChaim 651:38. See also Orchos Rabbeinu Vol. 2 page 288 that the Steipler Zatzal, who was a lefty and an Ashkenazi, followed the ruling of the Shulchan Aruch regarding this Halacha and not the Rama's ruling)
2) When setting up and holding the Arba Minim, the three Hadasim (myrtle) should be tied onto the right side of the Lulav and the two Aravos (willow) should be tied onto the left side of the Lulav. (Mishna Berura Siman 651:12)
For kabalistic reasons, the Hadasim should be tied slightly higher than the Aravos. (Rama 651:1 and Mishna Berura ibid.)
Left handed people should also set up their Lulav with the Hadasim on the right side and the Aravos on the left. (This is how the Pri Megadim, quoted in Mishna Berura ibid. rules)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Reader's Question:
Is it forbidden to learn during chazaras hashatz (The Chazzan's repetition of Shemona Esrei)?
Answer:
Yes, it is forbidden to learn Torah (this includes intense studying as well as just glancing at a Sefer or a Torah pamphlet which is on the table in Shul) during Chazaras HaShatz.
Maran Rav Chaim Kanievsky shlita is known to tell people that doing so is a "Mitzvah Haba B'Aveira".
I once heard from a Rav that the reason that so many people suddenly want to learn during Chazaras HaShatz is because at that time we are "Aino Metzuveh V'Oseh", we are not commanded to learn then thus the Yetzer Hara pushes us to learn then. See also Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 19 that this is all the more so when actually in a small minyan where there may not be 9 people answering Amen.
See Mishna Berura Siman 124:17 that one who learns during Chazaras HaShatz, even if he manages to hear and answer all the Amens properly himself, still may not do so as it causes others to copy him and they will not listen properly and thus he will be a Choti U'Machti.
The Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman 124:6 writes that people who learn or say other Tachanunim (such as tehilim) during Chazaras HaShatz should be chastised for doing so as what they are doing is not proper.
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
" To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world "
1) Many exalted things have been written regarding the proper performance of and proper conduct in and around the Sukkah.
A few of the many examples:
Every moment that one sits in the Sukkah is an additional performance of the positive commandment to sit in the Sukkah and serves to purify and make the person holier. (See Kaf HaChaim Siman 639:12. See also Shu"t Minchas Shlomo Vol. 2 Siman 58. In Sefer Minhagei Chasam Sofer Chapter 8:12 it is stated that the Chasam Sofer barely left his Sukkah for the entire 7 days of Sukkos and only left each day for Shachris; he davened Mincha and Maariv in his Sukkah)
It is proper not to get angry in the Sukkah, and surely not to speak Lashon Hara or D'varim Betailim (idle chatter) in the Sukkah. (See Be'er Heitev Siman 639:2 and Kaf HaChaim Siman 639:5 and 6)
Due to the extreme holiness of the Sukkah, it is proper not to invite non-Jews to enter the Sukkah. (See Shach Al HaTorah Parshas Emor and Kaf HaChaim Siman 639:6)
2) One who is scrupulous with the observance of Sukkah in this world, will merit having Hashem seat him/her at the Sukkah of the Levyasan (Leviathan) in the world to come.
Moreover, when he/she passes from this world, the merit of performing the Mitzvah of Sukkah properly will protect him/her from the angels of destruction. (Malachei Chavala created by sin, which torment a sinner's soul after death) (Yalkut Shimoni Parshas Emor 653, quoted in Elef Hamagen Siman 626-644:23. See also Kaf HaChaim Siman 625:8 and Ba'al HaTurim Al HaTorah VaYikra 23:43)
One who is scrupulous in the performance of Sukkah (known as Sukkas Shalom), will merit a year of harmony in his/her home(Shalom Bayis). (See Kaf HaChaim Siman 625:10 quoting the Yafeh Lalev)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Reader's Question:
Can you please elaborate on the halacha of not cutting down a fruit tree that's in your property, and what the reasons are for it, as well as the what consequences chas V'Shalom would take place if one did indeed do it?
Answer:
Well, it is a biblical prohibition of "Lo Tashchis" (Parshas Shoftim Perek 20 Pasuk 19) to cut don any fruit tree,regardless if you own it, a non jew owns it or even if noone owns it.
It is permitted to prune the branches of a fruit tree to enhance its growth.
It is also permissible to trim a few branches if they are on top of a Sukkah or for any other Mitzvah purpose.
As far as the consequences, the Gemara does indeed bring various stories where ill befell people who were not careful with the cutting down of fruit trees. ( See Bava kama 91b, Bava Basra 26a, Succah 29a for a few examples)
There are certain exceptions when it would be permissible to cut them down or to transplant them elsewhere, but even then it would be best to have a non Jew do it.
It is adviseble to seek the guidance of a Rav before relying on any leniencies in this matter.
(See also Shu"t Chasam Sofer Yoreh Deah Siman 101 and Shulchan Aruch HaRav, Shmiras HaGuf V'Hanefesh 15 and 16 for more about this)
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
Which of the 613 mitzvos is the most difficult to observe?
It is the mitzvah of being joyous on succos, because for 7 consecutive days a person must be in a state of constant joy.
Regardless of what might occur during these days that might make it difficult for a person to feel happy, the mitzvah to rejoice requres one to overcome all obstacles to joy.
Thus, it is the most difficult mitzvah to accomplish.
The Vilna Gaon Zatzal quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
Today's Halachos dedicated by daily reader, M.Z., in loving memory of her dear father Ephraim ben Yaakov A"H , Niftar 14 Tishrei 5762. May his Neshama continue to climb higher in Gan Eden.
LECHEM MISHNEH: QUADRUPLE PORTION L'KAVOD YOM TOV AND SHABBOS KODESH
Halachos for Wednesday, Erev Sukkos
1) It is proper to keep the tables in the Sukkah covered with a nice tablecloth for the duration of the Yom Tov and Chol HaMoed. (Kaf HaChaim Siman 639:11)
Each night of Sukkos, every Jewish household merits having one of the seven pillars of Klal Yisroel, the seven shepherds of Israel, visit their Sukkah.
They are referred to as the "Ushpizin" or guests, and are [the souls of] Avraham Avinu , Yitzchak Avinu, Yaakov Avinu, Moshe Rabbeinu, Aharon HaKohen, Dovid Hamelech and Yosef Hatzaddik.
These seven spiritual giants leave their eternal resting places in Gan Eden and pay a visit to the Sukkos of each and every Jew to partake of the intense spirituality that is present in each and every Sukkah (Based on the Zohar Hakadosh Parshas Emor)
2) Some people have a custom to light a special candle each night in honor of that night's Ushpizin (besides for Shabbos and Yom Tov, where the regular candles suffice).
Some even have the custom, while lighting this candle, to say "I am lighting this candle in honor of Avraham Avinu" on the first night, "in honor of Yitzchak Avinu" on the second night and so on for each night of Sukkos.
Some have the custom to light seven candles each night. (Kaf HaChaim Siman 639:9 and 625:16. See also Yesod V'Shoresh H'Avodah Sha'ar 11:14)
Halachos for Thursday, First Day of Sukkos
1) Some have the custom to place a special chair covered with a nice piece of material in the Sukkah in honor of the Ushpizin. (Similar to the chair set up at every Bris in honor of Eliyahu Hanavi). Some even have the custom to put holy Sefarim on this chair. (See Chida in Sefer Moreh Etzba Siman 9:289 where he brings this custom, and quotes the Zohar that if this chair isn't set up, the Ushpizin will not come. See also Kaf HaChaim 639:8)
2) It is customary to "invite" the Ushpizin into the Sukkah each night, reciting a special text which is printed in most siddurim.
Some people stand near the door to the Sukkah when reciting it, however the prevalent minhag is to say it while sitting at the table. (See Chida ibid., Kaf HaChaim Siman 639:8 and Ben Ish Chai ; Year one; Parsha Ha'azinu Siman Siman 7)
Some people only say this "invitation" text on the first night and it suffices for the entire Yom Tov. (This was the custom of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal, quoted in Sefer Shalmei Moed Perek 28)
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh, second day of Sukkos
1) It is a huge Mitzvah to invite poor, less fortunate people to partake of the meals in the Sukkah.
If one is unable to do so, efforts should be made to send food to the poor people in their own homes. (See Rambam Hilchos Yom Tov Perek 6:18 that at times when we are rejoicing with our families, it is a specific time to help the downtrodden rejoice as well. See also Kaf HaChaim Siman 625:17 and 639:10. See also Mishna Berura Siman 529:17 and Be'er Heitev 529:2 what they quote from the Zohar regarding one who does not help poor people on Yom Tov.)
2) If one cannot send food to poor people in their homes, one should at least give money to the poor people, or to organizations that feed poor people.
It is best if the money/food will reach the poor people on or before Yom Tov and not afterwards. Thus, it is best to give it to local charities/Gabai Tzedaka rather than mail it to a larger organization that will probably not receive it or distribute it until much after Sukkos. (See Sefer Pele Yoetz ;"Sukkah" and "Yomim Tovim" for more on this.)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh, First day Day Chol HaMoed Sukkos
1) Even though women and children are not obligated to sit in a Sukkah , it is still a Mitzvah for each Jew to have his wife and children sit in the Sukkah as by sitting in a Sukkah they earn eternal heavenly reward. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 640:1 and Ran to Rosh Hashana 33a)
Women and children who sit in a Sukkah merit having their souls cleansed and merit receiving heavenly goodwill. (See Kaf HaChaim Siman 640:5)
2) All components of the Sukkah have extreme holiness, including the wood of the walls. (Shla HaKadosh quoted in the Kaf HaChaim Siman 639:6)
Many G-d fearing, spiritually elevated Jews had the custom to kiss the Sukkah upon entering and exiting each time, to show their love and affection for this exalted Mitzvah. (Shla Hakadosh. See also Elef Hamagen Siman 644:22 )
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Reader's Question:
If a Sefer Torah falls, how many days must the person who dropped it fast for?
How many days must the people who saw the fallen Torah fast for?
Answer:
Fasting for a Sefer Torah that fell R"L is not a halacha brought in the Talmud, and is only a proper minhag that is brought in the later Poskim. (See Mogen Avraham Siman 44:5)
Some require only the one from whose hands it fell to fast, while others mandate all who saw it fall to fast.
Some Poskim say to fast for one day, while others say to fast three days (Monday, Thursday, Monday) (See Shiyurei Bracha Yoreh Deah Siman 282:1 and Aruch HaShulchan Siman 282:8)
Some Poskim say not to fast and instead give charity and do teshuvah.
Every community should decide for themselves the right method to employ when such a thing happens R"L.
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
Gossip and witty character assassination are not twentieth century phenomena; human tongues have always been loose and hard to control.
The Talmud says, "Most people are guilty of dishonesty, few of vice, but all of lashon hara"(Bava Basra 165).
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1) It is customary to decorate the Sukkah with nice fruits- especially of the Shivas HaMinim variety-, nuts, olive oil, grape leaves and wines. (See Rashi to Sukkah 10a Dibur Hamaschil Yaynos U'shmanim. Some have the custom to later use the olive oil that hung in the Sukkah for the Chanukah Menorah as to use something that was used for a Mitzvah and use it for an additional Mitzvah. See Mishna Berura Siman 673:27. )
It is also a proper custom to hang beautiful curtains, decorations and other nice things in the Sukkah.
The purpose of hanging all these things is to bring those sitting in the Sukkah to a state of happiness. (See Mishna Berura Siman 638:11, Elef HaMagen Siman 625:38 and Sefer Seder HaYom Seder Mitzvas Sukkah, page 171. See also Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 5 Siman 39:6 and 40:4 for more on the topic of decorating the Sukkah)
2) Many have the custom to hang pictures of Gedolei Yisroel, Torah leaders, past and present, to adorn their Sukkah. (Rav Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld Zatzal, the Rav of Yerushalayim maintained that this is due to "Teishvu K'Ein Taduru", the mandate to make your Sukkah feel like your home" and most people have portraits of Gedolim hanging in their home.
The Steipler Zatzal had many Gedolim pictures hanging in his Sukkah (including portraits of Rav Chaim Brisker, his son the Brisker Rav, Rav Yitzchok Zev Soloveitzik Zatzal, the Chazon Ish, Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzensky and Rav Elchonon Wasserman Zichronam L'Vracha (See Orchos Rabbeinu Vol. 2 page 221 and Vol. 5 page 117)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Reader's Question:
When I was a small boy, I was taught to never fold my hands by interlacing the fingers of the two hands. Rather, we were told have one hand should surround and cover the other. I always thought that this was to avoid imitating non-Jewish prayer poses, but I recently saw that it has a source in the Zohar.
What is the source for this custom?
Answer:
According to Kabballah (Zohar Parshas Vayikra 24), it is never good to interlace the fingers into each other as doing so can bring bad Mazel as well as harsh heavenly judgement. (See Piskei Teshuvos Siman 95:5 for more details)
Halachically, in times of peace and calm it should not be done, but in difficult times (I am not sure exactly how to determine what is considered difficult times) it is an acceptable, and perhaps even an adviseable, way to hold the hands during Tefilah. (See Aruch HaShulchan Siman 91:7 and Be'er Heitev Siman 95:3)
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
"Kindness and consideration for others is an inborn trait of human maturity.
Someone who is utterly selfish works to suppress this natural quality.
That is one reason why selfishness is a sin: it is against the law of nature."
Rav Yerucham Levovitz Zatzal , Mashgiach of Mir, quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
Today's Halachos dedicated by daily reader, H.W., as a merit for a Refuah Shelaima for his niece Rivka Freyda Bat Tova Gittel B'soch Sha'ar Cholei Yisroel. Please learn and daven in her merit.
1) If one is unable to build a Sukkah on their own and has someone else do it for them, it is proper to have the one building it to at least leave off a small amount of S'chach for the owner of the Sukkah to put up by himself. (Kaf HaChaim Siman 625:11)
Likewise, it is good to be personally involved in the set up and decorating of the Sukkah. (See Sefer Elef Hamagen Siman 626-644:4)
When one appoints someone else to build their Sukkah, it is proper to say to them " You are my Shaliach Mitzvah, my messenger to do this Mitzvah of putting up my Sukkah and S'chach L'Shem Mitzvah, for the purpose and intent of performing the Mitzvah of sitting in the Sukkah" (Kaf HaChaim ibid. )
One should ideally not have his Sukkah built by a non Jew, especially the laying of the S'chach. (Chida in Sefer Kaf Achas Siman 24:2. See also Elef Hamagen ibid.)
2) The Mitzvah of building a Sukkah is in it of itself a [part of the] Mitzvah and not only a means by which to be able to sit in the Sukkah.
Rav Reuven Margolis Zatzal in his Sefer Nefesh Chaya (Siman 625:1) writes that even one who cannot sit in the Sukkah (due to illness or other valid Halachic reason) and has no male family members that are required to sit in the Sukkah, still should have a Sukkah built to at least perform the mitzvah of "Building" a Sukkah! (As a proof to this ruling he cites the Talmud in Makos 8a and Shavuos 29a and also a Talmud Yerushalmi Brachos Perek 9:3 where the Talmud says to recite a blessing on the "Building of a Sukkah".)
He goes so far as to say that this person would recite a "Shehechiyanu" when assisting in the building of this Sukkah as he won't be reciting it when sitting in it!
Although we do not rule like the Nefesh Chaya in this matter , it still helps us understand the importance of being involved in the building of a Sukkah. (See Taz to Siman 641)
Reader's Question:
Ever since I can remember, when we count people we don't count 1, 2,3 but rather "not 1, not 2, not 3".
I was just talking to a friend about this, and we realized we don't know why we do it.
I was curious if there was any mekor for it and reason, or even if it's a real inyan in Yiddishkeit not to count people by just numbers?
Answer:
Yes, it is a real inyan not to count people in the regular fashion, as Bracha rests on "hidden" things and counting opens the door for Ayin Hara. (See Talmud Yoma 22b where it states that it is forbidden to count Jews in the regular manner).
Thus, in the Midbar, they used Machtzis Hashekel to count the Yidden, and throughout our history, we used various indirect means to count people.
When checking if there is a minyan present, we say "Hoshea es Amecha etc." a Pasuk with 10 words, rather than counting directly.
I guess saying "not 1, not 2..." can be an acceptable method,
but don't point as you "count".
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
[1.5447154471544715]
Some words of wisdom....submitted by daily reader B.S.
I Believe...
That just because two people argue,
doesn't mean they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue,
doesn't mean they do love each other.
I Believe...
That we don't have to change friends if
We understand that friends change.
I Believe....
That no matter how good a friend is,
They're going to hurt you every once in a while
And you must forgive them for that.
I Believe...
That you should always leave loved ones with
Loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I Believe....
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I Believe. ..
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I Believe....
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down
Will be the ones to help you get back up.
I Believe...
That sometimes when I'm angry
I have the right to be angry,
But that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I Believe....
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had
And wh at you've learned from them and less to do with how many
Birthdays you've celebrated.
I Believe....
That it isn't always enough,
To be forgiven by others.
Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I Believe....
That our background and circumstances
May have influenced who we are,
But, we are responsible for who we become.
I Believe.....
Two people can look at the exact same
Thing and see something totally different.
I Believe....
That even when you think you have no more to give,
When a friend cries out to you -
You will find the strength to help.
I Believe...
That you shouldn't be so eager to find
Out a secret. It could change your life Forever.
I Believe...
That credentials on the wall
Do not make you a decent human being.
I Believe....
'The happiest of people don't necessarily
Have the best of everything;
They just make the most of everything they have.
Today's Halachos dedicated by daily reader, A.W., L'zechus Refuah Sheleima of Chaya Meira Mindel bas Chava Golda C (Meira (Bresler) Riemer), B'soch Sha'ar Cholei Yisroel.
Meira was diagnosed a year and a half ago with a rare form of cancer called synovial sarcoma. Unfortunately, none of the treatments have yet worked, but the family believes that all of these treatments are just one form of Hishtadlus. Hashem is in control and can send a Refuah. We can never stop believing and remembering that.
A few months ago the family started a daily dvar Torah email with daily lessons from the Chofetz Chaim's Sefer Ahavas Chesed to learn as a Zechus for Meira. Already over 1,300 people are signed up and learning! And they are now trying to take it a step further and reach an even greater number! If you are interested in joining, please email ahavaschesedformeira@gmail.com and let them know you want to join!
CURRENT TOPIC: HILCHOS CHAGEI CHODESH TISHREI
1) It is a Mitzvah for each Jew to personally take part in the building of their Sukkah, rather than have someone else build the entire thing for them. (See Talmud Kidushin 41a; the concept of Mitzvah Bo Yoser M'Beshelucho.)
One who does it himself receives more reward than simply asking or hiring someone else to do it. (Rashi ibid.)
2) This applies to all people, even respectable people, Talmidei Chachamim and dignitaries who usually should not be involved in menial tasks and physical labor. (See Machzik Bracha Siman 625:3. See also Talmud Shabbos 119a that Talmidei Chachamim toiling for a Mitzvah is their biggest honor. See also Mishna Berura Siman 250:4 and Biur Halacha Dibur Hamaschil Yishtadel. The Steipler Zatzal was known to schlep the S'chach and place them on his Sukkah and refused to allow anyone to help him. This was also the custom of many other Gedolim)
Reader's Question:
When is the proper time to be Ma'avir Sedra Parshas V'Zos Habracha?
Answer:
Being that we are about to begin a new cycle of the Torah very soon, I will take this opportunity to review some of the relevant Halachos of being Ma'avir Sidra, and then get to your specific question.
It is incumbent on every Jewish male to read the portion of the week's Torah reading each week. This is known as "Being Ma'avir Sidrah" (literally, "going over the portion of the week").
The entire Parsha must be read twice and the Targum [Onkelos] must be read once.
The new week begins on Sunday morning, and it must be finished before Krias Hatorah on Shabbos of that week. (The Mishna Berura holds that one can begin already reading the new Parsha after Krias Hatorah of Mincha on the last Shabbos, and there is no need to wait until Sunday)
Some Poskim hold that the best time to be Mekayem this Mitzvah is on Friday afternoon after Chatzos (midday). Others disagree and hold that it is 100% Okay to start on Sunday morning and do a little each day throughout the week.
There are a few methods mentioned by Halachic authorities as to the proper way to be Ma'avir Sidra:
a) To read the entire Sidra of that week, from beginning to end twice and only then to read the entire Targum [Onkelos] from the beginning of the Sidra until the end.
b) To read a full Parsha, or section (meaning from the beginning until you get to a "Pei" or "Samech", and according to the Vilna Gaon if you do it in this way, you stop there, even if it is middle of a Possuk) within the Sidra of the week twice and then to read the Targum on the Pesukim you just read.
c) To read from The beginning until Sheni twice then its Targum, continue from Sheni until Shlishi twice, and then its Targum and so on. (See Derech Sicha from Rav Chaim Kanievsky shlita page 2)
d) To read the first Posuk twice and then its Targum, then the second Posuk twice and then its Targum, and so on until you finish the entire Sidra.
All of the above methods have acceptable sources in Halacha. There is a prevalent Minhag (which many Gedolim used to do) to read from the beginning until Sheni on Sunday, from Sheni to Shlishi on Monday, and so on until Friday. On Friday the Minhag is to do two portions (i.e. from Shishi until the end). This Minhag is an easy way to be Ma'avir Sidra without it being a daunting task to do in one sitting.
Besides for Chumash and Targum, one who fears Hashem should learn the commentary of Rashi on the entire Parsha.
If one is not capable of doing this, he should try and read the English (or any other language he is familiar with) translation of the Parsha, so that he will understand what the week's Parsha is about.
Since reading the words of the Targum takes some getting used to, it is worthwhile to have children (from about the age of 7) read a few Pesukim of Chumash and Targum each week, so that when they reach Bar Mitzvah they will have an easy time being Ma'avir Sidrah. Training them in this Mitzvah, like all other Mitzvos, is part of every father's (and mother's) obligation of Chinuch.
The ideal time to be Ma'avir Parshas V'Zos Habracha is on Hashana Rabbah eve or on Shmini Atzeres by day. (See Mishna Berura Siman 285:18. See also Ben Ish Chai, first year, Parashas V'Zos Habracha Siman 15 that L'chatchilah it should be done on Hoshana rabbah and not on Shmini Atzeres.)
According to some Poskim it can be done on Simchas Torah eve as well. (See Mishna Berura Siman 669:4)
If Parshas V'Zos Habracha was done before Hashana Rabbah (even though it was already read in Shul by Mincha on Shabbos Shuva) the obligation was not satisfied, according to many Poskim, and it must be redone in its proper time. (See Shu"t Kaneh B'Shem from Rav Meir Bransdorfer Zatzal Siman 16.)
Parshas Bereishis can only be done after it was read B'Tzibbur on Simchas Torah, thus this year there is just Simchas Torah and Shabbos (preferably to finish before the morning Seudah) to do it in its proper time. (ibid.)
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
There is a perfect analogy to describe the kind of Teshuva we do on Yom Kippur.
Imagine for yourself, a Father who is strolling through the busy 'Shuk' (Marketplace) for Arba Minim in Yerushalayim on Erev Sukkos, on the hunt for that 'perfect' Lulav and Esrog. He takes along his precious little toddler, 'Yankele'. He instructs Yankele to stay close and not to leave go of his hand and stray from him in this commotion. However, in the process and tumult of inspecting various Lulavim etc. Yankele becomes dis-attached from his father and wanders off on his own.
Soon, Yankele's Tatty realizes that his son is no longer with him and he begins to search frantically for his lost son! He hurries to the Police station to inquire whether they have received a lost child. To his relief, they answer in the affirmative and ask him to prove that the boy is truly his own son. All of a sudden, a shrieking child is heard in the background.....
TATTY!!!
Yankele makes a beeline straight for his Tatty and grabs him and hugs him tight...WHERE DID YOU GO, TATTY!!!! Why did you leave me!
In this instant, there are no questions as to this Father/Son relationship, Yankele holds his father tight and vows to never let go again!
This is the definition of Teshuva - Repentance! This moment in time facilitates the most powerful type of connection to Borei Olam; through the power of a true Teshuva!
We are all children of Hashem. We love our Tatty in heaven and he loves us unconditionally in return. Hashem provides for all of our needs. We try to stay close and keep a connection with Hashem. However, we are all human and at times we stray far away by virtue of our sins which act as a barrier to distance ourselves from Hashem Yisborach.
However, there comes a moment in time - when we fall so low, we stumble so severely AND THEN WE SUDDENLY FIND HASHEM (Yom Kippur is such a day)!
In this instant, we cry out to Hashem with the force of all of our mishaps, of our trials, tribulations and failures - and we scream; TATTY, WHERE ARE YOU?? WHY DID YOU LEAVE ME!! I NEED YOU!!!
We proceed to grab Hashems hand with such a fierce love and longing and with a deep and unswerving desire to never let go again!
This situation of love is the distinguishing characteristic between our situation before and after Yom Kippur.
It is this overwhelming feeling of love, generated by our finding Hashem during the awesome days of Rosh Hashana through Yom Kippur, which leads us into the days of Sukkos - which are precisely defined as days of love and devotion to Hashem!
In fact, everything we do on Sukkos (from our move into the Sukkah - to our shaking of our Arba Minim) is replete with the overtones and demonstration of love for Hashem Yisborach!
Heard From Harav Shimshon Pincus Zatzal; www.OhrShimshon.com
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Halacha For Today:
Erev Shabbos Kodesh; Erev Yom Kippur
9 Tishrei 5772
October 7, 2011
LECHEM MIHNEH: DOUBLE PORTION L'KAVOD SHABBOS KODESH AND YOM KIPPUR
Halachos for Erev Yom Kippur
1) If one forgot "Hamelech HaKadosh" in Shemona Esrei, and only realized this after completing the entire Shemona Esrei and Vidui, although the Shemona Esrei must be repeated, there is no need to repeat the Vidui again when repeating the Shemona Esrei. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 582:1)
However, if one wants to repeat the Vidui, he/she may do so. (ruling of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal.)
The ideal way to perform Vidui is to itemize each and every sin that one can remember doing.
One should try and stretch out their Vidui for as long as possible, and try and do it in a heartfelt way. (See Shulchan Aruch siman 607:2.The Vidui of the Chayei Adam Klal 143 as well as the Vidui written by Rabbein Nissim enumerate vast lists of possible sins, which may be helpful in "jarring our memory" and remind us of the sins we may have done in the previous year. These lists are found in certain Machzorim and Sidurim as well, and can also be bought independently in Jewish book stores)
If one transgressed a certain sin (or a variation of it) many times, it isn't necessary to itemize each one, rather he/she can say "Sin X which I have transgressed countless times" or a similar verbalization.
2) It is a Biblical Mitzvah to increase the amount we eat and drink on Erev Yom Kippur.
The Talmud (Rosh Hashana 9a-b) teaches that one who eats on Erev Yom Kippur is considered as if he fasted on both Erev Yom Kippur and on Yom Kippur.
It is the minhag to have a Yom Tov Seuda on Erev Yom Kippur, as it is considered a Yom Tov because we are confident that Hashem will forgive all our sins. (See Tur Siman 604)
Women and children who have reached the age of Chinuch are also obligated in this Mitzvah of eating more on Erev Yom Kippur, according to many Poskim. (See Shu"t Ksav Sofer Siman 112 and MaHaril Hilchos Erev Yom Kippurim)
Halachos for Yom Kippur
1) The following things are prohibited from sunset of Yom Kippur eve until nightfall after Yom Kippur :
1) Melacha (any "work" that is prohibited on Shabbos)
2) Eating
3) Drinking
4) Bathing /washing
5) Smearing lotion, soap etc.
6) Wearing leather shoes
7) Marital relations
There is a dispute amongst the Rishonim if all the aforementioned are prohibited Min HaTorah (biblically) or just eating and drinking and Melacha, while the rest are only prohibited MiDirabanan (prohibited by the sages).
Most Poskim rule that it is best to be stringent and consider them all as Min HaTorah. (See Mishna Berura Siman 611:3)
However, "Kares- the heavenly death penalty" is only meted out for eating, drinking and Melacha, according to all opinions. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 611:1)
2) Upon rising on Yom Kippur morning, Negel Vasser must be washed. However, one must be careful to only wash until the end of the joints of the hand (knuckles) and not the entire hand. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 613:2)
As you wash, have in mind that you are doing so to remove the "impure spirit" from your body, and not doing it for the pleasure of "washing" which is prohibited on Yom Kippur.(Rama ibid.)
The face may not be washed on Yom Kippur morning. (See Mishna Berura ibid. S"K 3)
It is best to be stringent and not even place a little water on the eyes, unless there is some crust near the eyes, then it may be removed with a drop of water that was placed on your finger. When doing so, care must be taken to only place the water on the immediate spot of the crust, and not on any other part of the face. (Rama Siman 613:4 and Mishna Berura S"K 9)
After using the restroom, the hands should be washed, but only until the knuckles. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 613:3)
The Kohanim may wash their entire hands before going up to "duchen- bless the congregation" as that washing isn't one of pleasure. (ibid.)
Although most contemporary Poskim allow the use of aerosol spray deodorant on Tisha B'Av if necessary to prevent sweating, this is not the case on Yom Kippur, and it is prohibited to use any kind of deodorant on Yom Kippur, even if only to prevent and/or eliminate odors. (Kitzur Hilchos Yom Tov page 110 quoted in Piskei Teshuvos Siman 614:1 footnote 3)
גמר
חתימה
טובה
TO ALL OF KLAL YISROEL!!
Reader's Question:
Do children make kiddush on Yom Kippur [before they eat] when it comes out on Shabbos?
Answer:
A child, or an adult that is ill, that eats on Yom Kippur (regardless if it's shabbos or not), according to the Mishna Berura (Siman 618:28) does not recite Kiddush first. (Rav Akiva Eiger Zatzal argues and maintains that Kiddush is necessary. The prevelant ruling that is followed is not to recite Kiddush)
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
In Judaism, we eat according to how much we pray. On a regular weekday, we pray moderately and eat moderately. On Shabbos, we pray more and eat more. On the Holidays, when we recite special prayers, we dine more elaborately.
The exception to this rule seems to be Yom Kippur; we pray all day, but we don't eat at all!
The Jews in the wilderness ate Manna. The Manna was no ordinary foodstuff, it was a sacred food, similar to the spiritual sustenance angels subsist on. In fact, when there was a weakening in the spiritual stature of the Jewish People, they complained that the Manna did not satisfy their bodily lusts.
On Yom Kippur, we eat a whole day, much more than on any day of the year. However, our food is similar to the Manna, only, it is even more spiritual than the Manna was. On Yom Kippur, we eat the same food angels do.
During the fast of Yom Kippur, let each hunger pang remind you of the delightful, spiritual repast your soul is enjoying.
From a lecture by Harav Moshe Wolfson Shlita , Mashgiach Ruchani of Mesivta Torah Vodaath and Rav of Bais Medrash Emunas Yisroel in Brooklyn. NY; click here for more of his lectures.
Question:
Yisurim is Mechaper, everybody knows that suffering is a form of atonement. Is the mere experience of pain the atonement ? Or does one have to think about some bad deed which he had done, to which he is being punished, in order that he should get the benefit of the Yisurim? In other words, are the Yisurim intrinsically a Kaporo or only a stimulus for a man to do Teshuva and therefore get a Kaporoh?
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatal:
The answer is both. We have to know, that pain has an important function, like Rashi says in one place, illness is for the purpose of humbling mankind. Its a very important principle Rashi is enunciating. Illness makes a man a Dal. "Ashrai Maskil El Dal", happy is the one who pays attention to the sick. Dal means not poor man...the sick one, he is low. "Aromimcha Hashem Ki Dilisoni ", he lifted me up from lowness, Dal means low and Dalah means to lift up from lowness. You cannot be proud when you are Chalila ill. Its a great benefit . So even though you haven't changed your ways, the mere humiliation of illness, it makes you low, is already an achievement.A very big achievement for a person to lose his arrogance even for a little while. Sick people are not arrogant.
However, if its utilized more fully, a man utilizes that as a hint to correct his ways, and that's a message that Hashem is not satisfied , and he improves, certainly he has utilized the Yisurim in a better form. There is even a better form. "Semaichim B'yisurim", those who are happy when Yisurim come. We say thank you Hashem, that's not easy to say, at least we should try to say it, maybe someday we will feel it.
So now we have 3 Madraigos in Yisurim.
One Madraiga is, a man is suffering like a dumb ox - he doesn't think at all, but he is suffering. A sick ox is not interested in adventures and goring people, he has his own troubles to think about. That's a big thing.
The Second Madraiga is, if he is "Mefashfaish Bemaasov ...Iym Roeh Adam Sh'yisurim Baem Alav", if a man sees suffering come upon him, "Mefashfaish Bemaasov" , he looks into his deeds he investigates his deeds and becomes better.
And the Third Madraiga is, Semaychim B'yisurim..Thank Hashem for the Yisurim..AAH..if you can do that , you have reached the summit of success with Yisurim.
from the weekly "A moment with Rabbi Miller" email.
Doesn't anyone else care that we are losing Shabbos this week?
Well I do.
Don't you all realize what is happening? Can't you see what they're doing to us? There won't be any cholent this Shabbos. No nap, no zmiros. no Shabbos party, nothing!
Uh oh. People are giving me that look. I must be doing it again.
Okay, I get it.
Were supposed to be busy doing teshuva now and not thinking about nosh. You're shocked, how could I be so shallow?
I guess other people don't even notice stuff like this. I'm so embarrassed. But then I was always this way.
Let me guess when you were young you never checked to see how many pages were left in your Yom Kippur machzor till the end of davening. I remember as a kid leafing through and thinking "Oh my gosh FOUR HUNDRED pages left, we're not getting out this year till after Succos!"
Well I'm sorry. I like Shabbos. It's not fair. Give that back!
Ummm something strange just happened. I went to the source and found that the Pasuk (Parshas Emor 23:32) calls Yom Kippur"Shabbos Shabbason" the ultimate Shabbos experience. "Shabbos Shabboson it should be for you, and you should afflict yourselves."
Now I'm really confused isn't Shabbos all about getting that recharge? The complete getaway for soul, mind and body? What ever happened to good ol' disconnecting to connect? How does afflicting ourselves fit the bill as the ultimate Shabbos experience?
The answer lies in a few short words written by Harav Pincus (Shabbos Malkusa introduction). What is the essence of the day we call Shabbos? If you had to encapsulate all the multifaceted glory and power of this holy day in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
Ein od Milvado.
Shabbos is the day of Hashem. The day that Hashem reveals himself and enables us to truly find him.
Suddenly in HIS presence the entire world grinds to an immediate and total standstill. Like the beam of a flashlight in the blinding light of the sun the world itself is Shovais.
And now for the best part. On Shabbos there is a mitzva of Oneg, not because physical pleasure is intrinsically good for our spiritual growth (it isn't), but because Shabbos isn't about us at all, it's about Hashem and He desires that we eat, so we eat.
However on Yom Kippur the revelation of Hashem in our world is so great and powerful that our entire universe fades into complete oblivion, even more so than it does on Shabbos. Hashem is coming close to his nation to forgive and love us once more without barriers or distance. Our flimsy world disintegrates and breaks down before this awesome light. Even WE are transformed into angels (and say Baruch Shem out loud) and suddenly food and Oneg Shabbos become superfluous.
So perhaps we will not be missing out on Shabbos this week at all. On the contrary, we have the opportunity to experience the
ultimate Shabbos. Shabbos Shabboson.
May we all taste the true pleasure of Vekarasa LSHABBOS Oneg and be zoche to be sealed into the book of eternal life and sing zmiros forever in that great day that is forever Shabbos AMEN.
Written by daily reader, Rabbi Efraim Stauber for the Afikei Newsletter
Today's Halachos sponsored by:
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1) It is important to recite Vidui (the itemization of our sins) on Erev Yom Kippur within the Tefila of Mincha.
Mincha (with Vidui) should preferably be recited before the eating of the Erev Yom Kippur afternoon meal, the Seudah Hamafsekes.
The reason for this is that Chazal were worried that one would Chas V'Shalom choke during that meal and pass away without the opportunity to recite the Vidui. (See Mishna Berura Siman 607:1)
2) If one davened Mincha and forgot to add the Vidui, and already went home and ate the meal, he should repeat the Vidui close to sunset, and not right when he remembers. (Halichos Shlomo Yom Kippur, Perek 4:1)
When repeating the Vidui, it is not necessary to repeat the entire Shemona Esrei, as Vidui is an independent Tefilah that may be recited on its own, even though ideally it was inserted into the Shemona Esrei. (ibid.)
Reader's Question:
Are children supposed to try to fast three fasts before their bar/bas mitzva?
Answer:
On Yom Kippur, from age 9 until 12 for a boy and 11 for a girl it's good to accustom them to fast for an hour or two (i.e. to teach them to push off their usual eating time.).
From age 11 for a girl and age 12 for a boy there is a Mitzvah of chinuch to try and have them fast if they are strong enough. (See Shulchan Aruch and Mishna Berura Siman 616,based on Mishna Yoma 82a)
Some people have the custom to have them fast two or three fasts before their Bar/Bas Mitzvah, however there is no clear source for this minhag.
Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal (Halichos Shlomo Yom Kippur, Perek 6:14) ruled that children under Bar/Bas Mitzvah should not fast a full day at all, even on Yom Kippur. He ruled this way even if Yom Kippur was the fast immediately before their Bar/Bas Mitzvah.
For halacha L'ma'aseh a Rav must be consulted.
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
Why is Tzom Gedalia in the Aseres Yemei Teshuva?
On Tzom Gedalia, the leader of Klal Yisrael, Gedalia ben Achikam was murdered. The Rambam says that the final embers of Klal Yisrael went out because of his murder, and therefore Klal Yisrael was sent out to galus.
So if it was only the final ember that went out, the last spark, what's the big deal? We were basically at our end already! Why is it such a sad day? Why a fast?
Never underestimate the power of that last spark! The power of a final ember. The last drive forward. That burst of strength of pure desperation.
All it takes is one spark to burn down an entire forest. One lit cigarette. One coal. One spark has catastrophic effects. People have lifted cars to save themselves or loved ones. We've all seen some famous sports comeback.
How does that happen?
Because one ember is what starts the burning furnace that sits inside each of us. Once we start that fire it doesn't go out until we let it. If we don't let it, it'll burn forever.
Shimshon had his hair cut and lost all his G-d given strength. He was bound and had his eyes poked out while in captivity by the pelishtim. He was caught. Stuck with no way out. So what did he do? He davened to Hashem. "Zachreini na v'chazkeini na ach hapam hazeh",he davened that G-d should give him the strength one last time to exact judgment upon the pelishtim, by pulling down the foundation pillars of the building they were in.
And Hashem did. the pasuk says he killed more enemies in that act than throughout his entire life. BECAUSE OF ONE SPARK that he wouldn't allow to extinguish.
Tzom Gedalia comes during our teshuva time because teshuva can NEVER be out of the questioin.
As long as there is a single spark! One tiniest desire to be better is enough to do so. One baby step because of this desire turns into a life changing moment.
Important Numbers
