1) The discussion up until now was regarding Teshuva for "regular" sins.
However, for one who [intentionally] transgressed a severe sin in the area of "Hilchos Tznius" (such as MZ"L or similar sins) a regular Teshuva is not adequate, and a stronger Teshuva must be done. (See Zohar Parshas Vayechi and Parshas Vayakhel)
The Seforim Hakedoshim say that for these sins one must first do the regular Teshuva (Charata, Kabala Al HaAsid and Vidui) and then must also strengthen in Torah study, even though it may be difficult. (See Reishis Chochma Sha'ar HaTeshuvah Perek 2 and Sha'ar HaKedusha Perek 17. See also Nefesh Hachaim Sha'ar 1:21 and Sha'ar 4:31 and Sha'ar HaTziyun Siman 615:5 and Talmud Brachos 5a-b that one who learns Torah merits having his sins expunged)
2) He must try and strain himself to wake up earlier to learn or otherwise learn at a time when he really does not have a desire to do so. (Reishis Chochma Sha'aR Hateshuva Perek 7)
Furthermore, he should be careful not to interrupt his learning with lighthearted talk and should try and review whatever he learns a few times even though he feels like he already knows what he learned, as doing so is considered learning Torah L'shmah. (See Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah Siman 246:17 and Kraina D'Igrasa letters 11, 12 and 168)
He should try to learn at times when many people are not learning (such as Erev Shabbos and Shabbos) as learning at such a time is more powerful than learning at a time when many people are learning. (See Ben Ish Chai, second year, Parashas Shmos in introduction that learning Torah on Shabbos is 1,000 times as powerful as learning during the week. See also Yesod V'Shoresh HaAvodah Sha'ar 8:1 quoting the Arizal that learning on Thursday nights is an extremely good Tikun for P'gam HaBris, sins involving the lack of Kedusha with one's bris.)
The above are just a few examples; each person should figure out on their own what area of their Torah study needs improvement and doing so will serve as part of his Teshuva process.
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) It is extremely worthwhile for one who transgressed areas of Hilchos Tzniyus to learn Mishnayos of Seder Taharos, as these Mishnayos are very beneficial for purifying one's Neshama (Arizal quoted in Reishis Chochma Sha'ar HaKedusha Perek 17)
Additionally, saying Tehillim is very appropriate thing to do when doing Teshuva on sins in the realm of Tznius (especially Psalm 51) as reciting Tehillim causes ones heart to feel close to Hashem and brings to emotions of genuine Teshuva. (See Pele Yoetz; "Zohar" and "Tehilim". Of course it's best if one says it slowly and understands the meaning of the words, but even if he doesn't it is still very effective. See also Shu"t Noda B'Yehuda Orach Chaim Siman 35)
2) However, Tehillim should not be recited at the expense of learning Torah, rather it should be said at a time when one would not otherwise be learning. (See Nefesh HaChaim Sha'ar 4 Perek 3)
Keep in mind that even one who had a heavenly decree of death passed against him can have it reversed if he strengthens himself in the area of learning Torah and learns more Torah than is usual for him. (See Talmud Rosh Hashana 18a and Midrash Rabbah Parashas Kedoshim Parsha 25)
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 heard that when one moves into a new home one has 30 days to put up mezuzos. Is this correct ?
Answer:
This is only correct for one who rents the home or apartment, in which case he doesn't need to, and possibly shouldn't, put up the Mezuzah until living there 30 days at which time it is put up with a bracha.
One who owns the apartment (or even a renter in Eretz Yisroel) must put up the Mezuzah immediately and recite the bracha.
An owner should not even sleep in the home for one night without a Mezuzah. (See Igros Moshe Yoreh Deah Vol. 1 Siman 179)
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
Question submitted anonymously:
If a person feels they can't forgive someone, must they say they forgive them?
They don't want to forgive them because they caused them so much pain, however they don't want to suffer the consequences of that action. What to do?
Answer by Devoiry:
I'm sure that there are other people reading this that also have this question and I'm so glad you asked it so I can try to answer it for all those who were wondering but just didn't ask. I really respect you for trying to find a way to get past the hurt and work on really forgiving others for the pain they have caused you-that is really something to look up to!
Forgiveness can be a very difficult thing. On one hand, someone else hurt you and on the other hand, you know it is a very dangerous thing to hold on to the past without letting go.
One important thing to remember is that every single thing that happens to you is from Hashem. Of course we all know that as a fact but internalizing it and really feeling it when things are tough or when someone hurts your feelings is another story. If a person hurts your feelings, says something to make you feel bad, embarrasses you or does anything that makes you not want to forgive them, know that this is all from Hashem. S/he cannot do anything to hurt you if Hashem didn't want it to be that way.
Maybe it's a kapparah - if you are embarrassed in public or if someone says something to hurt your feelings and you don't answer back, you are seriously erasing your aveiros in a way that you cannot imagine! And what a better time to get your aveiros erased than before Yom Kippur! I'm sure we can all use that - a quick "delete" of our sins so we can become cleansed.
Maybe this is a way for you to work on your middos, on being more accepting, on not letting things get to you. If someone hurt you in a way that made you feel really bad, you need to think about it-why does this hurt me so much? Maybe I'm holding on to something too strongly and I need to let it get past me?
And maybe it happened for unknown reasons-unknown to you, that is. Because Hashem has a plan, He knows what He is doing and just know that this is all for your good, for the good of your neshama, for your spiritual growth. You can take this as a way to let yourself become a more giving, forgiving person.
Keep telling yourself again and again no one can hurt me in any way unless Hashem wants it to be. I may not understand why He wants this to happen, but I know that whatever happens in my life is not in my control. I will work on myself to look past the things that hurt me so I can forgive.
Forgiveness is not for the other person-it's for yourself. It's so that you learn to become a better person, a person who can give in, a person who can say it's okay.
Now, don't get me wrong, you should not let yourself become a doormat. If someone keeps hurting you again and again, perhaps you need to reevaluate your relationship and see if it is going in the right direction. I don't know who it is that hurt you that you are trying to forgive - but know that if it is someone with whom you can end a relationship or maybe make them realize your side, maybe you need to do that: talk it over. Tell the person that you feel hurt by whatever was done/said to you. Try to get that person to understand your side.
Also, some things are so trivial, so unimportant that when you will look back in a little while, you will realize that it was so not worth getting upset about. Of course, right now when you are in that situation, it hurts and it hurts terribly. But when you look back after you are over and done with it, you will be able to see that these things pass and things will get better.
You may have heard that if you forgive other people, especially when it's hard for you, Hashem will forgive you. What could be better than that? Now, before Yom Kippur, don't we all want forgiveness for our aveiros? By you going the extra step and saying, I will find it within myself to forgive this person and get past the pain, Hashem will forgive you for the things you may have done that were "too much"!
May you be able to forgive all those who have hurt you with a light heart and may this year be one where we all achieve full forgiveness from Hashem!
Written by daily reader, Devoiry; Taken from her blog
1) One who has fallen and transgressed a particular sin multiple times, or even someone who has become a habitual sinner in regard to a particular sin, should not give up hope, as Teshuva is still possible to attain. (Rambam Hilchos Teshuva Perek 4:6)
One of the key tools the Yetzer Hara uses to prevent a person from doing Teshuva is causing the person to give up on themselves (Yiush); ignore the Yetzer Hara as Hashem never gives up on any Jew and indeed believes in every Jew, and so too no Jew should ever give up on themselves or stop believing in themselves. (See the powerful words of Rav Tzadok Hakohen from Lublin in Tzidkas HaTzadik Os 154. See also Peleh Yoetz; "Teshuva" and Chofetz Chaim in Taharas Yisroel Perek 10)
2) It is prohibited to think or say " I have no strength to stop doing this particular sin; it's already part of my nature", as if Hashem gives a person a particular Nisayon, no matter how impossible it seems to be, Hashem has also given him the tools necessary to choose properly and overcome it. (See introduction to Sefer Shmiras Halashon and Tomer Devorah Perek 4 and Sefer Chasidim Siman 162. See also Rambam Hilchos Teshuva Perek 5:1)
Even though sometimes it feels incredibly difficult or even impossible to overcome, a person must remember that the first few times he overcomes will be the most difficult, and after a while it will become more manageable as overcoming the sin will become part of his nature just as transgressing used to feel. (See Rashi Shmos 19:5 that "Kol Haschalos Kashos, it's always harder in the beginning")
Furthermore, it's important to remember that "L'Fum Tza'arah Agrah, the more difficult the Nisayon is, the more heavenly reward you get for overcoming it" (Mishna Pirkei Avos Perek 5:23. See also Avos D'Rav Nosson Perek 3:6 that one time with pain and difficulty is worth more to Hashem than one hundred times without pain and difficulty)
Reader's Question:
In your comment about honoring grandparents (in halachos of June 1 2010), how does the "din" apply to great grandparents?
Answer:
According to some Poskim the halacha of honoring grandparents extends to great grandparents as well as great great grandparents etc., while others maintain that the obligation does not apply to the fourth generation and above.
It is best to be stringent. (See Shvus Yaakov Vol. 2 Siman 94 and Vol. 1 Siman 173 , Mateh Efraim Hilchos Kadish Yasom and Shu"t Minchas Elozor Vol. 3 Siman 33) .
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
Question:
Should a woman give up her life for her children or for her own career?
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
Well, children are the career of a woman. The truth is, a woman has a career of her own. It's a big mistake to think, a woman is only a person who works in the house. A woman, when she does the things in her house and learns how to do it with the right Kavana, can become a tremendous Oived Hashem.
When she puts the food on the fire and she thinks, Ribono Shel Olam, I am doing Your will in order to feed a frum family. So Hakadosh Baruch Hu considers that Avodas Hashem, no less than bringing a Korban on a Mizbeiach. The Jewish table, the Shulchan, is a Mizbeiach, the Gemora says. Put kosher food on the table for your husband and your children. When you hand the bread, Nosain Lechem L'chol Bosor,you give the piece of bread to a child, your hand is the hand of Hashem; you think that.
If a woman learns to think noble thoughts, that she serves Hashem in all the things she's doing, she becomes Mamesh a Sheliach of Rachmono. No question about it. She can become as great as the biggest Tzadikim, the biggest, famous Rabbeim and Rosh Hayeshivos. In her way, if she utilizes the opportunities. With one condition, she has to think L'shem Shomayim.
When she's washing clothing, washing diapers for children, she is doing it for the service of Hakadosh Baruch Hu, and she gets a tremendous reward - no less than anybody else. If she sends her child to learn in the Cheder, she is the one who is learning. She sends her husband to learn in Yeshiva, she is a 100 percent partner. Noshim B'mai Kozachyin, she encourages her husband and children to learn, it's 100 percent her share.
So they have many opportunities to be Oived Hashem and Hakadosh Baruch Hu in Gan Eden will put them on a golden throne, not less than the throne of the biggest Tzadikim.
1) When one is faced with a Nisayon, a spiritual test, to do a sin, it is extremely important not to think to oneself " Echteh V'Ashuv, I will transgress the sin and do Teshuva afterward" as on such a sin it is extremely difficult to attain a true Teshuva. (as each time he will continue to sin and promise himself that genuine Teshuva will follow, when all that usually follows such an attitude is additional sinning.) (Mishna Yoma 85b)
Furthermore, not only will the individual who does this have a hard time on his own doing Teshuva, he will further be hindered from heaven from doing Teshuva due to the sinful attitude of "I will sin and then repent afterward". (See Rambam Hilchos Teshuva Perek 4:1)
The same applies to one who thinks to himself "Echteh V'Yom HaKipurim Yechaper, I will sin and Yom Kippur will cleanse my sin", as Yom Kippur will indeed not atone for such a sin. (Mishna and Rambam ibid.)
2) Although one who sins with the aforementioned thoughts causes his chances of doing a genuine Teshuva to diminish, it is still possible to do a genuine Teshuva, albeit more difficult, as the door to Teshuva is never totally closed. (See Rambam Hilchos Teshuva Perek 4:6)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader's Question:
Should a bracha be recited on chocolate flavored chewable vitamin supplements? Can they be taken before a person davens brochos [in the morning]?
Answer:
Yes, good tasting vitamins require a Shehakol and are best not consumed before davening.
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
Chazzal teach us that Chizkiyahu Melech Yehudah was amongst the greatest leaders of our people. He enacted laws that would cultivate Gedolim and Talmidei Chachomim in all of Klal Yisroel and our people flourished under his reign. Yet, Chizkiyahu saw with prophecy that he was destined to have a child who would be as wicked as he was righteous. He was thus afraid to produce a child. However, he was advised not to engage in influencing and tampering with the destiny and master plan of Hakadosh Baruch Hu. It was not his 'cheshbon' to influence the heavenly ordinances.
He understood the message and bore this child whom he named Menashe. Sure enough, Menashe grew up to be one of the most wicked people in our history. Where his Father had promoted spirituality, Menashe stifled it. Under his reign, our leaders were killed and their "blood flowed through the streets". Torah learning was forbidden and idolatry carried the day. Chazzal tell that Menashe was ultimately captured by opposing forces and thrown into a cauldron of burning water. As he lay trapped in the water with his flesh burning off his body, the Gemorah says that he began to call out to all of his idols by name, imploring them to save him from his predicament! He begged this idol, the other idol etc. Of course, none of these idols whom he had worshipped his entire life, came to help him in his time of need! Finally, the Gemorah relates that when Menashe was at the end of his rope, so to speak, he called out to Hakadosh Baruch Hu with the following proposal:
He said "Hashem, please help save me from my predicament - for if you do not, then "kol anpin shavim" - You are all the same! Meaning; - Menashe was telling the Ribbono Shel Olam - "look, I called out to all of my Idols and they could not help me. Now I am calling out to you. If you cannot help me either, then you are just like them; you are all the same!
The Gemorah relates that the Angels quickly intervened and closed the Sharei Shamayim (Gates of Heaven) so that the pleas of this Rasha would not reach the Kisei Hakavod! What happened next is a complete mystery. Hakadosh Baruch Hu "drilled a small hole" in his heavens to allow the voice of the dying Menashe to come up to his throne and he proceeded to save Menashe's life in a most miraculous way (as the Gemorah tells).
This story is a complete mystery!
For one thing, why did Hashem decide to save the life of this Rasha - who had spent his entire life rejecting Hakadosh Baruch Hu while attempting to wipe out all vestiges of spirituality from our people? Moreover, when Menashe finally did reach out to Hashem, look at the seeming Chutzpah- hubris with which he approached this! He actually makes conditions with Hashem! He equates Hashem with his worthless idols and says that If Hashem doesn't help him, then he is the same as the rest of those idols!! The sheer chutzpa of this statement! Of course the idols were not in a position to save him! They cannot! However, if Hashem were not to save him, it would be completely justified...after all, he didn't deserve it!
There are really two puzzling questions here
Why did Hashem save him?
What was the meaning behind Menashes cryptic and seemingly brazen plea to Hashem?
The answer to these questions is incredibly beautiful and a lesson for all of us.
Menashes' plea to Hashem was beautiful and profound in its depth. He was actually telling Hakadosh Baruch Hu the following:
"Look, I know what a Rasha I have been all of my life and that I am completely unworthy of your salvation. However, my Father (Chizkiyahu) always taught me as a child, that our Father in heaven displays kindness without boundaries or limitations. I was taught that your mercy for your children is without borders and not impeded by and contained within the framework of any yardstick or measure. Therefore, if you do not save me now in my time of need and despair, this would be an indication that I have simply strayed too far and that I am beyond salvation. This would mean that it is actually possible for a human being on this Earth to sin so badly, that he would actually place himself beyond the scope of your mercy. This means by extention, that your mercy is finite; that it is limited by the constraints of finite boundaries. If this is the case, then you are not the Hashem I was taught about in my youth!!
Upon hearing his pleas, the Malachei Hashareis moved quickly to block his prayers from advancing to the Kisei Hakavod. However, Hashem destined otherwise. Hashem created an opening for Menashes' tefilos to reach his heavenly throne and he actually granted him his request and saved his life!
Why?
Hashem wanted to make an example of Menashe and to teach all future generations that it is never "too late" to do Teshuva and to repent. Indeed, there is no such thing as a Jew straying too far from the fold...there is no such thing as Hashems' patience and mercy being overridden by the sins of a Jew.
No Jew is ever beyond salvation, because G-Ds' mercy and patience is without boundaries or limitations!
Indeed, the lesson we take from Menashe ben Chizkiyahu Melech Yehudah, is both profound and timely. It is never too late for a Jew to do Teshuva and come closer to Borei Olam!
Heard From Rav Shimshon Pincus Zatazl; www.OhrShimshon.com
1) One who did genuine Teshuva and resolved to [sincerely try to the best of his ability to] never repeat the sin again has that sin erased from his record in heaven, and it's considered as if the sin never happened. (See Mesilas Yesharim Perek 4, Zechor L'Miriam perek 24 and Mabit in Bais Elokim, Sha'ar HaTeshuva Perek 12)
In fact, in its stead he has now a Mitzvah of doing proper Teshuva (and in certain instances, all his aveiros which he discarded are transformed into merits!) (See Chofetz Chaim in Taharas Yisroel Perek 10)
2) Even if, Chas V'shalom, at some point in the future he stumbles and repeats the sin, it is considered a new sin with no connection to the previous sin that was erased by the genuine Teshuva, and thus the previous Teshuva is not negated and is still in full effect. (See Rambam and Lechem Mishneh Hilchos Teshuva Perek 2:2. See also Sefer Chasidim Siman 354)
Of course, a new Teshuva on the current sin will be necessary.
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:
There are those that are makpid to say birchas Krias Shema by the zman Krias Shema. What is the source(s) for this? In other words, we all know that if we are davening in a minyan on Shabbos that starts at 9am, they will not say Krias shema bizman in different parts of the year, much less the brochos of krias shema bizmano. Of course, no one wants to cast aspersions on many minyonim in Klal Yisroel, so it must be that saying krias shema before such a minyan is enough al pi halacha. And we certainly know that shemoneh esreh/amida must be davened by zman tefila. But I have known those over the years who were careful to daven with a minyan where they would say the birchas krias shema by the zman as well. I have not been able to find a source for this practice. I would greatly appreciate your help.
Answer:
There are definitely Poskim to rely on that as long as one said the Krias Shma itself before the proper time, even if not said with the Brachos they can be said afterwards during davening followed by Shma and Shemona Esrei and it is considered having said Krias Shma in the right time.
However, the Vilna Gaon and others are of the opinion that in order to be Yotzei Krias Shma in its right time it needs to be said with the Birchos krias Shma.
The Mishna Berura rules like the Gr"a for L'Chatchila but B'dieved as long as it was said even without the Brachos before the proper time it is acceptable.
It is definitely best to try and say krias shma with its Brachos in the proper time, if possible, but if some people do not do it, as long as they say the actual Krias shma in time they are not doing against halacha.
See Biur HaGra Siman 46:19 and Siman 60:4 as well as Ma'aseh Rav , Mishna Berura Siman 46:31 and Biur Halacha Dibur Hamaschil Ki.
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
Every step of Teshuva, no matter how small it may be is extremely significant.
The Yetzer Hara fools us into thinking that we are wasting our time because we aren't making massive changes in our lives.
Do not be fooled by him!
Every baby step is significant; it's not how big our step is that counts it's the direction it's heading that is important!
1) One who only regrets doing a sin but does not resolve to [try and] never do it again, is not considered to have regretted doing the sin properly, as if one truly realized that what he did was immoral how can he not resolve to [try and] not repeat it.
Furthermore, not resolving to [try and] not repeat the sin again is a sign that he doesn't realize the severity of his actions and merely looks at his sin as a "nice thing to try to not do " or a "chumrah, stringency" but not as the severe sin against Hashem that it was. (See Nidchei Yisroel Perek 34)
2) It is for this reason that it is of utmost importance for every Jew to learn Halacha and to know what is expected of him or her , to determine what is "black and white" Halacha, what is chumrah and what is minhag.
Knowing the severity of each sin, and its prescribed consequences, will not only serve to ensure it isn't done, but will also serve to enable one to do proper Teshuva in the event that it was transgressed. (See Chayei Adam Klal 143, Peleh Yoetz; "Teshuva" and Sha'arei Teshuva Sha'ar 1 Siman 37 and Sha'ar 3 Siman 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 supposed to answer 'Amen" to a [small child's] bracha?
Answer:
See archives, halachos for June 25 2009 here
Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal (in Halichos Shlomo Perek 22:20) writes that although a regular Amen is not said when hearing a Bracha from a child that does not understand to whom he is saying the bracha (Hashem), one should pretend to answer Amen by saying an incomplete "Ame..." so the child should think that you answered amen and learn to answer Amen to brachos that he hears.
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
Do you ever feel like " I want to do Teshuvah, but I just can't!"
Do you ever really want to change, but just don't feel ready?
Do you ever do something you know you shouldn't be doing and feel bad about it?
Well, just knowing that it's wrong, feeling bad that you aren't able to be better yet and really wanting to do Teshuva are themselves a very important fisrt step in returning to Hashem.
Never underestimate the power of a heart that yearns for closeness to Hashem; a heart that is saddened by not yet being where it knows it needs to be.
Hashem loves such a person, and ultimately will help them do proper Teshuva as well.
Today's Halachos dedicated by the Rabbinically Approved www.MikvahCalendar.com
1) The three main aspects of Teshuva (as brought in the Rambam Hilchos Teshuva Perek 2:2) are:
a) Charata, remorse for doing something against the will of Hashem.
b) Kabala al HaAsid, genuine resolve to not repeat the sin.
c) Vidui, verbalizing the above remorse and resolve.
Complete Kapara, heavenly forgiveness, is not achieved until all three of the aforementioned conditions are met. (See Minchas Chinuch Mitzvah 364)
2) Besides for the Mitzvah aspect of Vidui, the Torah's requirement to verbalize the sin, doing so also serves a practical purpose, as when one "hears" himself enumerating his sins it causes his heart to sense the severity of the sin and better aides in resolving to not repeat it. (See Minchas Chinuch ibid.)
The verbalizing of the sins, the Vidui, is only a Mitzvah if one is genuine in his remorse and doesn't have intention to repeat the sin he is saying Vidui on.
If one does say a insincere Vidu, not only is it not a proper Teshuva, it is in it of itself a sin as it is considered "lying" to Hashem; in fact one of the "Al Cheit" that we say on Yom Kippur is "Al Cheit SheChatanu Lefanecha B'Vidui Peh, forgive us Hashem for sinning before You via [insincere] vidui with our mouth" (See Sefer Chareidim Perek 63 and Chayei Adam Klal 143. See also Midrash Rabbah Parshas Balak Perek 20:13 that although such a vidui is not valid for Teshuva, it does work to prevent certain heavenly retribution.)
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 I need to check my mezuzot in my home, and it will take a few days, is it okay to leave the house without mezuzot for a few days?
Answer:
No, you should not sleep in a home that does not have mezuzos.
Either put up temporary ones while yours are being checked (many Sofrim offer loaner mezuzos while they check) or have them checked and replaced same day (many Sofrim offer these same day house calls)
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
Teshuva is often interpreted as "repentance".
Although, that's true in a sense, the actual definition of Teshuva is "Return", returning to Hashem.
When we sin we get distanced from Hashem, and that is the saddest thing that can happen to a human being, as closeness to Hashem, our Father, is the best thing for our souls.
When we do Teshuva, besides for regretting our sins and resolving to not repeat them, we must also heal the rift that we caused to happen between us and our Father in heaven.
When we daven, we are in essence talking to Hashem, and thus when done with sincerity we are becoming close to our Father again.
Today's halachos are dedicated L'zecher Nishmas HaIsha Yenta Chaya bas R' Nochum whose Yahrtzeit is today, 3 Elul. May she be a Meilitzah Yeshara for her entire mishpacha.
1) When one needs to do Teshuva, it must be done as soon as possible and not pushed off to a later time as the Mitzvah of Teshuva is a constant obligation (as long as one has sins) (See Rambam Hilchos Teshuva Perek 7:2)
2) Besides the inherent importance of doing Teshuva immediately, delaying Teshuva is a sin in its own right, as it's indicative of a lack of concern about the severity of this sin and in most cases leads to a flippant attitude toward this sin - as habit is wont to do- and makes it extremely difficult to ever stop doing that particular sin. (See Sha'arei Teshuva Sha'ar 1:2)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) The longer one delays doing Teshuva, the harder it becomes to actually do Teshuva as the longer one lingers the less heavenly help he will have, and in fact the Yetzer Hara will sometimes be given special permission to place difficult spiritual nisyonos, obstacles, in the person's path. (See Rambam Hilchos Teshuva Perek 6:3 where he writes that sometimes, a person who consistently sins and ignores the call to Teshuva may be punished to the point that Teshuva is all but impossible; a tragic state to allow oneself to fall to. See Shla HaKadosh Maseches Yoma; Hilchos Teshuva.)
2) One who caused another Jew to sin along with them (be it in a breach of Hilchos Tzniyus with a female or a male or in any other sin) must not only do Teshuva for his own sin but must also try to get the other person to do teshuva as well. (See Shu"t Noda B'Yehuda Orach Chaim Siman 35 and Shla Hakadosh, Sha'ar HaOsiyos; "Kedusha")
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:
Am I allowed to read math books on Shabbos?
Answer:
M'Ikar Hadin, math books, like other Sifrei Chochma,books of secular knowledge, may be read on Shabbos. A Yerei Shomayim, however should try and be stringent if possible. (See Mishna Berura Siman 307:65 and Sefer Ashrei HaIsh from Maran Harav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv shlita, Perek 16:14)
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
Chazal teach us "Sofo Na'utz Betchiloso - The end is attached to the beginning". In a different place, Chazal explain this concept with the words "Sof Ma'aseh B'machashava Techiloh - The final output is dependent upon the initial thought".
When an Architect draws up plans for a building, he already has the final draft completed - with a full schematic drawn up, before the first brick is even cemented! When a person drives up to the Catskills for Shabbos and you ask him where he is going, he doesn't begin to describe for you the exact sequence of each exit on the highway etc... Instead, he simply says that he is "going to the mountains for Shabboss".
In other words, he already has his eye on the prize from the very beginning ....just like the Architect in our previous example!
This same concept applies with respect to our desire for spiritual growth. We need to focus from the very beginning on what it is that we'd like to accomplish at the end. When we say Modeh Ani in the morning, we need to immediately think about how we want our day to evolve.
When we hear the first sounds of the Shofar at the beginning of Elul, we need to reflect on what we'd like to accomplish by the end of Simchas Torah and devise a plan to meet that end goal.
Elul is a time when G-d takes us on a rocketship to meet and live with him in the heavenly spheres - quite literally!
We live in Shamayim on this Earth!
To be sure, every Jew becomes enthused and excited during this precious time. However, if we do not draw up a plan of action and decide on exactly what spiritual items we will be 'purchasing' , then we will ultimately come away from the Yomim Tovim with nothing but fond memories!!
Therefore, by focusing on the "Sof Ma'aseh B'machashava Techiloh", we greatly enhance our opportunity for success!
Heard From Rav Shimshon Pincus Zatzal; www.OhrShimshon.com
1) One who stumbled in any aspects of Hilchos Tzniyus must do Teshuva to repent for his infractions, much as with any other sins.
As soon as one does genuine Teshuva, no matter how severe his sins were, his sins are erased by Hashem's love for him increases to an even higher level than before he sinned in the first place. (See Rambam Hilchos Teshuva perk 7 at length. See also Shu"t Chacham Tzvi Siman 13. )
Furthermore, upon doing Teshuva, he is rewarded with a special Siyata D'Shmaya (heavenly assistance) to excel in his subsequent Torah learning and Mitzvah performance. (ibid.)
2) Besides for Teshuva being a biblical obligation in its own right (aspects of which we shall, B'Ezras Hashem, discuss more in detail in the coming weeks), it also serves as a preventative from doing further sins, as part of the Teshuva process is the "Kabalah Al Ha'Asid, resolve going forward" not to repeat the sins. (See Rambam in Sefer Hamitzvos 73, Sefer HaChinuch Mitzvah 364 and Sha'arei Teshuva Sha'ar 1:1)
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 drying dishes on Shabbos considered Sechita? Or is it permitted?
Answer:
It is permitted to use a towel to dry dishes on Shabbos with a cloth as we do not worry that it will become so saturated to the point of sechitah, as when it gets that wet a new cloth is taken.
It is best to not squeeeze very hard, if possible, when doing this to very wet dishes. .
However, a utensil that is very narrow (like some wine goblets) and has in it a lot of water should not be dried as doing so will inevitably lead to sechitah. (Based on Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchaso Perek 12:21)
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
א ני ל דודי ו דודי ל י
I am to my Beloved [Hashem] and my beloved [Hashem] is to me. (שיר השירים פרק ו פסוק ג).
דרשו ד' בהמצאו קראהו בהיותו קרוב
Seek out Hashem when he is nearby, call out to him when he is near.(ישעי פרק נ"ה פסוק ו )
The days from Rosh Chodesh Elul until after Hoshana Rabba are days of Hashem's Rachamim (mercy), Selicha (forgiveness) and Ratzon (goodwill). They are an extremely opportune time for Jews to find it within themselves to repent and atone for the sins that were transgressed in the past year and to accept it upon themselves to live better lives, according to Halacha- the will of Hashem, in the year ahead.
Hashem is always waiting for his children to repent, but in Elul He is even closer to us and Teshuva is a lot easier.
It is never too late to jump on the bandwagon and start our journey of return to our father in heaven, and hopefully, together, bring about the final redemption with Mashiach Tzidkeinu.
1) Just as it is forbidden to talk Nivul Peh so too it is forbidden to hear it from someone else. (See Sha'arei Teshuva Sha'ar 3 Siman 229. See also Talmud Kesubos 5b that Hashem created the earlobe soft and flexible so that it can be inserted in the ear to block out any forbidden speech one may hear, including Nivul Peh.)
Just as by Devarim SheBikedusah there is a concept of Shomea K'Oneh, where one who hears a holy utterance is as if he himself said it, so too with Nivul Peh, one who hears it [and is able to walk away or otherwise not hear it] is considered as if he himself is speaking it. (Shla Hakadosh, Sha'ar HaOsiyos, Kedusha)
2) One who [deliberately and constantly] defiles his mouth with Nivul Peh will as a result cause his mouth to be an unacceptable vehicle for holy utterances, and thus any Torah or Tefilos that the defiled mouth utters will not be accepted by Hashem, just as a precious gift delivered in a repulsive utensil will be rejected by its intended recipient. (See Chofetz Chaim in Sefer Nidchei Yisroel Perek 20 and 23 and in Sefer Z'chor L'Miriam Perek 8. See also Chayei Adam Klal 143 in his Pirush on Vidui, on the stanza"Dibarnu Dofi")
Furthermore, additional heavenly punishment will be necessary for the Chutzpa (audacity) of trying to present Hashem such holy utterances via such a defiled mouth, similar to one who recites a bracha over stolen food, where Chazal teach us that the bracha is considered an audacity. (Shla ibid. See Talmud Sanhedrin 6b)
Of course, once one does Teshuva for regularly speaking Nivul Peh, his mouth is cleansed and is once again acceptable for holy utterances.
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 Motzai Shabbos, does one say "Shir Hamalos" before birchas hamazon [or Al Naharos Bavel like another weekday]?
Answer:
According to Maran Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita, in Sefer Sh'eilas Rav page 338, on Motzei Shabbos we say Al Naharos Bavel like on any other weekday.
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
Question:
What do you say to a non-religious Jew who says, "Why do you need religion? It's enough to be a good person!"
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller zatzal:
Let me tell you. I go in the streets everyday and I watch the people at the fruit stores,; customers. They stop and they eat cherries just to taste them, and don't buy. They pick grapes, eat them and don't buy. They pick peanuts and eat them, don't buy. Apricots; taste them, eat them, don't buy. So the whole world is a world of crooks. The irreligious are Mamaesh Ganovim. You have to learn that to take a fruit - a peanut today costs a penny;- it's Gezel (theft).
Without learning Torah, without Yiras Shomayim, you will never know how to be a decent person. It's a fundamental error; you can not be good without Torah. You do harm to your fellow man all the time. And therefore you have to learn Bava Kama to know not to damage other peoples property. You have to learn Bava Metziah to know that if you find something, you have to return it. All kinds of Bain Adam L'chaveiro, Onoas Devorim, Dinim of Nezikin, everywhere; and that you can never know.
That's why it's so good when they start teaching little boys Bava Kama. Once a man complained, "My little son he said, they're making a lawyer out of him in the yeshiva!" In Bava Kama they're teaching him laws. I said, not my own, an Adam Gadol said, you have to take a little boy and start teaching him to have respect for other peoples money. If you don't teach him when he's little, he'll never learn, so start with the little boys, Dinai Mo'monos, they'll learn how to respect other peoples' money.
You have to start as early as possible, because later in life, people that didn't learn Torah and start learning later in life will find it difficult to think about that. A man once walked into our Shul, a Baal Teshuva boy, wanted to open a window, so he pushed his hand against the glass and he pushed out the pane, broke the pane. So I announced that you have to pay for it. It was a big Chidush to him that you have to pay. A man is Chayiv even B'shogaig if he's Mazik. But if you never learned it, "I didn't mean any harm," he thinks. He did me a favor and wanted to give me money. I said, don't give me the money, I have to go get a glazier, I can't find a glazier, do it yourself. So he had to go and find a glazier to put in the pane because he broke it.
And therefore when you didn't learn, nothing means anything to you in Dinai Mo'monos, you'll always have excuses. There is no such thing as being good without Torah.
1) It is forbidden to [unnecessarily] talk about impure things and actions or use words that refer to impure actions. (See Sefer Chareidim Perek 24:49)
This is referred to as "Nivul Peh, defiling the mouth".
Besides for the fact that such speech will lead to impure thoughts, such [unnecessary] speech in its own right is a sin, as the Torah (Devarim 23:15) says "V'Lo Yir'eh Becha Ervas Davar, and you shall not see anything revealed". The word "Davar" also means "word" and Chazal learn from this that a word (i.e. speaking) regarding Ervah is also forbidden. (See Talmud Yerushalmi Terumos Perek 1:6. See also Chareidim ibid., Mesilas Yesharim Perek 11 and Midrash Raba Vayikrah Perek 24:6)
2) Furthermore, Nivul Peh taints a Jew's Neshama. (See Chofetz Chaim in Sefer Nidchei Yisroel Perek 20)
One who [regularly] uses Nivul Peh is risking having his Tefilos rejected by Hashem and causing his Neshama to not be taken up to heaven when he goes to sleep at night and thus losing out on the nightly cleansing that a Jew's Neshama usually receives, spiritually an extremely dangerous thing to miss out on. (See Sefer Chareidim ibid. where he also refers to Nivul Peh as "Avi Avos Hatumah, the most severe kind of impurity)
Using Nivul Peh can unfortunately reverse seventy years' worth of good judgments against a person and cause him much suffering; whereas controlling one's mouth can reverse seventy years' worth of bad judgments and save a person much suffering. (See Talmud Shabbos 33a where the Gemara enumerates many other consequences of using Nivul Peh. Merubah Midah Tova M'Midas Puraniyos, good measures are always given more abundantly than their converse. See Rashi Shmos 20:6)
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 am sitting Shivah this week. Is it permitted for me to read The Halacha for Today during this time?
Answer:
No, a mourner may only learn certain topics related to mourning, the Churban and other sad topics etc. See Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah Siman 384:4.
If one learns a certain thing (such as Chok L'Yisroel) or delivers a certain shiur consistently each and every day without skipping a day ever, a Rav should be consulted regarding the permissibilty of learning when in mourning R"L or on Tisha B'Av after Chatzos, as there are certain leniencies
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
ה' מ'4;ה ר'3;ב'8;ו'8; צ'4;ר'4;י ר'3;ב'8;'0;ים ק'4;מ'0;ים ע'4;ל'4;י
HaShem, how numerous are my tormentors! The great rise up against me!
(Tehilim 3:2)
We have explained in the past that the word מה, while normally defined as how in a question form, can also be defined as an exclamation, as it is said (Tehillim 31:20) מ'4;ה ר'3;ב-טו'8;בְך'4; אֲשׁ'2;ר-צ'4;פ'3;נְת'8;'4; ל'8;'0;יר'1;א'2;יך'4;, how abundant is Your goodness that You have stored away for those that fear You.
Here too we can explain this verse to mean that Dovid was continuing his theme of gratitude by proclaiming, "how wondrous it is that HaShem has placed adversaries in my path," as every experience in life, no matter how tragic, is to help a person grow in spirituality.
Written by Rabbi Binyomin Adler; shabbostaamhachaim@gmail.com
1) Another proven method to control impure thoughts is to gaze at one's Tzitzis, as doing so infuses a Jew with strength, as the Posuk (Bamidbar 15:39) states regarding Tzitzis "U'Reisem Oso U'Zchartem Es Kol Mitzvos Hashem Va'Asisem Osam, you shall look at [the Tzitzis] and [it will cause you to] remember all the commandments of Hashem and [help you] fulfill them" (Chofetz Chaim in Sefer Shmiras Halashon Vol. 2 in the Chasimas HaSefer Perek 3. See also Talmud Menachos 43b and Rashi Dibur Hamaschil U'Rakiah L'Kisei Hakavod)
2) Another important thing to remember if one is beset by impure thoughts is that these thoughts damage one's Neshama and Nefesh (soul and spirit) (See Sefer Chareidim Perek 66:68. See also Talmud Chulin 37b where Yechezkel Hanavi proclaims regarding the fact that his thoughts have always been pure by saying "Nafshi Lo MiTuma, my spirit has never been defiled [by impure thoughts])
Furthermore, one who [consistently and deliberately] has bad thoughts risks being denied being close to Hashem in the next world. (See Talmud Nidah 13b and Maharsha there that this is not so much a punishment as a consequence as Tumah and Tahara simply do not mix.)
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:
What brocha is 'cookies and cream' ice cream?
Answer:
Similar to a sandwich ice cream, take a piece of the cookie (or , preferably another mezonos item) and make a Mezonos then take some ice cream and make shehakol.
regarding the Bracha achrona, if a Kzayis of the mezonos is eaten in under 4 minutes an Al Hamichya is required. If less than a kzayis of the cookies wer eaten in the alloted time, and a combined Kzayis of the ice cream and the cookies were eaten in the proper timeframe, a Borei nefashos is recited.
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
ע'0;בְדו'8; א'2;ת ה' ב'8;ְי'0;רְא'4;ה; וְג'0;ילו'8;, ב'8;'0;רְע'4;ד'4;ה
Serve Hashem with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
(Tehilim 2:11)
How does one simultaneously serve HaShem with joy and trembling?
The answer to this question is that we are commanded to serve HaShem with love and with fear. We love HaShem because of all the good that He does for us, and we fear Him because we know that our lives are in His hands.
The word וְג'0;ילו'8;, while translated as rejoice, is associated with the word גול, which means revealed.
When we allow our true selves to be revealed, we are acknowledging that HaShem is our very existence.
The word יראה is also associated with the word ראיה, seeing.
Fearing HaShem means to recognize that everything comes from HaShem.
Thus, Dovid HaMelech is instrcuting us to open our eyes and see HaShem in everything we do, and then we can rejoice with trembling.
Written by Rabbi Binyomin Adler; shabbostaamhachaim@gmail.com
1) The ideal way to remove impure thoughts from one's mind is to replace them with thoughts of Torah, as the holiness of the Torah helps to prevent sin as Hashem created the Yetzer Hara and created the Torah as its antidote. (See Shulchan Aruch Even HaEzer Siman 23:3 and Talmud Kidushin 30b)
Not only is thinking Torah thoughts an option, it is actually an obligation to focus one's mind on Torah thoughts or even stop what he is doing and go learn some Torah in order to remove impure thoughts from his mind. (See Talmud Sukkah 52b and Rashi to Bava Basra 16a Dibur Hamaschil Bara Lo Torah that since one has this option he will not be able to avoid punishment by saying " I had no choice; I am an Oines")
2) One who is trying to remove impure thoughts from his mind, but us being unsuccessful should say the following Posuk over and over until the thoughts leave his mind:
"Aish Tamid Tukad Al Hamizbayach Lo Tichbeh, an eternal fire should always burn on the Mizbayach (altar)" (Vayikra 6:6)
This Posuk has many deep kabalistic meanings and saying it reminds the Jewish soul that the fire of servitude to Hashem must always burn inside his soul, as every Jew is a miniature Bais Hamikdash, a dwelling place for Hashem's Shechinah and thus all foreign fires, i.e. impurities must be kept out. (See Peleh Yoetz, "Machshavah". See also Shla Hakadosh Sha'ar HaOsiyos, "Lev Tov" where he quotes the Ramak having learned this method directly from Eliyahu Hanavi!)
Another Posuk to say is "Sayafim Saneisi VeTorascha Ahavti,I abhor sinful thoughts, and I love your Torah" (Tehilim 119:113) (Shlah Hakadosh 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:
What about shoe tying for ladies; [do they also tie the left shoe first?
Answer:
Even though women do not wear Tefilin, they should still tie their left shoe first.(Laws of Daily Living by Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen Shlita page 52 quoting the Shu"t Shevet HaKehasi and Shu"t Dvar Yehoshua)
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
I'm sure that anyone standing here tonight can get up and speak for 5 hours regarding the days of Elul. What can I add...what can I share?
The purpose of Elul, is to start at the very beginning, with our eye on the end. "Ani Ledodi, Vedodi Li" - (The roshei Teivos of the word Elul) is an expression of pure love. In other words, these days of Elul are designed for us to practice the art of taking Hashems hand, bringing him in to our lives and never letting go. We are being tasked with the job of developing powerful feelings of love for Hashem Yisborach. This love for Hashem, is what we strive to achieve at the very end of Tishrei and after celebrating the climax of Simchas Torah and Shemini Atzeres. That being the case, why is it that we begin Elul already with stirrings of love for Hashem, if in fact, we are meant to achieve this state at the end of the Yomim Tovim?
The answer to this is reflected in the words of Chazzal when they say, "Sof Ma'aseh B'machashava Techiloh" - "The end result must begin with an initial and complete understanding of the task ahead".
When a person drives up to the Catskills during the summer to be with his family for Shabbos and you ask him where he is going...he won't reply that he is driving to the George Washington Bridge and then to the Palisades and then to.... He will not describe and indicate each step in the process of making his way up to the Bungalow Colony! Instead, he will simply say that he is driving to the Country.
This man has his mind focused on the end result. He understands the objective and he simply fills in the gaps in the middle. Similarly, when a building is constructed, we can ascertain the end result already at the beginning, by means of viewing and understanding the architectural plans and diagrams. The construction crew already knows what they are building and they simply fill in the appropriate steps to achieve the end result.
This is the reason that we begin Elul right away by working on developing our feelings of pure love for Hashem Yisborach! It is precisely because this is the end goal of all of our efforts during this wonderful stretch of Yomim Tovim (each with its own character, hidden meanings and beauty) - to awaken and to strengthen our love for Hashem, that we begin right away with our eye on the prize!
Heard From Harav Shimshon Pincus Zatzal; www.OhrShimshon.com
1) It is forbidden to [deliberately] think about impure things.
Any "action" that is forbidden to do [in the realm of Tzniyus] may not be thought about and is deemed "Hirhur Ra, impure thought".
(See Ezer Mikodesh Even HaEzer Siman 20. According to some Poskim, however, even actions which are permitted for him to do (e.g. having relations with one's wife), may not be excessively thought about as the Hirhur can lead to sinning. See Shu"t Igros Moshe Even HaEzer Vol.1 Siman 68 and Vol. 4 Siman 66 where he is stringent)
2) [Deliberately] thinking impure thoughts is a biblical transgression of "Lo Sasuru Acharei Levavchem, do not stray after your heart" (Bamidbar 15:39) and "V'Nishmarta Mikal davar Ra, you shall guard yourself from all bad things" (Devarim 23:10), and doing so is grounds for excommunication. (See Talmud Avodah Zarah 20b and Tosefos Dibur Hamaschil Shelo. See also Chochmas Adam Klal 127:2 and Shu"t Radvaz Siman 1535)
Doing anything, even a permissible thing, which will ultimately cause one's mind to have impure thoughts, is forbidden to do.
Moreover, even a Mitzvah should not be done if by doing the Mitzvah it will lead to impure thoughts. (See Sefer Chasidim Siman 393 and Shu"t Chasam Sofer Choshen Mishpat Siman 190)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) If one finds himself having impure thoughts, due to gazing at, remembering or doing something impure, he must do whatever he can to stop the thoughts from continuing.
The best thing to do is to consciously focus and start thinking about something else, as the human mind cannot think about two things simultaneously and the new thoughts will push out the impure ones.
2) On the initial impure thought that falls into a person's mind, he is not liable and does not get any punishment for it, provided that he didn't do anything improper to cause the thought to enter his mind.
Only if one continues to deliberately allow the thoughts to remain without trying to chase them out of his mind is it a punishable sin. (See Peleh Yoetz; "Machshava" and Ezer MiKodesh Even HaEzer Siman 23)
However, one who finds himself thinking impure thoughts should do some soul searching and review his daily habits and routines to determine if the thoughts are a sign from heaven that he has sinned and must improve his ways. (See Sefer Chasidim Siman 177)
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:
From what pasuk do the rabbis derive that one is obligated to leave a mezuzah on the door if he sells his home to a fellow Jew?
Answer:
There is no Posuk that teaches us this.
This Halacha is based on the Talmud Bava Metzia 102a and brought in Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah Siman 291:2.
The reason for this is that when a Mezuzah is removed it causes Mazikim (harmful spiritual elements) to occupy the home and thus if the home is being sold or rented to another it is prohibited to cause harm to another Jew. (See Tosefos Bava Metzia 101b Dibur Hamaschil Lo Yitlenah and Meiras Einayim to Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat Siman 314:2)
If the home will be painted and thus the Mezuzos removed anyhow, they need not be replaced and the new tenant needs to purchase new ones. Even if the painting won't take place for a few days, they can be removed as soon as the original owner moves out. (See Shu"t Igros Moshe Yoreh Deah Vol. 4 Siman 44)
If the Mezuzos are particularly expensive or have other sentimental value you may remove them and replace them with other cheaper (but kosher) ones before selling/renting the home or apartment.
Alternatively, the new tenant can be asked to pay the cost of the Mezuzos.
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
Hashem doesn't hava Blackberry or an iPhone, but He is my favorite contact.
He doesn't have Facebook, but He is my best friend.
He doesn't have Twitter, but I follow Him nonetheless.
He doesn't have internet, but I am connected to Him.
And even though He has a massive communication system, His customer service never puts me on hold!
1) One who awakens from his sleep due to a vivid dream and is worried that if he goes back to sleep with those images in his head it may lead to MZ"L, should get up, wash his hands, feet and face with cold water before returning to bed. (See Sefer Chasidim Siman 992)
2) If one feels that the images he is dreaming about are too powerful for him to overcome and he feels he will intentionally be MZ"L, he may not continue to lay there and must get out of bed [until the urge to sin passes] in order to prevent himself from sinning Chas V'Shalom. (See Chofetz Chaim in Sefer Nidchei Yisroel Perek 23)
When he does return to sleep, it is best if the feet are not covered by a blanket, as cold feet are a deterrent to nocturnal emissions.
In fact, many Poskim suggest to always sleep with feet uncovered and surely not to sleep with socks on. (See Mishna Berura Siman 619:14)
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:
Can a woman put up a mezuza and make a bracha on it?
Answer:
Yes, women are obligated in Mezuzah as it is not a time bound Mitzvah and they may put it up and make a Bracha when doing so. (See Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah Siman 291:3).
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
Chazal explain that mitzvah of loving Hashem requires that a Yid should act in a way that makes Hashem beloved by others. When a person learns Torah and deals honestly in business, people will say, "How great is he who learns Torah; how wonderful are his ways!
Woe to one who does not learn Torah! We promise that we will learn and teach our children Torah as well. But when chas v'shalom, a person who learns Torah does not act honestly, people will say the opposite, causing a chillul Hashem.
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CURRENT TOPIC: HALACHOS OF TZNIYUS FOR MALES
1) Oftentimes, people dream certain dreams while they are sleeping which lead them to experience nocturnal emissions (i.e. unintentional MZ"L, also referred to in Halacha as Keri).
Although this occurrence is not deemed deliberate MZ"L and none of the aforementioned sins or their consequences apply, it is still worthwhile to try and avoid having this happen, if possible.
One thing to do is avoid going to sleep immediately after eating dinner when one is full and the food is not yet digested, as going to sleep on a full stomach is known to be a cause of nocturnal emissions. (See Sefer Chasidim Siman 12 and Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 71:2)
Learning some Torah before going to sleep is the ideal way to protect oneself from experiencing these nocturnal emissions. (See Talmud Brachos 14a)
2) It is also important to recite Krias Shema SheAl Hamitah before going to bed, as this too protects a person from various spiritual harms including the impurities that come about due to nocturnal emissions.
It is good to try and understand the words being said and also good to say as much as possible of the additional Tefilos as well as the Bracha of Hamapil, as printed in most Siddurim (See Talmud Brachos 5a. See also Ben Ish Chai Parashas Pikudei at length.)
Saying the first four chapters of Sefer Tehillim (psalms 1-4) before going to bed [in addition to Krias Shema] is also a known Segulah to prevent nocturnal emissions. (Mishna Berura Siman 619:14 quoting the Shla Hakadosh)
Sleeping too late in the morning is also a practice that often leads to these emissions. (See Sefer Reishis Chochmah Sha'ar HaKedusha Perek 17)
Every person has to be in tune with his own body and sleeping patterns, positions and methods and determine what, if anything, leads to this and thus avoid those situations.
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 a question that has always nagged me regarding the Teaching/learning of Torah to babies before they are born and arrive in this world. The Midrash says that they spend their time learning Torah and just prior to delivery the malach presses the area under the nose and the baby forgets all the learning.
What is the purpose in teaching Torah to a baby if it is not meant to stay with the baby?
Answer:
Yes, the Talmud (Nidah 30b) does teach us that a child in its mothers womb is taught the entire Torah and upon being born is struck on the lip and forgets it.
The Meforshim (Ma'alos haTorah from Rav Avrohom Achi HaGra and others)explain that the Torah that each child is taught is the Torah that he has the potential to grasp in his alotted lifetime, and as a person learns throught his life he isn't learning new subjects but is rather "remembering" the subject matter that he forgot, as otherwise a person would not be capable of grasping any Torah on his own.
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
A smile costs nothing, but gives much.
It reaches those who receive without making poorer those who give.
It takes but a moment, but the memory sometimes lasts a lifetime.
None is so rich or mighty that he can get along without it, and no one is so poor but that he cannot be made richer by it.
A smile creates happiness in the home, fosters goodwill in business, and is the countersign of friendship.
It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged.
A smile is sunshine to the sad, and is nature's best antidote for trouble.
Yet, it cannot be bought, begged or borrowed or stolen, for it is of no value to anyone until given away.
Some people are too tired to give you a smile.
Give them one of yours, as no one needs a smile as much as he who has no more to give.
Submitted by a daily reader; taken from www.SpreadAhavasYisroel.com
Halacha For Today reader, supporter and Author of the upcoming book "Riding the Waves", Mrs. Tamar Ansh, will G-d willing be traveling to Amuka, a holy gravesite in Israel for helping singles get married, on Erev Rosh Chodesh Elul, Monday August 29.
There are only a few days left to submit names! Each name is $36, i.e., 2x 'chai' -- since every one person that gets married is really a prayer answered for 2 people -- or $100 for three names. (Se hopes to go also to the holy gravesite of the great R' Shimon bar Yochai in Meiron as well and if so, will be davenning there as well for everyone.)
All who are interested should click on the links below. Feel free to -- and please do! -- forward this on to as many singles and family members you know that can use this. Let's try and help as many singles as possible, G-d willing.
To dedicate one name,click here https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=T3QCXZV8QE7WG
To dedicate three names click here:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=A2VQZYK8KFMYG
After you have paid, please make sure to send a separate email to email address below with the name or names you would like her to pray for. All privacy is respected. You only need to send the davening names, e.g., Moshe ben Chava. No one but you will know who it is.
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1) One should not sleep on his stomach nor on his back, but rather on his side. (Shulchan Aruch Even HaEzer Siman 23:3 and Aruch HaShulchan Even HaEzer Siman 23:3)
In the beginning of the night he should sleep on his left side and at the end of the night on his right side. (Rambam Hilchos Dei'os Perek 4 Halacha 5)
The reason for the prohibition of sleeping on the back or on the stomach is to prevent the body from being stimulated to the point of being MZ"L while in these positions. (See Rashi to Brachos 13b Dibur Hamaschil Layit Aman. See also Pele Yoetz, "Yemin" and Shu"t Az Nidberu Vol. 6 Siman 50 regarding if these positions apply only to when going to sleep or to any time one lays down. Maran Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita, in Shoneh Halachos Siman 239:3 quotes the Chazon Ish Zatzal as being stringent anytime one lays down. See also Mishna Berura Siman 239:6 where he refers to sleeping on the back or stomach as an "Issur Gadol, a big sin")
Another reason given for not sleeping on the left side is that the liver is on the right side and the stomach is on the left side, and thus when one sleeps on the left side, the liver's heat will warm the stomach and will help the digestive system. (Sefer Aleh L'Terufah quoted in Sefer HaLikutim back of the Shabsi Frankel edition of the Rambam. See also Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 71:5)
Lastly, there are also kabalistic reasons for not sleeping on the back and the stomach. (See Kaf HaChaim Siman 238:11)
2) This Halacha applies to males and females as even though the first reason cited, of avoiding MZ"L, does not apply to females, the last two reasons do.
Though for females it isn't considered as big a sin if they are lax in this.
*****
NOTICE:
Dear Readers,
A bunch of emails in my inbox inadvertently got deleted. If you sent me an email and did not receive a response, please resend your email. I apologize for this inconvenience.
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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:
What is the halacha about a woman saying a kaddish quietly to herself in shul?
Answer:
Many Poskim allow for women to recite the kaddish quietly in the women's section at the same time that it is being recited by men in the men's section.
See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 5 Siman 12:2 where he clearly writes that this was the minhag of old, that women mourners came to shul to recite kaddish. More recently, HaRav Ovadiah Yosef shlita also ruled that women may recite kaddish when there are no men mourners, as long as a minyan of men are present and he writes that this ruling was based on such a psak by Poskim of the former generations such as the Shvus Yaakov, Chavas Yair and the Shu"t Teshuva M'Ahava, as long as it isn't done in the actual Shul but in her home or in the Ezras Nashim.
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
Question:
What does love mean? How can we love?
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
And the answer is, you have within you a fountain of love, you can love almost anybody. The truth is, every man has somebody that loves him, even a gangster has people that love him. However, every person should know, Hakadosh Baruch Hu put into you a fountain of hergeishim, of emotions. And once you start practicing, opening up the faucet, it starts coming out more and more strongly, and you can learn to love people.
Practice up loving your wife. You see your wife from a distance, "I love that woman", don't tell it to her. You can tell it to her too, but if you don't tell her it's worthwhile, too. Say "I love that woman". Don't think it's a small thing. Look through the window, your wife is coming from the store, "I love that woman". It's a silly thing? It's not silly at all; it's a Mitzvah D'oraisa, V'ahavtah L'reiacha Kamocha. Your wife is a fellow Jew; you have to love your fellow Jew. If you keep on saying it, then in the course of time you'll begin loving.
How do you love? If you don't want to do it, then you're going to fail in it and you'll fail in your purpose in life, because loving your close ones is the biggest obligation. You have to love every Jew, it's not so easy! But to love those that are close to you is certainly a chiyuv, and you cannot avoid that and you must start practicing right now.
1) It is extremely important to be extra careful to not touch one's private areas or to wear clothing or engage in activities that cause the privates to be stimulated, as doing these things can ultimately lead (either right then or even later on) to the terrible sin of Motzi Zera L'Vatala (MZ"L), spilling seed in vain, a sin that is considered worse than any other sins mentioned in the Torah. (See Talmud Nidah 13b and Shulchan Aruch Even HaEzer Siman 23:1. See Bais Shmuel's commentary regarding it being the worst sin; actually having relations with a woman other than one's wife or with one's wife when she is unclean is a worse sin.)
2) One who [deliberately] causes himself to be MZ"L is deserving of excommunication and is considered to have "spilled human blood". (Shulchan Aruch Even HaEzer Siman 23:2, Rambam Hilchos Isurei Biah Perek 21:18 based on Talmud Nidah 13b)
Furthermore, one who is MZ"L has transgresses a biblical transgression (and one of the Ten Commandments) of "Lo Tin'af" as well as other biblical transgressions and is considered a Rasha. (See Talmud Nidah 13b and Chochmas Adam 127:1 and 2)
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:
What is the reason for kissing the mezuzah when walking by?
Answer:
The Mezuzah, besides for being a commandment in the Torah to place on the doorpost, is also a Shmira, protection for the home from harmful elements. (See Talmud Menachos 33b and Rashi there dibur Hamaschil D'Tintarei. See also Rashi ibid. 32b Dibur Hamaschil Sakanah and Rashi to Pesachim 4a Dibur Hamaschil Chovas. See also Talmud Yerushalmi Peah Perek 1:1. )
According to the Rambam (Hilchos Mezuzah Perek 6:13, based on Talmud Menachos 43b) it is also a protection to prevent from sinning.
The Talmud (Avoda Zarah 11a) relates the story of how the Roman Caesar sent his soldiers to capture Onkeles (Who was the nephew of the Roman Ceasar who became a convert to Judaism and subsequently one of the greatest Jews who ever lived. His Targum (translation) of the Torah is printed in virtually every Chumash and each week all male Jews are required to read the Torah of the week twice with his translation once) and each time as they tried to take him out of his home he placed his hand on the Mezuzah upon leaving and upon explaining his actions to the guards that he trusts in Hashem who protects His people, they converted as well. See the Talmud for the entire exchange and the story.
Every Mezuzah has the name Shin Daled Yud written on the outside, which besides being a name of Hashem is an acronym for "Shomer Diras Yisroel, protector of Jewish dwellings" (Darchei Moshe Yoreh Deah Soman 288:3 quoting the Kol Bo. Similarly, in the Siddur of the Arizal it is written that it stands for "Shomer Dalsos Yisroel, protector of Jewish doors". See also Zohar Parshas V'Eschanan page 266b in the old prints)
The Rama Yoreh Deh Siman 285:2 writes, based on the Gemara above as well as on a Midrash Bereishis Rabbah end of Perek 35, that when one leaves their home or enters their home they should place their hand on the Mezuzah and say a certaim Posuk for shmirah.
Some people have the Minhag, before going to bed, to go to the door of their room, place their hand on the Mezuzah and say certain Pesukim for Shemirah. (See Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 71:4)
Most Poskim do not write anything about "kissing" the mezuzah and simply write that it is a good thing to place one's hand on it, as in the story of Onkelos it makes no mention of any kissing.
However, the Chida in Birchei Yosef to Yoreh Deah 285 quotes the Arizal that "one should place a finger on the 'Shin Daled Yud' that is on the mezuzah and kiss the finger and daven to Hashem for protection and to be saved from the Yetzer Hara" , and seemingly many people have adopted this minhag (at least the kissing the finger part)
The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 11:24 also writes that the Mezuzah should be kissed when entering and leaving the home.
However in Siman 71 that we referenced earlier regarding touching hte Mezuzah before bed, he does not write anything abot kissing it and only writes to place the hand on it so seemingly he holds that kissing is only necessary when entering or leaving the room.
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
Last week's Parasha, Parshas Eikev tells of the special mitzvah to love converts.
Converts hold a special status in Jewish life, since they did the heroic deed of leaving their familiar surroundings, and casting their destiny with the Jewish people.
Many of our greatest ancestors - Abraham, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel - were all converts!
Also the great Talmudic sages Shemaya and Avtaliyon were converts. As was Onkelos, who wrote the Aramaic translation that is printed in virtually every Hebrew Bible.
So why does the Torah require us to be especially nice to converts?
The commentators explain that a born Jew has relatives who will defend him; the convert does not, and that makes him particularly vulnerable.
On a deeper level, though, God Himself protects the convert directly. That's why this parsha says to love the convert "because you were strangers in the land of Egypt." Just as the Almighty guarded us and rescued us in Egypt, so too God defends the convert.
There is a fascinating kabbalistic idea that converts already have a Jewish soul, and even stood with the Jewish people at Mount Sinai. It is said that although the non-Jewish nations originally rejected the Torah, individual members of those nations sought to accept it. And the souls of these individuals appear in every generation as converts.
By the way, this idea of "future converts being present at Mount Sinai" helps explain why one of the primary requirements for conversion to Judaism is a commitment to keep the 613 mitzvot - just as the Jews did at Mount Sinai.
Submitted by a daily reader; Taken from www.Aish.com
Today's halachos are dedicated by daily reader O.B. and family with thanks to Hashem on the marriage of their daughter Chavah Rivkah bas Udel Golda to Yehoshua ben Rachel Malka.
May they build a Bayis Ne'eman B'Yisrael, a Binyan Adei Ad
1) The "private parts" of one's own body should not be [needlessly] touched. (See Biur Halacha to Shulchan Aruch Siman 3:14)
There is no difference if they are touched directly or via a piece of clothing; they are both to be avoided. (See Shach Yoreh Deah Siman 182:6 and Mishna Berura Siman 3:29)
2) Thus, it is important for a male not to excessively put his hands in his pants pockets, as doing this often will inevitably lead to him needlessly touching his private area. (Shulchan Aruch Even HaEzer Siman 23:4 and Chochmas Adam 127:5.See Taz Even HaEzer Siman 23:2 and Yoreh Deah 182:3 that this is not a blatant prohibition but rather a praiseworthy thing to avoid in order to increase Kedusha, as Rabbeinu Hakadosh, the author of the Mishna, was called holy due to the fact that in his entire lifetime his hands never went below his waist.)
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:
My wife has been purchasing the small but squat Shabbos candles that go into a glass container that fits into her Shabbos Candle sticks. Too often it starts burning, the bracha is made and then the flame goes out, am I correct in once the bracha is made it cannot be relit by any means?
Secondly, lately we have been purchasing Yortzeit candles that seem to last maybe 23 hours, the worst part is on the Chagim when they are used to transfer a flame to a lit candle, any suggestions (we have even tried different manufacturers).
Answer:
Although once she makes the bracha SHE can no longer relight them, someone else could-and should- relight them, as long as it is before sunset. If this happens often, may I suggest trying a different kind of candle or oil which this doesnt happen to?
The best thing to do regarding Yahrtzeit candles which dont last as long as they claim to last, is to either fill the tin or glass with a little bit of oil, which will give you additional burning time, or purchase the 7 day candle and extinguish it after Yom Tov.
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
If Hashem supplies you with a piece of watermelon, you should be appeased to Hashem because of the watermelon and say, "Hashem, I like You because of the watermelon."
That's what it's for: the purpose of watermelon is to make you love Hashem. Ever thought about that?
That's the purpose of all the good things in this world. Hashem gives us food for the purpose that we should thank Him for it and come to love Him for it. That's the purpose.
So when you're holding wine in your hand and you drink a little bit of it, and it makes your mind a bit excited, think, Maybe I should love Hashem for the wine. That's the beginning of the journey towards eventual kedusha.
When Rabbi Elazar ben Rabbi Shimon ate, he started out once with this method. Eventually when he ate every bite that he took added to him more love of Hashem.
The kohanim sat in the courtyard of Hashem, a holy place, and they were eating the offerings, and every mouthful made them love Hashem more and more.
And Hashem said that kind of eating is to Me no less than burning it on the mizbeiach.
As you sit to eat dinner tonight, stop to think about the foods you are enjoying. Reflect that each bite is given to you for the sole purpose of increasing your love of Hashem and say (to yourself) "Hashem, I like You because of the ________."
Excerpt from a lecture by Rav Avigdor Miller Zatzal; Taken from www.SimchasHachaim.com
1) One who is in the Mikvah, bath, shower, bathroom or any other similar situation and finds himself having impure thoughts, is obligated to immediately banish these thoughts from his mind. (As this may be a biblical prohibition as we shall discuss more at length in the near future)
Ideally, he should "switch gears" and instead think of mundane matters such as his household expenses or other business matters, or on Shabbos he should think of nice buildings or pictures etc. (See Mishna Berura Siman 85:6)
2) In the event that one cannot remove the impure thoughts from his mind via mundane thoughts it is even permitted to think Torah thoughts (which are ordinarily prohibited in such a place, and when undressed) as the Torah saves from impurities. (Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman 85:4 and Mishna Berura Siman 85:13)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) When in the Mikvah, bath or shower it is important to be careful to not [intentionally] gaze at any "private" parts of one's own body as well as those of other people. (See Sefer Chareidim Siman 45:4 that doing so is a Lo Ta'aseh M'divrei Kabbalah. See also Kneses HaGedolah Even HaEzer Siman 23)
Gazing at these parts, besides for the spiritual damage involved, can cause physical damage to one's body and hamper a person's ability to father children. (See Talmud Sanhedrin 92a. See also Talmud Shabbos 118a)
2) This prohibition is specifically for unnecessary "gazing" and does not apply to cursory glances or unintentional seeing which is often inevitable and acceptable. (See Ezer M'Kodesh Even HaEzer Siman 25:2)
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 a person allowed to bathe a baby on Shabbos?
Answer:
Generally, bathing on Shabbos is prohibited.
If a small child gets dirty on Shabbos one is allowed to wash the child's body with warm water that was preheated before Shabbos.
If the child has a condition (such as a rash, chicken pox etc.) that makes him uncomfortable the child may be bathed. If no hot water is available from before Shabbos, a non Jew can be asked to warm up the water.
Even when permitted, a bar of soap may not be used, only watered down liquid soap can be used.
A washcloth or sponge may not be used due to the prohibition of Sechitah, squeezing.
Likewise, after the bath a towel should not be rubbed over the child's hair as doing so may be a transgression of Sechitah.
(For a fuller treatment of these halachos see "Children in Halacha" by Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen Shlita chapter 16)
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
A Psalm of David, when he fled from Avshalom his son
(Tehilim 3:1)
The Gemara (Brachos 7b) asks, מזמור לדוד, a Psalm for Dovid, קינה מיבעי ליה, he should have recited a lamentation, because he was forced to flee from his own rebellious son Avshalom? The Gemara proceeds to offer us a phenomenal insight into the concept of gratitude. It is said (Shmuel II:12:11) הנני מקים עליך רעה מתוך ביתך, behold! - I shall raise evil against you from your own household. When Dovid heard these words from the prophet, he was concerned that perhaps the evil would be an illegitimate child or a slave who would not have compassion on him. Once he saw it was Avshalom, he rejoiced, and for this reason he used the word מזמור. This is an amazing insight into gratitude. Although Avshalom sought to kill his own father, Dovid was able to see past the evil and recognize the good that HaShem had done for him.
It is noteworthy that the word Dovid used to describe this experience was מזמור, a song. The commentators write that the word זמרה can also mean to prune. In this context it means that Dovid was able to prune the evil from his experience and recognize the good that HaShem bestowed upon him. Furthermore, when rearranging the letters of the word מזמר, we have the word ממזר, an illegitimate child. Dovid was concerned that the evil would result in an illegitimate child, and when he discovered it was Avshalom his son, he sang a מזמר, a song.
Written by Rabbi Binyomin Adler. To subscribe to his Torah emails send request to shabbostaamhachaim@gmail.com
Today's halachos are dedicated by daily reader, Y.B., in loving memory of her husband, Asher Anshel ben Nachum Aryeh, whose Yahrtzeit is today, 18 Menachem Av. May his neshama continue to climb higher in Gan eden and may he be a Meilitz Yosher for his entire family.
****
Please daven for Chaya Mushka bas Matti, the 10 year old daughter of a daily reader, who is undergoing a heart surgery today. May she have a speedy Refuah Shelaima B'Soch Sha'ar Cholei Yisroel.
1) It is prohibited to be in a bathhouse, Mikvah or anywhere else where one is totally undressed, together with one's father, stepfather, brother or sister's husband is also there undressed, as there is a concern that seeing them in this state will lead to bad thoughts. (See Rama Even HaEzer Siman 23:6)
Likewise, one should not be there together with his Rebbi (Torah teacher) unless the Rebbi requires his assistance to bathe. (Chelkas Mechokek Even HaEzer Siman 23:5)
If one was there already and one of the aforementioned relatives enters the bathhouse or Mikvah, he must hurry up and leave as quickly as he can; however if he was there first and his Rebbi enters he may remain there. (See Bais Shmuel Even HaEzer 23:5)
The above is only when they are totally undressed, but if bathing trunks are worn or the private areas are otherwise covered it is permissible to go swimming or be in a bathhouse together with these relatives. (See Rama ibid. and Yoreh Deah Siman 242:16)
2) The Poskim try and find a "Limud Zechus" for the practice of some Jews to indeed go to the Mikvah together with their sons.
The Aruch HaShulchan (Even HaEzer Siman 23:8) wonders about the custom which is against Halacha and tries to say that perhaps the prohibition is only being in the actual bath/Mikvah at the same time, but not being in the same room. However, he himself says that based on the Rishonim, this cannot be a good heter. (Also Rashi to Pesachim 51a explains the reason as the son may see his father and it will bring him to unclean thoughts, and that applies to them being in the same room naked, regardless if they actually enter the same bath).
The Sefer Minhag Yisroel Torah also wonders as to what people rely on and how they disregard the Halacha. He does quote the Shu"t Kinyan Torah Vol. 2 Siman 34 who rules that it is acceptable in a public Mikvah, as the son won't focus on his father when amongst a crowd.
He also writes there that it doesn't apply to a young child who doesn't yet have unclean thoughts.
At what age this begins can vary from child to child and also even if relying on this heter, it has to be a crowded Mikvah, and not just a Mikvah where there are one or two other people there besides the father and son.
For Halacha L'ma'aseh, as with everything, a Rav must be consulted.
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 heard that there is something about Hashem answering all our prayers when we cover our eyes... is this why some women don't look at the light when they read Aneni [after lighting the Shabbos candles]?
Answer:
Hashem hears and answers ALL prayers that are said sincerely.
True, sometimes its easier to concentrate when the eyes are closed or covered, and if that is the case then they should indeed be closed or covered.
The Seforim do quote the Ben Ish Chai as saying that while a woman makes the bracha on the Shabbos candles her face should be covered AND her eyes closed, as kabalistically it is important for her eyes to be closed at that time.
However, I believe that refers to the time she is reciting the bracha on the candles, and not afterwards as she says additional Tefilos
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
I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around.
We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels.
My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, "This
is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to Hashem said in prayer
are received."
I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.
Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second
section.
The angel then said to me, "This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the prayers and requests the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them."
I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working
hard at that station, since so many bakashos had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth.
Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station.
To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. "This is the Acknowledgment Section," my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed.
"How is it that there's no work going on here?" I asked.
"So sad," the angel sighed. "After people receive the
blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments."
"How does one acknowledge HaShem's blessings?" I asked.
"Simple," the angel answered.
"Just say, 'Thank you, Hashem.' "
"What blessings should they acknowledge?" I asked.
"If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your
back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep ... you are richer than 75% of this world.
"If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a
dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.
"And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in
the world who has that opportunity."
Also .....
"If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ...... you
are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day.
"If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the
loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... you are ahead of 700 million people in the world.
"If you can attend shul without fear of harassment, arrest, torture or
death ... you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world.
"If your parents are still alive and still married. You are very rare.
"If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you are
unique to all those in doubt and despair."
"Ok, what now? How can I start?"
If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all.
Have a good day, count your blessings, and if you want, pass this
along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are.
Important Numbers
