1) It is common in many Shuls, at various auspicious times during the year such as Erev Yom Kippur or Purim, for individuals or organizations to put out plates for people to place Tzedaka into.
If one notices such a plate with money in it laying around beyond the normal time for it to have been picked up, and it is obvious that the person who put it out forgot to retrieve it, there is an obligation to deliver the money to its intended place. (Ruling of HaRav Nisim Karelitz Shlita quoted in Hashovas Aveida K'Halacha page 80)
2) As a practical piece of good advice to the gabaim and other caretakers of Shuls, a notice should be conspicuously placed, near where these plates are laid out, stating that plates may only be placed down with the understanding that any monies not removed by the end of the day will become the property of the Shul. (ibid.)
question
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
Question:
What would the Bracha on licorice be?
The ingredients has flour as a main ingredient yet its a candy that people make shehakol on
Answer:
Although it contains flour, it is only there as a binder to hold it together, and is not there to add to the taste or nutrition value, thus it isn't significant, according to most contemporary Poskim, and a Shehakol is recited. (There are some Poskim that rule to say Mezonos on certain licorices, so for halacha L'ma'aseh a Rav should be consulted)
CHIZUK CORNER
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This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
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 צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Question:
When is the best time to drink water, in the middle of the meal or after the meal?
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
I have to admit my deficiencies and I can not tell you anything about that, but I'll say that drinking water however is always a best time. You should learn to enjoy drinking water. Drinking water is fun. I keep a bottle of water here right next to the aron kodesh for years and years, and the purpose is to remind myself of the happiness of water.
Water is a great gift, and we have to utilize our lives in appreciating what Hashem gives us. You'll never finish the praises of water, the glory of water. Water is life! Water is all the functions of chemistry in our bodies and outside of our bodies. Water is a miracle, because water is two gases; it's hydrogen and oxygen. You couldn't drink hydrogen to quench your thirst and you couldn't drink oxygen to quench your thirst. You put them together in the right proportion and pass a spark between them, and suddenly it becomes water. How did that happen? So they try to explain it with a lame explanation; it's nothing. It's devorim b'teilim. Water is a miracle, that's all it is.
Water does not have the properties of oxygen and does not have the properties of hydrogen, it's something entirely different. Therefore we say shehakol niyheh bidvoro, such an important subject, it'severything. Now of course that's not the plain meaning of that brocho, but the truth is water iseverything. The entire world is water and we are 80% water. As you walk down the street, you're carrying a big keg of water with a few more materials mixed in. And so the question, when to drink water is a minor question, as long as you drink it and drink a lot of it and enjoy it.
This I'll tell you: it's a good idea to drink some water first thing in the morning when you get up, you start lubricating your processes. And at night if you want to be regular, eat an apple or a pear and follow it immediately with a glass of water and it'll keep you regular.
I am not charging you for that service.
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1) It is very common nowadays, and also very sensible, for all Shuls, Mikvaos and other public places, to hang notices in conspicuous places throughout the facility stating that all items left in the building that aren't claimed within a certain amount of time become the property of the facility to do with as they please. (See Igros Moshe Choshen Mishpat Vol. 2 Siman 45:2 and Shu"t Minchas Yitzchak Vol. 8 Siman 146)
2) Once such a notice is properly in place, the caretakers of the facility may indeed do as they please with all items left there beyond the cut-off time, and need not be concerned that perhaps the owner of the item did not see the notice. (See Igros Moshe ibid.)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) An author of a Sefer that places a sample of his work in a Yeshiva, Shul or another public place, does so with the knowledge that he very likely will never get that sample back; there is no obligation to return it to him, as the Sefer is Hefker and the caretakers of the facility may do with it as they please. (Ruling of HaRav Nisim Karelitz Shlita quoted in Hashovas Aveida K'halacha page 79 footnote 15)
2) If one finds money in a Shul, even if it's laying right near the Tzedaka boxes, he does not have to assume that it fell out of a Pushka; rather he can treat it as he treats any other money he finds. (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
Question:
What is the halacha regarding the rainbow that is visible many times over Niagara Falls? Do we recite a Brocha? Is it an Aveira to look at it?
Answer:
From the Poskim it seems that only a rainbow in the sky is a "sign" and would require a bracha, and not a rainbow that is formed from the sun's shining on the water and causing a prism effect etc., which isnt in the sky.
It is not an Aveira to look at that either as that isnt a "rainbow" rather something that looks "rainbowlike".
CHIZUK CORNER
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This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
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 צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Question:
What is the true source of all human wisdom?
Answer by
HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
Man's mind is only a vessel by which Hashem transmits knowledge to the world. It is not an independent source of wisdom. Hashem is the source of all understanding and wisdom.
1) If one finds a towel, a garment, soap or shampoo or another bathing item in a Mikvah or bathhouse , and it was seemingly placed there intentionally, he should not touch it as most likely the owner placed it there for his future use. (See Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat Siman 260:9 and10)
2) If, however, it seems like it was forgotten there by someone (e.g. it is haphazardly laying on a bench or otherwise not put away in a safe place), if it has a Siman on the actual item it must be announced and is subject to all the Halachos of Hashovas Aveidah. (See Shulchan Aruch Chosen Mishpat Siman 262:3 and Shu"t Minchas Yitzchak Vol. 3 Siamn 17)
If it does not have a Siman, the finder can keep the item.
If it is evident that the item has been laying there for a long time we can assume that the owner had Yiush and the finder can keep the item even if it has a Siman. (See Shulchan Aruch Chosen Mishpat Siman 262:5)
question
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
Question:
How can the rainbow be a bad sign? It was given to Noach as a covenant! Please explain.
Answer:
The rainbow was given to Noach as a sign that Hashem will never destroy the world again...BUT, it will be displayed in the heaven at such a time that Hashem really wants to destroy the world for its sins, yet doesn't do so based on the promise to Noach.
Hence, the Talmud (Chagiga 16a) says that one may not gaze at a rainbow as it is a bad sign that the world is steeped in sin, and one who gazes at a rainbow transgresses a sin.
CHIZUK CORNER
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This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
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 צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Question:
Is it beneficial to travel for relaxation?
Answer by
HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
Most people are better off without tiresome vacations. The best vacation, if a person does need one, is to remain home with the phone off the hook and sleep it out for two weeks. With a new zest you will return to work.
Today's Halachos are dedicated by daily reader, E.K., in loving memory of her sister
Yehudis Rachma A"H bas Reb Eliyahu Mordechai
May her Neshama continue to climb higher and higher in Gan Eden and may she me a Meilitzah Yosher for her entire Mishpacha
CURRENT TOPIC: HILCHOS HASHOVAS AVEIDAH: PART 2
1) If one finds a lost object that does not have a Siman, in a Shul, Yeshiva or Bais Medrash, it belongs to the finder and does not become the property of the Shul. (Ruling of the Mogen Avraham quoted in Mishna Berura Siman 154:59)
The aforementioned Halacha applies to an object found in the courtyard of the Shul, Yeshiva or Bais Medrash as well. (bid.)
2) Seforim that are found in a Bais Medrash or Shul are assumed to have been placed there by the owner, and are generally not subject to the Halachos of Hashovas Aveidah.
However, if the finder knows that this particular Sefer has been sitting around untouched for a long time already, he can assume that the owner had Yiush, and thus the finder can keep the Sefer for himself, even if there is a Siman. (Ruling of HaRav Nisim Karelitz Shlita based on Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat Siman 262:5. See also Shu"t Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 5 Siman 9:8 regarding a Shul that has a secure Lost & Found and regarding if the Shul can take these Seforim for the Shul's library.)
Although there is no obligation to return these items, if the owner is identified it is praiseworthy (L'fnim Mishuras Hadin) to return it to him. (See Shulchan Aruch HaRav Hilchos Metziah U'Pikadon Siman 18)
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
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
Question:
If
one has a dog, what about feeding the dog? Since dog food is treif (non
Kosher) are you allowed to buy it and feed it to the dog or must only
kosher food be purchased?
I guess the same question would apply to fish, snakes, rodents, cats, etc.
Answer:
Animals do not need to eat kosher food.
However,
there are certain non kosher foods which one may not derive any benefit
from and thus would be forbidden to feed to his/her pets.
They are Chometz on Pesach and (kosher) milk and (kosher)meat that was cooked together.
Therefore, on Pesach one may not feed his/her pet any chometz. And
a whole year round one may not feed their pets any food that may
contain cooked (kosher) meat together with(kosher) milk or milk
products.
Other non kosher pet food is 100% acceptable to feed all pets. (See Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah Siman 87:1-3)
Regarding what is considered kosher meat...
...The
prohibition to derive pleasure from meat and milk, according to many
Poskim is in effect when dairy is mixed together with the meat of a
Kosher species of animal (e.g. cow, sheep etc.), even if the actual meat
is not kosher to eat, i.e. it wasn't slaughtered properly (Neveilah)
etc.
Some Poskim, however, based on the Rambam in his
commentary to Mishnayos Krisus Perek 3, quoted in the Dagul Mervava
(Nodeh B'Yehuda) to Yoreh Deah Siman 87:3 maintain that there is no
prohibition to derive pleasure from milk mixed with the meat of a
Neveilah, as being that it is already prohibited to eat due to its being
a Neveilah, thus Ain Isur Chal Al Isur, a new prohibition cannot
replace the original prohibition and thus it does not fall into the
prohibition of Basar B'Chalav for eating and by extension for deriving
pleasure from it as well.
It is best to be stringent and
not derive pleasure from any mixture of milk and meat of a kosher
species. See Pischei Teshuva Yoreh Deah Siman 87:6, Shu"t Chasam Sofer
Yoreh Deah Siman 92 , Chazon Ish Yoreh Deah Siman 22 and Sefer Badei
Hashulchan Siman 87:25.
For halacha L'Maa'seh a Rav should be consulted.
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
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 animals have forms of self defense, why doesn't man? Why doesn't man have horns and big claws?
ANSWER BY HARAV AVIGDOR MILLER ZATZA/L
Man has something better;
man has his free will and his reason. Man has better things than horns.
The truth is, big nails and horns would be harmful for men. It's enough
that they have fingernails that they can scratch each other up, or
fists. But even then they're limited in the damage they can do. If human
beings had horns, then everyday husbands and wives would be dragged off
to the morgue. The worst that can happen is a little fisticuffs, which
is also of course too much but there's a limited amount of harm a man
can do. If a man really wanted to do harm, he can invent a weapon that
can do a lot of damage, so a man doesn't need anything.
That's why a man doesn't have instincts to building a nest. Here's a
little sparrow standing on the sidewalk picking up pieces of straw,
little pieces of paper, flying back to its nest, and it's able to make a
nest. Every sparrow is born with the knowledge how to make a nest.
Every spider knows how to make a spider web, which is a feat of
engineering by the way. To catch a fly is an engineering feat! It's a
wonderful piece of engineering. Why is it that bees know how to make a
hive? And beavers can make a dam. A man doesn't know anything.
Man is supposed to be the very best, the wisest, so why didn't all the
instincts collect in him? He should know how to build a house, he should
know how to make a fire; a child doesn't know how to make a fire. You
have to teach everything from the beginning to mankind. The answer is
because Hakadosh Baruch Hu wanted man to be the originator. Man should
have free will and invent, he should use his own head, and therefore he
doesn't need anything. He has certain instincts, certain inborn urges.
The urge to eat, the urge to procreate - a miracle the urge to
procreate, otherwise nobody would bother having children. The urge to
sleep, the urge to drink.
Otherwise everything is left to a man's free will and his reason, because he has the greatest gift of all.
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1) If one finds money which is identifiable (e.g. a certain amount found bundled together with a red rubber band, or if it was found in a distinct place), and cannot locate the owner, M'Ikar Hadin it may not be used and must be held on to until the arrival of Eliyahu Hanavi. (See Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat Siman 267:25)
However, the Poskim rule that as long as one has that amount of money on hand and will be able to return the full amount to the owner as soon as he is found, he may then use the found money and there is no need to hold on to those specific bills or coins. (the reasoning is that nowadays money is usually placed in a bank, and when a person comes to retrieve his money he indeed expects the full amount to be available right away, but he does not expect the exact bills and coins he deposited to be returned to him, only their value.Ruling of HaRav Nisim Karelitz Shlita quoted in Hashovas Aveidah K'Halacha page 73 footnote 18)
2) If the money got stolen or lost, if it was not used at all by the finder, then he is not liable to reimburse the owner for its value, as he is only a Shomer Chinam. (Shulchan Aruch and Rama Siman 267:25)
However, if the finder did use the money he will indeed be liable to reimburse the owner for the full amount in the event that it got lost or stolen. (Ruling of HaRav Nisim Karelitz Shlita based on Shulchan Aruch 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
Question:
A husband has to keep what is written in the kesubah.
Where does it say the wife's obligations to her husband?
Answer:
According to the Torah, when a woman gets married she belongs to her husband. Not in a negative, derogatory sense that many people make it. Rather, she becomes one with him; their neshamos bond and are fused into one. Thus, the Torah expects a wife to be "Ezer" to her husband in any way possible.
Here are some selections directly from the Rambam.
"A woman must be modest at home. She should not be overly lax or unreserved in his presence. She must not verbally demand marital relations. She should not be overly talkative on the topic of marital relations. She should not withold marital relations from her husband in order to pain him or in order to make him love her more. Rather she shoud give herself to him whenever he wants." (Rambam Hilchos Ishus Perek 15:18)
"A man must respect his wife more than his own body and he must love her like his own body. If he has money he should buy her things according to his means. He should not make her unneccesarily afraid of him. he should talk soft and calm with her. He should not be depressed nor angry." (Rambam Hilchos Ishus Perek 15:19)
"A woman must respect her husband more than necessary and should be in awe of him and provide whatever he requests. A woman should think of her husband as a king; to do whatever he desires and to keep things that he hates away from him. This is the way of the Bnos Yisroel and the Bnei Yisroel who are holy in their married lives. If they follow these ways they will have a happy marriage."(Rambam Hilchos Ishus Perek 15:20)
"A woman is obligated to provide the tasks that all women provide for their husbands which are to sew,wash, serve drinks, prepare his bed and cater to his other needs. Other tasks that are done are cooking, baking, laundry.
A woman that refuses to do any of the tasks that she must do, is forced to do them."(Rambam Hilchos Ishus Perek 21)
Keep in mind that a man who expects his wife to "Treat him like a king" and provide for all his needs must also remember to "treat her like a queen and respect her more than he respects his own self".
It's a two way street.
CHIZUK CORNER
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This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
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 צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Our body works better when we maintain an optimistic, cheerful mood.
As an example, Rabbi Twerski tells of a man who received a dreadful diagnosis. His doctor had given him 18 months to live, lo aleinu. When he told Rabbi Twerski that he was scared and depressed, Rabbi Twerski hypnotized him and told him to recall a joyous event. Rabbi Twerski further instructed him to store this idea in his head and recall it any time at will, simply by saying the word simcha. The man did this throughout his ordeal... Forty years later, he was still alive, B"H.
In another amazing story, Norman Cousins (author of Anatomy of an Illness and other books) was declared "terminal" and in great pain. He found that twenty minutes of laughter brought him two hours of pain-relief!
Submitted by daily reader, Mrs. Tova Younger, author of
"Hands-on How-to's for the Home and Heart" . To contact Mrs. Younger email her @ ytovay@gmail.com
Today's Halachos are dedicated by a daily reader as a merit for a Refuah Shelaima for
Chaim Nochum Tzvi ben Chava Toba
B'Soch Sha'ar Cholei Yisroel.
CURRENT TOPIC: HILCHOS HASHOVAS AVEIDAH: PART 2
1) An item which, seemingly, the owner would specifically want this one back and not its replacement or its value, must be held on to until the arrival of Eliyahu Hanavi at which time the owner will be identified.
This includes items with sentimental or personal value, such as rare or antique books or Seforim, exceptionally beautiful Tefillin or any other similar items. (See Sma Siman 267:30 and Shu"t Minchas Elazar Vol. 4 Siman9)
2) These items must be looked after, protected and guarded until the time the owner is identified. The finder becomes a "Shomer Chinam" and thus will not be responsible for the item in the event that it gets stolen or lost through no negligence on his part. (See Rama Choshen Mishpat Siman 267:16)
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
Question:
You wrote: [ in the halachos of Birchas Harayach, on October 20 2009 ]
"In cases of uncertainty as to the intended purpose of the orchard, it is best to actually take a flower/fruit in the hand for the purpose of enjoying its fragrance, and recite a Bracha, and not rely simply on the fact that the smell is reaching you from where you are standing"
What should one do if he finds himself in this situaiton on shabbos?
Answer:
On shabbos it would be muktzah to touch and thus you cannot take it in your hand to recite a bracha. Moreover, on shabbos it would be considered like smelling something of issur, and no bracha may be recited over it if it is intended for anything other than smelling, lest one come to cutting ot off the tree.
If it is specifically there for smelling, according to many Poskim it is muttar to smell it and recite a bracha on shabbos, as we aren't worried you will cut it off for another purpose.
According to some Poskim even these you may only smell from far away and not get too close lest you cut off a piece on shabbos.
(See Mishna Berura 336:48 and 49 and Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchaso Perek 26 footnote 72)
CHIZUK CORNER
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This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
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 צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
"Al tadin es chavercha ad she'tagia limkomo"
"Do not judge someone else until you have reached their place."
(Pirkei Avos 2:4)
In other words, you can NEVER judge another human being, as you will NEVER be in his/her exact situation.
October 14, 2012
CURRENT TOPIC: HILCHOS HASHOVAS AVEIDAH: PART 2
Before the Yomim Nora'im we began studying the Halachos of "Hashovas Aveidah". We took a break to review the timely Halachos of Elul and Tishrei, and we shall now resume with "Halachos of Hashovas Aveidah: Part 2".
To review "Part 1" please click here.
1) In Part 1 we briefly mentioned the concept of " Yehei Munach Ad SheYavo Eliyahu" where a lost item with a Siman whose owner cannot be located should be held on to until Eliyahu Hanavi arrives to identify the owner. (See Rama Choshen Mishpat Siman 260: 10)
We will now discuss in more detail when and under which circumstances this concept is applied and when the items must be held and not used and when they may be held but also used.
2) One who finds an item that is easily bought and after due diligence has not located the owner, may appraise its value, write down the dollar value of the appraisal in a notebook, as well as any Simanim that the item has, and is then permitted to use the item. (See Igros Moshe Choshen Mishpat Vol. 2 Siman 45:4 regarding if the appraisal needs to be done in front of three people or not)
Some examples of this include books or Seforim that are commonly available, a regular pair of Tefilin (i.e. not a specialty pair from a certain scribe etc.) , a Tallis or any item which the owner seemingly would not care to specifically have that item and would be perfectly happy with its equal replacement. (See Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat Siman 267:21, Shu"t Chasam Sofer Chosehen Mishpat Siman 122 [and Siman 143 regarding Seforim] and Aruch Hashulchan Siman 267:14.)
This would also apply to food that will spoil if not consumed.
The notebook with this information should be kept in a safe place. Alternatively, the information may be written on the inside cover of a volume of Talmud or another Sefer which will thus keep the information secure. (Since this is being done for a Mitzvah it is permitted and not considered disrespectful use of a Sefer, as per ruling of HaRav Moshe Sternbuch Shlita )
The item may also be sold, and the money from its sale used in the interim, and when the owner is found the monetary value of his item can be returned to him.
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
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
Question:
From
what I understand, speech is forbidden after saying Hamapil [in Krias
Shma Al Hamitah]. However Hamapil is before the rest of shma[ in many
Siddurim]? Why is this so? And should I say Hamapil before or after I
recite the rest of shma?
Answer:
There is a debate in the Poskim as to when Hamapil should be said.
Some maintain that once Hamapil is said nothing may be uttered, and thus
HaMapil should be said last.
Others maintain that although talking is forbidden, saying the
tefilos of Krias Shma and the Pesukim of shmira are not a hefsek. Either
way you do it you have on whom to rely.
The poskim point out that if you are a person who usually falls
asleep during krias shma al hamitah,it is best to say Hamapil first,
lest you end up not saying it altogether.
And if you know yourself and know that you won't fall asleep in middle. say everything else first and save HaMapil for last.
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
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.
Hashem
loves even the lowliest Jew more than we can love the saintliest
one...Hashem is, after all, our Father in Heaven Who has endless love
for ALL His children.
1) It is acceptable to "buy" Aliyos to the Torah or other Kibudim (honors during the davening, such as opening the Aron Kodesh, Hagbah etc.) with Ma'aser money, if the money goes to poor people. (See Shu"t Bais Dino Shel Shlomo Yoreh Deah Siman 1. See also Ahavas Chesed Vol. 2 Perek 19:2 and Shu"t Chasam Sofer Yoreh Deah Siman 249)
If only part of the money goes to poor people, and the rest goes to the Shul or another acceptable cause, then Ma'aser money may be used only if there is nobody else to "buy" the Aliyos, and even then it is best to only give the part that goes to the poor people from Ma'aser.
2) One must have in mind before bidding on these honors that if he wins he plans to pay using Ma'aser money, otherwise it is like any other debt, and he cannot pay with Ma'aser money. (Shu"t Bais Dino Shel Shlomo ibid.)
If the entire money goes to pay the Shul's expenses (utilities, salaries of Chazan, caretaker etc.) it should not be paid for with Ma'aser money. (ibid.)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1)When using Ma'aser money to pay for Aliyos or other Kibbudim (when all the conditions we enumerated above have been met) only the amount that you added to the previous bid may come from Ma'aser.
For example, if the bidding was holding at $50, and you upped it to $75, you may pay $25 of that from Ma'aser while the other $50 must be paid from your own, non ma'aser, money.
The reason for this is because had you not bid, the Tzedaka would have received $50 anyway from the person that originally bid, and you only added an additional $25. Only the gain that you aided the Tzedaka in getting may come from Ma'aser. (Elya Rabba Orach Chaim Siman 156 and Rav Akiva Eiger on Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah Siman 249. This is also how Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky Zatzal in Emes L'yaakov Yoreh Deah Siman 249 and many other Gedolei HaPoskim rule Halacha L'maaseh)
2) However, if the original bidder was planning to use Ma'aser money too to pay if he won, perhaps the above Halacha would be different as in that case, the original $50 would have been from Ma'aser money anyway, albeit from a different person. A Rav should be consulted for Halacha L'maaseh.
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
Question:
What is the halacha regarding a woman in aveilus (after shloshim, in the first year of mourning for a parent) wearing new clothing?
Answer:
The prevalent minhag is not to wear new clothes for the entire year. (See Rama Yoreh Deah Siman 389:3)
If very necessary, someone else can wear the clothes for 2 or 3 days and then they are no longer considered new and then the avel may wear them. (See Be'er HaGolah Yoreh Deah Siman 389 Os 17)
CHIZUK CORNER
[1.0579710144927536] Bizback2
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
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
October 11, 2012
On Sunday, B'Ezras Hashem, we will begin a new topic. For the next few days, I will post a review of some Halachos, taken from the archives.
1) The prohibition of lying applies not only to speaking untruths with the mouth, but also to writing untruths in letters, newspapers, emails, texts, etc.
(See Chofetz Chaim Klal 1 Se'if 18 and Pischei Teshuva Choshen Mishpat Siman 34. If lies are printed and distributed there is an additional sin of being a "Choti U'Machti Es HaRabim, sinning and causing others to sin as well", see Shulchan Aruch and Mishna Berura Orach Chaim Siman 307:16 for more details)
Likewise, lying via a gesture with the hand or eyes is also prohibited. (See Chofetz Chaim Klal 1 Se'if 18 and Sefer Chasidim Siman 1058)
2) Even if the lying is done in jest and/or without malicious intent, it is still prohibited. (See Mesilas Yesharim Perek 11 and Chofetz Chaim in Sfas Tamim Perek 6 and Pele Yoetz, "Sheker". However, if it is evident to everyone that what was said is a joke and isn't true, there may be room for leniency)
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
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
Question:
What's
the reason for us not being able to fold garments (tallis, tablecloth)
on the same creases as they were folded with before, on Shabbos? Also,
does this apply to regular paper napkins or sheets of paper as well?
Answer:
The reason Chazal prohibited folding clothing, table cloths,
napkins etc. was due to it being similar to pressing, which is
prohibited on Shabbos.
That being said, if all the following 5 conditions are present, the clothing may be folded:
1) It will be used again on this Shabbos
2) It is a new garment that was not laundered yet.
3)The garment is white
4)There is no other suitable garment available to wear or use.
5)The folding is done by one person, without help of another, and it needn't be placed on the table in order to fold.
If
any of the above conditions are not present, they may not be folded on
the creases, rather they may only be folded in a less than perfect
manner.
If the garment in question has no visible
folds/creases such as a nylon or plastic table cloth,or certain towels,
it is permitted to fold it in a regular manner, in a perfect way.
(See Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchaso Perek 15: 44 and on for more details)
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
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.
October 10, 2012
On Sunday, B'Ezras Hashem, we will begin a new topic. For the next few days, I will post a review of some Halachos, taken from the archives.
1) One who visits a sick person but does not pray for him/her and beseech Hashem to heal them has not [sufficiently] fulfilled the Mitzvah of Bikur Cholim. (Rama Yoreh Deah Siman 335:4 quoting the Ramban [in Toras HaAdam Sha'ar Hameichush] based on Talmud Nedarim 40a. See also Sefer Chasidim Siman 753 that all Jews are responsible for one another and are like one body, and when one is in distress and another doesn't pray for them like himself it is a sin.)
2) Although the Tefilah for the sick person can be said in one's own words, the "official" Tefilah to say [on weekdays] is "Hamakom Yerachem Alecha B'Soch Sha'ar Cholei Yisroel, Hashem should have mercy on you amongst all the ill people of the Jewish nation".(See Talmud Shabbos 12b and Pri Megadim[Mishbetzos Zahav] Siman 287:1)
It is important when davening for a Choleh to include in the Tefilah "amongst the other sick people of Am Yisroel", as including a specific sick person amongst the other sick people will allow for the Tefilah to be more readily heard as it will have the Z'chus Harabim, the merit of the Klal. (Rashi Shabbos 12b Dibur Hamaschil B'soch. Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah Siman 335:6 and Shach Os 4)
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
Question:
Is there a source for [the Segulah of] a woman wearing a ruby during pregnancy to prevent miscarriage?
Answer:
It is an ancient Segulah. Rabbeinu Bachya ben Asher (The great 13th century Rishon, Kabbalist, talmid of the Rashba , not to be confused with Rabbeinu Bachya ibn Paquda , author of Chovos Halevavos who lived a few hundred years earlier, and who Rabbeinu Bachya Ben Asher quotes in the Hakdama to Parshas Mikeitz) in Parshas Tetzaveh (Shmos 28:15) in his lengthy discussion about the Choshen (breastplate) that the Kohen Gadol wore, discusses the various aspects of the different stones of the Choshen, which represented the 12 tribes of Klal Yisroel and writes as follows:
"...Reuven's stone was the ruby, a red stone, red like blood, and its Segulah is that any woman that carries [or wears] it will never miscarry a child. It is also said that it is beneficial for a woman who has a hard time giving birth [to have this stone].
If this stone is ground up and added to food or drink [of a woman] it is extremely beneficial to help her become pregnant..."
CHIZUK CORNER
[1.0579710144927536] Bizback2
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
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 צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
"When you are put to the test, you will either progress or regress, but you cannot stay the same."
1) After davening on Hoshana Rabba, after using the Lulav and Esrog for the last time, many
have the custom to place the Lulav (with the Hadasim and Aravos still
bound to it) on top of the Aron Kodesh, or in another safe place and
save it for Erev Pesach when it can be burned together with the Chametz.
The
purpose of doing this is to use something that was used for a Mitzvah
(the Lulav) in conjunction with yet another Mitzvah (burning the
Chametz) (See Kaf HaChaim Siman 664:60. Based on a Talmud
Yerushalmi Eiruvin Perek 6:7, quoted in Tur Siman 297:4. See also Orchos
Rabbeinu from the Steipler Zatzal Vol. 2 Page 316)
2)
Some have the custom to make a jelly/jam out of the Esrogim that were
used for a Mitzvah. This jelly/jam is then given to pregnant women to
eat while they are in labor, as eating this Mitzvah jelly/jam is a
Segulah for an easy birth and for the child to be healthy.
Many people also have the custom to taste this Esrog jelly/jam on the eve of Tu B'Shvat. (See Kaf HaChaim ibid. and Orchos Rabbeinu ibid.)
[It
is proper to pray on the eve of Tu B'Shvat that one merit having a nice
Esrog on the next Sukkos. See Bnei Yissoscher Chodesh Sh'vat Ma'amar 2.
See also Sefer Lashon Chachamim Vol. 1 Siman 38]
It
is a Segulah for pregnant women to bite off the Pitum of the Esrog on
Hoshana Rabbah, and to give Tzedakah and daven for an easy labor.
(See Likutei Maharich Sukkos page 106a. See also Elef Hamagen Siman
660:6 and Sefer Moed L'Kol Chai Siman 24:25 where a special Tefilah text
is printed for the woman to say)
Halachos for Monday, Shmini Atzeres
1)
When dancing with the Torah on Simchas Torah, it is a mitzvah to
rejoice as best as one can; this Simcha should be L'Shem Shomayim, in
honor of Hashem and His holy Torah, and not simply an unstructured
"party" or "good time" and surely one must be careful to avoid any
levity or lightheadedness (S'Chok V'kalus Rosh) (See Tur and
Rama Siman 669. See also Ben Ish Chai Parshas V'Zos HaBracha: year one,
Siman 18 and Kaf HaChaim Siman 669:23. See also Mishna Berura Siman
669:11 and Rambam Hilchos Lulav Perek 8:15)
2)
M'Ikar HaDin (according to the letter of the law) one must stand the
entire time that the Sifrei Torah are out for the hakafos, out of
respect for the Torah. (Rav Bentzion Abba Shaul Zatzal was
extremely stringent with this and didn't sit down the entire Hakafos and
ruled this way for all who were with him that were healthy and able
bodied)
However,
if it is difficult for one to stand, the Poskim are lenient and allow
sitting down, besides for the first time around the Bimah of each hakafa
when everyone must stand. (See Halichos Shlomo Perek 12:9 for the reasoning behind this leniency)
Some have the custom to only sit while holding a Sefer Torah in their hands. (This was the minhag of the Steipler and Maran Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Zichronam L'Vracha)
Halachos for Tuesday, Simchas Torah (in Chutz L'Aretz)
1)
Shmini Atzeres/Simchas Torah is an extremely opportune time, an Eis
Ratzon, for one's Tefillos to be accepted by HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
Therefore it is proper to daven with extreme Kavanah. (See
Sefer Moed L'Kol Chai Siman 25:1. This is based on a Zohar HaKadosh
Parshas Noach and Parshas Tzav where it basically says that all that one
asks for (in earnest) will be given to them! See also Sefer Seder HaYom
Seder Simchas Torah Dibur Hamaschil U'Bsefer HaZohar)
2)It
is customary to bid on and try to purchase the Aliyos known as "Choson
Torah" (The aliyah where the Torah is "finished") and "Choson Bereishis"
(The Aliyah where the Torah is once again begun) for large amounts of
money, which goes to support Talmidei Chachamim or the needs of the Shul
where people daven and learn.
If possible, it is best to try and have these Aliyos go to Talmidei Chachamim or at least to respected people in the Tzibbur. (See Mishna Berura Siman 669:1)
The
custom is for those who received the two aforementioned aliyos to make a
Kiddush (on an upcoming Shabbos over the next few weeks) to celebrate
their receiving these exalted Aliyos, as they are a celebration of the
completion [and re-starting] of Torah. (Tur Siman 669. See also Beis Yosef there and Kaf HaChaim 669:24 and Rama Yoreh Deah Siman 246:26)
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
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
Question:
When is the proper time to be Ma'avir Sedra (Shnayim Mikrah V'Echad Targum) Parashas V'Zos Habracha?
Answer:
Being that we are about
to begin a new cycle of the Torah , I will take this opportunity to
review some of the relevant Halachos of being Ma'avir Sidra, and then
get to your specific question.
It is incumbent on
every Jewish male to read the portion of the week's Torah reading each
week. This is known as "Being Ma'avir Sidrah" (literally, "going over
the portion of the week").
The entire Parsha must be read twice and the Targum [Onkelos] must be read once.
The new week begins
on Sunday morning, and it must be finished before Krias Hatorah on
Shabbos of that week. (The Mishna Berura holds that one can begin
already reading the new Parsha after Krias Hatorah of Mincha on the last
Shabbos, and there is no need to wait until Sunday)
Some Poskim hold
that the best time to be Mekayem this Mitzvah is on Friday afternoon
after Chatzos (midday). Others disagree and hold that it is 100% Okay to
start on Sunday morning and do a little each day throughout the week.
There are a few methods mentioned by Halachic authorities as to the proper way to be Ma'avir Sidra:
a) To read the
entire Sidra of that week, from beginning to end twice and only then to
read the entire Targum [Onkelos] from the beginning of the Sidra until
the end.
b) To read a full
Parsha, or section (meaning from the beginning until you get to a "Pei"
or "Samech", and according to the Vilna Gaon if you do it in this way,
you stop there, even if it is middle of a Possuk) within the Sidra of
the week twice and then to read the Targum on the Pesukim you just read.
c) To read from The
beginning until Sheni twice then its Targum, continue from Sheni until
Shlishi twice, and then its Targum and so on. (See Derech Sicha from Rav
Chaim Kanievsky shlita page 2)
d) To read the first
Posuk twice and then its Targum, then the second Posuk twice and then
its Targum, and so on until you finish the entire Sidra.
All of the above
methods have acceptable sources in Halacha. There is a prevalent Minhag
(which the Vilna Gaon and others used to do) to read from the beginning
until Sheni on Sunday, from Sheni to Shlishi on Monday, and so on until
Friday. On Friday the Minhag is to do two portions (i.e. from Shishi
until the end). This Minhag is an easy way to be Ma'avir Sidra without
it being a daunting task to do in one sitting.
Besides for Chumash
and Targum, a G-d fearing Jew should learn the commentary of Rashi on
the entire Parsha. If one is not capable of doing this, he should try
and read the English (or any other language he is familiar with)
translation of the Parsha, so that he will understand what the week's
Parsha is about.
Since reading the
words of the Targum takes some getting used to, it is worthwhile to have
children (from about the age of 7) read a few Pesukim of Chumash and
Targum each week, so that when they reach Bar Mitzvah they will have an
easy time being Ma'avir Sidrah. Training them in this Mitzvah, like all
other Mitzvos, is part of every father's (and mother's) obligation of
Chinuch.
The ideal time to be
Ma'avir Parshas V'Zos Habracha is on Hashana Rabbah eve or on Shmini
Atzeres by day. (Mishna Berura Siman 285:18. See also Ben Ish Chai,
first year, Parashas V'Zos Habracha Siman 15 that L'chatchilah it should
be done on Hoshana rabbah and not on Shmini Atzeres.)
According to some Poskim it can be done on Simchas Torah eve as well. (Mishna Berura Siman 669:4)
If Parshas V'Zos
Habracha was done before Hashana Rabbah (even though it was already read
in Shul by Mincha on Shabbos Parashas Ha'azinu) the obligation was not
satisfied, according to many Poskim, and it must be redone in its proper
time. (See Shu"t Kaneh B'Shem from Rav Meir Bransdorfer Zatzal Siman
16.)
Parshas Bereishis can only be done after it was read B'Tzibbur on Simchas Torah.(ibid.)
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
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.
19 Tishrei 5773; 3rd Day Chol HaMoed Sukkos (in Chutz L'Aretz)
October 5, 2012
Today's Halachos are dedicated by daily reader, M.N., L'zecher Nishmas her saintly cousin
Rebbetzin Batsheva Kanievsky A"H
whose first Yahrtzeit just passed on 17 Tishrei.
May she be a Meilitza Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel
Current Topic:
Review of Halachos of Sukkos
LECHEM MISHNEH: DOUBLE PORTION L'KAVOD SHABBOS KODESH
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh
1) After reciting the Bracha on the Arba Minim, and then again during the recitation of Halel, the Lulav and Esrog are shaken three times per direction to and fro in all four directions and up and down. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 651:8 and 9)
There are various different customs as to the order of which direction to follow.
The Shulchan Aruch rules to shake to the east, south, west, north, upward then downward. (Siman 251:10. This is also the ruling of the Derech HaChaim and the Chayei Adam. See Mishna Berura S"K 47)
The reason for this order is based on the principle of "B'chol Pinos SheAta Poneh, Tifneh L'Yemin, whenever you have a choice to go to the right or to the left, always choose to go to the right". (See Maseches Midos Perek 2 Mishna 2 and Talmud Yoma 15b and Sotah 15b)
Thus, since we are standing facing east, the direction to follow is a circle to the right. (Mishna Berura ibid. quoting the Mogen Avraham 651:21)
The Arizal had a different order to shake the Lulav, as follows: South, north, east, upward, downward then west. (See Be'er Heitev 651:20. See also Sha'arei Teshuva 651:10 for additional variations in the order of directions that other Poskim followed. Of course, every individual should follow their own accepted custom.)
2) Regardless which minhag any one individual follows in regard to the directions to shake the Lulav, there is no difference between a left handed person and a right handed person regarding the order to be followed. (Mogen Avraham ibid.)
The person shaking the Lulav does not need to actually turn around in all the directions, as long as the Lulav is shaken in the proper directions it suffices. (Mishna Berura ibid.)
When circling the Bimah during the recitation of Hoshanos each day of Sukkos (and seven rounds on Hoshana Rabbah) the circle should begin from the right side of the Bimah. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 660:1 and Mishna Berura S"K 3)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) Many people have the custom to make the blessings on the Lulav and Esrog each day of Sukkos in a Sukkah, before going to Shacharis.
Others have the custom, if the Shul has a Sukkah, to recite the blessings on the Lulav and Esrog in that Sukkah.
Many people, however, have the custom to recite the blessings in Shul immediately before reciting Halel. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 644:1 and Kaf HaChaim Siman 644:3. See also Siddur Ya'avetz, Orchos Rabeinu from the Steipler Vol. 2 page 292 and Halichos Shlomo Perek 11 footnote 73 for further details and reasoning for these customs)
2) It is important to be careful with the Lulav, Esrog, Hadasim and Aravos and not to treat them disrespectfully.
They shouldn't be placed in a place where they may be stepped on, near a garbage etc. (See Birkei Yosef Siman 15:4. see also Shulchan Aruch Siman 664:8 for a more in depth discussion about this)
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
Question:
I was once asked Info about a shidduch where I knew both sides and I was quite involved in the process.
The mother mentioned something about giving me a small gift when they got engaged, but she never did. ( I don't really care, as long as they are happy but I do remember her mentioning that).
This couple has been married for almost 2 years and they still do not have children. I have heard that not paying a shadchan properly can be a prevention of mazel [and prevent the couple from having children].
Is it my place to go back to the family and ask them to give me something or should I just forget about the whole thing?
Answer:
The reason that not giving shadchanus can prevent children is due to the one not receiving the gift bearing a grudge (having a Hakpada). If you truly, deep down are ok with not having received the gift then there is no point in letting them know. However, if deep down it bothers you (as is normal, and very human) then perhaps you should somehow make them aware in a tactful way of course.
[ed. note: After oroginally posting this answer, I received the following email from a reader:
Rav Pam ZT"L once told me personally that when people come to him with Sholom Bayis issues he always asks them if they paid Shadchanus. If you know of anyone who has tapes of the weekly Chumash Shiurim Rav Pam would give in Torah Vodaas it is worthwhile to hear the Shmooze of Parshas Chayei Sara given in either 1987, 88 or maybe 89 (I don't remember the exact year) as it was known every year of Chayei Sara Rav Pam would speak on Inyanei Shidduchim. During that particular Shmooze the Rosh Yeshiva said that if Shadchanus was not so important the Shulchan Aruch would not have spent so much time on the topic. He also said that Shadchanus is a requirement because of Hakoras Hatov - that is why we are obligated to give it. ]
CHIZUK CORNER
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This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
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 צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
"The best way to cheer yourself is to try to cheer someone else up."
18 Tishrei 5773; 2nd Day Chol HaMoed Sukkos (in Chutz L'Aretz)
October 4, 2012
Current Topic:
Review of Halachos of Sukkos
1) The Lulav (branch of a palm tree) has three Hadasim (myrtle) and two Aravos (willow) tied onto it, and is held upright in the right hand and the Esrog (citron) is held in the left hand each day of Sukkos. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 651:2)
According to the Mechaber (Rav Yosef Cairo, author of the Shulchan Aruch) a left handed person follows the same procedure and holds the Lulav in the right hand and the Esrog in the left hand, as since the Lulav has in it three Mitzvos (i.e. 3 of the 4 species) and the Esrog is only one Mitzvah, the item with more Mitzvos is held in the more highly regarded hand. Most Sephardic Jews follow this ruling. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 651:3 and Mishna Berura S"K 18)
However, the Rama (ibid.) rules that left handed people should switch the order and hold the Lulav in their strong hand (left) and the Esrog in their weaker hand (right). Most Ashkenazic Jews follow this ruling.
An ambidextrous person should take the Lulav in his right hand and the Esrog in the left hand. (ibid.)
If the Lulav was held in the wrong hand, the obligation has been satisfied, however, it is best to be stringent and take the Lulav and Esrog again in the correct hands without reciting a new Bracha. (Rama ibid. and Mishna Berura S"K 19)
Many left handed people are stringent after taking the Lulav in their left and the Esrog in their right (or vice versa) to repeat the process the other way around (without a new Bracha) to satisfy the rulings of both the Shulchan Aruch and the Rama. (See Kaf HaChaim 651:38. See also Orchos Rabbeinu Vol. 2 page 288 that the Steipler Zatzal, who was a lefty and an Ashkenazi, followed the ruling of the Shulchan Aruch regarding this Halacha and not the Rama's ruling)
2) When setting up and holding the Arba Minim, the three Hadasim (myrtle) should be tied onto the right side of the Lulav and the two Aravos (willow) should be tied onto the left side of the Lulav. (Mishna Berura Siman 651:12)
For Kabalistic reasons, the Hadasim should be tied slightly higher than the Aravos. (Rama 651:1 and Mishna Berura ibid.)
Left handed people should also set up their Lulav with the Hadasim on the right side and the Aravos on the left. (This is how the Pri Megadim, quoted in Mishna Berura ibid. rules)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
Can you tell me the reason and/or source for the minhag of honoring a different person as Sandek for each of your sons' Bris Milah?
Answer:
The Rama (Yoreh Deah Siman 265:11) brings this Minhag of not serving as a sandek twice [in one family, for 2 brothers].
He says the reason that a sandek at a Bris Milah is likened to the Kohen being Maktir Ketores (incense offering in the Bais HaMikdash), which was not done by the same Kohen twice as to give everyone a chance at wealth, which the Gemara says was the reward for doing Ketores. (and hence the source that serving as a sandek is a segulah for becoming wealthy)
(See Mishna and GemaraYoma 26a and Rambam Hilchos Temidim U'Musafim Perek 4:7)
CHIZUK CORNER
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This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
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 צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
"For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness"
17 Tishrei 5773; 1st Day Chol HaMoed Sukkos (in Chutz L'Aretz)
October 3, 2012
Current Topic:
Review of Halachos of Sukkos
1) Many exalted things have been written regarding the proper performance of and proper conduct in and around the Sukkah.
A few of the many examples:
Every moment that one sits in the Sukkah is an additional performance of the positive commandment to sit in the Sukkah and serves to purify and make the person holier. (See Kaf HaChaim Siman 639:12. See also Shu"t Minchas Shlomo Vol. 2 Siman 58. In Sefer Minhagei Chasam Sofer Chapter 8:12 it is stated that the Chasam Sofer barely left his Sukkah for the entire 7 days of Sukkos and only left each day for Shachris; he davened Mincha and Maariv in his Sukkah)
It is proper not to get angry in the Sukkah, and surely not to speak Lashon Hara or D'varim Betailim (idle chatter) in the Sukkah. (See Be'er Heitev Siman 639:2 and Kaf HaChaim Siman 639:5 and 6)
Due to the extreme holiness of the Sukkah, it is proper, if possible, not to invite non-Jews to enter the Sukkah. (See Shach Al HaTorah Parshas Emor and Kaf HaChaim Siman 639:6)
2) One who is scrupulous with the observance of Sukkah in this world will merit having Hashem seat him/her at the Sukkah of the Levyasan (Leviathan) in the world to come.
Moreover, when he/she passes from this world, the merit of performing the Mitzvah of Sukkah properly will protect him/her from the angels of destruction. (Malachei Chavala created by sin, which torment a sinner's soul after death) (Yalkut Shimoni Parshas Emor 653, quoted in Elef Hamagen Siman 626-644:23. See also Kaf HaChaim Siman 625:8 and Ba'al HaTurim Al HaTorah VaYikra 23:43)
One who is scrupulous in the performance of Sukkah (known as Sukkas Shalom), will merit a year of harmony in his/her home(Shalom Bayis). (See Kaf HaChaim Siman 625:10 quoting the Yafeh Lalev)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
If one was called to the Torah, and the person said Birchos HaTorah on the wrong Parsha (for example, the Ba'al Koreh mistakenly pointed to Parashas Nitzavim) would the person have to repeat Birchas HaTorah on the right Parsha (Ha'azeinu)?
If you could include the Mareh Mekomos, it would be greatly appreciated.
Answer:
If the correct reading was not seen in the open Torah in front of him and we need to roll the scroll to get to the right place , a new Bracha will be required according to many Poskim. Though, according to many Poskim, if one had in mind the correct Parsha, even if it wasn't open no new Bracha will be required.
If the correct reading was in the open area, but the Ba'al Koreh showed him a wrong place on the page, we can be lenient and not require a new Bracha. Ideally, if possible to incorporate the place he pointed to and add it to the correct reading, that would be best.(See Shulchan Aruch Siman 140:3 and Mishna Berura there S"K 9 for more details).
CHIZUK CORNER
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This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
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 צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Maran HaRav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita learning Torah in his Sukkah.
Question:
If everything which happens in the universe is because of the people of Yisrael, the Jewish nation, isn't it important to read newspapers to know what happens, so we should learn the lesson?
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
I'll tell you a simple answer: There are so many lessons in our history that we haven't studied yet, we shouldn't worry about learning new ones. I'll explain.
A certain Mafia man was shot down. That certainly happened because of us, but we can dispense with that information. Let's first know what happened in the times of Moshe Rabbeinu. You know that most yeshiva men don't know that?
Most yeshiva men don't begin to know what's in the Chumash. And sometimes they know a little bit because they look in the Chumash during Krias haTorah (public Torah reading), but they don't begin to know what happened in the Book of Yehoshua.
Let's study that history, which is well analyzed for us in the Medrashim and in the Gemara. Let's study what happened in the Books of Shoftim, Shmuel I and II, and Melachim I and II, what happened in Divrei Hayamim. There's so much to study. Long before we'll be finished with this, we'll be so old we won't have any time to read the newspapers.
If you'll finish all these great subjects, then you'll be able to analyze the news. You'll know the news without reading the newspaper. Did you know that? The Gedolim (great Torah sages) know the news without reading the newspaper! This I can tell you. How they do it? I can't tell you. You have to be Gadol to know it. Someday you'll be an old sage, you'll have gone through all the great incidents of our history and then you'll study.
Then when you read that so-and-so was shot down in a café in Greenpoint, you'll say aha, that's a mussar haskel (a real lesson for us). It comes to teach us that you should not put your trust in money, in bodyguards, and so on. You'll become more pious as a result of studying that.
1) Some have the custom to place a special chair covered with a nice piece of material in the Sukkah in honor of the Ushpizin. (Similar to the chair set up at every Bris in honor of Eliyahu Hanavi). Some even have the custom to put holy Sefarim on this chair. (See Chida in Sefer Moreh Etzba Siman 9:289 where he brings this custom, and quotes the Zohar that if this chair isn't set up, the Ushpizin will not come. See also Kaf HaChaim 639:8)
2) It is customary to "invite" the Ushpizin into the Sukkah each night, reciting a special text which is printed in most siddurim.
Some people stand near the door to the Sukkah when reciting it; however the prevalent minhag is to say it while sitting at the table. (See Chida ibid., Kaf HaChaim Siman 639:8 and Ben Ish Chai ; Year one: Parsha Ha'azinu Siman 7)
Some people only say this "invitation" text on the first night and it suffices for the entire Yom Tov. (This was the custom of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal, quoted in Sefer Shalmei Moed Perek 28)
Halachos for Monday, first day of Sukkos
1) It is a huge Mitzvah to invite poor, less fortunate people to partake of the meals in the Sukkah.
If one is unable to do so, efforts should be made to send food to the poor people in their own homes. (See Rambam Hilchos Yom Tov Perek 6:18 that at times when we are rejoicing with our families, it is a particularly important time to help the downtrodden rejoice as well. See also Kaf HaChaim Siman 625:17 and 639:10. See also Mishna Berura Siman 529:17 and Be'er Heitev 529:2 what they quote from the Zohar regarding one who does not help poor people on Yom Tov.)
2) If one cannot send food to poor people in their homes, one should at least give money to the poor people, or to organizations that feed poor people.
It is best if the money/food will reach the poor people on or before Yom Tov and not afterwards. Thus, it is best to give it to local charities/Gabai Tzedaka rather than mail it to a larger organization that will probably not receive it or distribute it until much after Sukkos. (See Sefer Pele Yoetz ;"Sukkah" and "Yomim Tovim" for more on this.)
Halachos for Tuesday, Second Day of Sukkos
1) Even though women and children are not obligated to sit in a Sukkah , it is still a Mitzvah for each Jew to have his wife and children sit in the Sukkah with him, as by sitting in a Sukkah they earn eternal heavenly reward. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 640:1 and Ran to Rosh Hashana 33a)
Women and children who sit in a Sukkah merit having their souls cleansed and merit receiving heavenly goodwill. (See Kaf HaChaim Siman 640:5)
2) All components of the Sukkah have extreme holiness, including the wood of the walls. (Shla HaKadosh quoted in the Kaf HaChaim Siman 639:6)
Many G-d fearing, spiritually elevated Jews had the custom to kiss the Sukkah upon entering and exiting each time, to show their love and affection for this exalted Mitzvah. (Shla Hakadosh. See also Elef Hamagen Siman 644:22 )
***
BONUS HALACHA IN CASE OF RAIN THE FIRST NIGHT OF SUKKOS:
If it rains on the first night of Sukkos [as well as the second night in Chutz L'aretz, L'chatchilah], before going and eating indoors it is proper to wait a little while in the hopes that the rain will subside and the Mitzvah of eating in the Sukkah will be able to be fulfilled.
Some say to wait half an hour, others say an hour or two, while some even say the obligation is to wait until Chatzos, midnight.
If it does not stop raining the Sukkah should be entered anyhow, Kiddush should be made in the Sukkah including the Bracha of Shehechiyanu, the hands should be washed and a kzayis of bread should be eaten, without reciting the Bracha of "Leishev BaSukkah", and the rest of the meal should be finished indoors.
If the rain stops during the meal, a brief return to the Sukkah should be made, a "Leishev B'sukkah" recited and a little more than a K'Beitzah of bread eaten.
Afterwards, assuming the Sukkah is all wet and water is dripping from the Schach, the meal may be finished indoors.
Birchas Hamazon is recited indoors.
If the rain stops after the meal was finished and Birchas hamazon was already recited, it is still proper to go out at some point during the night to recite a Leishev B'sukah on a little more than a K'beitaza of bread. If one already went to sleep, they do not need to wake up to do this.
(See Shulchan Aruch Siman 639 and Mishna Berura S"K 35 and 36
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
Question:
Is there a problem with saying Tehillim on shabbos? Does it make a difference if its 'general tehillim' (ex: a group of women saying tehillim from the booklets that divide the whole sefer) or tehilim for a specifc choleh?
Answer:
Tehilim may be said on Shabbos. In fact, some Seforim say it is good to say Tehilim specifically on Shabbos as Dovid Hamelech passed away on Shabbos. (See Eishel Avraham Butshatsh Siman 306:5. See also Mishna Berura Siman 293:1)
However, Tehilim should not be said B'tzibur for a sick person rather B'Yechidus where it is not evident for what reason the Tehilim is being said. (Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach in Halichos Shlomo Perek 14 footnote 19)
If it isn't for a specific Choleh, rather a group of women getting together each week to say Tehilim, there is no problem with that.
CHIZUK CORNER
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This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
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 צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Consider if there is someone you feel jealousy toward.
Take a minute to appreciate just how damaging kinah, jealousy, is. Realize that what s/he has is not meant for you, and doesn't detract from what you have or get.
Find it in you to be happy that s/he has what is coming to him (her), and to be happy that you don't have what is not meant for you!
1) It is a Mitzvah for each Jew to personally take part in the building of their Sukkah, rather than have someone else build the entire thing for them. (See Talmud Kidushin 41a for the concept of Mitzvah Bo Yoser M'Beshelucho.)
One who does it himself receives more reward than simply asking or hiring someone else to do it. (Rashi ibid.)
This applies to all people, even respectable people, Talmidei Chachamim and dignitaries who usually should not be involved in menial tasks and physical labor. (See Machzik Bracha Siman 625:3. See also Talmud Shabbos 119a that Talmidei Chachamim toiling for a Mitzvah is their biggest honor. See also Mishna Berura Siman 250:4 and Biur Halacha Dibur Hamaschil Yishtadel.
The Steipler Zatzal was known to schlep the S'chach and place them on his Sukkah and refused to allow anyone to help him. This was also the custom of many other Gedolim.
2) If one is unable to build a Sukkah on their own and has someone else do it for them, it is proper to have the one building it to at least leave off a small amount of S'chach for the owner of the Sukkah to put up by himself. (Kaf HaChaim Siman 625:11)
Likewise, it is good to be personally involved in the set up and decorating of the Sukkah. (See Sefer Elef Hamagen Siman 626-644:4)
When one appoints someone else to build their Sukkah, it is proper to say to them " You are my Shaliach Mitzvah, my messenger to do this Mitzvah of putting up my Sukkah and S'chach L'Shem Mitzvah, for the purpose and intent of performing the Mitzvah of sitting in the Sukkah" (Kaf HaChaim ibid.)
One should ideally not have his Sukkah built by a non-Jew, especially the laying of the S'chach. (Chida in Sefer Kaf Achas Siman 24:2. See also Elef Hamagen ibid.)
The Mitzvah of building a Sukkah is in it of itself a [part of the] Mitzvah and not only a means by which to be able to sit in the Sukkah.
Rav Reuven Margolis Zatzal in his Sefer Nefesh Chaya (Siman 625:1) writes that even one who cannot sit in the Sukkah (due to illness or other valid Halachic reason) and has no male family members that are required to sit in the Sukkah, still should have a Sukkah built to at least perform the mitzvah of "Building" a Sukkah! (As a proof to this ruling he cites the Talmud in Makos 8a and Shavuos 29a and also a Talmud Yerushalmi Brachos Perek 9:3 where the Talmud says to recite a blessing on the "Building of a Sukkah".)
He goes so far as to say that this person would recite a "Shehechiyanu" when assisting in the building of this Sukkah as he won't be reciting it when sitting in it!
Although we do not rule like the Nefesh Chaya in this matter, it still helps us understand the importance of being involved in the building of a Sukkah. (See Taz to Siman 641)
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
Question:
Is one allowed to take a shower on Yom Tov ?
Answer:
Showering on Yom Tov is only permitted when extremely necessary (very hot and sweaty etc.), and even then not in the normal manner of showering during the weekdays.
Hot water may not be used. Only one part of the body may be washed at a time, and not a full body shower. Bar soap may not be used, nor a washcloth.
Liquid soap and shampoo, according to some Poskim may be used, only if they are watered down enough.
Drying the hair afterwards with a towel is prohibited. There are other issues that may arise as well. It is important to discuss all the details of this with a Rav to determine the need to shower and the methods acceptable according to Halacha.
Unfortunately many people abuse this Halacha and take showers, or even go swimming, on Yom Tov, and they should be urged to seek Rabbinic guidance before engaging in these oftentimes prohibited activities on Yom Tov.
CHIZUK CORNER
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This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
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 צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
There is a perfect analogy to describe the kind of Teshuva we do on Yom Kippur.
Imagine for yourself, a Father who is strolling through the busy 'Shuk' (Marketplace) for Arba Minim in Yerushalayim on Erev Sukkos, on the hunt for that 'perfect' Lulav and Esrog. He takes along his precious little toddler, 'Yankele'. He instructs Yankele to stay close and not to leave go of his hand and stray from him in this commotion. However, in the process and tumult of inspecting various Lulavim etc. Yankele becomes dis-attached from his father and wanders off on his own.
Soon, Yankele's Tatty realizes that his son is no longer with him and he begins to search frantically for his lost son! He hurries to the Police station to inquire whether they have received a lost child. To his relief, they answer in the affirmative and ask him to prove that the boy is truly his own son. All of a sudden, a shrieking child is heard in the background.....
TATTY!!!
Yankele makes a beeline straight for his Tatty and grabs him and hugs him tight...WHERE DID YOU GO, TATTY!!!! Why did you leave me! In this instant, there are no questions as to this Father/Son relationship, Yankele holds his father tight and vows to never let go again!
This is the definition of Teshuva - Repentance! This moment in time facilitates the most powerful type of connection to Borei Olam; through the power of a true Teshuva!
We are all children of Hashem. We love our Tatty in heaven and he loves us unconditionally in return. Hashem provides for all of our needs. We try to stay close and keep a connection with Hashem. However, we are all human and at times we stray far away by virtue of our sins which act as a barrier to distance ourselves from Hashem Yisborach.
However, there comes a moment in time - when we fall so low, we stumble so severely AND THEN WE SUDDENLY FIND HASHEM (Yom Kippur is such a day)!
In this instant, we cry out to Hashem with the force of all of our mishaps, of our trials, tribulations and failures - and we scream; TATTY, WHERE ARE YOU?? WHY DID YOU LEAVE ME!! I NEED YOU!!!
We proceed to grab Hashems hand with such a fierce love and longing and with a deep and unswerving desire to never let go again!
This situation of love is the distinguishing characteristic between our situation before and after Yom Kippur.
It is this overwhelming feeling of love, generated by our finding Hashem during the awesome days of Rosh Hashana through Yom Kippur, which leads us into the days of Sukkos - which are precisely defined as days of love and devotion to Hashem!
In fact, everything we do on Sukkos (from our move into the Sukkah - to our shaking of our Arba Minim) is replete with the overtones and demonstration of love for Hashem Yisborach!
Heard From Harav Shimshon Pincus Z'L; www.OhrShimshon.com
1)
If one forgot "Hamelech HaKadosh" in Shemona Esrei of Mincha on Erev
Yom Kippur, and only realized this after completing the entire Shemona
Esrei and Vidui, although the Shemona Esrei must be repeated, there is
no need to repeat the Vidui again when repeating the Shemona Esrei. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 582:1)
However, if one wants to repeat the Vidui, he/she may do so. (Ruling of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal.)
The ideal way to perform Vidui is to itemize each and every sin that one can remember doing.
One should try and stretch out their Vidui for as long as possible, and try and do it in a heartfelt way.
(See Shulchan Aruch Siman 607:2.The Vidui of the Chayei Adam (Klal 143)
as well as the Vidui written by Rabbein Nissim Gaon enumerate vast
lists of possible sins, which may be helpful in "jarring our memory" and
remind us of the sins we may have done in the previous year.These lists
are found in certain Machzorim and Sidurim as well, and can also be
bought independently in Jewish book stores)
If
one transgressed a certain sin (or a variation of it) many times, it
isn't necessary to itemize each one; rather he/she can say "Sin X which I
have transgressed countless times" or a similar verbalization.
2) It is a Biblical Mitzvah to increase the amount we eat and drink on Erev Yom Kippur.
The Talmud (Rosh Hashana 9a-b) teaches that one who eats on Erev Yom Kippur is considered as if he fasted on both Erev Yom Kippur and on Yom Kippur.
It
is the minhag to have a Yom Tov Seuda on Erev Yom Kippur, as it is
considered a Yom Tov because we are confident that Hashem will forgive
all our sins. (See Tur Siman 604)
Women
and children who have reached the age of Chinuch are also obligated in
this Mitzvah of eating more on Erev Yom Kippur, according to many
Poskim. (See Shu"t Ksav Sofer Siman 112 and MaHaril Hilchos Erev Yom Kippurim)
Halachos for Yom Kippur
1)
The following things are prohibited from sunset of Yom Kippur eve until
nightfall (the emergence of three stars) after Yom Kippur :
1.Melacha (any "work" that is prohibited on Shabbos)
2.Eating
3.Drinking
4.Bathing /washing
5.Smearing lotion, soap etc.
6.Wearing leather shoes
7.Marital relations
There
is a dispute amongst the Rishonim if all the aforementioned are
prohibited Min HaTorah (biblically) or just eating and drinking and
Melacha, while the rest are only prohibited MiDirabanan (prohibited by
the sages).
Most Poskim rule that it is best to be stringent and consider them all as Min HaTorah. (See Mishna Berura Siman 611:3)
However, "Kares- the heavenly death penalty" is only meted out for eating, drinking and Melacha, according to all opinions. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 611:1)
2)
Upon rising on Yom Kippur morning, Negel Vasser must be washed.
However, one must be careful to only wash until the end of the joints of
the hand (knuckles) and not the entire hand. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 613:2)
As
you wash, have in mind that you are doing so to remove the "impure
spirit" from your body, and not doing it for the pleasure of "washing"
which is prohibited on Yom Kippur. (Rama ibid.)
The face may not be washed on Yom Kippur morning. (See Mishna Berura ibid. S"K 3)
It
is best to be stringent and not even place a little water on the eyes,
unless there is some crust near the eyes, then it may be removed with a
drop of water that was placed on your finger. When doing so, care must
be taken to only place the water on the immediate spot of the crust, and
not on any other part of the face. (Rama Siman 613:4 and Mishna Berura S"K 9)
After using the restroom, the hands should be washed, but only until the knuckles. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 613:3)
The
Kohanim may wash their entire hands before going up to "duchen- bless
the congregation" as that washing isn't one of pleasure. (ibid.)
Although
most contemporary Poskim allow the use of aerosol spray deodorant on
Tisha B'Av if necessary to prevent sweating, this is not
the case on Yom Kippur, and it is prohibited to use any kind of
deodorant on Yom Kippur, even if only to prevent and/or eliminate odors. (Kitzur Hilchos Yom Tov page 110 quoted in Piskei Teshuvos Siman 614:1 footnote 3)
This
brings us to the end of our review of the Halachos of Yomim Noraim. On
Thursday we will B'Ezras Hashem begin reviewing some Halachos of Sukkos
etc.
גמר
חתימה
טובה
TO ALL OF MY DEAR READERS AND TO ALL THE HOLY MEMBERS OF KLAL YISROEL!
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
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
Question:
Is one permitted to take a non medicated pill ( such as a birth control pill) on a fast day without water?
Is there a difference between any fast, for example , are Tisha B'av and Yom Kippur stricter than the other fasts?
Answer:
Yes, pills taken for
health reasons (even if the person is not sick) may be taken on fast
days including Tisha B'Av, and if one cannot take a pill without water,
the pill may be taken with as much water as necessary to get the pill
down.
If the pill itself is good tasting, it should preferably be wrapped in a tissue before swallowing.
Regarding Yom Kippur, it may be more stringent.
(See Halichos Shlomo Bain HaMetzarim Perek 16:3 and the footnotes. See also Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 10 Siman 81:1)
For Halacha L'Ma'aseh a Rav must be consulted.
Practically, it can
usually be taken immediately before Yom Kippur and once again
immediately after Yom Kippur without messing up anything.
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
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.
When you wish somebody Gmar Chasima Tova (May you be sealed for a good year), will it help him/her?
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
It depends on how sincerely you say it. If you're saying it as a mitzvas anashim melumada (by rote) without thinking, it's worthless.
Rather,
say "Gmar chasima tova," and then when the person goes away, say it over
again to yourself. You hear that? Say it over again a second time: Gmar chasima tova. Hashem listens.
You
are a tzaddik if you pray for that person: If you say gmar chasima tova
a second time, you're a tzaddik and it will help. Same with "Shabbat
Shalom." It doesn't mean anything. Walk away and repeat it, Shabbat
Shalom again. That's an achievement.
A letter from Rebbetzin Batsheva KanievskyA"H, wife of Maran HaRav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita
(translated from Hebrew)
Dear women and girls,
We need you to help us in prayers!
The situation in Israel is very difficult.
We
are suffering terrible losses, many orphans and widows from diffrent
diseases. My husband, Reb Chaim, was asked what could be the cause of
all these tragedies. The Rav opened up a Gemara and said it's because of
foul language
How can we correct ourselves? Only by watching what we say.
I read an article written by Rabbi Yehuda Zev Segal Zatzal from Manchester who writes:
"Never
did I see a person who learned 2 Halachos of Shmiras Halashon each day,
and didn't see salvation from above,whether in children, in shiduch,
in good health, parnasa or bringing up the children. Whoever promises
that they will learn the Chafetz Chaim, he will be his defender in
heaven. "
And he witnessed miracles that happened to people who took upon themselves Halachos every day and saw Yeshuos.
While I was reading the article a woman came in crying and said she
has a number of aging daughters that are still not married. I showed
her the article and immediately she said that she will learn 2 Halachos
of Shmiras Halashon every day. Within three days one daughter got
engaged, months later the second daughter and B'Ezras Hashem this woman
saw many Yeshuos.
Like her, hundreds of girls took upon themselves the Shmiras Halashon and got married.
A
diffrent story is about a woman who came to us about a year ago with
great sorrow saying that she'd been married for 20 years and had no
children. I advised her to learn 2 Halachos every day and B'H she
conceived and now has a month old baby boy.
And another story:
A
few weeks ago a woman came to me, broken and crying, and said that her
mother is in the hospital with a growing tumor. She asked waht to take
upon herself to help her mother. Again I advised the whole family to
learn two Haochos of Shmiras Halashon every day. Two days later she came
to tell her story and what happened. She said that the entire family
gathered and decided to learn two Halachos, days later they recieved a
phone call from the hospital saying to come pick up the mother, the
tumor is gone and she is in good health.
I hear many stories such as these.
And
now, we should all take upon ourselves, bli neder, to learn two
Halachos of Shmiras Halashon every day and pray with great kavana.
A
prayer that comes from the heart through a holy mouth is immediately
accepted by Borei Olam and prevents many troubles and tragedies, and
brings Yeshua to the world. In the future, each one of us will be shown
how many wonderful things we did, how maney people we saved. And thanks
to righteous women and girls, we will have the Zechus to bring Moshiach
Tzidkeinu soon in our days.
Yehi Ratzon that Hashem will fulfill all of our wishes for the best,
Batsheva Kanievsky
For Zikui Harabim
Everyone
who receives this letter should try to make at least 50 copies and
spread them for your own success, and you shall be blessed, and whoever
exceeds that amount will be blessed directly from the mouth of Hashem.
****
The following was sent in by another reader:
We loved her. We were inspired by her. We were blessed by her.
Now let's give back to her and merit more blessing!
Batsheva's Vineyard
The Forgiving / GIVING Project
in memory ofRebbetzin Batsheva Kanievskya"h
upon herfirst yahrtzeit
Join thousands of women and girls worldwide in a unique
Shemiras HaLashon / Ahavas Yisrael project
You Give:
A few minutes daily to learn the laws of lashon hara, 26 Tishrei - 22 Kislev
Thought to consciously viewing others with a positive eye
Forgiveness and ask forgiveness (work on repairing at least one relationship)
You Gain:
Peace of mind in this world with dividends in the next
Having your name included in the special prayer at Rebbetzin Kanievsky's graveside and presented to Rav Chaim Kanievsky shlita for his beracha
Free tools to keep your commitment: daily halacha email/Hotline daily lesson /monthly newsletter
Change your life!
Be a part of this amazing project!
$18 Mishmeres HaSholom annual membership entitles you to join project /$10 student rate for schools/seminaries
$50 sponsorship of one day's halacha email during the project
$100 Be a partner and submit THREE additional names for special tefillah
Rebbetzin Kanievsky a"h was honorary president of Mishmeres HaSholom, an international organization that promotes shemiras halashon and interpersonal mitzvos. Mishmeres HaSholom
was exceptionally close to her heart; she provided continual
encouragement and invaluable advice and participated in its events.
Maran HaRav Chaim Kanievsky shlita:
"This is a special zechus that will nullify many harsh decrees and bring great yeshuos."
1)
It is important to recite Vidui (the itemized verbalization of our
sins) on Erev Yom Kippur within the Shemona Esrei of Mincha.
Mincha
(with Vidui) should preferably be recited before the eating of the Erev
Yom Kippur afternoon meal, the Seudah Hamafsekes.
The
reason for this is that Chazal were concerned that one would Chas
V'Shalom choke during that meal and pass away without the opportunity to
recite the Vidui. (See Mishna Berura Siman 607:1)
2)
If one davened Mincha and forgot to add the Vidui, and already went
home and ate the meal, he should repeat the Vidui close to sunset, and
not right when he remembers. (Halichos Shlomo:Yom Kippur, Perek 4:1)
When
repeating the Vidui, it is not necessary to repeat the entire Shemona
Esrei, as Vidui is an independent Tefilah that may be recited on its
own, even though ideally it was inserted into the Shemona Esrei. (ibid.)
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
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
Question:
The
Rabbi of my shul got a dog as a pet for his home. Yet, i have heard
that even looking at dogs (and some other animals) is not a good thing
and is unholy.
Is
there any comments on this about whether having pets and dogs in
particular is allowed or acceptable? Are there certain animals that we
should stay away from?
Answer:
The Talmud in quite a few places (Shabbos 63a, Bava Kama 15a-b, 79b and 83a) makes statements to the effect that one may not keep a "bad dog" in his home.
The Rambam (Hilchos Nizkei Mamon Perk 5:9) rules that it is forbidden to keep any dog unless it is secured with chains.
Many Rishonim,
however (Sefer Yeraim 210, Smag Mitzva 66, The Tur Choshen Mishpat Siman
409 ,and Hagahos Maimoni Hilchos Rotzeach Perek 11:3 ) argue with the
Rambam and only prohibit "bad dogs."
This is also the
ruling of the Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat Siman 49:3 , Shulchan Aruch
HaRav Hilchos Shmiras HaGuf V'Hanefesh 3, and Aruch HaShulchan Choshen
Mishpat Siman 409:4.
The question is how to determine what is a bad dog? Need it bite? Is a bad bark enough?
Rashi's view (Bava
Kama 79b) seems to be that any dog that when it barks can scare a
pregnant woman and thus cause her to miscarry is a "bad dog".
The She'eilas
Ya'avetz Siman 17 rules that dogs may only be owned if they are serving a
purpose such as guarding a home, or other financial reason, but he does
not allow any dog ownership as pets and considers it an unJewish thing
to do. The Yam Shel Shlomo in Bava Kama seems to concur with this
ruling. The Sefer Hachinuch (Mitzvah 571) seems to say that all dogs are
bad and brazen creatures.
Many Poskim,
however, disagree and allow the ownership of dogs, as long as they arent
deemed "bad" and arent frightening creatures.
There is a lot more to say on this topic, but it is beyond the scope of this email.
Bottom line is, that
as long as the dog is a domesticated, calm pet, there are many Poskim
on whom to rely that it may be kept in the home, and thus pet owners
should not be chastised, looked down upon or told that they are doing
something against the Torah. In fact, the Torah explicitly forbids
causing harm to animals and commands us to care for our animals in a
humane and caring manner. A lot of good traits can be learned from
animals, and all of Hashem's creations must be respected.
All of the above
applies to all animals, not just dogs. (See Shulchan Aruch Choshen
Mishpat Siman 261:1 where it is applied to cats)
For Halacha L'Ma'aseh a Rav must be consulted.
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
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 a person is still continuing to do aveiros, is there any sense in doing teshuva?
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
Absolutely! And he should ask Hakadosh Baruch Hu for help that he should stop. I'll explain that. When a person does an aveira and he's happy with it, then it's a much greater sin. If a person does an aveira, but he is ashamed and he's sorry that he's doing it, it's subtracted from his punishment. Yes, even though he still does it.
The Chofetz Chaim, zichrono l'ivrocha, wrote a sefer for Jewish soldiers. In those days when they were drafted into the Russian army they had to eat treifa foods. So he said, "If you must eat treifa
food then don't suck the juice out of the bones." Which means, don't
show that you enjoy it. You're only eating it to save your life from
starving. And so when a person does a chet, a sin, even a big chet, a mechalel shabbos, but he's sorry he was mechalel shabbos, it's already a madreiga. To be sorry is a madreiga, you have achieved something. Of course it's not teshuva sheleima, very far from it, but it's a very big thing. Ha'oseh aveira umisbayeish bo, he's ashamed, it's a very big thing.
And therefore it pays even for sinners to ask Hashem to forgive them. Only they should add, "...and please Hashem help me that I should make a real perfect teshuva."
To subscribe to the weekly "A moment with Rabbi Miller" email. click here.
*****
For a beautiful Translation and presentation of the 13 Midos of Rachamim, compiled and submitted by a daily reader, Click HERE.
Current Topic:
Review of Halachos of Yamim Nora'im
1) It is three days until Yom Kippur, and the order of the day, of course, is Teshuva; it's on every observant Jew's mind on some level at least.
We all want Hashem to forgive us for any sins we may have transgressed against Him or against our fellow Jews.
As we mentioned a few days ago, sins against our fellow Jews cannot be forgiven by Hashem until forgiveness is first sought from the one who was offended.
When forgiving someone, it is extremely important to verbalize this fact by saying "I am Mochel you with my whole heart". (See Rabbeinu Bechaya Bereishis 50:17 where explains that Yosef HaTzadik was Mochel his brothers, the Shevatim , in his heart, but never verbalized this thought, thus the Asara Harugei Malchus and many other Tzaros needed to befall Klal Yisroel over the ages. There is a lengthy discussion about this, but this forum is not the place)
2) After receiving forgiveness from the people that we hurt, there are still 24 things (Brought by Rabbeinu Yonah in Sharei Teshuva, end of Sha'ar 1. They can also be found more at length in the Rambam Perek 4 of Hilchos Teshuva. The original source for these items seems to be a Tosefta) that are Me'Akev -prevent- proper Teshuva from being attained if one or more of them apply to the person in question.
Obviously it is best to try and make sure that we don't have any of these impediments in our day to day lives, so we can assure that our Teshuva is easily attained and properly accepted by Hashem.
Most of these things are probably not relevant to most of the people reading this, but it is still Halacha, and can be used as a catalyst for Teshuva in other areas in which we may indeed need rectification.
The 24 obstacles to Teshuva are: (Loose translation, as it would be too lengthy to delve into the details of each one. If you have any questions as to the definitions, or details of each one, please feel free to ask and I will try to clarify.)
One who frequently spreads Rechilus (slander)
One who regularly speaks Lashon Hara (Gossip)
One who gets angry quickly
One whose bad (impure) thoughts control him
Being connected to a rasha (evildoer)
Taking from food that isn't sufficient for its owner
Gazing at Arayos [with sinful intent]
Partnering with a thief
One who says "I will sin and repent afterwards" or " I will sin and Yom Kippur will atone for the sin"
One who derives honor [and pleasure] from his fellow man's humiliation.
One who separates him/herself from the Tzibbur (congregation).
One who ridicules his forefathers and/or teachers
One who curses the public
One who prevents a group of people from doing a Mitzvah
One who causes another Jew to leave the good path and take a bad path [of living not according to the Torah]
One who uses the pillow of a poor person [i.e. causes a poor person to lose the use of any of his meager possessions]
One who accepts bribes in order to skew and distort justice from prevailing.
One who finds a lost object and doesn't [try and] return it to its proper owner.
One who sees their child going off the [Torah] path, and doesn't admonish them [as appropriate for the situation and with proper guidance of a Rav].
One who eats [i.e. usurps] the food [i.e. livelihood] of poor people, orphans or widows.
One who argues [and does an action] against the will of the sages.
One who accuses good people of doing wrong [without proper proof or reason]
One who hates [and cannot accept constructive] criticism.
One who ridicules all or some of the Mitzvos of the Torah [or those instituted by the sages]
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
Question:
Is a non-Jewish maid allowed to use the microwave in their Jewish Employer's house
A) for their personal use (obviously not treife food)
B) to warm up something, already cooked, for the Jew
C) to cook something raw like corn?
Answer:
This is a debate amongst the Poskim if "cooking" in a microwave is considered halachic cooking, as there is no fire and also the food that is usually prepared in a microwave is not fit to serve for a king.
Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal (Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 3 Siman 52) ruled that microwave cooking on Shabbos is a prohibition of Bishul. Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach Zatzal (Minchas Shlomo Siman 12 footnote 4) maintained that only cooking with fire is the biblical prohibition of cooking and thus microwave cooking is not biblically prohibited in regard to Shabbos.
A Rav must be consulted for Halacha L'Ma'aseh to determine a) if microwave cooking is considered cooking and b) if the fact that it may be considered cooking for Shabbos automatically means it's considered cooking for the purposes of Bishul Akum and other areas of Halacha, and thus your questions will be answered.
***
Quite a few readers sent me the following two important notices and requested that I post it for all to see and hopefully participate. These are both wonderful Zechuyos, merits, to grab and take advantage of as we approach Yom Kippur!
1)
This coming Monday, September 24 2012, please daven for Sholom Mordechai ben Rivka Rubashkin.
Please also sign this new Petition telling U.S. Supreme Court to Accept Rubashkin's Case on Sept 24. The goal is 100,000 Signatures.
All who have mercy on others will merit Hashem having mercy on them (Talmud Shabbos 151b)
***
2)
This Sunday, September 23 , Jews all over the world will be
davening for Moshiach all at the same time!
PLEASE set your alarm clocks to 11:00 am if you are in America, and
5:00 pm if you're in Eretz Yisroel, 8:00 am if you are in Los Angeles, 4:00 pm if you are in London, and 7:00 pm if you in Moscow.
PLEASE TELL EVERYONE U KNOW ABOUT THIS.
Click Here for more info.
MAY WE ALL BE ZOCHE TO OUR TEFILOS BEING ANSWERED, AND TO THE COMING
CHIZUK CORNER
[1.0579710144927536] Bizback2
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
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 צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Question:
How does Israel benefit from being persecuted by the wicked?
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
There are benefits to be gained from the persecutions. Among them: (1) to inform Israel of its superiority, and (2) to discourage mingling with gentiles or imitating their deeds or thoughts.
Thus when a gentile cries "Jew!" he is really saying: "Prince"!
www.JewishEverything.net
*****
For a beautiful Translation and presentation of the 13 Midos of Rachamim, compiled and submitted by a daily reader, Click HERE.
1) The Aseres Yemei Teshuva, and particularly Erev Yom Kippur, is the ideal time to apologize, beg forgiveness and ask for Mechila from anyone that we may have slighted in any way throughout the previous year (or longer).
Sins that require Mechila from another human being will not be wiped away with Teshuva alone, until forgiveness is sought. If one asks you for Mechila, you should find it in your heart to forgive them. (Mateh Ephraim Siman 606:1)
The Poskim say that if the one who wronged you does not come to you to ask for Mechila, then you (the victim) should go to him/her and present yourself to him/her in such a way to encourage them to ask you for forgiveness (Mateh Ephraim Siman 606:3 based on Talmud Yoma 87a).
The Seforim compare this to us and Hashem. In the Yemei HaTeshuva Hashem comes down from Shamayim and makes it easy for us to ask - and receive- His divine forgiveness, as it says in the Posuk (Yeshaya 55:6) "Dirshu Hashem B'HiMatzo- Seek out Hashem when He is near". (See Rambam Hilchos Teshuva Perek 2 halacha 6)
2) Asking Mechila in a general way (e.g. "Are you Mochel way for anything and everything I may have done etc.) is sufficient for minor infractions only. However if you wronged someone in a significantly harmful way (spoke scandalous Lashon Hara about them, caused them significant monetary damage etc.) you must beg their forgiveness specifically for that infraction, and must verbalize the details upon asking. (Mateh Ephraim Siman 606:2)
If you spoke Lashon Hara about somebody and they don't know about it, and by revealing it to them (in order to ask forgiveness) you will cause them additional pain and anguish , it is a dispute amongst the Poskim as to the best course of action.
Rav Yisroel Salanter Zatzal maintained that if by going over to the person who you spoke against to ask for mechilah will cause them further harm, it is best not to let them know, and try to do as much Teshuva as possible, and try to spread good about that person in other ways. (Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal ruled according to this opinion)
The Chofetz Chaim Zatzal (Hilchos Lashon Hara Klal 4:12) ruled that Teshuva was only complete with Mechila, and even if it caused further harm, you must approach them.
For Halacha L'Ma'aseh, of course, a Rav must be consulted.
It goes without saying that when asking for forgiveness it must be sincere and you must genuinely regret what you did and resolve not to do it again. Simply mouthing the words "Are you Mochel me?" isn't sufficient. Likewise, the one who says "I am Mochel you" but doesn't really mean it, and continues to bear a grudge in his heart, is doing a disservice for all parties involved.
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) Although for some people it may usually be better (in order to concentrate more) to daven Shemona Esrei with closed eyes, in Aseres Yemei Teshuva it is advisable to daven from a siddur, as this way it is less likely to forget the additions that must be added to the Shemona Esrei (Zachreinu L'Chaim, Mi Chamocha, Hamelech HaKadosh, Hamelech Hamishpat, U'Ksov and B'Sefer Chaim).
2) If Zachreinu L'Chaim, Mi Chamocha, Hamelech Hamishpat, U'Ksov and/or B'Sefer Chaim were mistakenly skipped, and the next Bracha was already started, there is no need to repeat the Shemona Esrei.
However, if "Hamelech HaKadosh" was forgotten and you signed off the Bracha of Ata Kadosh with "HaKeil HaKadosh" as it is said the rest of the year, one must indeed repeat the Shemona Esrei, unless it was immediately corrected within the time it takes to utter three words (Toch Kedei Dibbur) and the next Bracha was not yet started. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 582:1 and 2)
The main point of these Yomim Noraim is to realize that Hashem is our King and to accept His Kingdom (and all the Mitzvos that come along with it) upon ourselves, thus forgetting "Hamelech HaKadosh" is forgetting the essence and "missing the point" of these significant days, and therefore must be repeated. (See Mishna Berura Siman 582:2)
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
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
Question:
Does
walking from one's house to the backyard constitute a halachic "change
of location" in regards to brachos? If I step outside to the backyard,
do I need to make a new bracha?
Answer:
Some Poskim (including
Rav Shlom Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal and Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Zatzal)
consider it a change of location from a home to the backyard and require
a new Bracha. Other Poskim (including Rav Chaim Pinchos Scheinberg
Zatzal) are of the opinion that it is the same location, and a backyard
is just an extension of a home.
Therefore, if one had in
mind to eat in both the home and the backyard, no new Bracha is
required. If one had no intention of going to the backyard when he began
eating, a new Bracha is necessary.
It may also make a difference if the backyard is fenced in, according to some Poskim.
For halacha L'Ma'aseh a Rav should be consulted.
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
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.
I have learned that we do not have a yetzer hara on Yom Kippur. Would you know where the source for that is?
Answer:
This is from the Talmud (Yoma
20a) where it teaches that the Gematria, numerical value, of the word
HaSatan (The Satan) is 364 , as the Satan is free to try and speak
against us and otherwise harm us for all days of the year except one,
Yom Kippur, when his power over us is removed by Hashem.
The Satan and the Yetzer Hara and the Malach Hamaves (angel of death) are one and the same (Talmud Bava Basra 16a).
Thus, technically we have no Yetzer Hara on Yom Kippur, or at least his power is greatly diminished.
Reader's Follow Up Question:
If I
didnt have a yetzer hara on Yom Kippur, why is it that I feel the yetzer
hara, causing my davening not to be focused, and my mind to wander,
making me count the pages left in my siddur. What about it making me
constantly think of food?
Answer:
Good question.
The fact that we dont "have" a
Yetzer hara that day, doesn't mean that we will suddenly act like Moshe
Rabbeinu. As the Yetzer Hara, even when he isn't actively there, has
changed our behavior in so many areas that it becomes second nature to
us.
Thus, although he couldn't get
you to do a new sin that you never did before on Yom Kippur, the ones
that he succeeded in making part of us, are still part of us.
Thats why we must prepare beforehand and try to not be so bored or fidgity.
Preparation is important.
*****
For a beautiful Translation and presentation of the 13 Midos of Rachamim, compiled and submitted by a daily reader, Click HERE.
Important Numbers
