1) The Torah states (Vayikra 18:6) "Lo Tikrevu L'Galos Ervah, do not get close to reveal which is [not supposed to be] revealed.)
Chazal derive from this Posuk that it is forbidden for a male to touch a female (other than his wife) with his hand or any other part of his body [for purposes of deriving pleasure, love or to feel close to her].
If the touching is for medical purposes or for other necessary reasons and no pleasure is involved and it doesn't bring feelings of closeness, it is permitted. (except for one's wife when she is a niddah, see Shach Yoreh Deah Siman 195:19)
One who transgresses this sin is also included amongst those that transgress the additional sin of "Lo Ta'asu K'chol HaTo'eivos, do not do any of these abominations" (Vayikra 18:26) and causes Himself to become distanced from Hashem, and Hashem removes his divine providence from him. (Sefer Hachinuch Mitzvah 188)
2) Besides for it being a sin in it of itself, touching often leads to additional severe sins Chas V'shalom.
The prohibition against Negiah, touching [for purposes of pleasure, love or closeness], is not a stringency, rabbinical edict or something only for pious people to be careful with, it is a severe biblical sin applicable to each and every Jew. (According to the Rambam in Sefer HaMitzvos Lo Ta'aseh 353 and Hilchos Isurei Biah Perek 21 and the Shulchan Aruch Even HaEzer Siman 21 Negiah shel Chibah is grounds for receiving biblical Malkos (flogging). According to the Ramban (Sefer Hamitzvos ibid.) and other Rishonim, although it isn't grounds for biblical Malkos, it is still a biblical transgression and grounds for Makos Mardus)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Reader's Question:
In my shul some avelim (mourners) have asked to say the Kadish after laining (krias Hatorah) on shabbos and we now have a rotation among three avelim.
Is there any M'kor (source) for avelim to say the kadish after laining? Meaning is this considered a Kaddish Yosom and if so, shouldn't other avelim in shul all join in the Kadish together?
Answer:
Seemingly, that kaddish is a Chatzi Kaddish and not a Kaddish Yasom, and should be said by the Ba'al Koreh or the Shatz. (see Mishneh Berura Siman 292:4)
However, the Sha'ar Ephraim (considered the accepted authority on Hilchos Krias Hatorah by many Poskim) , in Sha'ar 10:9 does indeed bring a minhag that someone who has Yahrtzeit, or even an Avel during the year of mourning says this Kaddish.
However, from the language of the Sha'ar Ephraim it seems that only if the one with Yahrtzeit or the Avel received the last aliyah does he then go ahead and say the Kaddish, but if not it is said by the Ba'al Koreh and not by another Avel in the congregation (and certainly not by all of them in unison.)
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CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
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זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an
appointment at 9:00 am.
I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I
was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound.
On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.
While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.
The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease.
As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late.
He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in
five years now.
I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?'
He smiled as he said, 'She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is.'
I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought,
'That is the kind of love I want in my life.'
True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.
The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.
We are all getting Older .Tomorrow may be our turn.
1) In all situations where one sees an immodestly dressed women and thus prohibited to recite Brachos, Tefilos and Divrei Torah, it is only the case for verbally saying these holy utterances.)
However, it is permissible to think in ones mind or read (with the eyes without uttering anything with the lips) Brachos, tefilos or Torah even while in the presence of and seeing an immodest women.
The reason for this is that the Posuk (Devarim 23:15) says "V'Lo Yir'eh Becha Ervas Davar, and you shall not see anything revealed". The word "Davar" also means "word" and Chazal learn from this that only words are prohibited while seeing something revealed [that should be covered]. (Mishna Berura Siman 75:29)
2) Moreover, it is actually encouraged, when in a situation where one is seeing immodesty [and cannot remove himself from the situation and/or close his eyes], to think words of Torah which will serve to counteract any negative or impure thoughts entering his mind due to seeing immodesty.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Reader's Question:
I was learning that a renter must put up mezuzas in his apartment, but without a bracha. Why is that?
Answer:
According to many Poskim, a renter should not recite a Bracha on the Mezuzah until after living in the home for 30 days (as until then he isnt considered Kavua), but after 30 days everyone agrees that the renter must recite the Bracha.
Some Poskim maintain that even renters recite the bracha immediately.
Some differentiate between a long term rental and a short term rental (such as a summer bungalow) (See Igros Moshe Yoreh Deah Vol. 1 Siman 179)
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CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
QUESTION:
Why must Hashem reprimand people by conditions of misfortune?
ANSWER BY HARAV AVIGDOR MILLER ZATZAL:
And the answer is, it's in the hands of men. If when peace is in the world, like now, everyone utilized the opportunity to express his enthusiastic gratitude to Hashem, then nothing else is needed. It's because they keep quiet when things are good and they forget, then Hakadosh Baruch Hu has to remind them. Otherwise nothing would happen that would be a misfortune to the world. It's only when people neglect to utilize Sholom; this is now Sholom. Everyday we ask Hashem for Sholom. But you have it now!!
In Eretz Yisroel there is Sholom now, are they shouting to Hashem in happiness? Remember you were all wearing gas masks not long ago? Everybody had a gas mask, you were frightened! Many didn't cry out to Hashem, only a few. But now they took off the gas masks. Hashem says, you forgot me again, maybe Chalila I have to send some more gas masks on you again to remind you? And therefore any misfortune is just a reminder that we failed to cry out when things were going well, and right now things are going well.
Oh, there's a recession, there's this, there's that, we're in Galus. Look, today we have more luxuries than any generation ever had before. You have to appreciate that, you have to be grateful for them. Did you eat a big breakfast? Or even a small breakfast? You have to be grateful to Hashem. Eat a lunch? You have to thank Hashem. A supper? You have to thank Hashem. You have a warm house, you come home and it's not cold, summer time it's air conditioned. All these are luxuries, and we are Mechuyav to thank Hashem at all times. You're well? Nothing is wrong with you right now? Sometimes one little thing happens to remind you, a finger, a ear, an eye, small things once in a while, it's just to remind you.
Why were you quiet when nothing was wrong with you? And therefore Hakadosh Baruch Hu is really bestowing a benefit on us in His great benevolence, to wake us up from our sleep. Because we are missing the whole purpose of being in this world; which is, the purpose of becoming aware of Hashem.
Note to readers : Starting today, the daily email will be coming from
HalachaForToday@Gmail.com as I will no longer be using the Yahoo email address. Please use only the gmail account when corresponding with me and please update your contact list to ensure that the halachos don't end up in your spam box. Thank you.
1) One who is in the presence of and sees a female that is dressed modestly and appropriately may recite Brachos, Tefilos and Divrei Torah while looking at her, as seeing a modestly dressed woman generally does not cause a male to have impure thoughts. (See Mishna Berura Siman 75:2)
Obviously, if by looking at any particular female it brings him to have impure thoughts, even if she is modestly dressed he must stop reciting the Brachos, Tefilos or Torah and stop looking at her immediately.
2) Any parts of a female body that is ordinarily covered when they are out in public, even if this particular part is not covered by some females when they are in their own homes (e.g. feet, or hair of a married woman) may not be seen while reciting Brachos, Tefilos or Divrei Torah. (See Mishna Berura Siman 75:10 and Biur Halacha Dibur Hamaschil Michutz)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) One who is in the presence of a female whose body (or part thereof) is covered with a material that is see-through, may not recite Brachos, Tefilos or Torah when seeing her. (Mishna Berura Siman 75:25)
Closing his eyes, in this case where she is "covered" just not adequately, is acceptable to allow him to proceed with the Brachos, Tefilos or Torah, and he doesn't need to also turn his head away from her. (Mishna Berura ibid.)
2) If the clothing a female is wearing is not see-through, but is very tight or form fitting to the point that one can see the shape of her body, although this of course deems her as immodestly dressed , so long as her actual body is not seen it is permitted to recite Brachos, Tefilos and Torah in her presence.
However, if seeing the aforementioned immodestly dressed female leads him to have improper thoughts, he may indeed not recite Brachos, Tefilos or Torah in her presence even though her body is technically covered. (See Chayei Adam Klal 4:3)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Reader's Question:
I recently came home to find a flier from a local missionary organization at my front door. Before discarding it, I noticed that while the articles have quotes from their "New Testament", they also contain several quotes from actual Torah sources (in English, of course). How should I discard of this- is it considered shaimos?
Answer:
They are not considered Sheimos and may be discarded, as even a Sefer Torah that was written by a heretic may (and must) be burned, as it has zero Kedusha. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 334:21)
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CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
At the Levaya of Leiby Kletzky Z"L
Dear Leiby,
I hope Hashem is everything you expected Him to be.
I hope He greeted you with open arms and kissed away the tears that were surely on your holy neshama.
I hope He's giving you the grand tour of Heaven, wherever that may be.
I hope He's introducing you to your heroes, having you sit down and talk with Avraham Avinu himself. I hope He's listening to you as you beg him to help your family overcome their loss.
I hope you point out that the abundance of volunteers and the outpouring of tefillos for your sweet little neshama should make Him proud for having chosen us as His people.
I hope He cries with you and explains to you why He put such evil and sickness into this world.
I hope He holds your little hand and tells you why you needed to be so brutally murdered.
I hope He shows you the special place you will reside for all eternity, among the holiest of holy, and gives you the direct pass to His chambers so you can be with Him whenever you please.
I hope you find family and friends up there; the ones down here are broken.
I never met you, Leiby, but you are my brother, you are my people, and through you I have seen that despite the many flaws of our community, we are still ONE and always will be
We are currently in the three week period between 17 Tamuz and 9 Av. The Bais Hamikdash was destroyed due to Sinas Chinam, senseless hatred of Jews to one another. Let's instead practice Ahavas Chinam, loving our fellow Jews, just because! Regardless of their backgrounds, color of shirt or hat, or any other "differences".
Let's love and respect one another simply because we are ALL children of ONE Father in heaven. If we do this, we will merit the arrival of mashiach and the rebuilding of the Bais hamikdash VERY soon.
1) A male who is in the presence of a female that is dressed immodestly (including her head uncovered if she is married) may not recite any Brachos, Tefilos or words Torah if he can see her. (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim Siman 75:1)
This applies even if the female in question is one that he is otherwise permitted to see dressed as such (e.g. his wife) (ibid.)
There is a debate amongst the Poskim if the aforementioned Halacha applies only when gazing at her or if it even applies if he can simply see her. (See Be'er Heitev Siman 75:2. See also Bach Siman 75)
It is best to be stringent, and if one finds himself in such a situation (e.g. at a Shabbos table with as yet unobservant guests who aren't dressed modestly and he needs to recite Kiddush or Birchas hamazon or say Divrei Torah) he should turn his head and close his eyes, or if he cannot turn away, at least close his eyes, while reciting the Brachos, Tefilos or Torah. (See Biur Halacha Siman 75:1 Dibur Hamaschil B'makom that L'Chatchila closing the eyes alone is not adequate)
2) One who does recite Brachos, Tefilos or speaks words of Torah when he sees such an immodestly clad female is considered to have transgressed a sin and causes a spiritual darkness in the upper worlds. (See Sefer Geder Olam from the Chofetz Chaim Perek 6)
Moreover, no holiness whatsoever is ascribed to the words he has uttered, as they were uttered against the will of Hashem. (Geder Olam ibid. If he simply saw her, the Bracha isn't repeated, but if he was gazing at her, it needs to be repeated. See Mishna Berura Siman 75:4)
One who regularly recites Brachos, Tefilos and Torah while able to see immodestly clad females, brings poverty and other bad things upon himself. (Chofetz Chaim based on Talmud Nedarim 7b)
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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
What is the bracha and bracha acharona for kasha? Is it mezonot and al hamichya like a regular grain or is it borei nifashot like rice?
Answer:
Kasha, buckwheat, contrary to popular belief, is not a grain. Its Bracha is HoAdama and its after Bracha is Borei Nefashos. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 1 Siman 65 and Yoreh Deah Vol. 2 Siman 25)
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This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HALACHAFORTODAY@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
How can one believe in Hashem after this tragedy?
You want to know how one can believe in Hashem after such a horrific story. I have a different question for you. How can one not believe in Hashem after this?!
Only Hashem, who is way above and beyond our understanding could make something as crazy as this happen. If Hashem were just a friend who we can sit down with and have a conversation with and try to understand the way He works, then He would not be a G-d. A G-d is someone who is by definition above our understanding and so there will be times when we will not be able to get clear answers as to why things happen.
It's hard.
But it's the reality of life and the definition of what a G-d really is.
Only Hashem could have caused such a crazy story such as this one to happen. We try to understand, we try to figure out if there is someone to blame, something that could have been prevented and we come up with nothing.
These parents were so careful with the safety of their child. This was the first time they let him walk alone and planned the route with him so they'd meet up at the right time and place.
But it was not meant to be.
When Hashem gave the job to the malach hamaves, the Angel of Death, he didn't want to do it. He said, "I don't want a job that will make people look down upon me." So Hashem told him, "Don't worry. Every time you do your job, whenever you take someone's life away, people wont even realize that it was you who did it." And that's why when someone passes away, people are always finding someone, some reason, some piece of negligence, some other excuse as to why the person died the way he did. People blame the driver who was driving too fast, the doctors who could have done something else, the illness...but in this case there is nothing and no one to blame! It is obvious and clear that this is the work of a very scary Angel of Death and the work of G-d and G-d alone.
No one else could have made this happen but Hashem.
And that is why I can say I still believe in Him, even after such a horrible story.
After such a story, it is still very important to strengthen our trust and belief in Hashem and I can understand that this shook you up and gave you some questions to think about.
But if you know that only Hashem could have caused it, you are already a step in the right direction.
What you need to remember is that we have a long history with a proven track record of trust in Hashem as our G-d, our King and our Savior.
Hashem created the world and everything in it, from the tiniest ant, to the little worm, to the dog and cat and elephant and everything in between.
He created the first person who existed in this world and every person who came after him.
He's the one behind the story of Yosef and the brothers and He caused 70 people to go down to mitzrayim and endure suffering there. And then He redeemed us, a nation that grew to over one million people, through unbelievable miracles, such as the 10 makos, from when water turned into blood up until the death of the firstborn of each Egyptian household. He led us out of the land that we suffered in-Egypt-and then through His miracles we crossed the sea and our enemies drowned.
He kept us alive throughout the 40 years we spent in the dessert by keeping us nourished through the mon and well hydrated with the water from the well of Miriam. We were also protected by the heavenly clouds on all sides so no nation or animal could attack us.
He brought us into the holiest land, Eretz Yisroel, and kept us going even after the first and second Bais Hamikdosh were destroyed.
Throughout our long and bitter exile, whenever any nation tried to destroy us, we have remained alive and they have not been able to wipe us out.
And one person, one murderer, who brutally took the life of a precious and innocent Leiby Kletzky a"h, is going to shake our rock solid faith in Hashem, who did so much for us as a nation and does so much for each of us as an individual?!
How can any of us let this one person, this murderer, cause our emunah in Hashem to crumble?!
Hashem wakes you up every morning.
Every second of the day that you are alive and breathing is because Hashem is blowing air into your body and keeping your heart pumping blood through your veins.
You are able to see because Hashem wills it so.
You can read and understand what this says only because that is the will of Hashem, because
He is your Loving Father and wants you to know that this one story cannot shake the belief we all have in Him.
He does so much good for you.
We cannot let one monster get rid of the everlasting belief we have in Hashem, who brought us into this bitter exile and kept us alive throughout all these years and will redeem us with miracles - miracles that are greater and more awe-inspiring than the miracles He performed in Mitzrayim.
We are currently in the three week period between 17 Tamuz and 9 Av. The Bais Hamikdash was destroyed due to Sinas Chinam, senseless hatred of Jews to one another. Let's instead practice Ahavas Chinam, loving our fellow Jews, just because! Regardless of their backgrounds, color of shirt or hat, or any other "differences".
Let's love and respect one another simply because we are ALL children of ONE Father in heaven. If we do this, we will merit the arrival of mashiach and the rebuilding of the Bais hamikdash VERY soon.
1) The prohibition for a male to gaze at a female is in effect regardless if the female is gazed at in person, through a window or via a mirror.
Moreover, this prohibition exists even if not gazing at the actual female, but rather at a photo, video or other image of her, as anytime an impure thought can occur due to gazing at her likeness the prohibition has been transgressed.
2) Thus, care should be taken if perusing secular magazines and newspapers, as unfortunately they are filled with forbidden images (as well as other forbidden content many times) which if gazed at can be a transgression of biblical prohibitions.
The same applies, even more so, to viewing secular films produced by Hollywood et al , which are often filled with images of immodestly clad women and other images and content that the Torah abhors.
Each individual must consult with their own Rav to determine if and what kinds of secular media are permitted to be a part of their lives.
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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
For those who keep the minhag of not wearing anything new during the 3 weeks, until when is a piece of clothing still considered new?
Meaning - if one has a new shirt can he wear it for 30 minutes and then take it off and wear it during the 3 weeks? (For example: one who has 5 new shirts, can he wear each one for a half an hour tomorrow and then not be concerned anymore that it's new?)
Answer:
There is a difference between new clothing and fresh clothing.
The custom is not to wear brand new clothing during the three weeks.
The prohibition of wearing fresh clothing is not during the entire 3 weeks, only during the 9 days from Rosh Chodesh Av until Tisha B'Av.
The Poskim give various amounts of time for this. The accepted ruling (Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv shlita and others rule this way) is that if it's worn for half an hour [before the nine days for old clothing, or before the three weeks for brand new clothing] it suffices to not be fresh anymore.
Yes, they can all be tried on on the same day and then be OK to wear during the nine days.
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CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HALACHAFORTODAY@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
Once, Rabbon Shimon ben Gamliel asked Tavi, his servant, "Go out to the marketplace and buy me a 'good' food." Tavi returned with a tongue of an animal.
Rabbon Shimon then asked him to buy something 'bad.' Tavi returned, once again, with a tongue.
In response to Rabbon Shimon's surprise, Tavi replied, "Both good and bad come from the tongue; when it is good, there is nothing better, and when it is bad, there is nothing worse."
(Midrash, Yalkut Shimoni Tehilim 52)
Submitted by daily reader, M.F.; Taken from the Avreichei Lubavitch weekly "Lma'an Yishmeu" email. To subscribe send request to info@lmaanyishmeu.com
Tuesday
17 Tamuz 5771; Fast Day of Shiva Asar B'Tamuz; The start of the "Three Weeks" of mourning for the Bais Hamikdash.
July 19, 2011
Today's halachos are dedicated by daily reader, M.B., as a zechus Refuah Shelaima for her dear daughter, Chaya Mushka bas Matti B'soch Sha'ar Cholei Yisroel. She is having a heart surgery today, Tuesday 17 Tamuz. Please daven and learn with all your heart that she merits a successful surgery and a complete Refuah Shelaima.
To help perpetuate the eternal memory of Leiby Kletzky A"H, the pure Neshama that was brutally snuffed out to facilitate a Kapara for all of Klal Yisroel, please undertake some Torah study and/or Mitzvah performance. Visit the new website www.LearnForLeiby.com
1) The Talmud (Brachos 61b) teaches that a male should not walk behind a female, even if she is dressed modestly, and should quicker walk behind a lion! (Shulchan Aruch Even HaEzer Siman 21:1)
The reason for this was that he will come to gaze at her and lead him to improper thoughts and Chas V'Shalom to improper actions.
There is a debate amongst contemporary Poskim if this applies today when it is much more prevalent for females to be in public, and only in the times of Chazal when it was rare to see a female in public would it perhaps lead to sin.
The Leket Yosher, disciple of the Terumas HaDeshen (Siman 376) rules that this prohibition is not in force today [in regard to females that are dressed appropriately].
Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal (Shu"t Minchas Shlomo Vol. 1 Siman 91:23) rules that nowadays when females are commonly in public, it is virtually impossible not to be walking behind one female or another and thus [if walking to do a Mitzvah or another necessary reason] it doesn't apply today as stringently as it did in the times of Chazal.
However, even if walking behind her, a distance of at least four Amos (around 8 feet) must be maintained. ( Be'er Heitev Even HaEzer Siman 21:2)
Other Poskim (Shu"t Mishne Halachos Vol.5 Siman 226 and 227 and Vol.12 Siman 305, the Sha'ar HaTziyun quoting the Radvaz Siman 770 as well as other Poskim) maintain that the halacha remains in full force today.
2) Obviously, all agree that if one knows themselves and their being behind a female will lead to impure thoughts or worse, the halacha applies to him 100% even today.
Most Poskim agree as well that if the female in question is dressed immodestly, it is best to follow the stringent opinions.
Also, all seem to agree that if one is on a bus, for example, and he has the choice to either sit directly behind a female or in a different seat, that he must choose the different seat. As even if we rule to be lenient today, that is only in cases of necessity and when it is impossible or impractical to be stringent.
Thus, when riding in a car, it is best to try and arrange the seating in such a way that no male is sitting directly behind a female, but if this is impossible, we have on whom to rely, as long as nobody knows themselves that they will Chas V'Shalom come to sinful thoughts or actions by not following this Halacha.
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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
If I bought a new garment now [before the three weeks], can I wear it for the first time during the three weeks?
Answer:
The problem of new clothes in the three weeks is wearing them, not buying them. (See Halichos Shlomo Chapter 14:1)
If they are the kind of clothing that require a Shehechiyanu they should not be worn during the 3 weeks. If they are less important clothing (socks, underwear etc.) they may be worn.
Nowadays, when new clothing are more common and many people do not make Shehechiyanu on new suits, dresses etc., some Poskim are lenient until Rosh Chodesh Av, but according to a majority of Poskim it is best to be stringent and not wear them for the first time during the three weeks, even if no Shehechiyanu will be recited..
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CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HALACHAFORTODAY@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
Dr. Howard A. Kelly (1858-1943)
One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry.
He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when, at the next home he knocked at, the woman opened the door. Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, "How much do I owe you?" "You don't owe me anything," she replied. "Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness." He said..... "Then I thank you from my heart."
As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in G-d and man was strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit.
Year's later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly (!) was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes. Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to room. Dressed in his doctor's gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day he gave special attention to the case. After a long struggle, the battle was won.
Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room. She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill. She read these words..... "Paid in full with one glass of milk"
Signed Dr. Howard Kelly.
Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed: "Thank You, G-d, that Your love has spread abroad through human hearts and hands."
To help perpetuate the eternal memory of Leiby Kletzky A"H, the pure Neshama that was brutally snuffed out to facilitate a Kapara for all of Klal Yisroel, please undertake some Torah study and/or Mitzvah performance.
Visit the new website www.LearnForLeiby.com
1) It is permitted for a male to gaze at his mother, daughter, sister and grandmother, provided they are dressed modestly and appropriately.
The above is true even if he enjoys seeing them. (e.g. he hasn't seen them in a long time and he is pleased that they look good) (See Mishna Berura Siman 225:1)
2) The above does not apply to other relatives, such as aunts, cousins sisters in law, mothers in law or daughters in law; the prohibitions apply to them just as much- if not more than- to other females. (As they are "Arayos" that are enumerated in the Torah. See Chochmas Adam Klal 125:1)
Being that it is more likely for males to be around female relatives more than other females (e.g. at family outings or simchos), it is extremely important to be careful not to gaze at them, especially if this will lead to impure thoughts and especially if they are dressed in an immodest or inappropriate way.
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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
I am told that the names of the Hebrew months have significance. For instance, Nissan is for the month that is destined to have nissim (miracles) Iyar is the mnemonic for Ani Hashem Rofecha.
My question is: What are the meanings for the remaining ten months?
Answer:
The names of the months are not Hebrew. The Torah doesnt mention them, rather only calls them by their numbers. The Ramban (Shmos 12:2) discusses the origins of these names and they are babylonian etc.
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CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HALACHAFORTODAY@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
Question:
When Chizkiya was told that the Churban wouldn't take place in his time, didn't it bother him that his children would suffer greatly?
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
Certainly it bothered him, but it would have bothered him even more if it would take place in his time, and I'll explain that. We live chiefly for ourselves; we don't live primarily for our children. Whatever we do for our children is what we do for ourselves. We have to put the best we can into our children because that's our achievement, but otherwise we don't worry about our children. What's going to happen later? There's Hashem, He's in control, let Him worry about it.
That's why it's such a big mistake to try to make money and leave it to your children, because your children come into this world with their own loaf of bread under their arm, and they'll make their own living. Don't leave any money to your children. You have money? Give it to Tzedoko or better, don't make the money, sit and learn instead of earning money. Because, what are you going to get out of the money that you leave to your children? They'll buy more expensive rugs with your money, more expensive cars, so the time that you lost from your Mitzvos, they'll waste in Gashmiyus.
We are interested in ourselves!! But we have to do the best we can for our children because that's for ourselves. Therefore when you teach your child Torah, and Yiras Shomayim, you teach him the right path, that's your accomplishment. Chizkiya, when he heard that in his lifetime there wouldn't be any disturbance, and he would be able to study Torah and do Mitzvah's successfully, so he breathed a sigh of relief. What will happen later? Hashem is in heaven, let Him worry about it.
Today's Halachos are dedicated in honor of the birthday of Shmuel Dovid Matisyahu and Chaya Charna.
Mazel Tov! May you always go in Hashems derech and have hatzlocha, gezunt ,parnasa and yidishe nachas.
Dedicated by their parents and sisters.
1) It is permitted to speak with a female that is dressed modestly and appropriately, and one may look at her while talking, provided he does not get any enjoyment from seeing her. (Mishna Berura Siman 75:7)
Even when looking is permitted, unnecessary gazing is of course prohibited; scrupulous people are extremely stringent and avoid looking at females, even when halachically permitted, and this is praiseworthy. (ibid.)
However, if he does get enjoyment from looking at her, or if looking at her causes him to have forbidden thoughts about her or about any forbidden matter, he may not look at her, and if he does look at her even for a moment he has transgressed the biblical prohibition of "Lo Sasuru Acharei Levavchem V'Acharei Eineichem" (Mishna Berura ibid.)
2) If the female is dressed modestly, yet is wearing Jewelry or clothing that will cause him enjoyment to see, he may not look at them. (See Mishna Berura Siman 75:18)
The prohibitions regarding gazing at females apply equally to married females and single females [above the age of 3 according to some Poskim, and above the age of 7 according to other Poskim.] (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 1 Siman 26 and Chazon Ish Orach Chaim Siman 16:8)
The prohibition applies to Jewish females as well as non Jewish females.
Thus, it's important to be careful when the cleaning help in a home is not dressed appropriately, to not Chas V'shalom gaze at them Chas V'shalom inappropriately. (Many people have the good custom to provide the cleaning help with a modest uniform to prevent them from being inappropriately dressed when in the Jewish home; a wonderful idea to help foster a sense of Kedusha in the home, especially a Jewish home with children in it.)
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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
If I got a new cutting board made from bamboo, should it be toiveled before using?
Answer:
Wood utensils do not require tevilah.
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CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HALACHAFORTODAY@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so...
...Love the people who treat you right.
...Pray for the ones who don't.
Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!
1) It is forbidden for a male to gaze at a female who is not dressed modestly as doing so will bring him to forbidden thoughts. (See Mishna Berura Siman 75:1)
In the event that a male must speak with or otherwise be near a female who is not dressed properly , if he can do so without gazing at her it is permissible to do so even if there is a possibility that he may inadvertently see her.
2) However, if he knows that there is no way that he will be able to speak with her or be near her without intentionally gazing at her, it is prohibited for him to put himself in that situation, and he must found a different avenue to accomplish what he set out to do without going there. (See Shach Yoreh Deah Siman 142:34 and Chochmas Adam Klal 84:16)
Moreover, if a male is somewhere first and a non modest female arrives there afterwards, unless totally necessary for him to be there for a valid reason and he knows he wont gaze at her intentionally, he must leave that area. (See Shu"t Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 1 Siman 123)
The above is true even if by having to leave the area or not go in the first place, it will result in Tircha, hardship or monetary loss, as hardship or losing money is not an acceptable reason to transgress Issurim. (See Pnei Yehosua to Pesachim 25b Dibur Hamaschil Itmar)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) If a male has no valid reason (e.g. Parnasa or medical) to go to a place where immodest women are found, it is prohibited for him to go there even if he is careful not to gaze at them.
Thus, a male is forbidden to go to an immodest beach, boardwalk or another vacation spot where he will surely be in the presence of many immodestly clad females, even if he thinks that he can be careful not to gaze.
One who disregards this Halacha and goes to such a place anyhow, is deemed a Rasha. (See Talmud Bava Basra 57b, D'Ika Darka Achrina Rasha Hu. See also Shu"t Igros Moshe Even HaEzer Vol. 1 Siman 56)
2) If one needs to go somewhere and he isn't sure if there will be immodestly clad women there or not, or if he has a valid reason to go to a place where there are such females, but he isn't certain that he will have to gaze at them, he may go. (Taz Orach Chaim Siman 316:3 where he rules that if it isn't a Pesik Reisha or even a Safek Pesik Reisha is permitted. However, see Hagahos Rav Akiva Eiger to Yoreh Deah Siman 87:6 where he argues. See also Biur Halacha Siman 316:3 Dibur Hamaschil V'lachen Yesh Lizaher)
Of course, in any of the situations above where he is halachically permitted to go, if he finds himself having forbidden thoughts he must leave at once lest he transgress the prohibition of V'Nishmarta Mikol Davar Ra (Devarim 23:10) or worse transgressions Chas V'shalom. (Igros Moshe ibid)
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
What is the mekor (source) and reason for not drinking water during Shalosh Seudos?
Answer:
The Rama Siman 291:2 brings an opinion (based on a Midrash as well as kabalistic sources. See Rabeinu Bachya Shmos 20) not to drink water between Mincha and maariv on Shabbos as during that time the souls that got a reprieve from Gehinom begin returning there (via water sources) and thus we shouldnt even eat the third meal then as if we eat we will come to drink as well.
However he writes that L'Chatchilah our custom is to indeed daven Mincha first and then eat the Seudah shlishis and not worry about drinking water at home and only be concerned with drinking water directly from a stream.
He further states that some have the custom that only when in the 12 month mourning period of a parent do they avoid drinking water at that time.
Finaly, he writes that some are of the opinion that this prohibition on Erev Shabbos, and not at the time of seudah Shlishis. (this is the also the ruling of the Shulchan Aruch Harav)
Many people do in fact drink water during Seudah Shlishis, but stop drinking once sunset arrives (See Biur Halacha ibid.)
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HALACHAFORTODAY@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
The Law of the Garbage Truck™
Copyright 2004 - 2009 David J. Pollay
How often do you let other people's nonsense change your mood? Do you let a bad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, or an insensitive employee ruin your day? However, the mark of your success is how quickly you can refocus on what's important in your life.
Sixteen years ago I learned this lesson. And I learned it in the back of a New York City taxi cab. Here's what happened.
I hopped in a taxi, and we took off for Grand Central Station. We were driving in the right lane when all of a sudden, a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, the car skidded, the tires squealed, and at the very last moment our car stopped just one inch from the other car's back-end.
I couldn't believe it. But then I couldn't believe what happened next. The driver of the other car, the guy who almost caused a big accident, whipped his head around and he started yelling bad words at us. How do I know? Ask any New Yorker, some words in New York come with a special face. And he even threw in a finger gesture! I couldn't believe it!
But then here's what really blew me away. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was friendly. So, I said, "Why did you just do that!? This guy could have killed us!" And this is when my taxi driver told me what I now call, "The Law of the Garbage Truck." He said:
"Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they look for a place to dump it. And if you let them, they'll dump it on you.
So when someone wants to dump on you, don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Believe me. You'll be happier."
So I started thinking, how often do I let Garbage Trucks run right over me? And how often do I take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the street? It was then that I said, "I don't want their garbage and I'm not going to spread it anymore."
1) The Torah (Bamidbar 15:39) commands us "V'Lo Sasuru Acharei Levavchem V'Acharei Eineichem, do not stray after your hearts and after your eyes"
Rashi (ibid. quoting the Midrash Tanchuma Bamidbar 15) explains that "The eyes and the heart are "spies" for the body that "seek out" sins; the eyes see, the heart lusts and the body carries out the sins".
It is forbidden to do anything or act in a way that will in turn cause one to follow their eyes and heart and transgress a sin. (Sefer HaChinuch in his introduction quoted in Biur Halacha Siman 1 end of Dibur Hamaschil Hu Klal Gadol BaTorah)
Thus, it is forbidden for a male to purposely gaze at a female, and one who frequently and intentionally does so is deemed a Rasha. (See Talmud Bava Basra 57b. See also Mesilas Yesharim Perek 11 and Sefer Peleh Yoetz "Machshava". According to the Midrash Rabbah Vayikra 23:12 he is also deemed an "adulterer" simply by virtue of the fact that he has sinned with his eyes! )
2) Furthermore, one who intentionally gazes at women is in violation of the negative commandment (Devarim 23:10) "V'Nishmarta Mikol Davar Ra, You must guard yourself from all evil"
The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 20b) derives from the aforementioned Posuk that one who isn't careful with his eyes by day will ultimately end up following his heart and transgress a sin at night. (See Tosafos there Dibur Hamaschil Shelo Yeharher that this is not just an Asmachta, but an explicit Isur).
One who takes a certain path or chooses a certain checkout counter in a supermarket or similar actions in order to be able to gaze at a female who is on that path or behind that checkout counter, even if this person is full of Torah and good deeds like Moshe Rabbeinu, he will suffer the wrath of Gehinom [unless he does proper Teshuva] (Talmud Brachos 61a)
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
We are having a family reunion with a lot of grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters etc. What is the halacha regarding male relatives who want to give a hug to their female relative upon arrival? Which relatives are allowed and which not?
Do you have a suggestion how to decline a hug from a relative who is secular and doesn't understand the laws of Negia?
Answer:
Touching members of the opposite gender is forbidden, and if done out of love or pleasure, according to many Rishonim, and even if done not out of pleasure according to the Rambam and others, is a biblical prohibition and requires one giving his/her life rather than transgressing. (See Rabbeinu Yonah Igeres Hateshuva 1:11, Rambam Sefer Hamitzvos 353 and Shulchan Aruch Even HaEzer Siman 21 and Bais Shmuel Siman 20:1)
Touching, kissing and hugging most "relatives" is also prohibited, and may even be worse as they are called "Erva" by the Torah. (See Chochmas Adam Klal 125 and Igros Moshe Yoreh Deah Vol. 2 Siman 137 Dibur Hamaschil B'Neshika)
The only permissible relatives for a person to hug and kiss is a mother/father, son/daughter, grandson/grandaughter according to some Poskim and a sister below the age of 3 (or 7 according to some Poskim).
All other relatives (Uncles/Aunts, Sisters in law/brothers in law, cousins etc.) may not be touched, kissed or hugged. period.
One must do whatever it takes to make sure they don't hug or kiss or touch anyone who they are prohibited to touch, and no "Kavod Habriyos" or "Minhag" or "They will be upset at me" answers are acceptable. (see Mishna Berura Siman 468:23 and Biur Halacha Siman 690:17)
The best thing is to be honest with them and say that your Torah does not allow you to have physical contact with them, and you appreciate them respecting your decisions.
We will iy"H cover this topic more in depth in the very near future.
May Hashem give you the strength to do the right thing always.
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HALACHAFORTODAY@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
הילד יהודה ז'ל בן ר' נחמן נ"י הי'ד
Tears.
That's all I can muster.
I'm looking for words; the right words.
They aren't forming cohesively, but too many people are seeking direction after this unspeakable tragedy for me to remain silent.
We have no Bais Hamikdash; yet we have Korbanos.
The latest Korban's name was Leiby Keletzky Hy"D
A young, innocent, sweet boy on this earth for less than a decade.
His life violated by a monster , then snuffed out in an act of unimaginable barbarism.
His body treated in unthinkable ways; a true Korban for Klal Yisroel.
What message lies therein?
If Hashem has allowed this to happen, it is unquestionably a message for us.
How many more messages do we need until we all wake up?
How can we be so numb and insensitive to what's going on around us?
We hear of this Korban, who serves to atone for OUR sins, yet we carry on with life as usual.
Yes, we say the expected things such as "what a tragedy!", "Hashem Yerachem" and such.
We put on a sad face and sigh for a minute or two; we may even shed a tear or two.
Then it's back to "business as usual".
We continue our vacations.
We continue our lunch dates.
We continue peppering our speech with vulgarities.
We continue watching forbidden television and movies.
We continue making disparaging remarks to our family and friends.
We continue worrying more about dressing in style than dressing B'Tzniyus.
We continue catering to our bodies at the expense of our Neshamos.
We totally miss the many messages that Hashem is sending us.
Are we so numb and blind?
How many more Korbonos do we need?
Do we need it right between the eyes R"L for us to finally take them seriously?
This boy was the son, brother and Korban of EVERY single Jew on the planet.
The amazing and heroic efforts of Acheinu Bnei Yisroel of all stripes and colors who united in the search for this boy, is surely part of the message.
He may not have been found as we all hoped, but his passing should leave us with the clarity to hold on to the Achdus that was engendered.
The outpouring of Tefilos that were said and tears that were shed for this boy and his family may not have produced the results that we hoped for, but they were not in vain.
Not one single tear, not one single prayer was for naught.
It is in times of pain and tragedy that Klal Yisroel gets their priorities straight, and focuses on the right things instead of the mundane.
We need to hold on to this focus and not need more messages to keep us anchored in Achdus and Tefilah.
Yes, there may be some evil people amongst us, but as a whole, Klal Yisroel is a great nation
Let's all be greater than we think we have the capacity to be.
Let's all start taking life a little more seriously.
Let's add more Torah to our lives, more Tzedakah, more Mitzvos, more Ahavas Yisroel....
1) It is extremely important, even if certain areas in Hilchos Tzniyus seem difficult, not to blatantly resolve to not adhere to any particular Halacha.
A person who unequivocally resolves to perform a certain sin[and not even bother to try his best to avoid it] jeopardizes his ability to ever receive forgiveness for this sin from Hashem. (Chofetz Chaim end of Sefer Ahavas Chesed quoting the Midrash)
Moreover, one who accepts the entire Torah upon themselves with the exception of any one commandment, biblical or rabbinic; regardless what it may be, is considered a Rasha, an evil person and a Mumar, a heretic. (See Talmud Chulin 4b, Rabbeinu Yonah in Sha'arei Teshuva Shaa'r 1:6 and Sha'ar 3:143. See also Chayei Adam Klal 1:4)
2) One who mocks, belittles the importance of or otherwise does not take seriously the edicts of Chazal and only gives credence to biblical commandments, is considered a non-Jew. (See Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah Siman 119:7 and Shach Os 16)
If a G-d fearing Jew, who is careful to adhere to all Halachos, biblical and rabbinic equally, finds himself being ridiculed by his "friends" for being a "Machmir, overly stringent" or a "Frummie" or other similar disrespect remarks, he should remember the following holy words of the Rama
"...One should always remember that Hashem is in front of him/her. This is an important tenet of the Torah...one's actions, character, and nature is not the same if he is alone in his home, as they would be were he/she in the presence of an important king...one's speech and mannerism is not the same if he/she is talking to friends, as they would be were he/she talking to a king...
How much more so must a person realize in his/her heart that Hashem, the great king, whose presence fills the entire world is standing near him/her and sees his/her every action......A person must not be embarrassed from any human beings that may ridicule him for serving Hashem...for even in the privacy of one's home, and even while lying in one's bed every Jew must remember in front of whom he is laying..." (The very first Rama in Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim Siman 1:1)
Praiseworthy is the one who fears Hashem and overcomes his Yetzer Hara in his actions, speech, thoughts and attitude; such a person will merit Olam Haba as the Posuk (Tehilim 112:1) says "Ashrei Ish Yarei Hashem. (See Ben Ish Chai, year two, Parshas Vayechi)
Armed with the important "introductory Halachos" of the past few days, we will B'Ezras Hashem begin learning the practical Halachos of Hilchos Tzniyus tomorrow.
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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
I heard that dipping into the wine of havdalah and then putting your hand into your pocket is originally based on a non Jewish source. What is the earliest source for this minhag?
Answer:
There is no real source for putting wine inthe pockets (unlike wine on the eyes, which is a real minhag with source in Chazal). However, many big people were known to do it, so I don't think it would be from a non Jewish source.
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HALACHAFORTODAY@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
A man, looking for a groom for his daughter, went to the famed Yeshiva of Novardok and asked the Rosh Hayeshiva who the best bachur in the Yeshiva was.
The Rosh Yeshiva pointed to one Bachur and said "that boy is extremely intelligent."
He then pointed to another Bachur and said "This bachur is an excellent learner"
The man interjected and asked the Rosh Hayeshiva, "but who is the very best?"
The Rosh yeshiva then pointed to a boy and said "That boy over there he's the best because he doesn't stop; he puts in so much effort every single day..."
That boy may not have been the smartest and may have not had the greatest memory...
... That boy great up to be The Great Gaon and Tzadik Rav Yaakov Yisroel Kanievsky, the Steipler Gaon Zatzal!
Consistency and effort are the keys to success...in all areas of life.
1) Often, one who is struggling in the realm of Tzniyus will think to himself "I am far from these areas", "I am so steeped in sin, there is no point in being careful in these areas anymore", "I am beyond hope or repair" or such similar fallacies.
Every Jew must know that these aforementioned thoughts or excuses are the workings of the Yetzer Hara, and are not acceptable defenses for not adhering to the Halachos of Tzniyus.
In fact, the greater a person is in Torah and Mitzvos and closeness to Hashem, the more intensely the Yetzer Hara tries to affect him, especially in these vital areas of Kedusha and Tzniyus. (See Talmud Sukkah 52a and Kidushin 81a. See also Sefer Seder Hayom Perek Seder Hanhogas Halaila)
2) Thus, even someone who has in the past transgressed these Halachos and finds it difficult to now begin being careful in these areas all at once and make a total turnaround in his way of life, must begin turning around slowly and make significant changes in his behavior until he achieves total compliance with the Halachos. (See Mishlei 4:26 and Rambam Hilchos Dei'os Perek 2)
Even after starting to get on the right path it often happens that one will slip or fall into old behavior patterns; he must get up and start again no matter how many times it takes.
Shlomo Hamelech teaches us (Mishlei 24:16) "Sheva Yipol Tzadik, V'kam, a righteous person falls seven times and gets up"
Rav Yitzchok Hutner Zatzal, the late venerable Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Rabbeinu Chaim Berlin, explains the Posuk above to mean, not that a person can become a Tzadik despite having sinned, rather a person becomes a Tzadik because he has sinned and gotten up again and again and again, 7, 70, 700 or even 7,000 times. (Pachad Yitzchok, letters #128)
Hashem does not expect us to be angels; after all He has created us as humans. However, He does expect every single Jew, no matter how far he has strayed from the path of the Shulchan Aruch, to keep getting up and striving for a life lived in accordance with the dictates of the holy Torah, as that is our job, as humans and as Jews, to constantly grow and perfect ourselves in all areas of our service of Hashem.
The more a person trains himself to do things in accordance with Halacha, the easier it will become over time. (See Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 1:4)
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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
Does a person who gives a class/speech and barters the payment for a stay at a hotel, have to (according to halacha) pay taxes on the value of that stay?
Answer:
If according to the law of the land it is required (Dina D'Malchusa), then according to halacha it is required.
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HALACHAFORTODAY@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
A GOLDEN GIFT
A Holocaust survivor recently passed away in the Israeli coastal city of Netanya. During their condolence visit to his surviving son in Jerusalem the comforters heard a fascinating story that expressed the inextinguishable spirit of survival and faith of the Jewish People.
In a safe in the home of this Jew was a bar of gold around which was wrapped a note with the following explanation:
"Upon arriving in Eretz Yisrael after the destruction of European Jewry I wished to express my gratitude to Heaven.
I therefore used the first money I earned in the Holy Land to purchase this bar of gold which I have dedicated as a gift to the Beit Hamikdash which I hope to see rebuilt in my days."
Submitted by daily reader, C.S.; Taken from Ohr Somaych's website
1) While there are some areas of "Hilchos Tzniyus" which are only in the realm of "Hanhaga Tova, a proper way of acting", there are many areas which are strict biblical prohibitions which carry severe heavenly consequences, as we shall B'Ezras Hashem discuss in the near future. (See Talmud Nidah 13a)
Additionally, lack of adherence to the Halachos of Tzniyus and Kedusha leads one's heart and mind to be "stuffed up" (Timtum HaLev), a serious spiritual blockage which prevents a Jew from being able to make the appropriate decisions, do proper Teshuva and get closer to Hashem, and prevents one from learning Torah and praying properly. (See Talmud Yoma beginning of 39a and Rashi there)
2) The fact that "everyone does it" or other such mantras, or fear of being poked fun at or ridiculed for doing the right thing which often cause people to follow the Yetzer Hara rather than the Shulchan Aruch, is not an acceptable defense. (See Mesilas Yesharim end of Perek 5)
A Jew must make it his/her business to know what is right or wrong according to Halacha and then live their lives in accordance with those guidelines, regardless if others around him are not following the Halacha. (See Mishna Berura Siman 468:23.)
It is better to be called "foolish" by one's peers for an entire lifetime rather than being "evil" in Hashem's eyes for even a moment. (Mishna Maseches Idiyos Perek 5 Mishna 6)
The more pain and difficulty involved in adhering to the will of Hashem, and the more one needs to overcome being ridiculed by others (who are just agents of the Yetzer Hara) and other obstacles, the greater their reward in Olam Haba will be, especially if by doing so they inspire others to emulate them and overcome their own Yetzer Hara (See Mishna Pirkei Avos Perek 5: 23; "L'Fum Tza'arah Agra" and Talmud Maseches Tamid 28a)
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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
Does one have the achrayus (responsibility) to "nullify bad dreams"? (Like if someone hears of someone's death in his or her dream). Also, is it a bad siman (omen) to dream of one's own teeth falling out?
Answer:
There is no obligation to nullify bad dreams, but if they are persistent and really bothering you, a Rav should be consulted as to the best course of action.
The Talmud (Brachos 55a) says that untold dreams are like unopened letters and thus have no meaning as long as they aren't told to anyone.
The best thing is to try to ignore them and hope they go away.
Davening and Teshuva are also a good idea when it comes to clearing bad dreams from your head.
The Talmud (Brachos 56a) does discuss dreams regarding teeth falling out , but its best to discuss with a Rav rather than trying self interpretation and making yousrself nervous for no reason.
The Talmud (Brachos 55b) also says that good people have bad dreams and vice versa.
The topic of dreams is a long and complicated one and not possible to cover it all in an email.
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HALACHAFORTODAY@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
10 steps of greatness from the teaching of Rav Avigdor Miller Zatzal.
Every day we should try to do the following:
1)Think about Olam Haba (the world to come) for half a minute or more.
2)Say "I LOVE YOU HASHEM" privately.
3)Do an anonymous act of kindness.
4)Encourage another person.
5)Think about yesterday's actions.
6)Make all your actions L'shem shamayim (for the sake of heaven). Say it once.
7)Look at a face and say "I see Hashem's image"
8)Give someone a full smile
9)Spend 30 seconds in the morning appreciating your clothing and say "Malbish Arumim"
10)Sit briefly on the floor and mourn the Churban Bais Hamikdash.
Misconception #1) Tzniyus is just about what type of clothes one wears and what parts of the body they must cover in public.
Misconception #2) Tzniyus is just for females to worry about.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Yes, Tzniyus is important for females and yes, the kind of clothing one wears is subject to the laws of Tzniyus, but that is far - very far- from the whole picture.
Translating Tzniyus as "modesty" is a misleading, as the Halachos of Tzniyus encompass so much more than modesty; Tzniyus is a way of life; an attitude.
Tzniyus is in how we act, how we talk, how we interact with one another, how we behave in public, how we behave in private, how we think, how we dream, how we bathe, how we use the restroom, who we are friends with, who we look at, who we talk to, who we touch, what we touch, who our role models are, who we respect, who we look up to, how we raise our children, which music we listen to, which publications we bring into our homes and read, which websites we visit, etc.
And yes, Tzniyus applies just as much, if not more, to males (married as well as single) as it does to females.
Unfortunately, many aspects of Hilchos Tzniyus are either overlooked, unknown or otherwise not adhered to by many men, as these topics are not taught for whatever reason, and thus leads many men to transgress many vital Halachos - many that carry with them extremely stringent consequences - sometimes on a daily basis R"L.
After consultation with and blessings of prominent Rabbanim, we will now begin learning the Halachos of Tzniyus [mainly] as they pertain to Jewish men.
The great Gaon and founder of the Mussar movement, Rav Yisroel Salanter Zatzal, writes (in his Igeres HaMussar):
"...If one Chas V'shalom stumbled and sinned [in these areas of Tzniyus] to the point that the Yetzer Hara got so strong that the person doesn't even deem it a sin anymore, the primary cure, [besides for introspection in the areas of fear of Hashem and learning the Mussar words of Chazal that pertain to these areas] is to learn in depth the Halachos that pertain to these areas, particularly to learn them with the intent to keep them."
In the merit of learning these Halachos may Hashem give us all the strength and Siyata D'Shmaya to follow the guidelines of the Torah in this area as well as in all areas.
May we all merit the arrival of Mashiach Tzidkeinu B'Meheira B'Yameinu, a time when those who strive to keep their Neshamos pure in this world will merit true and eternal purity and closeness to Hashem.
Amen.
1) The Torah (Vayikra 19:1) commands every Jew to be holy.
One who is careful with himself and guards himself in areas of Tzniyus is deemed a "holy person" (Rashi ibid. See also Talmud Yerushalmi Yevamos Perek 2 Halacha 4 and Korban HaEidah there that this refers even to someone who avoids permissible things in order to prevent himself from Chas V'shalom ending up doing sinful things)
One who makes the effort to avoid questionable situations will merit special heavenly assistance to succeed in becoming holy. (See Talmud Yoma 38b, Haba L'Taher Misayin Oso. See also Ha'amek Davar from the Netziv as well as the Ohr HaChaim to Vayikra 11:44 that this is a guarantee from Hashem!)
2) The primary area of importance regarding Tzniyus is specifically when a person is alone and not in public. (See Talmud Brachos 62a)
One who is careful with Tzniyus when he is alone and only Hashem sees what he is doing, is considered to have sanctified Hashem's name (Kiddush Hashem) (See Rambam Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah Perek 5:10)
A Jew that gives his life, one time, "Al Kiddush Hashem" is on an extremely lofty level (See Rambam Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah Perek 5:7) ; a Jew that lives his life, day in day out, "Al Kiddush Hashem" is even holier.
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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
I get many letters from variuos Tzedaka organizations requesting money for their cause.
Say I get about 100 letters in the mail this month. Is it better to give to one organization $100 or $1 to 100 organizations?
Answer:
It is better to spread the wealth rather than give all your Tzedaka dollars to one place.
This doesnt mean you cant give more to causes you feel for and not at all to a cause that doesnt touch your heart,it just means that it is praiseworthy to spread it out. (See Rambam to Pirkei Avos Perk 3 Mishna 15 ).
There are also halachic guidelines about who takes precedence over others, as we have discussed in Hilchos Maaser Kesafim.
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HALACHAFORTODAY@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
"Remember, every time you point your finger at someone, 3 fingers are pointing at you!"
1) Powder which is spread on dentures (false teeth) and placed in the mouth where it then mixes with the saliva to form a paste may not be used on Shabbos, according to many Poskim, as doing so is a prohibition of Lisha. (See Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchaso Perek 14:35)
Some Poskim are lenient and do not consider this a transgression of Lisha. (See Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 4 Siman 32)
Other Poskim rule that although forming this "glue" isn't a transgression of Lisha, it is still prohibited due to the Melacha of Boneh.
For Halacha L'Ma'aseh, of course, a Rav must be consulted.
2) It is permitted to chew gum on Shabbos, as even though the gum and the saliva mix to form a thick mass, this is considered Derech Achilah, the normal way of eating and thus not subject to Lisha. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 328:36)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) One who transgressed the Melacha of Lisha on Shabbos is subject to the same guidelines as one who cooked on Shabbos, as follows:
If it was done intentionally (B'Meizid) the person who did it may not have any benefit from it ever, while other people may derive benefit from it immediately after this Shabbos. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 318:1)
If it was done inadvertently (B'Shogeg) he too may derive benefit from it once this Shabbos is over. (ibid.)
The Gaon of Vilna rules that when done inadvertently, the one who did it as well as anyone else may derive benefit from it even on this Shabbos. (See Mishna Berura Siman 318:7)
In cases of necessity we may rely on the Gaon's ruling (ibid.)
2) In situations where M'Ikar Hadin there is no concern of Lisha, and we are only stringent due to a Chumrah, a stringency, if it was done on Shabbos the item may be used. (See Biur Halacha Siman 321:16 Dibur Hamaschil Aval)
Tam V'Nishlam
Shevach L'Borei Olam
SheHu Chai V'Kayam
V'Lo Yanum V'Lo Yishan
This brings us to the end of our journey into the Halachos of the Melacha of Lisha. I thank Hashem for giving us the opportunity to complete these Halachos and pray for Siyata D'shamya to begin and complete many other areas of Halacha together with you, my dear readers.
We will now take a small break from Hilchos Shabbos and start next week, B'Ezras Hashem, a new area of Halacha.
We shall, with Hashem's help, return to Hilchos Shabbos and the remainder of the 39 Melachos in the future.
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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
What is the reason that a Kalah (Bride) and both mothers circle the Choson (Groom) seven times under the Chupah? Also, what is the source for this custom?
Answer:
There are many reasons cited for this custom.
One reason cited is that the seven circlings correspond to the 7 times it says "Kol" in the chapter of Mizmor L'Dovid Havu Lashem Bnei Ailim...(Tehilim 29) (Based on Tikunei Zohar Tikun 6).
Another reason cited is that the 7 circlings show that the marriage is being done in honor of Hashem who reigns in all 7 skies. (Sefer Sh'Eiris Yaakov Siman 18)
There are many other kabalistic reasons as well for this age-old minhag.
After originally posting this answer, 2 readers emailed me with the following additional reasons:
1) "I once learned that the kallah encircling the chosson 7 times is parallel to the 7 times that bnei yisrael encircled yericho- showing that the kallah is creating a spiritual choma/wall around her husband"
2) "Perhaps another reason for the 7 times (i think i saw this somewhere) is that there are 7 names for the yetzer hara and the new kalla is destroying him by having her new husband only focus on her so he won't come to sin with others."
CHIZUK CORNER
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1) Instant mashed potatoes, which is made by combining powdered potatoes and water and results in a thick mixture, may not be prepared on Shabbos, even by means of a Shinui,unless extremely necessary to feed a child or ill person. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 74: Losh;12)
2)Instant pudding where a powder is combined with water to produce a pudding, id the result is a loose mixture it may be prepared by adding the ingredients in reverse order and mixing with a Shinui.
If the result is a pudding that is a thick mixture, it may not be prepared on Shabbos even with a Shinui, unless extremely necessary to feed a child or ill person. (ibid.)
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3) SUPPORT TORAH WHILE SAVING MONEY; EVERYBODY WINS!
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
What is the difference between a segulah and a superstition?
Answer:
Segulos are based on the Torah while superstitions are made up and are often against the Torah's way.
Sometimes its hard to know if something is a segulah that works according to Chazal or not, so it's always best to rely only on Segulos that have reliable sources in the Seforim or at least ones that were handed down from generation to generation.
Jumping to follow every new "segulah" that appears on the scene without verifying its authenticity is foolish.
"Ain Segulah K'Torah, there is no better Segulah than [learning and following the] Torah"
See Sefer Peleh Yoetz, Os Chof, Kibud Av V'Em where he writes "...There are people who spend large sums of money for the opportunity to do the Mitzvah of opening the Aron Kodesh or to be a Sandek at a Bris and similar things which are not biblical or rabbinic Mitzvos rather just a good deed (i.e. a Segulah)...yet every time one obeys their father and mother they fulfill a huge biblical Mitzvah...[yet] fools give up this opportunity [often for the lesser opportunities]and are punished for this."
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HALACHAFORTODAY@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a manner that when you eventually die, the world will cry and you will rejoice!
Today's Halachos dedicated by an anonymous daily reader "in honor of their best friend, S.M. on the West Coast"
1) Milk may be added to cold breakfast cereals, such as Corn Flakes, Cheerios, Rice Krispies etc. in the regular manner as these cereals do not combine with the milk to become one mass, rather the milk simply covers each piece of the cereal, and thus they are not subject to the Melacha of Lisha.
However, if the above cereals are crushed into small pieces they will indeed be subject to the Melacha of Lisha, as the crushed cereal and milk does bond to become one mass.
Thus, when combining crushed cereal with milk, the milk should be added to the bowl before the cereal, and the combination should only be mixed with a Shinui.
2) Oatmeal, Farina, or any other cereals which do in fact bond together with the water, milk or other liquid that is added to them, are subject to the Melacha of Lisha. If the mixture will be a Blila Ava, a thick mixture, it is preferable not to prepare this on Shabbos, unless in cases of great necessity.
If the final product will be a Blila Racha, a loose mixture, the ingredients should be added in reverse order and mixed with a Shinui.
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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
If someone is on a diet and it helps him to do the following, is it ok, or is it ba'al tashchis (prohibition against wasting food etc.):
To bite into a piece of cake, chew it, taste it, and then spit it out in the trash can?
He loves the way it tastes, but knows its not good for him to swallow...
Answer:
I don't think it's a problem to do this.
He isn't wasting the food, as he is using it in a way that satisfies him.
Also, he puts it in his mouth, and now when he takes it out it isn't "Ra'ui L'Achila, fit for consumption" anymore, so discarding it isn't Bal Tashchis.
Lastly, there is a concept of "Ba'al Tashchis D'Guf Adif" meaning it is better to waste some food than to waste your body, which if it isnt healthy for your body is considered hurting it. (See Talmud Shabbos 140b)
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HALACHAFORTODAY@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
We humans chase over the world to find things.
We climb high mountains, we descend to the nethermost depths of the sea, we trek to the wilderness and to the desert.
There is one place where we neglect to search - our heart.
1) It is permitted to add sugar or cocoa into yogurt or leben as no "mass" is created by mixing these two products and the two components are absorbed rather than combined, and this is not subject to the Melacha of Lisha.
2) Two distinct mixtures [of similar consistencies], each of which have already been adequately prepared before Shabbos, according to some Poskim, may still not be combined into one another on Shabbos. (Ruling of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal quoted in Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchaso Perek 8:16)
Thus, according to these Poskim, combining jam, jelly or honey with cream or cottage cheese or similar items would be prohibited unless a Shinui is employed.
Other Poskim, however, maintain that this is permitted in the regular manner as being that both items were already mixed from before Shabbos no Melacha has been transgressed by combining the two mixed items into each other on Shabbos. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 74; Losh: 13)
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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
What bracha (and bracha achrona) are onion rings? (not the snack, the ones you buy in a pizza shop)?
Answer:
They require a Mezonos as they are usually made with a significant batter containing Mezonos ingredients on the outside, and are thus the Ikar.
The Bracha Achrona is more tricky. If a Kzayis of the batter part is eaten within Kdei Achilas Pras (approximately 3 minutes) it will require Al HaMichya, otherwise Borei Nefashos is recited ,provided that a Kzayis of the inside and outside combined was consumed within 3 minutes.
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HALACHAFORTODAY@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
One who speaks evil of another and strikes him with his harsh words, is worse than the one who physically strikes him.
For when one is smitten physically, there is a cure for his wounds, "He will surely be healed."
But when one strikes another with verbal abuse and gossip there is no actual cure for this abuse!
Rav Yonasan Eibeschutz Zatzal quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
1) When preparing egg salad on Shabbos, which consists of mashed eggs, diced onions and oil it is best to add the ingredients in reverse order, i.e. pour the oil into the bowl and then add the eggs and onions. (of course, the eggs can only be peeled immediately before eating to avoid Borer, and the onions shouldn't be cut too small to avoid Tochen)
If mayonnaise is being used instead of oil, the ingredients may be added in the regular order.
The oil or mayonnaise and eggs should then be mixed with criss-cross motions.
2) Some people have the custom to prepare eggs and onions on Shabbos (referred to in Yiddish as Eier Mit Tzvibel) in the regular manner without any Shinu at all. These people have on whom to rely as the Poskim give various reasons why this particular dish may have some leniencies. (See Shu"t Tzitz Eliezer Vol. 11 Siman 36, Shu"t Be'er Moshe Vol. 6 Siman 44 and Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchaso Perek 8 footnote 81)
However, if one does not have this lenient custom in their family, it should not be relied upon.
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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
Is it OK to read in the restroom? and if yes would the magazine like country yossi or mothers helper be ok?
Answer:
Yes, it's ok to read in the restroom, as long as Torah content isn't brought in and read.
If those magazines contain Torah, it is best to avoid bringing them into the restroom in the first place, even if those parts aren't read.
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HALACHAFORTODAY@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
Question:
Displaying the American flag, is that considered a gentile ideal?
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
Let me tell you something, Fifty years ago I wouldn't have spoken about that. I have been speaking more than fifty years in public; I didn't speak about American flags. We don't need it. Who needs American flags? It wasn't necessary.
Today I say, if you want to do it, I say Yasher Koach. Do you know why? Because all the Reshaim are trampling on the flag, and they're trying to desecrate America. You know why? Not because they're good goyim, because they are Reshaim Gemurim; the liberals are trying to ruin everything.
And when that wicked Supreme Court permitted burning an American flag, and saying you cannot make a law against it, it was a desecration of America.
After all, America is a good country. We came from countries where we were persecuted, and this country gave us all the rights. I say we should kiss the ground of America. I was in Europe for some time; I went to study in the Yeshiva. I came back and I saw this was a blessed country; it's a gift from Hashem to us. Shouldn't we appreciate it? And therefore I say a Jew should hang out the flag. Yes; today yes. I won't say you're a sinner if you don't, but I think it's a good thing to hang out the flag today. It's not a contradiction, not a contradiction by any means.
We hang out the flag from this Shul on the Fourth of July.
Sunday
2nd Day Rosh Chodesh Tamuz 5771
July 3, 2011
1) Horseradish sauce, Chrain, may be mixed with mayonnaise, to form a dressing often referred to as Chrayonnaise, and no Shinui is required when mixing as the result of mixing these two items is a liquid like mix and not a firmer mass.
2) Milk, applesauce or other liquids may be added to baby cereals to form a loose mixture, as long as the ingredients were added in reverse order and the cereal mixed in criss-cross motions, with the bare hands, with the handle of a spoon or with another acceptable Shinui.
Care should be taken, though, to use adequate liquid and/or pour the liquid in quickly to ensure that at no point in the preparation will it be a Blila Ava, a thick mixture.
In cases of great necessity where a thick cereal is needed for an infant, the ingredients must be added in reverse order, and a "real" Shinui (criss-cross motion or with bare hands, as opposed to mixing it gently or with the handle of a utensil) must be employed in the mixing of the cereal.
In each specific case before preparing a thick mixture, a Rav must be consulted to determine if it is indeed deemed a case of "great necessity".
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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
Is a kohen allowed to fly in a plane or helicopter over a jewish cemetery?
Answer:
No. If a Kohen knows for sure that he will be flying over a jewish cemetery he may not take that flight, as the impurity of a grave goes straight up until the heavens.
However, he does not have to assume that every flight path will do so, and thus doesnt need to avoid flying altogether when it isnt for sure that a Jewish cemetery will be flown over.
For halacha L'Ma'aseh a Rav must be consulted.
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HALACHAFORTODAY@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
The following beautiful story is from a shiur given by Rabbi Avrohom Mordechai Alter of Migdal Torah in Chicago, IL.
He said the story in the name of Rebbetzin Kanievsky, wife of Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita, daughter of Maran Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita.
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In March, someone packed a car with 100 kilos of explosives and parked it at the CineMall in Haifa.
It was parked near a supporting pillar. Had it exploded, not only would it have destroyed that pillar, but other cars in the lot would have caught fire causing the gas tanks to explode. In that very popular mall, the consequences would have been too horrendously tragic to contemplate.
The explosion did not happen.
A passerby spotted some smoke coming from the car and alerted the police whose sappers were able to come and defuse the explosives.
Even Ehud Olmert, Prime Minister at the time, recognized this was a miracle, although he attributed it to the alertness of civilians.
Here's what really happened:
Several weeks before this event, a girl in Haifa who had been sick and went for tests was told she had stomach cancer. The tumor was so big, and had metastasized, and there was nothing the doctors could do. They told her to go home for her final weeks.
This non-religious girl and her non-religious parents pleaded with the doctors to try. They begged them at least to make an effort. The doctors finally agreed and told her to come back the next day for surgery.
She was assigned a young, inexperienced surgeon. They felt it would be good practice for him, and since there was nothing that could help her, it didn't really matter.
The night before the surgery, this non-religious girl pleaded with Hashem. She said to him, "HaKadosh Boruch Hu, when we had the Bais HaMikdosh people could bring you korbanos to plead their case. Now we have no Kohanim, we have no Bais HaMikdosh. But I still want to bring you a korban."
She went to her closet and took out all her immodest clothing and took it out to the yard and burned them.
As her clothes went up in flames, she cried out, "This is my korban!"
The next day this girl went to the hospital in her nightgown. She had burned her entire wardrobe and this was all she had left.
She had the surgery. The giant tumor had not metastasized, as was previously believed. It was totally contained. It was easily removed. And it was benign.
She told all her non-religious friends about the miracle. When the girl had recovered enough to get out of bed, her friends brought over all their immodest clothing and made another fire and threw in their wardrobes.
Left with nothing to wear, the girls needed new clothes. When that bomb was supposed to explode at the CineMall, these girls were inside buying themselves new, modest clothing.
Important Numbers
