1) Many
Poskim are of the opinion that one should try and say Kiddush Levana
this Motzaei Shabbos, as we need as many Zechusim (merits) as possible
before Yom Kippur (Opinion of the Leket Yosher page 70, Levush
Siman 426, Biur HaGra Siman 602 and others. See also Mishna Berura Siman
602:10.Other reasons for this Minhag apply as well).
The
prevalent Minhag, however, is not to say Kiddush Levana on this Motzaei
Shabbos, and rather wait until Motzaei Yom Kippur, as it must be said
B'Simcha (with joy) and we are not as joyous in Aseres Yemei Teshuva
(due to the trepidation of Hashem's upcoming judgment) as we will be on
Motzei Yom Kippur.(Ruling of the Rama, Siman 602:1)
All
agree that if he suspects that for whatever reason he won't be able to
do it on Motzaei Yom Kippur, he should do it this Motzaei Shabbos.
2) Women do not perform Kiddush Levana. (See Mogen Avraham Siman 426:1, Chochmas Shlomo 426:1. See also MaHarsha in Chidushei Agados to Sanhedrin 42a. See archives Hilchos Kiddush Levana for a lengthier treatment of these halachos.)
Even
one who isn't stringent to wash and eat a K'zayis of bread for Melava
Malka every Motzaei Shabbos, should try and do so this Motzei Shabbos.
This applies to both men and women. (Melava Malka every week is extremely important; see archives of Hilchos Melava Malka for more details.)
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
Although
the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei
HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes
only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
Why must one eat
shaleshudis (Seudah Shlishis), if by the time that meal comes around,
one is still full from the second seudah and has absolutely no desire to
eat?
Answer:
There is a Mitvah to eat 3 meals on Shabbos, one at night and 2 during the day.
One should try not to be
so full so that he/she isn't hungry for the third meal, but even if one
isn't so hungry, it is a mitzvah to eat the third meal anyway.
In fact, the reason the
third meal is referred to as "Shalosh Seudos", three meals, when it
should really be "Seuda Shlishis", the third meal, is because one who
makes sure to eat the third meal even when they arent hungry (as is
often the case, especially in the winter months) gets reward for eating
all three meals as if they werent hungry, and only for the Mitzvah
aspect!
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We
will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to
help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in
heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
I inadvertently forgot to add the following info about TZOM GEDALIAH to today's email, so I am sending it now.
I apologize for the inconvenience of the additional email.
Have an easy and meaningful fast.
1) The day after Rosh Hashanah, 3 Tishrei is known as "Tzom Gedaliah - The Fast of Gedalia".
It
is a fast day that was instituted by the Nevi'im (prophets) to
commemorate the death of the prophet Gedaliah the son of Achikam, who
was the leader of the Jewish people during the period after the
destruction of the first Bais HaMikdash.
After
his assassination at the hands of rival Jewish factions, thousands of
Jews who still remained in Eretz Yisroel after the destruction of the
Bais HaMikdash, were then driven out by Nebuchadnezzar HaRasha into
Galus (exile), and thousands more were killed.
Eretz Yisroel remained desolate and barren, and thus this fast day was established for all of Klal Yisroel throughout the ages.
Some commentators (Radak Yirmiyah Perek 45, Rabbeinu Yerucham brought in the Bais Yosef Siman 549, and others) say
that Gedaliah was actually killed on Rosh Hashanah, but as not to
institute a fast on Rosh Hashanah, it was pushed off to the following
day.
Many
Poskim , therefore, are more lenient on this fast day regarding nursing
and pregnant women, mildly ill people, fathers making a Bris etc., as
they maintain that this fast day always has the status of a "fast that
was pushed off". (See Mateh Ephraim Siman 602:3)
Others (including the Taz quoted in Biur Halacha Siman 549) maintain that since it was originally instituted on this day (as
well as the fact that many Meforshim ,based on the Talmud Rosh Hashanah
19a, and the Rambam Perek 2 of Hilchos Taanis, maintain that he was
indeed killed on 3 Tishrei, and not on Rosh Hashanah), it has all the Halachos of the other fast days.
A Rav should be consulted to determine if any individual with any special situation may in fact be lenient on this fast.
2) The main point of this fast [and all fast days] is to bring our hearts to Teshuva. (See Rambam Hilchos Teshuva Perek 5:1 and Mishna Berura Siman 549:1).
It
is good to increase the amount of Tzedakah one giveson a fast day. Many
have the custom to calculate the amount that their meal(s) (that they
aren't eating today) would have cost, and give that amount to poor
people instead.
It
is worthwhile to minimize working on Tom Gedalia, as well as during the
entire Aseres Yemei Teshuva, to the best of one's ability, and to try
and spend more time learning and davening in Shul and/or the Bais
Hamedrash (See Chayei Adam Klal 143)
Current Topic:
Review of Halachos of Elul & Yamim Nora'im
1) The Shabbos between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is referred to as "Shabbos Shuva", as the Haftarah that is always read on this Shabbos begins with the words "Shuva Yisroel Ad Hashem Elokecha- Return, Klal Yisroel, to your G-d Hashem".
This alludes to the fact that this time period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur , referred to as The "Aseres Yemei Teshuva", the 10 days of repentance, are a most opportune time for Teshuva.
It is very important on this Shabbos to be extremely diligent in adhering to all the Halachos of Shabbos, especially in the Halachos of "V"Dabro Davar"-not speaking things forbidden to talk about on Shabbos (business related talk, idle talk, etc.). Being stringent in these matters on this Shabbos will serve to strengthen us all in these areas on all the Shabbasos of the coming year. (Kaf HaChaim 602:8 and Birchei Yosef Siman 602:2)
2) It is a Minhag in Klal Yisroel that the Rav gives a special Drasha (speech) this week, commonly known as "The Shabbos Shuva Drasha".
The purpose of this speech is twofold:
a) to awaken the congregation to Teshuva and b) to educate the congregation as to the pertinent Halachos of Aseres Yemei Teshuva, Yom Kippur and Sukkos.
The Drasha should preferably have a mix of Mussar and Halacha. (See Mateh Ephraim Siman 602:41)
In many congregations, the minhag was for the Rav to wear a Tallis while giving his Shabbos Shuva Drasha, out of respect for the congregation. Others gave the reason that the Tallis was worn to protect him from the evil eye.
Most congregations today do not follow this Minhag, as they rely on the Tzitzis that the Rav is wearing to protect him (Elef Hamagen 604:22 and Shu"t Lev Chaim Vol. 3 Siman 99)
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
Although
the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei
HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes
only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
I am hearing many
different things about the whole inyan about stepping on nails: Only
counts when you're barefoot,has to be your own nails, etc. Can you
clarify the main aspects of this halacha for me?
Answer:
The Talmud (Niddah 17a) says that a pregnant woman who steps on
nails is in danger of losing her child Chas V'Shalom. The Gemara goes so
far as to call one who doesnt dispose of his/her nails properly a
Rasha, an evil person.
Although the Shulchan Aruch doesnt bring this halacha directly,
the Poskim do indeed quote the Gemara and seem to be very stringent
with this Halacha L'Ma'aseh.
The Chazon Ish was extremely makpid with this as were many Gedolim.
This
only applies if the nails are in the place where they were dropped, but
once they were moved, they are no longer a danger. Thus if one did cut
their nails, it is important to sweep the area to make sure the nails
move from where they fell. (See Mogen Avraham beginning of Siman 260, Mishna Berura Siman 260:6, Be'er Heitev 260:2)
This applies to a person's own nails as well. This also applies to nails of non Jews (See Rivevos Ephtraim Vol. 8 Siman 88:1)
Although
the Gemara seems to say that it is a danger only for pregnant women,
the Zohar Parshas VaYakhel seems to say that it is a danger for anyone
to walk on nails. (See Likutei MaHarich Seder hanhagos Erev Shabbos
Dibur hamaschil V'Ayin B'Rama and Yesod V'Shoresh H'Avodah Perek 8:1).
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We
will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to
help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in
heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
How should a mother and
housewife get the feeling of the approaching yomin noraim, if she's so
busy with the preparations for gashmius? A women in the kitchen, she is
busy preparing, cooking and baking; so how can she prepare?
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
If she would think at the time that she is
doing these things, "what's the purpose of all her work"? She is doing
this as a kindliness to the people of her family. Why is she practicing
kindliness to her family? Just because mothers do it everywhere.In
Bensonhurst an Italian mother is also cooking and baking for her family!
And in Bedford Stuyvesant a black mother is also doing the same, so
what difference is there?
No: a frum, a Torah mother is doing it only because she is
emulating
Hakadosh Baruch Hu. That's how we have to learn that great function of
chesed that a Jewish mother and a wife performs. She is the symbol of
kindliness to her husband and to her children, that's her chief function
in life. But she does it not like others do; she does it in emulation
of the Creator. Just as the Creator makes winds blow and causes rain to
fall and he spreads a table before all mankind and He feeds them,
po'seiach es yo'decho, so when she brings the food to the table finally,
she should feel that she is the hand of Hakadosh Baruch Hu. Nosain
lechem lechol bosor, He gives bread to all flesh, ki l'olam chasdo! And
she feels that her life is a dedication to Hashem, she is following in
His footsteps.
That's the gemora, the gemora says, ma hu
chanun af ato chanun. Just like Hakadosh Baruch Hu is merciful, so you,
and v'halacto b'drachuv. And therefore it's a great pity if you don't
know this, so it means that you're just imitating the nations of the
world. The same is for a doctor. If a doctor realizes that Hakadosh
Baruch Hu isrofei cholei amo yisroel, and the doctor as he dispenses
advice and
medicines
thinks, "I am doing the agency, I am a shaliach for Hakadosh Baruch
Hu", that's one of the noblest missions in life. Isn't it a tragedy that
people live their lives and do great things and forget that their chief
function in life is to emulate Hakadosh Baruch Hu?
And
even a teacher of children, he teaches because of his check. If he would
think, ha'melameid Torah l'amo yisroel, just like Hakadosh Baruch Hu
teaches Torah to His people, I am his agent in teaching Torah to His
children. Of course he has to get a check, and unfortunately he doesn't
get it frequently enough and it's not big enough when he does get it,
and yet it's a pity if he lives without this intent.
Everybody: if you're a butcher and you hand the meat across the counter,
think that thought. You're a grocer, think that thought. Whatever you
do in services to people, think that you're standing in the place of
Hakadosh Baruch Hu and you're doing His agency. And that's how a Jewish
mother can become great, she can even become greater than her husband if
she'll live this way, because she's practicing these things that are
kulo chesed, and she'll come to learn to be aware and realize, that's
what Hakadosh Baruch Hu does in this world.
To subscribe to the weekly "A moment with Rabbi Miller" email. Click Here
1)
When entering the Shul on the eve of Rosh Hashanah (or when getting
ready to daven, for women or anyone else davening at home) one should
enter with a feeling of fear, trepidation and trembling [before Hashem]
as the time has arrived for each of us to take the defendant's seat to
be judged by the Supreme Judge (Hashem).
It is extremely important to daven with Kavanah (concentration; understanding and meaning the words) on Rosh Hashanah. (Chayei Adam Klal 139)
2)
Although the entire year the Shemona Esrei is recited quietly as not to
disturb the concentration of people standing near you, on Rosh Hashanah
[and Yom Kippur] many have the Minhag to recite it louder than usual,
as this brings them to be able to concentrate better.
Being
that everyone has a Machzor on these days, we aren't concerned that
reciting Shemona Esrei a little louder than usual will cause the people
near you to lose concentration.
However,
even if reciting it louder than usual, it should still not be recited
too loud, and if one can concentrate fully even when davening low, as is
done the whole year, that is still ideal. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 582:9 and Mishna Berura S"K 24)
Halachos for Monday, First day of Rosh Hashanah
1) Should one cry and/or shed tears while davening on Rosh Hashanah [and Yom Kippur]?
The
Arizal says that one who does not cry on these days can be sure that
his/her Neshama isn't worthy and/or complete, and he/she should exert
extra effort to atone for their sins, which are preventing the Neshama
from reaching its full potential. (Quoted
in Mateh Ephraim Siman 582:28. The Chida; Shiyurei Bracha Yoreh Deah
392:3 maintains that even if one isn't really crying, he/she should
still force himself to daven in a crying voice and that suffices.)
The
Gaon of Vilna was of the opinion that one shouldn't cry on Rosh
Hashanah, as we must be confident that we will come out of the judgment
exonerated based on the Pesukim in Nechemia (Perek 8: 9-11)
[which were said to the Jews on Rosh Hashanah of that year] "V'Al
Tivku...Ki Kadosh HaYom...V'Al TisAtzvu- Do not cry...for today is a
holy day... and do not be disheartened"
Does the Gaon of Vilna contradict the Arizal? The answer is no, and the explanation is as follows:
There
are two kinds of crying. If one forces himself to cry from fear of a
bad judgment even the Arizal would agree with the Gr"a that it is not in
the spirit of Rosh Hashanah, and shouldn't be done. However, if one's
soul causes them to cry involuntarily from within him/herself [during
the prayers], even according to the Gaon of Vilna, he will agree with
the Arizal that there is no problem at all, with such an "inspired"
prayer and it is actually commendable. (See
Shu"t Teshuvos V'Hanhagos from Rav Moshe Sternbuch Shlita Vol. 2 Siman
268 for a more lengthy elucidation of the above explanation)
2)
After Maariv on the first night of Rosh Hashana it is customary to
bless everyone you meet with a special greeting of "L'Shana Tova TeKasev
[V'Sechasem] [L'Alter] U'Lchaim Tovim]-To a good year may you be
written and signed immediately for a year of good life". (Rama Siman 582:9 and Mogen Avraham quoted in Mishna Berura S"K 25)
According
to some Poskim, the word "V'Sechasem-and signed" is omitted, as the
final signing of the decree happens on Yom Kippur and not on Rosh
Hashanah. (Opinion
of the Gaon of Vilna, the Ram"a M'Panu and the Levush quoted in Mishna
Berura Siman 582:25.Even though Tzadikim Gemurim and Reshaim Gemurim are
signed on Rosh Hashana, that is only for their heavenly reward, but for
"life" on this world, even Tzadikim are only signed on Yom Kippur,
according to the Gaon of Vilna's explanation)
There
is a third opinion that maintains that it is OK to say V'Sechasem, as
it is referring to the Chasima- the final ruling- which will take place
on Yom Kippur, however, according to this opinion the word "L'Alter-
immediately" should be omitted. (Opinion of the Kaf HaChaim and Mateh Ephraim Siman 583:1)
When
someone extends the above blessing to you, it is customary to respond
with "Gam Atem- you too", V'Chain L'Mar- So too [should the blessing go]
for you", or some other variation of such a response. (Chavos Yair in Mekor Chaim end of Siman 582)
Halachos for Tuesday, Second Day of Rosh Hashana
1)
On the second night of Rosh Hashana, according to the Taz and other
Poskim the same greeting as the first night is said. However according
to the Elya Rabbah, Pri Megadim, Gr"a and other Poskim, it is not
recited. (See Mishna Berura Siman 582:25)
The
prevalent Minhag is like the latter opinion, and on the second night,
the customary "Chag Sameach" or "Good Yom Tov" is how we greet people.
2)
The blessing of "Gmar Chasima Tova- A good final judgment" is
customarily said instead of "Kesiva V'Chasima Tova" when greeting people
anytime from the second day of Rosh Hashana until Hoshana Rabbah
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
Although
the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei
HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes
only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
Many years ago, I saw a sign in a
shul un Bnei Brak, in the name of Rav Chaim Kanievsky shlita &
others that it is important to say the pesukim in selichos that
appear between piyutim, right after we say Hashem Hashem..., if I
remember correctly it might have even said that its more important than
the actual slicha as these are the pesukim in the Torah that the
selicha is based on. I also remeber hearing that in the minyan of Rav
Nochum Eisenstein, one of Rav Elyashivs Zatzal's Talmidim, they were
makpid on this B'Tzibbur. In the US, this doesnt seem to be a known
thing, do you perhaps have any sources about this?
Answer:
Yes indeed, those Pesukim are more important than the Piyutim! The
Piyutim are based on, and expound on, those pesukim. skipping those is
leaving the Ikar and holding on to the Tafel.
The Tur siman 581 quotes Rav Amram Gaon that for Selichos, the
Pesukim should be said, and if Piyutim want to be added on, that is
fine...
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We
will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to
help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in
heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
1) One should constantly have "Teshuva" on his/her mind throughout the day on Erev Rosh Hashanah.
Many
have the Minhag to go to a grave of a Tzadik and walk around the grave
and daven there that in the merit of the Tzadik Hashem should have mercy
on us and forgive our sins and grant us a good year.(See
Rama Siman 581:4 and Mishna Berura S"K 27. See also Chayei Adam Klal
138:5 and Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 128:13 for more things to do- and
not to do - and say at the graveside.)
2)
If a no Tzadik's grave is accessible, the Poskim recommend going to any
Jewish cemetery to daven. (Some even say that if no Jewish cemetery is
available, one should go to the outside of a non-Jewish cemetery, as
just going to any cemetery reminds us that we will not live forever, and
that we better start doing Teshuva before it's too late. However, it is
best not to daven at the grave of a Rasha, an evil person.)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1)
One who is impure (due to nocturnal emissions) should preferably not
visit a cemetery, especially on Erev Rosh Hashanah, as it can be harmful
to him. The Gaon of Vilna and others were extremely stringent about
this. It is also better to visit the cemetery before eating, thus many
have the Minhag to go immediately after Shacharis. (See Mateh Ephraim Siman 581:50 and Elef Hamagen Os 109 and Chayei Adam Klal 138:6)
2) It is a good custom to give Tzedakah to poor people prior to praying at the grave of the Tzadik.
In fact it is proper to give Tzedakah prior to praying anytime, as the Pasuk (Tehilim 17:15) states "Ani B'Tzedek Echezeh Panecha- with [the Zechus of]Tzedaka will I approach Hashem [to pray]. (Rama and Mishna Berura ibid. See also Talmud Bava Basra 10b)
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
Although
the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei
HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes
only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
I remember once seeing in a shul
posted on the inside of the Aron kodesh a halacha that the one doing
P'seicha (opening the ark) should remove the Torah right away when
opening the Aron (not to wait for everyone to say Brich Shmey).
I dont remember the source. Am I
remembering this properly? Also what is the reason that in some shuls
that sing at the end of Brich Shmey the don't remove the Torah until the
song is finished?Iis this the correct thing to do or is it a Bizayon to
the Torah?
Answer:
There is much discussion in the Poskim as to when the proper time
to say Brich Shemay is, either before taking out the Sefer Torah, or
immediately afterwards while the Aron Hakodesh is open, or even to say
it only after the Aron HaKodesh is closed.
Many Nusach Sefard minyanim say it before removing the Torah, while
many Nusach Ashkenaz minyanim and most Yeshivos say it as they remove
the sefer Torah from the Aron.
The source of the
dispute, is based on how to interpret the words of the Zohar (Parshas
VaYakhel), which is the source of this tefilah in the first place.
Rav
Moshe Feinstein Zatzal (Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 70:9)
seems to hold that although both methods are acceptable, it is best to
try and say it as the Torah is removed, and definitely not to purposely
tell people to leave it in the Aron as it is being said.
Rav
Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal (Halichos Shlomo Hilchos Krias HaTorah
Chapter 12:9) maintains that any way it is done is proper, as there is
no one method which is more right than another.
See also Shu"t Az Nidberu Vol. 8 Siman 48 for more about this.
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We
will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to
help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in
heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
When people lose their temper, they should
know they are losing their temper against Hashem, too. A person who
cannot get along with his wife, his neighbors, or his employer, cannot
get along with himself, and he cannot get along with Hashem either.
Today's Halachos dedicated by daily reader, H.G., L'Ilui Nishmas Moshe Yehoshua ben R' Shlome Zalman Z"L
May his Neshama continue to climb higher and higher in Gan Eden
Current Topic:
Review of Halachos of Elul & Yamim Nora'im
1) It is customary [for men] to immerse in a kosher Mikvah on Erev Rosh Hashana, irrespective of their purity status, in order to spiritually purify themselves in preparation for the holy day. (Rama Siman 581:4)
The acepted custom is to immerse in the Mikvah three times to signify the 3 times it says a variation of the word "Tahara- purity" in the Pasuk (Yechezkael 36:25): "V'Zarakti Aleichem Mayim Tehorim U'Tehartem MiKol Tumoseichem U'Mikol Giluleichem A'Taher Eschem- [Hashem says] I will sprinkle purified water upon you, and purify you from all your impurities; and from all your filthiness I will purify you" (See Mateh Ephraim Siman 581:53 )
2) There are other Minhagim regarding how many times to immerse; some do it once, some do it seven times, others do it twelve times.
If one doesn't have an established personal or familial custom regarding this, rely on the above and do it three times.
The earliest ideal time for going to the Mikvah is an hour before Chatzos, which is approximately 1:00 pm. (Mishna Berura Siman 581:26. See MyZemanim.com for exact Halachic times in your specific location).
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
Is it permissible for one individual to recite 2 of the sheva brachos under the chupa at a wedding? For example, to say both the Borei Pri Hagefen and the Yotzer Haadam bracha?
Answer:
Yes, one individual can say 2, 3, or even all the Brachos under the Chuppah. It is only a Minhag to honor different people with Brachos. In some communities, the Rabbi or another dignitary indeed recites all of them. (See Be'er Heitev Even HaEzer Siman 61:7 where it is clear that the minhag was for one person to say all the Brachos)
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
GREAT PEOPLE TALK ABOUT... IDEAS
AVERAGE PEOPLE TALK ABOUT... THINGS
SMALL PEOPLE TALK ABOUT... OTHER PEOPLE
THIS ROSH HASHANAH LET'S RESOLVE TO STEP AWAY FROM BEING SMALL PEOPLE!
LET'S BECOME BETTER BY RAISING OURSELVES; NOT BY PUTTING OTHER PEOPLE DOWN!
THIS IS ONE "KABALA" THAT IS GUARANTEED TO BRING MASHIACH!
Today's Halachos are dedicated by a daily reader, I.T.
Leilui Nishmas his late grandmother
Emilie bat Bahiyye A"H
who was Nifteres this past 28 Menachem Av 5772.
May her Neshama continue to climb higher and higher in Gan Eden
Current Topic:
Review of Halachos of Elul & Yamim Nora'im
1) Women do not have the custom to say Hatoras Nedarim.
One of the reasons for this is that doing so in front of three men is not in accordance with Hilchos Tznius, modesty.
Rather,
a married woman should have her husband say to the "Bais Din", at the
time that he does his own Hatoras Nedarim, that his wife appointed him
as a Shliach (messenger) to annul her vows, and they in turn respond
"Mutarim Lah- her[vows] are annulled".
2)
Some Poskim say that women can rely on the communal Hatoras Nedarim
recited at Kol Nidrei at the onset of Yom Kippur, and this is indeed
what many women (especially single girls and women) rely on. (See Shu"t Teshuvos V'Hanhagos Vol. 1 Siman 338 and Orchos Rabbeinu from the Steipler Zatzal Vol. 2 page171)
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
Although
the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei
HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes
only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
When
I was in yeshivah I was told that the shaliach tzibbur must recite at
least the last two principles of the Rabbi Yishmael's 13 principles of
expounding the Torah, and not just say yihi ratzon followed by the
kadish derabonnan.
The
reason given was that kadish derabonnan must be said only after the
tzibur together learned some divrei Torah. If the shaliach tzibbur
silently says all the korbanos and 13 principles of Rabbi Yishmael, it
would appear that we recite kaddish derabonnan by itself without any
learning as a tzibbur.
Is this correct, and what is the source for the halacha about kaddish derabonnan?
Answer:
Kaddish D'Rabanan may be said even if only
one or two people learned some Agaddah, as long as there are 10 people
there to answer to the Kaddish.(See Mishna Berura siman 54:9 and Siman
55:2.)
You are right, that ideally at least a
little of the Torah should be said out loud before saying the Kaddish.
However, from the Shulchan Aruch HaRav (end of Siman 54) it seems that
it is sufficient to just say the Yehi Ratzon...SheYibaneh Bais HaMikdash
out loud.
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We
will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to
help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in
heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
The following was written and
submitted by daily reader, Mrs. Tova Younger, author of Hands-on
How-to's for the Home and Heart - Tips and Techniques to enhance your
life.
We all know the feeling. We open
our siddurim, hoping to get into some kavana-dik davening. We start with
high hopes and perhaps succeed a bit initially, when suddenly, before
we know it, we are at the end of the section and don't really know how
we got there! Did we say the tefilla or not? Did we latch on to those
powerful words? Did we utilize what we learned about various tefillos
and pesukim?
I
found that although I was working on my kavana, I just couldn't apply
what I was learning. Studying books on tefilla greatly inspired me, but I
couldn't always connect while davening; I was plagued with mind-wander.
I am happy to announce that I am now in remission. Not cured, but lots of successes. I
would like to share the development of my achievement, especially since
working on my davening has also taught me how vital our tefillos are.
We have a lot to accomplish. How can we do so if we cannot use our most
potent tool?
A couple
of years ago, I called a Tehillim Gemach and asked for an assignment. I
wanted to be part of finishing the sefer Tehillim on a daily basis.
"But give me something easy," I requested. I wanted to commit to
something and keep it.
Her
response made me want to laugh and cry. "Take kuf-yud-tes, (119)" she
responded, matter-of-factly. Huh? Did she hear me? I said easy. Well
either she had or hadn't; perhaps it was the language barrier. Although I
think my Hebrew is pretty clear, I experience occasional communication
mix-ups. A quick perusal of the perek however, revealed that it wasn't
so hard, just long; 176 pesukim, in alphabetical order, eight pesukim
per letter! Boldly, I decided that this was a challenge that I would
accept. I would endeavor to say this lengthy chapter daily!
As I
took the plunge and began, I was so thankful that I had. What can I say?
If you are not familiar with this chapter of Tehillim, check it out. It
is replete with one request and praise after the other, all easy to
understand, at least on a p'shat (surface) level. I found I was really
"getting into it." I was also happy to notice that it was listed in the
beginning of my Tehillim as a propitious chapter to recite for sons to
learn Torah. Since I am blessed with several, I was doubly glad that I
had undertaken the assignment.
One
day I had a thought, a scheme which would make use of the alphabetic
arrangement. The idea was to concentrate momentarily on a particular
child, relative or person(s) in need, for each letter. Armed with my
twenty-two selections, I was off and running, davening for each of them
on a daily basis. At first I had to consult a list, but after a short
while, the one-to-one correspondence was firmly entrenched in my mind.
Despite all this, I cannot claim that I was regularly concentrating on
the meaning of the words. At least, however, I was cutting down a bit on
"mind-wander," since my brain had to think about each person, however
briefly.
One
year later, still struggling with concentrating on other parts of
davening, something clicked. 'Ashrei, recited thrice daily, is also
alphabetically arranged. Why not daven, briefly again, for each of these
twenty-two loved ones while reciting Ashrei?' Thought and done. Wow!
For the first time in my life, I was actually concentrating on each
pasuk in Ashrei! No, not on each of those people, but on the pasuk
itself. Upon analysis, it seemed that this is what was happening: My
mind was being pulled out of the wandering mode and forced into an
active-thinking mode. I knew that at the start of each pasuk I had to
remember someone. I did, and moved on to the pasuk itself
instantaneously. It may sound illogical, but that is what occurred.
After
about a week of amazing Ashreis, I thought, 'Why not try this with the
rest of davening?' Yes. That is what put me into remission, which
actually means reduction. I didn't eliminate mind wander and the kavana
doesn't come by itself, even with playing this word game. I still have
to make an effort to concentrate. But what an improvement! Additionally,
after just a few weeks of using this system, not even 100% of the time,
my davening was transformed. Even when I find myself "lazy" or
thinking, 'I can concentrate all by myself' and neglect to use my
technique, there is a change. Clearly, an important divide has been
crossed.
Although
I tried to share this idea with friends, it sounded a bit complicated,
not to mention far fetched. People appeared to be reluctant to invest in
a thought process that had developed naturally for me. Formulating a
one-to-one correspondence which would only improve kavana a month hence
was just much too convoluted and impractical. And some found it
distracting to think about other people. So how about a simplified
approach? See Kavana tips...
Does
this entire idea sound too incredible, improbable, silly or worse? Let
me share this precious tidbit from a wonderful book, A Touch of Wisdom, a
Touch of Wit, by S. Himelstein, page 46. Clearly, using a gimmick such
as my suggestion is not such a new idea.
Rabbi
Yaakov Yitzchak, the Yehudi Hakadosh, would say: "Whenever I get up to
pray, I always imagine that there are ten Cossacks surrounding me with
swords in their hands, ready to slay me on the spot if I don't pray
properly."
As I
began concentrating on my davening with greater frequency, I started
studying more sefarim including Rav Schwab on Prayer and Rabbi Avraham
Feuer's Shemoneh Esrei and even using the Artscroll Interlinear Siddur.
They are full of insights that continue to enhance my davening. I also
began to incorporate many additional ideas, culled from many sources.
They have helped me even further.
KAVANA TIPS
As
you begin each pasuk or even each line or phrase, think BRIEFLY about
the first letter. Mentally determine its gematriah, consider its sound
or just name the letter itself. Any variation can work; the point is to
get your brain to think. Try it and you will be amazed.
Before
you begin the actual tefilla, daven briefly in your own words, for
HaShem's help. I read of a Rav who used to do this specifically before
bentching, having in mind that the phone and doorbell should not ring.
Ask HaShem to assist you so that you can concentrate.
Ascertain you are presentable, just as when you have an important meeting; actually, you do. Wash your hands.
If
you are davening at home, do so in an area with as few distractions as
possible; away from telephones, doorbells and where others may be
conversing.
When in a room with someone who is davening or bentching, DO NOT TALK!
Slow
down. This will have an amazing impact on your davening. Try to daven at
the same speed with which you speak or mimic the manner in which the
chazzan davens. Yes, you will need a little more time to daven, but
surprisingly, not that much more; surely you will agree, "It's worth
it!"
Don't daven by heart. Don't even begin until you are at the right page and ready to recite the first word.
Wait a second to turn each page before continuing. Close your siddur only when you finish davening.
Rabbi
Avigdor Miller recommends working on one small area at a time. "Every
day you pick just one little part, let's say one bracha and make up your
mind: On this bracha I'm going to put in all my thoughts, I don't care
how long it takes."
Before
saying a bracha, take a second to think about the full meaning of the
first few words: "Source of all blessing," "We personally relate to,"
"Master of all; was, is, always will be," "All-powerful, watches over us
individually," "King of the world." Check the end of the bracha as
well; we ought to know what we plan to say before we begin! If you are
saying Birchos HaShachar and someone is answering amen (a wonderful
zechus for all!) use the few milliseconds during which they say amen to
prepare for the following bracha.
Pick
a phrase. I go through the six constant mitzvos, abbreviated. Believe
in HaShem, no other, know His Oneness, love HaShem, fear HaShem, don't
let yourself be misled. Try that or select any pasuk or some thought of
hakaros hatov. Any thought that strengthens your feelings of dependence
on HaShem will do.
Mentally
review the phrase or thought before reciting each paragraph or right
before making a bracha. Try it with each closing bracha of the 19
brachos in Shemoneh Esrei. After doing it a few times, you'll have a
fantastic habit that really forces you to stop and concentrate.
Make
up your mind to just focus. (Excerpted from Conversations with Yourself,
by Rabbi Zelig Pliskin.) "Minds tend to wander. One tool to bring yours
back is to say to yourself, 'Just focus.' When you give your mind
instructions to 'Just focus,' your mind might just follow your
instructions."
Visualize.
I saw this idea in the fantastic book, Battle Plans by Rebbetzin
Heller/Rigler, all about fighting the Yetzer Hara. I decided to apply it
to my davening. Equipped with this concept, I found it easy to picture
Avrohom Aveinu going to the akeida and the scene at the splitting of the
sea, both beautifully described in detail in the morning davening. As I
accustomed myself to look for images, loftier sections came to life as
well. I could "see" chassidim dancing for HaShem and angels gathering
for praises. Most importantly, in the Shema and Shemoneh Esrei, with
forethought, each section easily brought a multi-faceted portrait to my
mind.
Rebbetzin
Vichna Kaplan, a"h, the founder of Bais Yaakov in America and one of
the star pupils of Sara Schenirer, (initiator of the Bais Yaakov
movement in Poland,) was speaking with some students about their
bentching Birkas HaMazon. "How can it be," she asked, "that we bentch,
go on to the next activity and a few minutes later, ask our friend or
child, 'Did I bentch?'" When I heard this and realized how true it was, I
set my mind to thinking while I bentched or davened a particular
paragraph, "Remember! You are saying these powerful words! Don't wonder
later whether or not you said them!" This is especially useful for
additions such as retzei on Shabbos, v'sein tal u'matar in the winter
and the like.
Use
the largest print you can find. Point to each word with your finger.
Decide to concentrate on the meaning of HaShem's name each time you say
it.
Keep
track of your progress in a notebook or on a post-it note kept in your
siddur. If your mind wanders a lot, count how many paragraphs you did
concentrate on. When you reach the point where you mostly concentrate,
keep track of the number of times your mind wanders. Note your growth.
Feel free to garner rewards (could be a treat or earn taking time to
indulge in something for which you do not normally take time off) or
penalties. Be creative! For example, caught yourself thinking off-topic
thoughts? Stop, spend a minute reading a davening tip and return to your
davening - but not during Shema or Shemoneh Esrei, of course.
The
Vilna Gaon, zt"l, writes, "If your mind strays while praying, do not
give up trying to concentrate. As soon as you realize you are not
concentrating on what you are saying, at that very moment begin
concentrating." (Quoted from Rabbi Zelig Pliskin, Gateway to
Happiness.)
Ready
for more? Try this: There are really two types of the shva vowel, na
and nach. Shva na makes the letter sound like its own syllable; with
shva nach the letter is slurred, attached to the previous letter. The
grammar rules are somewhat complicated; thankfully there are many
siddurim with some type of notation on the vowel to indicate which it
is. Artscroll, for example, has a dash on top of the shva na. I have
seen some siddurim that have an enlarged shva for the shva na. If you
have never paid attention to this, start now! You will slow yourself
down nicely and will be pronouncing your words more correctly.
Select
one or more brachos of Shemoneh Esrei to concentrate on daily, so that
you cover the entire tefilla weekly or monthly. That is, either
concentrate on three or four brachos a day or devote a day or two to
each bracha. Number the brachos in your siddur to facilitate the
process. You may want to read some sort of detailed commentary prior to
or during your davening related to the selected brachos. This will
actually do wonders for your concentration even on the other brachos.
Use a
stopwatch periodically to see how much time you spend on davening
Shemoneh Esrei. As your concentration improves, delight in the extra
seconds added to your tefilla.
I
heard that at a Siyum HaShas a few years ago, the chazzan paid in the
area of $40,000 for the privilege of leading the davening!! Occasionally
before I daven, I think of this idea. I imagine I just paid that money
and am standing in front of about 100,000 people... I am catapulted into
an excellent concentrating mood! Experiment with some or all of these tips at your own pace and see what works for you.
Today's Halachos are dedicated by a daily reader, R.H., L'Ilui Nishmas her dear mother
Ettel Bas Dov Ber A"H
whose Yahrtzeit is today, 24 Elul. Please have in mind when learning today that it be as a zechus for her. May her Neshama continue to climb higher and higher in Gan Eden.
Current Topic:
Review of Halachos of Elul & Yamim Nora'im
1) It is the accepted Minhag amongst Klal Yisroel to say Hatoras Nedarim (annulment of vows) once a year in front of another three individuals (who act as a Bais Din); this is usually done on Erev Rosh Hashanah. (See Chayei Adam Klal 138:8 and Mateh Ephraim; Elef Hamagen Siman 581:102)
This serves to annul our vows (those that are able to be annulled) so we can enter Rosh Hashanah without the sin of unfulfilled vows, or the sins of not maintaining the performance of good deeds and customs that we have done three times or more, which would then in effect give them the status of something that was accepted as a vow. (This is why it is so important to always say "Bli Neder" when promising to do something or when undertaking something new, such as a chumrah or a minhag, which you aren't sure if you are able to always maintain).
2) If one doesn't understand the meaning of the words of Hatoras Nedarim (as they are printed in the Siddur or Machzor in Hebrew) and recites them anyhow, it isn't valid. (See Chayei Adam ibid.)
Therefore it is better to say it in English or any other language that you understand, or to read it and its translation beforehand so you will know what you are saying when you say it in Hebrew. (Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 128:16)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
Can you please clarify the halacha when using the restroom in the middle of a seudah - must one wash again? If so, is a bracha required, and must bread be eaten again?
Answer:
If one used the restroom during a meal, or otherwise touched a covered area on their body, changed a baby's diaper etc., the hands must be washed again, with no Bracha, and the meal may be resumed.
CHIZUK CORNER
[1.0579710144927536] Bizback2
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
"Hashem is good and whatever He does is good! Therefore, accept challenges with happiness because good will emerge from them"
Based on Orchos Tzadikim; Taken from www.salantfoundation.org
Current Topic:
Review of Halachos of Elul & Yamim Nora'im
1) Those who fast on Erev Rosh Hashanah, should not do so for the entire day, as it isn't good to enter Yom Tov hungry, rather this fasting is only necessary until after davening Mincha (and saying the prayer of Aneinu) or until Chatzos. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 562:2)
Nowadays, when the general public is a lot weaker [physically and spiritually] than they used to be, fasting on Erev Rosh Hashana is not prevalent. Many have a Minhag to partake in a Seudas Mitzvah such as a bris, Pidyon Haben, Siyum Mesecta and the like instead of fasting. (Chayei Adam Klal 138:1)
2)If one indeed decides to fast, it is best to stipulate [verbally or in their mind] that they are doing it "Bli Neder" (without a vow).
If one didn't make this stipulation, and had in mind to do this from now on every year, or if one in fact did this for three consecutive years, Hataras Nedarim (unbinding of pledges) would be necessary to be able to stop fasting on this day. (Aruch HaShulchan Siman 581:10)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
Which Bracha do you recite on granola bars? And on Hearts of Palm?
Answer:
Granola bars which aren't cooked or baked (as many on the market today are) are Ha'adama as they are raw oats.
The problem is what Bracha Achrona to make, as there are opinions in the Rishonim to perhaps make "Al Ha'adama" (a text which we do not find that Chazal instituted) so Al HaMichya or Borei Nefashos may not even exempt it. The Poskim advise for a Yirei Shomayim to eat it only during a meal, or eat less than a Kzayis in Kdei Achilas pras to avoid this major problem, and not need a Bracha Achrona on it. (see Tosefos Brachos 37a Dibur Hamaschil HaKoses. See Shulchan Aruch Siman 208:4 and Mishna Berura there S"K 17. This is also how Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal ruled.)
If the Granola bars are cooked or baked, then the Bracha is Mezonos followed by an Al HaMichya.
Hearts of palm are Ha'Aitz .They are the heart (or fruit) of the Sabal Palmetto, a tall, tough-barked graceful palm tree. (There are opinions that it is Sh'Hakol and opinions that it is H'Adama. I relied upon the Psak of the Star K. For Halacha L'Ma'aseh please consult your Rav.)
CHIZUK CORNER
[1.0579710144927536] Bizback2
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Who is the wise man? One who thinks about the consequences of whatever he does (Tamid 32a).
Keep asking yourself,
"what is the goal of my present behavior?"
and
"what are the potential harmful consequences?"
These two questions will enable you to have greater control over your behavior.
22 Elul 5772; 8 Days Until Rosh Hashanah; First Day of Selichos [for Ashkenazim]
September 9, 2012
Current Topic:
Review of Halachos of Elul & Yamim Nora'im
1) Some people have the Minhag to fast on Erev Rosh Hashana.
The primary reason for this fast is to bring a person to Teshuva. (as is the the primary reason for every fast day. See Peleh Yoetz; Ta'anis)
Erev Rosh Hashana is the last day of the year, and Chazal tell us that one who does Teshuva on any one day throughout the year is considered as if he/she has done Teshuva for the entire year, therefore the Minhag is to rise early and fast on Erev Rosh Hashana and increase the amount of Selichos and Vidui etc., as this is the last chance to have a day of Teshuva in this year! (Chayei Adam Klal 138:5)
2) It isn't necessary to accept this fast upon yourself on the previous day at Mincha (as is usually the case when one wants to fast on a day that isn't a mandatory fast day) but one who is stringent and does in fact accept it upon him/herself is praiseworthy (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 562:2 and Kaf HaChaim Siman 562:63 quoting the Bach and Elya Rabbah)
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
Although
the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei
HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes
only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
When
a girl gets a new piece of nice jewelry and needs to recite a
she'he'che'yanu on it, should she first say the brocha then put the
piece of jewelry on or should she put the piece of jewelry on and then
recite the brocha?
Answer:
According to the Poskim that rule that you recite she'hechiyanu on
Jewelry (as is the psak of Rav Nisim Karelitz shlita and others), she
should recite the Bracha immediately before putting it on. If she
didn't, it can still be said afterwards, as long as she is still wearing
it for the first time.
Some Poskim maintain that no She'hechiyanu is recited on jewelry at
all , as it isn't considered clothing(Shulchan Aruch HaRav, Ben Ish
Chai, Kaf Hachaim, Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal and others)
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We
will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to
help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in
heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
1) The holy Sefarim (Rav Yonasan Eibeshitz Zatzal in Ya'aros Devash , The Shlah Hakadosh and others) tell us that the last week of the year is very unique in that it has very strong powers of Kaparah- atonement.
Each
"last" day of the year can atone for each corresponding day of the
whole year. For example: The last "Sunday" before Rosh Hashana, if
utilized properly can atone for all the "Sundays" of the entire year
past. The last "Monday", can atone for all the "Mondays" of the entire
year, and so on.
2)
It is very worthwhile to try and use this last week of the year and
infuse it with Torah, Tefilah, Teshuva, Tzedaka and as many good deeds
as possible. This sentiment is echoed by our holy sages, the Chazal, who
taught us "Hakol Holech Achar HaG'mar- everything is [judged] based on
the end[ing]"
May Hashem bless us all to realize the gift of Teshuva and to utilize it to the best of our ability.
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) In the davening of RoshHashanah [and Yom Kippur] we say many lofty piyutim (liturgies) which were composed by extremely holy individuals (Tanaim, Gaonim and even Rishonim the likes of Rashi and the Ba'alei Tosafos).
Just to get an idea of the holiness we are talking about here, the Magen Avraham (Orach Chaim Siman 68) quotes
the Ariza"l who says that when Rav Elazar HaKalir (who was either a
Tana or a Rishon depending on different opinions, and one of the
preeminent writers of our Kinus, Selichos and Piyutim) was composing a
certain piyut for the Musaf of Rosh Hashanah (that begins "V'Chayos
Asher Heina M'Rubaos Kisei etc.") a ring of [heavenly] fire encircled
his entire body. (See also Sha'arei Teshuva Siman 68:1)
Many of these piyutim are written in very complex language
(done so purposely, according to the Shu"t Sha'ar Ephraim Siman 13, so
the non-Jews wouldn't "Steal" them and use them in their prayers in
their Bais Avoda Zara), and comprised with references to many sources throughout the revealed and hidden Torah. (In
fact in Shu"t Teshuva M'Ahava Siman 1 he enumerates over 50 places
across the Talmud where the Baalei Tosafos bring proofs to their
opinions from stanzas in these piyutim! See also Rama Siman 619:1
based on Sefer Chasidim Siman 302 that even the Nusach of the tunes
used for the Piyutim in each congregation should not be tampered with.)
Therefore,
the average person will have a very hard time understanding the piyutim
and Tefilos of the Yamim Noraim unless they spend some time beforehand
studying and analyzing them, which is exactly what the Poskim say each
Jew should do a few days before Rosh Hashanah.
Today
many Machzorim make it a lot easier to do this, as they have
translations and/or explanations on the page. However, it is best to
read them before Rosh Hashana if possible, and not during the actual
davening. (See Mishna Berura Siman 100 in the name of the Ta"z)
2)
It is also important to learn the Halachos of, and [at least the basic]
meaning behind Tekias Shofar prior to Rosh Hashanah, as well as to
learn Sifrei Mussar which will cause a person's heart to "wake up" and
fear Hashem, as well as bring a person to grasp the reality of Hashem's
greatness as He is about to judge all of mankind (See Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 128:11)
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
Although
the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei
HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes
only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
regarding
doing Teshuva for a sin where one usually needs to ask the one that was
sinned against for forgiveness, if the aveira is Lashon Hara, it seems
difficult if not impossible to go over to the person and tell them that
you have said terrible things about them - and what if is a family
member and the relationship is irreparably harmed?
Answer:
This particular issue was the topic of a dispute between The Chofetz Chaim and Rav Yisroel Salanter Zichronam L'Vracha.
Rav Yisroel Salanter maintained that if by going over to
the person who you spoke against to ask for mechilah will cause them
further harm, it is best not to let them know, and try to do as much
Teshuva as possible, and try to spread good about that person in other
ways.
Whereas, the Chofetz Chaim ruled (Hilchos Lashon Hara Klal
4:12) that Teshuva was only complete with mechila, and even if it caused
further harm, you must approach them.
I am not telling you which method is the proper Halacha to
follow, as you should consult a Rav for that. I will just say that you
cannot go wrong from following the rulings of the Chofetz Chaim for
anything, especially Hilchos Lashon Hara!.
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We
will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to
help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in
heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
Does a mother get reward, if raising her child is all happiness and no distress?
ANSWER BY HARAV AVIGDOR MILLER ZATZAL:
I'll tell
you a little story. There was once a tzadik Reb Zusha. Reb Zusha was
once standing in the bais hamedrash warming himself on the stove in the
winter time. A man came in to his brother, the Rebbe Rav Elimeleh of
Lizensk, in the next room and he asked the Rebbe, "How is it possible to
serve Hashem with simcha? There's so much trouble in the world, so much
difficulty in the world, how can you serve Hashem with simcha?"
So
the Rebbe said, "Go out and ask my brother Reb Zusha." So he went out to
Reb Zusha who was standing against the stove, and his face was flaming.
He said, "Tell me, how can one serve Hashem even though there's
difficulty and tzaar in the world?" Reb Zusha was a very poor man all
his life, he hardly had anything to eat. So Reb Zusha said, "To tell you
the truth I am not competent [to answer your question], as I never had
any tzaar in my life!"
He never had any suffering in his life!
If a
mother so enjoys her task of raising the children that she overlooks the
tzaar and thinks it's only happiness, she's going to get double reward.
When a person learns Torah and he groans, it's difficult, he's breaking
his head, and looks at the clock all the time, when will the shiur be
over? He'll get reward too, but the person who looks at the clock and
says, "so soon! The shiur is over? It's a pity!" He gets more reward.
And therefore a mother who enjoys raising children certainly will get more reward.
To subscribe to the weekly "A moment with Rabbi Miller" email Click HERE
Today's Halachos dedicated by daily reader, Y.L., L'Zecher Nishmas his dear grandmother
Rivka bas R' Nosson Yaakov A"H
whose Yahrtzeit is today 19 Elul.
May her Neshama continue to climb higher and higher in Gan Eden and may she be a Meilitza Yosher for her entire Mishpacha
Current Topic:
Review of Halachos of Elul & Yamim Nora'im
***
1) The next 5 of the 20 Ikarim of Teshuva are:
11. Search
your soul and make an accounting of your actions, so you will recall
all your forgotten iniquities and be able to say Vidui for them, humble
yourself because of them and resolve never to repeat them.
12. Investigate the magnitude of each of your sins. Determine which punishment you deserve for each of them [Malkos-
40 lashings, Kareis- heavenly death penalty or Misas Bais Din- capital
punishment meted out by a rabbinic court of law. Though Malkos and Misas
bais Din aren't in effect today, as we are in Galus, variations of them
are meted out through the heavenly court for those who deserve them] and do the appropriate Teshuva for each of them.
13.
Consider even the seemingly insignificant sins as grave sins in your
own eyes; don't dwell on the smallness of the sin, rather dwell on the
greatness of the King [Hashem] who commanded you to do His will.
14. Explicitly enumerate each and every one of your sins (Vidui) as well as the sins of your forefathers. (as repeating sins they did is in itself a sin; one is supposed to learn from mistakes of his forefathers and not repeat them)
15. Pray to Hashem and beg Him to have mercy on you and forgive you and erase your sins and purify you from their harmful effects.
2)The final 5 of the 20 Ikarim are:
16.
Repair your wrongs. Return the stolen items if you stole, or beseech
your friend for forgiveness if you spoke Lashon Hara (evil gossip) about
them or embarrassed them or other similar sins against your fellow man,
as there can be no atonement from Hashem until you secure forgiveness
from your friend.
17.
Seek and do acts of kindness (e.g. Tzedaka and Gemilas Chasodim) and
give support to people who advance truth such as Talmidei Chachamim and
Torah scholars, and stay away and shun falsehood.
18. The [details of your] sin should remain in your mind always until the day you die (in order to remember not to repeat them, but not Chas V'shalom to get depressed from them)
19.
Let go of the Sin. If the opportunity arises again to do the identical
sin, conquer your Yetzer Hara and run away from the [place of] sin, as
you would run away from a sword that was pursuing you, because of your
fear of Hashem. And even if the same opportunity of sin does not present
itself again, have in mind during Krias Shma, when saying the words
"B'Chol NafShecha" that you are willing and ready to give up your life
in order not to transgress the 3 cardinal sins (murder, idolatry and sexual immorality), and it will be considered as if the opportunity arose, and you withstood the test and didn't transgress.
20.
Facilitate the repentance of others. Causing others to sin is one of
the worst things to do, and on the other hand, causing others to do good
deeds and/or repent is one of the most worthy things a Jew can do, and
is also very vital to his/her own Teshuva.
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
Although
the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei
HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes
only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
Is the sign "KD" [on a food product acceptable as] kosher?
Answer:
"K" on its own is not an acceptable kosher symbol. All it
means is that the company is saying that it is kosher, but there is no
rabbi or agency supporting that claim. "D" just means that it has dairy
ingredients in it. So, "KD" just means that the company is saying that
it's kosher and dairy. You may not eat a product with "K" or "KD" on it
unless you have information from a reliable kashrus agency that the
product in question is kosher despite it not having a valid kosher
symbol.
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We
will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to
help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in
heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
1) The next five of the 20 Ikarim of Teshuva are as follows:
6.
Be tremendously embarrassed and immensely shamed before the King of
Kings, Hashem, and be afraid to lift your eyes to appear before Him.
7.
Humble your heart and be self-effacing in the knowledge that one who
rebels against the great King [Hashem], surely will lose some of his
status and will be ridiculed in his own eyes and in the eyes of others
and unless you repent you will be relegated to being treated like a
leper, despised and detested by society.
8. Act humbly by always keeping your eyes focused downwards, speaking in low tones, and not speaking harsh words.
9.
Break your material Ta'avos (lusts and desires). Lessen your enjoyments
of pleasures and don't stuff yourself with food more than is necessary
for satiation and to sustain your life, and avoid [excessive] marital
relations with your spouse (besides what is necessary to fulfill the
Mitzvah of Pru U'Revu, or other spousal obligations)
10. Rectify the particular areas in which you have sinned with their good alternatives.
2) Some examples of the previous Ikar of Teshuva (#10):
If
you gazed at immodest images, train your eyes to always avoid
inappropriate sights, and let your eyes gaze at the light of the Torah
(by reading Torah texts or gazing into the Sefer Torah by Hagbah etc.).
If
you used your feet to run to sin, train them now to always run to do
Mitzvos. If your tongue was accustomed to uttering falsehoods and/or
foul language, train your mouth to only speak good and wise things.
If
you used your hands to spill blood, or for stealing which is tantamount
to spilling blood, train your hands to provide for poor people, orphans
and widows, as well as saving people from being taken advantage of
financially by unscrupulous people.
If
your heart was always filled with heretical thoughts, train and purify
your heart to understand the greatness of our Creator [Hashem].
If
you were involved in spreading Machlokes (disputes) between friends,
train yourself to seek peaceful resolutions and pursue peace always.
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
Although
the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei
HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes
only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
My
friend and I always have disagreements on a certain topic. And that is
about the Aveiros (sins). My friend states that most of the halachos
that we are commanded to keep aren't from Hashem but from the rabbis
that make it up. they make up these halachos (for example muktzah).
Therefore he said he thinks the reason for most of the halachos that the
rabbis made are gates around the Aveiros itself. Therefore he thinks
that its not necessary for us to keep the rabbinacal halachos rather
then the original ones. I tried explaining to him that Hashem commanded
us to listen to our rabbis and their decisions are counted as sins if
violated. But he disagrees. What should I tell him? and is it true [what
I say]?
ANSWER:
You
are 1000% correct. The Torah explicitly commands us (Devarim 17:11) to
listen to the Rabbanim/Chachamim and not to deviate an iota from what
they tell you .
Thus
every rabbinical edict, for any reason they deemed it necessary is
basically a Torah cammandment and must be kept to the tee. Only if the
Rabbis themselves said that any particular edict was for a certain time
only may we not do it anymore.
It is not up to us as individuals to decide what is worth keeping or not, it is up to the great sages to interpret the law.
The
Midrash tells us that Avraham, Yitzchok and Yaakov, our holy
patriarchs, kept all the Mitzvos and even all the rabbinical edicts!
(See Talmud Yoma 28b)
The
Gemara tells us that all the edicts that would eventually be instituted
by the Rabbis were shown to Moshe Rabbeinu on Har Sinai by Hashem
Himself!
The
Posuk (Devarim 30:12) tells us that the Torah was given to mortals, and
isn't in heaven anymore. It was given to the Rabbis to interpret and to
institute fences, edicts etc. as they saw fit.
There
is a famous Gemara (Bava Metzia 59b) that describes a dispute in
halacha between Rav Eliezer and the Rabbis. Rav Eliezer caused all sorts
of miracles to happen to prove his point and that he was right, yet the
rabbis were unimpressed, saying that Torah was given to them, and it
isn't up to heaven anymore to determine halacha!
The
laws of Rosh Chodesh were given to the rabbis to determine. The
calendar month and the days on which holidays fall is not determined by
the sun or the moon, rather by edict of the rabbis, as the Torah says
(Shmos 12:2) "Hachodesh hazeh lachem- this (and all) months are for you
to determine!"
In
fact, there are even rabbinic Mitzvos on which we recite "Asher
Kidshanu B'Mitzvosav, V'Tzivanu... saying that Hashem commanded us to do
it, when seemingly it was only the rabbis! (See Gemara Shabbos 23a and
the Ritva's explanation there)
There
are countless more examples of this tenet of Judaism. Bottom line is
that one who transgresses a rabbinical decree has transgressed an Aveira
equal to transgressing a biblical decree
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We
will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to
help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in
heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
1)
As we mentioned yesterday, the 3 Yesodos of Teshuva are further broken
down into into 20 Ikarim, a more detailed expansion of the three
Yesodos, which include different aspects to achieve a proper and
everlasting Teshuva.
2) The first five of these Ikarim ,following the order and interpretation of the Sefer Chareidim's (Perek 62) understanding of Rabeinu Yonah, are as follows:
1. Regret your bad deeds and say to yourself: "what have I done? How could I have not feared Hashem's anger and fury?"
2.
Let go of the sin. Let the evildoer resolve truthfully with his/her
whole heart to never repeat the sin until his/her dying day. The resolve
should be so strong that the One who knows our deepest and darkest
thoughts [Hashem] will be able to testify that we will never transgress
that particular sin again.
3.
Your entire being (body and soul) should tremble and feel pained and
bitter for having angered your Creator who is the Creator of the sun,
moon, sky, earth and everything else!
4. Do something tangible to express your pain, such as fasting, crying and lamenting for your sins.
5. Worry
and fear the punishment that you will get for your sins; how bad
things will come over you because of them. Figure out how to do proper
Teshuva to rescue yourself from the punishment.
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
Although
the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei
HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes
only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
What would be the proper bracha on shnitzel (breaded chicken cutlets)?
ANSWER:
For
breaded chicken or fish, if the coating is thick, and there for its
taste, it is definitely Mezonos. If, however, it is a very thin coating
which isn't there for itself, rather to lend taste to the chicken or
fish, then it isn't considered to have its own Chashivus and is
shehakol. This was the Psak of Rav Moshe Feinstein and Rav Yaakov
Kamenetsky and Rav Chaim Pinchos Scheinberg Zichronam Livracha (quoted
in Sefer V'Sein Bracha by Rabbi Yisroel P. Bodner)
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We
will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to
help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in
heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
"
Any ethical teaching that you are able to derive with your powers of
reason, you are responsible for, just as if you had been told explicitly
by Hashem.
You
don't need an explicit command from the Torah to be held responsible
for something that with your own mind you can understand. "
Submitted by a daily reader, Chanaleh; Taken from Rejoice O' Youth/Simcha Minute booklet
1) There are three primary Yesodos (foundations) necessary to accomplish true Teshuva, repentance. (See Rambam Hilchos Teshuva Perek 2 Halacha 2)
They are:
a) Charata , regretting having transgressed the sin.
b) Vidui , verbally enumerating each sin that was transgressed.
c) Azivas HaChet, Letting go of the sin and genuinely resolving to never repeat it.
2) The three are further expanded upon by the Rishonim (including Rabbeinu Yonah in Sefer Sha'arei Teshuva beginning Sha'ar 1:10)
into 20 Ikarim, more detailed expansion of the aforementioned three
Yesodos, which include different aspects to achieve a proper and
everlasting Teshuva.
While
the three primary Yesodos do result in Teshuva Shelaima (complete
return to Hashem), the additional twenty achieve further cleansing to
reverse the negative effects of the sins. (See Sefer Chareidim Perek 63)
Tomorrow, B'Ezras Hashem, we will begin listing the 20 Ikarim.
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
Although
the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei
HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes
only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
What's
the story with leaving water uncovered overnight? I always thought that
is was Assur but someone recently mentioned to me that Tosefos holds
it's not a Sakana anymore so it's therefore permissible. 1. Is it Muttar or Assur? 2. If Assur, just water or all liquids? 3. What is considered "uncovered"? Is a pitcher with no cover in the fridge covered or uncorvered??
ANSWER:
In
the times of the Gemara it was prohibited due to poisenous snakes
placing their venom in the water. (See Talmud Avoda Zara 30a and Chulin
9b)
Many
Poskim rule that nowadays when snakes and the like are not prevelant,
the prohibition is not in effect. (See Mishna Berura Siman 160:23 who
rules this way)
However, the Gaon of Vilna and others maintained that the prohibition remais intact even today.
It
is best to be stringent if possible. The Chazon Ish, The Steipler, Rav
Chaim Kanievsky Shlita are extremely Makpid with this and will not drink
such water, nor use it for any purpose!
This applies to water, soda, tea, coffee, beer, milk, wine (unless it's mevushal) and honey.
If it is in the refrigerator, where no snake or other animals can get to it, it is considered covered.
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We
will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to
help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in
heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
Today's Halachos dedicated by daily reader, Moshe Friedlander in honor of the birthday of his father, Shlomo Abba Friedlander.
May he merit a long and blessed life until 120 with Yiddish Nachas from his entire Mishpacha! Happy Birthday
Current Topic:
Review of Halachos of Elul & Yamim Nora'im
***
1) In most congregations, the Ba'al Tefilah (one leading the services) for Selichos wears a Tallis, even if the Selichos is being said before daybreak (or at night after Chatzos, Halachic midnight) which is before the proper time for Tzitzis and Tallis.
It is best for the Ba'al Tefilah to use the Shul's Tallis or a friend's, but not his own, as to avoid the problem of perhaps requiring to recite a Bracha (as some Poskim maintain that a Bracha is recited even at night on your own Tallis.)
The reason it is so important for a Tallis to be worn by Selichos, is as follows:
The Talmud (Rosh Hashana 17b) relates that Hashem Himself in all His glory wrapped Himself in a Tallis like a Ba'al Tefilah and appeared to Moshe Rabeinu and showed him the appropriate way for Klal Yisroel to pray (and thus merit the forgiveness of Hashem).
It was then that Hashem revealed to Moshe the "Yud Gimel Middos Shel Rachamim" (Tefilah containing the 13 attributes of mercy of Hashem), which we will say countless times between now and Yom Kippur, and is perhaps the most exalted and powerful prayer known to mankind.
Hashem told Moshe that whenever Klal Yisroel sins, they should pray for forgiveness using the expressions included in the 13 Middos Shel Rachamim, and He will forgive them! (See Rashi Rosh Hashana 17b at length for further details)
2) The following is a (loose) translation of the 13 Middos Shel Rachamim (Taken from the Sefer HaToda'ah by HaRav Eliyahu Ki Tov Zatzal based on the Talmud passage above.There are many other interpretations by Rishonim, Achronim, and Mekubalim, on many different levels, but this explanation is the simplest and most concise way of understanding them.)
1) Hashem: I am Hashem the merciful one before man sins, even though I know he will eventually sin.
2) Hashem: I am the merciful one even after man sins (and repents).
3) Kail: Kail is another expression of Hashem's Midas HaRachamim (attribute of mercy).
4) Rachum: I have mercy on poor people...
5) V'Chanun: ...and I have compassion for affluent people as well.
6) Erech Apayim: Hashem delays His anger and punishment and patiently awaits our Teshuva (repentance).
7) V'Rav Chesed: Hashem acts with compassion even to those without much of their own merits.
8) V'Emes: Hashem rewards those who do His will.
9) Notzer Chesed L'Alafim: Hashem remembers the Chesed that man does, for thousands of generations.
10) Nosei Avon: Hashem carries mankind's sins (that were done intentionally) and holds on to them. (Doesn't punish right away and patiently waits for them to repent)
11) V'Pesha: Hashem also carries mankind's defiant sins (that were done in rebellion) and patiently waits for Teshuvah to be done before punishing.
12) V'ChaTa'ah: Hashem also carries mankind's unintentional sins (that were done inadvertently)
13) V'Nakeh Lo Yenakeh: Hashem wipes the slate (of sins) clean for those who repent, but not for those who remain unrepentant.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
What bracha should I make on raw oatmeal cookie batter? it has a lot of raw oats and flour. (i know it's not good for me but it's really yummy)?
ANSWER:
This topic is much debated in the Poskim.
The consensus of most Poskim is that raw cookie dough would be SheHakol.
However, if there are a lot of raw oats in it, it may change the halacha, and the proper Bracha would be Ha'Adama (as only cooked oats get Mezonos).
A Rav should be consulted for final Psak Halacha.
CHIZUK CORNER
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This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Rosh Hashanah in a nutshell:
1These 48 hours form the spiritual seed of our potential for the year. If you have an apple seed, you won't get a banana from it. How you conduct yourself during these hours profoundly impacts your year. We are encouraged to try to be the most noble we can be especially with the people around us. The more compassionate and understanding we are with others, the more compassion we will experience this year.
Submitted by a daily reader; From "Clarity Seminar" by Rebbetzin Tzippora Harris [offshoot of Aish website]
1) Many Poskim (including the MaHaRal of Prague in Nesivos Olam; Nesiv HaAvodah Perek 12, Shu"t Chasam Sofer Siman 186, Rav Chaim Voloziner Zatzal in Keser Rosh quoting the Gaon of Vilna) are of the opinion that Tefilos such as "Machnisei Rachamim" at the end of Selichos, which is basically a Tefilah directed at the Malachim (angels) beseeching them to take our prayers, tears and shouts and bring them to Hashem, should not be said, as it isn't proper to direct our prayers to angels, rather our prayers should be directed directly to Hashem.
As a proof to this opinion, these Poskim cite the 5th "Ani Ma'amin" of the Rambam (13 principles of faith written by Maimonides in Pirush Hamishna to Sanhedrin Perek 10) which explicitly says "I believe...that only to Hashem is it proper to daven and not to anyone else".
Accordingly, these Poskim frown upon those who frequent graves of Tzadikim and daven there, as it may seem as if they are davening "to" the Tzadik, as opposed to asking the Tzadik to be a "Meilitz Yosher- a good advocate" for them in Shamayim.
2) However, many Poskim (including Shibolei Haleket Siman 282 and Chazon Ish quoted in Orchos Rabbeinu Vol. 2 page 168 and Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal in Halichos Shlomo; Rosh Hashana Perek 1; Orchos Halacha 17) are of the opinion that it is OK to beseech the "Machnisei Rachamim- the angels whose specific task it is to bring the requests for mercy before Hashem" to do their task and take our prayers to Hashem. We aren't praying "to" the angels, rather we are asking them to be our messengers to properly place our prayers in the right sequence and at the right time bring them before the Kisei HaKavod of Hashem.
They do point out that only when beseeching the angels whose specific task it is to bring these prayers to Hashem (like by Machnisei Rachamim) is it accaptable.
It is not, however, acceptable to simply lift your eyes to the heavens and pray to any angel, or even ask "the angels" to bring your Tefilos to Hashem, as it may not be their task to do so.
The prevalent Minhag is to say these Tefilos and to visit the graves of Tzadikim(See Talmud Sotah 34b regarding Kaleiv, and also Chazal tell us that Rochel Imeinu was buried on the road to Bais Lechem so her children, Am Yisroel can pray at her graveside. There are many more proofs for this being OK, as well as proofs for the other side, but this isn't the place for this lengthy discussion now)
However, it is important to keep in mind when davening at a Tzadik's grave to be extremely careful to only pray to Hashem in the zechus of the Tzadik, or as we mentioned above to ask the Tzadik to be a Meilitz Yosher for us and our families etc., and not Chas V'Shalom daven "to" the Tzaddik. (See Mateh Ephraim Siman 581:50 and Chayei Adam Klal 138:5)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) Another example of a Tefilah that may be affected by the above Machlokes Haposkim (Halachic dispute) is the "Shalom Aleichem Malachei HaShareis" prayer which is commonly said (or sung) on Friday nights before Kiddush.
Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal maintains that for the last 3 stanzas (i.e. BoAchem L'Shalom, Barchuni L'Shalom and Tzeischem L'Shalom) we say "Malachei HaShalom" as opposed to "Malachei HaShareis"(as it is in the first stanza) to show that we are only asking them to do their task of bringing Shalom, peace into our homes, in their capacity as Malachei HaShalom, and not praying "to" them in their capacity as "Malachei HaShareis".
Some have the minhag not to say "Shalom Aleichem" at all on Friday night. (This was the minhag of the Chasam Sofer Zatzal as well)
2) In The Siddur Avodas Yisroel (written by a disciple of the Gaon of Vilna) it states that one needs to be extremely careful when saying "Shalom Aleichem...Malachei Elyon MiMelech Malachei HaMelochim..." not to pause between the words "Elyon" and "MiMelech" as to ensure that it is clear that the Malachei Elyon are only emissaries from Hashem, and not a higher power in their own right.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
1) What is the halacha regarding an elderly person using hearing aids on shabbos?
2) can a caregiver help the elderly person with the hearing aid on shabbos? Is it muketzah for the caregiver?
3) if the above is allowed can the elderly person go out with it on shabbos? Is it considered carrying?
ANSWER:
If they are being worn and properly working, they are not Muktzah for the wearer, or for the one assisting him/her. In fact, the Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchasa and other Poskim even allow to lower/raise the volume if necessary, while it's on the ear.
There is no problem of carrying, similar to glasses being worn outside on Shabbos to help one see, a hearing aid may be worn to help one hear.
Obviously. a Rav must be consulted for Halacha L'Ma'aseh, as each situation is unique.
After initially posting the above answer, I received the following email from a reader which I am posting for the benefit of anyone whom this concerns. Of course, as with everything, a Rav must be consulted for Halacha L'Ma'aseh.
"The information in your email about hearing aids is not complete and therefore misleading.
My husband is hearing impaired and therefore we are both well versed in the subject.
A few comments:
Hearing aids are muktzah if they are turned off and out of the ear. If they somehow get turned off while in the ear, they may be removed from the ear. One may also walk to find a goy to turn on the hearing aid back on. Regarding hearing aid volume - the poskim that rule that you may change the volume on Shabbos are discussing analog hearing aids. The same ruling may not apply to digital hearing aids. We were told that the hearing aids are muktzah for everyone except the person using them. I would also add that a person in this situation should be careful to consult a Rav who is a "mumchah/expert" on the topic. Many rabbanim do not know the intricacies of how the hearing aids work, and their rulings are based on poskim such as R' Shlomo Zalman who only ruled for analog hearing aids and not digital ones. Thank you for your wonderful publication!
Sincerely,
[A Reader ] "
CHIZUK CORNER
[1.0579710144927536] Bizback2
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Next time your down about your flaws, remember that you wouldn't be here if you were perfect!
1) Certain women have the custom, following the opinion of the Rama, not to enter a Shul when they are in a state of Niddah. (See Rama Siman 88:1 and Sdei Chemed; Chasan V'Kallah V'Chupah Siman 1)
The
Gaon of Vilna and other Poskim, however, maintain that a Niddah is never
prohibited from davening and/or entering a Shul, and this is the
prevalent custom nowadays.
2)Even
those whose custom is to follow the Rama in this matter, may enter a
Shul during the Yomim Noraim (which begin from the first day of Selichos
) as it would be a great embarrassment and very discouraging for them
to have to stand outside while everyone else (even those who usually
don't come to Shul the rest of the year) is entering the Shul during
this holy period of time. (Rama ibid. and Mishna Berura S"K 7)
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
Although
the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei
HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes
only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
Can
a man daven shemona esrei or any other prayers with newborn or young
infant in his arm? What if due to circumstances, he would otherwise not
be able to daven unless he held his baby?
ANSWER:
It
is prohibited to L'chatchilah daven Shemona Esrei while holding an
infant or a child. Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita maintains that this
applies to Pesukei D'Zimra and Kerias Shema as well, and not only
Shemona Esrei.
According to Rav
Chaim's ruling, if due to caring for the baby he can't daven, he is
considered an Oines (not at fault) and will need to daven 2 Shemona
Esrei's at the next Tefilah to make up for the missed Tefilah.
If one started Shemona Esrei and a baby began to cry, it is permitted to go and pick up the crying baby.
I
have heard that some Poskim allow you to even continue davening Shemona
Esrei with the baby in your arms, though from other Poskim it seems
that it is prohibited.
Some Poskim differentiate between a man and a woman regarding this ruling.
A Rav should be consulted for Halacha L'Ma'aseh.
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We
will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to
help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in
heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
Current Topic:
Review of Halachos of Elul & Yamim Nora'im
***
1) One who cannot make it to Shul (or one who came late, and missed the minyan) may recite Selichos on his own. However, the "Sh'losh Esrei Middos- the Tefilah enumerating the 13 attributes of Hashem's mercy" as well as any Selichos that mention them (e.g. U'Zchor Lanu HaYom Bris Sh'losh Esrei...") should not be recited without a Minyan. (See Mishna Berura Siman 565:13)
However, if they are read with the tune (Trup) used to read the Torah, they may be recited. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 565:5)
Women who say Selichos at home, should never say the Sh'losh Esrei Middos, as they aren't usually familiar with the tune used to read the Torah (ruling of Maran HaRav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Zatzal)
Likewise, any parts of the Selichos that are written in Aramaic (e.g. Machei U'Masei..., Maran Di B'Shmaya...) should not be said without a Minyan. Saying these with the tune used for Torah reading wouldn't help, as they aren't Pesukim in the Torah. (Mishna Berura Siman 581:4)
2) One who is an Avel (a mourner during the first week after the passing of a close relative) may not leave his home to go to Shul for Selichos, and should recite it alone, or with a Minyan that comes to his home, except for Erev Rosh Hashanah, when he may go to Shul, if he cannot get a Minyan to come to his home. (Mateh Ephraim Siman 581:22)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
Is a bracha acharona required after the consumption of a hard candy, or lollipop?
ANSWER:
Being that it is less than a kzayis, and even if it is a Kzayis, it is consumed in more time than Kdei Achilas Pras, no Bracha Achrona is recited.
CHIZUK CORNER
[1.0579710144927536] Bizback2
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
3 weeks away from Rosh Hashanah can find us with a lot on our plate.
This short but inspiring story reminds us what a difference our mindset can make.
"A king once announced that whoever would reach the top of a very high tower by his deadline would be richly rewarded. Many lined up to try. The bell sounded and they raced to climb the seemingly endless tower.
Hours passed and most of the people lost hope of making it to the top in time.
Two men were still climbing when one said, "I've had it! Look, there's only a few minutes to go and we are nowhere near the top! This king is mocking us! I have no more strength for this, I'm done!" and he left.
The last man was also exhausted but he declared, "My king is a loving king and I trust that he did not set us up to fail. I'm going to keep on going and even though I have no idea how, I am totally open to the possibility that I can get to where I need to go in time."
Just as he finished speaking he got to the next level and saw a sign: "Express elevator to the top."
He took it and reached the king who was waiting for him with open arms. "I am SO happy that you didn't give up! Now you can receive my blessings!"
This is a little clarity reminder that G-d has infinite ways to get you an express elevator to where you most need to go as long as you don't give up.
From a place of trust in G-d's love we can make it to Rosh Hashanah resolved to not give up on His great vision for us, on improving ourselves and embracing others.
Submitted by a daily reader; taken from a Gateways email
1)
When rising early for Selichos, even though it is still before
daybreak, the hands can still be washed and the blessing of "Al Netilas
Yadayim" , as well as the rest of Birchos HaShachar, can be recited.
After Selichos, the hands should be re-washed three times per hand without a Bracha (See
Mishna Berura Siman 6:11 and Mateh Ephraim Siman 581:12. Rav Shlomo
Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal and others rule that if one knows for certain
that he will need the bathroom after Selichos, before Shacharis, he may
wash before Selichos without a bracha and then wash again after the
bathroom following Selichos and recite the "Al Netilas Yadayim" then.
See Mishna Berura Siman 6:11)
2) Birchos HaTorah should also preferably be said before Selichos, as many of the Selichos contain references to Pesukim. (See Mateh Ephraim ibid.)
Some
Poskim maintain that even though we are saying Pesukim, it isn't
considered Torah learning, rather prayers, and thus no Birchos HaTorah
is required. It is best to be stringent. (See Mishna Berura ibid.)
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
Although
the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei
HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes
only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
I was asked by someone the following question[which I am forwarding to you]:
"I
go to the beach with a bunch of young marriedcouples. The women go with
shorts and tank tops.S ome of them cover their hair, I don't. It makes
me feel uncomfortablethat they do this. How could one dress like this
and thencover their hair. It's a chilul Hashem" (and I quote..She wants
me to ask a Rav).She said "I would never dress like this way in the frum
communities but I feel for the beach it's appropriate dress." I don't
know what to say.
ANSWER:
It is forbidden for men and women to go to the beach together. It
is forbidden for men to see women unless all areas of Erva are covered.
(This includes knees, elbows, neck line and hair [of a married woman]) The
fact that it is on the beach and everyone is in a playful mood makes it
all the worse, and there is absolutely no Heter for this. The Torah
commands us to keep our camp holy (V'Haya Machanecha Kadosh!). If we
ignore this commandment, only tragedies and misfortune will continue to
befall our nation. The way a Jewish man or women dresses, acts, speaks,
thinks etc. must be refined and holy.. There is no difference if they
are at home, on vacation or on the beach! Hashem sees everything we do, no matter where we are. That
being said, if they will be doing so anyway in disregard of Halacha,
they will be transgressing a sin for each additional Erva that is not
covered. Thus, at least covering their hair would make the transgression
less severe for a few reasons.
1) The fact that the hair is covered is a "sign" of sorts to the men there that she is off limits.
2) The fact that her hair is covered eliminates the seeing of an extra Erva.
3) Just because one transgresses one sin doesnt mean that another sin should be transgressed.
4) Similar to Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal's Psak about NOT
removing a yarmulka when going into a movie theater, a bare head and
uncovered body at the beach in front of men is an extreme Chilul Hashem,
and as such should be avoided at all costs.
To say that covering the head at a beach is chilul Hashem,
is just a rationalization for living life on their own terms, and not on
Hashem's terms. (See Parshas Netzavim Perek 29 Pasuk 18 and 19 for a
sampling of this attitude and R"L the severity of its punishment)
It is exactly the opposite! If she is worried about Chilul
Hashem, she should not be there in the first place, but if she is, at
least minimize the chilul Hashem by dressing [more]appropriately!
Chazal have taught us, and the Gedolim throughout the ages
have been telling us that the arrival of Mashiach is being delayed in
large part due to the laxity in observance of Hilchos Tznius. I can
think of no worse laxity than "couples" mingling at the beach in various
forms of undress Rachmana Litzlan.
May Hashem give us all the strength to stand up to the
Yetzer Hara and refrain from all transgressions especially those
involving the un-holiness of lack of Tznius/ Arayos that continue to
cause Mashiach to not arrive.
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We
will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to
help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in
heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
Despite the
destructions visited upon them in their land . . . despite the exile and
dispersion and the vigorous attempts to suppress them . . . they show
no sign of weakening or diminishing. The Jewish people will continue
forever, no less than the sun.
Important Numbers
