1) If one picks up a lost object with the intention to return it to its owner, but before getting around to "announce" it the owner gave up on ever getting it back (Yi'ush), and he then decides to keep it for himself rather than returning it he has only forgone the positive commandment of "Hashev Teshivem" but has not transgressed any of the negative commandments. (Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat Siman 259:1)
2) If one sees the lost object but does not pick it up until after the owner gives up on ever getting it back, and then after Yi'ush picks up the object for himself, the only transgression in effect is "Lo Tuchal L'Hisalem, do not turn a blind eye" for originally not picking it up right away. (ibid.)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) If one sees a lost object that has Simanim, identifiable markings, and wrongly ignores it and does not pick it up, although he transgresses the negative and positive commandments (as we have enumerated earlier) he is still not obligated to compensate the owner for their value in the event that they get lost again before being returned. (See Mishna Berura Siman 443 S"K 12 and Sha'ar HaTziyun Os 16)
2) If one sees a lost object that does not have any Simanim, identifiable markings, according to most Poskim there is no obligation to pick it up to try and find its owner. (Ruling of Maran HaRav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Zatzal and YBL"T HaRav Nisim Karelitz Shlita quoted in Sefer Hashovas Aveida KHalacha page 25 footnote 14)
However, if it is found in an area that is frequented by Talmidei Chachamim, Torah scholars, it is proper to pick it up as Talmidei Chachamim are known to recognize their items (halachically referred to as 'Tevi'as Ayin', a concept we will discuss more at length B'Ezras Hashem in the future) even though they lack Simanim.
Similarly, if the item found is of a variety that is common for people to search for, hang up signs about etc., and the owner will be able to prove it was his (via witnesses or other methods) it is also proper to pick up, even though it lacks Simanim. (ruling of HaRav Nisim Karelitz Shlita, ibid. footnote 15)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
I read on [another wonderful Halacha website] that "one may leave a pot on an uncovered fire[without a blech] before Shabbos if they are not planning to return the pot to the fire after removing it on Shabbos.
Also, the contents of the pot must be half cooked before Shabbos, or if there is no other possibility, at least one third cooked".
Does this halacha sound right to you ?
ANSWER:
Although according to the letter of the law ,once a food has been partially cooked (a third according to some Poskim, and half cooked according to others) it may be left on the fire on Shabbos without a blech, it is best to be stringent and not keep food on an open flame, and also try and make sure all food is fully cooked before Shabbos, unless in extreme situations of great necessity. (See second opinion of Bais Yosef and the Ram"a Siman 253:1 and Biur Halacha, Chazon Ish Siman 37:3, Mishna Berura in his summary end of Siman 259 and Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman 253:7. See also Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchaso Perek 1:63).
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
When Hashem solves your problems, you have faith in His abilities; when Hashem doesn't solve your problems He has faith in your abilities.
Today's Halachos dedicated by a daily reader L'Ilui Nishmas
Rav Moshe Leib ben HaRav Yerucham Zatzal
whose Yahrtzeit is today, 14 Menachem Av.
May his Neshama climb higher and higher in Gan Eden and may he be a Meilitz Yosher for his entire Mishpacha and for all of Klal
Yisroel.
Current Topic:
Halachos of Hashavas Aveidah
1) If after picking up a lost object with the intent of keeping it, one has remorse and indeed returns it to its rightful owner, before the owner gave up hope of ever getting it back (halachically referred to as 'Yi'ush'), he has retroactively negated all the negative commandments he has transgressed and fulfilled the positive commandments he has forfeited (as we enumerated yesterday), and in addition has also fulfilled the positive commandment (Vayikra 5:23) of "V'Heishiv Es HaGezeilah, and you shall return the stolen item" (See Sm"a Siman 259:2)
This remorse, and the subsequent thought to return of the object, should happen immediately as for every moment that one holds on to something stolen with intent not to return it, he is obligated to perform the positive commandment of "V'Heishiv Es HaGezeilah, and not doing so is an additional "Bitul Asei, forfeiture of a positive commandment". (See Sh'ar Hatziyun Siman 606:2)
2) Even after the owner of the object gives up hope of ever getting his item back, i.e. has Yi'ush, it is still obligatory to return the item to him.
According to some Poskim even in this case the negative commandment of "Lo Tigzol" is negated and the positive commandments of "V'Heishiv Es HaGezeilah" as well as "Hashev Teshivem" are fulfilled. (Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat Siman 259:1 and Sm"a S"K 2. See Shach 259:1 where he quotes a whole list of Rishonim who maintain that once there was Yi'ush it will not negate the transgressions, and if the item is returned it is considered a "gift".)
All agree, however, that once there was Yi'ush the negative commandment of "Lo Tuchal L'Hisalem, do not turn a blind eye" is not negated. (Shulchan Aruch and Sm"a ibid.)
The entire Shas
'Halacha For Today' joins Klal Yisroel in expressing a hearty Mazel Tov to the thousands upon thousands of Yidden across the globe who have learned the "Daf Hayomi" and are now celebrating the completion of the entireTalmud Bavli!
May you all be zoche to begin again and complete it again and again...Talmud Bavli, Talmud Yerushalmi, Rambam, Tur, Shulchan Aruch...Kol HaTorah Kulah!
We are celebrating together with you!
!מזל טוב
'אשריכם תלמידי חכמים שדברי תורה חביבין עליכם'
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:
Are you allowed to use the rollup stick deodorants on shabbos?
ANSWER:
The roll ons that are liquid are permitted according to many poskim as nothing is getting "smeared", rather the ball is simply releasing the liquid.
The solid sticks however, are like bars of soap, and when you use them they become smeared, and is prohibited due to it being memarayach (smearing) a Tolda of the Melacha of Memachek (smoothing).).
CHIZUK CORNER
[1.0579710144927536] Bizback2
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
When Hashem blesses a human being with wealth, He is in reality appointing that person as a trustee to apportion the funds to the needy.
If one fulfills his duty with fidelity, Hashem raises his rank and appoints him over an even greater treasure.
Rav Shimon Shkop Zatzal quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
1)
One who sees a lost object that belongs to another Jew, which has a
Siman (identifiable sign), and turns a blind eye (i.e. acts as if he/she
didn't notice it, and walks away from it without picking it up) has
transgressed the "Lo Ta'aseh", the negative commandment of "...Lo Tir'eh
Es Shor Achicha Oi Es Say'oi Nidachim V'Hisalamta MayHem...do not see
your friend's ox or sheep that are lost and turn a blind eye from
them...(Devarim 22:1 and 3) " (Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat Siman 259:1)
Additionally, he/she has lost out on the "Mitzvas Asei", the positive commandment of Hashev Teshivem L'Achicha, return shall you return them to your friend." (Devarim 22:1. See Sefer Hachinuch Mitzvah 538 that this is a reiteration of the Mitzvas Asei found in Shmos 23:4)
Some
Poskim rule that the aforementioned positive commandment has not been
forfeited unless the item was actually picked up and then put down and
not returned. (Opinion of the Meiras Einayim (Sm"a) on the
Shulchan Aruch above. However, most Poskim do not rule this way. See
Rambam Hilchos Geneiva V'Aveida Perek11:1, Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman
259:1 and Taz on the Shulchan Aruch mentioned above.)
2)
If one picked up the lost object with the intent to keep it for
themselves without any thought of returning it to its rightful owner,
they have transgressed the additional negative commandment of "...V'Lo
Tigzol, and you shall not steal" (Vayikra 19:13)( Shulchan Aruch ibid.)
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
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 do the poskim say about putting sefarim on chairs or benches, with or without people sitting on them at the same time?
I
know that the olam is meikel [lenient], but I've known yechidim who are
makpid not to do it, what does the halacha pesuka have to say about it?
ANSWER:
It is prohibited to sit on a chair, bench etc. if Seforim are laying on them.
According to some Poskim, even if the seforim are in a standing position on the chair or bench it is prohibited.
If the Seforim are on something else, that's on the bench,
and thus not on the same level as the person sitting, it may be more
lenient, however it is best to be stringent in all situations as not to
seem like we are being disrespectful to Sifrei Kodesh. (See Ram"a Yoreh
Deah Siman 282:7 and Shach there Os 8 and 9. see also Aruch Hashulchan
Siman 282:12 and Shu"t Avnei Yashfei Siman 1:16).
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.
We shall, B'Ezras Hashem, now begin studying the Halachos of Hashovas Aveidah, returning lost objects to their rightful owners.
We will endeavor to provide as many practical examples as we move along, as these halachos are pertinent to every day life, yet are often not properly understood by many people.
1) The Posuk (Vayikra 19:13) states "...V'Lo Tigzol, and you shall not steal"
another Posuk (Devarim 22:1) states "...Lo Tir'eh Es Shor Achicha Oi Es Say'oi Nidachim V'Hisalamta MayHem; Hashev Teshivem L'Achicha, do not see your friend's ox or sheep that are lost and turn a blind eye from them; return shall you return them to your friend."
A few Pesukim later it says (Devarim 22:3) "...Lo Tuchal L'Hisalem, you may not turn a blind eye"
2) The three aforementioned Pesukim encompass the positive and negative commandments that can apply to returning, or not returning, lost objects to their rightful owners, as we shall soon see in more detail.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
you had written that saying amen prior to completion of a bracha is problematic.
Is this so for kiddush when the one reciting it for his guests extends the nun sofis of "hagafen" for a couple of seconds, yet the guests answer amen prior to his finishing the word hagafen.
ANSWER:
Yes, ideally that "nun" should not extend, and the amen said only after he completes the entire word.
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
The verse says "Rejoice Zevulun at your departure and Yissachar in your tents."
One should rejoice from learning Torah just as Zevulun rejoices when he succeeds in business.
The more money he earns, the happier he is. So, too, the more Torah one learns, the happier one should become.
Rav Avraham Weinberg of Slonim Zatzal as quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
We will begin a new topic B'Ezras Hashem tomorrow.
For today, I want to just post a short review of the halachos regarding the importance of not talking in Shul, especially during the Tefilah.
1) It is extremely important to refrain from talking "Sichas Chulin- mundane conversation" in a Shul, especially during davening and surely during Chazaras HaShatz and Krias HaTorah.
One who talks during Chazaras HaShatz is a sinner, and this sin is too great for any individual to bear. (This is the one and only place where the Shulchan Aruch uses such language regarding not keeping a Halacha. The reason for this is that just as when Kayin killed Hevel he virtually killed half of the world and Hashem told him that his sin is too great to bear, so too one who talks during davening is not only harming himself, but he/she is harming their children and all the other people in the Tzibbur, as when there is talking in Shul it causes the Shechinah to leave, and causes the tefilos of the entire shul to not be "heard and" accepted by Hashem. Based on Tosefos Yom Tov, Sefer HaGan Derech Moshe, Igeres HaKodesh of MaHarDaB of Lubavitch and other commentaries)
2) All Jews are instructed to [respectfully] chastise anyone who talks during Chazaras HaShatz. It should first be done in a way that the offender isn't being singled out, rather as a general "announcement" to the Shul that it is too noisy. If that doesn't work, the individual should be approached quietly.
If one is told to be quiet and he ridicules the person rebuking him/her, they are subject to the [quite unpleasant] rules prescribed in the Rambam (Hilchos De'os Perek 6:7) and may eventually be barred from entering the Shul.
If one will talk in Shul, it is better for him/her to not come in the first place. (Kaf HaChaim Siman 151:8 and Chida in Sefer Pesach Einayim)
This is not a Minhag (custom), Chumra (stringency) or Midas Chasidus (something only pious people do). It is an undisputed Halacha Mefureshes in Shulchan Aruch (Siman 124:7) with its source in the words of Chazal and the Rishonim.
3) Many sharp words have been written about the gravity and dire consequences of transgressing the sin of talking during davening, yet unfortunately too many otherwise religious Jews are still very lax when it comes to talking in Shul. I will quote below just a small sampling of the plethora of sources bemoaning this sinful practice, in the hopes that it may help people to start taking this Halacha more seriously and thus hasten the coming of Mashiach:
One who talks while the Tzibbur is praising Hashem Yisborach (i.e. during Chazaras HaShatz) is showing that he wants no part in [the praising of] Hashem. (Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman 124:10 quoting the Zohar in Parshas Terumah)
Woe is to those that talk during Chazaras HaShatz, as many Shuls throughout Jewish history have been destroyed due to this sin. (Mishna Berura 124:27 quoting the Elya Rabbah).
Many Shuls have been turned into churches due to the fact that talking took place in those Shuls. (Mogen Avraham Siman 151)
One who talks during davening, his mouth becomes "Tamei- impure", and when he davens with this mouth it is as if he is being Oved Avoda Zara- serving idols. (Drashos Chasam Sofer Vol. 2 Drasha for 7 Av)
One who talks during davening has no portion in Olam Haba, the world to come. (Sefer M'Am Loez Parshas Bamidbar)
The holy Rebbe of Gur, the Imrei Emes Zatzal, was known to have said that the tragedy of the holocaust that befell the Jewish people and cost us 6,000,000 lives, was brought upon us due to the sin of talking during davening, and the reason the Sephardic communities were for the most part spared, was due to their being scrupulous in not talking during davening. (Quoted in Sefer Tuvecha Yabiu Vol. 2 Page 321)
Talking during Tefilah is delaying the Geulah, the final redemption with the arrival of Mashiach.(Sefer Yesh Nochlin from the father of the Shl"a HaKadosh. See also Sefer Mikdash Me'at Page 27 and Shu"y Yabia Omer from Rav Ovadia Yosef Shlita Vol. 1 Siman 10:11)
Talking during davening is the worst Aveira a Jew can do! It causes the Yetzer Hara to become empowered over the person, and one who talks during davening is a Choteh U'Machtee Es HaRabim- causes others to follow in his ways and sin as well, and is degrading the glory of Hashem. (Sefer Yesh Nochlin ibid.)
4) Every Shul should appoint a G-d fearing, strong person to be a Mashgiach to reprimand and punish those who talk during davening. (Vavei HaAmudim quoted in Pri Megadim Siman 124:11, and in Mishna Berura 124:27).
The congregation should support and assist the aforementioned "Mashgiach", and by doing so they will merit to have their Tefilos answered. (Sefer Birchas HaBayis Sha'ar 42)
In the zechus of strengthening ourselves in this important area, may we be zoche to have our Tefilos answered and merit the speedy arrival of Mashiach!
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 do the poskim say about putting sefarim on chairs or benches, with or without people sitting on them at the same time?
I know that the olam is meikel [lenient], but I've known yechidim who are makpid not to do it, what does the halacha pesuka have to say about it?
ANSWER:
It is prohibited to sit on a chair, bench etc. if Seforim are laying on them.
According to some Poskim, even if the seforim are in a standing position on the chair or bench it is prohibited.
If the Seforim are on something else, that's on the bench, and thus not on the same level as the person sitting, it may be more lenient, however it is best to be stringent in all situations as not to seem like we are being disrespectful to Sifrei Kodesh. (See Ram"a Yoreh Deah Siman 282:7 and Shach there Os 8 and 9. see also Aruch Hashulchan Siman 282:12 and Shu"t Avnei Yashfei Siman 1:16)
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
All things in life are temporary. If going well, enjoy it, they will not last forever.
If going wrong, don't worry, they can't last long either.
THE FOLLOWING HALACHOS ARE PERMISSIBLE TO BE LEARNED ON TISHA B'AV:
After the conclusion of Shacharis and Kinos on Tisha B'Av morning it is customary to visit a Jewish cemetery and stand at least four Amos away from the actual graves and recite prayers and request that Hashem have mercy on us in the merit of the Neshamos, souls, of the deceased. (Rama Siman 559:10 and Mishna Berura S"K 41)
If no Jewish cemetery is nearby, standing outside of a non-Jewish cemetery also suffices, as it reminds us that we are "lifeless" in our mourning. (Mishna Berura ibid.)
This visit to the cemetery should be alone or with one more person, but not with a group, as that will be considered a "trip" which is forbidden lest it lead to levity and lightheadedness and our minds forgetting about the Churban Bais HaMikdash. (Mishna Berura ibid. based on Shulchan Aruch Siman 554:21)
If this visit to the cemetery will necessitate wearing leather shoes, it is best to forgo the visit. (Mishna Berura ibid.)
2) No preparations should be made for the post Tisha B'Av meal until after Chatzos (Halachic midday) on Tisha B'Av day. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 559:10)
The house should not be cleaned up nor should the beds be made up before Chatzos on Tisha B'Av day. (See Aruch HaShulchan Siman 554:21)
This concludes our studying the Halachos of Bein Hametzorim.
May it be the will of Hashem that we not need to review these Halachos ever again, and instead may we all learn, from our teacher Mashiach Tzidkeinu, the "practical" Halachos of how to build the Bais Hamikdash and how to bring Karbanos.
לשנה הבאה בירושלים הבנויה
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:
Does it specifically say in the Torah that during the 3 weeks, nine days and Tisha B'Av there should be no parties? Is it really a sin to listen to music?
ANSWER:
It isn't a Torah prohibition; it was instituted by the Rabbis after the destruction of the temple and it should be taken very seriously.
The Talmud (Bava Basra 60b) tells us :All who mourn Jerusalem will merit and see her when she is joyful, and whoeverdoes not mourn Jerusalem will not see see her when she is joyful."
The prohibition isn't the party (even though, those should be avoided too in the 3 weeks), it's the music and the dancing that was forbidden in this time period due to it being a period of mourning for the destruction of the temple. Even an engagement party or a Seudas Mitzvah may not have music during the three weeks, and surely not a birthday party. (See Mishna Berura Siman 551:16 based on the Magen Avraham).
Live music is surely prohibited, and even recorded music is prohibited. This applies to men and women and even to older children, as this is a national time of mourning. (Ruling of Rav Moshe Feinstein zatzal in Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 21:4. See also Orach Chaim Vol. 1 Siman166 and Vol. 3 Siman 87. See also Minchas Yitzchok Vol. 1 Siman 111 ).
Many authorities even prohibit acapella style music,which is without instruments, rather with sounds made by mouth to mimic instruments. Some authorities are lenient with this kind of recording. But it is best to be stringent if possible. (See Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 8 Siman 127:2, Shu"t Tzitz Eliezer Vol. 15 Siman33:2. See also Sefer Ishei yisroel page 765 who quotes Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita who is stringent. Rav Ovadiya Yoseph Shlita in Shu"t Yechave Da'as Vol. 3 Siman 30 is also stringent)
Keep in mind, that according to the Gemara, it is prohibited to listen to music for pleasure all year round! This is also the opinion of the Bais Yoseph, Rambam, many other Rishonim as well as contemporary Poskim such as Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal. Though we are lenient all year round for various reasons, for these three weeks a year when all Poskim agree that we must be less happy than usual, there is no real heter for listening to music, much less attending a party with live music.
More importantly, The pasuk tells us (Tehilim 137:5 and 6) "If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, if I remember thee not; if I set not Jerusalemabove my chiefest joy."
As Jews, we must never forget that we are in exile and although we are too weak to mourn properly all year round, these three weeks are important to at least follow the minimal guidelines of mourning instituted by our sages.
May we merit the speedy arrival of Mashiach, and the rebuilding of the Bais HaMikdash real soon.
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
Do you know why a car's windshield is so large & the rear view mirror is so small? Because our past is not as important as our future. So, look ahead and move on.
The following items were submitted by readers and will hopefully be meaningful to all.
Whoever mourns the destruction of Jerusalem will merit seeing its rejoicing.
Talmud Bava Basra 60b
There was once a girl who was davening at the kosel on Tisha B'Av and crying.
Her friends asked her what she was crying about. They wondered what she really felt.
She replied that she was crying because she didn't know what she should be crying about. She didn't know what to feel.
Today, we are so lost; we don't even know what we're missing.
Taken from www.Divreichizuk.com
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A brief listing of infamous events that took place on Tisha B'Av throughout history. By Rabbi Mordechai Becher at Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu
Hebrew Year
Common Year
Event
2448 (1312) Spies return from 40 days in Israel with evil reports of the Land of Israel. Jewish people cry in despair, give up hope of entering the Land of Israel.
3340 (421) Destruction of First Temple by the Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezar. About 100,000 Jews killed during invasion. Exile of remaining tribes in southern kingdom to Babylon and Persia.
3830 70 Destruction of Second Temple by Romans, under Titus. Over 2,500,000 Jews die as a result of war, famine and disease. Over 1,000,000 Jews exiled to all parts of the Roman Empire. Over 100,000 Jews sold as slaves by Romans. Jews killed and tortured in gladiatorial "games" and pagan celebrations.
3892 132 Bar Kochba revolt crushed. Betar destroyed - over 100,00 killed.
3893 133 Turnus Rufus ploughs site of Temple. Romans build pagan city of Aelia Capitolina on site of Jerusalem.
4855 1095 First Crusade declared by Pope Urban II. 10,000 Jews killed in first month of Crusade. Crusades bring death and destruction to thousands of Jews, totally obliterate many communities in Rhineland and France.
5050 1290 Expulsion of Jews from England, accompanied by pogroms and confiscation of books and property.
5252 1492 Inquisition in Spain and Portugal culminates in the expulsion of the Jews from the Iberian Peninsula. Families separated, many die by drowning, massive loss of property.
5674 1914 Britain and Russia declare war on Germany. First World War begins. First World War issues unresolved, ultimately causing Second World War and Holocaust. 75% of all Jews in war zones. Jews in armies of all sides - 120,000 Jewish casualties in armies. Over 400 pogroms immediately following war in Hungary, Ukraine, Poland and Russia.
5702 1942 Deportations from Warsaw Ghetto to the Treblinka concentration camp begin.
5749 1989 Iraq walks out of talks with Kuwait.
5754 1994 The deadly bombing the building of the AMIA (the Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, Argentina) which killed 86 people and wounded some 300 others.
Submitted by daily reader, R.C.
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The following is from the Daily Vort email. To sign up send request to dailyvort@gmail.com
On the ninth of Av terrible catastrophes befell the Jewish nation.
The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (121:5) speaks about it, here it is in a shorter form:
The spies sent by Moshe had returned (with a bad report of the land) and this caused the Jews to weep in vain on that night. It was therefore decreed on our forefathers that they would not enter the land. It was also decreed that this day would always be a day of weeping for the Jewish nation. On this day both the first and second Temples were destroyed, and the town of Betar was captured and tens of thousands of Jews were killed, and Turnus Rufus plowed the area of the temple and its environs, fulfilling the verse in Yirmeyahu: "Zion shall be plowed like a field".
These tragedies profoundly influenced all future generations, because when the Temple was destroyed we lost our greatest fount of spirituality. The laws of mourning that we observe on Tish'ah b'Av are accompanied by a longing for the Temple to be rebuilt and for the Final Redemption to take place speedily in our times. We need and await this redemption more then ever now with all the recent tragedies, and we are left orphaned without Maran Rav Elyashiv ZT"L. May we speedily have the Final Redemption!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: There are 3 exiles: The exile of the Jews among the nations, the Jew in exile among his fellow Jews,and the man in exile with himself.
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Do you want the Bais Hamikdash rebuilt?
Really?
I don't believe you.
Do you cry during V'leerushalayim in sh'mone esrei? If you really want the bais hamikdash and the Shechina to come back, why not? Don't just go to lectures and hear speakers on Tisha B'Av. Focus on the tragedy and think about what we are missing.
Imagine you chas v'shalom lost those dearest to you. Wouldn't you cry uncontrollably? We are living in a world void of the Shechina; what bigger tragedy is there? We know that in each generation the Holy Temple isn't rebuilt, it's as if it was destroyed in that generation. What are YOU doing to help ensure it gets rebuilt?
Those who mourn over the destruction of Jerusalem will merit to see it rebuilt. Do you cry at funerals? Did you cry when you heard about the terrible tragedies of recent past? Imagine being taken out of your home and being thrown into a ghetto, overcrowded beyond your imagination. The Shechina is now homeless, living in an unbearable exile. How can you not cry?
Instead of just listening to speakers and words this entire Tish'a b'Av, take at least a few moments to think alone; reflect on the reality of the situation. If only we would really show remorse and pray with fervor, H-Sh-m would redeem us INSTANTLY. Go to a private room and cry, at least for some time, during this saddest day of the year. Read the last chapter of Eicha to yourself, very slowly and solemnly, with the proper tune if you know it.
Why are there so many tragedies in Klal Yisroe, wherever you look?
Why are so many young people dying?
Why were six million Jews murdered by the nazis?
Babies were taken out of mothers' arms, only to be thrown up and shot, like a game. Why?
Why were people forced to drink their own urine?
Many were placed into ovens to be burned alive. Countless were led into shower rooms, ready to finally wash and clean themselves, only to be murdered with poisonous gas. Why?
Why did mothers eat their own children to survive?
Why was Rabbi Akiva's skin flayed with iron combs?
Why were children taken, only to use their blood for a bath?
Cry this Tish'a b'Av over all of our tragedies.
Daven with intent and feeling; don't let any prayer this day finish without shedding tears. We are all responsible for one another and if these tragedies happened, we are to blame.
Cry to counteract our needless crying thousands of years ago.
Beg H-Sh-m not to give us more reasons to cry.
Make this Tish'a b'Av different. Do you really want all the suffering to end?
Do you really want to rejoice in Jerusalem NOW?
Do you want to feel G-d's Presence among us again?
PROVE IT.
CRY.
Submitted by daily reader, C.M.
When we daven, we make sure to ask Hakadosh Baruch Hu for all the things that we need, we put our trust in him. But there is one thing we seem to miss, the concept of OL MALCHUS SHAMAIM, of accepting Hashems yolk on us, of accepting Hashem's will before our own will, and desiring to turn my will INTO Hashems will, making it one in the same.
When we daven we tend to ask for the beis Hamikdash as a side point. We first ask Hashem to fulfill our own will, then we go on to say "and by the way, Hashem, rebuild the Beis Hamikdash"..
Hashem wants the Beis Hamikdash for us. This is His will for us. And while it is difficult to connect to the rebuilding more than our every day needs, we must remind ourselves, this is Hashems will for me.
Reminding ourselves of the love that we have for Hashem, will remind us of why we want the Beis Hamikdash to be rebuilt. We want Hashem's will to be fulfilled more than what we think we need.
Let us not forget that the sadness we feel during Av is due to our Chataim, and disconnection from Hashem Yisborach. And that every Tisha B'Av that goes by is another reminder than we have not successfully rebuilt the Beis Hamikdash.
Please Hashem, let us focus on a complete teshuva, and our strongest desires should be to be Ol Malchus Shamaim, and BEG Hashem wholeheartedly for the Beis Hamikdash, B'Mheira B'yameinu.
Have an IMPACTING and EMPOWERING Tisha B'Av.
Submitted by daily reader, S.K.E.; inspired by Rabbi Altman
Question:
Is it proper to serve Hashem with Simcha when other people are suffering Tzaros?
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
A man must have the ability to departmentalize his mind. I'll give an example. Just recently we had Tisha B'av; we sat on the ground and we wept for the destruction of the Bais Hamikdash. We wept Al Bais Yisroel, V'al Am Hashem Shenuflu Ba'cherev.
Soon after that came Chamisha Asar B'ov, we didn't say Tachanun. Lo Hoyu Yomim Tovim L'Yisroel K'Chamisha Asar B'av. This year it came so soon, that it seems to us, no time in between?
The answer is, that's our job in life. We don't have any emotions of our own; we feel with emotions of the Torah. Eis Lakol, there's a time for everything; there's a time to mourn and a time to rejoice. And therefore when we think of other people's misfortunes, we should sympathize with them, no question. But it doesn't mean that when you have some good fortune in life, you shouldn't appreciate it. Hakadosh Baruch Hu doesn't want you to overlook the happiness He is giving to you. Hakadosh Baruch Hu wants you to appreciate, to enjoy it fully.
And as a result you will serve Him with a full heart, you'll be grateful and thanking Him. And therefore we have to have a mind that's capable of both, even at the time that you're rejoicing, if you'll remind yourself of your fellow-man's misfortunes, you'll feel for him, but that won't stop you from dancing at your daughter's wedding. And therefore even the person who is mourning for the Churban Bais Hamikdash, and for the sadness of the multitudes that perished by persecution, nevertheless even then he shouldn't lose sight of the fact that Hakadosh Baruch Hu gave him garments, makes a Brocho Malbish Arumin even on Tisha B'av. He makes a Brocho for a belt, Ozer Yisroel B'gevurah, even on Tisha B'av. He makes a Brocho on the ability to walk, Hameichin Mitzadei Gover.
All the benefits that we enjoy in life, we still enjoy on Tisha B'av. So you see even on the same day that you're sitting and mourning, even on that day you're cognizant of the happiness that Hashem gives you. You can't make a Brocho for nothing; it means you are happy with these things, only you demonstrate sadness today. On another day, you demonstrate on Simchas Torah, you demonstrate joy, but always both qualities must be in the mind.
And that's how a Jew has to be. A Jew can not be one thing, if he's one thing, he's a cripple, one thing, you lost free will. A man who is alive has free will and he chooses constantly between this attitude and the other attitude and all the attitudes are true.
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QUESTION FROM A READER:
In life, we tend to follow the quote 'don't cry over spilled milk' , we try not to sulk in our past miseries....why when it comes to mourn for the bais hamikdash, we gotta sulk for three whole weeks?
ANSWER:
Very good question.
And the answer is:
When one loses a loved one, they mourn for the proper amount of time and then move on, and in fact it's against halacha to mourn endlessly for a loved one.
The reason for this is that it is not in our hands to control if someone passes away or not; it is the will of Hashem that that person made the transition from this world to the next, and too much mourning risks seeming like we don't accept Hashem's judgement.
HOWEVER, Chazal teach us that each generation that doesnt merit to have the Bais Hamikdash rebuilt in their time is as if it was [newly] destroyed in their time!
Thus, when it comes to mourning for the Bais Hamikdash, we arent mourning over a 2,000 year old loss. We are mourning a fresh loss. A loss that is newly painful to each and every Jew as if it just happened. Thus, we arent mourning a building that was burned down way back when, rather we are mourning our disconnect from Hashem today. We are mourning our lack of closeness to Hashem today. We are mourning the tragedies of today which are all an extension of the Churban that began 2,000 years ago.
We are crying for a loss that WAS and IS in our hands to reverse. It is Hashem's will that we reverse the churban. It isnt "spilled milk". It isn't a "past misery"
May this Tisha B'Av be our last one spent in mourning and may we all finally do our part to ensure the rebuilding of the Bais Hamikdash Hashlishi and an end to all the Tzaros of Klal Yisroel.
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The following question was sent in to and answered by my dear friend, R' Eli Nasson Shlita of www.DivreiChizuk.com
Question:
It's the 3 weeks again, Tisha b'Av is approaching and still no sign of Moshiach. The world continues on its seemingly chaotic path. It's all extremely discouraging and frustrating. Where is Moshiach?
Answer:
The real question is : How much do we want Moshiach? Are we praying for him to come as the Rambam writes in his commentary on the Mishnah, the Thirteen Articles of Faith.
We are living in a world of luxury/sheker. Do we feel that we are missing or are we so comfortable that we forget that this is Galus. How many more wake-up calls do we need to start feeling the pain of no Beis Hamikdash?
L'chvod / Dear Klal Yisroel, I am in middle of reading a wonderful book called From Dusk to Dawn (by Rabbi Zechariah Fendel, zt'l). It talks about the holocaust and the unbelievable kiddush Hashem that many showed as they were being led to their deaths and as they sang Ani Maamin, I believe with perfect faith in the coming of Moshiach and even though he should tarry, nevertheless, I will await him him every day for he will come.
Hashem knows what He is doing. In the meantime He wants us to have faith, work on ourselves to be better people, and run to Him. Understand that there is only Hashem.
Ein Od Milvado!!!!!!
Say to Hashem now:
'Please Hashem send us Mashiach take us out of this galus it has been so long.We are so lost, please Father bring us HOME'!!!!
Are you packed and ready to go?
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CLICK HERE AND HERE FOR TWO INSPIRATIONAL POSTS FROM THE INSPIRATIONAL INFORMATION BLOG, WRITTEN BY A DAILY READER.
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1)
On Tisha B'Av it is customary to limit ones pleasures as much as
possible. Some people have the custom to sleep with a stone under their
pillow to make their sleep uncomfortable.
Many people simply sleep with one pillow less than they are accustomed to.
Each person can do whatever it is they feel would minimize their personal comfort, and thus satisfy the spirit of Aveilus.
( Shulchan Aruch and Rama Siman 551:2. See also Toras Moshe from the
Chasam Sofer Bereishis 28:11 where he writes that the day that Yaakov
Avinu slept on the stone(s) was Tisha B'Av)
From
nightfall of Tisha B'Av until Chatzos (Halachic midday)we do not sit on
chairs that are higher than 3 Tefachim (between 9 and 12 inches
depending on whose measurements you follow, though the Chazon Ish and
the Steipler were not stringent with the exact measurement in this case,
and just sat on a low stool).
Some have the custom to sit on the floor; they should place something, like a towel, between themselves and the floor. (See Shulchan AruchSiman 559:3 and Mishna Berura S"K 10 and Sha'arei Teshuva Os 2)
Though
sitting on regular chairs is permitted after Chatzos, the other
prohibitions of Tisha B'Av (eating, washing etc.) are prohibited all day
until the emergence of three stars on Motzaei Tisha B'Av.
2) Tefillin is not donned at Shacharis on Tisha B'Av, rather they are worn at Mincha. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 551:1)
The
special Bracha of "Nacheim" which asks Hashem to comfort us from our
state of mourning, is inserted into the Bracha of "V'LiRushalayimIrcha"
in the Shemona Esrei of Mincha. It should be said with deep
Kavanah(concentration) (Shulchan Aruch Siman 557:1)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1)
Kiddush Levana is recited after Ma'ariv on Motzaei TishaB'Av, but
should only be recited after breaking the fast and changing into regular
shoes. Women do not say Kiddush Levana (ever).
It
is proper to say Kiddush Levana with a large Minyan(B'Rov Am Hadras
Melech), but B'Dieved it may be recited with just another person there
or even alone if no one is around. (See archives of Hilchos Kiddush Levana for more details)
2)
All the Halachos of the nine days (meat, wine, music,cutting hair etc.)
are in effect until after midday of the tenth of Av. One who abstains
from the above for the entire day (even past midday) is blessed. (Shulchan Aruch and Rama Siman 558:1 and Sha'arei Teshuva Os 2)
When
Tisha B'Av falls out on Thursday, it is permitted to do laundry
immediately after the fast is over, and no need to wait until after
Chatzos on Friday. Haircuts, too, are permissible if it will be
difficult to wait until Friday. Eating meat, wine, listening to music,
however, is still prohibited until after Chatzos on Erev Shabbos. (Mishna Berura Siman 558 S"K 3)
It is proper to refrain from marital relations on the night of the tenth of Av, unless that is the night of Tevilah. (Mishna berura Siman 558 S"K 2)
When
Tisha B'Av falls out on Shabbos, as it does this year, and is thus
pushed off until Sunday, all the prohibitions of the nine days, with the
exception of meat and wine, are permitted immediately on Sunday night,
Motzaei Tisha B'Av . (Rama Siman 558:1)
Meat and wine is permitted on Monday morning. (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:
Is it permissible to say Tehillim on Tisha B'av?
ANSWER:
If being said on behalf of Cholim (ill people) it is permitted.
However,
if one has a regimen of saying Tehilim each day, the portion that was
supposed to be said on Tisha B'Av should be said the day before/after
Tisha B'Av. (See Shu"t Rivevos Efraim Vol. 3 Siman 433 and Shu"t Divrei
Malkiel Vol. 6 Siman 9)
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 can we mourn on Tisha B'Av for the losses to our people that took place so long ago?
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
There's no such thing as "long ago" in our nation. It's a
big mistake to think that time makes any difference to us. Our history
is one monolithic history, from the beginning of our history till the
end of time is one existence. All the Jews are one nation; the Jews who
once lived, and the Jews who some day will live, are all one people.
When we say elokeinu ve'lokei avoseinu on Rosh Hashonoh, ya'aleh
ve'yovo zichroneinu, u'fikdoneinu, we ask Hashem to remember, v'zichron
kol amcha bais yisroel, who is the bais yisroel that He has to remember?
Only the ones that are alive? No! The whole bais yisroel that ever
lived, we're one people. It's an error to think that once they died it's
all over and we forget about them, put them in the ground and it's all
finished. Oh no! They're just as alive as we are. All those neshomos
that were slaughtered are just as alive as we are, and their blood still
cries out from the earth. "Kol d'mei uchicha tzo'akim ai'lei min
ha'adamah", the blood of all the martyrs is crying out from the earth.
It doesn't stop crying when two days pass by - or two years or two
thousand years pass by, they're still crying out.
And therefore we are one nation. Goy echod means we are one nation
from the beginning to the end. It's a serious error. Therefore Avrohom
Avinu is not someone that once lived, Avrohom Avinu is our father of
today, he's still alive, our entire history lives. And that's why we
learn Chumash again and again, there's nothing past and nothing future;
it's all together in the eyes of Hashem. Hashem means"hoya, hoveh,
v'yihiyeh", all tenses are together. Now get that lesson into your head.
Hashem is all tenses together, "eh'heyeh asher eh'heyeh", there is no
past tense to Hashem.
So a man who made a sin fifty years ago, let's say he was bar
mitzvah and made a sin. Oh... he was just a little boy, he was only
thirteen and a half years, forget about it. No! It's remembered forever,
nothing is forgotten, it's remembered forever. And even sins of our
forefathers are remembered forever, and the mitzvohs of our forefathers.
V'zocher chasdei avos, He remembers the devoted acts of our
forefathers. So if we demand today, Hashem should give us kindness in
the merit of Avrohom Avinu, we're saying Avrohom Avinu is still alive,
as far as we're concerned. There's no such thing as "long ago" by the
Jewish people. It's yesterday, it's now, and it's our future.
The Bais Hamikdash is now burning, it's actually burning right now,
kol dor she'lo niv'neh bais hamikdash b'yomov, ki'elu nechrav b'yomov.
The churban Bais Hamikdash is taking place today. It's a fundamental
attitude, there's no past to the Jewish people, and therefore we live
with the past and we live with the future.
To Subscribe to the "A Moment with Rabbi Avigdor Miller Z"L" email CLICK HERE
1) Smoking cigarettes/Cigars is prohibited on Tisha B'Av. Some authorities allow it after Chatzos (Halachic midday) if done privately. (Many contemporary Poskim prohibit smoking altogether, even the rest of the year. See Q&A#542 regarding the Halachic status of smoking)
2) Non leather shoes that are very comfortable (such as cozy slippers, air sneakers, crocs, etc.), although M'Ikar Hadin they may be worn on Tisha B'Av, there is valid Halachic room for stringency to avoid wearing them.
The Chazon Ish and other Gedolei Yisroel would not wear any shoes on Tisha B'Av and spent the day in socks or with very thin footwear so that they would "feel the floor". (See Halichos Shlomo Perek 15:4. Rav Moshe Sternbuch shlita and Rav Nisim Karelitz shlita also rule that a Yerei Shomayim, a G-d fearing person, should avoid shoes that are worn all year round for comfort, even if they aren't leather)
Even those who are more lenient on Yom Kippur and wear comfortable non-leather shoes should be more stringent on Tisha B'Av as we try to minimize comforts on Tisha B'Av as much as possible. (Halichos Shlomo Perek 15 footnote 5 quoting the Sha'arei Teshuva Siman 554:11 and footnotes Orchos Halacha there 19-21)
For Halacha L'Ma'aseh, as always, a Rav must be consulted.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
I have seen men take out their tzitzis during kiddush levana....what is the reason ?
ANSWER:
Yes, there is a minhag to check one's Tzitzis and then kiss them at the end of Kiddush Levana.
This is based on the writings of Rashi, in his Sefer Pardes Hagadol, Hilchos Tzitzis Siman 36, where Rashi rules that one may wear Tzitzis at night if there is light in the room, as the reason we don't usually require Tzitzis at night is due to the Posuk requiring "U'Reesem Oso, and you shall see it" and at night it cannot be seen, but if it can be seen it may be worn. (See also Meiros Einayim (Sm"a) to Choshen Mishpat Siman 5:7 for similar logic)
Based on this logic, since in Kiddush Levana we pray for the Geulah and say "Vi'hi Ohr Halevana K'Or hachama, may the light of the moon once again be bright like the light of the sun" we thus check our Tzitzis as an indication that when the Geulah takes place and it will be light at night, we will once again be obligated to wear Tzitzis at night.
See Shu"t Har Tzvi Orach Chaim Siman 12. See also Sefer Kaf Hachaim from Rav Chaim Fa'lagi Zatzal, Siman 35:22 where he discusses this minhag and its reasons.
CHIZUK CORNER
[1.0579710144927536] Bizback2
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Question:
Should a girl prepare for a date by making herself attractive, or should she think that the one that's destined to her from heaven will take her anyhow?
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
Hakadosh Baruch Hu promised our forefathers to give them Eretz Canaan, He promised them Eretz Yisroel. And He didn't give it to them unless they did their best to get it. What did they have to do? First of all they had to cry out in Mitzrayim; they had to cry out from the bottom of their hearts. Various expressions: tze'oko, ne'oko, shav'uh, ze'oko - they cried out. Finally Hashem heard their outcries, and I'll help them, and also I remembered my covenant with Avrohom. All of a sudden absent-mindedly, He reminded Himself that there was a covenant, too.
The answer is, there could be a covenant, and it was some covenant, the bris bein habsorim! It's a covenant! But you have to activate the covenant.
Hakadosh Baruch Hu wants you to work very hard that the promise should come true. And finally when He took them out of Mitzrayim, now they came to Eretz Canaan, seven years war! Seven years war!!!
Why did they have to fight for, it was a promise? The answer is, Hashem promises you and if you'll win after all that effort, it's His promise, because a lot of people have tried more than seven years of war and they ended up in failure.
And so, here is a basherter, a beautiful and wealthy big lamdan, a young yeshiva man is waiting for you, and his name is written right next to yours on the invitation printed in heaven. It says kol soson v'kol simcha, on the heavenly invitation, and your name is there and his name is there.
But you'd better be energetic about it, otherwise it'll never be delivered to you. The postman will get mixed up on the way! You say he's a frum fellow, he doesn't care about hair! He cares about hair. He's so innocent, he thinks you were born with the curls, he doesn't know that it takes three hours to make the curls. So get busy and spend the three hours.
The same is with everything else, Hakadosh Baruch Hu gives us promises, but we have to work very hard that the promise should come true.
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1) There are five main things that bring a person enjoyment, and are therefore prohibited on Tisha B'Av:
1. Eating /Drinking (this includes brushing teeth and rinsing the mouth with water)
2. Washing one's body [or hands or face] for pleasure, even in cold water (Washing the hands upon waking and after using the bathroom is permitted, but only the fingers, until the knuckles of the hands should be washed)
3. Smearing soap, oil, lotion, cream etc. for pleasure. (If necessary for medical or health reasons, it isn't prohibited. Likewise, deodorant may used to prevent or eliminate odors)
4. Wearing leather shoes (Even if only part of the shoe is leather)
5. Marital relations (It is best to be stringent and avoid sharing a bed or even touching one's spouse on Tisha B'Av, as by Niddah)
2) On Tisha B'Av it is forbidden to learn Torah since learning Torah brings happiness, as the Posuk states Pekudei Hashem Yesharim, Mesamchei Lev (Tehilim 19) and on Tisha B'Av all Jews assume the status of mourners, and thus are prohibited from doing activities that bring happiness.
It is, however, permitted to learn certain sad topics that remind us of our bitter Galus ,e.g. Certain parts of Sefer Yirmiyahu, Midrash Eicha, the Agaddah in the fifth Perek of Gittin (Starting from 56b ) or the Talmud Yerushalmi at the end of tractate Ta'anis that deals with the Churban etc. (See Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah Siman 384:4)
Even when learning these permitted topics, they should not be learned B'Iyun, with too much depth, rather just enough to understand and internalize what is being learned. (See Mishna Berura Siman 554:5)
The prohibition to learn begins on Erev Tisha B'Av after Chatzos. However, one may learn the permitted topics B'Iyun on Erev Tisha B'Av, as only on Tisha B'Av itself do we limit the depth allowed. (See Halichos Shlomo Perek 15:1. Regarding when Erev Tisha B'Av is on Shabbos, see Halachos of this past Sunday.)
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 one feed children meat during the 9 days [between Rosh Chodesh Av and Tisha B'Av] L'chatchila? If yes until what age?
ANSWER:
Healthy Children above 7 years old should not be given meat during the nine days, according to all Poskim. All Children under the age of 3 may be given meat according to all Poskim.
Some Poskim are lenient for children between the ages of 3 and 7. Other Poskim, including the Mishna Berura (Siman 551:70), are stringent and don't allow it.
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
The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.
1)
During Ma'ariv on Motzaei Shabbos that is Tisha B'Av, the Tefilah of
"Vi'Hi Noam" which is usually precedes the Tefilah of "V'Ata Kadosh" is
not recited, as it was primarily composed to commemorate the building of
the Mishkan, the forerunner of the Bais HaMikdash, thus we don't say it
on the anniversary of its destruction. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 559:2 and Mishna Berura S"K 7)
2)
Additionally, the Tefilah of "La'Menatzeach B'neginos" which is recited
in many Shuls each Motzaei Shabbos is not recited, nor is the Tefilah
of "Veyiten Lecha" recited on Motzaei Shabbos that is Tisha B'Av. (Rama Siman 559:2)
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
Although
the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei
HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes
only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
When
Tisha B'av is a Nidche (pushed off from Shabbos to Sunday), do you
still have to wait until chatzos the following day (Monday) to get a
haircut?
ANSWER:
No, in this case haircuts are
permitted right away Motzei Tisha B'Av See Mishna Berura Siman 558 S"K
4. (meat and wine are only permitted Monday morning though)
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.
Tisha
B'Av is the day of mourning for the churban of the two Batei Mikdash.
The baalei machshava point out that we don't primarily cry over the
destruction of the structures - the "wood and stone" - no matter how
beautiful and meaningful they were. Even mourning the immense suffering
and loss of life would make this only a historical commemoration.
Rather, they write, the focus of our mourning should be on the chillul
Hashem or the enormous spiritual loss that the Jewish People have
suffered throughout the two millennium without a Beis Hamikdash, and we
continue to suffer today.
Rav
Simcha Zissel (Chachma U'Mussar, B, p. 333-4) goes further to say that
our mourning on Tisha B'Av is really for our own aveiros, the root cause
of the churban. He bases this on a premise that it would not be
reasonable to mourn the resulting destruction while in the midst of
destroying. How, he asks, can one strangle someone and at the same time
cry for his pain? Our sins are now burning the Beis Hamikdash. We have
lost the moral authority to cry over its loss. We can only contemplate
the vast and horrifying destruction that we are causing and cry for our
sins that are its source. אוי נא לנו כי חטאנו - איכה ה:טז.
We
often get upset about a personal misfortune. We get upset about what
happened to us. This week, take a minute to find what role we might have
played in causing what ultimately transpired. Transfer your resentment
from the consequences that affect you, to your own failings which were
its cause.
With
Tisha B'Av upon us, take a moment to mourn your shortcomings that are
contributing to the loss today of being without the Beis HaMikdash.
1)
When Tisha B'Av falls on Motzaei Shabbos (or on Friday night, and is
thus postponed until Motzaei Shabbos, as it is this year), the Seudah
Shlishis must be over before sunset. (Rama Siman 552:10)
Additionally, all the other restrictions of Tisha B'Av, besides wearing leather shoes, must be observed immediately at sunset. (Rama Siman 593:2 and Chayei Adam Klal 136:1)
The
leather shoes are not removed until after "Barchu" of Ma'ariv is
recited, besides for the Ba'al Tefilah who removes his shoes before
Barchu, after reciting 'Baruch Hamavdil Bein Kodesh L'Chol'.
(Rama ibid. and Mishna Berura S"K 7. See also Shemiras Shabbos
Kehilchaso Perek 28 footnote 179 where he quotes another option from
HaRav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal)
2)
When the leather shoes are removed after 'Barchu' care should be taken
not to touch the shoes, to avoid having to wash the hands before
continuing Ma'ariv. If they were touched, the hands should be rubbed on
the table, wall or another hard surface. (See Mishna Berura Siman 553 S"K 6)
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
Although
the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei
HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes
only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
Is one
permitted to take a pill (not medication, rather like a birth control
pill) on a fast day without water? Is there a difference between any
fast, for example , are Tisha B'av and Yom Kippur stricter than the
other fasts?
ANSWER:
Yes, pills taken for health
reasons (even if the person is not sick) may be taken on fast days
including Tisha B'Av, and if one cannot take a pill without water, the
pill may be taken with as little water as necessary to get the pill
down.
If the pill itself is good
tasting, it should preferably be wrapped in a tissue before swallowing.
(See Halichos Shlomo Bein HaMetzarim Perek 16:3 and the footnotes. see
also Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 10 Siman 81:1) regarding Yom Kippur, it
may be more stringent.
Of course, a Rav must 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.
1) When Erev Tisha B'Av is on Shabbos, as it is this year, according to some Poskim it is prohibited to learn Torah (besides for specific topics which are allowed on Tisha B'Av, which we will discuss more in detail in a few days B'Ezras Hashem) after Chatzos (Halachic midday) as it is on a regular weekday Erev Tisha B'Av; this would include studying Pirkei Avos. (See Rama Siman 553:2)
Before Chatzos all agree that it is permitted to learn all Torah topics. (See Mishna Berura Siman 553 S"K 9)
2) Other Poskim maintain that it is permitted to learn the entire Shabbos. (See Mishna Berura Siman 553 S"K 8 where he quotes many Poskim, including the MaHarshal and the Gaon of Vilna who rule this way and consider it a "superfluous stringency" to not learn.)
Reading Shnayim Mikra V'echad Targum ,the required reading of each week's Parasha twice and its Targum once, is permitted. (Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 125:4)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
My wife has cleaning help once a week. The day that is her turn to get the help falls out on Tisha B'Av.
If she doesn't work this day, it will be extremely hard on my wife not to have this help until the following week.
Is it permitted for the cleaning help to work on Tisha B'Av?
ANSWER:
Yes, a non Jew may work in a Jewish home on Tisha B'Av, as long as it is inside the home (cleaning, painting, electrical work etc.) and not work being done outdoors (painting the exterior of the home, gardening, mowing the lawn etc.) which is prohibited. (See Mishna Berura Siman 554:45 and 46).
***
CLARIFICATION TO A Q&A THAT WAS POSTED HERE LAST WEEK REGARDING PREGNANT & NURSING WOMEN FASTING ON TISHA B'AV.
THANK YOU THE MANY READERS WHO POINTED OUT THIS IMPORTANT OMISSION AS IT APPLIES TO THIS YEAR.
THE Q&A SHOULD HAVE READ AS FOLLOWS:
QUESTION:
I wanted to know if a woman who gave birth 3 weeks before 9 of Av, and nursing has to fast on Tisha B'Av?
ANSWER:
A nursing mother [as well as a pregnant woman] must fast on Tisha B'Av. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 554:5)
If doing so will harm the child, a Rav must be consulted.
For the first seven days after giving birth, a woman may not fast.
From day 7 until day 30 after the child is born (as is your case), a Rav must be consulted as depending on her strength she may or may not be told to fast, and may be told to fast for part of the fast etc.
In a year when Tisha B'Av falls on Shabbos and thus is observed on Sunday, many Rabbanim will be more lenient with pregnant and nursing women and other weak people.(See Biur Halacha Siman 559:9 Dibur Hamaschil V'Aino Mashlim.)
Of course, every situation is unique and thus a Rav must be consulted to determine halacha L'Ma'seh
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
One of the important relationships that form human existence is friends. In Pirkei Avos [Ethics of the Fathers], our sages teach: "Make for yourself a mentor and acquire for yourself a friend". When analyzing the text of this instruction we notice that sages talk about a 'friend' and not 'friends'. Is one friend sufficient? Wouldn't someone with only one friend be considered anti-social?
The answer to this question lies in the definition of a friend. Friends are not just people that we can socialize with and enjoy their company. A friend is not just someone who we can talk for hours with, or a person whose sense of humor we find entertaining.
A true friend is someone with whom we build an inner connection extending beyond superficialities. True friendship is a relationship built on trust and acceptance. The famous Chassidic Rabbi of Kotzk said that each person should have at least one friend that he can tell all of his secrets to, even the most shameful ones. A true friend is someone who is able to accept us unconditionally and would never let us down.
While we might have many acquaintances or many people that we share good conversation with, one real friend might be hard to find. But one good friend is all we need.
Submitted by daily reader, R.L.; taken from Shirat Devorah blog
1) When the ninth of Av falls out on Shabbos and thus the fast of Tisha B'Av is observed on Sunday, according to the Shulchan Aruch (Siman 554:19) none of the restrictions of Tisha B'Av are applicable on Shabbos, and thus marital relations are permitted on Shabbos.
However, the Rama (ibid.) rules that marital relations, as well as washing the hands and face with hot water, are forbidden on this Shabbos as only public displays of mourning are forbidden on Shabbos. (See Mishna Berura S"K 39)
2) The prevalent custom [amongst Ashkenazim] is to be stringent like the Rama's ruling, except if that Friday night is the Leil Tevilah, the night the woman immerses in the Mikvah, in which case most Poskim rely on the Shulchan Aruch's ruling and permit it. (See Mishna Berura Siman 554 S"K 40)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) When Tisha B'Av is on Sunday, Havdalah is not recited on Motzaei Shabbos over a cup of wine, nor is the Bracha recited on the Besamim, as that is a pleasurable thing to do and thus not appropriate for Tisha B'Av. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 556:1 and Mishna Berura S"K 1. See also Aruch HaShulchan Siman 556:1)
However, we do light the Havdalah candle and recite the blessing of "Borei Me'Orei Ha'Aish", preferably before the reading of Megilas Eicha commences. (ibid.)
2) On Motzaei Tisha B'Av (Sunday night) Havdalah is recited over a cup of wine. Only the Bracha of Hagafen and Havdalah are recited but not the Pesukim usually said before the Bracha on Motzaei Shabbos (Hinei Kel Yeshuasi...) and not the Bracha over Besamim or fire, as those are recited only on Motzaei Shabbos. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 556:1)
"Ata Chonantanu" is recited in the Bracha of Ata Chonen in Shemona Esrei of Ma'ariv on Motzaei Shabbos that is Tisha B'Av, as it is every week.
Women who do not daven Ma'ariv should be reminded to say "Baruch Hamavdil Bein Kodesh L'Chol" before doing any Melachos on Motzaei Shabbos. (Mishna Berura Siman 556 S"K 2)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
I wanted to know if a woman who gave birth 3 weeks before 9 of Av, and is nursing has to fast on Tisha B'Av?
ANSWER:
A nursing mother [as well as a pregnant woman] must fast on Tisha B'Av. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 554:5)
If doing so will harm the child, a Rav must be consulted.
For the first seven days after giving birth, a woman may not fast.
From day 7 until day 30 after the child is born (as is your case), a Rav must be consulted as depending on her strength she may or may not be told to fast, and may be told to fast for part of the fast etc.
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
Eighty percent of our emunah problems and ninety percent of our questions on HASHEM stem from one mistake - we play G-d. Playing G-d means I know exactly what I need. I need to marry that woman. I need that job. I need my child to get into that school.
I've talked to HASHEM about it. I've explained it Him. I've even brokered deals with Him. "If You grant me this, I'll ..."
Yet for some reason, He just won't listen.
"HASHEM, what's the deal? Are you angry with me? Are You punishing me? Why do You insist in making my life so difficult? This is what I need. It's so clear. Why won't You just grant it to me?"
And I go on asking questions. "It's not fair. It doesn't make sense! HASHEM, what do You want from me?"
The problem here is quite simple - I am playing G-d. I know exactly what I need, and now I have figure out how to get HASHEM to understand that. The simple reality that maybe, just maybe, this isn't good for me never seems to cross my mind.
Historical Perspective
The strange part of this is that I have lived through situations that didn't exactly turn out as I thought they would. I absolutely had to have that job; it was just what I needed. I could earn a living, support my family, and still have time to learn. It was the perfect fit. In the end, I didn't get that job, and I had major questions. "HASHEM, why?! Why aren't You there for me?" Then five years later, I find out that the entire industry is being shipped over to India. Oh...
I tried to marry that woman. She was perfect. Great match, good family. She would make a fantastic wife and mother for my children. And it didn't go. "HASHEM why have you abandoned me? This is what I need!" She married someone else, and two years later, I find out that term "mentally unstable" is a mild description of her situation. Mmmmm....
Another time, my son absolutely, positively had to get into that class; it was just right for him. Great rebbe, good atmosphere - it was perfect for him. And the menahel wouldn't let him in. "HASHEM, why? Where are You?" Then, two months later, I find out that there's a child in that class who would have been the worst possible influence on my son. It would have been devastating. Hmm...
Part of Human Nature
And, we do this all the time. We act as if we truly know what is best for us. We run after it. We hotly pursue it for all we're worth. "No obstacle is going to get in my way. Nothing will prevent this from coming about." And when lo and behold my efforts are thwarted - the questions begin. "But, why? It's not fair! I am a good person. HASHEM, why won't You just help me?"
The problem here is quite simple; we are playing G-d. We act as if we know exactly what we need; we try to convince HASHEM to give it to us. And when it doesn't go - the questions start.
And while it's easy to see the folly of this when other people do it, when it happens in my world, then the real challenge begins. To break out of this, we need to change two perspectives. The first one is easy to grasp. The second one is far more difficult.
Perspective #1 - HASHEM Loves Me
The first perspective is that HASHEM loves me more than I love me. HASHEM is more concerned for my good than I am. HASHEM has my best interests at heart to an even greater extent than I do.
While this concept may sound lofty, it isn't that far removed from us. To see it in action, all you have to do is study your life. Look back on the strange twists and turns of fate that brought you to where you are today. Every Jew has a story. "I met that person, who just happened to mention..." "I ended up in that that course, where it just so happened that...."
When you look back on the events that have shaped your life, you see the hand of HASHEM. You see HASHEM orchestrating the occurrences that shaped your life. And now in hindsight, you see that HASHEM was taking care of you, guiding you, leading you. While you were living through it, it looked "bad" It appeared that HASHEM didn't care. However, after the fact, you understand that it was done out of love, and concern for your ultimate good.
Perspective #2 - HASHEM Knows Better Than I
However, knowing that HASHEM loves me is the easy part. The second concept, which is far more difficult, is knowing that HASHEM knows better than I what is best for me. And understanding that HASHEM knows better than me what it is that I need.
HASHEM created the heavens and all that they contain. He wrote the formulas for quantum physics and molecular biology. He views the entire universe with one glance. He sees the future as the past. And He has the wisdom to see far-reaching results. What will this bring to ten years from now? What will the consequences be twenty years from now?
I, on the other hand, see about two inches in front of my face. I can't remember what I had for breakfast this morning. I make mistakes. I blunder. I get confused and caught up. As much as I think I know, I am often wrong. That which I think will be so good for me, is so often just the opposite. And, I forget. I forget lessons. I forget facts. I forget results. I forget consequences.
HASHEM doesn't. HASHEM remembers every event since Creation. And HASHEM made me. He is my Creator, and He knows me even better than I do. And so HASHEM understands my needs better than I do.
While this may sound obvious, it is -until it comes to the thick and thin of life. In the busyness of doing, and going, and accomplishing, this simple reality fades from my sight. I need that. I must have this. I have to accomplish that. And, when I face the brick wall blocking my path - I push on, bucking against everything in front of me. And I ask questions: "HASHEM, where are You? Why aren't You helping me?"
The idea that maybe, just maybe HASHEM is telling me something. Maybe HASHEM is saying no - never seems to cross my mind. Maybe it's not going, because it's not supposed to go. Maybe HASHEM knows better than I what is for my best. "Hmmmm.... Never thought about that."
Putting It Into Practice
When I fully embrace these two ideas - that HASHEM loves me more than I love me and that HASHEM knows better than I what is best for me - I approach life differently. I still try. I still put in my effort. I use my wisdom, reach decisions, and then pursue them but now it's different.
I have my part, and HASHEM has His. My role is to go through the motions; HASHEM is responsible for the outcome. And if I try and it doesn't go, and I try again and it still doesn't go, I don't kick. I accept. When opportunities don't present themselves despite my best efforts, I turn my eyes to heaven and say, "HASHEM, You know best. I trust in You."
And finally I understand life and my place in it. I am the creation, and HASHEM, You are my Creator. I am but an actor on the stage; I have my part to play, You direct the play, and You alone write the script. I know that you love me and take care of me. My job is to do; and You take care of the rest.
Erev Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av 5772; Yom Kippur Katan
July 19, 2012
CURRENT TOPIC:
HALACHOS OF BEIN HAMETZORIM
1) When Shabbos Chazon falls out on Erev Tisha B'Av (as it does this year), it is permitted to eat meat and drink wine at all three meals. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 552:10)
However, the third meal (Seuda Shlishis/Seudah Hamafsekes) must be finished [with Birchas Hamazon] ample time before sunset, as the fast begins at sunset , unlike other Shabassos where one may extend his Seudah Shlishis beyond Sunset and it is still considered Shabbos as long as Birchas Hamazon was not recited. (See Mishna Berura S"K 24).
2) It is permissible to sing Zemiros at all the Seudos of Shabbos, even for those who don't usually sing Zemiros every Shabbos. (See Shu"t Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 112:1)
One may eat and/or drink at the Seudah Shlishis in order to have strength to fast on Tisha B'Av; however it's best not to verbalize this intention, as that would be "Hachana", preparing on Shabbos for after Shabbos.
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 permitted to put on suntan lotion on Tisha B'av?
ANSWER:
Is the suntan lotion for medical reasons? If so, it may be permitted. Otherwise, it is prohibited.
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
1) The Shabbos before Tisha B'Av, which always falls out on the week we read Parashas Devarim, is referred to as "Shabbos Chazon", because of the Haftarah that we read this week which begins with the words "Chazon Yeshayahu".
This Haftarah is the last of the "three of rebuke" which are read on the three Shabbasos prior to Tisha B'Av, all dealing with the destruction of Jerusalem.
The seven weeks after Tisha B'Av (beginning with the Shabbos after Tisha B'Av, known as Shabbos Nachamu) are known as "The Seven of comfort", as their Haftarahs deal with the return of Hashem's mercy to his people, the Am Yisroel.
2) Shabbos Chazon, according to many holy Kabalistic sources, has in it an extremely exalted Kedusha, and one should try and add as much holiness as possible to his activities (prayers, zemiros, seudos, learning etc.) on this special Shabbos; though it is Erev Tisha B'Av, it is prohibited to be sad and mournful on this, or any, Shabbos.
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:
When Tisha B'av is a Nidche (pushed off from Shabbos to Sunday, as it is this year), do you still have to wait until chatzos the following day (Monday) to get a haircut?
ANSWER:
No, in this case haircuts are permitted right away Motzei Tisha B'Av. See Mishna Berura Siman 558 S"K 4. (meat and wine are only permitted Monday morning though).
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
1) As we mentioned, the severity of the mourning during Bein Hametzorim increases as it progresses; 'the three weeks' bring with them certain limitations, the 'nine days' bring additional restrictions and 'Shavua Shechal Bo, the actual week in which Tisha B'Av falls has the most stringent Halachos.
In a year when Tisha B'Av falls out on Shabbos (as it does this year) and thus the fast is observed on the following day, Sunday, do we say that there is no 'Shavua Shechal Bo' at all (as is the case when Tisha B'Av actually falls out on Sunday. See Mishna Berura Siman 551 S"K 38) or on the contrary do we deem the entire preceding week as 'Shavua Shechal Bo'?
2) The Shulchan Aruch (Siman 551:4) in the first opinion rules that there is no 'Shavua Shechal Bo' and none of its stringencies apply that year. (As although the ninth of Av was on Shabbos we treat the day we observe it, Sunday the 10th of Av, as if it was the 9th. See also Shulchan Aruch Siman 554:19 where he rules like this opinion as well, removing all prohibitions of Tisha B'Av when it falls out on Shabbos and transferring them to the following day.)
However, in the second opinion he rules that the entire preceding week is treated as 'Shavua Shechal Bo' (as although we don't observe the fast on the 9th, due to its being Shabbos, it is still deemed Tisha B'Av) with the exception of Thursday and Friday which due to Kavod Shabbos we don't give them a stringent status. (The Rama in Siman 554:19 rules like this opinion and prohibits marital relations on this Shabbos, as only public displays of mourning were postponed to the following day, but otherwise the 9th retains its status as Tisha B'Av. See Mishna Berura Siman 554 S"K 40 regarding if and when we rule like the Shulchan Aruch or the Rama in this situation. See also Shu"t Avnei Nezer Orach Chaim Siman 426 for a lengthier discussion of this Machlokes.)
For Halacha L'Ma'aseh as to whether 'Shavua Shechal Bo' applies to Sunday through Wednesday, the 3rd through the 6th of Av, a Rav should be consulted.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
May one cut the hair of a boy turning 3 (Upsherin) during the 3 weeks?
ANSWER:
Some Poskim say that only in Shavua SheChal Bo (the week in which Tisha B'Av falls) we dont do upsherins, but you can do it until then. Other Poskim are machmir and say to do it right before or right after the three weeks. Consult your Rav for halacha L'Maaseh .
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
"Failure is not the enemy of success; it is its prerequisite."
1)
It is prohibited to launder clothing, or even to wear freshly laundered
clothing or use freshly laundered linen, tablecloths and towels, during
the nine days, except for on Shabbos. (Shulchan Aruch and Rama Siman 551:3)
It
is similarly prohibited to give clothing to a non-Jewish dry cleaner or
Laundromat (or a non-Jewish housekeeper) in this time period, even if
the clothing isn't needed for the nine days, and will only be picked up
and worn after Tisha B'Av. Clothing that is needed for very small
children, may be laundered in small loads, as needed. (Rama ibid. and MishnaBerura S"K 83)
If
a Jew owns a dry cleaners or a Laundromat, he may clean clothing of
non-Jews during the nine days, if his Parnassah depends on it. (See Mishna Berura Siman 551 S"K 42)
2)
It is the accepted custom to prohibit showering the entire body at once
in the regular manner during the nine days, even with cold water,
besides for a shower on Erev Shabbos. (Rama Siman 551:16 and Mishna Berura S"K 94)
If
one is unable to go nine days without a shower, as is the case for most
people nowadays, certainly in the United States where most people
shower daily, there are various leniencies discussed by the Poskim. Some
allow showering without soap & shampoo. Some Poskim allow only cold
showers (or at least not as hot as one is accustomed to).
Obviously,
for medical reasons regular hot showers are permitted. Thus, pregnant
women, mothers of newborns, and other frail people may shower as
necessary. (See Sha'ar HaTziyun Siman 551 os 94. According to
many Poskim, one who is extremely sweaty may also shower, with cold
water, to freshen up without shampoo and soap, as this isn't considered
washing for pleasure. See Aruch Hashulchan Siman 551:38 and Igros Moshe
Even HaEzer Vol. 4 Siman 84:4)
One
who has the custom to immerse in a Mikvah every day, without fail, may
immerse in a Mikvah during the 'nine days' provided the water is not
hot. (See Aruch HaShulchan Siman 551:35)
Likewise,
one who has the custom to immerse in a Mikvah each Erev Shabbos,
without fail, may do so on Erev Shabbos Chazon as well, provided the
water is not hot. (Mishna Berura Siman 551 S"K 95 and Sha'ar HaTziyun os 98)
For Halacha L'Ma'aseh, as always, a Rav must be consulted.
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
Although
the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei
HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes
only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
Is one supposed to sleep at night with Tzitzis?
ANSWER:
There is no obligation of
wearing Tzitzis at night, as the Posuk tells us U'reesem Osam, that only
when you can see them do we have to wear them (See Talmud Menachos 43a)
Some people, for kabalistic and other Shemira reasons, do indeed sleep with Tzitzis.
Those who have this custom
should make sure to change to a different pair in the morning, otherwise
there will be a problem with regard to making a new Bracha in the
morning. (See Mishna Berura Siman 21:15 quoting the Arizal).
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.
A
rich man should eat meat and drink wine every day as wealthy men are
accustomed to do, and should not suffice on a poor man's meal of bread
and salt.
If a rich man eats meat and drinks wine every day, then he will realize that a poor person needs at least bread and salt.
If, however, he eats bread and salt he will think that his poor neighbor can make do with stone!
(Rav Dov Ber of Mezeritch Zatzal as quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
1) It is prohibited to sew any new clothing or shoes in the 'nine days', including socks and similar garments. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 551:7 and Mishna Berura S"K 46.)
New shoes may also not be worn in the 'nine days'. (Mishna Berura S"K 47)
An article of clothing that ripped during the nine days may be mended and worn, as the prohibition against sewing clothing is only applicable to making new clothing. Similarly, if a button fell off a shirt or any other article of clothing, it may be sewn on during the nine days. (See Kaf HaChaim Siman 551:115)
2) One should not purchase new eyeglass frames during the nine days unless they are necessary for seeing properly. Similarly, one may purchase new lenses for their current frames if the prescription has increased, and is thus necessary for improved vision.
It is permissible, in the 'nine days' to tie Tzitzis strings onto the four cornered garment for the first time, thus making them useable for the Mitzvah, as this isn't considered creating a garment. (Ruling of HaRav Nisim Karelitz Shlita, quoted in Sefer Yad B'bein Hametzorim page 77)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
I was at a sheva brochos a while ago and was told to drink some of the wine after the chosson and kallah because its a kos brocho and good for shidduchim etc.
Is there some halachic source for this?
Or a general inyan to drink Kos brocho?
Should I make a special effort to drink?
ANSWER:
Yes, it is a great source of Bracha to partake of Kos Shel Bracha (any cup of wine that had a blessing recited over it such as from a Bris, Sheva Barchos, Birkas HaMazon etc.)
The Gemara (Brachos 51b) relates a story of Yalta, wife of the Amora Rav Nachman, who broke 400 barrels of wine upon being told that it wasn't important for her to drink Kos Shel Bracha herself. (See MaHarsha and Ben Yehoyada who explain her actions as righteous, as she was showing that it isn't wine that is important rather the Bracha that one receives from drinking it)
You should definitely make every effort to partake of Kos Shel Bracha at every opportunity, even after you find your shidduch B'Karov. (See Shulchan Aruch and Mishna Berura Siman 190) .
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
We call him Jake.
We hate him with a passion...or more like hated him. There I was, minding my own business Friday afternoon, when I spotted Jake staring at me from the window. I screeched, jumped, and grabbed a box of tissues (well all the tissues from the box). This would be the last time Jake would scare me, I wouldn't let him get away this time. But, Jake was a wise littl' fella and he kept escaping me. Who is Jake? Jake was an ant. Now he's a smashed ant (thanks to my big and brave Daddy!!) .
As I stood on the chair, screaming my lungs off, I quickly took a second to breathe and thank Hashem that it was "only an ant" and not a huge roach-cuz that would have been pretty bad! Sure, I'm petrified and grossed out from ants, and to me they are big and scary, but in reality, when I stopped to think about it, I'm so lucky that it's not something bigger. We all have bugs in our lives. We all have things that scare us. Whether it's a relative going off the derech, a relative with an illness,difficulty in school, difficulty in shidduchim.challenges with parnassa, difficulty having children, a death in the family, difficulty with friends... we all have at least one "big bug" in our life, that we just wish we could squash with a box of tissues.
Through all the screaming, crying and davening, you have to stop for a minute to breathe, to thank Hashem that what you're going through is just one "ant" and not a "roach". Yes what you're going through is no doubt hard and no doubt scary, but if you look around at the tzaros and troubles that other people have (and EVERYONE has something-whether you see it or not), you will realize that in comparison, your pain and your hardship is just a small ant in comparison to what others go through. Hashem gave you the nisyonos and challenges that are perfect for you.
You are always bigger than those "ants', those nisyonos. And Hashem equipped you with a box of tissues, a chair to stand on when you're not feeling so big, and your hands...
He gave you everything you need to use in order to over come the nisayon. May we all be zoche to see that our challenges (as hard as they are) are something that we can pass.
May we all thank Hashem for the ants He gave us, and appreciate that they aren't roaches.
1) Kiddush Levana is not recited on a Motzaei Shabbos that falls out on a Yom Tov. (Rama Siman 426:2 quoting the MaHaril)
A resident of Chutz L'Aretz that is in Eretz Yisroel on Motzaei [the first day of] Shavuos and davens Ma'ariv (of Yom Tov) with a minyan of Bnei Eretz Yisroel who proceed to recite Kiddush Levana after their Ma'ariv (of weekday), should not recite Kiddush Levana with them, but rather recite it the following night when it will be Motzaei Yom Tov for him.
This is the case even if this will cause him to have to recite it B'Yechidus, alone.
He should be as inconspicuous as possible and ensure that nobody realizes that he is not joining them for the recital; if this is impossible and everyone will know, many Poskim allow him to recite it with them even though it is Yom Tov for him. (See Shu"t B'Tzeil Hachachma Vol. 2 Siman 37 and Sefer Yom Tov Sheini K'Hilchaso Perek 11:5)
2) Although Kiddush Levana is generally not recited on Shabbos or Yom Tov (for various Kabalistic and Halachic reasons), if by not reciting it on Shabbos or Yom Tov it will result in missing the deadline for that month altogether, it may be recited even on Shabbos or Yom Tov. (See Mishna Berura Siman 426 S"K 12 and Sha'ar Hatziyun Os 12)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
Baruch Hashem I have been zoche to daven K'vasikin every day including shabbos at a local minyan since Elul. Now my family and I are going on a well deserved vacation where they will be no Minyan at Vasikin. Do I still daven Neitz with no Minyan or is it better to daven later but with a minyan. My grandfather told me that he remembers the Chazon Ish used to daven Neitz byechidus even before their was a minyan at that time in Bnei Berak, but is this Halacha L'Ma'aseh?
ANSWER:
I have heard from Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita that indeed Netz B'yechidus is better than Tefilah B'Tzibur later. I have also heard in the name of Rav Dovid Feinstein Shlita that davening with a minyan is more important. Please consult your Rav 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.
I
had a personal salvation this week, after several months of wondering
why I was going through so much suffering - which was actually worse
than anything I'd ever experienced before - and on Rosh Chodesh Tamuz I
was given the answer via a dream - even though I didn't remember the
dream, I woke up with the answer, just as I had prayed for it before I
went to sleep. Once I'd acknowledged it and dealt with it, the judgment
on me seemed to disappear, and I felt so much better.
If
something of great importance is transmitted to you while you sleep, you
will wake up with it on your mind, and it is vital that you realize it
for what it is, and act on it. The part of our soul that ascends while
we sleep can answer our deepest questions, so pray hard before you sleep
for the answer, and if the time is right, you will receive it.
We
have been taught that all suffering has a time limit, and if you are
someone who is suffering through some kind of agonizing problem, know
that it will end, and you will be given the solution to it eventually -
the remedy is in your own hands, and Hashem will supply you with the
answer if you genuinely want to rectify it.
This
is known as a tikkun - a rectification - and the bigger the problem,
the more likely it is that it is part of your life's mission to get
through it and come out the other end, a better and stronger person.
Often
the people we are drawn to are the ones who can help us fix ourselves,
and sometimes we can also be the ones to fix them as well. That is how
tikkunim are achieved - some people have to meet simply for that reason,
and therefore they are drawn to each other on some level, as their soul
knows they have to work something out. Soul attractions are real, not
accidental. We are magnetically drawn to those people who can help us
find our way.
"The
main thing [to keep in mind, is that the purpose of reincarnation], is
to affect the repair of a [negative] influence, originating in a
previous lifetime...
[One
way] to discern exactly what that negative influence is, is to reflect
upon the type of wrong your soul yearns after the most, in this
lifetime. That which you yearn after most, is likely something you
became habituated to in a previous life.
And
therefore pay attention to your vices. [They tell you exactly what you
have to work on in this lifetime.] ...The main thing is, to repair that
which one stumbled in in a previous [life] ...
That's
why some people are drawn after one type of sin, more than another. And
that's also why our Sages say, that one must continually judge himself,
and weigh his actions..."
Important Numbers
