1)It is forbidden to dance during Sefira, as it will lead to too much Simcha in this period of mourning. (See Mogen Avraham 493:1 and Mishna Berura 4893:3)
It is also forbidden to play or listen to musical instruments during Sefira. (See Aruch HaShulchan 493:2 and Shu"t Minchas Yitzchok Vol. 1 Siman 111)
2) Though some people are lenient with regard to listening to music that isn't live (such as on a CD), the majority of Poskim forbid that as well as the end result (the fact that it will lead to extra Simcha) is the same.
Even those who rely on the lenient Psak should refrain from listening to tapes or CD's that contain very lively dance music. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 1 Siman 166, Shu"t Yechaveh Da'as Vol. 6 Siman 34 and Shu"t Tzitz Eliezer Vol. 15 Siman 33:2)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) It is permissible to sing during Sefira. However, one should not sing lively songs that may lead to dancing. (Psak of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal)
If one is passively listening to music with no intention to bring him/herself to Simcha (e.g. while in a doctor's waiting room, in a store or in another public place where music is playing) it is permitted to remain there, as it isn't his/her intention to listen to the music.
If one is exercising and needs music for the rhythm, it is permissible, as it isn't being done for Simcha. (Psak of Rav Shmuel Felder Shlita, Dayan in Lakewood, NJ)
2) Listening to Cantorial recordings (Chazanus) where the musical accompaniment is only as background, and isn't part of the music, is permitted.
Likewise, children's story tapes that have musical background are permitted, even when there are adults present who will hear it. (See V'Yevarech Dovid Orach Chaim Siman 65)
If music is necessary to calm and/or control small children (e.g. a musical mobile for an infant, or even a music tape in the car on long trips) it is permitted. However, it should not be played very loud that people outside, who do not know the reason you are playing it, will hear it. (Psak of Rav Shmuel Felder Shlita)
Good Shabbos and Good Chodesh!
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page 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.
If I'm sick on shabbos and I can't take medicine can I at least daven for a refuah even though I'm really not supposed to ask bakashos (requests) on Shabbos?
Answer:
If you are sick enough that you need to lay down, certain medicines may indeed be taken (Consult a Rav regarding which ones etc.).
We do say the Mi Shebarach for Cholim on Shabbos, we just add in a verse "Shabbos Hi M'Lizok.." You can do the same thing and ask Hashem to make you feel better.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
Today's Torah learning is sponsored by a daily reader, S. ben S.T., L'Zchus Hatzlacha and Parnassah.
1) Haircuts and shaving [any hair on the body] is prohibited [for men] during Sefira. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 493:2)
If one works at a job where not shaving will cause him a monetary loss, it is permitted. However, if one is simply embarrassed to go unshaven, and is worried that his co-workers will poke fun at him, but he will not incur a monetary loss, the prohibition stands. (Psak of Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal in Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 102 and Choshen Mishpat Vol. 1 Siman 93. See She'Arim Metzuyanim B'Halacha on the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 122:3 for a lengthy discussion with other sources about this)
In a year when Rosh Chodesh Iyar falls out on Shabbos (such as this year) it is permissible to shave on Friday (tomorrow), L'Kovod Shabbos and L'Kovod Rosh Chodesh, no matter which half of Sefira you observe. (Mishna Berura 493:5)
2) Many Poskim are lenient in regard to women, and maintain that women may indeed shave any of their hair during Sefira.
However, the prevalent custom is for women to be stringent and not cut the hair [on their head] during Sefira unless doing so in preparation for immersion in a Mikvah or in cases when the hair is too long and thus not able to be covered properly according to Halacha.(See Shu"t L'Horos Nosson Vol. 2 Siman 32. This is also the opinion of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal and yblc"t Rav Shmuel Wosner Shlita)
The above Halacha refers to hair of the head only. However, women may shave their legs, pluck their eyebrows, and have electrolysis done L'Chatchilah during Sefira. (See Hilchos Bein HaMetzorim from Rav Shimon Eider Zatzal page 4 in the name of Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal and Sefer Bein Pesach L'Shavuos page 241 where he quotes Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal regarding the eyebrows and electrolysis that they aren't considered "shaving" )
The prevalent minhag is to not give haircuts to children under Bar/Bas Mitzvah during Sefira, unless absolutely necessary.
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page 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.
What has to be checked for shatnez? Just things with linings or even 100% wool sweaters? What if the label says there's no linen?
Answer:
Certain things that say 100% wool may still contain shatnez, so a reliable shatnez tester needs to be consulted as to which clothes needs to be checked and labels cannot be trusted.
(Please CLICK HERE for an interesting Q&A regarding Shatnez issues from Harav Yisroel Belsky Shlita which is featured on Matzav.com's Halachic Corner )
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
Today's Torah learning is dedicated by a daily reader L'Refuah Shelaima of H.S. bas S. Get well soon!
1) If one is invited to a wedding at a time when they are observing Sefira, while the one making the wedding observes the "other half" of Sefira and is thus permitted to make a wedding, he/she may attend the wedding, listen to the music and even participate in the dancing. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 2 Siman 95)
However, taking a haircut or a shave in honor of the wedding is prohibited unless not doing so will be embarrassing and cause you not to go to the wedding and thus prevent you from performing the Mitzvah of bringing joy to a bride and groom. (ibid.)
2) If during the days that you do not yet observe Sefira, someone who is observing Sefira enters your home, car or other area where you are listening to music, it isn't necessary to close the music. However, that person may not deliberately do this in order to hear the music.
Likewise, it isn't necessary to worry about your neighbors, who may be observing Sefira now, hearing the music from your home, as long as it's playing at a normal, acceptable level. (This was the Psak of Rav Moshe Feinstein regarding one who is in the year of Aveilus for a parent R"L that his/her family members may play music in the home, and surely that is the Halacha regarding Sefira. Quoted in Sefer Shiurei Halacha from Rav Shmuel Felder Shlita, Posek in Lakewood, NJ)
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page 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.
In some bathrooms they have a faucet that you push down and water comes out for a short time at which point you have too press again. Would you be able to allow the water to flow over one hand [for Netilas Yadayim when no cup is available] then the other while it's still flowing, then press again?
Answer:
No, even in those faucets, only the initial flow which directly came about from your action can be relied upon for "Koach Gavra". Thus it would be best to push it again for each hand and for each additional washing on that hand (as each hand should be washed twice)
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
1)During The days of Sefira, it is customary to exhibit some signs of mourning, as in this time period the 24,000 disciples of Rabbi Akiva perished. (See Talmud Yevamos 62b and Tur and Shulchan Aruch Siman 493)
It is customary not to get married during Sefira. Getting engaged is permissible.
It is customary not to take haircuts or shave facial hair during Sefira.
It is customary not to listen to music or dance during Sefira (We will elaborate on this in more detail iy"H in the coming days)
2) Though the time of Sefira is from Pesach until Shavuos, it is customary to only exhibit the signs of mourning for 33 of the 49 days.
Some people start from Pesach and cease the mourning on Lag B'Omer, while others only begin exhibiting the signs of mourning from the first day of Rosh Chodesh Iyar until three days before Shavuos(Sh'loshes Yemei HaGbalah)(See Shu"t Chasam Sofer Orach Chaim Siman 142 and Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 1 Siman 159 regarding if today's days there exists any problems of "Lo TisGodedu" with people who observe different times of Sefira)
Some Poskim maintain that one may switch his/her "33 days" from year to year (Hataras Nedarim may be necessary in order to do this), while others are stringent and maintain that one must continually follow the same minhag each year (See Michtavim U'Ma'amarim from Rav Eliezer Menachem Mann Shach Zatzal Vol. 6 page 71 for the reasoning why changing would not be permitted.)
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page 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.
You wrote: "…part of a fingernail that is loose and hanging is a Chatitzah and must be removed before washing Netilas Yadayim".
What do you do if it's Shabbos, Chol HaMoed or Yom Tov? Are you allowed to remove the part of the fingernail that is loose?
Answer:
Removing a loose fingernail on Shabbos is an Issur D'Rabanan, and may not be done. The only time it may be removed with your teeth or hands, but never with a scissor, is if it causes Tza'ar, pain or discomfort
Thus, in a case where it does not cause discomfort, it may not be removed on shabbos, yet is a chatzitza for washing! This poses a problematic situation. The same problem would arise if a woman's nail polish starts cracking and peeling on Shabbos. A Rav should be consulted for Halacha L'Ma'aseh.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
1) There are varying opinions amongst the Poskim regarding if women should/may count the sefirah with a Bracha.
Women are not obligated in Sefiras HaOmer, as it is a "Mitzvas Asei SheHazman Gerama, a Mitzvah that is bound to a certain time-period".
The Mogen Avraham maintains that women have accepted this Mitzvah upon themselves as if it is an "obligation" and thus they must indeed count with a Bracha. (Quoted in Mishna Berura 489:3) The custom of women in Europe in the time and place of the Chofetz Chaim was not to count Sefirah. (Mishna Berura ibid.) The Shulchan Shlomo (quoted in Mishna Berura ibid.) maintains that women should count the days, but should not recite the Bracha before the counting. His reasoning is that women will all but surely forget to count at least one of the nights (as the reason many men don't forget is that they go to Shul for maariv. Men who do not attend Shul for maariv, according to this opinion, should probably also not count sefirah with a Bracha, as they too will end up "messing up") Today's days many women do indeed have the custom to count Sefirah with a Bracha, as today we have Sefirah calendars and other reminders (including many email, and text message reminders) that make it more likely that they will indeed complete the entire 49 day count. (See Aruch HaShulchan 489:4 that women should count with a Bracha as they do other Mitzvos Asei Shehazman Gerama.)
2) If a woman indeed wants to count, it is important that she at least know the basic meaning of the words being said (i.e. how the days and weeks being said in Hebrew translate into the appropriate day of the counting.) (See Mishna Berura 489:5, Shu"t MaHaril Diskin Kunteres Achron Siman 5 Os 55) Women who follow the Sephardic traditions do not recite blessings on any Mitzvos Asei SheHazman Gerama, and thus should not recite the Bracha on Sefirah.
As with all matters of Halacha, a Rav should be consulted for Halacha L'ma'aseh. To sponsor a future issue of Halacha For Today in honor of a loved one, to promote your business or for any occasion , please contact me at Halacha For Today
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page 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.
I work for a woman who is not frum. She sometimes asks me to buy her lunch. Must I say no? There are no kosher places to eat close to where I work.
A second related question: She sometimes asks me to go to lunch with her. When we do this, we take the car and drive for about 20 minutes to eat in a kosher establishment. I prefer to work through lunch and leave work early. Must I agree to go to lunch with her since on those occasions she eats a kosher meal?
Answer:
Being that if you would refuse to buy your boss lunch it would jeapordize your job security (I assume), and she would get the lunch regardless through a different means, you probably may buy her the lunch. However, if you are using your own money (or possibly even her money) to purchase Basar B'Chalav that may pose a problem and a Rav should be consulted about the proper course of action.
There is no need for you to accompany her just for the purpose of having her eat Kosher. However, if you feel that by doing so, it will contribute to her eventually becoming frum, it would be good to keep going with her as the reward for facilitating someone's becoming frum is boundless!
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
1) If one forgot to count Sefirah one night, he/she should count during that day (without a Bracha) and then can resume counting the following night with a Bracha.
However, if one didn't remember to count on that day and sunset of the next day arrived, he/she must count the remainder of the sefirah days without a Bracha.
The above Halacha is only if you are certain that you forgot to count on one of the nights. However, if you are unsure (Safek) if you missed a night, you may continue the rest of the Sefirah counting with a Bracha. (Siman 489:8. See also Mishna Berura S"K 34. For more intricate details see Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 93:3 and Shu"t Minchas Yitzchak Vol. 9 Siman 57 and Kaf HaChaim 489:82) 2) There is a debate amongst the Poskim regarding one who knows that he/she will miss one (or more) days of counting the sefirah (due to being under the operating knife R"L , or any other reason) if they may begin counting with a Bracha in the first place (as there is an opinion in the Rishonim that one who misses one day of counting renders all his/her previous Brachos as Brachos L'Vatalah (L'mafrea), blessings in vain) The consensus of most Poskim, however, is that one may ndeed begin counting with a Bracha, and only after that day is missed, will they have to continue without a Bracha, and all the previous Brachos will not be rendered "in vain". (See Halichos Shlomo page 357, Shu"t Ohr L'Tzion Vol. 1 Siman 36. This is also the opinion of Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita and many other contemporary Poskim)
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page 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.
You wrote in a previous Q&A "It is prohibited to give bread to a Jew who does not wash his/her hands before eating bread, even if the bread belongs to him/her, as doing so will cause him/her to do a sin, and thus you will transgress the biblical prohibition of "Lifnei Iver Lo Titen Michshol".(Shulchan Aruch Siman 163:2 and Mishna Berura Siman S"K 12)"
Is this really a prohibition? What if you give bread to someone who isn't frum (religious) and the situation doesn't allow for you to give it only on condition that they wash?
Answer:
Yes, it is a real prohibition. That being said, there are certain circumstances under which the Poskim will indeed alow you to give the bread. One such exception is if you are in the midst of being mekarev(bringing close) a fellow Jew to yiddishkeit and by giving him/her the bread now without washing it will lead to him/her becoming frum down the line. It is always best to try and ask them to "humor you" and wash their hands.
For specific situations, a Rav should be consulted.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
1)During the first week of sefirah, if it’s after Sunset, and before you counted Sefirah, and someone asks you "What night of Sefirah is it tonight?", you should respond by saying "yesterday’s count was such and such" (i.e. on the 5th night of Sefirah say "yesterday was the 4th day of the Omer" ).
If you mistakenly answered saying "Tonight’s count is such and such" , you may no longer recite that night’s count with a Bracha, as your response to that person is considered an adequate "counting".(See Mishna Berura 489:22, and Sha’ar HaTzion ibid. 23 and 26) The above applies even if you just said "Tonight is 6", and didn’t say "Tonight is the 6th night of the Omer" (Mishna Berura 489:210)
2) However, if someone asks you the count, and you simply respond by saying "6", and don’t preface it by saying "Today is", it isn’t considered a count and you may go ahead and count again with a Bracha. (Mishna Berura 489:20) Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1)Once the second week of counting starts, when we count the days as well as the weeks, if you responded to the inquiry saying "Tonight is 9", as long as you didn’t add the information "...Which is one week and 2 days" you haven’t satisfied your obligation, and may go ahead and count with a Bracha. (Mishna Berura Ibid:22 and Sha’ar HaTzion ibid. :28) 2) Therefore, if you tell someone on the night of the 33rd day of the Omer that "Tonight is Lag B’Omer", there is no need to worry, and you are still required to count the Omer with a Bracha. (This is a very common occurrence, and many mistakenly do not make a Bracha after it happens)
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page 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.
You wrote[ in an earlier Q&A]: "If the bread is being eaten as a secondary food (tafel) to a more important food (Ikar), and thus doesn’t need a Bracha of Hamotzi (e.g. croutons in soup, or bread crumbs on chicken) it also doesn’t require washing of the hands. (Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman 212:6). However, if the amount of bread being eaten as a tafel is more than a Kzayis, some Poskim require washing the hands without a Bracha (See Sha’ar HaTzion 158:11 and Mishna Berura ibid. 10)" I’ve learned that if the croutons are made out of bread originally made to be eaten as bread and not croutons, then you must wash with a bracha. How does that fit in here?
Answer:
Yes, according to many Poskim if the croutons were initially made for bread, and then used in soup they still require hamotzei. Obviously, I was referring to the normal croutons which are manufactured for soup/salad and are thus mezonos.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
Today's Halachos dedicated to H.S. bas S. May Hashem continue to give her the strength necessary to make the right choices, and may she reach the "finish line" in her race to spiritual triumph.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
SPECIAL TRIPLE PORTION L'KAVOD YOM TOV
Halachos for Tuesday/ Erev Yom Tov
1)
Apple (or other fruit) Picking is permitted on Chol HaMoed if the apples are going to be eaten on Chol HaMoed.
There is no need to estimate how much will be eaten on Chol haMoed, rather the apples may be picked in abundance.
If the apples are not being picked for use on Chol HaMoed, it is best for adults not to pick them. Children, who are doing it as an activity, may pick them even in such a case. (Psak of Rav Yaakov Forcheimer shlita, Dayan in Lakewood NJ)
2) Driving a car is permitted on Chol HaMoed.
A car that needs [minor] fixing and is needed for Chol HaMoed, may be brought to a mechanic to fix on Chol HaMoed, with the following conditions:
If the mechanic is a Jew, he may not take payment for his services.
If the mechanic is a non-Jew, he may be paid for his services.
The "fixing" that is necessary may not be anything major, rather only "small jobs" such as batteries, jump starting, flat tires, etc. may be done on Chol HaMoed.
For larger jobs, that may be considered "Ma'aseh Uman- the work of a skilled worker" a Rav should be consulted before fixing.
If one is away from home on Chol HaMoed, and thus not fixing the car would entail a large expense, the rental of a new car etc. it is considered a "Davar Ha'avud" and even a larger job may be given to a mechanic to fix. However, the service of a non- Jewish mechanic should be utilized.
A Rav should always be consulted in these situations as the halachos of "Davar Ha'Avud" are very delicate and are easily abused beyond the halachic allowances.
Halachos for First Day Yom Tov
1) Sefiras HaOmer, the counting of the Omer, began on the second night of Pesach, and will continue for 49 days until the Yom Tov of Shavuos.
L'Chatchilah, the Bracha on the sefirah, as well as the counting should be recited while standing. (See Mishna Berura 489:6).
2) If the sefirah was said while sitting, B'Dieved it is acceptable, and no re-counting is necessary.
This halacha applies to men and women [whose minhag it is to count sefirah] alike. (In a few days we will discuss in more detail, whether women are obligated in this Mitzvah or not) Halachos for Yom Tov Sheini (in Chutz L'Aretz)
1) The counting of the Omer should preferably be done as soon as possible after nightfall (preferably the same amount after sunset waited after Shabbos to do Melacha, should be waited for the counting of Sefirah as well)
If one davens Maariv early, he should be extremely careful to have a system set up whereby he will remember to count the Sefirah when the time arrives.
2) It is a good idea to always count the Sefirah again during the day [without a Bracha], thus if the counting was forgotten the night before, the day counting will suffice to the total counting of the 49 days.
CHAG SAMEACH!
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page 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.
What does the actual Netila (washing of Netilas Yadayim for bread) do? Does it purify the hands to eat the bread or touch it?
Answer:
Yes. TheNnetilah serves 2 purposes. 1) to purify and sanctify our hands and bodies for eating Hashem's bread, much as the Kohanim needed to sanctify themselves before doing the Avodah. We Jews are commanded to be holy, and this is one application of that requirement. 2) To cleanse ourselves, as it isnt dignified for a Jew to make a Bracha and eat when his/her hands are unclean.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
1)It is prohibited to launder clothing on Chol HaMoed, by hand or via washing machine.
However, children's clothing which often get dirty and soiled may be washed if necessary. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 534:1)
It is prohibited to add any adult clothing into the washing machine along with the wash that is being done for the children. (Psak of Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal)
Even for children, it is only permissible to wash those particular articles of clothing that are needed. (See Mishna Berura 534:11 and Aruch HaShulchan 534:8)
The age of the children whose clothing may be washed, is at most until age 6 or 7 years old. (Psak of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal in Shulchan Shlomo 534:3)
2) Polishing shoes, brushing a hat, spot cleaning a stain[that developed on Chol HaMoed] and simple ironing to remove wrinkles to make the clothing wearable for Chol HaMoed is permitted on Chol HaMoed, according to most Poskim. (See Ram"a 541:3 and Mishna Berura S"K 9. See also Shulchan Shlomo 534:1 and Emes L'Yaakov 534: footnote 489)
CHAG SAMEACH!
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page 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.
I sometimes have free time at work and would like to learn, but learning out of a sefer would get me in trouble if noticed by my non Jewish boss.
Is there a heter to learn from a podcast recording in a private bathroom that would be left to me alone (so there would be no chashash of extrement or urine at the time), that would be flushed, and that would not smell whatsoever?
Answer:
No, there is no heter to do that. Since the bathroom was designated for a Bais HaKisei, even when it is 100% clean, it has all the dinim of Bais Hakisei regarding being prohibited to learn or think in Divrei Torah.
would it be possible to read Torah websites at your desk during your free time? That would be an acceptable alternative. (Ever heard of the Torah website www.HalachForToday.com for example?)
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
1)There is a Biblical commandment to rejoice on Yom Tov as it states in the Torah "V'SaMachta B'Chagecha- you shall rejoice on your festival".
This Mitzvah applies to Chol HaMoed (the intermediate days of the festivals) as well. (See Rambam Perek 6 of Hilchos Yom Tov Halacha 17)
One must drink [a Revi'is of] wine at least once a day during every day of Chol HaMoed. Some Poskim maintain that at every meal eaten on Chol HaMoed, wine must be drunk. (See Emes L'Yaakov from Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky Zatzal Siman 530 footnote 483)
It is best to drink wine, and not grape juice, which according to some Poskim does not cause "joy" as wine does.
If one cannot drink straight wine, it is best to at least mix a little wine into the grape juice, so that the taste of the alcohol is evident. (Psak of Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita).
If that too is problematic, it is better to at least drink grape juice .(See Mikraei Kodesh Pesach Vol. 2 Siman 35, Emes L'Yaakov ibid. Shulchan Shlomo Siman 529 footnote 6)
2) It is also important to eat meat (not chicken) once a day on each day of Chol HaMoed. (See Biur Halacha 529:2, Be'er Heitev 551:28,Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 3 Siman 68, Emes L'Yaakov ibid. and Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 3 Siman 18:2)
There is no requirement to eat bread on Chol HaMoed, therefore if "Ya'aleh V'Yavo was mistakenly omitted in the Birchas Hamazon it does not need to be repeated. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 188:7)
However, it is still worthwhile to eat bread once each night and once each day of Chol HaMoed, out of respect for the day. (Mishna Berura 530:1)
CHAG SAMEACH!
To sponsor a future issue of Halacha For Today in honor of a loved one, to promote your business or for any occasion , please contact me at Halacha For Today
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page 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.
Is it considered a Hesech Hada'as (interruption) to daven Mincha? For example, can I eat a k'zayis of apple in the shul's catering hall, daven mincha, and then continue eating the apple [without a new Bracha]?
Answer:
You may indeed daven Mincha and then resume eating your apple, provided that only a few minutes elapsed. am assuming that you are davening in the same building where you were eating, otherwise according to many Poskim you must make a new Bracha regardless of how short a time you left the building. (Usually, the performance of a Mitzvah is not considered Hesech Hada'as)
if there is a chance that you will forget to make a Bracha Achrona, it is probably best to make it before davening Mincha.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
SPECIAL "QUADRUPLE PORTION" L'KAVOD CHAG HAPESACH AND L'KAVOD SHABBOS KODESH (Worthwhile reading all of them today as they pertain to Erev Pesach, and worthwhile re-reading them each day of Yom Tov to ensure that you learn Halacha each day!)
Today's Halachos have been dedicated by a daily reader, M.B., L'Zchus Refuah Shelema, health and success for Eliezer Ben Nissan and Ezra Ben Nissan. May they grow to be talmidei chachamim and provide Nachat for their parents.
Halachos for Erev Pesach
1)Erev Pesach is a Ta'anis (fast day) for Bechorim (first born) in commemoration of their being spared by Hashem in Mitzrayim, while the Egyptian firstborn were killed.
The prevalent Minhag is for first born males to participate in a "Siyum Mesechta" or other Seudas Mitzvah, and thus they aren't obligated to conclude their fasts. (Mishna Berura 470:10)
L'Chatchilah the firstborn must hear the Siyum, and not simply partake of the food that is being served. B'Dieved, even if the Siyum wasn't heard, he may eat. (See Halichos Shlomo Chapter 8:1 and Shu"t Minchas Yitzchak Vol. 9 Siman 45)
2)There is a dispute amongst the Poskim if a firstborn that was born via caesarian birth is required to fast. Therefore it is best if he partakes in a Siyum.
A firstborn under Bar Mitzva does not fast. However, it is customary for his father (or his mother, if the father is a Bechor himself) to fast (or participate in a Siyum) on the child's behalf.
Halachos for First Day of Pesach
1) It is a Mitzvah to burn a Kzayis of Chometz on Erev Pesach. Therefore, it's important to leave over a Kzayis for this purpose. If all the Chometz was discarded before the burning, it is best to buy or acquire a Kzayis of Chometz from somebody in order to perform this Mitzvah. (See Mishna Berura 445:10)
2) It is customary to recite "Kol Chamira V'Chamia etc." at Biur Chometz to once again proclaim that all Chometz that may be in your property should be nullified. This should only be said after a Kzayis of the Chometz that you threw into the fire has burned, otherwise it will be nullified, and you will not have satisfied the mitzvah of burning "your own" Chometz. ( Mishna Berura 434:7)
Halachos for Second Day of Pesach
1) It is forbidden to do "Melacha" on Erev pesach after Chatzos (Halachic midday). Any Melachos that are permitted on Chol Hamoed are permitted after Chatzos on Erev Pesach. (Mishna Berura 468:7)
Simple ironing of clothing and Polishing shoes is permitted. More complicated ironing is prohibited, but may be done by a non Jew.
2) It is best not to get a haircut on Erev Pesach after Chatzos, even if the barber is a non Jew. B'Dieved, if a non Jew gives the haircut, it's ok. (Mishna Berura 468:5)
It is best to cut the nails before Chatzos. B'dieved if it wasn't done before, it may be done after Chatzos. (ibid.)
If one needs to mend an article of clothing, sew on a button, or similar "fixing" that is needed for Yom Tov, it is permitted. (Mishna Berura 468:8)
Laundry should not be done after Chatzos.
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh, 1st Day Chol HaMoed Pesach
1) There is a debate amongst the Poskim as to the exact amount of fluid that makes up a "Revi'is".
For Mitzvos D'Oraysa (biblical commandments)the Poskim are stringent and require the larger amount of approx. 4.5 ounces, while fr Mitzvos D'Rabanan (rabbinic ordinances) the smaller shiur of 3.3 ounces suffices.(According to Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal)
The 4 cups of wine at the Pesach Seder are a Mitzvah D'Rabanan and thus would only require 3.3 ounces for each of the 4 cups. If one is able, of course, it is best to try and drink the 4.5 ounces even for Mitzvos D'Rabanan. But if one has a hard time drinking that many cups of wine, the smaller Shiur may be relied upon.
2) Even though women are not required to do "Heseiba- leaning" when eating Matza and drinkingthe 4 cups of wine atthe Seder, it is indeed the custom of many women to do so anyway.
Even those women that do not lean, should still make sure that they are seated, and try to have a comfortable chair as their expression of "freedom". ( See Moadim U'Zmanim Vol. 3 Siman 257)
CHAG KOSHER V'SAMEACH!
To sponsor a future issue of Halacha For Today in honor of a loved one, to promote your business or for any occasion , please contact me at Halacha For Today
It's a great Mitzvah! The Zechus of the Torah learning of over 1,000 people each day can be yours for only $36. All proceeds go to further spread the word of Hashem.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page 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.
During Lecha Dodi on Shabbos, some mispallelim in my shul stand during "Yomin U'smol" and some people continue to sit? What is the basis for standing?
Answer:
Well, the Minhag is to stand for "Bo'ee B'Shalom" when we turn around to greet the Shabbos queen. (See Mishna Berura Siman 262:10). I guess some people stand up by "Yomin U'Smol" already in preparatin for "Bo'ee B'Shalom". I have not found any specific sources for standing at "Yomin U'Smol"
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
A daily reader, T.L., has requested that I post the following information:
There is a 20 year old yeshivah student from Queens, NY in critical condition. Please say tehilim for him- Dovid Chaim Yosef ben Sima Perel.
Visit www.dovidchaim.blogspot.com to read more details for the special chapters of Tehilim that they chose to say in his merit.
1)On the Eve of Erev Pesach (Tonight, Tuesday evening April 7 2009) every Jew is required to perform "Bedikas Chometz- The search for unleavened bread".
This search must be done at the beginning of the night (according to some opinions soon after sunset, and according to other opinions after Tzeis HaKochavim, the emergence of 3 stars).
From ½ hour before sunset, no eating or other chores may be started.
The Bedikas Chometz must be done via the light of a single wick candle and not with a a cluster of candles or a torch.
Today's days it is permissible to use a single beam flashlight for Bedikas Chometz, and this may even be better than using an actual candle, as many people are afraid to go to close to the place they are searching with a candle, and thus will do a more thorough job with a flashlight. However, the Bracha on Bedikas Chometz should be made while holding a candle and the search should begin with the candle for a bit and only then switch over to the flashlight. (Psak of Rav Moshe Feinstein and Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach and others. HaRav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv shlita, however, maintains that in places where one isn't afraid to use a candle, L'Chatchilah it is better to use a candle and not a flashlight as not to change from the Minhag Yisroel.)
All rooms where Chometz may have been brought into must be checked.
One's office, car and clothing must also be checked if there is a chance that Chometz was placed there. (Regarding the pockets of clothing see Shu"t MaHari Weil Siman 193, also quoted in Gilyonei HaShas to Shabbos 12b)
2) Before starting Bedikas Chometz the Bracha of "Baruch Ata Hashem Elokeinu Melech HaOlam Asher Kidshanu B'Mitzvosav V'tzivanu Al Biur Chometz" is recited.
After reciting the Bracha the searching should begin immediately, and no talking or interruptions should take place between the Bracha and the starting of the search.
It is best not to talk or make interruptions throughout the entire Bedikas Chometz process. Talking for the purpose of the search at hand is permitted. If one uses the bathroom during the Bedikas Chometz, he may recite "Asher Yatzar" afterwards, and it isn't considered an interruption. (Psak of Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita)
It is a custom to place 10 pieces of bread throughout the home, which the one doing Bedikas Chometz should "find". Be careful not to "hide" them to well, that they will be forgotten and left in the home throughout Pesach.
The lights in the room may be left on during the Bedikas Chometz.
After Bedikas Chometz is finished, it is important to "Nullify" any Chometz that may be in your property. There is a special text of nullification that should be said, which is printed in most Siddurim. It is important to understand what you are saying and not just say the Aramic words in the Siddur with no clue that you are nullifying and making your Chometz Hefker, as simply saying the words as a "tefilah" is worthless.
To sponsor a future issue of Halacha For Today in honor of a loved one, to promote your business or for any occasion , please contact me at Halacha For Today
It's a great Mitzvah! The Zechus of the Torah learning of over 1,000 people each day can be yours for only $36. All proceeds go to further spread the word of Hashem.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page 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.
Are people supposed togive Tzedakah everyday? why?
Answer:
Yes, it is a big Mitzva to give Tzedaka, and Mashiach will come in the merit of Tzedaka, as it says "Tzion B'Mishpat Tipadeh V'ShaveHa B'Tzdaka"
In fact, it says in the Posuk "V'Ani B'Tzedek Echeze Panecha- with Tzedaka I will see your face" Chazal learn from here that one should give Tzedaka each day BEFORE davening (i.e. before seeing Hashem's face)
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
Today's learning is dedicated by Rabbi Ozer Alport (whose Parsha Potporri is featured each week on my website) L'Refuah Shleimah for his father - Boruch ben Gittel - who is currently unconscious and in very critical condition after suffering severe head trauma this past Thursday. He just underwent a second brain surgery and the situation looks grim. Please have in mind when learning today's Halachos that it be a zechus for him. If you can also say a chapter of Tehilim it would be greatly appreciated
~~~~~~~~~~~~
1)There are varying opinions amongst the Poskim as to whether Birchas Hachamah is a Mitzvah that women are obligated in.
Some Poskim maintain that women may say the Bracha like any other Mitvas Asei SheHazman Grama (such as Lulav, Sukkah etc. and similar to how they say the Bracha over thunder and lightning) where even though they are not obligated, they may do it if they like.
Other Poskim maintain that they should not recite the Bracha , rather hear it from a male and answer Amen. Alternately, many Poskim maintain that women can say it without saying the name of Hashem in the Bracha.
Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal maintained that the custom is for women not to say this blessing. (And ruled as such Halacha L'ma'aseh in 1981. See Halichos Shlomo page 33)
One thing is clear though from the Poskim: even if a woman does want to participate in this Mitzvah and it is her custom to do so, she must not do it at the expense of Hilchos Tznius, and thus should be careful to stand at some distance from the assembled men.
(This is a very exhaustive topic and beyond the scope of this forum. If anyone is interested in exploring this fascinating topic further, here are some starting references: Kaf HaChaim 229:8, Shu"t Chasam Sofer Orach Chaim Siman 56, Shu"t Minchas Yitzchak Vol. 8 Siman 15 and 34, Mogen Avraham beginning of Siman 426, MaHaram Shik Orach Chaim Siman 90m, Chasam Sofer to Shabbos 21a, Shu"t Kesav Sofer Orach Chaim Siman 34, Shu"t MaHaril Diskin Kunteres Achron Siman 26, Ben Ish Chai Shana Rishona Parshas Eikev Siman 19)
2) In order to make the Bracha, the sun must be seen.
In the event that it is an overcast day and the sun cannot be seen, it is best to wait until a little before midday(Chatzos) and then, if the sun is still not visible, say the Bracha without Hashem's name (Mishna Berura 229:8)
It is best to recite the Birchas HaChama while standing outdoors. (Siddur Ya'avetz). If one is ill or otherwise unable to go outside, the Bracha may be recited indoors, after having seen the sun through an open window.
(There are a lot of other Minhagim and ideas related to this topic, which we did not get around to covering this time around. As always, if you have any questions do not hesitate to contact me and I will try my best to find the answers in the Sifrei HaPoskim.)
To sponsor a future issue of Halacha For Today in honor of a loved one, to promote your business or for any occasion , please contact me at Halacha For Today
It's a great Mitzvah! The Zechus of the Torah learning of over 1,000 people each day can be yours for only $36. All proceeds go to further spread the word of Hashem.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page 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.
Can you give ma'aser from money that you don't have yet? Meaning, I want to make a large check out to tzedakah from my year's salary, but, being that the year is not over yet, I did not receive all of my salary-checks yet. Can I give ma'aser-money on money that I didn't earn yet, and it will be counted as ma'aser from that money?
Answer:
Yes, you may give Ma'aser retroactively on money that will be earned at a later date. This is 100% L'Chatchila.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
"Birchas HaChama" , the blessing over the sun is a unique Mitzvah, as it is only possible to perform it once every 28 years. This year, it falls out on Wednesday morning, Erev Pesach, April 8 2009. If it is missed this year, it will not be possible to perform it again until the year 2037!
Therefore, after being asked by a number of readers to cover these Halachos, I have decided to take a break from "Hilchos Netilas Yadayim" until after Pesach and cover Birchas Hachama as well some other relevant Halachos to Pesach, Chol HaMoed etc.
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1) The sun's cycle is a 28 year cycle. Once every 28 years , always on a Tuesday evening, the sun returns to the exact spot where it was on the day that Hashem created it on "the 4th day of creation".
To commemorate this phenomenon, the Bracha of "Baruch Ata Hashem Elokeinu Melech HaOlam Oseh Ma'asei Bereishis- Blessed are You Hashem our G-d, master of the world who created everything in this world" is recited, along with some other special prayers. (Talmud Brachos 59b, Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim Siman 229:2)
Since we cannot see the sun at night, we postpone the blessing until the following morning, thus "Birchas HaChama" always takes place on a Wednesday morning.
2) The earliest time for this Mitzvah to be performed is after sunrise (Netz Hachama) and only after the entire "ball" of the sun is visible.
The latest time for reciting this Bracha is a subject of debate in the Poskim.
Some Poskim maintain that you only have until the end of 3 Halachic hours into the day (same as Sof Zman Krias Shma. See Shu"t Chasam Sofer Orach Chaim Siman 56 and Mogen Avraham 229:5)
Other Poskim maintain that one can perform this Mitzvah throughout the entirety of the day. (Elya Rabbah 229:2 and others)
However, even according to those opinions, L'Chatchilah it should be recited before Chatzos (midday) (According to the Mishna Berura 229:8, it may be recited with Hashem's name until Chatzos, and only without Hashem's name after Chatzos)
According to all opinions, it is best to say the Bracha as early as possible and not push it off for no reason until close to the deadline.
It is best to perform this Mitzvah with a large group, B'Rov Am Hadras Melech, therefore if you will only have a group after Shacharis, according to many Poskim it is best to do it then, rather than doing it alone at Netz HaChama. (Shu"t Chasam Sofer ibid. and Elya Raba ibid.)
Other Poskim contend that it is better to recite the Bracha immediately upon seeing the sun and not to wait to do it together with a Tzibbur. (Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 60:6 and 7, Kaf HaChaim Siman 229:13 and 14 and others)
The prevalent minhag in many Jewish communities is to daven Shacharis K'Vasikin and then recite the Birchas HaChama together as a Tzibbur.
To sponsor a future issue of Halacha For Today in honor of a loved one, to promote your business or for any occasion , please contact me at Halacha For Today
It's a great Mitzvah! The Zechus of the Torah learning of over 1,000 people each day can be yours for only $36. All proceeds go to further spread the word of Hashem.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page 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.
Does a cooked/fried davar charif (sharp food) have the same status as a raw davar charif? For instance, if a baked kugel contains fried onions that were cut with a fleishig knife, does it still have the status of a davar charif, and you can't eat it with milchigs?
Answer:
Yes, once a Davar Charif is cut with a Fleishig knife, it retains its status of Fleishig, even after being added to a Kugel and cooked
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
1) One who does one of the following things after washing for Netilas Yadayim, even after already eating bread and being in the midst of the meal, must re-wash their hands with all the Halachic guidelines applicable to the initial washing:
* Touching a place on the body that is usually covered
* Touching a dirty or sweaty part of the body (or changing a baby's diaper)
* Scratching the head (when scalp is reached. Simply touching the hair though , or even scratching a beard is not a problem)
* Using the bathroom
* Falling asleep during the meal, even a short nap (See Mishna Berura 178:48)
2) If at the time that the new washing is required, there is bread in the mouth, it may not be swallowed before re-washing. (Mishna Berura 164:8. See Aruch HaShulchan 164:5 that this is only a Chumra and not M'Ikar D'Din)
Even if one does not plan on eating any more bread, as long as the meal is still going on, the hands must be re-washed. (Mishna Berura 170:7)
However, if one touched something dirty that isn't repulsive (e.g. dust, cement, soil) no re-washing is required. (Mishna Berura 164:4)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) When re-washing the hands in middle of the meal, no Bracha is recited, unless one touched an extremely dirty place or used the bathroom. Some Poskim maintain that even in those cases no Bracha is recited. (See Mishna Berura 164:13 and Biur Halacha Dibur HaMaschil Lachzor that in those cases a new Bracha is recited. See Shulchan Aruch HaRav 164:2 and Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 40:16 that a Bracha is never made on a re-washing because of Safek Bracha L'Vatalah. See Chazon ish Siman 25:9 who requires a Bracha even when touching covered areas)
2) One who eats bread and takes a "long break" without eating, must re-wash and make a Bracha in order to resume eating bread, as we assume that they have been "Masiach Da'as- interrupted their mind from the meal", and thus were not careful to keep the hands halachically clean.
What constitutes a "long break"? The Mishna Berura 170:9 writes that "an hour or two" is considered a long break. (Common at Sheva Brachos, weddings or other parties when there are often speeches or other activities for a long time after eating your last piece of bread.) Other Poskim maintain that as long as you are at the table talking etc., it isn't considered a break, even for many hours. (See Ketzos HaShulchan Siman 39:16)
If during the "break" you are holding a piece of bread in your hands, there is no need to wash, even if it was a long break as the bread in your hands is a sufficient reminder that you are in the middle of the meal and the hands need to remain clean. (Mishna Berura ibid. See also Chasam Sofer to Chulin 106 that if one is certain that his hands did not get unclean, he may continue to eat without rewashing, no matter how long the break was.)
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page 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.
In a previous Q& A( #144) you wrote: "Incidentally, after 120, if someone (G-d forbid) is judged to go to Gehinnom (hell), he/she gets a break from the punishment on Shabbos. When Shabbos is over, the torture continues.
When is Shabbos over for that person? The Seforim say that the amount of time that one waited in this world, is the amount of time he/she gets the reprieve in the next world! Every second of Gehinom is like years of suffering! So it is worthwhile to keep Shabbos until the latest Zman possible."
Were does it say the part about gehinnom? I've heard of it but never seen it brought down anywhere.
Answer:
This is something that I have heard many times from various different Talmidei Chachamim. I believe it's based on Shu"t HaRadVaz Siman 76
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
Today's Halachos have been dedicated by a daily reader in honor of her husband Yehoshua Ben Esther, with a tefilah to Hashem that He continue to bless their home and that they merit having the Shechina continue to dwell in ther wonderful Jewish home and that they merit to have and raise good Jewish children together.
1)Although, as we learned yesterday, it is important to recite Hamotzi as soon as possible after washing Al Netilas Yadayim, if one indeed did wait longer than the 22 Amos, as long as he/she didn't take their mind off the meal that is about to be eaten or talk, there is no need to wash again. (Mishna Berura 166:6. See also Chazon Ish Orach Chaim Siman 24:30 towards the end in Dibur Hamaschil K'Shenotel L'Achila)
However, if one did take their mind off the upcoming meal, or did talk or make another Hefsek, the hands must be rewashed, and a new Bracha of "Al Netilas Yadayim" recited, as the original washing and Bracha are nullified by the Hefsek. (See Chazon Ish Siman 25:8.)
2) It is permitted to answer "Amen" to someone elses's "Al netilas yadayim" or to a Bracha that you hear, as well as "Barchu" or other Devarim SheBikedusah (sacred utterances) between washing for Al Netilas Yadayim and the recital of Hamotzi (see Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 41:2)
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and my Answers. Taken from the Q & A page 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.
If you have a relative who lives a higher standard of living because they have family who helps them out and they also buy nicer food,clothing etc. but they themselves don't earn so much and they could sometimes use help with paying tution or things like that. Should you help them before helping talmidei chachamim who live in your city who need basic food and clothing?
Answer:
Relatives only take precedence if the level of need is the same. However, if the Talmid Chacham is more in need of the funds, then they take precedence over a less lacking relative. (See Shu"t Chasam Sofer 233 and 234) . Also, according to some Poskim Talmidei Chachamim always come first.)
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
One of our daily readers, Rochel Bas Chana is undergoing a medical procedure today. Please have in mind when learning today's Halachos that the Torah learning should be a merit for her complete Refuah Shelaima. If you can also say a chapter of Tehilim in her merit, it would be greatly appreciated.
1) Nothing, not even something simple and insignificant, should be done between washing Al Netilas Yadayim and "Hamotzi", unless it is directly necessary to the meal. (See Mishna Berura 166:1. See Shu"t Az Nidberu Vol. 10 Siman 8:2 that B'Dieved B'Sa'as HaDchak certain things are permitted, as long as they don't require much concentration. See also Chazon Ish Orach Chaim Siman25:8)
Simply waiting for no reason between the Al Netilas Yadayim and the Hamotzi, even without doing anything or talking, should also be avoided.
Waiting [from after the hands are completely dried until Hamotzi is recited] for more than the time that it takes to walk 22 Amos (approximately 44 feet) is considered a Hefsek. The time it takes to dry the hands is not counted. (See Mishna Berura 166:4 and Kaf HaChaim 166:9. According to the Shulchan Aruch HaRav 166:1 if in the time that you "waited" you were doing something pertaining to the meal, it isn't considered a Hefsek, even longer than 22 Amos, though he writes that L'Chatchilah it should be avoided. The Aruch HaShulchan 166:1and 2 even goes so far as to say that waiting in such a case is L'Chatchilah)
2) The above Halacha is for meals during the week. On Shabbos, however, when the custom is to wait for everyone to wash and only then recite "Hamotzi", where it certainly takes more than "22 Amos" to do this, many Poskim say that the Halacha doesn't apply. (Aruch HaShulchan ibid. writes that on Shabbos nobody is running anywhere, so their minds are on the Seudah even longer than 22 Amos. Other Poskim maintain that waiting for everyone to wash and sit down is considered "necessary" for the meal. Some Poskim argue and are stringent, and require everyone at the table to have their own 2 Chalos, even on Shabbos, as to avoid waiting more than 22 Amos.)
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and my Answers. Taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Todaywebsite.
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.
When giving Ma'aser by check in Eretz Yisrael -where the check is usually changed at a money changer who takes about 1.5% -do you need to add that amount to the check so that the recipient will get the full ma'aser? (Your earning go to an American account and you live in Eretz Yisroel)
Answer:
If the check can be deposited in a bank and thus be redeemed for the full amount, you have satisfied your obligation. The fact that the recipient may use an alternate method to cash the check, and thus lose a percentage is the recipient's choice, and not your concern.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
1) Before washing for Al Netilas Yadayim, it is important to ensure that the table is set and ready for the meal and that the bread, salt and breadknife is already on the table. [Alternately, if one is simply eating a piece of bread or a sandwich and not setting the table, it is important to make sure that the bread or sandwich is prepared and ready to eat immediately after washing the hands.]
Before washing, it is important to check and make sure that a towel is available with which to dry the hands. All of the above is to ensure that there isn't even a short Hefsek, interruption, between the washing and the eating. (See Kaf HaChaim 166:3)
2) The Bracha of Hamotzi [on the bread] should be said as soon as humanly possible after the washing.
It is forbidden to talk between the washing of the hands and the reciting of "Hamotzi", even a short comment and even talking words of Torah is forbidden.
Saying words that are necessary for the reciting of "Hamotzi", such as saying "salt" or "knife" to indicate that those items are needed is permitted. (See Mishna Berura 165:7 and 166:2. The Shulchan Aruch HaRav 166:1 and some other Poskim maintain that saying two or three words such as "yes please" or "Of course not" are not considered a Hefsek and are permitted.)
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and my Answers. Taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Today website. For study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to Halacha For Today)
Reader's Question:
If a baby will scream if put down -can you lechatchila daven shmone esrei with him in a 'snuggly' (-your not holding him but he is in something you are wearing) -and you wouldn't wear the 'snuggly' outside b/c you feel it may attract attention (b/c it's different)?
My Answer:
The reason that one may not daven while holding something is that he/she will not have kavana as they are concentrating on not dropping the thing they are holding.
Thus, if you are holding a child, you may not daven, and may even need to repeat your davening if done while holding the child.
Seemingly, if the child is in a "snuggly", you arent concentrating on him not falling, and if no other alternative is avaialble, you may daven like that.
Of course, ideally, you should have someone elese hold the child or put him down in a crib for those few minutes that you are praying. As far as going outside with it, many people do in fact go out like that, so that in it of itself would not be a reason to invalidate your davening.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
1) A towel that is very wet (common in certain Shuls where they have one large towel for everybody to use) should not be used for drying the hands after Netilas Yadayim. (See Kaf HaChaim 162:46. Rav Shmuel Wosner Shlita in Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 7 Siman 21:1 maintains that today's days when most people wash with an abundance of water, it is only a problem if the towel is wet enough to actually make a dry hand wet with the water that is in it (Halchically known as Tofeach Al M'Nas L'Hatfiach)
2) The hands should not be dried with your shirt, and preferably not on any other articles of clothing either. (Mishna Berura 158:45. See Aruch HaShulchan 158:17 and Kaf HaChaim 158:87. B'Sha'as HaDchak when no towel is available, drying the hands with pants or skirt or other clothing is better than with your shirt, as with your shirt it is surely "Kashe L'Shikcha" and with other articles of clothing it is only a "Safek")
There is a debate amongst the Poskim if the above Halacha of not using cloting to dry the hands is only after Netilas Yadayim for bread or also for any time one washes the hands during the day. There is also a debate as to whether it is only prohibited while the clothing are being worn, or even if the clothing are not on you. It is best to be stringent. (See Shu"t Rivevos efraim Vol. 1 Siman126 at length.)
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and my Answers. Taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Today website. For study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to Halacha For Today)
Reader's Question:
The Aruch Hashulchan writes that saying "Pitum Haktores" by mincha is a minhag yafeh (nice custom).
Ever since I saw that, I have been saying the parsha of pitum Haktores before mincha, although I daven nusach Ashkenaz. Is there any problem with saying it and why if the Aruch Hashulchan says it is a minhag yafeh do we not find nusach Ashkenaz people saying it before mincha.?
I was always told that we dont say it by shacharis before Aleinu because we may rush through it and it states, Iim Chisar Achas Mekol.......Chayav Misa.[ if one of the ingredients of Ketores was missing in the Bais haMikdash it was punishable by death, so too we refrain from saying the Parsha of Ketores if we are in a rush lest we skip one of the ingredients] Would this same theory apply to mincha? I dont know if people are as rushed by mincha as they are by shacharis in morning rushing off to work.
My Answer:
There is nothing wrong with saying Pitum Haketores before Mincha, even if you normally daven Nusach Ashkenaz (as the Aruch Hashulchan did!). Many people I know that daven Ashknaz do in fact say it, and certain Ashkenaz siddurim do in fact have it.
It is possible that the reason for many not saying it is indeed the same reason as by shacharis, as many people will rush by Mincha as well. ( I often see people rushing out of Shul by all three tefilos, yet never see these people rush into Shul)
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
Today's Halachos are dedicated by a daily reader Y.L., L'Refuah Shelaima of the following people:
Tova Riva bas Marim, Sara Pesha bas Yaffa Esther, Rochel bas Chana, Refael Yehuda ben Dina, Shalom ben Rivka, Avigdor Avrohom ben Chana B'Soch Sha'ar Cholei Yisroel
1) The hands must be dried very well after washing [and reciting the Bracha].
Chazal (Talmud Sotah 4b)say that one who eats bread with wet hands is as if he is eating impure bread, because some of the water that became impure due to the [first]washing will ultimately transfer some of the impurities onto the bread. (See Mishna Berura 158:45)
The above applies even if a lot of water was poured on the hands at once (and thus the water never becomes impure), as eating with wet hands is considered repulsive (Mishna Berura 158:46 quoting the MaHarshal that this is the primary reason, and not the reason of impurity, based on Rashi Sotah 4b)
2) The hands must be dried with a towel [or similar cloth], as the act of drying the hands helps to clean the hands properly.
Letting the hands dry on their own or via an electric air blower is not L'Chatchilah. (See Shulchan Aruch HaRav 158:17. See Shu"t Az Nidberu Vol. 8 Siman 52 and Vol.9 Siman 64 where he tries to find a leniency for using the air blowers. Similarly other Poskim say that B'Sha'as HaDchak the air blower should be used, rather than letting the hands dry on their own)
To sponsor a future issue of Halacha For Today in honor of a loved one, to promote your business or for any occasion , please contact me at Halacha For Today
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and my Answers. Taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Today website. For study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to Halacha For Today)
Reader's Question:
Regarding the Q&A corner [from a while back, where you said to wash Negel Vasser before using the bathroom], if I'm not mistaken the Mishne Berura writes that if you need the bathroom urgently you should go [before Negel Vasser] then wash so as not to push it off you might be over a lav.
My Answer:
The Poskim do indeed say that in cases of extreme urgency you may indeed use the bathroom first. However, you must be extremely careful not to touch any parts of the body that have holes in them, while using the bathroom, lest the Ruach Ra (which hasn't yet been removed via washing the hands) take hold over the entire body
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
Important Numbers
