|
|
 Important Numbers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FRUMToronto Topics
|
|
|
Audio and PDF's:
|
|
|
Articles:
|
|
|
|
FRUMToronto Links
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| FRUMToronto Articles Halacha for Today |
 |
|
|
|
|
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
|
|
|
|
|
Monday, February 9th. TU B'SHVAT
|
|
|
Tu B'Shvat 5769
~~~~~~~~~~~~
1) Although we discussed over the past few weeks [and will discuss a little more in the next few days] many "other" Mitzvah uses for which Ma'aser money may be used, it is important to remember that the "main" use for Ma'aser money is for poor people. (Ram"a Y"D Siman 249, based on Talmud Yerushalmi Peah Perek 1)
Therefore, all the other permitted uses for Ma'aser should be used sporadically, and one should definitely not use a whole year's worth of Ma'aser money on things other than poor people. (Psak of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal. See also the strong words of the Steipler Zatzal about one who uses too much of his/her Ma'aser money for other purposes in Kreina D'Igresa Vol. 2 Letter 126)
2) A city or a community should not pay its Rav from the "community Tzedaka fund". However, individual members of the congregation may give their personal Ma'aser money to the Rav. (See Ram"a Yoreh Deah Siman 251:13)
Some Poskim maintain, that the above Halacha is for money above the salary that was decided upon between the community and the Rav, but the actual salary may indeed be taken from the "community Tzedaka fund" (Rishon L'Tzion ibid.)
|
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
(Reader Submitted Questions of interest (on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topics) 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 sent to Halacha For Today )
Reader's Question:
Should a Shliach Tzibur make a bracha on shul Talis before davening Mincha?
The Mishna Berura (Siman 14:11) Paskens that when a Shat"z puts on a Shul Tallis to daven for the Amud he makes a Beracha. The reasoning is that the Shul tallis belongs to everyone, and thus it is "your" Tallis and requires a Bracha.
However, the Biur Halacha (Dibur HaMaschil "Sh'Alah" )brings a few opinios that perhaps one does not make a Beracha on a Shul Tallis, especially if he isn't wrapping himself in it/putting it over his head, as then it is only being done for kavod Hatzibbur and not for Mitzvah of Tzitzis, as well as some other reasons.
Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal (Halichos Shlomo Vol. 2 Perk 1 Ha'arah 2) says that the minhag is not to make a bracha on a shul Tallis. He says that even those that are machmir by Shachris and Mincha, still do not make a Bracha by Maariv.
Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita says that it is best to have in mind when donning the Shul Tallis that you don't want to be "Zoche" in the Tallis, and then it won't be yours, and no Bracha is necessary.
The prevelant Minhag is indeed not to make a Bracha on a Shul Tallis, unless one is explicitly using it for the Mitzvah of tzitzis (such as one who forgot his tallis at home and is "borrowing" the Shuls Tallis) |
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 )
Please visit my website www.HalachaForToday.com for archives, Kosher links, Questions and Answers,and other features. Halachos are for study purposes only, and should not be relied upon for final Psak. See Halacha L'Maaseh Disclaimer Here. I welcome all questions on any topic, anytime! Help spread the word of Hashem!
Please Tell your friends about this list and have them sign up too! |
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 2/9/2009 12:00 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Halacha for Today |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sunday, February 8 2009
|
|
|
14 Shvat 5769
~~~~~~~~~~~~
1)According to some Poskim, paying tuition for girls' education from Ma'aser money is allowed, as there is no obligation to teach or hire someone to teach your daughters Torah. (Opinion of Dayan Weiss Zatzal in Shu"t Minchas Yitzchok Vol. 10 Siman 85. See also Shu"t Teshivos V'hanhagos from Rav Moshe Sternbuch Shlita Vol. 1 Siman 560 and 561)
Others, however, maintain that in places where girls' [elementary school] education is mandatory by law[as it is in the USA], thus it is an obligation on parents to send their daughters to Torah schools (so as not to be forced to place them in Public schools) and the tuition may not be paid from Ma'aser money.(Opinion of Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal in Igros Moshe Y"D Vol. 2 Siman 113 and Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky Zatzal in Emes L'Yaakov Y"D Siman 249)
2) Using Ma'aser money for tuition for older daughters for their seminary education, which isn't obligatory on a father, is acceptable. (Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky Zatzal ibid. This was also the opinion of the Steipler Zatazal)
Regarding using Ma'aser money to pay for a daughter's college education, where the purpose of her education is to be able to learn the skills necessary to support a husband that will learn in Kollel, a Rav should be consulted. (The Rav should also be consulted as to which college, if any, is proper for a Bas Yisroel to attend)
|
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
(Reader Submitted Questions of interest (on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topics) 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 sent to Halacha For Today )
Reader's Question:
For how long does one have to sleep in order to be obligated to recite Birchas Hatorah? If one takes an afternoon nap is one required to recite birchas Hatorah when he wakes up?
I am assuming your first question is referring to an amount one slept during the night in order to require him to recite Birchos HaTorah upon waking in the morning. In that case, the amount of sleep is a "Shinas Keva" which is approximately half an hour. According to some opinions, even if someone did not sleep at all during the night he would be obligated in Birchos haTorah in the morning. The best thing to do is to hear the Brachos from someone else and answer Amen and be Yotzei that way. If however if one slept during the day on the previous day, but was up all night ,then he makes Birchos HaTorah himself the next morning based on yesterday's nap.
If one naps during the day he does not need to recite Birchos HaTorah again upon waking from his nap.
Follow Up Question from the Same Reader:
I have one more question, if one goes to sleep at night and wakes up an hour later, says birchas hatorah and learns. Then one falls back asleep for "30 min" or more does one need to recite birchas hatorah again upon awakening or is it like an "afternoon nap"? How about if one refalls asleep until the next morning?
If one wakes before Alos HaShachar and makes Birchos HaTorah, he does not repeat the Brachos in the morning, even if he goes back to sleep, according to most Poskim. If one did repeat Birchos HaTorah in the morning, he has upon who to rely, but better not to initially do this. (See Mishna Berura Siman 47:29. Also see Biur Halacha ibid. Dibur HaMaschil Hamashkim) |
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 2/8/2009 12:00 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Halacha for Today |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Erev Shabbos Kodesh B'Shalach: Shabbos Shira
|
|
|
Halacha For Today:
Erev Shabbos Kodesh Parshas B'Shalach; Shabbos Shirah February 6th 2009
12 Shvat 5769
SPECIAL DOUBLE PORTION L'KAVOD SHABBOS KODESH
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh
1) Fathers [and mothers] are obligated to teach, or hire someone to teach, their sons Torah. Therefore, many Poskim are of the opinion that one may not pay for the teaching of their son's Torah (i.e. tuition) from Ma'aser money. (Elya Rabbah Orach Chaim Siman 156:2. See also Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 5 Siman 133)
Other Poskim, however, do allow one who is financially strained to use Ma'aser money to pay the tution for his sons. These Poskim allow this for younger sons (under Bar Mitzvah) as well as for older sons (High school age).
2) If the teacher is a poor person, there is even more reason to allow this practice. (See Rishon L'Tzion from Rav Chaim ben Atar Zatzal Y"D Siman 249. See also Shu"t Divrei Malkiel Vol. 5 Siman 115)
Being that today's days when one pays tuition, part of the cost that is paid goes to cover for those students from poor homes who cannot afford to pay tuition, that portion may be taken from Ma'aser according to all opinions (Psak of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) One may send his son to a "better" Cheder (elementary school), and pay the difference in price (versus an average, or public Cheder) from Ma'aser.
Since the obligation of a father is only to teach his son "Mikrah- the written Torah", many Poskim who disallow using Ma'aser for elementary school tuition, do in fact allow using Ma'aser money for High school (Mesivta) tuition as in High School they are already learning "Torah Sh'Baal Peh- the oral Torah" (Shulchan Aruch HaRav Hilchos Talmud Torah Perek 1:7. See Shulchan Aruch Y"D Siman 245 and see also Orchos Rabbeinu from the Steipler Zatzal Vol. 1 page 298 and page 301)
However, some Poskim maintain that if one isn't financially strained, he should refrain from using Ma'aser money even for High school tuition. (Shu"t Shevet Haleivi ibid.)
2) The Poskim maintain that since part of tuition is to cover the cost of food, room and board, the amount that would have been spent on these items had the child been at home should be calculated, and that part of the tuition should not be taken from Ma'aser. (Tzedaka U'Mishpat Chapter 6:35)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To receive a wonderful, easy to read, informative Parsha Sheet written by Rabbi Oizer Alport, a fellow Halacha For Today daily reader, entitled "Parsha Potpourri", via email each week, contact him at parshapotpourri at optonline.net
>>> To read this week's Parsha Potpourri, CLICK HERE <<<
|
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
(Reader Submitted Questions of interest (on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topics) 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 sent to Halacha For Today)
Reader's Question:
I want to know if its against the halacha to copy music [or Shiurim] from other people. Some people claim it's not, since you're not actually stealing something.
Firstly, according to Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal and other Poskim (including Rav Shmuel Wosner Shlita, Rav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Shlita and Rav Yisroel Belsky Shlita) , you are prohibited from copying any item that has been created by someone else, if that person is selling it.
This would apply to jewelry, art, Sefarim...and copying Torah or music tapes as well. The reason is that doing so will cause the creator of the item to lose sales, and thus lose money due to your action and is Gezeilah (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 40:19)
Therefore, many of today's Poskim pasken that if you bought the tape, CD or music download and you want to make an additional copy for yourself (let's say to keep one at home and one in the car) it would be permitted, as most people don't, and wouldn't, buy two copies, and making the second copy for yourself is not causing the creator to lose a sale. But to copy someone else's CD for your own use is prohibited.
The fact that a song is an "intellectual creation" makes no difference, and one who steals it is guilty of the sin of stealing. This is especially true if the music CD in question is specifically sold on this condition (as most are today) which in most cases can withhold certain "rights" from the buyer, thus one cannot claim that "I bought it, and it is now mine to with as I please, including copying etc.)
Furthermore when there are copyright laws in effect which prohibit the copying of the music, it would also be prohibited Halachically based on the concept of "Dina D'Malchusa Dina- that a Jew must obey the civil laws of the host country he/she resides in" (See Shach Yoreh Deah 165:8)
Although certain Rabbanim have ruled that even for personal use (as a second copy) is prohibited, one may rely on the above Poskim and indeed make a copy for personal use.
However, one who relies on "Heterim" to initially copy a music CD or download (a first copy) is probably transgressing a "D'Oraisa" of Geneiva. (Is it really worth becoming a thief to save $14.99?) |
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 2/6/2009 12:00 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Halacha for Today |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thursday, February 5 2009
|
|
|
Halacha For Today:
Thursday February 5th 2009
11 Shvat 5769
~~~~~~~~~~~~
1) Even according to the opinions that prohibit purchasing Sefarim using Ma'aser money, the amount spent on the Sefarim [needed for learning] may be deducted from the total income on which Ma'aser is calculated. (Tzedaka U'Mishpat Perek 5 footnote 34)
According to all opinions, Ma'aser money may be used to purchase Sefarim that will be lent to others who cannot afford to buy them on their own, even if the buyer can afford to use his/her own money for this purpose. (Bais Dino Shel Shlomo Y"D Siman 1. See also Ahavas Chesed Vol. 2 Perek 19:2 who writes that it is a unanimous Psak and there is no room to be stringent. See also Shu"t Chasam Sofer Y"D Siman 249)
2) Even one who purchases Sefarim with Ma'aser according to the above guidelines, in order to lend to others, is not required to allow everybody that wants to come into his/her home at any time to use the Sefarim. (Shu"t Mishne Halachos Vol. 6 Siman 198, based on Taz Siman 249)
It is permitted, according to all opinions, to purchase Sefarim with Ma'aser money and donate them to a Shul or Yeshiva. (Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 7 Siman 194)
|
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
(Reader Submitted Questions of interest (on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topics) 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 sent to Halacha For Today )
Reader's Question:
I just read your answer about the eggs/onions/etc. (Click Here for Q&A Page #2 and see question #72)
Wow! I never knew that - so does that mean the same thing if it was left overnight INSIDE the refrigerator?!
If I have a salad or tuna fish with scallions/onions in it and it's a lot so I want to refrigerate it, I can't?
Also, on the topic of onions, I once heard that there's something special about them (and I heard there are a few other foods that I do not know about) in reference to kosher - like milk and meat - something to do with it being "spicy...."?
Being in the refrigerator doesnt help. However as it said in the answer: "if the onion was prepared and mixed with other foods ( salt, oil, mayonaisse, etc.) there is no problem and it may be prepared and left overnight and eaten the next day."
Therefore your onions which were part of a salad or tuna, are OK.
Regarding your second question: Yes, Onions and a few other "sharp" foods are considered "Davar Charif- sharp item" and therefore have special Halachos when it comes to Kashrus. For example, an onion that was cut in half with a Fleishig knife becomes Fleishig. Onions that were fried in a milchig frying pan, become milchig etc.
Follow Up Question from Same Reader:
With regard to the "davar charif" laws - does that mean if I cut an onion with a meat knife and then mix it in with a salad (neither meat nor dairy) I should not use a dairy utensil? And does that make me actually "meat" - like would I wait for 6 hours before dairy?
My Answer:
Yes, the salad that contains onions cut with a Fleishig knife, should preferably not be eaten with a Milchig utensil, as it very possibly has rendered the entire salad Fleishig. (There are too many variables to this which may change the Halacha, but its too lengthy a discussion for this email)
If the knife in question was clean when the onion was cut, then there is no need to wait six hours after eating the salad before eating milchig again. (Chidushei Rav Akiva Eiger to Yoreh Deah Siman 89). However, if you are Fleishig, you may need to wait 6 hours before eating a Davar Chariif that was cut with a milchig knife, according to some Poskim.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 2/5/2009 12:00 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Halacha for Today |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 2/5/2009 12:00 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Halacha for Today |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, February 4 2009
|
|
|
|
Halacha For Today:
Wednesday February 4th 2009
10 Shvat 5769
~~~~~~~~~~~~
1)One who purchases Sefarim with Ma'aser money should clearly write on the inside front cover of the Sefer that it was purchased with Ma'aser money.
The main reason for this is that when the Sefarim get passed on to one's children they be aware that they may not keep them for themselves, but must "share" them with others. ( Taz Yoreh Deah Siman 249:1 See also Shu"t Bais Dino Shel Shlomo Yoreh Deah Siman 1. This was the custom of the Steipler Zatzal [in the early days when he used to buy Sefarim with Ma'aser money]. The Chazon ish was also very Makpid that if one relies on these Heterim to buy with Ma'aser, he must write this inside.)
2) Some Poskim maintain that only rare Sefarim that one would not otherwise purchase with regular money, may be purchased using Ma'aser money (Shu"t Mishne Halachos Vol. 6 Siman 197. Though he writes there, that the Mihag Ha'Olam is to be lenient)
Other Poskim prohibit buying any Sefarim with Ma'aser money (Aruch HaShulchan Yoreh Deah Siman 249:10. He writes that although "Heterim "can be found for this practice, it is best to stay away from these Heterim. This is also the opinion of the Shita MeKubetzes Kesubos 50b, quoted in the MaHarsham as well as many other Poskim)
Today's days when Sefarim are so commonplace, easy to find, affordable, and not "lent out" to other people as often as they were in the old days (as most people have their own Sefarim), many contemporary Poskim say it is best to be stringent and refrain from using Ma'aser money to purchase Sefarim. (Rav Chaim Kanievsky shlita in Derech Emunah Hilchos Matnas Aniyim Perek 7 in Biur HaHalacha Dibur HaMaschil V'Echad M'Asara. Thisis also the opinion of Rav Shmuel Wosner Shlita in Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 7 Siman 194 and in Vol. 5 Siman 133 (in the comments to the new edition (Mahadura Chadasha). This is also the opinion of Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv shlita)
|
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
(Reader Submitted Questions of interest (on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topics) 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 sent to Halacha For Today )
Reader's Question:
Firstly, your site is absolutely wonderful and a very convenient way to learn a little Torah each day...
...I had an interesting question regarding snow and hilchos shabbos. What is the reason for snow being "muktzah"? (which I know is a very misunderstood category of hilchos shabbos to begin with)
What melachos would be involved in playing with snow? Or sweeping it out of the way (not shoveling, but with one's boot for example) to make a path easier to walk on? Just curious...because it snowed this past Shabbos!
Snow which fell on Shabbos, according to many Poskim, is muktzah do to its being "Nolad", something which came into existence on Shabbos, and thus couldn't have been set aside before Shabbos for any permitted use. Moreover, even snow that fell before Shabbos, according to these Poskim, is "Muktzah Machmas Gufo- intrinsically Muktzah" do to it not having any use as animal feed or any other use (similar to a rock or sand) (Opinion of Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal , quoted in Sefer Tiltulei Shabbos and others)
Some Poskim rule that snow [as long as it's not too dirty to use] is not Muktzah, even if it fell on Shabbos (as the water which formed the snow was in existence before Shabbos, thus it isn't Nolad). Even according to these Poskim, it is still prohibited to form "snowballs" or "snowmen" on Shabbos. (Opinion of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal quoted in Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchaso and others)
According to Rav Shlomo Zalmen Zatazl it would be permitted to clear a path of snow on Shabbos regardless when it fell. If by clearing the path it will prevent people from Chas V'Shalom slipping and getting injured, it would probably be permitted according to Rav Moshe Zatzal as well.
Follow Up Question from Same Reader:
Just a follow up question to Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach's psak in the last part about clearing a path, would that make shoveling mutar? or melacha? does he mean clearing a path just with a boot or by means of walking on it? or is a "kli" for removing snow permitted?
My Answer:
If it isn't easily moved with your foot, a shovel can be used, especially if being done to prevent injury R"L. Though it is best to use it with a Shinui (in a different manner than it is used during the week) if possible. It is also best to designate the shovel before Shabbos for such a use, to satisfy all opinions. (based on Psak of Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchaso)
|
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 )
Please visit my website www.HalachaForToday.com for archives, Kosher links, Questions and Answers,and other features. Halachos are for study purposes only, and should not be relied upon for final Psak. See Halacha L'Maaseh Disclaimer Here. I welcome all questions on any topic, anytime! Help spread the word of Hashem!
Please Tell your friends about this list and have them sign up too! |
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 2/4/2009 12:00 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Halacha for Today |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, February 3 2009
|
|
|
Halacha For Today:
Tuesday February 3rd 2009
9 Shvat 5769
~~~~~~~~~~~~
1)May one purchase "Sefarim- Torah Literature" with Ma'aser money?
This is a much discussed question amongst the Halachic authorities, and we will try ,over the next few days, to work out the many different opinions, variations and situations.
Some Poskim maintain that one who cannot afford to purchase his/her own Sefarim, may indeed purchase them with Ma'aser money even if they will be used for personal use, as long as they will also be lent to others to use (even if the "others" can afford to purchase their own Sefarim).
This is only true for Sefarim that are necessary for the topic now being studied, and not simply for the purposes of expanding his/her library. ( See Shach Siman 249:3, quoted in Ahavas Chesed Vol. 2 Perek 19:2. See also Shu"t Tzitz Eliezer Vol. 9 Siman 1)
2) If one bought a Sefer with Ma'aser money and wants to use it at the same time that someone else wants to use it, the one who bought the Sefer takes precedence. (See Shu"t Meishiv Davar Vol. 2 Siman 75. See also Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 8 Siman 163 for some more details)
|
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
(Reader Submitted Questions of interest (on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topics) 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 sent to Halacha For Today )
Reader's Question:
In truly fast minyanim, (there are many). I begin the bracha of "yotzer ohr" before the shma, while the tsibbur is doing psukei dezimra.
I intend to finish "yotzer ha'meoros" as the tsibbur is doing yishtabach. I join in "barchu" between the first and second blessing. and begin shma well before the tsibbur...and I arrive to the end of shma..."emmes" with the tsibbur. And then I can truly daven with a minyan at shmoneh esray.
without this, i would be davining amidah perhaps a full minute or more after the tsibbur has begun. And I can go at a slow pace. Even after 30 years, I cannot say the words at a real quick pace.
It is not that I have such deep kavana, its more, I did not grow up with this, and just cant even say the words quickly enough.
Is there a problem with this?
Being that you are doing this in order to get "Tefilah B'Tzibbur" , which according to many Poskim you only get when you start Shemona Esrei precisely at the same moment with the rest of the Tzibbur, then what you are doing sounds fine. |
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 )
Please visit my website www.HalachaForToday.com for archives, Kosher links, Questions and Answers,and other features. Halachos are for study purposes only, and should not be relied upon for final Psak. See Halacha L'Maaseh Disclaimer Here. I welcome all questions on any topic, anytime! Help spread the word of Hashem!
Please Tell your friends about this list and have them sign up too! |
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 2/3/2009 12:00 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Halacha for Today |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Monday, February 2 2009
|
|
|
8 Shvat 5769
To donate and help spread Halacha For Today to more yidden around the world, donate via www.paypal.com to email address Halacha For Today. Tizkeh L'Mitzvos!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
1) One who is making a Seudas Mitzvah (e.g. Bris, Bar Mitzvah [according to some Poskim], Siyum on a Mesechta where 10 people will participate, etc.) may not pay the expenses of the meal with Ma'aser money.
However, if in order to avoid family[or other] conflict, one is compelled to invite more people than originally planned, half of the additional costs may be taken from Ma'aser. (Shu"t Hagr"i Gans based on Ahavas Chesed Vol. 2 Perek 19:2. See also shu"t Chasam Sofer Siman 231)
2) Ma'aser money may be used to purchase kosher food for Jews who aren't accustomed to eating Kosher. (Psak of Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal quoted in Kuntres Am HaTorah Mahadura 2 Choveres 11)
|
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
(Reader Submitted Questions of interest (on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topics) 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 sent to Halacha For Today )
Reader's Question:
[You wrote]: "The "Kedusha" consists of the phrases "Kadosh...", "Baruch..." [and according to some opinions, also "Yimloch..."]. Any additional stanzas that are added on Shabbos and Yom Tov aren't really part of the "Kedusha"
Therefore, if one is middle of his/her own silent Shemona Esrei when the Chazzan reaches Kedusha. They need to stop and "listen" (or if in middle of Elokai Netzor, stop and recite) to only the above two [or three, according to the opinions that count "Yimloch"] sentences, and then can continue their silent Shemona Esrei."
Isn't this considered a hefsek {Shomea K'oneh}of my Tefilah that I am in the middle of?
That's a very good question. It seems from the Poskim that "Shomea K'Oneh" would only be a Hefsek if you are stopping to listen to something that is a Chiyuv Gamur for you to say, thus by listening via "Shomea K'Oneh" it would be like you actually said it and be a Hefsek. For this reason, Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal paskens that you may not listen to Havdalah while in the middle of Shemona Esrei, whereas kaddish and Kedusha isn't a Chiyuv gamur for you to say, so even though you are being Yotzei by listening, it isn't as if you said it and thus isn't a Hefsek. Regarding listening to Krias HaTorah while in middle of Shemona Esrei, Rav Shlomo Zalmen held it's a hefsek. The Chazon ish held not to do it, but if done, you are Yotzei.
See also Mishna Berura Siman 104 Sif Koton 28. |
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 )
Please visit my website www.HalachaForToday.com for archives, Kosher links, Questions and Answers,and other features. Halachos are for study purposes only, and should not be relied upon for final Psak. See Halacha L'Maaseh Disclaimer Here. I welcome all questions on any topic, anytime! Help spread the word of Hashem!
Please Tell your friends about this list and have them sign up too! |
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 2/2/2009 12:00 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Halacha for Today |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Erev Shabbos Kodesh Parshas Bo
|
|
|
Halacha For Today:
Erev Shabbos Kodesh Parshas Bo January 30th 2009
5 Shvat 5769
DOUBLE PORTION L'KAVOD SHABBOS KODESH
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh
1)If one pledged money towards the building of a Shul or a Mikvah, if he/she had in mind at the time of the pledge that it would be paid off with Ma'aser money, it may be paid off with Ma'aser according to all opinions.
If he/she did not have this in mind at the time of the pledge, there is a dispute amongst the Poskim if Ma'aser money can still be used. The prevalent Minhag is to be lenient in this matter and allow the use of Ma'aser money. (Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach Zatzal)
2) Some Poskim maintain that it is best not to use Ma'aser money for the building of Shuls and Mikvaos, unless the construction of the building will be delayed due to lack of funds, then according to everyone you may use Ma'aser to expedite the building process. (See Shu"t Teshuvos V'hanhagos Vol. 1 Siman 578 where he differentiates between a regular shul building and a huge, magnificent one. See also Shu"t Kaneh B'Shem Vol. 3 Siman 84 for more about this)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) One may not use Ma'aser money to pay a Sofer (scribe) to write a Sefer Torah for himself. (Netziv in Shu"t Meishiv Davar Vol. 2 Siman 75. See also Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 3 Siman 147)
However, to use Ma'aser money to help a Shul pay for a Sefer Torah that will be used publicly, the Poskim are lenient and allow it. (Shu"t Shevet Haleivi ibid.)
2) One may hire a tutor to teach Torah to children of poor people and pay him from Ma'aser money. In fact doing so is a great Mitzva.(Chofetz Chaim in Ahavas Chesed Vol. 2 Perek 19:2)
|
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
(Reader Submitted Questions of interest (on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topics) 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 sent to Halacha For Today )
Reader's Question:
Does one have to make a Brocha Achronah (Borei Nefashos) on a hot drink? e.g. coffee?
This is a huge Machlokes HaPoskim. The Chasam Sofer's minhag was to recite a Borei Nefashos after drinking a hot tea (Incidentally, in Minhagei Chasam Sofer they write that he used to request his tea to be extra piping hot! Yet he still paskened like this. See also Sh"ut Maharam Shik Orach Chaim Siman 85).
The accepted Psak however(as the Mishna Berura beginning of Siman 210 writes) is as follows: Unless a revi'is is drunk at one time, in a short amount of time (which isnt usually possible with hot drinks) a Borei Nefashos isn't made. The best thing to do is to drink the last 4.5 ounces after they have cooled, in one gulp thus you will need to make Borei Nefashos according to all opinions. |
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 )
Please visit my website www.HalachaForToday.com for archives, Kosher links, Questions and Answers,and other features. Halachos are for study purposes only, and should not be relied upon for final Psak. See Halacha L'Maaseh Disclaimer Here. I welcome all questions on any topic, anytime! Help spread the word of Hashem!
Please Tell your friends about this list and have them sign up too! |
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 1/30/2009 12:00 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Halacha for Today |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thursday, January 29
|
|
|
Halacha For Today:
Thursday January 29th 2009
4 Shvat 5769
~~~~~~~~~~~~
1)When using Ma'aser money to pay for Aliyos or other Kibbudim (when all the conditions we enumerated yesterday have been met) only the amount that you added to the previous bid may come from Ma'aser.
For example, if the bidding was holding at $50, and you upped it to $75, you may pay $25 of that from Ma'aser while the other $50 must be paid from your own money.
The reason for this is because had you not bid, the Tzedaka would have received $50 anyway from the person that originally bid, and you only added an additional $25. Only the gain that you aided the Tzedaka in getting may come from Ma'aser. (Elya Rabba Orach Chaim Siman 156 and Rav Akiva Eiger on Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah Siman 249. This is also how Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky Zatzal in Emes L'yaakov Yoreh Deah Siman 249 and many other Gedolei HaPoskim Pasken L'maaseh)
2) However, if the original bidder was planning to use Ma'aser money too to pay if he won, perhaps the above Halacha would be different as in that case, the original $50 would have been from Ma'aser money anyway, albeit from a different person. A Rav should be consulted for Halacha L'maaseh.
|
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
(Reader Submitted Questions of interest (on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topics) 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 sent to Halacha For Today )
Reader's Question:
Does one have to stop davening completely when KADDISH is said? Also can one answer to KEDDUSHA, BARACHU etc. after Zman Tefilah?
1) I am assuming you are asking if you are in the middle of Shemona Esrei. Yes, when Kaddish is being said it is best to stop and listen to the "Amen Yehei Shemei Rabbah" of Kaddish until after "Yisbarach" (according to the Mishna Berura 104:27) or until after "D'Amiran B'Alma V'Imru Amen" (according to the Machtzis HaShekel) , without actually saying the words. The same applies to anytime during the rest of davening that you hear "Amen Yehei Shemie Rabbah", though very often you may even be permitted to answer, and not just listen, depending on which part of the rest of davening you are holding.
2) B'Dieved, under certain circumstances (Oin'es etc.) one who davens after Zman tefilah, though he doesnt have Kiyum of Tefilah B'Zmanah can still daven until Chatzos, and if you hear kadish or Kedusha from such a minyan, you may indeed answer. However if one is davening after 1/2 hour after Chatzos he isn't Yotzei and his Brachos are L'vatalah. (See Biur Halacha Siman 89 Dibur Hamaschil V'Achar). Therefore, Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita Paskens that it is forbidden to answer Amen to Kadish, Kedusha etc. of such a minyan. The Maharam Shik Siman 91, however seems to be matir to answer (his case discusses one davening Mincha after the zman) as does the Eishel Avraham (Butchatch) Siman 108. |
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 )
Please visit my website www.HalachaForToday.com for archives, Kosher links, Questions and Answers,and other features. Halachos are for study purposes only, and should not be relied upon for final Psak. See Halacha L'Maaseh Disclaimer Here. I welcome all questions on any topic, anytime! Help spread the word of Hashem!
Please Tell your friends about this list and have them sign up too! |
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 1/29/2009 12:00 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Halacha for Today |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, January 28
|
|
|
|
Halacha For Today:
3 Shvat 5769
WE CURRENTLY HAVE NEARLY 1,000 DAILY READERS BARUCH HASHEM . OUR GOAL IS TO REACH 10,000 JEWS AROUND THE WORLD WITHIN A YEAR. ANY DONATION YOU GIVE TOWARDS THIS GOAL IS APPRECIATED, AND WILL HELP WITH OUR UPCOMING ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN.
DEDICATION OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE AS WELL. TO HAVE A DAILY HALACHA EMAIL BE A ZECHUS REFUAH SHELAIMA OR LEZECHER NISHMAS FOR SOMEONE DEAR TO YOU, PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR DETAILS.
1) It is acceptable to "buy" Aliyos to the Torah or other Kibudim (honors during the davening, such as opening the Aron Kodesh, Hagbah etc.) with Ma’aser money, if the money goes to poor people. (See Shu"t Bais Dino Shel Shlomo Yoreh Deah Siman 1. See also Ahavas Chesed Vol. 2 Perek 19:2 and Shu"t Chasam Sofer Yoreh Deah Siman 249)
If only part of the money goes to poor people, and the rest goes to the Shul or another acceptable cause, then Ma’aser money may be used only if there is nobody else to "buy" the Aliyos, and even then it is best to only give the part that goes to the poor people from Ma’aser.
2) One must have in mind before bidding on these honors that if he wins he plans to pay using Ma’aser money, otherwise it is like any other debt, and he cannot pay with Ma’aser money. (Shu"t Bais Dino Shel Shlomo ibid.)
If the entire money goes to pay the Shul’s expenses (utilities, salaries of Chazan, caretaker etc.) it should not be paid for with Ma’aser money. (ibid.)
|
|
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
(Reader Submitted Questions of interest (on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topics) 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 sent to Halacha For Today )
Reader’s Question:
In a previous Q & A, you said that if you were not sure whether you had enough [to eat] for a Borei Nefashot, you can ask someone to Motzei you. I thought that this prayer was one that you could not include others on?
Why would this Bracha be one that someone else cannot be Motzei you? Although not ideal, in certain situations it is acceptable, and in fact the best option.
Follow up Question from the same reader:
Well, for instance Birchat Hamazon you can not say for others, correct? I thought the 3 faceted blessing was the only one you could say for another with them in mind.
Why do you assume by Birchas Hamazon that one cannot be Motzei another?
In fact, The Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman 213:2 and 3 and other Poskim say that for Birchas HaMazon L’Chatchilah one person can indeed be Motzei other people. In fact if you read the text inside, you will see that by Birchas HaMazon it is more universally accepted to do this in the first place, whereas by Bracha Achrona it is only acceptable in special circumstances, as I will outline below:
Although it is best to make a Bracha on your own, if one isn’t sure if he made a Bracha Rishona he may ask someone else to be Motzei him L’chatchilah. See Mishna Berura Siman 167:49. See Biur Halacha Siman 174 toward the end of Dibur HaMaschil Yayin Poter.
The same Halacha applies when one is unsure if he can make a Brocha Achrona of Al haMichya or Borei Nefashos(or one who is unable to say it, or doesnt know it by heart etc.) he/she may ask someone else to be Motzei them. This is the opinion of the Rashba always, and we pasken this way in circumstances where one cannot make it him/herself. See Taz Siman 213:1. and Mishna Berura Siman 213:9.
A male over the age of 13 may be Motzei any one individual or an entire group. A female over the age of 12 may be motzei any one individual or a group of women, but cannot be motzei a group of men (Psak of Rav Shlomo zalmen auerbach quoted in Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Yisroel Pinchos Bodner)
a boy under 13 and a girl under 12 may be Motzei other Children, but not adults
|
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 )
Please visit my website www.HalachaForToday.com for archives, Kosher links, Questions and Answers,and other features. Halachos are for study purposes only, and should not be relied upon for final Psak. See Halacha L’Maaseh Disclaimer Here. I welcome all questions on any topic, anytime! Help spread the word of Hashem!
Please Tell your friends about this list and have them sign up too! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 1/28/2009 12:00 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Halacha for Today |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, January 27
|
|
|
|
Halacha For Today:
Tuesday January 27th 2009
2 Shvat 5769
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
$1, $5, $10, $18, $36 or any amount you can give to help us spread "Halacha For Today" to even more people around the world, will be greatly appreciated. PayPal Donations to Halacha For Today Tizkeh L’Miztvos!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1) "Kaparos" money (which many people use on Erev Yom Kippur in place of a chicken) may not be taken from Ma’aser.(Shl"a Maseches Yoma Amud haTeshuva Dibur HaMaschil B’Erev Yom Kippur)
The "Machtzis HaShekel" given [in Shul] each year in Chodesh Adar, before Purim may not be given from Ma’aser. (Shu"t Bais Dino Shel Shlomo Yoreh Deah Siman 1. See also Sefer Tzedaka U’mishpat Perek 6 footnote 37)
Today’s days that there is no set amount which must be given for "Kimcha D’Pischa" (obligatory contribution that each community member must contribute to a "fund" which provides Pesach necessities to the poor people in the city) it is no different than any Tzedaka, and may thus be given from Ma’aser. (Psak of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal quoted in Ma’adanei Shlomo Inyanei Pesach. Others argue on this Psak. See Shu"t Shevet HaKehasi Vol. 1 Siman 137 at length.)
2) Ma’aser money may be used for expenses related to fixing a community Eiruv, if one is doing so on his/her own accord. However, if the community association is obligating all residents to pay into a fund for the maintenence of the Eiruv, it may not be paid from Ma’aser money. (Psak of Rav menashe Klein Shlita. See also Sefer Tzedaka U’Mishpat Perek 6:10)
|
|
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
(Reader Submitted Questions of interest (on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topics) 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 sent to Halacha For Today )
Reader’s Question:
The Olam on the bus [where we review your Halachos on the way to work] wanted to know the mekor of the minhag to take the 3 steps back before [beginning] Shemona Esrai and why we should begin those 3 steps with the right foot?
Also the Olam asked if a lefty actually has a weaker foot as implied by the halacha that after the shemona Esrai lefty takes his first step backward with the right foot?
Also if you are sitting in your seat for the Shmona Esrei due to the bus moving around, do you still move your feet back 3 steps and forward since you are not moving at all (this is obviously different than the case of the wheelchair that you brought down since in that case your body is moving backward and forward)
Thank you as always, we have such a geshmak with these halachos. Someone actually told us this morning that he takes our bus just so that he can hear the divrei halacha!!
1) The Mishna Berura quotes the Elya Rabba that there is no need to take the 3 steps back before taking the three steps forward but he says that the prevalent Minhag is indeed to take the 3 steps backwards The Steipler’s Minhag was like the Elya Rabba not to take the three steps backward, and simply to move up three steps and begin Shemona Esrei (Orchos Rabeinu Vol. 1 Siman 193)
The Poskim say that it is correct to take these three steps (both backwards and forwards) beginning with the right foot, unlike after finishing Shemona Esrei when the left foot goes first. See Mishna Berura Siman 123:13. The reason for the weak foot first after Shemona Esrei, is so it shouldnt seem like we are eager to leave the presence of the Shechina. So when we are ready to start Shemona esrei and stand before the Shechina, we do indeed do this with our stronger foot first, which apparently gets there quicker ,thus the difference for righties and lefties whose feet are not of the same strength either halachically.
2) Regarding the three steps back on the bus, if it isnt possible to do this while standing, and isnt possible to somehow move your whole body backwards, then indeed you should move your feet backwards to sort of be yotzei the inyan of "3 steps". The Gemara Yoma 53b says that one who doesnt take three steps back is better off not davening at all, so we try to do whatever is possible to at least mimick these three steps when they can’t be done in a normal way. |
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 )
Please visit my website www.HalachaForToday.com for archives, Kosher links, Questions and Answers,and other features. Halachos are for study purposes only, and should not be relied upon for final Psak. See Halacha L’Maaseh Disclaimer Here. I welcome all questions on any topic, anytime! Help spread the word of Hashem!
Please Tell your friends about this list and have them sign up too! | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 1/27/2009 12:00 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Halacha for Today |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Monday, january 26
|
|
|
Rosh Chodesh Shvat 5769
~~~~~~~~~~~~
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT "HALACHA FOR TODAY" !
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD OF HASHEM!
WE CURRENTLY HAVE NEARLY 1,000 DAILY READERS. OUR GOAL IS TO REACH 10,000 JEWS AROUND THE WORLD WITHIN A YEAR. ANY DONATION YOU GIVE IS APPRECIATED, AND WILL HELP WITH OUR UPCOMING ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN.
DEDICATION OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE AS WELL TO HAVE A DAY OF TORAH LEARNING BE A ZECHUS REFUAH SHELAIMA OR LEZECHER NISHMAS FOR SOMEONE DEAR TO YOU.
TIZKEH L'MITZVOS.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1) Any Tzedaka that one is accustomed to give (Meshulach at the door, in Shul, solicitation letters etc.) may be deducted from the amount owed to Ma'aser, as long as one stipulated when calculating the Ma'aser that he/she be allowed to distribute this money however they want. (Chofetz Chaim in Ahavas Chesed Perek 18:3. See also Shu"t Mishna Halachos Vol. 6 Siman 168)
2) Mishloach Manos that is given out to friends and family on Purim may not be bought with Ma'aser money (See Shu"t Chasam Sofer Orach Chaim Siman 196 for a lengthy discussion about this)
Matanos L'Evyonim that is given to poor people on Purim may not be given with Ma'aser money. (Being that this is a Takana D'Rabanan to give, it is considered a debt and thus may not be paid with Ma'aser. See Shu"t Maharil Siman 56. See also Mogen Avraham Orach Chaim Siman 694:1)
However, once the obligation of Matanos L'Evyonim was fulfilled by giving 2 coins to 2 poor people, any additional money one gives to additional poor people throughout the day of Purim, may be given from Ma'aser money. (Maharil ibid. See also Mishna Berura Siman 694:2 at length)
|
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
(Reader Submitted Questions of interest (on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topics) 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 sent to Halacha For Today )
Reader's Question:
Do men have Halachos of Tznius (Modesty)?
Is having sheva brachos with men and women who arent married at separate tables halachicaly wrong or is it just a sensitivity?
Of course men have Hilchos Tzniyus! It just manifests itself in different ways than women. (Click Here for archives and see Halachos for August 13 etc. where we discussed some particulars of Hilchos Tzniyus).
Tzniyus is an attitude. Tziyus is a way of life. Tzniyus is in how we act, how we talk, how we interact with one another, how we behave in public, how we behave in private, how we think, how we dream, who we are friends with, who our role models are, who we respect, who we look up to, how we raise our children, which music we listen to, which publications we bring into our home and read, etc. etc.
Regarding the Sheva Brachos, men and women, should not sit at the same tables, and should preferably have a Mechitza (or at least some visible separation such as a buffet table etc. dividing them). Though this isn't necessarily strict Halacha, it can definitely lead to many Halachic problems if they arent separated properly.
Also, even if it's only a "sensitivity" issue, it should still be avoided for that reason. Tzniyus issues apply to single people as well as to married people. |
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 )
Please visit my website www.HalachaForToday.com for archives, Kosher links, Questions and Answers,and other features. Halachos are for study purposes only, and should not be relied upon for final Psak. See Halacha L'Maaseh Disclaimer Here. I welcome all questions on any topic, anytime! Help spread the word of Hashem!
Please Tell your friends about this list and have them sign up too! |
|
|
|
|
|
Posted 1/26/2009 12:00 AM |
Tell a Friend
| Halacha for Today |
Comments (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sunday. January 25
|
|
|
1) Money that was designated for Ma'aser (without any stipulations about its use) may not be used for any other Mitzvah and must be given to poor people. (Rama Yoreh Deah Siman 249:1)
Some Poskim maintain that if an opportunity to do a [non obligatory] Mitzvah arises that requires the spending of money (e.g. marrying off an orphan) and one would not be able to afford the Mitzvah otherwise, he/she may use Ma'aser money to perform the Mitzvah.
However, if one is obligated to perform this Mitvah (e.g. buying an Esrog and Lulav) then Ma'aser money may not be used according to all Poskim. (See Shu"t Chasam Sofer Yoreh Deah Siman 231 for a more lengthy explanation of the difference between Mitzvos that are required and those that aren't)
2) The best thing to do when separating money for Ma'aser is to stipulate that it may be spent how you see fit, thus it will be permitted to use it for any Mitzvos that arise. (Shu"t Bais Dino Shel Shlomo Yoreh Deah Siman 1; See also Shu"t Chasam Sofer ibid. and Birchei Yosef Siman 249:4)
If one's custom is to always give his/her Ma'aser money to poor people, according to many Poskim, the above stipulation will not work and he/she must only use the Ma'aser money for poor people. (See Shu"t Tzitz Eliezer Vol. 9 Siman 1. See also Shu"t Levushei Mordechai Yoreh Deah Siman 179).
| | | |
