1) In the month of Tishrei, Kiddush Levana is not recited before Yom Kippur. (Rama Siman 426:2)
Here too, the reason is that in the days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur we are in a state of trembling due to our annual heavenly judgment and thus are lacking in Simcha. (See Mishna Berura Siman 426 S"K 9)
Some Poskim, however, maintain that during this period, when every extra Mitzvah performed can help tip the scales in our favor, it is indeed best to perform the Mitzvah of Kiddush Levana even before Yom Kippur. (See Biur Halacha Siman 426 Dibur Hamaschil V'Lo Kodem Yom Kippur)
The prevalent custom is to indeed wait until Motzaei Yom Kippur to recite Kiddush Levana.
2) Unlike on Motzaei Tisha B'Av when we wait until the fast is broken and the Tisha B'Av shoes are removed, on Motzaei Yom Kippur the custom is to recite Kiddush Levana right after Ma'ariv, before eating and before changing shoes, as here we are B'Simcha with the confidence that we have made it through our judgment with a positive outcome. (See Mishna Berura Siman 426:11. See also Sdei Chemed; Yom Hakipurim Siman 1:1)
QUESTION:
why cant you eat before kiddush?
ANSWER:
It is prohibited to eat before performing any Mitzvah whose time has arrived.
However, with most Mitzvos, only sitting down to a meal is prohibited before the Mitzvah is performed, while before Kidush even eating a small snack is prohibited. One of the reasons for this is that the Rabbis wanted a person to recite Kidush as soon as possible after sunset, and in order to make sure this happens they prohibited even small snacks or drinks.(See Mishna Berura Siman 271:11)
CHIZUK CORNER
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This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Question:
Why was Korach blessed with such wealth if Hashem understood that this might be his undoing?
Answer by
HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
Not only Korach, all men are blessed with wealth although Hakadosh Baruch Hu knows that it'll be their undoing.
Here's a poor little grocer, and all his life he's decent, he can't afford not to be. So one day he is crossing the street and a car crashes into him, and the car owner has big insurance, and now he's rich! So he closes up his grocery store and now he begins traveling to glatt kosher hotels in the mountains. But according to his present circumstances it's not enough, so he goes to the Grossinger's hotel. From Grossinger's he graduates to Europe, and then when his wife is not around, he has plenty of money in his pockets, certain forbidden pleasures occur to his mind which never would have come to his mind in his poor days in the grocery.
The end is however, he gets into trouble, he's ruined and he dies an early death. Now why did Hashem give it to him? The answer is, why did Hashem give anybody wealth? Because wealth is an opportunity.
Suppose he would have taken all that money and he would put it in a bank and he would have continued in his grocery store! Only now, every Tuesday afternoon he brings in an assistant and he goes and sits in the bais hamedrash and says Tehillim, and from this money he can now give a lot of charity. So he can continue to live a quiet life, he could have been healthy and happy because now he's not worried if the customers don't come, and he could have given a lot of charity and gotten olam habah and lived longer.
Wealth is a blessing and a curse, it depends on the way you use it, and Hakadosh Baruch Hu gives it to a man as a test.
To subscribe to the weekly "A moment with Rabbi Miller" emails click HERE
1) In the month of Av, Kiddush Levana is not recited before Tisha B'Av. (Rama Siman 426:2)
Although the Rama (ibid.) also
writes not to recite in on Motzaei Tisha B'av, the prevalent custom is
to indeed recite it on Motzaei Tisha B'Av after the fast is broken.
(See Mishna Berura Siman 426:11. In the event that Tisha B'Av falls out
on Thursday, it is best to wait until Motzaei Shabbos. See Mishna
Berura Siman 426 S"K 10)
The
main reason for this is that Kiddush Levana needs to be recited with
Simcha. Thus when still on an empty stomach for 24+ hours and still in
the Tisha B'Av mode one cannot be doing it with Simcha; after he has
eaten and he is in the post Tisha B'Av mode of Geulah, he is considered
B'Simcha. (It is possible that even the Rama was referring to
reciting it while still fasting, and would agree to recite it after
eating.)
Additionally,
being that Mashiach was born on Motzaei Tisha B'Av it is proper to say
Kiddush Levana at that time to symbolize the "rebirth" of the moon as
well as the "rebirth" of [the glory of] Klal Yisroel. (See Be'er Heitev Siman 551:8 quoting the Arizal)
2) Kiddush Levana should not be recited without shoes on, and thus is best to change out of "Tisha B'Av shoes" before reciting. (See Mishna Berura Siman 426:11)
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
Although
the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei
HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes
only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
Are women also supposed to say 100 brachos a day?
ANSWER:
Women
are not obligated in the recital of the 100 Brachos (brought in
Shulchan Aruch Siman 46:3), as many of the Brachos counted by the Poskim
in the total of 100 are not Brachos that women say. (See Shu"t Teshuvos
V'Hanhagos Vol. 2 Siman 129 and Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 5 Siman 23)
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We
will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to
help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in
heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
Should we eat natural health foods in order to preserve our health?
Answer by
HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
This is a subject which I'm not competent to speak about, I would be happy to give you information.
I
am sure that if the foods are free of pesticides and free of additives,
I'm sure they are more healthful, because there is no question that
Hakadosh Baruch Hu can concoct better things than mankind can; but more
than that I can not say.
If
you have whole wheat bread for instance, we understand that you have
all the elements that Hakadosh Baruch Hu intended you to have. Whereas
if you mill out certain parts...
Like
everybody knows the story of rice. There was a time when white rice was
considered the only way of eating it, and they used to mill off the
brown covering of the rice kernel. That's when they started suffering
from beriberi and they didn't understand the cause. They saw the
chickens were thriving; the chickens were fed the husks and were
thriving. But the human beings were declining. A Dutch physician
discovered that they were giving the best part to the chickens!
That's
why we understand that Hakadosh Baruch Hu put the husks on, not merely
to protect the kernel inside. The husks are there to be eaten because
they add certain things.
There
is no question that human beings have made great errors in matters of
foods, but I can not tell you anything because I know nothing about the
subject at all.
To subscribe to the weekly "A moment with Rabbi Miller" emails click HERE
Today's Halachos dedicated by a daily reader, as a zechus Yeshuah for Lev Moshe ben Rivka Devora to live a happy healthy Tahor,Kadosh meaningful life on the path of Hashem, to be able to live a life where his Ner Tamid shines brighter every day.
And as a zechus that their family will have strength to pass the tests that Hashem Yisborach sends our way:
Rivka Devora bas Esther Chasha
Daniel ben Rut
Lev Moshe ben Rivka Devora
Chenya Baila bas Rivka Devora
Sarah Kyla bas Rivka Devora,
Avraham Yitzchok ben Rivka Devora
And that all of Klal Yisroel benefit from them doing the right thing and passing their tests, and gives them chizuk to pass their tests as well!
CURRENT TOPIC:
HALACHOS OF ROSH CHODESH
1)Ideally, it is best to recite Kiddush Levana together with a group, and not say it alone, as "B'rov Am Hadras Melech", it is more respectful to the King, Hashem, when done with a Tzibbur.
However, this does not require a minyan of ten men, as even if said together in a group of three men, it suffices.
Some say that even saying it together with one other person is acceptable. (See Biur Halacha Siman 426:2 Dibur Hamaschil Elah and Siman 167:11 Dibur Hamaschil Echad)
2) If one sees the moon on Motzaei Shabbos when he is alone he should recite the Kiddush Levana then rather than wait to say it together with another person on a week night, as it is best not to push off this Mitzvah. (See Mishna Berura Siman 426 S"K 20)
If one has the opportunity to recite Kiddush Levana on a week night together with others and he knows that if he waits until Motzaei Shabos most likely he will not have anyone else to recite it with, he should say it with them rather than with until Motzai Shabbos. (See Sha'ar HaTziyun Siman 426 Os 20. The )
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
When washing for a meal does one say a bracha on dessert?
ANSWER:
Yes, dessert (fruit, candy, ice cream etc.) is usually not considered part of the meal, and thus requires a Bracha. Only drinks and ices, according to some Poskim, do not require a new bracha, and according to some Poskim desserts that are of the 5 grains also do not require a new bracha, but many Poskim do indeed require it.
Best thing in case of a dessert of 5 grains is to make a Mezonos on a dessert that isnt from 5 grains (such as rice krispy treat etc.) and exempt the cake.
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
1) If one is
situated outdoors in a place where he can only see the moon via a small
window or other opening, but the moon's rays do not directly reach where
he is standing, he can still recite the Kiddush Levana. (See Birchei Yosef Siman 426:4)
2)If one is
unable to leave the house for medical or other valid reasons, he may
recite Kiddush Levana upon seeing the moon from inside, through a window
pane. (See Mishna Berura Siman 426 S"K 21)
However, L'chatchilah, it is best for the window to be opened so that the moon is seen directly, not via the pane of glass. (Sha'ar HaTziyun Siman 426 Os 25)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) Ideally, Kiddush Levana should be recited on Motzaei Shabbos [or Motzaei Yom Tov] when still adorned with Shabbos clothing (Shulchan Aruch Siman 426:2 and Mishna Berura S"K 5)
However, if
the first possible Motzaei Shabbos to recite Kiddush Levana is after the
10th day of the month we do not push it off until then, rather it is
recited at the earliest possible night, lest the next few nights be
cloudy and the deadline for reciting Kiddush Levana will be missed. (Rama Siman 426:2)
2) When reciting Kiddush Levana on a week night, it is proper to be wearing nice clothing.
(Rama ibid. The Mishna Berura S"K 7 writes that nowadays we aren't
concerned with this. However, it is still proper to not to be wearing
unclean or unrespectable clothing.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Help
a recent Giyores, a convert to Judaism, to be able to move Israel to
live in a Jewish environment and continue her studies in seminary.
Have a share and zechus in building her future and family.
Although
the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei
HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes
only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
Is appropriate
or even the right thing for a woman to be menachem avel (comfort a
mourner sitting Shiva) a man who is not a relative?
My close friend's father is sitting shiva and there are only men sitting there, should I / can I go be menachem avel?It
would obviously mean just peeking into the mens side for a minute just
to get the avel's attention so that he can see me and I can say the
text.If its not appropriate, what would I do if the avel is someone I know who would be insulted or hurt?
ANSWER:
There
is nothing wrong , per se, for a woman to be menachem avel a man or
vice versa. As long as there are no other tzniyus concerns, it can and
should be done and in fact that is the prevelant minhag.
If
the room is filled with men and you would have to squeeze through them
to reach the Avel, or by coming into the room it will cause men to look
at you inappropriately, obviously it shouldnt be done.
But
if the room isn't filled, and you can stand at the door and wish him
the "HaMakom Yenachem" in a dignified and Tzniyus way, there is no
problem.
If it cannot be done appropriately, you can always call him on the phone and say the "Hamakom"
May all mourners be comforted amongst the mourners of Tzion and Yerushalayim.
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We
will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to
help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in
heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
Today's Halachos dedicated by daily reader, M.V., as a zechus Refuah Shelaima for Rebbetzin Altusky, daughter of Rav Scheinberg Zatzal.
The Rebbetzin was hit by a car last week and is in critical condition. Please Daven for
Fruma Rochel Bas Basha
B'Soch Sha'ar Cholei Yisroel
CURRENT TOPIC:
HALACHOS OF ROSH CHODESH
1) It is proper to quickly gaze at the moon before beginning to recite Kiddush Levana. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 426:2)
However,
as long as the moon was visible and illuminating the night sky, even if
the person reciting the Bracha did not actually see it, rather he just
followed the lead of the other people in the congregation who were
reciting Kiddush Levana, he has satisfied his obligation. (See Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Yoreh Deah Vol. 5 Siman 125:4)
However,
if he remembers in the midst of the Bracha that he did not glance at
the moon before starting, he should take a quick look at it right when
he remembers. (See Mishna Berura Siman 426 S"K 13)
2) Before gazing at the moon during Kiddush Levana (or any time for that matter) it is worthwhile to keep the following in mind:
The Ba'al HaChareidim, one of the holy Mekubalim in the times of the Bais Yosef and the Arizal, writes (Perek 45:5), "It
is prohibited to gaze at a rainbow...It is likewise prohibited to gaze
at the moon. Rabbeinu Meir used to be extremely stringent with this...as
it is quoted in Sefer Shoshan sodos"
In the Sefer Taamei HaMinhagim (Kuntres Achron to Siman 464:22) he quotes the Sefer Shevet HaMussar that Al Pi Kabalah it is just as bad to gaze at the moon as it is to gaze at a rainbow.
In
the long Nusach, text, of Vidui from Rabbeinu Avraham, father of the
Shla HaKadosh, where he enumerates hundreds of possible sins that a
person needs to do Teshuva for, he lists as one of the sins: "Gazing at
the [new] moon"
The Mishna Berura (ibid.) writes
that by Kiddush Levana when we must look at the moon before commencing
the Bracha, according to some opinions the moon should be glanced at for
a moment and that's all, and according to others it can be looked at
for the duration of the Bracha, but it seems clear that any extra gazing
at the moon is indeed something that should be avoided at best and may
even be considered a sin!
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
Although
the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei
HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes
only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
Can you provide me the source inthe Talmud that states that on the day of the chasuna, a choson's aveiros (sins) are eliminated?
ANSWER:
See
Talmud Yevamos 63b and Talmud Yerushalmi Bikurim Perek 3:3.This applies
to brides as well. The wedding day is a personal Yom Kippur for the
bride and groom, and their Tefilos have special significance on this
day.
Keep in mind
that it is exactly like Yom Kippur, where sins between man and Hashem
are forgiven [if Teshuva is done], but not sins between man and his
fellow man, which need forgiveness from the person that was wronged
before the sin can be erased.
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We
will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to
help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in
heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
We could learn a lot from crayons. Some
are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and
all are different colors, but they all live together peacefully in the
same box.
1) Upon seeing the "new moon" each month, the Bracha of "Baruch Ata Hashem...Asher B'Ma'amaro Bara Shechakim U'Beruach Piv Kol Tzeva'am, Blessed are You Hashem...Who with His utterance created the heavens and with the breath of His mouth all their [heavenly] legions..." (Shulchan Aruch Siman 426:1)
This ritual is referred to as "Birchas Halevana" or alternatively, and more commonly, as "Kiddush Levana" . The Talmud (Sanhedrin 42a) teaches us that all who "bless" the new moon are akin to having greted the Shechinah, the divine presence.
Women are exempt from this Mitzvah, and should indeed not do it, due to various kabalistic reasons. (See Mishna Berura Siman 426 S"K 1)
2) Kiddush Levana is only recited at night, while the moon is illuminated and its light can be utilized. (Rama Siman 426:1)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
What is the din/minhag with regards to a choson saying viduy in his mincha on Rosh Chodesh?
ANSWER:
The Pischei Teshuva Even HaEzer Siman 61:9 quotes the Sefer Kerem Shlomo who rules that even on Rosh Chodesh, and other days that one does not fast, the Vidui is said [in the Tefila of Elokai Netzor, before the three steps back are taken]
CHIZUK CORNER
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This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.
1) The Arizal (quoted in Be'er Heitev Orach Chaim Siman 238:2) says that "Mikrah, Torah SheBiksav, the written Torah" should not be studied at night, rather "Torah SheBa'al Peh, oral law" should be studied then. (The reason for this is obviously Kabalistic. See the Artzos HaChaim (from the Malbim) Siman 1:36 and Yesod V'Shoresh H'Avodah Sha'ar 6; HaNitzutz Perek 2).
The Seforim say that the aforementioned prohibition does not apply to Shabbos and Yom Tov or to Thursday Nights. (See Ben Ish Chai, Parashas Pikudei, year one, Siman 7)
The great Mekubal Rav Shalom Sharabi (RaShash) maintained that the verses of Tehilim were excluded from the above prohibition, and may be said at night. In fact, he says that Dovid HaMelech composed and wrote Sefer Tehilim at night! (Quoted in Shu"t Chaim Sha'al Vol. 2 Siman 25. Another reason is because Hashem gave Tehilim a status like the Mishna tractates of "NeGaim and A'Halos", which basically gives it a status of "Torah Sh'Ba'al Peh", which is permitted anytime.)
If the Tehilim is being said for the urgent Refuah Shelaima of a Choleh it can surely be said at night. (Ruling of Debreciner Rav in Shu"t Be'er Moshe Vol. 4 Siman 22, Eishel Avraham (Butchatch) Orach Chaim Siman 306, and other Poskim)
If the Pesukim are being learned with a Pirush (commentary such as Rashi) then it is not a problem at all and the entire learning has a status of oral Torah, which of course can be learned at night. (Shu't Levushei Mordechai Siman 186 and others)
2) Although Rosh Chodesh is treated like a Yom Tov in many ways, still the prohibition of studying Torah SheBiksav at night is in effect on Rosh Chodesh eve. (See Ben Ish Chai, Parashas Pikudei; year one, Siman 7. Perhaps the reason is that Rosh Chodesh is a Yom Tov exclusively for women, and thus does not have the status of a Yom Tov for men. See Mishna Berura Siman 417 S"K 3 and Siman 570 S"K 6 and Siman 572 S"K 5)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
Is it an aveira (sin) to be worried or nervous, because it says to trust in Hashem as a commandmet and being worried isn't trusting in Hashem?
ANSWER:
Well, that is an extremely high level, and one that we as frum jews should strive for our entire lives. If you learn the Sefer Chovos Halevovos (and every frum jew should read this sefer!) it will help you understand, internalize and make you feel Bitachon as a real thing!
Yes, Hashem is in charge and in total control of this world, and nothing -bad or good- can happen without Him willing it so. Yes, technically we should never worry, and simply place our trust in our all powerful Father in heaven who loves us and watches over each and every one of us.
As long as you are striving to reach this level, even if it takes you many years or even a lifetime, it isn't an "Aveira" to worry or be nervous.
However, if one worries too much and forgets about Hashem and doesn't at least try to place his/her trust in Him, it may indeed be a sin.
This topic is a very exhaustive one, and beyond the scope of an email. I do suggest reading sefarim/books on the topic of Emunah/Bitachon to help you grow in this important area. (Rabbi Avigdor Miller Zatzal has some excellent books on these topics as well as many other Hebrew and English books by many great authors that can be found in any Seforim store)
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Perfection has NOTHING to do with your wisdom,strength or wealth.
1)
It is customary to avoid visiting graves on Rosh Chodesh, as on this
day (as well as other days when Tachanun is not recited) the neshama,
soul, of the deceased ascends to heaven, and is not present near the
grave. (Based on the teachings of the Arizal. See Sefer Gesher Hachaim Perek 29:5)
2)
One who observes a Yahrtzeit of a loved one on Rosh Chodesh, according
to some Poskim , he should postpone the visit until after Rosh Chodesh.
Others allow visiting the grave on Rosh Chodesh if it's the actual Yahrtzeit, but limit what is recited there.
(i.e. They say to recite only Tehilim but not the other Tefilos
(Hashkavah) that are customarily recited at the graveside on a
Yahrtzeit. See Hagahos Mordechai to Pesachim 37 and Shu"t Chaim Sh'al
Vol. 2 Siman 38)
Every person should consult their own Rav for Halacha L'Ma'aseh.
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
Although
the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei
HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes
only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
There
is a minhag that by the chupa, the kallah takes off her jewelry and
gives them to her single friends and her bouquet of flowers as well as a
'segula' to find their zivug. Is there anything to it or is it a chuk
goy?
ANSWER:
This
is a well established minhag. One of the reasons given is that a Choson
and Kalah don't wear Jewelry at the chupah to show that they are
marrying each other for who they are, and not for their wealth or other
external reasons. Since when the jewelry is removed, someone has to hold
it, the minhag evolved to give it to friends, and it became known as a
segulah.
There
is nothing wrong with doing this as a minhag and it isn't Chukas HaGoy,
but it has no source in Halacha, and there is no need to do this if
they don't want to.
Also,
there is no need to empty their pockets or loosen any ties, according
to Halacha, yet many have the minhag to do so. (based on Psak of HaGaon
Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv shlita quoted in the newly printed sefer
Yismach Lev. Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita, also quoted in Yismach Lev says
that Al Pi Kabalah, it is important to empty the pockets.
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We
will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to
help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in
heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
1) Many people have the minhag to give a child his first haircut on his third birthday. This has become known as an "Upsherin" (Yiddish term for cutting hair).
2) Many people will perform this first haircut even if the child's birthday falls out on Rosh Chodesh. (See Shu"t MaHaram Brisk Vol. 2 Siman 99 where he writes that no harm will befall the child due to upholding this ancient custom of Klal Yisroel)
Others, however, say that in this case it is worthwhile to postpone the haircut until after Rosh Chodesh or even to do it a day or two earlier, before Rosh Chodesh. (See Sefer Chinuch Yisroel page 54 and Sefer Rosh Chodesh page 349 quoting HaRav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal.)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
Can foaming hand soap be used on Shabbos, or is the foam too similar to a solid and therefore it would be a problem of smoothing?
ANSWER:
Many Poskim allow the use of all liquid soap on Shabbos. Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal (Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol 1 Siman 113) was stringent.
The prevalant minhag is to use liquid soap that is very watery, and to avoid those that are thicker. If the thick soap is watered down, then it can be used. (See also Shu"t Oz Nidberu Vol. 10 Siman 16). Preferably it should be waterd down before Shabbos.
To determine if any particular soap is watered down enough, a Rav should be consulted.
CHIZUK CORNER
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This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Every street is Sunshine Road.
The Good Mind supplies the sunshine.
Happiness is not a place; it is the Torah-mind, which makes all places happy.
1) When reciting the Bracha of M'ein Shalosh (Al Hamichya, Al Ha'eitz and/or Al Hagefen) on Rosh Chodesh, the words "V'Zachreinu L'Tova B'Yom Rosh Hachodesh Hazeh" are inserted at the end of the text right before the words "Ki Ata Hashem Tov U'Meitiv Lakol..." (See Mishna Berura Siman 208 S"K 58
2) If this addition was inadvertently omitted, the Bracha need not be repeated. (ibid. See also Sha'ar HaTziyun Os 60 for the reasoning)
If one already started saying "Ki Ata Hashem Tov U'Meitiv Lakol..." but did not yet recite the concluding words "Baruch Ata Hashem", according to some Poskim you go back and say the words "V'Zachreinu L'Tova B'Yom Rosh Hachodesh Hazeh" and continue from there until the end.
Other Poskim maintain that the Bracha is finished without going back to mention the words regarding Rosh Chodesh. (See Kaf HaChaim Siman 208:67)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) Cutting of hair and of nails should be avoided on Rosh Chodesh. (Based on the Tzava'ah, famous last will and testament, of Rav Yehuda Hachasid Siman 48, quoted in Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman 260:1 and Mishna Berura Siman 260 S"K 7)
Some say that when there are two days of Rosh Chodesh, it is permissible to be more lenient with the cutting of hair and nails on the first day of Rosh Chodesh. (Opinion of the Yad Ephraim, in Kuntres Acharon of Tzavoas Rav Yehuda Hachasid and in Likutei Basar Likutei Siman 57 quoting the Darchei Teshuva)
However, from the language of the Mogen Avraham (Siman 260:1) it doesn't seem there is a difference between the two days of Rosh Chodesh regarding this, and indeed most Poskim do not mention such a differentiation between the two days, thus the prevalent custom is to be stringent and not cut the hair and nails on both days of Rosh Chodesh.
2) When Rosh Chodesh falls out on Erev Shabbos, some Poskim allow cutting of hair and nails while many other Poskim maintain that the prohibition is in place even on Erev Shabbos and thus the nails and hair should be cut on Thursday instead, even though usually the nails should not be cut on Thursday. (See Halachos for July 4 2008 here for more details. See Mishna Berura ibid.,Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 72:14, Be'er Heitev Siman 260:1, Aruch HaShulchan Siman 260:6, Kaf HaChaim Siman 260:12 and Likutei Maharich; Seder Hisnahagus Erev Shabbos Kodesh)
There is an opinion, not shared or quoted by many Poskim though, that in this case the nails and hair should be cut on Thursday night after sunset rather than on Friday after sunrise. (See Aishel Avraham Siman 417)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
Why is it that some people place a sefer face-down on the table to keep the place? My understanding is that this is forbidden. Can you tell me the source(s) for this halacha?
ANSWER:
You are 100% correct that it is prohibited to place a Sefer face down. See Rama Yoreh Deah Siman 282:5.
Unfortunately, many people are lax in this and other halachos that pertain to treating Seforim with proper respect. ( See also Ta"z to Yoreh Deah Siman 271:8. and Biur Halachah Siman 83 Dibur HaMaschil Ain)
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
"All of Israel have a place in the World-to-Come, as it is written 'Your people are all righteous, they shall possess the land forever, they are a shoot of my planting, the works of My hands in whom I shall be glorified.'"
This verse appears before every chapter in Pirkei Avos as a reminder that no one means more to Hashem than YOU!
YOU are unique, special, beautiful, wonderful, talented and needed to fulfill your purpose in making this world a better place. You wouldn't be here if you had no goals to accomplish.
If Hashem doesn't discriminate from HIS children and He blesses all Jews with a special portion in the next world who are we to not appreciate all His children equally, and to think highly or lowly of ourselves and thereby not fulfilling the Mitzvah of 'Ve'Ahavta Le'reacha KaMocha' ('Loving your friend like yourself.')
We should be proud of our differences because without them, we wouldn't be able to form relationships and help each other grow in our areas of weaknesses.
May HaKadosh Baruch Hu bless you with lots of love, health, self-esteem and B'Ezras HaShem with our efforts, we will be closer to greeting Mashiach Tzidkenu in unity.
as a zechus for C.S. bas R.
Refua Shelaima for Raizel Liba bas Faiga
and Refuah Shelaima for Hayyim Yosef ben Estrella
B'Soch Sha'ar Cholei Yisroel.
ch Sha'ar Cholei Yisroel.
CURRENT TOPIC:
HALACHOS OF ROSH CHODESH
1) Prior to reciting Birchas Hamazon on Rosh Chodesh,"Shir Hama'alos" is recited like it is on Shabbos and Yom Tov, in place of "Al Naharos Bavel" which is said on regular weekdays.
2) On Rosh Chodesh during Birchas Hamazon, after"Bamarom Yelamedu..." the following short Tefilah is added: "Harachaman Hu Yechadesh Aleinu Es Hachodesh Hazeh L'Tova V'Livracha". (See Mishna Berura Siman 682 S"K 5)
On Rosh Chodesh, as on Shabbos and Yom Tov, "Migdol Yeshuos Malko" is said in place of "Magdil Yeshuos Malko" in the "Harachaman Hu Yizakeinu LeYemos Hamashiach..." (See Mishna Berura Siman 189:5)
question
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
I'm not from a religious family but I [myself] am [a religious female]. Am I allowed to make kiddush for my uncles and and male cousins as they don't know how to do it. Also, can I say Birkat Hamazon out loud [and be Motzi them]? Is that a Tzinius problem?
ANSWER:
The Mishna Berura (Siman 271:4) rules that a woman may exempt a man with Kiddush. However, he says that it is not appropriate to do so, unless it is for her family members, which in your case it is, so it would be OK, especially since they are not religious.
Regarding Birchas HaMazon, it is more complicated, as it isn't clear if a woman's obligation to bentch is biblical or not.
If her obligation is only rabbinical, she may not be Motzi a man whose obligation is biblical. Unless, the man ate a small amount and isnt totally satisfied, and then his obligation is rabbinical too and then she can be Motzi him. (See Mishna berura 186:1-3).
However, in your case, where they will not bentch on their own anyway, and here they will listen to your bentching at least, perhaps it is proper. A Rav must be consulted for Halacha L'ma'aseh.
CHIZUK CORNER
[1.0579710144927536] Bizback2
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
A person who is broken-hearted has a greater tendency to think about his ultimate purpose in this world and this can easily lead to more elevated behavior.
Today's halachos dedicated by daily reader, E.A.C.,as a zechus for a Refuah Shelaima for Rabbi Oziel Shlita,
Hayim Yosef ben Estrella
Rabbi Oziel, a very popular Rav in Miami is on life support, Hashem Yerachem. He took ill last week with a pneumonia and is deteriorating very rapidly.
He had a heart attack on Shabbos and is now having kidney failure. Rabbi Oziel is 43, has many children, bli ayin hara, and his wife is due in one month.
Please daven, learn Torah, do Mitzvos and/or give Tzedakah as a merit for his recovery.
May he have a full and speedy recovery among all the sick of Yisrael
CURRENT TOPIC:
HALACHOS OF ROSH CHODESH
1) It is
always proper to recite Birchas Hamazon loudly and clearly, as saying it
loud ensures that all the words are recited properly and also brings
about better Kavanah, concentration and understanding of the words being
recited. (See Mishna Berura Siman 185 S"K 3)
Moreover, it is praiseworthy to always recite Birchas Hamazon from a Siddur or Birchon, and not recite it from memory. (See what the Mishna Berura Siman 185 S"K 1 quotes from the Sefer Hachinuch and the Sefer Chasidim)
2) This is
especially important on Shabbos, Rosh Chodesh and other times when
additions are added to the text that aren't recited on a regular basis
(e.g. Retzei or Ya'aleh V'yavo) as saying it loudly and from within a
Siddur will make it less likely to inadvertently omit the required
additions of the day. (Mishna Berura Siman 185 S"K 3)
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
Although
the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei
HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes
only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
QUESTION:
What is the difference between emunah and bitachon?
ANSWER:
This
is a very fundamental question, and difficult to address in an email,
but I will try to answer your question as simply as I can. There are
many ways to answer this, but I will base my answer on the teachings of
the Chazon Ish and Rabbi Avigdor Miller Zichronam Livracha.
Emunah is a "concept" of
believing that everything that happens in this world, and even the world
itself, only happens because Hashem wills it so. The word Emuna is
wrongfully translated as "faith". The true meaning of the word Emunah
(and there are countless pesukim in Tanach to prove this) is "faithful",
"steady", "without wavering" (e.g. "VaYehi Yadav Emunah, and his hands
were steady" (Shmos 17:120). Meaning that no matter what happens to us
in life, no matter what circumstance we find ourselves, no matter if
things seem wrong etc. we do not stray from our belief that Hashem is
firmly in control, is doing what is best for the world at large and for
us as individuals. Much as a husband and wife must be "faithful" to one
another through thick and thin, so too must a jew be faithful to Hashem,
no matter what life throws his/her way.
Bitachon
is the "actualization" of Emunah. Bitachon is not worrying about
things, because we know Hashem is in charge. Bitachon is giving the poor
man your last dollar and knowing that Hashem will give you waht you
need. Bitachon is not getting upset when something doesnt go your way,
because if it went a different way, Hashem willed it so.
Bitachon
is ignoring your cell phone while you're davening, because you know you
are talking to Hashem and nothing bad can happen from doing what Hashem
wills of you, even if by doing so you will "risk" upsetting another
human who wanted you to answer that phone. etc.
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We
will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to
help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in
heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
King David wrote: "The law of Hashem is perfect, comforting the soul" (Tehillim 19:8).
Likewise, the Torah tells us: "Be whole hearted (perfect) with Hashem, your G-d."
The connection between the two teaches us that the Jewish People and
Torah are one. Just as a sefer Torah is invalid if even one letter is
missing, the Jewish people are incomplete when even one Jew strays from
Torah.
Rav Yitzchak Elchanan Spektor Zatzal quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
1) If one begins eating a bread meal on the afternoon of Erev Rosh Chodesh, and does not eat any bread after nightfall, even if he finishes the meal and recites Birchas Hamazon after nightfall, when it is already Rosh Chodesh, according to many Poskim, Ya'aleh V'yavo is not recited in Birchas Hamazon. (See Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman 188:17 and Mishna Berura Siman 188 S"K 33)
If, however, bread was also eaten after nightfall, indeed, according to many Poskim, Ya'aleh V'yavo should be added to the Birchas Hamazon even though the meal was started before the onset of Rosh Chodesh, as bread was eaten on Rosh Chodesh. (ibid.)
2) If during the meal he davened Ma'ariv, even if it is still before nightfall, all agree that Ya'aleh V'Yavo is recited when reciting Birchas Hamazon, even though he did not actually eat any bread after nightfall. (See Aruch HaShulchan Siman 188:23)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
Are there any halochos regarding fresh mushrooms? Do I have to clean/check/peel them?
Answer:
According to the Star K Kashrus agency, Fresh mushrooms do not require checking or peeling. All you need to do is rinse them off well, and then you can eat them. (See their complete list here)
CHIZUK CORNER
[1.0579710144927536] Bizback2
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
According to the word of Hashem they would encamp, and according to the word of Hashem they would journey; the charge of Hashem they would safeguard, according to the word of Hashem through Moshe (Bamidbar 9:23).
A deeper metaphorical reading yields a practical message for difficult times. During the times when things do not seem clear, when one is in a cloud or beset strongly by his yetzer hara (characterized by fire), these are not the times for progress and ascent. During such periods, one must focus all of his energies on maintaining the charge of Hashem, keeping his present level of spirituality with faith and tenacity. At these times, the Children of Israel would encamp and would not journey (v. 22). This is not the time to journey to new levels of spirituality.
However, when the cloud lifts, when the difficult times pass and the period of clarity and joy returns, then they would journey (ibid.); this is the time to pursue new levels of spirituality and growth. And one must take advantage of these times to progress as much as possible.
Whatever one's situation, one must remember that, According to the word of Hashem they would encamp, and according to the word of Hashem they would journey. Each stage is ordained and orchestrated by Hashem and is not the result of one`s own efforts.
At times Hashem is desirous of one`s service from situation of light and at times from situations of darkness. It is the job of a person to adjust his strategy to the situation that Hashem has set for him at that particular time." (Daily Dose of Torah Parshas Behaaloscha; for Monday)
So I am thinking, may Hashem help us to be able recognize when its time to travel or time to rest. May we always enjoy the journey, no matter "how long the wait", asking Hashem for patience, and accept when it`s suddenly time to get up and contine the journey, ask Hashem for strength. May we enjoy every moment and even take pleasure in the challenges. May we accept every situaton with love as coming from Hashem. May we able to thank for everything. May we never forget that Hashem is ALWAYS close in EVERY situation, and when a struggle comes from Hashem, He also carries us through. May we use every situation for the good, prayer and increasing emunah/bitachon. Thank you, thank you Hashem for being close to us in every situation, listening to all our prayers and carrying us through.
Submitted by daily reader, C.N. ; http://shearimseminary.blogspot.de
1)
If one begins eating a bread meal on the afternoon of Rosh Chodesh, and
eats at least a Kzayis while it is still day time, even if he finishes
the meal after nightfall, when it is no longer Rosh Chodesh, according
to many Poskim, Ya'aleh V'Yavo is recited in Birchas Hamazon. This is
indeed the prevalent custom. (Ruling of the Shulchan Aruch Siman188:10 and Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman 188:17)
2)
However, if during the meal he davened Ma'ariv, even if it is still
before nightfall, all agree that no longer is Ya'aleh V'Yavo recited
when reciting Birchas Hamazon. (See Mishna Berura Siman 188 S"K 32 and 34)
Moreover,
even if he did not yet daven Ma'ariv, if the congregation already
davened Ma'ariv before nightfall, as long as he himself already davened
Mincha, he is considered part of the congregation, and no Ya'aleh V'Yavo
should be recited in his Birchas Hamazon. (See Mishna Berura Siman 424 S"K 2)
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
Although
the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei
HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes
only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
Which bracha does one recite on grape juice ices?
Answer:
Many
Poskim rule that grape juice loses its status as a "wine" when it is
not in liquid form and thus would be shehakol. Practically, most Poskim
advise to recite Hagafen on some liquid grape juice, and have in mind to
exempt the ices with that bracha.
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We
will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to
help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in
heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
The
secret of happiness is not having a lot of things to eat. It's not
going places. It's not having many things. The secret of happiness is
understanding how lucky you are to have what you have.
Today's Halachos dedicated by a daily reader, L'zecher Nishmas Rebbetzin Goldy Elephant A"H.
Rebbetzin Elephant was a wonderful , exemplary Aishes Chayil, amazing, inspiring and extremely dedicated to her late esteemed husband Rav Mordechai Elephant Zatzal.
W
ith shining simcha, she was moser nefesh to help him spread Torah by establishing the "Yeshivas I.T.R.I" Torah empire which once had various branches, with campuses all over Eretz Yisroel, serving everyone from Yerushalmis,to more modern Americans, to Russians, to ba'alei teshuva, including women's schools.
A model of living Emuna and Simcha in Avodas Hashem, she never showed any embitterment over childlessness, davened for everyone else with all her heart. Always had a smile, a warm word, a good eitza and gracious, sensitive bountiful help for everyone and anyone, even deranged individuals; and developped a network of daycare centers for
children too!
יהא זכרה ברוך
הרבנית הצדקנית והחסודה מרת ביילא גולדה בת נחום דוד ע"ה
She was the granddaughter of Rav Yaakov Yosef Herman Zatzal, the American Tzaddik made famous by the book, "All for the Boss
CURRENT TOPIC:
HALACHOS OF ROSH CHODESH
1) When reciting Birchas Hamazon after a bread meal on Rosh Chodesh, Ya'aleh V'Yavo is added immediately preceding "U'vnei Yerushalayim". (Shulchan Aruch Siman 424:1)
If one forgot to insert Ya'aleh V'Yavo, the Birchas Hamazon is not repeated, as there is no obligation to eat bread on Rosh Chodesh in the first place. (ibid. and Mishna Berura S"K 1)
2) If one remembered before beginning the Bracha of "Hatov V'Hameitiv" (or even after beginning to the two words Baruch and Ata of the Barcha of Hatov V'Hameitiv) that he omitted Ya'aleh V'Yavo, he should say the following text right then and there: "Baruch Ata Hashem Shenasan Rosh Chodesh L'Amo Yisroel L'Zikaron" (Shulchan Aruch ibid. See also Mishna Berura Siman 188 S"K 21, 22 and 23 for more details.)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
Regarding the halachos of June 10th 2009 [regarding not making any interruptions during Birchas Hamazon], if I am sitting with other people and we are all bentching at the same time, do I answer amen to someone else's bracha? Does it make a difference if i'm in middle of a paragraph?
Answer:
There is a debate amongst the Poskim about this.
Some do not allow it at all. Some allow it even in middle of a Bracha. Some allow it between Brachos.
The accepted custom is to indeed answer Amen to the Bracha of another person's Birchas HaMazon, as long as you are between Brachos.
( See Ketzos HaShulchan Siman 44:12, Shu"t B'zTeil HaChachma Vol. 4 Siman 42, Chazon Ish Siman 28:3 and Ta'amei HaMinhagim page 86 what he quotes from the Aishel Avraham from Butshatsh)
CHIZUK CORNER
[1.0579710144927536] Bizback2
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Rabbi Yosef Wallis, Director of Arachim
Rabbi Yosef Wallis, director of Arachim of Israel, talks to Project Witness about his father, Judah Wallis, who was born and raised in Pavenitz, Poland:
"While he was in Dachau, a Jew who was being taken to his death suddenly flung a small bag at my father, Judah Wallis. He caught it, thinking it might contain a piece of bread. Upon opening it, however, he was disturbed to discover a pair of tefillin. Judah was very frightened because he knew that were he to be caught carrying tefillin, he would be put to death instantly. So he hid the tefillin under his shirt and headed for his bunkhouse.
"In the morning, just before the appel [roll call], while still in his bunkhouse, he put on the tefillin. Unexpectedly, a German officer appeared. He ordered him to remove the tefillin, noted the number on Judah's arm, and ordered him to go straight to the appel.
"At the appel, in front of thousands of silent Jews, the officer called out Judah's number and he had no choice but to step forward. The German officer waved the tefillin in the air and said, 'Dog! I sentence you to death by public hanging for wearing these.'
"Judah was placed on a stool and a noose was placed around his neck. Before he was hanged, the officer said in a mocking tone, 'Dog, what is your last wish?'
"'To wear my tefillin one last time,' Judah replied.
"The officer was dumbfounded. He handed Judah the tefillin. As Judah put them on, he recited the verse that is said while the tefillin are being wound around the fingers: 'Ve'eirastich li le'olam, ve'eirastich li b'tzedek uvemishpat, ub'chessed, uv'rachamim, ve'eirastich li b'emunah, v'yodaat es Hashem-I will betroth you to me forever and I will betroth you to me with righteousness and with justice and with kindness and with mercy and I will betroth you to me with fidelity, and you shall know Hashem.'
"It is hard for us to picture this Jew with a noose around his neck, wearing tefillin on his head and arm - but that was the scene that the entire camp was forced to watch, as they awaited the impending hanging of the Jew who had dared to break the rule against wearing tefillin. Even women from the adjoining camp were lined up at the barbed wire fence that separated them from the men's camp, forced to watch this horrible sight.
"As Judah turned to watch the silent crowd, he saw tears in many people's eyes. Even at that moment, as he was about to be hanged, he was shocked. Jews were crying! How was it possible that they still had tears left to shed? And for a stranger? Where were those tears coming from? Impulsively, in Yiddish, he called out, 'Yidden, don't cry. With tefillin on, I am the victor. Don't you understand, I am the winner!'
"The German officer understood the Yiddish and was infuriated. He said to Judah, 'You dog, you think you are the winner? Hanging is too good for you. You are going to get another kind of death.'
"Judah, my father, was taken from the stool and the noose was removed from his neck. He was forced into a squatting position and two huge rocks were placed under his arms. Then he was told that he would be receiving 25 lashes to his head - the head on which he had dared to position his tefillin. The officer told him that if he dropped even one of the rocks, he would be shot immediately. In fact, because this was such an extremely painful form of death, the officer advised him, 'Drop the rocks now. You will never survive the 25 lashes to the head. Nobody ever does.'
"Judah's response was, 'No, I won't give you the pleasure.'
"At the 25th lash, Judah lost consciousness and was left for dead. He was about to be dragged to a pile of corpses , after which he would have been burned in a ditch, when another Jew saw him, shoved him to the side, and covered his head with a rag, so people didn't realize he was alive. Eventually, after he recovered consciousness fully, he crawled to the nearest bunkhouse that was on raised piles, and hid under it until he was strong enough to come out under his own power. Two months later he was liberated.
"During the hanging and beating episode, a 17-year-old girl had been watching the events from the women's side of the fence. After liberation, she made her way to the men's camp and found Judah. She walked over to him and said, 'I've lost everyone. I don't want to be alone any more. I saw what you did that day when the officer wanted to hang you. Will you marry me?'"
The rest is history. Rabbi Yosef Wallis' parents (for this couple became his parents) walked over to the Klausenberger Rebbe and requested that he perform the marriage ceremony. The Klausenberger Rebbe, whose kiddush Hashem is legendary, wrote out a kesubah by hand from memory and married the couple. Rabbi Wallis has that handwritten kesubah in his possession to this day.
1) The custom is to remove the Tefillin on Rosh Chodesh before beginning Tefilas Mussaf.
One
reason for this is that many congregations (Nusach Sefard) the Kedusha
that is said in Mussaf of Rosh Chodesh begins with "Keser Yitnu Lecha
Hashem Elokeinu- We crown You Hashem our G-d". Thus it is not proper to
be wearing our crown (i.e. our Tefilin) while we are proclaiming the
crowning of Hashem. (See Mishna Berura Siman 25:61)
Even
though Nusach Ashkenaz does not say "Keser", it has still become the
universal custom to remove the Tefilin before Musaf, as another reason
for removing the Tefillin is to show that just as on Yom Tov we do not
wear Tefilin (as it's an Os, a sign, in its own right, not necessitating
the Os of Tefilin), so too on Rosh Chodesh , at least during Musaf when
we mention the Karbanos (which are also akin to an Os) the Tefillin are
not worn. (Mishna Berura Siman 424 S"K 10)
2)
Some people remove the Tefillin during the recital of "Ashrei" and
"U'Va L'Tzion" before they reach the words "Yehi Ratzon Shenishmor
Chukecha", while some people only remove the straps from their hands at
that juncture. (Mishna Berura ibid.)
The prevalent custom is to remove the Tefillin after the Kadish preceding the Shemona Esrei of Musaf. (See Mishna Berura Siman 25 S"K 59)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1)During
the Shliach Tzibbur's repetition of the Shemona Esrei of Musaf (as with
every Chazoras HaShatz) it is incumbent on every individual in the
Tzibur to pay attention and hear the words and answer Amen to each
Bracha.
Thus, it is not proper to roll up one's Tefillin and put them away during Chazoras Hashatz.
Likewise,
those whose custom it is to don the additional pair of Tefillin of
Rabbeinu Tam each day, should not do so in the midst of the Chazoras
Hashatz of Musaf. (See Pri Megadim; Aishel Avraham Siman 423:5)
Doing
so is a lack of respect for Hashem and also makes it seem like
listening to Chazoras Hashatz is a chore; the Tefillin should be rolled
up only after Aleinu. (Sefer Chayei Moshe Siman 423 footnote 9 quoting the Orchos Chaim)
2)On
Rosh Chodesh after reciting the "Shir Shel Yom" for whatever day of the
week it is, in most congregations the chapter of "Barchi Nafshi" (Tehilim 104) is recited as well.
(See Mishna Berura Siman 423 S"K 9 for the reason. Some congregations
only recite Barchi Nafshi in lieu of the psalm that is usually said on
that day of the week. See Ma'aseh Rav from the Gaon of Vilna Siman 158)
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
Although
the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei
HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes
only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
I
have been wondering- what exactly is allowed to be sung in the shower,
can Hebrew songs be sung if they don't contain Hashem's name? Are
passukim definitely not allowed? if my little sister is speaking words
on the parsha etc. in the tub is that assur? Are all torah thoughts
completely not allowed?
Answer:
Divrei Torah in the shower is a complicated shailah.
If the shower is in the same room as the toilet, then it is absolutely forbidden to say , or even think, any Torah there.
If
the shower is in its own room, or in an enclosed area, then it may be
considered a bathouse (Merchatz) according to some Poskim (including Rav
Chaim Pinchas Scheiberg Zatzal) and not a bathroom (Bais HaKisei) and
then certain things may be able to be said, or at least thought there.
It is best to not say any Pesukim or any Divrei Torah, parsha etc. in the shower/tub.
Hebrew, per se is not prohibited though. So if it is a song in Hebrew that isn't a Posuk or Torah, it may be permitted.
If the word "Shalom" is in the
song, it is more stringent, as "Shalom" is one of the names of Hashem,
and as such may not be uttered in unclean places.
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We
will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to
help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in
heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
"All of the
biggest technological inventions created by man - the airplane, the
automobile, the computer - says little about his intelligence, but
speaks volumes about his laziness."
The
technology in the world we live in has advanced a hundred-fold since
the times of our grandparents, yet most of us still don't have the time
to accomplish half the tasks they did. Our grandparents spent a whole
day doing laundry by hand, but now with a click of a few buttons on a
washing machine, it's done instantaneously. We have easy access to
information,thanks to the internet and our mobile devices, yet we still
don't know as much as our ancestors.
In
my humble opinion, I think it is because we don't value our time
(myself included) and we waste it doing useless things and
procrastinating from doing what's needed. We learn in Mishlei(Proverbs)
that one should watch an ant to be able to overcome the trait of being
lazy. An ant gathers and stores in advance what it will need at a later
time when it will not be able to gather.
It
gathers food in the summer for storage for the winter time. Also, when
it finds grains on which the rain fell and which will spoil in storage,
it exposes them to the air to dry before finally storing them. The ant
does what it needs to do by pure instinct, but it exists to teach us a
lesson on laziness. An ant does not have someone to motivate him to do
what he needs to do, yet he does it anyway. And on top of all that, the
queen ant does not only collect for herself, but for the entire ant
colony. This should also teach us to not be selfish.
We
should be quick on our feet and do what needs to be done at its
appropriate time, rather than fooling around and playing games. By being
swift, our life will be more accomplishing. It is also important to
plan ahead and not just take each moment as it comes. Additionally, by
using our time wisely, we are able to fulfill more Mitzvos which will
result in blessings,goodness and longevity.
"Know
the true value of time; snatch,seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No
idleness, no laziness, no procrastination: never put off until tomorrow
what you can do today."
1) An individual who is davening Musaf on Rosh Chodesh while the Shliach Tzibur is reciting the Chazoras HaShatz of Shacharis, or vice versa, and the Shliach Tzibur reached Kedusha, according to some Poskim the individual should not respond to the Kedusha but rather remain silent and listen to the Kedusha Being said and fulfill his obligation via the Halachic rule of "Shomea K'Oneh, listening is like reciting". (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 109:3)
Other Poskim, however, rule that since both Kedushos belong to a Shemona Esrei, they may be recited regardless of which Tefilah the individual is currently in middle of. (See Rama Siman 109:3. See also Mishna Berura S"K 17 that he should say the entire text of the Kedusha that the Shliach Tzibur is saying.)
2) If one inadvertently signed off in Tefilas Musaf with the words "Mekadesh Yisroel V'Hazmanim", as is recited on Yom Tov, in place of the correct ending of "Mekadesh Yisroel V'Roshei Chodoshim", he has not satisfied his obligation. (Ruling of HaRav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal quoted in Sefer Ishei Yisroel page 458 footnote 143. See also Shu"t Mincha Elazar Vol. 3 Siman 19
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
A few days ago you mentioned something about eating certain foods on Shabbos which had special meanings. Can you elaborate a bit on that?
Answer:
Yes, Shabbos foods are very important. The Shabbos Seudos are not merely "lunch" and "dinner" and simply serving macaroni & cheese should not suffice; it is important to serve traditional fare as it has been served for generations, as many deep meanings are present in each dish.
Of course, "traditional fare" can and does differ from community to community, and each individual should strive to maintain the traditions of his/her particular lineage.
Here is a list of some Shabbos foods common in the Ashkenazic world, and their meanings:
Fish:
The Talmud (Shabbos 111) states that fish should be eaten , as Oneg Shabbos.
The Poskim say that one must eat fish at all three Seudos of Shabbos. There are many deep and exalted reasons given by the Seforim regarding the importance of eating fish on Shabbos.
Lokshen:
Rav Pinchos of Koretz said that eating Lokshen (egg noodles) on Shabbos signifies peace. (quoted in Sefer Otzar HaShabbos Page 183)
Farfel:
The Baal Shem Tov would eat Farfel on Shabbos to signify that all who keep Shabbos are forgiven for their sins (Talmud Shabbos 118b); in Yiddish the word "Farfalen" means "Oh well", meaning, the sins are forgotten. (Minhagei MaHar"i Weill page 62)
Apples:
Eating apples on Shabbos is a proper custom, as they are a royal food fit for the Shabbos queen. (Kaf HaChaim Siman 250:7).
It is also said in the name of the Magid of Koznitz that whoever eats apples at the Shabbos night seuda , is guaranteed Parnassah in the week ahead.
Kasha (Buckwheat):
Many had the minhag to eat kasha (which also means "question" in Hebrew) as a segula to have all the questions answered. The Bnei Yissoscher said that Shabbos is the Gematria of "Kashia Rafia" meaning all the questions will become soft (i.e. easy to answer).
The Rebbe of Lechevitz also said that eating this dish helps to control a person's anger.
Foot of a chicken (or other animal)
Truth has feet to stand on, while lies have no feet. Shabbos is a day of truth, thus we eat "Feet" to signify this fact. (Taamei HaMinhagim).
The Rebbe R' Elimelech of Lizensk said that eating a foot on Shabbos can fix the bad things caused by sins of "bris" (i.e. sins of sexual impurity)
Challah:
The Ram"a (Siman 242) writes "it is customary to knead the appropriate amount of dough [to beable to recite the Bracha on Hafroshas Challah] in the home and to make from it loaves to use on Shabbos and Yom Tov...doing so is a Kovod for Shabbos and Yom Tov and this minhag should not be changed"
In the Sefer Zechor L'Avraham (the customs of the Toldos Ahron community, page 282) it is written that they have a kabalah from their Rabbeim that whenever the Ram"a uses the language " this minhag should not be changed" it means that even with Mesiras Nefesh, it should be done!
According to many sources, it is ideal to bake Chalos for Shabbos specifically on Erev Shabbos and not on a different day during the week. (See Talmud Yerushalmi Megilah Perek 4:1. See also Ben Ish Chai Parshas Lech Lecha, year 2, Os 10. The Meiri to Bava Kama 82, however seems to say that any day is good for Challah baking)
Thursday night, especially in the winter months, is considered Erev Shabbos for this purpose. (See Toras Chaim to Chayei Adam Klal 1:9)
There is an ancient minhag for women to give Tzedaka before baking Chalos. (Ben Ish Chai Lech Lecha, year 2, Os 6)
It is best to use white flour for Challah baking, in remembrance of the Manna which was white. (Sefer Yafeh L'Lev Vol. 3 in Kuntres Achron, Siman244:3)
Also, since the Manna had a "dipped in honey" taste, it is customary to add sweet ingredients, such as honey or sugar to the Challos. (ibid.)
It is a Mitzvah and Kovod Shabbos toplace the Challos on the Shabbos table immediately after taking them out of the oven. (See Taz Yoreh Deah 178:7. This was also the minhag of the Chasam Sofer. See comment of Chasam Sofer to the Taz.)
The Challos should be on the table before candle lighting, especially for those who light Shabbos candles on the table, as this way the table will not become a Basis (base for Muktze only)
***
CORRECTION:
IN YESTERDAY'S Q&A I WROTE THAT ONE MAY NOT WASH WITH A BRACHA IF PLANNING TO EAT "LESS THAN A KZAYIS OF BREAD".
IT SHOULD HAVE READ "LESS THAN A K'BEITZA OF BREAD", AS ON ONLY A KZAYIS NO WASHING WITH A BRACHA IS PERMITTED EITHER. SEE HALACHOS FOR MARCH 13 2009 HERE FOR MORE DETAILS
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Question:
Should married people feel responsible to help single people find a shidduch? Or should they rely on professional shadchonim and computer matching services?
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
When people go to a physician, they want to talk to a human being. They never go to a machine that you can punch and it will give you advice, because a human life is too valuable; there might be a mix up in the programming. And so, computers are out! You need the human element.
But even shadchonim, you must know. A professional shadchan is very good to help you contact people; but don't believe him! Don't trust him; he's a nogea badovor. He's worth his fee, if he helps you contact the right person. It's like buying a house. People pay five thousand dollars or more for an agent who did nothing. The agent didn't build the house for you, he didn't even repair the basement for you. He just contacted the people and brought them together. He's worth five thousand dollars or more. So the shadchan is worth the five thousand dollars, but you yourself should have the house inspected by an engineer.
When you're going for a shidduch, all the shadchan can do is recommend a person to you, but what he tells you about the qualities of that person, doesn't mean a thing. So if it's a boy marrying a girl, call in your aunts and your sisters and your mother, call in female relatives to size her up; not men relatives. Men relatives are taken in by a curl. Female relatives can't be bluffed and they'll be the engineers who will size her up for you. Of course you have to ask the Bais Yaakov teachers where she was in school two years ago, before she was thinking of a shidduch. She was behaving then naturally, so the teachers will tell you about her. It's important. Many Bais Yaakov teachers tell the honest truth about girls, it's important to know.
Ask neighbors about boys. Don't ask the mashgiach, the mashgiach will say "fine boy", everybody in yeshiva is fine. If the mashgiach is very enthusiastic about him, he goes into a fit, then maybe it's 50% true. Don't trust anybody's word if they're nice people, because nice people are trying to be nice to this fellow. So investigate, you must investigate, because you're surely going to investigate if you're going to buy a house and a shidduch is certainly not less important.
1)
On Rosh Chodesh, after Krias HaTorah, the paragraph of
"Lame'Natzeiach...Ya'ancha Hashem B'Yom Tzarah", which is usually
inserted between "Ashrei" and "U'Va L'Tzion", is omitted. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 423:3)
2) Tefilas Musaf is recited on Rosh Chodesh. (ibid.)
During
the Shliach Tzibbur's repetition of the Shemona Esrei of Musaf on Rosh
Chodesh, those who daven Nusach Sefard begin the Kedusha with "Keser
Yitnu Lecha..." as is done on Yom Tov, and then revert back to the
regular weekday Kedusha. (ibid.)
Those who daven Nusach Ashkenaz, however, recite the regular Kedusha as it is recited on a regular weekday. (See Mishna Berura Siman 423 S"K 7
As a "Halacho For Today" reader, you surely appreciate a daily Halacha!
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You can Follow on twitter "@HALACHAtext" to get a small halacha daily at 8:15am.
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address and not to "halacha For Today". Thank you.)
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
Although
the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei
HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes
only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
When
only a bite of bread is taken and a whole meal is eaten, e.g. meat
& vegetables., would you then say borei nefashos instead of birchas
hamozon?
Answer:
Yes,
if less than a Kzayis of bread is eaten, Birchas haMazon is not
recited, only Borei Nefashos on the other food, provided that a Kzayis
was eaten (which can be calculated in unison with the bread. For
example: half a kzayis of bread and Half a Kzayis of meat)
However,keep
in mind, that if one knows that less than a Kzayis of bread will be
eaten, it is forbidden to wash and recite the Bracha of Al Netilas
Yadayim.
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We
will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to
help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in
heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
"The merits of the believer, even if he reaches the utmost degree
in improving his soul in devotion to God, and even if he would
approach the level of an angel in good character... would still not
compare to the merits of the one who teaches people the good path [of Torah] and brings them to the service of God."
Rabbeinu Bachya, Duties of the Heart (11th century)
For me, this is a grand slam home run. Rabbeinu Bachya is spelling out
in no uncertain terms that - beyond even reaching the level of
character perfection - the single greatest human endeavor is to help bring people closer to God.
Western society is in crisis. Economic hardship, dysfunctional relationships, spiritual malaise. We've lost our moorings. Part of the problem is that God has gotten negative PR lately, with religious extremists advancing untenable - even violent - positions. But it's time to reclaim God as our loving, caring Father in Heaven who watches over us and demands us to always act in accordance with what will bring God the best PR
.
Fostering this spiritual connection is at the root of the human experience. Carl Jung, the famous psychologist, said that of the thousands of patients he's treated in psychoanalysis, he never met one person over the age of 35 whose psychological problem was not directly traceable to a lack of belief in God.
Everyone is encouraged to help in this PR battle. The spiritual health of individuals and society is at stake.
Submitted by a daily reader; written by Rabbi Shraga Simmons at www.aish.com
1) After the recital of Hallel [B'Tzibbur] on Rosh Chodesh, Kaddish Tiskabel is recited, signifying the completion of Shacharis, and is then followed by the reading of the Torah and then by Tefilas Musaf. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 423:1 and Mishna Berura S"K 1)
On Rosh Chodesh four people are called to the Torah for an Aliyah. We do not read less than four Aliyos, nor may we add any additional Aliyos. There is no Haftarah following the Krias HaTorah of Rosh Chodesh. (ibid.)
2) If possible, it is proper to try and receive an Aliyah on Rosh Chodesh. The fourth Aliyah on Rosh Chodesh is considered the optimal one to receive and an Aliyah on the second day of a two day Rosh Chodesh is better. (See Ben Ish Chai Parashas Vayikra, year two, Siman 20. See also Ma'aseh Rav Siman 154 that the Gaon of Vilna would receive the fourth Aliyah each Rosh Chodesh).
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
Is it ok to say bircas hamazon or al hamichya standing up?
Answer:
It is best to try and sit, however, if said standing you are Yotze B'Dieved. (See Aruch HaShulchan Siman 183:8)
CHIZUK CORNER
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This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Question:
Please prove the authenticity of our Torah.
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
So we say to the questioner, you have the floor, please disprove it. Please disprove the authenticity of our Torah. The Torah is here. Here it is, and we are here. We are the nation that claims our fathers gave us this Torah that they received from their fathers, and we received a tradition that Moshe our teacher gave it to them, and our entire nation stood at Har Sinai and they heard Hakadosh Baruch Hu say to Moshe and give him a mandate in their presence. Moshe Rabbeinu, you're going to speak to this people for Me from now on, and therefore Moshe Rabbeinu when he gave us the
Torah was mandated by Hakadosh Baruch Hu in the presence of 600,000 males between 20 and 60 years of age, not to mention the elderly ones, the young ones and the women. That's our claim; no nation in the world ever claimed such a claim. Not the Mohammedans. Of course the Mohammedans claim that the Bible is true because the Jews say so. Christians claim the Bible is true, because the Jews say so. The Vikings didn't have any traditions, the Buddhists didn't have any traditions, they made no such claims. So therefore if anybody wants to bring proofs against the authenticity of the Torah, we'll give him the floor.
We are the only ones who claim that Hakadosh Baruch Hu gave it to us. And if you'll ask, how do we know that it's true? So we'll ask you a question: How do you know that there was a George Washington? Prove George Washington. So you say there are books. We also have books. We have books, too. So you say Washington was recent and our claims are old. Anybody around here saw George Washington? Anybody saw a man who saw George Washington around here? How do you know he was there? It's emunah; you believe people. So should we believe nations of disorderly people, there were so many shikurim among them, and so many club wielders, so many roughnecks. Such a nation testifies that George Washington was present, and we accept their testimony. Well, there are so many documents; there are a lot of documents. You want documents? Josephus wrote two thousand years ago a big document. So that's thousands of years ago, so that's as good evidence as any evidence that you'll produce for anything that happened three hundred years ago in America.
Therefore we are standing on solid ground, we have a historic tradition. We are not one person, we are a nation. And our nation always was united behind this. We never had a single Jew who disbelieved that Moshe received the Torah from Hashem, up till a hundred fifty years ago. Not the Karaites, not the Sadducees, none of them disbelieved that, - they all believed. There wasn't a single Jew up to the time of the German assimilationists and reformers one hundred fifty years ago; there wasn't a single Jew who disbelieved in the Torah. So our entire nation was behind this tradition. Not to mention the fact that the Christians and Mohammedans all say the same thing about our Torah, that we received the Torah.
So therefore if anybody wants to bring proofs against the authenticity of the Torah, we'll give him the floor.
1) If one used the restroom in the middle of Hallel and now is required to recite the Bracha of "Asher Yatzar", if it's on a day when "half" Hallel is recited, i.e. Rosh Chodesh or the latter days of Pesach, the "Asher Yatzar" may be recited either in the middle of Hallel if desired, or immediately afterward. (Based on Rama Siman 422:4, as then it is considered like in the midst of Pesukei D'Zimrah. See also Mishna Berura Siman 51 S"K 8)
If, however, it's on one of the days when the complete Hallel is recited, the hands should be washed but "Asher Yatzar" should only be recited after the completion of Hallel. (As it then has a status like during Krias Shma and its Brachos. See Rama ibid. and Mishna Berura Siman 66:23)
2) Hallel should L'Chatchila be recited while standing. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 422:7. See Mishna Berura S"K 28 for the reason
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
What is the source for not to eat while standing?
Answer:
Here are a few of the many sources: Rambam Hilchos Dei'os Perek 4:3, Ben Ish Chai Parashas Behar, year 1, Siman 11, Mishna Berura 296:6. Shu"t Rav Pe'alim Vol. 2 Siman 45 says that many are not makpid on this today, and perhaps the Teva has changed. However, he quotes an Arizal who says to be makpid. The Shulchan Aruch HaRav 296:15 seems to hold that this is only for Talmidei Chachamim and not for all people
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
When a man lifts you up, it's limited to the height of his hands.
Important Numbers
