1) The 13th day of the month of Adar is known as Ta'anis Esther, the fast of Esther. (This year, it falls out on Wednesday, March 7)
This fast day is in commemoration of the Jews' gathering on that day [in Teshuva and prayer] in preparation for defending themselves against the imminent threat of their annihilation at the hands of their neighbors at the behest of Haman and Achashveirush.
The fast was established as a reminder that Hashem always sees our individual [as well as our collective]suffering, and will always come to our rescue if we return to Him with all our heart, as the Jews did at the time of the story of Purim. (See Mishna Berura Siman 686:2)
2) This fast is not as stringent as other fast days, and in cases of necessity (such as pregnant or nursing women, or people with certain other hardships or non-life-threatening sicknesses) one need not fast.
However, one who can fast should not simply dismiss this fast and be different than the rest of Klal Yisroel. (Rama Siman 686:1)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) When Purim falls out on Sunday, And thus the 13th of Adar, Ta'anis Esther, falls on Shabbos, the fast is held Mukdam, earlier, on the previous Thursday as we do not fast on Shabbos nor are public fasts [with the exception of Asara B'Teves] held on Erev Shabbos.
In the event that one forgot to fast on a Ta'anis Esther Mukdam, he should fast on the following day, Friday. (See Mishna Berura Siman 686:3 and Sha'arei Teshuva 686:1)
2) If a Bris Milah falls out on Ta'anis Esther Mukdam the Seudah may be celebrated and all those attending may eat. (Rama Siman 686:2 and Mishna Berura S"K 7. The Mishna Berura also brings the view of the Taz and the Elya Rabbah who maintain that only the Ba'alei Bris [the parents of the child, the Sandek and the Mohel, see Rama Siman 555:8] may eat.)
However, all who ate at the Bris, must fast on the following day. (ibid.)
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
Reader's Question:
Why can't we say Kiddush Levana the first three days of the month?
Answer:
Because the moon has to be visible enough to be able to derive benefit from its light, which it isn't until three, or according to some, seven, days after the Molad. (See Mishna Berura Siman 426:20)
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CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal and the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal. May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they both 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.
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זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Shabbos was not merely given to the Jewish people for the performance of a mitzvah. The essence of Shabbos is a gift - the gift of peace of mind!
- Rav Shlomo Wolbe Z"L quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin -
www.Jewisheverything.net
Today's Halachos are dedicated by daily reader, Y.D., L'Ilui Nishmas her dear mother
Leah bas Yechezkel A"H
whose yahrtzeit is today, 30 Shvat (Rosh Chodesh Adar). May her Neshama continue to climb higher and higher in Gan Eden and may she be a Meilitza Yeshara for her entire family.
CURRENT TOPIC:
HALACHOS OF CHODESH ADAR & PURIM
1) If someone's personal minhag is not to say Yotzros and he finds himself in a Shul that says them, he should not be "Poresh Min HaTzibur, deviate from the congregation" and he should say it along with them. (See Rama Siman 68 and Siman 90:10)
If for whatever reason one is not saying them, he should just wait silently while they are said by the congregation and not talk , even words of Torah, and certainly not make light of these extremely exalted Tefilos which contain in them great praises of Hashem as well as many wondrously holy and deep Kabalistic concepts. (See Kav HaYashar Perek 86)
2) These Tefilos should be said clearly, with extreme Simcha and concentration, and should not be said as if it is a burden to say them. Many of these Tefilos were authored by holy Tanaim, Geonim and Rishonim with the input and advice of heavenly angels. (ibid.)
Saying these Tefilos are a Segulah for Arichas Yamim (long life), and those whose familial or congregational minhag it is to say them, and they don't, place themselves in danger. (See Kav HaYashar ibid., Bach Siman 68 Dibur Hamaschil UMah Shekasav Amnam and Shu"t Bais Hillel Siman 71. See also Pri Megadim;Mishbetzos Zahav, Siman 53:10 that saying these Tefilos are a Segulah to bring our as yet irreligious brethren closer to Hashem)
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
Reader's Question:
What are the various times during the day or night that are an Eis Ratzon (opportune time) for personal prayers?
Answer:
There are many days throughout the year that are especially times of ratzon, such as Aseres Yemei Teshuva.
However, Tefilas Mincha, each and every day of the year is an especially opportune time for our Tefilos to be answered. (See Shu"t HaRashba Vol. 5 Siman 1)
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CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal and the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal. May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they both 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.
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זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Bless your fellow Jews and you'll be blessed.
What does that mean?
When you see a man in the street who looks like a frum Jew, you don't have to go over to him.
As you pass across the street, say "Hashem should give that man success in Parnassa (livelihood)! He should have nachas (pride) from his children! He should live long!"
It cost you money? It doesn't cost you a penny!
And it's such a good investment that you're promised a bracha. It seems so wild, so insane, to lose that opportunity, to bless your fellow Jew.
1) In many Kehilos it is customary to say special Tefilos, known as "Yotzros", which are interjected into the Brachos of Chazoras HaShatz, the Chazzan's repetition of the Shemona Esrei, of Shacharis and/or Mussaf on each Shabbos of the "Four Parashiyos".
Some Congregations have the Minhag to say these Yotzros after the completion of the Chazaras HaShatz and not within the Brachos of the Chazaras HaShatz. (Custom of the Gaon of Vilna quoted in Ma'aseh Rav Os 127. This was also the custom of the Chasam Sofer quoted in Minhagei Chasam Sofer Perek 11:4 and other Poskim.)
2) Some congregations do not say these Yotzros at all, while others say them on some of the "Four Parashiyos" and not on others; each congregation should follow their respective custom. (See Aishel Avraham, Butchatsh, Siman 68 that as long as their intent is L'Shem Shomayim, every minhag has merit)
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
Reader's Question:
I have always toiveled everything (besides plastic) that will be used for food. Recently I was told that pieces with a glaze on it , e.g. china , glazed ceramic, don't need to be toiveled. What is the halachah in regard to this?
Also some people dip their pieces once and some people dip three times. Which is the correct way?
Answer:
Some Poskim rule that Glazed China and Bone Ware does not require Tevilah (See Emes L'Yaakov from HaRav Yaakov Kamenetzky Zatal Yoreh Deah Siman 120 footnote 52)
However, many contemporary Poskim rule that they indeed require Tevilah, albeit without a Bracha. This is the prevalent custom.
Halachically, only once is required
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CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal and the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal. May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they both 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.
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זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Much suffering can be overcome by the changing of attitudes
Even if you find it too difficult to view certain events in a positive manner, there are variations of how negative you view them.
If you tell yourself, "this is awful, I can't stand it," by your own arbitrary evaluation you suffer a lot.
But you can choose to tell yourself, "I find it very unpleasant, but I can still cope with it.
If possible, I will change it; if change is impossible, I will work on accepting it, even if I don't like it.
1) When hearing "Parashas Zachor" it is best to try and hear it in the dialect of Hebrew that you and your family speak. (i.e. Ashkenazim should not be Yotzei with Sephardic Havara ,dialect, and vice versa).
However, if one did hear it in a different dialect, he has satisfied his/her obligation B'dieved. (See Mo'Adim U'Zmanim Vol. 2 Siman 170 and MikRaei Kodesh Siman 2 where they are stringent with this. See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 3 Siman 5 where Rav Moshe Zatzal is lenient for Krias HaTorah)
When reading the Posuk "Timche Es Zecher Amalek" within the reading of Parashas Zachor, there is a dispute amongst the Poskim as to the proper enunciation of the word "Zecher".
Some opinions maintain that is to be pronounced "Zay-Cher", while others maintain that the proper way to say it is "Zeh-Cher". The prevalent minhag is to read the Posuk twice, once saying "Zay-Cher" and the second time saying "Zeh-Cher" (See Mishna Berura Siman 685:18)
Care should be taken to understand the meaning of the words being read (Pirush HaMilim), as understanding the words, and remembering the atrocities of Amalek and that we are commanded to eradicate their memory, is an integral part of the Mitzvah.
2) Many Gedolim (including the Gaon of Vilna as well as many Chasidic Rebbes) had the custom to read "Parashas Zachor" by themselves and not rely on simply hearing it from the Ba'al Koreh.
The reason for this is that it is a Mitzvah on every individual to read Parashas Zachor, thus "Mitzvah Bo Yoser M'Beshelucho- it is better to perform it yourself rather than relying on a messenger (The Ba'al Koreh)".
For the rest of the readings of the Torah throughout the year it isn't a Mitzvah to "read", rather the mitzvah is to "hear", so the above reasoning doesn't apply. (Sefer Mo'Adei HaShana page 306)
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
Reader's Question:
Is a pair of old Tzitzis considered shaimos and has to be buried or am I allowed to throw it out?
Answer:
Tzitzis are Tashmishei Mitzvah, not Tashmishei Kedusha, and as such may be discarded. However, they should be wrapped in a bag first, so as not to be thrown out disrespectfully, as with other items used for a Mitzvah.
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B'Siyata D'shmaya, a lot of time , energy and resources goes into producing the email each day without fail , as well as into updating and maintaining the website. Your generous donations and daily dedications are greatly appreciated and are vital in helping Halacha For Today continue each day.
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CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal and the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal. May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they both 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
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זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
By: Kenneth M.Prager, M.D.
Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, New York
When I was an elementary school student in yeshiva - a Jewish parochial school with both religious and secular studies - my classmates and I used to find amusing a sign that was posted just outside the bathroom. It was an ancient Jewish blessing, commonly referred to as the asher yatzar benediction, that was supposed to be recited after one relieved oneself. For grade school children, there could be nothing more strange or ridiculous than to link to acts of micturition and defecation with holy words that mentioned God's name. Blessings were reserved for prayers, for holy days, or for thanking God for food or for some act of deliverance, but surely not for a bodily function that evoked smirks and giggles.
It took me several decades to realize the wisdom that lay behind this blessing that was composed by Abayei, a fourth-century Babylonian rabbi.
Abayei's blessing is contained in the Talmud, an encyclopedic work of Jewish law and lore that was written over the first five centuries of the common era. The Jewish religion is chock-full of these blessings, or brachot, as they are called in Hebrew. In fact, an entire tractate of Talmud, 128 pages in length, is devoted to brachot.
On page 120 (Brachot 60b) of the ancient text it is written: "Abayei said, when one comes out of a privy he should say: Blessed is He who has formed man in wisdom and created in him many orifices and many cavities. It is obvious and known before Your throne of glory that if one of them were to be ruptured or one of them blocked, it would be impossible for a man to survive and stand before You. Blessed are You that heals all flesh and does wonders."
An observant Jew is supposed to recite this blessing in Hebrew after each visit to the bathroom. We young yeshiva students were reminded of our obligation to recite this prayer by the signs that contained its text that were posted just outside the restroom doors.
It is one thing, however, to post these signs and it is quite another to realistically expect preadolescents to have the maturity to realize the wisdom of and need for reciting a 1600-year-old blessing related to bodily functions.
It was not until my second year of medical school that I first began to understand the appropriateness of this short prayer. Pathophysiology brought home to me the terrible consequences of even minor aberrations in the structure and function of the human body, At the very least, I began to no longer take for granted the normalcy of my trips to the bathroom. Instead, I started to realize how many things had to operate just right for these minor interruptions of my daily routine to run smoothly.
I thought of Abayei and his blessing. I recalled my days at yeshiva and remembered how silly that sign outside the bathroom had seemed. But after seeing patients whose lives revolved around their dialysis machines, and others with colostomies and urinary catheters, I realized how wise the rabbi had been.
And then it happened: I began to recite Abayei's bracha. At first I had to go back to my siddur, the Jewish prayer book, to get the text right. With repetition - and there were many opportunities for a novice to get to know this blessing well - I could recite it fluently and with sincerity and understanding.
Over the years, reciting the asher yatzar has become for me and opportunity to offer thanks not just for the proper functioning of my excretory organs, but for my overall good health. The text, after all, refers to catastrophic consequences of the rupture or obstruction of any bodily structure, not only those of the urinary or gastrointestinal tract. Could Abayei, for example, have foreseen that "blockage" of the "cavity," or lumen, of the coronary artery would lead to the commonest cause of death in industrialized countries some 16 centuries later?
I have often wondered if other people also yearn for some way to express gratitude for their good health. Physicians especially, who are exposed daily to the ravages that illness can wreak, must sometimes feel the need to express thanks for being well and thus well-being. Perhaps a generic, nondenominational asher yatzar could be composed for those who want to verbalize their gratitude for being blessed with good health.
There was one unforgettable patient whose story reinforced the truth and beauty of the asher yatzar for me forever. Josh was a 20-year-old student who sustained an unstable fracture of his third and fourth cervical vertebrae in a motor vehicle crash. He nearly died from his injury and required emergency intubation and ventilatory support. He was initially totally quadriplegic but for weak flexion of his right biceps.
A long and difficult period of stabilization and rehabilitation followed. There were promising signs of neurological recovery over the first few months that came suddenly and unexpectedly: movement of a finger here, flexion of a toe there, return of sensation here, adduction of a muscle group there. With incredible courage, hard work, and an excellent physical therapist, Josh improved day by day. In time, and after what seemed like a miracle, he was able to walk slowly with a leg brace and a cane.
But Josh continued to require intermittent catheterization. I know only too well the problems and perils this young man would face for the rest of his life because of a neurogenic bladder. The urologists were very pessimistic about his chances for not requiring catheterization. They had not seen this occur after a spinal cord injury of this severity.
Then the impossible happened. I was there the day Josh no longer required a urinary catheter. I thought of Abayei's asher yatzar prayer. Pointing out that I could not imagine a more meaningful scenario for its recitation, I suggested to Josh, who was also a yeshiva graduate, that he say the prayer. He agreed. As he recited the ancient bracha, tears welled in my eyes.
Josh is my son.
Submitted by daily reader, T.L.; Taken from www.Torah.org
1) The third of the "Four Parshiyos" is "Parashas Parah [Adumah]", (which can be found in Parashas Chukas, Bamidbar 19:1-22).
This Parsha is read on the Shabbos preceding "Parashas HaChodesh"(This year on Shabbos Parashas VaYakhel-Pikudei) to commemorate the burning of the Parah Adumah [for its purifying ashes] which was performed in the desert prior to Chodesh Nisan, in order to be used to purify the Jews after the Mishkan (tabernacle) was erected so they could be pure for the sacrificing of the Korban Pesach.
According to some Poskim, Parashas Parah is a biblical obligation, and according to these opinions, all the stringencies that are necessary for Parashas Zachor (as we discussed yesterday) apply to Parashas Parah as well. (See Terumas HaDeshen Siman 109 where he quotes the opinion of Tosefos Brachos 13a. See also Aruch HaShulchan Siman 685:7)
Many Poskim, however, maintain that Parashas Parah is a rabbinic obligation (Mogen Avraham Siman 685 and others).
It is not the prevalent custom for women to go to Shul to hear Parshas Parah.
2) The fourth ,and final, of the "Four Parshiyos" is "Parashas HaChodesh" (found in Parshas Bo, Shmos 12:1-20) and is read on the Shabbos immediately before Rosh Chodesh Nisan (Or on Rosh Chodesh itself, as it falls out this year, Parshas VaYikra) , as it contains within it the Mitzvah of Korban Pesach. (See Rashi to Megilah 29a and Aruch Hashulchan Siman 685).
Another reason is that it contains within it the sanctification of Chodesh Nisan as it says "HaChodesh HaZeh Lachem Rosh Chadashim, This month (Nisan) should be for you the first of the cycle of months"
There is a custom is some communities that only a married man is called up for the Maftir of all of the "Four Parshiyos".
Some explain the reason for this so as to ensure that a minor is not called up for this Aliyah, which according to many opinions is prohibited for these obligatory readings [especially Parashas Zachor and Parashas Parah]. (See Sefer Lekach Hakemach HaChadash Siman 137:135 and Mishna Berura Siman 282:23)
For Halacha L'Ma'aseh every community should follow their own accepted custom.
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
Reader's Question:
What do the Australians do in regards to 'V'sen Tal Umatar'?
Do they say like the rest of the world or since there seasons are different they switch it around?
Answer:
This is a big question, with no simple answer.
The prevalent ruling is for them to say V'Sein Tal U'matar during the days that it is winter in Eretz Yisroel, even if it's summer for them and vice versa.
However,when it is winter for them, they may add V'sein Tal U'Matar into the Bracha of Shomea Tefilah.
There is an opinion as well that they should say V'sein Bracha year round. Others say that is only the case if rain in the summer would be harmful for them.
Another opinion maintains that in their summer they should say "V'sein Tal U'Matar L'Vracha B'Artzeinu HaKedosha" making it a Tefilah on behalf of the Jews in Eretz Yisroel.
There are quite a few other opinions as well.
See Sefer Ishei Yisroel Perek 23:42 and the footnotes there for all the various opinions.
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B'Siyata D'shmaya, a lot of time , energy and resources goes into producing the email each day without fail , as well as into updating and maintaining the website. Your generous donations and daily dedications are greatly appreciated and are vital in helping Halacha For Today continue each day.
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CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal and the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal. May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they both 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 day!
Regrets and sorrow fill my heart.
There is so much I meant to do.
I had wanted to live my life another way
But all I said was 'Tomorrow will come soon'
Tomorrow came my way
It came and then it went.
I now yearn for yesterday
But today is all I was sent.
The years have past me by.
And I hardly took a glance.
Looking back I wish I had been different
I wish I took a different stance
Now today is all I've got
And tomorrow the same is true
Every day is a gift
Don't let it pass right through.
1) The second of the "4 Parshiyos" is "Parashas Zachor" (which can be found at the end of Parshas Ki Seitzei, Devarim 25:17-19) which describes the story of how the accursed nation of Amalek rose up against Klal Yisroel, and the commandment to eradicate them.
This "Parasha" is read the Shabbos before Purim (This year, Parashas Tetzaveh) in order to read it as close as possible to the reading of the story of the wicked Haman, who was a descendant of Amalek.
2) The reading of "Parashas Zachor" is a biblical obligation, which must be read once a year with a Minyan, from a kosher Sefer Torah.
All the congregants should concentrate on hearing every word from the Ba'al Koreh (as well as the Brachos before and after the Aliyah) and have in mind to satisfy their obligation to hear this Parasha.
The Poskim debate whether this obligation is incumbent on women as well.
Though most Poskim are lenient and maintain that women have no obligation to hear it is Shul, the prevalent Minhag in many communities is for women and girls to indeed come to Shul [if possible] to hear Parshas Zachor.
If a woman cannot make it to Shul, she should read the Pesukim herself from a Chumash.
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
Reader's Question:
If I forgot to say "Retzei" in Birchas Hamazon on Shabbos, must I repeat the Birchas Hamazon?
Answer:
If Retzei was forgotten (or even if you aren't sure if it was recited), if you remember before finishing U'vnei Yerushalayim, you can say it there. If you already started the last words "Baruch Ata Hashem". finish with the words 'Lamdeini Chukecha', and tehn say Retzei there and then continue as usual.
If you remember after finishing Bracha of U'Vnei Yerushalayim, but before starting the next Bracha, you can say the following special text "Baruch Ata Hashem Elokeinu Melech HaOlam Shenasan Shabasos L'menucha L'amo Yisroel B'Ahava L'Os U'LeBris Baruch Ata Hashem Mekadesh HaShabbos"
If one does not rememeber the above text, he must start Birchas hamazon over again.
If you already started the Bracha of Hatov V'Hameitiv, you must repeat the entire birchas hamazon.
(See Shulchan Aruch Siman 188:6 and Mishna Berura there)
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B'Siyata D'shmaya, a lot of time , energy and resources goes into producing the email each day without fail , as well as into updating and maintaining the website. Your generous donations and daily dedications are greatly appreciated and are vital in helping Halacha For Today continue each day.
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CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal and the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal. May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they both 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 group of students were asked to list what they thought were the present "Seven Wonders of the World."
Though there were some disagreements, the following received the most
votes:
1. Egypt's Great Pyramids
2. Taj Mahal
3. Grand Canyon
4. Panama Canal
5. Empire State Building
6. St. Peter's Basilica
7. China's Great Wall
While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student had not finished her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The girl replied, "Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many "
The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help."
The girl hesitated, then read,
"I think the 'Seven Wonders of the World' are:
1. to see
2. to hear
3. to touch
4. to taste
5. to feel
6. to laugh
7. and to love."
The room was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.
The things we overlook as simple and ordinary and that we take for granted are truly wondrous!
A gentle reminder -- that the most precious things in life cannot be built by hand or bought by man.
Erev Shabbos Kodesh Parashas Mishpatim; Parashas Shekalim; Mevorchim Chodesh Adar; Rosh Chodesh will be on Thursday and Friday
24 Shvat 5772
February 17, 2012
Although we recently began Hilchos Rosh Chodesh, I have received numerous requests from readers to cover some relevant Halachos of Chodesh Adar and the fast approaching Yom Tov of Purim.
Therefore, we will take a short break from Hilchos Rosh Chodesh and begin discussing Halachos of Adar and Purim. We will B'Ezras Hashem return to Hilchos Rosh Chodesh in the near future.
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh
1) The Talmud (Taanis 29a-b) tells us "Mishenichnas Adar Marbin B'Simcha- when the month of Adar arrives we increase our joy" as it says in Megilas Esther (9:22) "V'HaChodesh Asher NehePach M'Yagon L'Simcha...The month (Adar) that was turned from sadness to happiness"
2) If one has a court case with a non-Jew, it is a good idea to schedule it for the month of Adar.(Talmud Taanis 29a. see also Mogen Avraham Siman 686:5 and Mishna Berura Siman 686:8)
There exists a custom (brought in the Rama Even HaEzer Siman 64:3, based on deep kabalistic ideas connecting a Jewish marriage to the cycle of the moon) not to get married in the entire second half of a month, during the times when the moon is waning, or according to some sources from the 22nd day of the month and on. (Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal was makpid on this. See Halichos Shlomo, Chodesh Adar page 327 footnote 31 at length)
However, the Poskim rule that this does not apply to the month of Adar, as the entire month, even the latter part, is referred to in the Posuk as a time of Simcha. (See Sdei Chemed Vol. 7, Choson V'Kallah 21)
In a leap year when there are two months of Adar, this applies to the second Adar, although "Mishenichnas Adar Marbim B'Simcha" applies to both months. (Halichos Shlomo, Chodesh Adar, page 328 footnote 35. See also footnote 36 that there is a well-established custom in Klal Yisroel to hang signs proclaiming "Mishenichnas Adar Marbim B'Simcha" in homes and in Shuls.)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) Our holy sages, the Chazal instituted the reading of 4 special "parshiyos" in (or near) the month of Adar, as a commemoration of 4 special Mitzvos (which we will elaborate on a bit in the next few days)
The first of the "4 Parshiyos" is Parshas Shekalim (which, this year, we will B'Ezras Hashem be reading this Shabbos Parashas Mishpatim; this reading can be found in the beginning of Parashas Ki Sisa Perek 30 Pesukim 11 thru 16).
This reading is to commemorate the Mitzvah of "Machtzis Hashekel", the half Shekel coin which every Jew was obligated to give each year to the special fund from which the daily Korbanos Tomid (sacrificial lambs that were offered in the Bais HaMikdash each morning and evening) were purchased.
Although we do not have a Bais HaMikdash today (an unfortunate fact which will change very shortly, with Hashem's help, with the arrival of Mashiach), we "perform" this Mitzvah by reading about it in the Torah.
2) There are some opinions that this reading is a biblical obligation (Elya Rabba Siman 685 in the name of the Rashba to Brachos 13a who maintains that all 4 Parshiyos are biblical obligations).
However, most Poskim maintain that this Parsha is a rabbinic obligation.
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
Reader's Question:
This issue came up over Shabbos - in what type of cup must kiddush be made. I have heard that there are issues with making kiddush from a plastic or paper or styrofoam cup because it is not bakovedik(respectable) for the kiddush. However, someone claimed that it must only be made in a cup made from metal, specifically silver or silver plated. Someone else argued that it could indeed be made from a crystal or glass cup. Finally, what about gold or copper?
Also, would you have a makor so I could look into this further myself and/or show the people what it says 'inside'?
Answer:
The material for a cup used for kiddush, or other Kos Shel Bracha, can be of any material, e.g. gold, silver, copper, glass etc. It is ideal to use a nice, respectable cup.
Regarding disposable cups, the Poskim debate if it considered a utensil and thus acceptable, or since it is meant to dispose of it isn't acceptable.
HaRav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal in Igros Moshe Vol. 3 Siman 39 rules stringently, and does not allow it, unless in cases of great necessity where no other cup is available "perhaps" it's ok to be lenient. This is also the ruling of Dayan Yitzchok Weiss Zatal in Shu"t Minchas Yitzchok Vol. 10 Siman 23. He goes so far as to necessitate designating this disposable cup as the one you will always use in the future when no regular Kos is available.
Other Poskim, including the Tzitz Eliezer Vol.12 Siman 23 as well as HaRav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal (quoted in Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchaso Perek 47 footnote 51) are more lenient and consider a disposable cup an acceptable utensil.
In Shu"t Az Nidberu Vol.6 Siman 48 he rules that although it's acceptable, it is lacking in "Hidur Mitzvah" to use such a cup. (See also addendum to that Siman on page 154 in the same volume)
If using the hard plastic cups available nowadays, which are much more durable than the regular disposable cups and indeed are used by many at respectable meals, many Poskim feel that these are indeed acceptable.
Some people, when using a disposable cup, put one cup into another one and make kiddush using this double cup. It isn't clear exactly how or why this would solve the problem.
For Halacha L'Maaseh a Rav must be consulted.
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CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal and the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal. May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they both 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
Become More Optimistic: 6 Smart Tricks
1. Stop using negative phrases ... such as "I can't," "It's impossible," or "This won't work." Such statements program your mind to look for negative results.
2. When asked "How are you?" ... respond with "Terrific!" or "Fabulous!" or "I've never felt better!" rather than a depressing "OK" or "Getting by."
3. Stop complaining ... about things over which you have no control-such as the economy, your company, or your customers.
4. Stop griping ... about your personal problems and illnesses. What good does it do, other than to depress you and everyone else?
5. Substitute neutral words ... for emotionally loaded ones. For example, rather than saying "I'm enraged!" say "I'm a bit annoyed"-or, better yet, "I've got a real challenge."
6. Expunge profanity and obscenity ... from your vocabulary. Such words are always signs of a lazy mind that can't think of something really witty to say
Submitted by daily reader, A.C.; taken from larger article written byGeoffrey James at www.Inc.com
1) Some Poskim rule that for those women who have the custom to refrain from Melachos on Rosh Chodesh is only in effect the day of Rosh Chodesh and not on the eve of Rosh Chodesh (Ruling of the Ya'avetz in Mor U'Ketziah, quoted at the end of Biur Halacha Siman 417:1 Dibur Hamaschil Hu Minhag Tov)
Other Poskim, however, maintain that the custom is in effect on the eve of Rosh Chodesh as well. (The way the Biur Halacha ibid. seems to rule. See also Shu"t Hisorerus Teshuva Vol. 1 Siman 1)
2) When there are two days of Rosh Chodesh some Poskim rule that the custom of not doing Melachos applies to both days equally, while others maintain that only on the second day of Rosh Chodesh (which is the real first day of the new month and the "Ikar", primary, day of Rosh Chodesh) are Melachos avoided. (See Mishna Berura Siman 417:4)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Reader's Question:
Until what time can a person wash and say hamotzi for Seudah Shlishis on Shabbos, and after what time is it too late and shalosh seudos should not be eaten anymore?
Answer:
Until half an hour before Tzeis Hakochavim, the emergence of three stars, one can still eat, but preferably best to start before shkiah. If you wash,even a little bit after shkiah, then you may eat past the zman (and bentch with Retzei when done, even if it's after Tzeis Hkochavim), whereas if you didn't wash, best to stop eating when it is half hour before Tzeis Hakochavim. See Mishna Berura Siman 299:1
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The Halacha For Today daily email and website is, and will always be, FREE.
B'Siyata D'shmaya, a lot of time , energy and resources goes into producing the email each day without fail , as well as into updating and maintaining the website. Your generous donations and daily dedications are greatly appreciated and are vital in helping Halacha For Today continue each day.
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CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal and the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal. May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they both 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
"Bitachon doesn't mean that you believe everything will work out as you want it to.
Bitachon means believing and accepting that however Hashem makes it turn out, even if it's the opposite of your desired outcome, is what's best for you"
1) It is permitted to do Melacha (chores) on Rosh Chodesh.(Shulchan Aruch Siman 417:1)
Some women have the custom to refrain from doing Melacha on Rosh Chodesh, and this is a commendable minhag.(ibid.)
In some communities, women refrain from doing only certain Melachos on Rosh Chodesh and it is an acceptable minhag to follow. (Rama Siman417:1.)
The minhag in Yerushalayim is for women to refrain from doing laundry, sewing and knitting on Rosh Chodesh. (See Sefer Rosh Chodesh page 261 where he brings a machlokes if laundry nowadays with washing machines must be avoided as well. See also Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 10 Siman 50.)
One of the reasons cited for this is that as a reward for the women in the Midbar not acquiescing to remove their jewelry to be used in the formation of the Egel HaZahav (the golden calf), they were given each Rosh Chodesh as an exclusive Yom Tov for them. (Tur quoted in Mishna Berura Siman 417:3)
2) According to many Poskim, there is no reason for men to refrain from any Melacha on Rosh Chodesh, as its status as a Yom Tov is applicable to women only, and any man that refrains from Melacha is not fulfilling any minhag whatsoever. (Ruling of the Mishna Berura Siman 417:2, quoting the Pri Chadash, Chida in Birchei Yosef and the Sha'arei Teshuva in the name of Rabeinu Chananel. However, see Siddur Ya'avetz Sha'ar HaChodesh Pesach 7:1 where he quotes Rav Ovadia M'Bartenura that men as well should refrain from Melacha on Rosh Chodesh, though he writes that the stringency of this applies to women more strongly. Everyone should follow their own community's custom.)
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
Reader's Question:
When a parent dies is there a Halacha that you can't wear the persons shoes? Is this for anyone or only their children? Also what about other clothing?
Answer:
Halachically, all clothing of a deceased person may be worn. Only regarding shoes, if they were worn by the deceased while he was ill is there a custom to not wear them, based on kabalistic reasons. (See Gesher HaChaim Vol. 1 Perek 8:2)
To See Today's Yahrtzeit's CLICK HERE
Please help support HALACHA FOR TODAY.
The Halacha For Today daily email and website is, and will always be, FREE.
B'Siyata D'shmaya, a lot of time , energy and resources goes into producing the email each day without fail , as well as into updating and maintaining the website. Your generous donations and daily dedications are greatly appreciated and are vital in helping Halacha For Today continue each day.
YOUR donation WILL make a difference!
Sponsor a daily email in memory or in honor of a loved one!
Have a part in the Torah learning of over 4,300 Jews across the globe!
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If you are just joining us today, please see ARCHIVES so you can review the previous Halachos learned.
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal and the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal. May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they both 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:
What is meant by Derech Eretz Kadmah Latorah, that Derech Eretz is before the Torah? It's a Midrash Rabah in Vayikra, and it states, Derech Eretz, that means the way to live properly, comes before the Torah. What does that mean?
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
We're not going to wait until you learn how to live properly before you keep the Torah; it'll take too long. What it means is, in history it came first, because Bereishis came before Shmos. The Torah was given in Shmos but in Bereishis we learned Derech Eretz. You know what Derech Eretz is? Derech Eretz is, Sarah Shoma'as, Sarah was listening, that's Derech Eretz. When Avrohom was talking, Sarah didn't stick her head out and say, "I know all about it, you said that to the guests that came yesterday." Sarah was listening, that's Derech Eretz.
When Avrohom saw wayfarers traveling in a hot day, he ran out in a terrible heat and he begged them to taste of his hospitality; that's Derech Eretz. Derech Eretz is, when a stranger came with camels, an able-bodied man came with camels and he said to Rivka, "Give me a drink!" and she said, "What do you think I am? Go yourself to the well!" No, she said, "Yes, my lord, She'sai Adoni, my master drink," that's Derech Eretz. And when she added, "Also your camels, let me give water also to your camels," that's Derech Eretz, that's in the Torah.
When Yosef Ha'tzadik was a prisoner and he was down in the dumps, because he was in prison for nothing, and he saw two of his fellow prisoners were glum. He didn't say, "What's it my business, I have my own worries." No! He said, "Ma'duah Pa'necha Ro'im Ha'yom, why do you look bad today?" He interested himself in their welfare. That's Derech Eretz. All these things and thousands like them are written in Bereishis to teach: this is the way to prepare for Torah, good character.
When Yaakov Avinu said that he almost gave his life to take care of Lavan's flocks. By day and by night, in the heat and in the cold he didn't forsake his charge. He was a loyal watchman. That's Derech Eretz. When Yaakov went back to look for Pa'chim Ke'tanim, little things that were left over on the other side of the river, because he was a treasurer for Hakadosh Baruch Hu, he didn't waste. Don't waste, you can't waste things, they all belong to Hashem, nothing is ours. That's Derech Eretz. When Noach got drunk and he was lying on his bed naked, and his two older sons decided to cover him up, they took the blanket and they walked backwards not to see their father. That's Derech Eretz.
The whole Bereishis is Derech Eretz, and it's put there before the giving of the Torah to tell us, that's how to prepare for the Torah. That's what's meant by Derech Eretz Kadmah Latorah.
1) It is customary to stand during the recitation of Birchas HaChodesh, especially when proclaiming the name of the upcoming month and the day(s) on which it will begin.
One reason for this is that Birchas HaChodesh is akin to the "Kiddush HaChodesh, the sanctification of the month" that was done each and every month by the Bais Din in Yerushalayim (before our current calendar was put in place in the era following the destruction of the Second Bais HaMikdash around the year 358 CE, when Hillel HaNasi ,to whom this act is attributed by Rav Hai Gaon quoted in Sefer HaIbur by Rav Avraham Ben Chiya Zatzal, sanctified every subsequent month until the arrival of Mashiach) and that was performed while standing. (See Mishna Berura Siman 417:1)
2) It is customary that the Rav of the congregation or another respected member lead the Tzibur in the recitation of Birchas HaChodesh. (Also akin to the original Kiddush HaChodesh which was performed by the Rosh Bais Din. See Sefer Mishmeres Shalom Siman 30:1)
During the recitation of Birchas HaChodesh it is customary for the one leading the prayer to hold the Sefer Torah. (Although this does not necessitate the congregation to stand, it is still respectful to do so any time the Sefer Torah is being held, and thus another reason for standing during this Tefilah. See Sha'ar HaTziyun Siman 146:18)
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
Reader's Question:
Under what extend has a child to listen to their parents if they disagree on a Shiduch [a prospective marriage match]?
Answer:
There is no halachic obligation for a son to marry a girl that his parents want, if he doesnt want to, and vice verca. (See Rama Yoreh Deah Siman 240:25)
That being said, it is always best to try and discuss it with them to come to a shared opinion.
To See Today's Yahrtzeit's CLICK HERE
Please help support HALACHA FOR TODAY.
The Halacha For Today daily email and website is, and will always be, FREE.
B'Siyata D'shmaya, a lot of time , energy and resources goes into producing the email each day without fail , as well as into updating and maintaining the website. Your generous donations and daily dedications are greatly appreciated and are vital in helping Halacha For Today continue each day.
YOUR donation WILL make a difference!
Sponsor a daily email in memory or in honor of a loved one!
Have a part in the Torah learning of over 4,300 Jews across the globe!
Please click the "MAKE A DONATION" button below.
THANK YOU!!!
If you are just joining us today, please see ARCHIVES so you can review the previous Halachos learned.
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal and the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal. May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they both 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
In the pamphlet VeNomar Amein, the story is brought about a religious Jew who was placed into one of Stalin Yemach Shemo's Siberian labor camps. One morning, as he awoke, he contemplated for a moment what he was going to say Modeh Ani about. After all, he thought, what type of life was he leading--far off in a distant, forsaken corner of the world, a captive in the ice cold weather of Siberia?
Not only had he been separated from his family, but he was being forced not to observe Shabbos, not to put on Tefillin, and not to keep Kosher. There were no Jews around him either.
What, then, was he thanking Hashem for with the words She'hechezarta Bi Nishmasi Bechemla--for returning his neshama with compassion"? The prisoner then recalled that the concluding words of Modeh Ani are Rabba Emunasecha--abundant is my faith in You [ Note: Others translate it as-- abundant is Hashem's Faithfulness in us].
He thought: "They can take away so much of me physically and spiritually--but they can never take away my Emunah in Hashem. For my Emunah in Hashem itself, it is worthwhile to get up in the morning and meet the day ahead." He had the will to live again and survived the inhumane conditions.
Later, after this Jew was released, he told his Rebbe of his mental debate and his ultimate conclusion on Modeh Ani.
He Rebbe responded: "You should know that you were sent Min HaShomayim to the depths of Siberia in order for you to reach this conclusion and achieve this special relationship with HaKadosh Baruch Hu!"
Hakhel Note: It is reported that Rav Chaim Stein Zatzal, would not be satisfied with reciting Modeh Ani just once, but would be seen repeating it in the morning continuously after he left his home on the way to daven Shacharis in the Yeshiva.
Submitted by daily reader, E.A.C. ; Taken from www.Hakhel.info
1) It is proper to know the exact time of the "Molad", the rebirth of the new moon [in Yerushalayim] for the coming month, before reciting "Birchas HaChodesh". (Sometimes the Molad has already occurred by the time the Birchas HaChodesh is being recited.)
Thus, in many congregations the Gabbai or another person announces this information before reciting "Mi SheAsah Nisim". In some congregations this information is announced even before saying the initial "Yehi Ratzon", while in some congregations it isn't announced at all. (See Likutei Maharich Seder Hanhogas Rosh Chodesh)
The prevalent Minhag is to announce the time of the Molad in hours, minutes and seconds, e.g. "The Molad will be on Tuesday morning, 47 minutes and 12 Chalakim (seconds) after 8"
If one did not know the time of the Molad when reciting Birchas HaChodesh it is still valid, as the main thing is to know the day on which Rosh Chodesh will be. (See Sha'arei Ephraim Sha'ar 10:37)
2) After saying "Mi SheAsah Nisim" the Chazan proclaims the name of the upcoming month and on which day(s) it will start; for example "Rosh Chodesh Adar Yihyeh B'Yom HaChamishi U'Vyom Hashishi Habal Aleinu V'Al Kol Yisroel L'Tovah"
In many congregations after the Chazan makes the aforementioned proclamation it is then repeated by all assembled. Some congregations say it along with the Chazzan quietly. (See Sha'arei Ephraim Sha'ar 10:36)
This proclamation is followed by the short Tefilah of "Yechadesheihu Hakadosh Baruch Hu". (See Machzor Vitri page 173 and Abudreham)
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
Reader's Question:
What is the Torah's view about utilizing the services of a physician? My friend refuses to see a doctor as he says as a Jew he needs to trust in Hashem only. Is there basis to this?
Answer:
This is a complex topic and one that has been debated for centuries. Here are just a few basic points:
The Ramban to Vayikra 26:11 states that ideally Klal Yisroel was not meant to need the services of doctors as they turned to Hashem and He healed those that needed healing. He further writes that in the times of the prophets many righteous people did not seek out doctors when they took ill rather they sought the advice of the prophets how to rid themselves of sin and thus rid themselves of their ills [which were brought upon them due to their sins].
Only in later years when people started turning to doctors instead of doing Teshuva did Hashem start allowing things to indeed be in the hands of doctors to the point that Hashem didn't heal with Teshuva alone in most cases and also required intervention by doctors.
Ibn Ezra to Shmos 21:18 maintains that doctors may only heal external wounds while internal ones must be left to Hashem.
Rambam (who was himself a physician) and Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh Deah Siman 336:1), however, rule that it is acceptable for Jews to visit doctors when they are ill and it is a Mitzvah for doctors to perform their services.
Many Gedolim throughout our history have utilized the services of doctors and medications, and nobody today should refrain from doing what is naturally necessary to heal themselves. Of course, even as one uses the services of a doctor he should continue praying for himself and continue believing that a doctor can only heal as a messenger from Hashem and not with his own healing powers.
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CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal and the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal. May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they both 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.
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זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
The following analogy brings clarity into the times that we are encountering, where calamity after calamity seem to be happening to Klal Yisroel:
There once was a young prince who fell in love with a beautiful simple farmer. He asked to marry her but on the condition that she come and wed him without any prior debts. She started the negotiation process among all of her debtors and came to agreements slowly slowly with each one. Some of the debtors refused her offer and so she continued with her negotiations.
Week after week her prince awaited and was told that his bride is in the process of settling her debts. As time passed he grew impatient and decided to take all of the files of her debtors and put them through the local court system in order to quicken the process.
This caused the bride to literally become bombarded by court orders to settle her debts. She suddenly found herself under mounting pressure from everyone at the same time. When she later found out and questioned her prince after learning that he caused this to happen his response was simple: "You were so busy negotiating with everyone that you didn't realize how much time had passed and that I was waiting to marry you. Although it all happened at once, I quickened the process in order that you be done with your debts so we can marry right away."
The analogy teaches us that Hashem is doing the same with Klal Yisrael. As Rav Chim Kanievsky Shlita was quoted saying just a few months ago, "Hashem is closing Chesbonos Shamayim, Heavenly debts before He brings Mashiach," when asked why there are so many troubles going on in the world.
So although we are being bombarded with pain and sorrow from all ends, it is out of love so that we can 'marry' Him at last. Let us 'use' this auspicious time to feel the pain of Klal Yisrael and of the Shechinah and cast our eyes to Hashem and daven with all of our might for the end to all suffering.
Today's Halachos are dedicated by daily reader, S.N.F., in loving memory of her mother
Faige bas Reuven A"H
whose Yahrtzeit is today, 19 Shvat.
May her Neshama continue to climb higher and higher in Gan Eden.
CURRENT TOPIC:
HALACHOS OF ROSH CHODESH
We will now, B'Ezras Hashem, begin learning the Halachos of Rosh Chodesh (first day of a Jewish month), an area of Halacha that many people are not that familiar with. Hopefully after we cover this area, we will all have a better understanding of this special day, the first Mitzvah given to Klal Yisroel as a nation (See Shmos 12:2. See also the very first Rashi in the Torah)
1) On the Shabbos preceding Rosh Chodesh, it is customary to recite "Birchas HaChodesh", which consists of a special "Yehi Ratzon" asking Hashem for a good month filled with blessing, Parnassah, fear of Hashem etc., as well as the Tefilah of "Mi SheAsah Nisim", asking Hashem to bring the redemption speedily. (It isn't clear what the origin of the Yehi Ratzon tefilah is, and why it is acceptable to ask for Parnassah and other personal requests on Shabbos. See Aruch HaShulchan Siman 417:9. The early Siddurim do not have it, though it is printed in the Siddur of the Shla, the Gra and Rav Yaakov Emdin. The Mi SheAsah Nisim Tefilah is indeed found in the siddur of Rav Amrom Gaon as well as in the Machzor Vitri and Abudreham and other early Rishonim. See Sha'ar HaTziyun Siman 417:1)
2) The reason we beseech Hashem for the redemption in conjunction with the blessing of the new month, is that the Mitzvah of Rosh Chodesh was given to us as we were redeemed from the exile of Mitzrayim (Egypt), thus each time we announce a new month we appropriately remember our redemption from Mitzrayim and daven that we merit the final redemption soon. (See Levush Siman 421:1)
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
Reader's Question:
What is the halacha regarding using small hourglasses to time board games on shabbos? What about looking at a watch or clock to measure time?
Answer:
Use of an hourglass or any timer is prohibited on Shabbos, besides for use for an ill person, even if its choleh sh'ain bo sakana. Being that it may not be used, it is also considered Muktzeh. (See Mishna Berura Siman 308:165 and Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchaso Perek 28:30)
There is no prohibition to simply look at a watch or clock to time something.
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CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal and the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal. May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they both 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.
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זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Maran HaRav
Yosef Shalom ben Chaya Musha
Elyashiv Shlita, L'Refuah Shelaima
People have a misconception of peace. They think peace must be maintained at all costs; as long as there are no fights or disputes between anyone, then all is fine.
The root of the word Shalom, is, in fact, shleimus - perfection.
The ultimate state of perfection is where there is peace between man and Hashem.
Rav Chaim Soloveitchik (Brisker) Zatzal quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
1) It is very important to be extra careful not to have any Machlokes, discord, in the home on Motzaei Shabbos as the Satan works diligently to cause people to ruin the Shalom Bayis, harmony, which Shabbos brought to the home. (Sefer Darchei Chaim V'Shalom Siman 470)
Similarly, the Talmud (Gitin 52a) tells us that the Satan tries to cause Machlokes in the home on Erev Shabbos, in order to not allow peace to reign in the home already at the onset of Shabbos. (See Ben Ish Chai, year 2, Parashas Vayeira Siman 1 Dibur Hamaschil V'Da. See also Kaf HaChaim from HaRav Chaim Palagi Zatzal, Siman 27:35 where he writes that one who has Machlokes on Erev Shabbos risks bad things happening to them during the coming week.)
2) Before Birchas Hamazon on Motzei Shabbos we say Al Naharos Bavel like on any other weekday and not Shir Hama'alos as we say on Shabbos. (Ruling of Maran HaRav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita in Sefer Sh'eilas Rav page 338. Some communities have the custom to indeed say Shir Hama'alos, as on Shabbos, as long as the Birchas Hamazon is still before Chatzos)
During the Birchas Hamazon after the Seudah of Melave Malka, "Migdol Yeshuos Malko" is recited as it is on Shabbos, instead of "Magdil Yeshuos Malko".
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
Reader's Question:
Are there any heterim for sephardim to eat non kemach yoshon products?
Answer:
The Bet Yosef (whose rulings the Sephardim follow) rules pretty clearly in Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim Siman 489:10 and in Yoreh Deah Siman 293:2 that it is prohibited to eat Kemach Chodosh both in Eretz Yisroel and in Chutz L'Aretz.
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CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal and the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal. May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they both 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
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זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
When you were born, you were crying And everyone around you was smiling.
Live your life so that when you die, You're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.
Today's Halachos are dedicated as a zechus refuah Shelaima for the Posek HaDor, Maran HaRav
Yosef Shalom ben Chaya Musha
B'Soch Sha'ar Cholei Yisroel. Please learn and daven that he merit a complete and speedy recovery.
A few timely halachos for Tu B'shvat:
1) It is customary [for Ashkenazic Jews] to eat different varieties of fruits on Tu B'Shvat, as this day is the 'Rosh Hashanah" for fruit trees (meaning that the "year" regarding Ma'aser and Arlah is counted from this day) (Mogen Avraham Orach Chaim Siman 131:16)
Some people have the custom to eat an Esrog (or Esrog Jelly) on Tu B'Shvat (Likutei MaHarich)
It is also customary to daven on Tu B'Shvat for a beautiful, kosher Esrog on the following Sukkos (Bnei Yissochor Shvat 2:2)
The Ben Ish Chai even wrote special Tefilah for this (CLICK HERE for the text of the Tefilah).
2) It is a Mitzvah for a person to seek out and eat new fruits in order to be able to offer praise and thanks to Hashem and to show that we appreciate all the wonderful things that Hashem creates for us to enjoy in this world. See Mishna Berura Siman 225:19 where he references a Talmud Yerushalmi very end of Maseches Kidushin where it says:
"[When a person will stand in judgment before Hashem after he/she leaves this world] they will have to give a Din V'Cheshbon (reckoning) for anything (i.e. food that Hashem created) that they had the opportunity to taste, yet didn't taste!"
The Korban H'Eida in his commentary to this Gemara explains that it is referring to not reciting SheHechiyanu on every possible fruit.
Many Poskim maintain that the custom of eating various varieties of fruits on Tu B'Shvat, and seeking out fruits on which to recite the bracha of SheHechiyanu, developed as a way to fulfill this requirement of the Talmud Yerushalmi, and what better day to do this than on the Rosh Hashana for trees!
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
Reader's Question:
I have heard that there is no problem with making a bracha when drinking water from a water fountain. How is this possible due to the fact that one can not see the water he is about to drink?
Answer:
Although the food/drink one is reciting a Bracha over needs to be in front of them, and preferably in their hands, while reciting the bracha, in the case of a water fountain it is not possible.
Ideally, the water should be filled into a cup and then the Bracha recited. If that is not practical, the water must at least be turned on and flowing before the bracha is recited, as even though the actual water that was there when the bracha was recited is different than the water you will drink, still it is considered from the same water flow and thus isn't a Bracha L'Vatalah. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 206:6 regarding one who drinks from a flowing stream. See also Shu"t Rivevos Ephraim Vol. 3 Siman 129)
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B'Siyata D'shmaya, a lot of time , energy and resources goes into producing the email each day without fail , as well as into updating and maintaining the website. Your generous donations and daily dedications are greatly appreciated and are vital in helping Halacha For Today continue each day.
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CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal and the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal. May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they both 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
It's true that we don't know What we've got until it's gone, but it's also true that we don't know What we've been missing until it arrives.
Today's Halachos are dedicated by daily reader, Y.B., as a zechus Refuah Shelaima for
Daniel Akiva ben Naomi and Hadassah bas Smadar
B'soch Sha'ar Cholei Yisroel.
CURRENT TOPIC:
HALACHOS OF MELAVE MALKA
1) There is a custom amongst those in Chasidic circles to relate stories about the Ba'al Shem Tov (founder of the Chasidic movement) and about other Tzadikim at the Melave Malka meal. Doing so is a Segulah of sorts for these righteous souls to be heavenly advocates on their behalf. (See Minchas Shabbos; Shiyurei Mincha 96:6)
2) Eating Melave Malka, besides for being a Mitzvah, is also a Segulah for various good things. The Sefer Chayei Moshe (page 158) lists the following Segulos:
a) For Refuah, healing. (See Talmud Shabbos 119b)
b) For Parnassah, livelihood. (MaHaritz Gai'os)
c) For Arichas Yamim, long life (Sefer Ohr HaShabbos in the name of Rav Dovid of Lelov Zatzal)
d) For Bonim, children. (Toldos Kol Aryeh, letter 137)
e) For Tikun HaBris, rectification of breaches in holiness. (Rimzei Shabbos 732)
f) For women to have easy labor. (The Rebbe Rav Elimelech of Lizensk Zatzal)
g) For general Yeshuos, salvation for problems. (Chamra Tava 127:1 quoting Rav Eliezer of Lizensk Zatzal)
Additionally, eating Melave Malka protects and rescues from Chibut HaKever, Klipos, thoughts of Kefirah, depression and from various sicknesses. (See Chayei Moshe ibid. and Kaf Hachaim Siman 300:4)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Reader's Question:
I wanted to know what the exact halachos are regarding sleeping in clothes and shoes? I have heard that sleeping in clothes and shoes is bad.
Answer:
One should not sleep in his/her clothes or shoes. See Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 71:5
To See Today's Yahrtzeit's CLICK HERE
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B'Siyata D'shmaya, a lot of time , energy and resources goes into producing the email each day without fail , as well as into updating and maintaining the website. Your generous donations and daily dedications are greatly appreciated and are vital in helping Halacha For Today continue each day.
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CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal and the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal. May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they both 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:
Is it a kindliness of Hashem that people are suffering in this world?
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
Now, let's take a visit to all the dentist's offices. The dentists are devils. They're standing with instruments of torture, and they're inflicting suffering on people. And when they get through with them, they say, "Pay me!" We should close down all the dentist offices! Of course we understand the dentists are angels of mercy. For that little bit of suffering we're going to be spared a great deal of trouble later in life.
Therefore we understand that people in the hospitals are being given a treatment. Some are being treated so that when they come out they will be happier for the rest of their lives. Some are being treated, they should be happy in the next world, because the next world is the real life. Now if you're trying to solve the problems of this world by ignoring Olam Habah, then I explained once: it's like a child going into a wedding hall and he sees people giving all their coats away through a little hole in the wall to a man, and they get back a little piece of paper. And the child asks, "What kind of business is that?"
He doesn't know that they are putting their coats away for awhile; they're going into a wedding hall where they are going to enjoy a lot of things. And therefore if you don't know that there's a lobby and there's a wedding hall, you won't understand this world. This world is only a lobby. Olam Hazeh Domeh L'prozdor, it's a lobby for Olam Habah. Haskain Atzmicha B'prozdor, prepare yourself in this P'rozdor. Now some people are lazy, they didn't prepare themselves.
So here is a man walking with his overcoat in a posh fancy wedding hall. So the usher at the entrance says, "Nothing doing, sir." And the man says, "I want to go with my coat." So the usher pulls off his coat from him. And so some people didn't prepare themselves for Olam Habah and they're still covered with all kind of woolly things. So Hakadosh Baruch Hu says, "My friend, come into the hospital, let's remove a little bit from you. This bad Midah, arrogance, and other wrong things, so you should be ready for the next world." And therefore people suffer in the hospitals, and then when they die they're purified, because suffering humbles a man.
You can't be an arrogant person when you're in a hospital bed. When you need a bed pan and you're embarrassed, you ring the bell, and the nurse brings the bed pan. You have to move your bowels on a bed pan, you can't be "stuck up" in that situation. It's very humiliating, and it's the very best experience for a lot of people. They have to be humiliated to get to the next world, because Ga'avah Rosh Kol Chatos, arrogance is one of the worst qualities. Also, suffering teaches the person to sympathize with others. And a man who goes through it himself, he is in a hospital bed, even though he dies in the hospital he dies a better man, he has sympathy for mankind.
And therefore the hospital is nothing but a dentist's office where the people are getting fillings that will last them forever and ever.
1) Another name for the Seudas Melave Malka is "Seudas Dovid HaMelech" or "Seudas Dovid Meshicha", the Seudah of King David.
Thus, many people have the custom at the onset of the Melave Malka to say 'Du Hi Seudasa D'Dovid Malka [Meshicha], this is the Seudah of Dovid HaMelech [the Mashiach]" (See Siddur of Rav Yaakov Emdin Zatzal and Ta'amei Haminhagim Siman 425)
2) There are many reasons cited for this name. We will list two of them now, and perhaps a few more as we progress:
a) The Talmud (30a) relates that Hashem revealed to Dovid HaMelech that he would pass away on Shabbos. Thus every Motzaei Shabbos he would make a Seudah to celebrate another week of life ahead. (Ta'amei Haminhagim ibid.)
b) The fulfillment of the four Seudos of Shabbos serve to invoke heavenly compassion via the four legs of the Merkava, the heavenly chariot (Avraham, Yitzchok, Yaakov and Dovid HaMelech): In the merit of the first Shabbos meal, Avraham Avinu saves us (Klal Yisroel) from the severity of Gehinom; in the merit of the second meal, Yitzchok Avinu will save us from the pangs of Mashiach (Chevlei Mashiach); in the merit of Seudah Shlishis, Yaakov Avinu will save us from the perils of the war of Gog and Magog; in the merit of the fourth Seudah, Melave Malka, Dovid HaMelech will save us from the inflictions of the grave (Chibut Hakever). Thus, the connection between Melave Malka and Dovid HaMelech is clear. (Yesod V'Shoresh H'Avodah Sha'ar 8: end of Perek 13 quoting Sifrei kabbalah)
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
Reader's Question:
If a Sefer Torah falls, how many days must the person who dropped it fast for? How many days must the people who saw the fallen Torah fast for?
Answer:
Fasting for a Sefer Torah that fell R"L is not a halacha brought in the Talmud, and is only a proper minhag that is brought in the later Poskim. (See Mogen Avraham Siman 44:5)
Some require only the one from whose hands it fell to fast, while others mandate all who saw it fall to fast. Some Poskim say to fast for one day, while others say to fast three days (Monday, Thursday, Monday) (See Shiyurei Bracha Yoreh Deah Siman 282:1 and Aruch HaShulchan Siman 282:8)
Some Poskim say not to fast and instead give charity and do Teshuvah.
Every community should decide for themselves the right method to employ when such a thing happens R"L.
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CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal and the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal. May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they both 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 Conversation With Hashem...
Me (in a tizzy) : Hashem, can I ask you something?
HASHEM: Sure.
Me: Promise you won't get mad?
HASHEM: I promise.
Me (frustrated): Why did you let so much stuff happen to me today?
HASHEM: What do you mean?
Me: Well I woke up late,
HASHEM: Yes
Me: My car took forever to start,
HASHEM: Okay....
Me (growling): At lunch, they made my sandwich wrong and I had to wait
HASHEM: Hmmmm..
Me: On the way home, my phone went dead, just as I picked up a call
HASHEM: All right
Me (loudly): And to top it all off, when I got home, I just wanted to soak my feet in my foot massager and relax, but it wouldn't work. Nothing went right today! Why did you do that?
HASHEM: Well let me see..... the death angel was at your bed this morning and I had to send one of the other angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that.
Me (humbled): Oh...
HASHEM: I didn't let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that might have hit you if you were on the road
Me (ashamed): ............
HASHEM: The first person who made your sandwich today was sick and I didn't want you to catch what they have, I knew you couldn't afford to miss work
Me (embarrassed): Oh.....
HASHEM: Your phone went dead because the person that was calling was going to give a false witness about what you said on that call, I didn't even let you talk to them so you would be covered
Me (softly): I see Hashem
HASHEM: Oh and that foot massager, it had a short that was going to throw out all of the power in your house tonight. I didn't think you wanted to be in the dark.
Me: I'm sorry Hashem.
HASHEM: Don't be sorry, just learn to trust me.........in all things, the good and the bad
Me: I WILL trust you Hashem
HASHEM: And don't doubt that my plan for your day is always better than your plan
Me: I won't Hashem. And let me just tell you Hashem, thank you for everything today.
HASHEM: You're welcome child. It was just another day being your Hashem and I love looking after my children.
1) It is proper to not remove one's Shabbos clothing until after eating Melave Malka. (See Kaf HaChaim Siman 300:14 and Yesod V'Shoresh H'Avodah Sha'ar 8 end of Perek 12, quoting the Arizal)
Some have the custom not to remove their Shabbos clothing at all on Motzei Shabbos, and wear it until they are ready to go to sleep for the night. (See Leket Yosher page 85)
2) We mentioned that many people are careful not to do any major chores before eating Melave Malka.
Some people are even careful not to write anything before eating Melave Malka, as the Neshama Yeseira that is present on Shabbos does not totally depart until after Melave Malka. (See Sha'arei Teshuva Siman 300:1. See also Leket Yosher page 58 and Maharam Shik, Mitzvos, Sefer 1: 38)
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
Reader's Question:
When I was a small boy, I was taught to never fold my hands by interlacing the fingers of the two hands. Rather, we were told have one hand should surround and cover the other. I always thought that this was to avoid imitating non-Jewish prayer poses, but I recently saw that it has a source in the Zohar.
What is the source for this custom?
Answer:
According to Kabballah (Zohar Parshas Vayikra 24), it is never good to interlace the fingers into each other as doing so can bring bad Mazel as well as harsh heavenly judgement. (See Piskei Teshuvos Siman 95:5 for more details)
Halachically, in times of peace and calm it should not be done, but in difficult times (I am not sure exactly how to determine what is considered difficult times) it is an acceptable, and perhaps even an adviseable, way to hold the hands during Tefilah. (See Aruch HaShulchan Siman 91:7 and Be'er Heitev Siman 95:3)
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CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal and the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal. May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they both 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
Whenever Jews in exile feel that they are living in their permanent abode, it is a sure sign of trouble for the Jewish people.
Through anger and hatred, they soon learn that they are really only unwanted guests in gentile lands.
Rav Chaim of Kosov Zatzal quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
1)
The Seudah of Melave Malka, though very important, is not the level of
obligation as the three meals on Shabbos itself, as the three meals on
Shabbos are obligatory based on a biblical verse (Asmachta D'Kra),
whereas the Melave Malka is a Mitzvah not derived from a verse, rather
something instituted by the Chachamim. (Mishna Berura Siman 300:2)
The
practical application of the aforementioned distinction is for
instances where on one cannot eat both Melave Malka and the three (or
one of the three) Seudos of Shabbos; it is then better to skip Melave
Malka rather than skip any of the Shabbos Seudos. (ibid.)
Additionally,
if one has a limited quantity of food, or of a certain special food, he
should rather use the food, or that special food for Seudos of Shabbos
rather than for Melave Malka. (See Sha'ar HaTziyun Siman 300 Os 9)
2) It is proper for women to also partake of the Melave Malka meal.
(See Pri Megadim Aishel Avraham Siman 300:1. See Mogen Avraham Siman
299:15 quoting the Abudreham, that there was a minhag that women did not
do any [real] chores on Motzaei Shabbos.)
The
Seforim write in the name of the Rebbe Rav Elimelech of Lizensk Zatzal,
that eating Melave Malka, for women, is a good Segulah for an easy
labor.
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh: HALACHOS FOR SHABBOS SHIRA
1) This Shabbos, Parshas Beshalach is known as "Shabbos Shira".
It
is customary to put out pieces of bread for the birds to eat. One of
the many reasons given for this custom is that in the desert the Mann
fell for six days, with a double portion falling on Erev Shabbos to
sustain the Jews through Shabbos.
The
two evil troublemakers in the desert, Dasan and Aviram, tried to
disprove Moshe Rabeinu's proclamation that no Mann will fall on Shabbos,
and they took their Mann early Shabbos morning and scattered it all
over the camp so the jews will wake up and see that in fact Mann did
fall on Shabbos.
Hashem
sent the birds to eat up every last crumb of the "planted Mann"and when
the Jews awoke, it was as Moshe had promised, and no Mann was to be
found.
Thus
as a reward for this, the birds are fed each year on Parashas
Beshalach, the Torah portion that discusses the details of the Mann.
2) the Mogen Avraham (Orach Chaim Siman 324:7)
decries this minhag, as the Halacha is that one may not feed animals
that do not belong to him/her on Shabbos, and thus one may not put out
food for the birds during Shabbos Shira (or any other Shabbos). (This is also how the Mishna Berura Siman 324:31 and the Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman 324:8 rule.)
Other Poskim justify the minhag to feed the birds on this particular Shabbos as we are doing this as a Mitzvah of Hakoras HaTov (See Aruch HaShulchan Siman 324:3 and Da'as Torah 324:11)
[
Incidentally, the Mogen Avraham Siman 171:1, based on Rashi to Ta'anis
20b rules that one may never feed food that is worthy of human
consumption to animals or birds, as doing sois being ungrateful to
Hashem for the food He has given us]
The
best thing to do, if one wants to uphold this custom yet avoid feeding
the birds on Shabbos, is to place the bread for the birds right before
Shabbos begins. (And if one wants to adhere to the ruling of the Mogen
Avraham in Siman 171, the bread that is placed for the birds should be
stale and not good fresh bread that is still worthy of human
consumption)
Another
option brought in the Poskim is to have a minor (boy under 13, girl
under 12) put out the bread, as it isn't a real Issur (Aino Shevus Gamur). (See Aishel Avraham (Butchatch) Siman 167: 6 Dibur Hamaschil Sham)
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
Reader's Question:
Ever since I can remember, when we count people we don't count 1, 2,3 but rather "not 1, not 2, not 3".
I
was just talking to a friend about this, and we realized we don't know
why we do it. I was curious if there was any mekor for it and reason, or
even if it's a real inyan in Yiddishkeit not to count people by just
numbers.
Answer:
Yes, it is a real inyan not to count
people in the regular fashion, as Bracha rests on "hidden" things and
counting opens the door for Ayin Hara. (See Talmud Yoma 22b where it
states that it is forbidden to count Jews in the regular manner).
Thus, in the Midbar, they used Machtzis
Hashekel to count the Yidden, and throughout our history, we used
various indirect means to count people. When checking if there is a
minyan present, we say "Hoshea es Amecha etc." a Pasuk with 10 words,
rather than counting directly.
I guess saying "not 1, not 2..." can be an acceptable method,but don't point as you "count".
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal and the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal. May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they
both be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We
will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to
help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in
heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
When
a child runs into the middle of a busy street right into oncoming
traffic and his father pulls him back and holds onto him does that mean
the child's freedom is being revoked?
Of course not!
So, too, following the Torah is not servitude.
It is our Father in Heaven holding us and teaching us how to live!
Rav Simcha Wasserman Zatzal quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
1) It is proper to eat the Seudas Melave Malka as soon after Shabbos as possible, as the normal way to "escort" a departing guest (i.e. the Shabbos queen) is as they depart and not a long time after they have already departed. (Mishna Berura Siman 300:2)
If one is not hungry immediately after Shabbos, and will be delaying Melave Malka, it is proper to avoid doing real work chores until after Melave Malka, as doing so will take one's mind off the Shabbos queen. (Ibid.)
Even if it is pushed off for a long time, it is important to at least eat Melave Malka before Chatzos, Halachic midnight. (ibid. See also Sha'arei Teshuva Os 1 quoting the Arizal that the Kedusha, holiness, of Shabbos remains until Chatzos on Motzaei Shabbos.)
2) It is customary to light candles in honor of the departure of the Shabbos queen, as well as to sing special Zemiros, praises to Hashem, on Motzaei Shabbos after Havdallah and/or at the Melave Malka meal. These songs are printed in most Birchonim or Siddurim. (See Mishna Berura Siman 300:3
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
Reader's Question:
What is the halachic justification for wearing a wide brim hat on shabbos , most people are not aware that this a problem [of an ohel, as stated in Talmud Shabbos 138]
Answer:
Being that our hats are tight fitting to the head, have sloped and soft bendable brims and are usually not worn for shade, most of our hats are permitted to be worn. See Shulchan Aruch Siman 301: 40 and comment of the Be'er Hagolah there. See also Mishna Berura 301:152 at length.
CHIZUK CORNER
[1.0579710144927536] Bizback2
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal and the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal. May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they both 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
[0.4300341296928328]
" If you are content with the best you have done you will never do the best you can do! "
A Wise Man quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
www.JewishEverything.net
THE DAVENING CORNER - Part II
This segment was compiled by daily readers, Moshe Weiss, S. Weiss, and E. Willner of Brooklyn, NY, and will be posted in this email once a week B'Ezras Hashem.
For those of you who missed The original "Davening Corner Part I", or the first few weeks of Part II, please e-mail mw@mosheweiss.com for back issues.
GENERAL RULE: Emphasis (shown here by bold and italics) is usually on the last syllable. Look for a vertical line in (most) siddurim if the emphasis is on a different syllable.
WEEK EIGHT:
When the words of a pasuk are sung, many people are singing non-existent words. The words have been distorted to fit the tune. Take the classic example of the word mazone in bentching. When singing this song from our earliest memories in nursery, we tend to insert another syllable, so it sounds like ma-a-zone instead of mazone. Another example in adon olam is "'beyado' afkeed ruchi". Adding an extra syllable (beya-a-do) to fit the tune is also incorrect.
It is usually possible to fit the correctly pronounced words into the same tune with minor adjustments to the tune. Pay attention to the pronunciation and you might
be pleasantly surprised that it actually works.
1) The Seforim teach us that there is a limb (in actuality, a bone) in every person's body referred to as either "Nisko" or "Luz".
This bone does not decompose even after a person's passing; rather it stays whole until Techiyas Hameisim. (See Kaf HaChaim Siman 300:1 and 2. This bone, according to kabalistic sources, is located at the base of the skull, where the knot of the Tefilin Shel Rosh rests.)
At the time of Techiyas Hameisim (May it be soon) Hashem will reconstruct the body using that bone as the base.
As this bone is more spiritual in nature, it does not get sustenance from any food other than the food eaten at Melave Malka. (See Mishna Berura Siman 300:2 quoting the Taz . See also Sha'ar HaTziyun Siman 300 Os 7 where he explains that this bone did not have pleasure from the Eitz Hada'as, as Adam Harishon ate from there on Erev Shabbos, and thus when death descended on the world, that bone was spared the curse and thus remained eternal. See also Kaf HaChaim ibid.)
2) Many people make sure to drink at Melava Malka, as bones (especially the Luz bone) derive pleasure and sustenance from drinks. (See Rashi Shabbos 119b Dibur Hamaschil Chamin.)
Some Seforim, however, maintain that if one drank from the wine of Havdallah that suffices and no further drinks are required at Melave Malka. (Aishel Avrohom of But'shatsh)
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
Reader's Question:
What is the reason that a Chuppah takes place outdoors?
Answer:
Having
the Chuppah outdoors or at least under an open skylight is an old
custom, mentioned in the Rama Even HaEzer Siman 61:1. One reason to have
it under the open sky is as a good "siman" for the new couple to be
blessed with children like the stars of the sky. (See also Ezer M'Kodesh
Siman 55:1 for another line of reasoning for this, which may be
halachic and not only a minhag)
Some communities, including some Sephardim, do not have this custom.
If whatever reason it cannot be under
an open sky, it is a valid Chuppah. Even if the Chuppah is indoors it is
best that it not be inside of a Shul.
See Sdei Chemed; Choson V'kallah V'Chupah Siman 1, Shu"t Yabia Omer Vol. 3 Siman 10 and Igros Moshe Even HaEzer Vol. 1 Siman 93.
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal and the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal. May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they
both 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
350 Mehadrin bus from Bnei Brak to Ashdod is normally jammed, but at 3
PM more than half the seats were still vacant. Four young women in
slacks, obviously not from the Haredi or religious neighborhoods along
the route, boarded the bus at the stop adjacent to the Coca Cola factory
in Bnei Brak. Rather than moving to the rear of the bus, they sat down
demonstratively in the front two rows seats on the right side of the
bus. Some of the male passengers were baffled; two others decided to get
off the bus. A Breslever Chassid, sitting across the young ladies on
the left side of the bus, simply closed his eyes and smiled. This was
not a reaction that the headline-seeking heroines were looking for,
having so boldly entered the mobile Haredi lion's den.
No
one yelled at the fearless four, women's-rights or democracy activists
in their late twenties. No one even spoke to them. There was nothing to
document on their cell-phone videos. What a waste! Well, at least they
might be able to take a nice walk on the beach in Ashdod...
If
there's no news, then make the news! One of the young woman got out of
her seat (while the three others were poised with their cell-phone video
cameras, waiting to pounce on the action they hoped would come) and
stood next to the Breslever, whose toothy smile would have done justice
to any Crest or Colgate commercial.
"Hey, why can't you look at me?" the young lady asked abrasively, obviously itching for a conflict.
"Do you want your husband looking at other young women?" the Breslever responded.
"I'm not married," she said.
"I bless you that you should find your soul-mate this year!"
The
activist wasn't ready for this turn in the conversation. She needed to
steer things differently. "What are you so happy about with that
imbecilic grin of yours?"
"In
Torah 282 of Likutei Moharan, Rebbe Nachman teaches us to appreciate
our good points and to be happy with every little mitzvah we do; and in
Torah 17, first part, Rebbe Nachman says that the slightest good deed
that a person does makes a tremendous impression in the upper spiritual
realms..."
The
activist was getting more and more impatient. This was not the action
she was looking for, wasting half a day on a bus ride going someplace
where she didn't need to go. "So what," she snapped.
"You
asked me why I'm smiling. I'm answering you. I never thought that
riding a Mehadrin bus was a big deal; I mean, it didn't seem to be such a
great mitzvah. But if the Yetzer Hara is going to such lengths to
bother me on this bus ride, then it must be really significant in
shamayim that men and women don't mix. This morning, when I was learning
Tosefot on Baba Kama, the Yetzer wasn't bothering me as much as he is
now. Thank You, Hashem, for giving the mitzva of riding this bus." With
eyes shut, he turned at the activist and added, "and thank you,
cherished sister, for adding to my rewards in the World to Come."
The
young lady's antagonism was melting into frustration. She was obviously
the ring-leader, and her three sisters-in-arms were eagerly awaiting to
see how she'd react. Their game plan (or battle plan) to wave the flag
of women's rights on the Mehadrin bus didn't anticipate a frontal
confrontation with a Breslever...
"What do you people smoke that gets you so spaced out?" she chided.
"I'll
admit that I'm high, dearest sister, but that comes from tallit,
tefillin, Torah, and an hour of talking to Hashem every day." (SEE VIDEO
BELOW)
"What's with this 'dearest' and 'cherished sister' garbage?"
"You
see," explained the Breslever, "your soul and mine both are a tiny part
of Godliness. We have the same Father; you don't need a PhD in
genealogy from Hebrew University to know that we're brother and sister.
Besides, the Torah says so explicitly..."
"Are you the real deal or are you just putting on a good show?"
"If
I invite you and your girlfriends for Shabbat...," meanwhile removing
his kosher cellphone from his shirt pocket, about to dial his wife's
number, "will you come? When you taste Shabbat and my wife's cooking,
you'll understand how much Hashem loves you, and so do we."
Squirming
and completely off guard, the activist snarled, "You're wife is
probably an illiterate cook and bottle washer pregnant with her twelfth -
what would she and I have in common?"
The
Breslever chuckled, "No, my wife is only pregnant with our eighth. But
you'll like her -she has a MBA in Finance from the University of Tel
Aviv. Besides, she was a sergeant in the Artillery Corps of the IDF, an
army medic and a training-base instructor in first aid. She even served
in Lebanon for two months..."
"What?! Don't tell me you were in the army too?"
"Yeh, I admit it. I was a tank commander. Then I did a degree in Communication from UTA. That's where my wife and I met..."
All
the stereotypes were crumbling. The four activists were disarmed. No
fight, no arguments, no protests - only an invitation for Shabbat...
The
activist tried one last effort. She sat down next to the Breslever.
This will surely get his goat and make him lose his cool, she thought.
He still smiled, but a tear trickled down his cheek.
"Why
are you crying?" she asked, jolted by this additional surprise. Her
compassion was a sign of the Jewish soul that shined from deep within
her.
"I'm
not really the prude that you think. But I love my wife and want her
face to be the only female image in my brain. You, dear sister, are a
Bat Yisroel, a Jewish daughter. Every Bat Yisroel is beautiful. Please, I
wouldn't embarrass you by getting up. But I'm not a holy man - I wish I
were. You're really testing me. You are a moral young lady; would you
steal something from a pregnant woman with seven children? By making me
look at you, you'd be stealing some of my affection for my wife. I'm
sure that's not your intention."
Gently,
as if walking on eggs, the young lady stood up. "I'm so sorry," she
said, showing her true delicate and considerate inner self. "I never
thought of it that way. Besides, if all the Haredim were like you,
things would be different. Tell me, are you the ones that go to Uman
every Rosh Hashana?"
"Yes, I'm one of them."
"Are
all of you this nice? I mean, you don't try to act like Hashem's cop."
She surprised herself by saying "Hashem". Since when do such words come
out of an ultra-liberal libertarian feminist's mouth?
"I
only try to police myself." The bus arrived at the Breslever's station
in Ashdod's Rova Gimel. The Breslever got up but added, "Let us know if
you're coming for Shabbat..."
Important Numbers
