1) The 13th day of the month of Adar is known as Taanis Esther, the fast of Esther.
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)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
If I am eating/drinking something whose bracha is shehakol and then I want to eat a piece of gum afterwards, should I eat, say borei nefashos and then make another shehakol on the gum, or should i just eat the gum and never say a bracha acharona? or can i say borei nefashos and eat the gum without a bracha? What is the correct thing to do in this situation?
Answer:
This is a tricky situation.
Best to say a Bracha Achrona and leave the room and say a bracha on the gum in the next room, as once you leave the room the Bracha Rishona wouldn't have worked anyhow.
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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 ME. THANK YOU AND TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
"When Moshe Rabbeinu saw the burning bush, Hashem told him to remove his shoes. When one wears shoes, he can step on small stones and pebbles, hardly detecting anything. However, when one walks barefoot, he feels every tiny rock and thorn and it hurts. Thus, Moshe, the future leader of the Jewish people was told to take off his shoes, for a leader of his generation had to feel the pain of his people and understand their travails in order to properly lead them.".
Rabbi Shlomo Ephraim Luntzitz Zatzal, the Kli Yakar quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
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. 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
Is there any significance to saying "Zecher Tzaddik L'vracha" or "Alav/Aleha HaShalom" after mentioning the name of a righteous person that passed away? Does it to anything to the Neshama? Are we obligated to say that?
Answer:
Yes, whenever a Tzadik's name is mentioned the words Zecher Tzadik L'Vracha" should be added, to bless his/her soul, and whenever a Rasha's name is mentioned the words "Shem R'shaim Yirkav or Yemach shemo" should be mentioned. This is based on a Posuk in Mishlei Perek 10:7. See Rashi there. See also Gemara Yoma 38b.
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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 ME. THANK YOU AND TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
"Never explain. Your friends do not need it, and your enemies will not believe it. "
1) In many Kehilos it is customary to say special Tefilos, known as "Yotzros" which are interjected into the Brachos of Chazaras HaShatz, the Chazzan's repetition of the Shemona Esrei, of Shacharis and/or Mussaf on each Shabbos of the "Four Parshiyos".
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 Parshiyos" 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. 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
What do you regard as the minimum kavanah for the four-letter name of Hashem and for Elokim in davening and brachos, etc.?
Some rabbis I've spoken to say there are no shortcuts;Having in mind "The Master of Everything" is insufficient, but perhaps better than nothing.
Rabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen's book references Reb Moshe's Tehuvah regarding Shma, which seems to say "Gott" (G-d) is good enough, but it's from a chelek (volume) of Igros Moshe that some seem to deem less than authoritative or authentic.
What do you think?
I'm having trouble with kavanah for these names during a fast minyan!.
Answer:
The minimum for Hashem is "Adon HaKol- master of everything" and if possible to also think "Haya Hoveh and Yihyeh- was, is and will always be".
The minimum for Elokeinu is "Ba'al HaYecholos Kulam" or "Kol Yachol" the One who can do anything. If possible, also think "Mashgiach Oleinu B'Pratus" the One who is involved in every small detail in our lives.(Divine Providence)
This is most important by Shema and the first Bracha of Shemona Esrei, but should ideally be done by all Brachos.
There is an opinion of the Aishel Avrohom and the Ben Ish Chai that the first time every day when Hashem's name is uttered you should have in mind that for the rest of the day whenever I say this name the Kavanah should mean what I am thinking now! This is indeed a leniency, but it is at least a way to make it doable for many people.
Although some don't consider the last volume of Igros Moshe as authorative as the rest of the volumes [as it was published after Rav Moshe's passing], many do indeed rely on it, also the fact that Rav Cohen, who is a talmid of Rav Moshe Zatzal quotes it gives this psak credence, any you can rely on it.
1) When hearing "Parshas Zachor" it is best to try and hear it in the dialect of Hebrew that you and your family speak. (E.g. 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)
2) When reading the Posuk "Timche Es Zecher Amalek" within the reading of Parshas 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" (Mishna Berura Siman 685:18)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) 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 "Parshas 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 Parshas 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. 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
If Shabbat has ended in a Jew's time zone but he or she manipulates electronics in another time zone where Shabbat has not ended, has he or she transgressed?
For example, sending and receiving information via the internet from a website/etc. based primarily in the latter time zone where it is still Shabbat.
Answer:
According to the Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchasa Perek 31: 26 ,this is permitted.
The only time it would be prohibited is if there is someone getting actual enjoyment from a prohibited melacha, for example: If it is still Friday by you, you may not talk on the phone with a irreligious Jew in a time zone where it is already Shabbos for him. Or, if the radio is playing on shabbos in Israel, it would be prohibited for a Jew in America, where it is still Erev Shabbos, to listen to it.
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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 ME. THANK YOU AND TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
"Don't look where you fall,
but where you slipped."
Today's Halachos are dedicated by a daily reader, Y.N., in honor of the Yahrtzeit ,today, of one of the Gedolei HaPoskim , HaRav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal, whose brilliant light of D'var Hashem Zu Halacha continues to illuminate the four corners of the Torah world. May he be a Meilitz Yosher for all "Halacha For Today" readers as well as for all of Klal Yisroel. Amen.
1) The fourth ,and final, of the "Four Parshiyos" is "Parshas HaChodesh" (which can be found in Parshas Bo, Shmos 12:1-20) is read on the Shabbos immediately before Rosh Chodesh Nisan (This year, Parshas Tazria) , 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"
2) 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 Parshas Zachor and Parshas 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. 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
I was just wondering if you could explain waiting 6 hours between fleishig and milchig. Is this a minhag or actual halacha? And what is the difference of opinions regarding waiting 1 hour or any other waiting period. And is it necessary to wait between milchig and fleishig or is washing your mouth out sufficient?
Also, why do we wait 6 hours? Does it have anything to do with how long it takes to digest the meat?
Answer:
The requirement to wait six hours is a halacha in Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah Siman 89:1. The Rama writes that the custom in Germany was to wait only one hour, but concludes that those who are scrupulous in Mitzvah observance should wait six hours.
The almost universally accepted custom is to indeed follow the stringent ruling and wait six hours.
Those of Dutch or German descent who indeed have the custom to wait 1 or 3 hours respectively, may follow their familial custom, but one who does not have this lenient custom should not rely on it. See Aruch HaShulchan Siman 89:7 and Shach to Shulchan Aruch ibid.
Some Poskim maintained that once in the sixth hour, it would already be permitted to eat dairy, thus some people wait either 5 hours and 1 minute, or five hours and 31 minutes (a majority of the sixth hour). Again, if one has this custom he may follow it, otherwise stick to six full hours.
If one always waited six hours, he/she may not change to a shorter waiting time before discussing with a Rav and performing Hataras Nedarim.
After drinking milk, the mouth should be rinsed and then meat may be eaten immediately.
After eating cheese or cheese products, a parve solid food should be eaten and the mouth rinsed out and half an hour waited, and the hands washed before eating meat.
Some people have the custom to wait half an hour before eating meat, even after milk.
After eating hard cheeses (Cheeses were aged for six months and thus have fatty residue. Consult your Rav or Kashrus agency to determine which cheeses fall into this category, as there are many varying opinions regarding today's cheeses), a full six hours must be waited before eating meat.
If the hard cheese was melted into another food, such as lasagne, according to many Poskim you no longer must wait six hours before eating meat. Some Poskim maintain that even after melting it still requires a six hour wait
The "six hours" was the amount of time between the day meal and the evening meal, in the time of Chazal. (See Talmud shabbos 10a and Biur HaGra Yoreh Deah Siman 89:2)
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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 ME. THANK YOU AND TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
Kever of HaRav Chaim Vital Zatzal in Tzfas
"Middos (character traits) are so fundamental that the Torah intentionally did not give a commandment to work on middos, the same way that a foundation is automatic in building a house. Middos are so basic, that without a strong foundation in good middos, there is no Torah, and one cannot have 613 commandments without them."
Rav Chaim Vital Zatzal quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
Today's Halachos dedicated by daily reader, E.K., L'Zecher Nishmas his grandfather, Chaviv ben Morad, on the occasion of the completion of the Shloshim. May his Neshama continue to climb higher and higher in Gan Eden.
1) The third of the "Four Parshiyos" is "Parshas Parah [Adumah]", (which can be found in Parshas Chukas, Bamidbar 19:1-22). This Parsha is read on the Shabbos preceding "Parshas HaChodesh"(This year on Shabbos Parshas Shmini) 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.
2) According to some Poskim, Parshas Parah is a biblical obligation, and according to these opinions, all the stringencies that are necessary for Parshas Zachor (as we discussed yesterday) apply to Parshas 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 Parshas Parah is a rabbinic obligation (Mogen Avraham Siman 685 and others).
It is not the prevelant custom for women to go to Shul to hear Parshas Parah.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
Would a divorced man or woman that was getting remarried (to a NEW person) be required to make a new birchas "Shehechiyanu" on their 2nd marriage (in-spite of having already made this bracha at their 1st wedding), or perhaps a bracha of "H'atov V'hamaytiv" or neither (i.e. is there just a once in a lifetime "Shehechiyanu" requirement for this typically once in a lifetime event OR would it be perceived more along the lines of buying an additional suit/clothing etc.) ?
Answer:
Why do you assume that on a first marriage the bracha of shehechiyanu is recited?
In fact, according to virtually all Poskim, for various reasons, the Bracha of Shehechiyanu is not recited upon getting married. At most, if a Shehechiyanu is recited on a new fruit, it can exempt the new marriage as well.
Therefore, on a second marriage it is surely not recited, but can be exempted with a new fruit or new garment if so desired.
(See Shu"t MaHarik 128:2 and Shu"t Chasam Sofer Orach Chaim Siman 55 and Kaf HaChaim Siman 223:25)
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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 ME. THANK YOU AND TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
Hakadosh Baruch Hu set us up in a way that demands that we seek Him out and beseech Him for that which we need. Even though Hashem knows and understands the needs of each and every individual (and similarly 'hears the words of our hearts'), He suppresses His knowledge (in a manner of speaking) so as to maintain His 'derech hatevah' which demands that we reach out to him in supplication and prayer for that which we are lacking.
Hashem does this for our sake, so as to provide us with the incredible opportunity for growth and closeness to Him, which is derived directly from our Tefilos.
Therefore, we should not think that we don't need to daven, since Hashem understands exactly what we need anyway... This is a big mistake and we need to be aware of the fallacy in thinking this way.
Hashem purposefully stifles His awareness of our problems, because he wants us to specifically call out to him in our time of distress and THEN he will shower us with all manners of salvation.
An analogy to explain this, is that of a person who becomes deathly ill with a sickness that his father, who is a world famous physician - specializes in. Can it be argued that the Father should come immediately to heal his sick child...if he is completely unawres of the problem?!
Hakadosh Baruch Hu "waits" for us to inform him of and describe to Him our problems, so that He can bring us Yeshuos!
Hashem needs to hear from us before we can hear from Him!
Heard From Rav Shimshon Pincus Zatzal; Taken from here
1) The second of the "4 Parshiyos" is "Parshas Zachor" (which can be found at the end of Parshas Ki Seitzei, Devarim 25:17-19) which commemorates the story of how the accursed nation of Amalek rose up against Klal Yisroel, and the commandment to eradicate them.
This "Parsha" is read the Shabbos before Purim (This year, Parshas Tzav) 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 "Parshas 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 Parsha.
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 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. 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
I'm curious to know what exactly is the story with strawberries?
I heard there's something wrong with eating them but I never got it straight. Who said there's something wrong with them and what is wrong, then?
Is it all strawberries, or certain types?
Is there any way of cleaning/ checking them that will make them permissible to eat?
Is it ossur to eat them?
Answer:
A while back , the kashrus agencies let it be known that strawberries had a problem with bugs in them and needed special checking. This applies only to fresh strawberries and not frozen ones.
The Star K Kashrus agency, on their website states the following:
" Strawberries
1. Fill basin with water and some liquid cleanser*or special strawberry wash
(such as Tsunami 100).
2. Soak strawberries while agitating the water.
3. Rinse strawberries under a stream of water.
4. It is preferable to cut off the top with a small amount of the flesh.
5. Strawberries may now be used."
They also have a video about this, which can be seen here
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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 ME. THANK YOU AND TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
"The term 'hiding' generally implies that one does not know where the other person is. However, if one knows that the person is on the other side of the obstacle, and he merely cannot see him, he is not truly hidden. Thus, when Hashem tells us, 'I will hide my face that day,' He is encouraging us for He is saying: Even though I am not visible I am standing close by."
Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov Zatzal quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
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 we will iy"H be reading on Shabbos Parshas Pekudei, and can be found in the beginning of Parshas 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 iy"H 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. 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
What is the deal with women and reciting Kiddush Levana?
Answer:
The prevelant custom is for women not to recite Kidush Levana.
See Mogen Avraham Siman 426:1, Chochmas Shlomo 426:1. See also MaHarsha in Chidushei Agados to Sanhedrin 42a.
There are also many mystical reasons given why women may not recite Kidush Levana.
When Mashiach comes, women will once again say Kiddush Levana
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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 ME. THANK YOU AND TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
"It is equally wrong for a wealthy person to feel superior and speak condescendingly to others because of his wealth, as it is wrong for a poor person to feel inferior and speak submissively because of his lack of money. Both wealth and poverty are circumstances given by Hashem, and are not reflections of a person's value."
Rabbi Simcha Zissel Ziv Zatzal (Alter from Kelm) quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
Today, B'Ezras Hashem, we begin reviewing Halachos relevant to the month of Adar, the 4 Parshiyos and Purim.
1) The Talmud (Taanis 29a-b) tells us "Mishenichnas Adar Marbim 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.)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
I'd like to know if it is permitted to use a dishwasher on shabbos if its goes on automatically in middle of the night (so nobody hears it), the dishes are the dishes that were used on shabbes and they are then used again on shabbos?
Answer:
No, it is not permitted to have a dishwasher go on automatically with a time clock, nor is it permitted to have a non Jew turn on the dishwasher on Shabbos. (See Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchasa Chapter 12:35. According to Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal, no appliances may be operated via a time clock on Shabbos. See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 60.
Though many Poskim are more lenient than Rav Moshe Zatzal for certain things, all agree that a dishwasher is not one of them
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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 ME. THANK YOU AND TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
Question: How important is it for us to keep up with the current events?
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
Current events, intrinsically, are nothing at all; a 100% waste of time. However, if someone is capable of interpreting to you current events, then there is one of the most valuable things you can get. To explain history, whether it's history of the past or history of day to day, is one of the most important lessons; I'll explain to you.
Nothing in this world was made except by Hashem, therefore everything in the world, whether it's a peanut or a cloud, anything in this world is full of tremendous lessons, because it's Hashem's wisdom.
Now, just as objects are all fountains of great wisdom - you know a peanut is a wonderful Mussar Haskel. You take a peanut in your hand, you notice it has a backbone, and you press on the backbone - it opens up by itself, you don't have to break the shell. The peanut is corrugated not smooth, in order to give it more strength; it's soft but strong. When you open it up, inside are clean meats wrapped in beautiful red wrappers. The meat separates into two parts, with a straight cleavage; it opens up because it's made to open up. In between are the cotyledons of the future plant waiting. And in those cotyledons it has information and millions of bits of information, what is necessary to produce a new plant.
So therefore when you study a peanut you can become great in Daas Hashem. Now just as the objects of this world, because they are made by Hashem, teach us great things about Hashem, the events of this world are also done by Hashem. Everything happens only because of Hashem.
1) Just as with the Melacha of Bishul, if transgressed it is forbidden to eat the cooked food until after Shabbos, so too with the Melacha of Borer.
If the Melacha of Borer was transgresses B'Shogeg, accidentally, the food should not be eaten by anyone for the duration of that Shabbos. (See Pri Megadim, Aishel Avraham, beginning of Siman 319)
In cases of great necessity, there is room for leniency to allow the food to be used. (See Mishna Berura Siman 318:7 and Biur Halacha beginning of Siman 319 where they allow for the leniency based on the ruling of the Gaon of Vilna)
2) If one transgressed the Melacha of Borer B'meizid, intentionally, the food may not be eaten by anyone for the duration of Shabbos, and for the person who did the separating, possibly forever. (See Pri Megadim ibid.)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) One who transgresses the Melacha of Borer, and thus causes the food to become prohibited for this Shabbos, cannot rectify their actions by placing the separated item back into the mixture, as once it was separated the item remains forbidden for the duration of Shabbos, or perhaps forever if done intentionally. (Pri Megadim ibid.)
There is no difference in the aforementioned Halacha between Shogeg and Meizid. (See Chazon Ish Siman 37:27 Dibur Hamaschil Haya. See also Shu"t Minchas Shlomo Siman 5:3)
2)If the item that was separated is something that is only prohibited as a Chumra, a stringency, but isn't prohibited M'Ikar Hadin (such as mixtures whose components are distinctly noticeable, or fruit that was peeled not immediately before the meal, and other such cases where some Poskim are lenient and others are stringent, many of which we have discussed in the past few weeks) there is further room for leniency in allowing the items to be used B'dieved, in cases of necessity. (See Pri Megadim, Mishbetzos Zahav, Siman 319:2 towards the end and Biur Halacha end of Siman 321 Dibur Hamaschil Liklof where he quotes the opinion of the Rambam that peeling fruits is allowed even not immediately before eating)
With endless thanks and praise to Hashem, this brings us to the end of our journey into the fascinating Halachos of Borer.
We shall now take a small break from Hilchos Shabbos and starting on Sunday, and for the next few weeks B'Ezras Hashem, we will review some of the timely Halachos of the month of Adar, the Arba Parshiyos and Purim.
The Dvar Torah below, submitted by a daily reader, is from Rav Avraham Schorr Shlita regarding the power of Tefilah on Purim Katan (today)
He quoted a Chidushei Harim that explained a reason for the mitzvah of "chayav inush lbisumei bepuryah", the mitzvah of drinking on Purim.
He told a story that happened in the times of the Bal Shem Tov. There was a terrible decree against the Jews, everybody prayed and did various mitzvahs but nothing changed and the decree was still in place. Finally the Bal Shem Tov instructed one of his followers to go to a distant town and find a certain drunkard and bring him back to the Bal Shem Tov. The messenger was advised not to allow the drunkard to drink so that he would be sober when he was brought to the Bal Shem Tov. When the drunkard was brought to the Bal Shem Tov, he asked the drunkard for a bracha that the decree be abolished, he gave a bracha and immediately the decree was annulled.
The Bal Shem Tov explained to his close followers that this person had done an unbelievable mitzvah of saving a girl; the mitzvah of Pidyun Shevuyim and in shamayim they were so moved that it was decreed that whatever this person would ask for would be granted immediately. Suddenly in shamayim there was a big debate, how can a simple person be given such unbelievable power of blessing, maybe he will use it for the wrong things? So they decreed that he would be a drunkard all the time so he would not even realize this power that was given to him.
"THE CHIDUSHEI HARIM EXPLAINED THAT ON PURIM THERE IS A LAW THAT "KOL HAPOSHET YAD NOSNIN". ANYONE WHO ASKS YOU HAVE TO GIVE. THIS IS TRUE ALSO REGARDING PRAYING, WHEN WE DAVEN TO HASHEM HE HAS TO ANSWER OUR REQUESTS. SO TO COUNTER THIS UNBELIEVABLE POWER OF PRAYER, THE CHACHOMIM MADE THE LAW OF DRINKING ON PURIM SO THAT WE DON'T USE THE DAY FOR PRAYING FOR THE WRONG THINGS. THE CHIDUSHEI HARIM CONTINUES THAT IF SOMEBODY FEELS THAT HE WANTS TO BE SMARTER THEN THE CHACHOMIM AND HE WON'T DRINK AND WILL SIT AND DAVEN ALL DAY LONG, HE IS WRONG FOR NOT LISTENING TO THE CHACHOMIM."
THERE IS A MISHNA IN MEGILLAH THAT SAYS "EIN BAIN ADAR RISHON L'ADAR SHENIE ELE KRIAS MEGILLAH UMATONAS LEVYONIM BILVAD"; THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FIRST ADAR AND THE SECOND ADAR ONLY THAT YOU CAN NOT DO YOUR OBLIGATION OF READING MEGILLAH AND PRESENTS FOR THE POOR.
THE POWER OF PRAYER REMAINS EXACTLY THE SAME; HOWEVER, BY THE FIRST ADAR THE RABBIS DID NOT MAKE AN OBLIGATION TO DRINK.
SO HERE WE HAVE A DAY THAT HAS THE TREMENDOUS POWER OF PRAYER AND THE CHACHOMIM DID NOT COUNTER IT WITH AN OBLIGATION TO DRINK.
LET US USE THIS FRIDAY TO DAVEN TO HASHEM FOR ALL THE RIGHT THINGS, KLAL YISROEL IS LIVING THROUGH DIFFICULT TIMES AND THERE ARE MANY THINGS TO DAVEN FOR...WE SHOULD BE ALL BE ZOCHE TO SEE MOSHIACH BMIHERA BYOMEINU.
THIS SHOULD BE A ZECHUS FOR THE NESHAMA OF MOSHE DOVID BEN PINCHUS DOV, HIS NESHAMA SHOULD HAVE AN ALIYA.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
Is someone supposed to answer Baruch Hu U'varuch Shemo on Friday night after the Shemonah Esreh of Maariv when the Chazan says the birkas Me'ein Sheva?
Most of the congregation does not answer. Yet, I heard one individual answer. What is the halachah? Also, what is the source?
Answer:
I did not find anyone that specifically says to say it.
I did, however, find that the Aruch HaShulchan Siman 268:17 as well as the Siddur Shla, Sidur Otzar Hatefilos and Sidur Ya'vetz all say that when the Chazan says this Bracha following Magen Avos the congregation should be quiet and not say anything at all.
The Gaon of Vilna and others rule that the congregation should not even say "Magen Avos" themselves and only the Chazan should say it and the Bracha following it.
This means that the congregagtion must hear it from the Chazan as he is being Motzei them. As with every Bracha that one is being exempt with, no Baruch Hu U'Varuch Shemo should be interjected.
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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 ME. THANK YOU AND TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
Every time you act kindly, the world has more kindness.
Every time you are compassionate, the world has more compassion.
Every time you smile to someone, the world is a more cheerful place.
Every time you help transform someone's worry into serenity, the world is a more serene place.
Every time you calm someone who is angry, the world is a more pleasant place.
Every time you give money to charity, the world is a more charitable place.
Every time you encourage someone to do something for others, you are creating a partner to make a better world.
Some people spend way too much time complaining about the awful state the world is in. There is too much aggression and violence. There is too little kindness and compassion. There is too much anger and depression and too little serenity and joy.
If someone complains and complains, the world is still full of whatever it is the person is complaining about and now more complaining has been added. Conversely, if someone spreads compassion and kindness, the world improves. The ripple effect can spread these positive qualities. A little positive action is more beneficial than a mountain full of complaints.
Every time you visit someone who is ill, you are making the world a kinder place to live in.
Every time you comfort a mourner, you are making the world a kinder place to live in.
Every time you judge someone favorably, you are making the world a kinder place to live in.
Every time you lend one of your possessions to someone, you are making the world a kinder place to live in.
Every time you help a stranger find his way, you are making the world a kinder place to live in.
What comes out from all of this is that there is no such thing as an insignificant kind act. Because every time you do an act of kindness you are elevating the world we live in.
Submitted by daily reader, C.S.; Taken from Kindness: Making a Difference in People's Lives: Formulas, stories, and insights
By Rabbi Zelig Pliskin ;Shaar Press
1) One who is eating fruit and picks up a fruit with the intent to eat it and after picking it up notices that it is moldy or otherwise not fit for consumption, may put the fruit down anywhere and it isn't considered having separated the P'soles from the Ochel.
The reason for this is since he thought that all the fruit in front of him was edible and he picked up this fruit to eat and not to separate it, picking up this particular fruit is a "Derech Achilah, a normal manner of eating" and not an act of Borer.
2) If one has a dish that contains in it apples and oranges, arranged in a distinct way where the oranges are on bottom and the apples are on top (i.e. not mixed together), the apples may be removed in order to reach the oranges on the bottom. (See Mishna Berura Siman 319:15 and Biur Halacha Dibur Hamaschil L'echol Miyad)
Similarly, if a bunch of coats are hanging on the wall one on top of the other and one is looking to find their coat, it is permissible to remove the outer coats in order to find and retrieve their coat. (ibid.)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
Is it true that you can't learn words of Torah when you need the bathroom? And is there a makor (source) for this?
Answer:
Yes. If one needs the bathroom, and would not be able to hold it in for more than 72 minutes, he/she should not begin studying Torah.
If one is already in middle of learning, he/she can finish that session and then go, assuming the urge isnt so great that he/she wouldnt be able to hold it in for 72 minutes, in which case it would be prohibited to even continue learning at that point.
Regarding Davening, if one has an urge to use the bathroom, even if he/she can hold it in for 72 minutes, it is still prohibited to pray and they must use the restroom first. If one does daven when needing the bathroom, and would be unable to hold it in for 72 minutes, it is an abomination and he/she is required to repeat the davening.
If one is in already in middle of Shemona Esrei and suddenly need sto use the restroom, if the urge is slight, the Shemona Esrei may be completed. If the urge is not so strong, the Shemona Esrei may be finished.
See Shulchan Aruch and Mishna Berura Siman 92: 1 and 2
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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 ME. THANK YOU AND TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
"When times are tough and a person feels like he's just about had enough, just remember that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure. So too, a complete and fulfilling life is not without its difficulties."
1) One who has a pile of freshly laundered clothing that is "in a mixture" in a laundry basket or otherwise in an unsorted pile, and wants to put each article of clothing away in its designated place, according to some Poskim a random article of clothing may be taken out of the pile and folded (provided it is folded in a permissible way, a Halacha we shall B'Ezras Hashem discuss in the future) and put away in its place followed by the next randomly chosen piece, until all the clothes are folded and put away. (Ruling of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal quoted in Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchasa Perek 3:82. The reasoning is the same as with drying silverware, as each piece of clothing is being picked up to be folded, a means in itself, and not to be sorted.)
2) Other Poskim, however, maintain that even if done in the aforementioned manner it is still considered Borer and is prohibited. (Ruling of Rav Nissim Karelitz Shlita quoted in Orchos Shabbos page 179 footnote 140. See the footnote at length for the reasoning behind this and why this differs from picking up a piece of silverware to dry.)
All agree that it is prohibited to sort the clothing into piles and only then begin folding them and putting them away.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
Is there any source to the idea that Kol Isha (a man listening to a woman singing) is mutar (permitted) if one is listening to a recording rather than a live voice?
Answer:
See Shu"t MaHaram Shik, Even HaEzer Siman 53 where he rules that the prohibition is only when you see the woman singing.
Many Poskim, including Rav Ovadya Yoseph Shlita, in Shu"t Yabia Omer Orach Chaim Vol. 1 Siman 6, rule that if one knows what the woman looks like, be it personally or from a photo, even the MaHaram Shik would concur that it's prohibited to listen to her voice.
In Shu"t Mishne Halachos Vol. 5 Siman 224 he writes that even if it is halachically permitted to hear the woman's voice when she isn't seen, it is still a "Davar Mechuar, a repulsive thing" for a male to listen as it definitely brings to improper thoughts. He writes that even if the prohibition of Kol Isha wasnt transgressed, the prohibition of "Lo Tasuru Acherei Levavchem" will be transgressed by listening to her voice, recorded or otherwise. This is according to the MaHaram Shik as well.
See also Shu"t Chelkas Yaakov Vol. 1 Siman 163 and Shu"t Shevet Haleivi, Even HaEzer, Vol. 3 Siman 181 where they categorically rule that even recorded voice of a woman is prohibited.
There are no Posklim that rule that it is 100% permitted.
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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 ME. THANK YOU AND TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
Question: Is there anything wrong with [a Jewish male] Davening without a Minyan, as long as he saysKrias Shema at the right time?
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
Let me explain to you what I said before. When you Daven with a Minyan you're identifying with the Klal Yisroel. You know our Tefilos are all plural. We don't say Refoeini Hashem, heal me Hashem. We say Refoeinu Hashem, heal us, and we say Baruch Ato Hashem Rofei Cholai Amo Yisroel.
It's such an important element, it must be emphasized. It's a form of identifying, we're together, we're all one. Even when you put on your hat in the morning and you make a Brocho, Oter Yisroel B'sifara, You crown Yisroel with glory. You put on a belt, Ozer Yisroel B'gevurah, You crown Yisroel with power, a belt gives you power. So you see that we're all together, and therefore when it comes to Tefila, not only the words should be together, but physically you should be together, the least you can do is go to a Minyan.
The Minyan represents the Klal Yisroel. To a certain extent the Shechina is there too. But when you Daven in your home it's a demonstration you're not interested in identifying. Now in case you're not able to, in case you have to go to work at a certain time, there are extenuating circumstances, but there's no question that to Daven with a Minyan ought to be a regular part of a loyal Jew's routine, because that's the form of showing he belongs to Hakadosh Baruch Hu through His people that are serving Hashem.
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1) It is prohibited to remove items from within a mixture for the purpose of sorting them, even if they are removed randomly with no preference for what item may come out first, as being that the entire purpose and intent of their removal is to then place each item in its designated place we deem the entire process as a prohibited Borer.
Thus, for example, one who wants to put away silverware that is in a mixture, may not randomly pull out a knife and put it away, pull out a spoon and put it away and so on and so forth until they all end up sorted and away in their designated places.
Likewise, if setting the table for a subsequent Shabbos meal, individual Silverware may not be randomly removed from within the mixture and placed in their correct place in the place setting. This may only be done if being done for the meal currently being eaten. (Unless they are first scattered as we learned yesterday)
2) However, if when each item is randomly removed from within the mixture, it is being done for a purpose other than sorting, it may then be placed in its correct place.
For example, if a pile of silverware has just been washed, and one piece is randomly picked in order to be dried, being that the drying is an end onto itself, it may subsequently be placed in its designated place. The same can be done for the next randomly chosen piece of silverware and so on and so forth until they are all dried, and put away. (See Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchasa Perek 3:78 quoting Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal. See also Ayil Meshulash Perek 11:5 quoting Rav Nissim Karelitz Shlita who also rules this way. However, he also quotes Maran Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita who does not agree with this leniency.)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
I know that applying lotion on shabbat is prohibited, but what about putting on Purell Instant hand-sanitizer?
Is this the same as liquid soap & therefore permitted?
Answer:
Yes, hand sanitizers are like liquid soap and not like lotion, and thus according to the Poskim who allow the use of liquid soap on Shabbos it would be permitted to use this hand sanitizer.
According to the Poskim that prohibit liquid soap on Shabbos, this hand sanitizer would be prohibited as well. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 1 Siman 113 and Shu"t Oz Nidberu Vol. 10 Siman 16)
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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 ME. THANK YOU AND TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
IMPORTANT LESSON:
During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz.
I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one:
"What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?"
Surely this was some kind of joke.
I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, Dark-haired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name?
I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank.
Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade.
"Absolutely, " said the professor.
"In your careers, and in life,you will meet many people. All are significant.
They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello."
I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned hername was Dorothy.
1) If one has a mixture of different items and wants to sort them, according to some Poskim the entire mixture can be strewn onto the floor or the table to cause all the parts of the mixture to separate from each other, and then after they are all no longer "in a mixture" the ones that are wanted may be picked up and sorted, as there is no prohibition against sorting individual items. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 74; Borer: 11 where Rav Moshe Zatzal writes that this is a good idea to do. See also Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchasa Perek 3 footnote 6 quoting Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal ruling this way)
Other Poskim prohibit doing this, and maintain that the scattering of the pile to cause it to no longer be "in a mixture" is in itself an act of Borer. (See Sefer Ayil Meshulash Perek 9 footnote 82 quoting Maran Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita)
2) Thus, for example, if after finishing a Shabbos meal one has a pile of freshly washed forks, spoons and knives in a mixture and wants to now put them away in their proper places in the cutlery drawer, or wants to set the table for the next Shabbos meal, this pile may not be sorted as it isn't for immediate use.
If, however, the entire pile is scattered on the table and is no longer in a mixture, according to Rav Moshe Feinstein and Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zichronam L'Vracha, each individual piece of cutlery can be picked up and placed in its proper place in the drawer or next to the table setting.
According to Maran Rav Elyashiv Shlita, this cannot be done; only immediately before the meal is going to be eaten may the desired cutlery be picked up and the table set.
For Halacha L'ma'aseh, of course, each individual should consult their Rav.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
Are you allowed to use the rollup stick deodorants on shabbos?
Answer:
No.
The roll ons that are liquid are permitted according to many poskim as nothing is getting "smeared", rather the ball is simply releasing the liquid.
The solid sticks however, are like bars of soap, and when you use them they become smeared, and is prohibited due to it being memarayach (smearing) a Tolda of the Melacha of Memachek (smoothing).
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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 ME. THANK YOU AND TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
"Sometimes a person is in such pain that it makes it impossible for him to daven or learn Torah.
It is possible that at that moment, Hashem prefers to see how one accepts his pain over his prayer and study!"
Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin Zatzal quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
1) Although we learned that washing dirt and other foreign matter off of fruits is subject to the prohibition of Borer and may only be done under certain conditions, this prohibition does not extend to soiled dishes.
The rinsing and washing of dirty dishes is 100% permitted, as is the removal of a piece of lint or a small insect from one's clothing (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 316:9).
Likewise, there are no concerns of Borer when one is sweeping dirt off the floor.
2) One reason for this is that any item that is regularly soiled and often cleaned is not subject to the prohibition of Borer as when it is cleaned it is not deemed "Derech Borer, the manner of separating" rather it is deemed "Derech Nikui, the manner of cleaning". (See Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchasa Perek 3 footnote 7 for a lengthy discussion about this based on the rulings of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal)
Another reason given for the differentiation between fruits and dishes is that a soiled fruit is deemed a flawed fruit and the removal of the dirt via washing rectifies it, thus the removal of the dirt is an action that is considered Borer.
Dishes, on the other hand, even when they are soiled are not considered flawed dishes. (Reasoning of Rav Nissim Karelitz Shlita, quoted in Orchos Shabbos page 176 footnote 132)
Yet another reason cited by the Poskim is that the dish, due to its distinct and hard surface, can never be considered "in a mixture" with the dirt and thus not subject to the prohibitions of Borer. (Sevara of Rav Shmuel Auerbach Shlita, ibid.)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
What do the poskim say about putting sefarim on chairs or benches, with or without people sitting on them at the same time?
I know that people are meikel [lenient], but I've known yechidim who are makpid (careful) not to do it, what does the halacha pesuka have to say about it?
Answer:
It is prohibited to sit on a chair, bench etc. if Seforim are laying on them.
According to some Poskim, even if the seforim are in a standing position on the chair or bench it is prohibited.
If the Seforim are on something else, that's on the bench, and thus not on the same level as the person sitting, it may be more lenient, however it is best to be stringent in all situations as not to seem like we are being disrespectful to Sifrei Kodesh. (See Ram"a Yoreh Deah Siman 282:7 and Shach there Os 8 and 9. See also Aruch Hashulchan Siman 282:12 and Shu"t Avnei Yashfei Siman 1:16)
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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 ME. THANK YOU AND TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
Dovid's wealthy uncle from Israel, whom he had never met, arrived at his nephew's home in America.
He entered the house carrying a large bag filled with gift-wrapped boxes. "This is all for you, my nephew, Uncle Shmuel told Dovid. "You're the only relative I have, and I want you to have all these gifts."
Dovid said "Thank you! You're the greatest uncle in the world!"
Then he set the bag aside, planning to open each gift later on, in private. Uncle Shmuel responded, "Open the packages, Dovid! How can you say thank you when you don't even know what's in there?"
And so Dovid obliged. With each new gift, his gratitude toward his uncle and his admiration for him and his generosity grew stronger. Each package was a treasure, and it was all for him. Now when he said "thank you," it was a response overflowing with emotion.
Like Dovid in the story, each of us receives a vast endowment of gift packages every day from Hashem.
If we do not stop to consider the contents of these packages, our gratitude is only a shadow of what it could and should be.
Our recognition of Hashem's kindness is stunted.
Pesukei d'Zimrah is our way to open our packages every day, so that our love and awe toward our Benefactor can arise from the deepest, sincerest place in our hearts.
Submitted by A.C. and M.B.' Taken from praying with passion
Today's Halachos are dedicated to our daily readers Sarar Lev ben Chaim David and Tal bat Yosef in the merit of speedily finding the right home and community for them in Eretz Yisrael.
1) A wrapper that is on a candy may be removed, even if the candy will not be immediately consumed, as the wrapper is not considered like the peel of a fruit, rather it is deemed as an independent covering, similar to food in a container, and not "in a mixture" with the candy, thus there are no concerns of Borer.
Similarly, a wrapper of an ice cream or ices bar may be removed, even if not for immediate use, as they are deemed similar to a container which holds a food, and have no Borer concerns.
2) Very often, certain cheeses (e.g. Yellow "American Cheese") are sold with pieces of paper between each slice. According to some Poskim these papers may only be removed immediately prior to eating. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 74; Borer:8)
Other Poskim are lenient and deem these pieces of paper like the aforementioned candy wrapper, and maintain that there are no Borer issues at all to contend with when removing them. (See Orchos Shabbos page 171 footnote 121)
The same Machlokes would apply to removing the plastic covering commonly found on salami or sausages.
For Halacha L'ma'aseh each individual must consult their own Rav.
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
Are Jewish males supposed to sleep at night with Tzitzis?
Answer:
There is no obligation of wearing Tzitzis at night, as the Posuk tells us U'reesem Osam, that only when you can see them do we have to wear them (See Gemara Menachos 43a)
Some people, for kabalistic and other Shemira reasons, do indeed sleep with Tzitzis.
Those who have this custom should make sure to change to a different pair in the morning, otherwise there will be a problem with regard to making a new Bracha in the morning. (See Mishna Berura Siman 21:15 quoting the Arizal)
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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 ME. THANK YOU AND TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
There was a chareidi family that took a vacation to Teveria.
The wife and 2 daughters went down to the kineret to go swimming. The husband went to daven by Reb Meir Baal HaNeis's Kever.
The girls start to wade in the water, and the older daughter steps too far in and is swept into a current, but she couldn't swim, and begins to go under. The mother is watching as the daughter is pleading for her life, but the mother couldn't swim. The mother runs onto the highway and is desperately trying to flag down cars for help. They are swerving around her, honking at her, screaming to get out of the road. Finally an elegant car stops and a well dressed man asks what's happening. The mother screams my daughter is drowning. He throws off his coat and runs and dives into the water.
The man's wife is screaming to him saying, "Remember you just had a heart attack."
He dives into the water and comes up with the little girl. The mother breathes a sigh of relief for a moment, until she realizes that this was the younger daughter who must have jumped in to save the older daughter.
She screams "I have another daughter there!" He jumps back in and screams "Where is she? Where is she?" The mother is pointing to him, "Over there, over there." He dives to the bottom and begins to drag her limpless body to the shore, but now there are people on the shore, who are screaming "Her head is still in the water! Her head is still in the water. Lift it out!!!"
He lifts her head and puts it on his shoulder and brings her ashore. There was an Arab man was on the beach, who started doing CPR on the girl. They called the ambulance and the ambulance crew said they took a pulse, but her head was in the water too long, there's nothing they can do. They go off to the hospital, and the doctors say there's no hope. The family began davening for a miracle. They're waiting and waiting, davening.
The Doctor took an MRI, and when he saw the results, runs back in and said, "I can't believe it, regular brain activity resumed". The daughter finally wakes up and leaves the hospital two days later. The doctors said they never saw anything like it, she was deprived of oxygen for so long, it was impossible to have this outcome.
A few days later, the family makes a Seudas Hod'ah (meal of thanks) to thank Hashem for the miracle, and wanted to invite the man who jumped into the water to save their daughter. They couldn't find him, so thought maybe he called into the hospital to see how she was, and they were right.
They found him.
He was an attorney from a non observant kibbutz, with no connection to yiddishkeit his whole life. They invited him to the seudah and he told them this story. He was recovering from a heart attack before this incident, and he and his wife were headed up North for a vacation, when he saw this chareidi woman in the street. His wife said keep driving, she's a meshuganah, but he said she looks desperate, so decided to help.
He told the family that he had been sick for awhile, and used to be an Olympic swimmer, but hadn't swam in YEARS. But just last week, as part of his therapy for the heart attack, he was in a hotel that had a pool, and he started to swim laps during the week. His wife was yelling at him that it was dangerous, and he told her that for some reason, he felt that he had to do this for some reason. He felt that he just loved it. He told them that if he hadn't done this he wouldn't have been in shape enough to rescue their daughters. "So I jumped in and saved your first daughter, but then you told me there's another daughter. I went back in, and as I was pulling your 2nd daughter to shore, and realized that during those crucial last few moments, I didn't bring her head above the water, I was going out of my mind."
Afterwards, I came home and cried to my wife, "I killed that girl." My wife said what are you talking about, you saved her, you risked your life. "But I'm so careless, I didn't take her head out of the water."
No, she said, you just didn't realize. "NO, She died because of my carelessness" I said,
"It was my fault, she would have lived!".
So I ran back to that place, and climbed to the top of a mountain, and I said, "Ribbono Shel Olam, never in my life did I pray to you. I was raised on a kibbutz, and laughed at prayer. I wouldn't be caught dead praying, I would have been so embarrassed. G-d, this is the first time in my life I'm praying to you. I'll never be able to live this down. I won't be able to go on. PLEASE, Hashem, consider it as if I prayed to you my whole life, and combine all those prayers that I could have said, and use them to save this girl. Please G-d" He continued to tell the family, that "I went back home and called the hospital, and they told me that an hour ago (as I was saying this prayer) she woke up!"
Think about this story, was he a hero because he took off his jacket and jumped in? Was it that he jumped in twice? Where was the gift of life? It was at the moment that he said "I blew it, I tried and I tried and blew it."
Instead of falling to despair, he took that broken heart, and instead of letting it turn into depression and sadness, he converted it into Tefillah.
A Tefillah that he never had before in his life. And miracles came from it. There are moments in life that we think we blew it. We have to realize that those very moments, if used correctly, are the seeds for redemption, Moshiach, Refuah and Yeshuah for everyone.
Submitted by daily reader, T.L.; Transcribed from a shiur by Rav Fishel Schachter, shlita
1) When eating fish which contains bones, it is important to be careful how the bones are removed as not to do it in such a way that the prohibition of Borer will be transgressed.
The bones should not be removed from the fish as doing so is removing P'soles from Ochel .
Rather, one hand should be placed on the bone and with the other hand, or with a fork, the fish should be pulled away from the bone, thus removing the Ochel from the P'soles which, if done immediately prior to eating, is permitted.
There are those who are lenient and remove the bones from the fish immediately before the meal. Although L'Chatchilah this shouldn't be done, the Mishna Berura says not to protest against those who do it. (See Biur Halacha Siman 319: 4 Dibur Hamaschil M'Toch for a lengthy discussion about this. See also Kaf HaChaim Siman 319:44 quoting the Ben Ish Chai that removing the bones from fish is "Derech Achilah" and permitted.)
According to the Mishna Berura, another acceptable option would be to remove some of the fish along with the bone.
According to the Chazon Ish (Siman 54) it is 100% prohibited to remove the bones from the fish even B'dieved and taking some of the fish along with the bone is not either an option according to the Chazon Ish.
2) The Minhag, which many sectors in Klal Yisroel have, to eat Gefilte fish on Shabbos, and not regular fish with bones, developed in part due to the desire to avoid the Borer issues prevalent when eating fish which contains many small bones.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
Are there any issues with respect to yichud in chat rooms? What about corresponding generally with women, for the sake of business ventures?
Answer:
The Issur of Yichud is a fence to ensure that no improper activities happen between men and women. (For Hilchos Yichud Click Here)
From my understanding of chat rooms, they are places where Prikas Ol, Leitzanus, flirting, and other improper behaviour between men and women are prevelant, and often lead to personal phone calls, and even meetings that end up with at best very compromised situations, and at worst with the transgression of very severe cardinal sins.
There is absolutely no Heter or good reason for a frum Jew to frequent these "social" rooms which are structured as uninhibited virtual lounges for the sexes to mingle, and although I can't say that by entering these rooms the issur of Yichud was transgressed, the spirit of Yichud, and the very fabric of Yiddishkeit is compromised by engaging in these "harmless" chats.
Keep in mind that even if it isn't a Yichud proplem per se, it is definitely a violation of Hilchos Tzniyos and is a serious breach of the holiness of klal Yisroel (as the Torah states V'Haya Machanecha Kadosh). Also, it may be a violation of Lifnei Iver Lo Siten Michshol, the commandment against causing another to sin, as many serious sins can take place during and after the chat.
Unfortunately, I am aware of many people being ruined, many families being destroyed and many children leaving the fold of Yiddishkeit due to visiting chatrooms and other improper websites. If one is struggling with these areas it is imperative to seek help to rid their lives of this Yetzer Hara. A good place to start seeking help would be the Guard Your Eyes site; Click here.
Regarding corresponding with women/men for legitimate business purposes, it's hard to generalize. Every serious Jew must know him/herself and their own limitations and struggles. A Rav should be consulted before any "ventures" with members of the opposite gender are undertaken.
If one foregoes a business venture for the sake of Hashem, no monetary loss will befall him for doing so, as Hashem will surely repay him/her for doing the right thing.
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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 ME. THANK YOU AND TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
True Simcha: Simchas HaTorah
Chazal say that the Shechina does not rest on those who are sad, downhearted, or lightheaded. It only rests where the simcha of a mitzva is present.
When Elisha Hanavi became angry at Yehoiram Melech Yisroel for his wicked ways, the spirit of nevuah left him. Only after music was played before him, did the spirit of nevuah return.
(Talmud Shabbos 30b, Melachim I Perek 3)
Submitted by daily reader, M.F..; Taken from the Merkaz Anash weekly L'Ma'an Yishme'u email. To subscribe send request to info@lmaanyishmeu.com
1) Many fruits and vegetables (e.g. cherries, apples, tomatoes etc.) often have their stems attached to them when purchased, and are only removed by the consumer before being consumed.
The status of these stems in regards to Borer is similar to the pits, and would depend on the Machlokes between the Mishna Berura and the Chazon Ish which we described earlier.
Thus, according to the Mishna Berura the stems may be removed when the fruits are being held in the hand during the eating, and may even be permitted when not being held if being done immediately before eating.
According to the Chazon Ish, however, it is prohibited to remove the stem, rather the stem should be held in one hand, and the fruit pulled away (or bit away) from the stem for consumption.
2) Individual grapes may only be removed from on the cluster immediately before eating them but may not be removed and prepared before that time.
If a cluster of grapes contains in it some grapes that are spoiled or less fresh than the rest, they may not be removed from the cluster. Only the good grapes may be removed, and even those, only immediately prior to eating.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
If someone who davens Ashkenaz is davening for the Amud in a Sefard Minyon [or vice versa] , what Nusach does he use for his own silent Shmoneh Esrei?
Answer:
This is a very much discussed question amongst the contemporary Poskim.
Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal was of the opinion that he must daven the quiet Shemona esrei the same Nusach as the Tzibbur, as he held that the quiet Shemona Esrei is recited by the Shatz as a preparation for the next Shemona esrei he will be saying out loud, thus it has to be davened in the same nusach. (See Igros Moshe Vol. 2 Siman 29 and Vol. 4 Siman 33)
However, many Poskim do not accept Rav Moshe's reasoning, as they posit that today that we daven from a Siddur, there is no need to prepare, and they pasken that the silent Shemona esre should be davened in whatever Nusach the Shatz personally davens. Only the loud Shemona esrei needs to be in the Nusach of the Tzibbur. (This is the opinion of the Minchas Yitzchok Vol. 6 Siman 31:3, Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach zatzal in Halichos Shlomo Page 68 as well as the opinion of Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita quoted in Shu" t Avnei Yashfe Vol. 1 Siman14:8, as well as many other Poskim including the Shoel U'Meishiv, the Netziv, Ohr L'Tzion, Rav Ovadia Yoseph Shlita etc.)
Also, according to Rav Moshe Zatzal's reasoning, it should be said that at Maariv where there is no Chazaras HaShatz he agrees that the shatz should daven his own personal nusach.
For Halacha L'Ma'aseh please consult your Rav.
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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 ME. THANK YOU AND TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
For years, a rabbi from Israel has been stopping by and asking for money to run his yeshiva and I gave him what was possible, certainly more than I can now.
He called before Shabbos to ask if he could come over on Sunday. He thanked me profusely when I gave him the money and said he would say a prayer for me. I insisted it should be for my friend who was in the hospital with a dangerous infection following knee replacement surgery. He spent a minute belting out a prayer in Hebrew so furiously that I could not understand a single word.
The next morning I went to the hospital and there was a discharge order for my friend as her insurance had run out. It would be impossible to bring her home and I couldn't care for her at home.
I mentioned to a new nurse that I couldn't even get her up the stairs, that we live on the second floor. Her eyes lit up like a firecracker at midnight, "That would be an illegal discharge, I'll take care of this."
That nurse detailed the chart and the discharge order was reversed. This was the first day this nurse had "floated" from the critical care unit to standard patients on the ground floor. She had previously been hired as a discharge planner and knew what the hospital could legally do or not do. Less than one day after giving tzedakah, we had a miracle in the form of a nurse who had never "floated" out of her job in critical care before but was there that one day.
Financial kindness to a rabbi and his students can bring a literal miracle.
1) When cutting open a cantaloupe, honey dew or similar melon, it is permitted to cut it in half, turn over each half of the melon and spill out the seeds and their liquid.
Furthermore, it is permitted to use a spoon to scrape out the remaining seeds and liquid that do not fall out on their own when being turned over, as these seeds are considered like the peel of a fruit which until removed prevent the fruit from being eaten. (See Orchos Shabbos page 170 footnote 115)
2) If the melon is then cut into quarters or eights, as is commonly done to serve as an appetizer at a meal, the outer peel can be separated from the fruit by holding onto the melon with one hand and cutting between the fruit and the outer peel with the other hand, and thus it will considered removing the Ochel from the P'soles.
Obviously, this is only permitted immediately before the meal, as otherwise even Ochel from P'soles is prohibited, as we learned.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
May a woman write a Mezuzah?
Answer:
The Rambam (Hilchos Tefilin 1:13, based on the Gemara in Gittin 45b) rules that a woman may not write a mezuza, and if she does it is Posul.
The Shulchan Aruch does not make any mention of this one way or another regarding mezuza, and only rules this way regarding Tefilin (in Orach Chaim Siman 39:1) and Sefer Torah (in Yoreh Deah Siman 281:3). Some commentaries interpret that to mean that the Shulchan Aruch indeed allowed it. (See Shach to Yoreh Deah ibid. quoting the position of the Derisha)
However, the contemporary Poskim rule that it is best to be stringent and not allow women to write a Mezuza. The Mishna Berura Siman 39:1 also rules that women may not write Mezuzos.
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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 ME. THANK YOU AND TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
"A true tzaddik does not pray only for himself and his own personal needs. A tzaddik always has others on his mind and davens for all of mankind. In fact, he finds no satisfaction when he alone receives blessing, so as a result, when Heaven wishes to bless him, all the people around him are blessed as well.".
Rav Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev Zatzal quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
1) A fruit, such as a peach, prune or apricot, that has in it a large pit is a subject of debate amongst the Poskim as to the permissibility of removing the pit.
The Mishna Berura(Siman 321: 84) rules that while holding and eating the fruit, the pit may be removed, and possibly even for consumption during that meal it would even be permitted ,as removing this pit before consuming the fruit is the normal "way of eating "and thus not considered the "way of separating".
The Chazon Ish (Siman 54:5), however, maintains that it is forbidden to remove this pit, as doing so is removing the "P'soles" from the "Ochel".
Rather, the fruit should be eaten, and when the pit is reached it should be grasped with a hand and then the fruit should be bitten and pulled away from the pit, and thus it will be that the "Ochel" is being removed from the "P'soles" which is permitted immediately prior to eating.
2) The above Halacha applies as well when one is cutting up an apple and wants to remove the seeds; according to the Mishna Berura it would be permissible if being done while holding and eating the fruit and according to the Chazon Ish one would have to eat around the seeds or spit them out after they entered the mouth.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
Why is honey Kosher? If milk from a non kosher animal isn't kosher, why is honey from a bee?
Answer:
Although, technically, honey comes from bees, which are unkosher animals, and thus their "milk" should be unkosher, the Talmud teaches us that honey is indeed Kosher.
The reason is that honey is nectar of a flower that is removed and stored inside a bee, but not considered produced by the bee.
Secondly the Torah specifically permits honey to be eaten, so even if it was indeed produced from within the bee, it would still be permitted.
(See Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah Siman 81:8 and 9 and Aruch HaShulchan Siman 81:7. See also Mishna Berura Siman 158:14)
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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 ME. THANK YOU AND TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
In the holy Zohar
it is written that the Yetzer Hora begins his influence on a person by targeting his clothing, similar to Yosef Hatzadik, who was grabbed by his garment. One must strengthen himself to escape, exactly as Yosef did.
(זהר ח"א ע' ק"צ ע"ב)
This applies to men as well as to women.
Every Jewish person is a Tzelem Elokim, formed by Hashem with a piece of G-dliness inside of them.
The clothing that a Jew wears must convey to the world, proudly, "I am a Jew, son/daughter of Hashem! This enhances the Tzelem Elokim and allows that person to become closer to Hashem.
However, if the clothing that are worn , instead, convey to the world that "I am a member of the Yetzer Hara's team", sadly, it will diminish the Tzelem Elokim or even cause it to disappear almost totally, and unfortunately that person will stray further and further from Hashem.
Mashiach is on the way. He is a lot closer than we realize.
Those who fight the pressures of the Yetzer Hara to "fit in" and instead dress as is appropriate for a son/daughter of Hashem will have a much easier time "fitting in" with those who merit going along with Mashiach.
Let's do our part.
Let's clothe our Tzelem Elokim in a fashion that is befitting the G-dliness inside each and every one of us!
Let's dress so that we can merit getting on to those eagles!
Important Numbers
