17 Iyar 5772; 32nd Day of the Omer; 18 Days Until Kabolas HaTorah
May 9, 2012
CURRENT TOPIC:
HALACHOS OF ROSH CHODESH
1) Although it's not obligatory, it is praiseworthy, and a Mitzvah to increase the quantity and quality of the food and drink at one's meal on Rosh Chodesh. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 419:1 and Mishna Berura S"K 1)
Some Poskim even give the Seudah of Rosh Chodesh the status of a "Seudas Mitzvah" (Be'er Heitev Siman 419:1 based on Talmud Yerushalmi Maseches Megilah)
2) There is no obligation to wash and eat bread on Rosh Chodesh.
However, scrupulous people are careful to indeed try and eat a bread meal on Rosh Chodesh. (See Sha'ar HaTziyun Siman 419:1 quoting the Ohr Zarua and Pri Chadash that L'Chatchila bread should be eaten. See also Kaf HaChaim Siman 419:2
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
Is it wrong to cut a sandwich (of two slices of bread) in 1/2 or quarters before making hamotzi [as the Halacha requires to make Hamotzi on a Shalem, or on as big a piece as possible]?
Answer:
If possible not to cut before Bracha, that is obviously the best. However, if that is difficult or not practical, if you keep the two halves together so that it seems whole while you make the Bracha, it is OK.
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.
16 Iyar 5772; 31st Day of the Omer; 19 Days Until Kabolas HaTorah
May 8, 2012
CURRENT TOPIC:
HALACHOS OF ROSH CHODESH
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.
Although
the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei
HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes
only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
Is it permitted to speak lashon hara about a non-Jew?
Answer:
There is no
prohibition about speaking Lashon Hara about a goy. However, if by doing
so it can lead to a Chilul Hashem, then it should be avoided.
Also, if by doing so
often it will cause us to become lax in lashon Hara to a Jew, or
otherwise ruin our charachter, it should also be avoided
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We
will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to
help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in
heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
The following article was written by Rabbi Moshe Weinberger, Rav of Congregation Aish Kodesh in Woodmere, New York.
THE REBBE OF PIACEZNA, R' Klonymous Kalman Shapiro, z"ya, was approaching his fortieth birthday: "My
heart pounds from my impending fortieth birthday, my entire body shakes
from my oncoming declining years. Still, I will try to muster all my
strength to commit myself and my life to G-d. Perhaps, perhaps,
something will remain. But to what shall I commit myself? To learn more?
I think that as far as possible, I don't waste any time. To abstain
from physical pleasures? If my own desires are not fooling me, thank
G-d, I am not so attached to them. So what am I missing? Simply to be a
Jew. I see myself as a self-portrait that shows all colors and features
real to life. Just one thing is missing: the soul." (Tzav V'ziruz, To
Heal the Soul, page 45)
I have often reflected upon
these searing words penned by the Aish Kodesh a decade before his holy
body was consumed by the inferno of the Holocaust. The post-Holocaust
generation has come of age. We have prospered financially and
religiously. The self-portrait of our Torah community "shows all colors
and features real to life." Soon, the Siyum HaShas will take place
before an anticipated audience of 90,000 people. Our institutions are
bursting at the seams. We have a formidable array of daily and weekly
publications filled with our own current events and advertisements for
the latest, non-gebrokts, Pesach getaways. Many
neighborhoods take pride in their "minyan factories" where a Maariv can
be caught until the wee hours of the night. We have morning kollels and
evening kollels and gemachs for everything under the sun. "Just one thing is missing: the Soul."
R. Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev once called all the Jews of the city to a massive "asifa" (gathering) in the main shul. A hush fell over the "oilam" (crowd) as the Tzaddik climbed to the top of the bimah and cried out, "Yidden (Jews), don't forget! You must always remember that the Ribbono Shel Olam (G-d)
exists! He really exists!!" The Kedushas Levi was appealing to a shul
filled with strictly observant Jews. Apparently, he felt that despite
all the "colors and features" of Yiddishkeit, something very precious
was slipping away. Real davening cannot be manufactured in a "minyan
factory;" it longs for a soul. True tznius (modesty) is not just a matter of stockings and sleeves. It has a neshama, a soul. Torah learning that does not lead to a meaningful Torah life filled with sincere joy, authentic yiras shomayim and simple human decency, is without a soul. In the seforim hakedoshim (holy books), this intangible ingredient, this soul, is often referred to as "ohr,"
light. A couple might enjoy the security that comes with a marriage in
which mutual responsibilities are taken seriously. But if that is all
the marriage consists of, it is a dark and dismal home they share. When a
relationship is "lichtig" ("lit up"), when it has a neshama, even the "C minor" of everyday life is illuminated by the light that binds them together."...
"This
void is wreaking havoc upon the spiritual integrity of our communities.
Yet, this very same void is itself responsible for a resurgence of
spiritual longing among those who are honest enough to admit that
something is so terribly wrong and broken that something must be done
about it."...
"Yes, never before have as many Jews
had the privilege to learn Torah. Neither a famine nor drought has
befallen us. Our generation is starving for "divrei Hashem" - the clear, deep, penetrating and powerful divrei Hashem.
The
kids "off the derech" or "on the fringe" are not running away from
Yiddishkeit. They have never met it. Rebbe Nachman of Breslov once told
an atheist: "I also don't believe in the God you don't believe in!" Look
into the eyes and hearts of the kids on the streets and in the clubs.
You will see the hunger and thirst for the "divrei Hashem" -
for the truth and nothing but the truth. Rav Kook wrote of the
"chutzpah," the insolence, that Chazal predicted would be rampant before
the arrival of Moshiach. The time has come when many are simply
refusing to settle for merely bits and pieces of the truth. If this
demand is not satisfied, if our schools and homes ignore or misinterpret
this hungry chutzpah as rejection, it will claim countless more
victims."...
"It is easy to blame the Internet for all our problems. It
is much more difficult and painful to consider the possibility that we
have failed to communicate the true inner joy and light of Yiddishkeit
to a generation that is anxious and ready to hear it.
What
is to be done? As the questions is posed: "Are there any proven methods
to inspire observant Jews experiencing a gap in religious enthusiasm?"
The answer, I believe, is a resounding YES! We must pursue two
approaches in meeting this challenge: one experiential and one
educational.
Rav Yosef Ber Soloveitchik zt"l, often
agonized over what he felt was his inability to impart the emotional
world of Yiddishkeit to his students. In a lecture delivered in 1968, he
said, "In the past, this great experience of the
tradition was not handed down from generation to generation through the
medium of words. It was absorbed through osmosis; somehow, through
silence. We used to observe. Today in America, however, and in the
Western world, this is completely lost. The father cannot pass it on to
his son. The father does not possess these emotions, because he never
observed and experienced them. He cannot expect his son to receive
something he himself does not possess. Therefore, it is up to the
Yeshiva and the teacher to open up the emotional world of Judaism to the
student..." In this lecture, Rav Soleveitchik insisted
that the only way to inspire the observant is by having them actually
observe inspired Yiddishkeit in the parents, rabbis, teachers, and
mentors of the generation."...
"Obviously, this is
difficult to implement. How can a rebbe or rabbi transform himself into
such a person? There are no guidelines for this; it is usually a matter
of one's personal charisma. Nevertheless, there must be constant
encouragement in this area. Again, it would be helpful to make use of
the methods commonly used in Jewish outreach: storytelling, music,
shabbatons or other such venues of inspiration. All of these have proven
to be astonishingly effective in the world of kiruv, and the observant
are desperately in need of this warm, exciting brand of experiential
Yiddishkeit.
On the educational
front, our institutions must begin to bring the Infinite into the four
Amos (cubits) of the classroom and of the shul. Rebbeim, morahs, and
rabbonim must be trained to impart the heart and soul of Yiddishkeit in a
lucid and inspiring way. There are many extraordinary mashpiim and mashpios (influential
role models) whose talents have been mostly tapped by the world of
Jewish outreach. We (the "FFB's") must admit that many of our rabbis and
educators are simply unfamiliar or uncomfortable with the language of emunah. There seems to be an expectation that emunah will be miraculously conveyed to baalei batim and
students by means of some mysterious osmosis that is perhaps
complemented by an occasional shabbaton or seminar. But, it ain't
happening.
The thirteen fundamental principles of
faith must become a basic part of the curriculum in all schools and
shuls. G-d must be brought back into our institutions and into our
homes. It makes no difference if one place prefers a Litvishe G-d and
the other a Chassidishe G-d. Open and frank discussions about faith and
doubt must be encouraged - not feared and stymied. To ignore these
critical dimensions of religious growth by claiming that it would
supplant the traditional format of chinuch is, I submit, a
grave error. All the regular Torah learning must surely continue. If
anything, such learning will be energized and uplifted when taught to
individuals who are struggling to get to the bottom of what this whole
undertaking known as Yiddishkeit is about. It would be wonderful if seforim such
as Nesivos Sholom, Bilvavi Mishkan Evneh (Rav Itamar Schwartz) and
those of R' Shimshon Pincus, zt"l, would be adapted as a means of
developing a curriculum to teach emunah, beginning even with young children.
I have often been asked whether it is really possible to teach emunah as a subject. The answer is no. A rabbi, rebbi, teacher, and parent must begin with the belief that emunahis inherent to the Jewish Soul. The child/student/congregant is already a maamin (believer). Rather than actually being taught, faith already lies in the neshama, but must be nurtured and drawn out through Torah, tefilah, and kiyum hamitzvos. There is a great thirst for pnimiyus HaTorah
(the inner light of Torah) that cannot be ignored. It is a healthy sign
of revival that must be used as a tool of inspiration in classrooms and
congregations. We must begin.
I conclude with a
story that my daughter, Suri, shared with me. It is apocryphal, but it
hits the mark. Years ago in London, a poetry recital was taking place in
a large auditorium. The finalists in the competition were given one
last poem to recite - the twenty third Psalm. The obvious winner was a
young gentleman whose rendition of the Psalm was perfect. "The Lord is
my shepherd, I shall not want... He restores my soul... and I will dwell
in the house of the Lord forever." The audience responded with
thunderous applause.
Suddenly, an elderly, Eastern
European Jew called out, "Judges! Would it be alright if I had a chance
to say the Psalm?" The judges were amused and invited him up to the
stage. In his heavy accent, the gentleman made his way through the kapitel (chapter).
A reverent hush fell over the crowd, and many people were moved to
tears. The winner received his prize but followed the old man out to the
street. "Rabbi, you know that you really deserve the prize." "Not at
all," he responded. "I wasn't competing. You did a fine job and it
belongs to you." The young man continued: "But rabbi, perhaps you could
explain to me why it is that when I concluded the Psalm the audience
cheered, but when you concluded many people were crying?" The alter Yid
replied: "The difference between you and me is that I know the
Shepherd."
Hopefully, the recitation of our
Yiddishkeit will soon be accompanied by an honest - if somewhat accented
and imperfect - outpouring of the soul. The Ribbono Shel Olam is waiting for us, and the prize is redemption, waiting right there in His outstretched hand."
15 Iyar 5772; 30th Day of the Omer; 20 Days Until Kabolas HaTorah
May 7, 2012
CURRENT TOPIC:
HALACHOS OF ROSH CHODESH
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
Question:
I read an article and have heard on other occasions that the chofetz chaim says that one who answers yehai shmai rabba aloud and with kavana can annul many bad decrees.
My question is, does this apply to women too or do Tznius considerations override this, calling for women not to answer out loud (whereby they may be heard by the men in shul)?
Answer:
Those arent the Chofetz Chaim's words...they are the words of the Talmud! (Shabbos 119b)
The Gemara says one who answers Amen Yehei Shmay Rabbah with all his strength annuls bad decrees and gets Mechilah for his sins.
According to one opinion in Tosefos "all his strength" means saying it loudly. According to Rasi and the first opinion in Tosefos it means saying it with as much Kavanah as possible (which is more important than simply screaming the words)
Therefore, if a woman answers it loudly where men will be able to hear her, it isn't proper. However, she can, and should, still say it with as much Kavanah as he can! And also as loud as she can say it without any men hear her
CHIZUK CORNER
[1.0579710144927536] Bizback2
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Question:
What specifically is holiness, Kedusha?
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
Kedusha means to be like Hashem. Ata Kadosh, and anything connected with Hashem is Kadosh. What does Kadosh mean? It means perfect, shleimus. All good things are in the Kedushas Hashem.
Therefore when it states Kedoshim Tehiyu, you should be Kedoshim, it means shleimim tehiyu, you should be perfect.
You should have good midos, you should be in control of yourselves; not to yield to any lusts or to any wrong inclinations.
Kedoshim means to be perfect in seichel and perfect in character.
And Hakadosh Baruch Hu since He is the One who is most perfect, therefore He is the One who deserves the name Kadosh.
14 Iyar 5772; Pesach Sheini ;29th Day of the Omer; 21 Days Until Kabolas HaTorah
May 6, 2012
CURRENT TOPIC:
HALACHOS OF ROSH CHODESH
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 as
well as by the Sefer Hachinuch, 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:
If
a person said a brocha over milk and then realized that he was
fleishig, does he say "Baruch Sheim Kevod Malchuso L'Olam Va'aed"?
Answer:
The issue is
that saying a Bracha L'Vatala is a biblical transgression, while eating
milk when fleishig is a rabbinic transgression.
The ideal thing
to do is to eat something parve of the same Bracha which is in front of
you, so as the Bracha wont be L'vatalah, and you also wont need to eat
milchig.
If no other food is around, and it is past an hour from
when you ate fleishig, then take one bite of the milchig item and not
eat any more after that initial bite.(Some Poskim say to take a bite, and then spit it out after you tasted it, but do not swallow it)
if
less than an hour passed since eating fleishig, the milchig item should
not be tasted, rather "Baruch Sheim K'Vod malchuso L'Olam Va'ed" should
be recited, as is done after every bracha L'Vatalah (See Mishna Berura
Siman 206:26 and Biur Halacha Dibur Hamaschil Rak Shelo. See also Shu"t
Be'er Moshe Vol. 4 Siman 24
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We
will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to
help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in
heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
1) 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)
2) The prevalent Minhag is to announce the time of the Molad in hours, minutes and Chalakim, e.g. "The Molad will be on Tuesday morning, 47 minutes and 12 Chalakim (Halachic seconds, each chelek is one 1,080th of an hour, or 3.33 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(s) on which Rosh Chodesh will be. (See Sha'arei Ephraim Sha'ar 10:37)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) 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 Sivan Yihyeh B'Yom HaChamishi U'Vyom Hashishi Habal Aleinu V'Al Kol Yisroel L'Tovah"
2) 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
Question:
How can the rainbow be a bad sign? It was given to Noach as a covenant! Please explain.
Answer:
The rainbow was given to Noach as a sign that Hashem will never destroy the world again...BUT, it will be displayed in the heaven at such a time that Hashem really wants to destroy the world for its sins, yet doesn't do so based on the promise to Noach.
Hence, the Talmud (Chagiga 16a) says that one may not look at a rainbow as it is a bad sign that the world is steeped in sin, and one who gazes at a rainbow transgresses a sin.
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
When Hashem pushes you to the edge, trust Him fully. Either He will catch you or He will teach you how to fly.
11 Iyar 5772;26th Day of the Omer; 24 Days Until Kabolas HaTorah
May 3, 2012
CURRENT TOPIC:
HALACHOS OF ROSH CHODESH
Before Purim we started learning the "Halachos of Rosh Chodesh" and then we abruptly stopped as many readers requested that we instead cover Halachos of Purim and then Pesach and then Sefirah etc.
We will now resume learning the Halachos of Rosh Chodesh. Since we had a long break, we will start from the beginning again and review the few Halachos we already learned and then proceed until the end B'Ezras Hashem.
The Halachos of Rosh Chodesh (first day of a Jewish month), are 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. (This Tefilah was recited daily by Rav after davening, See Talmud Brachos 16b. It isn't clear what the origin of saying this Yehi Ratzon tefilah in conjunction with Birchas Rosh Chodesh 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
Question:
What if a male says a Bracha or Davens and then realizes that they didn't have a Yarmulke on?
Answer:
According to Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal, you must repeat the Bracha or the Tefilah, as davening with an uncovered head is an abomination. (Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 40:14) According to Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal, there is no need to repeat the Tefilah. (Halichos Shlomo on Tefilah Chapter 2:16). For Halacha L'Ma'aseh please consult a Rav
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
In Parshas Metzora, we learn that the purification process of the Metzora involves the shechita of one bird, and the sending away of its counterpart alive. The birds, of course, symbolize inappropriate chattering which was the source of the tzora'as affliction.
HaRav Yerucham Levovitz, Zt'l, asks, however--if the bird symbolizes chattering, why was one bird sent away alive--why were both birds not shechted, in order to symbolize the Metzora's total cessation of needless speech as part of his Teshuva process?
HaRav Yerucham answers that, indeed, much speech needs to be corrected. Sharp, biting and sarcastic remarks, words of hurt and derision, Loshon Hora in all its forms, must all come to a complete halt.
However, this does not mean that one should stop talking completely. Friendly words, words of encouragement, good advice, compliments and even properly worded constructive criticism, all have an important, and, indeed, essential place in an individual's life. We note that before the live bird is sent away, it is dipped in the shechted bird's blood, as if to remind it to always remember to avoid the wrong messages, the inappropriate comments and the wrong expressions. Then, and only then can the positive words take charge.
They are set free upon the open field--to use life to its absolute utmost!
Submitted by a daily reader; taken from www.Hakhel.info
10 Iyar 5772;25th Day of the Omer; 25 Days Until Kabolas HaTorah
May 2, 2012
CURRENT TOPIC:
HALACHOS OF CHODESH IYAR
1) One who cannot be in Meron himself to give out the Chai Rotel drinks can appoint someone in their stead to give it for them, or donate Tzedakah to an organization that will do it in their merit.
Although the original minhag was to give out wine or grape juice, nowadays other drinks, including water and carbonated beverages are given out; the main thing is that it's a Chesed to give drinks to thirsty visitors in the merit of Rashb"i.
2) Large bonfires are lit in Meron [and in communities across the
world] to commemorate the bright light of the hidden Torah (i.e. the Zohar) that Rashb"i revealed and brought down to this world.
Another reason cited for this is to commemorate the ring of fire that encircled Rashb"i and his son Rebbi Elazar as they learned Torah in the cave. (See Ta'amei Haminhagim Page 252 for additional reasons and sources)
The custom is to sing [lively as well as special songs composed in honor of Rashb"i] and dance around the fire.
Additionally, it is customary to light candles near the Tzion [as well as anywhere else there is a fire] in memory of Rashb"i's Yahrtzeit. Lag B'Omer was also the day Rashb"i and his son emerged from their cave. (See Aruch HaShulchan Siman 493:7
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
I [am a woman and]I work for a woman who is not religious. She sometimes asks me to buy her lunch. Must I say no? There are no kosher places to eat close to where I work.
A second related question: She sometimes asks me to go to lunch with her. When we do this, we take the car and drive for about 20 minutes to eat in a kosher establishment. I prefer to work through lunch and leave work early. Must I agree to go to lunch with her since on those occasions she eats a kosher meal?
Answer:
Being that if you would refuse to buy your boss lunch it would jeapordize your job security (I assume), and she would get the lunch regardless through a different means, you probably may buy her the lunch. However, if you are using your own money (or possibly even her money) to purchase Basar B'Chalav that may pose a problem and a Rav should be consulted about the proper course of action.
There is no need for you to accompany her just for the purpose of having her eat Kosher. However, if you feel that by doing so, it will contribute to her eventually becoming frum, it would be good to keep going with her as the reward for facilitating someone's becoming frum is boundless
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Rabbi Feigenbaum
Every child has a gift, some just open their packages earlier than others.
9 Iyar 5772;24th Day of the Omer; 26 Days Until Kabolas HaTorah
May 1, 2012
CURRENT TOPIC:
HALACHOS OF CHODESH IYAR
1) Many people have the custom to travel to the city of Meron in the north of Eretz Yisroel for Lag B' Omer to celebrate this day at the Tzion (gravesite) of Rav Shimon Bar Yochai (Rashb"i).
This is an age-old custom that dates back many centuries, already in the times of the Tanaim. (See Kaf HaChaim Siman 493:26 and Ta'amei Haminhagim page 296 and on for an in depth list of those who used to go to the Kever Rashb"i)
Some are of the opinion that going from three days before and until three days after Lag B'Omer is also an ideal time to visit the Kever. (See Ta'amei Haminhagim page 268 footnote 43)
One who is unable to travel to the Kever can still take part in this Minhag by learning passages in the Zohar or other teachings of Rashb"i. (Ta'amei Haminhagim page 274)
2) There is a unique minhag to give out drinks to visitors in Meron at the Kever of Rashb"i referred to as "Chai Rotel Mashkeh".
"Chai Rotel" refers to an ancient measurement equivalent to approximately 55 liters.
The Bobov Rav, Rav Benzion Halberstam Zatzal writes that giving out this drink is a merit for childless couples to be blessed with children. (Ta'amei Haminhagim page 263-264 in the footnotes
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
Is one allowed to buy and give a present during sefirah?
Answer:
Yes. There is no prohibition to buy and/or give gifts during Sefirah.
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Rabbi Feigenbaum
The following article was written by
Rabbi Yitzchok Feigenbaum , Principal of Tiferes Bais Yaakov High School in Toronto.
Been There, Done That: Why Being Frum Is So Boring
"SO YOUR PARENTS PUSH YOU into the right Bais Yaakov, you go to the right camp and seminary and build your resume. Then your father buys you some cliché to marry, you have a daughter that you push into the right school, camp and seminary and you build her resume so she can marry a cliché. Then we all die." This overview of Yiddishkeit did not come from visibly "at risk" teens. The above summation of life's goals comes from your establishment, "good family, good girl" Bais Yaakov girl. And there are hundreds like her. It is the girl's equivalent of "Rebbe - another day, another daf - till I snag a good shidduch, live off my shver and then get out."
It was in a very insular and protected frum community where I was asked by the senior class, "Doesn't everyone do Yiddishkeit just because everyone else does? No one really knows if it is true - right?" Then there was a lively discussion about goyish music - with the students all well versed in the latest singers. Underneath the (double-starched, designer) white shirts and buttoned up uniforms, we have a generation with too many teens who are disconnected, disenchanted and who firmly believe (as one teen put it) that "the emperor has no clothes."
These young people have no vision; they don't even have any pride in being contributing members of Klal Yisroel. On the whole, we may be successful in ensuring that our teenaged children do nothing terribly bad, but we are failing to inspire them to doing anything terribly good either! Just surf through the social media. Speak with your children's camp counselors, and it will be evident that the pervasiveness of cell phones, Internet, and boy-girl relationships are merely external manifestations of a spiritual malaise more severe than any in our memory.
In truth, Klal Yisroel actually had the exact same situation over 3,000 years ago. Chazal tell us that Bnei Yisroel in Egypt were idol worshippers and on the "49th level" of impurity. Yet we are also told that they did not change their Jewish names, language or dress. Thus, you had a Jew named Moishele, with the "gantze levush" (overt Jewish clothing) singing karaoke in an Egyptian bar on Friday night - in lashon hakodesh! To rephrase that in today's terms, they walked the walk and talked the talk, but they had all but severed their connection with their source. And as a result, they were rotting inside, with no morals and skewed hashkafos (beliefs and perspectives). That is much of today's generation!
To Take it Deeper
Chazal tell us that ain haShechina shoreh ela mitoch simcha - the Divine Presence will not rest on someone unless they are in a state of simcha - joy. And Chazal tell us that ain simcha k'hatoras hasefaikos - there is no greater joy than resolving one's doubts. The greatest doubts we all have are doubts about ourselves. Do I make a difference? Where do I fit in? And, this is especially true for teenagers. Without addressing these issues and resolving these doubts - we can all DO Judaism (walk the walk) but may never connect to the Divine. That is the state we are in today.
Why Today?
Western culture today puts its primary emphasis on external accomplishments and on "the bottom line," downplaying the importance of the process: we think too little of our personal struggles, private milestones and small, yet significant, victories. This attitude has seeped into Torah society.
The outside world is much scarier than ever before. I tell my students all the time that I am in awe of how they handle nisyonos (challenges) that never existed in my days or ever before. However, the Torah community has reacted to this new reality by "circling the wagons," attempting to insulate our children through a patchwork of rules and regulations. In the process, we have lost sight of positive education. With all the focus on form and externals, the content, beauty, and hashkafa of Yiddishkeit is taken for granted.
The elephant in the room - shidduchim. We put form over content here as well, directing our children to do what is best for their shidduch resume rather than what is best for their neshama. As a young lady once told me, "I always thought I would marry someone who liked me. It appears that I am supposed to marry someone who likes my school." This focus, and its inconsistency with our assertion that our foremost concern is avodas Hashem, is not lost on our teenagers, who view the world in black and white and are quick to cry hypocrisy.
A student once exclaimed to me, "I wish I would have been alive during the Holocaust - I could have been a hero and someone would have written a book about me. Now I am just another good girl who does chesed." Everyone wants to move up a step, improve on the past, and feel they have conquered new heights and done something for the greater good. But what is left today? Taliesim will never slip again, no one is forced to work on Shabbos, everything is kosher, and chesed is institutionalized. Where is the next Torah frontier to conquer? The easiest way to get that feeling of growth is to focus on the external - anything you can do I can do stricter, and the school with the most rules wins. Why? Because internal growth is hard to measure and, for societal reasons, frum people are not comfortable talking about "connections to Hashem" and "spiritual growth."
Possible Solutions
Sara Shneirer was quoted as saying that the reason she started Bais Yaakov was: "To make frum girls from frum homes proud and excited about their Yiddishkeit." This must be the goal of our Yeshivos and Bais Yaakovs. We cannot take for granted that just because our children speak and dress Jewishly - just like the "lo shinu es l'shonam etc." in Egypt - that somehow they will magically find Yiddishkeit more pulsating, exciting and satisfying than the outside world (which they all know about). Mechanchim (educators) now understand that the key is to give our talmidim and talmidos (students) a sense of accomplishment, uniqueness and individual self-worth as a contributing member to Klal Yisroel in their own unique way. The question is - how?
Encourage Individualism: We must each appreciate our respective, unique roles in Klal Yisrael, and this must begin with how we are educated. "She (Frau Sara Shneirer) loved her girls and respected their differences. She did not wish to transform the seminary into a melting pot. She instilled behavioral rules . . . but she respected the students' distinctive characteristics and lifestyles." How many of our yeshivos and Bais Yaakovs are perceived this way by their students? Educators and parents must have the confidence to articulate to their students and children that Klal Yisroel is made up of twelve different shevatim (tribes). Each had its own path through the Yam Suf (Red Sea), with its own distinct flag, role, color of stone on the choshen (breastplate of the High Priest), and its own Nasi (leader). If teens see just one path available to them (or if teens sense that any other path, though theoretically open, will disappoint the adults who are important to them) their only alternative will be to opt out. Simply put, if chinuch is experienced by teens as "beds of Sodom" (which had one size - anyone too tall would have their feet amputated and anyone too short would be stretched out to fit), many of them will necessarily emerge crippled.
Validate their Struggles: Rav Dessler, in his essay "Nekudas Habchira," points out that true growth comes only from conquering struggles. As great as Lot's mesirus nefesh (self sacrifice) for hachnosas orchim (welcoming guests) was, such hospitality came naturally to him and was not a zechus (merit) that could save him from the destruction of Sodom. The merit that saved him in Sodom was his struggle to keep Avraham and Sarah's secret (that they were not brother and sister) when he entered Egypt with them, though that information could have earned him favor and riches from Pharaoh. Though not betraying his sister and brother-in-law was hardly an impressive feat when view objectively, it was a monumental challenge for Lot personally, and he was rewarded for overcoming it.
As adults, we must view our avodas Hashem in this manner, and once again it begins with how we are taught while still young. Our children must be made aware, through every means available, that their worth is NOT the package they were handed as a gift from Hashem (last name, intelligence, financial status, appearance, etc.) but rather what they do with those gifts. In our homes and schools, we must emphasize that the stars and leaders are those who conquer their struggles, not those who rest on their laurels and naturally rise to the top by virtue of their gifts.
Embrace Failure: A major cause of our lack of simcha is our inability to cope with life's inevitable failures and shortcomings, and the overall feeling of impotence that follows. We must learn to cope with, and grow from, failure. This learning must begin with youngsters, who also need much more room to exercise their decision-making muscles. No one learns anything without practice. How will they learn to make decisions, and to take responsibility for both successes and failures unless they are encouraged to make such decisions? How will they learn to handle failure if they do not have opportunities to fail and get back up?
Our community must reintroduce the emphasis on sheva yipol tzaddik v'kam (seven times the righteous falls, and gets up) - the tzaddik is not someone who never falls, but rather someone who gets back up. As Rav Hutner, zt"l, explains, it is actually the very falling that creates a tzaddik! One who confides in a friend or Rebbe of a yerida (fall) should be made to feel like a hero! He should be told that the pain this causes him is a sure reflection of a serious connection to the Shechina (presence of G-d) and that he is surely on a good path. This attitude would encourage real internal growth; even without ever having a book written about us, we can each be a true Jewish hero. As a student once told me, "You let us make dumb mistakes without feeling dumb for making them."
Honesty in Chinuch: This demands a change in the culture of our schools and in our entire education system. Schools today are judged by whom they admit (or better - whom they reject) rather than by the type of student they produce. We all smirked when we heard Rav Shteinman, shlit"a's comment that if Avraham Avinu or Rivka Imeinu were applying to school today, no yeshiva or Bais Yaakov would take them. But it is true. Parents need to stop using schools as vehicles to create an image. Principals are forced to betray their educational values for fear of losing their parent body. All this reinforces in our children (who know very well how the system works) that form and externals are key, thus increasing their sense of emptiness.
Principals must be allowed to educate freely without fear of reprisal by parents. School rules must be made for the good of the students, not for the image of the school. Kids smell that. Rules that cannot be enforced should not be introduced, and children should not be required to sign declarations that are known to be false. These practices reinforce the destructive culture of form over content. The structure of hashkafa, mussar and halacha classes should be designed to ensure that our students will be prepared to live with kedusha once they have moved beyond high school. They should know the sources for what we ask them to do, what is d'oraysa, what is minhag, what is a school rule, and what is simply community shtik (i.e., unimportant). They should be taught the reasons and beauty behind what we ask them to do. And if we don't know - we must admit that we don't know.
Encourage Questions: Rav Wolbe, zt"l, (as quoted by his son-in-law at a Torah Umesorah convention) said: "There is no such thing as an apikorsus (heretical) question - there are only apikorsus answers." Students and adults alike throughout our community are finding that there are serious questions that require discussion. Yiddishkeit cannot remain in the "fairytale" state of elementary school, which was based on The Little Midrash Says. They must see the depth and truth - and their thinking must be encouraged and validated. When questions are avoided, the result is not increased commitment. To the contrary - it promotes the assumption that there are no answers, - and THAT is apikorsus.
One Last Concept: In the gemara in Bava Basra, we find that a sale forced upon a seller against his will can sometimes be ruled a valid sale, while a sale imposed on a buyer will never be enforced. The Ketzos HaChoshen explains that this halacha reflects a truth of human nature. A person can adjust to losing something he wanted to keep but something can never become his if he does not want it.
The same is true in Yiddishkeit. Our students and children can adjust to restrictions and can be forced to give things up. But it is impossible to acquire a connection to Hashem if they do not choose it for themselves. There is no means to make Yiddishkeit our own unless we appreciate it on our terms, perceiving its beauty, absorbing its value and developing a personal connection that will define our existence.
One Last Suggestion: Though a broom is crucial to the upkeep of a shul - and without it, davening in the shul would not be appropriate - I have never seen a broom with a silver handle. The Sefer Torah, by contrast, is beautifully adorned with silver and is treated with the utmost kavod. The message is unmistakable - we come to shul to honor the Torah, not the appearance of the building.
Whether we intend them or not, such messages are communicated about the importance to us of the inner experience of ruchniyus in similar ways - by the relative emphasis we place on the various elements of our lives. If we want ruchniyus to have the pride of place it deserves in the lives of our children, we must ensure that these values are noticeably honored and respected above others.
Thus, rebbes and moros must have the availability to stay after class and talk to our children because, thanks to their sufficient salaries, they are not rushing off to other jobs at our children's expense. They should be able to spend time at night calling parents or preparing differentiated worksheets for different students, because Baruch Hashem, we have taken care to provide for their worldly needs. Furthermore, our children should see their rebbes and moros treated as royalty by laymen, boards and parents. Only then will our children believe the words we mouth to them about the beauty of Torah, the value of getting a good chinuch, and of acquiring good midos.
Jean Piaget, the noted educational psychologist, was known for espousing the concept that education means giving students the tools to figure things out on their own. L'havdil, we find a similar concept in the davening. In every shemoneh esrei (and in many other tefilos), we say "Elokeinu vElokei Avoseinu" - in that order, identifying Hashem first as our Elokim and only then as Elokei Avoseinu - that of our forefathers. We recognize our own relationship with Hashem before we say Elokei Avoseinu - a reference to our mesorah. If we want our children to follow in our footsteps, we must give them the space and encouragement to first create their own personal relationship with ruchniyus so they can appreciate their priceless heritage.
Until that happens, don't be surprised if the speech you give your daughter about the length of her skirt, or your son about his quick davening, will only elicit in their minds the observation that "this emperor has no clothes."
Submitted by daily reader, R.L.; from www.klalperspectives.org
8 Iyar 5772;23rd Day of the Omer; 27 Days Until Kabolas HaTorah
April 30, 2012
CURRENT TOPIC:
HALACHOS OF CHODESH IYAR
1) As Lag B'Omer is
considered a joyous day and a Yom Tov, no Tachanun is recited on this
day, nor at Mincha on the preceding day. (Rama Siman 131:6 and 493:2 and Be'er Heitev 493:5 )
2) Many have the custom to give children [toy] bows and arrows on Lag B'Omer.
One of the reasons
cited for this minhag is to commemorate the fact that no rainbow (which
is a sign that Hashem wanted to destroy the world) was ever present in
the sky for the duration of the life of Rav Shimon Bar Yochai, whose
Yahrtzeit is on this day, as his merit protected the entire world. (See Talmud Yeruslami Brachos Perek 9 Mishna 2)
In many Chasidic circles, the Rebbes shoot bows and arrows as well at the lag B'Omer Tish (gathering).
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
Although
the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei
HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes
only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
What does the actual Netila (washing of Netilas Yadayim for bread) do? does it purify the hands to eat the bread or touch it?
Answer:
Yes.
The netilah serves 2 purposes. 1) to purify and sanctify our hands and
bodies for eating Hashem's bread, much as the Kohanim needed to sanctify
themselves before doing the Avodah. We Jews are commanded to be holy,
and this is one application of that requirement. 2) To cleanse
ourselves, as it isnt dignified for a Jew to make a Bracha and eat when
his hands are unclean
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We
will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to
help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in
heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
7 Iyar 5772;22nd Day of the Omer; 28 Days Until Kabolas HaTorah
April 29, 2012
CURRENT TOPIC HALACHOS OF CHODESH IYAR:
1) The prohibition to hold weddings, take haircuts, dance and sing during Sefirah is lifted on Lag B'Omer.
Ideally, the prohibition is lifted only on Lag B'Omer day and not on the eve of Lag B'omer. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 493:2 and Mishna Berura S"K 11. See also Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 120:6)
However, the prevalent custom is to allow weddings to take place already on the eve of Lag B'Omer. (see Kaf HaCahim Siman 493:28, Aruch HaShulchan Siman 493:4 and Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 1 Siman 159)
2) It is customary in many communities to light bonfires on Lag B'Omer eve and to sing and dance around it, in memory of the holy Tana Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, author of the holy Zohar, whose yahrtzeit is on this day.
The prevalent custom, here too, is to allow this singing and dancing on the eve of Lag B'Omer.
Other singing and dancing, according to some Poskim should wait until Lag B'Omer by day, while other Poskim are lenient and allow it all on Lag B'Omer eve. (See Halichos Shlomo; Moadim Vol. 2 page page 362 footnote 23 and Shiurei Halacha from Rav Shmuel Felder Shlita, page 16)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
I am told that the names of the Hebrew months have significance. For instance, Nissan is for the month that is destined to have nissim (miracles) , Iyar is the mnemonic for Ani Hashem Rofecha.My question is: What are the meanings for the remaining ten months?
Answer:
The names of the months, for the most part, are not Hebrew. The Torah doesnt mention them, rather only calls them by their numbers.
The Ramban (Shmos 12:2) discusses the origins of these names and they are babylonian etc
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Chasdei Chasi lkallah email
Rumours are carried by haters, spread by fools, and accepted by idiots.
1) We find in Chazal that Pesach Sheini is referred to as a Chag.
The Midrash (quoted in Yalkut Shimoni Parashas Pinchas Perek 29) states as follows:
"Rebbi Levi says: In every one of the summer months Hashem wanted to establish a Chag for the Jews. In Nisan He gave them Pesach, in Iyar He gave then Pesach Katan..." (See the entire Midrash for more details)
2) Some people have the custom to eat Matzah on Pesach Sheini to commemorate the Korban Pesach that was brought on this day which was eaten with Matzah.
Some people avoid eating roasted meat on the eve of the 15th of Iyar, just as it's prohibited to eat roasted meat on the eve of the 15th of Nisan, while others only avoid roasted lamb which is prepared as the Korban pesach was. (See commentary of the Rashash to Mishna Pesachim 53a and Kaf HaCahim Siman 476:1)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) The thirty third day of the Omer, the 18th of Iyar, is referred to as "Lag B'Omer" and the early sources already treat this day as a special day, as a kind of Yom Tov. (See Sefer HaManhig page 91a and Meiri to Yevamos 62b)
The Tur (Siman 493:3) states that the Talmidim of Rav Akiva stopped dying on Lag B'Omer.
2) However, the Talmud (Yevamos 62b) clearly states that they died from Pesach all the way until Shavuos. If that is so, what then is the significance of the 33rd day of the Omer and why does the Tur write that they stopped dying on that day?
The MaHaril writes, to explain this seeming discrepancy between the Talmud and the words of the Tur, that they died on all the days between Pesach and Shavuos, except on the days that we do not say Tachnun , 7 days of Pesach, 2 days of Rosh Chodesh Iyar, Rosh Chodesh Sivan, the 7 Shabbasos in Sefira, 17 days in all.
Therefore they only died on 32 of the 49 days. As a commemoration of this, we designate the "33rd" day as the day that the dying stopped and we celebrate that day, but not that it totally stopped on Lag B'Omer.
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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.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
Can I use a comb for my Shaitel on Shabbos?
Answer:
Yes, a comb may be used on a Shaitel on Shabbos, since the "hair" you are combing is already detached. However, you should still try and do it in a different manner than during the week, and softly so as not to pull out any of the shaitel hair.
If the comb will "surely" pull out hairs, it is more problematic.
CHIZUK CORNER
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This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
The Talmud...It's ALL in there!
1. Segulah for recovery from illness - go to a doctor [Talmud Berachos 60a, Bava Kamma 46b)
2. Segulah for longevity - lead a healthy lifestyle (Rambam, De'os 4:20)
3. Segulah for marriage - look for a suitable wife (Talmud Kiddushin 2b)
4. Segulah for shalom bayis - love and forebearance (Talmud Sanhedrin 7a, Bava Metzia 59a)
5. Segulah for children - prayer to Hashem (Shmuel I 1)
6. Segulah for yir'as Shamayim - learning (Pirkei Avos 2:5)
7. Segulah for spirituality - learning and mitzvah observance (Talmud Megillah 6b)
8. Segulah for kavanna in prayer - take it seriously (Talmud Berachos 5:1)
9. Segulah for pure faith - don't believe in segulos (Devarim 18:13)
10. Segulah for honest paranasa - learn a profession (Talmud Kiddushin 30a)
11. Segulah to prevent drowning - learn how to swim (ibid.)
4 Iyar 5772;19th Day of the Omer; 31 Days Until Kabolas HaTorah
April 26, 2012
CURRENT TOPIC:
HALACHOS OF CHODESH IYAR
1) The 14th day of the month of Iyar is referred to as "Pesach Sheini, the second pesach" or alternatively as "Pesach Katan, the minor Pesach" (See Mishna Maseches Chalah Perek 4:11)
In the times of the Bais HaMikdash, those individuals who were unable to sacrifice the Korban Pesach in its intended time, on the 14th of Nisan, due to being impure or being away from Yerushalayim, were given a second chance to bring the Korban on this day. (See Bamidbar 9:6-13)
2) Nowadays, when no Korban Pesach is brought, there is a debate amongst the Poskim if this day is considered a Yom Tov and thus no Tachanun recited, or if it does not get a status as a Yom Tov and thus Tachanun is recited.
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim Siman 131) when he lists the days when Tachanun is omitted does not list Pesach Sheni, and the Mishna Berura does not seem to argue and rules like the Pri Megadim (in Mishbetzos Zahav 131:15) that Tachanun is recited. The Chazon Ish Zatzal recited Tachanun on Pesach Sheini.
However, the Shulchan Aruch HaRav (in his Siddur), the Shiyarei Knesses Hagedolah and other Poskim maintained that Tachanun is not recited on Pesach Sheini. (See also Sha'arei Teshuva Siman 131:7)
Every congregation should follow their own custom.
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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.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
If one only has a commercial bottle of water (i.e. a Poland Spring bottle) and no cup, may he halachically wash his hands with the water inside by pouring it directly onto his hands? If so, may he drink the water that remains in the bottle afterwards?
Answer:
Yes, if no cup is available, he may indeed pour directly from the bottle onto his hands. It would be best to do this fast, in a way that the most water possible go over his hands at one time, as it must come out in a stream, and not in small drips.
Yes, you may drink the leftover water
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Man's reward is proportional with the trouble which each mitzvah entails. His punishment is proportional with the ease with which he could have avoided each sin. Even though a person cannot excuse himself entirely for his sins, Hashem takes into account the difficulty of each person's trials.
Rav Dovid Kronglas Zatzal as quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
3 Iyar 5772;18th Day of the Omer; 32 Days Until Kabolas HaTorah
April 25, 2012
Today's Halachos dedicated L'Refuah Shelaima for
Lena Sarah bas Chaya Rochel
B'Soch Sha'ar Cholei Yisroe
r Cholei Yisroel.
CURRENT TOPIC:
HALACHOS OF SEFIRAS HA'OMER
1) It is permitted to move into a newly rented apartment during Sefirah.
Although not halachically prohibited, there are those that refrain from moving into a newly built/bought home that they own, as this leads to excessive Simcha.
However, those who are not stringent with this this have on whom to rely.
2) If some significant items (such as furniture) are moved into the home prior to Sefirah, then according to everyone there is no issue of moving into the home during Sefirah, as the initial Simcha of the new home has passed. (See Shu"t Yechaveh Da'as Vol. 3 Siman 30 and Sefer Hilchos Chag B'Chag, Pesach, page 58 in the name of Maran Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita and Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita)
One who moves into a new home may celebrate a "Chanukas Habayis" during Sefirah.
It is best to speak words of Torah at this celebration to render it a Seudas Mitzvah.
Singing is also allowed at this Seudah, but not music. (Psak of Rav Ovadia Yoseph Shlita)
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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.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
Lag B'Omer. We celebrate it as a day the talmidim of Rabi Akiva stopped dying. What is the mekor (source) for this?
Answer:
The Tur Siman 493:3 states that the Talmidim of Rav Akiva stopped dying on Lag B'Omer.
This is brought in earlier Rishonim as well, such as the Meiri to Yevamos 62b and Sefer HaManhig and others.
Interestingly, the MaHaril writes that they died on all the days between Pesach and Shavuos, except on the days that we do not say Tachnun ,7 days of Pesach, 2 days of Rosh Chodesh Iyar, Rosh Chodesh Sivan, the 7 Shabbasos in Sefira, 17 days in all, therefore they only died on 32 of the 49 days. As a commemoration of this, we designate the "33rd" day as the day that the dying stopped and we celebrate that day, but not that it totally stopped on Lag B'Omer
CHIZUK CORNER
[1.0579710144927536] Bizback2
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
" I am strong because I've been weak; I am fearless because I've been afraid; I am wise because I've been foolish"
2 Iyar 5772;17th Day of the Omer; 33 Days Until Kabolas HaTorah
April 24, 2012
CURRENT TOPIC:
HALACHOS OF SEFIRAS HA'OMER
1) Some people have
the custom not to wear new clothing during Sefirah. This custom has no
real source in Halacha, and most likely developed from a misapplied
comparison to the prohibition of wearing new clothing during the 3 weeks. (See Shu"t Yabia Omer Vol. 3 Siman 26)
If one does indeed
have this custom in his/her family for many generations, they should
abide by it. However, if this isn't the custom in your family, new
clothing may be worn. (See Sefer Bain Pesach L'Shavuos Chapter
16 footnote 1 near the end what he quotes from the Yosef Ometz Siman 845
and 848 to explain why certain communities had this custom, and why it
doesn't apply to everyone)
2) Even those whose
custom it is not to wear new clothing during Sefirah may purchase new
clothing during Sefirah to be worn afterward.
Additionally those
who avoid wearing new clothing only avoid significant articles of
clothing (such as a suit or dress and the like) but not other articles
(such as socks, undergarments, shirts etc.).
Also, dressing children in new clothing is treated more leniently even by those who themselves avoid new clothing. (See Shu"t Vayevarech Dovid Siman 59. See also Leket Yosher page 98 regarding shoes)
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
Although
the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei
HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes
only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Question:
Would
writing the day of the omer be the same problem [of being considered
that you counted already] in cases where saying it is?
Answer:
No, writing it, does not constitute a "counting
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We
will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to
help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in
heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
The expression that the Jews of World War Two "went like sheep to the slaughter," is that true?
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
Why talk about the Jews? Didn't the French in World War Two
go like sheep to the slaughter? The French prepared beforehand a
Maginot Line. Now this line contained all the technology of modern
warfare. There were deep trenches, there were weapons of warfare; they
were trained in defending these installations. When Hitler came, it was
like it didn't exist. He went through it like nobody's business, and the
French just yielded like sheep before the wolf. So the French also went
like sheep to the slaughter.
Not only the Jews; everybody did. It's only because the
world has an attitude of trying to belittle the Jews, so the Jews are
pointed out. What happened to the Polish army? The Polish were big balei
gieva, showoffs. They were proud of their national prowess. When the
time came it was nothing .The Polish army melted away with all the
soldiers and tanks, it melted away, it was nothing. The Jews didn't have
any tanks, they didn't have any soldiers; what do you expect of them?
What could they do? If the Jews would have fought back not one would
have remained. Who remained of the Warsaw ghetto? Nobody! Who said it
was such a smart thing? It's only foolish people, sensationalists, who
talk about the uprising in the Warsaw ghetto. It's as silly as could be.
If they hadn't made the uprising a lot of Jews would have remained.
Jews remained all over the world. Wherever Hitler went,
Jews remained. Of course not enough. But the fact that they fought back
meant it was a death sentence. The chacmei hatorah didn't say fight
back. Because after all, the Germans were not that thorough, a lot of
Jews escaped. But when they started fighting back then the Germans
brought all their tanks and all their flame throwers and they wiped out
all the Jews. So going like sheep is not a foolish tactic. When you have
no alternative the best thing is not to fight. It's a silly thing
that's used by American people. Now I don't wish it on American Jews,
but if they were in the same situation they wouldn't have been a bit
better.
Our forefathers understood this; they didn't fight against
the nations. They sought to placate the nations. And by the way, it was
one of the biggest mistakes, before World War Two when they made a
boycott against Germany and they enraged the Germans. Had they followed
the council of our sages at that time, they would have bribed Hitler's
lieutenant. You know, Hitler's lieutenants were mercenary people, you
could buy them. You could send things to them - secretly. They would
have pocketed a lot of money, but they would let a lot of Jews out. The
story would have been different.
And so, this bravado, this false heroism of fighting back
and being killed like a hero, is not the way chosen by Jews. We believe
it's better to live not like a hero, than to die like a hero.
2nd Day Rosh Chodesh Iyar 5772;16th Day of the Omer; 34 Days Until Kabolas HaTorah
April 23, 2012
CURRENT TOPIC:
HALACHOS OF SEFIRAS HA'OMER
1) There is a discussion amongst the Poskim if the Bracha of "SheHechiyanu V'Kiyimanu LaZman Hazeh", which is recited to mark a happy day, occasion, purchase or event (Click Here for Halachos of Birchas SheHechiyanu), may be recited during Sefirah, or, like during the three weeks (when we mourn the Churban), it is not recited.
The Mishna Berura (Siman 493:2) maintains that if one finds him/herself in a situation that calls for the recital of SheHechiyanu, they may indeed make the Bracha. (Some Poskim deduce from the Mishna Berura's language that he held that one should try not to find him/herself in such a situation, if possible. Other Poskim argue and maintain that it can be recited L'Chatchila, as the mourning of Sefirah is not as stringent as the mourning over the Bais Hamikdash that we do in the 3 weeks before Tisha B'Av.)
2) Although there is no real Halachic source in the Talmud, Shulchan Aruch or in the early Poskim to prohibit the recital of SheHechiyanu, some people do in fact have the custom not to recite it based on kabalistic reasons.
One who indeed has this minhag should continue keeping to it.
As with all questions, a Rav should be consulted for Halacha L'Ma'aseh. (See Sefer Likutei Maharich for further sources about this.)
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 do we only keep 33 [days of mourning] of the 49 days of the Omer? why is one half different than the other?
Answer:
The whole concept of Aveilus in Sefirah is an old minhag. The Minhag began as a partial mourning, and remained so.
According to some, the Talmidim of Rav Akiva stopped dying on Lag B'Omer, thus the mourning stopped and only 33 days of mourning was accepted.
Hence, even those who hold the second half, retained the 33 day minhag as well
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
If you want to get a little glimpse into how vast the universe is and how incomprehensibly huge its Creator is, (and how small we are) click here.
(May take a moment to load; it's worth it)
1st Day Rosh Chodesh Iyar 5772;15th Day of the Omer; 35 Days Until Kabolas HaTorah
April 22, 2012
CURRENT TOPIC:
HALACHOS OF SEFIRAS HA'OMER
1) It is permissible to sing during Sefirah.
However, one should refrain from singing excessively lively songs that may lead to dancing. (Ruling of HaRav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal)
If one is passively
listening to music with no intention to bring him/herself to Simcha
(e.g. while in a doctor's waiting room, in a store or in another public
place where music is playing) it is permitted to remain there, as it
isn't his/her intention to listen to the music.
If one is exercising and needs music for the rhythm, it is permissible, as it isn't being done for Simcha. (Psak of Rav Shmuel Felder Shlita and other Poskim)
2) Listening
to Cantorial recordings (Chazanus) where the musical accompaniment is
only as background, and isn't an integral part of the music, is
permitted.
Likewise,
children's story tapes that have musical background are permitted, even
when there are adults present who will hear it. (See Sefer VaYevarech Dovid Orach Chaim Siman 65)
If music is
necessary to calm and/or control small children (e.g. a musical mobile
for an infant, or even a music tape in the car on long trips) it is
permitted.
However, it should not be played very loud that people outside, who do not know the reason you are playing it, will hear it. (Psak of Rav Shmuel Felder Shlita)
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:
If
we can't be happy during Sefirah and even more so that we can not even
listen to music for fear of bringing about happiness, why then is Yom
Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) not marked?
I have always heard the excuse that
Nissan is to be a happy month and therefore it is inappropriate to
mourn. Having said that then do the halachos regarding dancing and
singing only apply after or on Rosh Chodesh Iyar? That would seem to
follow would it not?
Answer:
First of all, according to many customs, the mourning of Sefirah indeed only begins on or after Rosh Chodesh Iyar.
Secondly,
who says that Yom Hashoah isnt marked? Many people do in fact
commemorate this day as a day of rememberance for the 6,000,000 Kedoshim
that were savagely murdered by Hitler and the Nazis Yemach Shemam
V'Zichram.
Lastly, many Gedolim, including Rav Yitzchok
Hutner, Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitzik and Rav Mordechai Gifter Zichronam
L'Vracha, just to name a few, were of the opinion that Tisha B'Av was
established by the Chachamim to commemorate not only the destruction of
the Bais Hamikdash, but all subsequent Churbanos as well, including the
crusades, the inquisition and the holocaust.
In fact we
have many Kinos on Tisha B'Av that commemorate tragedies other than the
actual Churban Bais Hamikdash, and even some Kinos authored by the Bobov
Rebbe and Rav Shimon Schwab Zichronam L'Vracha which address the
holocaust directly.
They held not to establish other days
of commemoration for each tragedy, as all subsequent tragedies were
extensions of the Churban Bais Hamikdash throughout the ages, as Chazal
teach us that any generation that doesnt merit the rebuilding of the
Bais Hamikdash is considered as if the Bais Hamikdash was once again
destroyed in that generation.
Every congregation, with the consultation of their respective Rabbonim, should decide for themselves which tradition to follow
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they 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.
1) Haircuts and shaving of any hair on the body is prohibited [for men] during Sefirah. (See Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim Siman 493:2)
If one works at a job where not shaving will cause him a monetary loss, it is permitted.
However, if one is simply embarrassed to go unshaven, and is worried that his co-workers will poke fun at him, but he will not incur a monetary loss, the prohibition stands. (Psak of Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal in Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 102 and Choshen Mishpat Vol. 1 Siman 93. See She'Arim Metzuyanim B'Halacha on the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 122:3 for a lengthy discussion with other sources about this)
In a year when Rosh Chodesh Iyar falls out on Shabbos it is permissible to shave on Friday L'Kavod Shabbos and L'Kavod Rosh Chodesh, no matter which half of Sefirah you observe. (See Mishna Berura Siman 493:5)
2) Many Poskim are lenient in regard to women, and maintain that women may indeed shave any of their hair during Sefirah.
However, the prevalent custom is for women to be stringent and not cut the hair [on their head] during Sefirah unless doing so in preparation for immersion in the Mikvah or in cases when the hair is too long and thus not able to be covered properly according to Halacha. (See Shu"t L'Horos Nosson Vol. 2 Siman 32. This is also the opinion of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal and Yblc"t Rav Shmuel Wosner Shlita)
The aforementioned Halacha refers to hair of the head only.
However, women may shave their legs, pluck their eyebrows, and have electrolysis done L'Chatchilah during Sefira. (See Hilchos Bein HaMetzorim from Rav Shimon Eider Zatzal page 4 quoting Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal and Sefer Bein Pesach L'Shavuos page 241 where he quotes Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal regarding the eyebrows and electrolysis that they aren't considered "shaving".)
The prevalent minhag is to not give haircuts to children under Bar/Bas Mitzvah during Sefirah, unless absolutely necessary.
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) It is forbidden to dance during Sefirah, as it will lead to excess Simcha in this period of mourning [over the deaths of the 24,000 disciples of Rabbi Akiva]. (See Mogen Avraham Siman 493:1 and Mishna Berura Siman 493:3)
It is also forbidden to play or listen to musical instruments during Sefirah, as this can lead to dancing. (See Aruch HaShulchan Siman 493:2 and Shu"t Minchas Yitzchok Vol. 1 Siman 111)
2) Though some people are lenient with regard to listening to music that isn't live (such as on a CD or the Jewish radio channel), the majority of Poskim forbid that as well as the end result (i.e. the fact that it will lead to excess Simcha) is the same.
Even those who rely on the lenient ruling should refrain from listening to tapes or CD's that contain very lively dance music.
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 went to bed early last night before counting the omer. I wasn't sure if I would get up later in the night, so I thought to myself that it was day [12] of the omer. I didn't wake up again until the morning, but then I forgot to count properly.
Now it is the next night, am I able to resume counting with a bracha or not?
Answer:
Once the entire day passed without you counting, and it is already the next night, you can no longer count with a bracha. "Thinking" the sefirah does not suffice
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they 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
I am thankful for all the difficult people in my life.
They have shown me who I do not want to be."
27 Nisan 5772;12th Day of the Omer; 38 Days Until Kabolas HaTorah
April 19, 2012
CURRENT TOPIC:
HALACHOS OF SEFIRAS HA'OMER
1) If one is invited to a wedding at a time when they are observing Sefirah, while the one making the wedding observes the "other half" of Sefirah and is thus permitted to make a wedding, he/she may attend the wedding, listen to the music and even participate in the dancing. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 2 Siman 95)
However, taking a haircut or shaving/trimming a beard in honor of the wedding is prohibited unless not doing so will be embarrassing and cause you not to go to the wedding and thus prevent you from performing the Mitzvah of bringing joy to a bride and groom. (ibid.)
2) If during the days that you do not yet observe Sefirah, someone who is observing Sefirah enters your home, car or other area where you are listening to music, it isn't necessary to close the music. However, that person may not deliberately do this in order to listen to the music.
Likewise, it isn't necessary to worry about your neighbors, who may be observing Sefirah now, hearing the music from your home, as long as it's playing at a usual, acceptable level. (This was the Psak of Rav Moshe Feinstein regarding one who is in the year of Aveilus for a parent R"L that his/her family members may play music in the home, and surely that is the Halacha regarding Sefirah. Quoted in Sefer Shiurei Halacha from Rav Shmuel Felder Shlita, Posek in Lakewood, NJ
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 one permitted to take piano lessons during s'firah, where they won't be learning songs, but just theory? Can they press down keys, but not play songs?
Answer:
The Poskim debate whether one may learn how to play a musical instrument during Sefirah. Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal (Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 3 Siman 87) seems to maintain that if one is doing this for Parnasa reasons it would be OK, but if one is doing this for pleasure and thus get Simcha out of it, it is prohibited.
Many contemporary Poskim (She'arim Metzuyanim B'Halacha on Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:2. Rav Shmuel Felder shlita in Kuntres Shiurei Halacha quoting Rav Elyashiv shlita, and others) are lenient in this matter especially if you will lose out by not taking those lessons now.
If just learning theory and making sounds, but not actually playing songs, it would probably be permitted according to everyone, as that is not music.
A Rav should be consulted for Halacha L'Maaseh
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they 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
HaRav Shimshon Dovid Pincus Zatzal
The following is an actual "reply" letter sent by Rav Shimshon Dovid Pincus Zatzal:
I`ve read your letter. Though I do not consider myself qualified to dispense advice, I will, nevertheless, share my impressions of the situation you are in.
It appears to me that you are someone who has struggled mightily in your endeavour to grow in Torah and yiras Shamayim. Despite all your hard work, you`ve reached an impasse. You are realizing that you can`t succeed on your own, that you need help from outside. The reason for this is simple: you yearn to acquire Torah knowledge, to form a passionate connection with it. Though we may never stop trying, there comes a point when we must look outside of ourselves for support.
Therefore, I would like to recommend a name and address of someone you can turn to for assistance.
His name is Hashem Yisborach.
He is capable of everything, for He created everything. I also happen to know that He has a special love for you, and is waiting eagerly for you to approach him.
He is easily accessible, for He is in every place. Even now,as you read this letter, you can turn to Him. He will be available.
I write this because many people associate the opportunity to talk to Hashem with "formal" prayer and spiritual loftiness. Though this is important, it is not, what defines our relationship with Him.
At the very core of our relationship with Hashem is the appreciation that He is not Something but SomeOne. To be thoroughly aware of the simple reality that Hashem is there, real and true, and that it`s easy to form a personal, sincere connection with Him, and to discuss your most basic and mundane needs. To believe that those who do so are never let down.
Others may give you different suggestions, but it`s a shame to waste your time. Go directly to the only One who can truly help you - grasp Him and do not let go. Al titnu dami lo, allow Him no rest, until you`ve attained all that your heart desires.
One who signs with respect for a searching ben Torah, who -unfortunately - knows not where to search.
26 Nisan 5772;11th Day of the Omer; 39 Days Until Kabolas HaTorah
April 18, 2012
CURRENT TOPIC:
HALACHOS OF SEFIRAS HA'OMER
1) During The days of Sefirah, it is customary to exhibit some signs of mourning, as in this time period the 24,000 disciples of the holy Tana Rabbi Akiva perished. (See Talmud Yevamos 62b and Tur and Shulchan Aruch Siman 493)
It is customary not to get married during Sefirah. Getting engaged, though, is permissible.
It is customary not to take haircuts or shave facial hair during Sefirah.
It is customary not to listen to music or dance during Sefirah (We will elaborate on these halachos in more detail B'Ezras Hashem in the coming days)
2) Though the time of the counting of Sefirah is from Pesach until Shavuos, it is customary to only exhibit the aforementioned signs of mourning for 33 of the 49 days.
Some people start from Pesach and cease the mourning on Lag B'Omer, while others only begin exhibiting the signs of mourning from the first day of Rosh Chodesh Iyar until three days before Shavuos (Sh'loshes Yemei HaGbalah) (See Shu"t Chasam Sofer Orach Chaim Siman 142 and Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 1 Siman 159 regarding if nowadays there exists any problems of "Lo TisGodedu" with people who observe different times of Sefirah)
Some Poskim including HaRav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal (Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 1 Siman 159) maintain that in certain instances and with the guidance of a Rav, one may switch his/her "33 days" from year to year if necessary (Hataras Nedarim may be necessary in order to do this), while others are stringent and maintain that one must continually follow the same minhag each year. (See Michtavim U'Ma'amarim from HaRav Elazar Menachem Mann Shach Zatzal Vol. 6 page 71 for the reasoning why changing would not be permitted
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 there a difference in saying "B'omer" or "La'omer" at the end of the nusach of saying the yom of Sefira?
In a sefira calendar that i have it says "La'omer" but on the daily email reminders that i get it says "Ba'omer".
What is the reason for the difference? and does it make a difference which one I say? For example, some nights I say it from the email, and other nights from the calendar, so I've kind of been switching off. Please clarify, thanks
Answer:
There are two different Minhagim. One (L'Omer)is a count down "from" when the Korban Omer was brought while the other (B'Omer) is in reference to how many days "in" Sefirah we are in.
Most Poskim go with L'Omer. However it is only L'Chatchila, as either one is acceptable, and even if it isn't said at all, rather you just said "Today is the 21st day which is three weeks" is Yotzei. See Mishna Berura 489:8.
It would probably be best to say the same Nusach each night. The Nusach that your father (or husband, if your a married woman) says is the one you should follow
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they 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
"The Jewish People are compared to snowflakes. Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, but just look at what they can do when they stick together."
25 Nisan 5772;10th Day of the Omer; 40 Days Until Kabolas HaTorah
April 17, 2012
Today's Halachos are dedicated by a daily reader, in honor of C.M. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Until 120 with health, happiness and closeness to Hashem
.
CURRENT TOPIC:
HALACHOS OF SEFIRAS HA'OMER
1) There are varying opinions amongst the Poskim whether women should/may count the Sefirah with a Bracha.
Women are not obligated in Sefiras HaOmer, as it is a "Mitzvas Asei SheHazman Gerama, a time-bound Mitzvah".
The Mogen Avraham maintains that women have accepted this Mitzvah upon themselves as if it was an "obligation" and thus they must indeed count with a Bracha. (Quoted in Mishna Berura Siman 489:3)
The custom of women in Europe in the time and place of the Chofetz Chaim was not to count Sefirah. (Mishna Berura ibid.)
The Shulchan Shlomo (quoted in Mishna Berura ibid.) maintains that women should count the days, but should not recite the Bracha before the counting. There are two ways to interpret his reasoning:
a) The first interpretation is due to the fact that women will most likely forget to count at least one of the nights and thus are better off not even starting to count with a Bracha (as according to some Rishonim the 49 days are all one unit of Mitzvah.)
b) The second interpretation is that women who forget to count one night will not know that they can no longer count with a Bracha and thus end up reciting Brachos L'Vatalos. (The reason many men don't forget to count Sefirah is that they go to Shul for Ma'ariv. Thus, men who do not regularly attend Shul for Ma'ariv, according to the first interpretation, should probably also not count Sefirah with a Bracha, as they too will surely end up "messing up". A Rav should be consulted for Halacha L'Ma'aseh.)
Nowadays, many women do indeed have the custom to count Sefirah with a Bracha, as today we have Sefirah calendars and other reminders (including many email, and text message reminders) that make it more likely that they will indeed complete the entire 49 day count. (See Aruch HaShulchan Siman 489:4 where he rules that women should count with a Bracha as they do other Mitzvos Asei Shehazman Gerama.)
2) If a woman indeed wants to count, it is important that she at least know the basic meaning of the words being said (i.e. how the days and weeks being said in Hebrew translate into the appropriate day of the counting.) (See Mishna Berura 489:5, Shu"t MaHaril Diskin Kunteres Achron Siman 5 Os 55)
Women who follow the Sephardic traditions do not recite blessings on any Mitzvos Asei SheHazman Gerama, and thus should not recite the Bracha on the counting of Sefirah.
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 person counted sefirah but he did not say the number of weeks (but only the days), can he continue counting with a bracha?
Answer:
The Mishna Berura Siman 489:7 rules that if the weeks were omitted, you may continue to count with a bracha on subsequent nights
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they 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
Important Numbers
