1)Even though one must wash "Negel Vasser" before Selichos (as we learned this past Monday’s email), the hands must be washed again after Alos HaShachar. (As one of the reasons we wash Negel Vasser is because it’s a new day, and we are a new creation [see archives of HilchosTefilah , Halchos for Aug 15] and the new day happens regardless if we are up or sleeping, and regardless if we washed our hands already or not.)
This Halacha applies any time one is up before Alos HaShachar, not just during Selichos.
If Alos HaShachar arrives during Selichos, it isn’t necessary to stop reciting the Selichos to go wash your hands, rather Selichos may be finished, and then the hands should be washed.
It also isn’t prohibited to walk 4 Amos before the second washing nor is it prohibited to touch the eyes, clothing and the rest of the prohibitions that are usually forbidden before Negel Vasser.
2) The Baal Tefilah (one who leads the prayers in Shul) for Selichos, and for all the Tefilos during Yomim Noraim, should have as many of the following qualifications as possible:
a) Be a pious Jew who fears Heaven and who pours his heart out to Hashem from the depths of his heart.
b) Be a father of young children.
c) Be a bearded person.
d) Be at least 30 years of age.
e) Should be married
f) Be a person who is learned in Torah and does good deeds.
g) Be a humble person.
If a person with all (or most) of these qualifications cannot be found, any observant Jew who doesn’t have anything to disqualify him (which we will elaborate on tomorrow) is acceptable, as long as the Tzibbur accepts him as the Baal Tefilah. (However, If someone takes the job without consent from the congregation, it is forbidden to answer Amen to any of his Brachos or Tefilos)
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The following was emailed to me by a new member of the daily email list regarding yesterday’s Halachos, and I felt it worthwhile to share with you:
In Wednesday’s halachas, you could note that the Mishna Brura talking about erev Rosh Hashannah recommends going to kivrei tzaddikim because their graves have the power of making our prayers heard better in Heaven. I’m very impressed with your site, please subscribe me. Kesiva v’chasima tova.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות
- one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come.
(:מגילה כ"ח )
Please visit my website http://www.HalachaForToday.com for archives, links, Questions and Answers,and other features. Halachos are for study purposes only, and should not be relied upon for final Psak. I welcome all questions on any topic, anytime! Help spread the word of Hashem!
Important Numbers
