1)It is a Mitzvah to recite Krias Shema
twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.
By reciting Krias Shema we are fulfilling
the command to "Accept the yoke of Hashem’s kingdom as well as the reality of
his oneness and omnipotence (known in Hebrew as Kabolas Ol Malchis
Shamayim V’Yichudo Yisbarach).
The morning reading of Krias Shema serves
to better our actions throughout the day, while the evening recital serves as a
protection for our actions and thoughts during the night.
2) Krias Shema consists of three Parshiyos
(portions):
a) The first Posuk of "Shema Yisroel" followed by
"V’Ahavta Es Hashem Elokecha" which contains the oneness of Hashem as
well as our love for Him, and our acceptance of his kingdom.
b) "V’Haya Im ShaMoa" which discusses the commandment of
the rest of the Mitzvos, as well as our acceptance of their fulfillment.
c) "VaYomer "which is the portion about Tzitzis and which
discusses the [requirement of the] remembrance of all the
Mitzvos as well as the commandment to remember Hashem’s taking us out of
Egypt (Z’Chiras Yetzias Mitzraim)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) The Rishonim argue as to which of the aforementioned
portions are required biblically. Some maintain that just the first Pasuk of
"Shema Yisroel" is required biblically, while others maintain that the
entire first Parsha is a biblical Mitzvah.
Others say that even the second Parsha is a biblical
requirement.
Regarding the last Parsha, it seems that most agree that it is a
biblical requirement to mention the exodus from Egypt each day, however it does
not necessarily need to be done via this particular Parsha of Krias Shema, as
the obligation can be satisfied with other Pesukim that mention the
exodus (e.g. in Pesukei D’Zimrah we say "Anochi Hashem...HaMaalcha
m’Eretz Mitzraim. See Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman 46:9).However, we are
stringent and require all three Parshiyos to be read each morning and each
evening to satisfy all the opinions.
2) It is extremely important to
concentrate when reciting Kerias Shema and think that you are doing it in order
to satisfy your biblical obligation to recite it (as we maintain that
Mitzvos Tzerichos Kavanah, especially Mitzvos d’Oraysah). Kerias Shema
should be said with fear and trepidation [of Hashem]. It should be said slowly,
and each word should be enunciated clearly and its meaning
understood
Reader's Question:
Is a Katan (minor) allowed to Toivel a Keli (immerse a utensil in
the Mikvah)?
If he did, is it considered a valid
Tevila?
My Answer
The consensus of the Poskim seems
to be that a Koton may indeed Toivel a Keili, and even make a Bracha on the
Tevila (if it is a keli that requires a Bracha).
The problem is, that he isn't believed to tell us he did
so! So as long as a Godol (adult) sees the Tevilah taking place, it is OK if
the Katan did it.
Therefore, if a Katan toveled a Kli that
requires a Bracha, and nobody saw him do so, another Tevilah (without a
Bracha) is required.
If the Koton toveled a Kli that does not require a bracha
(glass, china etc.) some Poskim maintain that in this case he can be
believed (the reasons behind this are too complex a sugya for this
forum). However, if possible it is best to tovel even these Kelim
again (without a Bracha of course)
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 )
Important Numbers
