1) Some Poskim maintain that the Bracha of HaMapil should be said without "Sheim Umalchus- the name of Hashem". (See Kaf HaChaim Siman 239:7).
However, the prevalent minhag is to indeed say it with "Sheim Umalchus".
2) Rav Moshe Sternbuch Shlita (in Shu"t Teshuvos V'Hanhagos Vol. 1 Siman 198) quotes in the name of Rav Meir Premishlaener Zatzal that women should say the Bracha of Hamapil, as saying it is a Segulah not to have miscarriages.
Thus, even according to those opinions that maintain that women are exempt from the complete Krias Shma Al HaMitah, there is still a good reason for them to say HaMapil. (See the Teshuva of Rav Sternbuch Shlita at length that according to all opinions, women should say the first parsha of Shma,V'Hee Noam, B'Yadcha Afkid Ruchi, and Bracha of HaMapil)
Children, from the age of 6 or 7 should be trained in the recital of Krias Shma Al HaMitah, as doing so will help the child attain Yiras Shomayim- fear of Hashem. (Ben Ish Chai, Halachos parshas Ki SeiTzei Os 22)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
(Reader Submitted Questions of interest (on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topics) and my Answers taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Todaywebsite. For study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be sent to Halacha For Today)
Reader's Question:
Is there a shita (halachic opinion) that holds not to pound the heart during [ Shemona Esrei, during the Bracha of] Selach Lanu?
My Answer:
I did not come across any shitos that said specifically not to do it (besides on days when no Tachnun is said, as we mentioned in the Halachos a while back). However, I have actually observed some Talmidei Chachamim (of Lithuanian Mesorah) who do not do it. Perhaps it was not done in the Yeshivos in Lithuania, but I do not know this for sure.
(If anyone has a Mekor for this , please let me know. thank you.)
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Timely Reminder:
Any wicks/oil that was used in the actual lighting of the Menorah may not be used for any other purposes and as such should preferably be burned (or at least discarded in a respectable manner).
Wicks/oil that was bought for Chanukah but was never used (and is still in the box or jar) may be used for any purpose.
Important Numbers
