B'Ezras Hashem, we now begin studying the Halachos of Chodesh Adar and the Yom Tov of Purim
1) The Gemara (Taanis 29a-b) tells us "Mishenichnas Adar Marbim B'Simcha- when the month of Adar arrives we increase our joy" as it says in Megilas Esther (9:22) "V'HaChodesh Asher NehePach M'Yagon L'Simcha...The month (Adar) that was turned from sadness to happiness"
If one has a courtcase with a non Jew, it is good to schedule it for the month of Adar.
2) Our holy sages, the Chazal instituted the reading of 4 special "parshiyos" in (or near) the month of Adar, as a commemoration of 4 special Mitzvos (which we will elaborate on a bit in the next few days)
The first of the "4 Parshiyos" is Parshas Shekalim (which we will iy"H be reading this coming Shabbos, and can be found in the beginning of Parshas Ki3 Sisa Perek 30 Pesukim 11 thru 16). This reading is to commemorate the Mitzvah of "Machtzis Hashekel", the half Shekel coin which every Jew was obligated to give each year to the special fund from which the daily Korban Tomid (sacrificial lambs that were offered in the Bais HaMikdash each morning and evening) was purchased.
Although we do not have a Bais HaMikdash today (an unfortunate fact which will change very shortly iy"H with the arrival of Mashiach), we "perform" this Mitzvah by reading about it in the Torah.
There are some opinions that this reading is a biblical obligation (Elya Rabba Siman 685 in the name of the Rashba to Brachos 13a who maintains that all 4 Parshiyos are biblical obligations). However, most Poskim maintain that it is a rabbinic obligation.
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:
I know that one should do negel vaaser in the morning before doing anything else, but what if one has to use the restroom? He is not allowed to say a bracha while having the urge to go to the bathroom but he also can not go to the bathroom without washing his hands first. What should he do?
My Answer:
I am not sure which specific Bracha you are referring to.
Modeh Ani may be said before washing Negel Vasser.
One should wash Negel Vasser and then use the restroom, and only after washing the hands (again) after using the restroom may the Bracha of Al Netilas Yadayim, Asher Yatzar and the rest of Birchas HaShachar be said.
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
