1) The third of the "Four Parshiyos" is "Parshas Parah [Adumah]", (which can be found in Parshas Chukas, Bamidbar 19:1-22). This Parsha (which will be read this year on Parshas Ki Sisa, March 14 2009) is read on the Shabbos preceding "Parshas HaChodesh" to commemorate the burning of the Parah Adumah [for its purifying ashes] which was performed in the desert prioir to Chodesh Nisan, in order to be used to purify the Jews after the Mishkan (tabernacle) was erected so they could be pure for the sacrificing of the Korban Pesach.
According to some Poskim, Parshas Parah is a biblical obligation, and according to these opinions, all the stringencies that are necessary for Parshas Zachor (as we discussed yesterday) apply to Parshas Parah as well. (See Terumas HaDeshen Siman 109 where he quotes the opinion of Tosefos Brachos 13a. See Aruch HaShulchan Siman 685:7)
Many Poskim, however, maintain that Parshas Parah is a rabbinic obligation (Mogen Avraham Siman 685 and others).
It is not customary for women to go to Shul to hear Parshas Parah.
2) The fourth ,and final, of the "Four Parshiyos" is 'Parshas HaChodesh" (which can be found in Parshas Bo, Shmos 12:1-20) is read on the Shabbos immediately before Rosh Chodesh Nisan (which this year will be on Parshas Vayakhel- Pikudei, March 21 2009) , as it contains within it the Mitzvah of Korban Pesach. (See Rashi to Megilah 29a and Aruch Hashulchan Siman 685). Another reason is that it contains within it the sanctification of Chodesh Nisan as it says "HaChodesh HaZeh Lachem Rosh Chadashim, This month (Nisan) should be for you the first of the cycle of months"
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 was just wondering (because this has been coming up so much) - in reference to Havdala: I learned that women shouldn't be drinking the wine from havdala for various reasons... however, I also believe that I learned that the man/father has to drink enough wine/juice to make a bracha achrona - if every week my father only takes literally a sip, and when I mentioned that it might be better to drink more he asked if I can find out if I can drink it instead (but I remembered the whole idea that women shouldnt drink the wine of havdala) SO: is it better for him to drink just a sip and not make the bracha achrona or better that I drink it and make the bracha achrona?
My Answer:
I did some research into this, and it seems that though the prevelant Minhag is for women not to drink the wine of Havdalah, there were indeed many Gedolim and Poskim in years gone by that did indeed give their wives and daughters to drink from Havdalah, as it is a Kos Shel Bracha.
The best thing would be for him to drink a revi'is of the wine thus he would have to make a "Al HaGefen" and thus you would not have to drink from it and risk the many kabalistic reasons prescribed for women not drinking.
If that is impossible, it is better to have a boy drink the wine.
If that too is not an option, I would consult a Rav for final ruling. This is not a Halachic question, rather more a kabalistic/feelings type of thing, and I cannot advise you L'maaseh.
By the way, if you are ever in a situation where you have nobody to make Havdalah for you, you may make it yourself and then indeed drink the wine.
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
