Today is the Yahrtzeit of our teacher and master, Moshe Rabeinu, who was Hashem's messenger in giving us the holy Torah. Please learn today's Halachos in his merit.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
1) It is the prevalent Minhag in Klal Yisroel to "bang" or otherwise make a noise whenever the name of "Haman" is read in the Megilah.
This Minhag should not be discontinued, nor ridiculed, as it was not instituted for naught. (Ram"a 690:17). However, the banging should not go on for too long, otherwise the entire reading/listening of the Megilah will become confusing.
Musical instruments or similar loud noisemakers should not be used, rather a simple gragger, banging with the feet or similar gesture of "banging" should be used. (Mishna Berura 690:59. See also Sha'ar HaTzion ibid: 57)
If the Shul that one davens in doesn't comply with the above guidelines, and the entire Megilah reading turns into a "noise fest" with people competing as to who can make the loudest, longest and most disturbing noise, it is better to read the Megilah with a small minyan in your home than to rely on this noisy and confusing Megilah reading.
This is especially true for women, who will be unable to hear the Megilah properly in the women's section with all the tumult taking place. (Based on MaHar"i Algazi in Shalmei Chagiga, quoted in Sefer Hilchos Chag B'Chag. Also the ruling of the Aruch HaShulchan)
2) While the congregation is "banging", the Ba'al Koreh should be quiet, and only continue once the noise has subsided totally, otherwise some in the congregation may miss a few words of the Megilah.
It is a good idea for all the congregants to read the few words after each "Haman" by themselves from a Kosher Megilah [if at all possible] or from a Chumash, to ensure that not even one word of the Megilah is missed. (Mishna Berura 690:60)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Halachos have been sponsored by:
Realize Purim's potential for miracles through 40 days of prayer at the Kotel (Western Wall). Dedicated Torah students will beseech Hashem on your behalf for income, marriage, health, children, and other blessings, everyday from Purim through Pesach. 100's of Success Stories. We hope you are next.
To sponsor a future issue of Halacha For Today for your business or in honor of a loved one or any occasion, please contact me at Halacha For Today
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and my Answers. Taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Today website. For study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to Halacha For Today)
Reader's Question:
I work in a school where the water fountain is right outside the bathroom. The actual toilets are in stalls. The stalls are probably 8 feet away from the fountain but the entrance to the bathroom is not.
Is this a problem considering one is not supposed to say/ think divrie kedusha within 8 feet of such tumah? or am i mistaken which is very possible.
My Answer:
As long as no smell is emanating from the bathroom, you may make a Bracha immediately outside of the bathroom. If there is a smell, you need to be 8 feet away from the smell in order to make any Bracha. In thatcase, you would need to fill a cup of water, and walk away to make the Bracha and drink it.
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
