Today's Halacha is dedicated by a daily reader as a merit that A. bas M. should Be Chozer B'Teshuva Shelaima and once again live her life according to the will of Hashem.
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1) One whose "hands on" profession leads to his/her hands regularly being stained (e.g. construction workers, butchers, painters, artists, Scribes etc.) may wash Netilas Yadayim on the soiled hands, if the cement, grime, ink etc. isn't covering most of the hand, and it isn't something that he/she usually bothers to remove while working.
This is true, even if most other people would be bothered by similar grime, and run to clean it off. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 161:2 and Mishna Berura S"K 11. See also Shu"t Teshuvos V'hanhagos Vol. 2 Siman117)
2) A Chatitzah (separation) only prevents proper washing if it is a tangible stain on top of the hand, such as dried ink, paint, cement etc.
Simply having a small pen mark or similar stain which cannot be lifted off the hand, is not a problem and the hand may be washed. Similarly, wet ink or paint, which will move around as you wash your hands, is not a Chatzitza, as the water is able to reach every part of the hand.( See Mishna Berura 161:14. See also Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 2 Siman 110)
A wound that is healing and develops a scab is not a Chatzitza unless it bothers you and you regularly remove it. (Mishna Berura 161:16)
Noticeable dirt on the fingernails, under the fingernails, or part of a fingernail that is loose and hanging is a Chatitzah and must be removed before washing Netilas Yadayim. If the dirt is insignificant, and not bothersome enough that people usually remove it, it isn't a Chatitza. (See Shulchan Aruch HaRav 161:4 and Kaf HaChaim 161:4)
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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:
Can you please elaborate on the halacha of not cutting down a fruit tree that's in your property, and what the reasons are for it, as well as the what consequences chas V'Shalom would take place if one did indeed do it?
My Answer:
Well, it is a biblical prohibition of "Lo Tashchis" (Parshas Shoftim Perek 20 Pasuk 19) to cut down any fruit tree,regardless if you own it, a non jew owns it or even if nobody owns it.
It is permitted to prune the branches of a fruit tree to enhance its growth. It is also permissible to trim a few branches if they are on top of a Sukkah or for any other Mitzvah purpose.
As far as the consequences, the Gemara does indeed bring various stories where ill befell people who were not careful with the cutting down of fruit trees. ( See Bava kama 91b, Bava Basra 26a, Succah 29a for a few examples)
There are certain exceptions when it would be permissible to cut them down or to transplant them elsewhere, but even then it would be best to have a non Jew do it. It is adviseble to seek the guidance of a Rav before relying on any leniencies in this matter.
(See also Shu"t Chasam Sofer Yoreh Deah Siman 101 and Shulchan Aruch HaRav, Shmiras HaGuf V'Hanefesh 15 and 16 for more about this)
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 )
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