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Today's Halachos are sponsored by a daily reader L'zchus Y.Y. Ben P.R. for a Yeshua with Parnassa. May Hashem provide him with the answer to all his prayers.
Double Portion L'Kavod Shabbos Kodesh
Halachos for Erev Shabbos
1) Brachos [with the name of Hashem] that are recorded on a cassette, CD etc. (common with Chazzanus, cantorial recordings) may be listened to and there is no prohibition of causing Hashem's name to be said in vain by playing these recordings.
However, it is best not to play them unless for a good reason (e.g. learning the Nusach of the Tefilah), and they definitely may not be played in an unclean area such as a bathroom or the like. (See Shu"t Mishne Halachos Vol. 5 Siman 158 and Shu"t Be'er Moshe Vol. 4 Siman 91 and Vol. 5 Siman 66 where he is more stringent. See also Shu"t Yabia Omer Vol. 3 Siman 15 and Shu"t Tzitz Eliezer Vol. 13 Siman 1)
2) There is no explicit prohibition to erase such a recording that contains the name of Hashem, but it is best to refrain from doing so as it is not a respectful thing to erase the name of Hashem in any way whatsoever. (ibid. Siman 159. See also Shu"t Igros Moshe Yoreh Deah Vol. 1 Siman 173 and in Vol. 2 Siman 142 and in Vol. 3 Siman 31 where Rav Moshe Zatzal suggests that it be done through a Grama, an indirect action, as otherwise it will seem as if you are erasing the Sheim Hashem) Brachos that are heard on a recording are not real Brachos and thus cannot be used to exempt someone who is required to make that Bracha.
Additionally, one who hears such a recorded Bracha may not answer Amen to it.
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) There is a huge debate in the Poskim whether Brachos that are heard via the telephone or via a microphone [or on the radio] are considered as if you heard the Bracha or if what you are hearing is a digitally reproduced voice that sounds like the person speaking but in reality isn't his/her voice at all.
Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal (in Shu"t Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 2 Siman 108 and in Vol. 4 Siman 126) writes that Brachos heard via a microphone do not suffice. Thus it is best to be close enough to the one making the Bracha to hear his voice directly. (Many Rabbanim at weddings insist on having a Minyan of men close enought to the Chupah to hear the entire Kidushin and Sheva Brachos not via the microphone)
2) Regarding Brachos on the telephone, Rav Moshe Zatzal writes (Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 91) that B'Sha'as Hadchak, in extreme situations, it's acceptable. (See also Shu"t Minchas Yitzchak Vol. 2 Siman 113 and Vol. 3 Siman 38)
However, most Poskim agree that when hearing a Bracha via phone or microphone, Amen may and should be answered. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 91, Halichos Shlomo Perek 22:15 and Shu"t Minchas Elazar Vol. 2 Siman 72)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Todaywebsite.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
When only a bite of bread is taken and a whole meal is eaten, for e.g. meat & vegetables, would you then say borey nefashos instead of birkas hamozone?
Answer:
Yes, if less than a Kzayis of bread is eaten, Birchas haMazon is not recited, only Borei Nefashos on the other food, provided that a Kzayis of food was eaten (which can be calculated in unison with the bread. For example: half a kzayis of bread and Half a Kzayis of meat)
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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
