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NEW TOPIC
We will now, B'Ezras Hashem, begin learning a new topic: Hilchos Birchos HaHoda'ah, blessings of thanks to Hashem Yisborach.
1 )The Rambam (Hilchos Brachos Perek 10:26) writes: "...A person shouldgive thanks for the[the good things that happened to him in the] past, and praise [Hashem] as much as his strength allows, and one who abundantly thanks and praises Hashem always, is praiseworthy"
This is an idea that we find in countless Pesukim throughout Tanach, such as in Tehillim Perek 34 where Dovid HaMelech says "Avarcha Es Hashem B'Chol Eis, Tamid TeHilaso B'Fi- I shall bless Hashem at all times; His praise shall be in my mouth always"
Although, one can and should thank and praise Hashem always in his/her own words, there are certain times and situations that require a special Bracha or Tefilah text with which to do so, as per the direction of our holy Chazal. We shall now endeavor to cover as many of these practical situations as we can.
2) A person who was in a dangerous situation (we shall discuss these situations more in detail in the days ahead B'Ezras Hashem), and survived, needs to express his/her thanks to Hashem for being saved by reciting the following Bracha, commonly referred t as "Birchas HaGomel":
Baruch Ata Hashem Elokeinu Melech HaOlam HaGomel L'Chayavim Tovos SheGmalani Kol Tov- Blessed are You Hashem,our G-d,Master of the World who bestows kindness upon the guilty, for bestowing goodness upon me. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 219:1 and 2. See Mishna Berura S"K 4 where he explains the text to mean that Hashem bestows His infinite kindness even upon those who don't deserve it)
This Bracha should L'Chatchilah be recited while standing. (Mishna Berura ibid.)
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 pages 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.
Do you know of any Torah sources that recommend: 1) physical exercise as a way of staying in good health. 2) playing sports as a good way to spend one's time?
Answer:
Excercising, in order to stay healthy is an important part of being a Torah Jew!
The Torah specifically dictates that we guard our health, as it states V'Nishmartem Meod L'Nafshoseichem- You shall Guard your health very much" (Parshas V'Eschanan Chapter 4:15)
Rambam in the 4th chapter of Hilchos Dayos prescribes a whole regimen of healthy eating and excercise, and even guarantees anybody that follows his regimen to a long life, free of sickness!
Regarding ball playing, if it is being done for excercise, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it (as long as it is done in a kosher venue, and without any compromising of halacha)
If it is being done for reasons other than health, then some authorities have dubbed it " a waste of time" (See Kaf HaChaim Siman 308:259)
Of course, on Shabbos and Yom Tov it is prohibited to play ball and/or excercise for various reasons. This applies to children who have reached the age of Chinuch as well. If necessary for health reasons, a Rav must be consulted.
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
