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SPECIAL DOUBLE PORTION L'KAVOD SHABBOS KODESH
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh
1) One who is able to visit a sick person and does not do so is considered to have spilled innocent blood, as when a sick person receives visitors or otherwise has his physical and emotional needs tended to, his/her body and soul gets invigorated and enlivened, and oftentimes can be the difference between recovery or its alternative (Talmud Nedarim 40a and Rambam Hilchos Avel Perek 14:4. See also Rashi ibid. Dibur Hamaschil K'Ilu and Pirush HaRosh ibid. Dibur Hamaschil SheKibdo)
2) Just as every Jew is obligated, to the best of their ability, to save the life of his/her fellow Jew, so too each Jew is obligated to save their own life. Thus, a sick person must do whatever possible to ensure that he avails him/herself of any available cures, therapies, treatments, medicines etc. that may work to rid themselves of their illness. Doing so is a fulfillment of the Mitzvah of Bikur Cholim. (See Kovetz Igros from the Chazon Ish Vol. 1 letter 138. See also Tzafnas Pa'aneach to Sanhedrin 73a. See also commentary of the Zayis Ra'anan on the Yalkut Shmos 21:19)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh; Rosh Chodesh
1) No Bracha is recited when performing the Mitzvah of Bikur Cholim, One of the reasons for this is that it is not 100% in the hands of the one doing the Mitzvah to be able to fulfill it, as there is always a chance that the sick person will decline being visited, being assisted or otherwise accepting anything from the visitor. (See Shu"t HaRashba Vol. 1 Siman 18)
2) Another reason for no Bracha is because one is always obligated in the fulfillment of Bikur Cholim and there is never a time when a person is exempt from this Mitzvah. (Ohr Zarua Siman 140)
Another reason is because Brachos are only recited on Mitzvos that are unique to the Jewish nation; Mitzvos that non Jews perform at times (i.e. it's common etiquette in every society to perform) cannot have "Asher Kidshanu B'Mitzvosav" recited over them. (See Shu"t Binyamin Zev Siman 169)
Lastly, any Mitzvah which involves someone else who is hurt, harmed or otherwise not well, does not merit reciting a Bracha over. (See Sh'Yarei Kneses Hagedolah Yoreh Deah Siman 335 quoting the Ra'avad)
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Attention Kohanim: The following is updated information from the Vaad HaKohanim relating to flights to Eretz Yisroel--and what Kohaim need to be aware of when flying. For further information you can call: 718-305-4545 or 866-589-1019, or email: info@hakohanim.org.
United States: All El Al flights from Newark are coffin-less, by agreement with the company. El Al flights from Kennedy have a very high percentage of coffins, and the terminal (Terminal 4) should be avoided for two hours prior to an El Al flight to Israel, including arrivals. Information about flight times can be attained from any travel agent. Israir does not take coffins to the best of our knowledge. Flights with stopovers in Europe are OK except Paris and London, on which a coffin might be loaded on the stopover, for details see Paris and London.
Canada: The local Chevra Kadisha can be contacted for information about all coffins flown out of Canada.
France: The number of coffins flown from France is very high, and kohanim should not fly without finding out whether there are coffins on board.
The Vaad urges kohanim to contact them, and stay informed, as information changes from time to time. They have information as to other airports as well. Click here for the Vaad HaKohanim website.
(Info courtesy of www.Hakhel.info )
question
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 Today website.
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.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
Do disposable aluminum pans require Tovelling if they will only be used once?
Answer:
According to many Poskim, including Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal, these pans do not require tevilah even if they will be re-used as they are meant to be disposed of after one use. If, however, a utensil requires tevilah (including if your Rav requires you to tovel these pans) it may not be used even once without tevilah. This is a common misconception that a utensil may be used once without tevilah. it isnt halachically correct.
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rAV sHACH SPEAKING
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam we will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short Machshava, a Chizuk thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
If you have a short machshava that you think would be appropriate to post here, please email to me at halachaForToday@Yahoo.com for consideration.
קוה אל ד', חזק ויאמץ לבך, וקוה אל ד'
Chizuk For Today:
HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal prescribed ten steps to greatness that should be practiced every day.
Saying these over and repeating them helps one get closer to Hashem.
1. Say at least once (in private) "I love You Hashem."
2. Spend thirty seconds thinking about Olam Habba.
3. At least one time during the day, for example during meal times, acknowledge that your actions are L'shem Shamayim.
4. When saying the bracha of "Malbish Arumim" He clothes the naked,' spend thirty seconds the great gift of garments, i.e., pockets, shoelace,etc.
5. Spend one minute thinking over yesterday (cheshbon hanefesh).
6. When reciting the the words, "If I forget you, Yerushalayim....," sit down on the floor in privacy, for one second to think about the loss of Yerushalayim.
7. Do one act of kindness a day that no one, other than Hashem, knows about.
8. Encourge somebody- thereby imitating Hashem, Who lifts up the humble.
9. Once a day, when looking at another person, think, 'I'm seeing a Tzelem Elokim.'
10. Just like Hashem's image shines on us, SMILE at others !!!
Important Numbers
