Sunday
1st Day Rosh Chodesh Adar II, 5771
March 6 , 2011
1)The Megilah of Esther, containing the events that lead up to the miracle of Purim, is read on Purim twice, once on the eve of Purim and once again on Purim morning (This year on Motzaei Shabbos, March 19 and Sunday morning March 20)
Every Jewish male and female must hear the Megilah being read, preferably in Shul.
Children who are old enough to quietly listen to the entire Megilah should also come to Shul to hear the Megilah (Shulchan Aruch Siman 689:6. See Mishna Berura S"K 18 that those who bring very young children to Shul for the express purpose of "banging" by Haman, and by doing so they disturb everyone else during the rest of the Megilah, are not being Mekayem the Mitzvah of Chinuch)
Once the time for the Megilah reading arrives, eating, sleeping or doing any work is prohibited before the Megilah is read, unless one must eat something for health reasons. Learning Torah is permitted before the Megilah is read. (Mogen Avraham Siman 692:7)
2) It is a Mitzvah -for both men and women- to hear the Megilah as part of a large congregation (B'rov Am Hadras Melech), as this way the "Pirsumei Nisa- the spreading of the miracle of Hashem" will be greater. Thus, one [who doesn't belong to any one Shul] should choose the largest Shul in his/her city or neighborhood and hear the Megilah there. (See Mishna Berura Siman 687:7)
However, if one is part of a Shul, and always davens there, there is no need to find a larger Shul. (Chayei Adam quoted in 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 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:
Are there any hakpodos (halachic concerns) about buying something in a pawn shop?
Answer:
If you have reason to believe that the item being purchased is stolen ( the price is too good to be true, the shop in question doesnt have such a good reputation, or if the item being sold shouldn't be in such a shop, e.g. Tefilin, Mezuzos and other holy items) it should not be bought, as doing so may be considered assisting a thief, which is prohibited. (See Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat Siman 356:1)
If you already purchased the item, according to many opinions you may keep it as the sale is valid based on the fact that even if it was stolen goods the owner probably gave up on ever getting it back (a halachic concept referred to as "Yiush"). Additionally, the fact that the it is no longer in the actual thief's posession ( a halachic concept referred to as "Shinui Reshus") (See Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat Siman 353:3)
For halacha L'ma'aseh, of course, a Rav must be consulted.
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, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei Yisroel, we will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO ME. THANK YOU AND TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
There are many challenges when it comes to dressing properly. I recently read this mashal and thought it would help those who are having a hard time choosing the right things to wear. I'm curious to hear what you think about this since it's a very touchy topic and sometimes girls are not given the proper hashkafos and direction about this special mitzvah of tznius.
Did you ever see little kids looking at their parents albums? They'll all be saying the same thing. Oh my! Look at those hairstyles, look at those clothes...That's SO odd! How could you ever wear such styles?
It's all in whose looking at it.
So now, try to picture the celestial judges looking at you in the album. Realize that those short skirts really don't look so cute anymore! The things that are so in style and trendy down here on this world are viewed in a whole different light in the next world!!
Does this change your perspective in any way? Do you think this thought can help you dress properly in the future?
Written and Submitted by daily reader; Taken from her "Inspire Yourself" website.
Important Numbers
