1) While there are some areas of "Hilchos Tzniyus" which are only in the realm of "Hanhaga Tova, a proper way of acting", there are many areas which are strict biblical prohibitions which carry severe heavenly consequences, as we shall B'Ezras Hashem discuss in the near future. (See Talmud Nidah 13a)
Additionally, lack of adherence to the Halachos of Tzniyus and Kedusha leads one's heart and mind to be "stuffed up" (Timtum HaLev), a serious spiritual blockage which prevents a Jew from being able to make the appropriate decisions, do proper Teshuva and get closer to Hashem, and prevents one from learning Torah and praying properly. (See Talmud Yoma beginning of 39a and Rashi there)
2) The fact that "everyone does it" or other such mantras, or fear of being poked fun at or ridiculed for doing the right thing which often cause people to follow the Yetzer Hara rather than the Shulchan Aruch, is not an acceptable defense. (See Mesilas Yesharim end of Perek 5)
A Jew must make it his/her business to know what is right or wrong according to Halacha and then live their lives in accordance with those guidelines, regardless if others around him are not following the Halacha. (See Mishna Berura Siman 468:23.)
It is better to be called "foolish" by one's peers for an entire lifetime rather than being "evil" in Hashem's eyes for even a moment. (Mishna Maseches Idiyos Perek 5 Mishna 6)
The more pain and difficulty involved in adhering to the will of Hashem, and the more one needs to overcome being ridiculed by others (who are just agents of the Yetzer Hara) and other obstacles, the greater their reward in Olam Haba will be, especially if by doing so they inspire others to emulate them and overcome their own Yetzer Hara (See Mishna Pirkei Avos Perek 5: 23; "L'Fum Tza'arah Agra" and Talmud Maseches Tamid 28a)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are 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:
Does one have the achrayus (responsibility) to "nullify bad dreams"? (Like if someone hears of someone's death in his or her dream). Also, is it a bad siman (omen) to dream of one's own teeth falling out?
Answer:
There is no obligation to nullify bad dreams, but if they are persistent and really bothering you, a Rav should be consulted as to the best course of action.
The Talmud (Brachos 55a) says that untold dreams are like unopened letters and thus have no meaning as long as they aren't told to anyone.
The best thing is to try to ignore them and hope they go away.
Davening and Teshuva are also a good idea when it comes to clearing bad dreams from your head.
The Talmud (Brachos 56a) does discuss dreams regarding teeth falling out , but its best to discuss with a Rav rather than trying self interpretation and making yousrself nervous for no reason.
The Talmud (Brachos 55b) also says that good people have bad dreams and vice versa.
The topic of dreams is a long and complicated one and not possible to cover it all in an email.
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
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.
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THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
10 steps of greatness from the teaching of Rav Avigdor Miller Zatzal.
Every day we should try to do the following:
1)Think about Olam Haba (the world to come) for half a minute or more.
2)Say "I LOVE YOU HASHEM" privately.
3)Do an anonymous act of kindness.
4)Encourage another person.
5)Think about yesterday's actions.
6)Make all your actions L'shem shamayim (for the sake of heaven). Say it once.
7)Look at a face and say "I see Hashem's image"
8)Give someone a full smile
9)Spend 30 seconds in the morning appreciating your clothing and say "Malbish Arumim"
10)Sit briefly on the floor and mourn the Churban Bais Hamikdash.
Important Numbers
