1) It is forbidden to [deliberately] think about impure things.
Any "action" that is forbidden to do [in the realm of Tzniyus] may not be thought about and is deemed "Hirhur Ra, impure thought".
(See Ezer Mikodesh Even HaEzer Siman 20. According to some Poskim, however, even actions which are permitted for him to do (e.g. having relations with one's wife), may not be excessively thought about as the Hirhur can lead to sinning. See Shu"t Igros Moshe Even HaEzer Vol.1 Siman 68 and Vol. 4 Siman 66 where he is stringent)
2) [Deliberately] thinking impure thoughts is a biblical transgression of "Lo Sasuru Acharei Levavchem, do not stray after your heart" (Bamidbar 15:39) and "V'Nishmarta Mikal davar Ra, you shall guard yourself from all bad things" (Devarim 23:10), and doing so is grounds for excommunication. (See Talmud Avodah Zarah 20b and Tosefos Dibur Hamaschil Shelo. See also Chochmas Adam Klal 127:2 and Shu"t Radvaz Siman 1535)
Doing anything, even a permissible thing, which will ultimately cause one's mind to have impure thoughts, is forbidden to do.
Moreover, even a Mitzvah should not be done if by doing the Mitzvah it will lead to impure thoughts. (See Sefer Chasidim Siman 393 and Shu"t Chasam Sofer Choshen Mishpat Siman 190)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) If one finds himself having impure thoughts, due to gazing at, remembering or doing something impure, he must do whatever he can to stop the thoughts from continuing.
The best thing to do is to consciously focus and start thinking about something else, as the human mind cannot think about two things simultaneously and the new thoughts will push out the impure ones.
2) On the initial impure thought that falls into a person's mind, he is not liable and does not get any punishment for it, provided that he didn't do anything improper to cause the thought to enter his mind.
Only if one continues to deliberately allow the thoughts to remain without trying to chase them out of his mind is it a punishable sin. (See Peleh Yoetz; "Machshava" and Ezer MiKodesh Even HaEzer Siman 23)
However, one who finds himself thinking impure thoughts should do some soul searching and review his daily habits and routines to determine if the thoughts are a sign from heaven that he has sinned and must improve his ways. (See Sefer Chasidim Siman 177)
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@Gmail.com
Reader's Question:
From what pasuk do the rabbis derive that one is obligated to leave a mezuzah on the door if he sells his home to a fellow Jew?
Answer:
There is no Posuk that teaches us this.
This Halacha is based on the Talmud Bava Metzia 102a and brought in Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah Siman 291:2.
The reason for this is that when a Mezuzah is removed it causes Mazikim (harmful spiritual elements) to occupy the home and thus if the home is being sold or rented to another it is prohibited to cause harm to another Jew. (See Tosefos Bava Metzia 101b Dibur Hamaschil Lo Yitlenah and Meiras Einayim to Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat Siman 314:2)
If the home will be painted and thus the Mezuzos removed anyhow, they need not be replaced and the new tenant needs to purchase new ones. Even if the painting won't take place for a few days, they can be removed as soon as the original owner moves out. (See Shu"t Igros Moshe Yoreh Deah Vol. 4 Siman 44)
If the Mezuzos are particularly expensive or have other sentimental value you may remove them and replace them with other cheaper (but kosher) ones before selling/renting the home or apartment.
Alternatively, the new tenant can be asked to pay the cost of the Mezuzos.
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
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זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
Hashem doesn't hava Blackberry or an iPhone, but He is my favorite contact.
He doesn't have Facebook, but He is my best friend.
He doesn't have Twitter, but I follow Him nonetheless.
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And even though He has a massive communication system, His customer service never puts me on hold!
Important Numbers
