September 15, 2011 1) When one does fast in conjunction with Teshuva it is important to utilize the fasting properly and not cause the fasting to lead him to further sinning which would defeat the purpose of the fasting altogether.
Thus, one who is fasting and thus is not able to learn properly should not instead waste his time with idle chatting or Chas V'shalom cause others to not learn Torah or speak Lashon Hara etc.; it's better to go to sleep than to spend time idling.
(See Mishna Berura Siman 583:9)
2) Furthermore, if one is agitated due to the fasting and thus becomes irritable over petty things and gets angry at people around him for every little thing, he has defeated the purpose of the fast and is better off not having fasted. (See Sefer Chasidim Siman 617)
Reader's Question:
Someone has a birthday on shabbos Kodesh. Can he receive a present, if the present is not muktzeh? If not please explain why not.
Answer:
Gifts may not be given on Shabbos as it is considered like doing business. This includes birthday gifts, Bar Mitzvah gifts etc.
The exception to this rule is when the gift is for a Mitzvah (e.g. gifting someone a Lulav on Sukkos with which to fulfill the Mitzvah) or if it something necessary for use on Shabbos (e.g. a utensil or a food or drink brought for the hostess that is needed for the meal).
A way to give a gift, if necessary, is to have someone else to pick it up and be Koneh it (assume ownership) for the recipient, and then when it is handed to the recipient on Shabbos he is simply taking something that is already his and no transfer of ownership is taking place on Shabbos.
Alternately, the recipient can take the gift but have in mind not to assume ownership of it at this time and only after Shabbos he can pick it up again and be Koneh it.
See Mishna Berura Siman 306:33 and 34 and Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchasa Siman 29:29
CHIZUK CORNER
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זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
The tongue is compared to an arrow. Unlike a sword that has withdrawn and can be returned to its sheath, an arrow, once shot towards its mark can never be returned.
Rabbi Yankel Taub Shlita quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
Important Numbers
