1) If the Bracha of Shma Koleinu was finished and there too "V'Sein Tal U'Matar L'Vracha" was omitted, if the Bracha of "Retzei" was not yet started, "V'Sein Tal U'Matar L'Vracha" can be said right then and there. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 117:5)
2) If one already began "Retzei", as long as one is still in middle of Shemona Esrei (i.e. did not say the second "YihYu L'Ratzon in Elokai Netzor for those who say it twice. See Mishna Berura Siman 117:18), he/she should go back to the beginning of the Bracha of "Bareich Aleinu" and say from there until the end of Shemona Esrei again, and this time remember to say "V'Sein Tal U'Matar L'Vracha". (ibid.)
If one already finished the entire Shemona Esrei, he/she needs to repeat the entire Shemona Esrei from the beginning. (ibid.)
Reader's Question:
Where is the makor (source) in minhagim seforim or even Halacha to give gifts on Chanukah?
I strongly believe it is none other than chukas hagoyim one hundred percent.
Chanukah gelt perhaps has a source, however, this business of giving gifts? Where does that originate from?
I am hoping that perhaps you can change my opinion.
Answer:
The Poskim disucuss this and conclude that it isn't a problem of Chukas HaGoyim, as in all likelihood the Goyim's minhag of giving gifts on their holidays was taken from us and not vice verca. (See Emes L'Yaakov from Rav Yaakov Kamenetskky Zatzal Siman 670 in the footnote.)
The Ponovez Rav, Rav Yosef Shlomo Kahaneman Zatzal said that after the greeks forbade the Jewish children from learning Torah, their parents had to "bribe" them with gifts to get them to learn once again. Giving gifts on Chanukah commemorates that aspect of the Chanukah miracle.
Indeed, children should be told when receiving gifts that it is for this reason and that they are expected to increase their Torah learning because of the gifts. (See Sifsei Chaim from Rav Chaim Friedlander Zatzal; Moadim Vol. 2 page 134)
See also Shu"t Avnei Yashfeh Vol. 1 Siman 129:2 and Sha'arei Halacha U'Minhag Vol. 2 page 283
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal and the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal. May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they both be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal 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.
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THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Whatever happens in the world is for the ultimate good. Frequently we are not able to comprehend how something is for the good since suffering seems so terrible. The situation is analogous to an ill person who does not comprehend how the medication the doctor is giving him is for his good.
Rabbi Zelig Pliskin in his book "Gateway to Happiness"
Important Numbers
