1) There are differing opinions amongst the Poskim whether women are obligated in saying Hallel on Chanukah.
The accepted Minhag [amongst Ashkenazic women] is that, although they are most probably not obligated as it is a "Mitzvas Asei SheHazman Grama- a Mitzvah that is bound by time", the women do in fact recite Hallel, with a Bracha, on each of the 8 days of Chanukah, as they were also part of the Chanukah miracle. (See Biur Halacha Siman 422:2. See also Moadim U'Zemanim Siman 146)
The Sephardic custom is that women do not recite blessings when they perform any "Mitzvos Asei SheHazman Gerama", therefore women who follow the Sephardic customs should not recite the blessing on the Hallel on Chanukah [or anytime], but are praised if they do recite the Hallel [without a blessing] , and are encouraged to do so. (Shu"t Yabia Omer from HaRav Ovadia Yoseph Shlita, Vol. 6 Siman 46)
2) When davening in a Bais HaAvel (a house where mourners are sitting Shiva) there is a dispute about how to proceed with Hallel.
Some Poskim maintain that Hallel isn't said at all in that house; rather each individual visitor should recite it when they leave the Avel's home.
Others maintain that Hallel should be recited by all those praying there, and just the Avel himself should refrain from joining the minyan in its recitation. Others even allow the Avel to recite Hallel.
The prevalent Minhag is for the Avel [or the Tzibbur] to go to another room as not to say Hallel in the presence of the Avel. (See Pri Chadash Siman 422 and Siman 683.)
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:
May an avel (mourner) for a parent, during sheloshim, sing Ma'oz Tzur and HaNeiros Hallalu after lighting Chanukah candles? If not, should Ma'oz Tzur be said?
Answer:
Yes, as long as no music is present, there is no problem with an Avel singing these Zemiros or any other Zemiros for that matter. He shouldn't dance though.
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.
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זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
The primary purpose of life is for one to overcome his negative character traits. For if one does not work on himself, his life is not worth living.
The Vilna Gaon Zatzal quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
Important Numbers
