1) It is customary to stand during the recitation of Birchas HaChodesh, especially when proclaiming the name of the upcoming month and the day(s) on which it will begin.
One reason for this is that Birchas HaChodesh is akin to the "Kiddush HaChodesh, the sanctification of the month" that was done each and every month by the Bais Din in Yerushalayim (before our current calendar was put in place in the era following the destruction of the Second Bais HaMikdash around the year 358 CE, when Hillel HaNasi ,to whom this act is attributed by Rav Hai Gaon quoted in Sefer HaIbur by Rav Avraham Ben Chiya Zatzal, sanctified every subsequent month until the arrival of Mashiach) and that was performed while standing. (See Mishna Berura Siman 417:1)
2) It is customary that the Rav of the congregation or another respected member lead the Tzibur in the recitation of Birchas HaChodesh. (Also akin to the original Kiddush HaChodesh which was performed by the Rosh Bais Din. See Sefer Mishmeres Shalom Siman 30:1)
During the recitation of Birchas HaChodesh it is customary for the one leading the prayer to hold the Sefer Torah. (Although this does not necessitate the congregation to stand, it is still respectful to do so any time the Sefer Torah is being held, and thus another reason for standing during this Tefilah. See Sha'ar HaTziyun Siman 146:18)
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:
Under what extend has a child to listen to their parents if they disagree on a Shiduch [a prospective marriage match]?
Answer:
There is no halachic obligation for a son to marry a girl that his parents want, if he doesnt want to, and vice verca. (See Rama Yoreh Deah Siman 240:25)
That being said, it is always best to try and discuss it with them to come to a shared opinion.
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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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זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
In the pamphlet VeNomar Amein, the story is brought about a religious Jew who was placed into one of Stalin Yemach Shemo's Siberian labor camps. One morning, as he awoke, he contemplated for a moment what he was going to say Modeh Ani about. After all, he thought, what type of life was he leading--far off in a distant, forsaken corner of the world, a captive in the ice cold weather of Siberia?
Not only had he been separated from his family, but he was being forced not to observe Shabbos, not to put on Tefillin, and not to keep Kosher. There were no Jews around him either.
What, then, was he thanking Hashem for with the words She'hechezarta Bi Nishmasi Bechemla--for returning his neshama with compassion"? The prisoner then recalled that the concluding words of Modeh Ani are Rabba Emunasecha--abundant is my faith in You [ Note: Others translate it as-- abundant is Hashem's Faithfulness in us].
He thought: "They can take away so much of me physically and spiritually--but they can never take away my Emunah in Hashem. For my Emunah in Hashem itself, it is worthwhile to get up in the morning and meet the day ahead." He had the will to live again and survived the inhumane conditions.
Later, after this Jew was released, he told his Rebbe of his mental debate and his ultimate conclusion on Modeh Ani.
He Rebbe responded: "You should know that you were sent Min HaShomayim to the depths of Siberia in order for you to reach this conclusion and achieve this special relationship with HaKadosh Baruch Hu!"
Hakhel Note: It is reported that Rav Chaim Stein Zatzal, would not be satisfied with reciting Modeh Ani just once, but would be seen repeating it in the morning continuously after he left his home on the way to daven Shacharis in the Yeshiva.
Submitted by daily reader, E.A.C. ; Taken from www.Hakhel.info
Important Numbers
