1) The third of the "Four Parshiyos" is "Parashas Parah [Adumah]", (which can be found in Parashas Chukas, Bamidbar 19:1-22).
This Parsha is read on the Shabbos preceding "Parashas HaChodesh"(This year on Shabbos Parashas VaYakhel-Pikudei) to commemorate the burning of the Parah Adumah [for its purifying ashes] which was performed in the desert prior to Chodesh Nisan, in order to be used to purify the Jews after the Mishkan (tabernacle) was erected so they could be pure for the sacrificing of the Korban Pesach.
According to some Poskim, Parashas Parah is a biblical obligation, and according to these opinions, all the stringencies that are necessary for Parashas Zachor (as we discussed yesterday) apply to Parashas Parah as well. (See Terumas HaDeshen Siman 109 where he quotes the opinion of Tosefos Brachos 13a. See also Aruch HaShulchan Siman 685:7)
Many Poskim, however, maintain that Parashas Parah is a rabbinic obligation (Mogen Avraham Siman 685 and others).
It is not the prevalent custom for women to go to Shul to hear Parshas Parah.
2) The fourth ,and final, of the "Four Parshiyos" is "Parashas HaChodesh" (found in Parshas Bo, Shmos 12:1-20) and is read on the Shabbos immediately before Rosh Chodesh Nisan (Or on Rosh Chodesh itself, as it falls out this year, Parshas VaYikra) , as it contains within it the Mitzvah of Korban Pesach. (See Rashi to Megilah 29a and Aruch Hashulchan Siman 685).
Another reason is that it contains within it the sanctification of Chodesh Nisan as it says "HaChodesh HaZeh Lachem Rosh Chadashim, This month (Nisan) should be for you the first of the cycle of months"
There is a custom is some communities that only a married man is called up for the Maftir of all of the "Four Parshiyos".
Some explain the reason for this so as to ensure that a minor is not called up for this Aliyah, which according to many opinions is prohibited for these obligatory readings [especially Parashas Zachor and Parashas Parah]. (See Sefer Lekach Hakemach HaChadash Siman 137:135 and Mishna Berura Siman 282:23)
For Halacha L'Ma'aseh every community should follow their own accepted custom.
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:
What do the Australians do in regards to 'V'sen Tal Umatar'?
Do they say like the rest of the world or since there seasons are different they switch it around?
Answer:
This is a big question, with no simple answer.
The prevalent ruling is for them to say V'Sein Tal U'matar during the days that it is winter in Eretz Yisroel, even if it's summer for them and vice versa.
However,when it is winter for them, they may add V'sein Tal U'Matar into the Bracha of Shomea Tefilah.
There is an opinion as well that they should say V'sein Bracha year round. Others say that is only the case if rain in the summer would be harmful for them.
Another opinion maintains that in their summer they should say "V'sein Tal U'Matar L'Vracha B'Artzeinu HaKedosha" making it a Tefilah on behalf of the Jews in Eretz Yisroel.
There are quite a few other opinions as well.
See Sefer Ishei Yisroel Perek 23:42 and the footnotes there for all the various opinions.
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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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THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Every day!
Regrets and sorrow fill my heart.
There is so much I meant to do.
I had wanted to live my life another way
But all I said was 'Tomorrow will come soon'
Tomorrow came my way
It came and then it went.
I now yearn for yesterday
But today is all I was sent.
The years have past me by.
And I hardly took a glance.
Looking back I wish I had been different
I wish I took a different stance
Now today is all I've got
And tomorrow the same is true
Every day is a gift
Don't let it pass right through.
Important Numbers
