Current Topic:
Review of Halachos of Elul & Yamim Nora'im
1) Those who fast on Erev Rosh Hashanah, should not do so for the entire day, as it isn't good to enter Yom Tov hungry, rather this fasting is only necessary until after davening Mincha (and saying the prayer of Aneinu) or until Chatzos. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 562:2)
Nowadays, when the general public is a lot weaker [physically and spiritually] than they used to be, fasting on Erev Rosh Hashana is not prevalent. Many have a Minhag to partake in a Seudas Mitzvah such as a bris, Pidyon Haben, Siyum Mesecta and the like instead of fasting. (Chayei Adam Klal 138:1)
2)If one indeed decides to fast, it is best to stipulate [verbally or in their mind] that they are doing it "Bli Neder" (without a vow).
If one didn't make this stipulation, and had in mind to do this from now on every year, or if one in fact did this for three consecutive years, Hataras Nedarim (unbinding of pledges) would be necessary to be able to stop fasting on this day. (Aruch HaShulchan Siman 581:10)
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
Question:
Which Bracha do you recite on granola bars? And on Hearts of Palm?
Answer:
Granola bars which aren't cooked or baked (as many on the market today are) are Ha'adama as they are raw oats.
The problem is what Bracha Achrona to make, as there are opinions in the Rishonim to perhaps make "Al Ha'adama" (a text which we do not find that Chazal instituted) so Al HaMichya or Borei Nefashos may not even exempt it. The Poskim advise for a Yirei Shomayim to eat it only during a meal, or eat less than a Kzayis in Kdei Achilas pras to avoid this major problem, and not need a Bracha Achrona on it. (see Tosefos Brachos 37a Dibur Hamaschil HaKoses. See Shulchan Aruch Siman 208:4 and Mishna Berura there S"K 17. This is also how Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal ruled.)
If the Granola bars are cooked or baked, then the Bracha is Mezonos followed by an Al HaMichya.
Hearts of palm are Ha'Aitz .They are the heart (or fruit) of the Sabal Palmetto, a tall, tough-barked graceful palm tree. (There are opinions that it is Sh'Hakol and opinions that it is H'Adama. I relied upon the Psak of the Star K. For Halacha L'Ma'aseh please consult your Rav.)
CHIZUK CORNER
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May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
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זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Who is the wise man? One who thinks about the consequences of whatever he does (Tamid 32a).
Keep asking yourself,
"what is the goal of my present behavior?"
and
"what are the potential harmful consequences?"
These two questions will enable you to have greater control over your behavior.
Important Numbers
