Erev Shabbos Kodesh Parshas VaYeira
November 14th
16 Cheshvan 5769
Special Double Portion L'Kavod Shabbos Kodesh
Halachos for Erev Shabbos
1) While davening the entire Shemona Esrei [as well as while saying Kedusha until after "HaKeil HaKadosh] (and even by Borchu, according to the Aruch HaShulchan) one must stand with both his feet together in such a way that they look like one foot.
This Halacha applies equally to men and women.
2) If one davened without placing his/her feet together, the Shemona Esrei need not be repeated.
If for whatever reason one cannot place his/her feet totally together, they should still be brought as close together as possible. (Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 5 Siman 38)
Even if one is davening Shemona Esrei sitting down (due to sickness, davening in a car or any other reason), or even laying down, the feet should ideally still be placed together
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) While davening Shemona Esrei, one’s hands should be in the same position they would be in were the person speaking to a human king, dignitary or president. (During Shemona Esrei we are standing "L’fnei HaMelech- in the presence of the King [of Kings]")
This exact position is dependent on each place and time. In the old days the right hand was placed on top of the left hand. Today it is acceptable to be placed gently at one’s side, although some people still have the custom to place the right hand on top of the left hand ( For Kabalistic reasons, the left hand should not be placed on the right hand, according the Darchei Moshe, Shulchan Aruch HaRav and others.)
2) A person’s hands may not be in their pockets, crossed over their chest, or any other disrespectful position during Shemona Esrei (and ideally not at any other part of davening either)
Regarding the halachos of shema: Is it correct that Baruch Shem is not said when one will only be reciting the first paragraph of shema (such as in krias shema Al hamita)? Thank you so much for this wonderful service, I am truly gaining from it!?
My Answer:
Baruch Shem is always said following the first Pasuk of of Shema, regardless if the Parsha of V’Ahavta is being said as well or not.
(Incidentally, V’Ahavta should be said when saying Krias Shema Al HaMitah, even if V’Haya Im Shamoa etc. will not be said. We will iy"h get to Halachos of Krias Shema Al Hamitah in due time)
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות
- one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come.
(:מגילה כ"ח )
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Important Numbers
