Today's Halachos are dedicated by a daily reader, C.S., as a zechus for a
Refuah Shelaima for her friend Hadassah bas Leah who is having both her knees replaced Tomorrow. May the surgery go well and may the zechus of all the Torah learning help her have a speedy recovery.
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1)The Bracha of "SheHechiyanu" is not an obligation (Chova) rather it is a voluntary Bracha.(Reshus). (See Mishna Berura 223:7) However, it is extremely praiseworthy to be careful and not treat this Bracha lightly (See Mishna Berura Siman 225:9. see also Shu"t Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 5 Siman 43:5) Indeed Klal Yisroel have accepted upon themselves to recite this Bracha and treat it as an obligatory Bracha, and are very careful to recite it whenever the opportunity arises.(See Aruch HaShulchan 225:1. See also Shu"t Yosef Ometz from the Chida Siman 56 and Kaf HaChaim 225:22. This is similar to Tefilas Maariv which was initially a Reshus, but since Klal Yisroel accepted it upon themselves to do, it now has the status of a Chova) 2) Some Poskim rule that the Bracha of SheHechiyanu is only recited on fruits that one actually has happiness from eating. (Based on the reasoning of the Mishna Berura 223:13. See Shu"t Chasam Sofer Siman 55, Ta'amei HaMinhagim Brachos S"K211 in the footnote. See also Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 4 Siman 25 who rules this way and therefore writes that only on the Shivas Haminim should SheHechiyanu be recited. See also Shu"t Mishne Halachos Vol. 6 Siman 43.) Other Poskim maintain that as long as the fruit is enjoyed, even if it doesn't bring any special happiness, the SheHechiyanu is recited when eating it for the first time that season.(Psak of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal, quoted in Sefer V'Alehu Lo Yibol page 123, Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv shlita, quoted in V'Zos Habracha Perek 18, Rav Nisim Karelitz shlita, quoted in Sefer Brachos K'Hilchasan page 102)
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Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Todaywebsite.
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.
What is the source and the reason for people dipping their fingers into the wine after Havdalah and rubbing it on their eyes?
Answer:
The source for putting on the eyes is from Pirkei D'Rav Eliezer (Perek 20) and brought in Shulchan Aruch Siman 296:1 "to wash ones face with the leftover wine to show how much we love Mitzvos".
The purpose is for a segulah for health and Hatzlacha and Parnasah. It is also brought in Seforim to put some inthe pockets and also to wipe some across the forehead.
See also Talmud beginning of Sukkah 38a where the concept of using "leftovers" of a Mitzvah is brought as a segulah to prevent calamities.
See also the commentary of the Mordechai (a Rishon) beginning of tractate Yoma.
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 )
Important Numbers
