October 11, 2012
On Sunday, B'Ezras Hashem, we will begin a new topic. For the next few days, I will post a review of some Halachos, taken from the archives.
1) The prohibition of lying applies not only to speaking untruths with the mouth, but also to writing untruths in letters, newspapers, emails, texts, etc.
(See Chofetz Chaim Klal 1 Se'if 18 and Pischei Teshuva Choshen Mishpat Siman 34. If lies are printed and distributed there is an additional sin of being a "Choti U'Machti Es HaRabim, sinning and causing others to sin as well", see Shulchan Aruch and Mishna Berura Orach Chaim Siman 307:16 for more details)
Likewise, lying via a gesture with the hand or eyes is also prohibited. (See Chofetz Chaim Klal 1 Se'if 18 and Sefer Chasidim Siman 1058)
2) Even if the lying is done in jest and/or without malicious intent, it is still prohibited. (See Mesilas Yesharim Perek 11 and Chofetz Chaim in Sfas Tamim Perek 6 and Pele Yoetz, "Sheker". However, if it is evident to everyone that what was said is a joke and isn't true, there may be room for leniency)
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
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:
What's
the reason for us not being able to fold garments (tallis, tablecloth)
on the same creases as they were folded with before, on Shabbos? Also,
does this apply to regular paper napkins or sheets of paper as well?
Answer:
The reason Chazal prohibited folding clothing, table cloths,
napkins etc. was due to it being similar to pressing, which is
prohibited on Shabbos.
That being said, if all the following 5 conditions are present, the clothing may be folded:
1) It will be used again on this Shabbos
2) It is a new garment that was not laundered yet.
3)The garment is white
4)There is no other suitable garment available to wear or use.
5)The folding is done by one person, without help of another, and it needn't be placed on the table in order to fold.
If
any of the above conditions are not present, they may not be folded on
the creases, rather they may only be folded in a less than perfect
manner.
If the garment in question has no visible
folds/creases such as a nylon or plastic table cloth,or certain towels,
it is permitted to fold it in a regular manner, in a perfect way.
(See Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchaso Perek 15: 44 and on for more details)
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they 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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