Halacha of the Week: The Mitzvah of Getting Drunk on Purim
Reprinted from Aish Community Thornhill Shul
Purim is described as a Mishteh (wine feast) and the Purim miracle occurred at such wine feasts, there is a rare dispensation from the norm, and an apparent obligation to drink wine. Hopefully, the wine will enable one to experience a sublime, spiritual Purim. Yet, uninhibited drinking may also result in catastrophic consequences. If so, what exactly is the Mitzvah of drinking on Purim?
The Gemara in Megillah (7b) rules that a person is obligated to drink and get intoxicated on Purim until he cannot tell the difference between ‘Cursed is Haman’ and ‘Blessed is Mordechai’. The simple meaning is teaching us that we must get drunk on Purim. Yet, as we will soon see, this assertion is anything but simple.
The very next line in the Gemara tells a fascinating story of Rabba and Rabbi Zeira who got excessively drunk together on Purim. In his drunken stupor, Rabba proceeded to slaughter Rabbi Zeira. When he sobered up and realized what he had done, he davened that Rabbi Zeira be brought back to life. His prayers were answered and Rabbi Zeira rejoined the world of the living. Yet, the next year, Rabbi Zeira refused to join Rabba for his Purim seudah, duly noting that a miracle is not a common occurrence and one may not rely on such miracles.
Although there are different interpretations of this story, with several explaining that it is not to be understood literally,
posit that Rabba did not actually kill Rabbi Zeira, nevertheless, many are bothered by the Gemara’s choice of words. If the ruling is that one must get drunk on Purim, then why is this story, showcasing the drastic consequences of such drinking, featured immediately following? What message is the Gemara trying to impart to us?
A different explanation of the Gemara is that drinking ad d’lo yada bein Arur Haman L’Boruch Mordechai does not actually mean getting stone cold drunk. In fact, most commentaries offer many different rationales as to the Gemara’s intent with this phrase. Some say it means drinking until one can no longer perform the mental acrobatics necessary to be able to add up the Gematria of Arur Haman andBaruch Mordechai (Hint: they both equal 502!). Accordingly, this is a much lesser degree of drunkenness. Others explain it means drinking until one can no longer decide which was a greater miracle: the downfall of Haman or Mordechai’s meteoric rise in prominence. An additional understanding is that one must get inebriated just enough to no longer be able to properly thank Hashem for the many miracles of our salvation Purim time.
It is clear that many authorities felt uncomfortable with the literal interpretation of the Gemara’s teaching to get drunk on Purim, and each one interprets the instruction as such that it does not imply one’s fully getting drunk.
Rav Manoach Hendel of Prague cites many of these explanations to elucidate the Gemara’s intent. Interestingly, what they all have in common is that not a single one of them understands the Gemara to mean actually getting drunk!
Utilizing any of these opinions would mean that one should definitely not be ‘getting plastered’. Rather, one should only drink a bit, somewhat more than he usually would, until he fulfills one of these understandings of the dictum of add’lo yada.
The Rambam offers an alternate approach. He maintains that one must drink until he falls asleep. Meaning, if one drinks and then falls asleep he has fulfilled his Mitzvah of drinking on Purim. When asleep, one certainly cannot distinguish between Arur Haman and Baruch Mordechai!
The Rema when codifying the proper amount to drink on Purim combines both of the latter approaches: drinking somewhat more than one is accustomed to regularly, and then going to sleep.
The Pri Chadash cites several opinions regarding drinking on Purim and concludes that already in his time, several hundred years ago, with society’s decline over the generations, it is proper to only drink a small amount more than usual. This way one will be certain not to transgress any prohibitions.
If this was the case several centuries ago, how much more relevant are the prophetic words today, with teen alcoholism on the rise and not a year going by without hearing horror stories about the tragic results of drinking on Purim?
In the final analysis, whichever opinion one follows, it seems that Hatzolah has it right with their annual Purim
message: ‘Don’t get carried away this Purim
1) One who finds a lost item that belongs jointly to two people (shutfim, partners,) must return it to them, provided that each of them owns at least the value of a Prutah in the item.
2)If, however, one or both of the partners do not own a perutah's worth of the item, there is no obligation to return the item to any of them. (See S'ma Siman 262:5)
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:
Where do we learn out in the Torah that a man must wear a yarmulka (Kippah)?
Answer:
It isn't clearly in the pesukim, it is derived by Chazal (based on pesukim). See Kiddushin 31a, Shabbos 156b and Berachot 60b where we are taught that covering the head brings to fear of heaven, and also glorifies Hashem.
The Shulchan Aruch (Siman 8 ) rules that one may not go 4 Amos without a head covering. The Taz (Orach Chaim Siman 8:3) rules that even sitting in one place should not be done with a bare head.
The Mishna Berura (Siman 2:11, quoting the Shla HaKadosh) even says that a man should sleep with a Yarmulka (Though, this is not M'Ikar HaDin)
Regarding saying Hashem's name or even walking into a shul with a bare head, that is even more stringent (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 91)
Although in biblical times, and even in the times of the Gemara it isn't clear if they did indeed cover their heads, it is a custom that Klal Yisroel has accepted upon themselves, and now has the severity of a halacha, and may not be treated leniently.
See also Q&A #13 Here.
CHIZUK CORNER
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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.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
I received the following email from a daily reader this past Thursday evening and am sharing it with all of you, with his permission:
...I wanted to express my thankfulness for your halachah emails that you've been sending out. Especially since you've been discussing the topic of hashovas aveida.
Usually I read the emails but during the hashovas avaida topic I would just scan the email and not really read it. I did this because I thought that it wasn't l'maaisa (practical).
But I did remember you saying how important it is to do the mitzva and that just ignoring the chaifetz is problematic and that I have to publicize the found object.
Today me and my friend found an expensive cell phone in the snow in Queens, NY, and we guessed that the person probably didn't have "Yiush" and they were probably still looking for it (although I think that even with yiush the halacha wouldn't change here).
Had it not been for the daily emails I probably would've left the phone there not caring (or knowing) that i was obligated to return it. The phone was broken and I figured that I'll just leave it there for someone else to deal with it or maybe that the owner would come back.
But I went out of my way to post a sign where it was found with my number. Sure enough, I got a call from the owner and he identified that it was his (the phone number was on the back so I used that as a siman).
Tomorrow I'YH he's coming to queens to pick it up. I want to just thank you for sending out your emails because without them (especially because it's the current topic) I wouldn't of had the chizuk to make sure to leave a note and do this special mitzva (and B'H He's Jewish too).
1) If one finds a lost item and is told by his father or mother not to return it, he must not obey, and he must indeed fulfill all the Halachos of Hashovas Aveida. (Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat Siman 266:5)
The above is true even if the reason they asked him not to do it is because they want his help at that time. (See S'ma Siman 266 Os 9)
2) However, if he was already in middle of doing something for his parents, and saw a lost object, he is exempt from picking it up, as he is in the midst of a different Mitzvah, Kibud Av V'Eim, and one who is doing a Mitzvah is exempt from doing another Mitzvah at that time (Osek B'Mitzvah Patur Min HaMitzvah). (Taz Siman 266. If he is able to accomplish both Mitzvos, some Poskim rule that he should try and work that out.)
It is a Mitzvah for the father to be mochel, forgo on his honor in order to allow the son to involve himself in Hashovas Aveida; indeed if the father is mochel, the son should busy himself with the lost item. (ibid.)
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:
If a woman came to shul late, is she allowed to catch up on davening during Krias Hatorah or does she have to wait until after?
Answer:
Women are not obligated in Krias haTorah and may continue davening even at the expense of missing it.
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.
How can one discover the kindliness of Hashem's world?
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
Look
at the sun as if you are seeing it for the first time, and also at the
wind, the rain, the clouds, the snow, the air, the trees, the grass,
your limbs, your food, your home and all your utensils, the powers of
your mind, your instincts, the workings of society, your relationships
with your kin and fellowmen. and all the phenomena of heaven and earth
which your eyes see and which your mind knows.
1) If one finds a lost item on Shabbos in an area that has a kosher Eruv, yet he himself is someone who is stringent (machmir) not to carry even within an Eruv, he should determine what he would do if the item was his own.
If he would leave his own item lying there, he needn't carry the found item either. If, however, for his own item he would forgo his stringency and indeed pick it up and carry it home, he is obligated to do so for someone else's lost item as well. (Ruling of HaRav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal based on Shulchan Aruch Chosen Mishpat Siman 263:1)
2) If the lost item is Muktzeh it is forbidden to pick it up on Shabbos, even if it is a lesser category of Muktzeh such as a Kli Shemelachto L'Isur. (See Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim Siman 266:13 and the Mishna Berura and Biur Halacha there. See also Shu"t Minchas Yitzchak Vol. 5 Siman 42 and Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchaso Perek 20 footnote 28)
However, he should kick it with his foot to a secure corner and come back after Shabbos to retrieve it and announce it. (See Mishna Berura Siman 308 S"K 13)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) One who finds a lost object on Chol HaMoed, when non-essential writing is forbidden, may write a notice announcing that he found the item and hang it in Shul or another public place.
The reason for this is that it is possible that the owner will only be in the area for the duration of the Yom Tov and thus will not see a notice that is posted after Yom Tov.
2) Likewise, it is permitted for the owner of the lost object to write a notice on Chol HaMoed, and to hang it, letting people know of his loss so that they may return it to him if found. (See Hashovas Aveida K'Halacha page 107 footnote 13)
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:
Is there a specific time one has to do hafrashas challah? Is it ok if I do it on Wednesday?
Answer:
Hafrashas Challah can be done anytime you bake (and in order to recite a bracha, the correct shiur is required). There are kabalistic sources that say that when a woman takes Challah on Erev Shabbos it atones for the sin of Adam and Chava, but halachically it can be done any time.
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.
When
searching for a wife for his son Yitzchak, Avraham warns his servant
Eliezer not to search among the daughters of the Canaanites who dwell
amongst them. Logically, if the Canaanite woman under consideration was
wicked, of course she would not be a fitting match for Yitzchak. So what
was the reason for Avraham's warning?
Rav
Shimon Schwab Zatzal answers that perhaps Eliezer would find a
Canaanite woman who was especially righteous. Still Avraham says she
will not be suitable. Why?
He
specifies (Breishis 24:3) "do not take a wife for my son from among the
Canaanite daughters amongst whom I dwell." The implication is that the
woman might be righteous, but only because her family dwells in
proximity to Avraham. Yitzchak needed a wife who would be righteous
wherever she was, not just in a good spiritual environment. (Me'ein Beis
HaSho'eivah)
We
find that there is an important lesson here for anyone looking for a
marriage partner. One should try to make sure to find someone whose
values have been internalized and are not based on social pressure
alone.
In
the vicissitudes of life, no one knows in what environment or what
circumstances they may find themselves. Yet they need to be able to
maintain the value system that they have committed to in life.
1) If one finds a lost item on Shabbos, if it is not Muktzeh and is within an area with a kosher Eruv, he should pick it up and announce it [even on Shabbos] and follow all the Halachos of Hashovas Aveidah. (See Mishna Berura Siman 306 S"K 48)
2) If the item has no Siman, and will thus belong to the finder, he may pick it up for himself on Shabbos as well. (See Hagahos Rav Akiva Eiger on the Mogen Avraham Orach Chaim Siman 339:6)
However, he should do so in an inconspicuous way so that nobody will notice that he is acquiring the item (Kinyan) on Shabbos. (Ruling of HaRav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal quoted in Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchaso Perek 29 footnote 83)
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:
In
learning the halachos of a kosher kitchen, I have learnt that eggs
boiled in a milk or meat pot take on that status i.e: eggs boiled in a
meat pot would be considered meaty and can't be eaten on a cheese toast
for example.
I
then was wondering if it is permissible to have, when on vacation for
example, a chef boil three eggs in a non-kosher kitchen -wouldn't the
taste of the non-kosher food make it treif?
Also, is there an issue with Bishul Akum?
Answer:
Yes,
you are correct that the eggs will assume the status of the pot they
were cooked in and indeed eggs cooked in a non kosher pot will become
non kosher. And yes, there is a problem of bishul Akum as well.
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.
B"H, I just heard on a hotline from Rebbetzin Kalminovitch an outstanding dream that a big tzaddik had this year:
HaRav Posek from Boro Park had a dream about the Gedolei Yisroel who were niftar this year.
The Gedolei
Yisroel were by the Beis Dein shel Ma'ala and were begging Hashem
Yisborach to look at how much we have worked on ourselves and how much
we as Klal Yisroel have grown this year. They were saying that - Look
how many Yidden got rid of the tumah in their homes and how much we
really want to be connected to Hashem.
They were
begging and begging the Eibeshter to end this galus and bring Moshiach.
Suddenly a loud voice was heard saying: "Do Bnei Yisroel really want
Hashem's Name to be known and full of kedusha in the world? What about
how people are acting - especially in shul, talking during Kedusha and
not giving kavod to the shul? Do they really want it?" And then they
decided to come up with a conclusion that this year - taf shin ayin
gimmel - is a big eis ratzon and Moshiach is really able to come and
Hashem wants to bring him.
There is just
one more point: Hashem will test us this year in a huge way to see if
we really want Moshiach, if we are doing things for the kavod of
shamayim or for the kavod of ourselves c"v. This year could be the geula
(be'ezras Hashem).
This tzaddik
woke up in a sweat. He was so shaken up and couldn't believe what he had
heard and seen. He was shaking from real fear.
Can
we imagine that this is where we are up to? Moshiach is at the doorstep
and every single Yid has the power to show Hashem: "I just want to do
mitzvos for You to bring kavod to Your Name," and then we will hasten
the geula.
Imagine
the sound of the shofar and YOUR being here to witness this day. It's
beyond imagination that we could be alive to really experience this day.
Rebbetzin
Kalminovitch said that when such a strong rain falls, it is a sign that
Hashem Yisborach wants us to change so that we can be zoche to realize
that the geula is so close. It's in your hands. Wake up and see: "How
can I do a mitzvah and realize that I just want to bring kavod to
Hashem's Name. Let's all take this lesson to heart and realize that we
really need to wake up and shake ourselves back into reality!
1) One who finds a lost object that according to Halacha he is permitted to keep, and it is a valuable item which gladdens his heart, may recite the Bracha of "SheHechiyanu". (See Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim Siman 222:4 and Mishna Berura S"K 6 and Sha'arei Tziyun Os 6)
If the item will bring pleasure to others in his family as well, he should recite "HaTov V'haMeitiv" instead of "SheHechiyanu". (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim Siman 223:5. See also archives of Halachos of SheHechiyanu for more on this concept.)
2) If the item was found during Bein HaMetzarim, it is best to hold off on reciting "SheHechiyanu" until after Tisha B'Av; HaTov V'hameitiv may be recited immediately.
If, however, by pushing off reciting "SheHechiyanu" until after Tish B'Av the joy will wane, many Poskim allow it to be recited immediately. As well, if the item was found on Shabbos, "SheHechiyanu" may be recited even though it's Bein Hametzorim. (See Rama Siman 551:17 and Mishna Berura Siman 551:98 and Sefer Hashovas Aveida K'Halacha page 105 footnote 3 and 4)
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:
I read that the waters at the time of the mabul were scalding hot. How on earth did the fish survive?
Answer:
The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108a) and Midrash Rabbah (Noach, 32:19, according to one opinion) indeed say that the fish (and possibly all the creatures of the sea) survived, as they did not follow the lead of the people and animals of that generation and practice immoral mating practices.
Most probably, the waters were only boiling on the surface and not in the depths of the sea. Another option (as seems from the second opinion in the Midrash is that there was one ocean that was not boiling (The Yam Okeanos, the Atlantic ocean) and all the fish went there to survive.
CHIZUK CORNER
[1.0579710144927536] Bizback2
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.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Everything we do in life is a means to an end, but learning Torah is not a means to an end. Rather, it's the end to all means.
1) Even if one will end up losing time from learning Torah (Bitul Torah) due to being involved with returning a lost object, he is still obligated to do so, as the principal purpose of learning Torah is in order to fulfill its commandments. (Ruling of Maran HaRav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv and HaRav Moshe Feinstein Zichronam L'Vracha, quoted in Hashovas Aveidah K'Halacha page 101 footnote 12)
2) While one is actively involved in the Mitzvah of Hashovas Aveidah he is exempt from Krias Shma and Tefilah, provided he could not make the time to accomplish both. (Not a common occurrence. See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 5 Siman37:7)
question
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 category of mukza is a toilet paper roll under?
Answer:
Why are you assuming that it's muktzah?
True, you may not tear it on Shabbos, but it may be used as it is (untorn) or in emergencies may even be torn (with certain conditions) , so it is indeed not Muktzah at all.
Furthermore, there are other permissible uses for them (such as a doorstop), which would keep them from becoming Muktzah. The same applies to roll of paper towel.
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.
1) One who spots a lost item at a bus stop while waiting for the bus, and dealing with it will cause him to miss the bus and be late for work, is not obligated to pick it up, as the loss of time is considered a loss of money. (Ruling of Maran HaRav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Zatzal quoted in Hashovas Aveidah K'Halacha age 100 footnote 8)
2) However, if he already picked it up, he has already obligated himself and may not put it back down or give it over to someone else to deal with. (as once he picks it up he becomes a Shomer, a watchman, and he is responsible for the item and it is Asur for a Shomer to give it over to another Shomer. Ibid. footnote 9)
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:
May one drink water before Havdalah?
Answer:
Yes. But not before Kiddush. See Shulchan Aruch Siman 299:1 and 271:4
CHIZUK CORNER
[1.0579710144927536] Bizback2
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.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Faith, is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase
1) If due to being busy with picking up and returning a lost item it will cause the finder to arrive late to work and thus cause him to lose part of his [hourly] wages, he is exemt from busying himself with the item in the first place.
2) However, if the hours lost can be made up by staying at work later or otherwise, and thus not cause any loss in wages, he is obligated in all the Halachos of Hashovas Aveidah. (See Hashovas Aveida K'Halacha page 100 footnote 7 )
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:
I've heard that there is a problem with eating the end of a loaf of bread or Challah. Is there any basis to this in Halacha?
Answer:
Many people make this error, thinking it causes forgetfulness (Kashe L'Shikcha), however there is no real Halachic source for this. If one has this minhag in his family he should stick to it, otherwise there is no need to embrace this custom.
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.
What does a hurricane have to do with loshon hora?
The
Ben Ish Chai (in Ben Yehoyada Brachos 59) explains that hurricanes are
created by loshon hora. The following is a short synopsis.
The
connection between hurricanes and the sanctity of speech can be seen in
the pasuk in Amos (4:13) which says "Hashem creates mountains and
storms to teach a person what he has spoken."
The posuk starts with Hashem creating mountains and ends with mentioning the speech of man.
Why?
Hashem
created giant mountains whose sole purpose is to diminish the winds of
His great storms. Without those mountains, chas v'shalom, when
hurricanes strike they would totally destroy allbuildings and houses. Instead Hashem first sends
the winds to strike the mountains, which diminish their great strength,
before "allowing" them to strike places where people live.
But why, asks the Ben Ish Chai, is there a need for such great hurricane winds in the first place?
He answers "Hurricanes are created by the aveira of improper speech, loshon hora."
The
Ben Ish Chai teaches us that after witnessing a great hurricane, every
person should learn great musar from it, to guard themselves from the
sin of improper speech.
Submitted by daily reader, R.S.; taken from the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation
1) One who spots a lost item [belonging to a Jew] is obligated to pick it up and return it, without charging for this action. (Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat Siman 265:1)
In
fact, he must exert his full energy into getting the item back to its
rightful owner, even if the item is worth very little money (as long as
it's worth more than a perutah) (See Shulchan Aruch HaRav Hilchos Metziah U'Pikadon Siman 33)
2)
If the appreciative owner wants to pay the finder for his service, the
finder should tell him that he did it for the Mitzvah and not for any
monetary reward.
If
the owner insists that he still wants to compensate the finder for his
good deed, it is permissible for the finder to accept the reward. (See Shu"t Teshuvos V'Hanhagos Vol. 3 Siman 463)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) There is no obligation to spend money in order to fulfill the obligation of Hashovas Aveidah.
Thus, if one will incur a financial loss by returning a lost item he is exempt from doing so.
(See Shulchan Aruch HaRav ibid. See also Bais Yosef Choshen Mishpat
Siman 426 quoting the Rosh in Sanhedrin 73 and Shu"t Chavos Ya'ir Siman
165)
2) Even if one will have to forgo on a profit, in order to fulfill Hashovas Aveida, he is exempt from doing so. (Shulchan Aruch HaRav ibid.)
However,
if the finder is sure that the owner will compensate him for his
financial loss or loss of profit incurred due to his returning the lost
item, he is indeed obligated to spend the money or forgo the profit in
order to return the item to its rightful owner. (See S'ma Siman 426:1)
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:
Can you use sticky notes (e.g. POST IT® Notes or Flags) on Shabbos as bookmarks if you use it before Shabbos as a bookmark?
Answer:
Some Poskim prohibit using these sticky notes as bookmarks on
Shabbos, regardless if they were used before Shabbos for this purpose or
not.
The reasoning is that although you may plan to
remove it, it is still possible for it to remain there permanently (i.e
at least 30 days).
This is different than the sticky tabs
of a baby diaper, which are only meant to stay closed for a short time
and will then be removed and discarded. (See Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchasa
Perek 15:81 footnote 250. see also "The Shabbos Home" Vol.1 by Rav
Simcha Bunim Cohen Shlita pages 72-74 and in footnote 17.)
According
to these Poskim, If it is mistakenly placed in a book or on another
surface on Shabbos, it is best to remove it right away to ensure that it
doesnt remain there for 24 hours.
There are Poskim who
are lenient and allow these sticky bookmarks to be used regardless if
they will be there for a long time or not, as they rule that "Tofer" and
"Koiraya", sewing and removing stitches applies only to something that
is difficult to apply and remove, and not to these flags which are
easily applied and removed.
In the newly revised edition
of Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchasa he rules that they may be used provided
that a) they are removed from the pack before Shabbos and b) they are
used for a short time. He doesn't define how short a "short time" is
though. (I spoke to a prominent Posek and he said that a "short time" in
this case is less than 24 hours)
Thus, if being used for a
short time on Shabbos , there is room for leniencey. If planning to
leave it there for the entire Shabbos and beyond (i.e. more than 24
hours), it is best to be stringent.
For Halacha L'Ma'aseh a Rav must be consulted.
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.
1) If a minor finds an item and decides to keep it and not give it to his father as he is supposed to, it is treated like any other theft by a minor; if the item still exists we take it from him, if it no longer exists he is not obligated to pay for its value, even when he becomes a Gadol. (See Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat Siman 349:3.)
He should, however, be chastised for this, or any, stealing. (See Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat Siman 349:5. See also Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim Siman 343:1 and Mishna Berura S"K 7 and Sha'ar HaTziyun Os 15)
2) Although the minor is not obligated to return the lost item when he becomes a Gadol, it is still praiseworthy, L'Fnim M'Shuras haDin, to indeed do so. (Mishna Berura Siman 343 S"K 9)
question
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:
What is the source for a woman who is expecting not to look at animals? Does this apply to fish as well?
Answer:
This is something which many people mistakenly attribute to the fact that animals in the zoo are impure (Tamei) and as such will cause the fetus to become impure.
In fact, that is not the reason at all, as pregnant women may go to funerals and cemeteries, which are more impure than zoos (See Shu"t Minchas Yitzchok Vol. 10 Siman 42)
The real source for this is found in the 18th century Kabalistic work "Sefer Habris" (Vol. 1 Ma'amar 17, page 242-243) where he describes how a pregnant woman can see a strange or scary things and become scared, and can end up having her baby with skin deformities resembling the scary/strange thing.
He brings some interesting anecdotes where such things actually happened (and a whole regimen of spitting 13 times over the first 10 days after the baby is born etc. is required in order to cure the deformities)
Thus, it developed the custom that women stayed away from zoos where they were sure to encounter strange/scary creatures.
Nowadays when we are much more familiar with strange and exotic animals, and we often see photos of all sorts of creatures, there is less to worry about, and indeed this is why the prevalent custom is for pregnant women to indeed go to zoos.
Thus, there is no inherent problem with her seeing an animal, and definitely no problem looking at fish. (The above is based in large part on a shiur by HaRav Shmuel Felder Shlita, Dayan in Bais Medrash Govoha, Lakewood NJ)
CHIZUK CORNER
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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.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Question:
The Chofetz Chaim was once seen through a key hole, as he was sitting on his bed with a Chumash and he was reading about the ten makos. And he said, "gut oif em, gut oif em", which means it's good that they got the makos, he was happy. So this gentleman is asking, is it correct to rejoice in the destruction that was visited on those who have the image of Hashem?
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
Now that's what the gemara says, that the malachim wanted to say shirah and Hakadosh Baruch Hu prevented them. He said, ma'asei ya'dei tov'im ba'yam, my handiwork is sinking in the sea and you're saying shirah? That's exactly what you're asking, it's tzelem elokim. So He didn't allow them to say shirah. But the big question remains, Oz yoshir moshe u'Bnei Yisroel, they did say shirah!
And the answer is, we have to say shirah - not malachim, because if you'll rejoice that the tzelem elokim of a murderer was punctured by 15 bullets, let's say a gangster, you read in a newspaper, his face was punctured by 15 bullets, you have a right to chuckle, and be happy at it and say that's what he deserved to get. Rock bi'einecha sabit, bi'shelumas reshaim tir'eh. You should look with your eyes, and you should see the reward, the payment of the reshaim. Certainly! Because he'nosai shofeit ha'aretz ha'sheiv gi'mul al gayim, the Judge of the world is uplifted and exalted when we see how He returns recompense upon the arrogant. Certainly we have to rejoice in the downfall of the reshaim even if they're tzelem elokim.
If they destroy the tzelem elokim by being wicked and they cause it to be corrupted and distorted, so we rejoice in their downfall. We should have no qualms or conscience. In the morning if you come on time to daven, don't skip Oz yoshir, if you have time. If you look in Oz yoshir you see all the details - how they sank like stones - are reiterated and explained in different ways. We rejoice in the downfall of the wicked!
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1) If a minor finds a lost item, if he is still a dependent of his father's table, Chazal instituted that the item belongs to the father. (See Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat Siman 270:2. One of the reasons is due to Hakoras Hatov to the father for feeding his children; see S'ma Os 2)
Thus, if the lost item is of the variety that requires announcing, that obligation is incumbent on the father to fulfill. (Ruling of Maran HaRav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Zatzal quoted in Hashovas Aveida K'Halacha page 95 footnote 11)
Of course, if he wants to allow the child to do the announcing, as a way if Chinuch, he may do so as long as he oversees that it is all done according to the dictates of Halacha.
2) If an orphan finds a lost item, he keeps it, even if he is a dependent at someone's table. (See Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat Siman 279:1 and 2 and S'ma Os 9)
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:
Is there any source or basis in halacha for children not to drink from Kos of havdala?
Answer:
There are varying customs with regards to having the children drink from Havdalah.
The Sefer Seder Hayom (page 114) writes that it shouldn't be given to anyone to drink, and only the one reciting Havdalah should drink. This is also how the Be'er Heitev Siman 296:5 rules in the name of the Shla HaKadosh. The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 96:7 and the Shulchan Aruch HaRav 296:6 also rule this way (though it's possible that they just rule that it doesnt have to be given to them to drink as by Kiddush, but it may be given to them if they want).
However, in the siddur of Rav Saadya Gaon (page 125) in the footnotes it quotes the MaHaritz Gai'os who says that there is a good reason to indeed give the children to taste.
The Sefer Leket Yosher (page 57) says that all should drink.
It was also the Minhag of the community in worms to give the family , even women, to drink. Many other Kehilos also shared this minhag. (See Q&A #138 here regarding women)
The prevalent minhag is to indeed allow the male members of the family to drink, and to not have the female members of the family drink from havdalah.
For Halacha L'ma'aseh a Rav should be consulted.
CHIZUK CORNER
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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.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Question:
Why must one rush to repent bad deeds?
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
A person who dies without teshuvah dies with a stain and goes to Gehinom. They put detergents on him to get the stain out, and the detergents hurt . . . Ooohhh do they hurt! They burn!
So the Neshama is somewhat scared from his experience from Gehinom. Therefore we should not wait until Gehinom in order to get rid of the stain. Do teshuvah while you're still alive.
1) One who finds an item which was bought for a minor's use, but wasn't acquired for him to deem him the owner, such as a pacifier, a baby bottle, a child's clothing and similar items, if it has a Siman it must be announced, like any other lost item of an adult. (Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat Siman 262:3)
2) If the item does not have a Siman, if it seems that the item fell from the minor while he was close to his parents and they probably noticed that it was gone almost immediately after it fell, and before it was found (as is common for pacifiers, bottles, clothing etc.), then he may keep it, as we assume they had Yiush.
However, if the item is such that the parents would not necessarily notice right away that it went missing, and thus it was probably found before they had Yiush, it is considered "Yiush Shelo M'Da'as", and must be held onto until Eliyahu HaNavi arrives to identify the owner.
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:
What is the halacha for rice cakes. Is there one brocha most poskim agree it requires?
I try to make 3 brochos [on different items, in order to exempt the rice cakes] but it really is hard so I just quit eating it - now on diet I would like to resume.
Answer:
You are right, there are 3 possibilities.
According to many Poskim (including Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach zatzal) rice cakes are Ha'adama, as Mezonos is only recited on rice when it is cooked, and rice cakes are not cooked. Even according to these Poskim, if a Mezonos was recited on them, you are Yotzei.
Rav Shlomo Zalmen says that there is no reason to be machmir and recite brachos on other items, and a Borei Pri Ha'adama can be recited L'Chatchila.
There are Poskim, however, (including Maran HaRav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Zatzal who leaned towards this Psak) that rule that it is Mezonos, as they maintain that heating element used to puff them is sufficient to consider them cooked.
Some Poskim say to recite SheHakol.
The prevalent minhag is to recite Ha'adama, but a Rav should be consulted for Halacha L'Ma'aseh. (See Shu"t Or L'Tzion Perek 14:21. See also Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 44 and 45)
All agree that the Bracha Achrona is Borei Nefashos.
CHIZUK CORNER
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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.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Warning!
Don't fall into the trap of waiting for others to thank you for whatever you have done. You mightly greatly disappointed.
Just work on your hakaras hatov and who knows? As you model this middah, they may catch on.
Mrs Tova Younger, excerpted from her book, Hands - on How To's for the Home and Heart. To contact her email ytovay@gmail.com
The Halacha For Today website is experiencing some technical difficulties, and some info has been lost etc. If any reader has experience with websites and wants to donate some time and energy to help me move the entire thing to a better, more secure server, which is easier to maintain and update, I would greatly appreciate it.
If you can help, please let me know via email at HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Thank you and Tizkeh L'Mitzvos.
CURRENT TOPIC: HILCHOS HASHOVAS AVEIDAH: PART 2
1) One who finds an item that belongs to a minor, such as a child's watch, a child's jewelry, balls, toys, stationary collection or any other similar item and it has a Siman, must announce it and follow all of the Halachos of Hashovas Aveidah. (See Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat Siman 243:18 that it's possible to be zoche, acquire an item, on behalf of a minor to deem the minor as the owner. If, however, the item was simply given to the minor to use and wasn't attained for him, via Zechiya, the item may be considered ownerless, halachically known as Aveida M'Da'as, and won't be subject to the Halachos of Hashovas Aveidah. For Halacha L'ma'aseh a Rav should be consulted.
2) If it does not have a Siman it must be held onto until the arrival of Eliyahu Hanavi at which time its owner will be identified, as the Yiush of a minor does not work. (See Nesivos Hamishpat Siman 260:11.)
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:
Can one eat food that a non-Jew cooks on Shabbos after Shabbos already started (if the oven and everything was already on), if she is also cooking for a bunch of non-jews and herself?
If not, can one eat food that was cooked before shabbos but that she keeps on the heat (which she shuts off when she's done on shabbos) or that she continues to cook on shabbos? (keep in mind that for all of this, she would be turning off the heat on shabbos).
Answer:
A Jew may not eat food that was cooked on Shabbos (surely on this shabbos, and sometimes the food may not be eaten ever. It's too detailed for this forum, and a Rav needs to be consulted for each situation). period.
It doesn't matter who cooked it and who they cooked it for.
If the food is fully cooked, and was left on the open fire, it may be eaten, but is not ideal as there should not be any open fires on Shabbos in the home, without a blech.
If it was not fully cooked, it is prohibited to eat.
The fact that she shuts it afterwards has no effect on the above halachos.
CHIZUK CORNER
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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.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
The gemara in tractate Avodah Zarah (54b) relates a fascinating conversation between Roman philosophers and Rabbanim.
The philosophers ask that if HaShem hates idol worship so much, why doesn't He destroy all the things to which people bow down. The Rabbis answer that among the things that people worship are the sun, moon, stars and the constellations. "Should HaShem destroy the world because of fools," they respond rhetorically (by getting rid of these integral entities just because people worship them, the world would not be able to exist in its natural order).
Rather, the al-Mighty permits man's free will to carry on - and those that choose to commit idol worship will surely have to give an accounting on their day of judgment.
The gemara then cites another example of HaShem's governance. Someone steals wheat and plants it for himself. Shouldn't it stand to reason, the gemara posits, that HaShem would not allow that wheat to sprout into a bountiful crop, therefore preventing the thief from benefiting from his crime? The gemara answers that HaShem would prefer for the natural order to continue functioning - the wheat will grow as normal, and the person will receive his punishment on his day of judgment.
Many have asked the question: "Since HaShem created the sugar cane plant, doesn't He certainly want us to enjoy sugar in our food?" Others respond that the abuse of sugar and other sweeteners has been one of the primary causes of the skyrocketing epidemic in type-2 diabetes over the past decade, especially in children. Why would HaShem allow this to happen?
Perhaps this gemara can lend insight toward an answer. HaShem creates numerous species in the natural world. We have free will to determine how we will utilize them. We know that everything in creation has a purpose - nothing happens in HaShem's world by accident. That includes sugar cane and tobacco plants.
However, HaShem gives us the autonomy of free will to make use of His world in a manner in which we choose - even if that choice results in harmful consequences. Some things are meant for consumption in moderation and others are not meant to be consumed at all.
Some things are safe to use in their natural state, but processing them can turn them into very dangerous products. We have an obligation to ourselves, our children and our Creator to make use of the wondrous creations in a responsible and mature manner. Rationalizing an excuse to indulge or abuse something just because it tastes good or feels good is the exact behavior to which the gemara is referring - one that HaShem allows to occur, but will surely bear a heavy cost on the day of judgment.
This idea can also give us a glimpse into the greatness of Avraham. He saw with such honesty, integrity and clarity that the world is a magnificent orchestra of complex parts, all working harmoniously together to reveal the marvelous majesty of its Creator, and the limitless love He has for His creations. A person with such awareness would never dare take one of these pieces and abuse it for his own gratification - isolating it from the whole, merely to meet his self-driven desires.
When we are confronted with similar challenges, when we face these choices in our lives, we have the ideal role model from which to emulate. Avraham set the stage, we have to follow his lead.
1) When an item is given in to a repair shop for fixing, the repair person becomes a Shomer (caretaker) for the item, and must ensure that it doesn't get ruined or broken.
If a period of time passed, beyond what is considered normal time to retrieve an item, and the owner did not come to retrieve it, the repair person can deem it Hefker and do with it as he desires. (Ruling of HaRav Nisim Karelitz Shlita)
Of course, it would be better if the repair person hangs a clear notice in his shop stating that all items not retrieved by a certain time frame (e.g. 30 days or 90 days) will be deemed Hefker.
2) If an item was purchased in a store owned by a non-observant Jew, and during the transaction a mistake was made in the calculation where the store owner would lose money, there is an obligation to point out the mistake.
If, however, the storeowner is a Mumar L'Hachis (one who is not observant in a rebellious way against Hashem) there is no obligation to notify him of the mistake. However, if by not pointing out the mistake there is a chance that a Chilul Hashem will ensue, the mistake must be pointed out. (Ruling of HaRav Nisim Karelitz quoted in Hashovas Aveidah K'Halacha page 90 footnote 41)
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:
I
have a running conflict with a friend about the requirement to wash
your hands after going to the bathroom. She says you have to wash your
hands with the same process as your morning "Negel Vasser". I say you
only have to wash once or twice on each hand. Please settle this
friendly conflict. Thanks.
Answer:
Indeed, you are correct. The Negel Vasser process is
exclusive to Negel Vasser. Washing after the bathroom, doesnt even
require a utensil, M'Ikar D'Din, and even though it's good to use one,
it needn't be washed more than once each hand, and definitely doesnt
require the "right, left, right, left" sequence that is required by
Negel Vasser. (See Shulchan Aruch and Mishna Berura Siman 165:1. See
also Mishnah Berurah Siman 4:39 and Aruch HaShulchan Siman 4:21. See
also Shu"t Minchas Yitzchak Vol 5 Siman 96)
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.
How do you answer someone that says religious women are second class?
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
Religious
women are A-1 class! There's nobody better than religious women. Now
what about religious men? They are also A-1; we're not going to say
women are better than men. Oh, you want to say that they're second class
compared to religious men? Look, with Hakadosh Baruch Hu there's no such thing. Everybody is judged on his merits, like I mentioned before.
A righteous Torah woman, a woman who is orthodox and is loyal to Hakadosh Baruch Hu, and tries her best, can many times outdo the biggest tzadikim. I'll give you one example, Rebbetzin Kaplan who made a revolution in America, and she did more than any single Rosh Yeshiva did in America. But even if you're not such a successful personality, in your own home if you serve Hakadosh Baruch Hu with a pure heart and you try very hard, there's no question that you can become great.
What
do you want, you want to hold speeches? Speeches are not for women to
hold in public, there's a reason for that. It's a biological reason, it
can't be helped. Women can speak to women, but you can't become a Rosh Yeshiva if you're a woman. And don't bewail the fact that you can't become a rav hakolel, a chief rabbi, there's a reason why women cannot do that, there's a technical reason.
And
therefore every person should utilize his opportunities, and women have
opportunities to become great no less then anyone else.
To subscribe to the weekly "A moment with Rabbi Miller" email Click Here.
1) If one finds money or another item in a store, keep in mind the following:
If it was found behind the counter, where only the storeowner is found, it belongs to the storeowner regardless if it has a Siman or not. (Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat Siman 260:5)
If the storeowner says that it isn't his item, if it has no Siman he may keep it, if it has a Siman he must announce it and follow all the Halachos of Hashovas Aveidah.(As it is his Chatzer, and it assumes ownership for him)
If it was found in front of the counter, or anywhere else in the store where customers are found, if it has no Siman (or even if it has a Siman but the majority of the customers are non-Jewish) the finder can keep it. (ibid.)
If it does have a Siman, some Poskim rule that the finder must announce itand follow all the Halachos of Hashovas Aveidah. ( ibid. See also Sma Os17)
2) If the item was found on the actual counter, some rule that regardless if it has a Siman or not it belongs to the storeowner.(Rama ibid.)
Other Poskim rule that if it has no Siman, the finder can keep it, and if it has a Siman he is obligated to announce it. (ibid. See also Aruch Hashulchan 260:12)
All agree that if it common for both the storeowner as well as customers to place personal items on this counter, it belongs to the finder.
All of the rules of a store apply to a bank as well with the exception of finding money on the actual counter, where all Poskim agree it doesn't belong to the bank or any of its employees, rather , if it has no Siman it belongs to the finder, and if it does have a Siman the finder must announce it (unless the majority of customers are non-Jewish, in which case he may keep it even if it has a Siman). (Shulchan Aruch ibid.)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) One who places an order from a store, and upon receiving his order finds an item amongst the items that is not his, may use the item. (Hashovas Aveida K'hlacha page 89 footnote 35, based on Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat Siman 262:17)
2) If a storeowner finds an item in his store which eveidently was placed there by a customer who then forgot it there (e.g. an umbrella laying beside the front entrance) is obligated to announce the item via placing a notice in a prominent place in the store as well as placing an ad in a local newspaper or similar way.
If it isn't claimed, he should hold on to it until the arrival of Eliyahu Hanavi, as we learned earlier.
As a prudent piece of advice, all storeowners should hang a notice in their stores, in a conspicuous place, stating that all object left in the store beyond a certain amount of time will become theirs to do with as they please. (Ruling of HaRav Nisim Karelitz Shlita)
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:
How clearly must the moon be visible in order to say kiddush levana? And if you see the moon, but then it goes behind a cloud, can you start saying kiddush levana? If you started, can you continue?
Answer:
It must be clear enough that its light is discernable [on the ground]. If the Bracha was started and the clouds covered the moon, it may be finished. However, if one thinks the clouds will cover it before the Bracha is finished, it is best not to begin the Bracha. (see Mishna berura Siman 426:3) .
If the Bracha was finished and the moon is then covered by clouds, the rest of the Pesukim may be finished.
Click Here for archives of Hilchos Kiddush Levana.
CHIZUK CORNER
[1.0579710144927536] Bizback2
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.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
"Many of the great achievements of the world were accomplished by tired and discouraged men and women who kept on working."
1) If one rents a room in a hotel, nursing home, rehabilitation center and similar settings, and upon entering finds an item, if the item has a Siman it should be returned to the previous occupant, provided that it was a Jew. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 260:3 and Shach there Os 11)
If the item has no Siman, the finder can keep it. (ibid. and Sma Os 12)
2) The aforementioned Halacha applies only to a hotel like situation where the owner does not usually enter the rooms often.
However, in a small guest house or similar situation where the owner does indeed enter the rooms often, between guests, all the items that are found that have no Siman belong to the owner. If they do have a Siman, the owner is obligated to announce it and follow all the Halachos of Hashovas Aveidah. (If cleaning crews are employed to clean the rooms, the owner does not necessarily get to keep the found items. See Sefer Hashovas Aveida K'Halacha page 87 footnote 15 and 16 in detail)
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:
Why do we switch to Mashiv Haruach right after succos and V'sain Tal U'Matar only in December?
Answer:
On sukkos we do the Nisuch Hamayim in the Bais Hamikdash, thus we start the praise of Mashiv HaRuach. (See Talmud beginning of Maseches Ta'anis)
However, V'sein Tal Umatar , which is a is a request for rain, does not beigin until later as rain on sukkos is not a good sign, we only ask for it closer to the rainy season which starts in Eretz Yisroel on 7 Cheshvan and in chutz l'aretz much later (in December), and finally because we dont want it to rain for those returning home after coming to the bais hamikdash for sukkos.(See also Talmud Taanis 10a)
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.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
Lashon Hara
The Tongue that Talks Bad against Hashem's Children, Should Not Expect to Be a Viable Tongue When It Comes To Prayers Being Answered.
1) One who rents or buys an apartment or home and upon moving in finds an item, should keep the following in mind:
If
the item was found in a place that is open for all to see and has a
Siman according to some Poskim it must be announced and follow all the
Halachos of Hashovas Aveidah. (See Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat Siman 260:3 and Shach Os 11)
Other Poskim, however, rule that it belongs to the previous occupant of the home. (See Nesivos HaMishpat Siman 260:7)
If there is no Siman on the item, according to all Poskim it belongs to the previous occupant. (Shulchan Aruch ibid.)
2)
If the item was found in a place that is not open for all to see (e.g.
in the attic), if it has a Siman, according to some Poskim he must
announce it and according to some Poskim the new occupant may keep the
item. (Shach and Nesivos HaMishpat ibid.)
If it has no Siman, all agree that he can keep the item. (ibid.)
If
the item was found in an extremely hidden place (e.g. under the floor
boards), some say it belongs to the new occupant, while others say [if
it's a rental] it belongs to the owner of the home, and not the renter. (ibid. See also Sma Siman 313:5)
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:
I
recently heard from someone that it is prohibited for a man to sit
behind a woman! Is that true? Were does it say? For instance in a car
where a couple goes in front and men are in the back.
Answer:
Chazal say that a man should not walk behind a woman, and
should quicker walk behind a lion! This halacha is brought in Shulchan
Aruch (Even HaEzer Siman 21)
The reason for this was that a man walking behind a woman
will come to gaze at her and lead him to improper thoughs and Chas
V'Shalom to improper actions.
There is a debate amongst contemporary Poskim if this
applies nowadays when it is much more prevalant for women to be in
public, and only in the times of Chazal when it was rare to see a woman
in public would it perhaps lead to sin.
The Leket Yosher, disciple of the Terumas HaDeshen (Siman
376) rules that this prohibition is not in force today. Rav Shlomo
Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal (Shu"t Minchas Shlomo Vol. 1 Siman 91:23) rules
that nowadays when women are found everywhere, it is virtually
impossible not to be walking behind one woman or another and it doesn't
lead to any bad things and thus it doesnt apply today as stringently as
it did in the times of Chazal.
Other Poskim (Shu"t Mishne Halachos Vol.5 Siman 226 and 227
and Vol.12 Siman 305, the Sha'ar HaTzion quoting the Radvaz as well as
other Poskim) maintain that the halacha is in full force today.
Obviously, all agree that if one knows themselves and their
being behind a woman will lead to bad things, the halacha applies to
him 100% even today. Also, all seem to agree that if one is on a bus,
for example, and has the choice to either sit directly behind a woman or
in a different seat, that he must choose the different seat.
As even if we rule to be lenient today, that is only in
cases of necessity and when it is impossible or impractical to be
stringent. Thus, in a car, it is best to try and arrange the seating in
such a way that no man is sitting directly behind a woman, but if this
is impossible, we have on whom to rely, as long as nobody knows
themselves that they will Chas V'Shalom come to sinful thoughts or
actions by not following this Halacha.
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.
1)
It is a common occurrence in Shuls, Yeshivos, wedding halls, Shiva
houses and other public places that a switch takes place and someone
inadvertently takes a coat, Tallis, umbrella or other item that looks
like theirs but in reality belongs to someone else.
Upon
realizing that a switch took place, it is prohibited to continue using
the item. Rather, all the Halachos of Hashovas Aveida apply and a notice
must be hung in the area where the switch took place announcing that
the item was "found". (See Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishat Siman 136:2)
2)
If a long while passes and nobody claimed the switched item, assuming
the item is not especially valuable, it may be used provided the
criteria of "Munach Ad Sheyavo Eliyahu" are followed as we learned a few
days ago.
Moreover,
if the item is such that seemingly the person who it was switched with
has no idea that any switch took place (e.g. it was virtually identical
and no name on it or other good Siman) and he is most likely happily
using the item he inadvertently received instead, provided that it isn't
an item that people are particular to not let others use, he may use
that person's item as well. (Ruling of Maran HaRav Yosef Shalom
Elyashiv Zatzal and HaRav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal quoted in
Hashovas Aveidah K'Halacha page 81 footnote 24.See also what is written
there about reciting a Bracha on such an item, if it is Tzitzis or a
Tallis, and regarding lending the item to someone else, as although it
may be used it may still not be considered "yours".)
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:
Why is it prohibited for a Choson and Kallah to see each other for a week before their wedding?
Answer:
There is no clear source in Halacha for this minhag, yet it has become an accepted practice by a large segment of Klal Yisroel.
The Sephardic Jews do not have this minhag.
One
of the reasons given in the Seforim is based on the Halacha (Yoreh Deah
Siman 192) that we are worried that if the Kallah sees her chassan she
will desire him and it will lead to her discharging "Dam Chimud" and
thus she won't be clean by the wedding. Some Poskim, however, based on
the Talmud Niddah 20b say that just the opposite is true! That "Dam
Chimud" will happen from not seeing him and yearning to see him.
Another
reason cited is simply to limit the time spent between the bride and
groom as to ensure they will excitedly look forward to being together on
their wedding night. Moreover, too much contact too close to the
wedding can sometimes lead to unnecessary hardships (See Shu"t Teshuvos
V'Hanhagos Even HaEzer Vol. 3 Siman 390) and unfortunately even to
improper relations between the bride and groom (especially since the
bride is usually Tahor within that week)
In
certain communities it isn't customary to have this separation a week
before, and they definitely have on whom to rely. (See Sdei Chemed
Chasan V'Kallah 22. I have heard in the name of Rav Moshe Feinstein
Zatzal that he was not makpid on this either and his children saw their
spouses to be close to the wedding)
Bottom
line is, it is definitely not an Issur to see each other, but a minhag
which should be followed if it is the minhag of your family.
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.
Today's Halachos dedicated by daily reader, I.T., L'ilui Nishmas his late grandfather
Haim ben Eliyahu Z'L
who passed away on 5 Mar Cheshvan 5763.
May is Neshama climb higher and higher in gan Eden and may he be a Meilitz Yosher for his entire Mishpacha
CURRENT TOPIC: HILCHOS HASHOVAS AVEIDAH: PART 2
1) One who finds a loose piece of paper, in a Shul or Bais Medrash, with Torah notes written on them, may hang it up on the bulletin board near the place where it was found and no other notices need to be hung regarding finding it. (Ruling of HaRav Nisim Karelitz Shlita quoted in Hashovas Aveidah K'Halacha page 80 footnote 19)
2) Obviously. Care must be taken that the piece of paper is hung in such a way that it doesn't get ruined, i.e. no other signs should be taped on top of it etc. (ibid.)
question
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:
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)
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.
The
Torah is like a round ring: wherever you're holding, your're in the
middle. Even at the beginning of Chumash you are already in the thick of
it. In fact, when you finish the first verse you've already said the
most important part. There is nothing bigger than this idea that the
whole universe is only figments of His eternal imagination.
Important Numbers
