We join Klal Yisroel in expressing our deep sorrow over the passing of the great Tzadik and Gaon, one of the Gedolei Hador, Zkan (elder) Roshei Hayeshiva , Rosh HaYeshiva of Telz, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein , Zecher Tzadik V'Kadosh L'Vracha.
His passing leaves a profound void in the Torah world and in the heart of each and every member of Klal Yisroel.
May the Rosh Hayeshiva Zatzal be a Meilitz Yosher for all of Am Yisroel and may we all merit the speedy arrival of Mashiach Tzidkeinu B'Meheira V'Yameinu Amen.
We started the "Chizuk Corner" of this email, which has Baruch Hashem inspired many people across the globe to live richer and more fulfilling lives of Torah and Mitzvos, as a merit for his Refuah Shelaima, and will B'Ezras Hashem continue it in his eternal memory.
1) Cole Slaw, made from shredded cabbage and carrots mixed with mayonnaise and vinegar should ideally be prepared before Shabbos.
If it was not prepared before Shabbos, being that it tastes better when it's fresh many Poskim allow it to be prepared on Shabbos with a Shinui. (See Mishna Berura Siman 321:68)
2) It is permissible to add wine, juice or other liquids into a fruit salad, as the pieces of fruit are large and not finely diced.
Likewise, it is permitted to add mayonnaise and vinegar into pieces of potato to make potato salad, as the pieces are large and thus not subject to the prohibition of Lisha.
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) Pieces of banana or strawberry may be mixed with sour cream as the pieces are large and not subject to the prohibition of Lisha
However, if the bananas or strawberries are crushed or mashed and only a little bit of cream is added it is subject to the prohibition of Lisha and may only be mixed in a criss-cross fashion or via another acceptable Shinui.
2)If a lot of cream is added to the point that the fruit and the cream do not become one mass, rather the fruit spreads about in the cream, it is permitted to mix in the normal fashion.
We will discuss more common examples next week B'Ezras Hashem.
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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
I note that when we say the morning blessings - Shelo Asani Goy, Shelo Asani Eved - the tense is in the masculine. For a woman davening, why would she not say these brachas in the feminine? these are, after all, personal brachos?
Answer:
In the Siddur Ya'avetz he does indeed rule that women should say these brachos in the feminine and replace "Goy" with "Goyah" and "Eved" with "Shifcha". However, since the Talmud makes no mention of this feminine variation he rules that they should be said without Shem U'Malchus (Hashem's name).
However, other Poskim, including the Aishel Avrahm Butchatch Siman 46, rule that the words "Goy" and "Eved" include female gentiles and maid-servants as well, and thus the Bracha should be said by women with the same version as men.
The prevalent custom is for women to recite these Brachos the same as men do.
CHIZUK CORNER
This section was started as a merit for a Refuah Shelaima, and will continue L'Ilui Nishmas one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
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@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
תורה תורה חגרי שק
HaRav Yitzchok Dov Koppelman Zatzal...Z'Kan Roshei Hayeshiva from Europe.
HaRav Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz...Z'Kan Roshei Hayeshiva from Eretz Yisroel.
HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein...Z'Kan Roshei Hayeshiva from America.
All summoned back to Olam Ha'Emes within days of each other.
Can we really fool ourselves into thinking that there is no message here?
Can we really continue being the same people we were yesterday?
Can we really continue ignoring the warning signs?
Can we really assume that the world will go on as usual?
Losing a giant is painful.
Losing two giants is devastating.
Losing three giants, from three parts of the world in a matter of days, is unbearable.
The Torah world must gear up for the final battle.
The battle to save this world from the throes of immorality.
The battle to save this world from the desensitization of sin.
The battle to stand up tall and proud in defense of the holy Torah and its values.
We may not know all the details of the final battle.
But one thing we do know, is who will be victorious.
והיה ד' למלך על כל הארץ
The sides will be clearly defined.
Good will win over evil.
Truth will win over lies.
Yaakov will win over Eisav
Yitzchok will win over Yishmael
Am Yisroel will win over Amalek
Purity will win over promiscuity
Tzniyus will win over Pritzus
Torah will win over Tumah
There will be no more gray; only black and white.
נתתי לפניך את החיים ואת הטוב ואת המות ואת הרע
We will be surprised, even shocked, what side of the fence people end up on.
Let's do our part now, before it's too late, to make sure we end up on the right side of history, as the final chapter is written.
ובחרת בחיים
Choose wisely my dear brothers and sisters, choose wisely.
1) We will now discuss some practical examples of food dishes which are commonly prepared in Jewish households across the world and see how to ensure that they are prepared in an acceptable manner without Chas V'Shalom transgressing the Melacha of Lisha.
Eggplant salad (also referred to as Babaganush) consisting of mashed eggplant and oil or another liquid should not be prepared on Shabbos, as this combination forms a real, thick mass (Blila Avah) and can just as well have been prepared before Shabbos.
However, if the binder used in this salad is only mayonnaise and not a liquid it may be prepared on Shabbos as long as it is mixed using criss-cross strokes. (As mayonnaise does not begin combining with the food, as a liquid does, until actually being mixed.)
If this salad was prepared before Shabbos and when it is taken out on Shabbos some oil has risen to the top and is covering the top of the salad, it may be remixed into the salad without any concern for Lisha.
2) Techina, a dish made by mixing ground sesame seeds and water, may not be prepared on Shabbos as doing so causes the water and the sesame seeds to combine into a thick Mixture.(even though the end product is a runny liquid dip, in the process of mixing it each sesame seed first becomes a thick mass then goes on to break down into a liquid)
If the Techina was [completely] prepared before Shabbos, it is permitted to add some additional water to the mixture on Shabbos and to mix it in, as the added water only serves to further dilute the Techina.(If it was not completely mixed from before Shabbos, adding water and mixing on Shabbos would be prohibited)
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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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
What's the source for having a white tablecloth on shabbos and is it halacha?
Answer:
The halacha says to have a tablecloth on the table you eat and possibly on all the tables in your home, but the Poskim do not mention anything about this tablecloth needing to be white. (See Rama Siman 262:1, Biur Halacha ibid and Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 72:7)
True, many people have this minhag, but it is not required; any respectable tablecloth suffices.
Regarding wearing white clothing on Shabbos, see Q&A #57 here
CHIZUK CORNER
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HALACHAFORTODAY@YAHOO.COM
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אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk Corner
If a person thinks that he has already perfected himself and reached 'heaven', it is a sure sign that in fact, he has a long way to go. For it is only when an individual considers himself a lowly earthling that he is able to ascend to greater spiritual heights.
Rabbi Yaakov Yosef of Polnoa Zatzal quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
Today's Halachos dedicated by daily reader, Y.S., L'Ilui Nishmas Binyamin ben Siman Tov A"H. May the learning of today's halachos be an eternal merit for his Neshama.
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URGENT:
The Rosh HaYeshiva of Telz, HaRav Chaim Stein, Shlit"a is in critical condition and needs our tefillos urgently.
Please take a moment to say Tehillim for Rav Chaim Yaakov Ben Chasya Miriam B'Soch Sha'ar Cholei Yisroel.
May our tefillos be mekubal.
1) Vegetables that are cut into very small pieces are also subject to the prohibition of Lisha.
Thus, if one adds oil or another liquid into these finely chopped vegetables they must be mixed gently or in a criss-cross fashion. (See Mishna Berura Siman 321:68. Of course, these finely chopped vegetables need to be cut in a way that the Melacha of Tochen is not violated, as we learned in Hilchos Tochen.)
Additionally, it is best to add the vegetables into the oil in reverse order before mixing. (ibid.)
2) Vegetables that are cut in large pieces, as well as vegetable salads that consist of large, easily recognizable pieces of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers etc., are not subject to the prohibition of Lisha, and it is permissible to add oil, vinegar, lemon juice or any other dressing in the regular order and mix it in the regular manner as well. (As the liquid does not combine with the vegetables to form a new mass, rather the liquid simply coats the vegetables which remain recognizable as they were previously.)
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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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
Is there an issur (prohibition) to have a bed facing the door ?
Answer:
Not an isur per se, but according to kabalistic sources, since a dead person is placed on the floor in the room in which he passed away with his feet toward the door, it is best to not sleep with one's feet directly facing the door. (See Sefer Gesher Hachaim Vol. 1 Siman 3:2)
Some people avoid sleeping with their head facing door, but there is no clear source for this minhag.
1) The prohibition of Lisha applies to crushed or mashed fruits and vegetables as well.
Thus, it is prohibited to add [in a regular manner] another liquid into a base of crushed fruits or vegetables (e.g. adding and mixing mayonnaise into a dish of mashed eggplant or ketchup into a dish of mashed potatoes)
If the "liquid" being added is not a runny liquid (e.g. mayonnaise or thick ketchup) and thus doesn't start combining with the food on its own, it may be added in the regular manner, and only requires an acceptable Shinui in the actual mixing, as we learned previously. (See Chazon Ish Siman 58:4 and 8 that when a thick liquid such as mayonnaise is being used, it is considered more of a "real" mixture as it becomes one mass, and thus requires a criss-cross mixing as opposed to a lesser Shinui of just mixing it softly.)
2)If one is preparing a mixture of crushed fruits or vegetables and a liquid ( e.g. adding some soup to mashed carrots) in order to feed an infant, a Shinui of mixing it in criss-cross fashion or mixing it gently as opposed to forcefully (or any other acceptable Shinui that we learned) must be employed. (See Chazon Ish Siman 58:8 Dibur Hamaschil K'shekoseshin)
However, if bread crumbs or pieces of cheese are added to the mixture of soup and mashed carrots (thus making the end product a thick mass and deeming it a "real" mixture) it should be mixed with criss-cross strokes (i.e. a real Shinui) and not simply with a Shinui of "mixing gently" (i.e. not a complete Shinui). (See Chazon Ish ibid.)
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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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
I learned (from the Artscroll Tzedaka and Maaser sefer by R. Taub, p.68), that it is preferable to give Tzedaka during the day. It is also preferable to give Tzedaka before Tefila. Is there an issue about putting change in the pushka before maariv or is it better to do so just before shacharis and mincha?
Answer:
Yes, it is important to give Tzedakah before davening, as the Pasuk says "V'ani B'Tzedek Echezeh Panechah- I will perform Tzedakah before seeing Hashem's face [i.e. praying] "(Tehilim 17:15)
The Ya'avetz writes that this should not be done before Maariv as that is not an opportune time for Tzedakah. The Arizal also used to not give Tzedakah before Maariv as he maintained it was a time of din (judgement).
The Chasam Sofer, however, used to give a coin to Tzedaka before each and every tefilah, including before Maariv. (Minhagei Chasam Sofer Perek 1:7)
Each person should follow their own custom, and both customs have on whom to rely.
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk Corner
QUESTION:
What is wrong with the quality of envy, and what are some practical ways to work on it?
ANSWER BY RAV AVIGDOR MILLER ZATZAL:
Envy is a glorious mechanism that Hakadosh Baruch Hu bestowed on mankind, in order to achieve perfection. Envy is a way of acquiring good things that you don't have. Kinah means, the word Koneh, to acquire, only Kinah means you want to take from somebody else. Like Shoresh means, L'hashrish, to put root, L'sharesh, to pull out the roots. Sokol, to throw stones, L'sakel, to take out stones. So Koneh means to acquire, and Kinah means to take away what somebody else has acquired.
So therefore if you see somebody who has good practices, it's good to be envious, be jealous of good things. When people are polite, you see a man and his wife talk politely to each other; you come home and practice it to your own wife. Be Jealous: When you see people who are standing a long Shmonei Esrei, try to stand a longer one. People are learning, try to learn too. All good things are facilitated by Kinah. Kinas Sofrim Tarbeh Chochma, the envy of book-men increases wisdom.
That's why Hashem gave Kinah. Only when you don't intend to acquire any good things, only you don't want that person to have it, that's wicked Kinah. You're jealous only because he has it, that's wicked Kinah. Also material things; you have a right to try to better yourself, you have a right to buy a better house, better furniture. But that it should eat you up, it means your head is on the wrong subjects. Why aren't you eaten up when other people are more pious and more decent than you are? That kind of Kinah also is wickedness. How to work on Kinah, that's a different subject; it needs more than this lecture, some other time.
1) Although we learned that a Blilah Ava, a thick mixture cannot be mixed on Shabbos even with a Shinui, there are a few exceptions to this rule as we shall now see.
A food that cannot be prepared from before Shabbos (due to its not tasting as good if it is prepared in advance) may be prepared on Shabbos if a Shinui is employed in its mixing, even if the food is a Blilah Avah, a thick mixture. (See Sha'ar HaTziyun Siman 321:84 quoting the Taz and the Elya Raba that in cases where it cannot be prepared before we are lenient even by thick mixtures.)
When preparing the aforementioned thick mixture, it is best to also add the ingredients in reverse order than normal. (Mishna Berura Siman 321:68)
2) When preparing a food (e.g. cereal) for an infant, even if it's a thick mixture, it may be prepared employing a Shinui while mixing it. (See Chazon Ish Siman 58:8 Dibur Hamaschil K'Shekoseshin)
Here too, it is best if the ingredients are added in the reverse order from the normal way they are usually added.
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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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
What is the origin for saying Kel Moleh? I am under the impression that some do not recite the Kel Moleh on the yarzeit for their parents. Does this minhag of saying Kel Moleh apply equally to Shabbos and during the week?
Answer:
As far as I know, Keil Malei should be said on a Yahrtzeit of a parent.
It is not said on any day that Tachnun isn't said. On any other days, even on Shabbos (if it would have Tachnun otherwise) it is indeed said.
See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 2 Siman 74 for the reasons for this. As an interesting side point, see Sefer Margoliyos HaYam Sanhedrin 96b Os 15 where he quotes the Shla HaKadosh that the text of "Tachas Kanfei HaShechinah" that is said in keil Malei Rachamim is only for converts to Judaism, whereas Jews by birth should say "Al Kanfei HaShechina"
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk Corner
"The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being."
1) When preparing a loose mixture and the ingredients were added in reverse order, according to some Poskim that is an adequate enough Shinui and thus will not require any additional Shinuim when mixing the food. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 321:14. See also Drisha Siman 321:3 and Chazon Ish Siman 58:5)
Other Poskim, however, maintain that it will require an additional Shinui when mixing the food as well. (Terumas Hadeshen Siman 53. The Mishna Berura S"K 57 writes that it is proper to be stringent like this opinion.)
2) Mixing [a loose mixture] with the handle of a spoon or fork, or with any part of a knife, which is not the normal way to mix food, is considered an acceptable Shinui [for loose mixtures]. (See Shu"t Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 74; Losh:11. See also Shu"t Tzitz Eliezer Vol. 11 Siman 36 quoting the opinion of Shu"t Minchas Yechiel)
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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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
What's the reason the mothers of the choson and kallah break the plate [at the T'Naim] before the chupah as opposed to the fathers?
Answer:
The minhag to break a dish at the Tena'im is brought in the Pri Megadim (Mishbetzos Zahav) Orach Chaim Siman 560:7 and Mishna Berura 569:9, as a Zecher L'Churban to show that our Simcha is not complete as long as we don't have a Bais Hamikdash.
There are various other symbolic reasons for this quoted in the Seforim.
However, none of the Poskim specifically say that it needs to be done by the mothers, and in fact there are references that point to this having been done by men in years past.
For some reason, the minhag developed into having the mothers do it.
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk Corner
We are taught that a korban (sacrifice) that is brought without sincere repentance does not atone.
However, this injunction does not apply to a Meal Offering, since this is unique from other sacrifices.
The Minchah (gift) of the poor, in contrast to all other offerings, atones even without teshuvah.
All the days of his life, the poor man is the epitome of one long, never ending teshuvah.
The Baal HaTanya Zatzal quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
Erev Shabbos Kodesh Parshas Korach; Mevorchim Chodesh Tamuz.Rosh Chodesh will be next Shabbos and Sunday.
22 Sivan 5771
June 24, 2011
Today's halachos are dedicated by daily reader, M.G., L'Ilui Nishmas Zev Wolf ben Yaakov Aryeh Leib A"H. Please have in mind when learning the halachos today that they be in his eternal merit.
1) When preparing a Blilah Racha, a loose mixture, if the order in which the liquid and the solid is added is reversed from the way it is normally done on a weekday, it is considered an acceptable Shinui. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 321:14)
Thus, for example, if the normal way to prepare [loose] baby cereal or oatmeal is to place the dry particles into a bowl and then add water or milk, on Shabbos the water or milk should be poured into the bowl first and the cereal or oatmeal be added to the water.
2) If one is not sure what the normal procedure is for any particular food, if the instructions on the packaging give a certain order, that order can be assumed to be the normal practice, and thus should be reversed. (See "The Shabbos Kitchen" by Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen Shlita, page 150 footnote 20 that HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Shlita concurs with this ruling)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) An item which does not have a normal way in which to add the ingredients, and it is normal to do it both either way, according to some Poskim it is still acceptable to add the solid first and then the liquid. (See Mishna Berura Siman 321:57 quoting the Elya Raba who is lenient with this)
However, other Poskim maintain that since there is no one accepted way to add the ingredients, it is impossible to reverse their order, as no matter how you add it it will be considered normal. (Taz Siman 321:11 and Chazon Ish Siman 58:5 Dibur Hamaschil U'Leda'as)
Thus, it is best to be stringent unless in cases of great necessity where the lenient view can be relied upon. (Chazon Ish Siman 58:6 Dibur Hamaschil V'Im. See also Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 74; Losh:3)
2) When one is relying on the Shinui of reversing the way the components are added to the mixture [and in cases where the solids are now being added first], it is important to be careful to add the liquid quickly in one gush.
The reason for this is that if the liquid is added too slowly, it may immediately begin combining with the solid and render it a Blila Avah, a thick mixture, before the rest of the liquid gets added, and can thus be a biblical transgression of Lisha according to some opinions as we learned. (See Chazon Ish Siman 58:8 Dibur Hamaschil Ha)
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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
What bracha if any was said on "Mann" in the midbar? Also if you could tell me the mekor that would be great.
Answer:
The Bracha recited was "Hamotzi Lechem Min Hashamayim". (See Gilyonei HaShas from Rav Yosef Engel Zatzal to Brachos 48b, quoting the Rama of Panu Zatzal).
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk Corner
"Why has Mashiach not come either yesterday or today?
1) Another Shinui mentioned in the Talmud (Shabbos 140a regarding mustard and garlic) is to knead something which is usually done forcefully, and instead do it softly. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 321:15 and Mishna Berura S"K 58. However, See Biur Halacha Dibur Hamaschil Yachol where he is not so ready to allow this Shinui as he offers a different interpretation of that passage in the Talmud. Thus, many Poskim indeed do not rely on this Shinui for any foods other than mustard and garlic, and it is best to be stringent.)
2) A food which is normally mixed with a spoon or other utensil and not with one's hands may be mixed on Shabbos with one's hands, and doing so is an acceptable Shinui.
The above leniency applies only if mixed with one's bare hands. However, if gloves or another covering are on the hands it no longer is considered being mixed with the hands and will not be an acceptable Shinui. (See Chazon Ish Siman 58:8)
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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
There seems to be a new trend for a pregnant woman to find out if she's having a boy or a girl. I have heard that this should not be done, because there's a brocha to something that is hidden. Can you please elaborate?
Answer:
There is no outright prohibition against this, however there is a Midrash (Rabbah, Parshas Toldos 65:12) that lists seven things that Hashem purposely made "hidden" from people, and one of them is the gender of a child while it is still in the womb.
The meforshim explain that this is for the benefit of mankind, and as such we should indeed try and not try to uncover this that Hashem has covered.
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk Corner
Written and Submitted by Devoiry from her blog
I wanted to give some chizuk to all of you on how to keep yourself pure and guard your eyes especially during the summertime.
People think only men have to watch their eyes and that women do not have to be so careful. But I want you to know that it is not true. One of the sheish mitzvos temidiyos, the six constant mitzvos (that can be done at any moment of the day and one receives reward for doing it) is in this past week's parsha, Parshas Shelach. It says, v'lo sasuru acharei levavchem v'acharei eineichem, you should not look after images or things that are not appropriate for you - this applies to women just as much as it applies to men!
I once heard an incredible thought on this topic from R' Zecharia Wallerstein.
He spoke about how the guests who came to Avraham Avinu's house washed their feet before entering his home because there was sand in their feet and they worshiped the sand. Since he was so careful not to let a trace of avodah zara, idol worship, into his home, he had them wash their feet before letting them in to his house.
So the question is, how far can a person go? If these people worshiped the sun, would he have closed all the shutters? It's only sand!
But Avraham was showing that you can never be too careful. He took such great care in making sure not to let a speck of avodah zara, in this case the sand, into his home - even though it was so tiny.
And we see what an effect this had on his son because later on, Yitzchok became blind from the sacrifices of his son Eisav's wives, sacrifices of idol worship. Why did he become blind from this? Because his neshama was so sensitive to even the tiniest crumb of avodah zara that he couldn't handle the tumah, the impurity, that came from the smoke of the sacrifices. This is what caused him to become blind! It did not affect his wife, Rivka because she didn't grow up in a home where even a little piece of sand was not allowed into the house by those who worshiped it!
There is only one body part that is so sensitive to something as small as a grain of sand. If you had sand between your fingers or toes, it would not irritate you. However, if a grain of sand somehow got into your eye, it would bother you to no end. You would be busy trying to get it out, rolling your eye in all directions, rinsing it with water, and doing anything possible to get it out of your eye.
But what's the big deal??? It's ONLY a grain of sand!!
It IS a big deal because the eyes are extremely sensitive.
This shows you just how sensitive your eyes must be spiritually and each person must guard them so carefully. You must not allow even the smallest grain of sand into your eyes! We learn from Avraham how important it is to be careful with what you let into your eyes.
There's a famous saying, "the eyes are the windows to the soul" - whatever you let your eyes see will have an everlasting impact on your neshama. So guard your eyes carefully, especially in these summer months!
When you walk outside and see women who are less dressed than dressed, turn your eyes the other way! Look in the opposite direction!
When you are online and see a link, picture or video clip that looks tempting, quickly close the tab or window you are open to. Don't let yourself stumble! Be strong! Resist the temptation and keep those grains of sand out of your eyes so that you don't irritate them with things you shouldn't be seeing!!
I know it's hard. It's hard for me too. But think about how irritating it would be if you had a piece of sand, one tiny grain, stuck in your eye. Think about how quickly you'd run to the sink to flush your eye with water.
May you have much hatzlacha keeping your eyes pure!
1) Another acceptable Shinui is to combine a small quantity of a type of food which is normally prepared in large quantities. (e.g. preparing a small amount of tuna fish and mayonnaise, when the normal manner is to prepare the entire can.) (See Chazon Ish Siman 58:1)
The reason for this is that when a small amount is being prepared [when it is normal to prepare larger amounts] we look at it as a simple preparation of the food and not as a Melacha of Lisha. (See Biur Halacha Siman 321:14 Dibur Hamaschil Shema)
2) This shinui applies only to food being prepared for human consumption, as when preparing for animals even a small amount is prohibited. (Chazon Ish Siman 58:2 quoting the opinion of the Ramban)
Furthermore, this Shinui is acceptable only for foods that are edible before being combined, but any food that requires kneading with another ingredient in order to be edible is prohibited even in small amounts. (Biur Halacha ibid.)
Preparing a small amount is only an acceptable Shinui if indeed it is "different" than the usual way of preparing.
Thus, before relying on this Shinui it must be determined that the food in question is indeed not usually prepared in small quantities. (Chazon Ish Siman 58:8)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
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 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
Is it true that the Nodah B'Yehuda Zt'l questioned the authenticity of the Zohar HaKadosh? If so, could you provide a source in the Nodah B'Yehuda for such?
Answer:
Much has been debated over the years as to the authenticity of the Zohar. Many Geonim, Rishonim, Achronim , etc. doubted the authenticity of the Zohar or at least couldnt conclusively attribute it to Rav Shimon Bar Yochai.
However, most of our leaders in the line of Mesorah and Sifrei Halacha, Mussar and Kaballah do in fact treat it as authentic (including the Arizal, the Ramchal, the Mishna Berura, Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal etc. just to name a few). Only when something in the Zohar is at odds with something in Halacha, do we then rule as we have it in Shulchan Aruch. (See Shu"t Radvaz Siman 1,111). See also Taz to Yoreh Deah Siman 265 Os 12 where he refers to those who are learned in Zohar as "Shelaimim, wholesome people"
The Noda B'Yehuda you are refferring to is regarding his opposition to the Tefilah of L'Sheim Yichud (and other similar Tefilos) based on the Zohar and other similar sources outside of the Talmud, Sifra, Sifri etc. can be found in Mahadura Kamma Yoreh Deah Siman 93 and Mahadura Tinyana Orach Chaim Siman 107. See also Shu"t Teshuva M'Ahava end of Siman 1.
Many reams of paper by giants amongst men have been used in debate of this particular opinion of the holy Noda B'Yehuda, both in defense and in opposition, and we may not place ourselves inside this Machlokes L'Sheim Shomayim, and each of us must continue doing what we have been taught to do in our respective paths of Mesorah. (If you are interested in seeing some of the many Teshuvos printed about this you can look at the back of the "Mechon Yerushalayim" version of Shu"t Noda B'Yehuda, where a lot of these have been collected and printed)
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk Corner
"HUMILITY DOESN'T MEAN THINKING ANY LESS OF YOURSELF; IT MEANS THINKING OF YOURSELF LESS."
1) When one needs to mix together a solid and a liquid on Shabbos, in order for the Melacha of Lisha not to be transgressed it must be done with the proper Shinui (abnormal manner)
What is considered a Shinui cannot be determined by the individual, rather Chazal have dictated for us which Shinui is acceptable and which aren't.
Furthermore, as we mentioned yesterday, certain Shinuim will only be valid for a Blila Racha, a loose mixture and not for a Blila Ava, a thick mixture.
We will first discuss the various Shinuim and then discuss which of them work for which types of mixtures.
2) The normal way to stir a mixture is in a clockwise or counterclockwise motion, going round and round the bowl until the mixture is properly combined.
Taking a utensil and placing it in the mixture and moving in a criss-cross fashion, top to bottom and right to left, and removing the utensil between each stroke and repeating this process until the entire mixture is properly combined, is an acceptable Shinui. (Talmud Shabbos 156a. See Chazon Ish Siman 58:2)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
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 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
Can you please explain the problem with looking at a Kohen during Birchas Kohanim ?
Answer:
This is based on a Talmud in Chagiga 16a ,where the Gemara says that looking at the Kohanim can lead to blindness, and is brought in Shulchan Aruch Siman 128:23.
In the times of the Bais Hamikdash while the Kohanim blessed the nation they used the Shem HaMeforash and the Shechina rested upon them, and thus it was forbidden to gaze at them.
Today, the prohibition is a commemoration of that and the prohibition to look isn't really the same and according to the letter of the law it is permitted to glance, but not stare, but still most people abide by the older custom and refrain from looking altogether. See Mishna Berura 128:89
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk Corner
A man stopped at a flower shop to order some flowers to be wired to his mother who lived two hundred miles away. As he got out of his car he noticed a young girl sitting on the curb sobbing.
He asked her what was wrong and she replied, "I wanted to buy a red rose for my mother. But I only have seventy-five cents, and a rose costs two dollars."
The man smiled and said, "Come on in with me. I'll buy you a rose."
He bought the little girl her rose and ordered his own mother's flowers.
As they were leaving he offered the girl a ride home.
She said, "Yes, please! You can take me to my mother."
She directed him to a cemetery, where she placed the rose on a freshly dug grave.
The man returned to the flower shop, canceled the wire order, picked up a bouquet and drove the two hundred miles to his mother's house.
Written by Rabbi Baruch Lederman of KehillasTorah.org
1) There are two kinds of mixtures in regards to the Melacha of Lisha:
a) "Blila Avah, a thick mixture". This is any combination of a food and a liquid that produces a thick mass that does not flow (or flows very slowly). Some common examples of this are dough, tuna fish salad, egg salad, oatmeal and baby cereal [when made to a thick consistency].
b) "Blila Racha, a loose mixture". This is any combination of food and liquid that although evident that they have been combined to be one unit, will still flow freely when poured. Some common examples include applesauce, ketchup and baby cereal or oatmeal [when made with a lot of water and is thus a loose consistency]
Mixtures that are so watery that they are not perceived as one unit, are not subject to the prohibition of Lisha, provided that they have been watery from the get go(as opposed to a mixture that is thick, and only after adding large amounts of water becomes looser and looser until it is totally watery.) (See Chazon Ish Siman 58:9)
2) Kneading a thick mixture is a biblical prohibition of Lisha, whereas kneading a loose mixture is a rabbinic prohibition.
Thick mixtures may not be kneaded, in most cases, even if a simple Shinui (change of normal procedure) has been employed. Rather it will need some special criteria to be allowed.
Loose mixtures may be kneaded, in most cases, if a simple Shinui or two is implemented.
Over the next few days we will B'Ezras Hashem discuss what constitutes a Shinui and they must be done in order to allow the kneading.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
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 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
Can you please explain the concept that it's an issur (prohibition) for a man to walk in between 2 ladies?
Is this halacha or kaballah?
Is there any problem of a woman walking in between 2 men?
Answer:
This is brought in the Talmud (Pesachim 111a and in Horiyos 13b) and applies equally to a man walking between two women and a woman walking between 2 men.
The Gemara says that doing so will make it difficult to learn and absorb Torah (see Rashi Horiyos 13b Dibur Hamaschil Kashim)
This is found in Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 3:8 as well. The Poskim say that it is also a Sakana(danger).
The Chazon Ish was extremely makpid with this and once quipped to a woman who said that it was too hard to abide by this rule "Do you find it too hard to avoid walking into a fire?" (Quoted by Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita in his sefer Ta'ama D'Kra, sixt printing edition, in the section where he lists rulings and customs of the Chazon Ish Zatzal that he heard from his mother A"H page 178)
It is questionable if this applies to family members too, and according to many Poskim it is best to be stringent.
if two men (or two women) are walking together, they may pass between the two women (or two men) (See Ben Ish Chai Parshas Pinchos Siman 17)
If one finds him or her self in a situation where he/she will be walking between 2 members of the opposite gender, he/she should make sure to grasp something ( preferably a Mitzvah item such as his peyos, Tefilin, Tzitzis, or if that isn't available, anything else such as the corner of their jacket, hat, wallet or anything) in their hand. (See Halichos Shlomo Perek 2 footnote 103)
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk Corner
"Don't tell Hashem how big your problems are, tell your problems how big Hashem is."
1) A cooked dish that contains gravy or sauce (from before Shabbos) may be mixed together well, even to the point where the food and the gravy combine resulting in a firmer mass. (See Bais Yosef end of Siman 321 quoting Teshuvos HaRambam Siman 109)
It is even permitted to add additional gravy or sauce into the dish and mix it in. (ibid.)
The reason for this is that we don't look at this action as a Melacha of Lisha rather we see it as a simple adjustment in the presentation of the food which is already fully prepared. (See Chazon Ish Siman 58:9. See also Biur Halacha Siman 321:14 Dibur Hamaschil Shema)
2) Many Poskim even allow pouring gravy or sauce on top of dry mashed potatoes or rice using the same reasoning as above, since no significant act of Lisha is taking place and we see it as an adjustment in the presentation of a fully prepared food. (Biur Halacha ibid.)
Some Poskim are stringent and do not allow pouring gravy onto totally dry food [in the regular manner]. (See Chazon Ish Siman 58:7)
However, all agree that if by pouring the gravy onto the rice it will cause the individual rice grains to disperse rather than combine that it is permitted (as the effect of dispersing is the opposite of the Melacha of Lisha, combining.)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
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 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
If I eat and leave the place I left forgetting to make a bracha acharona, and when I remember, it's not possible or practical for me to return to the place where I ate, should I make the bracha acharona wherever I am?
Answer:
Birchas Hamazon and Al Hamichya in most cases you need to return to at least the room where you ate.
Borei Nefashos and Al Ha'eitz and Al Hagefen, may be recited even out of the place that you ate. Though, for Al Ha'eitz and Al Hagefen, if possible to be stringent and recite in place where you ate is best. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 178:5 and Siman 184:3 and Mishna berura there.)
If you forgot Birchas Hamazon or Al Hamichya , If you already left and cannot go back to where you ate, if it was unintentionaly (Shogeg) you may recite it where you remembered.
If it was intentionally (Meizid) and you have no more bread to eat in the place where you are now, then according to some opinions you are Yotzei B'dieved, while other Poskim maintain that you are not Yotzei even B'Dieved and must return to the original place where you ate. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman184:1 and 2 and Mishna berura S"K 4 and 8)
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk Corner
Yankee Fans and Emunah
When my daughter was twelve years old she was an avid Yankee fan. As the oldest child in the house, she set the tone, and it wasn't long before all of the children were Yankee enthusiasts.
One day, as we were driving past Shea Stadium, my five-year-old daughter let out a loud "boooo!" Her ten-year-old sister, sitting next to her, asked, "Why did you say that?
"That's the Mets. They stink!" Was her response.
Being a bit curious, one of the other children asked her, "Do you know what they do in that stadium?"
"No."
Do you know how to play the game?"
" No."
"Do you even know what baseball is?"
" No."
"So, why do you booo the Mets?"
"Well... everyone knows that the Yankees are great, and the Mets stink", was her indignant response.
There is nothing wrong with a five year old having a simplistic understanding of things, and there is no harm in her being a baseball fan without knowing what that means. However, it sometimes seems that our Emunah has that level of sophistication, and our entire belief system is like a five year old's allegiance to the Yankees.
Ask the average orthodox Jew, "Have you thought about what Emunah means? Have you studied Hashem in any significant way?
"Studied Hashem?"
"Thought about Emunah?"
"No. Not really."
It is rather ironic that we spend so much time in the practice of our religion, yet the basics behind it, our relationship to HASHEM, is something that seems to be overlooked.
Not to say that we aren't frum, and not to say that we don't believe. We do believe. We believe that Hashem is in charge. We believe that Hashem runs the world. The problem is that we don't take the time to understand what that means. If Hashem controls every activity on the planet, how does man have free will? If Hashem determines how much money I am to make, why should I go to work?
And in a real sense we are like Yankee fans. Our Emunah remains a juvenile, undeveloped sense of "I know that I am supposed to believe-I'm just not sure what exactly it is that I am supposed to believe in." Our beliefs are supposed to be much deeper, much more refined, much more sophisticated. But, for that to happen, we have to invest time and effort on understanding what we believe in. Otherwise we remain HASHEM fans.
Excerpted from a shiur by Rabbi Shafer at www.Theshmuz.com ; Submitted by Daily reader, A.C.
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תזכו למצוות
If you are just joining us today, please see ARCHIVES so you can review the previous Halachos learned.
1) A fruit or vegetable that was mashed on Shabbos [in a permissible way] may be further mixed, stirred or blended, even though doing this will cause the natural juices of the fruit to combine with the body and result in a firm mixture. (See Chazon Ish Siman 58:8 end of Dibur Hamaschil Yesh)
Thus, for example, after mashing a banana for a child [utilizing a Shinui such as doing it with the handle of a knife] it is permissible to mix it to further soften it for the child, even though by doing so it will form the mixture into a mass.
2) The above is only true when the fruits own juices are being mixed into the body; adding in water or any other liquid, however, is prohibited.
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) Some Poskim maintain that if done immediately prior to eating Lisha would be permitted, similar to Borer and Tochen, if the other criteria are present. (Based on Shu"t HaRashba Vol. 4 Siman 75)
However, the majority of Poskim rule that in regard to the Melacha of Lisha, the leniency of allowing it immediately before eating does not exist, and thus it is prohibited [in the regular manner] even then. (See Mogen Avrohom Siman 321:24 and Mishna Berura S"K 66. See also Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchaso Perek 8 footnote 10 quoting Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal why this is the case)
2) However, a food mixture which the usual practice is only to combine the ingredients immediately before eating and is never prepared in advance (e.g. adding water to powdered milk or baby formula for a child) may be combined immediately before eating as doing so will not be considered Lisha, rather it is deemed "Tikun Ma'achal, readying a food for eating". (Ruling of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal quoted in Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchaso ibid.)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
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 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
You mentioned that the glass plate in a microwave is not necessarily able to be koshered. But, isn't glass by it's nature always kosherable? Can't it even be used for both milchig and fleishig?
Answer:
The Bais Yosef (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim Siman 451:26) rules that glass is non absorbent and can be used for both milchig and Fleishig, as long as they are rinsed in between uses. Sephardim follow this ruling.
The Rama argues and rules that they must be kept separate and not used interchangeably. Ashekenazim rule as such and the custom is to keep separate glasses for milchig and fleishig.
If they were used for both, they can be Kashered according to many opinions, but a Rav must be consulted for Halacha L'Ma'aseh as sometimes the type of glass and the coating on it may pose some problems with kashering.
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk Corner
"Why should a person want to make his success dependent on receiving the approval of others?
If you demand honor from others, you are giving them the power over you, for it is up to them to either grant or withhold their approval from your actions. "
Rav Simchah Zissel Ziv Zatzal, the Alter of Kelm quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin.
1) According to some Poskim, two distinct mixtures [of similar consistencies], each of which have already been adequately prepared before Shabbos, may still not be combined into one another on Shabbos, and doing so would be a prohibition of the Melacha of Lisha. (Ruling of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal quoted in Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchaso Perek 8:16)
Thus, according to these Poskim, combining jam and honey or cream with a soft cheese would be prohibited, unless done in a permissible way (which we will B'Ezras Hashem discuss in the near future)
Other Poskim maintain that this is permitted as being that both items were already mixed from before Shabbos no Melacha has been transgressed by combining the two mixed items into each other on Shabbos. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 74; Losh: 13)
2) However, if the two mixtures are identical (e.g. emptying an almost finished container of Techina or Tuna salad into another container containing Techina or Tuna salad in order to consolidate) it is permitted according to all Poskim.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
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 Today website.
1) A dough (or other similar mixture) which was already kneaded very well from before Shabbos is no longer subject to the Melacha of Lisha.
Thus, it is permitted to add more water (or other liquid) to this mixture on Shabbos, as the additional liquid does not aid in the kneading of this dough, in fact the additional liquid will further dilute the dough cause an opposite reaction of Lisha. (Lisha causes two elements to combine, whereas the diluting of the mixture causes the two elements to loosen. See Biur Halacha Siman 321:15 Dibur Hamaschil Yachol and Chazon Ish Siman 58:7)
2) However, if the mixture was not well kneaded from before Shabbos (i.e the mixture is still noticeably choppy and not totally combined) it is prohibited to add any more liquid and/or further knead it on Shabbos.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
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 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
Are we allowed to make ice cubes on shabbos?
Answer:
Some Poskim allow the making of ice cubes on Shabbos in all instances. Other Poskim only allow this in cases of necessity (such as when you're having guests). Some Poskim do not allow the making of ice cubes on Shabbos for any reason. (Either because of Nolad or because of Boneh)
The prevalent custom is to be stringent and not make ice cubes unless in cases of necessity, but ideally it is best to always prepare them before Shabbos.
Keep in mind that even if making ice cubes from water is allowed, it doesnt necessarily mean that making ices from liquids other than water is permitted. (See The Shabbos Kitchen by Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen Shlita, page 177 in the footnote what he quotes from Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal regarding this)
(For more details about this, see Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 3 Siman 55, Shu"t Minchas Yitzchok Vol. 8 Siman 24, Shu"t Mishne Halachos Vol. 4 Siman 48 and Shu"t Tzitz Eliezer Vol. 6 Siman 34. See also Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchaso Perek 10:4 and footnote 14)
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk Corner
Mir Rosh Yeshiva, Hagaon Rav Chaim Shmulevitz Zatzal
"Our rabbi's teach a man to honor his wife more than he would himself, while a wife is deemed virtuous if she does the will of her husband.
As long as the husband abides by the former and the wife by the latter, their home will be blessed with marital bliss.
It is when they switch roles the wife demanding love and respect and the husband expecting total subservience - that the troubles begin!"
Rav Chaim Shmulevitz Zatzal quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
1) Although we learned that simply adding the liquid to the solid is already considered a transgression of Lisha according to many Rishonim, this is only true in regard to water, oil, wine or a similar "runny" liquid which by virtue of its connecting with the dry food already begins seeping in and combining with it.
However, a thick liquid, such as mayonnaise, which does not seep into the solid on its own, may be placed onto the solid, as simply placing it there is not a transgression of Lisha. (Based on the Pri Megadim; Mishbetzos Zahav Siman 321:12. See "The Shabbos Kitchen" by Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen Shlita page 145 footnote 10)
2) Of course, actually mixing the mayonnaise and the solid food together will be subject to the transgression of Lisha, unless done in a permissible way as we shall B'Ezras Hashem discuss in the near future.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
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 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
What is the Halacha regarding writing Pesukim from Tanach on a picture or piece of calligraphy. Can one write the whole Passuk or only excerpts?
Answer:
It is quite common to see framed works of Tehilim, Shir Hashirim as well as Eishes Chayil from Mishlei etc. and this art is found in the finest of Jewish homes, so it is obviously an acceptable practice.
If possible, it's actually probably better to write the entire Pasuk, rather than half a pasuk , as there is a prohibition to write half Pesukim (See Talmud Megila 22a), which may possibly apply to art as well.
Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal in Igros Moshe Yoreh Deah Vol. 2 Siman 134 and 135 does seem to have an issue with placing Pesukim, Tefilos etc. on calendars, announcements etc. in a way that it will be discarded or otherwise not treated with respect, but I do not think it would apply to a piece of art that will be displayed and not treated disrespectfully.
If, however, the name of Hashem is being written, it may be problematic.
For Halacha L'Ma'aseh a Rav should be consulted.
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk Corner
"Whether a man really loves the Divine can be determined by the love he bears toward his fellow men."
1) There is a debate in the Talmud (Shabbos 18a) if the biblical Melacha of Lisha is transgressed by simply combining flour (or another solid) and water (or another liquid), or if the Melacha is not transgressed until the two are actually kneaded together.
Many Rishonim rule that that the biblical transgression is only when the two elements are kneaded together and simply combining them is a rabbinical prohibition.
2) However, some Rishonim rule that even combining the two elements without actually kneading them is a biblical transgression; the prevalent minhag is to be stringent with this besides in extremely necessary situations, as we shall discuss in the near future B'Ezras Hashem. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 321:16 and Mishna Berura Siman 324:11)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
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 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
Is there any issue with breaking large bills with money in a pushka? For example to take four $5 bills from the pushka and replacing them with a $20 bill?
Answer:
I once heard from a respected Rav that although it isn't asur to do so, it is not respectful to use the Tzedaka as your "change machine".
So, unless you take back a little less than you give (such as taking $19 in singles, for a $20 bill, so the Tzedaka gets some) it should not be done.
1) We will now begin learning the Halachos of the Melacha of "Lisha, Kneading".
In the Mishkan water was added to flour and kneaded into dough for the purpose of producing various breads that were eaten along with the Karbanos as well as to produce Matzos and Chalos for the Mincha and other offerings.
Additionally, various different mixtures of cement, dyes and incense had water added to them and were kneaded to produce items needed for the Avoda (service) in the Mishkan.
Thus, taking smaller elements and adding a liquid or another bonding matter to it and thus forming a combined unit is a prohibition of the Melacha of "Lisha". (In essence, "Lisha" is the exact opposite of "Tochen"; Tochen takes a large item and breaks it down to smaller particles whereas Lisha takes smaller particles and builds them up into a larger item.)
There are various, often complicated, criteria in this Melacha, as we shall B'Ezras Hashem see over the next few weeks.
2) One who combines flour and water or earth and water and kneads it into dough or a cement on Shabbos has transgressed the biblical prohibition of Lisha. (See Rambam Hilchos Shabbos Perek 8 Halacha 16)
It is prohibited to add liquid into a bowl of bread crumbs or Matzah Meal and mix them up together, as doing so is a prohibition of the Melacha of Lisha. (See Biur Halacha Siman 321:14 Dibur Hamaschil V'Afilu)
Likewise, it is prohibited to crumble a cookie or cake and mix them into a soft cheese or into crushed fruit [in the regular manner] in order to feed a baby or ill person as doing so is a prohibition of Lisha. (If done with a Shinui it may be permitted, as we shall discuss in the near future B'Ezras Hashem)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
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 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
Can one cook something that will be put in chicken, and make it in a pot that is used to make fish
?
Answer:
Yes.
Although we don't eat or cook fish and meat together, if no actual fish was in the pot, it is permissible to use what was cooked in that pot with meat. This may even be done L'Chatchila, and as long as the pot is cleaned thoroughly it may be used for both meat and fish on the same day. (See Taz Yoreh Deah Siman 95:3. Most contemporary Poskim rule this way, especially as there are some Poskim including Magen Avraham (quoted in Mishna Berura Siman 173:3) who maintain that today's days there is no Sakana anymore with eating fish and meat together)
That being said, there is indeed a minhag amongst many Jews to retain separate pots for fish and meat, but remember that it is a Chumrah based on a minority ruling(see Tur Yoreh Deah Siman 116:2)
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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@YAHOO.COM
1) An item which was already ground up is no longer subject to the prohibition of being ground up again.
Thus, breads, cakes, cookies and similar items, which are made from wheat which was already ground up into flour, may be ground up into crumbs on Shabbos. (See Rama Siman 321:12 and Biur Halacha Dibur Hamaschil Lefarer)
2) The grinding up of a previously ground item may even be done with the assistance of a fork or knife. (ibid.)
However, this should not be done with a specialized grinding utensil as utilizing such a utensil is considered "Uvda D'Chol, a weekday way of doing things" (ibid.)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) A sugar cube may be ground up to produce loose sugar, as the cube was originally loose sugar, and thus no longer subject to the prohibition of Tochen.
Likewise, salt or sugar which, due to the moistness in the air, hardened into a clump may be ground up and returned to its original loose state.
However, they may only be ground back into the state from which they started (i.e. regular salt/sugar crystals) but may not be further ground up to make them finer and more powdery than they originally were as doing so would be a prohibition of Tochen.
2) Dried mud or similar grime that got stuck to ones shoes or clothing may not be scraped off on Shabbos as doing so may cause the mud to be ground up. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 302:7)
In extreme circumstances where not removing the mud will be an issue of "Kavod Habriyos, affecting the human dignity of the wearer" a non-Jew may be asked to remove the offending matter from the shoes or clothing. (See Mishna Berura Siman 302:36 and Sha'ar HaTziyun Os 44)
Tam V'Nishlam.
With gratitude to Hashem Yisborach, this brings us to the end of our foray into Hilchos Tochen. Next week we shall, B'Ezras Hashem, begin studying another of the 39 Melachos.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
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 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
As I was growing up, I remember people (I dont remember if friends or adults) would say that you're not supposed to look at the moon. Is there any truth to this?
Answer:
Yes, there is a lot of truth to this!
The Sefer Chareidim, one of the holy Mekubalim in the times of the Bais yosef and the Arizal, writes (Perek 45:5) "It is prohibited to gaze at a rainbow...It is likewise prohibited to gaze at the moon. Rabbeinu Meir used to be extremely stringent with this...as it is quoted in Sefer Shoshan sodos"
In the Sefer Taamei haMinhagim (Kuntres Achron to Siman 464:22) he quotes the Sefer Shevet HaMussar that Al Pi Kabalah it is just as bad to gaze at the moon as it is to gaze at a rainbow.
In the long Nusach of Vidui from Rabbeinu Avraham, father of the Shla HaKadosh, where he enumerates hundreds of possible sins that a person needs to do Teshuva for, he lists as one of the sins " Gazing at the [new] moon"
The Mishna Berura Siman 426:13 brings this as well, and says that by Kidush Levana when we must look at the moon before commencing the Bracha, acording to some opinions the moon should be glanced at for a moment and that's all, and according to otHERS it can be looked at for the duration of the Bracha, but it seems clear that any extra gazing at the moon is indeed something that should be avoided at best and may even be considered a sin!
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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@YAHOO.COM
Tuesday
5 Sivan 5771; 49th Day of the Omer; Erev Shavuos;1 Day to Kabolas HaTorah!
June 7, 2011
SPECIAL TRIPLE PORTION L'KAVOD CHAG HASHAVUOS
Halachos for Tuesday, Erev Shavuos
1) It is permissible to spread fruit jam that has pieces of fruit in it, onto a piece of bread provided that the pieces of fruit are significantly soft (as is usually the case)
2) There is a debate amongst the Poskim if the prohibition of Tochen applies to a fruit or vegetable which when mashed does not separate into individual pieces but rather just changes shape but remains one large mass.
An example of this is bananas and avocadoes, which when mashed do not separate, rather the entire mixture stays bound together.
The Chazon Ish (Siman 57 Dibur Hamaschil L'Inyan) rules that it is still subject to the prohibition of Tochen, and may not be mashed in the regular manner..
Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal (Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 74;Tochen:2) rules that they are not subject to the prohibition of Tochen and may be mashed in the regular manner.
It is best to be stringent and mash these fruits in an irregular manner (as we shall discuss shortly)
Halachos for Wednesday, first day of Shavuos
1) Foods that do not grow from the ground, such as meat, eggs, cheese etc., are not subject to the prohibition of Tochen and may be cut into very small pieces [for human consumption]. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 321:9)
However, if cutting up meat, or other foods that do not grow from the ground, to feed an animal that would otherwise be unable to eat the large pieces, it is indeed subject to the Melacha of Tochen, and only permitted immediately before feeding them. (Rama ibid. See also Mishna Berura S"K 33 and 34 that some Poskim rule leniently and allow it in all situations.)
2) The leniency of permitting to cut non growing items to be cut as small as desired is only when they are being cut by hand or with a knife.
However, a specialized utensil (e.g. egg or cheese slicer, meat tenderizer, grater etc.) may not be employed to cut these foods, as doing so is a transgression of "Uvda D'Chol, weekday activity". (See Mishna Berura Siman 321:36)
Halachos for Thursday, second day of Shavuos
1) Usually in regard to Melachos of Shabbos, if one transgressed them in an unusual manner (Shinui) although it would not be a biblical transgression, there would still be a rabbinical transgression.
However, in regard to the Melacha of Tochen, Chazal teach us that if it is done in an unusual manner, the Melacha has not been transgressed at all, even rabinically. (See Talmud Shabbos 141a and Tosefta Beitza Perek 1 quoted in Bais Yosef Siman 321)
2) One who grinds a spice into a powder on Shabbos using a mortar and pestle, a spice mill or a similar device which is usually used to grind spices, has transgressed the biblical transgression of Tochen. (See Rambam Hilchos Shabbos Perek 8 Halacha 15 and Mishna Berura Siman 321:23)
However, if one grinds the spice using the back of a knife or fork and grinds it onto the table or into another non specialized dish, it is permitted, provided that the spices being ground are for use for this Shabbos. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 321:7 and Mishna Berura S"K 24)
The same principle applies to all fruits and vegetables, and if they are cut up using a Shinui, an irregular manner, such as doing it with the back of a knife or spoon it is permissible to cut them up or crush them into very small pieces.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
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 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@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
Why do they say that each Jew is represented by one letter in the Torah, and there are 600,000 Jews and 600,000 letters in the Torah, whereas all the Chumashim say the count of letters in the Torah is only 300,000?
Answer:
One of the many ways to deal with this "problem" is as follows:
Although there are only a little more than 300,000 letteres in the Torah, kaballistically there are more as certain letters are broken into 2 and many of the Tagim, crowns of the letters, are used as well.
Just as there are more Jews than 600,000 yet they are all somehow a part of only 600,000 souls, so too there are 300,000 letters that are somehow broken up into 600,000 parts to correspond kabalistically.(See Zohar HaChadash to Shir HaShirim 74:4, Megaleh Amukos 186 and Shu"t Chavos Yair Siman 235)
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei 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@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk Corner
The following story was recounted by Chacham HaRav Ovadiah Yoseph Shlitah in a recent Shiur. He heard it from HaRav Ezra Attiyah Zatzal, Rosh Yeshiva Poret Yosef in Yerushalayim:
Rav Aharon, a G-d fearing man from Halab (Aleppo) Syria, held a daily in-depth learning schedule after Shacharis in Sefer Chok L'yisrael and afterwards would learn Shulchan Aruch in depth. After his late morning pas shacharis he would bench, leave home and head to his jewelry store in the city. Rav Aharon dealt with a wide range of gemstones and his fame spread as a very trustworthy honest businessman. His wife would point out that he was getting to the office awfully late every day and questioned him as to where his parnassah would come with his limited time at the office. He firmly believed that Hashem would make earning a livelihood easy in the merit of his Torah learning.
One day, as he was opening the office, an Arab from Chevron was sitting waiting by his office for him. When R' Aharon asked him what he was looking for, the arab replied: "please open your office and we'll talk there". After Rav Aharon opened, the Arab entered, took off his extensive head gear and slowly removed one stunning masterpiece of a jewel to hear R' Aharon's opinion on the piece. R' Aharon, inspected it and remarked of the piece's unique value, probably worth more than $100,000 (todays value: $700,000). Rav Aharon assured the arab that he'd inquire of the merchants to see if there was an interested buyer. The Arab replied: "Ok, I'll be in such-and-such an Inn" hoping that he'd hear back from the honest R' Aharon.
The next morning, after the R' Aharon completed his daily learning schedule, finished his breakfast and was on his way to the office, he noticed a commotion outside the hotel where the arab was staying. He inquired within and was told that an Arab from Palestine stayed in the hotel for 7 days, ate, drank, lodged, but never paid his due. Yesterday evening, he suddenly got a heart attack and died. The owner of the Inn filed a bill/lien at the police station against the arab and the Police were auctioning off his belongings in order to pay off the owner of the Inn.
R' Aharon waiting to see if Hashem would make him successful and stayed for the auctioning. When they announced the sale of the arab's head gear R' Aharon got up and bid 20, another bid shouted +15, R' Aharon: +18. Luckily there was no one else interested in the head gear. "Once, twice, SOLD [to R' Aharon]". R' Aharon paid, took the headgear to the office, opened it up and sure enough found the incredible gem. He eventually sold the gem, and made a huge sum of money from the sale.... Hashem takes care of those who trust in Him and study and keep His holy Torah.
Translated from the original Hebrew and submitted by daily reader, G.B.
Important Numbers
