Sunday
11 Iyar 5771;26th Day of the Omer
May 15, 2011
1) is permissible to squeeze a lemon into a vegetable salad, even though some of the juice will sink to the bottom and not be totally absorbed into the vegetables.
The same applies for squeezing lemons (and oranges according to opinions other than Rabbeinu Chananel) into grated carrots, Cole slaw and similar foods; as long as most of the juice is absorbed into the food. (See Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman 505:2)
2) The permissibility of squeezing fruits into food applies only if it is being squeezed straight into the food.
However, it is prohibited to squeeze into a spoon or other empty utensil even if the intention is to then pour it from the spoon directly into a food. (See Mishna Berura Siman 320:18)
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 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
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:
It was said here we should be close minded and narrow minded. But we heard from a prominent Mashgiach we should be open minded.
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
The answer is this: If your mind is closed and it's only on the subject of Hashem, it's the most open mind there is. If your mind is open to anything that comes in, it's the most closed mind there is. Because let's say your mind is open, so whatever you hear comes into your mind. So what is the result? All kinds of sewage collects in your mind, all kinds of garbage, so there is nothing in your mind at all, nothing there at all.
But when your mind is always full of Hashem, full of Torah, full of noble thoughts, full of Bechina, full of ideals of the Torah, you're closed minded; nothing can come in except the good things.
I'll give you a Mashal:
In a bank vault, it's a closed place. There's nothing there but gold and silver and greenbacks, that's all there is there.
You want an open place, walk out of the bank and stop at the curb and look down into the sewer, that's an open place.
1) According to most Poskim it is permitted to squeeze fruits and vegetables if their juices are immediately absorbed directly into a food, as the prohibition of Sechitah is to extract liquid from a food, and this juice that is being absorbed by the food is considered "food" and not seen as a liquid. (See Talmud Shabbos 144b and Shulchan Aruch Siman 320:4)
According to a minority of Poskim (Based on the opinion of Rabbeinu Chananel quoted in Shu"t HaRosh Klal 22:1 and in Mishna Berura Siman 320:30) even squeezing into a food is prohibited.
One who is stringent in regard to this will be blessed. (Ibid.)
2) This call for stringency, according to many Poskim, is only relevant in regard to squeezing those fruits which are biblically prohibited (i.e. olives and grapes, and perhaps oranges and other fruits that are usually squeezed, as we discussed a few days ago) (See Chayei Adam Klal 14:3)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) Squeezing lemons into a food is permitted, and the aforementioned stringency (of being concerned for the opinion of Rabbeinu Chananel) does not need to be applied as there are additional leniencies that apply to lemons that can be relied upon. (See Biur Halacha Siman 320:6 Dibur Hamaschil V'Lischot Limons)
2) The permissibility for fruits and vegetables to be squeezed directly into a food applies only if all of the juice gets absorbed, or is otherwise subordinated to or used to enhance the food.
However, if some of the juice will remain alone in the plate and won't become part of the food or in any way enhance the consumption of the food, it is prohibited to squeeze the fruit. (See Chazon Ish Siman 56:1.)
Squeezing a lemon onto a piece of fish is permitted, as even though some of the lemon juice runs off onto the plate, this is considered the normal way to eat and all the juice is considered to be enhancing the food. (See Sefer Orchos Shabbos page 195 footnote 26)
The final verdict in the Japanese trial of Yaakov Yosef ben Raizel is scheduled for this coming Monday, May 16th, (Sunday in America). The closing arguments for Yoel Zev ben Mirel Risa Chava took place yesterday. Rabbanim are asking that we increase our davening for them in this most crucial week.
Attention women and girls:
This Motzei Shabbos, May 14th, at 10 pm Eastern Standard Time, there will be a Tehillim teleconference for the boys in Japan . The number 212-990-8000. PIN number 3067#.
Mrs. Rena Kanarek will be giving a Shiur on Sefer Tehillim
Mrs. Kanarek is a former high school teacher, having taught in Breuer's in Washington Heights, in Bruria in New Jersey and in Bais Yaakov in Atlanta. Now she gives many lecturers to the women in the Atlanta community covering the whole spectrum of Jewish thinking.
Due to expected high call volume, if you can't get through on the first number, try the new number : 718-258-2008. Choose option 9 and then 9 again
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 source for a woman who is expecting a child 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
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
"Some people think very low in their weekday pursuits.
Their activities are devoid of even a spark of sanctity.
Then, when Shabbos comes and work is prohibited, they try to change from their spiritually 'extinguished' mode to one of spiritual fire and warmth.
The Torah tells us, -'You must not kindle a fire . . . on the day of Shabbos'.
One should not light a fire - even a spiritual flame on Shabbos. He must imbue his weekly activities with warmth and sanctity as well, so that when Shabbos comes and he increases sanctity, he is not just beginning to create the fire."
The Chasam Sofer Zatzal quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
Thursday
8 Iyar 5771;23rd Day of the Omer
May 12, 2011
1) It is forbidden to squeeze lemons directly into an empty glass or into a glass containing liquid. (See Mishna Berura Siman 320:22. We shall discuss squeezing into food more in detail starting tomorrow B'Ezras Hashem)
2) Pickled vegetables, which absorbed the liquid in which they were pickled, may be squeezed if the purpose of squeezing is to rid the vegetable of the excess liquid. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 320:7)
However, if the purpose of the squeezing is so that you can drink the juice or otherwise use it as a dip for your bread, it is prohibited to squeeze them [into an empty plate]. (See Shulchan Aruch ibid. and Biur Halacha Dibur Hamaschil U'LeRabbeinu Chananel)
The same guidelines apply to food that was fried in excess oil or cooked in excess gravy and one wants to squeeze out the extra oil or gravy before eating. (Unless one is finicky and absolutely cannot eat the food unless the excess oil or gravy is removed, then according to many Poskim it is prohibited for him to squeeze out the oil or gravy at all.)
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 source or basis in halacha for children not to drink the wine from cup 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 MaHritz 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
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
Wednesday
7 Iyar 5771;22nd Day of the Omer
May 11, 2011
1) All Poskim agree that it is forbidden to squeeze Oranges and Grapefruits on Shabbos.
However, there is a debate amongst the Poskim if doing so is a biblical transgression or a rabbinical transgression.
The debate is based on the reasoning for the biblical prohibition to squeeze olives and grapes.
According to some Rishonim (including Rashi to Shabbos 145a Dibur Hamaschil Dvar Torah) the primary reason for olives and grapes being a biblical prohibition is due to the fact that they are normally squeezed. Thus, any fruits which are normally squeezed, such as oranges and grapefruits, will be just as biblically prohibited as olives and grapes. (See also Chazon Ish Siman 33:5 Dibur Hamaschil V'Henei Hanischatim and Siman 55:4)
2) Other Rishonim, however, (including the Ran Shabbos 61a in the Dafei HaRif and quoted in introduction of Pri Megadim to Siman 320) maintain that the primary reason for the biblical prohibition to squeeze olives and grapes is that only the juices of these two fruits are considered "juice" and are significant to the point that juicing these fruits and producing "wine and olive oil" is considered a "step up" in their status from a mere "grape or olive".
Thus, oranges and grapefruits, although normally squeezed, will still be in the category of strawberries and pomegranates etc. and be prohibited only rabinically.
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 for rice cake. Is there one bracha 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 I am on a diet and 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 Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv shlita who leans 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
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
Rav Shalom Mordechai Schwadron Zatzal
Rav Sholom Schwadron Zatzal, the famous Magid of Yerushalayim, was once asked how can he tell so many jokes if the Mishna says that one of the 48 ways to to acquire Torah is by minimizing "S'chok" (jokes)?
He answered with a Mashal. If a smart child refuses to take his bitter medicine then you scare him with the dire consequences. But if the child is to immature to understand then you tell him a joke. When he opens up his mouth in laughter you quickly drop the medicine inside. "Our generation", said Rav Sholom, "absolutely refuses to accept mussar". So I get them laughing and when they don't notice I quickly drop in the mussar before they have a chance to close their mouths."
Like all the other things the Mishna advises to minimize, S'chok is not blacklisted, rather it needs to be used in small and careful measures. "Eis Livkos V'Eis Lischok", there is a time and place for everything (Koheles 3:4). The great Amora, Rabba, would say a joke before beginning his shiur. True that joking is extremely dangerous and leads to all kinds of disatrous things as Chazal tell us, however it is a very powerful tool dispensed by a wise practitioner. Unfortunately it is too dangerous for most of us to try on our own, too often, without getting burned by its fire. The Torah tells us that upon hearing the besura that they will have a son both Avrohom and Sara each expressed Tzchok. Yet Sara was taken to task for it and not Avrohom, because only Sara's crossed the very thin line.
The gemara (Brachos 31b) tells us that in Olam HaZeh we may not joke too much, but in Olam Habah, "Az Yimalei S'chok Pinu", we will be full of S'chok. In the light of truth, S'chok will be the greatest expression of our pure inner-self. Until then we need to reign in the jokes if we want to acquire our full portion of Torah.
Submitted by daily reader, J.L.; taken from www.revach.net
Tuesday
6 Iyar 5771;21st Day of the Omer
May 10, 2011
1) Sechitah, the act of squeezing and extracting liquids from a fruit (or other items), is a Toladah (subcategory) of the Av Melacha (primary) of Dosh, and is in many cases biblically prohibited.
2) There are three levels of Sechitah:
a- Squeezing olives and grapes, whose byproducts - olive oil and wine - are a) significant liquids, b) are normally squeezed and c) additionally their prime use is in the liquid form. Extracting these juices is biblically prohibited. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 320:1) (Other commonly squeezed fruits may fall into this category as well as we shall discuss in the next few days B'Ezras Hashem.)
b- Squeezing Strawberries and Pomegranates and any other fruits and vegetables which are normal to sometimes squeeze in order to consume their juices, even though doing this is not their primary use.Extracting these juices is a rabbinic prohibition. (See Mishna Berura Siman 320:5)
c- Squeezing fruits and vegetables which are not commonly squeezed. It is permitted to squeeze such items 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:
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).
It doesnt 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
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
EVERY single Jew stood at Har Sinai 3,323 years ago.
EVERY single Jew.
Hashem gave the holy Torah to EVERY single Jew.
Hashem proclaimed His love for EVERY single Jew.
Every Jew is a child of Hashem
"בנים אתם לד' אלקיכם"
NO EXCEPTIONS.
In just a few weeks we will celebrate the anniversary of that great and awesome day in history.
Between now and Shavuos, Let's show Hashem that we will emulate Him and start loving EVERY single Jew.
Yes, even the ones that don't dress as we do.
Yes, even the ones that don't think as we do.
Yes, even the ones that are not yet as close to Hashem as we think they should be.
Yes, even the ones that don't love us in return.
EVERY Jew is a child of Hashem.
EVERY single one.
Like One Man, with One Heart.
כאיש אחד בלב אחד
Perhaps if we all demonstrate our love for each other, we will finally merit seeing the glory of Hashem in a way that will make the revelation of 3,323 years ago pale in comparison.
Monday
5 Iyar 5771;20th Day of the Omer
May 9, 2011
1) Legumes may not be removed from their shells on Shabbos, unless the shell itself is edible, as the Melacha of Dosh applies only when removing an edible component from a non edible component.
Thus, for example, peas may only be removed from their pod on Shabbos if the pod can also be eaten. (Of course, even when edible it may only be removed immediately before eating as not to transgress Borer)
2) It is permissible to remove a banana from a bunch of bananas, as doing so does not remove a food from a nonfood component and thus this isn't subject to the prohibition of Dosh.
The same applies to any branch containing fruit that was cut off before Shabbos; the fruit may be removed from this [unattached] branch on Shabbos and eaten, and isn't subject to the prohibition of Dosh. (See Rama Siman 336:8)
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:
A while back (in Q&A #295 ) The question was posed "Why is honey kosher." The answer was because it was not produced "by" the bee.
It was not mentioned that "royal jelly" is produced by the queen bee and,therefore is not kosher.
I think I heard pure honey does not need a hescher. How would one determine which ones meet this requirement. ?
Answer:
You are correct, that Royal Honey (also referred to as royal jelly) is not like regular honey, and according to most Poskim it is prohibited to eat. In cases of great necessity some Poskim allow it (such as for an ill person etc.)
It cannot be confused with regular honey, as its texture is creamier than honey and its color is whiter, and I am sure the label clearly states it is royal honey.
It is best to only purchase all honey with a Hechsher, especially as it is readily available today.
See Tzitz Eliezer Vol. 11 Siman 59 and Shu"t Teshuvos V'Hanhagos Vol. 4 Siman 188 for more details about the halachic status of this product.
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 know that there is a concept of 'Yeridas Hadoros". This means that there is a general weakening in our Yiddishkeit and standards of Yiddishkeit with the passing of each generation. Chazzal say this in so many words - and mention this concept in many different places. It is for this reason, for example, that if an Amora says a Halacha which contradicts a statement from one of the earlier Tana'im, we reject the psak of the Amorah and pasken Halachically, according to the earlier Tanah.
The question is, in what way have the generations become weaker? When it concerns the righteous men (Tzadikim) of previous generations, it should be obvious that the difference is qualitative and with respect to their superior knowledge of the Torah. The earlier generations were steeped in Torah and Avodah - and with each passing generation, we become weaker in this regard.
However, where it concerns the women who arent commanded to learn Torah, exactly what is it that made the righteous women of the earlier generations qualitatively superior to the righteous women of our generation?
I have a kaballah from my Rebbeim that the qualitative superiority of our righteous grandmothers and great grandmothers of yesteryear was in their level of Emuna in Hashem Yisborach.
These earlier women were saturated with feeling for Hashem. G-d wasn't simply a 'concept' to our grandmothers. Rather, there was a palpable connection and feeling which they had for Hashem Yisborach. They literally lived with Hashem in the simplest form of understanding.
Today, we also 'believe' in Hashem. However, how 'real' is this belief? Do we feel Hashem and interact with him in our daily lives? Do we talk to Hashem just as we talk to our neighbor? Do we work on generating feelings of love for an
Almighty G-d who runs this World from start to finish and who cares about each and every one of us and who desires to have a relationship with each of us...AND WHO IS AS REAL AS THIS TABLE BESIDE ME!
It is in this regard, that we have become weaker and weaker with each passing generation. Hashem is becoming too much of a philosophy in our generation. We need to turn back the clock and develop and nurture feelings for Hashem, who is our Father and protector!
Heard From Rav Shimshon Pincus Zatzal; taken from www.OhrShimshon.com
Sunday 4 Iyar 5771;19th Day of the Omer May 8, 2011
We will now resume our journey into the Halachos of the thirty nine Melachos and begin studying the Melacha of "Dosh" and its Toladah, "Sechita".
1) The Av (primary) Melacha Dosh, a Melacha closely related to Borer, literally means to thresh and separate something from its source.
In the Mishkan, wheat kernels were extracted from the chaff, the hard casing around the kernel which is inedible for humans, in order to then produce flour for use in Menachos offerings as well as to produce the loaves of bread to place in the Shulchan as well as for other Avodos.
The Toladah (extension) of Dosh is the Melacha of Sechita, which literally means to squeeze something from its source.
2) The prohibition of Dosh applies to fruits that are normally threshed in the field and not later on when ready for consumption.
Fruits that are normally separated from their hull immediately prior to eating are not subject to this Melacha. (See Eglei Tal, Maleches Dosh; 5; S"K 11)
Thus, for example, grapes may be removed from their stems on Shabbos (immediately before being consumed, in order to avoid Borer) and are not subject to the Melacha of Dosh.
Likewise, peanuts and almonds may be cracked open and the nut removed from the shell, immediately before consumption. (See Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchasa Perek 3 footnote 92. See also Shu"t Be'er Moshe Vol. 1 Siman 38 and Shu"t Minchas Yitzchak Vol. 3 Siman 32. There are Poskim, based on the Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman 319:9, that are stringent, and thus some people use a Shinui when cracking open nuts.)
However, the outer hull of an almond (which protects the inner shell) which is usually removed before reaching the consumer may not be removed on Shabbos. (See Rama Siman 319:6 and Mishna Berura S"K 24)
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 we limit our happiness during Sefirah and even more so as you posted that we can not even listen to music for fear of bringing about happiness, why then is Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) not marked.
I have always heard the excuse that Nissan is to be a happy month and therefore it is inappropriate to mourn. Having said that then do the halachas regarding dancing and singing only apply after or on Rosh Chodesh Iyar? That would seem to follow would it not?
Answer:
First of all, according to many customs, the mourning of Sefirah indeed only begins on or after Rosh Chodesh Iyar.
Secondly, who says that Yom Hashoah isnt marked? Many people do in fact commemorate this day as a day of rememberance for the 6,000,000 Kedoshim that were savagely murdered by Hitler and the Nazis Yemach Shemam V'Zichram.
Lastly, many Gedolim, including Rav Yitzchok Hutner, Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitzik and Rav Mordechai Gifter Zichronam L'Vracha, just to name a few, were of the opinion that Tisha B'Av was established by the Chachamim to commemorate not only the destruction of the Bais Hamikdash, but all subsequent Churbanos as well, including the crusades, the inquisition and the holocaust. In fact we have many inos on Tisha B'Av that commemorate tragedies other than the actual Churban Bais Hamikdash, and even some Kinos authored by the Bobov Rebbe and Rav Shimon Schwab Zichronam L'Vracha which address the holocaust directly.
They held not to establish other days of commemoration for each tragedy, as all subsequent tragedies were extensions of the Churban Bais Hamikdash throughout the ages, as Chazal teach us that any generation that doesnt merit the rebuilding of the Bais Hamikdash is considered as if the Bais Hamikdash was once again destroyed in that generation.
Every congregation, with the consultation of their respective Rabbonim, should decide for themselves which tradition to follow.
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 Jew is enjoined to be like Aharon Hakohen and 'love mankind and bring them close to Torah'.
Should it not be the other way around?
Isn't our first obligation to Torah and then to people?
From here we learn that first we must love another person because the only way to bring another Jew to Torah is to love him."
- Rabbi Chaim Volozhiner Zatzal quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin -
1) Some people have the custom not to wear new clothing during Sefirah. This custom has no real source in Halacha, and most likely developed from a misapplied comparison to the prohibition of wearing new clothing during the 3 weeks. (See Shu"t Yabia Omer Vol. 3 Siman 26)
If one does indeed have this custom in his/her family for many generations, they should abide by it. However, if this isn't the custom in your family, new clothing may be worn. (See Sefer Bain Pesach L'Shavuos Chapter 16 footnote 1 near the end what he quotes from the Yosef Ometz Siman 845 and 848 to explain why certain communities had this custom, and why it doesn't apply to everyone)
2) Even those whose custom it is not to wear new clothing during Sefirah may purchase new clothing during Sefirah to be worn afterward.
Additionally those who avoid wearing new clothing only avoid significant articles of clothing (such as a suit or dress and the like) but not other articles (such as socks, undergarments, shirts etc.).
Also, dressing children in new clothing is treated more leniently even by those who themselves avoid new clothing. (See Shu"t Vayevarech Dovid Siman 59. See also Leket Yosher page 98 regarding shoes)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) It is permitted to move into a newly rented apartment during Sefirah.
Although not halachically prohibited, there are those that refrain from moving into a newly built/bought home that they own, as this leads to excessive Simcha.
However, those who are not stringent with this this have on whom to rely.
2) If some significant items (such as furniture) are moved into the home prior to Sefirah, then according to everyone there is no issue of moving into the home during Sefirah, as the initial Simcha of the new home has passed. (See Shu"t Yechaveh Da'as Vol. 3 Siman 30 and Sefer Hilchos Chag B'Chag, Pesach, page 58 in the name of Maran Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita and Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita)
One who moves into a new home may celebrate a "Chanukas Habayis" during Sefirah.
It is best to speak words of Torah at this celebration to render it a Seudas Mitzvah.
Singing is also allowed at this Seudah, but not music. (Psak of Rav Ovadia Yoseph Shlita)
**************************
Tam V'Nishlam. Shevach L'Keil HaGoel Osanu B'Meheira!
This brings us to the end of our review of Hilchos Chodesh Nisan/Pesach/Sefiras HaOmer. If you have any questions , please do not hesitate to email me and I will attempt to answer them as best I can.
Starting next week B'Ezras Hashem we will resume our journey into the study of the 39 Melachos of Shabbos.
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
"In the olden days, in pre-war Shtetl life they had nothing...and lacked nothing.
Today we have everything...and complain that we have nothing.
The truth is,the one thing that they had in those days that we sorely lack today is a real connection to Hakadosh Baruch Hu.
Thursday
2nd Day Rosh Chodesh Iyar 5771;16th Day of the Omer
May 5, 2011
1) There is a discussion amongst the Poskim if the Bracha of "SheHechiyanu V'Kiyimanu LaZman Hazeh", which is recited to mark a happy day, occasion, purchase or event (Click Here for Halachos of Birchas SheHechiyanu), may be recited during Sefirah, or, like during the three weeks (when we mourn the Churban), it is not recited.
The Mishna Berura (Siman 493:2) maintains that if one finds him/herself in a situation that calls for the recital of SheHechiyanu, they may indeed make the Bracha. (Some Poskim deduce from the Mishna Berura's language that he held that one should try not to find him/herself in such a situation, if possible. Other Poskim argue and maintain that it can be recited L'Chatchila, as the mourning of Sefirah is not as stringent as the mourning over the Bais Hamikdash that we do in the 3 weeks before Tisha B'Av.)
2) Although there is no real Halachic source in the Talmud, Shulchan Aruch or in the early Poskim to prohibit the recital of SheHechiyanu, some people do in fact have the custom not to recite it based on kabalistic reasons.
One who indeed has this minhag should continue keeping to it.
As with all questions, a Rav should be consulted for Halacha L'Ma'aseh. (See Sefer Likutei Maharich for further sources about this.)
The following is an important statement from Agudas Yisroel of America regarding Morris Allen's Magen Tzedek initiative:
A new seal for kosher products and establishments being promoted by the Conservative movement is reportedly about to appear alongside those of Orthodox kashrus agencies. The "Magen Tzedek" certification is intended to signify adherence to certain standards regarding labor, treatment of animals, safety, environmental concerns and corporate integrity.
Such issues are worthy ones but they are well covered by governmental regulations and other areas of halacha, as determined by recognized Torah authorities. They have nothing to do with kashrut.
The goal of "Magen Tzedek," however, is nothing less than to redefine kashrut. Magen Tzedek is the symbol of an entity called the "Hekhsher Tzedek Commission." Its exclusive purview is food. In its own literature, it calls itself the "gold standard of kashrut"; prominently claims to offer "kashrut for the 21st century"; and states its objective: to "improve our consciousness, understanding and practice of kashrut by extending the definition beyond ritual to reflect ethical, environmental and social concerns."
There is no such thing as "ritual." There is only halacha - the holiness we are enjoined by our Creator to embrace. To in any way change halacha is to corrupt the essence of the concept of mitzvah, Divine commandment.
The brazen effort of Magen Tzedek to change the Jewish mesorah, or religious tradition, should come as no surprise, considering its source. The Conservative movement has repeatedly shown that it harbors no respect for the very concept of halacha as it has been carefully preserved with great sacrifice by observant Jews through the ages. For a movement that does not subscribe to halacha to suddenly inject itself into a complex halachic realm like kashrut - with the avowed purpose of "extending the definition" of kashrut - should strike any informed Jews as unmitigated chutzpah.
We Jews have a responsibility to not only ethics but to the entirety of the Torah. All of us who recognize the Divine nature of halacha, along with our established kashrut organizations, should regard the new seal for what it is, a falsification of the Jewish religious heritage, and treat it accordingly.
Copied from www.Matzav.com
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 we only keep 33 [days of mourning] of the 49 days of the Omer?
Why is one half different than the other?
Answer:
The whole concept of Aveilus in Sefirah is an old minhag. The Minhag began as a partial mourning, and remained so.
According to some, the Talmidim of Rav Akiva stopped dying on Lag B'Omer, hence the mourning stopped and only 33 days of mourning was accepted. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 493:2)
Therefore, even those who hold the second half, retained the 33 day minhag as well
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
"Certainly the Jewish people committed a grave and terrible sin with the Golden Calf.
Nevertheless, they were still on a higher caliber than our generation.
At that time, the Jewish People were willing to throw their gold and silver into the fire, just as long as they would have a god.
Today, on the other hand, there are so many willing to abandon G-d, as long as they remain with their gold and silver!"
- Rabbi Yehoshua Aizik of Slonim Zatzal quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin -
Wednesday
1st Day Rosh Chodesh Iyar 5771;15th Day of the Omer
May 4, 2011
Today's Halachos are dedicated in memory of
Azriel David ז'ל ben Mordechai Yitzchak נ'י
,Dr. David Epstein, M.D., upon the occasion of his first Yahrtzeit. May his Neshama continue to climb higher and higher in Gan Eden and may he be a Meilitz Yosher for his wonderful family and friends.
1) It is permissible to sing during Sefirah.
However, one should not sing lively songs that may lead to dancing.(Ruling of HaRav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal)
If one is passively listening to music with no intention to bring him/herself to Simcha (e.g. while in a doctor's waiting room, in a store or in another public place where music is playing) it is permitted to remain there, as it isn't his/her intention to listen to the music.
If one is exercising and needs music for the rhythm, it is permissible, as it isn't being done for Simcha. (Psak of Rav Shmuel Felder Shlita, Dayan in Lakewood, NJ and other Poskim)
2) Listening to Cantorial recordings (Chazanus) where the musical accompaniment is only as background, and isn't part of the music, is permitted.
Likewise, children's story tapes that have musical background are permitted, even when there are adults present who will hear it. (See Sefer V'Yevarech Dovid Orach Chaim Siman 65)
If music is necessary to calm and/or control small children (e.g. a musical mobile for an infant, or even a music tape in the car on long trips) it is permitted.
However, it should not be played very loud that people outside, who do not know the reason you are playing it, will hear it. (Psak of Rav Shmuel Felder Shlita)
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 recently wrote:
"If one is invited to a wedding at a time when they are observing Sefira, while the one making the wedding observes the "other half" of Sefira and is thus permitted to make a wedding, he/she may attend the wedding, listen to the music and even participate in the dancing. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 2 Siman 95)"
I have heard that even though it is permitted to attend the wedding, dancing is only permitted when the Chosson and Kallah are in the simcha hall and not during the time photographs are being taken. In that case, is it also correct that one should not listen to the live music during the time when the Chosson and Kallah are not in the simcha hall?
Answer:
Although I havent seen that, it does indeed make sense to only allow dancing when it will be Mesameach the Choson/Kallah, which is when they are in the room.
However, there is no need for you to leave the room while the music is playing, even if they arent in the room, as you are permitted to be at that wedding, no matter what is taking place at that time in the room.
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
Erev Rosh Chodesh Iyar 5771;Yom Kippur Katan; 14th Day of the Omer
May 3, 2011
1) It is forbidden to dance during Sefirah, as it will lead to too much Simcha in this period of mourning [over the deaths of the 24,000 disciples of Rabbi Akiva]. (See Mogen Avraham Siman 493:1 and Mishna Berura Siman 493:3)
It is also forbidden to play or listen to musical instruments during Sefira, as this can lead to dancing. (See Aruch HaShulchan Siman 493:2 and Shu"t Minchas Yitzchok Vol. 1 Siman 111)
2) Though some people are lenient with regard to listening to music that isn't live (such as on a CD or the Jewish radio channel), the majority of Poskim forbid that as well as the end result (the fact that it will lead to extra Simcha) is the same
Even those who rely on the lenient Psak should refrain from listening to tapes or CD's that contain very lively dance music.
Tehilim Teleconference for women and girls:
Rabbi Ilan Feldman, Rav of Beth Jacob Synagogue in Atlanta Georgia will give Divrei Chizuk followed by Tehillim Today, Tuesday, May 3rd, Erev Rosh Chodesh Iyar, at 1:00 p.m., Eastern Standars Time.
The phone number is 212-990-8000 Access code: 6060 #(pound).
They will be saying Perokim # 20, 83, 121, 130, 142 and 100.
The first 5 can be downloaded from Artscroll HERE.
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:
My friend asked me to find out if/where it says we can't become good friends with people in other religions (of the same gender, of course).
I don't think there is a reason why she wouldnt be allowed to be friendly to [for instance] a Muslim , but I figured I could ask. What about close friends? What can I tell my friend about the subject?
Answer:
The Torah advocates not getting too close or friendly with members of other religions, and indeed some of the laws that the Rabbis enacted (such as not eating Bishul Akum, not eating Pas Akum etc.) were put in place as to avoid becoming too friendly with the goyim, which if done, ultimately will lead to one's own level of observance "cooling off" Chas V'Shalom.
The Torah states (Vayikra 20:26 and in other places as well) "V'Hiyisem Li Kedoshim Ki Kadosh Ani Hashem V'Avdil Eschem Min Ha'Amim Lihiyos Li, you shall be unto me holy for I am Holy, Your G-d, and I will separate you from the nations to be mine". See Rashi there.
Yes, we must be cordial to our neighbors and treat them with respect, and in our business dealings with non Jews we must act nice and treat them fairly etc. but we must not become too friendly with them, as the consequences of doing that are never good in the long run.
Hashem assured us that the Jews and the nations of the world are and will always be separate; either by choice (as it should be by US making the HAVDALAH) or by force (as it is if we don't do it ourselves, the nations of the world will ensure that THEY make KIDDUSH Hashem out of us, Rachmana L'Tzlan as we have seen throughout our history in Galus). See also the chilling words of the Meshech Chachma in Parshas Bechukosai where he fortells the events of the holocaust decades before they unfolded, based on the above concept.
See also Vayikra 18:3 and Rashi there quoting Chazal that Jews do not belong in the arenas, theaters, parties etc. of the non Jews, something that will ultimatelt happen if we become too friendly with them.
Also, there is the whole issue of "Lo Tichanem" (Devarim 7:2). See Talmud Avodah Zarah 20a.
May Hashem give your friend (and all of us) the strength to do the right thing always and to make our Father in heaven proud of the way we act!
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 Jew's mind is holy and must be kept holy.
A Jew has a responsibility to think only acceptable thoughts and to rid his/her mind of unacceptable thoughts.
What a Jew sees, hears, speaks and thinks must not be the same as what a non Jew does.
Being children of Hashem is a huge privilege and an even greater responsibility.
We, as Jews, carry the mantle of Hashem, our Father.
People hold us up to a higher standard; rightfully so.
Passiveness in religiosity is unacceptable in Judaism.
We must always climb, grow and strive higher.
The absence of striving upward is falling down.
There is no cruising in Judaism; we are always on the move up or down.
It's up to us to keep moving up; closer to Hashem.
The importance of keeping our minds clean and holy, especially during this period of Sefiras HaOmer cannot be overstated.
Bringing holy thoughts into an unclean place is a sin...
...Bringing unclean thoughts into a holy place (i.e. our minds and hearts) is an even bigger sin!
In fact, the Shulchan Aruch HaRav (Orach Chaim Siman 85:4) rules that if one finds himself having improper thoughts he should instead think thoughts of Torah ,even when in the bathroom or other unclean places where it is usually prohibited to have holy thoughts!
Mashiach is closer than ever.
The Sar (Guardian angel) of Yishmael has fallen as is evidenced by the turmoil in the Arab world and the recent death of the Rasha Osama Bin Laden, a symbol of Yishmael's strength.
Chazal tell us that when the Sar of Yishmael will fall so will the nations of Yishmael have their ultimate downfall, and then Mashiach, a descendant of Yitzchok will rise and bring the glory of Hashem to the entire world and all will recognize the Kingdom of Hashem and His holy nation Yisroel.
The only army that will be left standing is the army of Hashem.
(See Zohar Parshas Va'Eira page 32 in the old prints. See Midrash Rabbah end of Parshas Chayei sarah. See also Ba'al HaTurim Bereishis 25:18)
We are there.
The era of Mashiach is no doubt upon us as never before.
Let us each resolve to take one tiny baby step today.
Small, yet significant.
Step by step by step.
Let's strive for greatness.
Let's rid our homes, minds and hearts of unholiness
Let's reach for Hashem.
Let's reconsider our priorities.
Let's watch what our eyes see; so we can merit seeing the final redemption.
Let's watch what our ears hear; so we can merit hearing the ultimate Shofar blasts.
Let's watch what our mouths say; so we can merit using it to greet Mashiach.
Let's watch what our minds think; so we can merit absorbing the wisdom of Hashem.
Let's use this period of Sefirah to show Hashem that we want to be counted!
Let's live as is becoming of the descendants of Yitzchok.
Monday
28 Nisan 5771; 13th Day of the Omer
May 2, 2011
1) Haircuts and shaving of any hair on the body is prohibited [for men] during Sefirah. (See Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim Siman 493:2)
If one works at a job where not shaving will cause him a monetary loss, it is permitted.
However, if one is simply embarrassed to go unshaven, and is worried that his co-workers will poke fun at him, but he will not incur a monetary loss, the prohibition stands. (Psak of Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal in Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 102 and Choshen Mishpat Vol. 1 Siman 93. See She'Arim Metzuyanim B'Halacha on the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 122:3 for a lengthy discussion with other sources about this)
In a year when Rosh Chodesh Iyar falls out on Shabbos it is permissible to shave on Friday L'Kovod Shabbos and L'Kovod Rosh Chodesh, no matter which half of Sefira you observe. (See Mishna Berura Siman 493:5)
2) Many Poskim are lenient in regard to women, and maintain that women may indeed shave any of their hair during Sefirah.
However, the prevalent custom is for women to be stringent and not cut the hair [on their head] during Sefirah unless doing so in preparation for immersion in the Mikvah or in cases when the hair is too long and thus not able to be covered properly according to Halacha. (See Shu"t L'Horos Nosson Vol. 2 Siman 32. This is also the opinion of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal and Yblc"t Rav Shmuel Wosner Shlita)
The aforementioned Halacha refers to hair of the head only.
However, women may shave their legs, pluck their eyebrows, and have electrolysis done L'Chatchilah during Sefira. (See Hilchos Bein HaMetzorim from Rav Shimon Eider Zatzal page 4 in the name of Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal and Sefer Bein Pesach L'Shavuos page 241 where he quotes Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal regarding the eyebrows and electrolysis that they aren't considered "shaving".)
The prevalent minhag is to not give haircuts to children under Bar/Bas Mitzvah during Sefirah, unless absolutely necessary.
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:
When a girl gets a new piece of nice jewelry and needs to recite a she'he'che'yanu on it, should she first say the brocha then put the piece of jewelry on or should she put the piece of jewelry on and then recite the brocha?
Answer:
According to the Poskim that rule that you recite she'hechiyanu on Jewelry (as is the psak of Rav Nisim Karelitz shlita and others), she should recite the Bracha immediately before putting it on. If she didn't, it can still be said afterwards, as long as she is still wearing it for the first time.
Some Poskim maintain that no She'hechiyanu is recited on jewelry at all , as it isn't considered clothing(Shulchan Aruch HaRav, Ben Ish Chai, Kaf Hachaim, Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal and others)
It is best, if possible, to refrain from reciting SheHechiyanu (which is an expression of Simcha) during Sefirah, so if it is your custom to recite Shehechiyanu on jewelry, it is best to wait until after Sefirah to put it on for the first time. If, for whatever reason, you cannot wait and you must wear it, you do indeed recite the SheHechiyanu even during Sefirah. ( See Mishna Berura Siman 493:2)
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
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk Corner
The Saintly Chofetz Chaim Zatzal
"One who is kind by nature suffers from others, while someone with a bad disposition causes other to suffer.
Is it not preferable that in the next world, it should be said about a person 'this is So and So, who suffered from everyone,' rather than, ' this is So and So who caused everyone to suffer?'"
The Chofetz Chaim Zatzal quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
Sunday
27 Nisan 5771; 12th Day of the Omer
May 1, 2011
1) If one is invited to a wedding at a time when they are observing Sefirah, while the one making the wedding observes the "other half" of Sefirah and is thus permitted to make a wedding, he/she may attend the wedding, listen to the music and even participate in the dancing. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 2 Siman 95)
However, taking a haircut or shaving/trimming a beard in honor of the wedding is prohibited unless not doing so will be embarrassing and cause you not to go to the wedding and thus prevent you from performing the Mitzvah of bringing joy to a bride and groom. (ibid.)
2) If during the days that you do not yet observe Sefirah, someone who is observing Sefirah enters your home, car or other area where you are listening to music, it isn't necessary to close the music. However, that person may not deliberately do this in order to hear the music.
Likewise, it isn't necessary to worry about your neighbors, who may be observing Sefirah now, hearing the music from your home, as long as it's playing at a normal, acceptable level. (This was the Psak of Rav Moshe Feinstein regarding one who is in the year of Aveilus for a parent R"L that his/her family members may play music in the home, and surely that is the Halacha regarding Sefira. Quoted in Sefer Shiurei Halacha from Rav Shmuel Felder Shlita, Posek in Lakewood, NJ)
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:
Regarding doing Teshuva for a sin where one usually needs to ask the one that was sinned against for forgiveness, if the aveira is Lashon Hara, it seems difficult if not impossible to go over to the person and tell them that you have said terrible things about them - and what if is a family member and the relationship is irreparably harmed?
Answer:
This particular issue was the topic of a dispute between The Chofetz Chaim and Rav Yisroel Salanter Zichronam L'Vracha.
The Chofetz Chaim maintained that if by going over to the person who you spoke against to ask for mechilah will cause them further harm, it is best not to let them know, and try to do as much Teshuva as possible, and try to spread good about that person in other ways.
Whereas, Rav Yisroel Salanter maintained that Teshuva was only complete with mechila, and even if it caused further harm, you must approach them.
I am not telling you which method is the proper Halacha to follow, as you should consult a Rav for that. I will just say that you cannot go wrong from following the rulings of the Chofetz Chaim for anything, especially Hilchos Lashon Hara!
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 ME.
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk Corner
As we move towards Shavuos, we must set a list of goals and objectives. We need to sacrifice for Hashem. Sacrificing for Hashem in our times, means giving up something (whether it be a negative behavior etc.) which has become second nature to us; something which we have become accustomed to and almost cannot live without.
You cannot quantify the meaning of this in an isolated or individual act of Mesiras Nefesh, since what constitutes an act of Mesiras Nefesh for one person, might not be a big deal (sacrifice) or achievement for another .
We all know where we need to make corrections, let's do it!
Erev Shabbos Kodesh Parshas Kedoshim; Mevorchim Chodesh Iyar (Rosh Chodesh will be on Wednesday and Thursday)
25 Nisan 5771; 10th Day of the Omer
April 29, 2011
1) There are varying opinions amongst the Poskim regarding if women should/may count the Sefirah with a Bracha.
Women are not obligated in Sefiras HaOmer, as it is a "Mitzvas Asei SheHazman Gerama, a Mitzvah that is bound to a certain time-period".
The Mogen Avraham maintains that women have accepted this Mitzvah upon themselves as if it was an "obligation" and thus they must indeed count with a Bracha. (Quoted in Mishna Berura Siman 489:3)
The custom of women in Europe in the time and place of the Chofetz Chaim was not to count Sefirah. (Mishna Berura ibid.)
The Shulchan Shlomo (quoted in Mishna Berura ibid.) maintains that women should count the days, but should not recite the Bracha before the counting. His reasoning is that women will most probably forget to count at least one of the nights (as the reason many men don't forget is that they go to Shul for Maariv. Men who do not attend Shul for Maariv, according to this opinion, should probably also not count Sefirah with a Bracha, as they too will surely end up "messing up")
Nowadays, many women do indeed have the custom to count Sefirah with a Bracha, as today we have Sefirah calendars and other reminders (including many email, and text message reminders) that make it more likely that they will indeed complete the entire 49 day count. (See Aruch HaShulchan Siman 489:4 where he rules that women should count with a Bracha as they do other Mitzvos Asei Shehazman Gerama.)
2) If a woman indeed wants to count, it is important that she at least know the basic meaning of the words being said (i.e. how the days and weeks being said in Hebrew translate into the appropriate day of the counting.) (See Mishna Berura 489:5, Shu"t MaHaril Diskin Kunteres Achron Siman 5 Os 55)
Women who follow the Sephardic traditions do not recite blessings on any Mitzvos Asei SheHazman Gerama, and thus should not recite the Bracha on Sefirah.
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) During The days of Sefira, it is customary to exhibit some signs of mourning, as in this time period the 24,000 disciples of the holy Tana Rabbi Akiva perished. (See Talmud Yevamos 62b and Tur and Shulchan Aruch Siman 493)
It is customary not to get married during Sefirah. Getting engaged is permissible.
It is customary not to take haircuts or shave facial hair during Sefirah.
It is customary not to listen to music or dance during Sefirah (We will elaborate on these halachos in more detail B'Ezras Hashem in the coming days)
2) Though the time of Sefirah is from Pesach until Shavuos, it is customary to only exhibit the signs of mourning for 33 of the 49 days.
Some people start from Pesach and cease the mourning on Lag B'Omer, while others only begin exhibiting the signs of mourning from the first day of Rosh Chodesh Iyar until three days before Shavuos (Sh'loshes Yemei HaGbalah)(See Shu"t Chasam Sofer Orach Chaim Siman 142 and Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 1 Siman 159 regarding if nowadays there exists any problems of "Lo TisGodedu" with people who observe different times of Sefirah)
Some Poskim, including HaRav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal, maintain that one may switch his/her "33 days" from year to year (Hataras Nedarim may be necessary in order to do this), while others are stringent and maintain that one must continually follow the same minhag each year (See Michtavim U'Ma'amarim from HaRav Eliezer Menachem Mann Shach Zatzal Vol. 6 page 71 for the reasoning why changing would not be permitted.)
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 the sign "KD" [on a food product acceptable as] kosher?
Answer:
"K" on its own is not an acceptable kosher symbol. all it means is that the company is saying that it is kosher, but there is no rabbi or agency supporting that claim. "D" just means that it has dairy ingredients in it. So, "KD" just means that the company is saying that it's kosher and dairy. You may not eat a product with "K" or "KD" on it unless you have information from a reliable kashrus agency that the product in question is kosher despite it not having a valid kosher symbol.
***
CLARIFICATION:
A few days ago I posted a Q&A about hearing aids on Shabbos.
A reader emailed me the following comments, which I am posting for the benefit of anyone who this concerns. Of course, as with everything, a Rav must be consulted for Halacha L'Ma'aseh.
"The information in your email about hearing aids is not complete and therefore misleading.
My husband is hearing impaired and therefore we are both well versed in the subject.
A few comments:
Hearing aids are muktzah if they are turned off and out of the ear. If they somehow get turned off while in the ear, they may be removed from the ear. One may also walk to find a goy to turn on the hearing aid back on.
Regarding hearing aid volume -- the poskim that rule that you may change the volume on Shabbos are discussing analog hearing aids. The same ruling may not apply to digital hearing aids.
We were told that the hearing aids are muktzah for everyone except the person using them.
I would also add that a person in this situation should be careful to consult a Rav who is a "mumchah/expert" on the topic. Many rabbanim do not know the intricacies of how the hearing aids work, and their rulings are based on poskim such as R' Shlomo Zalman who only ruled for analog hearing aids and not digital ones.
Thank you for your wonderful publication!
Sincerely,
[ Signature ] "
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 ME.
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk Corner
" If a person is Ma'avir Al Midosav and controls the natural instinct to react with anger, he/she may be able to change the "R" in "Anger" into an "L" to become "Angel" instead."
1) If one forgot to count Sefirah one night, he/she should count during that day (without a Bracha) and then can resume counting the following night with a Bracha.
However, if one didn't remember to count on that day and sunset of the next day arrived, he/she must count the remainder of the Sefirah days without a Bracha, and preferably hear the Bracha from someone else who is counting.
The above Halacha is only if you are certain that you forgot to count on one of the nights. However, if you are unsure (Safek) if you missed a night, you may continue the rest of the Sefirah counting with a Bracha. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 489:8. See also Mishna Berura S"K 34. For more intricate details see Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 93:3 and Shu"t Minchas Yitzchak Vol. 9 Siman 57 and Kaf HaChaim Siman 489:82)
2) There is a debate amongst the Poskim regarding one who knows that he/she will miss one (or more) days of counting the Sefirah (due to being under the operating knife R"L , or any other reason) if they may begin counting with a Bracha in the first place (as there is an opinion in the Rishonim that one who misses one day of counting renders all his/her previous Brachos as Brachos L'Vatalah (L'mafrea), blessings in vain)
The consensus of most Poskim, however, is that one may indeed begin counting with a Bracha, and only after that day is missed, will they have to continue without a Bracha, and all the previous Brachos will not be rendered "in vain". (See Halichos Shlomo page 357, Shu"t Ohr L'Tzion Vol. 1 Siman 36. This is also the opinion of Maran Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita and many other contemporary 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.
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 went to bed early last night before counting the omer.
I wasn't sure if I would get up later in the night, so I thought to myself that it was such and such of the omer. I didn't wake up again until the morning, but then I forgot to count properly. Now it is the next night, am I able to resume counting with a bracha or not?
Answer:
Once the entire day passed without you counting, and it is already the next night, you can no longer count with a bracha. "thinking" the sefirah does not suffice
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 ME.
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk Corner
Maran HaRav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita
There is no Joy like the Joy of Torah.
There is no fulfillment like that provided by living according to the Torah.
The "Joys" of the secular world are empty and short lived.
True contentment, happiness, fulfillment and joy is the joy of Torah.
The non- Torah lifestyle leads to depression or worse; it's not truly living.
Wednesday; Isru Chag; 8th day of Sefiras HaOmer
April 27, 2011
1) Once we start counting the second week of the Omer, when we count the weeks as well as the days, if you responded to the inquiry of "what night is tonight" saying "Tonight is 9", as long as you didn't add the information "...Which is one week and 2 days" you haven't satisfied your obligation, and may go ahead and count with a Bracha. (Mishna Berura Siman 489:22 and Sha'ar HaTziyun Os 28)
2) Therefore, if you tell someone on the night of the 33rd day of the Omer that "Tonight is Lag B'Omer", there is no need to worry, and you are still required to count the Omer with a Bracha. (This is a very common occurrence, and many mistakenly do not make a Bracha after it happens)
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 Halacha regarding women shaving their legs or plucking the eyebrows during Sefirah?
Answer:
Plucking the eyebrows, according to Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal and Rav Shmuel Wosner shlita is never a problem, as it isn't considered "cutting the hair" so it's permitted for all women all the time.
Shaving the legs, for married women is not a problem during Sefirah according to all opinions. For single girls, there are opinions that forbid it, but the majority of contemporary Poskim allow 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 ME.
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk Corner
HaRav Yaakov Yisroel Kanievsky, the Steipler Zatzal
A respectable Jew in Bnei Brak tragically became ill. Doctors operated on him many times without any encouraging results, and his condition worsened drastically. In order to help him, his friends decided not to speak any sichas chulin or even divrei Torah in the beis midrash from the beginning of the tefillah (from Boruch She'omar) until the very end (after the last Kaddish)
With Hashem's help, there was an immediate improvement, and he eventually returned to normal life.
It is well known that when people came to HaRav Yaakov Yisroel Kanievsky zt'l, the Steipler Rov, to ask for brochos, he would in many instances say: "I am only one person and do not have much power, but you as a tzibbur have an immeasurable power of the rabbim to annul gezeiros, Rachmono litzlan."
"When she came before the king he commanded by means of the book that his wicked scheme, which he had devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head" (Esther 9:25). Rabbenu the Vilna Gaon says that the posuk implies that when a Jew comes before the King (when he prays or says a brocho before HaKodosh Boruch Hu) the best advice is for him to say his tefillos from inside the "book." By doing so the wicked scheme will be foiled, that the thoughts disturbing his tefillah will be removed.
It is only proper to add that Maran HaRav Y. Y. Kanievsky zt'l used to say that when a Jew davens from a siddur despite being disturbed by other thoughts his seeing the words of tefillah within the siddur is also considered kavono.
The novi Malachi in the end of his nevu'ah promises us that when the tzibbur strengthen themselves, a special sefer zikoron is opened in Shomayim. Anyone found in that sefer is zoche to abundant rachamei Shomayim (see the end of Malachi) and in the zechus of the rabbim elevating themselves may we be privileged to hear besuros tovos, yeshu'os, and nechomos.
Sunday; Erev Yom Tov Acharon Shel Pesach
20 Nisan, 5771; 4th Day Chol Hamoed Pesach
(5th day Chol Hamoed in Eretz Yisroel);5th day of Sefiras HaOmer
April 24, 2011
SPECIAL TRIPLE PORTION L'KAVOD YOM TOV
Halachos for Sunday, Erev Yom Tov
1) Sefiras HaOmer, the counting of the Omer, began on the second night of Pesach, and will continue for 49 days until the Yom Tov of Shavuos.
L'Chatchila, the Bracha on the Sefirah, as well as the counting should be recited while standing. (See Mishna Berura Siman 489:6).
2) If the Sefirah was said while sitting, B'Dieved it is acceptable, and no re-counting is necessary.
This halacha applies to men and those women whose minhag it is to count Sefirah, alike. (In a few days we will discuss in more detail, whether women are obligated in this Mitzvah or not
Halachos for Monday, Yom Tov of Shvi'i Shel Pesach
1) The counting of the Omer should preferably be done as soon as possible after nightfall (preferably the same amount waited after sunset after Shabbos to do Melacha, should be waited for the counting of Sefirah as well)
If one davens Maariv early, before the counting of the Omer will be possible, he should be extremely careful to have a system set up whereby he will remember to count the Sefirah when the proper time arrives.
2) It is a good idea to always count the Sefirah again during the day [without a Bracha], thus if the counting was forgotten the night before, the day counting will suffice for the total counting of the 49 days.
Halachos for Tuesday, Yom Tov Achron Shel Pesach (Isru Chag in Eretz Yisroel)
1) During the first week of Sefirah, if it's after Sunset, and before you counted Sefirah, and someone asks you "What night of Sefirah is it tonight?" you should respond by saying "yesterday's count was such and such" (i.e. on the 5th night of Sefirah say "yesterday was the 4th day of the Omer" ).
If you mistakenly answered saying "Tonight's count is such and such" , you may no longer recite that night's count with a Bracha, as your response to that person is considered an adequate "counting".(See Mishna Berura Siman 489:22, and Sha'ar HaTziyun Os 23 and 26)
The above applies even if you just said "Tonight is 6", and didn't say "Tonight is the 6th night of the Omer" (Mishna Berura Siman489:21)
2) However, if someone asks you the count, and you simply respond by saying "6", and don't preface it by saying "Today is", it isn't considered a count and you may go ahead and count again with a Bracha. (Mishna Berura 489:20)
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:
My [friend] and I always have a disagreement on a certain topic, and that is about Aveiros (sins).
[My friend] states that most of the halachos that we are commanded to keep aren't from Hashem but from the rabbis that make it up. They make up these halachos (for example muktzah). Therefore he said he thinks the reason for most of the halachos that the rabbis made are gates around the Aveiros themselves.
Therefore he thinks that its not neccesary for us to keep the rabbinacal halachos rather then the original ones.
I tried explaining to him that Hashem commanded us to listen to our rabbis and their decisions are counted as sins if they are violated. But he disagrees. What should i tell him? and is it true [what I say]?
Answer:
You are 1000% correct.
The Torah explicitly commands us (Devarim 17:11) to listen to the Rabbanim/Chachamim and not to deviate an iota from what they tell you . Thus every rabbinical edict, for any reason they deemed it necessary is basically a Torah cammandment and must be kept to the tee. Only if the Rabbis themselves said that any particular edict was for a certain time only may we not do it anymore.
It is not up to us as individuals to decide what is worth keeping or not, it is up to the great sages to interpret the law.
The Midrash tells us that Avraham, Yitzchok and Yaakov, our holy patriarchs, kept all the Mitzvos and even all the rabbinical edicts! (See Talmud Yoma 28b)
The Gemara tells us that all the edicts that would eventually be instituted by the Rabbis were shown by to Moshe Rabbeinu on Har Sinai by Hashem Himself!
The Posuk (Devarim 30:12) tells us that the Torah was given to mortals, and isn't in heaven anymore. It was given to the Rabbis to interpret and to institute fences, edicts etc. as they saw fit.
There is a famous Gemara (Bava Metzia 59b) that describes a dispute in halacha between Rav Eliezer and the Rabbis. Rav Eliezer caused all sorts of miracles to happen to prove his point and that he was right, yet the rabbis were unimpressed, saying that Torah was given to them, and it isn't up to heaven anymore to determine halacha!
The laws of Rosh Chodesh were given to the rabbis to determine. The calendar month and the days on which holidays fall is not determined by the sun or the moon, rather by edict of the rabbis, as the Torah says (Shmos 12:2) "Hachodesh Hazeh Lachem- this (and all) months are for you to determine!"
In fact, there are even rabbinic Mitzvos on which we recite "Asher Kidshanu B'Mitzvosav, V'Tzivanu... saying that Hashem commanded us to do it, when seemingly it was only the rabbis! (See Gemara Shabbos 23a and the Ritva's explanation there)
There are countless more examples of this tenet of Judaism.
Bottom line is that one who transgresses a rabbinical decree has transgressed an Aveira equal to transgressing a biblical decree.
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 ME.
Erev Shabbos Kodesh
18 Nisan, 5771; 2nd Day Chol Hamoed Pesach
(3rd day Chol Hamoed in Eretz Yisroel);3rd day of Sefiras HaOmer
April 22, 2011
Today's Halachos are dedicated, by a friend, in honor of Tova Riva bas Marim on the occasion of her 69th birthday, on 19 Nisan. May Hashem grant her many more years of health, Siyata D'Shmaya and happines until 120!
1) It is prohibited to launder clothing on Chol HaMoed, by hand or via washing machine.
However, young children's clothing which often get dirty and soiled may be washed if necessary. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 534:1)
It is prohibited to add any adult clothing into the washing machine along with the wash that is being done for the children. (Psak of Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal)
Even for children, it is only permissible to wash those particular articles of clothing that are needed. (See Mishna Berura 534:11 and Aruch HaShulchan 534:8)
The age of the children whose clothing may be washed, is at most until age 6 or 7 years old. (Psak of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal in Shulchan Shlomo 534:3)
2) Polishing shoes, brushing a hat, spot cleaning a stain[that developed on Chol HaMoed] and simple ironing to remove wrinkles to make the clothing wearable for Chol HaMoed is permitted on Chol HaMoed, according to most Poskim. (See Rama Siman 541:3 and Mishna Berura S"K 9. See also Shulchan Shlomo 534:1 and Emes L'Yaakov Siman 534: footnote 489)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh/Shabbos Chol Hamoed
1)Apple, peach, cherry [or other fruit] Picking is permitted on Chol HaMoed if the apples are going to be eaten on Chol HaMoed.
There is no need to estimate how much will be eaten on Chol haMoed, rather the fruits may be picked in abundance.
If the fruits are not being picked for use on Chol HaMoed, it is best for adults not to pick them.
Children,however, who are doing it as an activity, may pick them even in such a case. (Psak of Rav Yaakov Forcheimer shlita, Dayan in Lakewood NJ)
2) Driving a car is permitted on Chol HaMoed.
A car that needs [minor] fixing and is needed for Chol HaMoed, may be brought to a mechanic to fix on Chol HaMoed, with the following conditions:
If the mechanic is a Jew, he may not take payment for his services.
If the mechanic is a non-Jew, he may be paid for his services.
The "fixing" that is necessary may not be anything major, rather only "small jobs" such as batteries, jump starting, flat tires, etc. may be done on Chol HaMoed.
For larger jobs, that may be considered "Ma'aseh Uman- the work of a skilled worker" a Rav should be consulted before fixing.
If one is away from home on Chol HaMoed, and thus not fixing the car would entail a large expense, the rental of a new car etc., it is considered a "Davar Ha'avud" and even a larger job may be given to a mechanic to fix. However, the service of a non- Jewish mechanic should be utilized.
A Rav should always be consulted in these situations as the halachos of "Davar Ha'Avud" are very delicate and are easily and often abused beyond the halachic allowances.
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's the story with leaving water uncovered overnight? I always thought that is was Assur but someone recently mentioned to me that Tosefos holds it's not a Sakana (danger) anymore so it's therefore permissible.
1. Is it Muttar or Assur?
2. If Assur, just water or all liquids?
3. What is considered "uncovered"? Is a pitcher with no cover in the fridge covered or uncovered?
Answer:
In the times of the Talmud it was prohibited due to poisenous snakes placing their venom in the water. (See Talmud Avoda Zara 30a and Chulin 9b)
Many Poskim rule that nowadays when snakes and the like are not prevelant, the prohibition is not in effect. (See Mishna Berura Siman 160:23 who rules this way)
However, the Gaon of Vilna and others maintained that the prohibition remais intact even today.
It is best to be stringent if possible. The Chazon Ish, The Steipler Zichronam L'Vracha and YBL"C Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita are extremely Makpid with this and will not drink such water, nor use it for any purpose!
This applies to water, soda, tea, coffee, beer, milk, wine (unless it's mevushal) and honey.
If it is in the refrigerator, where no snake or other animals can get to it, it is considered covered.
Thursday
17 Nisan, 5771; 1st Day Chol Hamoed Pesach
(2nd day Chol Hamoed in Eretz Yisroel);2nd day of Sefiras HaOmer
April 21, 2011
1)There is a Biblical commandment to rejoice on Yom Tov as it states in the Torah "V'SaMachta B'Chagecha- you shall rejoice on your festival".
This Mitzvah applies to Chol HaMoed (the intermediate days of the festivals) as well. (See Rambam Perek 6 of Hilchos Yom Tov Halacha 17)
One must drink [a Revi'is of] wine at least once a day during every day of Chol HaMoed. Some Poskim maintain that at every meal eaten on Chol HaMoed, wine must be drunk. (See Emes L'Yaakov from Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky Zatzal Siman 530 footnote 483)
It is best to drink wine, and not grape juice, which according to some Poskim does not cause "joy" as wine does.
If one cannot drink straight wine, it is best to at least mix a little wine into the grape juice, so that the taste of the alcohol is evident. (Psak of Maran Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita).
Of course, if one cannot drink even grape juice, due to health concerns, there is no obligation for them.
2) It is also important to eat meat (not chicken) once a day on each day of Chol HaMoed. (See Biur Halacha 529:2, Be'er Heitev 551:28,Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 3 Siman 68, Emes L'Yaakov ibid. and Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 3 Siman 18:2)
There is no requirement to eat bread on Chol HaMoed, therefore if "Ya'aleh V'Yavo was mistakenly omitted in the Birchas Hamazon it does not need to be repeated. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 188:7)
However, it is still worthwhile to eat bread once each night and once each day of Chol HaMoed, out of respect for the day. (Mishna Berura 530:1)
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:
1) What is the halacha regarding an elderly person using hearing aids on shabbos?
2) can a caregiver help the elderly person with the hearing aid on shabbos? Is it muketzah for the caregiver?
3) if the above is allowed can the elderly person go out with it on shabbos? Is it considered carrying?
Answer:
If they are being worn and properly working, they are not Muktzah for the wearer, or for the one assisting him/her. In fact, the Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchasa and other Poskim even allow to lower/raise the volume if necessary, while it's on the ear.
There is no problem of carrying, similar to glasses being worn outside on Shabbos to help one see, a hearing aid may be worn to help one hear.
Obviously. a Rav must be consulted for Halacha L'Ma'aseh, as each situation is unique.
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 ME.
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk Corner
Hashem, in His great wisdom, created you with love and care.
He gave you a job here that only YOU can do, no one else.
He's there by your side always, cheering you on as you go about your day.
You are His child, and He loves you more than anyone else in the world!
He sees how hard you try to make Him happy, and He looks down and smiles upon you.
It's okay if you make mistakes every now and then.
Hashem knows we are doing our best, and that we are human.
He gives us all the chances we need.
He looks at the good we do, not at what we don't do.
Even if you did one kind thing today, it's like a beloved child in Hashem's eyes!
LOVE YOURSELF because you are loved by the best Father anyone can have!!!
1) Magid: The recitation of the Hagadah; a fulfillment of the biblical commandment of "Sipur Yetzias Mitzrayim", the retelling of the story of Hashem's taking the Bnei Yisroel out of the bondage of Egypt and making us into a holy nation, children of Hashem as stated in the Posuk (Devarim 14:1) Banim Atem L'Hashem Elokeichem, you[the Jewish people] are children to Hashem your G-d.
One who relates the story of Yetzias Mitzrayim with joy and delight is sure to delight with the Shechina in Olam Haba. At the time that Hashem hears His children retelling the story, He gathers all the heavenly bodies and He tells them "Go and listen to my children praising me and delighting in the story of how I redeemed them!" (Zohar HaKadosh Parshas Bo)
2) Women are obligated in the Mitzvah of "Sipur Yetziyas Mitzrayim" as they too were part of the miracle of the redemption. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 472:14)
If a woman cannot recite the entire Hagadah (due to being otherwise occupied with the children or other valid reasons) she should at a minimum recite the following parts: Kiddush, Avadim Hayinu,'Pesach, Matzah and Maror' until Go'al Yisroel and the recital of the ten Makos, plagues. (Mishna Berura Siman 473:64. See also Siddur Ya'avetz.)
Of course, the children should participate to the best of their ability in the recital of the Hagadah, and the adults should gear the "flow" of the evening to the level of the children, as the Torah specifically commanded (Shmos 13:8) "V'Higadta L'Vincha Bayom HaHu, and you shall relate [the story of Hashem's redeeming us from Egypt] to your child on that day [Pesach]".
It is a Mitzvah to give out sweets and treats to the children in order to keep them awake and active during the Seder so they will ask about all the interesting things that are going on during the Seder.
The proper way of retelling the story of Yetziyas Mitzrayim is via "Question[from the children] and Answer [from the parents], thus it is not proper to put the children to bed immediately after "Mah Nishtana" before their questions are answered and they get a grasp of the miracles that Hashem performed for our ancestors on this night. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 472:16 and Mishna Berura S"K 50)
The Hagadah is not recited B'Heseiba, while leaning, rather it is said with reverence and awe while sitting properly. (Shla Hakadosh quoted in Mishna Berura Siman 473:71)
Halachos for Tuesday, First Day of Pesach
1) Rachtzah: The hands are washed And a Bracha od "Al Netilas Yadayim" is recited in preparation to eat the Matzah.
Even though the hands were already washed earlier by Urchatz, we wash again in case we may have touched an unclean area between then and now. (See Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman 475:2 that in any case the first washing will not work for the Matzah)
Some Poskim say that it is proper to deliberately touch a covered area before this washing to ensure that the washing is necessary and a Bracha is permitted to be recited.(See Biur Halacha Siman 475:1. See also Halichos Shlomo Perek 9:38)
2) Motzi Matzah: The Matzah is eaten; a fulfillment of the biblical commandment to do so on this night.
It is proper to specifically have in mind, and to tell everyone in the household as well to have in mind, before eating the Matzah that what you are about to do is a fulfillment of the positive commandment to eat Matzah. (The reason for this is that Mitzvos Tzrichos Kavanah, Actions alone without having in mind what we are doing do not work when it comes to biblical commandments; See Shulchan Aruch Siman 60:4)
If this "thought" was not had, according to many Poskim B'dieved it is acceptable and no additional Matzah must be eaten, especially if the Bracha was recited with Kavanah and the Matzah was eaten B'Heseibah; other Poskim require another Kzayis to be eaten without a Bracha. (See Mishna Berura Siman 475:34 and Biur Halacha Dibur Hamaschil Aval for more about this.)
Maror: The "bitter herbs" are eaten to commemorate the bitterness that our ancestors suffered at the hands of the Egyptians.
The proper vegetable to use for Maror is a subject of debate amongst the Poskim, as today we aren't knowledgeable in the many species of plants that the Talmud discusses. (See Chayei Adam Klal 130:3)
The prevalent custom is to use Romaine lettuce and horseradish(which when grated is extremely "bitter").
Some Poskim say it's good to mix the grated horseradish with the romaine lettuce, while some Poskim say it is better to avoid mixing the two and better to eat them independently. (See Halichos Shlomo Perek 9:48)
Halachos for Wednesday, Second Day of Pesach (First Day of Chol Hamoed in Eretz Yisroel)
1) Korech: A Kzayis of Matzah is eaten together with a Kzayis of Maror; a fulfillment of Hillel's understanding of the Posuk (Shmos 12:8)"Matzos Al Merorim Yochluhu". (See Mishna Berura Siman 475:16)
Some people dip the Maror of Korech into Charoses while others have the custom not to; each person should hold onto their own custom. (Mishna Berura Siman 475:19)
2) Shulchan Orech: The festive Yom Tov Seudah is eaten.
Some people have the custom to eat the entire Seudah B'Heseiba, while leaning, especially when eating Matzah. (As the Rama Siman 472:6 rules that L'Chatchila this should be done.)
However, nowadays, the prevalent minhag is not to lean while eating the Seudah. This was the minhag of the Chazon Ish, the Steipler Zichronam L'Vracha and many other Gedolim.
It is customary to eat eggs [especially the egg from the Ke'arah, the Seder plate] at the beginning of this Seudah, to commemorate the Korban Chagigah that was brought on Pesach, and also as a subtle sign of mourning that we don't have the Bais Hamikdash in which to bring the Korban Pesach, and thus Pesach and Tisha B'Av always fall out on the same day of the week each year. (See Rama Siman 476:2 and Mishna Berura S"K11)
It is important not to overeat at this Seudah, in order to still have an appetite for the eating of the Afikomen. (Rama Siman 476:1)
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 is there no Kashrus , Basar B'Chalav and Chometz concerns with metal braces[on the teeth]? Why is it any different than metal cutlery?
Answer:
I once asked this question to a prominent Posek and he answered that it is considered as part of the mouth, like a tooth, and thus doesnt require Kashering. Of course, any components that are removeable, must be cleaned and kashered for Pesach.
A Rav must be consulted in each specific situation to determine what components are considered removeable.
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 ME.
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk Corner
Question:
What are the significances of Chad Gadyoh and Echod Mi Yodeiah [which are recited in the Hagadah during Nirtzah] ?
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
Chad Gadyoh, just the first two words, that's all we'll explain right now. Gedi is a Korban Pesach, it's a Seh or a Gedi, Seh Kevosim or a Seh Izim, either one, so Chad Gadyoh. The Am Yisroel is symbolized by that one. Hakadosh Baruch Hu has announced that there is an Am Echod, there is only one nation in the world. Mi K'amcha Yisroel Goy Echod B'aretz, only one nation in the world. It's very important for us to think about that. Hakadosh Baruch Hu has announced, of all the nations, not only the nations! everything in the world, is nothing compared to the Am Yisroel. Hain Lashem Elokecha Hashomayim U'shmai Hashamayim, Hashem owns the skies and the skies above the skies. All the world and all therein. But Rak B'avosecha Choshak Hashem, only our forefathers did Hashem love. Now, Choshak is a special word like Chashukim, loops,we're attached, Hashem is attached to us, a permanent love, Choshak means attached to us, forever and ever.
Now that's a lesson that every Jew has to learn, that Hashem is attached to him and loves him forever and ever. And that's the significance of Chad Gadyoh, and what follows after that. Chad Gadyoh went through various experiences, Hakadosh Barauch Hu will take vengeance on anybody who has molested His people. Sooner or later everyone will come to judgment, there's no question, all the nations that persecuted us are all going to be wiped out one after the other.
Echod Mi Yodeiah: again, when we talk about what's called Echod, Hakadosh Baruch Hu is not just an Echod like we know, who knows what Echod is? It seems so simple, certainly Hashem is Echod. No, Hashem is not one, like you say one world or one this. No, Hashem is the only thing in the world, there's no world, the world is imagination. Hashem is the only one who has true existence, that's called Havaya, He exists, Hashem exists. Nothing else exists, whatever you see in the world is only His imagination, He imagined the world into existence. Ki Hu Amar Vayehi, He spoke and the world came into existence. If He would retract His word, He'd take back his word, the whole word would collapse into nothing, the Rambam says that. The only one that has existence is Hashem. And therefore, Echod, who knows what one means? One means sometimes, one of a kind. No! not one of a kind, He is the only One in the universe. The others take time to explain, but in the meantime, for Echod Mi Yodeiah, it's enough to know the great Chidush that Hakadosh Baruch Hu is the only being that has any existence at all, and all that exists in the world is only the result of His own desire to let them exist.
Important Numbers
