Sunday
21 Kislev 5771
November 28 2010; 4 Days until Chanukah
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1)When lighting the Chanukah menorah on the first night of Chanukah (This coming Wednesday evening) three Brachos must be recited as follows:
1st Bracha:"Baruch Ata Hashem...Asher Kidshanu B'Mitzvosav V'Tzeevanu L'Hadlik Ner Shel Chanukah- Blessed are You Hashem...Who commanded us to kindle the Chanukah light" (The Arizal, Bais Yosef Gaon of Vilna and others had the custom to say "L'Hadlik Ner Chanukah" and omitted the word "Shel". A Third Nusach exists as well where the words "Shel" and "Chanukah" are combined into one word: "SheliChanukah". This was the Minhag of the MaHarshal,The Chazon Ish and others)
2nd Bracha: "Baruch Ata Hashem...SheAsa Nisim L'Avoseinu BaYomim Hashem, Bazman Hazeh- Blessed are You Hashem...Who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days, in this time[of the year]" (This blessing may be recited by a Ger, a convert to Judaism, even though the miracle didn't occur to his/her ancestors. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch and Mishna Berura based on the Rambam. However, if the convert so desires he/she may say "SheAsah Nisim L'Yisroel- Who performed miracles for the Jews")
3rd Bracha: "Baruch Ata Hashem...SheHechiyanu V'KiYimanu V'HigiYanu Lazman Hazeh- Blessed are You Hashem...Who allowed us to live and survive and reach this point in time"
On the subsequent 7 nights of Chanukah, only the first two Brachos are recited, while "SheHechiyanu" is not said.
2) All the aforementioned blessings must be recited before the actual kindling of the menorah. The lighting should not be commenced before all three (on the first night) or both (on the subsequent nights) of the Brachos have been completed. (Ram'a Siman 676:2. There are opinions that maintain that the second Bracha is recited before lighting the "additional candle" each night, but the prevalent Minhag is like the Ram'a, which is based on the Me'iri in Maseches Shabbos)
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. 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:
Would you be allowed to bring an ipod that has shiurim (Torah lectures) on it into a bathroom?
While it's playing I'm assuming not but what if you pause it or it's in a pocketbook?
Answer:
Yes, since there is no actual Torah texts in it, it has no Kedusha and it may be brought in to the bathroom. Similarly, tapes, CD's, tape recorders etc. may be brought in.
It is better if it is turned off or paused.
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 TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
"When the Jewish People conduct themselves with compassion and kindness, and judge one another favorably below in this world: Hashem in turn, judges His people favorably, giving them the benefit of the doubt and bestowing His blessings of kindness and life."
- Rabbi Levi Yitzchakof Berditchev Zatzal -
Quoted on www.JewishEverything.net from Sefer Torah Tavlin
Erev Shabbos Kodesh Parshas Vayeishev
19 Kislev 5771
November 26 2010; 6 Days until Chanukah
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SPECIAL DOUBLE PORTION L'KAVOD SHABBOS KODESH
Halachos for Erev Shabos Kodesh
1) It is forbidden to utilize the "light" of the Chanukah candles for any purpose. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 673)
This applies to all the candles that were kindled for that night, even though the extra candles are only for "Hiddur Mitzvah- beautification of the Mitzvah",e.g. on the fifth night, one may not "use" any of the 5 candles, even though Min HaDin only one candle must be kindled each night. (Be'er Heitev ibid.)
The "uses" that are prohibited include mundane uses such as counting money by the lights of the menorah, as well as holy purposes, such as davening or learning via the light of the menorah.
2) Some opinions allow using the light of the menorah for holy purposes (opinion of the Ba'al HaItur and other Rishonim, brought in the Tur), but the consensus of virtually all Poskim, and the prevelant practice, is to prohibit even holy uses. (Magen Avraham, Levush, Elya Rabbah, Aruch HaShulchan etc.)
It is for this reason that the widespread minhag is to add an extra candle, known as the "Shamash" to the menorah each night, this way when/if you "use" the light of the menorah it will be the light of that candle that we are using and not the lights of the menorah.
The "Shamash" should be placed a little higher than the other candles so it should be evident that it isn't one of the "Mitzvah candles". (Ram'a 670:2)
All the menorahs that are being lit require their own "shamash", even if there is other light in the room. (Magen Avraham 670:5, Mishna Berura 670:18)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) Many otherwise righteous Jews have a "custom" to play "Kvitlach", a gambling card game on Chanukah (a poker type game).
It isn't clear exactly where this minhag came from or how it developed, but it isn't a Minhag Tov, rather a sinful expression of "empty partying" that has replaced the "Shiros V'Tishbachos, praising of Hashem that used to (and still should) characterize Chanukah celebrations, and one who values his/her soul should avoid these card games at all costs. (Biur Halacha Siman 670)
2) Those who play "Kvitlach"on Chanukah will be punished severely in the next world, as many other Aveiros, sins, are inevitably involved whenever these card games take place (gambling, stealing, Nivul Peh, Bitul Torah, Prikus Ol, Lashon Hara, [as well as lack of Tzniyus, Histaklus B'Arayos etc. when there are men and women involved in the same game, Chas V'Shalom] just to name a few).
One who has the capacity to stop these games from taking place and discontinue this sinful practice will be greatly rewarded in the next world (Aruch HaShulchan Siman 670:9. See also Yesod V'Shoresh Ha'Avodah Sha'ar 12: end of Perek 1)
If you have been invited to participate in such a game, it would be best to cancel and let them know that you won't be attending.
Although this may be a difficult decision and one that may cause you embarrassment and "hard feelings", it is the right decision and one that a G-d fearing Jew must make.
The Mishna in Pirkei Avos teaches us that "L'Fum Tzaarah Agrah- the more painful a [right] decision is to make, the greater the heavenly rewards"
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. 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 wanted to know, is there an inyan in the torah whether halachically or hashkafically to celebrate ones Birthday (hebrew of course) and also to give out brochos. I see a lot off people doing this and I was wondering if there was a source for this in the Torah. In general what is an appropriate approach to a Birthday?
Answer:
The Sefarim do say that on a person's birthday his Mazal is very strong and it is an opportune time to pray and say Tehilim and work on improving oneself. Many people have the custom to give Tzedaka on their birthday.
The Midrash (Sechel Tov, Bereishis 40:20) does make mention of a person's birthday being a special day of Simcha.
Birthday parties, if done in an appropriate and kosher fashion as a way to express Shevach and Hoda'ah to Hashem for granting you another year of life, are a good way to celebrate with family and friends and to receive and give Brachos to one another. However, if it will simply be a "party" devoid of spirituality, and perhaps lead to Leitzanus or Chas V'Shalom sinful behavior, it should be avoided.
Obviously, the "birthday" that should be celebrated is the hebrew date, and not the secular date on which you were born.
The Ben Ish Chai (Parshas R'ei Vol. 1 Siman 17) writes that celebrating ones birthday is an acceptable minhag and is a "Siman Yafeh" and is done in his home each year.
See also the Pri Megadim (MishPetzos Zahav Siman 444:9) where he mentions a minhag to make a 70th birthday feast.
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 TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
Imagine that you had won the following prize in a contest:
Each morning your bank would deposit $86,400 in your private bank account for your own use.
However, this prize has rules, just as any game has certain rules.
The first set of rules would be:
1) Everything that you didn't spend during each day would be taken away from you.
2) You may not simply transfer money into some other account. You may only spend it.
The second set of rules:
1) The bank can end the game without warning; at any time it can say,"It's over, the game has ended!"
2) It can close the account in an instant and you will not receive a new one.
What would you personally do? Would you buy anything and everything you wanted? Not only for yourself, but for all the people in your life, right? Maybe even for people you don't know, because you couldn't possibly spend it all on yourself and the people in your life, right? You would try to spend every single cent, and use it all up every day!
Actually, this game is a reality, but not with money!
Each of us is in possession of such a magical bank. We just don't seem to see it.
The MAGICAL BANK is TIME!
Each morning we awaken and receive 86,400 seconds as a gift of life, and when the day is done, any remaining time is gone and NOT credited to us. What we haven't lived up to that day is lost forever. Yesterday is forever gone.
Each morning the account is refilled, but the magical bank can dissolve our account at any time....WITHOUT WARNING.
SO, what will you do with your 86,400 seconds? Think about that, and always think of this: Enjoy every second of your life, because time races by so much quicker than we think. Take good care of yourself, and enjoy life. Live each day to the fullest, be kind to one another, and be forgiving. Harbor a positive attitude and always be the first to smile.
Here's wishing you a wonderful, beautiful day, each and every day!!!
Thursday
18 Kislev 5771
November 25 2010; 7 Days until Chanukah
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1)The ideal time to light the Chanukah Menorah is between "sunset" and the time that people are no longer in the street. (Talmud Shabbos 21b)
The Rishonim debate what "sunset" in this case means, as the setting of the sun is divided into 3 time periods. The three times [for lighting the Menorah] are:
a) As soon as the sun begins setting, though it is still very light outside. (Opinion of the Rambam, Mordechai, Rav Hai Gaon)
b) The beginning of the sun's actual setting, when it is starting to get dark already [approximately 20-40 minutes after "sunset"] (Opinion of the Rashba, Ran, Meiri, Ritva[though the Ritva allows lighting at the earlier time of sunset as well])
c) The end of Sunset, which is referred to as "Tzais HaKochavim- when 3 stars are visible in the sky". (Opinion of Tosefos, Manhig, The Rosh, Tur, Terumas HaDeshen)
2) There are many different opinions amongst the Poskim as far as which of the above opinions is best to follow.
Many people [especially in the United States of America] follow the minhag of Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal who lit the Menorah approximately 10 minutes after Sunset. (Based on the Opinion of the Gaon of Vilna in Biur HaGr"a Orach Chaim Siman 672. There is a contradictory Biur HaGr"a in Yoreh Deah Siman 266:17 who seems to say that the best time to light is at "Tzeis Hakochavim- when the stars appear" which is definitely later than 10 minutes after sunset. See Sefer Moadim U'Zmanim from Rav Moshe Sternbuch Shlita, Vol. 2 Siman 154 how he deals with this apparent contradiction). This is also the minhag of Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita.
Many people[especially in Eretz Yisrael] follow the minhag of the Chazon Ish Zatzal to wait an additional 10 minutes, and light only 20 minutes after sunset. This was also the Minhag of the Steipler Zatzal.
The Minhag of Rav Ahron Kotler Zatzal was to light 25-30 minutes after sunset. This is the prevalent minhag of Talmidim of Bais Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, NJ.
Many people follow various other minhagim, and each person should adopt the custom of their own family, or consult a Rav if no custom is in place.
Even those who follow the Gr"a and light at the earliest time, should make sure there is enough oil (or the candles be long enough) to burn until a half hour past "Tzeis HaKochavim" (Psak of Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita, quoted in Sefer Yemei Halael V'Hodaah)
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. 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 a Davar Charif, what is the status of a lemon?
When you go to a hotel lounge, for example, and order a diet cola, they usually stick a half lemon in the cup to know which one is diet. Hence, they most probably are using a treif knife to cut it,does that invalidate the drink?
Is it a problem? Should you ask for diet soda without a lemon wedge?
Answer:
Lemons are indeed treated in halacha as a Davar Charif. (There can be exceptions for mild lemons. See Shach Os 20 to Yoreh Deah 96:4).
You should indeed avoid the lemons in hotel lounges, where non kosher food is served.
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 TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
HaRav Yerucham Levovitz Zatzal, Mashgiach of Mir Yeshiva in Poland
HaRav Yerucham Levovitz, Z'tl, the Mashgiach of Mirrer Yeshiva, wrote in his personal notebook that "I want to be zoche to da'as--to wisdom."
He therefore accepted upon himself to break his desire three times a day.
This appears difficult--at least at first glance. What is the connection between obtaining wisdom and breaking your desire?
HaRav Shlomo Wolbe, Z'tl, (Collected Letters, 41) explains that wisdom is evidenced by the intellect's overcoming of desire. It is the supremacy of spiritual aspiration over material want.
The battle for wisdom, however, cannot be fought in the abstract or even only in the Bais HaKnesses or Bais HaMedrash. It must be fought in every day life and in every day situations.
Indeed, according to the Sefer Mesilas Yesharim, the first two middos--the first two character traits--we are to build within ourselves are Zehirus and Zerizus--care and alacrity--the immediate response we make to the situations that present themselves.
Let's take a look: The extra portion of delectable food. The manner in which you eat. The curious eavesdropping. Looking at things that shouldn't be looked at. Going places we shouldn't be going. Listening to things we shouldn't be listening to. Excess gadgets--and that one more high-tech toy. These, and similar temptations, are the challenges of our everyday life.
Will wisdom win?
You are the General.
* * * * * * *
In last week's Parsha, we find that Eisav was pacified by the gifts of animals (animals, of course, symbolizing desire) delivered to him from Yaakov.
Consequently, despite all of his might, Eisav withdrew from--and forever forfeited his and his descendant's claim to--Eretz Yisroel.
Likewise, Shechem's desire for Dina resulted not only in the loss of his princely status, but in the death and destruction of himself, his family, and his entire nation.
Perhaps the Torah emphasizes to us that the effect of desire is not necessarily only the personal downfall of the person falling prey, but also the possible ruination of those around him and those following him, as well.
Let us take a few moments each day to follow the lead of the Mirrer Mashgiach - by breaking a particular desire at least once daily --as we place our minds over matter -and become all the wiser for it!
Submitted by C.S.; Taken from Hakhel.info
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות
- one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (Talmud Niddah 73a)
Please visit my website www.HalachaForToday.com for archives, Kosher links, Questions and Answers,and other features. Halachos are for study purposes only, and should not be relied upon for final Psak. See Halacha L'Maaseh Disclaimer Here. I welcome all questions on any topic, anytime! Help spread the word of Hashem!
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Wednesday
17 Kislev 5771
November 24 2010; 8 Days until Chanukah
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1) All Jews are obligated in the Mitzvah of lighting Chanukah candles.
This applies to men, women and children (who have reached the age of Chinuch; approximately 5 or 6 years of age), as all Jews were saved in the miraculous victory of the Macabbees over the mighty Greek army. (Additionally, as we discussed in the previous Halachos, women are specifically obligated in the Mitzvos of Chanukah, due to their being saved from the harsh decrees levied against them, via the heroic act of Yehudis, a woman)
2) The prevalent Minhag is for the male head of household to exempt all the female members of the house (adults and children alike), through the lighting of his menorah.(Amongst Sephardim, the head of household exempts everyone in the house, even other males)
The females being exempted should make sure to be present and listen to the recital of the Brachos [and answer Amen] while the menorah is kindled. (Mishna Berurah Siman 675:9)
Of course, if no man is available to exempt her, a women may light [and make the blessings over] her own menorah. A woman can also exempt other people with her lighting, when no man is available to do this. (See Smag Hilchos Chanukah, Taz 675:3, Magen Avraham ibid.)
[Ashkenazic] Boys who have reached the age of Chinuch should preferably light their own menorahs [with all the Halachic details involved] and not rely on the head of the household's lighting. (Ram'a 675:3. See also Mishna Berura and Biur Halacha ibid. Dibur Hamaschil U'Ldidan, regarding if there is a Mitzvah of Chinuch for "Hidur Mitzvah" or just for the "letter of the law" and thus children would only have to light one candle per night.)
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. 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 one (adult) permitted to play board games on Shabbos-where it doesn't involve any melacha.
If yes, is it better not to?
Answer:
Any games that make noise (rattles, bells, etc.) may not be used on Shabbos, and may even be Muktzah.
Any games that usually entail writing (scrabble, boggle, magna doodle etc.) may not be used, even if no writing is done.
Similarly, any games that involve clay, playdough etc. may not be used on Shabbos.
Any games that require assembling, via screws, bolts or nails, may not be used on Shabbos. Lego, according to many Poskim may be used. Others are stringent.
Many Poskim forbid making puzzles on Shabbos, while others are lenient in certain instances.
These are the basic guidelines, though each individual game must be determined to be acceptable before playing on 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 ME. THANK YOU AND TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
Something To Think About ...
In Washington , DC , at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, this man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After about 3 minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.
About 4 minutes later:
The violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.
At 6 minutes:
A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.
At 10 minutes:
A 3-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time. This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent - without exception - forced their children to move on quickly.
At 45 minutes:
The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.
After 1 hour:
He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded. There was no recognition at all.
No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.
This is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities.
This experiment raised several questions:
*In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?
*If so, do we stop to appreciate it?
*Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:
If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made . .
How many other things are we missing as we rush through life?
Submitted by a daily reader, E.S.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות
- one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (Talmud Niddah 73a)
Please visit my website www.HalachaForToday.com for archives, Kosher links, Questions and Answers,and other features. Halachos are for study purposes only, and should not be relied upon for final Psak. See Halacha L'Maaseh Disclaimer Here. I welcome all questions on any topic, anytime! Help spread the word of Hashem!
Please Tell your friends about this list and have them sign up too!
Tuesday 16 Kislev 5771 November 23 2010; 9 Days until Chanukah
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1)During Chanukah it is proper to strengthen ourselves in the areas of learning Torah, Davening (prayer) and Gemilas Chasadim(acts of kindness). ( See Pri Megadim Siman 670 at length for a fascinating explanation how the Greeks were trying to prevent the Jews from upholding the three pillars of the world: Torah, Avodah and Gemilas Chasadim and thus we need to intensify our efforts precisely in these areas.)
2) It is customary to give extra Tzedaka on the days of Chanukah, especially to support poor people who spend their lives dedicated to learning Torah. (Kitzur Shulchan Aruch and Magen Avraham.)
The Yesod V'Shoresh H'Avodah (Sha'ar 12:1) expounds on this, based on the Zohar Hakadosh and the Kisvei Ha'Arizal, that one who is lax in giving of Tzedakah all year round can rectify the harm this laxity caused by increasing his/her Tzedakah on Chanukah, especially if giving to support those who learn Torah. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!
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:
Does a person have to stay with the lit [Chanukah] candles for the full half hour? For example, to rush and make an appointment one will have to leave the Neiros before half an hour?
Answer:
Yes. Ideally one should stay for half an hour in the room with the candles, or at least stay home wih them. It is best not to light them and immediately run out to an appointment etc. (Besides the danger involved in leaving candles burning in an empty home).
If there are other people who stay in the home and one person is running out, though not ideal, it is better.
This is especially true for women who may not do Melacha for the first half hour after the Chanukah lights have been lit, and according to many Poskim this applies to men as well. See B'er Heitev Siman 670:2 quoting the MaHaril. See also Sefas Emes parshas Mikeitz from the year 5640 regarding the importance of staying with the neiros for half an hour. Indeed many scrupulous people make sure to stay by the neiros (and sing, dance or learn) for the first half hour. See also Shu"t Shav yaakov Siman 22, Sefer menucha U'kedusha page 160 and Sefer Mekor Chaim Siman 672:2.
However, a Ben yeshiva that will be returning to Yeshiva to learn Torah should return immediately after lighting, according to Rav Chaim Kanievsky shlita, quoted in Sefer Piskei Shmuos page 30)
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 TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
Maran HaRav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita engrossed in Torah study
"A HUMAN IS A HUMAN AND AN ANGEL IS AN ANGEL.
BUT, IF A HUMAN BEING WISHES, HE CAN BE GREATER THAN AN ANGEL."
- Rav Leibele Eiger Zatzal -
The Skulener Rebbe Shlita serving Hashem in holiness.
Submitted by C.S.; taken from the Morning Machsom L'Fi email
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (Talmud Niddah 73a)
Please visit my website www.HalachaForToday.com for archives, Kosher links, Questions and Answers,and other features. Halachos are for study purposes only, and should not be relied upon for final Psak. See Halacha L'Maaseh Disclaimer Here. I welcome all questions on any topic, anytime! Help spread the word of Hashem!
Please Tell your friends about this list and have them sign up too!
Monday
15 Kislev 5771
November 22 2010; 10 Days until Chanukah
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1) The Minhag is that women do not do "Melacha" (work or chores) for the first thirty minutes after the Chanukah menorah is lit.
Some have this Minhag on each of the eight nights of Chanukah (Shibolei HaLeket).
Others have this Minhag only on the first and last night of Chanukah (Shiltei Giborim, Kol Bo, MaHaril and others)
According to some opinions, the type of "Melacha" that the women shouldn't do is any "Melacha" that is prohibited on any other Yom Tov (Levush, Bach, Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal and others).
According to other opinions, only Melachos that women refrain from doing on Rosh Chodesh and Chol HaMoed are prohibited, such as sewing, laundry, ironing etc., but baking, cooking etc. is allowed. (Moed L'Kol Chai, Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal, Debreciner Rav in Be'er Moshe, Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita in the name of his father the Steipler Zatzal)
2) Some Poskim maintain that the minhag not to do Melacha applies to men as well. (Elya Rabba's understanding of the MaHaril, Bach and a few others).
Most Poskim however, maintain that this is a special Minhag for women only, as they had particularly harsh decrees targeting them ,namely that all Jewish brides were required to spend the night with the Greek general before being allowed to get married and the women had a special part in the miracle of Chanukah. (referring to the story of Yehudis who slayed the Greek general, before he was able to defile her and through her heroic actions, the decree was abolished. See Tosafos Pesachim 108b D"H HaYu B'Oso Ha'Nes. See also Rashi Shabbos 21b D"H V'Asum that there is no Issur Melacha on Chanukah)
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. 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:
Concerning Chanuka lights, can one wait until after the brochos are recited to light the candle that he holds in his hand to light all the others (The Shamash) or is that a hefsek (interruption) between the brochos and the lighting?
Answer:
Though, if it's not I doubt it is a real Hefsek as it is being done for the sake of the Chanukah lights.
It is probably better to have the candle you are using to light with, lit before you start the Brachos.
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 TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
There is a Halacha in Shulchan Aruch that says that when we daven Shemonah Esreh, we should keep our eyes closed or look into a Siddur. Furthermore, the Gemorah states that a person who keeps his eyes closed during Shemona Esrei, will merit seeing the Shechina Hakedosha (we don't know exactly what this means, of course) at the moment that he/she departs from this World!
The Zohar Hakadosh on the Pasuk in Vayeitzei where it says "Vieinei Leah Rakos, V'Rochel Hoysa Yefas Toar V'fas Mareh - Leah's Eyes were wet (from crying out to Hashem) and Rochel was a beautiful Maiden." - describes Rochel Imeinu (based on the words in this Pasuk) as "Ulemta Shapirta, Dles La Einan - A beautiful Maiden who had no eyes"! Of course, this explanation reflects the hidden meaning of this Pasuk. However, a possible insight to explain this Zohar, is that Rochel Imeinu understood full well what was at stake here. She knew that to live with Yaakov, was to engage in the building of Klal Yisroel Literally! Yaakov avinu himself, did not want Leah Imeinu. Leah Imeinu had 6 sons, all of whom represent the "greatness" of the Jewish people (Kehuna, Malchus, Wealth, etc.). However, Yaakov Avinu only wanted the simple Peshutei Ha'am, the simple Jews - the "Habein Yakir Li Efraim", which is the progeny of Rachels' child- Yosef Hatzadik. Yaakov was interested in the simple Yidden who would make a lifetime career out of Learning Torah and being simple servants of Hashem, since there is no greater pursuit!
However, Rochel Imeinu was willing to give everything away! - she made the ultimate personal sacrifice for her sister, so as not to cause her to be embarrassed. Indeed, she would have been well within her rights to refuse Leah and especially knowing the enormity of what was at stake! Still, she was "ulemta shapirta d'les la einan"! She 'closed her eyes' from making any other cheshbonos and simply did what she thought was right.
Ultimately, Rochel Imeinu saved the Jewish people later in our history (when the Tefilos of all others of our great leaders could not accomplish anything) as a result of her incredible personal sacrifice. Hashem told Rochel, "Mini Kolech M'bechi, Ki Yesh Sachar L'peulasech - Please cease your crying, for there is much merit in your endeavors".
This is one facet to explain the beauty of closing our eyes during our Shemona Esrei. There is no greater position to be in, than a Jew who is literally Omeid Lifnei Hashem during this Tefilah! During Shemona Esreh, we literally find ourselves in the higher world of Olam "Ha'atzilus".
So we close our eyes and lock out any exterior and ulterior calculations and cheshbonos...and we stand in front of Hashem exclusively as the source of our Life!...and we talk to him!
Heard From Rav Shimshon Pincus Zatzal; www.OhrShimshon.com
Sunday
14 Kislev 5771
November 21 2010; 11 Days until Chanukah
To See Today's Yahrtzeit's CLICK HERE
Today's Halachos are dedicated by a daily reader, C.S., in memory of her dear father Yosef ben Avraham A"H, Yahrtzeit today, 14 Kislev. Please have in mind when learning today's halachos that they be in his eternal merit. May his neshama continue to climb higher and higher in Gan Eden and may he be a Meilitz Yosher for his entire family.
Note: Starting today, until after Chanukah, we will be taking a break from Hilchos Shabbos and review Hilchos Chanukah.
Introduction
The Talmud asks the following question: " Mai Chanukah, What is Chanukah"?
Rashi explains the Gemara's question to mean, "Due to which miracle was the Yom Tov of Chanukah instituted?"
The Gemara goes on to answer the question as follows: On the 25th day of Kislev begin the eight days of Chanukah. It is prohibited to eulogize anyone on these days and it is prohibited to fast on these days.
Why?
When the Greeks entered the Bais HaMikdash they[handled all the vessels and touched and] made all the oil [that was used to light the menorah] impure. When the Chashmonaim (sometimes referred to as the macabees) overpowered the Greek army and won the war they searched the entire Bais HaMikdash and were only able to find one small jug of pure oil [with the seal of the Kohen Gadol on it].
There was only enough oil in this jug to light the menorah for one day. However, a miracle occurred and the small amount of oil was sufficient to light the menorah for eight days (until they were once again able to purify themselves and produce more oil).
The following year, beginning on 25 Kislev, the Chachamim instituted an eight day Yom Tov (which we refer to as Chanukah)dedicated to Halel (praise) and Hoda'ah (Thanks) [to Hashem]. (Talmud Shabbos 21b, also brought in the Tur beginning of Hilchos Chanukah)
1) According to many Rishonim there is no requirement to have a Seudah (festive meal) on Chanukah, and any Seudah that is made is a Seudas Reshus (non obligatory meal).
Others argue and maintain that there is indeed a requirement to have a Seudah, with bread, on Chanukah.
The prevelant minhag when having a Seudah on Chanukah is to sing Shiros V'Tishbachos (praises) to Hashem and/or talk Divrei Torah, thus making it a Seudas Mitzvah according to all opinions.
2) It is customary to eat foods made with cheese on Chanukah in commemoration of the miracle of Yehudis' slaying of the Greek general Heliphornius which is considered one of the miracles of Chanukah, in which cheese played a role. (See Ram"a Siman 670:2 and Mishna Berura S"K 10. for more on the story. )
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. 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:
On Shabbos Chanuka, I will be in a hotel for a Simcha from Friday afternoon until Motzai Shabbos. What is the Din for lighting Chanuka Friday evening?
Answer:
One who is not home, and is spending the night in a hotel must light in the hotel.
According to many Poskim the ideal place is in the room in the hotel that you will be sleeping in and not in the dining room, as this room is "reserved" for you. (Psak of Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita. Rav Moshe Sternbuch Shlita in Shu"t Teshuvos V'Hanhagos Vol. 3 Siman 215:14 paskens like this as well, besides if there is no window in the room, then he maintains it's better to light at the window in the dining room)
Some Poskim (Rav Nissim Karelitz Shlita and others) maintain that it is best to light in the dining room, especially if there are others there for the same reason as you (family simcha, Yarchei Kallah etc.) as that makes it as if the entire "family" is together, and thus the proper place to light.
Obviously, if the hotel doesnt allow lighting fires in the rooms, it is best to rely on those Poskim that say to light in the dining 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 ME. THANK YOU AND TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
Erev Shabbos Parshas Vayishlach
12 Kislev 5771
November 19 2010
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SPECIAL DOUBLE ISSUE L'KAVOD SHABBOS KODESH
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh
1)A fully cooked dry food which is cold, such as a Kugel taken out of the refrigerator on Shabbos morning, may be placed on top of a pot of food that is on the fire or another heat source, even if the heat source on which the pot is resting does not have a blech. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 253:5)
Likewise, it may be placed on top of an electronic water urn. (Though, when placing fleishig food on top of a Parve hot water urn it is best to place a piece of aluminum foil between the food and the urn to avoid the possibility of making the urn Fleishig via the steam)
2) However, if the food contains liquid, it may not be warmed up on top of a pot or urn if it is possible for the liquid to be warmed to above Yad Soledes Bo.
The above method only applies to food placed on top of a pot of food, but does not apply to placing cold food into the pot even if it won't mix with the contents of the pot.
Thus, for example, a piece of cold Kugel may not be placed inside a pot of Cholent, even if a piece of aluminum foil separates the Kugel from the Cholent, as anything that is placed inside a pot that is on the fire is considered as if it was placed on the fire itself.
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1)The aforementioned permissible method of warming a food on top of a pot applies only to a pot that contains within it food.
However, if the pot on the fire is empty, it is prohibited to warm up food on top of it. (See Biur Halacha Siman 253:3 Dibur Hamaschil V'Yizaher that an empty pot is nothing more than a blech on which a food may not initially be placed on Shabbos, as in the permissible method it's the food in the pot that separates the fire from the food on top of the pot.)
2) If, however, the empty pot is not directly on the fire and has a blech under it, according to some Poskim it is then permissible to place cold food on top of the pot. Based on this ruling, many people take an aluminum pan and place it upside down on top of a hotplate which is covered with aluminum foil and then warm up cold dry food on Shabbos morning. (Ruling of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal quoted in Orchos Shabbos page 100 footnote 113)
Other Poskim disagree and prohibit placing cold food on top of an empty pot even if there is a blech under the pot, as they consider the empty pot an extension of the blech and not a pot that's on top of a blech. According to this ruling, the upside down aluminum pan on the hot plate would not be acceptable. (See Chazon Ish Siman 37:9)
For Halacha L'ma'aseh, of course, a Rav must be consulted.
37. Ma'avir - Kindling a fire. 38. Makeh B'Patish - Completing an object
39. Hotza'ah - Carrying between domains or in public domain
question
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:
Should a wife light [the Chanuka menorah] before the husband comes home from work if [ by the time he comes home]it will be after the zman? and should the husband wait for the wife if she is not home at the zman?(and let her light on her own when she comes home).
Lastly what should one do if he is at a chanukah party and the zman hadlaka arrives. he will not be in his house until later. what should one do? not leave his own house until he lights?
Answer:
The wife should wait for the husband and the husband should wait for the wife and light when both are present, as long as they will all get together before the time of "Tichle Regel min HaShuk- when people are no longer in the streets".
If her husband is away and will not be back until very late that night after most people are already sleeping, the woman should light at the proper time.
The reason for this is because today that we light inside it is more important to light when everyone [in the family] is present and get the Pirsumei Nisa, rather than light alone at the ideal time. (See Shulchan Aruch and Ram'a Siman 672:2. The Seforim also quote a Mekor Chaim that says that it is best to wait until the entire family is present. The Nemukei Orach Chaim says that a lot of Chasidic Rebbes also light very late as they want all the Chasidim to be present and thus get more Pirsumei Nisa. See also Shu"t Az Nidberu Vol. 3 Siman 30:3 and Shu"t Shevet halevi Vol. 4 Siman 66 for various variations in this Halacha as far as what time is considered " Tichle Regel" in today's days.)
Ideally one should light (and wait half an hour) before leaving to the party. If not, he can still light when he gets back.
CHIZUK CORNER
Rav Chaim Stein shlita davening
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 TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
[0.39789473684210524]
Did you ever wonder where your thoughts come from?
More specifically, ever get a brainstorm or really great idea in business or other areas while not thinking at all about that topic whatsoever?
Don't you find it strange that such a brainstorm just "pops" into your mind at absolute randomness?
It's because Hashem at that moment put that idea into your head!
Hashem felt that you deserved to have that idea now and not last week or even 2 hours ago.
If you become aware of this you will start to see and appreciate the Yad Hashem in your day to day life.
Every time you have such a brainstorm, say "Thank You Hashem for giving me this thought".
You will start to become very aware of Hashems presence in your life if you start doing this.
Submitted by T.K.; Taken from the YWN Coffee Room
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות
- one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (Talmud Niddah 73a)
Please visit my website www.HalachaForToday.com for archives, Kosher links, Questions and Answers,and other features. Halachos are for study purposes only, and should not be relied upon for final Psak. See Halacha L'Maaseh Disclaimer Here. I welcome all questions on any topic, anytime! Help spread the word of Hashem!
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NOTE: To all those who were requesting that we cover HILCHOS CHANUKAH, we will B'Ezras Hashem take a break from Hilchos Shabbos and review Hilchos Chanukah,beginning this coming Sunday.
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1)A food, even if it is a fully cooked dry food, that was not on the fire or heat source from before Shabbos , may not be placed directly on the fire or heat source on Shabbos, even if there is a blech. (As if this may not be returned to the fire, it surely cannot be placed there initially. See Mishna Berura Siman 253:87. This is referred to in Halacha as "Nesina L'Chatchilah, initially placing on a heat source")
Thus, for example, a cold Kugel may not be taken out of the refrigerator on Shabbos morning and placed directly on [a prohibited part of] the blech or directly on an [adjustable] hotplate to warm up. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 74;Bishul:35 where he allows placing it on non adjustable hotplates that are not usual to cook on. See also Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchasa Perek 1 footnote 71)
2) Regarding the blech, the Poskim divide it into two parts.
a)The parts of the blech that are close enough to the fire that a food placed there will be heated to beyond Yad Soledes Bo. Food may not be placed on that part on Shabbos according to all opinions.
b)The parts of the blech that are far enough from the flame and foods placed there will only become warm but remain below Yad Soledes Bo. Some Poskim (including Mishna Berura Siman 253:67 and Chazon Ish Siman 37:8) allow placing food on that part of the blech on Shabbos to warm, and don't deem it "on the fire".
Other Poskim prohibit placing food even on the cooler part of the blech, as it "looks like cooking". (See Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman 253:14 and in Kuntres Achron Siman 253)
37. Ma'avir - Kindling a fire. 38. Makeh B'Patish - Completing an object
39. Hotza'ah - Carrying between domains or in public domain
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 a mourner for a parent (an Avel) , within the twelve months of mourning, lead Mincha on Erev Shabbos ?
In addition, does a mourner within the twelve months lead Mincha and/or Maariv on Chanukah ?
Answer:
The Poskim discuss the times when an Avel should not daven, and I have not found anyone who says that Mincha on Erev Shabbos is one of those times(That doesnt mean that the opinion doesn't exist, it just means I didn't find it).
In fact, in the Sefer Pnei Baruch (Siman 35) he quotes the father of the Shl"a HaKadosh who says that on days when Tachnun is not recited (which would presumably be the reason for the minhag not to daven on Erev Shabbos at Mincha, if such a minhag even exists) it is in fact a Mitzvah for an Aveil to daven for the Amud.
The Mishna Berura too
(Siman 581:7)
writes that one may daven on a day that Tachnun isn't recited. In fact the Pnei Baruch also writes there that this that Aveilim do not daven on Shabbos is only a minhag, but there is no Issur!
The time when the Aveilim do not daven is when " LamnaTzeach ...Yaancha Hashem B'Yom Tzara/Tziduk HaDin" is not recited. And even then it is a Machlokes HaPoskim as to which Tefilos are better for an aveil to not be the Shliach Tzibbur.
On Rosh Chodesh some Poskim say that an Avel should not daven at all, while others maintain that only for Halel and Musaf he shouldn't lead, but Shachris, Maariv and Mincha are OK. Others maintain that for Shachris too he shouldnt be the ba'al Tefilah.
On Chanukah an Aveil may daven Mincha and Maariv, but not Shachris and Halel. (See Mishna Berura 683:1 and 671:44)
There are Poskim who maintain that on Chanuka, even for Mincha and Maariv, an Aveil should not daven for the Amud (Shu"t Rivevos Ephraim Vol. 1 Siman 443 says this was the opinion of Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal. See also Shu"t Divrei Moshe Siman 84)
For a final ruling, a Rav should be consulted, of course or at least the Gabbai of the Shul who may know the "Minhag HaMakom", which should always be followed.
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 TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
Question:
Define what is meant by thrills, fun, and excitement?
Answer by Harav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
It's the desire of a person for a change in his situation.
Now when a person is sick and he doesn't have enough to eat, so then when he gets well, that's his biggest thrill.
Or when a person who is hungry gets money enough to buy a good meal, that's a big thrill.
But suppose a person is well and he has enough money for all of his meals, so then he wants something else.
So Hakadosh Baruch Hu says, you're a man who likes thrills? I'll give you a thrill; I'll put you on the operating table, that's a thrill. Now sometimes they give you ether and you don't know what's taking place, of course afterwards you find out the thrill. Sometimes even during the operation the ether wears out and the surgeon is still cutting, still cutting.
And you start telling him; he says a few more minutes, I'm almost finished, almost finished, but it hurts, you have a thrill. Anybody looking for thrills, Hakadosh Baruch Hu will supply thrills.
Here's a fellow going skiing for thrills, now he could stay home. It's a big thrill to sit home and to have plenty to eat and to be healthy.
No, but he goes out and is looking for a broken leg, that's a big thrill.
Thrills mean, you want a change in your status. So if you're suffering, the best thrill is to get well, to get what you need. But if you're happy and healthy, and enough to eat and you're looking for thrills, it means Hakadosh Baruch Hu is going to give you plenty of thrills; don't ask for it.
'Thrills' means what's unexpected.
So here's a man who lives in a fine house in New York. He has all comforts; he has, of course, hot and cold running water, he has a bathroom in the house, he has central heating in the house, many have air conditioning in the house, he has a refrigerator, he has electric lights, what not! So now he is sold by a travel agency on the glories of going, let's say to Honolulu.
So he goes to Honolulu and there he goes out let's say slumming and he takes a drink that they sell there, some kind of drink there, and the drink is water that comes from a well that's not sterilized by the city. He gets dysentery or he gets typhoid fever, and he comes down with an illness, a parasite in his blood that lasts for months and months, sometimes he gets yellow jaundice... true stories I'm telling you. All these are the thrills he was waiting for.
In case he comes back and he's still well, so he invents thrills to tell his people back home the good times he didn't have over there. Ah, what good times I had over there. The big mosquitoes, the big bed bugs they have over there - nothing like that you'll see in America, and for that he paid a lot of money to make the trip. So thrills mean to look for things that are out of the usual, but it doesn't mean happiness.
To us, to sensible people the greatest thrill is that you have happiness in life; happiness means that nothing wrong is happening to you.
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1) If a food [which is fully cooked] was placed on a blech from before Shabbos and the flame or other heat source was inadvertently turned off or if it became extinguished on its own, as long as it is still warm it may be transferred to another blech.
The aforementioned applies even if the flame went out before Shabbos and wasn't noticed until on Shabbos. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 74;Bishul:38 and Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchasa Perek1 footnote 69. See also Shu"t B'Tzel HaChachma Vol. 4 Siman 137 where he rules stringently with this)
2) If the wrong pot was removed from the blech (e.g. on Friday night one removes the Cholent instead of the chicken soup) and placed down with intent not to return it, upon discovery of the mistake, according to many Poskim it may be returned to the blech so long as it is fully cooked and still warm. (See Shu"t Shevet HaKehasi Vol. 3 Siman102)
Other Poskim,however, are stringent with this and prohibit returning the pot to the blech. For Halacha L'ma'aseh a Rav must be consulted. (See Shu"t B'Tzel HaChachma ibid. and Shu" t Be'er Moshe Vol. 6 Siman 113)
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:
Does Hamotzi end after the bracha is said or after the kazayos of bread is eaten?
If the process is not complete until the bread is eaten - then why are we allowed to stop after the bracha to sprinkle salt or honey on the bread.?
Wouldn't we need to pre-sprinkle the bread even before netilas yedayim to avoid interupting the process?
Answer:
As far as the hefsek after washing is concerned, Hamotzi is over as soon as the Bracha is recited.
That being said, it is important to eat the bread immediately after saying the bracha of Hamotzi. BUT, it isn't a Hefsek to dip in the salt or honey as that is a part of eating the bread.
Incidentally, you write "sprinkle the salt". The proper way for the salt to be applied to the bread is to "dip" the bread into the salt [three times, according to some], and not to "sprinkle" 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 TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
Kiruv begins at home!
As the start of our sedra attests to, Yaakov sent messengers to Eisav ahead of the grand reunion; to placate Eisav in the hope that Eisav would not fight. Rashi (32:4) tells us that these messengers were actually angels - which begs the question: why did Yaakov not send human messengers?
One answer is that Yaakov was trying to be mekarev(bring closer to Hashem) his twin brother.
Yaakov hoped that seeing the spiritual faces of these angels would make Eisav change his ways and repent.
Indeed, this is not the first time Yaakov tries to get his brother to mend his ways. One reason why Yaakov was constantly kicking out in the womb whenever Rivkah passed a Shul/Beis Midrash was not for himself (Yaakov was learning Torah with an angel in the womb), but for Eisav - for Eisav to be born in such a place of kedusha and to be influenced by it.
Similarly, as Rav Chaim Halpern points out, this was why Yaakov initially planned for Eisav to marry Leah - again, in the hope that Leah would cause Eisav to repent.
Submitted by daily reader JJ.; Taken from www.shortvort.com
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות
- one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (Talmud Niddah 73a)
Please visit my website www.HalachaForToday.com for archives, Kosher links, Questions and Answers,and other features. Halachos are for study purposes only, and should not be relied upon for final Psak. See Halacha L'Maaseh Disclaimer Here. I welcome all questions on any topic, anytime! Help spread the word of Hashem!
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1)If one removed food from the fire or heat source on Shabbos and wants to return it to the heat source, there are five primary conditions that need to be present in order to make this permissible, as follows (Shulchan Aruch Siman 253:2):
A) The food that is being returned to the heat source is already fully cooked. If it is not, there is no acceptable method to return it to the heat source on Shabbos.
B) The food that is being returned to the heat source must still be warm from the original cooking; if it has cooled totally it may not be returned to a heat source.
C) The heat source to which the pot is being returned is covered with a blech (or another similar acceptable method where it isn't considered being returned to the actual heat source)
D) When the pot was removed from the heat source, it was intended to be returned; if it was removed with the intention of not returning it to the heat source it may not be returned.
E) The pot that was removed and intended to be returned to the heat source was not put down [totally] upon being removed; rather it was held [i.e. one's hand was gripping the pot which is half leaning on the countertop in a way that if the hand was removed it would fall] throughout the entire time that some food was removed from it and then immediately returned.
2)The first three conditions (fully cooked, still warm and blech) are required even B'dieved, and if they aren't present food may not be returned to the heat source under any circumstance.
If, however, the last two of the five conditions (intent to return and holding the pot) are not met, under certain circumstances it may be acceptable B'dieved. We shall discuss these cases more at length over the next few days B'Ezras Hashem.
37. Ma'avir - Kindling a fire. 38. Makeh B'Patish - Completing an object
39. Hotza'ah - Carrying between domains or in public domain
question
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 someone make his bed on Shabbos (even after a nap in the afternoon) for neatness reasons?
Answer:
If it bothers them to have a "messy" room then its OK, as this is Oneg Shabbos.
If, however, he/she is preparing it for the next use, which will be after Shabbos, then its forbidden.
CHIZUK CORNER
Rav Chaim Stein shlita davening
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 TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
The One Who feeds you manna in the desert...in order to test you. (Devarim 8:16)
Everyone knows that life is a test. We struggle to make a living, to raise our children, to build up our communities. Nothing comes easy, and our test is to deal with the hardships and frustrations in the best way possible.
But what if our livelihood were served up to us on a silver platter? How wonderful that would be! No more worries about how to pay for the children's tuition or the new roof. What if everything we needed came to us like manna from heaven? Would we consider this a test? Hardly. We would consider it a blessing.
The Torah, however, seems to say otherwise.
No sooner had the Jewish people come forth from Egypt that they complained (Shemos 16:3), "If only we had died by the hand of God in the land of Egypt when we were sitting beside the fleshpots, when we ate our fill of bread; now you have brought us out into the desert to let the entire congregation starve to death."
"Behold, I will rain down bread from the heavens on you," Hashem replied (ibid. 16:4).
"The people shall go out to collect their daily portion every day, in order to test whether or not they will follow My Torah."
The commentators wonder what kind of test this is. What could be better than having everything you need delivered to your doorstep every day? This is a test? This is a blessing!
Rashi explains that Hashem was referring to the laws that govern the manna. One could not store away any manna for the next day. One had to collect a double portion on Friday. And so forth. This was the test. Would the Jewish people observe the laws of the manna scrupulously?
This test is also mentioned in Parashas Eikev, "The One Who feeds you manna in the desert...in order to test you." Sforno explains that the test is to see if the Jews would still follow the Torah when they do not have to worry about their livelihood.
Yes, there is a great test in "bread raining down from heaven." Affluence without effort is a dangerous thing. It comes with a great amount of leisure time and freedom of action. What do we do with that leisure time and that freedom of action? Do we use our leisure time and freedom of action to taste the forbidden? This is the great test of the manna.
We are all aware of the test of poverty. We are all aware of the trials and tribulations of being poor. However, says Sforno, affluence also comes with great temptations. It puts a tremendous responsibility on a person. This is the test of the manna, and it is the test for many Jews in these affluent times.
The Chovos Halevavos writes in Shaar Habitachon that one of the reasons people, unlike birds and animals, must make a great effort to earn their livelihood is to control the yetzer hara. If we had too much time on our hands, we would be unable to resist the temptations he puts before us. As it is, we are either too busy or too tired most of the time. And even then it is a struggle to resist temptation.
The Maggid of Mezritch once said that when people face troubles, sickness or mortal danger, Heaven forbid, they all become religious. They all come to shul. They pray fervently. They say Tehillim with tears streaming down their cheeks. They give charity generously.
But when things are going well, when they are going wonderfully, do they give much thought to the Almighty?
This is the test of the manna.
Submitted by daily reader M.F.; Taken from "Rabbi Frand on the Parsha" published by Artscroll/Mesorah Publications
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות
- one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (Talmud Niddah 73a)
Please visit my website www.HalachaForToday.com for archives, Kosher links, Questions and Answers,and other features. Halachos are for study purposes only, and should not be relied upon for final Psak. See Halacha L'Maaseh Disclaimer Here. I welcome all questions on any topic, anytime! Help spread the word of Hashem!
Please Tell your friends about this list and have them sign up too!
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1) We will now discuss the prohibition of "Chazara, returning something to the heat source".
A pot containing food that was removed from the fire or heat source on Shabbos may not be returned to the same [or another] heat source even if the food was fully cooked (unless certain conditions are met, which we will discuss tomorrow B'Ezras Hashem).(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim Siman 253:2)
2) If the prohibition of Chazara was transgressed and a pot that was removed was returned to the heat source, it must be removed again immediately. (See Chazon Ish Siman 37:26)
If Chazara was transgressed, even inadvertently, and the food became better cooked because of this, or if the food was cold when it was returned to the heat source and is now hot, the food is prohibited to eat for the duration of that Shabbos. (See Rama Siman 253:1 and Mishna Berura S"K 35. See also Shulchan Aruch Siman 257:1 and Chazon Ish Siman 37:27)
If, however, the food was not enhanced or additionally heated by being returned to the heat source, it is permitted to eat the food, even if it was returned purposely. (Shulchan Aruch and Chazon Ish ibid.)
In cases where the food was cold and returning it to the heat source only heated it up but did not otherwise enhance the food, some Poskim suggest that once the food became cold again (i.e. returned to the state to which it was before returning to the heat source) it is once again permitted to eat. (Pri Megadim quoted in Biur Halacha Siman 253:5 Dibur Hamaschil L'Hachem)
Other Poskim, however, do not concur with this leniency. For Halacha L'Ma'aseh, of course, a Rav must be consulted. (Chazon Ish ibid.)
37. Ma'avir - Kindling a fire. 38. Makeh B'Patish - Completing an object
39. Hotza'ah - Carrying between domains or in public domain
question
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
Can you please explain what the significance and/or the reason why people hand out garlic and sugar at a pidyon haben?
Answer:
A food that was part of a Seudas Mitzvah, when taken home and used again in a different dish transmits some of the kedusha of the Mitzvah into the new food.
It is said that one who partakes of a Seudas Pidyon Haben is as if he fasted for 84 days (See Bamidbar 3:49 where the Posuk says the word "Pid-yom" and the seforim see in this word an allusion to "Pei Daled (84) Yom (Days)".
Thus, due to the significance of this meal we try and make it stretch into other meals and dishes.
Garlic and sugar are two foods that basically never spoil and can thus be stored for a long time for use in another dish.
Thus, the minhag developed to give these out at the special occasion of the Pidyon Haben.
CHIZUK CORNER
Rav Chaim Stein shlita davening
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 TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
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If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son
-- Rudyard Kipling
[0.6871508379888268]
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות
- one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (Talmud Niddah 73a)
Please visit my website www.HalachaForToday.com for archives, Kosher links, Questions and Answers,and other features. Halachos are for study purposes only, and should not be relied upon for final Psak. See Halacha L'Maaseh Disclaimer Here. I welcome all questions on any topic, anytime! Help spread the word of Hashem!
Please Tell your friends about this list and have them sign up too!
Help us Spread the Word Of Hashem! Donate Today!
Make a Donation
To dedicate the learning of a day or more of HALACHA FOR TODAY, or to make a much appreciated donation to please CLICK BUTTON BELOW.
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1) If one inadvertently transgressed the Gezeira of SheHiya, and left an uncooked item on an uncovered flame before the onset of Shabbos and it did not yet reach Ma'achal Ben D'Rusai by the time Shabbos arrived, the item must be removed from the fire immediately, as every additional moment that the pot sits there and cooks is a continuous transgression of SheHiya, as every moment there exists a chance that he may adjust the flame.
Even though removing this pot with uncooked food on Shabbos will result in a transgression of Muktzah (as this food is not edible and thus may not be moved usually), it is better to transgress Muktzah one time than to continuously transgress SheHiya. (Ruling of the Chazon Ish Siman 37:27 Dibur Hamaschil Dinim; he writes there that although this is not written in the Poskim it is logical to rule this way.)
2) If the pot was not removed from the fire and the food became cooked on Shabbos it is prohibited to eat this food until after Shabbos. (The Chazon Ish ibid. is lenient B'dieved in cases where it reached Ma'achal Ben D'Rusai before Tzeis HaKochavim, the emergence of 3 medium stars)
If, however, the item in the pot was slated to be eaten Shabbos day and was never intended for the Friday night meal, B'dieved according to some Poskim it may be eaten at the Shabbos day meal. (See Biur Halacha Siman 253:1 Dibur Hamaschil L'Hash'hoso that if it was intended for the day meal it may be considered like a "Kedeira Chaysa". However, he writes that L'ma'aseh this should only be relied upon in extremely necessary circumstances and not regularly, as in reality unlike by Kedeira Chaysa, this is possible to eat now already and thus the Gezeira of Shema Yechateh B'Gechalim is in full force.)
37. Ma'avir - Kindling a fire. 38. Makeh B'Patish - Completing an object
39. Hotza'ah - Carrying between domains or in public domain
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 remove our Tefiling on Rosh Chodesh before Musaf?
Answer:
In many congregations (Nusach Sefard) the Kedusha that is said in Mussaf of Rosh Chodesh begins with "Keser Yitnu Lecha Hashem Elokeinu- We crown You Hashem our G-d".
Thus it is not proper to be wearing our crown (i.e.Tefilin) while we are proclaiming the crowning of Hashem. (See Mishna Berura Siman 25:61)
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 TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
Question: What gives us the privilege of eating animals? Maybe animals should eat us, right?
Answer by HaRav Avigdor Miller zatzal:
There was a class of college students who wanted to make an organization against the farmers who exterminated the boll weevils, they wanted to say, we should exterminate the farmers. And the answer is, they're absolutely right. If you're a college student, there is no reason why you shouldn't exterminate the farmers, there's no reason why you shouldn't exterminate yourself, that's what they're doing. College students are leaping off roofs more than anybody else in the country.
There are no standards in the world at all. The only measures that endure are those that are given to us by a Creator. And Hakadosh Baruch Hu has revealed to us that Man is the purpose of creation. And he has given Man a mandate, Urdu B'chayas Ha'aretz, rule over the creatures of the world. That's the only reason you have a right to eat chicken.
If a college professor sits down and eats chicken, he is a cannibal, because he and a chicken are cousins. If a college professor will take a monkey and put him to sleep in a laboratory and then take him apart with the laboratory knives, we should call in the homicide squad, because it's a man he's killing. It's a primate, and you're also a primate, a primate killed a primate. You came into the police precinct and you say a primate killed a primate. What does that mean, the sergeant says? You explain to him, a primate is monkey. So a monkey killed a monkey? So go to the zookeeper and tell him about it. No, this man is a descendant from a monkey, the college teachers say. So the police sergeant says, look, that's not my business, fellow. We go by the law, the law says a man is not a monkey, the college teachers say it; let the college teachers come here, we will teach them the truth. So the college professors have to come to the police station to discover the great truth, that a man is not a monkey, and without the police they would never know it.
So therefore, if you don't know Chumash, there is certainly no reason why all the boll weevils shouldn't get together and spray the farmers.
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SPECIAL DOUBLE PORTION L'KAVOD SHABBOS KODESH
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh
1)Food that has not reached the stage of Ma'achal Ben D'Rusai may not be maintained inside an oven [that is on], unless a special metal insert (which will serve as a blech) is inserted first and the food placed in that.
Even when using this metal insert, it is proper to also cover the temperature knobs of the oven. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 74;Bishul:27. See also Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 3 Siman 48 and Shu"t Minchas Yitzchak Vol. 3 Siman 28)
2)It is permitted to leave uncooked food from before Shabbos on Heating elements that are intended for purposes other than cooking (such as heaters and radiators whose purpose is to warm the home) as the Gezeira of SheHiya was not extended to such heating sources. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 74;Bishul:34.)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) As we learned, the reason that Chazal enacted the Gezeira of SheHiya, maintain an uncooked item on a fire, was due to the fear that one may fiddle with the coals on Shabbos.
Thus, another situation that would be exempt from this Gezeira is referred to in Halacha as "Kedeira Chaysa, a totally raw food".
This means that a food that has not even begun to cook at the onset of Shabbos, and this particular food has no chance of becoming ready to eat, even with a raised fire, in time for the Friday night meal, may be placed on the fire immediately before Shabbos and maintained on the fire, as we assume that nobody will even bother to try and fiddle with the fire. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 253:1. See Mishna Berura S"K 9 that this only applies to a raw piece of meat as it takes a long time to cook. See also Chazon Ish Orach Chaim Siman 36:3 where he says it can apply to other items as well)
If, however, the food has begun to cook even for a few minutes before the onset of Shabbos, and will not reach Ma'achal Ben D'Rusai by the time Shabbos arrives, it may not be maintained on a fire without a blech, even if this particular food will not be ready in time for the Friday night meal. (See Mogen Avraham Siman 253:2)
2) Practically speaking, there are very few foods that would fall under this category, as most foods if placed on a high flame before sunset will reach Ma'achal Ben D'Rusai at some point during the Friday night meal.
When using a Crockpot though, which cooks very slowly, it is indeed common for a piece of raw meat to not be ready at all in time for the evening meal.
Thus, for example if one put up a Cholent in a crock pot late Friday afternoon, and it won't reach Ma'achal Ben D'Rusai at the onset of Shabbos (and thus be a problem to maintain that Cholent in the Crockpot on Shabbos), a piece of raw meat should be added to the Cholent immediately before Shabbos and thus the entire pot will now assume a status of "Kedeira Chaysa" and be allowed to continue cooking and enjoyed on Shabbos day. (Kisvei Rav Yosef Eliyahu Henkin Zatzal Vol. 2 Siman 19 quoted in "The Shabbos Kitchen" by Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen Shlita page 56)
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37. Ma'avir - Kindling a fire. 38. Makeh B'Patish - Completing an object
39. Hotza'ah - Carrying between domains or in public domain
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 in the fourth bracha of birkas hamazon [HaKel Avinu Malkeinu...] is there twice a mention of Rachamim, hashem's mercy? Wouldn't once suffice?
Answer:
There is no limit to the amount of Rachamim we need from Hashem.
That being said, I believe the Pshat is as follows: We all need Rachamim, hence we request it.
We follow that with a request for Parnassah.
Once Hashem gives us bountiful Parnassah we tend to forget where our Parnassah came from and then we are in danger of slipping in our Avodas Hashem, thus we must once again request Rachamim from Hashem to keep us on the right path despite being blessed with Parnassah.
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 TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
"Be careful not to consider yourself wicked. Such a person will not even attempt to improve himself and is likely to become worse than he already is."
Rabbeinu Avraham Ben HaRambam Quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
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Today's Halachos are dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas Yosef ben R' Shmuel Dovid Saks A"H .Today is his Sheloshim. See Chizuk Corner below for an inspirational story about him submittted by his granddaughter.
Please also daven and learn for the Refuah Shelaima of HaGaon Rav Chaim Pinchos Scheinberg Shlita,R' Chaim Pinchos ben Yosefa B'Soch Sha'ar Cholei Yisroel one of the leading Poskim and Gedolim, who is in critical condition.
1) Hotplates or other warming elements which work at a single temperature setting and do not have any knobs or other methods of raising or lowering its temperature (and thus are not considered a normal method of cooking), according to most Poskim are considered like a blech (i.e. and no additional blech is required) and uncooked food may be maintained on them from before Shabbos. (see Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 74; Bishul:35, Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchasa Perek 1 footnote 71 and Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 5 Siman 30. If any such non adjustable hotplate is indeed used regularly for cooking, a Rav must be consulted before using on Shabbos.)
Some Poskim require placing an additional blech (i.e. a few pieces of aluminum foil) on top of the aforementioned hotplate before being allowed to leave food on it. (Ruling of Maran Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita quoted in Orchos Shabbos page 66 footnote 20)
2) An adjustable hotplate which can be raised or lowered is considered like a fire (as it is normal to cook on these appliances) and thus requires a blech, according to all Poskim, in order to leave food that is uncooked on it at the onset of Shabbos.
It is also praiseworthy to cover the temperature control knob on the hotplate.
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37. Ma'avir - Kindling a fire. 38. Makeh B'Patish - Completing an object
39. Hotza'ah - Carrying between domains or in public domain
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 a Kohen allowed to take out the garbage?
Answer:
One may not ask a Kohen to take out the garbage but there is no prohibition for him to do so on his own.
See Mishna Berura Siman 128:175 where he clearly rules that it is forbidden to ask a Kohen to do a chore that is disrespectful.
However, a Kohen himself has no Issur to do such a job as there is no source anywhere prohibiting Kohanim from doing any jobs, especially when they arent in the Bais Hamikdash and wearing their begadim. How else would Kohanim's garbage be removed from their own homes?
In fact if the Kohen offers to take out the garbage for you without being asked, you may accept the offer, it's only the asking that is problematic.
Thus if he can do it for you, he surely can do it for himself.
(See Aruch Hashulchan Siman 128:71 and 72 and the Aishel Avraham (Butchatch) Siman 128:45)
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 TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
[ed note: I received the following email today from a daily reader, edited a bit for clarity]
Here is a true and inspirational article.Its about of my grandfather a'h today is the sheloshim... may it be a zechus for Yoseph ben R' Shmuel Dovid Saks....
"ZEIDY'S KLEINA MAYSELACH'
A story told at the shivah by one of the hundreds or rather thousands of yidden enjoying a hitch with zeidy-my grandfather:
They were heading out to the mountains on a typical summer morning. The fellow was enjoying a pleasant ride with zeidy. They were engrossed in a conversation, when suddenly the van starts slowing down, and then stops stubbornly refusing to go on. Boom... they're out of gas.
They realize that they are midway; in fact they are closer to the city then at the destination of arrival which is the Catskills. They are on a quiet road looking more like a dessert than highway. Of course zeidy has no cell phone. There is no gas station close by.
the fellow's heart skips a beat as he starts getting worried, but zeidy is "nisht gezurgt"(not worried0 "sis du a bashefer oif di velt!! " (there is a creator in this world).
He says a kapitel tehilim and is mispallel like he always said "atu chonen leadum da'as......".
Then zeidy spotted the fellow's cup of cold coffee sitting on the windowsill.
He has a brainstorm,he goes and pours it into the gas compartment and........... The car sputters a bit nuch a kapitel (another kapitel of Tehilim) and bravo off they go...... and believe it or not they went all the way to the catskills on a cold cup of coffee.....
This is a true story about my dear zeidy...
And as zeidy always said [in Yiddish]:
'Its obvious az es is du a bashefer oif di velt vos farluzt nisht, men darf nur glieben..'
it's obvious that there is a G-d above who is always with us; we just have to belive in him!
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1) As we learned yesterday, the blech serves as a "covering of the ashes" and thus there is no need to worry that the fire will be touched or adjusted any more.
Based on this logic, some Poskim maintain that if one did in fact turn the temperature know and lower or higher the flame after the blech was placed over fire, it may invalidate this blech from being a sufficient covering.
Thus, it is indeed best to try and not touch the knob or otherwise adjust the flame after the blech was placed on the fire. (See Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchasa Perek 1 footnotes 54 and 185)
2) If a blech was not placed over the fire before Shabbos, it should not be placed on the fire on Shabbos as doing so will cause the metal right above the fire to heat up to the point of getting red which is in it of itself a transgression of the Melacha of Mav'ir. (See Magid Mishna Hilchos Shabbos Perek 12:1.)
If one knows for a fact that this reddening will not happen, many Poskim are then lenient and allow the blech to be placed on Shabbos. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 1 Siman 93 and Vol. 4 Siman 74; Bishul:29 and Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchasa Perek 1 footnote 60 quoting Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal.The Chazon Ish Siman 37:11 and Siman 50:9, however, prohibits this in all cases.)
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37. Ma'avir - Kindling a fire. 38. Makeh B'Patish - Completing an object
39. Hotza'ah - Carrying between domains or in public domain
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 am looking for a little bit of the background or wording to the gemara about how one can be mispallel for someone elses shidduch and that someone can get engaged during times seemingly not appropriate for engagement because "shemah yikadmu acher vyickach osah"?
Answer:
The Talmud Moed Katan 18b says "Mutar L'Ares Isha B'Cholo Shel Moed -One may get engaged to a girl on Chol HaMoed lest someone else come along and get engaged to her first"
The Talmud Yerushalmi Beitza Perek 5 Halacha 2 has the text as "shema Yekadmenu Acher B'Tefila- someone may get her first via prayer".
However, the Talmud there says that one who usurps someone's intended wife via prayer, the marriage will not last (i.e. one of them will die, as per the commentary of the Korban HaEidah there)
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 TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
As I was sitting on the plane, I could not help but notice the man on my left. He was consuming a treife (unkosher) cutlet. As I settled back to wait until he finished eating his meal, I noticed the name on the wrapping covering his treif-as-treif-can-be meal. It was a Jewish one.
"Excuse me, I don't mean to be rude or offend you, but may I ask you a question?" I asked.
"Sure."
"You know that you have the option to order kosher meals on this airline?" He then stared at me and replied, "I don't eat Kosher."
"What do you mean you don't eat Kosher? Do you mean that in the house yes and out of the house no, or is it just not a big deal to you, or what?"
"None of the above. I don't eat kosher and I don't eat it because G-d said that we SHOULD eat it, and anything G-d says, well, I just do the complete OPPOSITE."
As if that had not shocked me enough, I then saw a number tattooed in blue ink on his arm as he rolled up his sleeves.
"You really want to know?" he asked me. I said yes and he continued. The funny thing was that he was speaking to me as if there had been a conversation going on in his head all along and he was just turning up the volume.
"It was my son," he said. "That was the final straw.I endured everything with equanimity until finally, one day I broke. The entire time in the camps, I had one goal, to see the liberation with my son. His mother was long gone, as were his brother and sisters, but we were going to survive, I was sure of it. One day, the entire prisoner population was summoned to the assembly area for a special roll call. There was number of trapdoors on the platform to accommodate several simultaneous hangings. During this tirade, my son's hand was squeezing my arm so hard that he almost cut off my circulation. We all stampeded to get out of the line of fire, and my son and I were separated in the frenzy. I never saw his again. Later, I heard from others who knew us, that he had been pulled aside by a soldier and shot." Brushing the tears from his eyes, he continued, "G-d says 'Have children.' I did, and they were taken away. So now whatever G-d tells me to do, I do the opposite. He says 'Keep kosher'-I eat treife. He says, 'Honor the Sabbath'-I go out in my car. Whatever He says, I do the opposite."
I could not say anything. Six hours later, we landed and went our separate ways. I never dreamed that I would see this man again. Four years later, I decided to take my family to Eretz Yisrael for the Yamim Tovim. We went from place to place visiting the whole country.
Then Yom Kippur came. I attended a Yom Kippur service in a Beit Kneset in Mea Shaarim.I walked outside for some fresh air. I then saw something out of the corner of my eye that shocked me. An elderly man was sitting at the bus stop, and smoking! As I stood there in shock, I suddenly realized that the old man sitting and smoking was my old acquaintance that I met on the plane and told me how he lost his son. I realized I was being given another chance.
I approached him and told him, "Isn't it funny how life will sometime throw two people together and they can't even imagine why? Then years later they cross paths once again, and this time they are able to get a little bit of an idea why they had to meet.I'm sure you know that today is Yom Kippur and they are about to say Yizkor (mention the names of those who have passed away). Come with me so you can mention your son's name, who died for the sake of Kiddush Hashem (for the sake of sanctifying Hashem's name), to the Chazzan. This might be your only chance for your son's name to be remembered. Don't you think that it's time for his soul to be mentioned in the Heavenly court?"
Tears gathered in the corners of his eyes, just waiting to spill over onto his shirt. Clasping his arm in mine, I led him through and up to where the Chazzan stood. I approached him and asked if he would say a special Hashkava. He leaned over and whispered his son's name.
The chazzan's face turned a chalky white, and beads of sweat broke out on his forehead. His eyes looked like they would pop out of his head, and he swayed for a second where he stood. He reached out toward the man standing next to me and called out in a strangled voice, "Father!"-and he fainted.
Many marriages could have been saved by considering letting go, forgiving, or saying "I am sorry." Many relationships can continue by simply forgetting and starting on a new page. ManyGezerot (decrees) could have been cancelled from oneself and all of Am Yisrael by realizing that obstacles and suffering we go through is because "Our kind father in heaven is expecting me to make a U (you) turn. That U-turn would bring blessing, health, and happiness, for oneself as well as all of Am Yisrael. The father who decided to make a U-turn and enter the Beit Kneset was able to find his lost child that he never imagined he would see again.
Let us all make a little U-turn every day, and save our relationships and marriages, and cancel the troubled decrees from Am Yisrael.
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1) Since the Gezeira of SheHiya, maintaining a food on the fire, was enacted due to Chazal being afraid that one would stoke the coals on Shabbos, Chazal included an allowance for instances where this would surely not be a problem.
Thus, in instances where the coals were removed (referred to in Halacha as Gerufah) or covered (Ketumah) Chazal made an exclusion to the Gezeira of SheHiya, and allowed the food to be maintained on the fire even if it has not yet reached the stage of Ma'achal Ben D'Rusai. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 253:1 and Mishna Berura S"K 13 and 14)
2) Today's days when most people cook on stovetops, the accepted equivalent of covering the coals is to place a sheet of metal, commonly referred to as a blech, over the flames, and then food may be placed on this blech before the onset of Shabbos, even if it has not yet reached Ma'achal Ben D'Rusai. (See Chayei Adam Klal 20:12, Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 1 Siman 93 and Tzitz Eliezer Vol. 7 Siman 15. Although most Poskim accept a blech as adequate covering, the Chazon Ish Siman 37:9 and 11 (and also quoted in Igros Moshe ibid.) did not consider it sufficient as he maintained that the blech does not diminish the heat enough and it is still normal to cook in this manner.
Additionally, according to some Poskim it is proper to also cover or remove the temperature control knobs on the stove to further ensure that the flame is not adjusted in any way. (See Igros Moshe ibid.)
Other Poskim rule that this is not necessary(See Sefer Me'Or HaShabbos Vol. 2 letter 32:13 quoting Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal and YBL"T Maran Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita.)
All agree that covering the knobs alone without placing a blech on the fire is not sufficient.
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37. Ma'avir - Kindling a fire. 38. Makeh B'Patish - Completing an object
39. Hotza'ah - Carrying between domains or in public domain
question
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 there is pilot light lit by a Jew, does it suffice for bishul akum purposes or must the Jew actually light the stove top?
Answer:
If the pilot light does not add any heat at all to the stovetop or to the pot then it is very questionable if it suffices and a Rav needs to be consulted. If it does add some heat then it suffices.
It's always best, however, if the actual burner is lit by a Jew.
CHIZUK CORNER
Rav Chaim Stein shlita davening
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 TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
Rare Photo of the holy Chofetz Chaim Zatzal immersed in Tefilah
We are told that both Yitzchok Avinu and Rivkah Imeinu davened for a child.
However, the tefillah of Yitzchak Avinu was the one that was answered. What is the reason for this?
Chazal tell us that the tefillah of a tzaddik ben tzaddik is more miskabel than a tefillah from a tzaddik ben rasha.
The question is, why is this the case?
It wasn't Rivkah's fault - she was put in that situation, having been born to Lavan Ha'aami, and she had no control of it. It doesn't seem fair.
The seforim explain, that for Rivkah, it came very natural to her to daven with extra kavannah, for she had to overcome very intense obstacles in order to become Rivkah Imeinu.
However, for Yitzchak, it was expected for him to daven with less kavannah - because of his background growing up, he was already accustomed to davening, and therefore, the fact that he pushed himself to have kavannah, showed perserverence in his koach hatefillah, and he was answered.
IY"H, we should have the strength to have kavannah in our tefillos - no matter what backgrounds we come from- which Hashem wants so bad, and speed up the bi'as goel bimheira!
Submitted by daily reader A.F.; heard from R' Dovid Frishman of Yeshiva Darchei Torah in Far Rockaway, NY
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות
- one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (Talmud Niddah 73a)
Please visit my website www.HalachaForToday.com for archives, Kosher links, Questions and Answers,and other features. Halachos are for study purposes only, and should not be relied upon for final Psak. See Halacha L'Maaseh Disclaimer Here. I welcome all questions on any topic, anytime! Help spread the word of Hashem!
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Monday
2nd Day Rosh Chodesh Kislev 5771
November 8 2010
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1)A dry food that was already cooked before Shabbos to a minimum stage of Ma'achal Ben D'Rusai may be maintained on a fire or other heat source at the onset of Shabbos even if it is totally cold, as in the case of a cooked item Chazal did not worry about the possibility of the coals being touched or the heat otherwise being raised. (See Mishna Berura Siman end of Siman 259 in his summary to the Halachos of Bishul. See also Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman 253:7 and Chazon Ish Siman 37:3)
2) Regarding leaving water or a cold food containing liquid that has previously been cooked on a heat source at the onset of Shabbos, some Poskim prohibit it similar to Bishul where the liquid that became cold is not considered cooked anymore while others allow it to be left on the heat source before Shabbos. (See Pri Megadim, Aishel Avraham, Siman 253:41 and Chazon Ish Siman 37:27)
Furthermore, some Poskim differentiate between water (which they prohibit because once it is cold it loses any semblance of its past cooking) and other foods that contain liquid (which they allow due to it still retaining its status as cooked even though it is cold).
Though the prevalent custom is to be stringent, A Rav must be consulted for Halacha L'ma'aseh.
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Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For 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 has to be checked for shatnez? Just things with linings or even 100% wool sweaters? what if the label says there's no linen?
Answer:
Certain things that say 100% wool may still contain shatnez, so a reliable shatnez tester needs to be consulted as to which clothes needs to be checked and labels cannot be trusted.
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 TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
One manager let employees know how valuable they are with the following memo:
"You Arx A Kxy Pxrson"
Xvxn though my typxwritxr is an old modxl, it works vxry wxll - xxcxpt for onx kxy.
You would think that with all thx othxer kxys functioning propxrly, onx kxy not working would hardly bx noticxd; but just onx kxy out of whack sxxms to ruin thx wholx xffort.
You may say to yoursxlf - Wxll, I'm only onx pxrson. No onx will noticx if I don't do my bxst.
But it doxs makx a diffxrxncx, bxcausx an xffxctivx organization nxxds activx participation by xvxry onx to thx bxst of his or hxr ability.
So, thx nxxt timx you think you arx not important, rxmxmbxr my old typxwritxr.
You arx a kxy pxrson.
Submitted by a daily reader, Adina
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות
- one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (Talmud Niddah 73a)
Please visit my website www.HalachaForToday.com for archives, Kosher links, Questions and Answers,and other features. Halachos are for study purposes only, and should not be relied upon for final Psak. See Halacha L'Maaseh Disclaimer Here. I welcome all questions on any topic, anytime! Help spread the word of Hashem!
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Sunday
1st Day Rosh Chodesh Kislev 5771
November 7 2010
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1) It is prohibited to leave a cooking pot on the fire or other heat source on Erev Shabbos if it will continue cooking on Shabbos, so long as the food has not yet reached the stage of being considered a "Ma'achal Ben D'Rusai (which means, as we explained in the Halachos of October 12 2010: Cooked enough that the gang of robbers led by the bandit Ben D'Rusai, who didn't have time to wait for a thorough cooking would already eat it. (See Talmud Shabbos 20a and Menachos 57a). According to some Rishonim, "Ma'achal Ben D'Rusai" is reached after being half cooked (Rambam Hilchos Shabbos Perek 9:5), while other Rishonim (Rashi Shabbos 20a Dibur Hamaschil Ben) maintain that it is reached upon being a third cooked. Thus, a food item that usually takes an hour to cook, is considered Ma'achal Ben D'Rusai twenty minutes, according to Rashi, or half an hour, according to the Rambam, after reaching Yad Soledes Bo. This is the understanding of the Chazon Ish Siman 37:6)
The reason for this, as we explained in the previous email, is that Chazal were afraid that one would tend to this uncooked food via turning over the coals (referred to in Halacha as "Shema Yechateh B'Gechalim") and thus indeed transgress a biblical Melacha of Mav'ir, kindling a flame on Shabbos. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 253:1)
Even though today's ovens and stovetops do not utilize coals, this Gezeira is still in effect.
2) If the pot reached Ma'achal Ben D'Rusai before Shkiah, sunset, it is acceptable to leave it on the heat source even in instances where the people in the home accepted Shabbos early (as is common in many Jewish homes during the summer months) (See Shu"t Minchas Shlomo Vol. 2 Siman 34)
According to the Chazon Ish (Siman 37:27), if one inadvertently left a pot on the fire which didn't reach Ma'achal Ben D'Rusai before sunset, as long as it reached this stage before Tzeis HaKochavim, the emergence of three medium stars, the food may be eaten B'dieved.
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37. Ma'avir - Kindling a fire. 38. Makeh B'Patish - Completing an object
39. Hotza'ah - Carrying between domains or in public domain
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 does the actual Netila (washing of Netilas Yadayim for bread) do? Does it purify the hands to eat the bread or touch it?
Answer:
Yes. The netilah serves 2 purposes.
1) to purify and sanctify our hands and bodies for eating Hashem's bread, much as the Kohanim needed to sanctify themselves via washing before doing the Avodah. We Jews are commanded to be holy, and this is one application of that requirement.
2) To cleanse ourselves, as it isn't dignified for a Jew to make a Bracha and eat when his hands are unclean.
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 TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
The talmidim of Rebbi Shimon Bar Yochai asked him, "When the Yidden were in the midbar, why didn't Hashem make enough Manna come down once a year to last for a full year?"
Rebbi Shimon explained this with a mashol: A king had an only son whom he supported by giving him his needs once a year. However, the king was unsatisfied with this arrangement, for the prince would only visit once a year to receive his provisions.
Therefore, the king decided to give him his daily needs on a day to day basis, and now the prince would have to visit his father every day.
So too, a Yid living in the midbar who had a number of children would worry and say, "Perhaps the Manna will stop coming tomorrow and we will all die of hunger." He had no choice but to put his full trust in Hashem, that He would provide him with all his needs.
(Talmud Yoma 76a)
Submitted by daily reader, M.F.; Taken from the Agudas Avreichei Lubavitch weekly email. Contact info@lmaanyishmeu.com to subscribe.
Erev Shabbos Kodesh Parshas Toldos; Mevorchim Chodesh
Kislev (Rosh Chodesh will be this coming Sunday and Monday)
28 Mar Cheshvan 5771
November 5 2010
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SPECIAL DOUBLE PORTION L'KAVOD SHABBOS KODESH
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh
1) Many people - especially children and people with allergies or colds- use hot water vaporizers or steam vaporizers which create moisture in the air by heating the water that is placed in it into a hot mist.
It is forbidden to add water- hot or cold- into the bin of vaporizer on Shabbos due to concerns of Bishul.
If it is necessary for young children or other ailing people who can be classified as Cholim She'ein Bo Sakana (a topic on its own which we shall iy"H address in the future)a non Jew may be asked to add the water to the vaporizer.
If lacking the vaporizer is simply uncomfortable, but does not reach the level of Choleh She'ein Bo Sakana, a non Jew may not add cold water, and perhaps not even cooked water. A Rav must be consulted for Halacha L'ma'aseh.
2) Cool mist humidifiers do not have any Bishul concerns, and thus if necessary water may be added on Shabbos. .(See Biur Halacha end of Siman 319 quoting Rav Akiva Eiger)
Of course, they may not be plugged in or unplugged on Shabbos.
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) Besides the prohibition of actually cooking on Shabbos, there are a few other rabbinical edicts that were enacted due to the concern that they may lead to Chilul Shabbos Chas V'Shalom.
Namely, they are the Gezeiros of She'hiya, Leaving uncooked food on a fire, Chazara, Returning a pot to a heat source and Hatmana, insulating food.
We shall begin with the prohibition of She'hiya.
2) One who leaves a pot with uncooked food on the flame from Erev Shabbos and it continues to cook on Shabbos has technically not transgressed any Melacha as even though the item is cooking on Shabbos, nothing was actually done on Shabbos itself.
However, Chazal were afraid that one would tend to this uncooked food via turning over the coals (i.e. higher the flame to make it cook faster) and thus indeed transgress a biblical Melacha of Mav'ir, kindling a flame on Shabbos.
Chazal therefore prohibited uncooked food from being maintained on a flame on Shabbos.
On Sunday, B'Ezras Hashem, we shall discuss some exceptions to this Gezeira and some more details of it.
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Clarification to yesterday's Halachos:
When a Cholent is drying out and hot water is being added to it, if water from the urn is added directly to the pot of cholent, the urn may become Flesishig due to the stream of direct water connecting the cholent and the water. It is best to pour water from the urn into an empty utensil and then pour it into the cholent pot while it is being held off the heat source and then return it to the heat source after the hot water has been added. For halacha L'ma'aseh, as always, a Rav should be consulted.
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The Thirty Nine Avos Melachos of Shabbos:
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 sometimes have free time at work and would like to learn, but learning out of a sefer would get me in trouble if noticed by my non Jewish boss.
Is there a heter to learn from a podcast recording in a private bathroom that would be left to me alone (so there would be no chashash of extrement or urine at the time), that would be flushed, and that would not smell whatsoever?
Answer:
No, there is no heter to do that. Since the bathroom was designated for a Bais haKisei, even when it is 100% clean, it has all the dinim of Bais hakisei regarding being prohibited to learn or think in Divrei Torah.
would it be possible to read Torah websites at your desk during your free time? That would be an acceptable alternative.
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 TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
HaGaon rav Chaim Shmulevitz zatzal, Rosh Yeshivas Mir Yerushalaim
The Torah [in this week's parsha] records the sale of the bechora (birthright of the first born child) to Yaakov Avinu.
We are told that Eisav sold the bechora to Yaakov for a bowl of lentil soup.
It is brought down in halacha, however, that a sale is rendered invalid if the buyer was overcharged. Here, Eisav was buying a bowl of soup - this clearly has very little value!
It would seem that the sale of the bechora - which is priceless - to Yaakov should have been invalid, and that Eisav indeed has a claim to the bechora!
Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz ZT"L explains: In ruchniyos (spirituality), things are worth the value which you give it.
True, to Yaakov Avinu, the bechora had astronomical value. But since Eisav didn't see any value in the bechora, to him, it was really worth what it was sold for - a bowl of soup - and the sale was valid.
IY"H, we should have the strength to see the true value in ruchniyos, cherishing every moment possible to do mitzvos and learn Torah!
Submitted by daily reader, A.F.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות
- one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (Talmud Niddah 73a)
Please visit my website www.HalachaForToday.com for archives, Kosher links, Questions and Answers,and other features. Halachos are for study purposes only, and should not be relied upon for final Psak. See Halacha L'Maaseh Disclaimer Here. I welcome all questions on any topic, anytime! Help spread the word of Hashem!
Please Tell your friends about this list and have them sign up too!
Important Numbers
