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1)A food item that has already been cooked to the point of Ma’achal Ben D’Rusai is still subject to the prohibition of Bishul and any additional cooking of the item that gets it closer to its "fully cooked" stage is a transgression of Bishul. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 318:4)
However, once an item has been "fully cooked" as long as it is still Yad Soledes Bo it is no longer subject to the prohibition of Bishul, even if any additional cooking will enhance the food (Mitztamek V’yafeh Lo) (Rama Siman 318:4; Mishna Berura S" K 24)
2) Being that it isn’t always possible to tell if a food that is cooking is totally cooked or not (in which case any covering of uncovered pots, mixing of food in the pot or moving its location on the heat source may result in a transgression it is best to make sure to be done with all the cooking before Shabbos arrives.
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 a person keeps Rabbeinu Tam’s Zman (waits 72 minutes after sunset before doing Melacha) on Motzei Shabbos but didnt make a neder to keep it would it be an aveira to break shabbos before Rabbeinu Tam [and wait an earlier zman such as 60 or 50 minutes after sunset]?
Answer:
If a person does a good thing(Hanhaga Tovah) 3 times, it is as if he/she made a neder to do this, and would need to be Matir Neder before stopping to do it.
Thus, if you keptRabbeinu Tam Zman, you must always keep it unless you are Matir the Neder.
Incidentally, after 120, if someone (G-d forbid) is judged to go to Gehinnom (hell), he/she gets a break from the punishment on Shabbos. When Shabbos is over, the torture continues.
When is Shabbos over for that person? The Seforim say that the amount of time that one waited in this world, is the amount of time he/she gets the reprieve in the next world! Every second of Gehinom is like years of suffering! So it is worthwhile to keep Shabbos until the latest Zman possible.
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
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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Tizkeh L’Mitzvos! Chizuk For Today:
The Brisker Rav, Rav Yitzchak Zev Haleivi Soloveitchik Zatzal
Many have pondered why Mizmor Shir LeYom HaShabbos (Tehillim 92) is the Shir Shel Yom for Shabbos.
The only reference to the Shabbos in the whole Mizmor appears to be only in the first phrase: "Mizmor Shir LeYom HaShabbos."
The Brisker Rav, Z’tl, explains that the Mizmor does in fact express praise and thanks to Hashem for creating the world--and then goes beyond to explain that when the Seven Days of Creation were completed, and Shabbos came, Adam HaRishon (who composed this Kapitel) realized that the world would continue to function through its re-creation every moment following its initial creation by Hashem’s direct and constant "hanhaga" of the world thereafter.
This great concept especially lies in the words "Mah Gadlu Ma’asecha Hashem"--which is a Shir over the Creation itself, immediately followed by the words "Me’od Amku Machshivosecha"--which is a Shir over Hashem’s subsequent hanhaga over the world every second of every day.
The Chapter actually then goes on to describe how the hanhaga works over time, with the blossoming of the Reshaim and their ultimate destruction, as well as the raising of Tzadikim ("Vatarem Kireim Karni").
Hashem’s Hanhaga in this world will be ongoing and continue until this world ends--when the "Yom Shekulo Shabbos" occurs--which, as the ultimate Shabbos, is the ultimate culmination of all of Creation!
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1)The prohibition of Bishul, cooking, begins as soon as the item being cooked reaches a temperature of Yad Soledes Bo. (See Chazon Ish Siman 37:6)
Though, of course, an uncooked food should not be placed on a heat source at all, even if one plans to remove it before it reaches Yad Soledes Bo. (See Chazon Ish Siman 50:9 and Rosh Yosef Shabbos 38b. Although this may not be the actual prohibition of Bishul per se, it is still prohibited to place an item in such a manner that had it been left there it would end up being cooked, as we shall discuss more at length in the near future B’Ezras Hashem)
However, in order to be Chayav, liable (required to bring a Korban Chatas) for Bishul on Shabbos, the item must be cooked to a minimum point referred to as "Ma’achal Ben D’Rusai, 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, Menachos 57a)
2) 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 Thirty Nine Avos Melachos:
1. Zo’reah - Planting
2. Choresh - Plowing
3. Kotzer - Reaping
4. M’Amer - Gathering
5. Dash - Threshing
6. Zoreh - Winnowing
7. Borer - Sorting
8. Tochen - Grinding
9. Miraked - Sifting
10. Lash - Kneading
11. Ofeh / Bishul -Baking/Cooking
12. Gozez - Shearing
13. Melaben - Bleaching
14. Menapetz - Combing tangled wool
15. Tzo’veah - Dyeing
16. Toveh - Spinning
17. Mesach - Setting threads onto loom
18. Oseh Beis Batai Nirin - Preparing to weave
19. Oreg - Weaving
20. Potzeiah - Taking apart threads.
21. Kosher - Tying a knot
22. Matir - Untying a knot
23. Tofer - Sewing
24. Ko’reah - Tearing
25. Tzad - Trapping
26. Shochet - Slaughtering
27. Mafshit - Skinning
28. M’abed - Tanning
29. Mesarteit - Scratching out lines on parchment
30. Memachek - Smoothing
31. Mechatech - Cutting to exact shape
32. Kosev - Writing
33. Mochek - Erasing
34. Boneh - Building
35. Soser - Demolishing
36. Mechabeh - Extinguishing
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:
It will be greatly appreciated, if you can explain me the difference between ma’aser and tzedaka.
I separate 10% of my income (after tax) and give it to yeshivas, to funds for needy, etc. What is it - ma’aser or tzedaka?
Answer:
Tzedaka is charity that every Jew is commanded to give. there is no set amount to give, rather one should give what he/she can whenever the need arrises to help another Jew.
Tzedakah can also be done by other means than money. giving a poor person a bite to eat is Tzedakah. giving an unemployed person a job is Tzedakah. teaching someone a trade is Tzedakah and so on.
Ma’aser is specifically giving a set amount of ones income (or grain, or animals) to specific people. Certain maa’ser was given to the Kohen while others were given to the Levites. Maaser Kesafim is given to poor people or worthy institutions etc.
when giving Maaser one can also satisfy the obligation of Tzedakah, but it is its own obligation as well.
What you do by giving 10% to yeshivas etc. is ma’aser. And even after you have given your 10%, if you are approached by a needy person you still have an obligation to help him/her and that would be tzedakah.
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 Ramban asks a poignant question at the start of our sedra.
Whereas the Torah gives some background info about virtually all other tzadikim, when it comes to Avraham Avinu we are simple told ’HaShem spoke to Avraham saying...’
Where’s the introduction as to who Avraham was?
The Sefas Emes used to cite this question often, giving a new answer almost every year.
One year he answered using the Zohar, remarking that ’HaShem called out to everyone. But Avraham was the only one who listened.’
The idea is that HaShem is constantly telling us messages; whether via nature, current events, or personal happenings in our own lives.
We just need to make sure that we are on the right (spiritual) wavelength to be able to tune into these messages.
Submited by Zalman; 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!
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
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1)It is prohibited to do any action to a food item that is not yet fully cooked and is cooking on a heat source and will be fully cooked in due time, whereby that action will in any way accelerate the cooking process and cause the item to be done quicker. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 254:4)
This includes pushing the pot closer to the heat source, placing it over a larger flame or a hotter part of the heat source, stirring the contents or covering an uncovered boiling pot, even if the cover was picked up momentarily to check if the food is ready, it may not be replaced on the pot so long as the food is not 100% cooked. (See Mishna Berura Siman 254:24 and Biur Halacha Siman 257:4 Dibur Hamaschil Gorem Lah L’Hisbashel)
Furthermore, even when the boiling pot with its not fully cooked contents is removed from the heat source, it is still prohibited to do any actions(as long as the food is Yad Soledes Bo) to speed up the cooking process. (ibid.)
2) If, however, the contents of the pot are already fully cooked it is permitted to do the aforementioned actions (with the possible exception of stirring the food, even though it’s fully cooked, when it is still on the heat source, which may be prohibited as we shall discuss B’Ezras Hashem in the future) even if by doing them the temperature of the food will increase.
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:
I once learned that if a person has trouble sleeping, reciting the first parasha krias shema repeatedly is a remedy for this problem.
I have many sleepless nights. How many dozens of times should I be reciting the first parsha of krias shema?
Answer:
True, the Rama (Siman 239) does say that one who has a hard time falling asleep should repeat the first Parsha of Shema ,"V’Ahavta Es..." over and over until he/she falls asleep. (Without the first Posuk of Shma ,which should never be repeated over and over. See Mishna Berura on the above Rama).
The Rama doesnt say how many times to do this, he just says "many times". The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (Siman 71:4) says to do this until you fall asleep.
Other things the Poskim say to do for insomnia is to say various other Pesukim or think about a Torah topic.
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:
[0.7432432432432432]
Anger can be positive.
When we are angry, we have added strength and energy.
When life is in danger, we will be able to defend ourselves and others much better when we are angry than if we had remained calm.
But in normal day to day situations use tact and the skill of your intellect; anger is inappropriate and unnecessary.
When you have to show anger at someone for his benefit, be careful to measure exactly how much anger is necessary to be shown to get your point across.
It is easy to show excessive anger because you lost your temper rather than because it is really necessary.
[0.46]
Submited by Nechie; From Rabbi Zelig Pliskin’s "Gateway to Happiness"
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
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1) A very common occurrence in Jewish homes across the globe is the desire to remove a frozen Challah, kugel or other dry cooked or baked item from the freezer and defrost it for use at the Shabbos Seudah.
If there are any ice particles on the Challah or kugel it may not be placed near any heat source where it can become Yad Soledes Bo, as doing so will cause the ice to melt and then be cooked on Shabbos. (Removing the ice particles from the item on Shabbos is not an option as it may be a problem of Borer)
2)If there are no ice particles on the item, it may be placed on top of a hot water urn to defrost or on top of a pot which is on the fire or on a pot or pan that is on top of a hot plate, but not directly on a blech, hot plate or another heating element where it will reach Yad Soledes Bo, and surely not on an open fire. (Even though it is already baked there still remains a concern of initially placing something on or near a fire on Shabbos, a topic we shall B’Ezras Hashem discuss more at length in the future. See Mishna Berura Siman 253:15)
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 give me the reason why in a Jewish leap year ,as this year ,during Mussaf on Rosh Chodesh we say "Lchaporas Pesha" only thru the end of Adar?
Answer:
There are 12 requests mentioned there
When we have a leap year, we add a 13th request, "L’kaporas Pesha" to correspond to the extra month and also to allude to the 13th way of uttering Hashem’s holy name, which in reality isn’t a new way as much as it is a Tziruf, a combination of all the other 12 ways.
This extra request is only necessary as long as the extra month is still in play, but after it passes the year goes back to being a normal year.
(See Sidur HaShla"h Pirush Sha’ar Hashomayim)
( 1) Tova 2) Bracha 3)Sason 4) Simcha 5) Yeshua 6)Nechama 7)Parnasa 8)Chalkala 9)Chaim 10)Shalom 11)Mechilas Cheit 12) Slichas Avon)which correspond to the 12 months of the year as well as the 12 combinations of the utterence of Hashem’s holy name.
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 only thing that we have is who we are.
The person who has Bitachon has something that he/she can take with him.
The Gaon of Vilna says that the main reason that Hashem gave us the Torah was to bring us to have Bitachon;to bring us to have an absolute trust relationship with Hashem.
Submitted by Dina; Quoting Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller
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
Erev Shabbos Kodesh Parshas Noach;Shabbos Rosh Chodesh
First Day Rosh Chodesh Mar Cheshvan 5771
October 8 2010
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DOUBLE PORTION L’KAVOD SHABBOS KODESH
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh
1)It is forbidden to cook even a minuscule amount of food on Shabbos.
However, according to the Rambam (Hilchos Shabbos Perek 9:1) even though it is prohibited to cook any amount (as Chatzi ShiurAsur Min HaTorah, meaning that even when the Torah penalizes someone with a Korban or other punishment upon transgressing a certain amount of something prohibited, it is still prohibited to sin with a lesser amount, albeit without the requirement of the Korban or other earthly punishment)in order to be obligated to bring a Korban Chatas ,a sin offering in the Bais HaMikdash) a minimum amount of a Grogeres, a measurement equal to the size of a dried fig, needs to be cooked.
Some Poskim , however, maintain that the rule of Chatzi Shiur Asur Min HaTorah applies only to eating, but does not apply to other prohibitions, and thus they maintain that there is no prohibition at all to cook less than a Grogeres on Shabbos. (See Shu"t Chacham Tzvi Siman 86 Dibur Hamaschil V’Gam Ra’ayaso MiPerek Eilu Ovrim. See also Dagul M’Revava’s comment on the Mogen Avraham Siman 442:10)
The Mishna Berura (Siman 318:1) rules like the Rambam, and it is best to be stringent.
2) Practically, it is best to be careful to the best of one’s ability before pouring hot soup into a bowl (Irui Kli Rishon) or placing a steaming hot potato (or another Davar Gush, dense food) onto a plate that there be no crumbs or other non cooked items, or even droplets of cold water in the bowl or plate. (We shall discuss this more at length B’Ezras Hashem in the future)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1)Wet clothing may not be placed to dry near a fire or near or on another heat source if they are close enough to become hotter than Yad Soledes Bo (110 degrees Fahrenheit) as doing so will heat the water that has been absorbed into the clothes and thus be a violation of Bishul. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 301:46 based on the ruling the Mordechai in Maseches Shabbos Siman 434 and Rashi Shabbos 74b Dibur Hamaschil D’Marpi. See Shu"t Chasam Sofer Yoreh Deah Siman 92 where he disagrees with this ruling and maintains that where the water is going to waste there is no prohibition. However, the prevalent ruling amongst virtually all Poskim is as is written in the Shulchan Aruch quoted above.)
Likewise, one who is wearing wet clothing should be careful not to go to close to a heat source in a way that the water on his clothing can be heated to Yad Soledes Bo.
2) Another common case to be careful with is to avoid placing a wet towel on top of a hot water urn, as doing so will most likely heat the water to a Yad Soledes Bo temperature.
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:
Is Hamapil dependent on the night time?
For example one who stays up learning Shavuos at night, when he gets home does he need to say Kriyas Shema Al Hamita and/or hamapil.
My question is basically for anyone that stays up all night, and if yes at what time is the cutoff?
Answer:
HaMapil is only said if one goes to sleep at night, anytime before Alos HaShachar.
One who goes to sleep by day does not say HaMapil. The reason is that once you cannot say the Bracha of Hashkiveinu (which is only said at the normal time of sleeping, which is at night) you can’t say the Bracha on sleep anymore. (See Biur Halacha 239:1 Dibur HaMaschil Samuch).
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:
We began the month of Tishrei with the knowledge that on Rosh Hashana our lives and our livelihood will be determined for the coming year.
We concluded the last Chag of Tishrei with the Tefillah for Geshem, asking for sustenance of blessing over the winter and the coming year.
An essential lesson, then, that extends throughout the entire month is that Hashem is the Provider, and that "Kochi VeOtzem Yadi--my strength and the power of my hand that accomplished this" is simply not part of the Torah Jew’s lexicon.
Every so often, when realizing what one has accomplished or attained, he should express (or at least think to himself) "Thank you Hashem for this accomplishment.
It is not Kochi VeOtzem Yadi, it is You!!"
With this thought or statement alone, one will demonstrate that he has taken much from Rosh Hashana...from Yom Kippur...from Sukkos and from Shemini Atzeres!
This will help us get through the long winter ahead!
Submitted by Nachi; taken from www.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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Thursday
Erev Rosh Chodesh MarCheshvan 5771
October 7 2010
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1)It is forbidden to cook on Shabbos even if the item being cooked can be eaten in its uncooked stage. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 318:14)
For example, one who cooks fruit on Shabbos has transgressed the prohibition of Bishul, as the cooking improves the fruit.
Likewise, one who heats cold water has transgressed the Melacha of Bishul. (See Sha'ar HaTziyun 318:114 and Mishna Berura Siman 293:100)
However, if one cooks a particular fruit that gets ruined or becomes less desirable after being cooked (and is thus Mekalkel) he is not punished, and according to some Poskim he hasn't even transgressed any Melacha at all. (See Rambam Hilchos Shabbos Perek 9:3. See also Sha'ar HaTziyun ibid.)
2)It is forbidden to cook in a microwave on Shabbos.
According to some Poskim, doing so is a biblical prohibition [even though no actual fire or "offspring" of fire is used in the cooking process], as this is a normal way of cooking. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 3 Siman 52. See also Shu"t Minchas Shlomo Siman 12 footnote 4)
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 required to give ma'aser from money that was received as a present?
Answer:
Yes, Maaser should be given from money received as a gift. ( Rabbeinu Yonah in Sefer HaYirah. See also Sefer Peleh Yoetz in the "Maaser" chapter)
When one gives maaser his/her money becomes blessed and will increase as it says in the Torah "Aser T'Aser" and Chazal learn that one who gives maaser properly will become wealthy.
Thus, when you give maaser from your gift, you arent diminishing your gained money,rather increasing the gift's value.
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:
Why won't Hashem let me succeed?
Many people, especially the newly observant, ask a probing question: "Why won't Hashem let me succeed? I want to get closer to Him. I want to learn more Torah, and understand what I learn. I want to get rid of a bad habit, such as overeating. I want to pray with intent, and without all types of extraneous thoughts. I'm not succeeding! Why is spiritual gain so difficult?"
Falling short of our spiritual goals is a type of tribulation, since our lives are certainly more pleasant when taste success, understand our Torah learning, overcome our bad habits, and pray with fervor. The tribulation of interim failure in fulfilling our spiritual aspirations is also for the ultimate benefit of our souls, for the following reasons:
1. Lack of spiritual success, despite our best efforts, atones for the period in our lives when we exerted much less effort in serving Hashem.
2. Hashem delays granting us spiritual success, in other words, elevating us to a higher spiritual plateau, if our souls are not yet strong enough to receive the enhanced divine light of the higher plateau.
3. Hashem delays spiritual success until we can properly learn to nullify our egos, so that the success won't lead to arrogance.
4. Hashem often delays success to encourage us to make a second, more concerted effort.
5. Delayed spiritual success is a test of Emuna.
By accepting our interim circumstance happily and with love, and by continued teshuva, effort, prayer, and learning, we prepare ourselves as suitable spiritual vessels to receive the divine light of spiritual success.
Submitted by Devorah; taken from a larger article at www.breslev.co.il
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!
Today's Halachos Sponsored by a daily reader, Yochanan T., in honor of his parents; May they both merit long, healthy lives with much nachas from their children and grandchildren.
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1) It is permitted to heat up an item on Shabbos utilizing the direct heat of the sun. (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim Siman 318:3. See Rashi to Shabbos 39a Dibur Hamaschil D'Shari where he explains that this is not the normal way of cooking and thus not included in the prohibition.)
2)However, it is prohibited to cook utilizing a heat source that was initially heated up via the sun's heat. This is a rabbinic decree lest people get confused and come to cook utilizing "offspring" of actual fire based on the permissibility to use "offspring" of the sun. (ibid.)
A practical example of this would be the permissibility of placing a frozen or cold Challah, Kugel or other item on the window sill within the direct rays of the sun so that it get defrosted and/or even heated.
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 girl (over bas mitzvah age) touch a boy younger than 11, in a non-chibah manner (i.e.- helping a child button his coat, herding students along in a line for recess, etc.)?
Answer:
According to Harav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita, a female over Bas Mitzvah should not have any physical contact with any boy above the age of 9 (Quoted in Sefer Halichos Bas Yisroel)
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!
קוה אל ד', חזק ויאמץ לבך, וקוה אל ד'
Chizuk For Today:
A Rav who was very involved in Kiruv (outreach) of teenage boys who were struggling with life's challenges, suffered a terrible personal loss.
His own son , Shloimela, suddenly died right after his upsherin, R"L.
The boys who he worked with came to pay a Shiva call, and they told him that they as a group decided that even though they were not considered frum anymore, they would keep one Shabbos in this boy's zechus.
The Rav stood up and hugged and kissed each one and danced with them, even though he was sitting Shiva.
Afterwards someone said to him"Why were you so excited?
What's the big deal? So they will keep this one Shabbos, and then the following Shabbos they will go back to their old way."
He replied"If someone were to offer me one last Shabbos with my little precious Shloimela, I would give all the money in the world to have that one last day to say goodbye to him."
THIS IS HOW HASHEM VIEWS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US!
We come back to Hashem one day at a time.
Maybe we will fall, maybe we won't, but Hashem takes every day that we are overcoming our struggles and embraces it.
Don't say, "One day isn't good enough", rather, say "Ah, at least I have one day of closeness to Hashem, One day of purity."
Submitted by a daily reader; as heard from Rabbi Fischel Schachter Shlita.
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)Water,or other liquid, which is heated to the point of being "Yad Soledes Bo" (i.e. So hot that the hand will recoil when touching it, more than 160 degrees Fahrenheit or even more than 110 degrees for certain leniencies; See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 74 Inyanei Bishul Os 3) is considered "fire" as long as it is in the original utensil in which it was boiled (Kli Rishon), even if it is no longer on the actual fire.
According to many Rishonim, cooking something in this liquid is a biblical transgression of Bishul. (See Biur HaGra to Yoreh Deah Siman 105 Os 13)
2)A common application of this Halacha would be the prohibition to add bread, baked croutons, uncooked spices or other uncooked items directly into a pot of boiling soup even after it has been removed from the actual fire.
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:
Why is it that on Rosh Chodesh we only say "half" Hallel?
Any Marei Mekomes(Sources)?
I know it's a minhag etc. but Rosh Chodesh is M'doiraysa(Biblical) , Chanuka isn't...?
Answer:
The Gemara (Arachin 10 a-b) says that only days that are called "Moed" and also "Mekudash" with "Isur Asiyas Melacha- days on which we are prohibited to do Melacha" require the recitation of Halel. The Gemara learns this from a Pasuk.
Therefore Rosh Chodesh which isn't Mekidash B'Asiyas Melacha doesnt require Halel. The Gemara goes on to say that according to this logic, Chanukah should also not require Halel. The Gemara answers that since a Nes (miracle) happened, we still say Halel.
Many years later, the Chachamim decided to say Halel on Rosh Chodesh as well as on the last days of Pesach (which were initially exempt) as well.
*******************
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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!
קוה אל ד', חזק ויאמץ לבך, וקוה אל ד'
Chizuk For Today:
KADDISH IN THE CAPITAL
When things go smoothly we usually take them for granted. It's when things occur which are out of the ordinary that we take notice and wonder. Then we first ask ourselves, "Why did HaShem make this happen?"
One couldn't blame R' Mordechai from Cleveland Heights for wondering what he might have done to deserve his being inconvenienced on his business trip, which was suddenly altered from its normal course. Now, though, looking back, he understands that the events of that autumn morning were nothing short of supernatural. He realizes today that he was but a pawn in the master plan of the King of the universe.
One couldn't blame R' Mordechai from Cleveland Heights for wondering what he might have done to deserve his being inconvenienced on his business trip, which was suddenly altered from its normal course. Now, though, looking back, he understands that the events of that autumn morning were nothing short of supernatural. He realizes today that he was but a pawn in the master plan of the King of the universe.
For years, R' Mordechai has been careful to find a minyan in any city to which he travels on business. Soon after getting off a plane, while other passengers are still picking up their baggage, he is already searching through the local phone book for the name of the nearest shul, and calling for its minyan schedule. Perhaps, he figures, that is why he merited being part of this special story and its unusual minyan.
A group of four frum (religiously observant) businessmen from Cleveland had arranged to travel together by plane early one Sunday morning to a New York City trade show. It was Rosh Chodesh Elul and R' Mordechai, one of the businessmen, had assured the others that, provided their plane landed on time at LaGuardia Airport in New York City, they would be able to catch any of a number of minyanim for Shacharis in Manhattan and still be at the trade show when it opened at 9:00 A.M.
R' Mordechai was supposed to pick up the others at 5:00 A.M. to catch the flight an hour later. But he overslept, and at 5:30 his brother, a second member of the group, came frantically to his house to see what had happened. R' Mordechai awoke with a start and told his brother to get the others and go without him; he himself would have to make the next plane. The three others made their way to the airport as R' Mordechai frantically put his things together, dashing around to find his tallis, tefillin, attaché case, trade samples, and car keys. Equipped with a cup of coffee and his radar detector, he drove with abandon and got to the plane just as the doors were about to be closed. The others were surprised that he had made it.
The plane took off from Cleveland's Hopkins Airport in perfect weather. But shortly after the flight was in progress, the captain announced that he had just been informed that there was a thick blanket of clouds and fog enveloping the New York City area. He promised the passengers to keep them informed of any developments. The men began to get apprehensive, for they had not really left much time to get from the airport to a minyan and still be on time to the trade show.
The flight continued as passengers tried to figure out alternate ways of getting to their destinations if they couldn't land in New York. Soon the captain's voice came over the intercom again. The news was not good, he announced. The fog had traveled westward over the New Jersey border, and not only was it impossible to land in New York, it would be dangerous even to attempt a landing at Newark Airport. They would have to land further south -- in Washington, D.C.
* * *
On board with these businessmen was a small group of Chassidim. They had come to spend Shabbos in Cleveland Heights with their rebbe, R' Mechele, and were returning to New York this morning as well. When the plane landed in Dulles Airport, in the nation's capital, the Chassidim and the businessmen decided that perhaps they had better form a minyan right there, for by the time they could catch a connecting flight and land in New York, the time for reciting Shema would be long gone. They counted to see if they had ten. Indeed, the Chassidim wee six, and then they counted the businessmen: one, two three -- and R' Mordechai made four! They had their minyan -- and only because R' Mordechai had caught the plane!
A member of the airline personnel designated a corner of the waiting room where they could say their morning prayers. The ten men congregated there, each in his tallis and tefillin. All this was in perfect view of any passersby who could watch the proceedings through the glass partition behind which the mispalelim stood.
As they were saying Hallel, a well-dressed man slowly and hesitantly walked into the area where they were davening. A few heads turned to see what he wanted. "Would you mind if I said Kaddish?" the man asked softly.
One of the businessmen, R' Yankel was taken aback. The man hardly looked Jewish. How did he even know about Kaddish, and what did he want with it? It was then that R' Yankel noticed that the man was wearing a black ribbon on his lapel. (Numerous Reform Jews who do not observe the ritual of rending a garment as a sign of mourning wear a black ribbon instead.)
R' Yankel motioned to the man to wait for a few moments and he did so. At the appropriate time R' Yankel went over to the man, and said, "You may begin Kaddish." The man looked around uneasily, then began. "Yisgadal veyiskadash..." he whispered, and burst into tears. He regained his composure and continued, "...shemei rabbah ..." The men answered Amen with reverence. The gentleman struggled through the remainder of the words, as the men of the minyan helped him get through the entire Kaddish.
When he finished, he nodded his head in thanks and asked, "Is there another one to recite later?" They told him that there was. He waited patiently and then after the davening they motioned to him once again to begin. And once again as he said the Kaddish he burst into tears. All in the minyan could not help but be touched by the sensitivity and sadness of the man.
When Shacharis ended, one of the Chassidim went over to the gentleman and introduced himself. After a few moments of conversation the chassid said, "I couldn't help but notice that you wee so emotionally torn as you prayed. Is everything all right with you?"
It was then that the gentleman told this incredible story.
"You see," he began, "my father died just a few days ago, and last night he came to me in a dream and said to me, 'Robert, how come you're not saying Kaddish for me?'
"In my dream I replied, "Dad, I hardly know how to say Kaddish, and besides, there are no synagogues where I live and I am always traveling."
" 'I need you to say Kaddish,' my father insisted to me. I kept repeating that I just could not get to a place where I could say Kaddish for him. It was then that he asked me, 'But what if I send you a minyan? Would you then say Kaddish?'
" 'Of course I would,' I replied, and that's when I woke up. I couldn't believe that dream. I was trembling as I awakened. As I was getting dressed I managed to convince myself that there was really nothing to that dream. But then I came to the airport to catch a flight, and there, to my unbelieving eyes, were all of you praying in a minyan -- in the minyan that was obviously meant for me!"
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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As we begin our journey into the 39 Melachos of Shabbos, I want to give credit to the wonderful Sefer "Orchos Shabbos", a three volume comprehensive work authored by Rabbis Shalom Yosef Gelber and Yitzchok Mordechai Rubin from Yerushalayim Ihr HaKodesh. This Sefer is an invaluable resource and amongst the many Seforim that I am using, I am chiefly utilizing "Orchos Shabbos" as the base for my preparation in writing the halachos that will follow over the next few months. May Hashem give these two Talmidei chachamim and their families Arichas Yomim, Health and Kol Tuv.
1)The first melacha that we will discuss is the Melacha of Bishul, cooking or baking.
The most basic definition of Bishul is to change the makeup of an item utilizing heat.
It is biblically prohibited to cook or bake using fire or its byproducts.(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim Siman 318:3)
There is no difference if the heat source is opened or concealed; the same prohibition applies.
2)Electrical heat sources, which mimic fire, are biblically considered like fire and may not be used to cook nor bake on Shabbos. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 3 Siman 52. See also Magid Mishna Hilchos Shabbos Perek 12:1)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren’t my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Yahoo.com
Reader’s Question:
Should a Shliach Tzibur make a bracha on shul Talis before davening Mincha?
Answer:
The Mishna Berura (Siman 14:11) Paskens that when a Shatz puts on a Shul Tallis to daven for the Amud he makes a Beracha. The reasoning is that the Shul tallis belongs to everyone, and thus it is "your" Tallis and requires a Bracha.
However, the Biur Halacha (Dibur HaMaschil "Sh’Alah" )brings a few opinios that perhaps one does not make a Beracha on a Shul Tallis, especially if he isn’t wrapping himself in it/putting it over his head, as then it is only being done for kavod Hatzibbur and not for Mitzvah of Tzitzis, as well as some other reasons.
Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal (Halichos Shlomo Vol. 2 Perk 1 Ha’arah 2) says that the minhag is not to make a bracha on a shul Tallis. He says that even those that are machmir by Shachris and Mincha, still do not make a Bracha by Maariv.
Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita says that it is best to have in mind when donning the Shul Tallis that you don’t want to be "Zoche" in the Tallis, and then it won’t be yours, and no Bracha is necessary.
The prevelant Minhag is indeed not to make a Bracha on a Shul Tallis, unless one is explicitly using it for the Mitzvah of tzitzis (such as one who forgot his tallis at home and is "borrowing" the Shuls Tallis)
******************* Halacha For Today emails are best read using internet explorer, as other browsers can sometimes cause all or part of the email to disappear. I apologize for any inconvenience.
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!
קוה אל ד’, חזק ויאמץ לבך, וקוה אל ד’ Chizuk For Today:
There was once a lady who had a lot of big problems.
One day she went to a Rav who happened to be in town. He offered her to exchange her pekeleh (package, meaning problems)with another.
He took her to a room filled with pekelehs and told her to pick the one she wanted.
Most of the pekelehs were very big, but there was one in the corner that was much smaller.
She said to the Rav, "that’s the one i want."
He turned to her and said, "that is yours;the one you already have."
She left understanding that her problems were not as big as other people’s, and most of all, hers were tailor made for HER and she was ABLE to handle them!
From www.DivreiChizuk.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!
Please Tell your friends about this list and have them sign up too!
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1)There are thirty nine "Avos Melachos", i.e. 39 main categories of "work", that are prohibited on Shabbos.
The prohibited actions are not "work" in the sense that they are difficult or laborious in nature, rather they are "work" in the sense that they are "tasks" that were present in the construction of the Mishkan (tabernacle).
The prohibition of doing "work" on Shabbos is juxtaposed in the Torah with the Pesukim describing the construction of the Mishkan (Beginning of Parshas VaYakhel).
Furthermore, the word "Melacha" is present 39 times in the Torah and the commandment to not do work on Shabbos (in the Aseres HaDibros, Shmos 20:10) says "Lo Ta’aseh KOL melacha, you shall not do any work". The word "Kol" can also be understood as "don’t do "ALL" the work, thus teaching us that ALL "Melacha" that was present in the construction of the Mishkan is a "Melacha" that is prohibited on Shabbos. (See Talmud Shabbos 49b and Rashi there Dibur Hamaschil She’BaTorah. See also Tosfos Yom Tov to Maseches Shabbos Perek 7 Mishna 2 toward the end of Dibur haMascgil Avos melachos regarding which "melacha" words are counted and which aren’t in these 39)
Each of the 39 Av Melachos (literally translated as "father" tasks) are further broken down into subcategories and referred to in Halacha as "Toldos", offspring of the main category.
2)Over the next few months, B’Ezras Hashem, we will be discussing in detail many of the 39 melachos, their Toldos and their various different practical applications to aide us in strengthening our Shabbos observance.
The 39 Avos melachos are:
1. Zo’reah - Planting
2. Choresh - Plowing
3. Kotzer - Reaping
4. M’Amer - Gathering
5. Dash - Threshing
6. Zoreh - Winnowing
7. Borer - Sorting
8. Tochen - Grinding
9. Miraked - Sifting
10. Lash - Kneading
11. Ofeh / Bishul - Baking/Cooking
12. Gozez - Shearing
13. Melaben - Bleaching
14. Menapetz - Combing tangled wool
15. Tzo’veah - Dyeing
16. Toveh - Spinning
17. Mesach - Setting threads onto loom
18. Oseh Beis Batai Nirin - Preparing to weave
19. Oreg - Weaving
20. Potzeiah - Taking apart threads.
21. Kosher - Tying a knot
22. Matir - Untying a knot
23. Tofer - Sewing
24. Ko’reah - Tearing
25. Tzad - Trapping
26. Shochet - Slaughtering
27. Mafshit - Skinning
28. M’abed - Tanning
29. Mesarteit - Scratching out lines on parchment
30. Memachek - Smoothing
31. Mechatech - Cutting to exact shape
32. Kosev - Writing
33. Mochek - Erasing
34. Boneh - Building
35. Soser - Demolishing
36. Mechabeh - Extinguishing
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:
For how long does one have to sleep in order to be obligated to recite birchas Hatorah?
If one takes an afternoon nap is one required to recite birchas Hatorah when he wakes up?
I have one more question, if one goes to sleep at night and wakes up an hour later, says birchas hatorah and learns. Then one falls back asleep for "30 min" or more does one need to recite birchas hatorah again upon awakening or is it like an "afternoon nap"?
How about if one re-falls asleep until the next morning?
Answer:
I am assuming your first question is referring to an amount one slept during the night in order to r
equire him to recite Birchos HaTorah upon waking in the morning.
In that case, the amount of sleep is a "Shinas Keva" which is approximately half an hour. According to some opinions, even if someone did not sleep at all during the night he would be obligated in Birchos haTorah in the morning.
The best thing to do is to hear the Brachos from someone else and answer Amen and be Yotzei that way. If however if one slept during the day on the previous day, but was up all night ,then he makes Birchos HaTorah himself the next morning based on yesterday’s nap.
If one naps during the day he does not need to recite Birchos HaTorah again upon waking from his nap.
If one wakes before Alos HaShachar and makes Birchos HaTorah, he does not repeat the Brachos in the morning, even if he goes back to sleep, according to most Poskim. If one did repeat Birchos HaTorah in the morning, he has upon who to rely, but better not to initially do this. (See Mishna Berura Siman 47:29. Also see Biur Halacha ibid. Dibur HaMaschil Hamashkim)
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rAV sHACH SPEAKING
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!
קוה אל ד’, חזק ויאמץ לבך, וקוה אל ד’
Chizuk For Today:
Question: Is it important for an idealistic Torah Jew to love himself?
Answer from HaRav Avigdor Miller Zatzal:
Ohhh, my favorite subject. Ve’ohavta L’raiacha Kamocha, you should love your fellow man like yourself. So yourself is the model. Sure you should love yourself. Chayecha V’chayai Chavercha, Chayecha Kodmin, you’re better, your life comes first. So take good care of your health. Certainly, love yourself. Komocha, so love yourself. You should give yourself the best Torah education that you can. Give yourself the best Middos. Of course, you train your children in good character, but train yourself first. Hu Yilmod Ubno Lilmod, Hu Kodem. Who should learn first, you or your son? I’m first. There’s a tape called "My best beloved child," guess who it is? My best beloved child! Like a man once said, they asked him why’s he saying Kaddish? He said, he doesn’t have any children to say Kaddish for him so he is saying Kaddish for himself right now. And so the best Nachas is from yourself. Of course if you have good children who learn Torah and do Mitzvos, it’s Nachas. But in addition to that there’s a better Nachas - have Nachas from yourself.
That’s why it’s so good when a man gives Tzedoko when he’s alive. When you give Tzedoko after you’re dead it’s like giving copper; copper’s also good. When you give when you’re alive, it’s like giving gold, because it’s your own money. After a man dies its not his money anymore. The children obey him and they give the money away to what he said so, but it’s not his money. But when you’re alive, it’s your own money. And that’s why get in all the Mitzvos that you can while you’re still around. Kol Ma Shebkocho Lasos, Asai. whatever you can do, Shlomo Hamelech said do right now, don’t wait, don’t put it off.
And therefore, the question, do you have to love yourself? Hakadosh Baruch Hu loves those who love themselves. But you have to love the right way. If a man sits down at a big meal let’s say, and he noshes cake with icing on it, he’s not loving himself, he’s hating himself, because if he does that to an enemy, he’s destroying his health. A man that loves himself, doesn’t nosh, he eats what’s nourishing. He goes to sleep on time, he doesn’t stay up late. He loves himself! He makes it his business not to sit all the time. Exercise, to walk in the street a little bit. That man who loves himself, you have to know, if Hakadosh Baruch Hu will see, Baderech Sh’odom Rotseh Laleches Molichin Oso, you want to walk in the way of good health, I’m going to help you succeed in good health. If a man however is going to complain and feel bad and look for reasons to be unhappy, so Hakadosh Baruch Hu says, you’re trying to be unhappy? I am going to help you succeed. And he succeeds in being unhappy. That’s a Klal Godol, Mi Ha’ish Hachafets Chaim, you want to live long, you love days? So Hashem said, I’m going to help you. Of course, you have to do it in the right manner, if you do it in the right manner, Hashem loves you.
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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; Hoshana Rabbah
September 29 2010
21 Tishrei 5771
To See Today's Yahrtzeit's CLICK HERE
This edition of Halacha for Today has been dedicated by a daily reader in Cleveland, OH, as a zechus Refuah Shelaima for the Telzer rosh yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, Rav Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miram B'Soch Sha'ar Cholei Yisroel. Please continue to daven for his quick and complete recovery.
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Thank you and Tizkeh L'Mitzvos!
If you are just joining us today, please see ARCHIVES so you can review the previous Halachos on this and other topics.
The Bostoner Rebbe, Rav Levi Yitzchok Horowitz Zatzal on Hoshana Rabbah
ושמחת בחגך...והיית אך שמח
QUADRUPLE PORTION L'KAVOD YOM TOV AND SHABBOS BEREISHIS
Halachos for Wednesday, Hoshana Rabbah
1) After davening on Hoshana Rabbah, after using the Lulav and Esrog for the last time, many have the custom to place the Lulav (with the Hadasim and Aravos still bound to it) on top of the door, on top of the Aron Kodesh, or in another safe place and save it for Erev Pesach when it can be burned together with the Chametz.
The purpose of doing this is to use something that was used for a Mitzvah (the Lulav) in conjunction with yet another Mitzvah (burning the Chametz) (See Kaf HaChaim Siman 664:60. Based on a Talmud Yerushalmi Eiruvin Perek 6:7, quoted in Tur Siman 297:4. See also Orchos Rabbeinu from the Steipler Zatzal Vol. 2 Page 316)
2) Some have the custom to make a jelly/jam out of the Esrogim that were used for a Mitzvah. This jelly/jam is given to pregnant women to eat while they are in labor, as eating this Mitzvah jelly/jam is a Segulah for an easy birth and for the child to be healthy.
Furthermore, It is a Segulah for pregnant women to bite off the Pitum of the Esrog on Hoshana Rabbah, and to give Tzedaka and daven for an easy labor. (See Likutei Maharich Sukkos page 106a. See also Elef Hamagen Siman 660:6 and Sefer Moed L'Kol Chai Siman 24:25 where a special Tefilah is printed for the woman to say)
Many people also have the custom to taste this Esrog jelly/jam on the eve of Tu B'Shvat. (See Kaf HaChaim ibid. and Orchos Rabbeinu ibid.)
[ It is proper to pray on the eve of Tu B'Shvat that one merit having a nice Esrog on the next Sukkos. (See Bnei Yissoscher Chodesh Sh'vat Ma'amar 2. See also Sefer Lashon Chachamim Vol. 1 Siman 38)]
Halachos for Thursday, Shmini Atzeres (Simchas Torah in Eretz Yisroel)
1) When dancing with the Torah on Simchas Torah, it is a mitzvah to rejoice as best as one can; this Simcha should be L'Shem Shomayim, in honor of Hashem and His holy Torah, and not simply an unstructured "party" or "good time" and surely one must be careful to avoid any levity or lightheadedness (S'Chok V'kalus Rosh) Chas V'Shalom (See Tur and Rama Siman 669. See also Ben Ish Chai Parshas V'Zos HaBracha Siman 18 and Kaf HaChaim 669:23. See also Mishna Berura 669:11 and Rambam Hilchos Lulav Perek 8:15)
(Rav Bentzion Abba Shaul Zatzal was extremely stringent with this and didn't sit down the entire Hakafos and ruled this way for all who were with him that were healthy and able bodied)
2) M'Ikar HaDin (according to the letter of the law) one must stand the entire time that the Sifrei Torah are out for the hakafos , in respect of the Torah. (Rav Bentzion Abba Shaul Zatzal was extremely stringent with this and didn't sit down the entire Hakafos and ruled this way for all who were with him that were healthy and able bodied)
However, if it is difficult for one to stand, the Poskim are lenient and allow sitting down, besides for the first time around the Bimah of each hakafa when everyone must stand. (See Halichos Shlomo Perek 12:9 for the reasoning behind this leniency)
Some have the custom to only sit while holding a Sefer Torah in their hands. (This was the minhag of the Steipler Zatzal and YB"LCT Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita)
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh, Simchas Torah (in Chutz L'Aretz)
1) Shmini Atzeres/Simchas Torah is an extremely opportune time, an Eis Ratzon, for one's Tefilos to be accepted by HaKadosh Baruch Hu. Therefore it is proper to daven with extreme Kavanah. (See Sefer Moed L'Kol Chai Siman 25:1. This is based on a Zohar HaKadosh Parshas Noach and Parshas Tzav where it basically says that all that one asks for (in earnest) will be given to them! See also Sefer Seder HaYom Seder Simchas Torah Dibur Hamaschil U'Bsefer HaZohar)
2)It is customary to bid on and try to purchase the Aliyos known as "Choson Torah" (The aliyah where the Torah is "finished") and "Choson Bereishis" (The Aliyah where the Torah is once again begun) for high amounts of money, which goes to support Talmidei Chachamim or the needs of the Shul where people daven and learn or other worthy Torah causes.
If possible, it is best to try and have these Aliyos go to Talmidei Chachamim or at least to respected people in the Tzibbur. (See Mishna Berura Siman 669:1)
The custom is for those who received the two aforementioned aliyos to make a Kiddush (on one of the Shabbosim in the next few weeks) to celebrate their receiving these exalted Aliyos, as they are a celebration of the completion [and re-starting] of Torah. (Tur Siman 669. See also Beis Yosef there and Kaf HaChaim 669:24 and Rama Yoreh Deah Siman 246:26)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh Parshas Bereishis
1)Chazal say that one who keeps Shabbos is as if he has fulfilled the entire Torah.
One who transgresses Shabbos is as if he has transgresed the entire Torah. (See Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 72:1)
2)One who transgresses Shabbos in public [which means that 10 people are aware that this person is a mechalel Shabbos], is considered like a non Jew for all purposes; we may not drink his wine, his bread is considered bread of a non Jew etc. (ibid. 72:2)
In order to keep Shabbos properly, it is imperative to study and become educated in the intricate details of the many Halachos pertaining to Shabbos.
The holy Chofetz Chaim Zatzal used to say that one who doesn't study Hilchos Shabbos is all but guaranteed to transgress the holy Shabbos Chas V'Shalom.
Beginning on Sunday,B'Ezras Hashem,we shall begin covering various topics in Hilchos Shabbos.
Our Tefilah to Hashem is that he give us the strength to become closer to Him via the study of these halachos, and may we all become better "Shomrei Shabbos" and soon merit the "Yom SheKulo Shabbos, days that are all Shabbos" with the arrival of Mashiach Tzidkeinu B'Meheira.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
If I put money in a pushka that I keep at home, and then submit it to the Tzedaka organization a few months later when it's full, have I fulfilled the mitzvah of giving tzedaka each day, or only when I give the money to the organization?
Answer:
Your question is a difficult one, and one that the Poskim deal with.
The question is if by placing it in the Pushka it is merely considered that you said "Harei Zu L'Tzedakah" which is basically a Neder to give tzedaka, but not an actual giving of the Tzedakah, or is it already as if it is "in the hands of the Gabbai Tzedaka" and thus you were Mekayem your Mitzvah. ( This would have reverse ramifications as well, if for example one wanted to "borrow" some money from the Pushka. See Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah Siman 259:1)
The best thing to do is to make a "Tnai" (stipulation) saying that you want your Pushka to be Koneh the money for the organization, and thus it would be a Kiyum of Tzedakah according to all opinions.
(This stipulation would work in the reverse as well, if you dont want it to be Koneh until you transfer the funds to the organization. See Derech Emunah from Rav Chaim kanievsky Shlita, Hilchos Matnas Aniyim Perek 8 Ha'arah 121)
Tuesday; 4th Day Chol HaMoed Sukkos
September 28 2010
20 Tishrei 5771
To See Today's Yahrtzeit's CLICK HERE
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ושמחת בחגך...והיית אך שמח
1)Many people have the custom to make the blessings on the Lulav and Esrog each day of Sukkos in their Sukkah, before going to Shachris.
Others have the custom, if the Shul has a Sukkah, to recite the blessings on the Lulav and Esrog after Shachris in the Shul's Sukkah.
Many people, however, have the custom to recite the blessings in Shul immediately before reciting Hallel. (See Kaf HaChaim Siman 644:3, Mishna Berura 644:34 and Sha'ar HaTzion 644:43. See also Siddur Ya'avetz, Orchos Rabeinu from the Steipler Vol. 2 page 292 and Halichos Shlomo Perek 11 footnote 73 for further details and reasoning for these customs)
2) It is important to be careful with the Lulav,Esrog, Hadasim and Aravos and not to treat them disrespectfully.
They shouldn't be placed in a place where they may be stepped on, near a garbage etc. (See Birkei Yosef Siman 15:4. see also Shulchan Aruch Siman 664:8 for a more in depth discussion about this)
חג שמח
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'm a little confused about the halachos of folding clothes on Shabbos. Are you allowed to fold clothing on Shabbos?
Can you fold clothes on the creases?
Answer:
The general rule is that you may not fold clothing, Talleisim or tablecloths on their original folds (creases) on Shabbos so that they will remain useable for a subsequent Shabbos.
(There are certain conditions under which it would be permitted, one of which is if they will be used again on the same Shabbos, but they are too lengthy to elaborate on here).
Monday; 3rd Day Chol HaMoed Sukkos
September 27 2010
19 Tishrei 5771
To See Today's Yahrtzeit's CLICK HERE
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ושמחת בחגך...והיית אך שמח
1)Many exalted things have been written regarding the proper performance of and proper conduct in and around the Sukkah.
A few of the many examples:
Every moment that one sits in the Sukkah is an additional performance of the positive commandment to sit in the Sukkah and serves to purify and make the person holier. (See Kaf HaChaim Siman 639:12. See also Shu"t Minchas Shlomo Vol. 2 Siman58. In Sefer Minhagei Chasam Sofer Chapter 8:12 it is stated that the Chasam Sofer barely left his Sukkah for the entire 7 days of Sukkos and only left each day for Shacharis; he davened Mincha and Maariv in his Sukkah)
It is proper not to get angry in the Sukkah, and surely not to speak Lashon Hara or D'varim Betailim (idle chatter) in the Sukkah. (See Be'er Heitev Siman 639:2, Kaf HaChaim 639:5 and 6)
Due to the extreme holiness of the Sukkah, it is proper not to allow non Jews to enter the Sukkah. (See Shach Al HaTorah Parshas Emor and Kaf HaChaim 639:6)
2) One who is scrupulous with the observance of Sukkah in this world, will merit having Hashem seat him/her at the Sukkah of the Levyasan (Leviathan) in the world to come.
Moreover, when he/she passes from this world, the merit of performing the Mitzvah of Sukkah properly will protect him/her from the angels of destruction (Malachei Chavala created by sin, which torment a person's soul after death) (Yalkut Shimoni Parshas Emor 653, quoted in Elef Hamagen Siman626-644 Siman 22:23. See also Kaf HaChaim Siman 625:8. See also Ba'al HaTurim Al HaTorah VaYikra 23:43)
One who is scrupulous in the performance of Sukkah (known as Sukkas Shalom), will merit a year of harmony in his/her home(Shalom Bayis). (See Kaf HaChaim Siman 625:10 quoting the Yafeh Lalev)
חג שמח
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:
Last Friday night, after candle lighting, I decided that instead of just wasting my time by the candles with shmoozing, i will use my precious time to say "Perek Shira".
As i was in middle of saying it, some of my family members claimed that one is not permitted to say it at night, since it entails lots of pesukim from Tehillim. I always knew that perek shira one can say any hour of the day/ night. is that not correct?
Also, if you can provide any insight as to why one cannot say Tehillim at night i would greatly appreciate it.
Answer:
I commend you for spending the time after Hadlokas neiros doing something meaningful.
The subject of saying Tehilim/ Pesukim at night is a fascinating one, and there are many different opinions about this.
If Tehilim is prohibited at night, it would only because of its status as "Torah Sh'Biksav", and not intrinsically because it is Tehilim.
I will list a few of the many Mekoros for this:
*The Be'er Heitev on Orach Chaim Siman 238 quotes the Arizal who says that one shouldn't study "Mikrah- Torah sheBiksav" by night. The Seforim say that the aforementioned Arizal does not apply to Thursday Night/Friday mornings.
* The reason for this is obviously Kabalistic (See the Artzos HaChaim (Malbim) Siman 1:36. See also Yesod V'Shoresh H'Avodah Sha'ar 6;HaNitzutz Perek 2 ) .
*In Shu"t Cham Sha'al Vol. 2 Siman 25 he quotes the great Mekubal Rav Shalom Sharabi (Rashash) who maintained that Tehilim was excluded from the above prohibition, and may be said at night. In fact, he says that Dovid Hamelech composed and wrote the Tehilim at night! (Another reason is because Hashem gave Tehilim a status like "NeGaim and AHalos", which basically gives it a status of "Torah Sh'Ba'al Peh", which is permitted anytime.)
* If the Tehilim is being said for the Refuah Shelaima of a Choleh it can surely be said at night. (Psak of Debreciner Rav in Be'er Moshe Vol. 4 Siman 22, Eishel Avraham (Butchatch) Orach Chaim Siman 306, and other Poskim)
* If the Pesukim are learned with a Pirush (commentary such as Rashi) then it is not a problem at all and has a status like oral Torah, which of course can be learned at night. (Shu't Levushei Mordechai Siman 186 and others)
Perek Shirah would be OK to say at night for two reasons: 1) Most of the Pesukim are indeed from Tehillim, which we learned is permitted. 2) The Perek Shirah in its entirety is a "Beraisa" which teacheds us which Pesukim each part of creation recites in praise to Hashem, so in essence it probably has a status of "Torah Sh'Ba'al Peh", no different than learning a Gemara that quotes Pesukim in it.
Sunday; 2nd Day Chol HaMoed Sukkos
September 26 2010
18 Tishrei 5771
To See Today's Yahrtzeit's CLICK HERE
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ושמחת בחגך...והיית אך שמח
1) Even though women and children are not obligated to sit in a Sukkah , it is still a Mitzvah for each Jew to have his wife and children sit in the Sukkah as by sitting in a Sukkah they earn eternal heavenly reward. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 640:1 and Ran to Rosh Hashana 33a)
Women and children who sit in a Sukkah merit having their souls cleansed and merit receiving heavenly goodwill. (See Kaf HaChaim 640:5)
2) All components of the Sukkah have extreme holiness, including the wood of the walls. (Shla HaKadosh quoted in the Kaf HaChaim 639:6)
Many G-d fearing, spiritually elevated Jews had the custom to kiss the Sukkah upon entering and exiting each time, to show their love and affection for this exalted Mitzvah. (Shla Hakadosh. See Elya Rabbah 486:4, Elef Hamagen 626-644:22 and Mishna Berura Siman 476)
חג שמח
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 want to know if its against the halacha to copy music from other people.
Some people claim its not, since you're not actually stealing something.
Answer:
Firstly, according to Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal and other Poskim (including Rav Shmuel Wosner Shlita, Rav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Shlita and Rav Yisroel Belsky Shlita) , you are prohibited from copying any item that has been created by someone else, if that person is selling it. This would apply to jewelry, art, Sefarim...andcopying Torah or music tapes as well. The reason is that doing so will cause the creator of the item to lose sales, and thus lose money due to your action and is Gezeilah (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 40:19)
Therefore, many of today's Poskim pasken that if you bought the tape, CD or music download and you want to make an additional copy for yourself (let's say to keep one at home and one in the car) it would be permitted, as most people don't, and wouldn't, buy two copies, and making the second copy for yourself is not causing the creator to lose a sale. But to copy someone else's CD for your own use is prohibited.
The fact that a song is an "intellectual creation" makes no difference, and one who steals it is guilty of the sin of stealing. This is especially true if the music CD in question is specifically sold on this condition (as most are today) which in most cases can withhold certain "rights" from the buyer, thus one cannot claim that "I bought it, and it is now mine to with as I please, including copying etc.
Furthermore when there are copyright laws in effect which prohibit the copying of the music, it would also be prohibited Halachically based on the concept of "Dina D'Malchusa Dina- that a Jew must obey the civil laws of the host country he/she resides in" (See Shach Yoreh Deah 165:8)
Although certain Rabbanim have ruled that even for personal use (as a second copy) is prohibited, one may rely on the above Poskim and indeed make a copy for personal use.
However, one who relies on "Heterim" to initially copy a music CD or download is probably transgressing a "D'Oraisa" of Geneiva.
Is it really worth becoming a thief to save $14.99?
SPECIAL QUADRUPLE PORTION L'KAVOD SUKKOS & L'KAVOD SHABBOS
Halachos for Wednesday, Erev Sukkos
1) It is proper to keep the tables in the Sukkah covered with a nice tablecloth for the duration of the Yom Tov and Chol HaMoed. (Kaf HaChaim Siman 639:11)
2) Each night of Sukkos, every Jewish household merits having one of the seven pillars of Klal Yisroel, the seven shepherds of Israel, visit their Sukkah.
They are referred to as the "Ushpizin", guests, and are [the souls of] Avraham Avinu , Yitzchak Avinu, Yaakov Avinu, Moshe Rabbeinu, Aharon HaKohen, Dovid Hamelech and Yosef HaTzaddik.
These seven spiritual giants leave their eternal resting places in Gan Eden and pay a visit to the Sukkos of each and every Jew to partake of the intense spirituality that is present in each and every Sukkah (Based on the Zohar Hakadosh Parshas Emor. The holy Sefarim point out that the holiness in a Jew's Sukkah is greater than the holiness in Gan Eden! Hence, these great souls agree to leave Gan Eden to bask in the light of the Sukkah!)
Halachos for Thursday, First Day of Sukkos
1) Some people have a custom to light a special candle each night in honor of that night's Ushpizin (besides for Shabbos and Yom Tov, where the regular candles suffice).
Some even have the custom, while lighting this candle, to say "I am lighting this candle in honor of Avraham Avinu" on the first night, "in honor of Yitzchak Avinu" on the second night and so on for each night of Sukkos.
2) Some have the custom to light seven candles each night. (Kaf HaChaim 639:9 and 625:16. See also Yesod V'Shoresh H'Avodah Sha'ar 11:14)
The reason for this is that the Neshama is likened to a candle, as it says in the posuk (Mishlei Perek 20:27) "Ner Hashem Nishmas Adam, the candle of Hashem is the soul of man", thus in honor of the presence of these exalted Neshamos, we add candles.
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh, Second Day of Sukkos
1) Some have the custom to place a special chair covered with a nice piece of material in the Sukkah in honor of the Ushpizin. (Similar to the chair set up at every Bris in honor of Eliyahu Hanavi).
Some even have the custom to put holy Sefarim on this chair. (See Chida in Sefer Moreh Etzba Siman 9:289 where he brings this custom, and quotes the Zohar that if this chair isn't set up, the Ushpizin will not come. See also Kaf HaChaim Siman 639:8)
2) It is customary to "invite" the Ushpizin into the Sukkah each night, reciting a special text which is printed in most siddurim.
Some people stand near the door to the Sukkah when reciting it; however the prevalent minhag is to say it while sitting at the table. (See Chida ibid. and Kaf HaChaim ibid.)
Some people only say this "invitation" text on the first night and it suffices for the entire Yom Tov. (This was the custom of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal, quoted in Sefer Shalmei Moed Perek 28)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh, First Day Chol HaMoed Sukkos
1) It is a huge Mitzvah to invite poor, less fortunate people to partake of the meals in the Sukkah.
If one is unable to do so, efforts should be made to send food to the poor people in their own homes. (See Rambam Hilchos Yom Tov Perek 6:18 that at times when we are rejoicing with our families, it is a specific time to help the downtrodden rejoice as well. See also Kaf HaChaim Siman 625:17 and 639:10. See also Mishna Berura Siman 529:17 and Be'er Heitev 529:2 what they quote from the Zohar regarding one who does not help poor people on Yom Tov.)
2) If one cannot send food to poor people in their homes, one should at least give money to the poor people, or to organizations that feed poor people.
It is best if the money/food will reach the poor people on Yom Tov and not afterwards. Thus, it is best to give it to local charities/Gabai Tzedaka rather than mail it to a larger organization that will probably not receive it or distribute it until much after Sukkos. (See Sefer Pele Yoetz Chapters of "Sukkah" and "Yomim Tovim" for more on this.)
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1) It is customary to decorate the Sukkah with nice fruits- especially of the Shivas HaMinim variety-, nuts, olive oil, grape leaves and wines. (See Rashi to Sukkah 10a Dibur Hamaschil Yaynos U'shmanim. Some have the custom to use the olive oil that hung in the Sukkah for the Chanukah Menorah as to use something that was used for a Mitzvah and use it for an additional Mitzvah. See Mishna Berura Siman 673:27. )
It is also a proper custom to hang beautiful curtains, decorations and other nice things in the Sukkah.
The purpose of hanging all these things is to bring those sitting in the Sukkah to a state of happiness. (See Mishna Berura Siman 638:11, Elef HaMagen Siman 625:38 and Sefer Seder HaYom Seder Mitzvas Sukkah, page 171. See also Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 5 Siman 39:6 and 40:4 for more on the topic of decorating the Sukkah)
2) Many have the custom to hang pictures of Gedolei Yisroel, Torah leaders, past and present, to adorn their Sukkah. (Rav Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld Zatzal, the Rav of Yerushalayim maintained that this is due to "Teishvu K'Ein Taduru, to make your Sukkah feel like your home" and most people have portraits of Gedolim hanging in their home. The Steipler Zatzal had many Gedolim pictures hanging in his Sukkah, including portraits of Rav Chaim Brisker, his son the Brisker Rav, the Chazon Ish, Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzensky and Rav Elchonon Wasserman Zichronam L'Vracha. See Orchos Rabbeinu Vol. 2 page 221 and Vol. 5 page 117. Maran Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv shlita also has portraits of Gedolim hanging in his Sukkah.)
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:
Is one allowed to take a shower on Yom Tov?
Answer:
Showering on Yom Tov is only permitted when extremely necessary (very hot and sweaty etc.), and even then not in the normal manner of showering during the weekdays.
Hot water may not be used.
Only one part of the body may be washed at a time, and not a full body shower.
Bar soap may not be used, nor a washcloth.
Liquid soap and shampoo, according to some Poskim may be used, only if they are watered down enough. Drying the hair afterwards with a towel is prohibited.
There are other issues that may arise as well. It is important to discuss all the details of this with a Rav to determine the need to shower and the methods acceptable according to Halacha.
Unfortunately many people abuse this Halacha and take showers, or even go swimming, on Yom Tov, and they should be urged to seek Rabbinic guidance before engaging in these oftentimes prohibited activities on Yom Tov.
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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
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Thank you and Tizkeh L'Mitzvos!
If you are just joining us today, please see ARCHIVES so you can review the previous Halachos on this and other topics.
1) If one is unable to build a Sukkah alone and has someone else do it for them, it is proper to have the one building it to at least leave a small amount of S'chach for the owner of the Sukkah to put up by himself. (Kaf HaChaim Siman 625:11)
Likewise, it is good to be personally involved in the set up and decorating of the Sukkah. (See Sefer Elef Hamagen (The Mateh Efraim) Siman 626-644:4)
When one appoints
someone else to build their Sukkah, it is proper to say to them " You are my Shaliach Mitzvah, my messenger to do this Mitzvah of putting up my Sukkah and S'chach L'Shem Mitzvah, for the purpose and intent of performing the Mitzvah of sitting in the Sukkah" (Kaf HaChaim ibid. )
One should ideally not have his Sukkah built by a non Jew, especially the laying of the S'chach. (Chida in Sefer Kaf Achas Siman 24:2. See also Elef Hamagen ibid.)
2) The Mitzvah of building a Sukkah is in it of itself a [part of the] Mitzvah and not only a means by which to be able to sit in the Sukkah.
Rav Reuven Margolis Zatzal in his Sefer Nefesh Chaya (Siman 625:1) writes that even one who cannot sit in the Sukkah (due to illness or other valid Halachic reason) and has no male family members that are required to sit in the Sukkah, still should have a Sukkah built to at least perform the mitzvah of "Building" a Sukkah! (He brings as a proof to this ruling a Gemara in Makos 8a and a Gemara in Shavuos 29a and also a Talmud Yerushalmi Brachos Peek 9:3 where the Gemara says to recite a blessing on the "Building of a Sukkah".)
He goes so far as to say that this person would recite a "Shehechiyanu" when assisting in the building of this Sukkah as he won't be reciting it when sitting in it! Although we do not rule like the Nefesh Chaya in regard to this halacha, it still helps us understand the importance of being involved in the building of a Sukkah. (See Taz to Siman 641. As with all aspects of Halacha, a Rav should be consulted for Halacha L'ma'aseh)
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 are you allowed to do with regards to writing on Chol Hamoed. what is the source?
Is painting/ drawing for a homework considered writing also?
Answer:
The best thing is not to write anything that isn't absolutely necessary (e.g. will lose money if it isn't written, needed for Yom Tov,or writing Torah thoughts etc.) and even then, if possible to do so with a shinui-in a different manner than usual (left hand, holding the pen differently etc.)
Regarding writing professionally, such as calligraphy, Safrus, or painting it is much more stringent than regular writing, and is best to be avoided.
Based on Shulchan Aruch,Rama and Mishna Berura Orach Chaim beginning of Siman 545.
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Halacha For Today emails are best read using internet explorer, as other browsers can sometimes cause all or part of the email to disappear. I apologize for any inconvenience.
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!
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.
Thank you and Tizkeh L’Mitzvos!
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1) It is a Mitzvah for each Jew to personally take part in the building of their Sukkah, rather than have someone else build the entire thing for them. (See Talmud Kidushin 41a; the concept of Mitzvah Bo Yoser M’Beshelucho.)
One who does it himself receives more reward than simply asking or hiring someone else to do it. (Rashi ibid.)
2) This applies to all people, even respectable people, Talmidei Chachamim and dignitaries who usually should not be involved in menial tasks and physical labor. (See Machzik Bracha Siman 625:3. See also Talmud Shabbos 119a that Talmidei Chachamim toiling for a Mitzvah is their biggest honor. See also Mishna Berura Siman 250:4 and Biur Halacha Dibur Hamaschil Yishtadel. The Steipler Zatzal was known to schlep the S’chach and place them on his Sukkah and refused to allow anyone to help him. This was also the custom of many other Gedolim)
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 elaborate on the halacha of not cutting down a fruit tree that’s on your property, and what the reasons are for it, as well as the what consequences chas V’Shalom would take place if one did indeed do it?
Answer:
Well, it is a biblical prohibition of "Lo Tashchis" (Parshas Shoftim Perek 20 Pasuk 19) to cut down any fruit tree,regardless if you own it, a non jew owns it or even if nobody owns it.
It is permitted to prune the branches of a fruit tree to enhance its growth. It is also permissible to trim a few branches if they are directly on top of a place where you want to build a Sukkah or for any other Mitzvah purpose.
As far as the consequences, the Gemara does indeed bring various stories where ill befell people who were not careful with the cutting down of fruit trees. ( See Bava kama 91b, Bava Basra 26a, Succah 29a for a few examples)
There are certain exceptions when it would be permissible to cut them down or to transplant them elsewhere, but even then it would be best to have a non Jew do it. It is adviseable to seek the guidance of a Rav before relying on any leniencies in this matter.
(See also Shu"t Chasam Sofer Yoreh Deah Siman 101 and Shulchan Aruch HaRav, Shmiras HaGuf V’Hanefesh 15 and 16 for more about this)
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Halacha For Today emails are best read using internet explorer, as other browsers can sometimes cause all or part of the email to disappear. I apologize for any inconvenience.
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
Erev Shabbos Shabbason; Erev Yom HaKippurim
September 17 2010
9 Tishrei 5771; 1 more Day to Yom Kippur
To See Today’s Yahrtzeit’s CLICK HERE
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SPECIAL DOUBLE PORTION L’KAVOD SHABBOS KODESH AND YOM KIPPUR
Halachos for Erev Yom Kippur
1) The ideal way to perform Vidui is to itemize each and every sin that one can remember doing.
One should try and stretch out their Vidui for as long as possible, and try and do it in a heartfelt way. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 607:2.The Vidui of Rabbeinu Nissim, Chayei Adam and others include vast lists of possible sins, which may be helpful in helping to "jar our memory" and recollect the sins we may have done in the previous year.Click Here for the Vidui of the Chida which enumerates many specific sins. Also, Click Here for "The Source of Sin; A commentary on Al Cheit" by Rabbi Daniel Travis shlita. Print a few copies of each file and take to your shul, L’Toeles HaRabim)
If one transgressed a certain sin (or a variation of it) many times, it isn’t necessary to itemize each one; rather he/she can say "Sin X which I have fallen and transgressed countless times" or a similar verbalization.
2) It is a Biblical Mitzvah to increase the amount we eat and drink on Erev Yom Kippur. Chazal say that whoever eats on Erev Yom Kippur is considered as if he fasted on both Erev Yom Kippur and on Yom Kippur. It is the Minhag to have a Yom Tov Seudah on Erev Yom Kippur, as it is considered a Yom Tov because we are confident that Hashem will accept our Teshuva and forgive us for all our sins. (See Talmud and Rashi to Brachos 8b, Yomah 81b and Rosh Hashana 9b. See also Tur Orach Chaim Siman 604)
Women and children who have reached the age of Chinuch are also obligated in this Mitzvah of eating more on Erev Yom Kippur.
Halachos For Yom Kippur
1) The following things are prohibited from sunset on Yom Kippur eve until nightfall after Yom Kippur :
1) Melacha (any "work" that is prohibited on Shabbos)
2) Eating
3) Drinking
4) Bathing /washing
5) Smearing lotion, soap etc.
6) Wearing leather shoes
7) Marital relations
There is a dispute amongst the Rishonim if all the aforementioned are prohibited Min HaTorah (biblically) or just eating and drinking and Melacha, while the rest are only prohibited MiDirabanan (prohibited by the sages).
Most Poskim (Bach, Magen Avraham, Baal HaTanya, Mateh Ephraim,Mishna Berura and others)rule that it is best to be stringent and consider them all as Min HaTorah. However, the punishment of "Kares- heavenly death penalty" is only given for transgressing and eating, drinking or doing Melacha, according to everybody
2) Upon rising on Yom Kippur morning, Negel Vasser must be washed.
However, one must be careful to only wash until the end of the joints of the hand (knuckles) and not the entire hand. As you wash, have in mind that you are doing so to remove the "impure spirit" from your body, and not doing it for the pleasure of "washing" which is prohibited on Yom Kippur.
The face may not be washed on Yom Kippur morning. It is best to be stringent and not even place a little water on the eyes, unless there is some crust near the eyes, then it may be removed with a drop of water that was placed on your finger. When doing so, care must be taken to only place the water on the immediate spot of the crust, and not on any other part of the face.
One may not wash their hands before Musaf, Mincha or Ne’ilah (as it is usually necessary to wash the hands before any Tefilah) since he/she was in Shul all day, we rely on the fact that the hands were kept clean, and thus no further washing is necessary.
After using the restroom, the hands should be washed, but only until the knuckles.
The Kohanim may wash their entire hands before going up to "duchen- bless the congregation" as that washing isn’t one of pleasure.
Although most contemporary Poskim allow the use of aerosol spray deodorant on Tisha B’Av if necessary to prevent sweating, this is not the case on Yom Kippur, and it is prohibited to use deodorant on Yom Kippur, even if only to prevent and eliminate odors. (Kitzur Hilchos Yom Tov, Piskei Teshuvos based on the Shulchan Aruch Siman 614 and the Biur Halacha there)
(NOTE: Stick Deodorant, which one rubs into the underarm, is prohibited on Yom Kippur. It is also prohibited to use on any Shabbos throughout the year. Liquid Roll on may be used on Shabbos)
GMAR
CHASIMA TOVA TO ALL OF MY READERS AND TO ALL OF KLAL YISROEL!!
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 #1:
When Rosh Hashana or Yom Kippur falls out on Shabbos (as it does this year), are you allowed to ask your personal bakashos (requests)?
And what about crying during the Tefilah?
Answer:
Yes, although a person usually should not ask for personal requests on Shabbos, when Rosh Hashana or Yom Kippur fall on Shabbos it is permitted as if it isn’t done he/she will not have another opportunity to do so. ( Opinion of the Chazon Ish quoted in Orchos Rabbeinu Vol. 2 Page 181. Also Psak of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal. See also Sefer Ishei Yisroel chapter 2:33 footnote 100.)
Crying is also permitted, and indeed recommended, as according to sources one who doesnt cry on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur (or at least feel like crying inside) is a sign that his/her Neshama is lacking. (See Elya Rabbah Siman 594:6. The Arizal used to cry on Rosh Hashana. See Shu"t Yechaveh Da’as Vol. 2 Siman 69. The Vilna Gaon( Ma’aseh Rav # 207) on the other hand says not to purposely cry during the Rosh Hashana prayers, rather to daven with happiness and confidence. All agree that if one is naturally overcome with feelings of crying, it is ok. It is only forcing oneself to cry where the Vilna Gaon doesnt allow it.See Shu"t Teshuvos V’Hanhogos from Rav Moshe Sternbuch Shlita Vol. 2 Siman 268 for a more lengthy elucidation of the above explanation)
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Reader’s Question #2:
Is there any halach about starting the flame after shabbos/yom kippur from an existing fire?
Answer:
Yes, the candle used at Havdalah on Motzei Yom Kippur must be kindled from a flame that was burning throughout Yom Kippur (Ner SheShavas).
The reason for this is to demonstrate that Yom Kippur is different from all other Yomim Tovim in that this fire which was lit the entire Yom Tov was prohibited from being used and no pleasure was able to be be derived from it.
The Minhag is to light a Yahrtzeit candle on Erev Yom Kippur and to light the Havdalah candle from there. If no Yahrtzeit candle was lit it can be taken from the pilot fire of the oven.
If no fire is available that was lit the entire Yom Kipur, no bracha is recited on a fire that is lit anew on Motzei Yom Kippur.
When Motzei Yom Kippur falls out on Motzaei Shabbos (where we always recite the Bracha on fire, but for a different reason, to commemorate that fire was created on MOtzei Shabbos), according to most Poskim it is still best to not recite the Bracha on a newly kindled fire this particular Motzaei Shabbos..
See Shulchan Aruch Siman 624:4 and Mishna Berura S"K 6-9 and Sha’ar haTziyun Os 9 for more details about this halacha.
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Halacha
For Today emails are best read using internet explorer, as other browsers can sometimes cause all or part of the email to disappear. I apologize for any inconvenience.
rAV sHACH SPEAKING
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 Chizuk thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
קוה אל ד’, חזק ויאמץ לבך, וקוה אל ד’
Chizuk For Today:
The world in this twenty first century is a most difficult place to live as a religious Jew.
The Yetzer Hara is working overtime to lure as many of us as he can into his alluring net of decadence.
The reason he works so hard is because he knows he is on his last leg.
In a very short time, he will be caught himself in the net of Moshiach and be slaughtered once and for all.
Hashem, in His infinite kindness, has provided us with the tools to combat even the strongest Yetzer Haras that exist.
The Yetzer Hara tries to get us to look at and read improper things; Hashem provided us a Torah scroll to gaze into and a plethora of Torah oriented websites to learn from.
The Yetzer Hara tries to get us to touch improper things; Hashem provided us Mitzvos, such as Tzedakah, to do with our hands.
The Yetzer Hara tries to get us to go to improper places; Hashem provided us Shuls and Yeshivos and other holy places to go and get closer to Him.
The Yetzer Hara tries to get us to listen improper things; Hashem provided us with endless opportunities to listen to Torah classes, Kosher music etc.
The Yetzer Hara tries to get us to think improper things; Hashem provided us with the heart to channel our thoughts properly.
The Yetzer Hara tries to get us to think that Hashem will never forgive us for our past sins; Hashem promises us that He will never turn us away; True Teshuva is always accepted.
We ALL can change.
Sure, it won’t happen overnight; but we must take small but solid baby steps. We must make a U-Turn in our lives and start heading the right direction.
When Moshiach arrives, ALL who face the right direction will merit going with him. Those who are heading the wrong direction, however...
Hashem tells us "You open [your heart in Teshuva, a small opening] like an eye of a needle and I will open for you [the rest of the way] like the opening of a large ballroom" (Midrash Rabbah Shir HaShirim Perek 5 on the Verse Kol Dodi Dofek)
The significance of a "eye of a needle" is that although it is tiny, it is solid! It will not close up again ever. This is better than a larger, but less firm, opening.
Hashem wants from us a tiny, yet solid, opening.
Perhaps learning an extra minute a day?
Or giving an extra $10 to Tzedakah each month?
Or accepting upon ourselves to not speak Lashon Hara for one hour a day?
Or to treat our spouse more respectfully?
To treat our Shuls with more deference?
To Daven with more Kavanah once a week?
Each person needs to choose one tiny thing which they can- and will- stick to no matter what!
Once we do that, Hashem can join us, support us and help us succeed in ways we cannot even imagine.
EVERYONE CAN CHANGE.
EVERYONE.
NO MATTER HOW LOW ONE FELL.
NO MATTER HOW FAR BEHIND ONE IS.
HASHEM IS OUR LOVING FATHER.
A FATHER ALWAYS ACCEPTS A CHILD BACK.
ALWAYS.
What better time than RIGHT NOW!
TODAY!
EREV YOM KIPUR!
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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Thursday
September 16 2010
8 Tishrei 5771; 2 Days to Yom Kippur
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Today’s Halachos dedicated by a daily reader, K.H., in the merit that he and his family have a G’Mar Chasima Tovah along with the rest of Klal Yisroel.
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1) It is important to recite Vidui (the itemization of our sins) on Erev Yom Kippur within the Tefila of Mincha.
Mincha (with Vidui) should preferably be recited before the eating of the Erev Yom Kippur afternoon meal. The reason for this is that the sages were worried that one would Chas V’Shalom choke and pass away without the opportunity to recite the Vidui.
If one davened Mincha and forgot to add the Vidui, and already went home and ate the meal, he/she should repeat the Vidui close to sunset, and not right when he/she remembers.
When repeating the Vidui, it is not necessary to repeat the entire Shemona Esrei, as Vidui is an independent Tefilah that may be recited on its own, even though ideally it was inserted into the Shemona Esrei. (Psak of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal.)
2) If one forgot "Hamelech HaKadosh" in Shemona Esrei, and only realized this after completing the entire Shemona Esrei and Vidui, there is no need to repeat the Vidui again when repeating the Shemona Esrei (as it must be repeated due to his/her forgetting those important words).
However, if one wants to repeat the Vidui, he/she may do so. (Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach. See also Shulchan Aruch Siman 582:1)
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 review the halachos and the measurements of Shiurim on Yom Kippur as there are Cholim and Pregnant Women who [may not fast on Yom Kippur and] are confused.
Answer:
Just as Hashem commanded us to fast on Yom Kippur and if we eat we sin, so too Hashem has commanded those who may not fast on Yom Kippur due to medical reasons to eat, and if they do fast it’s a sin.
There is no need to feel guilty or down if medically you have to eat, as the fact that you are following the directive of the holy Torah should make you feel close to Hashem. In fact, the Mitzvah of "V’Chai BaHem- to preserve one’s life", is greater than most of the other Mitzvos!
Pregnant or nursing women are generally required to fast on Yom Kippur. In certain cases they may be considered ill enough to be required to eat (i.e. the woman and/or her fetus would be endangered due to fasting). A Rav must be consulted to determine her status.
Of course, a doctor and a Rav should be consulted to determine if any specific situation mandates eating on Yom Kippur.
The ideal way to eat, if necessary, is to eat a minimum amount of food and a minimum amount of drink (less than 30 cc or around an once of food or a less than cheek full of liquid) in intervals of more than 9 minutes apart.(K’dei Achilas Pras, see Mishna Berura Siman 618:21. The Aruch HaShulchan Siman 618:14 rules 6-7 minutes. Other Poskim rule that it’s around 2 minutes. See Shmiras Shabbos K’Hilchaso Perek 39:18 footnote 71)
Obviously, if this small amount will not suffice to remove the danger, a larger amount should be eaten, as per the doctor’s orders.
If one has a choice: either eat and go to Shul, or fast and stay home in bed, the Halacha mandates that he/she stay home in bed and fast even at the expense of not attending Shul at all the entire Yom Kippur, as fasting is a biblical obligation, attending shul is not.
If one is in doubt and no Rav is available, it is better to err on the side of safety rather than endanger ones own life or the life of a patient. The minimum necessary food/drink should be consumed right away and not wait until a doctor/Rav can be located and Chas V’Shalom place a life in jeopardy.
There is a debate amongst the Poskim as to whether one who needs to eat on Yom Kippur needs to recite Kiddush before eating/ The prevalent custom is not to require Kiddush, even when Yom Kippur falls on Shabbos.
If eating bread, the hands must be washed first. According to some Poskim the entire hands are washed and according to some Poskim only until the knuckles. (See Nit’ei Gavriel Yom Kippur page 251)
Most Poskim rule that if bread was eaten, Ya’aleh V’Yavo must be recited in the Birchas HaMazon and "Zachreinu B’Yom HaKipurim HaZeh" added to Al Hamichya.
After the food is eaten and the ill person feels better, the fasting must resume, and we don’t say "Once the fast was broken there is no point in resuming"
The above are just some basic guidelines. Each individual person MUST consult with their Rav for Halacha L’Ma’aseh.
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rAV sHACH SPEAKING
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 Chizuk thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
קוה אל ד’, חזק ויאמץ לבך, וקוה אל ד’
Chizuk For Today:
The Posuk states "Va’ani aksheh es Lev Pharaoh" - And I shall harden Pharaoh’s heart (Shmos 7:3).
How could Hashem lock the doors of teshuva, repentance, before Pharaoh? Surely the doors are not locked even before the greatest sinners?
The Chofetz Chaim answers that certain types of sinners receive help from Shamayim to repent. Indeed, we daven for such Heavenly help each day: "Hachazireinu bis’shuva sh’leima l’fanecha" - Influence us to return in complete repentance, before You. There are, however, other sinners whose sins have reached the limit and who are unworthy of receiving help from Shamayim to repent; instead they must inspire themselves to repent.
Hashem was telling Moshe to inform Pharaoh that if he continued in his wicked ways, Shamayim would punish him and he would not receive any assistance to repent. Indeed, the pasuk continues, "Ki ani hich’badti es libo" - For I have made his (Pharaoh’s) heart stubborn (Bo 10:1). Pharaoh still had his bechira, free choice, to repent; however, he no longer had the luxury of Divine Assistance to help inspire him to that end.
This was the mistake that Acher (Elisha ben Avuyah) made when he heard a Bas Kol announce, "Children, go do teshuva, except for Acher." Acher concluded that his teshuva would not be accepted when really the Bas Kol meant that he would not receive Divine help towards his repentance.
It is all too easy to become overwhelmed or depressed when the Yetzer Hara gains the upper hand and leads us to sin. This insight of the Chofetz Chaim teaches us that teshuva is possible and that if we put our right foot forward, we will receive invaluable help from Shamayim.
THE DOOR OF TESHUVA IS NEVER COMPLETELY CLOSED TO ANYONE NO MATTER HOW LOW THEY HAVE SUNK.
HASHEM IS WAITING!
Submitted by L.L.; Taken from www.aliyosshmuel.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!
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
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