SPECIAL DOUBLE PORTION L’KAVOD SHABBOS KODESH ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh
1)It is forbidden to utilize the "light" of the Chanukah candles for any purpose. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 673).
This applies to all the candles that were kindled for that night, even though the extra candles are only for "Hiddur Mitzvah- beautification of the Mitzvah"(e.g. on the fifth night, one may not "use" any of the 5 candles, even though Min HaDin only one candle must be kindled each night. Be’er Heitev ibid.)
The "uses" that are prohibited include mundane uses such as counting money by the lights of the menorah, as well as holy purposes, such as davening or learning via the light of the menorah.
2) Some opinions allow using the light of the menorah for holy purposes (opinion of the Ba’al HaItur and other Rishonim, brought in the Tur), but the consensus of virtually all Poskim, and the prevelant practice, is to prohibit even holy uses. (Magen Avraham, Levush, Elya Rabbah, Aruch HaShulchan etc.)
It is for this reason that the widespread minhag is to add an extra candle, known as the "Shamash" to the menorah each night, this way when/if you "use" the light of the menorah it will be the light of that candle that we are using and not the lights of the menorah.
The "Shamash" should be placed a little higher than the other candles so it should be evident that it isn’t one of the "Mitzvah candles". (Ram’a 670:2)
All the menorahs that are being lit require their own "shamash", even if there is other light in the room. (Magen Avraham 670:5, Mishna Berura 670:18)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) Many otherwise righteous Jews have a "custom" to play "Kvitlach", a gambling card game on Chanukah (a poker type game).
It isn’t clear exactly where this minhag came from or how it developed, but it isn’t a Minhag Tov, rather a sinful expression of "empty partying" that has replaced the "Shiros V’Tishbachos, praising of Hashem that used to (and still should) characterize Chanukah celebrations, and one who values his/her soul should avoid these card games at all costs. (Biur Halacha Siman 670)
2) Those who play "Kvitlach"on Chanukah will be punished severely in the next world, as many other Aveiros, sins, are inevitably involved whenever these card games take place (gambling, stealing, Nivul Peh, Bitul Torah, Prikus Ol, Lashon Hara, [as well as lack of Tzniyus, Histaklus B’Arayos etc. when there are men and women involved in the same game, Chas V’Shalom] just to name a few).
One who has the capacity to stop these games from taking place and discontinue this sinful practice will be greatly rewarded in the next world (Aruch HaShulchan Siman 670:9. See also Yesod V’Shoresh Ha’Avodah Sha’ar 12: end of Perek 1)
If you have been invited to participate in such a game, it would be best to cancel and let them know that you won’t be attending. Although this may be a difficult decision and one that may cause you embarrassment and "hard feelings", it is the right decision and one that a G-d fearing Jew must make. The Mishna in Pirkei Avos teaches us that "L’Fum Tzaarah Agrah- the more painful a [right] decision is to make, the greater the heavenly rewards"
GOOD SHABBOS!
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
(Reader Submitted Questions of interest (on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topics) and my Answers taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Today website. For study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be sent to Halacha For Today )
Reader’s Question:
In order to make Shabbos preparations easier, I decided to prep some of the veggies tonight [Wednesday night] for some of the cooking I’ll do tomorrow. I know I can’t prepare onions the day before, but I can’t remember why! If it’s not too much trouble, please refresh my memory!
My Answer:
The reason for not eating onions (and garlic, and eggs) that were peeled and left overnight is because it is a Sakanah(danger). This is brought in the Aruch Hashulchan Yoreh Deah Siman 1116:22, Kaf HaChaim Os 92, and other Poskim.
It is worthwhile to be careful with this
However, if they were not totally peeled, and part of their skin (or roots) were left on, there is no problem. Thus if you only need part of an onion, you should cut it in half, and leave the other half in its skin and you may then use it tomorrow without any concerns.
Also, if the onion was prepared and mixed with other foods ( salt, oil, mayonaisse, etc.) there is no problem and it may be prepared and left overnight and eaten the next day.
If the onions were cooked, fried or roasted alone, without salt, oil, etc. they may not be eaten the next day.
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.
(:מגילה כ"ח )
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