A daily reader, T.L., has requested that I post the following information:
There is a 20 year old yeshivah student from Queens, NY in critical condition. Please say tehilim for him- Dovid Chaim Yosef ben Sima Perel.
Visit www.dovidchaim.blogspot.com to read more details for the special chapters of Tehilim that they chose to say in his merit.
1)On the Eve of Erev Pesach (Tonight, Tuesday evening April 7 2009) every Jew is required to perform "Bedikas Chometz- The search for unleavened bread".
This search must be done at the beginning of the night (according to some opinions soon after sunset, and according to other opinions after Tzeis HaKochavim, the emergence of 3 stars).
From ½ hour before sunset, no eating or other chores may be started.
The Bedikas Chometz must be done via the light of a single wick candle and not with a a cluster of candles or a torch.
Today's days it is permissible to use a single beam flashlight for Bedikas Chometz, and this may even be better than using an actual candle, as many people are afraid to go to close to the place they are searching with a candle, and thus will do a more thorough job with a flashlight. However, the Bracha on Bedikas Chometz should be made while holding a candle and the search should begin with the candle for a bit and only then switch over to the flashlight. (Psak of Rav Moshe Feinstein and Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach and others. HaRav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv shlita, however, maintains that in places where one isn't afraid to use a candle, L'Chatchilah it is better to use a candle and not a flashlight as not to change from the Minhag Yisroel.)
All rooms where Chometz may have been brought into must be checked.
One's office, car and clothing must also be checked if there is a chance that Chometz was placed there. (Regarding the pockets of clothing see Shu"t MaHari Weil Siman 193, also quoted in Gilyonei HaShas to Shabbos 12b)
2) Before starting Bedikas Chometz the Bracha of "Baruch Ata Hashem Elokeinu Melech HaOlam Asher Kidshanu B'Mitzvosav V'tzivanu Al Biur Chometz" is recited.
After reciting the Bracha the searching should begin immediately, and no talking or interruptions should take place between the Bracha and the starting of the search.
It is best not to talk or make interruptions throughout the entire Bedikas Chometz process. Talking for the purpose of the search at hand is permitted. If one uses the bathroom during the Bedikas Chometz, he may recite "Asher Yatzar" afterwards, and it isn't considered an interruption. (Psak of Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita)
It is a custom to place 10 pieces of bread throughout the home, which the one doing Bedikas Chometz should "find". Be careful not to "hide" them to well, that they will be forgotten and left in the home throughout Pesach.
The lights in the room may be left on during the Bedikas Chometz.
After Bedikas Chometz is finished, it is important to "Nullify" any Chometz that may be in your property. There is a special text of nullification that should be said, which is printed in most Siddurim. It is important to understand what you are saying and not just say the Aramic words in the Siddur with no clue that you are nullifying and making your Chometz Hefker, as simply saying the words as a "tefilah" is worthless.
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page 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.
Are people supposed togive Tzedakah everyday? why?
Answer:
Yes, it is a big Mitzva to give Tzedaka, and Mashiach will come in the merit of Tzedaka, as it says "Tzion B'Mishpat Tipadeh V'ShaveHa B'Tzdaka"
In fact, it says in the Posuk "V'Ani B'Tzedek Echeze Panecha- with Tzedaka I will see your face" Chazal learn from here that one should give Tzedaka each day BEFORE davening (i.e. before seeing Hashem's face)
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 )
Important Numbers
