Today's Halachos dedicated to H.S. bas S. May Hashem continue to give her the strength necessary to make the right choices, and may she reach the "finish line" in her race to spiritual triumph.
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SPECIAL TRIPLE PORTION L'KAVOD YOM TOV
Halachos for Tuesday/ Erev Yom Tov
1)
Apple (or other fruit) Picking is permitted on Chol HaMoed if the apples are going to be eaten on Chol HaMoed.
There is no need to estimate how much will be eaten on Chol haMoed, rather the apples may be picked in abundance.
If the apples are not being picked for use on Chol HaMoed, it is best for adults not to pick them. Children, who are doing it as an activity, may pick them even in such a case. (Psak of Rav Yaakov Forcheimer shlita, Dayan in Lakewood NJ)
2) Driving a car is permitted on Chol HaMoed.
A car that needs [minor] fixing and is needed for Chol HaMoed, may be brought to a mechanic to fix on Chol HaMoed, with the following conditions:
If the mechanic is a Jew, he may not take payment for his services.
If the mechanic is a non-Jew, he may be paid for his services.
The "fixing" that is necessary may not be anything major, rather only "small jobs" such as batteries, jump starting, flat tires, etc. may be done on Chol HaMoed.
For larger jobs, that may be considered "Ma'aseh Uman- the work of a skilled worker" a Rav should be consulted before fixing.
If one is away from home on Chol HaMoed, and thus not fixing the car would entail a large expense, the rental of a new car etc. it is considered a "Davar Ha'avud" and even a larger job may be given to a mechanic to fix. However, the service of a non- Jewish mechanic should be utilized.
A Rav should always be consulted in these situations as the halachos of "Davar Ha'Avud" are very delicate and are easily abused beyond the halachic allowances.
Halachos for First Day Yom Tov
1) Sefiras HaOmer, the counting of the Omer, began on the second night of Pesach, and will continue for 49 days until the Yom Tov of Shavuos.
L'Chatchilah, the Bracha on the sefirah, as well as the counting should be recited while standing. (See Mishna Berura 489:6).
2) If the sefirah was said while sitting, B'Dieved it is acceptable, and no re-counting is necessary.
This halacha applies to men and women [whose minhag it is to count sefirah] alike. (In a few days we will discuss in more detail, whether women are obligated in this Mitzvah or not) Halachos for Yom Tov Sheini (in Chutz L'Aretz)
1) The counting of the Omer should preferably be done as soon as possible after nightfall (preferably the same amount after sunset waited after Shabbos to do Melacha, should be waited for the counting of Sefirah as well)
If one davens Maariv early, he should be extremely careful to have a system set up whereby he will remember to count the Sefirah when the time arrives.
2) It is a good idea to always count the Sefirah again during the day [without a Bracha], thus if the counting was forgotten the night before, the day counting will suffice to the total counting of the 49 days.
CHAG SAMEACH!
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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.
What does the actual Netila (washing of Netilas Yadayim for bread) do? Does it purify the hands to eat the bread or touch it?
Answer:
Yes. TheNnetilah serves 2 purposes. 1) to purify and sanctify our hands and bodies for eating Hashem's bread, much as the Kohanim needed to sanctify themselves before doing the Avodah. We Jews are commanded to be holy, and this is one application of that requirement. 2) To cleanse ourselves, as it isnt dignified for a Jew to make a Bracha and eat when his/her hands are unclean.
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
