1) There is a discussion amongst the Poskim regarding if one may recite the Bracha of "SheHechiyanu V'Kiyimanu LaZman Hazeh" during Sefira, or is it like during the three weeks (when we mourn the Churban) when this Bracha is not said.
The Mishna Berura (493:2) maintains that if one finds him/herself in a situation that calls for the recital of SheHechiyanu, they may indeed make the Bracha. (Some Poskim deduce from the Mishna Berura's language that he held that one should try not to find him/herself in such a situation, if possible. Other Poskim argue and maintain that it can be recited L'Chatchilah, as the mourning of Sefira is not as stringent as the mourning over the Bais HaMikdash that we do in the 3 weeks before Tisha B'Av.)
2) Although there is no real Halachic source in the Gemara, Shulchan Aruch or in the early Poskim to prohibit the recital of SheHechiaynu, some people do in fact have the custom not to recite it based on kabalistic reasons.
One who indeed has this minhag should continue keeping to it. As with everything, a Rav should be consulted for Halacha l'Ma'aseh. (See Sefer Likutei Maharich for further sources about this.)
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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.
Is one permitted to take piano lessons during sefira, where they won't be learning songs, but just theory? Can they press down keys, but not play songs?
Answer:
The Poskim debate whether one may learn how to play a musical instrument during Sefirah. Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal (Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 3 Siman 87) seems to maintain that if one is doing this for Parnasa reasons it would be OK, but if one is doing this for pleasure and thus get Simcha out of it, it is prohibited.
Many contemporary Poskim (She'arim Metzuyanim B'Halacha on Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:2. Rav Shmuel Felder shlita in Kuntres Shiurei Halacha quoting Rav Elyashiv shlita, and others) are lenient in this matter especially if you will lose out by not taking those lessons now.
If just learning theory and making sounds, but not actually playing songs, it would probably be permitted according to everyone, as that is not music.
A Rav should be consulted for Halacha L'Maaseh..
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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