1) Some people have the custom not to wear new clothing during Sefira. This custom, too, has no real source in Halacha, and most likely developed from a misapplied comparison to the prohibition of wearing new clothing during the 3 weeks. (See Shu"t Yabia Omer Vol. 3 Siman 26)
If one does indeed have this custom in his/her family for many generations, they should abide by it. However, if this isn’t the custom in your family, new clothing may be worn. (See Sefer Bain Pesach L’Shavuos Chapter 16 footnote 1 near the end what he quotes from the Yosef Ometz Siman 845 and 848 to explain why certain communities had this custom, and why it doesn’t apply to everyone)
2) Even those whose custom it is not to wear new clothing during Sefira may purchase new clothing in Sefira.
Additionally those who avoid wearing new clothing only avoid significant articles of clothing (such as a suit or dress and the like) but not other articles (such as socks, undergarments, shirts etc.).
Also, dressing children in new clothing, is treated more leniently even by those who themselves avoid new clothing. (See Shu"t Vayevarech Dovid Siman 59. See also Leket Yosher page 98 regarding shoes)
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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.
You wrote in a previous Q&A as follows: "regarding the utensils, if they havent been toveled, you may not eat off of them. You must either use paper dishes, or lift the food (if it’s kosher of course) off the plate and eat it from your hands."]
I was under the impression that with Tevilas Kelim, while the chiyuv remains in place obviously, this wouldn’t affect the food eaten off of them. I was under the impression that this was often the case with restaurants, etc. Is this not true?
Answer:
Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal (Igros Moshe Yoreh Deah Vol. s Siman 22) maintained that food that does not need a utensil, and the utensil is only being used to be civilized (such as a solid food) may be eaten off a non toveled plate in cases of necessity. However, foods that require the utensil (such as drinks, soup, pasta etc.) may not be eaten off these utensils ever.
Rav Feinstein also maintains that there is no difference between a private home or a public restaurant, hotel etc. when it comes to these Halachos.
There are Poskim (See Darchei Teshuva Yoreh Deah Siman 120:70) that differentiate and are more lenient in a restaurant etc., however most contemporary Poskim do not rely on that leniency. For Halacha L’maaseh please consult your Rav.
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
