Tuesday 16 Kislev 5771 November 23 2010; 9 Days until Chanukah
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1)During Chanukah it is proper to strengthen ourselves in the areas of learning Torah, Davening (prayer) and Gemilas Chasadim(acts of kindness). ( See Pri Megadim Siman 670 at length for a fascinating explanation how the Greeks were trying to prevent the Jews from upholding the three pillars of the world: Torah, Avodah and Gemilas Chasadim and thus we need to intensify our efforts precisely in these areas.)
2) It is customary to give extra Tzedaka on the days of Chanukah, especially to support poor people who spend their lives dedicated to learning Torah. (Kitzur Shulchan Aruch and Magen Avraham.)
The Yesod V'Shoresh H'Avodah (Sha'ar 12:1) expounds on this, based on the Zohar Hakadosh and the Kisvei Ha'Arizal, that one who is lax in giving of Tzedakah all year round can rectify the harm this laxity caused by increasing his/her Tzedakah on Chanukah, especially if giving to support those who learn Torah. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!
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 pages 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.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Yahoo.com Reader's Question:
Does a person have to stay with the lit [Chanukah] candles for the full half hour? For example, to rush and make an appointment one will have to leave the Neiros before half an hour?
Answer:
Yes. Ideally one should stay for half an hour in the room with the candles, or at least stay home wih them. It is best not to light them and immediately run out to an appointment etc. (Besides the danger involved in leaving candles burning in an empty home).
If there are other people who stay in the home and one person is running out, though not ideal, it is better.
This is especially true for women who may not do Melacha for the first half hour after the Chanukah lights have been lit, and according to many Poskim this applies to men as well. See B'er Heitev Siman 670:2 quoting the MaHaril. See also Sefas Emes parshas Mikeitz from the year 5640 regarding the importance of staying with the neiros for half an hour. Indeed many scrupulous people make sure to stay by the neiros (and sing, dance or learn) for the first half hour. See also Shu"t Shav yaakov Siman 22, Sefer menucha U'kedusha page 160 and Sefer Mekor Chaim Siman 672:2.
However, a Ben yeshiva that will be returning to Yeshiva to learn Torah should return immediately after lighting, according to Rav Chaim Kanievsky shlita, quoted in Sefer Piskei Shmuos page 30)
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei Yisroel, we will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO ME. THANK YOU AND TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
Maran HaRav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita engrossed in Torah study
"A HUMAN IS A HUMAN AND AN ANGEL IS AN ANGEL.
BUT, IF A HUMAN BEING WISHES, HE CAN BE GREATER THAN AN ANGEL."
- Rav Leibele Eiger Zatzal -
The Skulener Rebbe Shlita serving Hashem in holiness.
Submitted by C.S.; taken from the Morning Machsom L'Fi email
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. (Talmud Niddah 73a)
Please visit my website www.HalachaForToday.com for archives, Kosher links, Questions and Answers,and other features. Halachos are for study purposes only, and should not be relied upon for final Psak. See Halacha L'Maaseh Disclaimer Here. I welcome all questions on any topic, anytime! Help spread the word of Hashem!
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