Today's Halachos dedicated by a daily reader, A.G., L'Ilui Nishmas R' Zusya Aryeh Leib Ben R' Shlomo Z"L. May his Neshama continue to climb higher and higher in Gan Eden. Please have in mind when learning today's halachos that they be in his merit.
1) As we learned yesterday, one of the conditions that need to be present in order for Borer of food to be allowed on Shabbos is if it is being done with intent to eat the food "immediately" (referred to in Halacha as "Ochlo L'Alter").
The term "immediately" does not mean it must be eaten within a few seconds of being sorted; rather it means it must be done within the normal time frame before the meal that is considered normal preparation time for a meal. (See Mishna Berura Siman 321:45 where he writes that the women may not start preparing the Shabbos meal before the men leave Shul after davening)
2) However, even within the above permissible time frame, one can only do it if he/she plans to eat right away after all the preparations for the meal are done, and not if one intends to do another significant chore after the meal preparations are done, before actually eating.
If at the time of preparation one planned to eat right afterwards and then only before the meal decided to take a walk or do another chore, it is permitted and it does not invalidate the preparations that were done permissibly. (ruling of Maran Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita quoted in Sefer Ayil Meshulash Perek 8 footnote 24)
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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 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:
Is it against halacha to euthanize a pet? Our cat is 19 years old and is simply dying of old age. The vet gave us a list of sicknesses she may be suffering from but there is no cure at this stage of the game for any of those possible problems.
I have been under the impression forever that it is against halacha to euthanize an animal. A close relative (who knows how to learn) claims otherwise and is urging us to put the cat down. Is there a heter to do this?
Answer:
Though I would recommend you speak to a Rav before implementing any decision on this, I will tell you this:
Killing of animals, according to the Torah, may only be done for the benefit of mankind, or alternatively for the benefit of the animal.
Thus, hunting for pleasure, killing an animal for fun etc. is Tzar Baalei Chaim and prohibited according to many Poskim.
Killing an animal for food or to prevent damage to other animals or humans is permitted.
Thus, in your case where it is being done to prevent pain to the animal, it would be permitted.
Like I said, please discuss with a Rav before doing anything though.
See Shu"t Noda B'Yehuda Yoreh Deah Siman 10 for more on this topic.
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:
A certain talmid chacham who is a well-known Torah teacher, graciously allowed us to publicize a prayer that he wrote for himself. The prayer is appropriate for all of us, since it specifically addresses the needs of our generation.
The prayer is as follows:
Hashem,
- Help me not to feel that I have to say something at every opportunity and about every subject. Spare me from the urge to arrange everyone's lives for them.
- Make me a thinking person, and not a person who is moody.
- Give me the desire to help, but not to give instructions to everyone.
- Seal my mouth so that I will not be able to complain about pain and suffering.
- I do not dare to ask to experience the suffering of other people, but help me, at the very least, to listen patiently to them.
- Help me to realize that I too make mistakes.
- Help me to be pleasant in all my way if only for the sake of those who will observe and learn from my ways.
- Grant me the ability to see good things even in places where I did not expect to see them.
- Help me to love everyone, to discern the positive qualities of others, and most important, to have the opportunity to express this to them.
- Help me to make other people cheerful and happy.
Submitted by daily reader, R4; taken from Sefer Aleinu L'Shabei'ach Shemos p. 75
Important Numbers
