Erev Shabbos Kodesh
18 Nisan, 5771; 2nd Day Chol Hamoed Pesach
(3rd day Chol Hamoed in Eretz Yisroel);3rd day of Sefiras HaOmer
April 22, 2011
Today's Halachos are dedicated, by a friend, in honor of Tova Riva bas Marim on the occasion of her 69th birthday, on 19 Nisan. May Hashem grant her many more years of health, Siyata D'Shmaya and happines until 120!
1) It is prohibited to launder clothing on Chol HaMoed, by hand or via washing machine.
However, young children's clothing which often get dirty and soiled may be washed if necessary. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 534:1)
It is prohibited to add any adult clothing into the washing machine along with the wash that is being done for the children. (Psak of Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal)
Even for children, it is only permissible to wash those particular articles of clothing that are needed. (See Mishna Berura 534:11 and Aruch HaShulchan 534:8)
The age of the children whose clothing may be washed, is at most until age 6 or 7 years old. (Psak of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal in Shulchan Shlomo 534:3)
2) Polishing shoes, brushing a hat, spot cleaning a stain[that developed on Chol HaMoed] and simple ironing to remove wrinkles to make the clothing wearable for Chol HaMoed is permitted on Chol HaMoed, according to most Poskim. (See Rama Siman 541:3 and Mishna Berura S"K 9. See also Shulchan Shlomo 534:1 and Emes L'Yaakov Siman 534: footnote 489)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh/Shabbos Chol Hamoed
1)Apple, peach, cherry [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 fruits may be picked in abundance.
If the fruits are not being picked for use on Chol HaMoed, it is best for adults not to pick them.
Children,however, 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 and often abused beyond the halachic allowances.
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:
What's the story with leaving water uncovered overnight? I always thought that is was Assur but someone recently mentioned to me that Tosefos holds it's not a Sakana (danger) anymore so it's therefore permissible.
1. Is it Muttar or Assur?
2. If Assur, just water or all liquids?
3. What is considered "uncovered"? Is a pitcher with no cover in the fridge covered or uncovered?
Answer:
In the times of the Talmud it was prohibited due to poisenous snakes placing their venom in the water. (See Talmud Avoda Zara 30a and Chulin 9b)
Many Poskim rule that nowadays when snakes and the like are not prevelant, the prohibition is not in effect. (See Mishna Berura Siman 160:23 who rules this way)
However, the Gaon of Vilna and others maintained that the prohibition remais intact even today.
It is best to be stringent if possible. The Chazon Ish, The Steipler Zichronam L'Vracha and YBL"C Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita are extremely Makpid with this and will not drink such water, nor use it for any purpose!
This applies to water, soda, tea, coffee, beer, milk, wine (unless it's mevushal) and honey.
If it is in the refrigerator, where no snake or other animals can get to it, it is considered covered.
Important Numbers
