Halachos for Erev Yom Kippur

1) If one forgot "Hamelech HaKadosh" in Shemona Esrei of Mincha on Erev Yom Kippur, and only realized this after completing the entire Shemona Esrei and Vidui, although the Shemona Esrei must be repeated, there is no need to repeat the Vidui again when repeating the Shemona Esrei. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 582:1)

However, if one wants to repeat the Vidui, he/she may do so. (Ruling of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal.)

The ideal way to perform Vidui is to itemize each and every sin that one can remember doing.

One should try and stretch out their Vidui for as long as possible, and try and do it in a heartfelt way. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 607:2.The Vidui of the Chayei Adam (Klal 143) as well as the Vidui written by Rabbein Nissim Gaon enumerate vast lists of possible sins, which may be helpful in "jarring our memory" and remind us of the sins we may have done in the previous year.These lists are found in certain Machzorim and Sidurim as well, and can also be bought independently in Jewish book stores)

If one transgressed a certain sin (or a variation of it) many times, it isn't necessary to itemize each one; rather he/she can say "Sin X which I have transgressed countless times" or a similar verbalization.

2) It is a Biblical Mitzvah to increase the amount we eat and drink on Erev Yom Kippur.

The Talmud (Rosh Hashana 9a-b) teaches that one who eats on Erev Yom Kippur is considered as if he fasted on both Erev Yom Kippur and on Yom Kippur.

It is the minhag to have a Yom Tov Seuda on Erev Yom Kippur, as it is considered a Yom Tov because we are confident that Hashem will forgive all our sins. (See Tur Siman 604)

Women and children who have reached the age of Chinuch are also obligated in this Mitzvah of eating more on Erev Yom Kippur, according to many Poskim. (See Shu"t Ksav Sofer Siman 112 and MaHaril Hilchos Erev Yom Kippurim)

Halachos for Yom Kippur 

1) The following things are prohibited from sunset of Yom Kippur eve until nightfall (the emergence of three stars) after Yom Kippur :

1.Melacha (any "work" that is prohibited on Shabbos)

2.Eating

3.Drinking

4.Bathing /washing

5.Smearing lotion, soap etc.

6.Wearing leather shoes

7.Marital relations

There is a dispute amongst the Rishonim if all the aforementioned are prohibited Min HaTorah (biblically) or just eating and drinking and Melacha, while the rest are only prohibited MiDirabanan (prohibited by the sages).

Most Poskim rule that it is best to be stringent and consider them all as Min HaTorah. (See Mishna Berura Siman 611:3)

However, "Kares- the heavenly death penalty" is only meted out for eating, drinking and Melacha, according to all opinions. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 611:1)

2) Upon rising on Yom Kippur morning, Negel Vasser must be washed. However, one must be careful to only wash until the end of the joints of the hand (knuckles) and not the entire hand. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 613:2)

As you wash, have in mind that you are doing so to remove the "impure spirit" from your body, and not doing it for the pleasure of "washing" which is prohibited on Yom Kippur. (Rama ibid.)

The face may not be washed on Yom Kippur morning. (See Mishna Berura ibid. S"K 3)

It is best to be stringent and not even place a little water on the eyes, unless there is some crust near the eyes, then it may be removed with a drop of water that was placed on your finger. When doing so, care must be taken to only place the water on the immediate spot of the crust, and not on any other part of the face. (Rama Siman 613:4 and Mishna Berura S"K 9)

After using the restroom, the hands should be washed, but only until the knuckles. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 613:3)

The Kohanim may wash their entire hands before going up to "duchen- bless the congregation" as that washing isn't one of pleasure. (ibid.)

Although most contemporary Poskim allow the use of aerosol spray deodorant on Tisha B'Av if necessary to prevent sweating, this is not the case on Yom Kippur, and it is prohibited to use any kind of deodorant on Yom Kippur, even if only to prevent and/or eliminate odors. (Kitzur Hilchos Yom Tov page 110 quoted in Piskei Teshuvos Siman 614:1 footnote 3)
 

This brings us to the end of our review of the  Halachos of Yomim Noraim. On Thursday we will B'Ezras Hashem begin reviewing some Halachos of Sukkos etc.

גמר

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טובה 

TO ALL OF MY DEAR READERS AND TO ALL THE HOLY MEMBERS OF KLAL YISROEL!