1)
It is a common occurrence in Shuls, Yeshivos, wedding halls, Shiva
houses and other public places that a switch takes place and someone
inadvertently takes a coat, Tallis, umbrella or other item that looks
like theirs but in reality belongs to someone else.
Upon
realizing that a switch took place, it is prohibited to continue using
the item. Rather, all the Halachos of Hashovas Aveida apply and a notice
must be hung in the area where the switch took place announcing that
the item was "found". (See Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishat Siman 136:2)
2)
If a long while passes and nobody claimed the switched item, assuming
the item is not especially valuable, it may be used provided the
criteria of "Munach Ad Sheyavo Eliyahu" are followed as we learned a few
days ago.
Moreover,
if the item is such that seemingly the person who it was switched with
has no idea that any switch took place (e.g. it was virtually identical
and no name on it or other good Siman) and he is most likely happily
using the item he inadvertently received instead, provided that it isn't
an item that people are particular to not let others use, he may use
that person's item as well. (Ruling of Maran HaRav Yosef Shalom
Elyashiv Zatzal and HaRav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal quoted in
Hashovas Aveidah K'Halacha page 81 footnote 24.See also what is written
there about reciting a Bracha on such an item, if it is Tzitzis or a
Tallis, and regarding lending the item to someone else, as although it
may be used it may still not be considered "yours".)
QUESTION&ANSWER CORNER
Reader
Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we
covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
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@Gmail.com
Question:
Why is it prohibited for a Choson and Kallah to see each other for a week before their wedding?
Answer:
There is no clear source in Halacha for this minhag, yet it has become an accepted practice by a large segment of Klal Yisroel.
The Sephardic Jews do not have this minhag.
One
of the reasons given in the Seforim is based on the Halacha (Yoreh Deah
Siman 192) that we are worried that if the Kallah sees her chassan she
will desire him and it will lead to her discharging "Dam Chimud" and
thus she won't be clean by the wedding. Some Poskim, however, based on
the Talmud Niddah 20b say that just the opposite is true! That "Dam
Chimud" will happen from not seeing him and yearning to see him.
Another
reason cited is simply to limit the time spent between the bride and
groom as to ensure they will excitedly look forward to being together on
their wedding night. Moreover, too much contact too close to the
wedding can sometimes lead to unnecessary hardships (See Shu"t Teshuvos
V'Hanhagos Even HaEzer Vol. 3 Siman 390) and unfortunately even to
improper relations between the bride and groom (especially since the
bride is usually Tahor within that week)
In
certain communities it isn't customary to have this separation a week
before, and they definitely have on whom to rely. (See Sdei Chemed
Chasan V'Kallah 22. I have heard in the name of Rav Moshe Feinstein
Zatzal that he was not makpid on this either and his children saw their
spouses to be close to the wedding)
Bottom
line is, it is definitely not an Issur to see each other, but a minhag
which should be followed if it is the minhag of your family.
CHIZUK CORNER
This
section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav
Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal , the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi
Finkel Zatzal and the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr, the great Posek
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Zatzal.
May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal 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.
Important Numbers
