Halocho #301 - Why do the firstborns fast?

Why don't firstborns celebrate the fact that they were saved from the 10th plague - the smiting of Egyptian firstborns?

On Erev Pessach - Wednesday next week - all firstborns will fast in memory of them fasting in Egypt on Erev Pessach, to ensure they wouldn't be punished along with the Egyptians in the 10th plague.

The Hallel said at the Seder includes praise for their delivery.

All firstborn males fast; even if they're only a firstborn to one of their parents.

Even firstborns who are exempt from Pidyon haBen - like Cohanim, Levites or being born after a stillborn - also have to fast.

The father of a young firstborn needs to fast for him.

Whether a firstborn (or his father) may attend a Se'udat Mitzva like a Siyum, Bris or Pidyon haBen and break his fast to participate in the meal, depends on local / family custom.

After breaking his fast, he can eat the rest of the day.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 113:6, 115:2

- Danny Tuesday, 6 Nissan 5769

Please daven for a complete recovery for Tamar bat Naama - תמר בת נעמה

Halocho #300 - Buying jewelry for Yom Tov

There's a Mitzva to honor the Yom Tov: - One should bathe, cut nails and get a haircut before Yom Tov. - One shouldn't eat a meal during the second half of the afternoon on Erev Yom Tov so as not to spoil ones appetite for the festive evening meal. - Yom Tov clothes should be nicer than Shabbat clothes There's a Mitzva to be joyous on Yom Tov. This includes having 2 meals; one in the evening and one during the day. The meals start with Kiddush and should include meat and delicacies and should be more elaborate than on Shabbat. One should also provide the Neshama (soul) with Yom Tov joy by learning some Torah (e.g. Yom Tov related Halachot) at every meal. There's a Mitzva to make others happy on Yom Tov: - Children should be given nuts and other treats. - Women should be given new clothes and jewelry. - The poor and unfortunate should be invited or provided with financial support. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 103:2,3,4,7 - Danny Monday, 5 Nissan 5769 ================================= On Tuesday I'm going to be part of the panel of experts about "Practical ways to manage your team in times of change". No cost to register. Visit: http://www.regonline.co.uk/team-change =================================

Halocho #299 - Bless the blossoms

Nissan is the time of year when trees start to blossom (in the Northern hemisphere).

The first time a year that one sees edible fruit trees blossoming one says:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱלקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם- Blessed are you Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, שֶׁלּא חִסֵּר בְּעוֹלָמוֹ כְּלוּם - for nothing is lacking in His universe, וּבָרָא בוֹ בְּרִיּוֹת טוֹבוֹת וְאִילָנוֹת טוֹבִים - and He created in it good creatures and good trees, לֵהָנוֹת בָּהֶם בְּנֵי אָדָם - to cause mankind pleasure with them.

Once the flowers have fallen off and the fruit is visible then one can no longer say this Bracha .

One only makes this Bracha once a year.

It's an ancient custom to provide the needy with money for their Pessach needs, during the early part of Nissan, up and above ones regular charity contributions.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, 60:1, Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim, 226:1, 429:1

- Danny Sunday, 4 Nissan 5769

Please daven for a complete recovery for Tamar bat Naama - תמר בת נעמה

Halocho #298 - Can Matza be folded?

Matza is made from flour and water. Nothing else.

The water is drawn from a well or spring the night before it is used. The water for Sunday's baking is drawn on Thursday night.

The flour is ground from wheat that was harvested while still slightly green; once wheat is fully ripe it can become Chametz (leaven) even before being harvested, if it comes into contact with water.

The wheat needs to be ground into flour at least 24 hours before it is used, to give it time to cool down.

18 minutes after water is added to flour the dough becomes chametz. Matza baking happens in 18-minute batches after which all equipment is thoroughly cleaned to remove all traces of dough.

Matza used at the Seder needs to be made with the intention of it being used for a Mitzva; everybody involved in its production says "L'shem Mitzvat Matza" (for the purpose of the Mitzva of Matza) before all activities. This is know as Shmura-Matza.

If a Matza has a fold in it, or a bubble more than a finger high (2.5 cm), then the fold or bubble are considered Chametz and need to be broken off and disposed of. The rest of the Matza can be eaten.

One is forbidden to eat Matza on Erev Pessach. Most people have the custom to stop eating Matza from Rosh Chodesh Nissan already. Some don't eat Matza an entire month before Pessach.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch: 108, 109, 110

Chodesh Tov and Shabbat Shalom

- Danny Thursday, Rosh Chodesh Nissan 5769

Last week to apply for the WikiAnswers $1,000 scholarship - see http://wiki.answers.com/static/scholarship_program.html for details.

(Disclosure: I work for WikiAnswers.com)

Halocho #297 - Rosh Chodesh Nissan

Tonight - Wednesday night - begins the first day of the first month - Nissan.

Don't forget Hallel and יַעֲלֶה וְיָבא

1 Nissan was the last of the 8 inaugural days of the Mishkan (tabernacle) and the first day that Aaron served as Cohen Gadol (high priest) and his 4 sons as Cohanim.

That same day, two of them - Nadav and Avihu - brought an offering not in accordance with Halocho and were killed by a heavenly fire.

On that day the heads of the 12 tribes started bringing their inaugural sacrifices - one prince each day. Some people have the custom of reading that days sacrifice during the first 12 days of Nissan. This can be found in the Siddur as the Torah Reading for Chanuka.

One does not say Tachanun during the entire month of Nissan.

One may not fast during Nissan, with the following exceptions:

- Firstborns fast on Erev Pessach (today in 2 weeks).

- Fasting for distressingly bad dreams.

- Couples getting married during Nissan, even on Rosh Chodesh, whereas on any other Rosh Chodesh the bride and groom do not fast.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 107:1,2

Chodesh Tov!

- Danny Wednesday, 29 Adar 5769

Please daven for a complete recovery for Tamar bat Naama - תמר בת נעמה

Halocho #296 - The week of Chol Hamo'ed; Chol or Mo'ed?

The intermediary days of Pessach and Succoth are known as Chol Hamo'ed. Some types of work are permitted, others are forbidden.

In order to ensure that one does the laundry before the Mo'ed (Jewish Holiday), doing laundry is forbidden on Chol Hamo'ed, except in extenuating circumstances:

- If it was impossible to launder before the Mo'ed (e.g. one was locked up in jail) then one may launder on Chol Hamo'ed

- Baby clothes that continuously get soiled and need to be changed many times a day may be laundered on Chol Hamo'ed

When laundering on Chol Hamo'ed one must ensure it's done in private.

All medical procedures are allowed on Chol Hamo'ed.

If one has the opportunity to borrow money and there's reason to believe that after Yom Tov the money will no longer be available, then one may borrow the money on Chol Hamo'ed (even if it means writing an IOU), even if it's for a post Yom Tov business deal.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 104:13, 14, 16

- Danny Tuesday, 28 Adar 5769

Please daven for a complete recovery for Tamar bat Naama - תמר בת נעמה

Halocho #295 - Writing on Chol Hamo'ed

The intermediary days of Pessach and Sukkot are known as Chol Hamo'ed. Some types of work are permitted, others are forbidden.

Writing is only allowed in cases of need:

Writing down information so that it won't be forgotten is allowed.

Writing letters to friends and family is allowed.

The custom is to write the first line at an angle as a reminder that writing is only partially permitted.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 104.

- Danny Monday, 27 Adar 5769

Please daven for a complete recovery for Tamar bat Naama - תמר בת נעמה

Halocho #294 - Working on Chol Hamo'ed

The intermediary days of Pessach and Sukkot are known as Chol Hamo'ed. Some types of work are permitted, others are forbidden. Chazal (our Rabbis of blessed memory) have some harsh words for those who don't honour Chol Hamo'ed properly. Honouring Chol Hamo'ed includes eating meals and wearing clothes that are closer to Yom Tov standards than regular weekday standards. On Chol Hamo'ed one may do all work needed to prevent a monetary loss. Preparing food for Chol Hamo'ed or the last days of Yom Tov is allowed. Gardening is forbidden besides for picking fruit for Chol Hamo'ed or Yom Tov, and to prevent plants dying, e.g. if they need to be irrigated. Planting is forbidden. Cutting hair is forbidden on Chol Hamo'ed. Cutting nails is only allowed if one also cut them before Yom Tov. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 104 - Danny Sunday, 26 Adar 5769 Please daven for a complete recovery for Tamar bat Naama - תמר בת נעמה

Halocho #293 - A long Shabbat morning service

This week we take out two Sifrei Torah. The Torah Reading starts with a double Parsha: Vayakel-Pekudei. After Kaddish the second Sefer Torah is used for Maftir to read Parshat Hachodesh in anticipation of the upcoming month of Nissan. The Haftara is from Ezekiel 45 which discusses the dedication of the Temple starting on Rosh Chodesh Nissan as well as the Pessach sacrifice 2 weeks later. This week is also Shabbat Mevorchim the month of Nissan. Rosh Chodesh Nissan will be on Thursday next week. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 140:2 Shabbat Shalom uMevorach - Danny Thursday, 23 Adar 5769 Please daven for a complete recovery for Tamar bat Naama - תמר בת נעמה

Halocho #292 - Is January the first month?

This Shabbat for Maftir we will read Parshas Hachodesh (Exodus Ch. 12, Verses 1-20).

Parshas Hachodesh reminds us of the following upcoming Mitzvot:

- The month of Nissan (which begins the following Thursday) is the first month on the Jewish calendar, as the opening words of Parshat Hachodesh proclaim: "This month is for you the first month".

- The laws of Korban Pessach; sacrificed on Erev Pessach in the afternoon, it had to be roasted whole and then eaten on the first night of Pessach with Matza and Marror (bitter herbs).

- Leftovers had to be burnt on the first day of Chol Hamo'ed.

- Matza needs to be made carefully to ensure it doesn't become Chametz (leaven).

- The first and last days of Pessach are Yom Tov.

- One may not own Chametz, nor eat it, during Pessach .

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 140:2

- Danny Wednesday, 22 Adar 5769

Please daven for a complete recovery for Tamar bat Naama - תמר בת נעמה

Halocho #291 - When is the last time we had a double Parsha

The last time the Torah Reading consisted of a double-Parsha was before Rosh Hashana a year and a half ago; Shabbat Nitzavim-Vayelech, 8 September '07

This week we once again have a double Parsha: Vayakel-Pekudei.

When there is a double Parsha, we usually read the Haftara of the second Parsha. This week is an exception, since it's also Shabbat Hachodesh.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 79:6

- Danny Tuesday, 21 Adar 5769

Please daven for a complete recovery for Tamar bat Naama - תמר בת נעמה

Halocho #290 A rare Mitzvah: once every 28 years

In the Gemara in Brachot (59b) we learn: "When seeing the sun at its Tekufah, the moon at its strength, the stars in their paths, and the Zodiacal constellations in their order, one says Blessed be the Maker of creation. " "And when does this happen? " "Abaye said: Every 28 years when the cycle begins again and the Nisan equinox falls into Saturn on the evening of Tuesday, going into Wednesday." As recorded in the Chumash, the sun was created on Wednesday - and every 28 years it returns to the same spot. You can read more about it at http://www.answers.com/topic/birkat-hahammah This year on Wednesday Erev Pessach (8 April 2009) is the 206th time the sun will be back at its original location. There's an entire order-of-prayer that is traditionally said and can be found at http://www.yeshiva.org.il/midrash/pdf/pdf93/birkatHamaA.pdf At the very least one should say the following Bracha when first seeing the sun on Wednesday, Erev Pessach (8 April 2009)

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱלקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם עוֹשֶׂה מַעֲשֵׂה בְּרֵאשִׁית

The Bracha said as early as possible after sunrise, and cannot be said after noon. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 60:6, 7 - Danny Monday, 20 Adar 5769 Note: Birkat Hachama happened on Erev Pessach 3 cycles ago - in 1925 - and many years ago in 1309. The year we left Egypt (2447) and the miracle of Purim (3403) were not Birkat Hachama years. All this despite the claims of the Qadosh Elyon and emails to the contrary.

Halocho #289 - Start learning about Pessach

The laws of Pessach in Shulchan Aruch begin with: "One should start learning the laws of Pessach thirty days before Pessach.” If you fill up a storage room that you don't plan on entering again until after Pessach, you don't have to first check it for Chametz. However, if it's within 30 days to Pessach, then you do have to check it at night with a candle. If you forgot to check it, you have to empty it, and check it that night for Chametz with a candle.

Source: Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 429:1, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 111:13 - Danny Sunday, 19 Adar 5769

Please daven for a complete recovery for Tamar bat Malka Chana - תמר בת מלכה חנה

Halocho #288 - What color is a Red Heifer?

This Shabbat a second Sefer Torah is taken out for Maftir and the laws of Para Aduma – the Red Heifer – are read. (The beginning of Parshat Chukas, Numbers 19:1-22) There are opinions that there’s a Torah obligation to hear it being read, and people who don’t have access to a Minyan should find one this week. A Kosher Para Aduma is a (female) cow past its second birthday that is completely ginger-brown. Even two white or black hairs near each other would invalidate it. The non-brown part of its horns and hooves need to be filed down. Its eyes, teeth and tongue do not need to be brown. Using the cow for any work – even to carry something – would invalidate it. Birds and insects that land on its back do not invalidate it. The cow is slaughtered and burnt and the ashes mixed with spring water and sprinkled on people who come in contact with a corpse, on the third and seventh day of their purification process. This was a prerequisite for access to the Bet Hamikdash (Temple). Since there’s a Mitzva to go into the Bet Hamikdash on Pessach, we read this in anticipating of being able to implement it this year, or at least Bimhera Beyomainu – soon in our lifetime. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 140:2-3, Mishna Masechet Para, Ch. 1, Rambam Hil. Para Ch. 1 Shabbat Shalom - Danny Thursday, 16 Adar 5769 Please daven for a complete recovery for Tamar bat Naama - תמר בת נעמה

Halocho #287 - Shushan Purim is tonight

Today - Tuesday - Purim is celebrated in most of the world. In Jerusalem - and other cities that were walled in the time Joshua-ben-Nun conquered the Holy Land - we celebrate Shushan-Purim a day later. On both Purim and Shushan-Purim Tachanun, Kel-Erach-Apaim and Lamenatze'ach are not said and fasting is not allowed. Don't forget to add עַל הַנִּסִּים during Amida and Birkat Hamazon. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 141:9 - Danny who celebrates Purim tomorrow. Tuesday, 14 Adar 5769 Next Halocho-a-day on Thursday. Please daven for a complete recovery for Tamar bat Naama - תמר בת נעמה

Halocho #286 - Megila reading tonight

Purim starts tonight - Monday night. The Megilat Esther is read twice; once tonight and once tomorrow morning.

One should wear Shabbat-clothes in honor of the Megila reading.

The custom is to give 3 coins to charity before the Megila reading. Each coin should be half the local currency - half dollar, half shekel, etc.

Don't forget to add עַל הַנִּסִּים during Amida and Birkat Hamazon.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 141: 4, 5

- Danny Monday, 13 Adar 5769

Please daven for a complete recovery for Tzipora bas Eidel who had a growth removed

Halocho #285 – When did Esther fast?

2,364 years ago, two days before Pessach, Haman decreed that all the Jews would be destroyed on 13th Adar, eleven months later.

After consulting with her cousin Mordechai, Queen Esther declared a 3 days fast that lasted through the first days of Pessach, after which she went – uninvited – to the king and invited him and Haman to a wine feast.

At the wine feast she invited them to a second wine feast where which she gained royal permission for the Jews to defend themselves.

Jews always fast and pray when going out to war, and so they did on Adar 13, 3406 (354 BCE). On Adar 14 they celebrated their victory. In commemoration, we fast on Adar 13 (tomorrow – Monday) and celebrate Purim on the morrow.

Ta’anis Esther is the only of the 6 fast days not mentioned in Tanach.

The fast ends when the stars become visible (a few minutes before Motzai Shabbat time), and if needed, one may eat and drink before Megila reading. However one should not eat a meal until after hearing the Megila.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 141:1,8, Esther 2:7, 3:12-9:30

- Danny Sunday, 12 Adar 5769

Please daven for a complete recovery for 18 year old Nachman ben Chanah - נחמן בן חנה

Halocho #284 - Remember: Come to shul this week!

There is an opinion that it's a Torah obligation to hear Parshas Zachor being read in shul this week, and if you don't have a Minyan near home you need to go to a town with a Minyan for this Shabbat. If a Minyan cannot be found, Parshas Zachor should be read even without a Minyan. Here is the English translation of the verses read for Parshas Zachor, from Dvarim 25:17-19 (the last 3 verses in Parshas Ki-Tzeizei): Remember what Amalek did to you on the way, when you were coming out of Egypt. How he met you on the way, and smote the feeble behind you, when you were faint and weary; and he feared not G-d. Therefore it shall be, when Hashem your G-d has given you rest from all your enemies round about, in the land which Hashem your G-d is giving you for an inheritance to possess, that you shall blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; do not forget. This is from http://www.answers.com/topic/deuteronomy-25 and slightly edited to remove the archaic English. Each verse has a multitude of explanations and interpretations. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 140:3 Shabbat Shalom - Danny (who works at Answers.com) Thursday, 9 Adar 5769

יז זָכוֹר, אֵת אֲשֶׁר-עָשָׂה לְךָ עֲמָלֵק, בַּדֶּרֶךְ, בְּצֵאתְכֶם מִמִּצְרָיִם

יח אֲשֶׁר קָרְךָ בַּדֶּרֶךְ, וַיְזַנֵּב בְּךָ כָּל-הַנֶּחֱשָׁלִים אַחֲרֶיךָ--וְאַתָּה, עָיֵף וְיָגֵעַ; וְלֹא יָרֵא, אֱלֹקִים

יט וְהָיָה בְּהָנִיחַ ה' אֱלֹקֶיךָ לְךָ מִכָּל-אֹיְבֶיךָ מִסָּבִיב, בָּאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר ה-אֱלֹקֶיךָ נֹתֵן לְךָ נַחֲלָה לְרִשְׁתָּהּ--תִּמְחֶה אֶת-זֵכֶר עֲמָלֵק, מִתַּחַת הַשָּׁמָיִם; לֹא, תִּשְׁכָּח

Please daven for a complete recovery for Tamar bat Naama - תמר בת נעמה

Halocho #283- Destroy and remember

This Shabbat - the one before Purim - is Parshas Zachor.

A second Sefer Torah is taken out and for Maftir we read about the obligation to annihilate the nation of Amalek and remember their wickedness.

For the Haftara we read the story of King Saul's attempt to fulfill the Mitzva of annihilating Amalek. (Shmuel-1 Ch. 15)

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 140:2

- Danny Wednesday, 8 Adar 5769

Please daven for a complete recovery for Tamar bat Naama - תמר בת נעמה

Halocho #282 - Yahrzeit of our teacher Moses; Moshe Rabeinu

Today (according to most opinions), 7 Adar, is the 3,279th Yahrzeit of our teacher Moses - Moshe Rabeinu and is a Ta'anis Tzadikim.

Many Jewish Burial Societies [Chevra Kadisha] have their annual meeting today, including fasting and special prayers.

Halachot related to Moshe Rabeinu:

When babies start talking one should teach them the verse "תּוֹרָה צִוָּה-לָנוּ, מֹשֶׁה. מוֹרָשָׁה, קְהִלַּת יַעֲקֹב" and Shma Yisrael...", after ensuring that they are clean while being taught.

Moshe Rabeinu went up to Har-Sinai to get the 2nd set of tablets on a Thursday and came down on a Monday, which is why these 2 days are auspicious for praying - and we therefore add the long "Vehu Rachum" prayer before Tachanun on these 2 days.

There's a limit as to how long one may mourn a deceased - but even for a great Torah scholar one may not mourn longer than 30 days, as nobody can be greater than our teacher Moshe for whom it is stated "and they mourned for Moshe for 30 days".

Sources: Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 58:2, KSA 165:10, 23:9, 215:1

- Danny

Tuesday, 7 Adar 5769

Please daven for a complete recovery for Tamar bat Naama - תמר בת נעמה

Halocho #281 - The shortest Torah Reading

At each Aliya during Torah Reading, at least 3 verses have to be read.

Even when only 3 people are called up (like on Mondays, Thursdays, and Shabbat afternoon) a total of 10 verses need to be read. The last Aliya should read 4 verses.

On Purim, because the Torah Reading only has 9 verses in the relevant section, therefore 3 verses are read in each Aliya for a total of 9 verses.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 23:19

- Danny

Monday, 6 Adar 5769

Please daven for a complete recovery for Tamar bat Naama - תמר בת נעמה

Halocho #280 - If you forget to day Al Hanisim on Purim

On Purim one adds עַל הַנִּסִּים to the Birkat Hamazon during the 2nd Bracha.

If you forgot to add עַל הַנִּסִּים and you've already said 'ברוך אתה ה then you don't have to make amends.

However, if possible you should say the following during the HaRachaman's after the 4th Bracha:

הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יַעֲשֶׂה לָנוּ נִסִּים וְנִפְלָאוֹת כְּמוֹ שֶׁעָשָׂה לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ בַּיָּמִים הַהֵם בַּזְּמַן הַזֶּה בִּימֵי מרדכי

and then continue with the rest of the עַל הַנִּסִּים.

During every Amida of Purim one adds עַל הַנִּסִּים during Modim.

If you forgot to add עַל הַנִּסִּים and you've already said 'ברוך אתה ה then you don't have to make amends.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 44:16, 139: 21

- Danny Sunday, 5 Adar 5769

Please daven for a complete recovery for Eliyahu ben Sara