Halocho #1015 - How to behave when visiting the sick

When visiting the sick one may not sit on a chair if they are lying on the floor, in deference to the Shechina which is above the sick person's head. 

If they are in a bed, one may sit on a chair. 

The main point of visiting the sick is to find out if one can help them in anyway, so that they feel they have friends who care about them, and in order to pray for them. 

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 193:2-3

- Danny,
Monday, 18 Tevet 5773

Halocho #1014 - Visiting the sick

It's a Mitzva to visit sick people irrelevant of the social standing of the visitor or the patient.

Close friends and family may visit immediately, but others should wait until the 4th day, so as not to aggravate his Mazal and give his the "sick" status.

However, if a person becomes very ill very suddenly then everybody may visit immediately.

One may visit numerous times a day - as long as it doesn't bother the patient.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 193:1

- Danny,
Sunday, 17 Tevet 5773

Halocho #1013 - - Preparing the weekly Parsha

It's a Mitzva to review the weekly Torah Reading by reading it twice in the original and once with the (Aramaic) Onkelus translation.

One who doesn't understand (or appreciate) Onkelus may read Rashi instead or even an English translation.

One may start on Sunday already and one should finish before the Torah is read on Shabbat morning.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 72:11

Shabbat Shalom
- Danny

Thursday, 14 Tevet 5773

חייב כל אדם להשלים פרשיותיו עם הצבור, דהיינו שיקרא בכל שבוע פרשת השבוע שנים מקרא ואחד תרגום

ומיום ראשון ואילך חשוב עם הצבור, שכבר התחילו הצבור פרשה זו בשבת במנחה. אבל המצוה מן המבחר היא לקרתה בערב שבת אחר חצות היום

ויש לקרות כל פרשה, דהינו פתוחה או סתומה, שני פעמים, ואחר כך התרגום עליה, כן הסכים הגאון הרב רבי אליהו וילנא זכר צדיק לברכה ואפלו הפרשה מסימת באמצע פסוק, יפסיק שם. ובגמר יש לומר אחר התרגום פסוק אחד בתורה, כדי לסיים בתורה

 וטוב שלא יפסיק בשיחה בין הקריאה. ונוהגין לקרות גם ההפטרה. ויש נוהגין עוד לומר אחר כך שיר השירים

 ומי שהוא בדרך ואין לו רק חמש בלי תרגום, יקרא שתי פעמים מקרא. וכשיבוא למקום שיהיה לו תרגום, יקרא התרגום. גם יש לו לכל ירא שמים, ללמוד פרוש רש"י על הסדרה, ואם לאו בר-הכי הוא ילמד פרוש לועזי על הסדרה, כגון ספר "צאינה וראינה" וכדומה, שיבין ענין הסדרה

Halocho #1012 - Looking after your health and possessions – Bal Tashchis

The Torah gave permission to doctors to heal. Therefore someone who is not feeling well may not rely on a miracle, but must go see a doctor and follow his instructions.

One who ignores medical advice is not only endangering their life but is also considered to be arrogant; one should use the top expert in the field.

That said, a person needs to realize that the actual cure comes from The One Above and should pray that their doctor be a successful messenger to heal them.

The same way it’s a Mitzva to preserve one's health , so too it’s a Mitzva to look after one's possessions; not to lose, break or waste them.

One who breaks vessels, tears clothes, wastes edible food, wastes money or throws away objects that other people could use has done the Aveira of לֹא-תַשְׁחִית as it says in דְּבָרִים כ:יט:

כִּי-תָצוּר אֶל-עִיר יָמִים רַבִּים לְהִלָּחֵם עָלֶיהָ לְתָפְשָׂהּ, לֹא-תַשְׁחִית אֶת-עֵצָהּ לִנְדֹּחַ עָלָיו גַּרְזֶן--כִּי מִמֶּנּוּ תֹאכֵל, וְאֹתוֹ לֹא תִכְרֹת, כִּי הָאָדָם עֵץ הַשָּׂדֶה, לָבֹא מִפָּנֶיךָ בַּמָּצוֹר

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 192:3, 190:3

- Danny
Wednesday, 13 Tevet 5773

Halocho #1011 - Be nice to the animals

It’s a Torah prohibition to cause pain to animals – and it's a Mitzvah to prevent such pain and to cure animals (even if they don’t belong to a Jew).

However, if an animal is causing harm to humans, or can be used to help cure humans then one may kill it (as humanely as possible) for we see that the Torah allows one to eat meat.

It’s a Mitzvah to help horses that are pulling a wagon and are struggling due to the incline or the rough terrain – even if they don’t belong to Jew. One should prevent the rider from whipping them unnecessarily to try get them to pull more than they can.

One may not tie the legs of animals in such a way that they are in discomfort.

One may not force a bird to roost on eggs from a different type of bird.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 191:1,2,3

- Danny
Tuesday, 12 Tevet 5773

Halocho #1010 - Do a Mitzva: Keep your home safe

The Torah says in דברים פרק כב:ח:

 כִּי תִבְנֶה בַּיִת חָדָשׁ, וְעָשִׂיתָ מַעֲקֶה לְגַגֶּךָ; וְלֹא-תָשִׂים דָּמִים בְּבֵיתֶךָ, כִּי-יִפֹּל הַנֹּפֵל מִמֶּנּוּ

It's a Mitzvah to put a fence around one's roof to prevent people from falling off.

The fence must be at least 10 Tefachim high (80 cm, 2 feet 7½ inches) and must be strong enough that a person can lean on it and not fall. A roof that is never used does not need a fence.

Similarly, any life threatening danger needs preventive protection as appropriate. E.g. a well or pit needs a fence or a cover strong enough to ensure nobody falls in.

For the same reason one may not own a dangerous dog nor a shaky ladder.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 190:1,2

- Danny
Monday, 11 Tevet 5773

Halocho #1009 - is today's fast (עשרה בטבת) mentioned in the Bible?

The prophet יְחֶזְקֵאל was told to record the 10th day of the 10th month (Tevet, counting from Nissan) as the day the the siege started:

 וַיְהִי דְבַר ה' אֵלַי בַּשָּׁנָה הַתְּשִׁיעִית, בַּחֹדֶשׁ הָעֲשִׂירִי, בֶּעָשׂוֹר לַחֹדֶשׁ, לֵאמֹר.   בֶּן-אָדָם, כְּתָב לְךָ אֶת-שֵׁם הַיּוֹם--אֶת-עֶצֶם, הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה: סָמַךְ מֶלֶךְ-בָּבֶל אֶל-יְרוּשָׁלִַם, בְּעֶצֶם הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה. 

 יְחֶזְקֵאל פרק כד:א-ב

The prophet זְכַרְיָה prophesied that the fast of the 4th month (Tammuz, counting from Nissan), the fast of the 5th month (Av) and the fast of the 10th month (Tevet) will be turned into days of joy.

 כֹּה-אָמַר ה'... צוֹם הָרְבִיעִי וְצוֹם הַחֲמִישִׁי וְצוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי וְצוֹם הָעֲשִׂירִי יִהְיֶה לְבֵית-יְהוּדָה לְשָׂשׂוֹן וּלְשִׂמְחָה, וּלְמֹעֲדִים, טוֹבִים; וְהָאֱמֶת וְהַשָּׁלוֹם, אֱהָבוּ. 

זְכַרְיָה פרק ח:יט

Today's Mincha consists of אַשְׁרֵי,  half-Kaddish and Torah reading. The 3rd Aliya also reads the Haftarah (דִּרְשׁוּ from יְשַׁעְיָהוּ) . Only somebody who is fasting should be called up to the Torah on a fast day.

After the 3 Brachot following the Haftara (until מָגֵן דָּוִד) , the Torah is returned to the Aaron HaKodesh followed by half-Kaddish and the Amida.

During the Mincha Amida, individuals add the "עֲנֵנוּ" prayer into the 16th Bracha; שְׁמַע קוֹלֵנוּ. If one forgot, one does not need to make amends.

The Chazzan adds עֲנֵנוּ during both Shacharit and Mincha, as a separate Bracha before רְפָאֵנוּ. 

Even at Mincha he adds Birkat Cohanim (or בָּרְכֵנוּ בַּבְּרָכָה הַמְשֻׁלֶּשֶׁת) after Modim.

The final Bracha is שִׂים שָׁלוֹם , since there was Torah reading.

The repetition of the Amida is followed by אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ in most communities, followed by Tachanun, Kaddish and עָלֵינוּ .

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 23:15, 19:14, 20:8, Rambam הלכות תעניות פרק ה,

- Danny
Sunday, 10 Tevet 5773

Halocho #1008 - Preparing for Shabbat

From the Pasuk זָכוֹר אֶת-יוֹם הַשַּׁבָּת - "Remember the day of Shabbat" ( שמות כ:ז) we learn that it's a Mitzva to keep Shabbat in mind all week; all special food should be reserved for Shabbat. 

On Friday it's a Mitzva to get up early to go shopping for Shabbat; this can even be done before Shacharit if need be (as long as you don't miss davening with a Minyan as a result). 

However, items that require preparation should be bought on Thursday already. 

Ezra already instituted doing laundry on Thursday in anticipation of Shabbat. 

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 72:4

Shabbat Shalom

- Danny, 7 Tevet 5773

Halocho #1007 - Torah reading on a fast day

On Sunday will be the fast of the 10th of Tevet - עשרה בטבת.

On every fast-day there is Kri'at HaTorah (Torah Reading) at both Shacharit and Mincha. We call up 3 people and read וַיְחַל from Parshat כִּי תִשָּׂא.

At Mincha, the 3rd Aliya also reads the Haftarah (דִּרְשׁוּ from Yeshayahu 55:6). Only somebody who is fasting should be called up to the Torah on a fast day.

During the Mincha Amida, individuals add the "עֲנֵנוּ" prayer into the 16th Bracha; שְׁמַע קוֹלֵנוּ. If one forgot, one does not need to make amends.

The Chazzan adds עֲנֵנוּ during both Shacharit and Mincha, as a separate Bracha before רְפָאֵנוּ.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 23:15, 19:14, 20:8

- Danny
Wednesday, 6 Tevet 5773

Halocho #1006 - When does the fast start on Sunday?

On Sunday will be the fast of 10 B'Tevet.

No eating and drinking is allowed from dawn (4:54 in Jerusalem) to nightfall (16:57 in Jerusalem).

One may eat before dawn if one had the intention of doing so before going to sleep the night before.

If one always drinks when one gets up, then one can drink before dawn even of one didn't think about it when going to bed.

Pregnant and nursing mothers as well as people who aren't feeling well do not need to fast if fasting will cause them discomfort. Anybody who isn't healthy shouldn't fast. When in doubt, consult your LOR (Local Orthodox Rabbi).

Children are not allowed to fast.

Those who may eat, as well as children, should not indulge in food. If possible they should limit themselves to bread and water.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 121:8, 8

- Danny
Tuesday, 5 Tevet 5773

Halocho #1005 - Why will we fast on Sunday?

This coming Sunday - 10 Tevet - עשרה בטבת - we fast to commemorate the beginning of the siege against Jerusalem.

Almost 2,500 years ago the wicked King Nebuchadnezzar laid siege against Jerusalem which culminated in the destruction of the first Bet Hamikdash, a year and a half later.

This is the King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon in whose court Daniel (who survived the lion's den) served.

The purpose of the fast is to awaken us to repent; if the Bet Hamikdash has not been rebuilt then we suffer from similar deficiencies that caused it to be destroyed.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 121:3

Trivia: This will be the second fast of Asara B'Tevet during 2012. :-)

- Danny
Monday, 4 Tevet 5773

Halocho #1004 - Leftover oil and wicks from Chanuka

Oil that was put in the Chanuka Menora and was not burnt, as well as wicks that were used and candles that didn't burn fully should be burnt after Chanuka.

Since they were set aside for the Mitzva of Chanuka they cannot be used for any other purpose.

If one had the explicit intention to use the leftovers, then they need not be burnt.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:20

Today is the last day of Chanuka; don't forget עַל הַנִּסִּים !

- Danny

Sunday, Zot Chaunka, 3 Tevet 5773

Halocho #1003 - When do we light the Menora on Erev Shabbat?

On Friday afternoon one lights the Chanuka Menora before lighting Shabbat candles. One can light as early as 75 Halachic minutes before sunset. (15:34 in Jerusalem, this year.)

If possible, one should daven an early Mincha so as to light the Menora after Mincha.

One must start lighting the Menora early enough to be able to light Shabbat candles at the regular time.

On Friday one needs longer candles or more oil to ensure the Menora will be lit until 30 minutes after dark.

If lighting near a doorway, one needs to ensure that opening the door will not extinguish the Menora. If needed one should put a non-flammable partition between the Menora and the door.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:17

Reminder: Thursday night and Friday is Rosh Chodesh; don't forget to add both יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא and עַל הַנִּסִּים to the Birkat HaMazon and the Amida.

On Shabbat we will take out 2 Sifrei Torah:
- In the first Sefer Torah we call up [at least] 7 people for the weekly portion - מִקֵּץ .
- Maftir is read from the 2nd Sefer Torah and is for Chanuka - בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי from Parshat נָשֹׂא .

The Haftara this week is the Chanuka one (רָנִּי וְשִׂמְחִי בַּת צִיּוֹן from Zecharia 2:14).

Review: On Motzai Shabbat - the last night of Chanuka this year - one first makes Havdalah and then lights the Chanuka Menora.

In Shul - on Motzai Shabbat - the Menora is lit after the full-Kaddish - before וְיִתֶּן לְךָ (after ensuring that it's already Motzai Shabbat if one started prayers early).
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:18

Some have the custom of lighting the Menora before making Havdala, since one already heard Havdala in shul. (Source: רמ"א 581:2)

Chodesh Tov and Shabbat Shalom

- Danny,
Thursday, 5th day of Chanuka, Erev Rosh Chodesh Tevet 5773

Halocho #1002 - Friday: Rosh Chodesh and Chanuka

Friday - 6th day of Chanuka - is Rosh Chodesh Tevet.

On Thursday night and Friday we add in both יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא and עַל הַנִּסִּים to the Birkat HaMazon and the Amida.

Rosh Chodesh Tevet is the only time the full-Hallel is said on Rosh Chodesh. After Hallel, the full Kadish תִּתְקַבַּל is recited.

Between Shacharit and Mussaf we will take out 2 Sifrei Torah. First we call up 3 people to the Torah for Rosh Chodesh. In the second Sefer Torah a fourth person is called up for Chanuka, then Half-Kadish is recited.

We then daven Mussaf for Rosh Chodesh, with עַל הַנִּסִּים .
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:24

- Danny
Wednesday, 4th day of Chanuka, 28 Kislev 5773

Please daven for a רְפוּאָה שְׁלֵמָה מִן הַשָּׁמַיִם לאֶפְרַיִם בֶּן מִרְיָם בְּתוֹךְ שְׁאָר חוֹלֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל

Halocho #1001 - What is Zot Chanuka?

The Torah Reading for Sunday - the last day of Chanuka - has 39 verses.

It starts from בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁמִינִי in Parshat נָשֹׂא and continues all the way past the end of the Parsha and ends with the first paragraph of Parshat בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ which talks about the daily lighting the 7-branched Menora in the Mishkan and the Bet HaMikdash.

The last paragraph of Parshat נָשֹׂא starts with the words זֹאת חֲנֻכַּת הַמִּזְבֵּחַ- as a result the last day of Chanuka is often referred to as Zot Chanuka.

Don't forget עַל הַנִּסִּים !
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:23

- Danny
Tuesday, 3rd day Chanuka, 27th Kislev 5773

Please daven for a רְפוּאָה שְׁלֵמָה מִן הַשָּׁמַיִם לאֶפְרַיִם בֶּן מִרְיָם בְּתוֹךְ שְׁאָר חוֹלֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל

Halocho #1000 - Hallel and fasting on Chanuka

The entire Hallel is said on all 8 days of Chanuka. Chanuka is the only time that the entire Hallel is said on Rosh Chodesh. (Usually on Rosh Chodesh we leave out 2 half-paragraphs; לֹא לָנוּ and אָהַבְתִּי כִּי יִשְׁמַע.)

One does not fast on Chanuka, except for a Ta'anit Chalom (fasting after a worrisome dream).

No Tachanun is said on Chanuka, starting from Mincha the day before. א' אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם is not said before Kriat HaTorah on Chanuka.
לַמְנַצֵּחַ is not said after אַשְׁרֵי during Chanuka.

Don't forget עַל הַנִּסִּים !
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 22:8, 25:2, 139:2

- Danny
Monday, 2nd day of Chanuka, 26th Kislev 5773

Please daven for the רְפוּאָה שְׁלֵמָה of אֶפְרַיִם בן מרים

Halocho #999 - Al HaNisim during Chanuka

During all 8 days (and nights) of Chanuka one adds עַל הַנִּסִּים to the Birkat Hamazon during the 2nd Bracha - נוֹדֶה לְךָ. If you forgot to add עַל הַנִּסִּים and you've already said 'בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה 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 מַתִּתְיָהוּ

...and then continue with the rest of the עַל הַנִּסִּים.

During every Amida of Chanuka (including Mussaf) one adds עַל הַנִּסִּים during מוֹדִים .

If you forgot to add עַל הַנִּסִּים and you've already said 'בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה then you don't have to make amends.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 44:16, 139: 21

- Danny
Sunday, 1st day Chanuka, 25 Kislev 5773

Halocho #998 - Shabbat Erev Chanuka

This week, Shabbat is also Erev Chanuka. Suggestion: Prepare your Menora before Shabbat!

Shabbat morning:
This Shabbat we read the regular Parsha - וַיֵּשֶׁב - and its regular Haftara (כֹּה אָמַר  from Amos Ch. 2.)

This week is Shabbat Mevorchim. Rosh Chodesh Tevet will be on Friday, the 6th day of Chanuka.

This week and next week we will omit אָב  הָרַחֲמִים  before Mussaf.

Mincha:
This week and next week we will omit צִדְקָתְךָ at Mincha.

Motzai Shabbat:

Motzai Shabbat:
Add אַתָּה חוֹנַנְתָּנוּ in the 4th Bracha of the Amida.
Add עַל הַנִּסִּים in the Amida during מוֹדִים and in Birkat haMazon during נוֹדֶה לְךָ.

In Shul the Menora is lit after the full-Kaddish - before וְיִתֶּן לְךָ (after ensuring that it's already Motzai Shabbat if prayers started early).

At home, on Motzai Shabbat, one first makes Havdalah and then lights the Chanukah Menorah.


On the first night we say 3 Brachot before lighting: 

 בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ... מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁלַחֲנֻכָּה

 בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ... מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁעָשָׂה נִסִּים לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם בַּזְּמַן הַזֶּה

 בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ... מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 22:8, 139

Some have the custom of lighting the Menora before making Havdala at home, since one already heard Havdala in shul. (Source: רמ"א 581:2)

Shabbat Shalom uMevorach

- Danny
Thursday,22 Kislev 5773

Halocho #997 - I don't remember if I prayed for rain...

Yesterday we learnt that we add a prayer for rain in the 9th Bracha of the Amida  - בָּרֵךְ עָלֵינוּ  - starting from 7th Cheshvan in Israel, and from the 5th December outside of Israel.

If you're unsure if you added וְתֵן טַל וּמָטָר לִבְרָכָה or not: 

- For the first 30 days you have to assume you left it out. (Yesterday's Halocho gave the rules for amending that).

After 30 days you can assume that you said it. 

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 19:8

Tip: If you practice saying it 90 times (starting from אֶת הַשָּׁנָה הַזֹּאת) then you can assume you said it correctly.: 

אֶת הַשָּׁנָה הַזֹּאת וְאֶת כָּל מִינֵי תְּבוּאָתָהּ לְטוֹבָה וְתֵן טַל וּמָטָר לִבְרָכָה עַל פְּנֵי הָאֲדָמָה

Source: Shulchan Aruch 114:9

- Danny
Wednesday 21 Kislev 5773

Halocho #996 - Ask for rain tonight!

Since Mussaf on Shmini Atzeret we have been praising Hashem for the wonderful gift of rain, by adding מַשִּׁיב הָרוּחַ וּמוֹרִיד הַגֶּשֶׁם  "He makes the wind blow and He causes the rain to fall"  into אַתָּה גִּבּוֹר - the second Bracha of the Amida.

In Israel only, starting from 7th Cheshvan we started adding a prayer for rain - וְתֵן טַל וּמָטָר לִבְרָכָה - in the 9th Bracha of the weekday Amida - בָּרֵךְ עָלֵינוּ. (Sefardim started saying בָּרֵךְ עָלֵינוּ  instead of בַּרְכֵנוּ as the 9th Bracha.)

Starting tonight - Tuesday night - we start praying for rain on weekdays, in the 9th Bracha of the Amida - בָּרֵךְ עָלֵינוּ - all over the world.

If you forgot to add וְתֵן טַל וּמָטָר לִבְרָכָה - "and bless us with dew and rain", then:

• If you remember before you finish בָּרֵךְ עָלֵינוּ then you insert it and continue from there.
  
• If you already said "Baruch Ata Hashem" of the בָּרֵךְ עָלֵינוּ then you insert it into שְׁמַע קוֹלֵנוּ before כִּי אַתָּה שׁוֹמֵעַ.
  
• If you forget to say it in שְׁמַע קוֹלֵנוּ  then you need to go back to the 9th Bracha - בָּרֵךְ עָלֵינוּ .
  
• If you don't remember until you finished the Amida (defined as saying יִהְיוּ לְרָצוֹן אִמְרֵי פִי ) then you have to restart the entire Amida.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 19:5

- Danny
Jerusalem, Tuesday 20 Kislev 5773

Halocho #995 - Using the light of the Chanuka Menora

Each night of Chanuka we add an extra light, starting at 1 and ending at 8.

Besides for the nightly number, the custom is to add an extra candle each night - known as the Shamash.

This is ensure that one doesn't accidentally use the light from the actual Chanuka lights, which is forbidden.

After the Chanuka Menora has been burning for half an hour after nightfall, one may derive benefit from the lights of the Chanuka Menora.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:14

- Danny

19 Kislev 5773 - י"ט כסלו ה'תשע"ג

Halocho #994 - The Chanuka Menora in shul

In order to publicize the miracle of Chanuka, the Menora is lit - with the correct Brachot - in the synagogue, between Mincha and Ma'ariv.

The person who lit the Menora in shul has to light again at home, with the correct Brachot.

A mourner should not light the Menora in shul on the first night of Chanuka, since it's inappropriate for him to say שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ in public. At home a mourner does say שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ on the first night.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:15

- Danny

18 Kislev 5773

Halocho #993 - No fresh fruit on Shabbat

Fruit that was picked on Shabbat may not be eaten on that Shabbat - even if a non-Jew picked it for himself.

Even fruit that is lying under a tree is forbidden, since it may have fallen off on Shabbat.

Such fruit is Muktza and may not even be moved, until after Shabbat.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 80:9

Shabbat Shalom

- Danny
Thursday, 15 Kislev 5773

Halocho #992 - How early can one light the Chanuka Menora?

Chanuka lights can already be lit from Plug HaMincha, with the Brachot.

Plug HaMincha is 75 Halachic-minutes before sunset. In Winter this is closer to 60 minutes; on the first day of Chanukah this year in Jerusalem, Plug HaMincha is at 15:32 which is 63 minutes before sunset.

When lighting early, the Menora has to burn until 30 minutes after nightfall.

(As we already learned: there are 2 opinions regarding nightfall: Some say it refers to dusk, other say it refers to 3 stars appearing (like Motzai Shabbat). Everybody should follow their family custom.)

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:1, 10

- Danny
Wednesday, 14 Kislev 5773

Halocho #991 - Who should light the Chanukah Menorah?

Since both men and women were included in the miracle of Chanukah, both need to light the Chanukah Menorah.

At least one person per household must light.

The custom is for everybody to light, including children under Bar Mitzva. However, married couples share one Chanukah Menorah that either the husband or wife lights.

Even blind people should light, if they live by themselves.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:16

- Danny
Tuesday, 13 Kislev 5773

Halocho #990 - What time does one light the Chanuka Menora?

On Motzai Shabbat - the first and last nights of Chanuka this year - one lights the Chanuka Menora after Shabbat ends.

• The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch says one should first make Havdala and then light the Chanuka Menora.
  
• Some have the custom of lighting the Chanuka Menora before making Havdala, since one already heard Havdala in shul. (Source: רמ"א 581:2)

On weekdays - Sunday through Thursday - the Chanuka Menora should be lit at nightfall.

• There are 2 opinions regarding nightfall: Some say it refers to dusk, other say it refers to 3 stars appearing (like Motzai Shabbat). Everybody should follow their family custom.

On Friday afternoon one lights the Chanuka Menora before lighting Shabbat candles.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139

- Danny

12 Kislev 5773

Halocho #989 - When is Chanukah this year?

The 8 days of Chanukah always start on the 25th of Kislev; the first candle being lit on the evening before.

This year Chanukah starts on Sunday, 9th December 2012. We will light the first flame on Motzai Shabbat VaYeshev.

A week later - (Motzai Shabbat Miketz, 15th Dec) we will light all 8 flames for the 8th day of Chanuka.

On Motzai Shabbat one first makes Havdalah and then lights the Chanukah Menorah.

In Shul - on Motzai Shabbat - the Menorah is lit after the full-Kaddish - before וְיִתֶּן לְךָ (after ensuring that it's already Motzai Shabbat if one started prayers early).

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:18

Some have the custom of lighting the Menorah before making Havdala, since one already heard Havdala in shul. (Source: רמ"א 581:2)

- Danny
11 Kislev 5773

Halocho #988 - Your life or your Shabbat

Saving lives takes precedence over Shabbat. (Saving lives takes precedence over all sins besides for idolatry, adultery and murder.)

Even if the danger is not certain, one must transgress Shabbat - if needed - and take care of the potential danger.

When a potential life threatening situation arises on Shabbat, one first takes care of the danger - and later one can ask questions for future reference.

Even if a non-Jew is available, one desecrates Shabbat and does not waste time trying to get the non-Jew to avert the danger.

Even if many people desecrated Shabbat to avert a danger, and they unnecessarily duplicated each others efforts, they all get rewarded for their efforts to save a life.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 92:1

Shabbat Shalom,
- Danny
8 Kislev 5773

Halocho #987 - Come to Israel!

Living in Eretz Yisrael is a Mitzva. Walking 4 Amot (~2 m.) in Eretz Yisrael is a Mitzva. Even moving to Eretz Yisrael is considered part of the Mitzva.

One may not leave Eretz Yisrael except to learn Torah, get married, to escape from danger or for business trips.

Source: Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 248:4 - ספר המצות הקצר - מצות לא תעשה קצב

- Danny

7 Kislev 5773

Halocho #986 – Cohen gets preferential treatment

A Talmid Chacham (Torah scholar) has preference over a Cohen.

Everybody else needs to give preference to the Cohen; he gets called first to the Torah, gets to speak first at functions, at meals gets served first and leads the Zimun.

In a business partnership a Cohen does not get preferential treatment.

One may not use a Cohen to run ones errands or do other mundane tasks, unless the Cohen has agreed to relinquish his Cohen status for this purpose.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 144:8-9

To clarify: A Cohen always gets called to the Torah first, so as to prevent the unpleasantness of people arguing as to whether a specific person is a Talmid Chacham worthy of displacing the Cohen or not.
- Danny Schoemann
Monday 20 Shevat 5772

Halocho #985 – Honoring other family members

Everybody has to honor the following people:
- One's father's wife and one's mother's husband.

- One's father-in-law and one's mother-in-law.

- One's grandparents, though one's parents' honor has priority.

- One's older brother; even if he's a half-brother.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 143:19-20

- Danny
Sunday, 19 Shvat 5772

סעיף יט - חייב אדם לכבד אשת אביו אף על פי שאינה אמו כל זמן שאביו קיים. וכן חייב לכבד בעל אמו כל זמן שאמו קיימת, ודבר הגון הוא לכבדם גם לאחר מיתת אביו ואמו. סעיף כ - חייב אדם בכבוד אחיו הגדול ממנו בין שהוא אחיו מן האב בין מן האם, וחייב אדם בכבוד חמיו וחמותו (כדמצינו בדוד המלך עליו השלום שחלק כבוד לשאול המלך שהיה חמיו קראו אבי, שאמר לו אבי ראה גם ראה) וחייב בכבוד אבי אביו, אלא שכבוד אביו גדול מכבוד אבי אביו

Halocho #984 – Bathing for Shabbat

It's a Mitzvah to bathe on Friday with warm water; or at least to wash one's face, hands and feet.

It's also a Mitzvah to shampoo ones hair, cut ones nails and have a haircut if needed.

One should not cut finger and toe nails on the same day. One doesn’t cut [finger] nails on Thursday as then they begin growing (and looking unkempt) on Shabbat.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 72:12, 14

Shabbat Shalom,

- Danny
Thursday, 16 Shvat 5772

Halocho #983 - What happens on Tu B'Shvat?

Our Sages have designated the 15th of Shvat - Tu B'Shvat- as the boundary between one year and another, since (in most years) most of the rain of the winter has already fallen by then.

Any new growth of fruit after this day, is the result of the blessing of the new year.

It is customary to pray for a beautiful Kosher Etrog on Tu B'Shvat.
Source: The Book of our Heritage, Vol I, page 346-349

- Danny
Wednesday, 15 Shvat 5771

Halocho #982 - Tomorrow is Tu B'Shvat

Tu B'Shvat starts tonight (Tuesday evening).

Tu B'Shvat - the 15th of the month of Shvat - is the New Year as far as tithing fruits is concerned.

Fruit from trees that blossomed before Tu B'Shvat belong to the previous year's Trumot & Ma'aser quota.

The custom is to eat more fruit than usual on Tu B'Shvat.

One does not say Tachanun on Tu B'Shvat, nor at Mincha the day before.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 22:8, 139:26. Rosh Hashana Mishna 1:1.

- Danny
Tuesday, 14 Shvat 5771

Halocho #981 - Which Bracha comes first?

Wednesday will be Tu B'Shvat and customarily lots of fruit will be served.

Which fruit should you choose as the one to hold in your right hand and make the Bracha on?

- If one has a favorite fruit and it's being offered, it should be used to make the Bracha.
- If one has no preference then one of the "7 species" has preference.
- If there are none of the 7 species, then one should pick a whole fruit, as opposed to a cut one.
- A Boreh Pri Ha'Etz has precedence over Boreh Pri Ha'Adama (e.g. strawberries and bananas).

The 7 species are (in order of Bracha-precedence): Bread from wheat, Cakes from wheat, Wine, Olives, Barley (baked or cooked), Dates, Grapes (in solid form), Figs, Pomegranates

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 55:1 - 3

- Danny
Monday, 13 Shvat 5771

Halocho #980 - Waking one's parents

One may not wake up ones parents even if it is going to cause one a major monetary loss.

However if one's parents are going to suffer a monetary loss and they will be distressed over the loss then one must wake them.

So too one should wake them for in time for prayers or for any other Mitzvah.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 143:4
- Danny
Sunday, 12 Shevat 5772

Halocho #979 - May one feed the birds on Shabbat Shira?

House pets or any other animals that depend on you for their food, must be fed on Shabbat before one starts eating.

Animals that do not rely on humans for their food may not be fed on Shabbat, and one may not even throw them leftovers, with the exception of stray dogs.

One may not feed pigeons as they are capable of fending for themselves.

The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch holds that the custom to put out grain for the birds on Shabbat Shira (this week) is incorrect since birds do not rely on humans for their food. He allows one to put out grain for them before Shabbat.
Other Rabbis disagree, and allow the Minhag of feeding birds on this Shabbath.

One may feed silkworms on Shabbat.
Source Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 87:18

Shabbat Shalom

- Danny
Thursday, 8 Shvat 5772

Aruch Hashulchan:

יש מתרעמים על המנהג בשבת שירה לזרוק חטין לפני העופות. אבל נראה לי דמנהג ישראל תורה, שהרי אין אנו טורחים בשבילם, אלא בשבילנו, דמרגלא בפי ההמון שהעופות אמרו שירה על הים, ולכן אנו מחזירים להם טובה, ואם כן הכוונה כדי לזכור שמחת... שירת הים ולית לן בה, ויש מי שכתב דכיון דכוונתינו לשם מצוה מותר. 

The Maharal MiPrague:

שהמלמדים יאספו הילדים בחצר בהכ"נ להודיעם על המנהג לפזר חטים בשבת שירה

Halocho #978 - Preparing the weekly Parsha

It's a Mitzvah to review the week's Torah Reading by reading it twice in the original and once with the (Aramaic) Onkelus translation.

One who doesn't understand (or appreciate) Onkelus may read Rashi instead, or even an English translation.

One may start on Sunday already and one should finish before the Torah is read on Shabbat morning.

Source: Kitzur SA 72:11
- Danny
Wednesday, 8 Shevat 5772

Halocho #977 - Treat your parents the Torah way!

Honoring Parents
Honoring parents includes feeding them, clothing and covering them as well as accompanying them.

All the above must be done cheerfully - as the attitude counts more than the actions; one gets punished for being dour around one's parents even if one treats them with delicacies. 

Respecting parents

One may not sit nor stand in one's parents designated place in shul or at home or anywhere else where they may have a designated place.

One may not contradict one's parents.

One may not approve of one's parents in their presence (e.g. I see your point) as this indicates that one would have the ability to say otherwise.

Even if parents insult one in public one may not upset them, though one may take legal action to recuperate any monetary loss they caused.

Source: KSA 142:1, 3
- Danny
Tuesday, 7 Shevat 5772

Halocho #976 - Bikur Cholim - Visiting the sick

It's a Mitzvah to visit sick people irrelevant of the social standing of the visitor or the patient.

Close friends and family may visit immediately, but others should wait until the 4th day, so as not to aggravate his Mazal and give his the "sick" title.

However if a person becomes very ill very suddenly then all may visit immediately.

One may visit numerous times a day - as long as it doesn't bother the patient.

How to behave when doing Bikur Cholim:
When visiting the sick one may not sit on a chair of he's lying on the floor, in deference to the Shechina which is above the sick person's head. If he's in a bed, one may sit on a chair.

The main point of visiting the sick is to find out if one can help him in anyway, so that he feels he has friends who care about him and in order to pray for him.

Source: Kitzur Shuhlchan Aruch 193:1-3

- Danny
6 Shevat 5772

Halocho #975 - Looking after your health and possessions

The same way it’s a Mitzva to preserve one's health and wellbeing – so too it’s a Mitzva to look after one's possessions not to loose, break or waste them.

Anybody who breaks vessels, tears clothes, wastes edible food, wastes money or throws away objects that other people could use has done the Aveira of Lo Sashchit.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 190:3

- Danny
Sunday, 5 Shevat 5772

Halocho #974 - Laws of somebody who doesn’t keep Shabbath

Keeping Shabbath is equivalent to keeping the entire Torah, and transgression it is equivalent to denying the entire Torah.

Somebody who transgresses Shabbath on purpose, in public, (i.e. 10 Jews know about it) is like a non-Jew in many aspects: If he touches wine it becomes forbidden (Yayin Nesech), the foods he cooks or bakes are Bishul Akum.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 72:1-2

Shabbat Shalom

- Danny
Thursday, 2 Shevat 5772

סימן עב – גודל קדושת שבת סעיף א שבת קודש היא האות הגדול והברית, שנתן לנו הקדוש ברוך הוא לדעת כי בששת ימים עשה ה' את השמים ואת הארץ וכל אשר בהם ושבת ביום השביעית. והוא יסוד האמונה, ואמרו רבותינו זכרונם לברכה שקולה שבת ככל המצות. כל המשמר את השבת כהלכתו כאלו מקיים כל התורה כולה, וכל המחלל את השבת כאלו כפר בכל התורה כולה. וכן הוא אומר בעזרא ועל הר סיני ירדת ותתן לעמך תורה ומצות, ואת שבת קדשך הודעת להם. סעיף ב וכל המחלל את השבת בפרהסיא הרי הוא כעובד כוכבים לכל דבריו, אם נוגע ביין אוסרו, והפת שהוא אופה הוי כמו פת של עובד כוכבים, וכן התבשיל שהוא מבשל הוי כמו בישולי עובד כוכבים. ופרהסיא הוי בפני עשרה מישראל, ולאו דוקא שעושה בפניהם ממש אלא שיודעין בהעבירה, דהכי מוכח בגמרא ופוסקים גבי, "והא אסתר פרהסיא הוה". וכן כתב הפרי מגדים פירסום הוי עשרה מישראל או שידע שיתפרסם

Halocho #973 - Hallel on Rosh Chodesh

Today (Wednesday) is Rosh-Chodesh Shevat.

Hallel is recited on Rosh Chodesh and Mo'adim during Shacharit between the chazzan's repetition of the Amida and Reading the Torah.

One needs to stand during recitation of Hallel, which preferably should be recited with a minyan. If one comes to shul late, one joins the minyan in their recitation of Hallel, even if it's before one has prayed.

If one already started Psukay D'Zimra and the minyan begins Hallel one joins them, however one doesn’t say the Bracha before and after Hallel, relying instead on Baruch-She'amar and Yishtabach.

This applies only to days like Rosh Chodesh (excluding Tevet) when one says the "half"-Hallel.

One should not interrupt the recitation of Hallel.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 97:4

Chodesh Tov!

- Danny,
Rosh Chodesh Shevat 5772

Halocho #972 - May one fast on Rosh Chodesh?

Tonight - Tuesday night - is Rosh Chodesh Shevat.

It’s a mitzvah to eat a bigger meal on Rosh Chodesh.

One may do work on Rosh Chodesh, but one may not fast nor say eulogies.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 97:2, 3, 6

- Danny
Tuesday, 29 Tevet 5772

סעיף ב מצוה להרבות בסעודה בראש חודש, ואם חל בשבת יעשה תבשיל אחד יותר מבשאר שבתות. סעיף ג ראש חודש מותר בעשיית מלאכה, ונשים נוהגות שלא לעשות בו מלאכה, ומנהג הגון הוא ואין להקל להם. סעיף ו ראש חודש אסור בתענית ובהספד, ואין אומרים בו צדוק הדין

Halocho #971- Erev Rosh Chodesh is Yom Kippour Kattan

Some have the custom of fasting on the eve of Rosh Chodesh (the new Jewish [lunar] month) and adding the Yom Kippour Kattan prayers (during Mincha).

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 97:1

Tomorrow - Tuesday - will be Erev Rosh Chodesh Shevat 

- Danny

Monday, 28 Tevet 5772

סעיף א יש נוהגין להתענות בערב ראש חודש ואומרים סדר יום כפור קטן, שבו מתכפרין כל העונות של כל החדש, דומיא דשעיר ראש חדש וכמו שאנו אומרים במוסף זמן כפרה לכל תולדותם, וכל מקום לפי מנהגו

Halocho #970 Preventing pain to animals

It’s a Mitzvah to help horses that are pulling a wagon and are struggling due to the incline or the rough terrain – even if they don’t belong to Jew.

One should prevent the rider from whipping them unnecessarily to try get them to pull more than they can.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 191:2
- Danny
Sunday, 27 Tevet 5772

Halocho #969 - Prepare for Shabbat

From the Pasuk "זָכוֹר אֶת יוֹם הַשַּׁבָּת" - "remember the day of Shabbat" we learn that it's a Mitzvah to keep Shabbat in mind all week; all special food should be reserved for Shabbat.

On Friday it's a Mitzvah to get up early to go shopping for Shabbat this can even be done before Shacharit if need be (as long as you don't miss your Minyan).

However, items that require preparation should be bought on Thursday already.

Ezra the Scribe (who lived about 2,500 years ago) already instituted doing laundry on Thursday in anticipation of Shabbat.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 72:4

This week is Shabbat Mevorchim of Chodesh Shevat. Rosh Chodesh Shevat will
be on Wednesday

Shabbat Shalom uMevorach

- Danny
Thursday, 24 Tevet 5772

Halocho #968 - One may not harm animals

It’s a Torah prohibition to cause pain to animals – and a Mitzvah to prevent such pain and even cure animals (even if they don’t belong to a Jew).

However, if an animal is causing harm to humans, or can be used to help cure humans, then one may kill it (as humanely as possible) for we see that the Torah allows one to eat meat.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 191:1
- Danny
Wednesday, 23 Tevet 5772

Halocho #967 – Protection from dangerous items

Any life threatening danger needs preventive protection as appropriate. E.g. a well or pit needs a fence or a cover strong enough to ensure nobody falls in.

Similarly one may not own a dangerous dog nor a shaky ladder.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 190:1-2
- Danny
Tuesday, 22 Tevet 5772

Halocho #966 - A fence around your roof

It's a Mitzvah to put a fence around ones roof to prevent people from falling off.

The fence must be at least 10 Tefachim (80 cm - 30") high and must be strong enough that a person can lean on it and not fall.

A roof that is never used does not need a fence.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 190:1
- Danny
Monday, 21 Tevet 5772

Halocho #965 - Learn some Torah every day

After the daily Shacharit (morning prayers) you should have an immutable fixed time to learn some Torah.

Even the potential of earning a lot of money should not void this fixed time.

In an emergency, at the very least you should learn one Pasuk or one Halacha, and remember to catch up on your daily quota when you free up.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 27:1
- Danny
Sunday, 20 Tevet 5772

Halocho #964 - Noise pollution

If one has a neighbor who suffers from headaches caused by noise, one must be considerate and be careful not to make unnecessary noise. E.g.: one may not use a hammer if a neighbor will hear it and suffer.

The same would apply to loud music during siesta time or after they have put their kids to bed.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 184:4
- Danny
Wednesday, 16 Tevet 5772

Halocho #963 - Hitting as an educational tool

One is not allowed to hit one's servants, even as a means to force them to obey.

One may hit one's own children - including adopted children - if done in a way that will educate them to be upright people.

Before hitting, one should first try explaining the issue; if that fails and one must resort to hitting, one must be careful not to be cruel; one may not beat up a kid to vent one's anger.

It is forbidden to forewarn a child that they will be hit later, as this can traumatize the child. If hitting is called for, one either hits or one keeps quiet about it.

It is forbidden to hit children who will hit back - even if they are not yet Bar Mitzva - since one causes them to sin.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 184:2, 143:18: 165:1

- Danny
Sunday, 13 Tevet 5772

Halocho #962 - Why will we fast today?

Today -  Thursday 10 Tevet - we fast to commemorate the beginning of the siege against Jerusalem.

Almost 2,500 years ago the wicked King Nebuchadnezzar laid siege against Jerusalem which culminated in the destruction of the first Bet Hamikdash, a year and a half later.

This is the King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon in whose court Daniel (who survived the lion's den) served.

The purpose of the fast is to awaken us to repent; if the Bet Hamikdash has not been rebuilt then we suffer from similar deficiencies that caused it to be destroyed.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 121:3

Trivia: We did not fast on Asara B'Tevet during 2011. :-)

- Danny
Thursday, 10 Tevet 5772

Halocho #961 - Laws of fasting

Tomorrow -  Thursday  - will be the fast of the 10th of Tevet - עשרה בטבת.

The fast begins Thursday at dawn (5:04 in Jerusalem) and ends at nightfall (a few minutes before the time for Motzai Shabbat - 17:10 in Jerusalem).

Pregnant and nursing mothers are exempt from fasting. Anybody who isn't healthy shouldn't fast. When in doubt, consult your LOR (Local Orthodox Rabbi).

Children are not allowed to fast.

Those who are not fasting should limit their food intake to the bare minimum; only bread and water if possible.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 121:2, 9

- Danny
Wednesday, 9 Tevet 5772

Halocho #960 - Changes in davening on a fast day

On Thursday will be the fast of the 10th of Tevet - עשרה בטבת.

On every fast-day there is Kriat HaTorah (Torah Reading) at both Shacharit and Mincha.

At Mincha, the 3rd Aliya also reads the Haftarah (דִּרְשׁוּ from Yeshayahu 55:6). Only somebody who is fasting should be called up to the Torah on a fast day.

During the Mincha Amida, individuals add the "עֲנֵנוּ" prayer into the 16th Bracha; שְׁמַע קוֹלֵנוּ. If one forgot, one does not need to make amends.

The Chazzan adds עֲנֵנוּ during both Shacharit and Mincha, as a separate Bracha before רְפָאֵנוּ.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 23:15, 19:14, 20:8

- Danny
Tuesday, 8 Tevet 5772

Halocho #959 - Long time no see; make a Bracha

If one is happy when seeing a very dear friend (including spouses, parents, siblings and teachers) after not having seen them for more than 30 days, one makes the Bracha of Shehechiyanu:

"Blessed... who has kept us alive, sustained us and permitted us to reach this occasion."
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה', אֱ-לֹקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם
 שֶׁהֶחֱיָינוּ וקִיְּמָנוּ והִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמָן הַזֶּה

One can make this Bracha even if one received letters from them during this time.

If one has not seen them for more than 12 months one makes this Bracha instead:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה', אֱ-לֹקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם
מְחַיֵּה הַמֵּתִים
"Blessed... who revives the dead".

This is because anything 12 months old is considered to be forgotten. Therefore, if one communicated with them - or received regards from them - during the past 12 months, one says Bracha of Shehechiyanu.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 59:20

- Danny
Monday, 7 Tevet 5772

Halocho #958 - Is boxing a Kosher sport?

It is forbidden to hit a fellow Jew.

One who hits another Jew has transgressed a Torah prohibition.

Even one who simply lifts his hand with the intent to hit is called "wicked" as we will learn in next week's Parsha (Shmot); "[Moshe] said to the wicked one: Why are you going to hit your friend?" - even before he hit, he was referred to as the wicked one.

Hitting back in self-defense is permitted, if there are no other options.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 184:1

- Danny
Sunday, 6 Tevet 5772