Halocho # 486 - When does one say Tefilat HaDerech?

Tefilat HaDerech - the traveler's prayer - cannot be said before one has left the city limits; defined as 70 and ⅔ Amot (~35 meters / 115 feet) after the last house.

Preferably it should be said after one has travelled at least one "Miel" (~1 Km / ~0.6 miles) from the city limit.

If you're overnighting on a multi-day trip, you can say Tefilat HaDerech before leaving for the day.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 68:1

- Danny
Tuesday, 19 Tevet 5770

Halocho # 470 - How high can a Menorah be?

The lights on the Chanukah Menorah must be at least 3 Tefachim (24 cm - 10") above the floor.

The Chanukah Menorah must be no higher than 20 Amos (~10 m.) from the floor.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:8

- Danny
Monday, 3rd day of Chanukah, 27 Kislev 5770

See other laws of Chanukah at http://halocho.blogspot.com/search/label/Chanukka

Halocho #382 - What is a Zecher L'Churban?

After the destruction of the Bet Hamikdash (Temple) certain types of joy were forbidden and certain acts of mourning were instituted "Zecher L'Churban" - as a reminder of the destruction. One may not plaster ones entire house; a square Ama (~50 cm x 50 cm) of wall opposite [or above] the front door should be left bare to recall the destruction. The reason many people don't do so nowadays is unclear. A woman should never wear all her jewelry at the same time. Some ashes are put on a groom's head before the Chuppa (wedding ceremony) on the spot he usually wears his Tefilin. A bride's veil should not have gold nor silver threads. A plate is broken at the engagement, and a cup under the Chuppa. All these [and more] are done Zecher L'Churban - as a reminder of the destruction. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 126:1,2 - Danny Sunday, 12 Av 5769

Please daven for a complete recovery for Bracha Elisheva bas Kayla - a young mother in urgent need of a Refu'a Sheleimah

Halocho #344 - Do bed sheets need Tzitzit?

Parshat Shlach ends with the third paragraph of Shma which talks about the Mitzva of Tzitzit.

Wearing Tzitzit is supposed to remind one of all 613 Mitzvoth - as it says "...make Tzitzit, and see them and thereby remember all the Mitzvoth of Hashem and do them".

Once a boy is toilet-trained he should wear a Tallit Katan - a 4-cornered garment with Tzitzit from the time he wakes up until he goes to sleep. This is besides the Tallit worn in shul.

Women are exempt from the Mitzva of Tzitzit, as it's a time-bound Mitzva; it only applies during the day.

When putting on Tzitzit in the morning, the Bracha cannot be made until it is light enough outside to recognize a casual acquaintance from 4 Amos (2 meters) away. This is about an hour before sunrise in Israel.

Men must put Tzitzit on all 4-cornered garments they wear, including ponchos. Bed sheets do not need Tzitzit.

Tzitzit may be worn even when going into a bathroom, however the Tallit used for Davening should not be taken into the bathroom.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 9:9-10

- Danny Tuesday, 17 Sivan 5769

Please daven for a complete recovery for Miryam bat Esther and her baby boy - a preemie - Tinok ben Miryam

Halocho #38 - Viewing idols

It is forbidden to gaze at an idol or its decorations. One should keep at least 4 Amot (~2m) from the idol's temple and obviously from the idol itself. One may not listen to music being played for an idol; if need be one should block ones ears. Source Kitzur Shulchan Aruch: 168:8