Halocho #763 - Mourning the Bet Hamikdash in Adar

The second Bet Hamikdosh was dedicated today - 3 Adar - about 2356 years ago. (Ezra 6: 15)

After the destruction of the Temple, Chazal (the Sages of blessed memory) instituted that at all joyous occasions we remember the destruction, including:

- At festive meals one should leave out one serving dish
- A woman should not wear all her jewelery together
- At the engagement a plate is broken - though it should be a damaged plate
- At the wedding a glass cup is broken
- The bride's veil shouldn't have gold or silver threads
- The groom has ashes placed on his hair (where he places his Tefillin) before the wedding

This way we fulfill the verse "If I forget thee, O Jerusalem...if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy." (Psalms 137: 6-7)

Source: Kitzur Shulchon Aruch 126:1-2

- Danny
Wednesday, 3 Adar II 5771

Halocho #2 - Prepare for Shabbos

From the posuk "zochor es yom haShabbos" - "remember the day of Shabbos" we learn to keep Shabbos in mind all week; all special food should be reserved for Shabbos. On Friday it's a mitzva to get up early to go shopping for Shabbos; this can even be done before Shacharis if need be (as long as you don't miss your minyan). However, items that require preparation should be bought on Thursday already. Ezra already instituted doing laundry on Thursday in anticipation of Shabbos. KSA 72:4