Halocho #2403 - May one work on Rosh Chodesh?

Rosh Chodesh is a "minor" Yom Tov - and after Shacharit one adds the abridged Hallel, Torah Reading and Mussaf.

All types of work are permitted on Rosh Chodesh.

Some women have a family custom to not do certain types of work on Rosh Chodesh. This is a valid custom and they may not disregard it.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 97:3

רֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ, מֻתָּר בַּעֲשִׂיַּת מְלָאכָה. 

וְנָשִׁים נוֹהֲגוֹת שֶׁלֹּא לַעֲשׂוֹת בּוֹ מְלָאכָה, וּמִנְהָג הָגוּן הוּא וְאֵין לְהָקֵל לָהֶם.

Chodesh Tov

- Danny

Wednesday, 1st Day Rosh Chodesh Iyar 5784, 15th day of the Omer

 Please daven for the full recovery of the seriously wounded soldier

 מֹשֶׁה אַהֲרֹן בֶּן לֵאָה בֵּילָא לרפואה שלמה

Halocho #2393 - Why do the firstborns fast?

How do firstborns celebrate the fact that they were saved from the 10th plague - the smiting of Egyptian firstborns?

On Erev Pessach - this coming Monday - 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, Brit 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

הַבְּכוֹרִים בֵּין בְּכוֹר לְאָב בֵּין בְּכוֹר לְאֵם, מִתְעַנִּים בְּעֶרֶב פֶּסַח, אֲפִלּוּ חָל בְּעֶרֶב שַׁבָּת. וְגַם הַבָּא אַחַר הַנְּפָלִים, צָרִיךְ לְהִתְעַנּוֹת. וְכַל זְמַן שֶׁהַבְּכוֹר קָטָן, הָאָב מִתְעַנֶּה תַּחְתָּיו. בִּסְעוּדַּת מִצְוָה אִם מֻתָּרִים לֶאֱכוֹל, תַּלְיָא בְּמִנְהַג הַמְּקוֹמוֹת.

- Danny Schoemann

Tuesday, 8 Nissan 5784

Please daven for the full recovery of the wounded soldier

מֹשֶׁה אַהֲרֹן בֶּן לֵאָה בֵּיילָא

לרפואה שלמה

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 #836 - - Shabat Rosh Chodesh

Rosh Chodesh Tamuz will be on Shabbat and Sunday.

Remember to add יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא into the Amida and Birkat Hamazon.

One should add an extra dish to the Shabbat meals in honor of Rosh Chodesh.

After Hallel on Shabbat we will read from 2 Sifrei Torah; the second one for Rosh Chodesh, followed by the Shabbat-Rosh-Chodesh Haftara.

In Mussaf one says the "Ata Yetzarta - אַתָּה יָצַרְתָּ" version which talks about both the Shabbat and Rosh Chodesh sacrifices.

יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא is not said in Mussaf.

Source: Shulchan Aruch 525:3, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 97:3

Shabbat Shalom and Chodesh Tov
- Danny
Thursday, 28 Sivan 5771

Halocho #760 - May one work on Rosh Chodesh?

Today is the first day of Rosh Chodesh Adar-II.

Rosh Chodesh is a "minor" YomTov - and after Shacharit one adds Hallel, Torah Reading and Mussaf.

All types of work are permitted on Rosh Chodesh.

Some women have a family custom to not do certain types of work on Rosh Chodesh.

This is a valid custom and they may not disregard it.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 97:3

- Danny
Sunday, 1st day Rosh Chodesh Adar-II 5771

Halocho #719 - Abridged Hallel on Rosh Chodesh

On Rosh Chodesh one says Hallel between the Amida and the Torah reading.

On Rosh Chodesh one skips 2-half paragraphs of the Hallel.

Hallel must be said standing, and one may not interrupt the Hallel by talking.

If the congregation is saying Hallel while one is saying Psukei D'Zimra, one says Hallel with them, without its opening and closing Bracha. (This can only be done on days that one says the shortened "half"-Hallel.)

If one arrives late to shul and the congregation is already up to Hallel, one says Hallel with them, and then one starts one's morning prayers.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 97:4

Chodesh Tov and Shabbat Shalom

- Danny
Thursday, Rosh Chodesh Shevat 5771

Halocho #705 - Rosh Chodesh and Chanukah

Tomorrow (Tuesday) and Wednesday is Rosh Chodesh Tevet.

Rosh Chodesh Tevet is the only time the full-Hallel is said on Rosh Chodesh. (Usually on Rosh Chodesh we leave out 2 half-paragraphs.)

Between Shacharit and Mussaf we will take out 2 Sifrei Torah. First we call up 3 people to the Torah for Rosh Chodesh and then - in the second Sefer Torah - a fourth person for Chanukah.

We then daven Mussaf for Rosh Chodesh, with Al Hanisim.

Starting tonight - Monday night - don't forget Ya'aleh Veyavo and Al Hanisim in the Amida and Birkat Hamazon.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:24

- Danny
Monday, 29 Kislev 5771

Halocho #570 - Ruth and Shavu'ot

This year - 5770 - Shavu'ot will start on Tuesday evening at sundown and end on Wednesday evening after dark.

Outside of Israel, Shavu'ot will end on Thursday evening after dark.

It is customary to read Megilat Ruth on Shavu'ot morning, between Hallel and the Torah Reading.

In Israel, Megilat Ruth will be read on Wednesday and in the Diaspora most places will read Megilat Ruth on Thursday.

Outside of Israel one has to remember to leave a flame burning (like a Yahrzeit candle or gas range) from before Yom Tov (Tuesday afternoon) so that one can light the 2nd day's Yom Tov candles.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 75, Orach Chaim 490:9

On Shavu'ot we celebrate the giving of the Torah. Help spread Torah learning by inviting your Jewish friends to our Halocho a Day group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2387884087

- Danny
Monday, 4 Sivan 5770 - 48th day of the Omer

Please daven for a complete recovery for Chagai Yitzchak ben Pnina - חגי יצחק בן פנינה

Halocho #514 - Tefillin on Rosh Chodesh?

Men wear Tefillin (phylacteries) every day during Shacharit (morning prayers) except for Shabbat and Yom Tov.

Rosh Chodesh has some aspects of a Yom Tov, yet work is permitted.

Tefillin are worn on Rosh Chodesh during Shacharit, Hallel and the Torah reading. They are removed before starting Mussaf.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 10:19

Chodesh Tov

- Danny
Sunday, 1st day Rosh Chodesh Adar 5770

Halocho # 493 - Shabbat Rosh Chodesh

Rosh Chodesh Shvat will be on Shabbat.

One has to add Ya'aleh Veyavo into the Amida and Birkat Hamazon.

One should add an extra dish to the Shabbat meals in honor of Rosh Chodesh.

After Hallel we will read from 2 Sifrei Torah; the second one for Rosh Chodesh, followed by the Shabbat-Rosh-Chodesh Haftara.

In Mussaf one says the "Ata Yetzarta - אַתָּה יָצַרְתָּ" version which talks about both the Shabbat and Rosh Chodesh sacrifices.

Ya'aleh Veyavo is not said in Mussaf.

Source: Shulchan Aruch 525:3, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 97:3

Shabbat Shalom and Chodesh Tov,

- Danny
Thursday, 28 Tevet 5770

Please daven for the complete recovery of

 ריבה איילה בת עליזה - Reeba Ayala bat Aliza

 who recently gave birth and has an unidentified illness

Halocho # 472 - Rosh Chodesh and Chanukah

Tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday is Rosh Chodesh Tevet.

Rosh Chodesh Tevet is the only time the full-Hallel is said on Rosh Chodesh. (Usually on Rosh Chodesh we leave out 2 half-paragraphs.)

We then take out 2 Sifrei Torah. First we call up 3 people to the Torah for Rosh Chodesh and then - in the second Sefer Torah - a fourth person for Chanukah.

We then daven Mussaf for Rosh Chodesh, with Al Hanisim.

Don't forget Ya'aleh Veyavo and Al Hanisim in the Amida and Birkat Hamazon.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:24

Chodesh Tov,

- Danny
Wednesday, 5th day of Chanukah, 29 Kislev 5770

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

Halocho # 452 - Tefillin on Rosh Chodesh?

Men wear Tefillin (phylacteries) every day during Shacharit (morning prayers) except for Shabbat and Yom Tov.

Rosh Chodesh has some aspects of a Yom Tov, yet work is permitted.

Tefillin are worn on Rosh Chodesh during Shacharit, Hallel and the Torah reading. They are removed before starting Mussaf.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 10:19

Chodesh Tov

- Danny
Wednesday, 2nd day Rosh Chodesh Kislev 5770

Halocho #430 - Abridged Hallel on Rosh Chodesh

On Rosh Chodesh one says Hallel after the Amida - but one skips 2-half paragraphs.


Hallel must be said standing, and one may not interrupt the Hallel by talking.


If the congregation is saying Hallel while one is saying Psukei D'Zimra, one says Hallel with them, without its opening and closing Bracha. (This can only be done on days that one says the shortened "half"-Hallel.)

If one arrives late to shul and the congregation is already up to Hallel, one says Hallel with them, and then one starts ones morning prayers.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 97:4

Chodesh Tov,

- Danny
Monday, 2nd day Rosh Chodesh Marcheshvan 5770

Written in memory of Rivka bat Mordechai Ha-cohen

Halocho #354 - May one work on Rosh Chodesh?

Rosh Chodesh is a "minor" YomTov - and after Shacharit one adds Hallel, Torah Reading and Mussaf.

All types of work are permitted on Rosh Chodesh.

Some women have a family custom to not do certain types of work on Rosh Chodesh.

This is a valid custom and they may not disregard it.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 97:3

Chodesh Tov,

- Danny Tuesday, 2nd day Rosh Chodesh Tamuz 5769

Please daven for a complete recovery for Bracha Elisheva bat Kayla. She has cancer and it has spread.

Halocho #334 - Ruth and Shavu'ot

This year - 5759 - Shavu'ot will be on Friday.

Outside of Israel Shavu'ot will also be on Shabbat.

It's customary to read Megilat Ruth on Shavu'ot, between Hallel and the Torah Reading.

In Israel Megilat Ruth will be read on Friday and in the Diaspora most places will read Megilat Ruth on Shabbat.

One has to remember to leave a flame burning (like a Yahrzeit candle or gas range) from before Yom Tov (Thursday afternoon) so that one can light Shabbat candles on Friday afternoon.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 75, Orach Chaim 490:9

On Shavu'ot we celebrate the giving of the Torah. Help spread Torah learning by inviting your Jewish friends to our Halocho a Day group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2387884087

- Danny Wednesday, 4 Sivan 5769, 48th day of the Omer, 2nd day of Shloshet Yemei Hagbala

Please daven for a complete recovery for Michal bat Rachel - מיכל בת רחל who is undergoing a cardiac procedure (laser ablation) on Thursday

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 #229 - Davening changes on Chanukah

No Tachanun is said on Chanukah, starting from Mincha the day before. Kel Erech Apa'im - א-ל ארך אפים - is not said before Kriat HaTorah on Chanukah. Lamenatze'ach- למנצח - is not said after Ashrei during Chanukah. One does not fast on Chanukah, except for a Ta'anit Chalom (fasting after a worrisome dream.) The full Hallel is said on all 8 days of Chanuka. This is the only time the full Hallel is said on Rosh Chodesh. (Usually on Rosh Chodesh we leave out 2 half-paragraphs.) Al HaNisim is added in the Amida (during Modim; the 2nd to last Bracha) and Birkat Hamazon (during the second Bracha). Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 22:8, 25:2, 139:2 Shabbat-related posts can be reviewed at http://halocho.blogspot.com/search/label/Shabbos Shabbat Shalom, - Danny Thursday, 21 Kislev 5769

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

Halocho #193 - Tefillin on Rosh Chodesh?

Men wear Tefillin (phylacteries) every day during Shacharit (morning prayers) except for Shabbat and Yom Tov.

Rosh Chodesh has some aspects of a Yom Tov, yet work is permitted. Tefillin are worn on Rosh Chodesh during Shacharit, Hallel and the Torah reading. They are removed before starting Mussaf.

(On Chol HaMo'ed there are 2 opinions. Every community should have a single Minhag as to whether Tefillin are/aren't put on during Chol HaMo'ed in that community. Where Tefillin are worn on Chol HaMo'ed they are usually removed before Hallel.)

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 10:19

Chodesh Tov!

- Danny Wednesday, first day Rosh Chodesh Marcheshvan 5769

Halocho #88 - Rosh Chodesh Nissan

Today - Sunday - is the first day of the first month - Nissan. Don't forget Hallel and Ya'aley V'yavo. Today - 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. Today 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 (or the Thursday before, this year). - Fasting for distressingly bad dreams. - Couples getting married during Nissan. Even today - Rosh Chodesh - they fast, whereas on any other Rosh Chodesh the bride and groom do not fast. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 107:1,2 Chodesh Tov! - Danny

Halocho #40 – Hallel on Rosh Chodesh

Today (Wednesday) is the first day of Rosh-Chodesh Adar 1. 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: KSA 97:4