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 #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 #861 - What about Havdala and Kiddush Levana this week?

One makes Havdala as usual this week using wine (and spices and a candle).

If there is a small child who can drink most of the cup of wine, then one gives it to him to drink.

If not, then the person making Havdala drinks the wine.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:8

Some people have the custom of using beer for Havdala this week. If one uses beer for Havdala then the first

Bracha needs to be "Shehakol" instead of "Borei Pri Hagofen".

Source: Halachos of the 3 weeks by Rav Shimon Eider zt"l page 7

My Rosh Yeshiva - Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt"l - always used wine for Havdala and always drank it himself.

One does not say Kiddush Levana (the monthly blessing over the new moon) until after the fast of 9 B'Av.

On Motzai Yom Kippour one can say Kiddush Levana immediately after Ma'ariv (the evening prayers). On Motzai 9 B'Av one may not say Kiddush Levana until one has broken the fast and put on shoes.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 124:19, 130:6

Shabbat Shalom

- Danny
Thursday, 4 Menachem Av 5771

Halocho #612 - What about Havdala and Kiddush Levana this week?

One makes Havdala as usual this week using wine (and spices and a candle).

If there is a small child who can drink most of the cup of wine, then one gives it to him to drink.

If not, then the person making Havdala drinks the wine.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:8

Some people have the custom of using beer for Havdala this week. If one uses beer for Havdala then the first Bracha needs to be "Shehakol" instead of "Borei Pri Hagofen".

Source: Halachos of the 3 weeks by Rav Shimon Eider zt"l page 7

My Rosh Yeshiva - Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt"l - always used wine for Havdala and always drank it himself.

One does not say Kiddush Levana (the monthly blessing over the new moon) until after the fast of 9 B'Av. On Motzai Yom Kippour one can say Kiddush Levana immediately after Ma'ariv (the evening prayers). On Motzai 9 B'Av one may not say Kiddush Levana until one has broken the fast and put on shoes.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 124:19, 130:6

Shabbat Shalom

- Danny
Thursday, 4 Menachem Av 5770

Halocho #534 - Finding Chametz on Pessach

Chametz is Muktzah on Pessach, since it may not be used for anything.

Chametz (that was not sold to a non-Jew) found in ones possession on Pessach needs to be burned.

If one finds Chametz on Yom Tov or Shabbat during Pessach, (to ensure that one doesn't eat it accidentally), one covers it with a bowl until after Havdalah - and then one burns it.

When burning Chametz on Pessach one says the Bracha of "Al Bi'ur Chametz" if the Chametz is the size of a Kezayit (size of an olive) or larger.

Chametz found on the closing Yom Tov of Pessach, must be burned after Pessach without a Bracha.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 111:17

Chodesh Tov; tonight is Rosh Chodesh Nissan

- Danny
Monday, 29 Adar 5770

Halocho # 467 - What comes first? Havdala or Chanukah candles?

On Motzai Shabbat - the second night of Chanukah this year - one first makes Havdalah and then lights the Chanukah Menorah.

In Shul the Menorah is lit after the full-Kaddish - before ויתן לך - on Motzai Shabbat.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:18

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

- Danny
Wednesday, 22 Kislev 5770

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

Halocho #376 - Havdala without wine?

Yesterday we learnt that the custom is to not eat meat and chicken and to not drink wine during the 9 days except on Shabbat.

How does one make Havdala this week?

One makes Havdala as usual this week using wine (and spices and a candle).

If there is a small child who can drink most of the cup of wine, then one gives it to him to drink. If not, then the person making Havdala drinks the wine.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:8

Some people have the custom of using beer for Havdala this week. If one uses beer for Havdala then the first Bracha needs to be "Shehakol" instead of "Borei Pri Hagofen".

Source: Halachos of the 3 weeks by Rav Shimon Eider zt"l page 7

My Rosh Yeshiva - Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt"l - always used wine for Havdala and always drank it himself.

Shabbat Shalom,

- Danny Thursday, 2 Av 5769

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

Halocho #239 - Review the weekly Parsha

Everybody is supposed to review the week's Parsha twice in the original and once with Targum Onkelus (or Rashi).

This should preferably be completed  before the Shabbat morning meal.

If that's not possible one should finish before Mincha (when we start reading the coming week's Parsha).

At the very latest one should be finished by Tuesday (since - in emergency - one can make Havdala until Tuesday).

(There are opinions that allow one to catch up until Simchat Torah.)

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 77:19, (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 285)

Shabbat Shalom,

- Danny

 Thursday, 5 Tevet 5769

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

Halocho #232 - When do we light on Motzai Shabbat?

In shul one lights the Chanukah Menora after Mincha, except on Motzai Shabbat when one lights during Ma'ariv after Kaddish-תתקבל.

At home on Motzai Shabbat one first makes Havdala and then lights the Menorah.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:15, 18

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

- Danny

 Tuesday, 2nd day Chanuka, 26 Kislev 5769

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

Halocho #142 - When do we make Havdala this week?

This week on Motzai Shabbat one only says the Bracha over the candle; Borei M'Orei Ha'Esh.

After Shabbat one needs to say "Baruch Hamavdil Ben Kodesh L'Chol" before doing work that is forbidden on Shabbat.

After the fast ends on Sunday night one makes Havdala before eating.

Since it's not Motzai Shabbat, this delayed Havdala consists only of the Bracha over wine (or beer) and the long Bracha of Hamavdil. The Bracha on spices is not said. The Bracha on the candle is not said, even if one forgot to do so on Motzai Shabbat.

Those who need to eat on 9 B'Av must make Havdala before eating.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 125:6

Review Halocho #131 to find out which Haftara we read this week: (http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=2387884087&topic=5126)

Shabbat Shalom,

- Danny Erev Shabbat Chazon, 7 Menachem-Av 5768

Please daven for a little girl - TAMAR bat NAAMA - תמר בת נעמה

Halocho #136 - The teetotaler 9 days and Havdala

Rosh Chodesh Av is tomorrow - Shabbat. When the month of Av begins, one diminishes joy. Yesterday we learnt that the custom is not to eat meat and chicken and not to drink wine during the 9 days except on Shabbat. How does one make Havdala this week? One makes Havdala as usual this week using wine (and spices and a candle). If there is a small child who can drink most of the cup of wine, then one gives it to him to drink. If not, then the person making Havdala drinks the wine. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:8 Some people have the custom of using beer for Havdala this week. If one uses beer for Havdala then the first Bracha needs to be "Shehakol" instead of "Borei Pri Hagofen". Source: Halachos of the 3 weeks by Rav Shimon Eider zt"l page 7 My Rosh Yeshiva - Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt"l - always used wine for Havdala and always drank it himself. Chodesh Tov and Shabbat Shalom, - Danny Erev Rosh Chodesh Av, Shabbat Mas'ei, 29 Tamuz 5768 --> Don't forget to say Ya'ale Veyavo tonight and tomorrow during Amida and Birkat Hamazon!

Review Halocho #131 to find out which Haftara we read this week.

Please daven for a little girl - TAMAR bat NAAMA - תמר בת נעמה

Halocho #132 - Who must fast on 9 B'Av?

On 9 B'Av almost everybody needs to fast. Pregnant and nursing mothers need to fast on 9 B'Av even if it causes them discomfort, unless it's dangerous to their health. When in doubt, consult your LOR (Local Orthodox Rabbi). During the first 7 days after childbirth, a mother is not allowed to fast. Anybody who isn't healthy should only fast for a few hours. This includes a mother between 7 and 30 days after childbirth unless she feels up to fasting. When in doubt, consult your LOR. 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. Before eating, one needs to make Havdala this year (and any other year when 9 B'Av is on Sunday). Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 124:6 - Danny Monday, 25 Tamuz 5768

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Halocho #94 - Schedule for Erev Pessach on Shabbos

This year Erev Pessach is on Shabbos. This happened 3 years ago and will happen again in 13 years time (2021/תשפ"א - 5781). Since Erev Pessach is on Shabbos, the standard pre-Pessach schedule is different. Here are some highlights in chronological order: - The Fast of the Firstborns is on Thursday. In case of need, the firstborn may break his fast before doing Bedikas Chometz. - Bedikas Chometz (searching the house for leaven) is done on Thursday evening. - The first Kol Chamiro (annulling all Chometz that one isn't aware of) is said after Bedikas Chometz on Thursday night. - Burning all Chometz (besides what is needed for the next 24 hours) is done on Friday morning - check your local luach (Jewish calendar) for the correct time. No Kol Chamiro is said. - The sale of Chometz should be organized with your local Rabbi by Friday morning. He'd probably appreciate if you come by earlier in the week. - In order to prevent complicated halachic situations one should do the following on Friday:

• Prepare the Salt Water for the Seder.
• Roast the Egg and Bone.
• Make the Charoset.
• Light a 26 hour (Yahrzeit) candle from which to light Yom Tov candles on Saturday night, unless one will have another flame available, like a gas range.
• Prepare wicks for the Yom Tov oil-candles, as one may not re-use the Shabbos wicks.
• Prepare candles for the Yom Tov candles, as one may not melt candles nor trim them on Yom Tov.
• Open the boxes of Matza, so as not to tear writing on Yom Tov.
• Ensure the wine bottles can be opened on Yom Tov without tearing any writing; else open them beforehand.

- Ensure Challa has been separated from the bread to be used on Shabbos as well as from the Matza to be used on Yom Tov. - On Shabbos morning one must finish eating Chometz by a third of the day - check your local luach for the correct time. More details about this tomorrow. - After one finishes eating Chometz on Shabbos morning, one disposes of the leftover Chometz and says the second Kol Chamiro - annulling all Chometz still in one's possession. - One may not make any Seder preparations on Shabbos. One must wait until the time for Motzai Shabbos - check your local luach for the correct time. One can then say "Boruch Hamavdil ben Kodesh L'Kodesh" - ברוך המבדיל בין קודש לקודש - "Blessed is He who separates between the Holiness of Shabbos and the [lesser] Holiness of Yom Tov", and then light Yom Tov candles from an existing flame and start cooking and preparing the table for the Seder. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 96:5, 110:6, 115

Halocho #71 - Kiddush wine

The Torah commands us to verbally sanctify the Shabbos. Chazal instituted that this be done with a cup of wine; Kiddush on Friday night and Havdolo on Motzai Shabbos. It's a Mitzva to use good wine; red if possible. However one may use grape juice if needed. One should glance at the Shabbos candles during the first part of Kiddush - while reciting Vayechulu. Reminder: This Shabbos is Parshas Zochor (even in Jerusalem) and it's a Mitzva to hear it being read in shul. Source: Kitzur SA 77: 1,3 Shabbat Shalom - Danny ============================================== Mazal Tov to my brother Myckey on the engagement of his eldest daughter. http://www.onlysimchas.com/v4/index.cfm/fuseaction:simcha.view/simchaid:73628 ==============================================