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 #876 - Erev Rosh Chodesh Elul!

The 2 days of Rosh Chodesh Elul begin tonight - Monday night.


One needs to add Ya'a'leh VeYavo - יעלה ויבא -  into the 17th Bracha of the Amida - רצה. 


If one forgets to do so during the Amida of Ma'ariv (evening prayers) - on either day - one does not need to make amends, since the Sanhedrin did not sanctify the month at night.


If one forgets to do so during Shacharit (morning prayers) or Mincha (afternoon prayers), then one has to return to the 17th Bracha of the Amida - רצה - and make amends.


If one already finished the Amida - by saying Yihyu leRatzon - יהיו לרצון - then one needs to restart the Amida.


One also needs to add Ya'aleh VeYavo - יעלה ויבא - into Birkat Hamazon

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 19:10

Chodesh Tov!

- Danny
Monday, 29 Menachem Av 5771

Halocho #749 - Erev Purim Katan

Today (Thursday 13th Adar-I) Tachanun is not said at Mincha, since tomorrow (Friday) is Purim-Katan. (However, today is not the Fast of Esther; that applies in Adar-II only.)

On both days of Purim-Katan (Friday & Shabbat this year) one omits Tachanun, קל אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם (before the Torah reading on  Mondays & Thursday) and לַמְנַצֵּחַ (between אַשְׁרֵי  and וּבָא לְצִיּוֹן).

On Shabbat one omits אָב  הָרַחֲמִים  before Mussaf and צִדְקָתךָ  at Mincha.

One may not fast nor eulogize on these 2 days.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 22:8, 142:10

Shabbat Shalom

- Danny
Thursday, 13 Adar-I 5771

Halocho #710 - Asara B'Tevet on Friday

In the year 3,338 the wicked King Nebuchadnezzar laid siege against Jerusalem which culminated in the destruction of the first Bet Hamikdash, a year and a half later. As a result we will fast this Friday.

Asara B'Tevet is the only fast that can fall on a Friday. Pregnant and nursing mothers do not fast, as well as anybody unwell, after consulting with a Doctor.

Keep in mind that Mincha will be earlier than usual, since it includes the Torah Reading and Haftara for fast days.

One gets ready for Shabbat as usual:
- One may shower as usual, but one should not rinse one's mouth, if possible.
- One can cut one's nails.
- One puts on Shabbat clothing before candle lighting, which is at the regular time; 20 to 40 minutes before sunset depending on your communities custom.

However, one may not eat until after nightfall; even if one has already finished Ma'ariv prayers.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 121

- Danny
Monday, 6 Tevet 5771

P.S. Halocho-a-Day is probably going on a 2-week vacation.

Halocho #702 - What comes first? Chanukah or Shabbat candles?

We will light the first Chanukah flame this evening; Wednesday afternoon, 1st Dec - and every evening for the next 8 days.

Since one cannot light fire on Shabbat, on Friday the Menorah is lit before Shabbat.

The correct order for Friday is:
- Daven "early" Mincha
- Light the Chanukah Menorah. One can light as early as 75 Halachic minutes before sunset.
- Light Shabbat candles at the regular time.

The Chanukah Menorah needs be stay lit until 30 minutes after dark.
On Friday one needs longer candles or more oil than during the week, since it needs to burn for 70 minutes or longer.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:17

- Danny
Wednesday, 24 Kislev 5771

Halocho #684 - Ya'aleh VeYavo - it's Rosh Chodesh!

Today (Sunday) and tomorrow are Rosh Chodesh Kislev.

One needs to add Ya'a'leh VeYavo - יַעֲלֶה וְיָבוֹא  in the 17th Bracha of the Amida - רצה.

If one forgot to do so during the Amida of Ma'ariv (evening prayers) - on either day - one does not need to make amends; since the Sanhedrin did not sanctify the month at night.

If one forgot to do so during Shachrit (morning prayers) or Mincha (afternoon prayers), then one has to return to the 17th Bracha of the Amida - רצה and make amends.
If one already finished the Amida - by saying Yihyu leRatzon - יהיו לרצון - then one needs to restart the Amida.

One also needs to add Ya'a'leh VeYavo - יַעֲלֶה וְיָבוֹא  - in Birkat Hamazon.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 19:10

Chodesh Tov

- Danny
Sunday, 30 Marchesvan, 1st day Rosh Chodesh Kislev 5771

Halocho #682 - Tomorrow is Yom Kippour Kattan

The day before Rosh Chodesh is called Yom Kippour Kattan.

If Rosh Chodesh is on Shabbat or Sunday then Yom Kippour Kattan is on Thursday.

In certain communities, Mincha (the afternoon prayers) on Yom Kippour Kattan includes prayers asking for repentance, so as to begin the new month with a "clean slate".

Some even have the custom to fast on Yom Kippour Kattan.

Tomorrow - Thursday - is Yom Kippour Kattan. Rosh Chodesh Kislev will be on Sunday and Monday.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 97:1, 128:1

- Danny
Wednesday, 26 Marcheshvan 5771

Halocho #627 - Tomorrow is Yom Kippour Kattan

The day before Rosh Chodesh is called "Yom Kippour Kattan".

Mincha (the afternoon prayers) on Yom Kippour Kattan includes prayers asking for repentance, so as to begin the new month with a "clean slate".

Some have the custom to fast on Yom Kippour Kattan.

In anticipation of the month of Elul and the upcoming High Holidays, most communities say the Yom Kippour Kattan prayers before Rosh Chodesh Elul, in order to get into the Teshuva (repentance) mood.

Tomorrow - Monday - is Yom Kippour Kattan. Rosh Chodesh Elul will be on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 97:1, 128:1

- Danny
Sunday, 28 Menachem Av 5770

Halocho #617 - Three years of Orlo for trees

For 3 years after planting a tree, one may not eat its fruit, nor derive any benefit from the fruit, peels or pits. This is a Torah prohibition and applies to trees planted anywhere on the planet by anybody.

How to count these 3 years:

- Trees planted until Tu B'av (tomorrow - 15th of the month of Av; 45 days before Rosh Hashana) have their first birthday on Rosh Hashana, and 2 years later they turn "three years old".

- Trees planted less than 45 days before Rosh Hashana need to count three years from their first Rosh Hashana.

The laws of Orlo apply to trees grown from shoots or pits, and sometimes to trees that have been replanted. A tree that has was cut and its stump is less than 1 Tefach (about 9 cm) high becomes Orlo again.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 173:1,3,4

One does not say Tachanun on Tu B'Av, nor at Mincha the afternoon before. The bride and groom do not fast on their wedding day if it's on Tu B'Av.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 22:8, 146:2

- Danny
Sunday, 14 Menachem Av 5770

Please daven for a complete recovery of Pola Bat Chaya Malkah

Halocho #600 - Why do we fast on the 17th Tamuz?

Today - Tuesday - is the fast of 17 Tamuz which commemorates 5 major misfortunes which happened to the Jewish people on this date:

 

• Moshe Rabbeinu broke the luchot - the tablets - upon seeing the Golden Calf being worshiped
• The daily Tamid sacrifice was suspended in the first Bet Hamikdash as a result of the siege
• At the time of the 2nd Bet Hamikdash the walls of Jerusalem were breached by the enemy, three weeks before the destruction
• Apustumus the wicked [Roman] burned a Sefer Torah
• An idol was placed in the Bet Hamikdash

 

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

 

At Mincha, the 3rd Aliya also reads the Haftarah (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 "Aneinu" prayer into the 16th Bracha; Shema Kolienu. If one forgot, one does not need to make amends.

 

The Chazzan adds Aneinu during both Shacharit and Mincha, as a separate Bracha before Refo'enu.

 

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

 

Have a meaningful fast,

 

- Danny
Tuesday, 17 Tamuz 5770

 

Please daven for a complete recovery of Pinchas ben Luba and his daughter Luba bat Ruth

Halocho # 476 - Torah reading on a fast day

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

On fast days we read the Torah during Shachrith and Mincha.

Three people are called up to the Torah. At Mincha the 3rd person also reads the Haftara (from Yeshayahu 55:6).

A person who is not fasting should not be called up to the Torah.

During Mincha, those who are fasting add Aneinu during Shma-Koleinu.

The Chazzan says Aneinu during both Shachrith and Mincha as a separate Bracha before Refa'enu.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 23:15

- Danny
Tuesday, 5 Tevet 5770

Halocho # 473 - All the candles

On the last day of Chanukah (Shabbat this year) we first read the Parsha (Miketz) and then - in the the 2nd Sefer Torah - from "the 8th day" to the end of Parshat Naso and the beginning of the next one (Beha'alotcha).

Reminder: The correct order for Friday afternoon is:

- Daven "early" Mincha

- Light the Chanukah Menorah. One can light as early as 75 Halachic minutes before sunset.

- Light Shabbat candles at the regular time.

The Chanukah Menorah needs be stay lit until 30 minutes after dark. One needs longer candles or more oil than during the week, since it needs to burn for 70 minutes or longer.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:17, 24

The Haftara this week is the "second" Chanuka one (ויעש חירום from Melachim-1 7:40)

Chodesh Tov and Shabbat Shalom,

- Danny
Thursday, 6th day of Chanukah, 1st day Rosh Chodesh Tevet 5770

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

Halocho #393 - Tomorrow is Yom Kippour Kattan

The day before Rosh Chodesh is called Yom Kippour Kattan. Mincha (the afternoon prayers) on Yom Kippour Kattan includes prayers asking for repentance, so as to begin the new month with a "clean slate". Some have the custom to fast on Yom Kippour Kattan. In anticipation of the month of Elul and the upcoming High Holidays, most communities say the Yom Kippour Kattan prayers before Rosh Chodesh Elul, in order to get into the Teshuva (repentance) mood. Tomorrow - Wednesday - is Yom Kippour Kattan. Rosh Chodesh Elul will be on Thursday and Friday. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 97:1, 128:1 Chodesh Tov! - Danny Tuesday, 28 Av 5769

Halocho #383 - Is Tu B'Av the festival of love?

One does not say Tachanun on Tu B'Av, nor at Mincha the afternoon before. The bride and groom do not fast on their wedding day if it's on Tu B'Av. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 22:8, 146:2 This Wednesday will be Tu B'Av, the day girls went to dance in the vineyards in the hope of attracting a future husband. The only other day this was done was on Yom Kippour, the day Hashem forgave the sin of the Golden Calf. The 15th of Av was the day Hashem forgave the Generation-of-the-Wilderness for the sin of the spies talking evil about the Promised Land. To quote The Book of our Heritage: "Since these 2 days were days of purification from sin, the earlier generations did not hesitate to regard them as days of festivity and dancing for the daughters of Israel... and there was no apprehension lest they breach the fence of chastity and modesty." Source: The Book of our Heritage, Vol 3 page 307 King Saul called his son Yehonathan "Ben N'avat Hamardut", son of the rebellious outgoing one, because Achinoam noticed that Saul was too shy to approach any of the girls dancing, so she approached him. Source: Rashi on Shmuel-1, 20:30 - Danny Monday, 13 Av 5769

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

Halocho #365 - Why do we fast on the 17th Tamuz?

Tomorrow - Thursday - will be the fast of 17 Tamuz which commemorates 5 major misfortunes which happened to the Jewish people on this date: - Moshe Rabbeinu broke the luchot - the tablets - upon seeing the Golden Calf being worshiped - The daily Tamid sacrifice was suspended in the first Bet Hamikdash as a result of the siege - At the time of the 2nd Bet Hamikdash the walls of Jerusalem were breached by the enemy, three weeks before the destruction - Apustumus the wicked [Roman] burned a Sefer Torah - An idol was placed in the Bet Hamikdash The fast starts at dawn and ends at nightfall. On every fast day there is Kriat HaTorah (Torah Reading) at both Shacharit and Mincha. At Mincha, the 3rd Aliya also reads the Haftarah (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 "Aneinu" prayer into the 16th Bracha; Shema Kolienu. If one forgot, one does not need to make amends. The Chazzan adds Aneinu during both Shacharit and Mincha, as a separate Bracha before Refo'enu. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 23:15, 19:14, 20:8 Have a meaningful fast, - Danny Jerusalem, Wednesday, 16 Tamuz 5769

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

Halocho #329 - Tomorrow is Yom Kippour Kattan

The day before Rosh Chodesh is called Yom Kippour Kattan.

If Rosh Chodesh is on Shabbat or Sunday then Yom Kippour Kattan is on Thursday, so as not to fast on Friday.

In certain communities, Mincha (the afternoon prayers) on Yom Kippour Kattan includes prayers asking for repentance, so as to begin the new month with a "clean slate".

Some have the custom to fast on Yom Kippour Kattan.

Tomorrow - Thursday - is Yom Kippour Kattan. Rosh Chodesh Sivan will be on Sunday.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 97:1, 128:1

- Danny Tuesday, 25 Iyar 5769, 40th day of the Omer

Please daven for a complete recovery for Nachman ben Ita who is having a tumour removed from his kidney.

Halocho #323 - Tonight is Lag B'Omer

One does not say Tachanun on Lag B'Omer, nor at Mincha the day before (this afternoon).

The mourning-customs of the Omer apply to the night of Lag B'Omer as well.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 22:8, 120:6

Traditionally Lag B'Omer is celebrated as the Yahrzeit of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.

- Danny Monday, 17 Iyar 5769, 32nd day of the Omer

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

Halocho #317 - Should we fast tomorrow - BeHa"B?

As we learned in Halocho 316, on Shabbat a special Mi-Sheberach was recited for those fasting tomorrow (Monday), Thursday and next Monday - בה"ב. Even if one intended to fast when answering Amen and then on the designated day there was a Se'udat Mitzva (e.g. Brit Mila or Siyum or Pidyon HaBen) one should join the meal and not fast. Despite being a "private" (not communal) fast day, a person need not "declare his intention to fast" during the Mincha-Amida of the preceding day, if he answered Amen to the Mi-Sheberach. If one "declared his intention to fast" during the Mincha-Amida of the preceding day, then one needs to fast. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 127:3, 14 - Danny Sunday, 9 Iyar 5769, 24th day of the Omer

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

Halocho #265 - Tomorrow is Tu B'Shvat

Tu B'Shvat starts tonight (Sunday night).

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 Sunday, 14 Shvat 5769

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

Halocho #242 - Torah reading on a fast day

On fast days we read the Torah during Shachrith and Mincha.

Three people are called up  to the Torah. At Mincha the 3rd person also reads the Haftara (from Yeshayahu 55:6).

A person who is not fasting should not be called up to the Torah.

During Mincha, those who are fasting add Aneinu during Shma-Koleinu. 

The Chazzan says Aneinu during both Shachrith and Mincha as a separate Bracha before Refo'enu.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 23:15

- Danny

 Tuesday, 10 Tevet 5769

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