Halocho #992 - How early can one light the Chanuka Menora?

Chanuka lights can already be lit from Plug HaMincha, with the Brachot.

Plug HaMincha is 75 Halachic-minutes before sunset. In Winter this is closer to 60 minutes; on the first day of Chanukah this year in Jerusalem, Plug HaMincha is at 15:32 which is 63 minutes before sunset.

When lighting early, the Menora has to burn until 30 minutes after nightfall.

(As we already learned: there are 2 opinions regarding nightfall: Some say it refers to dusk, other say it refers to 3 stars appearing (like Motzai Shabbat). Everybody should follow their family custom.)

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:1, 10

- Danny
Wednesday, 14 Kislev 5773

Halocho #832 - Kashering from meat to milk

When needed, one can Kasher utensils that are not Kosher. E.g. if one put a Milky spoon in a hot bowl of Meat it cannot be used until it is Kashered.
Before Pessach one can Kasher certain Chametz utensils to make them Kosher for Pessach.
Kashering must be done under the supervision of somebody who has learned all the intrinsic laws of Kashering, when possible.

When utensils are Kashered, they become Kosher and Parev; neither milky nor meaty.

The custom is to refrain from Kashering Milky utensils to use them subsequently for Meaty, or Meaty utensils to use them for Milky.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 46:15, 116:18
- Danny
Sunday, 24 Sivan 5771

Halocho #828 - Eating milk after chewing meat

After eating meat or chicken, one must wait 6 hours before eating milky products.

Even if one only chewed the meat, but did not swallow it, one must still wait.

If, after waiting 6 hours, one finds meat stuck between one's teeth, one has to remove it and rinse one's mouth and eat something solid before eating Milky, though one need not wait  another 6 hours.

If the food did not contain any meat, chicken or gravy, but was simply cooked in a meaty pot - even if the pot wasn't spotlessly clean - then one may eat milk right afterwards.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 46:9-10

Some have the custom of only waiting 1 hour or 3 hours, and not 6 hours between meat and milk. Everybody should follow their family Minhag.

- Danny
Monday, 18 Sivan 5771

Halocho #645 - Does one say Shehechiyanu on candle-lighting?

The blessing of Shehechiyanu; - "... who has kept us alive, sustained us and enabled us to reach this occasion" - is recited during Kiddush on all nights of Yom Tov, except on the last days of Pessach. There are two Minhagim (customs) regarding Shehechiyanu at candle-lighting on Yom Tov candles:

- Some women have the Minhag of saying Shehechiyanu when lighting Yom-Tov candles (except on the last days of Pessach)

- Others never say Shehechiyanu at candle-lighting

If a woman makes her own Kiddush she must be careful to only say Shehechiyanu once; either at candle-lighting or during Kiddush.

On the second night of Rosh Hashanah there's a Halachic debate if Shehechiyanu is required. To be on the safe side, one should wear a new item of clothing, or see a new fruit (that one hasn't tasted yet this season) while saying Shehechiyanu on the second night of Rosh Hashanah; both during Kiddush and during candle lighting (if applicable).

If one does not have a new item of clothing, nor a new fruit, on the second night of Rosh Hashanah, one still says Shehechiyanu.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 103:4, 129:23

K'tiva V'chatima Tova; wishing you a year full of happy tidings

- Danny
Thursday, 23 Elul 5770

Halocho #549 - 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

Chodesh Tov

- Danny
Wednesday, 1st Day Rosh Chodesh Iyar 5770, 15th day of the Omer

Halocho # 464 - What happens if your Chanukah candles blow out?

A Chanukah Menorah must be lit such that it could burn for the required half hour.

If it didn't have enough oil, or the location was windy, then one has not fulfilled the Mitzva, and one must light them again. No Bracha is said the second time.

If it was not a windy place, and it unexpectedly blew out, the Mitzva has been fulfilled, though the Minhag is to light it again.

One cannot light one candle from another; one needs to use the Shamash or another source of fire.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:14

- Danny
Sunday, 19 Kislev 5770

Halocho #409 - Glad to be around? Say Shehechiyanu!

The blessing of Shehechiyanu; - "... who has kept us alive, sustained us and enabled us to reach this occasion" - is recited during Kiddush on all nights of Yom Tov, except on the last days of Pessach. There are two Minhagim (customs) regarding Shehechiyanu at candle-lighting on Yom Tov candles: - Some women have the Minhag of saying Shehechiyanu when lighting Yom-Tov candles (except on the last days of Pessach) - Others never say Shehechiyanu at candle-lighting If a woman makes her own Kiddush she must be careful to only say Shehechiyanu once; either at candle-lighting or during Kiddush. On the second night of Rosh Hashanah there's a Halachic debate if Shehechiyanu is required. To be on the safe side, one should wear a new item of clothing, or see a new fruit (that one hasn't tasted yet this season) while saying Shehechiyanu on the second night of Rosh Hashanah; both during Kiddush and during candle lighting (if applicable). If one does not have a new item of clothing, nor a new fruit, on the second night of Rosh Hashanah, one still says Shehechiyanu. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 103:4, 129:23 See Halocho #109 - http://halocho.blogspot.com/2008/06/halocho-109-what-bracha-does-one-make.html for other uses of the Bracha of Shehechiyanu. K'tiva V'chatima Tova; wishing you a year full of happy tidings - Danny Wednesday, 20 Elul 5769

Please daven for Daniel Menashe ben Mas'uda who has been diagnosed with cancer.

Halocho #174 - How long must the Aravot be?

On Sukkoth there's a Mitzva to shake the four species; a Lulav, 3 Haddasim, 2 Aravot and an Etrog.

The Arava comes from a known type of willow tree with long leaves, non-serrated edges, and its bough turns red when mature.

The Arava must be at least 3 Tefachim (24 cm - 10") long.

If possible one should get Aravot from a tree that grows alongside a river.

Willows dry up very quickly. A wilted Arava is not Kosher. Some say that once its leaves start drooping it is not fresh enough to be a Kosher Arava.

Many have the Minhag to get fresh Aravot every day of Chol Hamo'ed Sukkoth.

An Arava is no longer Kosher if most of its leaves have come off, or its tip is cut off. This can happen if they are wilted, have been shaken too hard or while replacing them.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 136:5, 6, 7 and 137:6

Ktiva Vechatima Tova; wishing you a healthy, wealthy year to come,

- Danny Wednesday, 17 Elul 5768

Halocho #170 - Parties, but no weddings?

The Minhag is to not get married during the 10 days-of-repentance between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kipppour. The Minhag is to not get married on Chol Hamo'ed, so as not to mingle the joy of Yom Tov with ones private celebration. However, one may remarry ones divorcee on Chol Hamo'ed. (One may never again marry ones divorcee if she married somebody else, even if she subsequently got divorced or was widowed. A Cohen may never marry a divorcee; even his ex-wife.) One may make a Brit, Pidyon Haben and engagement party on the above days. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 104:17, 130:4, 145:12 Ktiva Vechatima Tova; wishing you a year full of good tidings Shabbat Shalom, - Danny Erev Shabbat Ki-Theitzei, 12 Elul 5768

Halocho #168 - Glad to be around; Shehechiyanu

The blessing of Shehechiyanu; - "... who has kept us alive, sustained us and enabled us to reach this occasion" - is recited during Kiddush on all nights of Yom Tov, except on the last days of Pessach.

There are two Minhagim (customs) regarding Shehechiyanu at candle-lighting on Yom Tov candles:

- Some women have the Minhag of saying Shehechiyanu when lighting Yom-Tov candles (except on the last days of Pessach)

- Others never say Shehechiyanu at candle-lighting

If a woman makes her own Kiddush she must be careful to only say Shehechiyanu once; either at candle-lighting or during Kiddush.

On the second night of Rosh Hashanah there's a Halachic debate if Shehechiyanu is required. To be on the safe side, one should wear a new item of clothing, or see a new fruit (that one hasn't tasted yet this season) while saying Shehechiyanu on the second night of Rosh Hashanah; both during Kiddush and during candle lighting (if applicable).

If one does not have a new item of clothing, nor a new fruit, on the second night of Rosh Hashanah, one still says Shehechiyanu.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 103:4, 129:23

See Halocho #109 - http://halocho.blogspot.com/2008/06/halocho-109-what-bracha-does-one-make.html for other uses of the Bracha of Shehechiyanu.

K'tiva V'chatima Tova; wishing you a year full of happy tidings

- Danny Wednesday, 10 Elul 5768

Please daven that Dalia Rivka Bat Tamar should find her Shidduch soon

Halocho #116 - Can one say Kiddush Levanah by a window?

Kiddush Levanah - (the sanctification of the new moon) - can be found in any Siddur; usually after the Maariv service. Men have an obligation to say Kiddush Levanah every month. The custom is that women do not say Kiddush Levanah. Kiddush Levanah cannot be said before the new moon is 3 days (72 hours) old. Some even wait until it's 7 days old. Kiddush Levanah can only be said while the moon is waxing. Kiddush Levanah should not be said while standing under a roof. However, if this is impossible or impractical, then it can be said inside by a window. Source Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 77:7, 8, 10 - Danny Monday 4th Tamuz 5768

Please daven for a little girl - TAMAR bat NAAMA - תמר בת נעמה - who is undergoing chemotherapy

Halocho #97 - 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? Tomorrow - Thursday - 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. The fast is usually on Erev Pessach; since we don't fast on Shabbat, and fasting on Friday is also not a pleasant way to greet Shabbat, so the fast was advanced to Thursday. All firstborns 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. Once he breaks his fast he can eat for the rest of the day. A firstborn may break his fast after nightfall, before doing Bedikas Chometz, if needed. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 113:6, 115:2 - Danny 11 Nissasn 5768

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Halocho #57 - Mezuza checking

The Torah commands us to put a Mezuza on all our doorposts except for the washroom. The Mezuza needs to be affixed to the top third of the doorpost - but not in the top 1 Tefach (~9 cm; 3.5"). Every Mezuza needs to be checked twice in seven years. (Some have the custom of checking their Mezuzos in Adar-1; this is slightly more frequent than twice in seven years, but it's easy to remember.) A Mezuza on public buildings needs to be checked only twice in 50 years. Source: Kitzur SA 11:5,17,25

======================================== Written in memory of my Rosh Yeshiva HoRav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt"l who passed away 13 years ago on 20th Adar-1 ========================================

סעיף ה - מקומה מתחלת שליש העליון של גובה השער, קבעה למעלה מזה כשרה, והוא שירחיקנה מן המשקוף טפח. קבעה למטה משליש עליון צריך להסירה ולקבעה כראוי ובברכה, ואם קבעה בטפח העליון, יסירה גם כן ויקבעה כראוי אבל לא יברך, ויש לקבעה בטפח הסמוך לחוץ, ואם שינה בזו אינו מעכב. סעיף יז - בית המרחץ, בורסקי ובית הטבילה פטורין, מפני שאינן לדירת כבוד. אבל רפת בקר וחדר שמגדלין בו עופות, ובית התבן והעצים, ואוצרות של יין או של שאר משקין, אם יש להם שיעור בית, חייבין ויש פוטרין. סעיף כה - מזוזת היחיד נבדקת שתי פעמים בשבע שנים, ושל רבים (שאין להטריח עליהם) נבדקת שתי פעמים ביובל.

Halocho #48 - Shabbos food preparation

The Minhag is to bake ones own bread for Shabbos, thereby allowing the housewife to separate "Challah". One should make 3 sizes: The medium sized loaf is eaten Friday night, the bigger one on Shabbos morning and the smaller one at the 3rd meal (Se'udas Shlishis). One should taste all Shabbos food on Friday to ensure it's tasty. One may not eat a meal after mid-afternoon on Friday, so as not to spoil ones appetite for the Friday night meal. Source: KSA 72:6, 7, 10

סימן עב – גודל קדושת שבת

סעיף ו - המנהג בכל ישראל לאפות בבתיהם לחמים לכבוד שבת. לא מבעיא אם אוכלים בימי החול פת פלטר עובד כוכבים שיש ליזהר לאכול ביום השבת קודש פת ישראל, אלא אפילו אם בחול אוכל פת פלטר ישראל, מכל מקום לכבוד שבת יאפו בביתו כדי שתקיים האשה מצות הפרשת חלה. כי אדם הראשון נברא בערב שבת והיה חלתו של עולם, והאשה בחטאה אבדתו, ועל כן צריכה היא לתקן דבר זה. ועושין שלש לחמים, גדול, ובינוני, וקטן. הבינוני לסעודת הלילה והגדול לסעודת היום להראות כי כבוד היום עדיף, והקטן לסעודה שלישית. סעיף ז - יכין בשר ודגים יפים ומטעמים ויין משובח כפי יכלתו, כי מצוה לאכול בכל סעודה מסעודת שבת דגים אם אינם מזיקים לו, אבל אם מזיקין לו או שאינם ערבים לו, לא יאכלם, כי השבת לעונג ניתן ולא לצער. וישחיז את הסכין שזהו גם כן מכבוד השבת, ויתקן את הבית ויציע את המטות, ויפרוס מפה על השלחן ותהא פרוסה כל יום השבת. ויש מדקדקין לפרוס שתי מפות, וישמח בביאת השבת, ויחשוב בדעתו אלו היה מצפה שיבוא אליו איזה אדם יקר וחשוב איך היה מתקן את הבית לכבודו, ומכל שכן לכבוד שבת מלכתא. בקצת מקומות עושין פשטידא או מולייתא לסעודת ליל שבת, זכר למן שהיה מונח כמו בקופסא, טל למטה וטל למעלה. יש לטעום בערב שבת את התבשילין שנעשו לשבת. סעיף י - מתשע שעות זמניות ולמעלה, מצוה למנוע מלקבוע סעודה, אפילו מה שהוא רגיל בחול, וסעודה שאינו רגיל בה בחול, אפילו היא סעודת מצוה, אם היה אפשר לעשותה ביום אחר, אסור לעשותה בערב שבת כל היום אפילו בבוקר. אך סעודת מצוה שזמנה קבוע היום, כגון מילה ופדיון הבן וכדומה מותר. ומכל מקום נכון להקדימה בבוקר ולא ירבה בה, ומכל שכן שלא לאכול אכילה גסה, כדי שיאכלו סעודת שבת לתיאבון.

Halocho #27 - Tu B'Shvat

Tonight will be 15th Shvat – Tu B'Shvat – the New Year as far as tithing fruits are 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: KSA 22:8, 139:26. Rosh Hashana Mishna 1:1.

ארבעה ראשי שנים הם: באחד בניסן, ראש השנה למלכים ולרגלים. באחד באלול, ראש השנה למעשר בהמה; רבי אלעזר ורבי שמעון אומרין, באחד בתשרי. באחד בתשרי, ראש השנה לשנים לשמיטים :וליובלות, ולנטיעה ולירקות. באחד בשבט, ראש השנה לאילן, כדברי בית שמאי; בית הלל אומרין, בחמישה עשר בו.

Halocho #25 - Not feeding birds on Shabbat Shira

House pets are any other animals that depend on you for their food may be fed on Shabbat. Animals that do not rely on you for their food may not be fed, and you may not even throw them leftovers, with the exception of stray dogs. One may not feed pigeons as they are capable of fending for themselves. The custom to put out grain for the birds on Shabbat Shira (this week) is incorrect as birds do not rely on humans for their food. (One may put out grain for them before Shabbat.) Source KSA 87:18

סעיף יח בהמות חיות ועופות הגדלים בבית שמזונותיהן מוטלין עליך, מותר לתת להם מזונות בשבת, אבל אותן שאינם גדלים בבית ואין מזונותיהן עליך אסור לטרוח בשביל ליתן להם מזונות, ואפילו להשליך לפניהם אסור. ולכן אסור ליתן מזונות לפני היונים לפי שיוצאין ואוכלין בשדה. נותנין מזונות לפני כלב, ואפילו של הפקר יש קצת מצוה ליתן לו מעט מזונות, שהרי הקדוש ברוך הוא חס עליו על שמזונותיו מועטין, ומשהה אכילתו במעיו שלשה ימים. יש נוהגין לתת חטים לפני העופות בשבת שירה, ואינו נכון שהרי אין מזונותיהן עליך.