Halocho #2390 - The second day of Pesach

On the second night of Pesach we start counting the 49 days of Sefirat Ha'Omer; culminating with Shavuoth.

On the second day of Pesach one should do something at the meal to commemorate Queen Esther's second feast, which ended with the wicked Haman being hanged on that day.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 103:6

בְּיוֹם שֵׁנִי שֶׁל פֶּסַח, יֵשׁ לַעֲשׂוֹת בַּסְּעוּדָּה אֵיזֶה דָּבָר, לְזֵכֶר סְעוּדַּת אֶסְתֵּר שֶׁהָיְתָה בְּיוֹם זֶה, שֶׁבּוֹ בַּיּוֹם נִתְלָה הַמָּן.

Shabbat Shalom,

- Danny Schoemann

Thursday, 3 Nissan 5784

Please daven for the full recovery of the seriously wounded soldier

מֹשֶׁה אַהֲרֹן בֶּן לֵאָה בֵּיילָא

לרפואה שלמה

Halocho #2377 - Shushan Purim is tonight

Today - Sunday - Purim is celebrated in most of the world. 

The Purim meal should begin with a Dvar-Torah. Since Purim is 30 days before Pessach, the following is an appropriate Purim-meal Dvar-Torah: 

“The laws of Pessach in Shulchan Aruch begin with: One should start learning the laws of Pessach thirty days before Pessach.” 

In Jerusalem - and other cities that were walled in the time Joshua-ben-Nun conquered the Holy Land - we celebrate Shushan-Purim a day later. 

On both Purim and Shushan-Purim Tachanun, Kel-Erach-Apaim and Lamenatze'ach are not said and fasting is not allowed. 

Don't forget to add עַל הַנִּסִּים during the Amida and Birkat Hamazon. 

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 141:23, 142:9, Shulchan Aruch 429:1

יוֹם חֲמִשָּׁה עָשָׂר בַּאֲדָר נִקְרָא אֶצְלֵנוּ שׁוּשַן פּוּרִים. אֵין אוֹמְרִים בּוֹ תַחֲנוּן, וְלֹא אֵל אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם, וְלֹא לַמְנַצֵּחַ. וְאָסוּר גַּם כֵּן בְּהֶסְפֵּד וְתַעֲנִית. וְנוֹהֲגִין בּוֹ קְצָת מִשְׁתֶּה וְשִׂמְחָה, אֲבָל אֵין אוֹמְרִים עַל הַנִּסִּים. 

עִיר שֶהִיא מֻקֶּפֶת חוֹמָה מִימוֹת יְהוֹשֻׁעַ בִּן נוּן, קוֹרִין בָּהּ בַּחֲמִשָּׁה עָשָֹר וְלֹא שְכִיחִי בִּמְדִינוֹתֵינוּ.

שׁוֹאֲלִין בְּהִלְכוֹת פֶּסַח קֹדֶם לַפֶּסַח שְׁלֹשִׁים יוֹם.

- Danny who celebrates Purim tomorrow.

Sunday, 14 Adar-2 5784

Next Halocho-a-day on Tuesday.

Please daven for the full recovery of the seriously wounded soldier

מֹשֶׁה אַהֲרֹן בֶּן לֵאָה בֵּיילָא

לרפואה שלמה

Halocho #2375 - When is Ta'anit Esther - and when did Queen Esther fast?

When Purim is on Sunday - like this year - then the fast of Esther - תַּעֲנִית אֶסְתֵּר -  is on the Thursday before. (That's tomorrow!)

If one forgets to fast on Thursday, one fasts the next day - on Friday.

Ta'anit Esther is not as stringent as other fast days, and expecting and nursing mothers do not fast, nor does anybody who is unwell. When in doubt, consult with a Rabbi.

The custom is to give 3 coins to charity after Mincha on תַּעֲנִית אֶסְתֵּר. Each coin should be half the local currency - half dollar, half shekel, etc.

When did Esther fast?

Over 2,370 years ago, two days before Pessach, Haman decreed that all the Jews would be destroyed on 13th Adar, eleven months later.

After consulting with her cousin Mordechai, Queen Esther declared a 3-day long fast that lasted through the first days of Pessach, after which she went – uninvited – to the king and invited him and Haman to a wine feast.

At the wine feast she invited them to a second wine feast at which she gained royal permission for the Jews to defend themselves.

Jews always fast and pray when going out to war, and so they did on Adar 13, 3406 (354 BCE). On Adar 14 they celebrated their victory.

Ta’anit Esther is the only one of the 6 fast days not mentioned in Tanach.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 141:2, 5. Esther 2:7, 3:12-9:30

בִּימֵי מָּרְדְּכַי וְאֶסְתֵּר, נִקְהֲלוּ הַיְהוּדִים בִּשְׁלשָׁה עָשָׂר לְחֹדֶשׁ אֲדָר לַעֲמֹד עַל נַפְשָׁם וּלְהִנָּקֵם מֵאוֹיְבֵיהֶם, וְהָיוּ צְרִיכִין לְבַקֵּשׁ רַחֲמִים מֵאֵת ה' יִתְבָּרַךְ שְׁמוֹ, שֶׁיַעְזְרֵם. וּמָצִינוּ שֶׁכַּאֲשֶׁר הָיוּ יִשְֹרָאֵל בַּמִּלְחָמָה, הִתְעַנּוּ שֶׁיַעְזְרֵם ה'. וְגַם משֶׁה רַבֵּנוּ עָלָיו הַשָׁלוֹם, בְּיוֹם שֶׁנִּלְחַם עִם עֲמָלֵק, הִתְעַנָּה. וְאִם כֵּן, מִסְּתָמָא גַּם אָז בִּימֵי מָרְדְּכַי וְאֶסְתֵּר, הִתְעַנוּ בְּיוֹם שְׁלשָׁה עָשָׂר בַּאֲדָר. וְלָכֵן קִבְּלוּ עֲלֵיהֶם כָּל יִשְֹרָאֵל יוֹם זֶה לְתַעֲנִית צִבּוּר. וְנִקְרָא תַּעֲנִית אֶסְתֵּר, כְּדֵי לִזְכֹּר שֶׁהַבּוֹרֵא יִתְבָּרַךְ שְמוֹ, רוֹאֶה וְשׁוֹמֵעַ תְּפִלַּת כָּל אִישׁ בְּעֵת צָרָתוֹ, כַּאֲשֶׁר יִתְעַנֶּה וְיָשוּב אֶל ה' בְּכָל לְבָבוֹ, כְּמוֹ שֶעָשָׂה לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ בַּיָמִים הָהֵם. וּמִכָּל מָקוֹם אֵין תַּעֲנִית זוֹ חוֹבָה כָּל כָּךְ כְּמוֹ אַרְבַּע הַתַּעֲנִיּוֹת שֶׁכְּתוּבוֹת בַּמִּקְרָא (עַיֵן לְעֵיל סִימָן קכא), וְלָכֵן יֵשׁ לְהָקֵל בָּהּ בְּעֵת הַצֹּרֶךְ, כְּגוֹן מְעֻבָּרוֹת וּמֵינִיקוֹת אוֹ אֲפִלּוּ חוֹלֶה קְצָת בִּכְאֵב עֵינַיִם, שֶׁאִם מִצְטַעֲרִים הַרְבֵּה, לֹא יִתְעַנּוּ. וְכֵן יוֹלֶדֶת כָּל שְׁלֹשִׁים יוֹם, וְכֵן חָתָן בְּתוֹךְ שִׁבְעַת יְמֵי הַמִּשְׁתֶּה שֶׁלּוֹ, אֵינָן צְרִיכִין לְהִתְעַנּוֹת, וְיִפְרְעוּ אֶת הַתַּעֲנִית אַחַר כָּךְ. אֲבָל שְׁאָר הַבְּרִיאִים, לֹא יִפְרְשׁוּ (אֶת) עַצְמָם מִן הַצִּבּוּר. וַאֲפִלּוּ מִי שֶׁהוֹלֵךְ בַּדֶרֶךְ וְקָשָׁה עָלָיו הַתַּעֲנִית, מִכָּל מָקוֹם צָרִיךְ לְהִתְעַנּוֹת.

נוֹהֲגִין לִתֵּן קֹדֶם פּוּרִים מַחֲצִית מִן הַמַּטְבֵּעַ הַקָבוּעַ בְאוֹתוֹ מָקוֹם וּבְאוֹתוֹ זְמָן, זֵכֶר לְמַחֲצִית הַשֶּׁקֶל שֶׁהָיוּ נוֹתְנִים בַּאֲדָר לְצֹרֶךְ קָרְבְּנוֹת הַצִּבּוּר. וּמִנְהָג לִתֵּן שָׁלֹשׁ מַחֲצִיּוֹת, מִשּׁוּם דִּבְפָרָשַׁת כִּי תִשָּׂא כְתִיב שָׁלֹשׁ פְּעָמִים תְּרוּמָה. וְנוֹתְנִין בָּעֶרֶב לִפְנֵי קְרִיאַת הַמְּגִלָּה, וּמְחַלְּקִין אוֹתָם לַעֲנִיִים. קָטָן, פָּטוּר. וְאִם אָבִיו נָתַן בִּשְׁבִלוֹ פַּעַם אַחַת, חַיָב לְעוֹלָם. בֶּן שְׁלשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה שָׁנָה, יֵשׁ אוֹמְרִים דְּחַיָב, וְיֵשׁ אוֹמְרִים דְּפָּטוּר, עַד שֶׁיְהֵא בֶּן עֶשְׂרִים.

- Danny Schoemann

Wednesday, 10 Adar-2 5784

Please daven for the full recovery of the seriously wounded soldier

מֹשֶׁה אַהֲרֹן בֶּן לֵאָה בֵּיילָא

לרפואה שלמה

Halocho #2374 - How do we publicize the miracle of Purim?

One of the Mitzvot of Purim is hearing Megilat Esther being read at night and again in the morning.

One needs to hear every single word to fulfill this Mitzva.

The Megila should be heard in a shul if possible; the bigger the crowd the bigger the publicity of the miracle.

Everybody needs to hear the Megila including men, women and children old enough to attend without disturbing.

The reading needs to be done from a Kosher Megila; one that is handwritten by a Sofer on parchment.

The entire Megila - some 20 columns in a standard edition - is unrolled and folded like a letter before it is read.

Three Brachot are recited before the Megila is read (both in the evening and the morning) and a single one after the reading.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 141:7, 9, 10, 11

חַיָב כָּל אָדָם, בֵּין אִישׁ בֵּין אִשָּׁה, לִשְׁמֹעַ קְרִיאַת הַמְּגִלָּה בַּלַיְלָה וּבַיוֹם. וְלָכֵן גַּם הַבְּתוּלוֹת, יֵשׁ לָהֶן לָלֶכֶת לְבֵית הַכְּנֶסֶת. וְאִם אֵינָן הוֹלְכוֹת, צְרִיכִין לִקְרוֹת לִפְנֵיהֶן בַּבָּיִת. וְגַם אֶת הַקְּטַנִים חַיָבִים לְחַנֵּךְ אוֹתָם שֶׁיִשְׁמְעוּ קְרִיאַת הַמְּגִלָּה. וּמִכָּל מָקוֹם לֹא יָבִיאוּ לְבֵית הַכְּנֶסֶת קְטַנִּים בְּיוֹתֵר, שֶׁמְּבַלְבְּלִים דַּעַת הַשּׁוֹמְעִים.

מִצְוָה מִן הַמֻּבְחָר לִשְׁמוֹעַ אֶת הַמְּגִלָה בְּבֵית הַכְּנֶסֶת בְּמָקוֹם שֶׁיֵשׁ רֹב אֲנָשִׁים, מִשּׁוּם דִּבְרָב עָם הַדְרַת מֶלֶךְ. וּלְכָל הַפָּחוֹת יִשְׁתַּדֵּל לִשְׁמֹעַ אוֹתָהּ בְּמִנְיַן עֲשָׂרָה. וְאִם אִי אֶפְשָׁר לִקְרוֹתָהּ בְּמִנְיָן, יִקְרָא אוֹתָהּ כָּל יָחִיד מִתּוֹךְ מְגִלָּה כְּשֵׁרָה עִם הַבְּרָכוֹת שֶׁלְּפָנֶיהָ.

מִנְהָג בְּכָל יִשְֹרָאֵל, שֶהַקּוֹרֵא אֵינוֹ קוֹרֵא מִתּוֹךְ מְגִלָּה כְּרוּכָה, אֶלָּא פּוֹשֵׁט אוֹתָהּ וְכוֹפְלָהּ דַּף עַל דַּף כְּמוֹ אִגֶּרֶת, מִפְּנֵי שֶׁנִּקְרֵאת אִגֶּרֶת הַפּוּרִים, אֲבָל הַשׁוֹמְעִים, אֵינָם צְרִיכִים לְפָשְׁטָהּ.

הַקּוֹרֵא אֶת הַמְּגִלָּה, בֵּין בַּיוֹם בֵּין בַּלַּיְלָה, מְבָרֵךְ לְפָנֶיהָ שָׁלֹשׁ בְּרָכוֹת, עַל מִקְרָא מְגִלָּה, שֶעָשָׂה נִּסִּים, וְשֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ. וּלְאַחַר קְרִיאָתָהּ, כּוֹרְכָהּ כֻּלָהּ וּמַנִּיחָהּ לְפָנָיו, וּמְבָרְכִין בִּרְכַּת הָרָב אֶת רִבֵנוּ וְכוּ'. אִם אָבֵל קוֹרֵא אֶת הַמְגִלָּה, יְבָרֵךְ אַחֵר אֶת הַבְּרָכוֹת, מִשׁוּם בִּרְכַּת שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ.

- Danny Schoemann

Tuesday, 9 Adar-2 5784

Please daven for the full recovery of the seriously wounded soldier

מֹשֶׁה אַהֲרֹן בֶּן לֵאָה בֵּיילָא

לרפואה שלמה

Halocho #2373 - If you forget to say עַל הַנִּסִּים on Purim

On Purim one adds עַל הַנִּסִּים to the Birkat Hamazon in the middle of the 2nd Bracha - נוֹדֶה לְךָ.

If you forgot to add עַל הַנִּסִּים and you've already said 'ברוך אתה ה then you don't have to make amends.

However, if possible you should say the following during the HaRachaman's after the 4th Bracha:

הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יַעֲשֶׂה לָנוּ נִסִּים וְנִפְלָאוֹת כְּמוֹ שֶׁעָשָׂה לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ בַּיָּמִים הַהֵם בַּזְּמַן הַזֶּה בִּימֵי מרדכי

...and then continue with the rest of the עַל הַנִּסִּים.

During every Amida of Purim one adds עַל הַנִּסִּים during מוֹדִים.

If you forgot to add עַל הַנִּסִּים and you've already said 'ברוך אתה ה then you don't have to make amends.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 44:16, 139:21

בַּחֲנֻכָּה וּבַפּוּרִים אִם שָׁכַח לוֹמַר עַל הַנִּסִּים, וְלֹא נִזְכַּר עַד לְאַחַר שֶׁאָמַר אֶת הַשֵּׁם מֵחֲתִימַת הַבְּרָכָה, שֶׁאָמַר, בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה', אֵינוֹ חוֹזֵר. אַךְ בְּתוֹךְ הָרַחֲמָן יֹאמַר, הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יַעֲשֶׂה לָנוּ נִסִּים וְנִפְלָאוֹת, כְּמוֹ שֶׁעָשָׂה לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ בַּיָּמִים הַהֵם בַּזְּמַן הַזֶּה בִּימֵי מַתִּתְיָהוּ וְכוּ', בִּימֵי מָרְדְּכַי וְכוּ'

אוֹמְרִים בִּשְׁמוֹנֶה עֶשְׂרֵה, עַל הַנִּסִּים. וְאִם שָׁכַח וְלֹא אֲמָרוֹ, אִם נִזְכַּר קֹדֶם שֶׁאָמַר אֶת הַשֵׁם מִן בִּרְכַּת הַטּוֹב שִׁמְךָ וְכוּ', חוֹזֵר וּמַתְחִיל עַל הַנִּיסִּים. אֲבָל אִם לֹא נִזְכַּר עַד לְאַחַר שֶׁאָמַר אֶת הַשֵׁם, גּוֹמֵר אֶת הַבְּרָכָה וְאֵינוֹ חוֹזֵר.

- Danny Schoemann

Monday, 8 Adar-2 5784

Please daven for the full recovery of the seriously wounded soldier

מֹשֶׁה אַהֲרֹן בֶּן לֵאָה בֵּיילָא

לרפואה שלמה

Halocho #2371 - Purim gifts for your friends

One of the Mitzvot of Purim is Mishlo’ach Manot; sending at least two food items to one fellow Jew.

These 2 food items need to be ready to eat. For example fruit, wine, cake or cooked meat.

It’s commendable to send Mishlo’ach Manot to a lot of people, but it’s even better to spend more on Matanot La'Evyonim for the poor and needy.

Both men and women need to send Mishlo’ach Manot. Men should send to men, women should send to women.

A mourner (in the 12 months for parents or 30 days for siblings, spouse or child) also needs to send Mishlo’ach Manot. One does not send Mishlo’ach Manot to a mourner unless there are no other Jews around.

One may give Matanot La'Evyonim to a needy mourner.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 142:1, 2, 4, 7

חַיָב כָּל אָדָם לִשְׁלוֹחַ לְכָל הַפָּחוֹת לְאָדָם אֶחָד שְׁתֵּי מָנוֹת, דִּכְתִיב, וּמִשְׁלוֹחַ מָנוֹת אִישׁ לְרֵעֵהוּ, מַשְׁמַע שְׁתֵּי מַתָּנוֹת לָאֶחָד. וְכָל הַמַּרְבֶּה לִשְׁלוֹחַ מָנוֹת לְרֵעִים, הֲרֵי זֶה מְשֻׁבָּח.

 וּמִכָּל מָקוֹם מוּטָב לְהַרְבּוֹת בְּמַתָּנוֹת לָאֶבְיוֹנִים מִלְּהַרְבּוֹת בִּסְעוּדָּתוֹ וּבְמִשְׁלוֹחַ מָנוֹת לְרֵעִים, כִּי אֵין שִׂמְחָה גְּדוֹלָה וּמְפֹאֶרֶת לִפְנֵי הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא אֶלָּא לְשַׂמֵחַ לֵב עֲנִיִים וִיתוֹמִים וְאַלְמָנוֹת. וְהַמְשַׂמֵחַ לֵב הָאֻמְלָלִים הָאֵלּוּ, דּוֹמֶה לַשְּׁכִינָה, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר, לְהַחֲיוֹת רוּחַ שְׁפָלִים וּלְהַחֲיוֹת לֵב נִדְכָּאִים.

לֹא נִקְרָא מָנוֹת אֶלָּא דָּבָר שֶׁרָאוּי לֶאֱכוֹל כְּמוֹת שֶׁהוּא בְּלִי תִקּוּן, כְּגוֹן בָּשָׂר וְדָגִים מְבֻשָּׁלִים וְלֹא חַיִּים, אוֹ מִינֵי מְתִיקָה אוֹ פֵרוֹת, אוֹ כּוֹס יַיִן וּמֵי דְבַשׁ וְכַיוֹצֵא בָהֶם.

גַּם הַנָּשִׁים חַיָבוֹת בְּמִשְׁלוֹחַ מָנוֹת וּמַתָּנוֹת לָאֶבְיוֹנִים. מִשְׁלוֹחַ מָנוֹת, תִּשְׁלַח אִשָּׁה לְאִשָּׁה וְאִישׁ לָאִישׁ.

הָאָבֵל, אֲפִלּוּ תּוֹךְ שִׁבְעָה, חַיָב בְּמַתָּנוֹת לָאֶבְיוֹנִים, וְגַם לִשְׁלוֹחַ מָנוֹת לְרֵעֵהוּ. וּמִכָּל מָקוֹם לֹא יִשְׁלַח דָּבָר שֶׁל שִׂמְחָה. 

אֲבָל לָאָבֵל, אֵין שׁוֹלְחִין מָנוֹת כָּל שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר חֹדֶשׁ, אֲפִלּוּ דָבָר שֶׁאֵינוֹ שֶל שִׂמְחָה. 

אִם הוּא עָנִי, מֻתָּר לִשְׁלוֹחַ לוֹ מָעוֹת אוֹ שְׁאָר דָּבָר שֶׁאֵינוֹ שֶׁל שִׂמְחָה. 

וְאִם אֵין בַּמָּקוֹם הַהוּא רַק הָאָבֵל עִם אַחֵר, חַיָב לִשְׁלוֹחַ לוֹ, כְּדֵי לְקַיֵם מִצְוַת מִשְׁלוֹחַ מָנוֹת.

Shabbat Shalom,

- Danny Schoemann
Thursday, 4 Adar-2 5784

Please daven for the full recovery of the seriously wounded soldier

מֹשֶׁה אַהֲרֹן בֶּן לֵאָה בֵּיילָא

לרפואה שלמה

Halocho #2369 - Purim gifts for the poor

One of the 613 Mitzvot in the Torah is to obey the Torah Sages. The Sages instituted Purim and its Mitzvot.

One of the Mitzvot of Purim is Matanot La'Evyonim - מַתָּנוֹת לָאֶבְיֹנִים - to send gifts to at least two needy people. This gift is usually money.

Even somebody who lives off charity needs to fulfill this Mitzva.

One needn't hand the gifts directly to the needy; one can send them via messenger (or charity organization).

Purim is the only day of the year one does not check credentials; anybody who asks for charity on Purim is given something.

Both men and women have an obligation to give Matanot La'Evyonim. Men may send Matanot La'Evyonim to women and vice versa.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 142:3-4

כָּל אָדָם אֲפִלּוּ עָנִי שֶׁבְּיִשְֹרָאֵל הַמְקַבֵּל צְדָקָה, חַיָב לִתֵּן לְכָל הַפָּחוֹת שְׁתֵּי מַתָּנוֹת לִשְׁנֵי עֲנִיִים, דְּהַיְנוּ מַתָּנָה אַחַת לְכָל אֶחָד, דִּכְתִיב, וּמַתָּנוֹת לָאֶבְיֹנִים, מַשְׁמַע שְׁתֵּי מַתָּנוֹת לִשְׁנֵי עֲנִיִים. וְאֵין מְדַקְדְּקִים בִּמְעוֹת פּוּרִים, אֶלָּא כָּל הַפּוֹשֵׁט יָד לִטּוֹל, נוֹתְנִים לוֹ. וּמִי שֶׁהוּא בְּמָקוֹם שֶׁאֵין שָׁם עֲנִיִים, יְעַכֵּב אֶת הַמָּעוֹת אֶצְלוֹ, עַד שֶׁיִזְדַּמְּנוּ לוֹ עֲנִיִים אוֹ יִשְׁלָחֵם לָהֶם.

גַּם הַנָּשִׁים חַיָבוֹת בְּמִשְׁלוֹחַ מָנוֹת וּמַתָּנוֹת לָאֶבְיוֹנִים. מִשְׁלוֹחַ מָנוֹת, תִּשְׁלַח אִשָּׁה לְאִשָּׁה וְאִישׁ לָאִישׁ. אֲבָל מַתָּנוֹת לָאֶבְיוֹנִים, יְכוֹלָה גַּם אִשָּׁה לִשְׁלוֹחַ לָאִישׁ, וְכֵן בַּהֵפֶךְ. קְצָת נָשִׁים סוֹמְכוֹת עַל בַּעֲלֵיהֶן שֶׁהֵם שׁוֹלְחִים גַּם בִּשְׁבִילָן, וְאֵינוֹ נָכוֹן, אֶלָּא יֵשׁ לְהַחְמִיר.

- Danny Schoemann

Tuesday, 2 Adar-2 5784

Please daven for the full recovery of the seriously wounded soldier

מֹשֶׁה אַהֲרֹן בֶּן לֵאָה בֵּילָא

לרפואה שלמה

Halocho #1051 - Shushan Purim is tonight

Today - Sunday - Purim is celebrated in most of the world. 

The Purim meal should begin with a Dvar-Torah. Since Purim is 30 days before Pessach, the following is an appropriate Purim-meal Dvar-Torah: 

“The laws of Pessach in Shulchan Aruch begin with: One should start learning the laws of Pessach thirty days before Pessach.” 

In Jerusalem - and other cities that were walled in the time Joshua-ben-Nun conquered the Holy Land - we celebrate Shushan-Purim a day later. 

On both Purim and Shushan-Purim Tachanun, Kel-Erach-Apaim and Lamenatze'ach are not said and fasting is not allowed. 

Don't forget to add עַל הַנִּסִּים during Amida and Birkat Hamazon. 

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 141:9

- Danny who celebrates Purim tomorrow.
Sunday, 14 Adar 5773

Next Halocho-a-day on Tuesday.

Halocho #1048 - How do we publicize the miracle of Purim?

One of the Mitzvot of Purim is hearing Megilat Esther being read at night and again in the morning.

One needs to hear every single word to fulfill this Mitzva.

The Megila should be heard in a shul if possible; the bigger the crowd the bigger the publicity of the miracle.

Everybody needs to hear the Megila including men, women and children old enough to attend without disturbing.

The reading needs to be done from a Kosher Megila; one that is handwritten by a Sofer on parchment.

The entire Megila - some 20 columns in a standard edition - is unrolled and folded like a letter before it is read.

Three Brachot are recited before the Megila is read (both in the evening and the morning) and a single one after the reading.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 141:7, 9, 10, 11

- Danny
Tuesday, 9 Adar 5773

Halocho #1047 - If you forget to say עַל הַנִּסִּים on Purim

On Purim one adds עַל הַנִּסִּים to the Birkat Hamazon during the 2nd Bracha.

If you forgot to add עַל הַנִּסִּים and you've already said 'ברוך אתה ה then you don't have to make amends.

However, if possible you should say the following during the HaRachaman's after the 4th Bracha:

הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יַעֲשֶׂה לָנוּ נִסִּים וְנִפְלָאוֹת כְּמוֹ שֶׁעָשָׂה לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ בַּיָּמִים הַהֵם בַּזְּמַן הַזֶּה בִּימֵי מרדכי

...and then continue with the rest of the עַל הַנִּסִּים.

During every Amida of Purim one adds עַל הַנִּסִּים during Modim.

If you forgot to add עַל הַנִּסִּים and you've already said 'ברוך אתה ה then you don't have to make amends.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 44:16, 139: 21

- Danny
Monday, 8 Adar 5773

Halocho #1045 - Purim gifts for your friends

One of the Mitzvot of Purim is Mishlo’ach Manot; sending at least two food items to one fellow Jew.

These 2 food items need to be ready to eat. For example fruit, wine, cake or cooked meat.

It’s commendable to send Mishlo’ach Manot to a lot of people, but it’s even better to spend more on Matanot La'Evyonim to the poor and needy.

Both men and women need to send Mishlo’ach Manot. Men should send to men, women should send to women.

A mourner (in the 12 months for parents or 30 days for siblings, spouse or child) also needs to send Mishlo’ach Manot. One does not send Mishlo’ach Manot to a mourner unless there are no other Jews around.

One may give Matanot La'Evyonim to a needy mourner. 

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 142:1, 2, 4, 7

- Danny
Thursday, 4 Adar 5773

Halocho #770 - Al Hanisim - עַל הַנִּסִּים on Purim

On Purim one adds עַל הַנִּסִּים to the Birkat Hamazon during the 2nd Bracha.

If you forgot to add עַל הַנִּסִּים and you've already said 'ברוך אתה ה then you don't have to make amends.

However, if possible you should say the following during the HaRachaman's after the 4th Bracha:

הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יַעֲשֶׂה לָנוּ נִסִּים וְנִפְלָאוֹת

כְּמוֹ שֶׁעָשָׂה לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ

בַּיָּמִים הַהֵם בַּזְּמַן הַזֶּה בִּימֵי מרדכי

and then continue with the rest of the עַל הַנִּסִּים.

During every Amida of Purim one adds עַל הַנִּסִּים during Modim.

If you forgot to add עַל הַנִּסִּים and you've already said 'ברוך אתה ה then you don't have to make amends.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 44:16, 139: 21

- Danny, from Jerusalem
Sunday, Purim, 14-Adar II 5771

No Halocho-a-Day tomorrow; it's Shushan Purim for us in Jerusalem

Halocho #768 - When is Ta'anit Esther?

When Purim is on Sunday - like this year - then the fast of Esther is on the Thursday before. (That's tomorrow!)

If one forgets to fast on Thursday, one fasts the next day - on Friday.

Ta'anit Esther is not as stringent as other fast days, and expecting and nursing mother do not fast, nor does anybody who is unwell. When in doubt, consult with a Rabbi.

The custom is to give 3 coins to charity after Mincha on Ta'anit Esther. Each coin should be half the local currency - half dollar, half shekel, etc.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 141:5

- Danny
Wednesday, 10 Adar II 5771

Halocho #767 - Purim gifts for the poor

One of the 613 Mitzvot in the Torah is to obey the Torah Sages. The Sages instituted Purim and its Mitzvot.

One of the Mitzvot of Purim is Matanot La'Evyonim - to send gifts to at least two needy people. This gift is usually money.

Even somebody who lives off charity needs to fulfill this Mitzva.

One needn't hand the gifts directly to the needy; one can send them via messenger (or charity organization).

Purim is the only day of the year one does not check credentials; anybody who asks for charity on Purim is given something.

Both men and women have an obligation to give Matanot La'Evyonim. Men may send Matanot La'Evyonim to women and vice versa.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 142:3-4

- Danny
Tuesday, 9 Adar II 5771

Halocho #766 - How do we publicize the miracle of Purim?

One of the Mitzvot of Purim is hearing Megilat Esther being read at night and again in the morning.

One needs to hear every single word to fulfill this Mitzva.

The Megila should be heard in a shul if possible; the bigger the crowd the bigger the publicity of the miracle.

Everybody needs to hear the Megila including men, women and children old enough to attend without disturbing.

The reading needs to be done from a Kosher Megila; one that is handwritten by a Sofer on parchment.

The entire Megila - some 20 columns in a standard edition - is unrolled and folded like a letter before it is read.

Three Brochos are recited before the Megila is read (both in the evening and the morning) and a single one after the reading.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 141:7, 9, 10, 11

- Danny
Monday, 8 Adar-II 5771

Halocho #765 - Purim gifts for your friends

One of the Mitzvot of Purim is Mishlo’ach Manot; sending at least two food items to one fellow Jew.

These 2 food items need to be ready to eat. For example fruit, wine, cake or cooked meat.

It’s commendable to send Mishlo’ach Manot to a lot of people, but it’s even better to spend more on Matonot La’Evyonim to the poor and needy.

Both men and women need to send Mishlo’ach Manot. Men should send to men, women should send to women.

A mourner (in the 12 months for parents or 30 days for siblings, spouse or child) also needs to send Mishlo’ach Manot. One does not send Mishlo’ach Manot to a mourner unless there are no other Jews around.

One may give Matonos L’evyonim to a needy mourner.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 142:1, 2, 4, 7

- Danny
Sunday, 7 Adar II 5771

Halocho #748 - Is tomorrow a fast day?

In a non-leap year the 13th of Adar is Ta'anit Esther.

In leap years - like this year 5771 - תשע"א - we fast and celebrate Purim in Adar-II.

However, in Adar-I we mark the days as "Purim Katan".

One should eat a bigger meal to increase happiness on 14th of Adar-I. Even in "walled cities" where Shushan-Purim is celebrated (e.g. Jerusalem) this is done on 14th (not 15th) of Adar-I.

During Adar-I the Megila is not read, nor does one say עַל הַנִּסִּים.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 142:10

- Danny
Wednesday, 12 Adar-I 5771

Please daven for a complete recovery of 24 year old Michael Pinchas ben Frecha Fanny who suffered a brain haemorrhage

Halocho #533 - The second day of Pessach

On the second night of Pessach we start counting the 49 days of Sefirat Ha'Omer; culminating with Shavuoth.

On the second day of Pessach one should do something at the meal to commemorate Queen Esther's second feast, which ended with the wicked Haman being hanged on that day.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 103:6

- Danny
Sunday, 28 Adar 5770

Halocho #524 - Shushan Purim is tonight

Today - Sunday - Purim is celebrated in most of the world.

The Purim meal should begin with a Dvar-Torah. Since Purim is 30 days before Pessach, the following is an appropriate Purim-meal Dvar-Torah:

“The laws of Pessach in Shulchan Aruch begin with: One should start learning the laws of Pessach thirty days before Pessach.”

In Jerusalem - and other cities that were walled in the time Joshua-ben-Nun conquered the Holy Land - we celebrate Shushan-Purim a day later.

On both Purim and Shushan-Purim Tachanun, Kel-Erach-Apaim and Lamenatze'ach are not said and fasting is not allowed.

Don't forget to add עַל הַנִּסִּים during Amida and Birkat Hamazon.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 141:9

- Danny who celebrates Purim tomorrow.
Sunday, 14 Adar 5769

Next Halocho-a-day on Tuesday.

Halocho #523 - Destroy and remember

This Shabbat - the one before Purim - is Parshat Zachor.

There is an opinion that it's a Torah obligation to hear Parshat Zachor being read in shul this week, and if you don't have a Minyan near home you need to go to a town with a Minyan for this Shabbat.

If a Minyan cannot be found, Parshat Zachor should be read even without a Minyan.
A second Sefer Torah is taken out and for Maftir we read about the obligation to annihilate the nation of Amalek and remember their wickedness.

For the Haftara we read the story of King Saul's attempt to fulfill the Mitzva of annihilating Amalek. (Shmuel-1 Ch. 15)

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 140:2, 3

Shabbat Shalom

- Danny
Thursday, Fast of Esther, 11 Adar 5770