Halocho #2404 - Tefillin on Rosh Chodesh

Men wear Tefillin (phylacteries) every weekday during Shacharit (morning prayers).

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

בְּרֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ חוֹלְצִין קֹדֶם תְּפִלַּת מוּסָף.

Chodesh Tov and Shabbat Shalom

- Danny

Thursday, 2nd day Rosh Chodesh Iyar 5784 - 16th day of the Omer

 Please daven for the full recovery of the seriously wounded soldier, now in rehab,

 מֹשֶׁה אַהֲרֹן בֶּן לֵאָה בֵּילָא לרפואה שלמה

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 #2402 - Don't forget Ya'aleh Veyavo on Rosh Chodesh

Tonight - Tuesday night - is the first day of 2 days of Rosh Chodesh Iyar.

On Rosh Chodesh one adds Ya'aleh Veyavo -  יַעֲלֶה וְיָבוֹא -  during the Amida and Birkat Hamazon.

If one forgot  יַעֲלֶה וְיָבוֹא  during Birkat Hamazon (during the day or night), and one remembers before starting the last Bracha, one can say:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱלקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר נָתַן רָאשֵׁי חֳדָשִׁים לְעַמּוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל לְזִכָּרוֹן

If one only realizes after starting the last Bracha, or one does not have the above Bracha readily available, then one does not need to make amends.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 44:14

טָעָה בְּרֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ בְּבִרְכַּת הַמָּזוֹן וְלֹא אָמַר יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא, אוֹמֵר

 "בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱלֹקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר נָתַן רָאשֵׁי חֳדָשִׁים לְעַמּוֹ יִשְֹרָאֵל לְזִכָּרוֹן", 

וְאֵינוֹ חוֹתֵם (וְאֵין חִלּוּק בָּזֶה בֵּין בַּיּוֹם בֵּין בַּלָּיְלָה)

Chodesh Tov!

Tuesday, 29 Nissan 5784 - 14th day of the Omer

 Please daven for the full recovery of the seriously wounded soldier

 מֹשֶׁה אַהֲרֹן בֶּן לֵאָה בֵּילָא לרפואה שלמה

Halocho #2387 - Rosh Chodesh Nissan

Tonight - Monday night - begins the first day of the first month - Nissan.

Don't forget Hallel and יַעֲלֶה וְיָבא

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 Halacha and were killed by a heavenly fire.

On that day the heads of the 12 tribes started bringing their inaugural sacrifices - one prince each day. Some people have the custom of reading that day's 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 (today in 2 weeks).
• Fasting for distressingly bad dreams.
• Couples getting married during Nissan, even on Rosh Chodesh, whereas on any other Rosh Chodesh the bride and groom do not fast.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 107:1,2

כָּל חֹדֶשׁ נִיסָן אֵין אוֹמְרִים תַּחֲנוּן, וְלֹא צִדּוּק הַדִּין, וְאֵין אוֹמְרִים צִדְקָתְךָ בַּשַׁבָּת בְּמִנְחָה. 

נוֹהֲגִין מֵרֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ וָאֵילֵךְ לִקְרוֹת בְּכָל יוֹם פָּרָשַׁת הַנָּשִׂיא שֶׁהִקְרִיב בּוֹ בַּיּוֹם, וּבְיוֹם שְׁלשָׁה עָשָׂר קוֹרִין פָּרָשַׁת בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ, עַד כֵּן עָשָׂה אֶת הַמְּנוֹרָה, שֶׁהִיא כְּנֶגֶד שֵׁבֶט לֵוִי.

אֵין מִתְעַנִּין בּוֹ אֲפִלּוּ תַּעֲנִית יַארְצַיְיט (יוֹם זִכָּרּוֹן לְהוֹרָיו). אֲבָל תַּעֲנִית חֲלוֹם, מִתְעַנִּין. 

וְחָתָן וְכַלָּה גַּם כֵּן מִתְעַנִּין בּוֹ, וַאֲפִלּוּ בְּרֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ נִיסָן.

Chodesh Tov!

- Danny Schoemann

Monday, 29 Adar-2 5784

Please daven for the full recovery of the seriously wounded soldier

מֹשֶׁה אַהֲרֹן בֶּן לֵאָה בֵּילָא

לרפואה שלמה

Halocho #2385 - The 4th of the Four Weeks

This week we take out two Sifrei Torah. The Torah Reading starts with the weekly Parsha: שְּׁמִינִי. 

After Kaddish, the second Sefer Torah is used for Maftir to read Parshat הַחֹדֶשׁ in anticipation of the upcoming month of Nissan. 

The Haftara is from יְחֶזְקֵאל chapter 45 which discusses the dedication of the Temple starting on Rosh Chodesh Nissan as well as the Pessach sacrifice 2 weeks later. 

This week is also Shabbat Mevorchim the month of Nissan. Rosh Chodesh Nissan will be on Tuesday. 

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 140:2 

הַשַׁבָּת שֶׁלִּפְנֵי רֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ נִיסָן, הִיא שַׁבָּת פָּרָשַׁת הַחֹדֶשׁ. 

Shabbat Shalom uMevorach

- Danny Schoemann

Thursday, 25 Adar-2 5784

Please daven for the full recovery of the seriously wounded soldier

מֹשֶׁה אַהֲרֹן בֶּן לֵאָה בֵּיילָא

לרפואה שלמה

Halocho 2367 - Forgot Ya'aleh Vayavoh on Rosh Chodesh?

Today (Sunday) and tomorrow (Monday) is Rosh Chodesh Adar-Bet.

On Rosh Chodesh one adds יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא in Birkat Hamazon (grace after meals); forgetting to do so (night or day) does not require amendment.

However, if one noticed the omission after finishing the third blessing - בּוֹנֶה בְּרַחֲמָיו יְרוּשָׁלָיִם - but before beginning the fourth blessing, there is a special blessing that is to be said before proceeding:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱ-לקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם

אֲשֶׁר נָתַן רָאשֵׁי חֳדָשִׁים לְעַמּוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל לְזִכָּרוֹן

Many Sidurim include this blessing. If one does not know this blessing, one may proceed as usual, omitting it.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 44:13

טָעָה בְּרֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ וְלֹא אָמַר יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא, אוֹמֵר בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱ-לֹקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר נָתַן רָאשֵׁי חֳדָשִׁים לְעַמּוֹ יִשְֹרָאֵל לְזִכָּרוֹן, וְאֵינוֹ חוֹתֵם, וְאֵין חִלּוּק בָּזֶה בֵּין בַּיּוֹם בֵּין בַּלָּיְלָה.

וּבְחֹל הַמּוֹעֵד אִם לֹא אָמַר יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא יֹאמַר בָּרוּךְ אַתָה ה' אֱ-לֹקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר נָתַן מוֹעֲדִים לְעַמּוֹ יִשְֹרָאֵל לְשָׂשׂוֹן וּלְשִׂמְחָה אֶת יוֹם חַג (פְּלוֹנִי) הַזֶּה, בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' מְקַדֵּשׁ יִשְֹרָאֵל וְהַזְּמַנִּים.

וּבְרֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה אוֹמֵר, בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱ-לֹקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר נָתַן יָמִים טוֹבִים לְעַמּוֹ יִשְֹרָאֵל אֶת יוֹם הַזִּכָּרוֹן הַזֶּה, בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' מְקַדֵּשׁ יִשְֹרָאֵל וְיוֹם הַזִּכָּרוֹן.

וְאִם לֹא נִזְכַּר עַד לְאַחַר שֶׁהִתְחִיל הַבְּרָכָה שֶׁלְּאַחֲרֶיהָ אֵינוֹ חוֹזֵר לְרֹאשׁ מִשּׁוּם דִּבְרֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ וּבְחֹל הַמּוֹעֵד אֵינוֹ מְחֻיָּב לֶאֱכֹל פַּת דַּוְקָא.

Chodesh Tov

- Danny Schoemann
Sunday, 1st day Rosh Chodesh Adar-Sheini 5784

Please daven for the full recovery of the seriously wounded soldier

 מֹשֶׁה אַהֲרֹן בֶּן לֵאָה בֵּילָא 

לרפואה שלמה

Halocho #2366 - Rosh Chodesh on Sunday and Monday

This Sunday and Monday will be Rosh Chodesh Adar-Bet.

When the 3rd Shabbat meal continues into the night, one still inserts רְצֵה during Birkat Hamazon.

When one starts a meal on Erev Rosh Chodesh and eats a Kezayit (the size of an olive) of bread after dark, one inserts יַעֲלֶה וְיָבוֹא during Birkas Hamazon.

What happens when both of the above happen together?

Some Poskim say that if Rosh Chodesh is on Sunday and one eats a Kezayit of bread after dark during the 3rd Shabbat meal, then one inserts both רְצֵה and יַעֲלֶה וְיָבוֹא during Birkas Hamazon.

However, other Poskim argue that mentioning both is a contradiction – since Shabbat and Rosh Chodesh aren't on the same day.

Therefore it's best to be careful not to eat bread after dark at the 3rd Shabbat meal when Rosh Chodesh is on Sunday - and then only רְצֵה is added.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 44:17

הָיָה אוֹכֵל בַּשַׁבָּת וְחָשְׁכָה לוֹ, כֵּיוָן שֶׁעֲדַיִן הוּא לֹא הִתְפַּלֵּל עַרְבִית, אוֹמֵר רְצֵה, וְכֵן בְּיוֹם טוֹב, וְרֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ וַחֲנֻכָּה וּפוּרִים, כֵּיוָן שֶׁהַתְחָלַת הַסְּעוּדָה הָיְתָה בַּיּוֹם, צָרִיךְ לְהַזְכִּיר מֵעִנְיָן הַיּוֹם, אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁמְּבָרֵךְ בַּלָּיְלָה.
וְאִם אָכַל שֶׁהַתְחָלַת הַסְּעוּדָּה הָיְתָה בַּיּוֹם, צָרִיךְ לְהַזְכִּיר מֵעִנְיַן הַיּוֹם, אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁמְבָרֵךְ בַּלַּיְלָה.
וְאִם אָכַל בְּעֶרֶב רֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ וְנִמְשְׁכָה סְעוּדָּתוֹ גַּם תּוֹךְ הַלַּיְלָה, וְאָכַל גַּם בַּלַּיְלָה כַּזַּיִת פַּת, וּלְמָחָר הוּא רֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ, אוֹמֵר רְצֵה וְגַם יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא. וְכֵן בַּחֲנֻכָּה וּפּוּרִים.
וְיֵשׁ חוֹלְקִין, מִשׁוּם דַּהֲוֵי כְּתַרְתֵּי דְּסָתְרֵי. עַל כֵּן יֵשׁ לִמְנוֹעַ שֶׁלֹּא לֶאֱכוּל אָז בַּלָיְלָה.

Shabbat Shalom uMevorach

- Danny Schoemann
Thursday, 27 Adar-1 5784

Please daven for the full recovery of the seriously wounded soldier

מֹשֶׁה אַהֲרֹן בֶּן לֵאָה בֵּילָא

לרפואה שלמה

Halocho #2363 - Shabbat Rosh Chodesh and Rosh Chodesh

The 2 days of Rosh Chodesh Ellul start on Friday evening.

On Rosh Chodesh, one adds יַעֲלֶה וְיָבוֹא into Birkat Hamazon and the Amida.

On Shabbat  - first day Rosh Chodesh - we will take out 2 Sifrei Torah after Hallel. In the first one, we will call up at least 7 people to read from Parshat רְאֵה. 

Then we call up the Maftir to read from the 2nd Sefer Torah: וּבְיוֹם הַשַּׁבָּת and וּבְרָאשֵׁי חָדְשֵׁיכֶם from Parshat פִּינְחָס.

During the 7 weeks following the fast of 9 B'Av we read the שִׁבְעָה דְּנֶחָמָתָא - the Seven Haftarot of Consolation from יְשַׁעְיָהוּ.

However, since it is Shabbat-Rosh Chodesh, Ashkenazi communities will read the regular Shabbat-Rosh-Chodesh Haftarah of הַשָּׁמַיִם כִּסְאִי - since it also talks about the consolation (consisting of the last chapter in Sefer יְשַׁעְיָהוּ).

In two weeks time - on Shabbat כִּי תֵצֵא - they will read the missed Haftara עֲנִיָּה סוֹעֲרָה together with the regular one רָנִי עֲקָרָה, as they are one chapter (Ch. 54) in יְשַׁעְיָהוּ.

For Mussaf this week one says the אַתָּה יָצַרְתָּ version (usually found on the bottom half of the Shabbat Mussaf pages) which includes both Shabbat and Rosh Chodesh.

On Sunday - second day Rosh Chodesh - we will call up 4 people to read from the Torah, between Hallel and Mussaf.

Source: Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 425, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 128:4

Chodesh Tov and Shabbat Shalom

- Danny
Thursday, 28 Menachem Av 5779

רֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ שֶׁחָל לִהְיוֹת בְּשַׁבָּת, עַרְבִית שַׁחֲרִית וּמִנְחָה מִתְפַּלֵּל שֶׁבַע וְאוֹמֵר יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא בָּעֲבוֹדָה, וְאֵינוֹ מַזְכִּיר שֶׁל שַׁבָּת בְּיַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא

וּמוֹצִיאִין שְׁנֵי סְפָרִים וְקוֹרִין בָּרִאשׁוֹן שִׁבְעָה בְּסֵדֶר הַיּוֹם,  וּבַשֵּׁנִי קוֹרֵא מַפְטִיר וּבְיוֹם הַשַּׁבָּת וּבְרָאשֵׁי חָדְשֵׁיכֶם עַד סוֹף הַפָּרָשָׁה

וּמַפְטִירִין  הַשָּׁמַיִם כִּסְאִי, חוּץ מֵרֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ אֱלוּל שֶׁחָל לִהְיוֹת בְּשַׁבָּת שֶׁמַּפְטִירִין עֲנִיָּה סֹעֲרָה

הגה: וְיֵשׁ אוֹמְרִים הַשָּׁמַיִם כִּסְאִי (טוּר וּמָרְדְּכַי פֶּרֶק בְּנֵי הָעִיר וּמִנְהָגִים) וְכֵן נוֹהֲגִין בִּמְדִינוֹת אֵלּוּ

Halocho #2189 - What comes first: Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh or Chanuka?

Rosh Chodesh Tevet is on Shabbat and Sunday. Remember to add both יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא and עַל הַנִּיסִּים

On Shabbat we will take out 3 Sifrei Torah:
- In the first Sefer Torah we call up 6 people for the weekly portion  Miketz
- The second Sefer Torah is for Rosh Chodesh, starting from "בְיוֹם הַשַׁבָּת", after which Kaddish is said.
- The 3rd Sefer Torah is for  Chanuka; ביום הששי from Parshat Naso.

The הַפְטָרָה is the Chanuka one (רָנִּי וְשִׂמְחִי from Zecharia 2:14)

On Sunday we will take out 2 Sifrei Torah:
- In the first Sefer Torah we call up 3 people while reading the regular Rosh Chodesh portion.
- The second Sefer Torah is for  Chanuka - ביום השביעי from Parshat Naso after which Kaddish is said.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:24, 25

Chodesh Tov and Shabbat Shalom

- Danny
 Thursday, 4th day Chanuka, 28 Kislev 5779

בְּשַׁבָּת חֲנֻכָּה, מוֹצִיאִין שְׁנֵי סִפְרֵי תוֹרָה. בָּרִאשׁוֹן, קוֹרִין פָּרָשַׁת הַשָּׁבוּעַ. וּבַשֵּׁנִי, הַמַּפְטִיר בְּשֶׁל חֲנֻכָּה יוֹמוֹ, וּמַפְטִירִין רָנִּי וְשִׂמְחִי. וְאִם יֵשׁ עוֹד שַׁבָּת אַחַת, מַפְטִירִין בָּהּ בִּמְלָכִים, בַּנֵּרוֹת דִּשְׁלֹמֹה

בְּרֹאש חֹדֶשׁ טֵבֵת בַּחֹל, מוֹצִיאִין שְׁנֵי סִפְרֵי תוֹרָה

בָּרִאשׁוֹן קוֹרִין תְּלָתָא גַבְרֵי בְּשֶׁל רֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ, וְאַחַר כָּךְ הָרְבִיעִי בְּסֵפֶר תּוֹרָה הַשֵּׁנִי בְּשֶׁל חֲנֻכָּה יוֹמוֹ, מִשׁוּם דְּרֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ תָּדִיר טְפֵי, וְקָיְמָא לָן תָּדִיר וְשֶׁאֵינוֹ תָּדִיר, תָּדִיר קוֹדֵם, וְלָכֵן מַקְדִימִין רֹאשׁ חֹדֶּשׁ

וְאִם טָעוּ וְהִתְחִילוּ לִקְרוֹת בְּשֶׁל חֲנֻכָּה, וַאֲפִלּוּ עֲדַיִן לֹא הִתְחִילוּ לִקְרוֹת, אֶלָּא שֶכְּבָר בֵּרַךְ הָעוֹלֶה, אֵין צְרִיכִין לְהַפְסִיק, אֶלָּא הָעוֹלֶה גּוֹמֵר קְרִיאָתוֹ, וְאַחַר כָּךְ קוֹרִין לַנִּשְׁאָרִים בְּשֶל רֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ. אִם קָרְאוּ בָרִאשוֹנָה בְּשֶׁל רֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ כָּרָאוּי, אֶלָּא שֶׁטָּעוּ וְקָרְאוּ גַּם אֶת הָרְבִיעִי בְּשֶׁל רֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ, אֲפִלּוּ נִזְכְּרוּ מִיָד לְאַחַר שֶׁבֵּרַךְ הַקּוֹרֵא, אִם לֹא הוֹצִיאוּ רַק סֵפֶר תּוֹרָה אֶחָד, אֵין צְרִיכִין לִקְרוֹת יוֹתֵר. אֲבָל אִם הוֹצִיאו שְׁנֵי סִפְרֵי תוֹרָה, שֶׁיֵשׁ כָּאן חֲשָׁשׁ מִשּׁוּם פְּגָמוֹ שֶׁל סֵפֶר הַתּוֹרָה, שֶׁלֹּא יֹאמְרוּ פָּסוּל הוּא, צְרִיכִין לִקְרוֹת בּוֹ חֲמִישִׁי בְּשֶׁל חֲנֻכָּה, וְאַחַר הַחֲמִישִׁי יֹאמְרוּ חֲצִי קַדִּישׁ

חָל רֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ טֵבֵת בַּשַׁבָּת, מוֹצִיאִין שְׁלֹשָׁה סִפְרֵי תוֹרָה

בָּרִאשׁוֹן קוֹרִין שִׁשָׁה גַבְרֵי בְּפָרָשַׁת הַשָׁבוּעַ

בַּשֵּׁנִי, שְׁבִיעִי בְּשֶׁל רֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ, וּמַתְחִילִין וּבְיוֹם הַשַׁבָּת  וְאוֹמְרִים חֲצִי קַדִּישׁ

וּבַשְּׁלִישִׁי מַפְטִיר בְּשֶׁל חֲנֻכָּה יוֹמוֹ, וּמַפְטִירִין רָנִּי וְשִמְחִי

וְאַף עַל גַּב דְּתָדִיר קוֹדֵם, זֶהוּ בַּקְּרִיאָה, שֶׁקּוֹרִין שְׁנֵיהֶם. אֲבָל בְּהַפְטָרָה שֶׁאֵין מַפְטִירִין אֶלָּא אַחַת, דּוֹחִין שֶל רֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ וְקוֹרִין שֶׁל חֲנֻכָּה, מִשּׁוּם פִּרְסוּמֵי נִסָּא.

Halocho #2169 - Forgot Ya'aleh Vayavoh on Rosh Chodesh?

Today (Thursday) and tomorrow (Erev Shabbat) is Rosh Chodesh Kislev; the 9th month. 

On Rosh Chodesh one adds יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא in Birkat Hamazon (grace after meals); forgetting to do so (night or day) does not require amendment. 

However, if one noticed the omission after finishing the third blessing - בּוֹנֶה בְּרַחֲמָיו יְרוּשָׁלָיִם - but before beginning the fourth blessing, there is a special blessing that is to be said before proceeding:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱ-לקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם

אֲשֶׁר נָתַן רָאשֵׁי חֳדָשִׁים לְעַמּוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל לְזִכָּרוֹן

Many Sidurim include this blessing. If one does not know this blessing, one may proceed as usual, omitting it. 

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 44:13

Chodesh Tov and Shabbat Shalom,

- Danny
Thursday, 1st day Rosh Chodesh Kislev 5779

טָעָה בְּרֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ וְלֹא אָמַר יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא, אוֹמֵר בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱ-לֹקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר נָתַן רָאשֵׁי חֳדָשִׁים לְעַמּוֹ יִשְֹרָאֵל לְזִכָּרוֹן, וְאֵינוֹ חוֹתֵם, וְאֵין חִלּוּק בָּזֶה בֵּין בַּיּוֹם בֵּין בַּלָּיְלָה

וּבְחֹל הַמּוֹעֵד אִם לֹא אָמַר יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא יֹאמַר בָּרוּךְ אַתָה ה' אֱ-לֹקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר נָתַן מוֹעֲדִים לְעַמּוֹ יִשְֹרָאֵל לְשָׂשׂוֹן וּלְשִׂמְחָה אֶת יוֹם חַג (פְּלוֹנִי) הַזֶּה, בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' מְקַדֵּשׁ יִשְֹרָאֵל וְהַזְּמַנִּים

וּבְרֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה אוֹמֵר, בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱ-לֹקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר נָתַן יָמִים טוֹבִים לְעַמּוֹ יִשְֹרָאֵל אֶת יוֹם הַזִּכָּרוֹן הַזֶּה, בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' מְקַדֵּשׁ יִשְֹרָאֵל וְיוֹם הַזִּכָּרוֹן

וְאִם לֹא נִזְכַּר עַד לְאַחַר שֶׁהִתְחִיל הַבְּרָכָה שֶׁלְּאַחֲרֶיהָ אֵינוֹ חוֹזֵר לְרֹאשׁ מִשּׁוּם דִּבְרֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ וּבְחֹל הַמּוֹעֵד אֵינוֹ מְחֻיָּב לֶאֱכֹל פַּת דַּוְקָא

Halocho #1812 - Tuesday night - is the first day of Rosh Chodesh Iyar.

On Rosh Chodesh, one should add יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא during the Amida and Birkat Hamazon.

If one forgot יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא during Birkat Hamazon (during the day or night), and one remembers before starting the last Bracha, one can make amends by inserting this before starting the last Bracha:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱלקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר נָתַן רָאשֵׁי חֳדָשִׁים לְעַמּוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל לְזִכָּרוֹן

If one only realizes after starting the last Bracha, or one does not have the above Bracha readily available, then one does not need to make amends.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 19:10, 44:14

Chodesh Tov!
Tuesday, 29 Nissan 5777 - 14th day of the Omer

טָעָה בְּרֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ וְלֹא אָמַר יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא, אוֹמֵר בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱלֹקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר נָתַן רָאשֵׁי חֳדָשִׁים לְעַמּוֹ יִשְֹרָאֵל 

לְזִכָּרוֹן, וְאֵינוֹ חוֹתֵם (וְאֵין חִלּוּק בָּזֶה בֵּין בַּיּוֹם בֵּין בַּלָּיְלָה

וּבְחֹל הַמּוֹעֵד אִם לֹא אָמַר יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא יֹאמַר בָּרוּךְ אַתָה ה'  אֱלֹקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר נָתַן מוֹעֲדִים לְעַמּוֹ יִשְֹרָאֵל לְשָׂשׂוֹן וּלְשִׂמְחָה אֶת יוֹם חַג (פְּלוֹנִי) הַזֶּה, בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' מְקַדֵּשׁ יִשְֹרָאֵל וְהַזְּמַנִּים

 וְאִם לֹא נִזְכַּר עַד לְאַחַר שֶׁהִתְחִיל הַבְּרָכָה שֶׁלְּאַחֲרֶיהָ אֵינוֹ חוֹזֵר לְרֹאשׁ מִשּׁוּם דִּבְרֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ וּבְחֹל הַמּוֹעֵד אֵינוֹ מְחֻיָּב לֶאֱכֹל פַּת דַּוְקָא

Halocho #1799 - What happened on the First day of Nissan?

Today - Tuesday - is the first day of the first month - Nissan!

The first day of 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 Halacha, and were killed by a heavenly fire.

On that day, the heads of the 12 tribes started bringing their inaugural sacrifices, one prince each day. Some people have the custom of reading that days' sacrifices 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 Pesach (tomorrow in 2 weeks).
• Fasting for distressingly bad dreams.
• Couples getting married during Nissan, even on Rosh Chodesh, even though on any other Rosh Chodesh the bride and groom do not fast.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 107:1,2

Don't forget יַעֲלֶה וְיָבוֹא in Birkat Hamazon and the Amida.

Chodesh Tov!

- Danny

Tuesday, 1 Nissan 5777

Halocho #1061 - Rosh Chodesh Nissan

Tonight - Monday night - begins the first day of the first month - Nissan.

Don't forget Hallel and יַעֲלֶה וְיָבא

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 Halacha and were killed by a heavenly fire.

On that day the heads of the 12 tribes started bringing their inaugural sacrifices - one prince each day. Some people have the custom of reading that day's 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 (today in 2 weeks).

- Fasting for distressingly bad dreams.

- Couples getting married during Nissan, even on Rosh Chodesh, whereas on any other Rosh Chodesh the bride and groom do not fast.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 107:1,2

Chodesh Tov!

- Danny
Monday, 29 Adar 5769

Halocho #1023 - Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Shevat

Rosh Chodesh of Tevet is on Shabbat. Remember to add יַעֲלֶה וְיָבוֹא into Birkat Hamazon and the Amida.

On Shabbat we will will take out 2 Sifrei Torah after Hallel. In the first one we will call up at least 7 people to read from the weekly Parsha; וָאֵרָא.

Then - after Kaddish - we call up the Maftir to read from the 2nd Sefer Torah: וּבְיוֹם הַשַּׁבָּת and וּבְרָאשֵׁי חָדְשֵׁיכֶם from Parshat פִּינְחָס.

The Haftara this week is הַשָּׁמַיִם כִּסְאִי for Shabbat-Rosh Chodesh, consisting of the last chapter in Sefer יְשַׁעְיָהוּ.

For מוּסַף one says the אַתָּה יָצַרְתָּ version (usually found at the bottom half of the Shabbat מוּסַף pages) which includes both Shabbat and Rosh Chodesh.

Source: Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 425

Chodesh Tov and Shabbat Shalom

- Danny
Thursday, 28 Tevet 5773

Halocho #1022 - Yom Kippour in winter?

Some people have the custom of adding the Yom Kippour Katan prayers during Mincha on the day before Rosh Chodesh.

Some even fast on Erev Rosh Chodesh to atone for the sins of the past month.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 97:1

When Rosh Chodesh is on Shabbat (like this week) or on Sunday, the custom is to have Yom Kippour Katan on Thursday. That would be tomorrow.

- Danny
Wednesday, 27 Tevet 5773

Halocho #1003 - When do we light the Menora on Erev Shabbat?

On Friday afternoon one lights the Chanuka Menora before lighting Shabbat candles. One can light as early as 75 Halachic minutes before sunset. (15:34 in Jerusalem, this year.)

If possible, one should daven an early Mincha so as to light the Menora after Mincha.

One must start lighting the Menora early enough to be able to light Shabbat candles at the regular time.

On Friday one needs longer candles or more oil to ensure the Menora will be lit until 30 minutes after dark.

If lighting near a doorway, one needs to ensure that opening the door will not extinguish the Menora. If needed one should put a non-flammable partition between the Menora and the door.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:17

Reminder: Thursday night and Friday is Rosh Chodesh; don't forget to add both יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא and עַל הַנִּסִּים to the Birkat HaMazon and the Amida.

On Shabbat we will take out 2 Sifrei Torah:
- In the first Sefer Torah we call up [at least] 7 people for the weekly portion - מִקֵּץ .
- Maftir is read from the 2nd Sefer Torah and is for Chanuka - בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי from Parshat נָשֹׂא .

The Haftara this week is the Chanuka one (רָנִּי וְשִׂמְחִי בַּת צִיּוֹן from Zecharia 2:14).

Review: On Motzai Shabbat - the last night of Chanuka this year - one first makes Havdalah and then lights the Chanuka Menora.

In Shul - on Motzai Shabbat - the Menora 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 Menora before making Havdala, since one already heard Havdala in shul. (Source: רמ"א 581:2)

Chodesh Tov and Shabbat Shalom

- Danny,
Thursday, 5th day of Chanuka, Erev Rosh Chodesh Tevet 5773

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 #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 #875 - Tomorrow - Monday - 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 5771

Halocho #837 - Must one eat on Rosh Chodesh?

Today is the 2nd day of Rosh Chodesh Tammuz.

One may not fast on Rosh Chodesh.

It's a Mitzva to eat a bigger meal on Rosh Chodesh.

There is no obligation to eat bread on Rosh Chodesh.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 77:2
- Danny
Sunday,  2nd day Rosh Chodesh Tammuz 5771