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 #871 - When to get up in the morning

If possible, one should awaken at midnight and say Tikun Chatzot; lamenting the destruction of the Bet Hamikdash and the resultant loss of Torah learning as well as the numerous Mitzvot we can no longer do.


If getting up at midnight is not an option, one should get up before dawn to say Tikun Chatzot.


After Tikun Chatzot one should learn some Torah; Mishna or Tehillim or Mussar. 


At the very latest one needs to awaken in time to get to shul before they start morning prayers.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 1:5

- Danny
Monday, 22 Menachem Av 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 #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 #589 - When should one learn Torah?

After Shacharit (morning prayers) a person should have a fixed time to to learn Torah; at least one verse or a single Halacha.

The Torah requires everybody to have a fixed time to learn Torah every day and every night.

Somebody who does not know how to learn Torah, or cannot find the time to learn, should support others who do learn Torah and they share the reward.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 27:1-2

- Danny
Monday, 2 Tamuz 5770

Please daven for a complete recovery for

Chagai Yitzchak ben Pnina - חגי יצחק בן פנינה

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 # 452 - Tefillin on Rosh Chodesh?

Men wear Tefillin (phylacteries) every day during Shacharit (morning prayers) except for Shabbat and Yom Tov.

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

Chodesh Tov

- Danny
Wednesday, 2nd day Rosh Chodesh Kislev 5770

Halocho #410 - When do we start saying Selichot?

This year Selichot start on Sunday (24 Elul, 13 September), a week before Rosh Hashana. Selichot should be said before Shacharit, towards the end of the night. The end of the night is an "Et Ratzon"; an auspicious time when Hashem is more receptive to listening to ones prayers. When arising for Selichot one should wash ones hands even if it's still night, and make the Bracha "Al Netilat Yadayim". One should say the 2 Brachot of Birkat haTorah before saying Selichot. After Selichot one should wash ones hands again (if the first washing was pre-dawn), but one does not repeat the Bracha. One should preferably stand during Selichot; during the "kEl Melech Yoshev", 13 Middos and the Viddui one must stand. The Chazzan for Selichot should preferably be a Torah Scholar, well liked and if possible married with children and over 30 years of age. However, any Jew can be a Chazzan as long as the community approves. The same applies to the Chazzan for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippour as well as the person blowing the Shofar. Selichot are not said on Shabbat. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 128:5, 6, 7 [Sefardim say Selichot the entire month of Elul.] Ktiva Vechatima Tova; may all your prayers be answered, Shabbat Shalom, - Danny Thursday, 21 Elul 5769

Please daven for little Leiba Shmuel ben Sara who is undergoing an operation today.

Halocho #395 - Why do we blow the Shofar during Elul

Today - Thursday - is the first day of Rosh Chodesh Elul. Today's date is 30 Av 5769. Tomorrow - Friday - will be the second day of Rosh Chodesh Elul, and first day of the month of Elul. The custom is to blow the Shofar after Shacharit (the morning prayers) from tomorrow, until Thursday , 28 Elul (17 September) , as a reminder to start improving ones Torah observance and to repent for past misdeeds. On Erev Rosh Hashana the Shofar is not blown, so as to create a break between the custom of blowing Shofar in Elul and the Torah-commandment to blow Shofar on Rosh Hashana. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 128:1, 2 Chodesh Tov and Shabbat Shalom - Danny Thursday, 30 Av, 1st day Rosh Chodesh Elul 5769

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 #251 - Socializing before morning prayers

One may not go to a friend's house before Shacharit (morning prayers), even if one only plans on wishing them a "good morning".

If one happens to meet a friend before Shacharit one should not use the standard greeting, as a reminder to oneself not to get distracted before prayers.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 9:5

- Danny Monday, 23 Tevet 5769

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

Halocho #243 - When to get up in the morning

If possible, one should awaken at midnight and say Tikun Chatzot; lamenting the Bet Hamikdash that was destroyed and the resultant loss of Torah learning as well as all the Mitzvos we can no longer do. If getting up at midnight is not an option, one should get up before dawn to say Tikun Chatzot.

After Tikun Chatzot one should learn some Torah; Mishna or Tehillim or Mussar. At the very latest one needs to awaken in time to get to shul before they start morning prayers.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 1:5

- Danny

 Wednesday, 11 Tevet 5769

Please daven for a Refu'a Shleimah Michael Meshulem ben Kaila - מיכאל משולם בן קיילא

Halocho #199 - The morning Kiddush

After Shabbat morning prayers, both men and women have to make (or hear) Kiddush before eating or drinking. The morning Kiddush consists of the Bracha of HaGefen over a cup of wine. (The custom is to recite certain Shabbat-related verses before the Kiddush). If one prefers other alcoholic beverages more than wine, one may use them for the morning Kiddush, but one still has to use a full cup and immediately drink a mouth full. After Kiddush, one must immediately eat: - Either start the meal with HaMotzi on 2 loaves - Or make Mezonot on 2 whole pieces of Mezonot - Or else drink another Revi'is (86 cc) of wine (besides for the original mouth full) Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 77:13, 15, 17 Shabbat Shalom - Danny Thursday 8 Marcheshvan 5769

Halocho # 194 - Until when can one daven Mussaf?

Mussaf is added after the Torah Reading of Shacharit (morning prayers) on Shabbat, Yom Tov and Rosh Chodesh.

• Shacharit corresponds to the daily morning sacrifice offered in the Bet Hamikdash.
• Mussaf corresponds to the extra sacrifices offered on Shabbat, Yom Tov and Rosh Chodesh.
• Mincha corresponds to the afternoon daily sacrifice.

While Mussaf can be said until sunset, it preferably should be said before the "7th hour"; an hour after midday. If Mincha-time has already arrived (half hour after midday) and one has not yet said Mussaf then one should first pray Mincha then Mussaf. This applies when praying in private; a community should follow the regular order; Shacharit, Mussaf and then Mincha. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 76:11-12 Chodesh Tov and Shabbat Shalom! - Danny Thursday, second day Rosh Chodesh Marcheshvan 5769

Halocho #193 - Tefillin on Rosh Chodesh?

Men wear Tefillin (phylacteries) every day during Shacharit (morning prayers) except for Shabbat and Yom Tov.

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.

(On Chol HaMo'ed there are 2 opinions. Every community should have a single Minhag as to whether Tefillin are/aren't put on during Chol HaMo'ed in that community. Where Tefillin are worn on Chol HaMo'ed they are usually removed before Hallel.)

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 10:19

Chodesh Tov!

- Danny Wednesday, first day Rosh Chodesh Marcheshvan 5769

Halocho #192 - When should one learn Torah?

After Shacharit (morning prayers) a person should have a fixed time to to learn Torah; at least one verse or a single Halacha. The Torah requires everybody to have a fixed time to learn Torah every day and every night. Somebody who does not know how to learn Torah, or cannot find the time to learn, should support others who do learn Torah and they share the reward. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 27:1-2 - Danny Tuesday, 29 Tishrei 5769 Reminder: Tonight - Tuesday night - is the first day of Rosh Chodesh Marchesvan

Halocho #159 - Why do we blow the Shofar during Elul

Today - Sunday - is the first day of Rosh Chodesh Elul. Today's date is 30 Av 5768. Tomorrow - Monday - is the second day of Rosh Chodesh Elul, and first day of the month of Elul. The next 40 days, starting tomorrow, correspond to the 40 days that Moshe spent on Har Sinai, to receive the 2nd set of Luchot (Tablets with the 10 commandments written on them). Moshe came down with these Luchot on Yom Kippur. Ever since, these 40 days are especially auspicious for Teshuva; repenting. The custom is to blow the Shofar after Shacharit (the morning prayers) from tomorrow, until Sunday, 28 Elul (28 September) , as a reminder to start improving ones Torah observance and to repent for past misdeeds. On Erev Rosh Hashana the Shofar is not blown, so as to create a break between the custom of blowing Shofar in Elul and the Torah-commandment to blow Shofar on Rosh Hashana. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 128:1, 2 Chodesh Tov, - Danny Sunday, 1st day Rosh Chodesh Elul 5768

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Halocho #126 - Fast of 17th Tamuz

Today - Sunday - is the fast of 17 Tamuz. 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, Sunday 17 Tamuz 5768

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Halocho #115 - Shabbat davening is different

On weekdays the Amida (silent prayer) of each of the 3 daily prayers consists of the same 19 Brachot. On Shabbat the Amida only has 7 Brachot, in order to shorten the prayer service. The middle Bracha changes for each of the 4 prayers; Ma'ariv (at night), Shacharit and Mussaf (morning) and Mincha (afternoon). If one switched between the Ma'ariv, Shacharit and Mincha versions and didn't notice until after finishing the middle Shabbat Bracha, then one continues, since all 3 versions refer to Shabbat. If one noticed before finishing the middle Bracha then one restarts the middle Bracha. During Mussaf one stops - even in the middle of a sentence - and switches to the Mussaf prayer. If one already finished the entire Amida then one has to daven Mussaf again. If one started the weekday Brachot during Ma'ariv, Shacharit or Mincha:

• If one hasn't yet started the last 3 Brachot (from Retzei onward) then one needs to complete the Bracha one started, and then continue with the Shabbat middle Bracha.
• If one already started the last 3 Brachot, one stops even in the middle of a sentence and starts the Shabbat middle Bracha.
• If one finished the entire weekday Amida, then one has to start the Shabbat Amida from the beginning.

There are other possible mistakes one can make, therefore it's recommended to pray from a Siddur on Shabbat, especially since it's considered a "Siman Ra" - a bad omen - to say the weekday prayers on Shabbat.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 76:16-22

Chodesh Tov and Shabbat Shalom,

- Danny

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

Halocho #99 - What is Isru Chag?

The day after Pessach, Sukkoth and Shavuoth is called Isru Chag. That would be yesterday (Tuesday) in Israel and today (Wednesday) everywhere else. Various reasons are given for Isru Chag after Pessach and Sukkoth. Isru Chag of Shavuoth is of biblical origin; if Shavuoth is on Shabbat then the festive sacrifices (Chagiga and Re'iya) are brought to the Bet Hamikdash on the day after Shavuoth. On Isru Chag the custom is to eat a larger meal than usual. Nobody - not even a bride and groom on their wedding day, nor a Yahrzeit - may fast on Isru Chag. One does not say Tachanun on Isru Chag. Some communities don't say Lamenatze'ach (before Uvo L'zion in Shacharis) on Isru Chag. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 22:8, 103:14, 146:2 (I no longer can afford the hour a day to prepare the Halocho a Day; however I will try send it out periodically.) - Danny

========================= Please daven for a little girl TAMAR bat NAAMA who is undergoing chemotherapy ===========================