Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Halocho #2393 - Why do the firstborns fast?
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Halocho #607 - Don't interrupt the voyage
This week we read the double Parsha of Matos-Mas'ay. Parshat מסעי begins by listing the 42 encampments the wandering Jews had during their 40 years in the desert.
All 42 encampments should be read together during the same "Aliya".
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 78:4
After the last Aliya the congregation says "חֲזַק חֲזַק וְנִתְחַזַּק" in honour of finishing the 4th Chumash - Bemidbar.
The Haftara this week is שמעו - the 2nd chapter of Yirmiyahu.
See http://halocho.blogspot.com/search/label/Shabbos for more Shabbat related Halachot.
Shabbat Shalom
- Danny
Thursday, 26 Tamuz 5770
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Halocho #374 - No more meat leftovers!
From Rosh Chodesh Av (Tuesday evening) until midday on 10th Av is the period known as the "9 days". The custom is to not eat meat and chicken and to not drink wine during the "9 days", except on Shabbat. Food cooked together with meat should not be eaten - even if one doesn't eat the meat. Those who need to eat meat (or drink wine) for health reasons may do so. If possible, even they should refrain (with the Doctor's permission) from the 7th of Av; the day the Romans entered the Bet Hamikdash. At a Se'udat Mitzva (a Mitzva meal) - a Brit, Pidyon HaBen or Siyum - one may serve meat and wine. Besides for close family, one may invite up to 10 friends whom one normally invites. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:8 - Danny Tuesday, 29 Tamuz 5769
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Halocho #301 - 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?
On Erev Pessach - Wednesday next week - all 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.
All firstborn 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.
After breaking his fast, he can eat the rest of the day.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 113:6, 115:2
- Danny Tuesday, 6 Nissan 5769
Please daven for a complete recovery for Tamar bat Naama - תמר בת נעמה
Monday, February 16, 2009
Halocho #271 - Eating and sleeping in a synagogue
One may not eat or drink in a shul. People who learn all day in the shul may eat there so as not to waste time. If no other location is readily available one may have a Seudat Mitzva (e.g. Brit, Siyum) in a shul; but levity and drunkenness are forbidden. One may not nap in a shul unless one learns there all day and leaving for a nap would waste time. One should distance oneself from the Aaron Hakodesh when napping. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 13:4 - Danny Monday, 22 Shvat 5769 Please daven for a complete recovery for baby Yahel Chen bat Dalya Shulamit - יהל חן בת דליה שולמית
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Halocho #135 - No meat leftovers next week
From Rosh Chodesh Av until midday on 10th Av is the period known as the "9 days". The custom is not to eat meat and chicken and not to drink wine during the 9 days, except on Shabbat. Food cooked together with meat should not be eaten - even if one doesn't eat the meat. Those who need to eat meat (or drink wine) for health reasons may do so. If possible, even they should refrain (with the Doctor's permission) from the 7th of Av; the day the Romans entered the Holy Temple. At a Se'udat Mitzva (a Mitzva meal) - a Brit, Pidyon HaBen or Siyum - one may serve meat and wine. Besides for close family, one may invite up to 10 friends whom one normally invites. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:8 - Danny Thursday, 28 Tamuz 5768
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
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