Halocho #866 - Three years of Orlo for trees

For 3 years after planting a tree, one may not eat its fruit, nor derive any benefit from the fruit, peels or pits. This is a Torah prohibition and applies to trees planted anywhere on the planet by anybody. 


How to count these 3 years: 


- Trees planted until Tu B'av (tomorrow - 15th of the month of Av; 45 days before Rosh Hashana) have their first birthday on Rosh Hashana, and 2 years later they turn "three years old". 


- Trees planted less than 45 days before Rosh Hashana need to count three years from their first Rosh Hashana. 


The laws of Orlo apply to trees grown from shoots or pits, and sometimes to trees that have been replanted. A tree that was cut and its stump is less than 1 Tefach (about 9 cm - 3.5 inches) high becomes Orlo again. 


One does not say Tachanun on Tu B'Av, nor at Mincha the afternoon before. The bride and groom do not fast on their wedding day if it's on Tu B'Av. 

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 22:8, 146:2, 173:1,3,4

- Danny
Sunday, 14 Menachem Av 5771

Halocho #805 - Neighbors's wall; is it yours?

One may not do activities in one's own property that would cause damage to the neighbors.

One may not pour water or other liquids - even from a drainpipe - near the neighbors's wall.

One may not store warm things near a neighbors's wall - including compost - as the heat damages the wall.

In both these cases one has to move the potential damage away; at least 3 Tefachim (24 cm, 9") from the wall.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 183:7

- Danny
Tuesday, 13 Iyar 5771 - 28th day of the Omer

Halocho #792 - Dismantling tents on Shabbat

We learned in Halocho #754 that making roofs on Shabbat is forbidden.

Making a roof on Shabbat is forbidden; even if it's a temporary flimsy roof.

A roof is defined as a cover, over an area of at least 1 Tefach (8 cm, 3") by 1 Tefach, and at least 1 Tefach of space underneath it.

Any roof that one is not allowed to make on Shabbat, one is also forbidden from dismantling.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 80:81

Shabbat Shalom
- Danny
Thursday, 24 Nissan 5771 - 9th day of the Omer

Halocho #754 - Making tents on Shabbat

Making a roof on Shabbat is forbidden; even if it's a temporary flimsy roof.

A roof is defined as a cover, over an area of at least 1 Tefach (8 cm, 3") by 1 Tefach, and at least 1 Tefach of space underneath it.

For example, on Shabbat one may not put a netting over a baby's crib - to protect the baby from flies - since one is creating a roof over the crib.

However, one may extend an existing roof, if the roof was already stretched out at least 1 Tefach.

For example, one may roll up the netting over a baby's crib until the last Tefach, before Shabbat, and unroll it on Shabbat, since 1 Tefach was left unrolled.

Even if the netting - when  rolled-up - was wider than 1 Tefach, it does not count towards the unrolled section. One needs 1 Tefach unrolled, besides for the width of the roll.

These Halachot apply to Yom Tov also.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 80:77

Shabbat Shalom
- Danny
Thursday, 20 Adar-I 5771

Halocho #640 - Tell me about the Aravot

On Sukkoth there's a Mitzvah 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, 15 Elul 5770

Halocho # 470 - How high can a Menorah be?

The lights on the Chanukah Menorah must be at least 3 Tefachim (24 cm - 10") above the floor.

The Chanukah Menorah must be no higher than 20 Amos (~10 m.) from the floor.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:8

- Danny
Monday, 3rd day of Chanukah, 27 Kislev 5770

See other laws of Chanukah at http://halocho.blogspot.com/search/label/Chanukka

Halocho # 454 - A fence around your roof

It's a Mitzvah to put a fence or wall around ones roof to prevent people from falling off.

The fence must be at least 10 Tefachim (~80 cm) high and must be strong enough that a person can lean on it and not fall.

A roof that is never used does not need a fence.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 190:1

- Danny
Sunday, 5 Kislev 5770

Halocho #404 - Must the Aravot come from a riverside?

On Sukkoth there's a Mitzvah 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, 13 Elul 5769

Please daven for Rachamim ben Charlotte Jacqueline

Halocho #401 - Why do we shake the Lulav?

On Sukkoth there's a Mitzvah to shake the four species; a Lulav, 3 Haddasim, 2 Aravot and an Etrog. The Torah commands us to shake the four species on all 7 days of Sukkoth in the Bet Hamikdash (Holy Temple), and on the first day of Sukkoth everywhere else. After the Bet Hamikdash was destroyed, the Rabbis instituted shaking the four species during the entire Sukkoth, Zecher L'Mikdash; in memory of the Temple. One does not shake the four species on Shabbat. The Lulav is a palm branch that is still closed. Once the leaves start fanning out, it's no longer a Lulav. A Lulav has a spine from which the leaves protrude; this spine needs to be facing you when you shake the four species. The Lulav spine should be straight, a slight curvature towards you is allowed. The Lulav spine must be at least 4 Tefachim (32 cm - 13") long. This is measured from the bottom of the lowest "leaf" to the bottom of the highest "leaf". Each "leaf" is made of 2 parts that are connected (and will eventually open up into a V-shaped palm leaf). If these double-leaves start separating then the Lulav may no longer be Kosher. Special care should be taken that the highest leaves remain coupled. Source: Shulchan Aruch 645. Ktiva Vechatima Tova - Danny Sunday, 10 Elul 5769 My son is looking for a job in IT - http://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronschoemann

Halocho #175 - The 4 minim - tie them right!

On Sukkoth there's a Mitzva to shake the four species; a Lulav, 3 Haddasim, 2 Aravot and an Etrog. The past 4 Halochot have discussed the individual species. When shaking them on Sukkoth, the Lulav, 3 Haddasim and 2 Aravot are tied together and held in ones right hand, and the Etrog in ones left hand. (Lefties hold the Lulav in their left, Etrog in the right.) All 6 branches must be facing upwards, with the side where they were cut off the tree facing down. The spine of the Lulav must be facing you. The 3 Haddasim are tied to the right of the Lulav. The 2 Aravot are tied to the left of the Lulav. The Lulav is first bound with 3 ties typically made of palm leaves. The 3 Haddasim and 2 Aravot are then bound to it with another 2 ties. The Haddasim should be slightly higher than than the Aravot. The spine of the the Lulav must protrude at least 1 Tefach (8 cm - 3") above the Haddasim and Aravot. The top Tefach of the Lulav should not have any ties on it. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 136:8 Ktiva Vechatima Tova; wishing you a year with lots of time to learn Torah, - Danny Thursday, 18 Elul 5768

Halocho #173 - Does the Haddas have berries?

On Sukkoth there's a Mitzva to shake the four species; a Lulav, 3 Haddasim, 2 Aravot and an Etrog. Each Haddas is a branch of a myrtle bush, and is at least 3 Tefachim (24 cm - 10") long. Myrtle leaves grow in groups of three or more. A Kosher Haddas needs to be Meshulash; with each group of leaves growing out of the branch at exactly the same height. Preferably the Haddas should be Meshulash its entire length, though it's Kosher if only the top half is Meshulash. The entire Haddas needs to be covered in leaves, the top of the lower leaves must reach the bottom of the higher ones. Myrtle bushes have berries growing on them. A Haddas should not have any berries on it; berries should be removed (with their stems) before Yom Tov. Make sure that the top of the Haddas is not cut off, it usually ends in a set of tiny leaves. Haddasim need to be kept fresh; dried out Haddasim are not Kosher. Source: Shulchan Aruch 646. Ktiva Vechatima Tova; wishing you a year full of good news, - Danny Tuesday, 16 Elul 5768

Halocho #171 - Why do we shake the Lulav?

On Sukkoth there's a Mitzva to shake the four species; a Lulav, 3 Haddasim, 2 Aravot and an Etrog. The Torah commands us to shake the four species on all 7 days of Sukkoth in the Bet Hamikdash (Holy Temple), and on the first day of Sukkoth everywhere else. After the Bet Hamikdash was destroyed, the Rabbis instituted shaking the four species during the entire Sukkoth, Zecher L'Mikdash; in memory of the Temple. One does not shake the four species on Shabbat. The Lulav is a palm branch that is still closed. Once the leaves start fanning out, it's no longer a Lulav. A Lulav has a spine from which the leaves protrude; this spine needs to be facing you when you shake the four species. The Lulav spine should be straight, a slight curvature towards you is allowed. The Lulav spine must be at least 4 Tefachim (32 cm - 13") long. This is measured from the bottom of the lowest "leaf" to the bottom of the highest "leaf". Each "leaf" is made of 2 parts that are connected (and will eventually open up into a V-shaped palm leaf). If these double-leaves start separating then the Lulav may no longer be Kosher. Special care should be taken that the highest leaves remain coupled. Source: Shulchan Aruch 645. Ktiva Vechatima Tova; wishing you a year with lots of time to learn Torah, - Danny Sunday, 14 Elul 5768

Halocho #151 - Can one put a Mezuzah on the inside?

The Mezuzah belongs on the outside doorpost. In a wide doorframe it belongs in the Tefach (~8cm - 3 inches) closest to the outside.

The Minhag is to put it up at an angle, with the top leaning inwards. If there's not enough space, it can be affixed vertically.

If there is no space on the outside, then it can be affixed on the inside.

If one is worried about theft, then the Mezuzah can be put on the inside.

It's preferable to carve a hollow in the doorpost and affix the Mezuzah into the indent, rather than putting it inside the house.

When a Mezuzah is carved into the doorpost it must still be upright; one cannot drill a horizontal hole and put the Mezuzah into it. The indent cannot be more than a Tefach deep, and it cannot be totally hidden; it must be obvious that there's a Mezuzah on the door.

When a Mezuzah is affixed to the inside, care must be taken that it's affixed to the doorpost (and not to the wall, nor the door) and that it's within the Tefach (~8cm - 3 inches) of the door. The top should be slanted inwards.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 11:6, 9

- Danny Wednesday, 19 Av 5768

Please daven for ESTHER DEVORA bat MINDEL RUTH - אסתר דבורה בת מינדל רות

Halocho #140 - Can we sit on chairs on 9 B'Av?

On the fast of 9 B'Av it's customary not to sit on chairs from the time the fast begins (at nightfall this Motzai Shabbat) until noon (Sunday, midday).

Instead, one sits on the floor. Anything within 3 tefachim (about 9" - 24 cm) of the floor is considered as being on the floor.

After noon one may sit on regular chairs. However, all other restrictions of the fast apply until the fast is over at night-fall.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 124: 16

- Danny Wednesday, 5 Menachem-Av 5768

Invite your Jewish FaceBook friends to join us: http://www.new.facebook.com/groups/edit.php?members&gid=2387884087

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 #53 - Three years of Orlo for trees

For 3 years after planting a tree, one may not eat its fruit, nor derive any benefit from the fruit, peels or pits. This is a Torah prohibition and applies to trees planted anywhere on the planet by anybody. How to count these 3 years: - Trees planted until Tu B'av (15th of the month of Av; 45 days before Rosh Hashana) have their first birthday on Rosh Hashana, and 2 years later turn "three years old". - Trees planted less than 45 days before Rosh Hashana need to count three years from their first Rosh Hashana. The laws of Orlo apply to trees grown from shoots or pits, and sometimes to trees that have been replanted. A tree that has was cut and its stump is less than 1 tefach (about 9 cm) high becomes Orlo again. Source: KSA 173:1,3,4

סימן קעג – הלכות ערלה

סעיף א - כל עץ מאכל בין של ישראל בין של אינו יהודי ואפילו בעציץ שאינו נקוב, שלש שנים הראשונות מנטיעתו, הפירות וגרעינין והקליפות הכל אסור בהנאה, ושלש שנים אלו אין מונים מיום ליום. אלא אם נטע קודם ט"ז באב, כיון שיש מ"ד יום עד ראש השנה נחשב לו השנה, משום די"ד יום המה ימי קליטה ואחר כך ל' יום בשנה נחשב שנה. ושוב מונה ב' שנים מתשרי, אבל אם נטע מיום ט"ז באב ואילך, לא נחשב שנה זאת לכלום, ומונה מתשרי שלש שנים. סעיף ב - בשנה הרביעית נקראו הפירות, "נטע רבעי" וצריכין פדיון. כיצד פודה אותן, תולשן לאחר שנגמרו כל צרכן, ונוטל מטבע כסף או פירות של היתר שוות פרוטה, ואומר: בזה אני פודה פירות נטעי רבעי. ונוטל המטבע או הפירות ושוחקן וזורקן בנהר, ואין מברכין בחוץ לארץ על הפדיון. סעיף ד - אילן שנקצץ אם נשאר גובה מהארץ טפח, אזי מה שגדל אחר כך אינו חייב בערלה, אבל אם לא נשאר טפח חייב בערלה. ומונים השנים משעת הקציצה. ואילן שנעקר ונשאר משרשיו מחובר, אפילו רק כעובי המחט שמותחין בו הבגד לאחר אריגה, בידוע שיכול לחיות בלי תוספת עפר, ופטור אפילו הוסיף עליו עפר הרבה.

Halocho #10 - A fence around your roof

It's a mitzvah to put a fence around ones roof to prevent people from falling off. The fence must be at least 10 tefochim high and must be strong enough that a person can lean on it and not fall. A roof that is never used doesn't need a fence. Source: KSA 190:1

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