Halocho #2394 - May one sew on Yom Tov?

All 39 categories of "creative work" that are forbidden to do on Shabbos are also forbidden on Yom Tov, with some notable exceptions:

• In order to prepare food for Yom Tov one may knead, cook, bake and shecht (ritually slaughter).
• One may carry outside - even without an Eruv - on Yom Tov, as long as it's for some purpose, even if it's not food-related.
• One may light a flame from an existing flame on Yom Tov if it's for some useful purpose, even if it's not food-related. However, one may not light a Yahrzeit candle on Yom Tov.
• One may grind those spices on Yom Tov that would lose their flavor if ground before Yom Tov.
• One may sew up stuffed chicken on Yom Tov, but the needle needs to be threaded before Yom Tov. 

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 98:1, 3, 15

כָּל מְלָאכָה שֶׁאֲסוּר לַעֲשׂוֹתָהּ בַּשַׁבָּת, אָסוּר לַעֲשׂוֹתָהּ בְּיוֹם טוֹב.

וְאֵין בֵּין יוֹם טוֹב לְשַׁבָּת אֶלָּא אֹכֶל נֶפֶשׁ בִּלְבָד, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר, אַךְ אֲשֶׁר יֵאָכֵל לְכָל נֶפֶשׁ הוּא לְבַדּוֹ יֵעָשֶׂה לָכֶם, דְּהַיְנוּ, לִישָׁה, אֲפִיָּה, שְׁחִיטָה .וּבִשּׁוּל. וְהוֹצָאָה וְהַבְעָרָה מֻתָּרוֹת בְּיוֹם טוֹב גַּם שֶׁלֹּא לְצֹרֶךְ אֹכֶל נֶפֶשׁ, אֶלָּא לְצֹרֶךְ אַחֵר

תַּבְלִין שֶׁאִם יִטְחַן אוֹתָם קֹדֶם יוֹם טוֹב יָפִיגוּ טַעֲמָן, מֻתָּר לְדוּכָן בְּיוֹם טוֹב עַל יְדֵי שִׁנּוּי, כְּגוֹן שֶׁיַּטֶּה אֶת הַמַּכְתֶּשֶׁת לַצְּדָדִין אוֹ שֶׁיָּדוּךְ עַל הַשֻּׁלְחָן וְכַיּוֹצֵא בוֹ.

מֻתָּר לִתְפּוֹר עוֹפוֹת שֶׁמְמַלְּאִין אוֹתָן, אַךְ צָרִיךְ לִזָּהֵר לְהַכְנִיס אֶת הַחוּט בְּתוֹךְ הַמַּחַט בְּעֶרֶב יוֹם טוֹב. וְאִם לֹא הִכְנִיסוֹ מֵעֶרֶב יוֹם טוֹב, אָסוּר לְהַכְנִיסוֹ בְּיוֹם טוֹב. לְאַחַר שֶׁתְּפָרוֹ, מֻתָּר לִשְׂרוֹף אֶת הַחוּט הַנִּשְׁאָר

- Danny Schoemann

Wednesday, 9 Nissan 5784

Please daven for the full recovery of the wounded soldier

מֹשֶׁה אַהֲרֹן בֶּן לֵאָה בֵּיילָא

לרפואה שלמה

Halocho #2056 - Firewood on Yom Tov

As we learned, one may light fire from an existing flame on Yom Tov.

One may not chop wood on Yom Tov, not with an ax nor by hand.

On Yom Tov, one may not collect firewood that is scattered.

On Yom Tov one should not use bellows, however, the custom is to use non-commercial bellows by turning them upside-down.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 98:4

- Danny
Monday, 22 Iyar 5778, 37th day of the Omer

אָסוּר לְבַקֵּעַ עֵצִים אוֹ אֲפִלּוּ לְשַׁבְּרָן בַּיָּד. וְאָסוּר לְלַקֵּט עֵצִים מִמָּקוֹם שֶׁהֵם מְפֻזָּרִין

אֵין נוֹפְחִין אֵשׁ בְּמַפּוּחַ, כְּדֵי שֶׁלֹּא יַעֲשֶׂה כְּדֶרֶךְ שֶׁהָאֻמָּנִין עוֹשִׂין. וְהָעוֹלָם נוֹהֲגִין הֶתֵּר בְּמַפּוּחַ שֶׁל בַּעֲלֵי בָתִּים עַל יְדֵי שִׁנּוּי לְהָפְכוֹ מִלְּמַעְלָה לְמַטָּה. אֲבָל בְּמַפּוּחַ שֶׁל אֻמָּנִין, אֲפִלּוּ עַל יְדֵי שִׁנּוי אָסוּר

Halocho #820 - Eating on Erev Yom Tov

Today - Tuesday - is Erev Shavuot.

In honor of Yom Tov one should bathe in warm water and cut one's hair and nails on Erev Yom Tov.

In order not to spoil one's appetite for the Yom Tov meal, one should not eat a meal during the second half of the afternoon, on Erev Yom Tov.

Outside of Israel this also applies to the first day of Yom Tov; so as not to spoil one's appetite for the evening meal of the 2nd day of Yom Tov one should not eat a meal during the second half of the afternoon on Wednesday.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 103:2

Chag Shavuoth Same'ach
- Danny
Tuesday, 5 Sivan 5771  - 49th day of the Omer - Erev Shavuoth

Halocho #819 - Ruth and Shavu'ot

This year - 5771 - Shavu'ot will start on Tuesday evening at sundown and end on Wednesday evening after dark.


Outside of Israel, Shavu'ot will end on Thursday evening after dark.


It is customary to read Megilat Ruth on Shavu'ot morning, between Hallel and the Torah Reading.


In Israel, Megilat Ruth will be read on Wednesday and in the Diaspora most places will read Megilat Ruth on Thursday.


Outside of Israel one has to remember to leave a flame burning (like a Yahrzeit candle or gas range) from before Yom Tov (Tuesday afternoon) so that one can light the 2nd day's Yom Tov candles.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 75, Orach Chaim 490:9

On Shavu'ot we celebrate the giving of the Torah. Help spread Torah learning by inviting your Jewish friends to our Halocho a Day group at http://tinyurl.com/HalDay

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch

- Danny
Monday, 4 Sivan 5771 - 48th day of the Omer

Halocho #802 - Umbrellas on Shabbat and Yom Tov

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

Therefore it's forbidden to open open an umbrella on Shabbat.

Even carrying an open umbrella on Shabbat or Yom Tov is forbidden.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 80:82

Shabbat Shalom
- Danny
Thursday, 8 Iyar 5771 - 23rd day of the Omer

Halocho #816 - Eating milk, honey and meat on Shavu'ot

The Minhag is to eat food made from milk products on the first day of Shavu'ot, for various reasons.

One should also eat foods made with honey since the Torah is compared to honey.

One should also eat meat, since - like every Yom Tov - there's a Mitzva to eat to meat on a Chag.

One needs to plan the meals carefully since one may not eat milk after meat, and one may not eat both together at the same meal.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 103:7

- Danny
Wednesday, 28 Iyar 5771 - 43rd day of the Omer

Halocho #814 - Should children be given Yom Tov treats?

There's a Mitzvah to relish Jewish Holidays and therefore one must eat two Yom Tov meals; one at night and one during the day. (Se'udat Shlishi - the 3rd meal - is only eaten on Shabbat and is not required on Yom Tov.)

Each meal starts with Kiddush over wine and two Challot (loaves of bread) and should include meat and other delicacies.

It's also a Mitzvah to ensure that others are happy:

- Children should be given treats

- Wives should get new clothes and jewelry according to one's budget

- Men should be served meat and wine

In order to prove that the extra expenses are for Yom Tov and not simply for self-indulgence, one must ensure that the poor and needy are also supplied with their Yom Tov needs; invite some over for the meals and donate generously to reputable charity funds before Yom Tov.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 103:3, 5, 9

- Danny
Monday, 26 Iyar 5771 - 41st day of the Omer

Halocho #813 - Extinguishing fire on Yom Tov is forbidden

Extinguishing fire is forbidden on Shabbat and Yom Tov.

Even though one may light fire from an existing flame on Yom Tov, one may not extinguish fire on Yom Tov.

One may not even lower a flame on Yom Tov (nor on Shabbat).

On Yom Tov (and on Shabbat) one may not put a candle in a windy place so that it will blow out.

(Yom Kippour has the same status as Shabbat; one may not light nor extinguish fire on either.)

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 98: 25

- Danny
Sunday, 25 Iyar 5771 - 40th day of the Omer

Halocho #812 - Fire on Shabbat and Yom Tov

One of the differences between Yom Tov and Shabbat is the laws of lighting fire.

On Shabbat one may not light fires, nor extinguish them nor make them larger or smaller. Fires need to be lit before Shabbat and then leave it alone.

On Yom Tov one may light a fire from an existing flame, if there's a need. One may also make the fire larger.

One may light a flame or make an existing flame larger for:

• Light, including "candle-lighting" if one didn't manage before Yom Tov.
• Cooking, baking or warming food
• Boiling water for drinking
• Keeping warm, if it's so cold that food starts to congeal
• Warming water to wash ones hands and face
One may not use matches nor a magnifying glass to light a fire on Yom Tov; one has to light the fire from an existing flame.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 98:29, 30, 31

This week is Shabbat Mevorchim of Sivan; Rosh Chodesh will be on Friday in 9 days time

Shabbat Shalom uMevorach
- Danny
Thursday, 22 Iyar 5771 - 37th day of the Omer

Halocho #780 - Found Chametz on Pessach, now what?

Chametz is Muktzah on Pessach, since it may not be used for anything.

Chametz (that was not sold to a non-Jew) found in one's possession on Pessach needs to be burned.

If one finds Chametz on Yom Tov or Shabbat during Pessach, (to ensure that one doesn't eat it accidentally), one covers it with a bowl until after Havdalah - and then one burns it.

When burning Chametz on Pessach one says the Bracha of "Al Bi'ur Chametz" if the Chametz is the size of a Kezayit (size of an olive) or larger.

Chametz found on the closing Yom Tov of Pessach, must be burned after Pessach without a Bracha.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 111:17

Chodesh Tov; tonight is Rosh Chodesh Nissan - no Tachanun from Mincha today until after Rosh Chodesh Iyar

- Danny
Monday, 29 Adar-II 5771

Halocho #778 - Is January the first month?

This Shabbos we take out 2 Sifrei Torah. In the first we will read weekly Parsha of Tazria, in the second we will read Parshat HaChodesh (Exodus Ch. 12, Verses 1-20).

Parshat HaChodesh reminds us of the following upcoming Mitzvot:

- The month of Nissan (which begins on Tuesday) is the first month on the Jewish calendar, as the opening words of Parshat HaChodesh proclaim: "This month is for you the first month".

- The laws of Korban Pessach; sacrificed on Erev Pessach in the afternoon; it has to be roasted whole and then eaten on the first night of Pessach with Matza and Marror (bitter herbs).

- Korban Pessach leftovers have to be burnt on the first day of Chol Hamo'ed.

- Matza needs to be made carefully to ensure it doesn't become Chametz (leaven).

- The first and last days of Pessach are Yom Tov.

- One may not own Chometz, nor eat it, during Pessach.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 140:2

Shabbat Shalom uMevorach
- Danny
Thursday, 25 Adar II 5771

Halocho #774 - Chol Hamo'ed; Chol or Mo'ed?

The intermediary days of Pessach and Sukkot are known as Chol Hamo'ed. Some types of work are permitted, others are forbidden.

Chazal (our Rabbis of blessed memory) have some harsh words for those who don't honor Chol Hamo'ed properly. Honoring Chol Hamo'ed includes eating meals and wearing clothes that are closer to Yom Tov standards than regular weekday standards.

On Chol Hamo'ed one may do all work needed to prevent a monetary loss.

Preparing food for other days of Chol Hamo'ed or for the last days of Yom Tov is allowed.

Gardening is forbidden besides for picking fruit for Chol Hamo'ed or Yom Tov, and to prevent plants dying, e.g. if they need to be irrigated. Planting is forbidden.

Cutting hair is forbidden on Chol Hamo'ed. Cutting nails is only allowed if one also cut them before Yom Tov.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 104.

- Danny
Sunday, 21 Adar II 5771

Halocho #764 - Covering a chimney on Shabbat

A chimney or exhaust pipe which comes out of the wall may be covered on Shabbat, since that is considered adding to an existing wall, which is allowed on Shabbat.

A chimney or exhaust pipe which comes out of the roof may only be covered with its lid, if the lid is connected to the chimney or roof by hinges.

If one does not have a hinged cover, then one may not cover the chimney one Shabbat, because one is forbidden to make a roof on Shabbat.

These Halachot apply to Yom Tov also.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 80:79

Shabbat Shalom
- Danny
Thursday, 4 Adar-II 5771

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 #750 - When does one do a Pidyon HaBen?

All firstborn sons (born naturally) have to be "redeemed" by giving 5 biblical Shekalim to a Cohen; unless the baby's father is a Cohen or Levi, or his mother is the daughter of a Cohen or Levi.

The Mitzva is to be done on the 31st day of his life.

If day 31 is Shabbat or YomTov then the redemption is done at night on Motzai Shabbat or Motzai YomTov.

It is customary to have a Seuda - a festive meal - to celebrate this ceremony.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 164:1

More details tomorrow...

- Danny
Sunday, 16 Adar-I 5771

Halocho #658 - Eruv Tavshilin again and again - or not?

One may not prepare from Yom Tov to Shabbat unless one does Eruv Tavshilin before Yom Tov.

Since (outside of Israel) Sukkoth is on Thursday & Friday, people living outside of Israel need to do Eruv Tavshilin on Wednesday - both this week and next week for Shmini Atzeret & Simchat Torah.
One takes a loaf of bread and a cooked or baked food that will be eaten on Shabbat and one says the Bracha:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱלקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנו בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ עַל מִצְוַת עֵרוּב

One continues with the following, which must be said in a language one understands:

בַּהֲדֵין עֵרוּבָא
יְהֵא שָׁרֵא לָנָא לַאֲפוּיֵי, וּלְבַשּׁוּלֵי, וּלְאַטְמוּנֵי, וּלְאַדְלוּקֵי שְׁרָגָא, וּלִמֶעְבֵּד כָּל צָרְכָּנָא מִיּוֹמָא טָבָא לְשַׁבְּתָא.
"With this Eruv we are permitted to bake, cook, keep things warm and light fire and do all that is needed from Yom Tov to Shabbat".
The bread and food should be kept in a safe place; it they are eaten before Shabbat, a Rabbi should be consulted how to proceed.
Even those who don't have to cook for Shabbat, still need to do Eruv Tavshilin in order to light Shabbat candles (from an existing flame.)
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 102
==> Add a reminder to your calendar for Eruv Tavshilin for next week, if you don't live in Israel.
Chag Same'ach; next Halocho-a-Day after Sukkoth
- Danny
Wednesday, Erev Sukkoth, 14 Tishrei 5771

Halocho #651 - Should children be given Yom Tov treats?

There's a Mitzvah to by happy on Jewish Holidays and therefore one must eat two Yom Tov meals; one at night and one during the day. (Se'udat Shlishi - the 3rd meal - is only eaten on Shabbat and is not required on Yom Tov.)

Each meal starts with Kiddush over wine and two Challot (loaves of bread) and should include meat and other delicacies.

It's also a Mitzvah to ensure that others are happy:

- Children should be given treats

- Wives should get new clothes and jewelry according to ones budget

- Men should be served meat and wine

In order to prove that the extra expenses are for Yom Tov and not simply for self-indulgence, one must ensure that the poor and needy are also supplied with their Yom Tov needs; invite them over for meals and donate generously to reputable charity funds before Yom Tov.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 103:3, 5, 9

Ktiva Vechatima Tova; may you always be on the giving end

- Danny
Monday, 5 Tishrei 5771

Halocho #648 - Don't forget: Eruv Tavshilin

One may not prepare from Yom Tov to Shabbat unless one does Eruv Tavshilin before Yom Tov.

Since Rosh Hashana is on Thursday & Friday, every household needs to do Eruv Tavshilin on Wednesday.

One takes bread or Matza and a cooked or baked food that will be eaten on Shabbat and one says the Bracha:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱלקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ עַל מִצְוַת עֵרוּב

One continues with the following, which must be said in a language one understands:

בַּהֲדֵין עֵרוּבָא יְהֵא שָׁרֵא לָנָא לַאֲפוּיֵי, וּלְבַשּׁוּלֵי, וּלְאַטְמוּנֵי, וּלְאַדְלוּקֵי שְׁרָגָא, וּלִמֶעְבֵּד כָּל צָרְכָּנָא מִיּוֹמָא טָבָא לְשַׁבְּתָא

"With this Eruv we are permitted to bake, cook, keep things warm and light fire and do all that is needed from Yom Tov to Shabbat".

The Matza and food should be kept in a safe place; it they are eaten before Shabbat, a Rabbi should be consulted how to proceed.

Even those who don't have to cook for Shabbat, still need to do Eruv Tavshilin in order to light Shabbat candles on Friday before sunset (from an existing flame).

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 102

- Danny
Tuesday, 28 Elul 5770

==> Add a reminder to your calendar to do Eruv Tavshilin tomorrow

Halocho #645 - Does one say Shehechiyanu on candle-lighting?

The blessing of Shehechiyanu; - "... who has kept us alive, sustained us and enabled us to reach this occasion" - is recited during Kiddush on all nights of Yom Tov, except on the last days of Pessach. There are two Minhagim (customs) regarding Shehechiyanu at candle-lighting on Yom Tov candles:

- Some women have the Minhag of saying Shehechiyanu when lighting Yom-Tov candles (except on the last days of Pessach)

- Others never say Shehechiyanu at candle-lighting

If a woman makes her own Kiddush she must be careful to only say Shehechiyanu once; either at candle-lighting or during Kiddush.

On the second night of Rosh Hashanah there's a Halachic debate if Shehechiyanu is required. To be on the safe side, one should wear a new item of clothing, or see a new fruit (that one hasn't tasted yet this season) while saying Shehechiyanu on the second night of Rosh Hashanah; both during Kiddush and during candle lighting (if applicable).

If one does not have a new item of clothing, nor a new fruit, on the second night of Rosh Hashanah, one still says Shehechiyanu.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 103:4, 129:23

K'tiva V'chatima Tova; wishing you a year full of happy tidings

- Danny
Thursday, 23 Elul 5770

Halocho #641 - May one smell an Etrog?

One does not shake the four species on Shabbat.

The Lulav, Haddasim and Aravot are Muktza on Shabbat.

The Etrog is not Muktza and one may smell it on Shabbat - after making the Bracha of:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱלקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם
הַנּוֹתֵן רֵיחַ טוֹב בַּפֵּרוֹת

On the other days of Sukkoth one should not smell the Etrog.

One should not smell the Haddasim during the entire 7 days of Sukkoth.

An Etrog may be returned to its wrapping on Shabbat and Yom Tov, but may not be wrapped in a new wrapper - since the wrapper will absorb the aroma of the Etrog - and one may not add aroma to materials on Shabbat and Yom Tov.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 137:7

Shabbat Shalom

- Danny
Thursday, 16 Elul 5770