Halocho #148 - What is the first commandment?

Yesterday's Torah Reading included the repetition of the 10 Commandments. The first of the Ten Commandments is to believe that "I am the Hashem your G-d, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage". Included in this Mitzva is the requirement to believe that Hashem exists and that He created everything and continues to will it into existence. Included in this Mitzva is the belief that Hashem took us out of Egypt; it wasn't a "lucky break". He continues to control everything that happens, everywhere. Included in this Mitzva is the requirement to state that one believes in Hashem, even at the risk of getting killed. This is one of the "perpetual" Mitzvot; whenever one thinks about any of the above, one fulfills this Mitzva. Source: Sefer Hachinuch, Mitzva 25. - Danny Sunday, 16 Av 5768

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Halocho #147 - Shabbat Nachamu

While normally the Haftara is connected to the weekly Torah reading, for 7 weeks following 9 B'Av we read the 7 Haftarot of Consolation from Yeshayahu. This week is named after the opening words of the 7 Haftarot of Consolation; "Nachamu, Nachum Ami"; Hashem instructs Yeshayahu to "Console, console My people". Since it's Tu B'Av, one does not say Tzidkoscho Tzedek at Mincha on Shabbat (since one wouldn't say Tachanun if it were a weekday). Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 128:4, 22:8, - Danny Erev Shabbat Nachamu, 14 Menachem-Av 5768

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Halocho #146 - Last chance for Kiddush Levana

One can say Kiddush Levana (the blessing on a waxing moon) until the Full Moon; defined as half way between 2 Molads. (The Molad is the New Moon based on Halachic calculations.) The custom is to not say Kiddush Levana on Shabbat unless there's no other time to say it. This month [in Jerusalem] the Halachic full moon will be 10 minutes after sunset; minutes before Motzai Shabbat. Shabbat afternoon in the USA. This month there will be a [partial] moon eclipse on Friday night [around midnight in Israel]. Many Poskim [Halachic authorities] prefer not saying Kiddush Levana after a moon eclipse, since moon eclipses happen at Full Moon. Other Poskim allow saying Kiddush Levana until the Halachic Full Moon, even if it's obvious to everybody that the moon is already waning. If you didn't yet say Kiddush Levana this month, you should make sure to say it tonight - Thursday night. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 97:7, 10 ,12 - Danny Thursday, 13 Menachem-Av 5768

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

Halocho #145 - Why is Tu B'Av a joyous day?

A number of joyous events happened over the years on Tu B'Av, which is on this coming Shabbat.

- It was the day the Generation-of-the-Wilderness realized that the sin of the spies had been forgiven, in the year 2488.

- It was the day that the tribes were allowed to intermarry, including orphaned daughters (as per Bemidbar 36:8) once all those who conquered the Land had passed away.

- On the same day the tribe of Binyamin were allowed to intermarry with other tribes, after the scandal of Give'ah (as per Shoftim 19 - 21), around the year 2524.

- It was the day that King Hoshea ben Elah removed the blockades that the wicked King Yerav'am ben Nevat had placed on the roads, preventing the Jews from going up to Jerusalem for the Festivals about 75 years earlier, around the year 3040.

- It was the day the Romans allowed those massacred by the wicked Hadrian in Beitar to be buried, some time after he died in 138 (C.E).

- It was the day they stopped chopping wood for the altar in the Bet Hamikdash every year, as it marks the end of "summer" (as per Rashi on Breishis 8:22) and the start of the 2 months of "heat". The wood had to be worm free to be used on the altar, and had to be fully dried before the rainy season.

This gave everybody more time for learning Torah - and therefore Tu B'Av is the Joyous Day of Increased Torah Learning.

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Source: The Book of our Heritage, Vol 3 page 307-313

- Danny Wednesday, 12 Menachem Av 5768

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Halocho #144 - Is Tu B'Av the festival of love?

This Shabbat is Tu B'Av, which is famous for being the day girls went to dance in the vineyards in the hope of attracting a future husband. The only other day this was done was on Yom Kippour, the day Hashem forgave the sin of the Golden Calf. The 15th of Av was the day Hashem forgave the Generation-of-the-Wilderness for the sin of the spies talking evil about the Promised Land. To quote The Book of our Heritage: "Since these 2 days were days of purification from sin, the earlier generations did not hesitate to regard them as days of festivity and dancing for the daughters of Israel... and there was no apprehension lest they breach the fence of chastity and modesty." Source: The Book of our Heritage, Vol 3 page 307 King Saul called his son Yehonathan " Ben N'avat Hamardut", son of the rebellious outgoing one, because Achinoam saw that Saul was too shy to approach any of the girls dancing, so she approached him. Source: Rashi on Shmuel-1, 20:30 - Danny Tuesday, 11 Menachem Av 5768

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Halocho #143 - Tish'a B'Av isn't over yet

We mourn and fast on 9 B'Av since the Bet Hamikdash was burned to the ground. The fire was ignited on 9 B'Av in the afternoon and burned through the 10th of Av. Therefore the restrictions of "the 9 days" continue until after midday on the 10th of Av (today - Monday). The custom is to refrain from eating meat and wine, bathing, doing laundry, shaving and haircuts, saying Shehechiyanu and listening to music until Monday after noon. One may make a Se'udat Mitzvah (like a Brit) in the morning, with meat and wine. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 124:20-22 - Danny Monday, 10 Menachem-Av 5768

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Halocho #142 - When do we make Havdala this week?

This week on Motzai Shabbat one only says the Bracha over the candle; Borei M'Orei Ha'Esh.

After Shabbat one needs to say "Baruch Hamavdil Ben Kodesh L'Chol" before doing work that is forbidden on Shabbat.

After the fast ends on Sunday night one makes Havdala before eating.

Since it's not Motzai Shabbat, this delayed Havdala consists only of the Bracha over wine (or beer) and the long Bracha of Hamavdil. The Bracha on spices is not said. The Bracha on the candle is not said, even if one forgot to do so on Motzai Shabbat.

Those who need to eat on 9 B'Av must make Havdala before eating.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 125:6

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Shabbat Shalom,

- Danny Erev Shabbat Chazon, 7 Menachem-Av 5768

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Halocho #141 - When do we eat the Seudat Mafseket?

The fast of 9 B'Av begins at sunset; this year it starts at sunset slightly before Motzai Shabbat and lasts until Sunday night.

Usually the Seudat Mafseket - the "final meal" before the fast of 9 B'Av - is eaten while seated on the floor. It typically consists of a cold hard boiled egg and bread which is dipped into ashes.

Since the fast of 9 B'Av is on Sunday, there is no Seudat Mafseket this year.

One can eat a normal Se'udat Shlishit - 3rd Shabbat meal - however one needs to stop eating and drinking before sunset.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 125:1

- Danny Thursday 6 Menachem-Av 5768

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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

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Halocho #139 - Can we say Kiddush Levana this week?

One does not say Kiddush Levana (the monthly blessing over the new moon) until after the fast of 9 B'Av. On Motzai Yom Kippour one can say Kiddush Levana immediately after Ma'ariv (the evening prayers). On Motzai 9 B'Av one may not say Kiddush Levana until one has broken the fast and put on shoes. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 124:19, 130:6 - Danny Tuesday, 4 Menachem-Av 5768

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Halocho #138 - Can one go to work on 9 B'Av?

One may do "minor" work on 9 B'Av, such as turning on lights and driving.

Any work that takes times, as well as all business dealings, should not be done until noon, so as not to get distracted from mourning the destruction of the Bet Hamikdash - the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

While one may go to work and open ones business on 9 B'Av afternoon, it's commendable not to.

One may have a non-Jew do ones work on 9 B'Av, and one may do any work needed to prevent a monetary loss.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 124:15

- Danny Monday, 3 Menachem-Av 5768

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Halocho #137 - What is 9 B'Av?

Next Sunday (10 August) is the fast of 9 B'Av which commemorates 5 tragedies that befell the Jewish people on that date:

1. It was decreed that the generation which left Egypt would remain in the desert for 40 years and not enter the land of Israel, after believing the inaccurate report of 10 of the 12 spies in the year 2449.
2. The first Bet Hamikdash (Holy Temple) was destroyed on 9 B'Av in the year 3339.
3. The second Bet Hamikdash (Holy Temple) was destroyed on 9 B'Av about 1948 years ago.
4. The city of Betar was captured and tens of thousands of Jews were killed in the year 3893.
5. The wicked Turnus Rufus plowed the site of the Bet Hamikdash and its surroundings and renamed it Aelia Capitolina, also in the year 3893.

Since these tragedies occurred on 9 B'Av, it was decreed as a day of fasting and mourning. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 121:5 Other tragedies that happened on 9 B'Av:

• 4,000 Jews were expelled from England by King Edward I in the year 5050 (18 July 1290)
• 300,000 Jews were expelled from Spain by Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon in the year 5252 (2 August 1492)
• Word War 1 started in 5674 - 1 August 1914 - with Germany declaring war on Russia

- Danny Sunday, 2 Menachem-Av 5768

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Halocho #136 - The teetotaler 9 days and Havdala

Rosh Chodesh Av is tomorrow - Shabbat. When the month of Av begins, one diminishes joy. Yesterday we learnt that the custom is not to eat meat and chicken and not to drink wine during the 9 days except on Shabbat. How does one make Havdala this week? One makes Havdala as usual this week using wine (and spices and a candle). If there is a small child who can drink most of the cup of wine, then one gives it to him to drink. If not, then the person making Havdala drinks the wine. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:8 Some people have the custom of using beer for Havdala this week. If one uses beer for Havdala then the first Bracha needs to be "Shehakol" instead of "Borei Pri Hagofen". Source: Halachos of the 3 weeks by Rav Shimon Eider zt"l page 7 My Rosh Yeshiva - Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt"l - always used wine for Havdala and always drank it himself. Chodesh Tov and Shabbat Shalom, - Danny Erev Rosh Chodesh Av, Shabbat Mas'ei, 29 Tamuz 5768 --> Don't forget to say Ya'ale Veyavo tonight and tomorrow during Amida and Birkat Hamazon!

Review Halocho #131 to find out which Haftara we read this week.

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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

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Halocho #134 - Last chance for laundry

When the month of Av begins, one diminishes joy. From Rosh Chodesh Av until midday on 10th Av is the period known as the "9 days". During the 9 days one does not do any laundry even if one only intends wearing the clothes after the 9 days. One may not even give laundry to a non-Jew to wash during the 9 days, but a Jew may do laundry for non-Jews. One does not wear freshly laundered clothes during the 9 days except on Shabbat. This does not apply to garments worn directly on the body; undergarments, socks, PJs and the like. One may not change bed linens, tablecloths and towels during the 9 days. The 9 days start this Shabbat and end 10 days later on Monday afternoon. --> Therefore it's advisable to prepare a week's supply of shirts, pants, skirts, etc. by wearing them for a short while this week. One can also prepare towels by using them once. Baby clothing that gets dirty all the time and needs to be changed many times a day are exempt from the above and may be laundered and used during the 9 days. Anything halachically needed for her 7 clean days, a Niddah may launder and wear during the 9 days. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:9 - Danny Wednesday, 27 Tamuz 5768

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Halocho #133 - sneakers on 9 B'Av

One may not wear leather shoes on 9 B'Av. Even if the shoe is only partially made of leather it's forbidden. One may wear footwear made of any other material. Those who must be among non-Jews and will be ridiculed if they are not wearing leather shoes, may wear them after putting some sand inside. Those who needs to walk long distances may wear leather shoes until they get close to their destination. One may wear leather jackets and belts, and any other clothing item made of leather on 9 B'Av. Wearing leather shoes for medical reasons is permissible. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 124:11. Halachos of the 3 weeks by Rav Shimon Eider zt"l page 22. - Danny Tuesday, 26 Tamuz 5768

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Halocho #132 - Who must fast on 9 B'Av?

On 9 B'Av almost everybody needs to fast. Pregnant and nursing mothers need to fast on 9 B'Av even if it causes them discomfort, unless it's dangerous to their health. When in doubt, consult your LOR (Local Orthodox Rabbi). During the first 7 days after childbirth, a mother is not allowed to fast. Anybody who isn't healthy should only fast for a few hours. This includes a mother between 7 and 30 days after childbirth unless she feels up to fasting. When in doubt, consult your LOR. Children are not allowed to fast. Those who are not fasting should limit their food intake to the bare minimum; only bread and water if possible. Before eating, one needs to make Havdala this year (and any other year when 9 B'Av is on Sunday). Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 124:6 - Danny Monday, 25 Tamuz 5768

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Halocho #131 - What Haftara do we read this week?

On each Shabbat of the "3 weeks" we read a Haftara wherein the prophet foretold the destruction of the Bet Hamikdash. The first week (this week) we read the first chapter of Yirmiyahu. The second week we read most of the second chapter of Yirmiyahu. This year the second week (next week) is also Rosh Chodesh, which has its own special Haftara. Most communities will read the second chapter of Yirmiyahu. Some communities will read the regular "Shabbat-Rosh-Chodesh" Haftara instead. A few will read both. The third week we read the the first chapter of Yeshayahu - Chazon; most of it in the tune that Megilat Eicha is read. BTW: You can cut your nails during the 3 weeks, until the week in which 9 B'Av falls. Since 9 B'Av is on Sunday this year, you can cut nails up to - and including - Erev Shabbat Chazon. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:6, 5 Shabbat Shalom - Danny Erev Shabbat Matos, 22 Tamuz 5768

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Halocho #130 - Seeing the Temple Mount for the first time

The Kotel ("Wailing wall") is the western retaining wall of the Temple Mount where the Bet Hamikdash (Temple) stood until it was destroyed over 1,900 years ago. The Kotel "plaza" is outside the Temple Mount. Every prayer of ours - Amida and Birkat Hamazon - includes a supplication to once again be able to serve Hashem on the other side of the Kotel; from inside the rebuilt Bet Hamikdash. When seeing the place where the Bet Hamikdash stood, one needs to do Kri'a; tear ones clothes in the same way that mourners do. One only needs to tear Kri'a if one hasn't been in Jerusalem for 30 days or longer. Source Shulchan Aruch, OC 561 The prevalent Yerushalmi custom is not to tear Kri'a on days one doesn't say Tachanun, including Friday afternoons. - Danny Jerusalem, Thursday, 21 Tamuz 5768

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Halocho #129 - What is a Zecher L'Churban?

After the destruction of the Bet Hamikdash (Temple) certain types of joy were forbidden and certain acts of mourning were instituted "Zecher L'Churban" - as a reminder of the destruction. One may not plaster ones entire house; a square Ama (~50 cm x 50 cm) of wall opposite [or above] the front door should be left bare to recall the destruction. The reason many people don't do so nowadays is unclear. A woman should never wear all her jewelery at the same time. Some ashes are put on a groom's head before the Chuppa (wedding ceremony) on the spot he usually wears his Tefilin. A bride's veil should not have gold nor silver threads. A plate is broken at the engagement, and a cup under the Chuppa. All these [and more] are done Zecher L'Churban - as a reminder of the destruction. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 126:1,2 - Danny Wednesday, 20 Tamuz 5768

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Halocho #128 - Can one get engaged in the 3 weeks?

We learned yesterday that the destruction of the Bet Hamikdash (Temple) started on 17 Tammuz with the breaching of the walls, and ended 3 weeks later when it was set alight. During this period of mourning we do not get married. Getting engaged is permitted during the 3 weeks.

• Until Rosh Chodesh Av one may even celebrate with a festive meal, but without music.
• After Rosh Chodesh Av one may not have a festive meal, but one may serve refreshments.
• One may even get engaged on a fast day, but no food may be served.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:1 - Danny Tuesday, 19 Tamuz 5768

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Halocho #127 - No music for 3 weeks

The period between the fast of 17 Tammuz (Sunday - yesterday) and the fast of 9 B'Av in 3 weeks time is known as Bein Hametzarim, or "The 3 Weeks". Since the destruction of the Bet Hamikdash (Temple) started on 17 Tammuz with the breaching of the walls, and ended 3 weeks later when it was set alight, this period of 3 weeks has been set aside as a time of mourning. Weddings are not held during the 3 weeks. If a Jew plays a musical instrument for a living, he may continue to do so for non-Jews until Rosh Chodesh Av. Some have the custom of refraining from meat and wine during the entire 3 weeks, except on Shabbat and Mitzva-meals (like at a Brit Mila). Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:1 - Danny Monday, 18 Tammuz 5768 ==> I know of 2 great programmers who are looking for work in the Jerusalem area; contact me for details. <==

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 #125 - Melave Malka

It's a Mitzva to eat a meal after Shabbat. This meal is called Melave Malka - accompanying the [Shabbat] queen [on her way out] - essentially a farewell party for Shabbat. If possible one should wash and eat bread and a warm cooked food for Melave Malka. At the very least one should set the table nicely and eat cake or fruit. On Sunday morning the fast of 17 Tammuz begins at day-break; about 90 minutes before sunrise. Check your Luach [Jewish calendar] for local times. If one awakens before day-break one cannot eat anymore unless one intended to do so before going to sleep. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 76:13, 121:8 Shabbat Shalom, - Danny Erev Shabbat Pinchas, 15 Tamuz 5768

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Halocho #124 - Last chance for a haircut!

It's customary not to have a haircut during the 3 weeks from 17 Tammuz until 9 Av. This includes haircuts and shaving. Since the 3 weeks begin on Sunday, tomorrow is the last change to have a haircut. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:3 - Danny

Thursday, 14 Tamuz 5768

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