Halocho #235 - When is Zot Chanuka?

The Torah Reading for tomorrow - the last day of Chanuka - has 39 verses.

It starts from ביום השמיני in Naso and continues all the way past the end of the Parsha and ends with the first paragraph of Parshat Beha'alotcha which talks about lighting the Menora in the Bet HaMikdash.

The last paragraph of Parshat Naso starts with the words זאת חנוכת המזבח - as a result the last day of Chanuka is often referred to as Zot Chanuka.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch  139:23

Chodesh Tov,

- Danny

 Sunday, 7th day Chanuka, 2nd day Rosh Chodesh Tevet 5769

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

Halocho #234 - What comes first: Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh or Chanuka?

Rosh Chodesh Tevet is on Shabbat and Sunday.

On Shabbat we will take out 3 Sifrei Torah:

• In the first Sefer Torah we call up [at least] 6 people for the weekly portion - Miketz
• The second Sefer Torah is for Rosh Chodesh, starting from "וביום השבת", after which Kaddish is said.
• The 3rd Sefer Torah is for  Chanuka - ביום הששי from Parshat Naso.

The Haftara is the Chanuka one (רני ושמחי from Zecharia 2:14)

On Sunday we will take out 2 Sifrei Torah:

• In the first Sefer Torah we call up 3 people while reading the regular Rosh Chodesh portion.
• The second Sefer Torah is for  Chanuka - ביום השביעי from Parshat Naso after which Kaddish is said.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:24, 25

Chodesh Tov and Shabbat Shalom

- Danny

 Thursday, 4th day Chanuka, 28 Kislev 5769

Please daven for a complete recovery for Re'uven ben Rachel - ראובן בן רחל

Halocho #233 - When do we light the Menora on Erev Shabbath

On Friday afternoon one lights the Chanuka Menora before lighting Shabbat candles. One can light as early as 75 Halachic minutes before sunset.

If possible, one should daven an early Mincha so as to light the Menora after Mincha.

One must start lighting the Menora early enough to be able to light Shabbat candles at the regular time.

On Friday one needs longer candles (or more oil) to ensure the Menora will be lit until 30 minutes after dark.

If lighting near a doorway, one needs to ensure that opening the door will not extinguish the Menora. If needed one should  put a non-flammable partition between the Menora and the door.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:17

- Danny

 Wednesday, 3rd day Chanuka, 27 Kislev 5769

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

Halocho #232 - When do we light on Motzai Shabbat?

In shul one lights the Chanukah Menora after Mincha, except on Motzai Shabbat when one lights during Ma'ariv after Kaddish-תתקבל.

At home on Motzai Shabbat one first makes Havdala and then lights the Menorah.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:15, 18

Some have the custom of lighting the Menorah before making Havdala, since one already heard Havdala in shul. (רמ"א 581:2)

- Danny

 Tuesday, 2nd day Chanuka, 26 Kislev 5769

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

Halocho #231 - Remember to add Al HaNisim

During all 8 days (and nights) of Chanukah one adds עַל הַנִּסִּים to the Birkat Hamazon during the 2nd Bracha. If you forgot to add עַל הַנִּסִּים and you've already said 'ברוך אתה ה then you don't have to make amends.

However, if possible you should say the following during the HaRachaman's after the 4th Bracha:

הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יַעֲשֶׂה לָנוּ נִסִּים וְנִפְלָאוֹת, 

כְּמוֹ שֶׁעָשָׂה לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ בַּיָּמִים הַהֵם בַּזְּמַן הַזֶּה 

בִּימֵי מַתִּתְיָהוּ

...and then continue with the rest of the עַל הַנִּסִּים

During every Amida of Chanukah (including Mussaf) one adds עַל הַנִּסִּים during Modim.

If you forgot to add עַל הַנִּסִּים and you've already said 'ברוך אתה ה then you don't have to make amends.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 44:16, 139: 21

- Danny

 Monday, 1st day Chanukah, 25 Kislev 5769

Please daven for a complete recovery for Yaacov ben Rachel -  יעקב בן רחל

Halocho #230 - Which Bracha does one say when lighting the Chanukah Menorah?

On the first night of Chanukah one says 3 Brachot:

1. Lehadlik Ner Sel Chanukah - Blessed... to light the Chanukah lights

ברוך אתה ה' א‑לוהינו מלך העולם

 אשר קדשנו במצותיו 

וצונו להדליק נר שלחנוכה

2. She'Asa Nissim La'Avoteinu Bayamim Hahem Bazman Hazeh - Blessed.. who did miracles for our ancestors in those days at this season

ברוך אתה ה' א‑לוהינו מלך העולם,

 שעשה נסים לאבותינו 

בימים ההם בזמן הזה

3. Shehechiyanu - "Blessed... who has kept us alive, sustained us and permitted us to reach this occasion."

ברוך אתה ה' א‑לוהינו מלך העולם,

שהחינו וקימנו והגענו לזמן הזה

These Brachot are said before lighting.

On the other 7 nights one only says the first 2 Brachot.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch  139:12, 13

- Danny

 Sunday, 24 Kislev 5769

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

Halocho #229 - Davening changes on Chanukah

No Tachanun is said on Chanukah, starting from Mincha the day before. Kel Erech Apa'im - א-ל ארך אפים - is not said before Kriat HaTorah on Chanukah. Lamenatze'ach- למנצח - is not said after Ashrei during Chanukah. One does not fast on Chanukah, except for a Ta'anit Chalom (fasting after a worrisome dream.) The full Hallel is said on all 8 days of Chanuka. This is the only time the full Hallel is said on Rosh Chodesh. (Usually on Rosh Chodesh we leave out 2 half-paragraphs.) Al HaNisim is added in the Amida (during Modim; the 2nd to last Bracha) and Birkat Hamazon (during the second Bracha). Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 22:8, 25:2, 139:2 Shabbat-related posts can be reviewed at http://halocho.blogspot.com/search/label/Shabbos Shabbat Shalom, - Danny Thursday, 21 Kislev 5769

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

Halocho #228 - Working on Chanukah

All work is permitted on Chanukah, however women have a custom not to do any work during the first half-hour after lighting. The reason being that the women were oppressed by the enemy even more than the men, with the law of jus primae noctis. Another reason being that the miracle was done by a woman; a daughter of Yochanan the High Priest cut off their king's head after making him drowsy with wine and cheese. This is also the reason some have the custom to eat dairy on Chanukah. Erratum: The earliest time for lighting is Plag HaMincha which is 75 Halachic minutes before nightfall. (And not 90 minutes as mentioned last week.) Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:2 - Danny Wednesday, 20 Kislev 5769

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

Halocho #227 - Freed from prison

Today - 19 Kislev - 236 years ago, the first Lubavitcher Rebbe was freed from prison. You can read about him at http://www.answers.com/topic/shneur-zalman-of-liadi. When a person is released from prison he needs to say the HaGomel blessing:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱלוֹקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם

הַגּוֹמֵל לַחַיָּבִים טוֹבוֹת

שֶׁגְּמָלַנִי כָּל טוֹב

Blessed are You, Hashem our G-d, King of the Universe,

Who does good to the undeserving,

for having dealt kindly with me.

This should be said in the presence of a Minyan (besides for the one making the blessing). Those present then respond:

מִי שֶׁגּמָלְךָ טוֹב

הוּא יִגְמָלְךָ כָּל טוֹב סֶלָה

He who has shown you kindness,

should deal kindly with you forever.

If possible, this should be said within 3 days of being released. While it is customary to say this after the Torah Reading, if this would require delaying it past the 3rd day, then it should be said before. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 61:1, 2 - Danny Tuesday, 19 Kislev 5769

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

Halocho #226 - Oil or candles for Chanukah?

For lighting Shabbat candles one may only use a combination of fuel and wicks that together produce a steady non-flickering light. For Chanukah one may use any fuel and wick combination that will burn for the required time. Preferably one should use something that provides a steady light, like our candles. Best is to use olive oil, since the Chanukah miracle happened with olive oil. Wicks should be made of cotton wool. There is no need to use new wicks every night. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:4 - Danny Monday, 18 Kislev 5769

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

Halocho #225 - Should one use a Silver Menorah?

If one uses clay lamps for the Menorah then one has to replace them every night. When using glass holders one must make sure they are clean; not oily or smoky from the previous night. Best is to use a nice metal Menorah. If one can afford it, one should buy a silver Menorah to beautify the Mitzva. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:5 - Danny Sunday 17, Kislev 5769

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

Halocho #224 - The Shalom Zachor

Today - 14 Kislev - 3,575 years ago the first of the 12 tribes was born. Reuven was born in the year 2,194 and lived for 144 (or 145) years. It's customary to serve fruit and drinks on the Friday night before a baby's Brit Mila. This is called a Shalom Zachor and is considered a Se'udat Mitzva. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 163:8 Shabbat Shalom, - Danny Thursday, 14 Kislev 5769 Shabbat-related posts can be reviewed at http://halocho.blogspot.com/search/label/Shabbos

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

Halocho #223 - Must a Menorah be straight?

The wicks on a Menorah must all be at the same level; you cannot have some higher and some lower. The Shamash should be higher. It's purpose is to provide light so that you don't use the Chanukah lights which are for "display and not for use". The wicks should be far enough away from each other that they don't join and become a torch. If using candles they mustn't be close enough to melt each other. The wicks do not have to be in a straight line; a Menorah can be shaped as a semi-circular or even a full circle. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:9 - Danny Wednesday, 13 Kislev 5769

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

Halocho #222- How long must the Chanukah Menorah burn?

On weekdays the Chanukah lights should be lit at nightfall and should be able to burn for at least 30 minutes. Chanukah lights can already be lit from Plag HaMincha (75 Halachic minutes before nightfall). At Chanukah time in the Northern Hemisphere this may be as short as 50 minutes before nightfall. (Try http://tinyurl.com/luach to get your local time.) Even when lighting earlier, the Menorah has to burn until 30 minutes after nightfall. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:10 There are 2 opinions regarding nightfall: Some say it refers to dusk, other say it refers to 3 stars appearing (like Motzai Shabbat). Everybody should follow their family custom. - Danny Tuesday, 12 Kislev 5769

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

Halocho #221 - Abusive parents

If a person is wearing his finest and chairing a large meeting, and his father or mother come and tear his clothes and hit him over the head and spit in his face, he may NOT embarrass them nor cause them pain nor display any anger towards them.

Rather one should remain silent and fear ones Father in Heaven who commanded us to respect and honor ones parents.

However one may demand payment for the damage, and even take them to Bet Din if needed.

One may move away from ones parents - and ask other people to look after them - if one isn't capable of dealing with their emotional state.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 143:2, 16

- Danny Monday, 11 Kislev 5769

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

Halocho #220 - Remembering miracles

182 years ago on 10 Kislev the 2nd Lubavitcher Rebbe was released. You can read about him at http://www.answers.com/topic/dovber-schneuri.

Anytime a miracle happens to you, you should give charity and have in mind that it is instead of bringing a Thanksgiving sacrifice.

One should also fix or establish something for the public good.

On the yearly anniversary of the miracle one should seclude oneself and spend the day thanking Hashem for the miracle.

One should also publicize the miracle.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 61:3

- Danny Sunday, 10 Kislev 5769

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

Halocho #219 - Pray for rain outside of Israel

Starting tonight - Thursday night - we start praying for rain on weekdays, in the 9th Bracha of the Amida - Barech-Aleinu all over the world. In Israel we started 4 weeks ago - on 7th Marcheshvan. As we learned in Halocho #197: If you forgot to add "ותן טל ומטר לברכה"; "and bless us with dew and rain", then: - If you remember before you finish the 9th Bracha then you insert it and continue from there. - If you already said "Baruch Ata Hashem" of the 9th Bracha then you insert it into Shma-Kolienu - the 16th Bracha - before "Ki Ata". - If you forget to say it in Shma-Kolienu then you need to go back to the 9th Bracha - Barech-Aleinu. - If you didn't remember until you finished the Amida (defined as saying "Yihyu Leratzon") then you have to restart the entire Amida. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 19: 5, 6 Shabbat Shalom, - Danny Thursday, 7 Kislev 5769, 4 Dec '08 Shabbat-related posts can be reviewed at http://halocho.blogspot.com/search/label/Shabbos

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

Halocho #218 - Do married daughters have to respect their parents?

Sons and daughters both have the same obligation to fear and respect their parents.

However, if a daughter has a conflict between respecting her parents or her husband, then her husband has priority.

However, if her husband doesn't mind, then her parents have priority.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 143:13

- Danny Wednesday, 6 Kislev 5769

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

Halocho #217 - Don't listen to your parents??

We already learned that if a parent requests one to sin, one must not obey. When else do you not have to obey your parents? If your parents don't approve of your choice of marriage partner, you do not have to obey them (at your own risk). If you want to go learn Torah somewhere, and you are convinced that only there can you fulfill your potential, and your parents do not want you to go there, you do not have to obey them. We learn this from this weeks Parsha; Yaakov's parents instructed him to go to Uncle Lavan, and Yaakov decided to detour to the Bet Hamidrash of Ever for 14 years. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 143:12 - Danny Tuesday, 5 Kislev 5769

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

Halocho #216 - Yahrzeit on non-existing days

Yesterday we learned that the months of Marcheshvan and Kislev sometimes both have 30 days, sometimes both have 29 days and sometimes follow the regular order with Marcheshvan having 29 days and Kislev 30. The 30th day of the month as well as the first day of the month are Rosh Chodesh. If the month ending has only 29 days then there's only one day of Rosh Chodesh. If a person died on 30 Marcheshvan, do we say he died on the last day of Marcheshvan or on Rosh Chodesh Kislev? - If the year of the first anniversary also has a 30 Marcheshvan then the Yahrzeit will henceforth always be on the first day of Rosh Chodesh Kislev; be it 30 Marcheshvan or 1 Kislev. - If the year of the first anniversary does not have a 30 Marcheshvan then the Yahrzeit will henceforth always be on the last day of Marcheshvan; be it 30 Marcheshvan (1st day Rosh Chodesh) or 29 Marcheshvan (Erev Rosh Chodesh). In this last case, if possible Kaddish should also be said on Rosh Chodesh. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 221:4 - Danny Monday, 4 Kislev 5769

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

Halocho #215 - How many days are there in Marcheshvan and Kislev?

Some years the Jewish calendar has 12 months and some years (7 out of 19) are leap years with 13 months.

Jewish months alternate between being 29 and 30 days long.

However, the months of Marcheshvan and Kislev sometimes both have 30 days (a full year), sometimes both have 29 days (a missing year) and sometimes follow the regular order with Marcheshvan having 29 days and Kislev 30.

As a result, Chanuka (which starts on 25 Kislev and lasts 8 days) sometimes ends on 2 Tevet and sometimes on 3 Tevet.

This year is a "regular" year; Marcheshvan has 29 days, Kislev has 30 days and Chanuka ends on 2 Tevet.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 221:4

- Danny Sunday, 3 Kislev 5769

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

Halocho #214 - Tonight is Rosh Chodesh

Tonight (Thursday night) and tomorrow (Erev Shabbat) is Rosh Chodesh Kislev; the 9th month. On Rosh Chodesh one adds Ya'aleh Veyavo in Birkat Hamazon (grace after meals); forgetting to do so (night or day) does not require amendment. However, if one noticed the omission after finishing the third blessing - בּוֹנֶה בְּרַחֲמָיו יְרוּשָׁלָיִם - but before beginning the fourth blessing, there is a special blessing that is to be said before proceeding:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱלקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם

אֲשֶׁר נָתַן רָאשֵׁי חֳדָשִׁים לְעַמּוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל לְזִכָּרוֹן

Many Sidurim include this blessing. If one does not know this blessing, one may proceed as usual, omitting it. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 44:13 Chodesh Tov and Shabbat Shalom, - Danny Thursday, 29 Marcheshvan 5769 Shabbat-related posts can be reviewed at http://halocho.blogspot.com/search/label/Shabbos

Please daven for a complete recovery for Avigayil bat Tamar who was hit by a car and is in a great deal of pain

Halocho #213 - Yom Kippour Katan is tomorrow

Tomorrow - Thursday - is Erev Rosh Chodesh Kislev. Tachanun is not said at Mincha on Erev Rosh Chodesh. Some people have the custom of adding the Yom Kippour Katan prayers during Mincha. Some even fast on Erev Rosh Chodesh to atone for the sins of the past month. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 97:1 - Danny Wednesday, 28 Marcheshvan 5769

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

Halocho #212 - Not obeying ones parents

We learned yesterday that one may not contradict ones parents. However, if a parents requests one transgress a Halacha, one must not obey them. This is because both parents and children are required to obey Hashem. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 143:11 - Danny Tuesday, 27 Marcheshvan 5769

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

Halocho #211 - Correcting parents

One may not contradict ones parents. One may also not correct them. However, if a parent is doing something against Halacha, one should say to them "Doesn't it say in the Torah such-and-such". This should be said in a questioning manner and not as a rebuke. The parent will then understand how to correct their behavior. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 143:10 - Danny Monday, 26 Marcheshvan 5769

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