From Rosh Chodesh Av (tonight - Sunday evening) until midday on 10th Av (21 July) 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
Chodesh Tov
- Danny
Sunday, 29 Tamuz 5770
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Halocho #608 - No more meat leftovers!
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
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Halocho #606 - 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" starts on Sunday evening (11 July / Rosh Chodesh Av) and ends 10 days later on Wednesday after noon (21 July / 10 Av).
==> Therefore it's advisable to prepare a week's supply of shirts, pants, skirts, etc. by wearing them for a short while before Rosh Chodesh. One can also prepare towels by using them once.
Baby clothing that get 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 required for her 7 clean days, a Niddah may launder and wear during the 9 days.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:9
To see a chart (in Hebrew) with the differences between Ashkenazi and Sefardi customs in the 3 weeks, goto http://tinyurl.com/Halocho9days
- Danny
Wednesday, 25 Tamuz 5770
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Halocho #605 - Should I keep the Bet Hamikdash in mind?
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 jewelry 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
Tuesday, 24 Tamuz 5770
Monday, July 5, 2010
Halocho #604 - Why be sad when visiting the Kotel?
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 more than 30 days.
Source Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 561
The prevalent Yerushalmi custom is to not tear Kri'a on days one doesn't say Tachanun, including Friday afternoons.
- Danny
Monday, 23 Tamuz 5770
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Halocho #603 - May one get engaged during the 3 weeks?
We learned 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
Sunday, 22 Tamuz 5770
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Halocho #602 - Cutting nails during the 3 weeks?
One may cut one's nails during the 3 weeks, until the week in which 9 B'Av falls.
On each Shabbat of the "3 weeks" we read a Haftara in which the prophet warned about the destruction of the Bet Hamikdash.
The first week (this week) we read the first chapter of Yirmiyahu, which is the Haftara for "Matos" in most Chumashim.
The second week we read most of the second chapter of Yirmiyahu.
The third week we read the the first chapter of Yeshayahu - Chazon; most of it in the sad tune that Megilat Eicha is read.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:6, 5
Shabbat Shalom
- Danny
Thursday, 19 Tamuz 5770
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Halocho #601 - Is all music forbidden in the 3 weeks?
The period between the fast of 17 Tammuz and the fast of 9 B'Av 3 weeks later 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.
If one plays a musical instrument for a living, one 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
Wednesday, 18 Tamuz 5770
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Halocho #600 - Why do we fast on the 17th Tamuz?
Today - Tuesday - is the fast of 17 Tamuz which commemorates 5 major misfortunes which happened to the Jewish people on this date:
- Moshe Rabbeinu broke the luchot - the tablets - upon seeing the Golden Calf being worshiped
- The daily Tamid sacrifice was suspended in the first Bet Hamikdash as a result of the siege
- At the time of the 2nd Bet Hamikdash the walls of Jerusalem were breached by the enemy, three weeks before the destruction
- Apustumus the wicked [Roman] burned a Sefer Torah
- An idol was placed in the Bet Hamikdash
Tuesday, 17 Tamuz 5770
Monday, June 28, 2010
Halocho #599 - Who needs to fast on the 17th Tamuz?
Nearly everybody above Bar/Bat Mitzva needs to fast tomorrow - Tuesday. The fast starts at dawn and ends at nightfall.
Pregnant and nursing mothers are exempt from fasting.
Anybody who isn't healthy shouldn't fast. When in doubt, consult your LOR (Local Orthodox Rabbi).
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.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 121:9
- Danny
Jerusalem, Monday, 16 Tamuz 5770
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Halocho #598 - How long are the "3 weeks"?
The woes of the Churban - the destruction of the Bet Hamikdash - began on 17th Tamuz and ended with the Bet Hamikdash being set alight on the afternoon of 9 B'Av.
The fire burnt until sunset the following day.
This period of 23 days - which start on Tuesday - is know as "the 3 weeks" or Bein Hametzarim - בין המצרים.
As we then approach the 9th of Av - 3 weeks later - the laws of mourning intensify, as we will learn in the coming days.
The mourning continues until the day after the fast of 9 B'Av; i.e. 10 Av - July 21.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:1, 124:20
- Danny
Sunday, 15 Tamuz 5770
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Halocho #597 - Last chance for a haircut!
It's customary not to have a haircut during the 3 weeks from 17 Tammuz until after 9 Av. This includes haircuts and shaving. Since the "3 weeks" begin on Tuesday, Sunday is the last chance to have a haircut.
It's a Mitzva to have a haircut on Friday in honor of Shabbat, if one needs one.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 72,:14, 122:3
Shabbat Shalom
- Danny
Thursday, 12 Tamuz 5770
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Halocho #596 - 5 shopping days left
It's customary not to say the Bracha of שהחיינו - Shehechiyanu during the 3 weeks from 17 Tammuz until after 9 Av.
Therefore one should not buy nor wear new clothes during that period.
Since the "3 weeks" begin on Tuesday, one should finish one's shopping and wear all new clothes [at least for a short time] before then.
When eating a fruit for the first time in a season one says the Bracha of שהחיינו - Shehechiyanu. If possible, one should not wait for the "3 weeks" to eat those fruit for the first time.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:2
- Danny
Wednesday, 11 Tamuz 5770
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Halocho #595 - Why don't we fast today?
In the year 3,339, on 9th Tamuz, the city walls of Jerusalem were breached by the wicked King Nebuchadnezzar's army. Four weeks later - on 9th Av - the first Bet Hamikdash was destroyed.
For 70 years - until the second Bet Hamikdash was built - the 9th Tamuz was a fast-day.
At the time of the destruction of the second Bet Hamikdash the walls were breached a week later - on 17 Tamuz.
The Rabbis decided not to burden the Yidden with having to fast 2 weeks in a row.
Since the destruction of the second Bet Hamikdash is more relevant to us, the original fast-day was dropped.
The Talmud Yerushalmi (Ta'anit 4:5) is of the opinion that the walls were breached both times on 17 Tamuz, but due to the turmoil at the time of the first destruction, the date was wrongly recorded as 9 Tamuz.
Source: Tur Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 549
- Danny
Tuesday, 10 Tamuz 5770
Monday, June 21, 2010
Halocho #594 - The tourists' Bracha guide
When seeing the ocean one says the Bracha of "Baruch... Oseh Ma'aseh Breishith" - "... Who makes the work of creation".
When seeing mountains that are famous for their height one says the same Bracha.
These Brachot can only be said if one hasn't seen the ocean or that specific mountain for 30 days; excluding the day one last saw it and excluding the day of the current sighting.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 60:5, 12
- Danny
Monday, 9 Tamuz 5770
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Halocho #593 - Sky gazing
When seeing comets or falling stars one says the Bracha of "Oseh Ma'aseh Breishith" - "Who makes the work of creation".
The Bracha on falling stars can only be said once per night even if one sees different meteors every time.
One can only say the Bracha once per comet, unless 30 days have passed since one last saw it.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 60:2
- Danny
Sunday, 8 Tamuz 5770
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Halocho #592 - Squeezing pimples on Shabbat
It is forbidden to draw blood on Shabbat even from one's own body.
One may not squeeze pimples or open up wounds or on Shabbat, as that would cause puss and/or blood come out.
One may remove scabs on Shabbat, if one is sure that no bleeding will occur.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 80:54, 91:14
Shabbat Shalom
- Danny
Thursday, 5 Tamuz 5770
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Halocho #591 - Don't stare at the rainbow
When seeing a rainbow one says the Bracha "Baruch... Zocher Habrit Ven'eman Bivrito Vekayam Bema'amaro" - "...Who remembers the covenant, is trustworthy in His covenant and fulfills His word".
This Bracha is said only once per rainbow.
One should not stare at a rainbow for extended periods of time.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 60:4
The reason for not staring at the rainbow is explained in Chagiga (16:1). The prophet Yechezkel compares the appearance of the Glory of Hashem to a rainbow:
"As the appearance of the rainbow in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of Hashem."(Ezekiel 1:28)
Staring at a rainbow is compared to staring at the Glory of Hashem, an impolite thing to do.
The Gemara states that as a punishment for staring at the rainbow, ones eyesight could suffer.
- Danny
Wednesday, 4 Tamuz 5770
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Halocho #590 - What Torah should I learn?
A person should strive to learn the entire Torah.
A partial list would include Tanach (Bible), Mishna, Talmud Bavli and Yerushalmi, Rambam, Tur, Shulchan Aruch, and Midrash.
Somebody who cannot sit and learn Torah all day should learn practical Halachot as well as Midrashim and Mussar (ethics). This way one knows what to do (Halacha), will have the drive to do so (Midrash) and acquire the ability to overcome obstacles when trying to do (Mussar).
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 27:3
Get other people to learn Torah as well; invite them to join this group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/edit.php?members&gid=2387884087
- Danny
Tuesday, 3 Tamuz 5770
Monday, June 14, 2010
Halocho #589 - When should one learn Torah?
After Shacharit (morning prayers) a person should have a fixed time to to learn Torah; at least one verse or a single Halacha.
The Torah requires everybody to have a fixed time to learn Torah every day and every night.
Somebody who does not know how to learn Torah, or cannot find the time to learn, should support others who do learn Torah and they share the reward.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 27:1-2
- Danny
Monday, 2 Tamuz 5770
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Halocho #588 - What to do if one forgets Ya'aleh Veyavo?
On Rosh Chodesh one should add Ya'aleh Veyavo during the Amida and Birkat Hamazon.
If one forgot to add Ya'aleh Veyavo during the Amida at night one does not need to make amends. During the day one needs to go back to רצה.
If one forgot Ya'aleh Veyavo during Birkat Hamazon (during the day or night), and one remembers before starting the last Bracha, one can say:
If one only realizes after starting the last Bracha, or one does not have the above Bracha readily available, then one does not need to make amends.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 19:10, 44:14
Chodesh Tov!
- Danny
Sunday, 2nd day Rosh Chodesh Tamuz 5770
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Halocho #587 - Shabat Rosh Chodesh
Rosh Chodesh Tamuz will be on Shabbat and Sunday.
Remember to add Ya'aleh Veyavo into the Amida and Birkat Hamazon.
One should add an extra dish to the Shabbat meals in honor of Rosh Chodesh.
After Hallel on Shabbat we will read from 2 Sifrei Torah; the second one for Rosh Chodesh, followed by the Shabbat-Rosh-Chodesh Haftara.
In Mussaf one says the "Ata Yetzarta - אַתָּה יָצַרְתָּ" version which talks about both the Shabbat and Rosh Chodesh sacrifices.
Ya'aleh Veyavo is not said in Mussaf.
Source: Shulchan Aruch 525:3, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 97:3
Shabbat Shalom and Chodesh Tov,
- Danny
Thursday, 28 Sivan 5770
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Halocho #586 - Who was burnt to death with a Sefer Torah?
The Shulchan Aruch says that it's appropriate to fast today - 27 Sivan - since about 2,000 years ago on this date, the Romans wrapped the great Rabbi Chanina ben Tradyon in a Sefer Torah, and burnt him to death.
Rabbi Chanina ben Tradyon was one of the 10 martyrs.
King David started Tehilim - Psalms - by declaring: "Blessed is the man who doesn't walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the gathering of the scornful".
Rabbi Chanina ben Tradyon taught (Avot 3:3):
- A "gathering of the scornful" is when Jews sit together and don't discuss Torah-related topics.
- When Jews do discuss Torah then the Shechina - Gcd's presence - is with them.
- Even when a lone Jew learns Torah (like a Halocho a Day), Hashem takes note and rewards him/her.
Source: Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 580:2
Read about the 10 martyrs at http://www.answers.com/topic/ten-martyrs
Read about Rabbi Chanina ben Tradyon at http://www.answers.com/topic/haninah-ben-teradion
Yom Kippour Katan will be tomorrow in anticipation of Rosh Chodesh Tammuz which will be on Shabbat & Sunday .
- Danny
Wednesday, 27 Sivan 5770
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Halocho #585 - Don't hang your Mezuzah
A Mezuzah is rolled-up from the left, so that a person opening it would see the word "Shma" - שמע.
A Mezuzah is not allowed to hang; it should preferably be put into a tube which is nailed - top and bottom - to the doorpost. At the very least the Mezuza case should be glued along it's entire length to the doorpost.
Care must be taken to ensure that the Mezuzah is not affixed upside-down. A Mezuzah has the 3 letters Shin-Daled-Yud (spelling one of Hashem's names) on the outside. If this is visible then the Mezuzah is the right way up.
A Mezuzah has 14 letters written upside-down along its upper edge. If these are on the bottom and right-way-up then the Mezuzah is upside down. Most Mezuzot are rolled tightly, so these letters are not visible.
These 14 letters are written behind the words "Hashem Elokeinu Hashem" of the first inside line, and are the letters following the letter they are behind; כ is behind the ו ,י is behind the ה, etc. This is the way Mezuzot have always been written.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 11:6
- Danny
Tuesday, 26 Sivan 5770
Monday, June 7, 2010
Halocho #584 - Can one put a Mezuzah on the inside?
The Mezuzah belongs on the outside on the doorpost. In a wide doorframe it belongs in the Tefach (~8cm - 3 inches) closest to the outside.
The Minhag in many places 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 doorframe for the Mezuzah to be placed 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.
However, 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 to the keen observer 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
Monday, 25 Sivan 5770
