Halocho #973 - Hallel on Rosh Chodesh

Today (Wednesday) is Rosh-Chodesh Shevat.

Hallel is recited on Rosh Chodesh and Mo'adim during Shacharit between the chazzan's repetition of the Amida and Reading the Torah.

One needs to stand during recitation of Hallel, which preferably should be recited with a minyan. If one comes to shul late, one joins the minyan in their recitation of Hallel, even if it's before one has prayed.

If one already started Psukay D'Zimra and the minyan begins Hallel one joins them, however one doesn’t say the Bracha before and after Hallel, relying instead on Baruch-She'amar and Yishtabach.

This applies only to days like Rosh Chodesh (excluding Tevet) when one says the "half"-Hallel.

One should not interrupt the recitation of Hallel.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 97:4

Chodesh Tov!

- Danny,
Rosh Chodesh Shevat 5772

Halocho #972 - May one fast on Rosh Chodesh?

Tonight - Tuesday night - is Rosh Chodesh Shevat.

It’s a mitzvah to eat a bigger meal on Rosh Chodesh.

One may do work on Rosh Chodesh, but one may not fast nor say eulogies.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 97:2, 3, 6

- Danny
Tuesday, 29 Tevet 5772

סעיף ב מצוה להרבות בסעודה בראש חודש, ואם חל בשבת יעשה תבשיל אחד יותר מבשאר שבתות. סעיף ג ראש חודש מותר בעשיית מלאכה, ונשים נוהגות שלא לעשות בו מלאכה, ומנהג הגון הוא ואין להקל להם. סעיף ו ראש חודש אסור בתענית ובהספד, ואין אומרים בו צדוק הדין

Halocho #971- Erev Rosh Chodesh is Yom Kippour Kattan

Some have the custom of fasting on the eve of Rosh Chodesh (the new Jewish [lunar] month) and adding the Yom Kippour Kattan prayers (during Mincha).

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 97:1

Tomorrow - Tuesday - will be Erev Rosh Chodesh Shevat 

- Danny

Monday, 28 Tevet 5772

סעיף א יש נוהגין להתענות בערב ראש חודש ואומרים סדר יום כפור קטן, שבו מתכפרין כל העונות של כל החדש, דומיא דשעיר ראש חדש וכמו שאנו אומרים במוסף זמן כפרה לכל תולדותם, וכל מקום לפי מנהגו

Halocho #970 Preventing pain to animals

It’s a Mitzvah to help horses that are pulling a wagon and are struggling due to the incline or the rough terrain – even if they don’t belong to Jew.

One should prevent the rider from whipping them unnecessarily to try get them to pull more than they can.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 191:2
- Danny
Sunday, 27 Tevet 5772

Halocho #969 - Prepare for Shabbat

From the Pasuk "זָכוֹר אֶת יוֹם הַשַּׁבָּת" - "remember the day of Shabbat" we learn that it's a Mitzvah to keep Shabbat in mind all week; all special food should be reserved for Shabbat.

On Friday it's a Mitzvah to get up early to go shopping for Shabbat this can even be done before Shacharit if need be (as long as you don't miss your Minyan).

However, items that require preparation should be bought on Thursday already.

Ezra the Scribe (who lived about 2,500 years ago) already instituted doing laundry on Thursday in anticipation of Shabbat.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 72:4

This week is Shabbat Mevorchim of Chodesh Shevat. Rosh Chodesh Shevat will
be on Wednesday

Shabbat Shalom uMevorach

- Danny
Thursday, 24 Tevet 5772

Halocho #968 - One may not harm animals

It’s a Torah prohibition to cause pain to animals – and a Mitzvah to prevent such pain and even cure animals (even if they don’t belong to a Jew).

However, if an animal is causing harm to humans, or can be used to help cure humans, then one may kill it (as humanely as possible) for we see that the Torah allows one to eat meat.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 191:1
- Danny
Wednesday, 23 Tevet 5772

Halocho #967 – Protection from dangerous items

Any life threatening danger needs preventive protection as appropriate. E.g. a well or pit needs a fence or a cover strong enough to ensure nobody falls in.

Similarly one may not own a dangerous dog nor a shaky ladder.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 190:1-2
- Danny
Tuesday, 22 Tevet 5772

Halocho #966 - 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 Tefachim (80 cm - 30") 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
Monday, 21 Tevet 5772

Halocho #965 - Learn some Torah every day

After the daily Shacharit (morning prayers) you should have an immutable fixed time to learn some Torah.

Even the potential of earning a lot of money should not void this fixed time.

In an emergency, at the very least you should learn one Pasuk or one Halacha, and remember to catch up on your daily quota when you free up.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 27:1
- Danny
Sunday, 20 Tevet 5772

Halocho #964 - Noise pollution

If one has a neighbor who suffers from headaches caused by noise, one must be considerate and be careful not to make unnecessary noise. E.g.: one may not use a hammer if a neighbor will hear it and suffer.

The same would apply to loud music during siesta time or after they have put their kids to bed.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 184:4
- Danny
Wednesday, 16 Tevet 5772

Halocho #963 - Hitting as an educational tool

One is not allowed to hit one's servants, even as a means to force them to obey.

One may hit one's own children - including adopted children - if done in a way that will educate them to be upright people.

Before hitting, one should first try explaining the issue; if that fails and one must resort to hitting, one must be careful not to be cruel; one may not beat up a kid to vent one's anger.

It is forbidden to forewarn a child that they will be hit later, as this can traumatize the child. If hitting is called for, one either hits or one keeps quiet about it.

It is forbidden to hit children who will hit back - even if they are not yet Bar Mitzva - since one causes them to sin.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 184:2, 143:18: 165:1

- Danny
Sunday, 13 Tevet 5772

Halocho #962 - Why will we fast today?

Today -  Thursday 10 Tevet - we fast to commemorate the beginning of the siege against Jerusalem.

Almost 2,500 years ago the wicked King Nebuchadnezzar laid siege against Jerusalem which culminated in the destruction of the first Bet Hamikdash, a year and a half later.

This is the King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon in whose court Daniel (who survived the lion's den) served.

The purpose of the fast is to awaken us to repent; if the Bet Hamikdash has not been rebuilt then we suffer from similar deficiencies that caused it to be destroyed.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 121:3

Trivia: We did not fast on Asara B'Tevet during 2011. :-)

- Danny
Thursday, 10 Tevet 5772

Halocho #961 - Laws of fasting

Tomorrow -  Thursday  - will be the fast of the 10th of Tevet - עשרה בטבת.

The fast begins Thursday at dawn (5:04 in Jerusalem) and ends at nightfall (a few minutes before the time for Motzai Shabbat - 17:10 in Jerusalem).

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 121:2, 9

- Danny
Wednesday, 9 Tevet 5772

Halocho #960 - Changes in davening on a fast day

On Thursday will be the fast of the 10th of Tevet - עשרה בטבת.

On every fast-day there is Kriat HaTorah (Torah Reading) at both Shacharit and Mincha.

At Mincha, the 3rd Aliya also reads the Haftarah (דִּרְשׁוּ 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 "עֲנֵנוּ" prayer into the 16th Bracha; שְׁמַע קוֹלֵנוּ. If one forgot, one does not need to make amends.

The Chazzan adds עֲנֵנוּ during both Shacharit and Mincha, as a separate Bracha before רְפָאֵנוּ.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 23:15, 19:14, 20:8

- Danny
Tuesday, 8 Tevet 5772

Halocho #959 - Long time no see; make a Bracha

If one is happy when seeing a very dear friend (including spouses, parents, siblings and teachers) after not having seen them for more than 30 days, one makes the Bracha of Shehechiyanu:

"Blessed... who has kept us alive, sustained us and permitted us to reach this occasion."
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה', אֱ-לֹקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם
 שֶׁהֶחֱיָינוּ וקִיְּמָנוּ והִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמָן הַזֶּה

One can make this Bracha even if one received letters from them during this time.

If one has not seen them for more than 12 months one makes this Bracha instead:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה', אֱ-לֹקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם
מְחַיֵּה הַמֵּתִים
"Blessed... who revives the dead".

This is because anything 12 months old is considered to be forgotten. Therefore, if one communicated with them - or received regards from them - during the past 12 months, one says Bracha of Shehechiyanu.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 59:20

- Danny
Monday, 7 Tevet 5772

Halocho #958 - Is boxing a Kosher sport?

It is forbidden to hit a fellow Jew.

One who hits another Jew has transgressed a Torah prohibition.

Even one who simply lifts his hand with the intent to hit is called "wicked" as we will learn in next week's Parsha (Shmot); "[Moshe] said to the wicked one: Why are you going to hit your friend?" - even before he hit, he was referred to as the wicked one.

Hitting back in self-defense is permitted, if there are no other options.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 184:1

- Danny
Sunday, 6 Tevet 5772

Halocho #957 - Foggy windows on Shabbat

Writing and drawing is forbidden on Shabbat - even if it's temporary.

One may not use one's finger to write or draw on the condensation of a window.

One may not write nor draw using water that spilled on a table.

One may not use one's nail to make a mark on page, to enable one to find the place again, or for any other reason.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 80:62

Shabbat Shalom

- Danny
Thursday, 3 Tevet 5772

Halocho #956 - Chanukah leftovers

Oil that was put in the Chanukah Menorah and was not burnt, as well as wicks that were used and candles that didn't burn fully should be burnt after Chanukah.

Since they were set aside for the Mitzva of Chanukah they cannot be used for any other purpose.

If one had the explicit intention to use the left-overs, then they need not be burnt.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:20

- Danny
Wednesday, 2 Tevet 5772, 8th day of Chanuka; זאת חֲנֻכַּה

Halocho #955 - What is Zot Chanuka?

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

It starts from בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁמִינִי in Parshat Naso and continues all the way past the end of the Parsha and ends with the first paragraph of Parshat בְּהַעֲלתְךָ which talks about the daily lighting the 7-branched Menora in the Mishkan and the Bet HaMikdash.

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

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch  139:23

Chodesh Tov! Don't forget Ya'aleh Veyavo and Al Hanisim in the Amida and Birkat Hamazon.

- Danny
Tuesday, 2nd day Rosh Chodesh Tevet 5772, 7th day of Chanuka

Halocho #954 - The Chanukah Menorah in shul

In order to publicize the miracle of Chanukah, the Menora is lit - with the correct Brachot - in the synagogue, between Mincha and Ma'ariv.

The person who lit the Menora in shul has to light again at home, with the correct Brachot.

A mourner should not light the Menora in shul on the first night of Chanuka, since it's inappropriate for him to say "Shehechiyanu" in public. At home a mourner does say "Shehechiyanu" on the first night.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:15

Chodesh Tov! Don't forget Ya'aleh Veyavo and Al Hanisim in the Amida and Birkat Hamazon.

- Danny
Monday, 1st day Rosh Chodesh Tevet, 5772, 6th day of Chanukah

Halocho #953 - Rosh Chodesh and Chanukah

Tomorrow (Monday) and Tuesday will be Rosh Chodesh Tevet.

Rosh Chodesh Tevet is the only time the full-Hallel is said on Rosh Chodesh. (Usually on Rosh Chodesh we leave out 2 half-paragraphs.)

Between Shacharit and Mussaf we will take out 2 Sifrei Torah. First we call up 3 people to the Torah for Rosh Chodesh and then - in the second Sefer Torah - a fourth person for Chanukah.

We then daven Mussaf for Rosh Chodesh, with Al Hanisim.

Starting tonight - Sunday night - don't forget Ya'aleh Veyavo and Al Hanisim in the Amida and Birkat Hamazon.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:24

- Danny
Sunday, 29 Kislev 5772, 5th day of Chanukah

Halocho #952 - Motzai Shabbat: First do Havdala or light the Menora?

On Motzai Shabbat - the  5th night of Chanukah this year - one first makes Havdalah and then lights the Chanukah Menorah.

In Shul  - on Motzai Shabbat - the Menorah is lit after the full-Kaddish - before וְיִתֶּן לְךָ (after ensuring that it's already Motzai Shabbat if one started prayers early).

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:18

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

The Haftara this week is the Chanuka one (רָנִּי וְשִׂמְחִי בַּת צִיּוֹן  from Zecharia 2:14).

Shabbat Shalom uMevorach, Rosh Chodesh Tevet will be on Monday and Tuesday, the 6th and 7th days of Chanukah.

- Danny
Thursday, 26 Kislev 5772, 2nd day of Chanukah

Halocho #951 - What comes first? Chanukah or Shabbat candles?

Since one cannot light fire on Shabbat, on Fridays the Menorah is lit before Shabbat begins.

The correct order for Friday is:
- Daven "early" Mincha
- Light the Chanukah Menorah. One can light as early as 75 Halachic minutes before sunset.
- Light Shabbat candles at the regular time (15 to 40 minutes before sunset, depending on local custom).

The Chanukah Menorah needs be stay lit until 30 minutes after dark.

On Friday one needs longer candles or more oil than during the week, since it needs to burn for 70 minutes or longer.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:17

- Danny
Wednesday, 25 Kislev 5772, 1st day of Chanukah

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Please daven for the complete recovery of Miriam bat Esther-Devora
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Halocho #950 - Who should light the Chanukah Menorah?

We will light the first Chanukah flame this evening; Tuesday afternoon, 20th Dec - and every evening for the next 8 days.

Since both men and women were included in the miracle of Chanukah, both need to light the Chanukah Menorah.

At least one person per household must light.

The custom is for everybody to light, including children under Bar Mitzva. However, married couples share one Chanukah Menorah that either the husband or wife lights.

Even blind people should light, if they live by themselves.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:16

- Danny
Tuesday, 24 Kislev 5772

Summary of the laws of Chanuka:
 (All times mentioned are for the year 2011 in Jerusalem.)

The earliest time to light the Menora is at Plug-HaMincha - which is at 15:36 - but the Menora has to burn until 30 minutes after dark.

The best time is at sunset (16:39) or nightfall (17:06) depending on family custom.

You can light any time after this - but you cannot make the Brachot then, unless somebody else is awake in the house with you - or you live on a busy street and people are still walking outside and they can see your Chanuka Menora.

The latest time to light would be 4:28 the next morning - 30 minutes before dawn.

Once it's time to light the Menora, one should not do anything else except get organized to light. Even learning Torah and eating is not allowed; though one can have a light snack (fruit or similar).

The only exception is: one can first Daven Maariv - תפילת ערבית - if one lights at nightfall.

After candle lighting one can do anything. However, there is an ancient custom that women do not do any work for the first 30 minutes, to commemorate their pivotal role in the Chanuka victory. ("Work" being anything they cannot do on Yom Tov.)
The custom is to spend these 30 minutes singing Maoz Tzur and other Chanuka songs, relating the miraculous story of Chanuka and discussing the Halachot of Chanuka.

On Friday afternoon one lights Shabbat candles at the usual time (16:00) and one has to light the Menora BEFORE lighting Shabbat candles. (So the Menora has to be lit between 15:37 and 16:00)

The Menora has to burn until 30 minutes after dark - so you'll need oil or candles that will last for at least 70 minutes.

Since you cannot move the Menora on Shabbat, you have to place it in a safe place - but (if possible) it should not be near your Shabbat candles.

On Motzai Shabbat you must wait until Shabbat is over (17:20) and then you make Havdala and light the Menora. Which to do first depends on family custom.

Halocho #949 - Adding Al HaNisim during Chanukah

This year Chanukah starts on Wednesday, 21st December 2011. We will light the first flame on Tuesday afternoon,  20th Dec.

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 Schoemann
Monday, 23 Kislev 5772

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Please daven for the complete recovery of Miriam bat Esther-Devora
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