The first day of the first month - Nissan - will start on Friday night.
The first day of Nissan was the last of the 8 inaugural days of the Mishkan (tabernacle) and the first day that Aaron served as Cohen Gadol (high priest) and his 4 sons as Cohanim.
That same day, two of them - Nadav and Avihu - brought an offering, not in accordance with Halacha, and were killed by a heavenly fire.
On that day, the heads of the 12 tribes started bringing their inaugural sacrifices, one prince each day. Some people have the custom of reading that days' sacrifices during the first 12 days of Nissan. This can be found in the Siddur as the Torah Reading for Chanuka.
One does not say Tachanun during the entire month of Nissan.
One may not fast during Nissan, with the following exceptions:
- Firstborns fast on Erev Pesach (tomorrow in 2 weeks).
- Fasting for distressingly bad dreams.
- Couples getting married during Nissan, even on Rosh Chodesh, even though on any other Rosh Chodesh the bride and groom do not fast.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 107:1,2
- Danny
Wednesday, 27 Adar-II 5776
P.S. Tomorrow (Thursday) is Yom Kippour Kattan for Chodesh Nissan.
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Halocho #1682 - What happened on the First day of Nissan?
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Halocho #1681 - Is January the first month?
This Shabbat we will take out 3 Sifrei Torah.
The first one for the weekly Sedra: תַזְרִיעַ.
The second one for Rosh Chodesh from בְּמִדְבַּר starting from וּבְיוֹם הַשַּׁבָּת.
The third one - for Maftir - where we will read Parshat הַחֹדֶשׁ starting with הַחֹדֶשׁ הַזֶּה לָכֶם רֹאשׁ חֳדָשִׁים from שְׁמוֹת Ch. 12, Verses 1-20
The Haftara will be the one for Parshat הַחֹדֶשׁ starting with - כֹּל הָעָם הָאָרֶץ יִהְיוּ אֶל הַתְּרוּמָה הַזֹּאת - from יְחֶזְקֵאל Ch. 45.
Parshat הַחֹדֶשׁ reminds us of the following upcoming Mitzvot:
- The month of Nissan (which begins on Shabbat) is the first month of the Jewish calendar, as the opening words of Parshat Hachodesh proclaim: "This month is for you the first month" - הַחֹדֶשׁ הַזֶּה לָכֶם רֹאשׁ חֳדָשִׁים רִאשׁוֹן הוּא לָכֶם לְחָדְשֵׁי הַשָּׁנָה.
- The laws of Korban Pesach; sacrificed on Erev Pesach in the afternoon, it had to be roasted whole and then eaten on the first night of Pesach with Matza and Marror (bitter herbs).
- Leftovers had 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 Pesach are Yom Tov.
- One may not own Chametz, nor eat it, during Pesach.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 140:2
- Danny
Tuesday, 26 Adar-II 5776
וְהַשַׁבָּת שֶׁלִּפְנֵי רֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ נִיסָן, הִיא שַׁבָּת פָּרָשַׁת הַחֹדֶשׁ. וְאִם חָל רֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ בַּשַׁבָּת, אָז הִיא פָּרָשַׁת הַחֹדֶשׁ, וְדִינָהּ כְּמוֹ רֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ אֲדָר שֶׁחָל בַּשַׁבָּת
Monday, April 4, 2016
Halocho #1680 - Can Matza have bubbles?
Matzah is made from flour and water. Nothing else.
The water is drawn from a well or spring the night before it is used. The water for Sunday's baking is drawn on Thursday night.
The flour is ground from wheat that was harvested while still slightly green; once wheat is fully ripe it can become Chametz (leaven) even before being harvested if it comes in contact with water.
The wheat needs to be ground into flour at least 24 hours before it is used, to give it time to cool down.
18 minutes after water is added to flour the dough becomes chametz. Matzah baking happens in 18-minute batches after which all equipment is thoroughly cleaned to remove all traces of dough.
The Matzah used at the Seder needs to be made with the intention of it being used for a Mitzva; everybody involved in its production says "לְשֵׁם מַצַּת מִצְוָה" (for the purpose of the Mitzva of Matza) before all activities. This is known as Shmura-Matza.
If a Matza has a fold, or a bubble more than a finger high (2.5 cm), then the fold or bubble are considered Chametz and need to be broken off and disposed of. The rest of the Matza can be eaten.
One is forbidden to eat Matza on Erev Pessach. Most people have the custom to stop eating Matza from Rosh Chodesh Nissan already. Some don't eat Matza an entire month before Pessach.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch: 108, 109, 110
- Danny
Monday, 25 Adar-II 5776
Sunday, April 3, 2016
Halocho #1679 - The week of Chol Hamo'ed; Chol or Mo'ed?
The intermediary days of Pesach and Succoth are known as חֹל הַמּוֹעֵד. Some types of work are permitted, others are forbidden.
In order to ensure that one does the laundry before the מוֹעֵד (Jewish Holiday), doing laundry is forbidden on חֹל הַמּוֹעֵד, except in extenuating circumstances:
- If it was impossible to launder before the מוֹעֵד (e.g. one was locked up in jail) then one may launder on חֹל הַמּוֹעֵד
- Baby clothes that continuously get soiled and need to be changed many times a day may be laundered on חֹל הַמּוֹעֵד
When laundering on חֹל הַמּוֹעֵד one must ensure it's done in private.
All medical procedures are allowed on חֹל הַמּוֹעֵד.
If one has the opportunity to borrow money and there's reason to believe that after Yom Tov the money will no longer be available, then one may borrow the money on חֹל הַמּוֹעֵד (even if it means writing an IOU), even if it's for a post-Yom-Tov business deal.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 104:13, 14, 16
- Danny
Sunday, 24 Adar-II 5776
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Halocho #1678 - What color is a Red Heifer?
This Shabbat, a second Sefer Torah is taken out for Maftir and the laws of פָּרָה אֲדֻמָּה – the Red Heifer – are read. (The beginning of Parshat חֻקַּת, Numbers 19:1-22)
There are opinions that there is a Torah obligation to hear פָּרָשַׁת פָּרָה being read, and people who don't have access to a Minyan should find one this week.
A Kosher פָּרָה אֲדֻמָּה is a (female) cow past its second birthday that is completely ginger-brown. Even two white or black hairs near each other would invalidate it.
The non-brown parts of its horns and hooves need to be filed down. Its eyes, teeth and tongue do not need to be brown.
Using the cow for any work – even to carry something – would invalidate it. Birds and insects that land on its back do not invalidate it.
The cow is slaughtered and burnt and the ashes mixed with spring water and sprinkled on people who come in contact with a corpse, on the third and seventh day of their purification process. This was a prerequisite for access to the Bet Hamikdash (Temple).
Since there's a Mitzva to go into the Bet Hamikdash on Pessach, we read this Parsha in anticipating of being able to implement it this year, or at least בִּמְהֵרָה בּיָמֵינוּ – soon in our lifetime.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 140:2-3, Mishna Masechet Para, Ch. 1, Rambam Hil. Para Ch. 1
Shabbat Shalom
- Danny
Thursday, 21 Adar-II 5776
וְהַשַׁבָּת שֶׁלִּפְנֵי פָּרָשַׁת הַחֹדֶשׁ, הִיא שַׁבָּת פָּרָשַׁת פָּרָה.
יֵשׁ אוֹמְרִים, כִּי פָּרָשַׁת זָכוֹר וּפָרָשַׁת פָּרָה, חַיָבִים לִקְרוֹתָן מִדְּאוֹרַיְתָא, וְאֵין קוֹרִין בָּהֶם קָטֹן לַמַּפְטִיר. וּבְנֵי הַיִשׁוּבִים שֶאֵין לָהֶם מִנְיָן, צְרִיכִין שֶׁיָבוֹאוּ לְמָקוֹם שֶׁיֵשׁ בּוֹ מִנְיָן. וְאִם אִי אֶפְשָׁר לָהֶם, לְכָל הַפָּחוֹת יִקְרְאוּ אוֹתָן בִּנְגִינוֹת כָּרָאוּי.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Halocho #1677 - Eating before Mussaf
If one makes Kiddush after Shacharis, before praying Mussaf, then one should eat no more than a Kezayit (size of an egg - 28cc) of bread or cake.
One can eat unlimited amounts of fruit. If one wants to eat only fruit, then one has to drink a mouthful of Kiddush wine and another Revi'is (86cc) of wine.
A Cohen who is going to do Birkat Cohanim (bless the congregation) in Mussaf, must hear Kiddush from another person as he is not allowed to drink alcoholic beverages before Birkat Cohanim .
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 77:15, 100:3
- Danny
Wednesday, 20 Adar-II 5776
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Halocho #1676 - Writing on Chol Hamo'ed
The intermediary days of Pessach and Sukkot are known as חֹל הַמּוֹעֵד. Some types of work are permitted, others are forbidden on חֹל הַמּוֹעֵד.
- Writing is only allowed in cases of need.
- Writing down information so that it won't be forgotten is allowed.
- Writing letters to friends and family is allowed.
The custom is to write the first line at an angle as a reminder that writing is only partially permitted.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 104.
- Danny
Tuesday, 19 Adar-II 5776
Monday, March 28, 2016
Halocho #1675 - Working on Chol Hamo'ed
The intermediary days of Pessach and Sukkot are known as חֹל הַמּוֹעֵד during which some types of work are permitted, others are forbidden.
Chazal (our Rabbis of blessed memory) have some harsh words for those who don't honour חֹל הַמּוֹעֵד properly.
Honouring חֹל הַמּוֹעֵד includes eating meals and wearing clothes that are closer to Yom Tov standards than regular weekday standards.
On חֹל הַמּוֹעֵד one may do all work needed to prevent a monetary loss. Preparing food for חֹל הַמּוֹעֵד or for the last days of Yom Tov is allowed.
Gardening is forbidden besides for picking fruit for חֹל הַמּוֹעֵד or Yom Tov, and to prevent plants dying, e.g. if they need to be irrigated. Planting is forbidden.
Cutting hair is forbidden on חֹל הַמּוֹעֵד. Cutting nails is only allowed if one also cut them before Yom Tov.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 104
- Danny
Monday, 18 Adar-II 5776
חֹל הַמּוֹעֵד אָסוּר בִּקְצָת מְלָאכוֹת וּמֻתָּר בִּקְצָתָן, דְּהַיְנוּ כָּל מַה שֶּׁהוּא לְצֹרֶךְ אֲכִילָה לְחֹל הַמּוֹעֵד אוֹ לְיוֹם טוֹב. וְכֵן מְלָאכָה בְּדָבָר הָאָבֵד, דְּהַיְנוּ שֶׁאִם לֹא יַעֲשֶׂנָּה יָבֹא לִידֵי הֶפְסֵד, מֻתָּר לַעֲשׂוֹתָהּ. וּצְרִיכִין לִזָּהֵר מְאֹד, שֶׁלֹּא לַעֲשׂוֹת בְּחֹל הַמּוֹעֵד מְלָאכָה הָאֲסוּרָה, כִּי אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה, הַמְחַלֵּל אֶת חֹל הַמּוֹעֵד, כְּאִלּוּ עוֹבֵד עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה
עוֹד אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה, הַמְבַזֶּה אֶת חֹל הַמּוֹעֵד, אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁיֵּשׁ בְּיָדוֹ תּוֹרָה וּמַעֲשִׂים טוֹבִים, אֵין לוֹ חֵלֶק לָעוֹלָם הַבָּא. וְהַמְבַזֶּה, הַיְנוּ, שֶׁאֵינוֹ מְכַבְּדוֹ בְּמַאֲכָל וּבְמִשְׁתֶּה וּבִכְסוּת. וְלָכֵן כָּל אָדָם חַיָּב לְכַבְּדוֹ כְּפִי כֹּחוֹ, וְלִלְבוֹשׁ בְּגָדִים מְכֻבָּדִים
אָסוּר לְגַלֵּחַ בְּחֹל הַמּוֹעֵד, אֲפִלּוּ גִּלַּח אֶת עַצְמוֹ גַּם בְּעֶרֶב יוֹם טוֹב, אֶלָּא מִי שֶׁיָּצָא מִבֵּית הָאֲסוּרִים. וַאֲפִלּוּ יָצָא בְּעֶרֶב יוֹם טוֹב, אֶלָּא שֶׁלֹּא הָיָה לוֹ פְּנַאי לְגַלֵּחַ אָז
וְלִקְצוֹץ הַצִּפָּרְנַיִם, גַּם כֵּן אָסוּר. אַךְ אִם קְצָצָן בְּעֶרֶב יוֹם טוֹב, מֻתָּר לְקַצְּצָן גַּם בְּחֹל הַמּוֹעֵד וְכֵן אִשָּׁה לְצֹרֶךְ טְבִילָה מֻתֶּרֶת
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Halocho #1674 - Start learning about Pessach
The laws of Pessach in Shulchan Aruch begin with: "One should start learning the laws of Pessach thirty days before Pessach.”
During the year, if you fill up a storage room that you don't plan on entering again until after Pessach, you don't have to first check it for Chametz.
However, if it's within 30 days to Pessach, then you do have to check it at night with a candle before filling it.
If you forgot to check it before filling it, you have to empty it, and check it at night for Chametz with a candle.
Source: Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 429:1, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 111:12,13
- Danny
Sunday, 17 Adar-II 5776
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Halocho #1673 - Wearing costumes for Megila reading
Purim starts tonight - Wednesday night. The Megilat Esther is read twice; once tonight and once tomorrow morning.
In Jerusalem - and other cities that were walled-in at the time Joshua-bin-Nun conquered the Holy Land - we celebrate Shushan-Purim a day later. We read the Megilla on Thursday night & Friday morning.
One should wear Shabbat-clothes in honor of the Megila reading.
The Purim meal should begin with a Dvar-Torah. Since Purim is 30 days before Pessach, the following is an appropriate Purim-meal Dvar-Torah:
“The laws of Pessach in Shulchan Aruch begin with: One should start learning the laws of Pessach thirty days before Pessach.”
On both Purim and Shushan-Purim Tachanun, Kel-Erach-Apaim and Lamenatze'ach are not said and fasting is not allowed.
Don't forget to add עַל הַנִּסִּים during Amida and Birkat Hamazon.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 141:4, 5, 9, 23
- Danny, Jerusalem
Wednesday, Ta'anith Esther, 13 Adar-II 5776
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Halocho #1672 – When did Esther fast?
About 2,371 years ago, two days before Pessach, Haman decreed that all the Jews would be destroyed on 13th Adar, eleven months later.
After consulting with her cousin Mordechai, Queen Esther declared a 3-day fast that lasted through the first days of Pesach, after which she went – uninvited – to the king and invited him and Haman to a wine feast.
Ta’anis Esther is the only one of the 6 fast days not mentioned in Tanach.
The fast ends when the stars become visible (a few minutes before Motzai Shabbat time), and if needed, one may eat and drink before Megilla reading. However, one should not eat a meal until after hearing the Megilla.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 141:2,8, Esther 2:7, 3:12-9:30
- Danny
Tuesday, 12 Adar-II 5776
Monday, March 21, 2016
Halocho #1671 - Why do we give 3 half Shekels / Dollars / Rand / Pounds before Purim?
As a reminder of the yearly מַחֲצִית הַשֶּׁקֶל that was given during the month of Adar to pay for the daily sacrifices in the Bet haMikdash, it is customary to give "half of the local currency" to charity.
The custom is to give 3 halves; in Israel 3 half Shekels, in the US 3 half dollars (for a total of $1.50).
The reason for the triple halves is that in פָרָשַׁת כִּי תִשָּׂא that discusses the מַחֲצִית הַשֶּׁקֶל it says thrice תְּרוּמָה.
These 3 halves are given before Megilla reading - and are then distributed to the poor.
Children under Bar/Bat Mitzva are exempt; some opinions exempt them until they turn 20. However, once a father has given 3-halves for a child - even once - then he has to continue doing so yearly.
The above is not to be confused with the Mitzva of מַתָּנוֹת לָאֶבְיוֹנִים that must be done on Purim; giving donations to at least 2 poor people .
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 141:5
- Danny Schoemann
Monday, 11 Adar-II 5776
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Halocho #1670 - Why is Purim celebrated with so much food?
Purim celebrates the redemption from Haman's evil plot to annihilate the Jews.
He was not interested in converting them nor in capturing their land - he simply wanted to kill them. All of them; all of us.
Purim celebrates being alive, so the Mitzvos of the day are more physical than spiritual. This is the gist of the עַל הַנִּסִּים.
The עַל הַנִּסִּים is added to בִּרְכַּת הַמָּזוֹן before וְעַל הַכּל and to the Amida during מוֹדִים. If עַל הַנִּסִּים is forgotten there is no need to make amends, though it can be said later (and some Siddurim have relevant instructions.)
After hearing the Megilla and sending מִשְׁלוֹחַ מָנוֹת and מַתָּנוֹת לָאֶבְיוֹנִים the final Mitzva of the day is the Purim meal.
Since the highlights of the Purim saga involved wine, there's a Mitzva to drink more than one usually does, so that one falls asleep as a result.
However, people who can't control themselves when inebriated, or who risk missing any Mitzva in the process, are forbidden to drink.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 141:2, 6, 142:6
- Danny
Sunday, 10 Adar-II 5776
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Halocho #1669 - Remember: Come to shul this week!
There is an opinion that it's a Torah obligation to hear Parshat Zachor being read in shul this week, and if you don't have a Minyan near home you need to go to a town with a Minyan for this Shabbat.
If a Minyan cannot be found, Parshat Zachor should be read even without a Minyan. The verses are:
Here is the English translation of the verses read for Parshat Zachor, from Devarim 25:17-19 (the last 3 verses in Parshas כִּי תֵצֵא):
Remember what Amalek did to you on the way, when you were leaving Egypt.
How he met you on the way, and smote the feeble lagging behind, when you were faint and weary; and he feared not Gcd.
Therefore it shall be, when Hashem your Gcd has given you rest from all your enemies all around, in the land which Hashem your Gcd is giving you as an inheritance to possess, you shall blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; do not forget!
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 140:3
Shabbat Shalom
- Danny
Thursday, 7 Adar-II 5776
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Halocho #1668 - Yahrzeit of Moshe Rabeinu
Tomorrow, 7 Adar, is the Yahrzeit of our teacher Moses - מֹשֶׁה רַבֵּנוּ and is a Ta'anis Tzadikim.
Many Jewish Burial Societies [Chevra Kadisha] have their annual meeting tomorrow, including fasting and special prayers.
Halachot related to Moshe Rabeinu:
When babies start talking one should teach them the verse "תּוֹרָה צִוָּה-לָנוּ, מֹשֶׁה. מוֹרָשָׁה, קְהִלַּת יַעֲקֹב" and שְׁמַע יִשְֹרָאֵל...", after ensuring that they are clean while being taught.
Moshe Rabeinu went up to Har-Sinai to get the 2nd set of לוּחוֹת on a Thursday and came down on a Monday, which is why these 2 days are auspicious for praying. That's why we add the long "וְהוּא רַחוּם" prayer before תַּחֲנוּן on these 2 days.
There's a limit as to how long one may mourn a deceased - but even for a great Torah scholar, one may not mourn longer than 30 days, as nobody can be greater than our teacher Moshe for whom it is stated "and they mourned for Moshe for 30 days".
Sources: Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 580:2, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 165:10, 22:9, 215:1
- Danny
Wednesday, 6 Adar-II 5776
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Halocho #1667 - Destroy and remember
This Shabbat - the one before Purim - is Parshas Zachor.
A second Sefer Torah is taken out and for Maftir we read about the obligation to annihilate the nation of Amalek and remember their wickedness.
For the Haftara we read the story of King Saul's attempt to fulfill the Mitzva of annihilating Amalek. (Shmuel-1 Ch. 15)
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 140:2
- Danny Tuesday, 5 Adar-II 5776
Monday, October 19, 2015
Halocho #1666 - Ask for rain
In the Diaspora, we will start 7 weeks later - on Motzai Shabbat VaYeshev, the eve of Sunday 6 December.
If you forgot to add "וְתֵן טַל וּמָטָר לִבְרָכָה" - "and bless us with dew and rain", then:
- If you remember before you finish the 9th Bracha - מְבָרֵךְ הַשָּׁנִים - then you insert it and continue from there.
- If you already said "Baruch Ata HaShem" of the 9th Bracha, then you insert it into שְׁמַע קוֹלֵנוּ - the 16th Bracha - before "כִּי אַתָּה שׁוֹמֵעַ ".
- If you forget to say it in שְׁמַע קוֹלֵנוּ then you need to go back to the 9th Bracha - בָּרֵךְ עָלֵינוּ.
- If you didn't remember until you finished the Amida (defined as saying "יִהְיוּ לְרָצוֹן אִמְרֵי פִי ") then you have to restart the entire Amida.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 19:5
- Danny
Thursday, 6 Marcheshvan 5776
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Halocho #1665 - What happens if I didn't write a Prozbul?
We learned that one needs to write a Prozbul in order to collect loans that were due before the end of Shmitta, and were not repaid.
If one didn't write a Prozbul before Rosh Hashana, then one may not demand one's loans be repaid.
If the borrower wants to repay the loan after Rosh Hashana, the lender must inform him - מְשַׁמֵּט אֲנִי אֶת הַחוֹב וּכְבָר נִפְטַרְתָּ מִמֶּנִי - "the loan has expired due to Shmitta, and you don't have to repay it".
If the borrower insists that he wants the lender to take the money - "אַף עַל פִּי כֵן רוֹצֶה אֲנִי שֶׁתְּקַבֵּל מִמֶּנִּי" - then one may take it.
However, it must be clear that the money is been given as a gift, and not as a payment of the loan.
If the borrower is unaware of the intricacies of these Halachot, one may make an effort to ensure he becomes aware of them, so as to get one's money back.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 180:14
- Danny
28 Tishrei 5776
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Halocho #1664 - Preparing the weekly Parsha
It's a Mitzvah to review the week's Torah-Reading by reading it twice in the original and once with the (Aramaic) Onkelos translation - שְׁנַיִם מִקְרָא וְאֶחָד תַּרְגּוּם.
One who doesn't understand (or appreciate) אוֹנְקְלוֹס may read רַשִׁ"י instead, or even an English translation.
One may start on Sunday already and one should finish before the Torah is read on Shabbat morning.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 72:11
This week is Shabbat Mevarchim Chodesh Marchesvan, with Rosh Chodesh Marchesvan being on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Shabbat Shalom,
- Danny
Thursday, 25 Tishrei 5776
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Halocho #1663 - May one throw out Sukkah decorations?
Since the סְכָךְ (branches covering the Sukkah) were used for a מִצְוָה, they deserve some respect even after having done their duty.
After Sukkoth when the סְכָךְ is taken down, one should not trample on it.
One may throw them away, but one may not use them for disrespectful purposes like building an outhouse.
One may burn סְכָךְ.
Care should be taken with decorations that have Torah verses written on them.
Preferably one shouldn't hang up such decorations, but if one did, then they need to go into Geniza or otherwise carefully looked after.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 134:13, 14
- Danny
Wednesday, 24 Tishrei 5776
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Halocho #1662 - Wind and rain
Since Mussaf on Shmini Atzeret (Monday - yesterday) we have been praising Hashem for the wonderful gift of rain, by adding - מַשִּׁיב הָרוּחַ וּמוֹרִיד הַגֶּשֶׁם - "He makes the wind blow and He causes the rain to fall" into - אַתָּה גִּבּוֹר - the second Bracha of the Amida.
If one forgets to add מַשִּׁיב הָרוּחַ וּמוֹרִיד הַגֶּשֶׁם, what does one do?
If one has not yet finished the 2nd Bracha - בָּרוּךְ... מְחַיֵּה הַמֵּתִים - then one adds it after any of the many phrases in this Bracha.
If one prefers, one may restart the Bracha and say it in its correct place.
If one already finished מְחַיֵּה הַמֵּתִים - the 2nd Bracha?
If you have the custom of adding מוֹרִיד הַטָּל during the summer, then continue as usual. No amendment is required.
If you do NOT have the custom of adding מוֹרִיד הַטָּל during the summer, then you have to restart the Amida from the beginning. This is because the first 3 Brachot of the Amida are considered a single entity.
One continues saying וְתֵן בְּרָכָה in the 9th Bracha of the Amida - בָּרֵךְ עָלֵינוּ - until the 7th Marcheshvan in Israel and the 6th December in the Diaspora.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 19:1, 2, 5
- Danny
Tuesday, 23 Tishrei 5776
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Halocho #1661 - Chol Hamo'ed; Chol or Mo'ed?
The intermediary days of Pessach and Sukkot are known as חֹל הַמּוֹעֵד. Some types of work are permitted, others are forbidden.
Chazal (our Rabbis of blessed memory) have some harsh words for those who don't honour חֹל הַמּוֹעֵד properly. Honouring חֹל הַמּוֹעֵד includes eating meals and wearing clothes that are closer to Yom Tov standards than regular weekday standards.
On חֹל הַמּוֹעֵד one may do all work needed to prevent a monetary loss.
Preparing food for חֹל הַמּוֹעֵד or the last days of Yom Tov is allowed.
Gardening is forbidden besides for picking fruit for חֹל הַמּוֹעֵד or Yom Tov, and to prevent plants dying, e.g. if they need to be irrigated. Planting is forbidden.
Cutting hair is forbidden on חֹל הַמּוֹעֵד. Cutting nails is only allowed if one also cut them before Yom Tov.
Writing down information so that it won't be forgotten is allowed. Writing letters to friends and family is allowed. The custom is to write the first line at an angle as a reminder that writing is only partially permitted.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 104.
Shabbat Shalom & Chag Same'ach
- Danny
Thursday, 11 Tishrei 5777
Monday, September 21, 2015
Halocho #1660 - The Yom Kippour Mitzva
There is a Mitzva in the Torah unique to Yom Kippour: afflicting oneself.
To fulfill this Mitzva properly one should keep in mind that the Yom Kippour restrictions are a fulfillment of this 25-hour long Mitzva. This Mitzva includes the following prohibitions:
- On Yom Kippour one may not eat nor drink, even when Yom Kippour is on Shabbat, like this year. If fasting will affect your health, contact a doctor and a Rabbi for instructions.
- On Yom Kippour one may not bathe; one may not even get wet unnecessarily. Upon awakening and after relieving oneself one can wash until the knuckles. Before Birkat Cohanim, the Cohanim wash until their wrists.
- On Yom Kippour no anointing is allowed. This includes perfumes and deodorants.
- On Yom Kippour one may not wear leather shoes.
- On Yom Kippour one may not have marital relations.
All the above are forbidden from candle-lighting on Erev Yom Kippour (Tuesday afternoon, this week) until after Havdala some 25 hours later.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 133:1
Gmar Vechatima Tova
- Danny
Monday, 7 Tishrei 5777
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Halocho #1659 - First pay then Apologize
Yom Kippur does not atone for misdeeds done against fellow-Jews unless one first asks them for forgiveness.
One should be careful to repay all overdue loans before Yom Kippur; after which one can beg for forgiveness for the delay.
If one is being asked for forgiveness, one should not be stubborn nor vengeful; rather one should be forgiving, the same way one hopes that Hashem will be forgiving of our sins.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 131:4
Ktiva Vechatima Tova; wishing you a year full of good tidings.
- Danny
Sunday, 7 Tishrei 5777
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Halocho #1658 - Forgot the King? HaMelech?
A main theme of Rosh Hashanah is Hashem's reign over the entire world. This sovereignty is displayed by His ability to judge the world.
As a result, from Rosh Hashanah until Yom Kippur is over, we replace "Gcd" with "King" in various places in davening (prayers).
1. The ending of the 3rd Bracha of the Amida changes to הַמֶּלֶךְ הַקָּדוֹש. If you forget, you have to restart the Amida, unless you caught yourself immediately. (Immediately means: you didn't yet have time to say 3 words.) If you're not sure what you said, you also have to restart the Amida.
2. The end of the 11th Bracha in the weekday Amida changes to הַמֶלֶךְ הַמִֹּשְפָט. If you forget or are not sure what you said then you continue. No correction is needed.
3. Friday night during the מָגֵן אָבוֹת we replace הָאֵ-ל הַקָּדוֹשׁ with הַמֶּלֶךְ הַקָּדוֹשׁ. If you forget, no correction is needed.
From Rosh Hashanah until Yom Kippour is over we add four phrases to the Amida. If you forget after concluding that Bracha, no correction is needed. Until saying בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה you should make amends.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 129:3, 4 5
Kmar Vechatima Tova; wishing you a sweet and healthy year.
- Danny
Thursday, 4 Tishrei 5777
כָּל הַשָּׁנָה, אוֹמְרִים בַּתְּפִלָּה, הָאֵ-ל הַקָּדוֹשׁ, מֶלֶךְ אוֹהֵב צְדָקָה וּמִשְׁפָּט, חוּץ מִן רֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה עַד לְאַחַר יוֹם הַכִּפּוּרִים, שֶׁצְּרִיכִין לוֹמַר, הַמֶּלֶךְ הַקָּדוֹש, הַמֶלֶךְ הַמִֹּשְפָט. לְפִי שֶׁבְּיָמִים הָאֵלּוּ הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא מַרְאֶה מַלְכוּתוֹ לִשְׁפֹּט אֶת הָעוֹלָם. אִם טָעָה וְאָמַר הָאֵל הַקָּדוֹשׁ, אוֹ שֶׁהוּא מְסֻפָּק אִם אָמַר הָאֵל הַקָּדוֹשׁ אוֹ הַמֶּלֶךְ הַקָּדוֹש, אִם נִזְכַּר תּוֹךְ כְּדֵי דִּבּוּר, אוֹמֵר הַמֶּלֶךְ הַקָּדוֹשׁ, וְאֵינוֹ צָרִיךְ לַחֲזוֹר לְרֹאשׁ, וְכֵן הַדִּין בְּהַמֶּלֶךְ הַמִּשְׁפָּט. אֲבָל אִם לֹא נִזְכַּר עַד לְאַחַר כְּדֵי דִּבּוּר, אֲזַי בְּהַמֶּלֶךְ הַקָּדוֹשׁ צָרִיךְ לַחֲזֹר לְרֹאשׁ הַתְּפִלָּה, (אֲפִלּוּ מִסְּפֵקָא), מִפְּנֵי שֶֹׁשָׁלֹשׁ הַבְּרָכוֹת הָרִאשׁוֹנוֹת נֶחְשָׁבוֹת כְּאֶחָת. וַאֲפִלּוּ שְּׁלִיחַ הַצִבּוּר בַּחֲזָרַת הַתְּפִלָּה צָרִיךְ לַחֲזוֹר לָרֹאֹשׁ, וּצְרִיכִין לוֹמַר קְדֻשָּׁה שֵׁנִית. אֲבָל בְּהַמֶּלֶךְ הַמִּשְׁפָּט, אֲפִלּוּ יָחִיד, אֵינוֹ צָרִיךְ לַחֲזוֹר אֲפִלּוּ לְאוֹתָהּ בְּרָכָה, כֵּיוַן שֶׁהִזְכִּיר תֵּבַת מֶלֶךְ בִּבְרָכָה זֹאת. בְּכָל הַשָּׁנָה אִם טָעָה וְאָמַר, הַמֶּלֶךְ הַקָּדוֹשׁ, הַמֶּלֶךְ הַמִּשְׁפָּט, אֵינוֹ צָרִיךְ לַחֲזוֹר
בְּשַׁבָּת עַרְבִית, בְּבִרְכַּת מֵעֵין שֶׁבַע מָגֵן אָבוֹת וְכוּ', אוֹמְרִים גַּם כֵּן בִּמְקוֹם הָאֵל הָקָּדוֹשׁ, הַמֶּלֶךְ הַקָּדוֹשׁ. וְאִם טָעָה שְּׁלִיחַ הַצִבּוּר וְאָמַר הָאֵל הַקָּדוֹשׁ, אִם נִזְכַּר מִיָּד תּוֹךְ כְּדֵי דִּבּוּר, חוֹזֵר וְאוֹמֵר הַמֶּלֶךְ הַקָּדוֹש וְכוּ', אֲבָל לְאַחַר כָּךְ, אֵינוֹ חוֹזֵר
אִם שָׁכַח זָכְרֵנוּ, אוֹ מִי כָּמוֹךָ, וּכְתֹב, בְּסֵפֶר חַיִּים, וְלֹא נִזְכַּר עַד שֶׁאָמַר בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה', כֵּיוָן שֶׁאָמַר אֶת הַשֵּׁם, גּוֹמֵר אֶת הַבְּרָכָה וּמִתְפַּלֵּל כַּסֵּדֶר, וְאֵינוֹ צָרִיךְ לַחֲזוֹר. וְכֵן אִם שָׁכַח לוֹמַר וּבְכֵן תֵּן פַּחְדְּךָ וְחָתַם הַמֶּלֶךְ הַקָּדוֹשׁ, וַאֲפִלּוּ לֹא אָמַר עֲדַיִן רַק בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה', חוֹתֵם הַמֶּלֶךְ הַקָּדוֹשׁ וְאוֹמֵר אַתָּה בְּחַרְתָּנוּ וְכוּ
