Halocho #98 – Should one use a candle for Bedikas Chometz?

Tonight- Thursday night - one may not do any work, nor eat anything, until one has checked the house for Chometz. (Firstborns who fasted may break their fast if needed, but may not eat a meal.) The entire house needs to be cleaned, and the Chometz that one plans to use until mid-morning on Shabbos needs to be put in a secure place, before one starts searching the house for Chometz. First one says the Brocho “… Al Bi’ur Chometz” – “… to destroy Chometz”, since the point of the search is to rid the house of Chometz. After the search is complete one says “Kol Chamiro” declaring that all Chometz one isn’t aware of to be “ownerless and worthless like dust”. This declaration constitutes a Halachic “destroying Chometz”, which is why one shouldn’t interrupt between the Brocho, the searching and the Kol Chamiro with anything not related to the search. One may appoint other members of the household to help with the search, as long as they are over Bar/Bat Mitzva. The search is done using a single candle which provides the optimal light for searching. A torch (like a Havdolo candle) is not allowed – as it’s a fire hazard and it gives a flickering light – and if it was used one needs to redo the search. Search under all furniture, inside all closets, pockets of all clothes worn in the past year, schoolbags, purses, cars and anywhere else where Chometz could have been placed accidentally or purposely by adults, children or toddlers. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 111:1-10 There is no need to turn off the electric lights while searching with a candle, since with more light it’s easier to find Chometz. After searching with a candle in those places where it’s safe and convenient to do so, one should continue with a flashlight, so that one can safely and calmly search without fear of burning down the house. Source: Rabbi Shimon Eider zt”l, Halachos of Pessach, Vol. 1, page 86 Wishing everybody a meaningful and enjoyable Pessach - Danny 12 Nissan 5768 P.S. The next Halocho a Day will be sent out soon after Pessach

Halocho #97 - Why do the firstborns fast?

Why don't firstborns celebrate the fact that they were saved from the 10th plague - the smiting of Egyptian firstborns? Tomorrow - Thursday - firstborns will fast in memory of them fasting in Egypt on Erev Pessach, to ensure they wouldn't be punished along with the Egyptians in the 10th plague. The Hallel said at the Seder includes praise for their delivery. The fast is usually on Erev Pessach; since we don't fast on Shabbat, and fasting on Friday is also not a pleasant way to greet Shabbat, so the fast was advanced to Thursday. All firstborns males fast; even if they're only a firstborn to one of their parents. Even firstborns who are exempt from Pidyon haBen - like Cohanim, Levites or being born after a stillborn - also have to fast. The father of a young firstborn needs to fast for him. Whether a firstborn (or his father) may attend a Se'udat Mitzva like a Siyum, Bris or Pidyon haBen and break his fast to participate in the meal, depends on local / family custom. Once he breaks his fast he can eat for the rest of the day. A firstborn may break his fast after nightfall, before doing Bedikas Chometz, if needed. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 113:6, 115:2 - Danny 11 Nissasn 5768

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Halocho #96 - Is burning Chometz wasteful?

Today, 10 Nissan, in the year 2449, the Jews in Egypt selected lambs for their Pessach sacrifice. Forty years later, on 10 Nissan, the prophetess Miriam - sister of Aaron and Moshe - died. A year later on 10 Nissan, the Jews crossed the Jordan river, as recorded in Joshua 3-4.

• The Torah forbids us to waste or destroy items that can still be used.
• The Torah commands us to burn - or otherwise destroy - all Chometz in our possession on Erev Pessach morning.

Can we reconcile these 2 Halochos? The Mitzva to destroy Chometz can be fulfilled with a bare minimum of Chometz; preferably with leftovers that nobody would be able to use. Usable Chometz can be donated to various charity organizations which will distribute it to the needy. Alternately Chometz can be sold to a non-Jew. Since most of us don't want to start selling Chometz on Erev Pessach, one can go to most local Rabbis and appoint them as a messenger to sell ones Chometz. The Rabbi will make a legal sale of the Chometz including a legal document and a deposit. Realize that this a a bona fide sale, and that the non-Jew is entitled to come to your house and request you hand over his Chometz, as has occasionally happened. After Pessach the Rabbi goes to the non-Jew and asks to be paid the remainder of the debt and offers to buy back the Chometz from the non-Jew at a higher price. Since the non-Jew usually prefers to make a quick profit rather than paying for hundreds of items scattered throughout the city, he will sell the Chometz to the Rabbi. One should only sell Chometz and not the containers it's in - especially not containers that require Tevila, like metal and glass, otherwise one would need to Toivel them in a Mikva after Pessach, since they belonged to a non-Jew during Pessach. Chometz that has been sold (via the Rabbi) must be locked away so that one doesn't accidentally use it, which would be a double problem: Chometz on Pessach and stealing from the non-Jew. Even if one has no intention of keeping Chometz in ones home, one should still go to a Rabbi to appoint him to sell ones Chometz. Why?

• A lot of products may be Chometz contrary to popular belief- depending on the latest production methods - like medications, creams, soaps or even food which one discovers later wasn't really Kosher for Pessach.
• During Pessach one may discover Chometz that one wasn't aware of, or forgot to get rid of in the last-minute pre-Pessach rush.

If one sold all ones Chometz then one didn't own any during Pessach. Chometz that belonged to a Jew during Pessach may not be used after Pessach. This is a Rabbinical decree; a punishment for owning the Chometz. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 114 - Danny 10 Nissan 5768

Halocho #95 - Meals on Shabbos Erev Pessach

• One may not eat Matza on Erev Pessach.
• One may not eat bread after mid-morning on Erev Pessach.
• One should eat a Kezayis (olive's worth) of bread at all 3 Shabbos meals.

How does one reconcile the above? When Erev Pessach is on Shabbos - like this year, there are special considerations regarding the Shabbos meals. One may not cook Chometz food that sticks to the pot since one will not be able to clean the pots (because it's Shabbos) and one cannot leave them dirty (since one cannot own Chometz on Pessach). Shabbos Morning Services need to start early so that afterwards there will be enough time to eat Chometz, which becomes forbidden by a third of the day. Check your local luach (Jewish Calendar) for the correct time. Since one should eat bread at all 3 Shabbos meals - yet in the afternoon one cannot eat bread - it's proper to divide the morning meal into two. After making Kiddush and Motzi and eating something one should say Grace after Meals and then go for a short walk, then make Motzi again to fulfill eating the third Shabbos meal. One needs to stop eating bread by a third of the day, after which one destroy all remainder Chometz (e.g. by flushing it down the toilet) and says Kol Chamiro annulling all Chometz still in one's possession. One can then continue eating the meal. Source Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 77:16, 115:3-4 There are opinions that one should eat the third Shabbos meal as usual, in the afternoon, using fruit, meat and fish. If one eats before mid-afternoon (before the halachic "10th hour" of the day) one can also eat food made from cooked Matza, like kneidelach. One may not eat baked food made from Matza on Erev Pessach. Those who have the custom of eating Matza Ashira ("Egg Matza") on Pessach can use them for Motzi for the 3rd meal, before mid-afternoon. Ashkenazim usually do not eat Egg Matza on Pessach. Source: Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 444:1 The Chofetz Chaim suggests that one do both: Divide the morning meal into two, as well as eating fruit, meat and fish (and kneidelach) in the afternoon. However one should be careful not to eat too much and spoil ones appetite for the evening festive meal. Source: Mishna Brura (8) ibid. If one doesn't want to eat Chometz inside, one can make Kiddush and Motzi and eat a Kezayis (olive's worth) of bread outside, and then eat the rest of the meal inside, as long as everyone is aware of the arrangement before starting Kiddush. If possible, one should see the dining room from where one makes Kiddush. Source: Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 178:2, 273:1 - Danny 9 Nissan 5768

Halocho #94 - Schedule for Erev Pessach on Shabbos

This year Erev Pessach is on Shabbos. This happened 3 years ago and will happen again in 13 years time (2021/תשפ"א - 5781). Since Erev Pessach is on Shabbos, the standard pre-Pessach schedule is different. Here are some highlights in chronological order: - The Fast of the Firstborns is on Thursday. In case of need, the firstborn may break his fast before doing Bedikas Chometz. - Bedikas Chometz (searching the house for leaven) is done on Thursday evening. - The first Kol Chamiro (annulling all Chometz that one isn't aware of) is said after Bedikas Chometz on Thursday night. - Burning all Chometz (besides what is needed for the next 24 hours) is done on Friday morning - check your local luach (Jewish calendar) for the correct time. No Kol Chamiro is said. - The sale of Chometz should be organized with your local Rabbi by Friday morning. He'd probably appreciate if you come by earlier in the week. - In order to prevent complicated halachic situations one should do the following on Friday:

• Prepare the Salt Water for the Seder.
• Roast the Egg and Bone.
• Make the Charoset.
• Light a 26 hour (Yahrzeit) candle from which to light Yom Tov candles on Saturday night, unless one will have another flame available, like a gas range.
• Prepare wicks for the Yom Tov oil-candles, as one may not re-use the Shabbos wicks.
• Prepare candles for the Yom Tov candles, as one may not melt candles nor trim them on Yom Tov.
• Open the boxes of Matza, so as not to tear writing on Yom Tov.
• Ensure the wine bottles can be opened on Yom Tov without tearing any writing; else open them beforehand.

- Ensure Challa has been separated from the bread to be used on Shabbos as well as from the Matza to be used on Yom Tov. - On Shabbos morning one must finish eating Chometz by a third of the day - check your local luach for the correct time. More details about this tomorrow. - After one finishes eating Chometz on Shabbos morning, one disposes of the leftover Chometz and says the second Kol Chamiro - annulling all Chometz still in one's possession. - One may not make any Seder preparations on Shabbos. One must wait until the time for Motzai Shabbos - check your local luach for the correct time. One can then say "Boruch Hamavdil ben Kodesh L'Kodesh" - ברוך המבדיל בין קודש לקודש - "Blessed is He who separates between the Holiness of Shabbos and the [lesser] Holiness of Yom Tov", and then light Yom Tov candles from an existing flame and start cooking and preparing the table for the Seder. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 96:5, 110:6, 115

Halocho #93 - When is Shabbos Hagodol this year?

The Jews in Egypt were commanded to take home a lamb for the pre-Exodus Seder on 10 Nissan, four days before it was going to be sacrificed. It was a miracle that the Egyptians didn't harm the Jews when they did this, since lambs were considered sacred objects in Egypt. Since we left Egypt on Thursday 15 Nissan, this miracle happened on a Shabbos. To commemorate this miracle, the Shabbos before Seder Night is called Shabbos Hagodol - the Great Shabbos and a special Haftara is read; the last chapter in Malachi which predicts the future redemption, may we merit it in our days. Typically on Shabbos Hagodol the Rabbi's Drasha (lecture) is a refresher course of Pessach laws. When Pessach starts on Sunday - like this year - then the Shabbos Hagodol Drasha is given a week early, so as to make it useful. The custom is to read the narrative section of the Haggada - from Avadim Hayinu (we were slaves) until (but not including) Rabban Gamliel's admonition to say "Pesach, Matza and Marror" at Mincha on Shabbos Hagodol. The yearly Shabbos Hagodol Drasha will be tomorrow - Shabbos Parshat Metzora, 7 Nissan, whereas Shabbos Hagodol (with its special Haftarah and Haggada reading) is actually next week, Erev Pessach. Source: Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 430 Shabbat Shalom - Danny

Halocho #92 - Can Matza be folded?

Matza is made from flour and water. Nothing else. The water is drawn the night before it is used. The water for Sunday's baking is drawn on Thursday night. One can draw water for many days in advance, but it's preferable to do it one day at a time. The water is stored in a closed room to ensure that no flour-dust falls into it. 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 into contact with water. The wheat is carefully stored to ensure it remains dry. The wheat needs to be ground into flour at least 24 hours before it is used, to give it time to cool down. 18 minute after water is added to flour the dough becomes chametz. Matza baking runs in 18 minute batches after which all equipment is thoroughly cleaned to remove all traces of dough. Matza needs to be produced away from direct sunlight - and the room should be cool, as dough becomes chametz sooner in a warm room. Once the dough is put into the oven it may not be removed until it is fully baked. Matza used at the Seder needs to be made with the intention of it being used for a Mitzva; everybody involved in its production says "L'shem Mitzvos Matza" (for the purpose of the Mitzva of Matza) before all activities. This is know as Shmura Matza. If a Matza has a fold in it, 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. It is recommended to check ones Matzot before Pessach to ensure there are no folds or bubbles. 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

Halocho #91 - Chol Hamo'ed; Chol or Mo'ed?

The intermediary days of Pessach and Sukkot are known as Chol Hamo'ed. 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 Chol Hamo'ed properly. Honouring Chol Hamo'ed includes eating meals and wearing clothes that are closer to Yom Tov standards than regular weekday standards. On Chol Hamo'ed one may do all work needed to prevent a monetary loss. Preparing food for Chol Hamo'ed or the last days of Yom Tov is allowed. Gardening is forbidden besides for picking fruit for Chol Hamo'ed or Yom Tov, and to prevent plants dying, e.g. if they need to be irrigated. Planting is forbidden. Cutting hair is forbidden on Chol Hamo'ed. 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. - Danny 4 Nissan 5768

סימן קד – דיני חול המועד

סעיף א - חול המועד אסור בקצת מלאכות ומותר בקצתן, דהיינו כל מה שהוא לצורך אכילה לחול המועד או ליום טוב, וכן מלאכה בדבר האבד, דהיינו שאם לא יעשנה יבא לידי הפסד מותר לעשותה, וצריכין ליזהר מאד שלא לעשות בחול המועד מלאכה האסורה, כי אמרו רבותינו זכרונם לברכה המחלל את חול המועד כאלו עובד עבודה זרה. סעיף ב - עוד אמרו רבותינו זכרונם לברכה המבזה את חול המועד, אף על פי שיש בידו תורה ומעשים טובים אין לו חלק לעולם הבא, והמבזה היינו שאינו מכבדו במאכל ובמשתה ובכסות, ולכן כל אדם חייב לכבדו כפי כחו וללבוש בגדים מכובדים.

Halocho #90 - Storytelling is a Mitzva

Seder night consists of food and talk. Food: - On Seder night there's a Mitzva in the Torah to eat a piece of Korban Pessach on Matza with Marror (bitter herbs). Until the Bet Hamikdash (temple) is rebuilt we only have the Matza and Marror. The minimum Torah requirement is to eat a Kezayit (an olive's worth) of Matza, which is approximately one-third of a square machine-Matza. At a typical Seder it's customary to eat 2 Kezeitim for Motzi-Matza, a 3rd for the Hillel-sandwich and a fourth for the Afikomen. - On Seder night there's also a Rabbinic requirement to drink 4 cups of wine. All the above - besides for the Marror - must be eaten while leaning on ones left side. Talk: The rest of the Seder consists of reading the entire Haggada. However, there's no Mitzva per se, to read the Haggada. There's a Mitzva in the Torah to tell ones children the story of the Exodus from Egypt in Question-Answer format on Seder night. The Haggada gives a framework so that one covers all required parts of the story, which is why it's important to understand and explain all those parts of the Haggada that recount the slavery, 10 plagues and deliverance in a language that all participants understand. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 119:4, 5, 7 May we merit to eat the Korban Pessach soon, in our lifetime. - Danny 3 Nissan 5768

Halocho #89 - Bless the blossoms

Nissan is the time of year when trees start to blossom (in the Northern hemisphere). The first time a year that one sees edible fruit trees blossoming one says:

ברוך אתה ה' אלהינו מלך העולם - Blessed are you Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, שלא חיסר בעולמו כלום - for nothing is lacking in His universe, וברא בו בריות טובות ואילנות טובים - and He created in it good creatures and good trees, ליהנות בהם בני אדם - to cause mankind pleasure with them.

Once the flowers have fallen off and the fruit is visible then one can no longer say this Brocho. One only makes this Brocho once a year. It's an ancient custom to provide the needy with money for their Pessach needs, during the early part of Nissan, up and above ones regular charity contributions. Source: Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, 226:1, 429:1

- Danny

2 Nissan 5768

Halocho #88 - Rosh Chodesh Nissan

Today - Sunday - is the first day of the first month - Nissan. Don't forget Hallel and Ya'aley V'yavo. Today - 1 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 Halocho and were killed by a heavenly fire. Today the heads of the 12 tribes started bringing their inaugural sacrifices - one prince each day. Some people have the custom of reading that days sacrifice 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 Pessach (or the Thursday before, this year). - Fasting for distressingly bad dreams. - Couples getting married during Nissan. Even today - Rosh Chodesh - they fast, whereas on any other Rosh Chodesh the bride and groom do not fast. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 107:1,2 Chodesh Tov! - Danny

Halocho #87 - Bris Mila on Shabbat

This week’s Parsha - Tazria – begins with the Mitzva of circumcising all healthy baby boys on the 8th day of their life.

Even babies born on Shabbos get circumcised eight days later on Shabbos. However, whatever can be prepared beforehand cannot be done on Shabbos; the Mohel has to prepare his instruments, salves and bandages before Shabbos.

Babies born during twilight on Friday afternoon or Shabbos afternoon get circumcised on Sunday.

Babies born by C-section cannot be circumcised on Shabbos.

Source: Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De’ah 266

Reminder: Shabbos is “Parshat Hachodesh” and Sunday is Rosh Chodesh Nissan.

Shabbat Shalom and Chodesh Tov,

- Danny Erev Shabbat “Hachodesh” - 28 Adar-2 5768

Halocho #86 - Is January the first month?

This Shabbos we take out 2 Sifrei Torah. In the first we will read Parshas Tazria and in the second we will read Parshas Hachodesh (Exodus Ch. 12, Verses 1-20). Parshas Hachodesh reminds us of the following upcoming Mitzvos: - The month of Nissan (which begins on Sunday) is the first month on the Jewish calendar, as the opening words of Parshat Hachodesh proclaim: "This month is for you the first month". - The laws of Korban Pessach; sacrificed on Erev Pessach in the afternoon, it had to be roasted whole and then eaten on the first night of Pessach 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 Chometz (leaven). - The first and last days of Pessach are Yom Tov. - One may not own Chometz, nor eat it, during Pessach . Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 140:2

שמות פרק יב

א ויאמר ה' אל-משה ואל-אהרן, בארץ מצרים לאמר

ב החדש הזה לכם, ראש חדשים: ראשון הוא לכם, לחדשי השנה

ג דברו, אל-כל-עדת ישראל לאמר, בעשר, לחדש הזה: ויקחו להם, איש שה לבית-אבת--שה לבית

ד ואם-ימעט הבית, מהיות משה--ולקח הוא ושכנו הקרב אל-ביתו, במכסת נפשת: איש לפי אכלו, תכסו על-השה

ה שה תמים זכר בן-שנה, יהיה לכם; מן-הכבשים ומן-העזים, תקחו

ו והיה לכם למשמרת, עד ארבעה עשר יום לחדש הזה; ושחטו אתו, כל קהל עדת-ישראל--בין הערבים

ז ולקחו, מן-הדם, ונתנו על-שתי המזוזת, ועל-המשקוף--על, הבתים, אשר-יאכלו אתו, בהם

ח ואכלו את-הבשר, בלילה הזה: צלי-אש ומצות, על-מררים יאכלהו

ט אל-תאכלו ממנו נא, ובשל מבשל במים: כי אם-צלי-אש, ראשו על-כרעיו ועל-קרבו

י ולא-תותירו ממנו, עד-בקר; והנתר ממנו עד-בקר, באש תשרפו

יא וככה, תאכלו אתו--מתניכם חגרים, נעליכם ברגליכם ומקלכם בידכם; ואכלתם אתו בחפזון, פסח הוא לה

יב ועברתי בארץ-מצרים, בלילה הזה, והכיתי כל-בכור בארץ מצרים, מאדם ועד-בהמה; ובכל-אלהי מצרים אעשה שפטים, אני ה

יג והיה הדם לכם לאת, על הבתים אשר אתם שם, וראיתי את-הדם, ופסחתי עלכם; ולא-יהיה בכם נגף למשחית, בהכתי בארץ מצרים

יד והיה היום הזה לכם לזכרון, וחגתם אתו חג לה': לדרתיכם, חקת עולם תחגהו

טו שבעת ימים, מצות תאכלו--אך ביום הראשון, תשביתו שאר מבתיכם: כי כל-אכל חמץ, ונכרתה הנפש ההוא מישראל--מיום הראשן, עד-יום השבעי

טז וביום הראשון, מקרא-קדש, וביום השביעי, מקרא-קדש יהיה לכם: כל-מלאכה, לא-יעשה בהם--אך אשר יאכל לכל-נפש, הוא לבדו יעשה לכם

יז ושמרתם, את-המצות, כי בעצם היום הזה, הוצאתי את-צבאותיכם מארץ מצרים; ושמרתם את-היום הזה, לדרתיכם--חקת עולם

יח בראשן בארבעה עשר יום לחדש, בערב, תאכלו, מצת: עד יום האחד ועשרים, לחדש--בערב

יט שבעת ימים--שאר, לא ימצא בבתיכם כי כל-אכל מחמצת, ונכרתה הנפש ההוא מעדת ישראל--בגר, ובאזרח הארץ

כ כל-מחמצת, לא תאכלו; בכל, מושבתיכם, תאכלו, מצות

- Danny Thursday, 27 Adar-2 5758

Halocho #85 – Rosh Chodesh on Sunday

This Sunday is Rosh Chodesh Nissan 5768 – ה'תשס"ח When the 3rd Shabbos meal continues into the night, one still inserts Retzai – רצה during Birkas Hamazon (grace after meals). When one starts a meal on Erev Rosh Chodesh and eats a Kezayis (the size of an olive – 27 cc) of bread after dark, one inserts Ya’aleh V’Yavo – יעלה ויבוא during Birkas Hamazon. What happens when both of the above happen together? If Rosh Chodesh is on Sunday and one eats a Kezayis of bread after dark during the 3rd Shabbos meal, then one inserts both Retzai – רצה and Ya’aleh V’Yavo – יעלה ויבוא during Birkas Hamazon. However, some argue that mentioning both is a contradiction – since Shabbos and Rosh Chodesh aren’t on the same day. Therefore one should be careful not to eat after dark at the 3rd Shabbos meal when Rosh Chodesh is on Sunday. The same concept applies when Chanuka, Purim or Yom Tov start on Sunday. Since this Sunday is Rosh Chodesh, the Yom Kipour Kotton prayers that some people say on Erev Rosh Chodesh are said tomorrow – Thursday. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 44:17 - Danny

סימן מד, סעיף יז - היה אוכל בשבת וחשכה לו, כיון שעדיין הוא לא התפלל ערבית אומר רצה

וכן ביום טוב, ראש חדש, חנוכה ופורים, כיון שהתחלת הסעודה היתה ביום, צריך להזכיר מענין היום אף על פי שמברך בלילה

ואם אכל בערב ראש חדש ונמשכה סעודתו גם תוך הלילה, ואכל גם בלילה כזית פת צריך לומר יעלה ויבא, וכן בחנוכה ובפורים

ואם התחיל לאכול בשבת ונמשכה סעודתו תוך הלילה, ואכל גם בלילה כזית פת ולמחר הוא ראש חדש, אומר רצה וגם יעלה ויבא, וכן בחנוכה ופורים

ויש חולקין משם דהוי כתרתי דסתרי, על כן יש למנוע שלא לאכול אז בלילה

Halocho #84 - Buying jewelery for Yom Tov

There's a Mitzva to honor the Yom Tov: - One should bath, cut nails and get a haircut before Yom Tov. - One shouldn't eat a meal during the second half of the afternoon on Erev Yom Tov so as not to spoil ones appetite for the festive evening meal.

- Yom Tov clothes should be nicer than Shabbat clothes

There's a Mitzva to be joyous on Yom Tov. This includes having 2 meals; one in the evening and one during the day. The meals start with Kiddush and should include meat and delicacies and should be more elaborate than on Shabbat. One should also provide the Neshomo (soul) with Yom Tov joy by learning some Torah (e.g. Yom Tov related Halochos) at every meal. There's a Mitzva to make others happy on Yom Tov: - Children should be given nuts and other treats. - Women should be given new clothes and jewelery. - The poor and unfortunate should be invited or provided with financial support. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 103:2,3,4,7 =================================== Please daven for the full recovery of Bentzion ben Masha Yehudit =================================== - Danny

Halocho #83 - Can one sew on Yom Tov?

All 39 categories of "creative work" that are forbidden to do on Shabbos are also forbidden on Yom Tov, with some notable exceptions: - In order to prepare food for Yom Tov one may knead, cook, bake and shecht (ritually slaughter). - One may carry outside - even without an Eruv - on Yom Tov, as long as it's for some purpose, even if it's not food-related. - One may light a flame from an existing flame on Yom Tov if it's for some useful purpose, even if it's not food-related. However, one may not light a Yahrzeit candle on YomTov. - One may grind those spices on Yom Tov that would lose their flavor if ground before Yom Tov. - One may sew up stuffed chicken on Yom Tov, but the needle needs to be threaded before Yom Tov. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 98:1, 3, 15 ==================================================== Invite your friends to join Halocho a Day - here's a link to the invite page: http://www.facebook.com/groups/edit.php?members&gid=2387884087 ==================================================== - Danny

Halocho #82 - The first of the 8 days

Yesterday we read parshas Shimini; about the eighth day of the inauguration of the Mishkan (tabernacle) in the desert. Today - Sunday 23rd Adar II - was the first of those 8 days. Nowadays we no longer have the Mishkan, nor the Bet Hamikdash (Temple) which superseded it, but we do have our shuls (synagogues) which are considered to be a Mikdash M'at - miniature holy places. The fear, respect and honour due to our places of worship are not because of the building, but rather because of Hashem; a shul has holiness because Hashem's presence is more concentrated there. Idle chatter is forbidden in a shul. Kissing ones kids in shul is forbidden; a shul is a place to show ones love of Hashem. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 13:1

סימן יג – דיני קדושת בית הכנסת ובית המדרש

סעיף א - קדושת בית הכנסת ובית המדרש גדולה מאד, ומוזהרים עליהם לירא ממי שהוא שוכן בהם יתברך שמו, כדכתיב ומקדשי תיראו, ובית הכנסת ובית המדרש נקראים גם כן מקדש, כדכתיב ואהי להם למקדש מעט, ודרשינן אלו בתי כנסיות ובתי מדרשות. ולכן אסור לדבר בם דברים בטלים, ואין מחשבין בהם חשבונות אלא של מצוה, כגון קופה של צדקה וכדומה. ונוהגין בהם כבוד, לכבדם ולרבצם, ומדליקין בהם נרות לכבוד. אין לנשק בהם בניו הקטנים, שאינו ראוי להראות שם אהבה אחרת, זולת אהבת השם יתברך

Halocho #81 - 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 Birkas Cohanim (bless the congregation) in Mussaf, must hear Kiddush from another person, as he is not allowed to drink alcoholic beverages before Birkas Cohanim . Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 77:15, 100:3 Reminer: This week is Parshas Para. Shabbat Shalom, - Danny =========================================== Please daven for the Refu'a Shleimah of Eliezer Mordechai ben Chaya Sheina Rochel ===========================================

Halocho #80 - Do we make a Brocho on rain?

The Mishna in Ta'anis (3:4) tells us the fascinating story of a drought in Eretz Yisroel that ended when the great Choni drew a circle on the ground, stepped into it and informed Hashem that he wouldn't leave until it would rain. He continued refining his request until it rained properly. Thereafter he was named Choni Ham'agel (Choni the circle drawer). This happened today - 20th Adar, (according to Megilas Ta'anis Ch. 12). If there would be a drought to the extent that people suffer, then when it rains enough to make puddles one needs to make a brocho. One who doesn't own a field but sees the rain says "Modim"; thank You for every drop of rain, continues with Nishmas and ends with Baruch Ata Hashem Kel Rov Hahoda'ot. (Blessed are You Hashem, Almighty, deserving of many praises.)

מודים אנחנו לך ה' אלהינו על כל טפה וטפה שהורדת לנו

ואלו פינו מלא שירה כים וכו' - כמו שהוא בברכת נשמת - עד ויקדישו וימליכו את שמך מלכנו

ברוך אתה ה' א-ל רוב ההודאות ותשבחות

If one owns a field in the drought area - even if one only heard about the rain - says the brocho of "shehechiyanu" - שהחיינו. (Blessed are You Hashem, Almighty, King of the world for keeping us alive and sustaining us to the present.) If one owns the field in partnership with another Jews, one says the brocho of "Baruch... Hatov V'Hametiv" - הטוב והמטיב. (Blessed are You Hashem, Almighty, King of the world who is good and bestows good.) Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 61:9, 10. Mishna Megila 3:4

.מגילה פרק ג' משנה ד

מעשה שאמרו לו לחוני המעגל, התפלל שיירדו גשמים אמר להם, צאו והכניסו תנורי פסחים, בשביל שלא יימוקו

התפלל, ולא ירדו גשמים

עג עוגה, ועמד בתוכה ואמר

רבונו של עולם, בניך שמו פניהם עליי, שאני כבן בית לפניך

נשבע אני בשמך הגדול שאיני זז מכאן, עד שתרחם על בניך

התחילו הגשמים מנטפים

אמר, לא כך שאלתי, אלא גשמי בורות שיחין ומערות

ירדו בזעף; אמר, לא כך שאלתי, אלא גשמי רצון, ברכה ונדבה

ירדו כתקנן, עד שעלו ישראל מירושלים להר הבית מרוב הגשמים

Halocho #79 - What color is a Red Heifer?

This Shabbos a second Sefer Torah is taken out for Maftir and the laws of Para Aduma – the Red Heifer – are read. (The beginning of Parshas Chukas, Numbers 19:1-22) There are opinions that there’s a Torah obligation to hear it being read, and people who don’t have access to a Minyan should find one this week. A kosher Para Aduma 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 part 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 in anticipating of being able to implement it this year, or at least Bimhera Beyomainu – soon in our lifetime. Source: Kitzur Shulcan Aruch 140:2-3, Mishna Masechet Para, Ch. 1, Rambam Hil. Para Ch. 1

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Halocho #78 - Holy donkey

The Torah says that a firstborn male donkey has Kedusha (some holiness) and may not be used until it is redeemed; by giving a Cohen a sheep or goat in its stead. The result is a donkey for the owner and a sheep (or goat) for the Cohen, both without any Kedusha. The sheep or goat can be male or female, of any age and any physical condition as long as it's alive. If one does not want to redeem the firstborn donkey, the Torah instructs one to chop off its head and bury it. It is preferable to redeem it rather than killing it. A firstborn male donkey belonging to a Cohen or Levite does not need to be redeemed. (As opposed to a firstborn Kosher animal that has Kedusha even if belonging to a Cohen or Levite.) One should not sell (part of) first-time pregnant donkeys to a non-Jew, as one would be exempting oneself from a Mitzva, of either redeeming or killing it. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 178

שמות פרק י"ג

א וידבר ה' אל-משה לאמר. ב קדש-לי כל-בכור פטר כל-רחם, בבני ישראל--באדם, ובבהמה: לי, הוא. ג ויאמר משה אל-העם, זכור את-היום הזה אשר יצאתם ממצרים מבית עבדים, כי בחזק יד, הוציא ה' אתכם מזה; ולא יאכל, חמץ. ד היום, אתם יצאים, בחדש, האביב. ה והיה כי-יביאך ה' אל-ארץ הכנעני והחתי והאמרי והחוי והיבוסי, אשר נשבע לאבתיך לתת לך, ארץ זבת חלב, ודבש; ועבדת את-העבדה הזאת, בחדש הזה. ו שבעת ימים, תאכל מצת; וביום, השביעי, חג, לה'. ז מצות, יאכל, את, שבעת הימים; ולא-יראה לך חמץ, ולא-יראה לך שאר--בכל-גבלך. ח והגדת לבנך, ביום ההוא לאמר: בעבור זה, עשה ה' לי, בצאתי, ממצרים. ט והיה לך לאות על-ידך, ולזכרון בין עיניך, למען תהיה תורת ה', בפיך: כי ביד חזקה, הוצאך ה' ממצרים. י ושמרת את-החקה הזאת, למועדה, מימים, ימימה. יא והיה כי-יבאך ה', אל-ארץ הכנעני, כאשר נשבע לך, ולאבתיך; ונתנה, לך. יב והעברת כל-פטר-רחם, לה'; וכל-פטר שגר בהמה, אשר יהיה לך הזכרים--לה'. יג וכל-פטר חמר תפדה בשה, ואם-לא תפדה וערפתו; וכל בכור אדם בבניך, תפדה.

Halocho #77 - What's special about a firstborn Kosher animal?

If a kosher animal that has never given birth - and belongs only to a Jew - gives birth to a male, the calf has Kedusha (some holiness) and needs to be given to a Cohen, even nowadays. This first-born animal may not be used for any work, and its wool may not be sheared, nor used if it fell off. In the time of the Bet Hamikdash (Temple) the animal would be brought as a sacrifice, with most of the meat being eaten by the Cohen. Nowadays the Cohen needs to keep it until it gets a permanent blemish, at which time anybody can help eat it. The Cohen may not blemish it. It's a Mitzva to sell part of all first-time pregnant kosher animals to a non-Jew so that the calf - if it's a male - will not have any Kedusha; avoiding the possibility of it not being treated properly. Source Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 177

Halacho #76 – Pessach starts on Purim

On the afternoon of the fast of Esther (today - Thursday), the custom is to give 3 halves of the local currency to charity. In Israel that would be 3 half-shekels, other places it would be three times 50 cents.

This commemorates the biblical half-shekel given yearly to buy the communal sacrifices during the time of the Bet Hamikdash – which today would be about US$ 15.-

This is besides the Matonos L’evyonium that are given to 2 poor people on Purim. (Each Matonos L’evyonium have the value of a small meal, e.g. a falafel, currently 12 NIS in Israel.)

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.”

This year (outside of Jerusalem and other walled cities) the Purim meal is on Friday and needs to start in the morning, so as not to spoil ones appetite for the Friday-night meal.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 141:5, 142:5. Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 429:1

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The next Halocho a Day is planned for Monday

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Have a joyful Purim and a Shabbat Shalom,

- Danny, in Jerusalem

Halocho #75 – When did Esther fast?

2,363 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 days fast that lasted through the first days of Pessach, after which she went – uninvited – to the king and invited him and Haman to a wine feast. At the wine feast she invited them to a second wine feast where which she gained royal permission for the Jews to defend themselves. Jews always fast and pray when going out to war, and so they did on Adar 13, 3406 (354 BCE). On Adar 14 they celebrated their victory. In commemoration, we fast on Adar 13 (tomorrow – Thursday) and celebrate Purim on the morrow. Ta’anis Esther is the only of the 6 fast days not mentioned in Tanach. The fast ends when the stars become visible (a few minutes before Motzai Shabbes time), and if needed, one may eat and drink before Megila reading. However one should not eat a meal until after hearing the Megila. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 141:1,8, Esther 2:7, 3:12-9:30

Halocho #74 - What is Purim all about?

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 Al-Hanisim. It is added to bentching (grace after meals) before "Ve'al Hakol" and to davening (prayers) during "Modim". If Al-Hanisim is forgotten there is no need to make amends, though it can be said later (and some Sidurim have relevant instructions.) After hearing the Megila and sending Mishloach Manos and Matonos L'Evyonim 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 141:1, 6, 142:6