Halocho #111 - Who was burnt to death with a Sefer Torah?

The Shulchan Aruch says that it's appropriate to fast today - Monday 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 - G-d's presence - is with them. - Even when a lone Jew learns Torah (like a Halocho a Day), Hashem takes note and rewards him. 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 - Danny

Halocho #110 - Why do we cover our eyes after candle lighting?

We always make the Bracha before doing the Mitzva. The Bracha said on Shabbat candles ushers in the Shabbat, after which one cannot light candles. Therefore the candles are lit first, and then one hides them from sight by putting ones hands in front of ones face. One then says the Bracha and looks at the candles, seeing them for the first time on Shabbat. This is as close as one can get to saying the Bracha before "lighting" the Shabbat candles. Similarly, since one cannot make a Bracha with unwashed hands, one first washes, and then makes the Bracha of Al Netilat Yadayim and then dries ones hands. Since drying is an integral part of "washing", it's as close as one can get to saying the Bracha before washing. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 75:4, 40:5 Shabbat Shalom, - Danny

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Halocho #109 - What Bracha does one make on Good News

Today - Thursday - is the 23rd day of the month of Sivan. Today - 2,362 years ago - was the day that Esther and Mordechai sent the second royal decree informing the Jews that they may defend themselves against Haman's original decree of total annihilation. When finding out joyous tidings or upon hearing good news from a reliable source, one says a Bracha. If it only affects oneself, then one says Shehechiyanu; "... who has kept us alive, sustained us and permitted us to reach this occasion."

ברוך אתה ה' אלקינו מלך העולם

שהחינו וקימנו והגיענו לזמן הזה

If it affects a group of people then one says Hatov Vehametiv; "..Who is Good, and bestows good."

ברוך אתה ה' אלקינו מלך העולם

הטוב והמטיב

If one cannot say the Bracha right away - due to an unclean location or hands - then one can say it later, as long as one still feel the joy. Even if the joyful event will probably cause one trouble at a later date, one still says the Bracha. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 59:1,3 - Danny

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Halocho #108 - Repaying a debt is a Mitzva

Yesterday we learnt that it's a Mitzva to lend money to a fellow Jew. If you know that the borrower cannot pay back then you are not allowed to ask him to repay the loan. Even walking by him intentionally is forbidden. There's a Mitzva to repay a loan; if the borrower already has the ability to pay back then he's forbidden to ask the lender to come back another time. A person who does not repay a loan is called a Rasha - a wicked person. A borrower may not waste the money he borrowed if that will prevent him from repaying the loan. One should not lend money to people who have a reputation of not repaying their debts; since one transgresses every time one nudniks them to repay. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 179:4 - 6 - Danny

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Halocho #107 - Lending is a Mitzva

It's a Mitzva to lend money to a fellow Jew. Included in the Mitzva is providing moral support and giving sage advice. Even lending money to wealthy people - if they are short of cash - is a Mitzva. One should not lend money without witnesses, unless the borrower provides collateral. Even better is to have the lender sign an IOU - a promissory note. One may not demand collateral after the loan has been given to the borrower, except in a Bet Din (Jewish Court). One may not use the collateral, as that would be a form of interest. One may rent out the collateral and deduct the rental from the loan, under certain circumstances. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 179:1-3, 7-8. - Danny Please daven for a little girl - TAMAR bat NAAMA - תמר בת נעמה - who is undergoing chemotherapy

Halocho #106 - Respecting Torah authority

This week's Parsha - Korach - teaches us the bitter end of people who argue with Torah authorities. A person has to respect and honor his Rav - his Torah teacher - more than his parents; his parents look after his needs in this world and his Rav is ensuring him a good place in Olam Habah (Heaven). Degrading a Torah scholar is so severe that a person can loose his place in Olam Habah (Heaven) for it. If a Torah scholar has goods to sell, he is given a monopoly until his stock runs out. This does not apply if the monopoly cannot be enforced. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 144:1, 4, 5 - Danny ========================= Please daven for a little girl - TAMAR bat NAAMA - תמר בת נעמה - who is undergoing chemotherapy. =========================

Halocho #105 - Who gets to separate Challa?

In this weeks Parsha we learn about the Mitzva of separating Challa from dough made from any of the 5 types of grain: wheat, barley, oats, spelt or rye. Challa should be separated before the dough is baked. If this was not done then the baked goods are forbidden to be eaten until Challa is separated from them. The Mitzva of separating Challa rightfully belongs to the housewife. However, if waiting for the housewife would cause the dough to spoil, then anybody above Bar/Bat Mitzva take Challa. The piece of Challa that was separated should be burnt. Since nowadays we don't have fires readily available, my Rabbi suggested we freeze the Challa (in a well marked container that nobody should eat from it) and whenever there's a bonfire (Lag B'Omer and Erev Pessach) we should burn the accumulated Challa. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 35 Shabbat Shalom - Danny

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Please daven for a little girl

TAMAR bat NAAMA - תמר בת נעמה

who is undergoing chemotherapy

===========================

Halocho #104 - Are my Tzitzis Kosher?

On each of the 4 corners of a Tallis there are 4 strings threaded through the hole. The resulting 8 strings are knotted and twisted one-third of their length and two-thirds is left as tassels. If one of the 8 tassels gets cut off - even completely - the Tzitzis are still Kosher. If two of the 8 tassels get cut off the Tzitzis may no longer be Kosher. A tassel shorter than 4 "thumbs" - about 8-10 cm is considered "cut off". Each tassel of the Tzitzis is made of multiple strands of wool twisted together. If Tzitzis start untwisting then the frayed section doesn't count as part of the minimal length. If the Tzitzis get ripped out of the hole they are hanging on, they cannot be put back in; they have to be untied and then re-tied after the hole is repaired. If a Tallis rips into 2 pieces - or a corner gets ripped off - then the Tzitzis on the smaller piece have to be re-tied after the pieces are sewn back together. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 9:13, 15. - Danny

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Please daven for a little girl

TAMAR bat NAAMA - תמר בת נעמה

who is undergoing chemotherapy

===========================

Halocho #103 - Who should wear Tzitzis?

This week's Parsha - Shlach - ends with the third paragraph of Shma which talk about the Mitzva of Tzitzis. Wearing Tzitzis is supposed to remind one of all 613 Mitzvos - as it says in this week’s Parsha "...make Tzitzis, and see them and thereby remember all the Mitzvos of Hashem and do them". Once a boy is toilet-trained he should wear a Tallis Katan - a 4-cornered garment with Tzitzis from the time he wakes up until he goes to sleep. This is besides the Tallis worn in shul. Women are exempt from the Mitzva of Tzitzis, as it's a time-bound Mitzva; it only applies during the day. When putting on Tzitzis in the morning, the Bracha cannot be made until it is light enough outside to recognize a casual acquaintance from 4 Amos (2 meters) away. This is about an hour before sunrise in Israel. Men must put Tzitzis on all 4-cornered garments they wear, including ponchos. Bed sheets do not need Tzitzis. Tzitzis may be worn even when going into a bathroom, however the Tallis used for davening should not be taken into the bathroom. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 9:9-10 - Danny

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Please daven for a little girl

TAMAR bat NAAMA - תמר בת נעמה

who is undergoing chemotherapy

===========================

Halocho #102 - Talebearing is forbidden

Yesterday's Torah reading ended with Miriam's punishment for discussing her brother Moshe's life with their brother Aaron. This week's Torah reading starts with the sin of the spies who spoke evil about the Holy Land. The Torah prohibits us from talebearing; telling one person what another person did, or what they said, or where they went. Talebearing is forbidden even if the all the information is 100% true; the entire truth and nothing but the truth. Talebearing is forbidden even if nothing derogatory is said. An extreme example of the destructive power of talebearing is found in Shmuel-1 (Ch. 21 and 22).

Do'eg told King Saul that Achimelech had given [future King] David supplies and a sword. Even though it was the truth - later Achimelech himself told King Saul about it - nevertheless King Saul ordered the city of Nov to be destroyed along with eighty five Cohanim and their families.

One can never know the consequences of passing along seemingly innocent information.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 30:1 - Danny

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Please daven for a little girl

TAMAR bat NAAMA - תמר בת נעמה

who is undergoing chemotherapy

===========================

Halocho #101 - Candles or Oil for Shabbat?

This Shabbat morning we will read the weekly portion of Beha'aloscha which begins with the Mitzva of the Cohen lighting the Menora in the Bet Hamikdash every afternoon with pure olive oil. The popular custom is to use light Shabbat candles on Friday afternoon. However, a Hidur Mitzva (a "deluxe" way of performing the Mitzva) is to use olive oil. Whatever one decides to use, it has to create a flame that burns steadily without flickering or spluttering and does not generate an unpleasant odor. The Mishna lists wicks and oils that are disqualified, e.g. wicks from silk or seaweed as well as cottonseed oil. We already learned in Halocho #44 that one may not use a 7 branched candelabra. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 75:3, Mishna Shabbat, Ch. 2 Shabbat Shalom, - Danny

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Please daven for a little girl

TAMAR bat NAAMA - תמר בת נעמה

who is undergoing chemotherapy

===========================

Halocho #100 - What is a Chagiga?

In the time of the Bet Hamikdash (may it be rebuilt speedily in our days) all men above Bar Mitzva have a Mitzva to appear in the Bet Hamikdash thrice yearly; during the Yom Tov of Pessach, Shavuoth and Sukkoth. This Mitzva includes offering 2 sacrifices; a Korban Re'iya ("appearance sacrifice") which was completely burnt, and a Korban Chagiga ("festive sacrifice") which was eaten. These sacrifices cannot be offered on Shabbat. Preferably this Mitzva should be fulfilled on the first day of each Yom Tov. If the first day of Yom Tov is Shabbat, or if the person has other reasons to delay, then the Mitzva can be done during the remaining days of Sukkoth and Pessach. Even though Shavuoth is only one day long (in Israel) this Mitzva can be fulfilled during the 6 days following Shavuoth. This is the reason why some congregations do not say Tachanun during the entire week following Shavuoth. Source: The Book of our Heritage, Vol III, Page 50 - Danny

========================= Please daven for a little girl TAMAR bat NAAMA - תמר בת נעמה who is undergoing chemotherapy ===========================

Halocho #99 - What is Isru Chag?

The day after Pessach, Sukkoth and Shavuoth is called Isru Chag. That would be yesterday (Tuesday) in Israel and today (Wednesday) everywhere else. Various reasons are given for Isru Chag after Pessach and Sukkoth. Isru Chag of Shavuoth is of biblical origin; if Shavuoth is on Shabbat then the festive sacrifices (Chagiga and Re'iya) are brought to the Bet Hamikdash on the day after Shavuoth. On Isru Chag the custom is to eat a larger meal than usual. Nobody - not even a bride and groom on their wedding day, nor a Yahrzeit - may fast on Isru Chag. One does not say Tachanun on Isru Chag. Some communities don't say Lamenatze'ach (before Uvo L'zion in Shacharis) on Isru Chag. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 22:8, 103:14, 146:2 (I no longer can afford the hour a day to prepare the Halocho a Day; however I will try send it out periodically.) - Danny

========================= Please daven for a little girl TAMAR bat NAAMA who is undergoing chemotherapy ===========================

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