Halocho #438 - Being picky on Shabbat

One may not remove the inedible and unwanted pieces from ones food on Shabbat.

Rather one must remove the food from the inedible or the unwanted pieces.

This should only be done during the meal, or right before it.

(This is one of many Halachot of "Borer" - separating, one of the 39 forbidden categories of work on Shabbat.)

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 80:15

Shabbat Shalom,

- Danny
Thursday, 11 Marcheshvan 5770

Halocho #437 - Buying Sefarim

Everybody has a Mitzva to buy Sefarim to learn from.

This should include the Chumash (5 books of Moses), Mishna, Talmud and Practical-Halachic works.

If one does not understand them in the original, one must buy them with a translation, since the point is to learn them.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 28:2

- Danny
Wednesday, 10 Marcheshvan 5770

Halocho #436 - Hiring a Sofer to write your Sefer Torah

Yesterday we learned that every male Jew has to write his own Sefer Torah.

If you cannot write your own Sefer Torah, you can hire a Sofer (scribe) to do it for you.

If you buy a Sefer Torah and correct a mistake in it, it's as if you wrote it.

Similarly if you buy an unfinished Sefer Torah and complete it, it's as if you wrote it.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 28:1

- Danny
Tuesday, 9 Marcheshvan 5770

Halocho #435 - Write a Sefer Torah

It's a Mitzva for every male Jew to write his own Kosher Sefer Torah.

Even if you inherited a Sefer Torah, you still needs to write your own copy.

You may not sell your Sefer Torah; in case of dire poverty, consult a Rabbinic authority.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 28:1

- Danny
Monday, 8 Marcheshvan 5770

Halocho #434 - What's BeHaB?

On the first "Monday, Thursday and Monday" in the month following Pessach and Sukkoth the custom is to say extra Selichot.

Some communities do this on the last "Monday, Thursday and Monday" of the month.

Since Monday is "Yom Sheni" or "Yom Bet - ב" and Thursday is "Yom Chamishi" or "Yom Heh - ה" these days are referred to as BeHaB - בה"ב

Some people have the custom to fast on BeHaB.

A special Mi-Sheberach was recited on Shabbat before the Torah was returned to the Aron Hakodesh to bless those who will fast.

Despite being a "private" (not communal) fast day, a person need not "declare his intention to fast" during the Mincha-Amida of the preceding day, if he answered Amen to the Mi-Sheberach.

Yet, answering Amen to the Mi-Sheberach does not oblige one to fast.

Even if one intended to fast when answering Amen and then on the designated day there was a Se'udat Mitzva (e.g. Brit Mila or Siyum or Pidyon HaBen) one should join the meal and not fast.

However, if one "declared his intention to fast" during the Mincha-Amida of the preceding day, then one needs to fast.

Tomorrow (Monday), and Thursday and next week Monday are BeHaB in most communities.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 127:3, 14

Don't forget to add "ותן טל ומטר לברכה" - as per Halocho #433

- Danny
Sunday, 7 Marcheshvan 5770

Halocho #433 - Pray for rain, or not?

In Israel, starting this Motzai Shabbat (7th Marcheshvan) we start praying for rain in the 9th Bracha of the weekday Amida - Barech-Aleinu - ברך עלינו.

In the Diaspora we will start 6 weeks later - on Motzai Shabbat Vayishlach - וישלח.

If you forgot to add "ותן טל ומטר לברכה"; "and bless us with dew and rain", then:

- If you remember before you finish the 9th Bracha then you insert it and continue from there.

- If you already said "Baruch Ata Hashem" of the 9th Bracha then you insert it into Shma-Kolienu - the 16th Bracha - before "Ki Ata".

- If you forget to say it in Shma-Kolienu then you need to go back to the 9th Bracha - Barech-Aleinu.

- If you didn't remember until you finished the Amida (defined as saying "Yihyu Leratzon") then you have to restart the entire Amida.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 19:5

Shabbat Shalom,

- Danny
Thursday, 4 Marcheshvan 5770

Halocho #432 - Nicknames

We learned yesterday that one may not embarrass anybody.

Even calling somebody by a name or nickname which they're embarrassed about, is forbidden.

One may not tell embarrassing stories about somebody in their presence; even if it doesn't entail Lashon Hara.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 29:17

- Danny
Wednesday, 3 Marcheshvan 5770

Halocho #431 - How often can one murder the same person?

Causing a person's blood to drain from his face is considered murder.


In Hebrew, embarrassing somebody is referred to as מלבין פני חברו - whitening a fellowman's face; since the blood drains from his face when embarrassed.


Embarrassing somebody is forbidden - whether verbally or otherwise - and could make one lose ones portion in Olam Haba - the world to come.


Embarrassing somebody is forbidden both in private and obviously in public.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 29:17

- Danny
Tuesday, 2 Marcheshvan 5770

Halocho #430 - Abridged Hallel on Rosh Chodesh

On Rosh Chodesh one says Hallel after the Amida - but one skips 2-half paragraphs.


Hallel must be said standing, and one may not interrupt the Hallel by talking.


If the congregation is saying Hallel while one is saying Psukei D'Zimra, one says Hallel with them, without its opening and closing Bracha. (This can only be done on days that one says the shortened "half"-Hallel.)

If one arrives late to shul and the congregation is already up to Hallel, one says Hallel with them, and then one starts ones morning prayers.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 97:4

Chodesh Tov,

- Danny
Monday, 2nd day Rosh Chodesh Marcheshvan 5770

Written in memory of Rivka bat Mordechai Ha-cohen

Halocho #429 - Ya'aleh VeYavo - it's Rosh Chodesh!

Today (Sunday) and tomorrow are Rosh Chodesh Marcheshvan.


One needs to add Ya'a'leh VeYavo - יעלה ויבא in the 17th Bracha of the Amida - רצה.


If one forgot to do so during the Amida of Ma'ariv (evening prayers) - on either day - one does not need to make amends; since the Sanhedrin did not sanctify the month at night.


If one forgot to do so during Shachrit (morning prayers) or Mincha (afternoon prayers), then one has to return to the 17th Bracha of the Amida - רצה and make amends.


If one already finished the Amida - by saying Yihyu leRatzon - יהיו לרצון - then one needs to restart the Amida.

One also needs to add Ya'a'leh VeYavo - יעלה ויבא - in Birkat Hamazon

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 19:10

Chodesh Tov

- Danny

Sunday, 1st day Rosh Chodesh Marcheshvan 5770

Halocho #428 Rosh Chodesh is on Sunday and Monday

This Shabbat is "Shabbat Mevarchim".

Rosh Chodesh Marcheshvan will be on Sunday and Monday

There's an ancient custom to bless the upcoming month on the Shabbat before Rosh Chodesh, before Mussaf.

This is not to be confused with Sanctifying the Month that was done by the Sanhedrin when the new moon appeared.

Nevertheless, the custom is to stand when the Chazzan announces which day(s) will be Rosh Chodesh, since the sanctification of the month was done while standing.

Source: Mishna Brura 417:1

This week's Haftarah is "Machar Chodesh" - "And Jonathan says to him (David): tomorrow is Rosh Chodesh" from Shmuel-1 20:18

Previous Shabbat-related posts can be reviewed at http://halocho.blogspot.com/search/label/Shabbos

Shabbat Shalom uMevorach

- Danny,
 Thursday, 27 Tishrei 5770

Halocho #427 - Eat an early Se'udat Shilishit

If one starts or finishes a meal on Shabbat, one needs to add Retzei - רצה - during the 3rd Bracha of Birkat HaMazon.


If one starts or finishes a meal on Rosh Chodesh or Yom Tov, one adds Ya'a'leh VeYavo - יעלה ויבא - during the 3rd Bracha of Birkat HaMazon.


This week on Motzai Shabbat will be the first of 2 days of Rosh Chodesh Marcheshvan.


If the third Shabbat meal continues into the night, one says both Retzei - רצה and Ya'a'leh VeYavo - יעלה ויבא.


However, some are opinions that saying both would be self-contradictory. It is therefore recommended to not continue eating the third Shabbat meal after dusk, this week.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 44:17

Erratum: One continues saying V'Then Bracha - ותן ברכה - in the 9th Bracha of the Amida until the 7th Marcheshvan in Israel and the 5th December in the Diaspora.


- Danny,
 Wednesday, 26 Tishrei 5770

Halocho #426 - Wind and rain

Since Mussaf on Shmini Atzeret (last Shabbat) we have been praising Hashem for the wonderful gift of rain, by adding Mashiv HaRu'ach Umorid HaGeshem - משיב הרוח ומוריד הגשם - into the second Bracha of the Amida.

If one forgets to add this?

If one has not yet finished the 2nd Bracha then one adds it after any of the many phrases of this Bracha. If one wishes, one may restart the Bracha and say it in it's correct place.

If one already finished the 2nd Bracha?

If you have the custom of adding "Morid haTal" - מוריד הטל - during the summer, then continue as usual. No amendment is required.

If you do NOT have the custom of adding "Morid haTal" - מוריד הטל - 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 as a single entity.

One continues saying V'Then Bracha - ותן ברכה - in the 9th Bracha of the Amida until the 7th Marcheshvan in Israel and the 5th December in the Diaspora.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 19:1, 2, 5

- Danny,
 Tuesday, 25 Tishrei 5770

Halocho #425 - May one throw out Sukkah decorations?

Since the S'chach (branches covering the Sukkah) were used for a Mitzvah, they deserve some respect even after having done their duty.

After Sukkoth when the S'chach 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 S'chach.

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
Monday, 24 Tishrei 5770

Join my Mitzva-a-Day group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=140905878541

Halocho #424 - The Isru Chag meal

The day after Pessach, Sukkoth and Shavuoth is called Isru Chag.

Today (Sunday) is Isru Chag in Israel and tomorrow (Monday) is Isru Chag everywhere else.

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.

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

- Danny
Sunday, 23 Tishrei 5770

Halocho #423 - - The 4 minim - putting it all together!

On Sukkoth there's a Mitzvah to shake the four species; a Lulav, 3 Haddasim, 2 Aravot and an Etrog.

When shaking them on Sukkoth, the Lulav, 3 Haddasim and 2 Aravot are tied together and held in ones right hand, and the Etrog in ones left hand. (Lefties hold the Lulav in their left, Etrog in the right.)

All 6 branches must be facing upwards, with the side where they were cut off the tree facing down.

The spine of the Lulav must be facing you. The 3 Haddasim are tied to the right of the Lulav. The 2 Aravot are tied to the left of the Lulav.

The Lulav is first bound with 3 ties typically made of palm leaves. The 3 Haddasim and 2 Aravot are then bound to it with another 2 ties. The Haddasim should be slightly higher than than the Aravot.

The spine of the the Lulav must protrude at least 1 Tefach (8 cm - 3") above the Haddasim and Aravot.

The top Tefach of the Lulav should not have any ties on it.

Since the first day of Sukkoth is on Shabbat, we will only start this precious Mitzvah on Sunday.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 136:8

Wishing everybody a Chag Same'ach!

- Danny Thursday, 13 Tishrei 5770

Halocho #422 - What to bring into the Sukka

The Torah command us to live in the Sukka for the duration of Sukkoth. 7 days in Eretz Yisrael, 8 days in the Diaspora.

One should move into the Sukka and bring along ones creature comforts; ones comfortable chairs and favorite dishes.

The Mitzvah of Sukka is one of the few where the Torah explicitly gives us a reason to accompany the Mitzvah: Sit in the Sukka for seven days in order that your descendants should be aware that the Yidden dwelled in Sukkoth during their journey out of Egypt.

Sukkoth could be referring to the Clouds of Glory that surrounded and protected the entire Jewish encampment (as per R' Eliezer) or actual Sukkah-huts that individual families lived in (as per R' Akiva).

One should keep these "reasons" in mind when fulfilling the Mitzvah of Sukka.

One should treat the Sukka with respect and not bring in items one wouldn't tolerate at a Shabbat table.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 135:1, 2

- Danny
Wednesday, 12 Tishrei 5770

Join my Mitzva-a-Day group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=140905878541

Halocho #421 - How to make a Kosher Sukka

The days between Yom Kippour and Sukkoth are joyous days, since Shlomo Hamelech (King Solomon) inaugurated the first Bet Hamikdash (Holy Temple) during this period.

One does not fast even for a Yahrzeit, nor does one say Tachanun on these days.

A Sukkah needs at least 3 walls that do not move in the wind.

The roof of the Sukkah is made of branches or bamboo that have not been used for any other purpose.

The covering must be thick enough to ensure that even on the last day of Sukkoth at midday there is more shade than sunshine.

The covering must not be so thick that rain cannot get through.

In rainy climates, one should make a Sukkah that can be covered, so that it can be used once it stops raining.

One must be careful to open the roof before using the Sukkah. On the fist night of Sukkoth the roof should be opened from candle-lighting until nightfall, if possible.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 133:30, 31, 134:1

- Danny Tuesday, 11 Tishrei 5770

Halocho #420 - It's a Mitzvah to eat! Why?

Today - Sunday - is Erev Yom Kippour. It's a Mitzvah to eat more than usual on on the day before Yom Kippour in order to have an easy fast the next day. Those people who find it easier to fast if they don't eat too much beforehand, do not need to eat more than usual. On Erev Yom Kippour one does not say Mizmor Lesoda in Shacharit. The reason being that Mizmor Lesoda parallels the Korban Toda (thanksgiving sacrifice) which was eaten for 2 consecutive days. Since a sacrifice brought on Erev Yom Kippour couldn't be eaten for 2 consecutive days, therefore one couldn't bring a Korban Toda on Erev Yom Kippour. On Erev Yom Kippour one also omits Tachanun, Lamenatze'ach and Avinu Malkeinu. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 131:2,3 Wishing everybody an easy and meaningful fast, - Danny Sunday, Erev Yom Kippour 5770

Please daven for Simcha bat Shamsi who had heart surgery

Halocho #419 - When is Kiddush Levana recited this month?

Kiddush Levana (the monthly blessing on the waxing moon) should be said when one is happy, and the 10 days of repentance are solemn days of introspection.

Some people delay saying Kiddush Levana until Motzai Yom Kippour.

On Motzai Yom Kippour Kiddush Levana can be said while still fasting since one is happy with the knowledge the Hashem has forgiven ones sins. This is unlike Motzai 9 B'Av when one has to first eat and put on shoes so as to end the mourning, before saying Kiddush Levana.

Others prefer to say Kiddush Levana before Yom Kippour, since every Mitzvah counts towards tipping the scales in our favor to be granted a good year.

Similarly, some people buy their 4 Minim (Lulav, etc) before Yom Kippour.

This week's Shabbat is known as "Shabbat Shuva" in honor of its Haftara which starts with the words "Shuva Yisrael"; Repent O Israel!

The Minhag is for the Rabbi or some other dignitary to be given the Haftara of Shuva.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 130:5, 6

Shabbat Shalom and G'mar Chatima Tova

- Danny Thursday, 6 Tishrei 5770

Please daven for Shifra Bracha bas Mindel Fraid

Halocho #418 - The Yom Kippour Mitzva

Any work that may not be done on Shabbat may not be done on Yom Kippour. In addition 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. 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. See Halocho #133 for details. (http://halocho.blogspot.com/2008/07/halocho-133-sneakers-on-9-bav.html) - On Yom Kippour one may not have marital relations. All the above are forbidden from candle-lighting on Erev Yom Kippour until after Havdala some 25 hours later. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 133:1 Gmar Vechatima Tova - Danny Wednesday, 5 Tishrei 5770

Halocho #417 - First pay then Apologize

Yom Kippour does not atone for misdeeds done against ones fellow-Jew unless one first asks them for forgiveness. One should be careful to repay all overdue loans before Yom Kippour; 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 Tuesday, 4 Tishrei 5770

Halocho #416 - Today (Monday) is a fast day; Zom Gedalya

On the 3rd of Tishrei Gedalya ben Achikam was killed. After the destruction of the first Bet Hamikdash, Nebuchadnezzar appointed him Governor over the remnants of the Jews in Land of Israel . Once Gedalya was killed then they too were exiled or murdered and the land became desolate. (Some say that Gedalya ben Achikam was killed on Rosh Hashanah and the fast was deferred till after Yom Tov.) This tragic event is the reason that today is a fast day. The fast begins Monday at dawn and ends at nightfall (a few minutes before the time for Motzai Shabbat). Pregnant and nursing mothers are exempt from fasting. Anybody who isn't healthy shouldn't fast. When in doubt, consult your LOR (Local Orthodox Rabbi). Children are not allowed to fast. Those who are not fasting should limit their food intake to the bare minimum; only bread and water if possible. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 121:2, 9 Have a meaningful fast, - Danny Monday, 3 Tishrei 5770

Halocho #415 - Warning! The King is arriving!

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 Kippour 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 HaMelech Hakadosh. 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 HaMelech HaMishpat. If you forget or are not sure what you said then you continue. No correction is needed. 3. Friday night during the "Magen Avot" we replace "HakEl HaKodesh" with HaMelech Hakadosh. 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 "Baruch Ata" you should make amends. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 129:3, 4 5 Ktiva Vechatima Tova; wishing you a sweet and healthy year - Danny Thursday, 28 Elul 5769

Halocho #414 - The symbolic Rosh Hashanah menu

At the Rosh Hashanah evening meal it's customary to eat foods that symbolize a Good New Year. The bread from Motzi is dipped in honey and after eating it the Yehi Ratzon is said praying for a sweet new year.

יהי רצון שתחדש עלינו שנה טובה ומתוקה

Then one dips an apple in honey, says the Bracha on the apple ("Borei Pri HaEtz") and eats some. One then says the Yehi Ratzon again. There are various other foods that are eaten with their appropriate Yehi Ratzon; one may even add new ones. One tries to have only sweet items on the menu; no food cooked in vinegar, for example.The custom is to not eat nuts. One should remember to learn some Torah at the Yom Tov meals; some learn a chapter of Mishna-Rosh-Hashanah, which has 4 chapters; one for each meal. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 129:9 Ktiva Vechatima Tova; wishing you a sweet new year. - Danny Wednesday, 27 Elul 5769

Please daven for Dana bat Shulamit who is undergoing radiation therapy