Dose of Halacha

Question: We have the minhag not to eat matza between Purim and Pesach. Can we use a matza for lechem mishne if our minhag is not to eat it? Answer: Rambam (Chametz Umatza 6:12) writes that one must not eat matza on erev Pesach. Later poskim, including the Mishna Berura (471:12) note that some have the minhag not to eat matza from Rosh Chodesh Nissan. R’ Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe OC 1:155) notes that some abstain from eating matza for 30 days before Pesach as according to one view in the Gemara (Pesachim 6a) this is when our Pesach preparations begin. R’ Eliezer Waldenberg (Tzitz Eliezer 11:23) quotes the Pri Megadim (Mishbetzos Zahav 274:2) who writes that one who is particular not to eat pas akum , bread baked by a non-Jewish baker, can still use such bread for lechem mishne. So too, one may use matza for one’s lechem mishne even on erev Pesach. Additionally, even if one cannot eat the second bread, it still serves to remind us of the double portion of mann. R’ Be...

Question: I am unable to go to shul to hear parshas zachor . What should I do? Answer: The Rosh (Berachos 7:20) writes that reading parshas zachor is a mitzva deoraisa that should be performed with a minyan (See Tosafos Berachos 13a) . The Terumas Hadeshen (108) paskens like this, writing that it is more important, therefore, to listen to parshas zachor being read with a minyan than to listen to the megilla with a minyan . The Pri Chadash (OC 146:2) questions why the Rosh maintains the need for a minyan (See Shaar Hatziyun 685:5). The Keren Ora (Berachos 3a) suggests that the mitzva to vanquish Amalek is a communal one and this is why we read parshas zachor as a community. The Shulchan Aruch (OC 685:7) writes that one who lives in a village with no shul should endeavour to go to a place with a minyan for this Shabbos (See Shulchan Aruch OC 146:2). The Rema adds that one who is unable to attend should still read it with its correct tune. The Kaf Hachaim (OC 685:35) expl...

Question: I am staying overnight in hospital following a minor procedure and will be unable to attend shul . Is there any preference for davening at the same time as the minyan ? Answer: The Shulchan Aruch (OC 90:9) states that one who cannot daven with a minyan in shul should daven at the same time as the tzibbur . The Pri Megadim (Eshel Avraham 90:17) clarifies that this applies specifically to the amida rather than the rest of davening . The Mishna Berura (90:30) further explains that it must be the same amida , meaning that if the tzibbur is davening mussaf , there is no special advantage to davening shacharis at that time. The Kaf Hachaim (OC 90:64) explains that when the community davens together, it creates an eis ratzon , an auspicious time when tefillos ascend together. Even when someone is physically unable to join the minyan , aligning their tefilla with the tzibbur ensures that their tefillos are included in this special moment. R’ Shlomo Zalman Auerbach...