Dose of Halacha

Question: I just bought a new car. Should I say shehecheyanu? Does it matter that it is second hand? Answer:  The Mishna (Berachos 9:2) teaches that one recites a beracha upon hearing good news, building a new house or buying new items. According to the Gemara (Berachos 59b) one recites hatov vehametiv when others benefit from the good news or new items; otherwise, one says shehecheyanu (See Shulchan Aruch OC 222:1; 223:3, 5). The Shulchan Aruch (OC 223:6) and Mishna Berura (223:13) explain that this only applies to items that are important and one is particularly happy about acquiring. The Shulchan Aruch (OC 223:3) writes that this applies equally to used items. The Magen Avraham (223:5) notes that many people are not particular about this practice and the Shulchan Aruch Harav (Birchos Hanehenin 12:5) and Kaf Hachaim (OC 223:20) write that one only needs to recite shehecheyanu when buying new clothes. Nonetheless, R’ Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe OC 3:80) writes that one shoul...

Question: On previous flights, I’ve been invited to join a minyan on the plane, though I’ve always felt uncomfortable doing so. I’m about to fly again. What should I do if I’m asked to join a minyan ? Answer: The Shulchan Aruch (OC 95:1) instructs that when reciting the amida , one should stand with their feet together. However, for those praying while riding a donkey, in a carriage, or on a boat, the Shulchan Aruch (OC 94:4) allows davening while seated unless standing is easily feasible. The Mishna Berura (94:13) explains that sitting in such situations may help with concentration. R’ Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe OC 4:20) writes that it is permissible to sit for the amida on a plane, especially if it will help maintain focus and reduce distractions. Similarly, R’ Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Halichos Shlomo, Tefilla 8:4) recommends avoiding a minyan during a flight which would disturb other passengers. Instead, he suggests davening the amida while seated. The Aruch Hashulchan (OC...

Question: As one isn’t supposed to recite prayers requesting things on Shabbos, should Shuls be reciting the tefilla for the tzahal (IDF)? Answer: Rambam (Shabbos 30:12) writes that one mustn’t make personal requests on Shabbos. Thus, the Mishna Berura (584:1) writes that we don’t say avinu m alkeinu when Yom Kippur falls on Shabbos (except for during neila ). The Shulchan Aruch (OC 288:9) writes that one may pray in emergency situations such as for a choleh (one who’s sick) in critical danger. The Magen Avraham (OC 288:14) questions the common practice of the gabbai reciting a mi sheberach for cholim who aren’t critically ill. It has, however, become accepted practice to do so, though one should add the words Shabbos he melizok.. The Machtzis Hashekel explains that these words serve to remind us not to be too upset and reassure the choleh that Shabbos itself can aid their recovery. Nonetheless, the Aruch Hashulchan (OC 287:2) writes that if he had the power he’d abolish...

Question: What should I use for havdala during the nine days? Answer: While one may not drink wine during the nine days unless it is within a seudas mitzva , the Shulchan Aruch (OC 551:10) writes that one may drink wine for havdala as it is no different from a seudas mitzva (Mishna Berura 551:67). Thus, common Sephardic practise is to drink the wine (Kaf Hachaim OC 551:152). The Rema disagrees, saying that we should give it to a child when possible. The Mishna Berura (551:70) explains that this child should have reached the age of chinuch though not be old enough to understand what we’re mourning about (6-9 years old). The Aruch Hashulchan (OC 551:26) writes that one should rather use beer. It is debatable, however, whether beer is still considered to be chamar medinah nowadays. T he Mishna Berura (272:24) writes that this only applies where beer is commonly drunk; R’ Moshe Sternbuch ( Teshuvos Vehanhagos 4:77) writes that coffee and tea are more suitable. R’ Yehoshua Neuw...