Sunday, 31 December 2017
Light Sensors on Shabbos
Monday, 25 December 2017
Fridge Light on Shabbos
Sunday, 17 December 2017
Waiting for Spouse to Light Menora
Sunday, 10 December 2017
Newspapers on Shabbos
Sunday, 3 December 2017
Removing Pills from Packaging on Shabbos
Sunday, 26 November 2017
Next Day Delivery on Shabbos
Sunday, 12 November 2017
Beracha on Tasting Food
Question: I frequently taste food while cooking. Should I recite a beracha?
Answer: Rambam (Berachos 1:2) states that one is not required
to recite a beracha
before tasting food. However, Rabbeinu
Chananel (quoted by Tosefos, Berachos 14a) holds that one must recite a beracha,
unless they spit the food out (see Tur OC 210:2).
The Shulchan Aruch (OC 210:2) rules that if one tastes less than
a revi’is of food and spits it out, they do not need to say a beracha.
There is, however, a difference of opinion as to whether a beracha
should be recited if the food is swallowed. The Mishna Berura (210:19) explains
that the Shulchan Aruch follows the opinion of Rambam, meaning that one would
not recite a beracha regardless of whether the food is swallowed. The
Rema adds that safek berachos lekula, in cases of doubt as to whether a beracha
is necessary, the lenient approach is followed, as most berachos are derabanan.
However, the Mishna Berura
(ibid., Shaar Hatziyun 210:30) notes that the Magen
Avraham disagrees with both the Shulchan
Aruch and the Rema, stating that a beracha should be recited if the food is
swallowed. He suggests that one should avoid doubt by intending to eat and
derive benefit from the food, thus making the beracha necessary. On the
other hand, the Mishna Berura (210:13)
acknowledges that if the food is tasted solely to check if it requires further
seasoning, or to determine its taste once fully cooked, no beracha is
required.
The Kaf Hachaim (OC 210:29)
disapproves of spitting out food. He writes that a beracha should only
be recited when tasting fully cooked food, in which case a proper bite should
be taken. However, a beracha should not be recited if the food is still
cooking.
In conclusion, it is preferable to avoid this issue by reciting a beracha on other food first. Otherwise, if one intends to enjoy tasting the food, they should take a proper bite and recite the beracha. If tasting merely to check the food’s readiness, then no beracha is necessary.
Sunday, 5 November 2017
Beracha on Smelling Coffee
Sunday, 29 October 2017
Making up for Missed Davening
Question: I was travelling and, due to losing a few hours, was unable to daven shacharis on time. What should I do now?
Answer: The Shulchan
Aruch (OC 89:1) states that one should
daven shacharis within four hours of alos hashachar (dawn).
However, the Rema adds that if necessary, one may daven shacharis up until chatzos
(midday).
The
Gemara (Berachos 26a) teaches that if someone
inadvertently misses shacharis, mincha
or maariv they can compensate by
reciting a tefilla tashlumin,
an additional amida in the next tefilla. The Shulchan Aruch (OC 108:1) rules that the regular amida must always be said first,
followed by the tashlumin (see
Aruch Hashulchan OC 108:9). The Shulchan Aruch (OC 108:7) and
Mishna Berura (108:1; 22) clarify that one who deliberately misses a tefilla
forfeits the opportunity for tashlumin.
As
this tashlumin should follow
immediately after the regular amida, the Mishna
Berura (108:11) advises against any
interruptions, even for Torah study. One doing tashlumin for shacharis
should listen to chazaras hashatz and recite both tachanun
and ashrei first (see Rivevos Ephraim 1:170; 3:142; 8:37).
R’ Avraham
Yeshaya Pfoifer (Ishei Yisrael 30:n5) writes that since both amidos
should be identical, a person who davens nusach ashkenaz and
missed shacharis should recite shalom rav instead of sim
shalom, even for the tashlumin.
Although it is
not customary to wear tefillin during mincha, R’ Avraham Yeshaya
Pfoifer (Ishei Yisrael 19:n46) advises that someone who has not yet donned tefillin
that day should do so then. R’ Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe OC 4:34) permits
wearing tefillin in shul during mincha even if others do
not, as this does not constitute lo sisgodedu (creating divisions
through differing practices).
In conclusion, if one missed shacharis,
they should daven mincha as usual and then recite the amida
again as a tashlumin. If in shul, they should first listen to the
chazaras hashatz and recite both tachanun (when relevant) and ashrei
before proceeding with the tashlumin.
Sunday, 22 October 2017
Using Non-Toveled Plates
Sunday, 15 October 2017
Looking at the Kohanim During Duchening
Question: I see some men cover themselves with
a tallis during duchaning, while others turn around so as not
face the kohanim. What are we supposed to do?
Answer: The Gemara (Sotah 38a) stipulates
that the kohanim must face the community while duchaning.
Consequently, the Shulchan Aruch (OC 128:23) advises that everyone
should face the kohanim without staring and focus on the beracha.
R’ Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe OC 5:20:23) notes that one can adjust
their position during the amida to face the kohanim.
The Gemara (Chagiga 16a) forbids looking at the kohanim
in the Beis Hamikdash as the shechina rested upon their hands
while pronouncing the shem hameforash, which could cause a person's eyes
to grow dim. However, the Magen Avraham (128:35) and Mishna Berura
(128:89) note this reason no longer applies. Instead, Rambam (Tefilla Ubirchas
Kohanim 14:7) and Tosafos (Chagiga 16a) explain that watching the kohanim
can be distracting. Accordingly, the Magen Avraham and Mishna Berura
suggest that one may briefly glance at the kohanim nowadays.
Nonetheless, the minhag is to avoid looking as a zecher of the duchaning
in the Beis Hamikdash.
The Rema (OC 128:23) records the minhag of kohanim
covering their hands with their tallis to prevent people from
looking at them. The Aruch Hashulchan (OC 128:36) recommends this
practice as ideal, while the Mishna Berura (128:92) notes that in some
places the minhag was for the tzibbur to cover their faces
instead.
R’ Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe OC 5:24:4) points out
that nowadays, with the universal minhag being for the kohen to
cover his hands with his tallis, there is no concern about seeing them.
One not wearing a tallis should follow along in their siddur or
look downwards to avoid distraction (see Mishna Berura 128:115).
In conclusion, there is a minhag not to look at the kohanim's
hands during duchaning, though there is no issue if one inadvertently
sees them. While those who wear a tallis typically cover themselves with
it, there is no need for others to cover their eyes, especially as the kohanim
cover their hands nowadays. To avoid distraction, it is advisable to follow
along in one’s siddur or look downwards, but not to turn away from the kohanim.
Sunday, 8 October 2017
Tying down Sechach
Sunday, 1 October 2017
Wearing a Kittel on Yom Kippur
Sunday, 24 September 2017
Shehecheyanu and Yom Tov Candles
Sunday, 17 September 2017
Checking Mezuzos and Tefillin in Elul
Question: I got a leaflet through my door advertising tefillin and mezuza checks, saying that one must check them during Elul. Do I need to check them every year?
Answer: Rambam (Tefillin, Mezuza and Sefer
Torah 2:11) writes that providing one’s tefillin come from a reputable sofer
one can safely assume that they are kosher and they do not need to be
checked even many years later. Similarly, the Tur (OC 39) and the Shulchan
Aruch (OC 39:10) write that a good pair of tefillin does not need
checking providing that they are worn regularly. Otherwise, they should be
checked twice in seven years as we are concerned that they may have gotten
mouldy (Magen Avraham OC 39:15; Aruch Hashulchan OC 39:6).
The Magen Avraham (39:14) and Mishna Berura (39:26) write
that as sweat can permeate the tefillin and ruin them, they should be
checked periodically. Similarly, the Aruch Hashulchan (ibid.) writes that they
should be checked regularly as the ink in his day would crack easily (See
Chayei Adam 14:20; Mor Uketzia 39).
However, R’ Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Halichos Shlomo, Tefilla 4:36; n52) writes that as tefillin
nowadays are generally manufactured from thicker hides and better quality ink
and parchment, one should not have them checked unless one has a specific
reason to.
The Gemara (Yoma 11a) writes that while public mezuzos
only need to be checked once every fifty years, mezuzos on private
dwellings should be checked twice every seven years. Rashi explains that we
need to check to ensure that the mezuzos haven’t been spoiled or stolen.
Thus, Rambam (Tefillin, Mezuza and Sefer Torah 5:9) and Shulchan Aruch
(YD 291:1) write that mezuzos should be checked twice every seven years.
The Mateh Ephraim (581:10) and Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (128:3) write that
it is commendable to check one’s tefillin and mezuzos every year
during Elul. R’ Ovadia Yosef (Yechave Daas 1:49) adds that this is particularly
important as there are many inept sofrim who make mistakes. The Aruch
Hashulchan (YD 291:1) writes that this specifically applies when the mezuza
is prone to dampness.
Nonetheless, R’ Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Halichos Shlomo,
ibid.) writes that mezuzos wrapped in proper cases would not need
checking this often.
In conclusion, it is most important that one buys good quality tefillin and mezuzos from reputable sofrim which do not require frequent checking. Good tefillin that are worn regularly do not need to be opened and checked unless one suspects that there may be an issue. Mezuzos on internal doors should not need regular checking if they are in good cases and are untouched, though it is advisable to check those on external doors that are exposed to the wind and rain every Elul.
Sunday, 10 September 2017
Beracha on Cholent
Sunday, 3 September 2017
Repeat Kiddush at Home
Sunday, 27 August 2017
Shofar in Elul
Answer: The Tur (OC 581) provides two reasons for the minhag of
blowing the shofar throughout the month of Elul. According to Pirkei
Derebbi Eliezer (46), the shofar was sounded in the camp when Moshe
ascended Har Sinai on Rosh Chodesh Elul to receive the second set of luchos.
Chazal instituted the blowing of the shofar on Rosh Chodesh to
commemorate this event. The Tur adds that the practice continues throughout
Elul to inspire us toward teshuva
(see Rambam, Teshuva 3:4) and to confuse the Satan.
R’ Ephraim Greenblatt (Rivevos Ephraim 1:394; 8:523:4) cites
R’ Avraham Yitzchak Kook (Mitzvas Ra’ayah 581:1) who offers an additional
reason. Just as we are required to begin studying the halachos of Yom
Tov thirty days in advance (Pesachim 6a), we similarly begin practicing shofar
blowing thirty days before Rosh Hashanah.
Given these reasons, R’ Greenblatt discusses whether an
individual davening alone should make an effort to hear the shofar.
He concludes that it is not necessary.
R’ Eliezer Waldenberg (Tzitz Eliezer 12:48) likewise notes
that the pesukim referring to the shofar being blown, describe it
being blown in the ‘camp’ and in the ‘city.’ Therefore, an individual davening
alone does not need to blow the shofar.
In conclusion, there is no requirement to blow the shofar
during Elul when not in the presence of a minyan.
Wednesday, 23 August 2017
Silver Atara
Monday, 21 August 2017
Photographing a Sunset
Sunday, 6 August 2017
Waiting after Tasting
Sunday, 30 July 2017
Shabbos Clothes on Shabbos Chazon
Sunday, 23 July 2017
Load Dishwasher on Shabbos
Sunday, 16 July 2017
Money in Coat Pocket
Sunday, 9 July 2017
Broken Glasses on Shabbos
Sunday, 2 July 2017
Flowers on Shabbos
Sunday, 25 June 2017
Playing Football on Shabbos
Sunday, 18 June 2017
Brushing Carpet on Shabbos
Sunday, 11 June 2017
Shabbos Picnic
Friday, 2 June 2017
Putting out Bins on Yom Tov
Monday, 29 May 2017
Daven in English
Answer: The Mishna (Sotah 32a) teaches that
one may recite the shema and the amida in any
language. Thus, Rambam (Kerias Shema 2:10) and the Shulchan Aruch
(OC 62:2) write that one can recite the shema in
any language providing they pronounce the words clearly. The Shulchan Aruch (OC
101:4) writes that one may daven the amida in any language though
brings different opinions as to whether this applies equally to public and
private prayers.
Tosafos (Sotah 32a) writes that one who does not understand
what they are saying when they are reciting the shema or davening
has not fulfilled their obligation. They should rather recite it in a different
language that they do understand. The Magen Avraham (62:1; 101:5) paskens
like Tosafos (see Pri Megadim, Eshel Avraham 62:1).
Nonetheless, the Mishna Berura (101:13) quotes the Chasam
Sofer (OC 84; 86) who demonstrates that one may only daven in a foreign
language as a temporary measure. Elsewhere (62:3) he explains that as there are
certain words that cannot properly be translated, such as veshinantam and
totafos in the shema, one should stick to lashon hakodesh
as much as possible (see Biur Halacha 62:2; 101:4). The Aruch Hashulchan (OC
62:4; 101:9; 185:3) adds that even the names of Hashem cannot properly be
translated, and one must not therefore, daven in a foreign language.
Nonetheless, R’ Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe OC 4:70:4) writes that
while one is learning Hebrew, one may daven in English, though they must
ensure to only use a good translation (see Rivevos Ephraim 3:92; 4:44:34).
In conclusion, it is certainly preferable to daven
in the original lashon hakodesh even if one does not understand the
words. Ideally, one should use a siddur with translation so that they
can understand what they are saying. Only if one cannot read Hebrew, should
they recite the tefillos in English.
Saturday, 20 May 2017
Time to Count the Omer on Friday
Question: I forgot to count the omer on Thursday night, and only remembered after davening kabbalas Shabbos. As this was before shekia, can I still continue counting with a beracha, or was it too late?
Answer: Tosafos (Menachos 66a) discusses
a machlokes regarding whether one may count the omer during the
day or if it must specifically be done at night. Accordingly, the Shulchan
Aruch (OC 489:7) stipulates that if one misses counting at night, they
should count during the next day without reciting a beracha. They may
then resume counting with a beracha on subsequent nights (see Mishna
Berura 489:34; Shaar Hatzion 489:45).
The Taz (OC 600:2) discusses a case where a community
had not fulfilled the mitzva of hearing the shofar on the second
day of Rosh Hashana, which fell on a Friday. They began davening kabbalas
Shabbos early, and then someone brought them a shofar. The Taz rules
that despite having already been mekabel Shabbos, they could still blow
the shofar (see Taz OC 668:1).
R’ Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe OC 4:99:3) explains
that this case illustrates that even though one has brought Shabbos in early by
reciting kabbalas Shabbos, it remains the same day (Friday) regarding
other halachic aspects. Therefore, in a similar scenario, one can still
count the omer until shekia, and continue doing so later with a beracha.
R’ Ovadia Yosef (Yabia Omer OC 4:43:8) cites multiple sources concurring
that in such a case, one should count the omer for that day.
In conclusion, someone who was mekabel Shabbos early
can still count the previous night’s omer before shekia. They
should do so without a beracha but may continue counting on subsequent
nights with a beracha.
Sunday, 14 May 2017
Counting Omer Early
Sunday, 7 May 2017
Music at Seudas Mitzva during Omer
Sunday, 30 April 2017
Travelling Children
Sunday, 23 April 2017
Eating Before Counting the Omer
Question: I read that one must not eat before
counting the omer. Does it make a difference whether I daven maariv early
or late?
Answer: The Rema (OC 489:4) states that
once it is time to count the omer one must refrain from eating until
they have counted. There is a machlokes as to when exactly this
restriction begins. The Shulchan Aruch Harav (OC 489:17) writes that one
must not eat from a half-hour before shekia, while the Mishna Berura
(489:23) allows eating until a half-hour before nacht (see Shaar
Hatzion 489:29).
Similarly, the Shulchan Aruch (OC 235:2) advises that
one should not start eating half an hour before the time to daven maariv,
as they may become preoccupied and forget to recite the shema.
However, the Aruch Hashulchan (OC 232:16) notes that
someone who regularly davens maariv in shul is permitted to eat
beforehand because they are unlikely to forget to recite the shema.
Likewise, the Mishna Berura (235:18) states that one who wants to eat
may do so if they ask someone else to remind them. R’ Avraham Yeshaya Pfoifer
(Ishei Yisrael 27:19) suggests that setting an alarm serves the same
purpose.
R’ Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe OC 4:99) and R’ Binyamin
Zilber (Az Nidberu 6:52) write that there is no need to be stricter
about counting the omer than about eating before davening maariv.
Therefore, someone who regularly davens maariv after nacht may
eat supper beforehand without worrying about forgetting to recite shema.
Similarly, since it is customary to count the omer after maariv,
one may eat before davening and counting (see Rivevos Ephraim 2:129:28).
In conclusion, one who regularly davens maariv after nacht
can eat beforehand. Those who either daven earlier or are davening
later than usual should set an alarm as a reminder or take a similar
precaution before sitting down to eat.