Writing B”H on Letters

Questions: One of our teachers encourages us to write ב"ה at the top of our work, while another has advised against it. Which approach is correct?

Answer: The Gemara (Rosh Hashana 18b) relates that the Yevanim decreed that the Jewish people must not mention Hashem’s Name. In response, the Chashmonaim instituted that every letter should include Hashem’s Name. However, Chazal later annulled this practice, fearing that such letters might ultimately be discarded. As a result, the Rema (YD 276:13) rules that one must take care not to write sheimos in letters.

R’ Ovadia Yosef (Yechave Daas 3:78) quotes the Chida, who permits writing abbreviations even if they allude to Hashem’s Name. Although the Rogatchover Gaon (Tzafnas Paneach 196) disagrees, R’ Ovadia maintains that writing ב"ה at the top of letters is a longstanding minhag and is permissible.

R’ Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe YD 2:138) writes that while he is not overly concerned about the destruction of such letters, it may not be appropriate to write ב"ה on secular correspondence. R’ Moshe Sternbuch (Teshuvos Vehanhagos 1:640) adds that the Vilna Gaon did not include it in his letters either. Nevertheless, both suggest that those who wish to begin with a religious expression may instead write בס"ד, which stands for bisyata dishmaya, “with help from Heaven” (see Aruch Hashulchan YD 276:28).

In conclusion, there are differing customs regarding writing ב"ה at the top of a page. Many Chassidim are particular to do so, others prefer to write בס"ד instead, while some avoid writing anything at all.

Removing Tefillin on Rosh Chodesh

Question: I do not usually have enough time to remove and wrap my tefillin after kaddish and before mussaf on Rosh Chodesh. Should I take them off earlier or wrap them during chazaras hashatz?

Answer: The Shulchan Aruch (OC 25:13; 423:4) writes that one should remove one’s tefillin before reciting mussaf on Rosh Chodesh. The Levush (OC 423:4) and Mishna Berura (423:10) explain that when mentioning the korbanos during mussaf, it is akin to Yom Tov when we do not wear tefillin (see Shulchan Aruch Harav OC 25:41).

R' Moshe Sternbuch (Teshuvos Vehanhagos 1:45) stresses that it is a bizayon (disgrace) to remove one’s tefillin and leave them on the table while davening mussaf. He quotes the Shulchan Aruch Harav and Elya Rabba who write that one should remove one’s tefillin before kaddish.

Nonetheless, the Magen Avraham (25:30; 423:6), Pri Megadim (Eshel Avraham 423:6) and Mishna Berura (25:59) write that our practice is to wait until after kaddish (see Kaf Hachaim OC 25:94).

The Ben Ish Chai (Chayei Sarah 1:19) and Kaf Hachaim (OC 28:7) stress the importance of wrapping one’s tefillin and putting them away as soon as one takes them off. When one does not have time, such as on Rosh Chodesh, one should ensure that they are laid out straight and wrap them after mussaf. R' Ephraim Greenblatt (Rivevos Ephraim 1:281:5) quotes R’ Baruch Halevi Epstein (Baruch Sheamar Tefilla p330) who writes that one must cover one’s tefillin while davening mussaf, comparing it to covering the challa whilst reciting kiddush on Shabbos.

The Pri Megadim (Mishbetzos Zahav 34:2) criticizes those who remove their Rashi tefillin during chazaras hashatz, writing that one must concentrate on the tefilla.

In conclusion, one should remove one’s tefillin after kaddish. If one does not have enough time to wrap them, one should place them in their boxes and cover them with one’s tallis bag until after mussaf when one can wrap them properly. Only if one does not have time to wrap them then, should they remove them before kaddish rather than during chazaras hashatz.