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...

Question: Is it okay to plan a siyum for during the nine days so that I can eat meat together with my family and friends? Answer: The Shulchan Aruch (OC 551:9) writes that one must not eat meat or drink wine during the nine days . The Rema (OC 551:10) adds that if one has a seudas mitzva during this time then one may partake of wine and meat as such celebrations are incomplete without them. This includes Shabbos meals, a bris seuda , a pidyon haben , or a siyum. The Elya Rabba (551:26) and Mishna Berura (551:73) add that one must not change one’s pace of learning to ensure that they finish their learning during the nine days so as to make a siyum then. Additionally, one should only make a siyum then if they would have done so during a regular week, and only invite people who they would have otherwise invited. Likewise, the Aruch Hashulchan (OC 551:28) strongly disapproved of postponing one’s siyum to coincide with the nine days in order to eat meat, though writes that ...

Question: I see that many people are particular to write ‘G-d’. Is there anything wrong with writing ‘God’ out fully? Answer:  There is no issue in writing or printing Hashem’s name properly, providing one knows that it won’t be destroyed. Rambam (Yesodei Hatorah 6:1) writes that there are 7 sheimos (names of Hashem) that mustn’t be erased. There is no issur in erasing a kinui (moniker) such as chanun or rachum, etc. R’ Akiva Eiger (YD 276:9 quoting the Tashbetz) writes that as translations of sheimos have the status of kinuim , there is no issur in erasing them either. The Shach (YD 179:11) writes that Hashem’s name in a foreign language is not considered sheimos and thus may be erased. Likewise, the Mishna Berura (85:10) writes that the issur only applies to erasing sheimos in Hebrew (See Minchas Chinuch 437:5). Nonetheless, the Aruch Hashulchan (CM 27:3) urges people to be extra particular when writing letters with sheimos even in a foreign language. Thus, w...

Question:  We recently got a pet rabbit. Are we allowed to play with her on Shabbos? Answer: The Shulchan Aruch (OC 308:39) writes that animals and birds are muktza and so must not be moved on Shabbos (See Shabbos 128b) . Tosafos (Shabbos 45b) and the Mordechai (Shabbos 316) write that there is a view that as children can play with pets, they serve a practical use. Nonetheless, they write that animals are muktze , comparing them to figs and grapes which are in the process of drying. Likewise, the Maggid Mishna (Shabbos 25:25) explains that animals are considered to have no practical use on Shabbos (See Mishna Berura 308:146). The Shulchan Aruch Harav (OC 308:78) adds that this prohibition applies even to giving a pet bird to quieten a crying child (See Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchasa 27:n101). R’ Ovadia Yosef ( Yabia Omer OC 5:26 ) quotes other poskim who don’t consider animals to be muktze but writes that we follow the great rishonim such as the Rosh who disagrees. The Mis...