Hello,
Two more rules which are unique to this year's calendar, in which Tishah b'Av is Saturday night and Sunday:
One may not eat or drink, even after the fast is over, until after reciting Havdalah. One uses wine or grape juice for Havdalah.
Havdalah does not involve the introductory “Hineih” paragraph, or the spices or flame. One begins with the blessing over wine/grape juice, and continues with the normal berachah of
“HaMavdil.”
Have a good day,
Mordechai
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
When Erev Tisha b'Av is Shabbat, Part II
Hello,
We continue our look at the laws which are different fro the norm for a year when Tishah b'Av is Sunday:
Remove leather shoes, and stop sitting on chairs, after Shabbat.
At 8:52 PM everyone should say the phrase "Baruch HaMavdil Bein Kodesh L’chol / Blessed is the One who distinguishes between the sacred and the mundane." We then remove our shoes and change into weekday clothes, before Maariv.
One who will have to eat during the fast (other than drinking water) should recite Havdalah before breaking the fast, without the use of spices. One should use grape juice or beer for that Havdalah, and drink only two to three ounces. See Rabbi Torczyner for other beverage options.
Although we do not recite Havdalah (other than in the case above), we do recite the blessing over the Havdalah candle before reading Eichah.
We do not wash the Shabbat dishes by hand on Tishah b’Av. One who will need those dishes Sunday night may wash them after 1:07 PM on Tishah b’Av.
For a more complete list of rules, see
http://www.aish.com/tishaBavOverview/tishaBavOverviewDefault/
When_Tisha_BAv_falls_on_Shabbat_or_Sunday.asp
Have a good day,
Mordechai
We continue our look at the laws which are different fro the norm for a year when Tishah b'Av is Sunday:
Remove leather shoes, and stop sitting on chairs, after Shabbat.
At 8:52 PM everyone should say the phrase "Baruch HaMavdil Bein Kodesh L’chol / Blessed is the One who distinguishes between the sacred and the mundane." We then remove our shoes and change into weekday clothes, before Maariv.
One who will have to eat during the fast (other than drinking water) should recite Havdalah before breaking the fast, without the use of spices. One should use grape juice or beer for that Havdalah, and drink only two to three ounces. See Rabbi Torczyner for other beverage options.
Although we do not recite Havdalah (other than in the case above), we do recite the blessing over the Havdalah candle before reading Eichah.
We do not wash the Shabbat dishes by hand on Tishah b’Av. One who will need those dishes Sunday night may wash them after 1:07 PM on Tishah b’Av.
For a more complete list of rules, see
http://www.aish.com/tishaBavOverview/tishaBavOverviewDefault/
When_Tisha_BAv_falls_on_Shabbat_or_Sunday.asp
Have a good day,
Mordechai
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Shabbat Erev Tisha b'Av
Hi,
This year, the day before Tishah b'Av is Shabbat. Here is a quick summary of relevant laws for that Shabbat, as presented in our shul's Hamodia mailing (pg. 7), available on our shul website:
The “Tzidkatcha Tzedek” prayer is not said at Shabbat Minchah.
One may not declare that he is eating in order to build up strength for fasting, even if that is why he eats; using Shabbat as a preparation-day for the week would be disrespectful.
One may eat whatever one chooses, but one may neither eat nor drink after sunset on Shabbat afternoon, even though it is still Shabbat. One also may not wash for pleasure after sunset.
One should not invite infrequent guests over for Seudah Shlishit, and a communal Seudah Shlishit is inappropriate.
One may bentch with a mezuman at all of the Shabbat meals.
One may not go for a leisurely stroll on Shabbat afternoon. One may study Torah on Shabbat afternoon, even if that would give him great enjoyment.
For a more complete list of rules, see
http://www.aish.com/tishaBavOverview/tishaBavOverviewDefault/
When_Tisha_BAv_falls_on_Shabbat_or_Sunday.asp
Have a good day,
Mordechai
This year, the day before Tishah b'Av is Shabbat. Here is a quick summary of relevant laws for that Shabbat, as presented in our shul's Hamodia mailing (pg. 7), available on our shul website:
The “Tzidkatcha Tzedek” prayer is not said at Shabbat Minchah.
One may not declare that he is eating in order to build up strength for fasting, even if that is why he eats; using Shabbat as a preparation-day for the week would be disrespectful.
One may eat whatever one chooses, but one may neither eat nor drink after sunset on Shabbat afternoon, even though it is still Shabbat. One also may not wash for pleasure after sunset.
One should not invite infrequent guests over for Seudah Shlishit, and a communal Seudah Shlishit is inappropriate.
One may bentch with a mezuman at all of the Shabbat meals.
One may not go for a leisurely stroll on Shabbat afternoon. One may study Torah on Shabbat afternoon, even if that would give him great enjoyment.
For a more complete list of rules, see
http://www.aish.com/tishaBavOverview/tishaBavOverviewDefault/
When_Tisha_BAv_falls_on_Shabbat_or_Sunday.asp
Have a good day,
Mordechai
Monday, July 28, 2008
Seudah haMafseket - The pre-fast meal
Hello,
In most years, Tishah b'Av, the Fast of the 9th of Av, is preceded by the "Seudah haMafseket (Meal of Cessation)."
This is not a lavish meal. One should not even have two cooked foods at the meal, as having two cooked foods is the minimum definition of a celebratory meal within Jewish law. One does not even eat fish, much less meat or wine, as this would make him happy.
The general custom is to have bread and eggs, as these are associated with mourning. Some eat lentils, for the same reason.
This year is different, because Tishah b'Av is Motzaei Shabbat (Saturday night) and Sunday; we do not have a Seudah haMafseket this year.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 552)
Have a good day,
Mordechai
In most years, Tishah b'Av, the Fast of the 9th of Av, is preceded by the "Seudah haMafseket (Meal of Cessation)."
This is not a lavish meal. One should not even have two cooked foods at the meal, as having two cooked foods is the minimum definition of a celebratory meal within Jewish law. One does not even eat fish, much less meat or wine, as this would make him happy.
The general custom is to have bread and eggs, as these are associated with mourning. Some eat lentils, for the same reason.
This year is different, because Tishah b'Av is Motzaei Shabbat (Saturday night) and Sunday; we do not have a Seudah haMafseket this year.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 552)
Have a good day,
Mordechai
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Nine Days - Annual re-enactment of sadness
Hello,
With the start of the month of Av, and the Nine Days of mourning preceding Tishah b'Av, we participate in a national re-enactment of the sadness of this time of year during years gone by. Therefore, we decrease our joy and celebrations as the month begins.
We also consider ourselves to be exceptionally vulnerable during this time, and so we postpone activities which could take advantage of our vulnerability. Thus, for example, we avoid litigation during this period of time.
(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 551:1)
Have a good day,
Mordechai
With the start of the month of Av, and the Nine Days of mourning preceding Tishah b'Av, we participate in a national re-enactment of the sadness of this time of year during years gone by. Therefore, we decrease our joy and celebrations as the month begins.
We also consider ourselves to be exceptionally vulnerable during this time, and so we postpone activities which could take advantage of our vulnerability. Thus, for example, we avoid litigation during this period of time.
(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 551:1)
Have a good day,
Mordechai
Saturday, July 26, 2008
The Nine Days - Bathing for pleasure
Hi,
We have been learning about the nine days of mourning, leading up to Tishah b'Av.
We act as mourners and do not bathe for pleasure during this nine day period. One who is dirty or sweaty should wash, and one may bathe for medical reasons or in order to cool off from extreme heat, but one should not swim or take a luxurious bath or shower during this time.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 551:16; Mishneh Berurah 551:88)
Have a good day,
Mordechai
We have been learning about the nine days of mourning, leading up to Tishah b'Av.
We act as mourners and do not bathe for pleasure during this nine day period. One who is dirty or sweaty should wash, and one may bathe for medical reasons or in order to cool off from extreme heat, but one should not swim or take a luxurious bath or shower during this time.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 551:16; Mishneh Berurah 551:88)
Have a good day,
Mordechai
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Nine Days - Havdalah
Hi,
We have been learning about the Nine Days of Mourning for the Beit haMikdash, preceding the Fast of Tishah b'Av.
We have mentioned that we abstain from wine during these Nine Days. This rule does not apply on Shabbat, so Kiddush is not a problem, but what does one do for Havdalah at the close of Shabbat on August 2nd this year?
If one ordinarily uses substitutes for wine (such as beer) during the rest of the year, then there is no problem; just use a substitute for this Havdalah as well.
Those who are careful to use wine for Havdalah year-round may still do so during the Nine Days. The ideal approach would be to give the wine to a minor who is old enough to understand what Havdalah is about, and young enough not to understand the concept of mourning for the Temple. We generally set the age at 8 to 11, but it depends on the child. In the absence of such a child (or the absence of such a child who can safely drink the wine), the person who recites Havdalah also drinks the wine.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 551:10; Mishneh Berurah 551:70)
Have a good day,
Mordechai
We have been learning about the Nine Days of Mourning for the Beit haMikdash, preceding the Fast of Tishah b'Av.
We have mentioned that we abstain from wine during these Nine Days. This rule does not apply on Shabbat, so Kiddush is not a problem, but what does one do for Havdalah at the close of Shabbat on August 2nd this year?
If one ordinarily uses substitutes for wine (such as beer) during the rest of the year, then there is no problem; just use a substitute for this Havdalah as well.
Those who are careful to use wine for Havdalah year-round may still do so during the Nine Days. The ideal approach would be to give the wine to a minor who is old enough to understand what Havdalah is about, and young enough not to understand the concept of mourning for the Temple. We generally set the age at 8 to 11, but it depends on the child. In the absence of such a child (or the absence of such a child who can safely drink the wine), the person who recites Havdalah also drinks the wine.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 551:10; Mishneh Berurah 551:70)
Have a good day,
Mordechai
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
The Nine Days - Laundry, Part II
Hello,
We have been learning the laws of the Nine Days of Mourning for the Beit HaMikdash, which precede the fast day of Tishah b'Av, and we have discussed the issue of laundering clothing during the Nine Days.
One may wash clothes for small children, up until Tishah b'Av.
This assumes two factors:
1. The child is below the age at which children are trainable in issues of mourning for the Temple (this varies by child, but it seems to be anywhere between 5 and 10 years old), and
2. There is some need for these articles of clothing.
One who is washing such clothing should only do small amounts at a time. One should do it in private rather than at a public laundry, lest people see the laundering and not understand that this is a special case.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 551:14; Mishneh Berurah 551:83-84)
Have a good day,
Mordechai
We have been learning the laws of the Nine Days of Mourning for the Beit HaMikdash, which precede the fast day of Tishah b'Av, and we have discussed the issue of laundering clothing during the Nine Days.
One may wash clothes for small children, up until Tishah b'Av.
This assumes two factors:
1. The child is below the age at which children are trainable in issues of mourning for the Temple (this varies by child, but it seems to be anywhere between 5 and 10 years old), and
2. There is some need for these articles of clothing.
One who is washing such clothing should only do small amounts at a time. One should do it in private rather than at a public laundry, lest people see the laundering and not understand that this is a special case.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 551:14; Mishneh Berurah 551:83-84)
Have a good day,
Mordechai
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Nine Days - Laundry
Hello,
We have been learning about the Nine Days of mourning which precede Tisha b'Av.
Traditionally, we don't wear freshly laundered clothing during this period; this is an act of mourning. Even the act of laundering clothing for later use is deemed an act of distraction from mourning.
[This may be understood in terms of the pleasant feeling of new clothing, as well as the fact that a mourner, in his most intense, abject state, has no interest in new things or in the future, and so he does not wear new things or launder clothes.]
Note:
1. This does not apply to Shabbat; on Shabbat we wear fresh clothing.
2. One may wear freshly laundered clothing for several minutes before the Nine Days begin, for enough time that the freshness is gone, and thus render the clothing usable during the Nine Days.
(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 551:3)
Have a good day,
Mordechai
We have been learning about the Nine Days of mourning which precede Tisha b'Av.
Traditionally, we don't wear freshly laundered clothing during this period; this is an act of mourning. Even the act of laundering clothing for later use is deemed an act of distraction from mourning.
[This may be understood in terms of the pleasant feeling of new clothing, as well as the fact that a mourner, in his most intense, abject state, has no interest in new things or in the future, and so he does not wear new things or launder clothes.]
Note:
1. This does not apply to Shabbat; on Shabbat we wear fresh clothing.
2. One may wear freshly laundered clothing for several minutes before the Nine Days begin, for enough time that the freshness is gone, and thus render the clothing usable during the Nine Days.
(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 551:3)
Have a good day,
Mordechai
Monday, July 21, 2008
Wine during the Nine Days, Part II
Hello,
We have been learning about the Nine Day mourning period that precedes the Fast of Tisha b'Av (the Ninth of Av).
We said yesterday that during the Nine Days - aside from Shabbat - we don't eat meat and we don't drink wine, for two reasons: In order to show our sorrow, and in order to refrain from eating the foods which were the primary ingredients in Temple sacrifices.
However, one may cook with wine vinegar, as there is no joy in drinking wine vinegar. Further, one may eat food which was cooked in meat pots, so long as there is no actual meat in it, since the Temple sacrifices used actual meat.
(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 551:9; Mishneh Berurah 551:63)
Have a good day,
Mordechai
We have been learning about the Nine Day mourning period that precedes the Fast of Tisha b'Av (the Ninth of Av).
We said yesterday that during the Nine Days - aside from Shabbat - we don't eat meat and we don't drink wine, for two reasons: In order to show our sorrow, and in order to refrain from eating the foods which were the primary ingredients in Temple sacrifices.
However, one may cook with wine vinegar, as there is no joy in drinking wine vinegar. Further, one may eat food which was cooked in meat pots, so long as there is no actual meat in it, since the Temple sacrifices used actual meat.
(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 551:9; Mishneh Berurah 551:63)
Have a good day,
Mordechai
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Wine during the Nine Days, Part I
Hello,
During the Nine Days of mourning preceding Tisha b'Av (other than Shabbat), we neither eat meat nor drink wine. Two reasons are offered for this practice:
1. Consuming meat and wine is consistent with joy, and may induce joy, and
2. Meat and wine were the staples of the Temple offerings, and during the Nine Days we mourn the loss of the Temple.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 551:9)
Be well,
Mordechai
During the Nine Days of mourning preceding Tisha b'Av (other than Shabbat), we neither eat meat nor drink wine. Two reasons are offered for this practice:
1. Consuming meat and wine is consistent with joy, and may induce joy, and
2. Meat and wine were the staples of the Temple offerings, and during the Nine Days we mourn the loss of the Temple.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 551:9)
Be well,
Mordechai
Saturday, July 19, 2008
The Nine Days
Hello,
We have been learning about the Jewish mourning period for the Temple, a period which begins today and continues through the 9th of Av (Sunday August 10th this year). This period of mourning intensifies during its final nine days, starting with the first day of Av (August 2nd this year) and building up to the 9th of Av.
During the nine days preceding the 9th of Av, we don't plant trees or engage in building projects, if these projects are for enjoyment rather than necessity.
However, one who has hired a non-Jew (paying by the job rather than the hour) before the nine-day period, without giving him a deadline forcing him to work during the nine days specifically, may allow him to continue his work during the nine-day mourning period.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 551:2; Mishneh Berurah 551:12)
Be well,
Mordechai
We have been learning about the Jewish mourning period for the Temple, a period which begins today and continues through the 9th of Av (Sunday August 10th this year). This period of mourning intensifies during its final nine days, starting with the first day of Av (August 2nd this year) and building up to the 9th of Av.
During the nine days preceding the 9th of Av, we don't plant trees or engage in building projects, if these projects are for enjoyment rather than necessity.
However, one who has hired a non-Jew (paying by the job rather than the hour) before the nine-day period, without giving him a deadline forcing him to work during the nine days specifically, may allow him to continue his work during the nine-day mourning period.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 551:2; Mishneh Berurah 551:12)
Be well,
Mordechai
Thursday, July 17, 2008
The Three Weeks: Celebrations
Hello,
As we have discussed, on Saturday night July 19 we begin the Three Weeks of mourning.
During this period we do not arrange joyous gatherings.
(Mishneh Berurah 551:16)
Have a good day,
Mordechai
As we have discussed, on Saturday night July 19 we begin the Three Weeks of mourning.
During this period we do not arrange joyous gatherings.
(Mishneh Berurah 551:16)
Have a good day,
Mordechai
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Haircuts during the Three Weeks of Mourning
Hi,
We have begun learning about the Three Weeks of Mourning, which begin Sunday July 20 this year.
We refrain from haircuts during this time period. This includes cutting the hair of a minor, if the minor is old enough to understand the concept of mourning.
Many authorities permit shaving for business up until the first day of the month of Av. They also permit women to shave facial hair, and men to shave mustaches which interfere with eating, as these types of shaving do not create great joy.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 551:12-14; Mishneh Berurah 551:79-82)
Have a good day,
Mordechai
We have begun learning about the Three Weeks of Mourning, which begin Sunday July 20 this year.
We refrain from haircuts during this time period. This includes cutting the hair of a minor, if the minor is old enough to understand the concept of mourning.
Many authorities permit shaving for business up until the first day of the month of Av. They also permit women to shave facial hair, and men to shave mustaches which interfere with eating, as these types of shaving do not create great joy.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 551:12-14; Mishneh Berurah 551:79-82)
Have a good day,
Mordechai
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Three Weeks of Mourning - No Shehechiyanu
Hi,
Sunday's fast day, the 17th of Tammuz, begins a three-week Jewish national period of mourning for the destruction of the two Temples in Jerusalem, as well as numerous other nation-wide tragedies, such as the Chmielnitzki massacres, the Crusades, and the Holocaust. This period culminates with the fast of Tisha b'Av, the ninth of Av.
During this period of mourning, it is appropriate to avoid the kind of joyous situation which generates the Shehechiyanu blessing. This includes eating a fruit which just came into season, and acquiring new clothes which generate joy (as opposed to socks and undergarments, for example).
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 551:17; Mishneh Berurah 551:98-99)
Have a good day,
Mordechai
Sunday's fast day, the 17th of Tammuz, begins a three-week Jewish national period of mourning for the destruction of the two Temples in Jerusalem, as well as numerous other nation-wide tragedies, such as the Chmielnitzki massacres, the Crusades, and the Holocaust. This period culminates with the fast of Tisha b'Av, the ninth of Av.
During this period of mourning, it is appropriate to avoid the kind of joyous situation which generates the Shehechiyanu blessing. This includes eating a fruit which just came into season, and acquiring new clothes which generate joy (as opposed to socks and undergarments, for example).
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 551:17; Mishneh Berurah 551:98-99)
Have a good day,
Mordechai
Monday, July 14, 2008
The 17th of Tammuz
Hello,
The fast day of the 17th of Tammuz, observed Sunday July 20 this year, commemorates five tragedies:
1. Moses descended from meeting Gd and receiving the Torah on Mount Sinai, saw the Jews celebrating with the Golden Calf, and broke the two tablets Gd had given him.
2. The daily Tamid offering, which had been brought regularly in the Jerusalem Beit haMikdash [Temple] from the time the Jews built the Mishkan for over one thousand years, was halted during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem before the Beit haMikdash was destroyed.
3. The Romans invaded Jerusalem, prior to destroying the second Beit haMikdash. (The Babylonians invaded Jerusalem to destroy the first Temple on the 9th of Tammuz.)
4. A Greek or Roman official named Apostimos held a public burning of the Torah.
5. Idols were set up in the Temple itself; it is not clear what year this happened.
(Mishneh Berurah 549:2)
Be well,
Mordechai
The fast day of the 17th of Tammuz, observed Sunday July 20 this year, commemorates five tragedies:
1. Moses descended from meeting Gd and receiving the Torah on Mount Sinai, saw the Jews celebrating with the Golden Calf, and broke the two tablets Gd had given him.
2. The daily Tamid offering, which had been brought regularly in the Jerusalem Beit haMikdash [Temple] from the time the Jews built the Mishkan for over one thousand years, was halted during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem before the Beit haMikdash was destroyed.
3. The Romans invaded Jerusalem, prior to destroying the second Beit haMikdash. (The Babylonians invaded Jerusalem to destroy the first Temple on the 9th of Tammuz.)
4. A Greek or Roman official named Apostimos held a public burning of the Torah.
5. Idols were set up in the Temple itself; it is not clear what year this happened.
(Mishneh Berurah 549:2)
Be well,
Mordechai
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Fasting and Pregnancy
Hello,
Sunday July 20 is the fast day of Shivah asar b'Tammuz, the 17th of Tammuz.
A woman who is pregnant or nursing should not fast on this fast if she feels the slightest weakness. (Of course, that does not mean she should over-indulde in food, either.)
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 550:1; Mishneh Berurah 550:5)
Have a good day,
Mordechai
Sunday July 20 is the fast day of Shivah asar b'Tammuz, the 17th of Tammuz.
A woman who is pregnant or nursing should not fast on this fast if she feels the slightest weakness. (Of course, that does not mean she should over-indulde in food, either.)
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 550:1; Mishneh Berurah 550:5)
Have a good day,
Mordechai
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Flaunting Fasting
Hello,
Sunday July 20 is the fast of Shivah Asar b'Tammuz, the 17th day of the month of Tammuz.
Ordinarily we say that one should not publicly display his acts of piety, lest that appear as arrogance. However, one is supposed to let other Jews know that he is fasting, in order to encourage others to participate in the national fast as well.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 565:6; Mishneh Berurah 565:14)
Have a good day,
Mordechai
Sunday July 20 is the fast of Shivah Asar b'Tammuz, the 17th day of the month of Tammuz.
Ordinarily we say that one should not publicly display his acts of piety, lest that appear as arrogance. However, one is supposed to let other Jews know that he is fasting, in order to encourage others to participate in the national fast as well.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 565:6; Mishneh Berurah 565:14)
Have a good day,
Mordechai
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Fasting by ill people
Hello,
We have begun to discuss the fast day of the 17th of Tammuz, which is coming up on Sunday July 20th.
One who is unusually ill does not observe this fast, even if he is not deathly ill. However, normal feelings of non-dangerous weakness due to fasting are not considered 'illness' in this regard.
(Mishneh Berurah 550:4)
Have a good day,
Mordechai
We have begun to discuss the fast day of the 17th of Tammuz, which is coming up on Sunday July 20th.
One who is unusually ill does not observe this fast, even if he is not deathly ill. However, normal feelings of non-dangerous weakness due to fasting are not considered 'illness' in this regard.
(Mishneh Berurah 550:4)
Have a good day,
Mordechai
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
The "Aneinu" Prayer of Fast Days
Hello,
Yesterday we mentioned that Sunday, July 20th, is scheduled to be the Fast of the 17th of Tammuz.
Have a good day,
Mordechai
Yesterday we mentioned that Sunday, July 20th, is scheduled to be the Fast of the 17th of Tammuz.
One who is fasting inserts a special prayer, called "Aneinu (Answer us)," in the Amidah of the Minchah (afternoon) service. This prayer asks Gd to respond to our prayers in light of our repentance and our observance of the fast.
One who forgets to insert that paragraph may insert it at the end of the Amidah, before taking the closing three steps backward. One who concludes the Amidah without saying it does not repeat the Amidah.
This prayer is also included in the Minchah (afternoon) service by people who take on voluntary private fasts. Interestingly, one still uses the plural edition of "Answer us on the day of our fasts," even if it is a private fast; we always include ourselves with the community.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 565:1-3; Mishneh Berurah 565:4-5)
Have a good day,
Mordechai
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
The 17th of Tammuz
Hi,
Sunday July 20th is the fast of the 17th day of the month of Tammuz, and it begins a three-week national Jewish mourning period. [In Allentown the fast begins at 4:36 AM and ends at 9:10 PM.] We'll spend some time discussing this fast, and the three week period of national mourning it initiates.
On the 17th of Tammuz one neither eats nor drinks, but - unlike the fasts of Tisha b'Av and Yom Kippur - one may wear leather shoes and wash normally.
Be well,
Mordechai
Sunday July 20th is the fast of the 17th day of the month of Tammuz, and it begins a three-week national Jewish mourning period. [In Allentown the fast begins at 4:36 AM and ends at 9:10 PM.] We'll spend some time discussing this fast, and the three week period of national mourning it initiates.
On the 17th of Tammuz one neither eats nor drinks, but - unlike the fasts of Tisha b'Av and Yom Kippur - one may wear leather shoes and wash normally.
Be well,
Mordechai
Monday, July 7, 2008
Bringing children to kiss the Torah
Hi,
Early authorities record the practice of bringing children to kiss the Torah as the Torah is brought back to the Ark. The idea is to educate them in actively pursuing mitzvot.
(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 149:1)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Early authorities record the practice of bringing children to kiss the Torah as the Torah is brought back to the Ark. The idea is to educate them in actively pursuing mitzvot.
(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 149:1)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Escorting the Torah
Hi,
When the Torah is returned to the Ark, all those before whom it passes should escort it on its way back to the Ark, as a sign of honor for the Torah. The same applies to those who picked up and wrapped the Torah.
(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 149:1)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
When the Torah is returned to the Ark, all those before whom it passes should escort it on its way back to the Ark, as a sign of honor for the Torah. The same applies to those who picked up and wrapped the Torah.
(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 149:1)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Holding the Torah
Hi,
On days when we read from two Sifrei Torah, one Torah must be held while the other is in use. Out of respect for the Torah, one should not give it to a minor to hold; at the last, the holder should be of a certain intellectual maturity.
(Mishneh Berurah 147:29)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
On days when we read from two Sifrei Torah, one Torah must be held while the other is in use. Out of respect for the Torah, one should not give it to a minor to hold; at the last, the holder should be of a certain intellectual maturity.
(Mishneh Berurah 147:29)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Hagbah when there are two Sifrei Torah
Hello,
On a day when there are two Torah scrolls, after we complete our reading from the first one we do not pick it up (for Hagbah) until the second one has been placed on the shulchan (reading table), so as not to leave ourselves absent from the mitzvah of the Torah reading.
However, we do not unwrap the second Torah until after the first Torah has been wrapped up; we do not overlap the mitzvot of the two Torah scrolls.
(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 147:8)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
On a day when there are two Torah scrolls, after we complete our reading from the first one we do not pick it up (for Hagbah) until the second one has been placed on the shulchan (reading table), so as not to leave ourselves absent from the mitzvah of the Torah reading.
However, we do not unwrap the second Torah until after the first Torah has been wrapped up; we do not overlap the mitzvot of the two Torah scrolls.
(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 147:8)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
G'lilah and Haftorah
Hi,
The reader of the Haftorah may not begin the blessings to start the Haftorah until the Torah is completely wrapped, so that the goleil (person wrapping the Torah) will be able to hear the Haftorah and its blessings.
(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 147:7; Mishneh Berurah 147:23)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
The reader of the Haftorah may not begin the blessings to start the Haftorah until the Torah is completely wrapped, so that the goleil (person wrapping the Torah) will be able to hear the Haftorah and its blessings.
(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 147:7; Mishneh Berurah 147:23)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Elevating the Torah [Hagbah]
Hi,
The person who raises the Torah for all to see should make sure that a seam (joining parchment sheets) is centered between the two rollers. This ensures that if the scroll should tear, the tear would cause the least damage and be easily repaired.
(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 147:3)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
The person who raises the Torah for all to see should make sure that a seam (joining parchment sheets) is centered between the two rollers. This ensures that if the scroll should tear, the tear would cause the least damage and be easily repaired.
(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 147:3)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
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