Hi,
Because removal of bones from fish constitutes an act of boreir (selection), which is prohibited on Shabbos, one may not pick bones out of fish before eating it on Shabbos. Instead, one would need to eat the fish, and spit out the bones.
However: Where this is not possible, such as in feeding children, one may remove the bones right before eating.
The same applies in removing watermelon seeds.
(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 4:74:Boreir 7)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
The sink drain
Hi,
One may rinse a plate in the sink on Shabbat without concern for filtering in the drain of the sink; the food remains in the drain, and the liquid is not being separated from any solid.
(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 4:74 Boreir 4)
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
One may rinse a plate in the sink on Shabbat without concern for filtering in the drain of the sink; the food remains in the drain, and the liquid is not being separated from any solid.
(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 4:74 Boreir 4)
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
Thursday, July 26, 2012
The Tisha b'Av mindset
Hi,
On the fast of Tishah b'Av, one should not greet others in the normal manner of "Good morning, Hello, How are you." If one is greeted by a person who does not know better, one should respond politely but in a manner which indicates that the day is a day of mourning, and teach his interlocutor about the mournful fast if possible.
One also does not give gifts on this day.
We also minimize our comfort and dignity on the fast of Tisha b'Av, just as a mourner cares little for his own comfort or dignity when in his most intense grief. Therefore, there is a practice of minimizing one's comfort while sleeping. Those who ordinarily sleep with a pillow will sleep without a pillow that night; some people sleep on the floor.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 554:20, 555:2; Mishneh Berurah 554:41)
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
On the fast of Tishah b'Av, one should not greet others in the normal manner of "Good morning, Hello, How are you." If one is greeted by a person who does not know better, one should respond politely but in a manner which indicates that the day is a day of mourning, and teach his interlocutor about the mournful fast if possible.
One also does not give gifts on this day.
We also minimize our comfort and dignity on the fast of Tisha b'Av, just as a mourner cares little for his own comfort or dignity when in his most intense grief. Therefore, there is a practice of minimizing one's comfort while sleeping. Those who ordinarily sleep with a pillow will sleep without a pillow that night; some people sleep on the floor.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 554:20, 555:2; Mishneh Berurah 554:41)
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Kiddush Levanah this week
Hi,
One should not recite Kiddush Levanah immediately after fasting, since this is a time of sadness as well as hunger. However, one may do so after he has had a chance to eat. After Tishah b'Av, one must don shoes as well as eat before performing Kiddush Levanah.
(Mishneh Berurah 426:11)
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
One should not recite Kiddush Levanah immediately after fasting, since this is a time of sadness as well as hunger. However, one may do so after he has had a chance to eat. After Tishah b'Av, one must don shoes as well as eat before performing Kiddush Levanah.
(Mishneh Berurah 426:11)
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
When Shabbat is Erev Tisha b'Av, Part III
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 on Sunday night. One uses wine or grape juice for Havdalah.
Sunday night'sHavdalah 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.”
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
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 on Sunday night. One uses wine or grape juice for Havdalah.
Sunday night'sHavdalah 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.”
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
Monday, July 23, 2012
When Shabbat is Erev Tisha b'Av, Part II
Hello,
We continue our look at the laws which are different from the norm for a year when Tishah b'Av is Sunday:
Remove leather shoes, and stop sitting on chairs, after Shabbat.
After Shabbat, we each 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 need to eat during the fast (other than drinking water) should recite Havdalah before breaking the fast, albeit without the use of spices. One should use grape juice or beer for that Havdalah, and drink only two to three ounces.
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 halachic midday (midway between sunrise and sunset) 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
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
We continue our look at the laws which are different from the norm for a year when Tishah b'Av is Sunday:
Remove leather shoes, and stop sitting on chairs, after Shabbat.
After Shabbat, we each 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 need to eat during the fast (other than drinking water) should recite Havdalah before breaking the fast, albeit without the use of spices. One should use grape juice or beer for that Havdalah, and drink only two to three ounces.
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 halachic midday (midway between sunrise and sunset) 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
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
Sunday, July 22, 2012
When Shabbat is 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:
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
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
This year, the day before Tishah b'Av is Shabbat. Here is a quick summary of relevant laws for that Shabbat:
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
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Illness on Tisha b'Av
Hi,
Must one who is ill fast on Tishah b'Av?
In a normal year, one who is ill is technically exempt from fasting on Tishah b'Av. Illness includes fever and stomach trouble, beyond minor aches and pains or the standard symptoms of fasting. However, the normal practice is to fast even if one is ill, unless one is experiencing extreme pain or facing danger.
In a year such as this, when Tishah b'Av is pushed from Shabbat to Sunday, one may refrain from fasting even if one's pain is not extreme.
(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 554:6; Shvus Yaakov 3:37; Aruch haShulchan 554:7; Biur Halachah 559 v'eino)
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
Must one who is ill fast on Tishah b'Av?
In a normal year, one who is ill is technically exempt from fasting on Tishah b'Av. Illness includes fever and stomach trouble, beyond minor aches and pains or the standard symptoms of fasting. However, the normal practice is to fast even if one is ill, unless one is experiencing extreme pain or facing danger.
In a year such as this, when Tishah b'Av is pushed from Shabbat to Sunday, one may refrain from fasting even if one's pain is not extreme.
(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 554:6; Shvus Yaakov 3:37; Aruch haShulchan 554:7; Biur Halachah 559 v'eino)
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Polishing shoes during the Nine Days
Hi,
We addressed this in a post back here, but this is an expanded version.
We do not launder clothing during the Nine Days leading up to Tisha b'Av. However, it is not clear that polishing shoes qualifies as an act of laundering; the same question is raised regarding the prohibition against laundering clothing on chol hamoed, and diverse opinions are expressed.
Many halachic authorities permit blackening and shining shoes during the Nine Days, but prohibit use of shoe polish. However, authorities are more lenient regarding polishing shoes for use on Shabbat, within the view that one may wear beautiful Shabbat clothing on the Shabbat before Tisha b'Av.
(Melamed l'Hoil Orach Chaim 113; Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 3:80; Halichot Emet 14:12)
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
We addressed this in a post back here, but this is an expanded version.
We do not launder clothing during the Nine Days leading up to Tisha b'Av. However, it is not clear that polishing shoes qualifies as an act of laundering; the same question is raised regarding the prohibition against laundering clothing on chol hamoed, and diverse opinions are expressed.
Many halachic authorities permit blackening and shining shoes during the Nine Days, but prohibit use of shoe polish. However, authorities are more lenient regarding polishing shoes for use on Shabbat, within the view that one may wear beautiful Shabbat clothing on the Shabbat before Tisha b'Av.
(Melamed l'Hoil Orach Chaim 113; Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 3:80; Halichot Emet 14:12)
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
New tefillin and tzitzit during the Three Weeks
Hi,
May I wear new tzitzis or tefillin during the Three Weeks?
During the "Three Weeks" period between the 17th of Tammuz and Tishah b'Av we do not wear clothing which would require a berachah of shehechiyanu, because of the joy involved. This includes wearing a new tallis; it also applies to wearing tzitzis, where new tzitzis garments are uncommon and bring joy.
Many authorities do permit wearing a new garment on Shabbat, before the Nine Days begin. Some specify not to recite shehechiyanu, although they permit wearing a new garment on Shabbat. One should follow communal custom.
New tefillin may be worn during the Three Weeks. Even though some do recite shehechiyanu on the first occasion of wearing tefillin, that is because of joy in the mitzvah, not because of the joy of wearing new clothing.
(Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Berachos 11:9; Beit Yosef Orach Chaim 22:1; Birkei Yosef Orach Chaim 551:10-11; Avnei Nezer Orach Chaim 428; Chayyei Adam 133:8; Aruch haShulchan Orach Chaim 551:18; Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 3:80)
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
May I wear new tzitzis or tefillin during the Three Weeks?
During the "Three Weeks" period between the 17th of Tammuz and Tishah b'Av we do not wear clothing which would require a berachah of shehechiyanu, because of the joy involved. This includes wearing a new tallis; it also applies to wearing tzitzis, where new tzitzis garments are uncommon and bring joy.
Many authorities do permit wearing a new garment on Shabbat, before the Nine Days begin. Some specify not to recite shehechiyanu, although they permit wearing a new garment on Shabbat. One should follow communal custom.
New tefillin may be worn during the Three Weeks. Even though some do recite shehechiyanu on the first occasion of wearing tefillin, that is because of joy in the mitzvah, not because of the joy of wearing new clothing.
(Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Berachos 11:9; Beit Yosef Orach Chaim 22:1; Birkei Yosef Orach Chaim 551:10-11; Avnei Nezer Orach Chaim 428; Chayyei Adam 133:8; Aruch haShulchan Orach Chaim 551:18; Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 3:80)
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Draining liquid from a mixture on Shabbos
Hi,
On Shabbat, one may pour liquid out of a container which holds both solid and liquid in an attempt to get rid of the liquid, and one may use the lid to hold back the solid from falling out, so long as one leaves some liquid in the container. This is not a prohibited act of boreir [ "separating"], because the mixture yet remains.
(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 4:74:Boreir 1)
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
On Shabbat, one may pour liquid out of a container which holds both solid and liquid in an attempt to get rid of the liquid, and one may use the lid to hold back the solid from falling out, so long as one leaves some liquid in the container. This is not a prohibited act of boreir [ "separating"], because the mixture yet remains.
(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 4:74:Boreir 1)
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
Monday, July 16, 2012
If the blech falls off
Hi,
If a blech (see previous posts for a definition) falls off the burner, one may put it back in place, if:
1. It is not entirely off, and
2. Putting it back in place would not cause any part of the metal to be heated to the point of glowing.
(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 4:74:Bishul 29-30)
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
If a blech (see previous posts for a definition) falls off the burner, one may put it back in place, if:
1. It is not entirely off, and
2. Putting it back in place would not cause any part of the metal to be heated to the point of glowing.
(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 4:74:Bishul 29-30)
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Warming food in an oven on Shabbat
Hi,
Under certain circumstances, one may return fully cooked food to a covered stove on Shabbat. The cover is called a "blech".
For an oven, the equivalent of a blech is a box which is closed on all sides, in which the food is placed.
(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 4:74:Bishul 26-27)
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
Under certain circumstances, one may return fully cooked food to a covered stove on Shabbat. The cover is called a "blech".
For an oven, the equivalent of a blech is a box which is closed on all sides, in which the food is placed.
(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 4:74:Bishul 26-27)
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Blech on a gas stove
Hi,
Even if a gas burner is entirely open, such that the flame could not be raised, it must be covered if one wishes to leave food on the burner from before Shabbat. This is for several reasons, including:
1. We do not distinguish between burners which could and could not be raised, and
2. One might accidentally lower the flame and then raise it later.
(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 4:74:Bishul 25)
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
Even if a gas burner is entirely open, such that the flame could not be raised, it must be covered if one wishes to leave food on the burner from before Shabbat. This is for several reasons, including:
1. We do not distinguish between burners which could and could not be raised, and
2. One might accidentally lower the flame and then raise it later.
(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 4:74:Bishul 25)
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Playing with Lego on Shabbat
Hi,
May one play with LEGOTM or K'NEXTM on Shabbat?
Two potential concerns arise regarding assembling parts into structures: boneh (construction) and metaken mana (improving an implement).
Halachic authorities offer two reasons for leniency in use of these toys:
• Neither strength nor craftsmanship is ever involved in attaching the pieces to each other, and we have halachic precedent to permit assembling usable entities from distinct parts, where neither strength nor craftsmanship is involved.
• The items created are not normally left intact for more than a few days; according to many authorities, even something which lasts for a week is not considered "permanent".
Based on these two reasons for leniency, authorities permit children to play with these toys, but some recommend against adults using them. Rav Moshe Feinstein prohibited blocks used in construction, even for children, but the type of toy involved is unclear.
(Rashi Beitzah 32b binyan arai; Pri Megadim 315:1; Mishneh Berurah 313:45; Yesodei Yeshurun 4:99; Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 5:22:27; Be'er Moshe 6:25; Shemirat Shabbat k'Hilchatah 16: footenote 53; Tzitz Eliezer 13:30)
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
May one play with LEGOTM or K'NEXTM on Shabbat?
Two potential concerns arise regarding assembling parts into structures: boneh (construction) and metaken mana (improving an implement).
Halachic authorities offer two reasons for leniency in use of these toys:
• Neither strength nor craftsmanship is ever involved in attaching the pieces to each other, and we have halachic precedent to permit assembling usable entities from distinct parts, where neither strength nor craftsmanship is involved.
• The items created are not normally left intact for more than a few days; according to many authorities, even something which lasts for a week is not considered "permanent".
Based on these two reasons for leniency, authorities permit children to play with these toys, but some recommend against adults using them. Rav Moshe Feinstein prohibited blocks used in construction, even for children, but the type of toy involved is unclear.
(Rashi Beitzah 32b binyan arai; Pri Megadim 315:1; Mishneh Berurah 313:45; Yesodei Yeshurun 4:99; Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 5:22:27; Be'er Moshe 6:25; Shemirat Shabbat k'Hilchatah 16: footenote 53; Tzitz Eliezer 13:30)
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Placing a siddur atop a chumash
Hi,
May I elevate a siddur by putting a siddur or chumash beneath it, to aid my davening?
One may never place a siddur or gemara atop a chumash; one may not even place a book of navi (Prophets) atop a chumash. This applies even when doing so temporarily, as in the case of cleaning up a room. [Inclusion in the same bound volume is acceptable according to most authorities, though.]
The above applies even if one stacks these books to enable davening. Even using one siddur to elevate another siddur is prohibited, for this is a function more suited to a block of wood or similar object. Similarly, one may not use a siddur as a bookmark for another siddur.
We treat our sifrei kodesh [sacred texts] with honour, and so give honour to the Torah they contain.
(Megilah 27a; Machzor Vitry 427; Tosafot Bava Batra 13b madbik; Sefer Chasidim 141; Derishah Yoreh Deah 282:5; Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah 282:19; Taz Yoreh Deah 282:13; Pischei Teshuvah Yoreh Deah 282:17; Mishneh Halachos 12:216)
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
May I elevate a siddur by putting a siddur or chumash beneath it, to aid my davening?
One may never place a siddur or gemara atop a chumash; one may not even place a book of navi (Prophets) atop a chumash. This applies even when doing so temporarily, as in the case of cleaning up a room. [Inclusion in the same bound volume is acceptable according to most authorities, though.]
The above applies even if one stacks these books to enable davening. Even using one siddur to elevate another siddur is prohibited, for this is a function more suited to a block of wood or similar object. Similarly, one may not use a siddur as a bookmark for another siddur.
We treat our sifrei kodesh [sacred texts] with honour, and so give honour to the Torah they contain.
(Megilah 27a; Machzor Vitry 427; Tosafot Bava Batra 13b madbik; Sefer Chasidim 141; Derishah Yoreh Deah 282:5; Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah 282:19; Taz Yoreh Deah 282:13; Pischei Teshuvah Yoreh Deah 282:17; Mishneh Halachos 12:216)
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Maachal ben Drusai, for water
Hi,
One must cook food to the stage of "maachal Ben Drusai" before Shabbat, in order to be allowed to leave it on a flame into Shabbat. "Maachal ben Drusai" is the stage of minimum edibility, generally gauged by halachic authorities as 1/3 or 1/2 of "full cooking". At this point, there is reduced concern that one might turn up the flame on Shabbat to speed up the food's cooking.
Regarding heating water, "maachal Ben Drusai" of 1/3 is when water reaches "yad soledet bo"; 1/2 is when it is slightly hotter. Full cooking is when it is bubbling hard.
(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 4:74:Bishul 24)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
One must cook food to the stage of "maachal Ben Drusai" before Shabbat, in order to be allowed to leave it on a flame into Shabbat. "Maachal ben Drusai" is the stage of minimum edibility, generally gauged by halachic authorities as 1/3 or 1/2 of "full cooking". At this point, there is reduced concern that one might turn up the flame on Shabbat to speed up the food's cooking.
Regarding heating water, "maachal Ben Drusai" of 1/3 is when water reaches "yad soledet bo"; 1/2 is when it is slightly hotter. Full cooking is when it is bubbling hard.
(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 4:74:Bishul 24)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Monday, July 9, 2012
A Shabbat kettle
Hi,
There is no need for any sort of blech for an electric kettle which heats water at a fixed, non-adjustable temperature.
(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 4:74:22)
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
There is no need for any sort of blech for an electric kettle which heats water at a fixed, non-adjustable temperature.
(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 4:74:22)
המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai
Sunday, July 8, 2012
What the fast is really about
Hi,
"There are days when all Jews fast because of the troubles that have beset them on those days. The goal is to awaken the hearts, to open the paths of repentance...
"As we remember these things, we will return to do what is right, as it is written, 'And they shall admit their sins and the sins of their ancestors...'"
(Maimonides, Mishneh Torah, Laws of Fasts 5:1)
Have an easy and meaningful fast,
Mordechai
"There are days when all Jews fast because of the troubles that have beset them on those days. The goal is to awaken the hearts, to open the paths of repentance...
"As we remember these things, we will return to do what is right, as it is written, 'And they shall admit their sins and the sins of their ancestors...'"
(Maimonides, Mishneh Torah, Laws of Fasts 5:1)
Have an easy and meaningful fast,
Mordechai
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Why we fast this Sunday
Hello,
The fast day of the 17th of Tammuz, observed on Sunday July 8 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 on Sunday July 8 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
Thursday, July 5, 2012
This Sunday's fast
Hi,
Sunday July 8th is the fast of "the 17th day of the month of Tammuz", and it begins a three-week national Jewish mourning period.
On this day one neither eats nor drinks, but - unlike the fasts of Tishah b'Av and Yom Kippur - one may wear leather shoes and wash normally.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 550:2)
Technically, Shabbat is the 17th of Tammuz. Because we don't fast for sad events on Shabbat, the fast is pushed to Sunday.
For more on the fast, click here; for more on the Three Weeks of mourning, click here.
Be well,
Mordechai
Sunday July 8th is the fast of "the 17th day of the month of Tammuz", and it begins a three-week national Jewish mourning period.
On this day one neither eats nor drinks, but - unlike the fasts of Tishah b'Av and Yom Kippur - one may wear leather shoes and wash normally.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 550:2)
Technically, Shabbat is the 17th of Tammuz. Because we don't fast for sad events on Shabbat, the fast is pushed to Sunday.
For more on the fast, click here; for more on the Three Weeks of mourning, click here.
Be well,
Mordechai
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Using a damp cup for boiling water on Shabbat
Hello,
One who uses a cup for boiling water, and then wishes to re-fill it, may find that there a few drops of cooled water remain along the walls of the cup.
One may re-fill the cup with boiling water, for two reasons:
1. The drops of water have already been heated, and so many authorities rule that the re-heating is not halachically significant;
2. One has no particular wish to heat up these drops of water.
(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 4:74:Bishul 19)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
One who uses a cup for boiling water, and then wishes to re-fill it, may find that there a few drops of cooled water remain along the walls of the cup.
One may re-fill the cup with boiling water, for two reasons:
1. The drops of water have already been heated, and so many authorities rule that the re-heating is not halachically significant;
2. One has no particular wish to heat up these drops of water.
(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 4:74:Bishul 19)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Lemon and Onion
Hi,
Although one may place spices into a kli sheni [for a definition, please see previous emails] on Shabbat, one may not put lemons or onions into a kli sheni; these might not be in the category of "spices".
(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 4:74:18)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Although one may place spices into a kli sheni [for a definition, please see previous emails] on Shabbat, one may not put lemons or onions into a kli sheni; these might not be in the category of "spices".
(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 4:74:18)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Monday, July 2, 2012
Kli Shlishi
Hi,
[As always, we note our disclaimer that the emails cite only the halachic authorities attributed therein, and other authorities will disagree.]
The vessel in which something is cooked on a heating element is called a kli rishon. If food is taken from a kli rishon and placed into another vessel, the second vessel is called a kli sheni. If food is taken from a kli sheni and placed into a third vessel, that vessel is called a kli shlishi.
Nothing cooks in a kli shlishi, and so one may put tea leaves into hot water in a kli shlishi.
(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 4:74:Bishul 15)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
[As always, we note our disclaimer that the emails cite only the halachic authorities attributed therein, and other authorities will disagree.]
The vessel in which something is cooked on a heating element is called a kli rishon. If food is taken from a kli rishon and placed into another vessel, the second vessel is called a kli sheni. If food is taken from a kli sheni and placed into a third vessel, that vessel is called a kli shlishi.
Nothing cooks in a kli shlishi, and so one may put tea leaves into hot water in a kli shlishi.
(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 4:74:Bishul 15)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Adding water to keep food from burning, on Shabbat
Hi,
One may add water to fully cooked food which is burning, on Shabbat, if:
a) The food is not actually on a heating element, and
b) The water has been heated to above yad soledet bo, and has not cooled much below that.
(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 4:74: Bishul 13)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
One may add water to fully cooked food which is burning, on Shabbat, if:
a) The food is not actually on a heating element, and
b) The water has been heated to above yad soledet bo, and has not cooled much below that.
(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 4:74: Bishul 13)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
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