HALACHA FOR TODAY

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1,071) Q: What is the halacha if I forgot to say Mashiv Haruach u'morid Hageshem, and instead I by mistake say Morid Hatal (nusach sefard)? I once heard something about morid hatal being yotzi all year round be'di'eved as it technically is also asking for rain (dew). Is that the case? 

 

A: Yes, that's correct. If you said Morid Hatal you don't repeat Shemona Esrei.

 

If you realize before finishing that bracha, you say Mashiv Haruach where you remember. See Shulchan Aruch Siman 114:5

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1,072) Q: You mentioned about interlacing the fingers. I know that the Aino-Yehudim pray with their open hands clutched together. People are using this symbol while texting and want to show their appreciation, via what has become a univerasl "Thank You" emoji.

 

As far as I know this is a non-Jewish symbol. Am I correct ?

 

A: Yes, I am aware of that emoji. It bothers me too when people use it, as indeed it looks ike the position Aino Yehudim use when they pray.

 

We Yidden must be very careful before using words, phrases, emojis and other items created by Aino Yehudim, as many of them are rooted in the culture of the Aino Yehudim, which is not something we should be associating with. Many of the emojis, symbols and other content available on the internet does not meet strict Tzniyus guidelines, and certainly many of the symbols and emojis are not refined enough to be used by the Am Hanivchar. Deracheha Darchei Noam - the Torah's way is pleasant and refined, not rough and trashy.

 

Also, even emojis and symbols that may be - or seem- innocent enough, must be used according to the will of Hashem. For instance, emojis that depict winking, kissing, hugs or similar gestures may not be used between members of the opposite gender, as doing so borders on serious prohibitions of Arayos/Abizraihu D'Arayos, which according to many Rishoinim may even be in the class of Yaharog V'Al Ya'avor.

 

We cannot just do whatever we want, because the society and culture around us does it. We must follow the Torah at all times, in all situations, even if it is sometimes difficult and even if it's against what "everyone is doing". We are Hashem's holy nation. we are not "everyone".

 

I urge everyone to examine and rethink their online and texting "habits" to determine if they are on par with what they should be. Hashem sees every private text and Hashem knows the true thoughts and meaning behind every inuendo- laced text and emoji. Let's not disappoint Hashem, and let's not disappoint ourselves by falling into the Yetzer Hara's traps.

 

Chazak V'Ematz!