HALACHA FOR TODAY

50) Q: You mentioned in prior halachos that it is better not to bring children to shul if they will disturb the Tzibur and the like, but at the same time it is appropriate to bring children to shul for chinuch. 

 

What if someone's child constantly comes to shul every shabbos and doesn't daven or anything but just collects candy and doesn't stop talking and asks questions, all at the expense of the surrounding people's kavana being disturbed-can someone approach that person and request he no longer bring his child to shul? Does it make a difference if it's between Gavra L'gavra, psukei dzimra, or the amida? Does the age of the child matter? what would be the best hanhaga on this situation? 

  

A: There is no question that the child that is disturbing the Tzibbur does not belong in Shul, and the father is not even fulfilling the Mitzvah of Chinuch by teaching a child that it's OK to talk, run, and otherwise disturb in shul.

 

I don't think the age matters. Any child (or adult for that matter) that cannot keep quiet in shul and causes others to lose kavanah and be unable to daven, should not be in shul.

 

That being said, the Rav or Gabbai should be consulted as to the best way to approach this father and make him aware of  his child's disturbances. It is not something to get into a Machlokes over, and should be done diplomatically and tactfully.

 

Unfortunately, many shuls deal with this issue of talking and other disturbances during davening (by children and adults) and it is  something that really must be dealt with, as it is blatantly against Halacha, and a tremendous Chilul Hashem,  and for some reason many are not careful in these matters.

#shul #talkinginshul #chilulhashem

 

 

51) Q: After z'man krias shema what am I not allowed to say? Can I still say birchos krias shema after zman krias shema until zman tefilla? What about the bracha of Go'al Yisroel? Until when may that be said?
Are the zmanim halachos different for men and women?
 

A: If zman Krias Shema passed, one should still recite Krias Shema with Birchos Krias Shema (Including Ga'al Yisroel), as long as it is still before Chatzos (halachic midday).

 

After Chatzos,  the third Parsha of Krias Shema must be said, as the mitzvah of mentioning Yetzias Mitzraim is applicable all day. The rest of Krias Shema should also ideally  be said in order to accept Hashem's reign. Birchos Krias Shema are not said after Chatzos.

 

Women are  exempt from Krias Shema. However they should say the first Posuk. Many women do in fact have the Minhag to say the entire Krias Shema (and many Poskim do encourage them to do so).The Eishel Avraham and other Poskim say that even women who have accepted upon themselves to say the entire Krias Shema, are not obligated in saying it before Zman Krias Shema.

#shma #kriasshema #zmankriasshema

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52) Q: What  does  the term Sof zman krias shema refer to?
 

A:  The term Sof Zman Krias Shma is the deadline, or latest time when Chazal said is ideal to have said Krias Shema by then. One who misses this zman is referred to in the Gemara (Chagia 9b) as "Me'Uvas Lo Yuchal Liskon"- a mihap that cannot be corrected (Koheles 1:15), as you can never make it up again ever.

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Though one should still recite Krias Shema (to get the Kabalas Ol Malchus Shamayim etc.) he still missed out on the Mitzvah B'zmano, in its appropriate time.

#kriasshema #zmankriasshema

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53) Q: Can you please explain to me the meaning of the term, and the Halacha regarding  bracha samucha L'chaverta and if in fact one must follow this din with tefillas haderech?
 

A:  Bracha HaSemucha L'Chavertah is a concept used when certain Brachos don't start with "Baruch Ata Hashem..."  In order to make them into "complete" Brachos, they are said  immediately after  a  Bracha that does start with "Baruch Ata..." and therefore will be considered as if  both Brachos had a "beginning" and an "end" with the format of a Bracha. Tefilas Haderech is a great example of this as it starts without the "Baruch Ata" and only ends with "Baruch Ata...Shomea Tefila". Therefore, if possible, try saying a Bracha first (e.g. Baruch Ata...Asher Yatzar...Rofeh Chol basar U'mafli La'asos  or "Al Hamichya" or "Borei Nefashos". Some Poskim also allow  a Bracha Rishona such as SheHakol Nihyeh B'Dvaro or similar) and say the Tefilas haderech immediately afterwards, though you willhave to taste the food you recite the bracha on first before continuing with the Tefilas Haderech.

#tefilashaderech #brachos #bracha

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54) Q: I have two Taleisim that are torn/frayed and one that is small. Can I take the one that is small and repair the other two?

  

A:   I am assuming you are asking if it is permissible to remove the Tzitzis strings from one Tallis Katan and place them on another.

 

According to the Gaon of Vilna, the Komarna Rav (Shulchan HaTahor) and others, if the #Tzitzis are still Kosher, even though they are small or frayed, it is best not to remove them from their original beged, as doing so would render that Beged Pasul and that would be a Bizayon (dishonor) for the Tzitzis, which are Tashmishei Mitzvah.

 

Other Poskim, including the Mishna Berura (Siman 15:3) seem to permit the removal of Tzitzis from the Beged, as long as it is being done to enhance the Mitzvah of Tzitzis (I presume your case would be the same din, though the case he refers to may be a bit different.) Ask a Rav though, for a final Psak.

 

In any case, Tzitzis which are no longer being used, may. M'Ikar Hadin, be discarded if they are first wrapped in a plastic bag. Some are machmir to bury them, or use them as book marks in Seforim (Kitzur Shulchan Aruch)

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55) Q: [ Clarification of his original question above]   I'm asking if can cut up the beged of the tallis that is to small and repair the other two that are fraying ? The one is my Shabbos and the other one is my week-day tallis . Does the material of the beged  ( the one that is two small ) have to be the same as that of the others ? For example wool and not wool. 

           

A:   Oh, I misunderstood. I don't think there are any restrictions about what may be done to the Beged of the Tallis.  I also don't think that the beged must be of the same material, unless it will look funny, in that case perhaps it will not be Kavod for the Mitzvah. There is a concept of "Talis Na'eh - a Nice Tallis" to satisfy "Zeh Keili V'Anvehu" , so it should look nice.

#talis

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56) Q: When saying the first pasuk of Kriat Shema, why not just close ones eyes rather  than hold your hand over your eyes?

           

A:  I  have seen some people actually do that. However, the Minhag is to use the hand to cover the eyes. Perhaps to demonstrate that we are doing something to ensure we don't  look around. Also see answer to Question #37 above.

#kriasshema

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57) Q: Is there any Halachic basis for the accepted minhag among virtually all frum/chareidi males to wear black [or dark colors] -- black suit, hat, shoes--on Shabbos (except perhaps for some Sefardim, including minuscule numbers of Sefardi m'kubalim, who wear white), when  indications by Chazal appear to point to the opposite, i.e., white being most appropriate to Shabbos, a yom ora v'simcha, etc., a day that we welcome -- and are likened to -- the mal'achim who are said to be in white?

        

A:  Although in the times of Chazal it was indeed the minhag for Bigdei Shabbos to be white, this hasn't been the Minhag of most of Klal Yisroel for many centuries already. I don't know when or why it changed, but I will give you some food for thought which I found while researching this topic.

 

The Shulchan Aruch (Siman 262) says that one is obligated to wear special and nice clothing for Shabbos, and does not mention white (or any color). The Be'er Heitev says that the Minhag of the Arizal was to wear 4 white garments (to signify the 4 letters of the Shem Ha-Vayah of Hashem). Obviously he did this for kabbalistic reasons, and perhaps nowadays, when we don't do many kabalistic things that Chazal did, this was also something that got lost.

 

The Magen Avraham  (Siman 597)  maintains that wearing white, black or any other color is dependent on each town's minhag. Furthermore, he says that nowadays wearing white is not Chashuv. Perhaps in the times of Chazal it was more respectful to wear white, while today black is definitely a more respectful color suit to wear. (think judges robes, etc.)

 

Rav Chaim Kanievsky in his Sefer Shoneh Halachos (Siman 262) says that if by wearing white nowadays it will be "Mechzi K'Yuhara" (Halachis term for  inappropriately flaunting one's religiosity or doing things that give off a "holier than thou" attitude) it is better not to wear white. However, he does add that if doing so in the confines of one's own home where it doesn't stick out of the crowd, or if worn in an area where people don't "notice" anything different about him it is OK.

 

See also Tosefos  Bava Kama 37a Dibur Hamaschil Harei, where they say that even animals recognized when people were dressed for Shabbos!

 

It is definitely important to dress special for Shabbos. Each person should do this  as best as they can and in the way that they feel is right, within the confines of Halacha of course

 

Follow up Question from same reader: How do we know that "in the times of Chazal" it was the minhag for bigdei Shabbos to be white?  Is there a source that can be cited for this as there are for the other citations?  Which "Chazal" are we talking about - of which period and which areas?  This information would be most helpful.

 

A:  I found a sefer called "Otzar HaYedios- Asifas Gershon" on topics related to Shabbos, and in there he brings every source imaginable to anser your question about white clothing.  I will quote for you a few sources:

 

1) The Elya Rabba says that the Rabanan in the time of the Gemara wore white garments on Shabbos.

 

2) The Mateh Moshe (Siman 414), The Kitzur Shlah (Siman 135) say to wear white on Shabbos.

 

3) The Aruch Hashulchan (Siman 260:1) says that nowadays, wearing a white shirt on Shabbos suffices.

 

4) The MaHaram Chagiz (Siman 543) says that wearing white on Shabbos is a Tikkun (rectification) for Aveiros related to Arayos (sins of immorality)

 

5)  The Shu"t Panim M'Eeros  (Vol. 2 Siman 152) says that nowadays that it isnt normal to wear white clothes, it should not be worn on Shabbos either.

#shabbosclothing #whiteonshabbos #shabboskodesh

 

58) Q: Why must one sit by Ashrei by Mincha? and does that mean you can stand by the two Ashreis by shachris?

           

A: The Sefarim  mention that it is proper to sit by Ashrei by Mincha. ( See Rambam Hilchos Tefilah Perek 7 Halacha 18 and Perek 9 Halacha 8. Those who require sitting base it on these Rambam, though it isn't codified in Shulchan Aruch as a mandatory halacha). Some have suggested that the words "Ashrei Yoshvei Veisecah, praiseworthy are those who "sit" in your house, lend support to these words beng recited while seated. Of course, the real meaning of the word here is "dwell" in the house of Hashem, but possibly the Remez to physically sitting can be seen in the words as well.

 

By Shacharis, one is usually sitting anyway during Pesukei D'Zimrah so it doesn't need to specifically mention it.

 

The reason for sitting  by Mincha for Ashrei (which is a Minhag Tov, and not a Halacha) is because  before one begins Shemona Esrei, he/she needs to sit for a few moments and  get into the right frame of mind to stand before Hashem in Shemona Esrei.  By Shacharis and Maariv we sit  anyway for the  Pesukei D'Zimrah and Birchos Krias Shema, but by Mincha many times  one runs into Shul and delves right into Shemona Esrei without "sitting" for a moment or two, therefore the Sefarim say to sit by Ashrei  and utilize that "sitting" time to get into gear for your private audience with The King of Kings.

#ashrei #mincha

 

59) Q: Can one  go to a morning shiur  and then daven  in a minyan after sof zman teffilah ?  

           

A:  If by going to the shiur you will miss zman tefilah, You may not go to the shiur, as davening before sof zman tefilah is mandatory. In fact, one may not even learn once the time to daven arrives (even if  he will daven afterwards within the proper time), unless he regularly learns at that time, and has a regular minyan that he is part of after the learning.

#zmantefilah

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60) Q: Can one  make  the brocha for Shabbos lights over  an electric light or lamp ?

 

A: That is a huge Machlokes HaPoskim ranging back to when electricity was discovered!  Many Poskim (Shu"t Bais Yitzchok Yoreh Deah Siman 120, Rav Tzvi Pesach Frank in Shu"t Har Tzvi Orach Chaim Siman 143, Rav Moshe Feinstein, Rav Ovadia Yoseph and others),permit using an electric lamp in place of candles for Hadlokas Neiros on Shabbos, based on the fact that electric lights satisfy the 2 reasons that we light Shabbos candles in the first place: (1) Shalom Bayis (a house without lights isn't harmonious) and (2) Oneg Shabbos (a dark home isn't conducive to an enjoyable Shabbos).

 

Many  Poskim even allow a Bracha on electric lights for Shabbos, while others say you may light it L'Kavod Shabbos but not make a Bracha on such a lighting.

 

Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal differentiated between a lamp that runs on electricity from the main power plant (which he held not to make a Bracha on) and a flashlight or lamp that runs on batteries (in which case he held you may make a Bracha, as the battery is like the "oil" of a candle, whereas by regular  electricity it  is being added by the city every second, and isn't really here when you make the Bracha)

 

Obviously this should only be relied upon in emergency situations when  candles or oil isn't available, or in special situations where they cannot be kindled (in hospitals, hotels etc., and  only after consultation with your Rav. Also, when relying on this, one must have in mind when turning on the  electric light that it is for the sake of Neiros Shabbos.

#shabboscandles #neirosshabbos

 

61) Q: If throughout the day I constantly drink (sometimes sipping and sometimes a large amount) water and other liquids (minimum of several times per half hour), when do I (or should I) make a bracha acharona of borei nefashos?

 

A: This is a very common, and complicated, situation which affects almost all people on a daily basis.

 

Here are a few basic guidelines with which to determine your personal status:

 

1) Borei Nefashos is only made if one eats a kzayis of food or drinks a revi'is of a beverage (except wine or grape juice, which needs an Al HaGefen), within a certain time span (between 3 and six minutes, depending on different Poskim)

 

2) Borei Nefashos should ideally be said in the place where you ate/drank immediately following the eating/drinking, but may be said in a different location as well, and up to  72 minutes after consuming  food [though  you have significantly less time after drinking. According to Rav Scheinberg Zatzala you only have 30 minutes after a drink, unless you have become thirsty again, in which case the first drink is no longer satisfying you, and then you cannot make a Borei Nefashos anymore, even  if it's less than 30 minutes since you drank].

 

3) If one is not sure if he/she is required to make a Borei Nefashos, since it is M'Drabanan, it is best to not say it. (this applies to one who forgot if it was already said as well as to one who is uncertain if he ate/drank the minimum needed in the right amount of time to qualify for requiring the Bracha Achrona)

 

4) In the above case, where you aren't going to say Borei Nefashos, try one of the following things instead: 1) Eat another Kzayis of food/Revi'is of drink and  then make Borei Nefashos on everything. 2) Ask someone else who is making a Borei Nefashos,to be Motzi you, and answer Amen 3) Think the words of the text in your mind without saying them, as this is acceptable according to the Chazon Ish based on the Rambam.

 

I hope these guidelines help you determine the right thing to do in your situation.

 

For a more lengthy treatment of this topic see "Halachos of Brochos" by Rabbi Yisroel Pinchos Bodner, an excellent Sefer that I think every Jewish home should possess.

#brachos #boreinefashos

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62) Q:  You wrote: "While davening Shemona Esrei, one's hands should be in the same position they would be in were the person speaking to a human king, dignitary or president. (During Shemona Esrei we are standing "L'fnei HaMelech- in the presence of the King [of Kings]"

 

While davening Shemona Esrei, I am usually holding the siddur.  May I presume that this is OK, or should I put the siddur down on some kind of surface and put my hands at my sides? I can do this but it's less convenient for me. Also, is the halacha different for men and women?

 

A: You assume correctly, and holding the Siddur is 100% acceptable, as that is necessary for your Tefilah. There is no difference between  men and women regarding this Halacha.

#tefilah #davening #siddur #shemonaesrei

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63) Q:  I was taught that even if one knows Shemona Esrei by heart one should still read it from the Siddur. Is this Halachically accurate?

 

A: There is a difference of opinion amongst the Poskim whether it is better to daven from a Siddur or if it's better to daven with your eyes closed and say the words from memory (for someone  who knows it by heart).  The consensus of the contemporary Poskim seems to be that each individual should daven the  way that he/she  has more Kavanah. Some people have better concentration when their eyes are closed and nothing around them can distract them, other people  cannot concentrate without seeing the words in print. Someone recently told me that he heard from Rav Simcha B. Chen Shlita, a talmid of Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal, that Rav Moshe used to daven by heart  during the  weekday Shemona Esreis and used to daven from a Siddur for the Shemona Esreis of Shabbos.

#shemonaesrei #maasehrav

 

64) Q: You wrote  that one who skips parts of pesukei D'Zimrah must  say those things he skipped, after davening]. However, the Aruch Hashulchan paskens that you should not repeat what you skipped during Pesukei Dezimra (I saw it in the Aruch Hashulchan and also  heard [name of Prominent, accepted Posek shlita] tell someone this L'halacha).
 

A: True, the Aruch HaShulchan Paskens like this, as does the Bach (Siman 52) and some other Poskim. However, the following Poskim do indeed write that  one needs to repeat everything they  skipped if possible, and many contemporary Poskim pasken like this as well:

Chayei Adam Klal 19 Siman 5

Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 14:7

Shulchan Aruch Harav Siman 52:1

Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita (Orchos Yosher page 95. Worth reading the entire paragraph)

Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen in his Sefer "Laws of Daily Living" (Page 304)

 

Although from the Mishna Berura it isn't clear how he paskens, the Chofetz Chaim  does write clearly in his Sefer Machane Yisroel (which he wrote for Jewish soldiers in the Russian army) Chapter 1:8 that it is worthwhile to say all the parts that you skipped. (Rav Chaim Kanievsky and others  say that for those soldiers he was lenient and only wrote "it is worthwhile" while for  regular yidden it is indeed a chiyuv to say all that was skipped.

 

Furthermore,  I personally spoke to [aforementioned prominent accepted Posek shlita] yesterday regarding what you had told me you had heard from him.

 

He told me that he had never paskened not to make up the parts of Pesukei D'Zimrah that was skipped. He said (as I told you) that it is a Machlokes haposkim with no clear Hach'ra'ah of how to pasken L'maaseh.

 

When I pressed him further for a psak halacha how I should be noheg L'Maaseh, he told me that if the skipped parts will be said with kavanah (which he clarified to mean equal to the kavanah that is usually present when you say it at the right time) it should be made up. But if it will be said very fast just "Abee" to make it up, it should not be davened like that.

#pesukeidezimrah #davening #kavanah

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65) Q: 1) I daven with an early minyan and learn before davening. I say brachos and karbanos before learning, otherwise I wouldn't have time to say them properly, as the minyan doesn't give enough time for them. How early is it Ok to say brachos and karbonos? If I wait for the early minyan to say them, I won't really have enough time.

2.)  Is it OK to start psukei d'zimrah slightly before the minyan to get ahead start and have a little more time for them?
 

A: 1) Generally, the Zman for Birchos HaShachar is after Alos HaShachar. However, one who rises earlier, as long as it is after Chatzos, all the Birchos HaShachar as well as Birchos HaTorah may be said, with the exception of " Asher Nosan L'Sechvi Vina", which L'Chatchilah shouldn't be said until after Alos HaShachar. (If one actually heard the crow of the rooster, the Bracha maybe recited, even before Alos)

 

Birchas "Al Netilas Yadayim"  is best to be said after (using the bathroom again) and washing your hands again immediately before davening. ( This is the best way to do it, if there will be a long break between when you wake up and when you start davening, as in your case since you learn before davening)

 

Parshas HaTamid and Karbanos should not be said before Alos HaShachar (Mishna Berura Siman 47:32). Some Poskim maintain that even B'Dieved you can't say these Parshiyos before Alos.

 

2) There is no reason you cannot start Pesukei D'Zimrah on your own and daven slowly and with kavanah, so you can be finished in time to join the Tzibbur for Borchu.

 

In fact, it is important to say Pesukei D'Zimrah slowly, and with deep concentration, enumerating each word as if you are counting money. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 51:8 and Mishna Berura S"K 20)

#pesukeidezimra

 

 

66) Q: If you're not supposed to have any hefsek "Bein G'Eula L'Tefilah" except "Hashem Sefasai Tiftach" and Ki Shem Hashem Ekra Havu Godel L'Elokeinu [as you wrote in the Halachos of November 19th] , why, in Ma'ariv are we allowed to say "Hashkivenu" after "Ga'al yisrael"?
 

A: The Talmud states that "Hashkiveinu" isn't  a Hefsek as it also has aspects of "Geulah" in it.(as part of the Geulah, the final redemption, will be the answer to this prayer, which requests an end to our Tzaros, the removal of the Satan etc). Also, the Tefilah of "Baruch Hashm L'Olam" which a large segment of Klal Yisroel says  before shemona Esrei of Maariv isn't considered a Hefsek, as it is considered a "Geula Arichta" a long Bracha of Geula (Mishna Berura Siman 236:6 quoting the opinion of Tosefos)

 

P.S. "Hashem Sefasai Tiftach", as well as the Kaddish between Geula and tefilah (which is said universally in Shul) , being that they are part of the required text of the davening, also are considered part of the "Geulah" or part of the "Tefilah" 

 

 67) Q: You stated last Friday that feet must be together [after Kedusha] until Hakel Hakodesh. What is source for this? Most people move the feet after Yimloch. What is your position on Rosh Hashana & Yom Kippur? There are many paragraphs between the end of Kedusha and Hamelech Hakodosh. Must feet be together throughout until the end of the beracha?

 

A: See Elya Rabba Siman 95:6 and Aruch Hashulchan Siman 95:5.

 

Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal (Halichos Shlomo, Tefilah, Perek 8: Ha'arah 60) maintains that on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur when there is a long time between Kedusha and HaKel Hakadosh, it isn't necessary to stand until HaKel hakadosh.

 

Others are of the opinion that this applies to Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur as well, but that is not the prevalent custom.

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#kedusha #yomkippur

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68) Q: When davening K'Vasikin: Let's say sunrise is 6:45:30, should one say Hashem Sefasai before 30 seconds and  start Baruch  Atta at exactly 30 seconds or should one makes sure not to say Hashem Sefasai until 30 seconds? 
 

A: As we mentioned in the Halachos, it is a big Machlokes amongst the Poskim if once you said "Hashem Sefasai" it is considered you started Shemona Esrei, or it doesn't begin until you start the Bracha. See Levush Siman 111, Sefer Yosef Ometz Siman 296,Shu"t Igros Moshe Vol. 5 Orach Chaim Siman 24. I guess it would depend on how you pasken the above shaila to determine the answer to your question. I haven't found any sefarim that address this exact point yet. If you daven  K'Vasikin often, please ask a Rav what to do. (Let me know what the Rav says please)

 

Follow up to above answer: I spoke to Rav Reuven Feinstein shlita today regarding your shaila, and he told me that although there is no clear Hachr'a'ah one way or another, the accepted minhag is to consider "Hashem Sefasai Tiftach" as part of the Shemona Esrei, and to start those words at exactly Netz Hachama, when davening K'vasikin.

 

Follow up from reader who asked the Shaila originally: I asked a couple of Rabbonim about the proper time to say Hashem Sifasai Tiftach, before or after the Zman K'vaskin. I did not get a clear answer.  One Rav smiled and told me "Ee Efsher L'tazmtzem". One Rav told me - and a I heard from someone that davens K'vaskin regularly-  that R' Chaim Pinchus Scheineberg Zatzal was not convinced that the time in the calendars is the real Zman Kvasikin. Therefore when he davened he started Hashem Sfaisai several seconds before the Zman Kvasikin and said it very slowly, maybe for about a minute, and then he started Baruch. It seems like he felt this is the best west to "get"  K'vaskin - even though the Zman Vaskin was either  after he started or during his recitation of HashemSfaisai. It sounds to me like he held that Hashem Sfaisai can be used for both sides of the coin - preparation for Shmone Esara and as part of Shemona Esrai as well.

#kevasikin #vasikin #shemonaesrei

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69) Q: I have not had a chance to look it up but I wonder does it say that one should learn Halachos daily means specifically two halachos rather than the class of halachos - I did not want to ask as either way the practice of two halachos per email should of course continue - I was just wondering re: the interpretation
 

A: Though the word Shone can mean "learn",the Sefarim translate the word "Shone" Halachos as "two" and also the word Halachos is plural , otherwise it should say " Kol Halomed Halacha B'Chol Yom". Also, The Medrash Tanchuma Parshas Beshalach Siman 20 does explicitly say " Shone Adam Shtei Halachos B'Chol Yom- one should study TWO halachos daily"

#halacha #halachas #twodailyhalachos
 

70) Q: 1. Why do we start the three steps before Shemona Esrai with the right foot and take the 3 steps at the end with the left foot?

 

2. I was brought up to not say Ga’al Yiroeal (when you are the chazzan) before Shemona Esrai out loud... About 15 years ago I started davening in a Lubavitch minyan and their minhag is exactly reversed. Do you know why?

​

A: 1) The steps before Shemona Esrei are approaching Hashem, and thus should be done with the stronger foot, as this is more respectful. When we are done Shemona Esrei we are "taking leave" of Hashem, so to speak,  and want to show that we really don't want to leave,thus we use our weaker foot first. 

 

2) There are different Minhagim as to whether the Chazan should say "Go'al Yisroel" loud (in which case you should answer Amen, if you finished the Bracha but didn't start "Hashem Sefasi" yet. ) or low (in which case you don't hear him and thus don't need to be mafsik to answer Amen. Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita maintains that this minhag is a good and acceptable Minhag). The best thing to do if the Chazan says it loud, (according to Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach zatzal and others)  is to finish in unison with the Chazan, thus you wont be obligated to say Amen.

​

Basically any way you do this, you will have sources to rely on. I imagine that the Lubavitch minyan follows the Minhagim of the Ba'al HaTanya as brought in Shulchan Aruch HaRav.

#shemonaesrei

​

71) Q: Chasidim daven mincha at a later zman than those who are non-Chasidish. The question is if you are in a car or another place that you would be unable to daven mincha with a minyan before shikya but you would be able to make it to a shul that davens mincha after shkiya, what should he do?
 

A: You should do whatever it is that your personal minhag is. Meaning, if you yourself would not  usually daven past 10,or 15,or 30, minutes after shkiah , you should not wait for a minyan in this case if  they will be davening past your usual threshhold.

 

Follow up Question from same reader: So I guess this would apply to a situation that shkiya has passed and you are makpid to daven before shkiya or within x amount of time, and there is a group of people in a shul waiting still for a minyan, does the person that is makpid then have daven biyichidus rather than wait for a tenth person to arrive?

​

A: I would imagine that it applies in this case as well. Though, if by you davening B'Yechidus you will cause the other 9 people to lose out on a minyan (and for them they still have time to daven according to their minhag), perhaps its different. A Rav should be consulted in this case.

 

72) Q: In order to make Shabbos preparations easier, I decided to prep some of the veggies tonight [Wednesday night] for some of the cooking I'll do tomorrow. I know I can't prepare onions the day before, but I can't remember why! If it's not too much trouble, please refresh my memory!

 

A: The reason for not eating onions (and garlic, and eggs) that were peeled and left overnight is because it is a Sakanah. This is brought in the Aruch Hashulchan Yoreh Deah Siman 116:22, Kaf HaChaim Os 92, and other Poskim. It is worthwhile to be careful with this

 

However, if they were not totally peeled, and part of their skin (or roots) were left on, there is no problem. Thus if you only need part of an onion, you should cut it in half, and leave the other half in its skin and you may then use it tomorrow

 

Also,  if the onion was prepared and mixed with other foods ( salt, oil, mayonnaise, etc.) there is no problem and it may be prepared and left overnight and eaten the next day.

 

If the onions were cooked, fried or roasted alone,  without salt, oil, etc. they should not be eaten the next day.

#peeledonionovernight #sakana #peeledeggsovernight

 

73) Q: If one goes to the restroom after Baruch she'amer when does he make the asher yatzer?

 

Also would one be allowed to drink hot cocoa before #davening or is that gaava'dk unlike coffee which is permitted?

 

If someone learns before davening may they have a sucking candy if it helps them learn (a). is it really achila (b.) is it gaava?

​

A: 1)  See question # 39 above

 

2) The Poskim try to find ways to be  lenient with regard to coffee with sugar, as that is  normal to drink nowadays, and isn't Ga'avah. However,  I didn't find anyone that says Hot Cocoa is OK.

 

3) The "eating" that is prohibited before davening is only a "Kzayis" or more, according to the Poskim. I imagine your sucking candy is smaller than a Kzayis, and thus would be OK, especially if it is being eaten to help you learn.

​

  

74) Q: With all the Tzedakah Chinese Auctions being held around this time, please clarify these questions if you can:

1)Can Ma'aser be used to purchase auction tickets?

2) If so, if you win a prize, do you have to add back the ticket price to the Ma'aser you owe?

3) Do you take Ma'aser from a prize and/or cash that is won?  

4)If you have a #Pushka for a particular organization, can the contents be used to buy tickets for that organization’s auction, or does it have to be given no strings attached?

 

A:1) The Poskim are divided on this issue. The Sefer  Hilchos #Maaser Kesofim says in the name of Rav Shmuel Felder shlita that he heard from Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach  and from Harav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Zichronam L'vracha that it is prohibited under all circumstances.

 

Other Poskim maintain that as long as there is no limit to the amount of tickets being sold for the item, you may use Maaser money  to purchase the tickets. This is the opinion of Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal (Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 76)

 

According to this if there are a limited amount of tickets being sold in the auction/raffle, then Maaser may not be used for their purchase.

 

Some Poskim  allow maaser to be used in all instances, even when a limited amount of tickets are being sold. (Shu"t Shevet Halevi  Vol. 9  Siman 200. Shu"t Teshuvos V'Hanhagos Vol. 3 Siman 289)

 

There are so many other opinions in this, with different conditions and stipulations, that it is impossible to write them all here. As always, for a final Psak please consult your Rav.

 

2) Some Poskim maintain that if you win, indeed you should give the amount of the ticket purchase to Maaser again. (Rav Moshe feinstein ibid.)

 

3) Rav Moshe also maintains that you must give Maaser on what you won, as it is no different from any other income you earn. He writes that it is proper to give this Maaser to the organization from whom you won the prize..

 

4) Once you put the money in the Pushka, it belongs to the organization, and you may not use it for any purpose from which you will benefit. If while you give the money to the Pushka, you stipulate that you are amassing this money for their auction or raffle, perhaps it would be OK. As with everything, consult  your Rav for a ruling on this.

   

75) Q: With regard to the bowing by Shemona Esrei, if I realized as soon as I finished either of the bowing brachas, that I forgot to bow, should I repeat it and bow? What should I do to fix it?

 

A: Bowing is one of the 8 important parts of Tefilah (See Rambam Hilchos Tefilah Perek 5 Halacha 1) and one should  be careful to be scrupulous in carrying it out. However, bowing is not one of the 5 things that invalidate the Tefilah (See Rambam Hilchos Tefilah Perk 4 Halacha 1), thus if one davened and didn't bow, the Tefilah need not be repeated.

#tefilah #shemonaesrei

 

 

76) Q: Is there a shita (halachic opinion) that holds not to pound the heart during Selach Lanu?  

 

A: I did not come across any shitos that said specifically not to do it (besides on days when no Tachnun is said; See Halichos Shlomo; Tefilah 11:45). However, I have actually observed some Talmidei Chachamim (of Lithuanian Mesorah) who do not do it. Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal did not do it. Perhaps it was not done in the Yeshivos in Lithuania, but I do not know this for sure.  

​

After seeing the above, a daily reader and a respected Talmid Chacham, Rabbi Enkin,  sent me this:

 

The Mishna Berura comments that our sins and misdeeds should be at the forefront of our hearts and minds when we recite the "slach lanu" blessing in shemoneh esrei.[1] This is the source for the custom to beat one's chest when reciting the words "chatanu" and "pashanu" in the course of this blessing.[2] There is also a Midrash which teaches that whenever one recalls one’s sins, one should pound one’s chest.[3] This is because banging on one's chest symbolizes that forbidden desires originate in one's heart. It might also be that banging on one's chest during slach lanu is something that was adopted from the Yom Kippur custom to do so when reciting "chatanu" and "pashanu" in the course of the prayers.[4]

 

While it is nearly universal practice to lightly beat one's chest during the selach lanu blessing, there are those who do not do so when reciting shemoneh esrei at a time when tachanun is not recited.[5] This is because, according to some authoritites, if tachanun is not recited then "vidui", confessions, are inappropriate, as well.[6] As such, there are those who never beat their chest at ma'ariv all year long, as tachanun is never recited at night.[7] Yet, in a variation of this custom, there are those who do not beat their chest if tachanun will not be recited after the shemoneh esrei although they do beat their chest at ma’ariv.[8] In most communities, however, no distinction is made between whether or not tachanun will be recitited after the shemoneh esrei. According to this approach one beats one’s chest at every weekday shemoneh esrei without exception.

 

 

[1] Mishna Berura 115:1.

[2] Piskei Teshuvot 115:2.

[3] Kohelet Rabba 7:2.

[4] Magen Avraham 607:3.

[5] Mekor Chaim, cited in Piskei Teshuvot 115:1, Halichot Shlomo 11:45; Siddur Yaavetz, selach lanu.

[6] Chikrei Minahgim p.49.

[7] Shaarei Halacha U'minhag, OC 69.

[8] Piskei Teshuvot 115 footnote 11.

 

 

Rabbi Ari N. Enkin

Author - Educator - Halachic Research

www.torahmusings.com/AriEnkin.html

​

77) Q: You mentioned the issur to daven in front of an open TV.

What about today's computers (with the internet on, for example)? This would come to practical use every day for many of us who eat at least one meal in front of the computer as we work, and then bentch right where we are. 

 

A: Although I haven't seen any seforim discuss this directly, and it is indeed possible that a computer would be the same Halacha, I would say a Sevara that in a room with a computer on it is fine  to daven for the following reasons:

 

A computer isn't audible and is  much less distracting than a television. Also. you can control what's on the screen and (hopefully) there isn't any Kefirah, Pritzus or other impure graphics on the screen, whereas the TV spews filth and Kefira non stop, and is not in our control.

 

Obviously one cannot daven  or bentch while actually looking at the computer screen, and of course, if it is possible to turn off the computer for a few moments, it would be best, but I don't think it would be as chamur as a TV.
 

78) Q: Is one allowed to take on a later  Sof Zman Tefillah time (e.g.  the shitah of the Levush)   or do you have to stick to the  GR"A's  time?  also  I heard  one can daven later on  Shabbos!    is  there  any truth in that?

​

If one  missed  sof zman  tefillah   which  part of  davening  should or should not be omitted? [until chatzot]?

 

A: 1) The accepted 2 times to follow is either the Magen Avraham or the Gr"a and Baal Hatanya's zman. To adopt a different Psak, I would suggest speaking to a Rav first.

 

2) It is customary in many communities to begin davening on Shabbos morning a little bit later than during the week. The reason for this is that allowing for a little extra sleep on Shabbos morning is “Oneg Shabbos”. The Poskim (Ram”a 281:2 based on Rav Hai Gaon brought in the Hagohas Mordechai and others) derive this from the language of the pesukim regarding Korbonos (which our Tefilah replaces these days, as we have no Bais Hamikdash yet unfortunately) as follows:

By the Korban Tamid of weekdays it says “BaBoker” which means early morning, and by the Korban [Mussaf] of Shabbos it says (Parshas  Pinchas) “U’Byom Hashabbos” which means by day, but not necessarily so early. However, even though we daven later, it is still important to be careful not to miss Zman Krias Shema due to the late start of davening. (It is best to read Krias Shema before going to shul, on those shabbosim that Zman Krias Shema is early).

​

Please note that not all Poskim agree with this Halacha though. Rashi (Megilah 23a) states clearly based on the Gemara there, that on Shabbos it is more important than the rest of the week to daven at sunrise, or at least earlier than usual! (The Teshuvos HaRambam, RadBaz, Chida, Ben Ish Chai and others pasken like Rashi) The prevalent Minhag in most Ashkenazi communities (that follow the Ram”a) is to start later on Shabbos morning. The prevalent Minhag in many Sephardic communities (who follow the Rambam, Chida, Ben ish Chai etc.) is to begin davening either earlier than, or just as early as the rest of the week.

 

3) If it's still before Chatzos, he should say Birchos Krias Shema, and Krias Shema. If it's after Chatzos, he must only say the Parsha of Yetzias Mitzrayim, but the Poskim say it's good to say the entire Krias Shema in order to accept upon himself the reign of Hashem. Shemona Esrei cannot be said after Chatzos, and depending upon the circumstance, a make-up Tefilah may need to be added by Mincha. Between Sof Zman Tefilah and Chatzos, most  Poskim say that if he is a Meizid (he could have davened in time, but was negligent) he may not daven anymore (or he may daven and make a Tnai that if he may not daven now, the Tefilah should be a Tefilas Nedava). If it was a Shogeg (not his fault) then  B'Dieved he should daven Shemona Esrei, but he does not get S'char  of Tefilah B'Zmanah
 

79) Q: I would like to make sure I understood correctly. From what I read, during davening Shemone Esreh one, who lives in galus - should face Eretz Israel, one who lives in Eretz Israel - should face Jerusalem and one who lives in Jerusalem - should face Western Wall. If this is correct, should Americans face South and not #Mizrach (East)? 

 

A: Yes, you understood the Halacha correctly. The ideal direction to daven is towards Eretz Yisroel, and not necessarily towards Mizrach, as most of us commonly do!

 

The Rama (Siman 94:2) says that the reason we (meaning those in Cracow, where he resided, as well as the rest of European Jewry) daven towards Mizrach is because we reside to the west of Eretz Yisroel.."

 

In the USA, we are not to the  exact west of Eretz Yisroel, and thus should not face "Mizrach" precisely according to halacha, yet that seems to be the prevalent Minhag. See Aruch HaShulchan Siman 94:4.

 

Please consult your Rav before making any personal changes  regarding which direction you daven. 

​

 

80) Q:Some people in the shul in which I daven do something which I consider very annoying, and I was wondering if you could tell me if what they are doing is proper or not.

 

If something special is to be inserted in Shmoneh Esrei (Such as Al HaNisim or Yaaleh v"Yavoh ), they say the first few words out loud when they reach that point in their silent Shmoneh Esrei.

 

I suppose they're trying to make sure everyone remembers to say it. It disturbs me because first of all it disturbs what little kavanah I usually muster, as I am distracted from the current bracha I am saying to be reminded of something else. Also, it seems that shey should be directing their prayers to Hashem, not signaling others in the middle of their tefillah. I wish they would stop doing it. It really bothers me. 

 

A: This is another one of those sticky situations, which are hard to control. 

 

Many Poskim do indeed say that if these "shout outs" are being done in order to remind the Tzibbur to say Yaaleh V'Yavo or "V'Sein Tal Umatar" or Al HaNisim etc. then it is OK (See Shu"t Eretz Tzvi Siman 24)

 

The Chazon Ish was of the opinion that doing so is not proper Derech Eretz, and even though the "shouter" has good intentions it should not be done(Dinim V'Hanhagos L'Chazon Ish Perek 4:33; also broght in Orchos Rabeinu from the Steipler Vol. 3 Page 207.)

 

Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal also was against this "Minhag"  of every person in Shul doing this, as it is a Bizayon (disgrace) to the King [Hashem].

 

However, he quotes the Magen Avraham ( Siman 114:2)that says that for one person (the Shamash or Gabai) to do so when he reaches that place in Tefilah it's OK, but not the whole shul (Halichos Shlomo  Chapter 8, Ha'arah 20)

​

81) Q: If a woman is davening with a minyan and it is almost time for zman krias shema but she is not up to shma yet, is she obligated to say krais shema at that time and then again when she is up to it in her regular davening?

 

Also, what responses are permitted if you are in the middle of davening "Elokai Nitzor" in shemona esreh? 

 

A: Women are not obligated in Krias Shema, as it is a Mitzvas Asei SheHazman Gerama. That being said, the Poskim maintain that women should try to say Krias Shema anyway (at least the first Pasuk) in order to accept upon themselves the reign of hashem. However, even those women that do say it  are not obligated to say it before Sof Zman Krias Shema ( Eishel Avraham  Butchatch Siman 70:1), Therefore, she could continue davening in the proper order and not worry about the Zman.

 

If one did not say the first "YihYu L'Ratzon" before Elokai Netzor (as the Gr"a holds) then it is as if they are in the midst of Shemona Esrei and may not interrupt at all. If  the first "YihYu L'Ratzon" was said before starting Elokai Netzor, then one may answer Amen for Kadish, Kedusha, Barchu (and all the other things permitted Bein HaPerakim of Shema), and according to some Poskim any Amen for any Bracha, as Shemona Esrei is over already.

 

After the 2nd YihYu L'Ratzon, according to all, any Amein may be answered, and even "Baruch Hu U'Varuch Shemo" to any Bracha.

#shemonaesrei

 

82) Q: When praying for a distinguished Rav who is ill - Should the title "Rav" be included in a Mi Shebarach said publicly?
Is it different in a private prayer? Is it different if one is praying for his "Rebbe Muvhak"?
 

A: The accepted Minhag is to say the given name(s) ben the given name(s) of his mother, and not to add titles. Shlomo Hamelech, when he davened for his father did not say "My father my master, King of Israel" rather he prayed for my "My father Dovid" (See Hagahos Rav Akiva Eiger to Shulchan Aruch 119:1). There is no difference if this is in a private prayer or in a public Mi Shebairach. Probably Dovid Hamelech was his son Shlomo's Rebbi Muvhak, or at least would have  the same status, yet still he didn't use titles in the prayers.

 

Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal (In the Ma'amarim in back of Halichos Shlomo on Tefilah, page 370) writes that a simple title of "Reb" is acceptable, as it has become the norm.

#mishebairach #refuah #cholim

 

83) Q:You wrote "It is brought in the Sefarim not to pound the heart [by Selach Lanu] on days when Tachanun is not recited. (MeKor Chaim and Siddur Ya'avetz in the name of the Shl"a)"

 

According to the Shla Hakodesh does that also apply to times of day when tachanun is not said, for example maariv?

and secondly , only on days that are brought down that you do not say tachanun?or anytime a shul does not say it for various reasons?
 

A: I looked again in the Siddur of Rav Yaakov Emden (Ya'avetz) who quotes the Shl"a. All he says is a curt  "Chutz m'Yom Sheain Omrim Bo #Tachnun- except a day that Tachnun isn't recited"

 

If a specific shul doesn't say Tachnun for a certain reason, but the rest of Klal Yisroel does, I would imagine that is still a "Yom SheOmrim Bo Tachnun", and you would hit your chest by Slach Lanu.

 

As far as the Maariv before, I don't know exactly. Al Pi Sevara, I  am leaning towards saying that one should  do it by the maariv before.

 

If I find more sources for this, i will be sure to let you know. 

 

84) Q: We have a shabbos minyan. It is common that there is no one saying a kaddish. What is the din, or the minhag, regarding someone saying a kaddish at the conclusion of shacharis, mincha and maariv? Obviously someone who has said kaddish as a mourner in the past, but is not presently saying.
 

A: There are a few different opinions about the Kaddish after Aleinu. I will try to briefly summarize them for you.

 

 The Arizal  was of the opinion that it isn't necessary. Most  Sephardim (Eidut Mizrach) follow this custom. (Sepharadim from North Africa and Europe do say Kaddish for the most part)

 

The Rama (Siman 132:2) requires a Kaddish after Aleinu, even if no mourner is present. The Mishna Berura explains that a) since Aleinu has pesukim it must be followed with Kaddish and b) this Kaddish was instituted to be said by a mourner that can't daven for the Amud to have an easy opportunity to say Kaddish. But if no mourner is available, someone else should say it ( even someone with parents, if the parents don't object, according to the Rama).

 

Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach and  Rav Shmuel Wosner Zichronam L'vracha  and  YBLC"T Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita all require Kaddish after Aleinu. Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Zatzal maintained that it is a minhag, and can be said, but isn't mandatory.

 

The prevalent Minhag seems to be to have someone without parents to say a Kaddish after Aleinu, but if everyone in the minyan has parents ( for which they should all thank Hashem) no Kaddish is recited.

#kaddish #aleinu

 

 

85) Q: Per what you wrote [that personal requests in Shemona Esrei should be added  at the end of the Bracha] a person would say what they add at the end of Shomeia Tefilah before Baruch, not before Ki Atoh Shoimea [as is the custom]?
 

A: No, the place to add it in Shomea Tefilah, is before "Ki Atah Shomeah". What the Poskim say is to add it your personal requests  after [most of] the text of the Nusach of the Chachamim was said. In most Brachos that would be immediately before the Chasima, while in Shema Koleinu it would be a little before.

 

86) Q: You said you can add a personal tefiloh For example, if someone wants to request of Hashem to help him/her with Parnassah, the place to ask for that is in the Bracha of "Bareich Aleinu".  When exactly do you say your requests ? do you actually say it or just think it? 

 

A: Yes, you can actually say your personal Tefilah to Hashem, in your own words, asking Him for whatever you need. He is our Father and He listens to our Tefilos! The right place to add it, in your example,  is right before the Chasimas HaBracha of " Baruch Ata Hashem Mevarech HaShanim"

​

87) Q:  I have a question concerning the Halacha of adding requests during Shma Koleinu: does it have to be in Loshon Hakodesh? I once heard that tefillos in Loshon Hakodesh and yiddish(!) are preferable than in any other language.. is it true? and would it be possible to know where its brought down?

 

A: Though the best language to daven is Lashon Kodesh (See Mishna Berura and Biur Halacha Siman 62 and Aruch HaShulchan Siman 101:9), Tefilos may be said in any language that you understand, as long as they are heartfelt Tefilos from the heart (See Mishna Berura Siman 122:8). This is true for all Tefilos no matter if they are B'Tzibur or B'Yechidus. The only  exception is  the Aramaic language , as Tefilos may not be said in Aramaic unless one is davening B'Minyan (Therefore B'Yechidus one doesn't say Yekum Purkan, Brich Shemei or other Tefilos that were written in Aramaic).

 

Yiddish is no better than English or French regarding these Halachos. There are 3 categories: 1) Lashon Kodesh 2) Aramaic 3) ALL other languages.

 

CLICK HERE to see archives of Hilchos tefilah for a more in depth treatment of these halachos.