Sunday, December 21, 2008
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The Laws of Chanukah
1. There is no obligation to have a festive meal on Chanukah, however, most have the custom to have festive meals to celebrate the rededication of the
2. It is customary to eat dairy foods and foods fried in oil (such as latkes and doughnuts[1])
3. It is forbidden to fast on Chanukah, even if one has a Yahrtzeit for a parent.
4. It is customary for children to play with a Dreidel; but there is no Jewish source for “gift giving” on Chanukah.
5. There is a special Mitzvah to give charity on Chanukah (especially giving GELT to support Torah scholars)
6. All forms of work are permitted on Chanukah, however women have a custom to refrain from work every evening for the first ½ hour while the Menorah is lit. The main custom is for women to refrain from heavy household chores such as laundering, house cleaning, ironing, and sewing (cooking is allowed)
7. The whole Hallel is said every day of Chanukah. (Tachanun and Lamnatzeach are omitted)
8. The Al Hanisim prayer is added to the Amida during the blessing of Modim, to the Birchas Hamazon in the second blessing. If one totally forgets to say this prayer, one is not required to repeat the Amida or Birchas Hamazon.
The Menorah, Oil, and Wicks:
1. There is a concept of “Hidur Mitzvah” [beautifying the Mitzvah] on Chanukah. One should obtain as beautiful a Menorah as possible. The order of preference for materials is silver, copper, other metals, glass, wood, and china.
2. The Menorah lights should stand in a straight line and all at the same height. (do not buy a staggered menorah!)
3. One may light without the use of a Menorah (ie. using several cups/candles placed in a straight line).
4. It is preferable to use olive oil, since the miracle in the
5. One should use only kosher oil. 100% virgin oil is acceptable even without a kosher certification.
6. All wicks may be used, but the best is cotton, wool, or linen. (some have the custom to use new wicks every night)
7. One may not throw away used wicks in the garbage. One should wrap them in a bag before discarding them.
8. Electric lights and gas lamps are not valid for the Mitzvah of the Menorah.
Who Lights the Menorah:
1. The Ashkenazic custom is to beautify the Mitzvah by having each male member of the family light a separate Menorah. A woman living on her own is required to light a Menorah (daughters may light their own, wives should not).
2. The custom is to educate boys to light their own menorahs (including all halachos!) from the age of six or seven.
3. If the husband is out of town, either the wife or a son over Bar Mitzvah should light the Menorah for the family.
Where to Light:
1. There is a concept of “Pirsumei Nisa” [publicizing the miracle] of Chanukah. Therefore, the Menorah should be placed in the window facing the street (in
2. The lights should preferably be between 11 – 35 inches from the floor of the room (if you live in an apartment, under no circumstances may it exceed 35 ft. from the ground outside, rather light it at the entrance to the apartment).
3. If a person has neither a door nor a window that can be seen from the street, then the Menorah should be placed on the left side of the doorway leading into the room that is most used during the evening.
4. Several people may light by the same window, but effort should be made to space the Menorahs apart, so that one can easily see the number of lights in each Menorah. It is preferable for each person to light by a different window.
5. In case it is dangerous to light in any of those places, one should light on a table that is safe and out of reach of kids
6. If one is sleeping over, one may light his own Menorah or pay for some of the oil that the host uses.
When to Light:
1. There are many customs as to when to light; one should follow the custom of their family, community or rabbi[2].
2. One should do everything possible to light within ½ hour after nightfall. If this is not possible, he may light any time during the evening until Halachik dawn. (if the entire night passed without lighting, the Mitzvah has been lost. On the next night, he should light the same number as anyone else, even though he missed a night)
3. The lights must be able to burn for at least ½ hour after nightfall. (be careful to add enough oil!!)
4. It is customary to leave the lights burn themselves out. However, if it is necessary [e.g. everyone is leaving and there could be risk of fire] one may extinguish the lights after the required ½ hour.
5. If sufficient oil or candles were placed in the Menorah when it was lit, the Mitzvah has been fulfilled, even if the lights went out within the required time. One is not obligated to rekindle the lights, although it is correct to do so. The blessings should not be repeated when relighting the Menorah.
6. If you must come home late: if the family is still up, light; if not, appoint your wife or a messenger to light for you at the proper time, if that’s not possible, light without a blessing.
Lighting the Menorah:
1. The custom is to light one light on the 1st night and adding another light each night (ie. 8 lights on the 8th night).
2. One should begin on the first night by lighting from the right end of the Menorah as one faces it. Each night, an additional light is placed next to those of the previous night, gradually filling up the Menorah towards the left. When lighting the Menorah, one kindles the newest light first, i.e. the left-most one and proceed to light from left to right.
3. When lighting, one should stand close to the newest light which is kindled first, slightly to the left of the lights – so one does not pass over the lights before kindling the leftmost first.
4. One is required to light a Shamash [additional light], since the lights are holy and one may not derive any personal benefit from them. (It is customary to use a candle for the Shamash. However, oil is also acceptable)
5. The Ashkenazic custom is to light the Shamash before the blessings are recited. After reciting the blessings, the Shamash is used for kindling the Chanukah lights and is then placed in the Menorah.
6. The Shamash should be placed away from the other lights, to distinguish it from them. If the Shamash is close to the other lights it should be placed higher than the rest. If this is difficult, it may be laced lower. If candles are being used, one may use a longer candle for the Shamash. (If several Menorahs are lit, each one should have a Shamash)
7. Before lighting, the family should be called together and instructed to have intent to be included in the blessings.
8. On the 1st night, 3 blessings are said (See Artscroll Siddur pg. 782[3]); on other nights, only blessings 1 & 2 are said.
9. The lights should only be kindled after all the blessings have been recited.
10. One should not speak until all the lights have been kindled unless the conversation concerns the Mitzvah.
11. After the first light has been kindled, it is customary to sing “Haneros Hallalu,” while kindling the remaining lights. Then, some have the custom to sing “Maoz Tzur.” (some have the custom to remain by the lights after lighting)
12. After the Menorah has been lit, it should not be moved to another location, unless a fire hazard has developed.
13. It is forbidden to have any personal benefit from the lights, such as: a) reading by their light, b) eating a meal by their light, and c) lighting a candle from their flames. One may not even eat a Mitzvah meal or learn Torah by their light. Only if another light is lit in the same room is such activity permitted.
14. Oil that remains in the Menorah at the end of the night may be reused the next evening. Any remaining oil in the Menorah after the eighth day may not be used for anything else. [It is even forbidden to use such oil for another Mitzvah e.g. Shabbos lights.] It should be burned. The same is true for the used wicks at the end of Chanukah.
15. Leftover oil in the bottle that has not been designated for the Mitzvah of lighting may be used for any purpose.
Lighting on Shabbos:
1. On Friday afternoon, one should preferably daven Mincha before lighting the Menorah. If this is not possible, one may daven Mincha after lighting the Menorah.
2. The Chanukah Menorah should be lit before the Shabbos lights. However, if time is short, the wife may light the Shabbos lights as soon as her husband has kindled one Chanukah light (one needn’t wait for other Menorahs to be lit)
3. If the husband is not ready to light the Menorah and time is short, the wife may light the Shabbos lights first, and the husband may still light the Menorah afterwards, provided it is still before sunset.
4. The optimal time is to light the Shabbos lights 18 minutes before sunset; and to complete all the Chanukah lighting before the Shabbos lights. The earliest time to light Chanukah or Shabbos lights is 1 ¼ Halachik hours before sunset.
It is forbidden to light Chanukah or Shabbos lights after sunset.
5. Remember: The Chanukah lights must be capable of burning until ½ hour after nightfall. Therefore, on Friday afternoon one must be especially careful to use sufficient oil or long candles for at least 1.5 hours. It’s useless to kindle on Friday afternoon the standard small candles or small quantities of oil which only light for ½ hour.
6. On Saturday night, the main custom at home is to recite Havdalah before lighting the Menorah (some reverse it).
7. A person who lights the Menorah first may not use the lights for Havdalah since it is forbidden to benefit from the Chanukah lights, even for another Mitzvah.
[1] The blessing on eating Latkes depends on how they were prepared. If they are made from potato flour, the blessing is “Shehakol.” If they are made from grated potatoes and you can recognize pieces of potato, the blessing is “Borei Pri Hoadama.” The blessing for doughnuts is “Borei Minei Mezonos.”
[2]
[3] There are three Brachos (blessings) which are recited when the Chanukah candles are lit.
1. "Baruch ata Ado-nai, Elo-heinu Melech ha'olam, Asher kid'shanu b'mitzvosav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Chanukah"
Blessed are You, Hashem our G-d, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments, and has commanded us to Kindle the Chanukah light.
2. "Baruch ata Ado-nai, Elo-heinu Melech ha'olam, She'asah nisim la'avoseinu, bayamim ha'hem baz'man hazeh"
Blessed are You, Hashem our G-d, King of the universe, Who has made miracles for our forefathers, in those days at this season.
3. Recited on the first night only
"Baruch ata Ado-nai, Elo-heinu Melech ha'olam, She'hecheyanu, vekiyemanu vehigi'anu laz'man hazeh"
Blessed are You, Hashem our G-d, King of the universe, Who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
The Laws of Yom Kippur
The Day Before (“Erev”) Yom Kippur
1. During Shacharis, Psalm 100 [Mizmor Lesoda], Avinu Malkeinu, Lamnatze’ach and Tachanun are not said.
2. It is a custom to do “kaparos” - instructions and prayers can be found on pgs. 2-
3. Kaparos should be done on Erev Yom Kippur, but if one is anxious, it may be done starting from Rosh Hashanah. .
4. Ideally separate chickens should be used for each person, but in times of need, it may be used several times.
5. It is a Mitzvah to eat on Erev Yom Kippur. The main custom is to eat two festive meat meals, once around midday and again during the afternoon. It is preferable to wash and eat chicken at these meals. Some have a custom to eat fish also at the first meal. It is customary to eat “kreplach” – meat dumplings. (remember not to eat TOO much)
6. It is absolutely imperative that one receives forgiveness for sins committed against other people, including hurtful remarks, slander, damages, overdue debts, dishonesty in business, not respecting parents and teachers, etc.
7. Ideally, one should ask personally by going to the person or via mail or telephone. If this is difficult, or if the person will be appeased more easily by another person, then one may make use of a third party. (one should specify the sin he is asking forgiveness of. But, if one thinks that doing so would upset the other person, one may ask in a general way)
8. All men are obliged to go to the Mikveh, optimally after one hour before Halachik Midday.
9. It is customary to dress for Yom Tov before Mincha, where the “Viduy” (confession) is added (see pgs. 8-24)
10. The final meal before Yom Kippur is called the “Seudah Hamafsekes.” It preferably should be eaten after one has said Mincha. The custom is to eat chicken, (not beef) and to refrain from eating fish (some permit cold fish). It is advisable not to eat hot spicy foods, eggs, or garlic, nor drink wine. One should be careful not to over-eat.
11. After eating, it is customary to say “Shir Hama’alos’ and to wash “Mayim Acharonim” before Birchas Hamazon. One should say Birchas Hamazon with great concentration and afterwards, clean the teeth well.
13. Women light candles and make two blessings: 1) “Lehadlik Ner Shel Yom Hakipurim” and 2) “Shehechiyanu.” Women usually accept the holiness of Yom Kippur with this candle lighting. Under extenuating circumstances, a woman may travel to Shul after candlelighting if she had in mind when lighting that she does not yet want to accept Yom Kippur. In that circumstance, she should only recite the first blessing over the candles and say “Shehechiyanu” with the congregation after Kol Nidrei.
14. One should light a 24 hour Yahrtzeit candle in memory of all deceased relatives. An additional candle should be lit specifically to be used for Havdalah at the end of Yom Kippur and one lit by married men (“ner neshamah”).
15. Married men wear a Kittel the entire time that they are awake on Yom Kippur; Women should wear Yom Tov clothes, but should not dress lavishly. They may wear weekday jewelry, except actual gold.
16. The father gives his children a special blessing before he goes to Shul. See Artscroll Machzor pg. 32.
17. Married men should put on their Talis before sunset in order to be able to say the blessing. If one did not manage to put it on until after sunset, the blessing should not be said.
Eating and Drinking:
1. All adult males over 13 years and females over 12 are obligated to fast the entire 25 hours.
2. Healthy children from the age of nine should be encouraged to fast part of the day by giving them their meals at a later time than usual, both at night and during the day. Children below this age should eat as usual (even for a Yom Tov).
3. Pregnant and nursing women must fast like everyone else. It is strongly recommended that they rest as much as possible in order to preserve their strength, even if it means davening little or nothing in Shul.
5. If upon consultation with a Rabbi, you are told that for health reasons that you may eat, the maximum quantity of solid food that may be eaten in one session is 30cc [one fluid ounce], measured by volume and not weight. The liquid quantity is 40cc [1.3 fluid ounces]. A person may eat these quantities as often as necessary, provided that they are in nine minute intervals. All decisions of eating on Yom Kippur should be done in consultation with a Rabbi.
7. It is permitted to touch food in order to feed children or the elderly.
8. It is forbidden to rinse out the mouth whether with water or with mouthwash, even if one feels uncomfortable.
Washing and Bathing:
1. It is forbidden to derive pleasure from washing any part of the body, whether in hot or cold water.
2. It is permitted to wash off dirt, but one should be careful to wash only the affected area.
3. When you awaken in the morning, the hands should be washed carefully up to the knuckles only. One should wash each hand three times as usual. The stickiness in one’s eyes may be removed with your already moist fingers.
4. After going to the bathroom, one should wash up to the knuckles only. It is sufficient to wash each hand once.
5. Kohanim, who are washing their hands to perform the blessing of the congregation, are permitted to wash as usual.
6. Children should be trained to follow the above laws, whether washing themselves or being washed by their parents.
Applying Oils:
1. It is forbidden to apply oils, liquids, perfumes, etc. even in a small quantity on any part of the body. This is forbidden whether done for pleasure, cleanliness, hygiene, or personal comfort. (It’s permitted to apply just before Yom Kippur).
2. It’s forbidden to use deodorants on Yom Kippur, but is permitted before Yom Kippur. (Talcum Powder is ok)
3. Children of all ages are included in these laws.
Wearing Shoes:
1. Only shoes that are made of leather are forbidden, whereas all other materials are permitted (even if only a small part of the shoe is made out of leather - ie. the sole, the upper part in the sole, or just in the straps).
2. According to most opinions, one is permitted to wear comfortable sport shoes, etc. Some opinions prohibit this.
3. One is permitted to wear leather shoes for medical reasons, but one should try to obtain a synthetic if possible.
4. Children from the age of two to three should be taught to wear other footwear.
Marital Relations:
1. All laws of Niddah separation between husband and wife are in force, both at night and during the day.
The Viduy [confession]:
1. One must confess sins that are contained in the Viduy even if he thinks he has not committed them. In addition, it is proper to make specific mention of personal sins that one has committed that are not mentioned in the Viduy.
2. One must stand with the body bent slightly forward when saying the Viduy. [similar to the way one stands when saying Modim] One should remain bent until after the words “Arba Misos Beis Din.”
3. One may not lean heavily on anything to the extent that one would fall over if the object were to be removed.
5. The custom is to strike the chest at the mention of each sin, During the “Al Cheit” one should strike by the word “Shechatanu.” And during the “V’al Chataim”, by the words “She’anu Chayavim.”
Kol Nidrei:
1. It is customary to come early enough to Shul to say “Tefila Zakah.” (if there is not enough time at least say the short confession and the paragraph expressing forgiveness to other people - see pg. 40)
2. “Tefila Zakah” was primarily composed for men - a woman who says it omits the lines that refer to men.
3. One should read the Kol Nidrei together with the Chazzan and is not valid unless one understands the words.
4. Women who recited the “Shehechiyanu” blessing when lighting candles should just listen and say Amen. Everyone else should say the blessing with the Chazzan, finishing a little quicker to be able to say Amen.
5. One may say the Kol Nidrei prayer at home, but only read the text that refers to future vows (not past vows)
Miscellaneous Laws:
1. If one can not be in Shul, one can say Yizkor alone without a Minyan. (There are different customs regarding saying Yizkor during the first twelve months. If one does not have a particular custom, then one should say Yizkor).
2. If a man removes his Talis during the day, he only repeats the blessing when putting it back on if he took his mind off the Talis completely. [usually 2-3 hours]
3. It’s permitted to smell spices on Yom Kippur. Many people do so in order to complete the saying of 100 blessings.
4. It is customary to stand during the entire Neilah service, as the
5. One should not socialize or be involved in idle chatter during the entire Yom Kippur.
Motzei Yom Kippur:
1. Under no circumstances may one make preparations to break the fast before 8:04 PM.
2. It is forbidden to eat or drink before making or hearing Havdalah. The exception is water which may be drunk before Havdalah, after praying Maariv or saying “Baruch Hamavdil Bein Kodesh Lechol.”
3. One should say the Maariv prayer carefully after Yom Kippur is over.
4. The custom is to wish everyone a good year when leaving Shul and to wash one’s entire hands three times after the fast since they were not washed fully in the morning.
5. Women who do not pray Maariv must say “Baruch Hamavdil Bein Kodesh Lechol” before doing any work.
6. Havdalah has three parts: a) Blessing on wine, b) Blessing on Candle c) Havdalah Blessing
7. One should use the pre-existing flame that was burning throughout Yom Kippur as the Havdalah candle. If one does not have one, he should try to obtain one from a neighbor. If this is not possible, the blessing should not be said.
8. The custom is to say Kiddush Levana immediately after Maariv or after one has broken the fast.
9. The custom is to start building one’s Sukkah (or do something related to its construction) after he has eaten.
10. It is a custom to arise earlier than usual on the day after Yom Kippur.
Friday, September 5, 2008
The Laws of Rosh Hashanah
Before Rosh Hashanah:
1. Selichos (special supplication prayers) - according to the Ashkenazic custom - are recited beginning on the Sunday before Rosh Hashanah and continue until Yom Kippur. The first day, it is recited after halachic midnight. Each day after, it is recited before morning prayers. (Sephardim begin Selichot on rosh chodesh Elul)
2. Since Selichos are said early in the morning, take care not to say the blessing on the tallis until the proper time.
3. The Ashkenazic custom is to sound the shofar every morning after prayers from the 2nd day of Rosh Chodesh Elul until the day before Rosh Hashana to arouse our hearts to teshuva.
4. It is customary to recite “LeDavid HaShem Ori” (Psalm 27) until Shemini Atzeret. (after Maariv & Shacharit).
5. Because of a halachic question pertaining to the Shehechiyanu blessing, make sure to buy a new fruit for the
The Day Before (Erev) Rosh Hashanah:
1. It is customary [but not mandatory] to fast until halachik midday.
2. At the morning service: Additional Selichos, no Tachanun, no blowing of shofar….and….
3. One should nullify his/her vows before 3 people in a language that you understand (Artscroll Siddur, pg. 762)
(Married women rely on their husbands nullification. Other women rely on the Kol Nidrei ceremony)
4. It is customary to visit the cemetery (ie. the graves of parents, grandparents, etc.)
5. One should preferably take a shave and get a haircut before Halachik noon.
6. Men should immerse in the Mikveh no earlier than one hour before Halachik noon.
7. One should take some time to familiarize oneself with the Machzor.
8. One should wear festive clothing, but in moderation. Save new clothing for the second night of Yom Tov.
9. It is customary to bake or purchase Challah in the form of a circle, ladder, or bird.
10. Men should daven Minchah with a Minyan and with extra concentration, as it is the final prayer of the year.
Setting Up on Yom Tov:
1. One is permitted to cook or bake from a pre-existing fire. It is therefore practical to light a 24 hour “Yahrtzeit” candle before Yom Tov, so that you will have a pre-existing flame to use throughout the first day of Yom Tov (including lighting candles from on the second night). Since the second day of Yom Tov is sometimes followed by Shabbos, which also requires candle lighting, it is advisable to light a 48 hour Yahrtzeit candle. Alternatively, you can light a new 24 hour Yahrzeit candle on Thursday night from a pre-existing flame.
2. For more details on how to cook or bake on Yom Tov, refer to accompanying notes or contact your rabbi.
3. If Shabbos falls immediately after Rosh Hashanah, remember to make an Eruv Tavshilin before Yom Tov in order to be able to cook on Yom Tov for the Shabbos which immediately follows. See Artscroll Siddur pg. 654.
First Evening of Rosh Hashanah:
1. Women light candles from a pre-existing flame when the men come home from Shul and are ready to eat (others light at the regular candle lighting time). [If a woman forgets to light at these times, she may light them from a pre-existing flame the entire evening.]
2. They make 2 blessings: for the Mitzvah of lighting the Yom Tov candles and the other “Shehechiyanu” blessing.
3. 4 insertions are made in the Maariv Amidah [and all Amidahs until Yom Kippur], which are found in the Artscroll Machzor on pages 62, 64, 66, and 72. One must repeat the Amidah if one forgot to insert “Hamelech Hakadosh.”
4. Special greetings are given to friends and family members after Maariv: “May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year [immediately, for a good life and for peace].”(See Artscroll Machzor pg. 90 for the Hebrew text)
This greeting should only be said on the first night. Greetings for the remainder of Rosh Hashanah should be limited to “Gmar Chasima Tov” (May there be a favorable conclusion) or “Shana Tova” or “Good Yom Tov.”
5. After making the special Yom Tov Kiddush and washing our hands, we make a Brocha over two Challahs,
and cut the top Challah. (The earliest time to light candles or make Kiddush this year is after 6:15 pm)
6. Challah is dipped in honey [some have the custom to dip the Challah into salt as well - we don’t].
7. Symbolic foods are eaten at the evening meal (See Artscroll Machzor pg. 96-98 & accompanying page).
8. If one is unable to eat the symbolic foods, one may look at them and say the special “Yehi Ratzon” prayer.
9. Some have a custom to avoid eating sour or bitter foods and nuts.
10. Remember to make the proper insertions during the Birchas Hamazon.
11. It is a custom to learn one chapter of Mishnahs from Tractate Rosh Hashanah after each of the meals.
First Day of Rosh Hashanah:
1. Men should come on time to Shul and say the Amidah with a Minyan.
2. One should hear 100 blasts of the Shofar on both days of Rosh Hashanah (except if it falls on Shabbat).
30 are blown before Mussaf. 30 are blown during the repetition. 40 are blown at the end of the service.
3. 2 blessings are recited, the community listens, responding “amen” (don’t say "Baruch hu uvaruch sh'mo”)
4. One should stand during the recitation of the blessings and for all of the shofar blasts.
5. Women are technically exempt from hearing the Shofar; however, women should hear at least 30 blasts.
6. Children, who are old enough to silently listen to the Shofar, should be encouraged to do so. Little children,
who will disturb the service, may not be brought to Shofar blowing.
7. It is forbidden to talk from the time that the blessings on the Shofar are made until after hearing the 100th and final note. Only under extenuating circumstances may one talk after hearing the first 30 blasts.
Rosh Hashanah Afternoon:
1. One is obligated to eat Challah and have a meal on both days of Rosh Hashanah.
2. One should not sleep in the afternoon. [One may be lenient on the second day.]
3. It is not the custom to be idle in the afternoon (ie. hanging out with friends). Any free time in the afternoon should be spent learning Torah or doing Teshuvah or doing acts of kindness. It is not a time for idle chatter.
4. After Minchah, it is customary to go to Tashlich, preferably at a body of running water [i.e. a river or stream] where fish are found. If that is not possible, one can say it by any body of water – even a well.
5. When reciting the word “Vesashlich”, it is customary to shake out the corners or pockets of your outer garments.
6. It is forbidden to throw any crumbs of food into the water or to feed the ducks.
Second Evening of Rosh Hashanah:
1. One may not make any preparations for the 2nd night, light candles, or make Kiddush until after nightfall.
2. Candle lighting and Kiddush are done in the same way as on the first night.
3. One should wear a new garment for candle lighting / the second evening meal. It is questionable as to
whether one can make a “Shehechiyanu” blessing on any fruits. The only fruit that one, who lives in
4. Some people have the custom to eat the symbolic foods and recite the special prayers at this meal as well.
Second Day of Rosh Hashanah:
1. The procedures for this day are the same as the first day. The exception being that we do not go to Tashlich
again. If it rained on the first day or you were not able to go to Tashlich [or the first day was Shabbos], you
should do so on the second day. [If one does not have the opportunity to go to Tashlich on both days of
Yom Tov, you are permitted to do it until the seventh day of Succos – Hoshana Rabbah.]
2. If you have made an Eruv Tavshilin on Wednesday, you may make Shabbos preparations on Friday.
3. If Rosh Hashanah ends on Friday afternoon, we do not make Havdalah. (During the Prayer of “Magen Avos” we substitute with the words “Hamelech Hakadosh.”)
4. At Havdala after Rosh Hashanah one recites only the blessing over the wine and the final blessing.
5. The next day, (3rd of Tishrei) is the Fast of Gedalia – a minor fast, from morning until evening.
6. During these ten days (between the holidays) one should give charity generously and search his deeds in order to repent by Yom Kippur. The Sabbath before Yom Kippur is called Shabbat Shuva and the Haftara is Shuva Yisrael (Hoshea 14). It is customary for the rav to give a sermon to arouse the community to teshuva.
Structure of The Shmoneh Esrei
| Maariv - Shachris - Mincha | Silent Mussag (pgs. 448-468) | Chazzan's Mussaf Day 1: pgs. 470-534; Day 2: pgs. 536-582 |
| 3 blessings of praise (including extended sanctification of G-d’s name) | 3 blessings of praise (including extended sanctification of G-d’s name) | 3 blessings of praise (including kedusha) |
| 1 blessing of sanctifying Rosh Hashanah | Intro sanctifying Rosh Hashanah | Intro sanctifying Rosh Hashanah |
| 1 bracha of Malchuyos – contains ten verses about God's sovereignty | 1 bracha of Malchuyos (bowing during Aleinu) + 2nd shofar blowing | |
| 1 bracha of Zichronos – contains ten verses about God's remembrance of man | 1 bracha of Zichronos + 3rd shofar blowing | |
| 1 bracha of Shofros – contains ten verses relating to the sounding of the shofar | 1 bracha of Shofros + 4th shofar blowing | |
| 3 concluding blessings (as usual) | 3 concluding blessings (as usual) | 3 concluding blessings (as usual) |
Rosh Hashanah: Yehi Ratzon – Symbolic Foods Text and Instructions
All of the Yehi Ratzons start out the same way:
"Yehi Ratzon Mil'fa'necha, Ad-noi El-heinu Vei'l-hai Avosainu..."
(The "-" represents the letter "o," which was purposely left out so as not to write out the name of G-d.)
"May it be your will, Hashem our G-d and the G-d of our forefathers..."
Listed below are the various foods and the endings, which are appropriate to them:
For dates: "...She'yitamu son'ainu."
(“tamarim”) "...that our enemies be consumed."
For pomegranate: "...she'nirbeh ze'chu'yos k'rimon"
"...that our merits increase like (the seeds of) a pomegranate."
For the apple in the honey: "...she'tichadesh aleinu shana tova u'm'tuka."
"...that you renew us for a good and sweet year."
Some recite the “Borei Bri Ha’adamah” on this vegetable, keeping in mind all the other vegetables to be eaten.
For gourd: "...She'yikora g'zar de'nainu v'yikaru l'fanecha zechu'yosainu."
(“kara”) "...that the decree of our sentence be torn up and may our merits be proclaimed before you."
For fenugreek (or carrots - as the Yiddish word for carrots - Mehren - can also mean "to increase,")
(“rubia”/black-eyed peas) "...She'yir'bu ze'chuyo'sainu."
"...that our merits increase."
For leek or cabbage: "...She'yikar'su son'ainu."
(“karti”) "...that our enemies be decimated."
For beets: "...She'yistalku oy'vainu."
(“silka”) "...that our adversaries be removed."
For fish: "...She'nif'reh v'nir'beh ki'dagim."
"...that we be fruitful and multiply like fish."
For the head of a fish/sheep: "...She'ni'hiyeh l'rosh v'lo l'zanav."
“...that we be as the head and not as the tail."
All of these Yehi Ratzons are said on the first night of Rosh Hashanah, after Kiddush has been made, after the
blessing over the Challos (breads) has been made and the bread has been eaten. (There are those who have the
custom to eat these foods and recite the Yehi Ratzon on the second night as well.) After the bread has been eaten,
one should take the date, make the blessing that one would normally make on fruit [“Borei Pri Ha’etz’], and then
take a bite of the date. Before one has eaten the whole date, one should recite the Yehi Ratzon. After the date, one
can then have all, none, or some of the other foods.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Yikes! 30 Days Till Judgement Day!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
The Laws of Tisha B'av
The Laws of Tisha B’av
Erev Tisha B’av
1. One should not take pleasure walks after midday (Remember: no Tachanun is said at Mincha)
2. Traditionally, a normal meal is eaten in the afternoon, then mincha is said, and then the ‘Seudas Hamafsekes’ (The final meal before Tisha B’av) is eaten.
Seudas Hamafsekes
1. This meal must be eaten after noon with the intention of not eating anything thereafter
2. It may be preceded by a regular meal. But, one should not fill themselves - in order to allow room for the Seudas Hamafsekes. One should take at least a 20-30 min. break between the regular meal and the Seudas Hamafsekes.
3. The custom is to eat this meal while seated on the ground. If one is weak, he may sit on a pillow.
4. The custom is for this meal to consist only of bread, cold hard-boiled eggs (or lentils), and water. Some of the bread (some have the custom to dip the egg) is dipped in ashes and eaten. One should say: “This is the Tisha B’av meal.”
5. During this meal, one can’t eat two different foods that are cooked (even if they can be eaten raw but were cooked) Bread\cake doesn’t count as a cooked food. One may any amount of uncooked foods (cheese, raw fruits & vegetables)
6. One must say the Birchas Hamazon by themselves, therefore three adult males should avoid eating this meal together in order not to be required to recite the Grace after meals as a “Mezumin” (invitation to bentch).
7. Since mourning does not begin until the evening, one may sit on a chair until sunset while wearing shoes.
8. One may eat and drink after this meal until sunset, unless you expressly decided, verbally or mentally, not to eat any more on that day, or said that you are accepting the fast. If one plans on eating or drinking after this meal, it is preferable to either verbally or mentally express that you are not accepting the fast until sunset.
When Tisha B’av falls on Saturday Night/Sunday:
1. The “Tzidkatcha Tzedek” prayer is not said at Minchah on Shabbos.
2. There is no special Seudas Hamafsekes on Shabbos. One may eat whatever he wants for the 3rd Shabbos Meal, even meat and wine. One may eat even after their meal is over, as long as he stops eating before sunset. One may also eat more than usual in order to prepare for the fast, but one must not say that he is eating more for this reason.
3. One may say Birkas Hamazon with a zimun (preferably before sunset as well)
4. On Saturday Night, one shouldn’t change their shoes/clothing, sit on the ground or do anything mourning or Tisha B’av related until after nightfall AND first saying, “baruch hamavdil bein kodesh l’chol.” (women who are not praying Maariv should be careful to say this as well before they do any work or any of the mourning practices)
5. Attah Chonantanu is recited as usual in the evening prayer, however the customary Havdallah is not said: ONLY the blessing over light is said either at home (after shabbos has ended!) OR at shul after the evening prayer.
Tisha B’av Prohibitions
The prohibitions of Tisha B’av begin just prior to sunset (one is permitted to drive to Shul/sit normally in the car)
Eating & Drinking:
1. A person is sick, old or weak and may become ill if he does not eat or drink (even if his life is not in danger) is is prohibited from fasting, permitted to eat as much food as he usually does, but should only eat what is necessary.
2. A woman up to thirty days after giving birth is also permitted to eat. She should try to postpone eating for a few hours, unless this causes undue hardship. A pregnant and nursing woman (30 days after giving birth) should fast the entire day even if they are suffering. If they are suffering greatly, they should discontinue fasting. Contact your rabbi.
3. A person with only a headache or similar discomfort is required to fast.
4. Boys under the age of 13 and girls under the age of 12 are not required to fast at all.
5. Swallowing capsules, bitter medicine tablets, or bitter liquid medicine without water is permitted (according to some opinions, it’s permitted to swallow a bit of water as well if the medication can not be swallowed otherwise)
6. One who usually rinses his mouth daily may do so only in instance if it causes him great distress otherwise.
Bathing & Washing:
1. All washing for pleasure on any part of the body is prohibited (vs. washing for health, seven clean days, etc.)
2. One may wash their hands or other parts of their body if they are dirtied or stained, but not beyond the dirty area.
3. In the morning, one may wash their hands in the usual manner, no further than the knuckles. While the hands are still moist after drying them, one may pass them over your eyes. If your eyes contain dirt, one may wash them.
4. One is permitted to wash their hands before praying, after using the bathroom and/or touching a part of their body that is usually covered. One should not wash further than the joints at the end of the fingers.
5. One may cook or prepare food on Tisha B’av, even though one’s hands will get wet – when necessary.
6. A woman may not go to the Mikveh on Tisha B’av – but may go to the Mikveh the night after.
Anointing:
1. One can’t apply onto your body any substance – liquid or solid – (oils, soap, hair tonic/cream, ointment, perfume)
2. One may anoint for medical reasons such as skin conditions (One is also allowed to comb their hair)
3. The use of deodorant or anti-perspirant to remove a bad odor is permitted.
Wearing Leather Shoes:
1. It is prohibited to wear shoes that are made, even partially, out of leather. (cloth, wood, rubber, plastic are allowed)
2. Wearing leather shoes is permitted in the case of a person who has to walk a long distance over stones or mud and no other suitable footwear is available, medical reasons, kids who are too young to understand about the
Learning Torah:
1. It is prohibited to learn or teach Torah – except for those topics which are relevant to Tisha B’av and mourning. (one may also prepare the Torah reading for Tisha B’av or say Tehillim for sick people or in times of danger)
2. One may learn: Lamentations/Aicha with its midrash and commentaries, portions of the Prophets that deal with tragedy or destruction, the third chapter of Moed Katan (which deals with mourning), the story of the destruction (in Gittin 56b-58a, Sanhedrin 104, and in Josephus), and the halachot of Tisha B’Av and mourning.
Other Prohibitions & Customs:
It is extremely important to stay focused on the serious nature of the day by staying in touch with your soul and not being distracted by other physical things. Therefore, there are additional prohibitions:
1. Sexual relations are prohibited and there are different customs with regard the ‘harchakos’
(most have the custom to keep the harchakos at night and treat the rest of the day like an ‘onah’ day.
2. One should not have a perfectly comfortable sleep (ie. sleep with no/less pillows or with a rock under the pillow).Pregnant women, the elderly and the ill are exempt from this
3. Some poskim say that one is allowed to smell spices and other pleasant odors on Tisha B’Av, while others disagree.
4. One should avoid unnecessary walks in public areas or taking a trip for pleasure
5. One is prohibited to greet someone. Not only is enquiring after one’s well –being prohibited, but even greeting a person with “good morning” and the like is prohibited. One, who is greeted, should respond softly – to show that greeting is prohibited. (in general, Tisha B’av is not a time for socializing, idle chatter, schmoozing, etc.)
6. It’s prohibited to give gifts, but one may give a gift to a poor person.
7. Some have a custom to visit a cemetery after completion of the morning services.
8. There is a custom to wash the floors and clean the house in the afternoon. The custom is based on a tradition that Moshiach will be born on Tisha B’av afternoon and that it is therefore appropriate to prepare for the redemption.
Prohibitions until Halachik Midday:
1. It is prohibited to sit on a chair or bench that is 12’’ or higher (One may sit on the floor, a cushion or low bench/chair)
2. Any type of prolonged work (even housework) is prohibited and should preferably not be done the entire day.
3. Preparation for the meal after Tisha B’av should not take place until after Halachik Mid-day. (when Tisha B’av follows Shabbos, one may not clean the shabbos dishes until midday Sunday)
4. The Talis and Tefillin are only worn for Mincha (the Talis Koton [Tzitzis] should be put on in the morning and the blessing is made; if one is married, there is a custom to sleep with the Tzitzis)
Restrictions on the 10th of Av:
1. Laundering, washing, saying Shehechiyanu, listening to music, and eating meat/wine should be avoided until noon Soups made with meat may be eaten. (unless it is Mikvah night, marital relations should not take place)
2. Showers, baths and shaving should be avoided, but individual parts of the body can be washed. When Tisha B'Av is on a Thursday, laundering may be done as soon as the fast is over. Some Poskim permit shaving before midday as well.
3. On Sunday, nothing may be eaten until Havdallah is recited over wine, (no spices, candles are used) and the ‘hinay’ paragraph is omitted. (One who must eat must make Havdallah beforehand on beer, coffee, or tea – but no spices)
4. All the restrictions of the 3 weeks and the Nine Days continue until Halachik Mid-day of the 10th of Av.
5. When Tisha B’av falls out on a Thursday, one is permitted to take a shave/haircut and wash clothes on Thursday night – in honor of Shabbos and you should delay saying Kiddush Levana until Motzei Shabbos.
The Laws of the Three Weeks
The Laws of The 3 Weeks of Mourning
The 3 weeks of mourning (a period known as “Bein ha-Metzarim,” - “between the straits”) begin with a fast day on the 17th of Tammuz, and end with a fast day on the 9th of Av. It was established by the Rabbis as a period of mourning over the destruction of the two
The 17th of Tammuz / Shivah Assar b'Tamuz
1. The fast begins 72 minutes before sunrise and ends 50 minutes after sunset (some cities have different customs)
2. Food and drink may be had at any time during the night of the 17th - but only if one remains awake all night.
3. If one goes to sleep, they should have in mind (preferably made verbal) to wake up early to eat before the fast begins. (One who normally drinks coffee, juice, etc., in the morning does not need to stipulate that he will drink this morning as well. One who normally does not drink anything in the morning should stipulate before retiring that he is planning to get up in the morning to drink. If he failed to do so, he may drink nevertheless. "Going to sleep" means deep sleep.
4. If one starts eating within a half hour before the fast (due to another law prohibiting food before praying), one must limit their food by eating fruits/vegetables (of any amount), “shehakol” type of food (but not enough for a meal), or less than 2.2 fl. oz. of bread, cake, cereal, etc. All (non-alcoholic) drinks are permitted in any amount. OR - Eat any kind and amount of food, but appoint someone to remind him to recite Shema and Shemoneh Esrei.
5. Once the fast starts, it is questionable if it is permitted to go back to sleep before davening. If he does go back to sleep, he should appoint another person to wake him up for prayers. (an alarm clock is not sufficient for this purpose)
6. Although it is permitted to bathe on a fast day, it has become customary not to take a hot shower or bath. It is also proper for adults to refrain from swimming, unless it is needed for a medical condition or to cool off on a hot day.
7. Some permit rinsing the front part of the mouth, taking care that no water enters the throat area.
8. One who has difficulty swallowing pills (prescribed by a doctor) may drink the amount of water required to swallow them. (One who is feeling sick is not obligated to fast, and may not act strictly in this regard)
9. During the reading of the Torah on a fast day, the custom is that certain verses are read aloud by the congregation. The individual who is called up for that aliyah should not read the verses aloud with the congregation. Instead, he should wait until the reader says them aloud and read along with him.
10. One who mistakenly ate on a fast day must resume and complete the fast, and he may recite ‘aneinu’ at Minchah. One who is not fasting altogether should not say aneinu. A minor who is not fasting need not say aneinu. (One who is praying together with the leader should not say aneinu as a separate blessing like the leader does; he should say it as it is said in private recitation, in Shema koleinu) At Minchah, ‘Avinu Malkeinu’ is recited, even without a minyan.
The Three Weeks
Taking a haircut or a shave:
1. It is permitted to trim a mustache that interferes with eating (some have the custom to shave on erev Shabbos)
2. It is permitted to pluck one's eyebrows or eyelashes.
3. Married women may cut hair that is protruding from their head covering or facial/body hair that may be unattractive to their husband (women of marriageable age may also take haircuts when necessary)
4. It is permitted to comb one's hair even though some hair will get torn out while combing.
5. Nail cutting is permitted (however, during the 9 days, most have the custom to cut their nails only on Friday)
6. It is permitted to shave if one's employer insists upon it, though not to prevent ridicule.
7. A mourner who completed his mourning period during the Three Weeks, may take a haircut and a shave(9).
8. The prohibition of hair-cutting applies even to small children under the age of chinuch.
9. On the day of a baby's bris, the father, the sandek and the mohel may take a haircut.
10. In a time of need, some poskim permit taking a haircut or a shave on the evening and night of the 17th of Tammuz.
Getting married or participating in a wedding:
1. A wedding may be held on the evening before the 17th of Tammuz if no other date is feasible.
2. Engagements are permitted and may even be celebrated with a party or a meal.
Listening to music and dancing:
1. Listening to music is prohibited, whether it is live, broadcast on the radio, or tapd.
2. A professional musician, or one who is learning to play professionally, may play music during the Three Weeks.
3. When the musical accompaniment is incidental to the main event may be attended or viewed.
4. Children who are old enough to understand about the destruction of the Beis ha-Mikdash may not listen to music. (Several poskim, however, permit a child to practice his musical instrument)
5. Singing in praise of Hashem at a seudas mitzvah, without musical accompaniment, is permitted.
Reciting shehecheyanu:
1. On Shabbos, it is permitted to recite shehecheyanu.
2. On Rosh Chodesh Av, it is permitted to recite shehecheyanu over new fruit. (a new fruit that will not be available after the Three Weeks may be eaten and a shehecheyanu recited.
3. A shehecheyanu is recited at a pidyon ha-ben and upon seeing one's newborn daughter.
4. A shehecheyanu may be recited if by mistake the Borei pri ha-eitz was already said over a new fruit.
5. The blessing of ha-Tov v'ha-Meitiv may be said during the Three Weeks.
6. Since it is prohibited to recite shehecheyanu, it is also prohibited to buy any item that normally requires shehecheyanu to be recited. (ie. one may not buy a new car for personal use; it is permitted, however, to buy a car for business use [and recite the shehecheyanu after the Three Weeks] or for the benefit of the family [since in that case ha-Tov v'ha-Meitiv is recited instead of shehecheyanu]).
7. It is forbidden to buy or wear clothing which normally would require a shehecheyanu to be recited. Clothes that require alteration may be bought during the Three Weeks and altered after the Three Weeks are over.
8. New garments that don’t require this blessing may be purchased and worn until the 1st of Av.
The 9 Days
Activities of Pleasure and Joy
1. One should not purchase an object of joy that will be available after Tisha B’Av for the same price.
2. Building for beauty or pleasure not required for dwelling should be suspended.
3. Building for a mitzvah like a synagogue, place of Torah study, or a mikva is permitted.
4. Painting, wallpapering and general home decoration should not be done.
Eating Meat and Drinking Wine
1. The custom is to refrain from eating meat/poultry or drinking wine/grape juice. This also pertains to children.(The prohibition includes foods cooked with meat/meat fat; foods cooked in a clean vessel used for meat may be eaten)
2. Eating meat and drinking wine is permitted for Shabbat. Even one who has ushered in the Shabbat on Friday afternoon before sunset, or extends the third meal of Shabbat into Saturday night may also eat meat and drink wine at those times.(they are also permitted at a ‘mitzvah meal’ – a bris, redemption of the first born, completing a tractate of the Talmud)
3. Most have the custom to give the Havdallah wine to a child of 6-9 years old or to use beer for Havdallah.
4. A person who requires meat because of weakness or illness, including small children and pregnant or nursing women who have difficulty eating dairy, may eat meat. However, whenever possible poultry is preferable to meat.
Laundering
1. Laundering is prohibited even for use after Tisha B’Av, including linens, tablecloths, and towels. (One may not even give clothing to a non-Jewish cleaner, although one may give it to him before Av, even though he’ll wash during the 9 days)
2. A person who has no clean clothes may wash what he needs until the Shabbat before Tisha B’Av (children’s diapers and clothing that constantly get dirty may be washed by need even during the week of Tisha B’Av, in private. )
3. One may polish shoes with liquid or wax polish, but should avoid shining shoes.
Wearing Freshly Laundered Clothing
1. It is forbidden to wear freshly laundered clothing, including all clothing (except socks/undershirts/underwear) linens, tablecloths, and towels (therefore, one must prepare before the nine days by wearing freshly laundered suits, pants, shirts, dresses, blouses and the like for a short time so that they may be worn during the nine days)
2. One may use freshly laundered Shabbat clothing, clean tablecloths and towels. New bed linen is prohibited.
(if one forgot or was unable to prepare enough garents before the nine days, he may change for Friday night and then change again on Shabbat morning - these garments may then be worn during the week; BUT this will apply only to clothing that is suitable to wear on Shabbat, since wearing a garment on Shabbat for the sole purpose of wearing it during the week is forbidden)
3. Fresh garments and Shabbat clothing may be worn in honor of a mitzvah (ex. the parents, mohel, and sandek for a bris)
Wearing, Buying and Making New Clothes, Repairing Garments
1. While wearing new clothing that doesn’t require a “sh’hecheyanu” is permitted until the 1st of Av, during the nine days it is prohibited even on Shabbat.
2. One may not buy new clothes or shoes even for use after Tisha B’Av, except in a case of great necessity (your wedding)
3. If one forgot or was unable to buy special shoes needed for Tisha B’Av, he may do so during the nine days.
4. Making new garments or shoes for a Jew is allowed until the week of Tisha B’Av; afterwards only for a non-Jew.
5. Repairing torn garments or shoes is permitted.
Bathing and Swimming
1. The custom is not to bathe for pleasure even in cold water or wash with hot/warm water. (bathing in cold water or washing in hot/warm water for medical reasons or to remove dirt or perspiration is permitted).
2. Bathing for a mitzvah is allowed (a woman who needs to bathe for the mikva should consult a competent rabbi.
3. A man who immerses in a mikva every Friday (no matter what) may do so in cold water this Friday.
4. One who bathes every Friday for Shabbos with hot water, soap and shampoo may do so on the Friday before Tisha B’Av.