Podcasts about mishna berura

The Hid"a (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806), in his work Abodat Ha'kodesh (listen to audio recording for precise citation), writes that one must make a special effort on Shabuot morning, after staying awake through the night, to pray properly. Many people tend to doze during the prayer service on Shabuot morning, such that they do not recite the words properly, skip sections of the service, and certainly do not concentrate on the meaning of the words. The Hid"a writes that "Yasa Secharam Be'hefsedam" – these people lose their reward for learning throughout the night by failing to pray properly in the morning. After staying awake studying Torah throughout the night, one must make an effort to remain fully awake and alert during the prayer service on Shabuot morning so he can pray properly. It should be noted that the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) viewed the period of Sefirat Ha'omer as an extended Tikkun ("repair" of spiritual imperfections in the upper worlds) that begins on the second night of Pesah and reaches its culmination in the Musaf prayer on the first day of Shabuot. Accordingly, the Shaharit and Musaf prayers on Shabuot morning are laden with spiritual significance, and it is critical for one to recite these prayers properly. One who sleeps through these prayers, or does not recite them as he should, runs the risk of forfeiting the spiritual achievements of the entire Omer period. Therefore, it is critical after staying awake on Shabuot morning to muster all one's strength to pray properly on Shabuot morning. One who suspects that he will be unable to remain awake and alert through the end of the Musaf prayer should recite Shema and then take a nap. It is preferable to complete the prayer service later, after sleeping and rejuvenating oneself, than to risk dozing during the Tefila. When is the earliest time for reciting Shaharit on Shabuot morning? Generally speaking, one should not recite the Amida prayer of Shaharit before sunrise (Netz Ha'hama). On Shabuot morning, however, some authorities permit congregations to begin the Amida before sunrise. Since it is very difficult for people to pray properly after remaining awake throughout the night, there were some who held that the prayer may be recited earlier to help ensure that everyone will be able to properly pray the entire service. This is the ruling of the Peri Megadim (492) and the Mishna Berura (89:1, and in Sha'ar Ha'siyun 5). There are many congregations that nevertheless ensure to wait until sunrise before beginning the Amida on Shabuot morning, and though this is certainly an admirable custom, those who pray the Amida before sunrise certainly have authorities on whom to rely. Indeed, the practice of Hacham Baruch Ben Haim was to pray the Amida before sunrise on Shabuot morning, and, as mentioned, this practice is perfectly acceptable. This is the ruling of Rabbi Karp in his work Hilchot Hag Be'hag (p. 132; listen to audio recording for precise citation). It should be noted that congregations that recite the Amida before sunrise on Shabuot morning must ensure not to recite Shema before the earliest time for Shema, which occurs approximately 10-15 minutes after dawn. (Generally, however, by the time these congregations reach the Shema prayer, that time has already passed.) Summary: One must make a special effort to remain awake and alert throughout the prayer service on Shabuot morning after remaining awake through the night. If one suspects that he will be unable to remain awake and pray properly throughout the service, it is preferable to recite Shema, take a nap, and then complete the prayer service properly. Although the Amida of Shaharit generally should not be recited before sunrise, some congregations have the custom of reciting the Amida on Shabuot morning before sunrise in consideration of the difficulty entailed in remaining awake and alert throughout the prayer service. This is certainly an acceptable practice.

It is standard medical procedure for expectant mothers to undergo periodic ultrasound examinations, during which the physicians see the fetus so it can be carefully examined to ensure it is developing properly. During this examination, the doctor can easily identify the fetus' gender, and doctors generally pass on this information to the parents. The question arises whether it is proper, from a Torah perspective, for the parents to learn the fetus' gender during pregnancy. The Torah commands, "Tamim Tiheyeh Im Hashem Elokecha" ("You shall be innocent with Hashem your G-d" – Debarim 18:13), which is understood as an obligation not to concern ourselves with the future, to conduct ourselves the way we see fit, placing our trust in Hashem, without trying to access information about the future. Does finding out a fetus' gender violate this principle? We do not find any clear-cut basis in Halachic literature to forbid such a practice, and it would appear that learning a fetus' gender does not indicate a lack of faith in G-d or an inappropriate attempt to access information about the future. There is, however, one interesting passage in the Midrash which perhaps leads us to discourage this practice. The Midrash (Kohelet Rabba) lists several pieces of information which G-d withheld from human beings. For example, nobody knows when he will leave this world, and, quite obviously, G-d arranged this intentionally so that we will always conduct ourselves properly, rather than wait and repent shortly before we die. As we do not know when we will leave this world, we have no choice but to approach every day as potentially our last, and conduct ourselves accordingly. The Midrash also includes in this list the thoughts of other people. G-d does not empower us to read other people's minds, because if people could access each other's thoughts, the world would be overrun by animosity. The Midrash lists a fetus' gender as one of the pieces of information which G-d withholds from us. No reason is given, but we can reasonably assume that if the Midrash includes a fetus' gender in this list, there must be a valuable reason for this information to be denied to us. Perhaps, if the mother was hoping for one gender, then knowing that the infant is the other gender could cause her distress, which might be detrimental to the child. Or, perhaps to the contrary, knowing the gender during pregnancy diminishes from the excitement when the baby is born. In any event, the Midrash clearly indicates that it is for our benefit that G-d conceals from parents their child's gender during pregnancy. While this Midrash certainly does not suffice to establish a Halachic prohibition against finding out a fetus' gender, it would seem that this is something which should be discouraged, unless there is a particular reason to obtain this information. In some situations, the parents need to know ahead of time whether a Berit Mila must be arranged, and there might be circumstances where for purposes of Shalom Bayit (harmony between husband and wife) this information is valuable. When such a need arises, it is certainly acceptable to be told the gender, as this does not violate any Halachic prohibition. We should add that if the father is a Kohen, there might actually be value in the parents' finding out the fetus' gender. The Mishna Berura (Rav Yisrael Meir Kagan of Radin, 1839-1933) addresses the question of whether a woman who is married to a Kohen may come in contact with Tum'at Met (the impurity generated by a human corpse) during pregnancy, such as by visiting a cemetery or entering a home where a corpse is present. All male Kohanim, including infants, are included in the prohibition which forbids Kohanim from coming in contact with Tum'at Met, and the question thus arises as to whether a pregnant wife of a Kohen should avoid Tum'at Met, in case she gives birth. The Mishna Berura rules that this is permissible, because it is a situation of "Sefek Sefeka" – where two uncertainties are involved. First, it is uncertain whether the fetus is a boy, who is forbidden from coming in contact with Tum'at Met, or a girl, who is not forbidden. Second, it is possible that the infant will be stillborn, Heaven forbid, in which case, of course, there is no prohibition. On this basis, the Mishna Berura permits the pregnant wife of a Kohen to go to a place where there is a human corpse. However, in a situation where Halacha permits something because of a "Sefek Sefeka," if it becomes possible to resolve one of the uncertainties, there is an obligation to do. Therefore, in the case of a wife of a Kohen who is pregnant, there is value in determining the gender in order to resolve the first uncertainty. Then, if she is carrying a boy, she would be required to avoid exposure to Tum'at Met, and if it is a girl, this would not be necessary. It should be noted that the Magen Abraham (Rav Abraham Gombiner, 1633-1683) maintained that the pregnant woman in any event would be permitted to go to a place where there is Tum'at Met, because the prohibition does not apply in such a case. Therefore, in consideration of this opinion, we would not go so far as to require a Kohen's pregnant wife to determine the child's gender. (Parenthetically, we should note that a Kohen's wife is certainly allowed to go to a hospital to deliver the child, despite the high probability that there is a human corpse in the hospital, because this is a situation of Pikua'h Nefesh – a potentially life-threatening circumstance. Additionally, the spread of Tum'a from one room to another and one floor to another in the hospital likely occurs only Mi'de'rabbanan (on the level of Rabbinic enactment), such that there is greater room for leniency.) Summary: There is no Halachic prohibition against finding out a fetus' gender during pregnancy, though it is preferable not to, unless there is a particular need, or if not knowing could compromise Shalom Bayit. If the father is a Kohen, it might, according to some opinions, be preferable to find out the gender, so that the mother will avoid places of Tum'at Met if it's a boy, and will not have to avoid such places if it is a girl. If the couple does not know the gender, the woman is nevertheless allowed to visit places where there is Tum'at Met.

Mishnah Berurah -  Siman 433: Seif 10 - Siman 434: Seif 1 סימן תל"ג סעיף י סימן תל"ד סעיף א Hilchos Pesach - דיני בדיקת חמץ Rabbi Mordechai Fishman   Purchase  The Laws and Customs of Krias HaTorah, by Rabbi Mordechai Fishman here: www.kriashatorah.com   www.orachchaim.com For sponsorship opportunities contact: www.rabbifishman.com or email: rabbifishman@gmail.com #mishna berura

Mishnah Berurah -  Siman 433: Seif 7-9 סימן תל"ג סעיף ז-ט Hilchos Pesach - דיני בדיקת חמץ Rabbi Mordechai Fishman   Purchase  The Laws and Customs of Krias HaTorah, by Rabbi Mordechai Fishman here: www.kriashatorah.com   www.orachchaim.com For sponsorship opportunities contact: www.rabbifishman.com or email: rabbifishman@gmail.com #mishna berura

Mishnah Berurah -  Siman 433: Seif 2-6 סימן תל"ג סעיף ב-ו Hilchos Pesach - דיני בדיקת חמץ Rabbi Mordechai Fishman   Purchase  The Laws and Customs of Krias HaTorah, by Rabbi Mordechai Fishman here: www.kriashatorah.com   www.orachchaim.com For sponsorship opportunities contact: www.rabbifishman.com or email: rabbifishman@gmail.com #mishna berura

Mishnah Berurah -  Siman 432: Seif 1 - Siman 433: Seif 1 סימן תל"ב סעיף א - סימן תל"ג סעיף א Hilchos Pesach - דיני בדיקת חמץ Rabbi Mordechai Fishman   Purchase  The Laws and Customs of Krias HaTorah, by Rabbi Mordechai Fishman here: www.kriashatorah.com   www.orachchaim.com For sponsorship opportunities contact: www.rabbifishman.com or email: rabbifishman@gmail.com #mishna berura

Mishnah Berurah -  Siman 430: Seif 1 - Siman 431: Seif 2 סימן ת"ל סעיף א - סימן תל"א סעיף ב Hilchos Pesach - הלכות פסח Rabbi Mordechai Fishman   Purchase  The Laws and Customs of Krias HaTorah, by Rabbi Mordechai Fishman here: www.kriashatorah.com   www.orachchaim.com For sponsorship opportunities contact: www.rabbifishman.com or email: rabbifishman@gmail.com #mishna berura

There is a widely-accepted, time-honored custom to light candle in memory of a loved one, or of a Sadik, during the Shiba mourning period, and each year on the Yahrtzeit. Although this practice is not mentioned explicitly anywhere in the Talmud, it might be alluded to in two places. First, the Gemara relates that before Rebbi (Rabbi Yehuda Ha'nasi) passed away, he gave his sons a number of instructions, one of which was that there should be a candle lit by his place. Rashi explains that Rebbi's soul returned to his home every Friday night to be with his wife, ad so he asked that there would be a candle lit by his place in honor of Shabbat. But the Yabetz (Rav Yaakob Emden, Germany, 1697-1776) suggests that this might be a basis for the custom to light a candle in honor of one's deceased parent, as Rebbi's instruction could be understood to mean that he wanted his children to light a candle in his honor. Another possible source is the Gemara's discussion in Masechet Berachot (53) of the Beracha "Boreh Me'oreh Ha'esh" recited over a flame on Mosa'eh Shabbat. The Gemara states that this Beracha may be recited only over a candle that was lit for illumination purposes, as opposed to "Ner Shel Metim" – "the candle of the deceased" – which is lit in honor of the deceased, and not for illumination. This would certainly indicate that there was a practice to light candles in honor of the deceased. However, this might refer only to candles lit around the deceased before burial, as opposed to our practice to light candles during Shiba and on the Yahrtzeit. In the writings of the Rishonim, we find mention of this concept in the Kolbo (by Rav Yehonatan of Lunel, Provence, late 13th-early 14th century), in the section discussing the laws of Yom Kippur. He writes that it is customary to light candles on Ereb Yom Kippur in memory of one's deceased parents. This custom is brought by the Rama (Rav Moshe Isserles, Cracow, 1530-1572) in his glosses to the Shulhan Aruch. The Mishna Berura (Rav Yisrael Meir Kagan of Radin, 1839-1933) writes that even the deceased are, in a sense, judged on Yom Kippur, and so we light candles in their memory as a source of merit for them. What's the explanation of this practice? How does lighting a candle benefit the soul of the deceased? One explanation is that lighting a candle in itself brings no benefit to the deceased, but when candles are lit in the synagogue, this fulfills a Misva which brings merit to the deceased's soul. Generations ago, candles were needed for illumination, and so lighting candles in the synagogue was a very important Misva. Indeed, it was customary years ago for people to donate oil for the lights in the synagogue in merit of a deceased parent. More generally, lighting candles enhances the atmosphere of the synagogue, and this, too, constitutes a Misva which brings merit to the deceased. (Interestingly, one contemporary work suggested that it would be appropriate to donate towards the synagogue's electric bill as a merit for the deceased, just as years ago people would donate oil for the lights.) According to this explanation, the value of lighting candles is only when it is done for a Misva, meaning, when the candles are lit in the synagogue. However, the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), in his Torah Li'shmah, writes that the lighting itself brings comfort and joy to the soul of the deceased. He explains that a soul is like a candle, and similar entities are attracted to one another. Therefore, when a candle is lit at a place where the soul is present, the soul experiences some degree of enjoyment. However, the Ben Ish Hai emphasizes that this is relevant only in the place where the soul is present – namely, in the deceased's home during the Shiba period, or at the grave. According to the Ben Ish Hai, then, there is no purpose to light a candle in memory of the deceased in his or her home after the Shiba, or even during the Shiba if the mourning is observed somewhere other than the deceased's home. Regardless, the Poskim accorded great importance to this custom. It is mentioned in the major works on mourning (Gesher Ha'haim, Ma'abar Yabok). In fact, the Mishna Berura (261) writes that during the period of Ben Ha'shemashot after sundown on Friday afternoon, when it is permissible to ask a gentile to perform a Melacha (forbidden activity) on one's behalf when there is a great need, one may ask a gentile to light a Yahrtzeit candle. Meaning, if one forgot the light the candle before Shabbat, he may ask a non-Jew to do so during the period of Ben Ha'shemashot, because this is considered a matter of great need. Likewise, Hacham Bension Abba Shaul (Israel, 1924-1998) writes that if one has Yahrtzeit on Yom Tob and forgot to light the candle before Yom Tob, he may light it on Yom Tob (from a preexisting flame). This is considered a significant enough need to permit lighting a candle on Yom Tob. When lighting the candle, the Ben Ish Hai writes, it is proper to declare that the candle is being lit for the "Menuhat Nefesh" ("rest of the soul") or "Iluy Nefesh" ("elevation of the soul") of the deceased, mentioning the deceased's name. It is also proper to give some charity at the time the candle is lit. Some opinions say it is preferable to use oil for this candle, because the word "Shemen" ("oil") has the letters of "Neshama," whereas others say wax should be used, because the letters of the word "Sha'ava" ("wax") represent the verse, "Hakisu Ve'ranenu Shocheneh Afar" – "Awaken and rejoice, those who lie in the earth," the verse which speaks of the resurrection of the dead in the future. Summary: There is a time-honored custom to light a candle in memory of a deceased loved one during the Shiba mourning period, and on the Yahrtzeit. According to one view, the candles are lit in the synagogue as a merit for the deceased, whereas others explain that a candle lit in a place where the deceased's soul is present brings joy and comfort to the soul. Therefore, according to many opinions, the candles should be lit only in the deceased's home during Shiba, at the grave, or in the synagogue.

Mishnah Berurah -  Siman 429: Seif 1-2 סימן תכ"ט סעיף א-ב Hilchos Pesach - שאין נופלים על פניהם כל ניסן Rabbi Mordechai Fishman   Purchase  The Laws and Customs of Krias HaTorah, by Rabbi Mordechai Fishman here: www.kriashatorah.com   www.orachchaim.com For sponsorship opportunities contact: www.rabbifishman.com or email: rabbifishman@gmail.com #mishna berura

Mishnah Berurah -  Siman 428: Seif 5-8 סימן תכ"ח סעיף ה-ח Hilchos Rosh Chodesh - סדר קביעת המועדים וקריאת הפרשיות Rabbi Mordechai Fishman   Purchase  The Laws and Customs of Krias HaTorah, by Rabbi Mordechai Fishman here: www.kriashatorah.com   www.orachchaim.com For sponsorship opportunities contact: www.rabbifishman.com or email: rabbifishman@gmail.com #mishna berura

Is it proper to keep the Tzitzit of one's Tallit Katan inside his clothing, or should he expose them? Twice in his presentation of the laws of Tzitzit (8:11, 24:1), the Shulchan Aruch writes that the Tallit Katan should be worn over one's clothing, so that he sees the Tzitzit at all times and thereby be reminded of the Mitzvot. According to the Shulchan Aruch, the entire garment of the Tallit Katan should be worn over one's outermost garments (like many Chasidim do today). The Mishna Berura (8:26; commentary to the Shulchan Aruch by Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, the "Chafetz Chayim," Lithuania, 1835-1933) strongly condemns the practice of those who tuck the Tzitzit inside their pants, rather than leave them exposed (listen to audio for precise citation). He writes that doing so not only undermines the purpose of Tzitzit – "you shall see them and remember all the commandments of God" (Bamidbar 15:39) – but also denigrates the Mitzva. The Mishna Berura adds that a person who received a garment as a gift from a king would proudly expose it for all to see; all the more so, then, should one make a point of exposing the Tzitzit. Those who conceal them, the Mishna Berura writes, will one day make an accounting for this shameful practice. However, the view of the Arizal (famed Kabbalist, Israel, 1534-1572), as recorded and understood by his student, Rabbi Chayim Vital (Israel-Syria, 1542-1620), and by the Chid"a (Rabbi Chayim Yosef David Azulai, Israel, 1724-1806), was that the Tallit Katan – both the garment and the Tzitzit strings – should not be exposed. Chacham Ovadia Hadaya (Israel, 1890-1969), in his work Yaskil Avdi, cites other Kabbalists who followed this view, as well. Therefore, Sepharadim, who generally follow the laws and customs of the Kabbalists, should keep their Tzitzit tucked into their garments. Chacham Bentzion Abba Shaul Z"L (Jerusalem, 1924-1998) cited his mentor, Chacham Ezra Attia Z"L (head of the renowned Yeshivat Porat Yosef in Jerusalem), as remarking that any Sepharadi that exposes his Tzitzit denigrates and casts aspersions on the previous generations of Sepharadim, who followed the practice of keeping the Tzitzit concealed. Rabbi Yehuda Tzadka Z"L (who served as Rosh Yeshiva along with Chacham Ezra Attia Z"L) testified that the esteemed Rabbi Yaakov Chaim Sofer (1870-1939), author of Kaf Ha'chayim Sofer, likewise kept his Tzitzit inside his clothing. The same is said about the prominent Kabbalist Rabbi Efrayim Cohen Z"L, and this is the ruling of Chacham Ovadia Yosef, in his work Yechaveh Da'at (2:1). Thus, in the spirit of the rule "Al Titosh Torat Imecha" ("Do not abandon your mother's teaching" – Mishlei 1:8, 6:20), Sepharadim should follow the time-honored tradition to wear their Tallit Katan and the Tzitzit strings inside their clothing, rather than expose them. It should be noted that Halacha permits allowing the Tzitzit strings to come in contact with one's skin, and one is thus not required to keep them in his pockets or tie them in such a way that they would not touch his skin.

Mishnah Berurah -  Siman 427: Seif 1 - Siman 428: Seif 1 סימן תכ"ז סעיף א - סימן תכ"ח סעיף ד Hilchos Rosh Chodesh - כשראש חדש ב' ימים היאך כותבין בשטרות Rabbi Mordechai Fishman   Purchase  The Laws and Customs of Krias HaTorah, by Rabbi Mordechai Fishman here: www.kriashatorah.com   www.orachchaim.com For sponsorship opportunities contact: www.rabbifishman.com or email: rabbifishman@gmail.com #mishna berura

Mishnah Berurah -  Siman 426: Seif 2-4 סימן תכ"ו סעיף ב-ד Hilchos Kiddush Levana - ברכת הלבנה וזמנה Rabbi Mordechai Fishman   Purchase  The Laws and Customs of Krias HaTorah, by Rabbi Mordechai Fishman here: www.kriashatorah.com   www.orachchaim.com For sponsorship opportunities contact: www.rabbifishman.com or email: rabbifishman@gmail.com #mishna berura

Mishnah Berurah -  Siman 425: Seif 1 - Siman 426: Seif 1 סימן תכ"ה סעיף א - סימן תכ"ו סעיף א Hilchos Rosh Chodesh - דין הזכרת יעלה ויבא בברכת המזון Rabbi Mordechai Fishman   Purchase  The Laws and Customs of Krias HaTorah, by Rabbi Mordechai Fishman here: www.kriashatorah.com   www.orachchaim.com For sponsorship opportunities contact: www.rabbifishman.com or email: rabbifishman@gmail.com #mishna berura

Mishnah Berurah - Siman 423: Seif 1 - Siman 424: Seif 1 סימן תכ"ג סעיף א - סימן תכ"ד סעיף א Hilchos Rosh Chodesh - סדר קריאת התורה בר"ח Rabbi Mordechai Fishman   Purchase  The Laws and Customs of Krias HaTorah, by Rabbi Mordechai Fishman here: www.kriashatorah.com   www.orachchaim.com For sponsorship opportunities contact: www.rabbifishman.com or email: rabbifishman@gmail.com #mishna berura

Mishnah Berurah -  Siman 422: Seif 2-7 סימן תכ"ב סעיף ב-ז Hilchos Rosh Chodesh - סדר התפלה והלל בר"ח Rabbi Mordechai Fishman   Purchase  The Laws and Customs of Krias HaTorah, by Rabbi Mordechai Fishman here: www.kriashatorah.com   www.orachchaim.com For sponsorship opportunities contact: www.rabbifishman.com or email: rabbifishman@gmail.com #mishna berura

Mishnah Berurah -  Siman 420: Seif 1 - Siman 422: Seif 1 סימן ת"כ סעיף א - סימן תכ"ב סעיף א Hilchos Rosh Chodesh - אם הנשים רשאות לקונן בר"ח Rabbi Mordechai Fishman   Purchase  The Laws and Customs of Krias HaTorah, by Rabbi Mordechai Fishman here: www.kriashatorah.com   www.orachchaim.com For sponsorship opportunities contact: www.rabbifishman.com or email: rabbifishman@gmail.com #mishna berura

Mishnah Berurah - Siman 418: Seif 2 - Siman 419: Seif 1 סימן תי"ח סעיף ב- סימן תי"ט סעיף א Hilchos Rosh Chodesh Rabbi Mordechai Fishman   Purchase  The Laws and Customs of Krias HaTorah, by Rabbi Mordechai Fishman here: www.kriashatorah.com   www.orachchaim.com For sponsorship opportunities contact: www.rabbifishman.com or email: rabbifishman@gmail.com #mishna berura

Mishnah Berurah - Siman 417: Seif 1 - Siman 418: Seif 1 Hilchos Rosh Chodesh Rabbi Mordechai Fishman   Purchase  The Laws and Customs of Krias HaTorah, by Rabbi Mordechai Fishman here: www.kriashatorah.com   www.orachchaim.com For sponsorship opportunities contact: www.rabbifishman.com or email: rabbifishman@gmail.com #mishna berura

Mishnah Berurah - Siman 416: Seif 2-5 Hilchos Shabbos - דין עירובי תחומין ביום טוב שחל להיות סמוך לשבת Rabbi Mordechai Fishman   Purchase  The Laws and Customs of Krias HaTorah, by Rabbi Mordechai Fishman here: www.kriashatorah.com   www.orachchaim.com For sponsorship opportunities contact: www.rabbifishman.com or email: rabbifishman@gmail.com #mishna berura

Mishnah Berurah - Siman 415: Seif 3 - Siman 416: Seif 1 Hilchos Shabbos - שלא לערב עירובי תחומין אלא לדבר מצוה Rabbi Mordechai Fishman   Purchase  The Laws and Customs of Krias HaTorah, by Rabbi Mordechai Fishman here: www.kriashatorah.com   www.orachchaim.com For sponsorship opportunities contact: www.rabbifishman.com or email: rabbifishman@gmail.com #mishna berura

Mishnah Berurah - Siman 414: Seif 1 - Siman 415: Seif 2 Hilchos Shabbos - שלא לערב אלא מדעתו Rabbi Mordechai Fishman   Purchase  The Laws and Customs of Krias HaTorah, by Rabbi Mordechai Fishman here: www.kriashatorah.com   www.orachchaim.com For sponsorship opportunities contact: www.rabbifishman.com or email: rabbifishman@gmail.com #mishna berura

Mishnah Berurah - Siman 412: Seif 1 - Siman 413: Seif 1 Hilchos Shabbos - דין החולק עירובו Rabbi Mordechai Fishman   Purchase  The Laws and Customs of Krias HaTorah, by Rabbi Mordechai Fishman here: www.kriashatorah.com   www.orachchaim.com For sponsorship opportunities contact: www.rabbifishman.com or email: rabbifishman@gmail.com #mishna berura

Mishnah Berurah - Siman 410: Seif 2 - Siman 411: Seif 1 Hilchos Shabbos - דיני מקום נתינת העירוב Rabbi Mordechai Fishman   Purchase  The Laws and Customs of Krias HaTorah, by Rabbi Mordechai Fishman here: www.kriashatorah.com   www.orachchaim.com For sponsorship opportunities contact: www.rabbifishman.com or email: rabbifishman@gmail.com #mishna berura

Mishnah Berurah - Siman 409: Seif 11B - Siman 410: Seif 1 Hilchos Shabbos - דיני מקום נתינת העירוב Rabbi Mordechai Fishman   Purchase  The Laws and Customs of Krias HaTorah, by Rabbi Mordechai Fishman here: www.kriashatorah.com   www.orachchaim.com For sponsorship opportunities contact: www.rabbifishman.com or email: rabbifishman@gmail.com #mishna berura

Mishnah Berurah - Siman 409: Seif 8-11A Hilchos Shabbos - דיני מקום נתינת העירוב Rabbi Mordechai Fishman   Purchase  The Laws and Customs of Krias HaTorah, by Rabbi Mordechai Fishman here: www.kriashatorah.com   www.orachchaim.com For sponsorship opportunities contact: www.rabbifishman.com or email: rabbifishman@gmail.com #mishna berura

Mishnah Berurah - Siman 409: Seif 4-7 Hilchos Shabbos - דיני מקום נתינת העירוב Rabbi Mordechai Fishman   Purchase  The Laws and Customs of Krias HaTorah, by Rabbi Mordechai Fishman here: www.kriashatorah.com   www.orachchaim.com For sponsorship opportunities contact: www.rabbifishman.com or email: rabbifishman@gmail.com #mishna berura

Mishnah Berurah - Siman 408: Seif 3 - Siman 409: Seif 1A Hilchos Shabbos - דיני הנחת העירוב וקניית השביתה Rabbi Mordechai Fishman   Purchase  The Laws and Customs of Krias HaTorah, by Rabbi Mordechai Fishman here: www.kriashatorah.com   www.orachchaim.com For sponsorship opportunities contact: www.rabbifishman.com or email: rabbifishman@gmail.com #mishna berura

Mishnah Berurah - Siman 408: Seif 1B-2 Hilchos Shabbos - דיני הנחת העירוב וקניית השביתה Rabbi Mordechai Fishman   Purchase  The Laws and Customs of Krias HaTorah, by Rabbi Mordechai Fishman here: www.kriashatorah.com   www.orachchaim.com For sponsorship opportunities contact: www.rabbifishman.com or email: rabbifishman@gmail.com #mishna berura

Mishnah Berurah - Siman 408: Seif 1A Hilchos Shabbos - דיני הנחת העירוב וקניית השביתה Rabbi Mordechai Fishman   Purchase  The Laws and Customs of Krias HaTorah, by Rabbi Mordechai Fishman here: www.kriashatorah.com   www.orachchaim.com For sponsorship opportunities contact: www.rabbifishman.com or email: rabbifishman@gmail.com #mishna berura

Mishnah Berurah - Siman 406: Seif 1 - Siman 407: Seif 3 Hilchos Shabbos - מי שיצא חוץ לתחום שלא לדעת Rabbi Mordechai Fishman   Purchase  The Laws and Customs of Krias HaTorah, by Rabbi Mordechai Fishman here: www.kriashatorah.com   www.orachchaim.com For sponsorship opportunities contact: www.rabbifishman.com or email: rabbifishman@gmail.com #mishna berura

Mishnah Berurah - Siman 405: Seif 6-9 Hilchos Shabbos - דין היוצא חוץ לתחום Rabbi Mordechai Fishman   Purchase  The Laws and Customs of Krias HaTorah, by Rabbi Mordechai Fishman here: www.kriashatorah.com   www.orachchaim.com For sponsorship opportunities contact: www.rabbifishman.com or email: rabbifishman@gmail.com #mishna berura

There is a widespread custom to eat a hardboiled egg at the Pesah Seder, in order to commemorate the Korban Hagiga (the "festival sacrifice"). During the times of the Bet Ha'mikdash, the Hagiga offering was brought together with the Korban Pesah (paschal offering) on Erev Pesah, and one would partake of its meat prior to eating the meat of the Korban Pesah. We commemorate this practice by eating an egg, the traditional food of mourning, in order to express our sorrow over the absence of the Mikdash, on account of which we are unable to fulfill the Misvot of the holiday as we should. An interesting question arises regarding this Halacha in a case where Erev Pesah occurs on Shabbat, such that the Seder is held on Mosa'e Shabbat. During the times of the Mikdash, when Erev Pesah fell on Shabbat the Korban Hagiga was not offered on that day. Although the offering of the Korban Pesah overrides the Shabbat restrictions, this is not true of the Korban Hagigah, and thus when Erev Pesah fell on Shabbat the Korban Hagigah was not brought together with the Korban Pesah. Perhaps, then, in such a case we should not partake of an egg at the Seder in commemoration of the Hagiga sacrifice. Tosefot address this question in Masechet Pesahim, and they conclude that one must, in fact, eat an egg at the Seder even on Mosa'e Shabbat. They cite Rabbenu Peretz (France, 13th century) as explaining that if we would not eat an egg in this case, we would give the impression that in other years we actually partake of the Hagiga sacrifice, rather than a symbolic commemoration. This impression was especially likely in communities that would eat meat – rather than an egg – to commemorate the Korban Hagiga. In order to avoid giving this impression, we eat the egg at the Seder even in situations where the Korban Hagiga would not be offered, thus making it clear that the egg serves merely as a symbolic commemoration. The Rosh (Rabbi Asher Ben Yehiel, Germany-Spain, 1250-1327) cites a different theory in the name of Rabbi Yishak of Courbeil (the "Samak," France, 13th century). He suggested that one should eat an egg at the Seder even on Mosa'e Shabbat because when Erev Pesah occurred on Shabbat the Hagiga was offered on Friday. Since the Hagiga was brought even in years when Erev Pesah fell on Shabbat – albeit on the previous day – it is appropriate to include a commemoration of this sacrifice at the Seder. The Rosh, however, rejects this theory, noting that when the Hagiga was brought on Friday, its meat would no longer be permissible for consumption on Mosa'e Shabbat. Seemingly, then, there should be no reason to commemorate the Hagiga at the Seder on Mosa'e Shabbat. In any event, in light of the comments of Tosefot cited above, Halacha requires partaking of a hardboiled egg at the Seder even on Mosa'e Shabbat. This is indeed the ruling of the Ben Ish Hai (Rabbi Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), the Kaf Hahayim, and the Mishna Berura (commentary to the Shulhan Aruch by Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, 1839-1933). Summary: One should eat a hardboiled egg at the Seder to commemorate the Hagiga sacrifice, even when the Seder is held on Mosa'e Shabbat.

Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv (contemporary) records the practice of the "Medakdekim" (those who are especially meticulous in their Halachic observance) not to rely on any Kashrut certification of Masot, and instead eat on Pesah only Masot that they baked personally (listen to audio recording for precise citation). He ruled that it is therefore preferable for people to form groups that bake Masot and personally oversee the entire process, including cleaning the utensils, to make sure that the Masot were baked properly. The reason for this custom is that Masa is the product that can most easily become Hametz. Therefore, it is worthwhile for communities to form Haburot (groups) to bake Masa themselves, rather than rely on the industrial manufacturers, even those with valid Kashrut supervision, given the mistakes that could occur in the industrial manufacturing process. This would certainly be an advisable practice for synagogues, to go as a group to a Masa factory several months before Pesah to bake the Masot that they then eat on Pesah. The Mishna Berura (459:10) writes that those baking Masot must work especially rapidly when placing the Masot into the oven. The area right outside the oven is, of course, very hot, and the intense heat could cause the dough to ferment and become Hametz before the Masa has a chance to bake. It is therefore critical not to delay at all near the oven, and to place the Masa from the stick into the oven immediately. A question was once brought to Rav Elyashiv concerning a bakery where one Masa was held on the stick for several moments before being put down in the oven, while the baker searched for a suitable spot inside the oven. This Masa was later mixed with the other Masot in that batch, and the question arose whether perhaps the entire batch should be deemed unsuitable, given the possibility that the Masa in question had become Hametz due to the delay in placing it inside the oven. Rav Elyashiv ruled leniently, noting that we may rely on the possibility that the Masa had already begun to bake inside the oven, and thus did not have a chance to become Hametz. In any event, the fact that the question was raised demonstrates the importance of working rapidly during the process of placing the Masot into the oven. Rav Elyashiv ruled that when possible, each stick used for placing Masot into the oven should be used only once. The stick absorbs some of the dough, and that dough may become Hametz inside the wood of the stick and then affect the Masot that are placed upon it subsequently. This is a measure of stringency that may not be feasible in an industrial system, and this is yet another reason why it is preferable, for this who are able, to bake their own Masot, as they are able to maintain the highest standards, which are not always practical in large-scale production. The custom is to examine each Masa that comes out of the oven and discard any "Masa Kefula," meaning, a Masa that has folded over, and is not perfectly flat. The concern is that the dough in the folded area was not fully baked and thus became Hametz, and therefore any "Masa Kefula" is broken and then put to the side and considered Hametz. Rav Elyashiv ruled that if a "Masa Kefula" had been placed on top of another Masa, the Masa on the bottom is permissible for use on Pesah. We do not have to go so far as to suspect that the bottom Masa became Hametz from the top Masa. Summary: It is worthwhile, when possible, to bake one's own Masot for Pesah, rather than rely on the supervision of Masa factories. When one bakes Masa, he must ensure not to allow the Masot to stand still for even a moment right near the oven; they must be placed from the stick into the oven immediately, without any delay whatsoever. It is customary to discard Masot that doubled over during baking, and are not perfectly flat. The Masot that were underneath such a Masa are permissible for Pesah.

**Today's Halacha is dedicated f or the refuah and haslacha of Ronnie, Sharon, Eli and all the children of CARE** A number of different applications are available providing the entire text of the Siddur of one's smartphone. Is it permissible to pray using such an application? The Gemara in Masechet Berachot (23) establishes that while praying the Amida, it is forbidden to hold in one's hand certain objects – such as Tefillin, a Sefer Torah, money, and a knife. We find among the commentators two explanations for this Halacha. Rashi explains that the items mentioned by the Gemara are items which one worries about falling, either because they are sacred items, because they might hurt him if they fall, or because they are expensive items which could break or get ruined if they fall. When holding such an item, one's mind is preoccupied, ensuring not to drop it, making it very difficult to concentrate, and for this reason, Rashi explains, Halacha forbids holding such items while praying. The Nimukeh Yosef (Rav Yosef Habiba, Spain, early 15th century) explains differently. In his view, the Gemara chose these examples only because these are common items, and in truth, Halacha forbids holding anything in one's hand while praying the Amida. The Shulhan Aruch (Orah Haim 96) clearly follows Rashi's view, citing the Gemara's ruling and then explaining, "…because a person's mind is on them, so that they do not fall," and this will disrupt one's concentration during prayer. The Mishna Berura (Rav Yisrael Meir Ha'kohen of Radin, 1839-1933) clarifies that according to the Shulhan Aruch, only items which one is worried about protecting, or to ensure that they would not fall on his feet, are included in this Halacha. This would include a baby, who one quite obviously must ensure not to drop, as the Mishna Berura cites from the Hida (Rav Haim David Azulai, 1724-1806). The Mishna Berura then notes that some disagree with the Shulhan Aruch, and forbid holding any item during the Amida, referring, of course, to the Nimukeh Yosef's stringent opinion. The Taz (Rav David Segal, 1586-1667) follows the stringent view of the Nimukeh Yosef. It should be noted that the Shulhan Aruch Ha'Rav (Rav Schneur Zalman of Liadi, 1745-1813) maintained that even according to the Shulhan Aruch's view, there is a Misva Min Ha'mubhar (higher standard of Misva observance) not to hold anything at all during the Amida. At first glance, holding a phone which is worth hundreds of dollars, and which could break if it is dropped, would certainly be forbidden according to both opinions. However, the Shulhan Aruch writes in that same chapter that it is permissible while reciting the Amida to hold a Siddur from which one prays, despite the fact that sacred books are generally forbidden to be held during the Amida. Since the Siddur is held for the purpose of Tefila, it does not fall under the prohibition. Holding the Siddur serves to enhance one's ability to pray, rather than compromise his ability to pray, and therefore, this is permissible. This would apply to a smartphone, as well. If one uses the Siddur application on the device, then the device becomes no different from a Siddur, which may be held while reciting the Amida. (Of course, this does not satisfy the "Misva Min Ha'mubhar" not to hold anything during the Amida, as understood by the Shulhan Aruch Ha'Rav, but one who does not know the prayer text from memory must in any event hold a Siddur and thus cannot abide by this standard.) However, this applies on the condition that one first turns off all notifications, and silences the phone. Needless to say, if the phone rings, or if a notification appears on the screen, even for just a moment, this causes a distraction during prayer. Therefore, one must ensure before praying with a smartphone that he disables all functions which could potentially distract him during the Tefila, so that the smartphone at that time serves only as a Siddur. Additionally, although it is permissible to pray from a mobile phone, this should not be done unless it is necessary. Firstly, Rav Gamliel Rabinowitz (contemporary) cites a passage from the Sefer Hasidim warning that one's prayers are not answered if he prays from a Siddur which was published by a wicked person. Quite obviously, we do not know the people who produced any given mobile device. Although this is not a Halachic consideration which would lead us to forbid the use of a mobile device for praying, it suffices to make it preferable to use a standard Siddur. More importantly, using a mobile phone during prayer compromises the aura of sanctity in the synagogue. There is a certain ambiance of holiness and reverence which must characterize a house of prayer, and this ambiance is diminished, at least to some degree, by the sight of a person looking at his phone. Therefore, while it is Halachically permissible to use such a device for prayer, this should be done only when one has no alternative, when he finds himself in a place without a Siddur and he does not know the prayer text from memory. In conclusion, it is worth nothing the famous Halachic dictum, "En Kategor Na'asa Sanigor" – "a prosecutor cannot become a defender." This principle has certain applications for the service on the High Holidays, forbidding the use of certain things which are associated with sins which our nation has committed. But it might also be relevant to the question of using a smartphone for prayer. If one uses his phone for improper activities, such as wasting time, or worse, then it is a "prosecutor" against him, Heaven forbid, which cannot then be used as his "defender" in helping him pray to G-d and ask for His compassion and assistance. Summary: It is Halachically permissible to pray from a Siddur application on one's mobile phone, as long as one disables calls, notifications and all features which could disrupt his prayer. However, it is far preferable to use a Siddur, and a phone should be used only when a Siddur is not available.

**Today's Halacha is dedicated f or the refuah and haslacha of Ronnie, Sharon, Eli and all the children of CARE** The thirteenth of Adar – the day before Purim – is observed as a fast called Ta'anit Ester. This fast commemorates the fast that the Jews observed during the time of Mordechai and Ester on the day they waged war to defend themselves against those in the Persian Empire who sought to annihilate them. By commemorating that fast, we remind ourselves that God listens to our prayers and accepts our repentance during times of distress and saves us from calamity. The Maggid (angel) who taught Torah to Rabbi Yosef Karo revealed to him another aspect of Ta'anit Ester. Our indulgence in food, drink and merriment on Purim could potentially lead us to sin. We therefore observe a fast day which is a Segula against sin, to help ensure that the Satan will not have the power to cause us to sin during the Purim festivities. Ta'anit Ester is thus a crucial part of the Purim celebration, as it helps guarantee that our observance will be pure. Furthermore, by observing a fast before Purim we demonstrate that we eat and drink on Purim not to satisfy our physical drives, but rather for the sacred purpose of fulfilling God's will. The work Kav Ha'yashar (chapter 99; listen to audio recording for precise citation) writes that the day of Ta'anit Ester is an especially auspicious time for our prayers to gain acceptance in the merit of Ester and Mordechai. The Kav Ha'yashar therefore advises those in need of divine compassion to set aside some time on Ta'anit Ester and recite the 22nd chapter of Tehillim ("Lamenase'ah Al Ayelet Ha'shahar"), followed by a prayer for whatever it is that they need. In this prayer one should explicitly invoke the merit of Mordechai and Ester. Ta'anit Ester has been accepted by the Jewish people as an obligatory fast day, and, as such, one does not have to declare a formal acceptance the previous day. Although some people have the practice to refrain from bathing on a public fast day (as mentioned by the Mishna Berura, in the laws of Ta'anit Sibur), all agree that bathing is allowed on Ta'anit Ester. Since Ta'anit Ester does not commemorate any tragic event and is not observed in response to a dangerous situation, it is not an unhappy day, and bathing is entirely permissible according to all views. The fast begins at Amud Ha'shahar, or approximately 72 minutes before sunrise, and it concludes at Set Ha'kochavim, which occurs anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes after sunset (one should consult with his Rabbi for personal guidance in this regard). In truth, the precise time of Set Ha'kochavim with regard to Ta'anit Ester is generally irrelevant, since the fast in any event is observed until after the nighttime Megila reading, which ends after the latest possible time for Set Ha'kochavim. According to the Shulhan Aruch, it is permissible to stipulate before going to sleep the night before Ta'anit Ester that one wishes to eat and drink before the onset of the fast. This stipulation must be made verbally, and one cannot rely on a stipulation made before a previous fast day. But if a verbal declaration is made before one goes to sleep, one may, according to the Shulhan Aruch, eat and drink if he wakes up before Amud Ha'shahar. The Arizal (Rabbi Yishak Luria of Safed, 1534-1572), however, based on the Zohar, maintained that once one goes to sleep the night before a fast, he may no longer eat, even if he made a verbal stipulation. He may, however, drink, even according to the Arizal's view. Therefore, it is certainly permissible to wake up early before the fast begins to drink a cup of coffee, for example, as long as one made a verbal declaration before he went to sleep. One who is not well, or feels that he will be unable to complete the fast if he does not eat in the morning before the fast begins, may rely on the Shulhan Aruch's ruling and make a stipulation before going to sleep. The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), in Ateret Tiferet (198), writes that it is proper to immerse thirteen times on any fast day and in times of crisis. These thirteen immersions correspond to the thirteen divine attributes of mercy. If possible, one should recite the corresponding attribute each time he immerses, while he is in the water. (Obviously, this assumes that the conditions allow for reciting matters of sanctity.) Summary: Ta'anit Ester is a very meaningful occasion and an auspicious time for having one's prayers answered. The fast begins 72 minutes before sunrise, and ends after the nighttime Megila reading. If necessary, one may verbally stipulate before going to sleep the night before the fast that he plans on eating and drinking before the fast begins. Preferably, though, this stipulation should be made only for drinking, but not for eating. It is permissible to bathe on Ta'anit Ester, even according to the custom to refrain from bathing on other fasts. There is a custom to immerse thirteen times in a Mikveh on every fast day.

The 7th of Adar (which this year will be March 7th 2025) marks the Yartzheit of Moshe Rabbenu, and there is a custom among many to observe a fast on this day. The custom to fast on 7 Adar is mentioned already by Maran in the Shulhan Aruch (Orah Haim 580:2). The rationale behind this custom is the fact that it is customary to fast on the Yartzheit of one's primary Rabbi, as the Mishna Berura (Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, 1839-1933) cites (in 568:46) from the Shela (Rabbi Yeshayahu Horowitz, 1558-1630). The Mishna Berura explains that one is obligated to honor his Rav Mubhak (primary Rabbi) even more so than his parent, and thus just as it is customary to fast on a parent's Yartzheit, it is appropriate to fast on the Yartzheit of one's Rabbi, as well. Moshe Rabbenu is, without question, the Rav Mubhak of the entire Jewish people, and it is therefore appropriate to observe a fast on his Yartzheit, 7 Adar. It goes without saying that merely refraining from food and drink is not as important as praying and studying Torah, which are the primary means of Teshuba. Therefore, it is proper on 7 Adar for communities to assemble for Torah classes in observance of this special day. The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), in the introduction to his Tikkun (service) for 7 Adar, writes that it is also customary to light candles in memory of Moshe Rabbenu on this day. There is a special custom for the Hevra Kadisha (benevolent society) of every community to observe 7 Adar together as a Ta'anit Sibur (communal fast day). They recite Selihot, wear Tefillin at Minha, and conduct the standard Ta'anit Sibur prayer service. Then, after the fast, they have a meal together. The Hevra Kadisha members observe this fast as atonement in case they were neglectful in their sacred duty to give proper respect to the deceased. The Yartzheit of Moshe Rabbenu was chosen as the appropriate occasion for this observance because his burial site remains unknown ("Ve'lo Yada Ish Et Keburato" – Debarim 34:6). Although the fast of 7 Adar is mentioned in the Shulhan Aruch, it is nevertheless preferable to declare a formal acceptance of the fast the previous day, just as is done before a voluntary private fast. If one makes a formal acceptance the day before the fast, he can then add the paragraph of "Anenu" in the Amida on the fast day. The acceptance should be declared on the afternoon of the day before the fast, at the end of the Amida of Minha, just before "Oseh Shalom." The Mishna Berura (562:27) writes that this should preferably be done at Minha Ketana – meaning, during Minha recited in the late afternoon, as opposed to early Minha (Minha Gedola). Certainly, the acceptance should not be made before Minha, and if it is made before Minha, it is ineffective. The proper text of the acceptance, as printed in many Siddurim, based upon the Hid"a (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1807) in his work Moreh Be'esba (3:186), is, "Hareni Mekabel Alai Ta'anit Yahid Me'alot Ha'shahar Ad Set Ha'kochavim" – "I hereby accept upon myself a private fast from daybreak until nightfall." It is important that one accept the fast of 7 Adar as a private fast (Ta'anit Yahid), and not a communal fast (Ta'anit Sibur). The acceptance is valid even if it was made silently, in one's mind (Shulhan Aruch, Orah Haim 562:6). One should not add the words "Beli Neder" or "Beli Kabala," because he indeed intends to formally accept the fast upon himself. However, one may add a stipulation that he accepts the fast only on condition that he has the physical strength to observe the fast, and that if he feels unable to complete the fast, he will recite the chapter of Tehillim "Mizmor Le'David Hashem Ro'i" and will then be allowed to eat. If one did not make the acceptance during Minha, he may still accept the fast until sundown, and even after sundown, during the period of Ben Ha'shemashot. If one knows that observing a fast will adversely affect the quality of his prayers, or hamper his ability to study Torah properly, then it is preferable not to fast so that he could pray and study to the best of his ability. Similarly, it is improper to fast if this would cause one to feel arrogant and superior to other people. Humility and proper study and prayer are for more valuable than fifty fast days. Therefore, if observing this fast will have an adverse effect on these or other areas of Torah observance, it is far preferable not to observe the fast. Certainly, though, 7 Adar is a very significant day that should be commemorated as such in all communities.

Must pregnant women observe the fast of Ta'anit Ester? The Halacha in such a case depends on the stage of pregnancy, and the woman's condition. After the first trimester, a pregnant woman is exempt from the fast so she may eat and drink to sustain and strengthen the fetus. However, a woman in this case must ensure to eat and drink only as necessary to sustain the fetus; she should not indulge beyond what is necessary, since the day is a fast day for everyone else. During the first trimester, a pregnant woman may eat if she experiences discomfort, such as if she suffers from morning sickness, general frailty and the like. Particularly after forty days have passed since conception, there is greater room for leniency in cases where a woman experiences discomfort. Within the first forty days, however, a woman should fast unless this causes her considerable discomfort. A woman who is nursing an infant is exempt from the fast so that she will be able to properly feed the baby. Hacham Ovadia Yosef extends this leniency and exempts women from the fast of Ta'anit Ester within two years after delivering a child. The Gemara comments that a woman is frail for two years after childbirth, and therefore, according to Hacham Ovadia, a woman is exempt from the fast of Ta'anit Ester within this period. This ruling is not, however, the generally accepted practice. Many authorities, including the Kaf Ha'haim (based on the Bah), the Elya Rabba, the Kisur Shulhan Aruch, Hacham Bension Abba Shaul, Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach and Rabbi Mazuz, ruled that the status of a woman during this period vis-à-vis Ta'anit Ester depends solely on her physical condition. If she says that she feels well and capable of fasting, then, according to the accepted position, she is required to observe the fast. Although the Gemara says that women are generally frail for two years after childbirth, if a woman says she feels healthy and strong, then we have no basis on which to exempt her from the fast. Indeed, there are many women who have children every year or so, and soon after childbirth they are already exercising regularly, running errands, and so on. It would not be acceptable for a woman who is in good enough physical condition to exercise to claim that she does not have to fast simply because she is within two years of childbirth. She should observe the fast of Ta'anit Ester unless she is indeed frail. There is a fascinating responsum of Hacham Yosef Yedid Halevi (Aram Soba-Israel, 1867-1930), in which he claims that Torah scholars are exempt from fasting on all fasts except Yom Kippur and Tisha B'Ab. He asserts that since fasting undermines a scholar's ability to concentrate and focus on his studies, the importance of a scholar's learning overrides these fasts, and he should thus not fast. By the same token, he adds, teachers are also exempt from these fasts, so they can properly tend to their duties and perform their sacred work of teaching Torah to Jewish children. Hacham Ovadia Yosef addresses this surprising ruling in a lengthy responsum, and disputes this position. Indeed, the accepted Halacha is that Torah scholars and teachers are required to fast like everybody else. The Mishna Berura (commentary by Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan of Radin, 1839-1933) cites two different reasons for the fast of Ta'anit Ester. According to one view, this fast commemorates the fast that the Jews observed on 13 Adar in Persia when they went to war against those who sought to destroy them. They observed this fast as a means of repentance in order to be worthy of God's assistance in battle. According to others, the fast that we observe commemorates the three-day fast that Ester decreed upon the Jews of Shushan during Nissan, after Haman issued his edict. Although we fast for only one day, this observance, according to some, commemorates the three-day fast that the Jews observed in Nissan. There is a custom recorded in some sources to fast for three days after Purim – on the Monday, Thursday and then the next Monday after Purim – in commemoration of the three-day fast in Shushan, but this custom is not widely accepted. Summary: Pregnant women who are past their first trimester are exempt from fasting on Ta'anit Ester. During the first trimester, a woman should fast on Ta'anit Ester unless she experiences morning sickness or general frailty, in which case she is exempt from the fast, especially after the first forty days of pregnancy, when there is greater room for leniency. Nursing women are also exempt from the fast. A woman who has stopped nursing should observe the fast even if she is still within two years of childbirth, assuming she feels generally well.

We have learned that it is a Mitzvah on Purim Day to have a Seuda, a meal with meat, with bread, etc. This year, Purim falls out on a Friday. So the question was asked about Seudat Purim when Purim falls out on a Friday. We are all aware of Seudat Shabbat, which is the festive meal we all have on Friday night. So when should we have Seudat Purim so as not to inhibit one's appetite going into Shabbat? From the Mekubalim, that means the Rashash (Rabbi Shalom Shar'aby Mizrahi), the Kaf HaChayim (Rav Yaakov Chaim Sofer 1870-1939), and others, we learn that it is best to have Seudat Purim in the morning. In fact, they used to have their Seuda in the morning every year, even when Purim fell out on a day other than Friday. And that is in deed the custom of Chacham Ovadia Yoseph, which is to have Seudat Purim in the morning. Now, when we say the morning, it means at any time in the morning. One should wash, have a meal, and such would constitute fulfilling of the Misvah. If having a meal in the morning is difficult, for timing presents a difficulty, then one should try and have the meal before Chasot, which is midday. One can be busy delivering Mishloach Manot, giving out Matanot LaEvyonim, etc. So in such a case one should try to have the meal before midday, but if even this is too difficult, then one has until the afternoon to have the meal. The Mishna Berura does bring down that one technically even has until sundown to eat Seudat Purim, and that applies even on a Friday. So technically, in the worst case scenario, one has until sunset, but preferably one should try and have the Seuda in the morning. If one can not make it in the morning, then try before Chasot, and if that is difficult, then in the afternoon but as early as possible.

It is customary in all synagogues that a "Gabbai," or "Mesader," stands near the Torah during the Torah reading together with the Ba'al Keri'a (reader) and the Oleh (person called to the Torah), and is responsible for calling congregants to recite the Berachot over the Torah. The Mishna Berura (commentary to the Shulchan Aruch by Rabbi Yisrael Kagan, the "Chafetz Chayim," Lithuania, 1839-1933) cites two possible reasons for this practice (141, s"k 16). Firstly, our reading of the Torah corresponds to Matan Torah, the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, and should therefore resemble that momentous event. The Mesader who calls people to the Torah corresponds to the Almighty, as it were, who summoned Benei Yisrael to the mountain to receive the Torah. The Ba'al Keri'a reads the Torah for the Oleh just as Moshe Rabbenu taught the Torah to Benei Yisrael. Thus, the three men who stand by the Torah scroll during the reading serve to commemorate our initial receiving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. The Mishna Berura then cites a second explanation from Masechet Sofrim, namely, that the three men at the Torah correspond to our nation's three patriarchs – Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov. In this context, the Mishna Berura cites a passage from the Sha'arei Efrayim (a compendium of the laws of Torah reading by Rabbi Efrayim Zalman Margaluyot, Russia, 1760-1828) regarding controversies and misunderstandings that occasionally arise in the synagogue with respect to the distribution of Aliyot. At times a person is called to the Torah and feels insulted for having been chosen for the given Aliya, rather than for a more distinguished honor. It is all too easy in such cases for the individual to accuse the Mesader of deliberately attempting to insult him. In order to avoid such situations, the Mishna Berura advises, congregations should choose as a Mesader a well-respected and well-liked individual who has achieved a reputation of integrity. Such a person is not likely to be suspected of distributing the Aliyot on the basis of personal vendettas and agendas. The Mishna Berura adds that if it so happens that the Mesader does insult a congregant, the congregation should judge him favorably and assume that this was done inadvertently, and not maliciously. And the Mesader, for his part, must ignore any insults or scorn directed to him by the congregation. The Mishna Berura rules that if in response to a congregant's insults the Mesader leaves the Torah scroll and returns to his seat, he should be punished for dishonoring the Torah scroll. The fact that he was humiliated does not authorize him to infringe upon the honor of the Torah scroll. Summary: The Mesader, who calls people for Aliyot to the Torah during the Torah reading, should be a well-liked person known for his integrity, and must ignore any insulting comments made by disgruntled congregants. And if it appears that he infringed on somebody's honor by calling him for the wrong Aliya and the like, the congregation should assume that he made an honest mistake, and did not intentionally insult the given congregant. Furthermore, 3 people should stand at the Teba during the reading.

The Mishna Berura (Rav Yisrael Meir Kagan of Radin, 1839-1933), in Siman 242 (Se'if Katan 9), writes that if somebody receives from another person some food for Shabbat, he should not eat that food on a weekday. Since the food was sent specifically in honor of Shabbat, it should be eaten on Shabbat. The Halachic authorities debate the question of whether this ruling was intended as strict Halacha, or as a Middat Hasidut (additional measure of piety). Either way, the Kaf Ha'haim (Rav Yaakob Haim Sofer, Baghdad-Israel, 1870-1939) writes (in Se'if Katan 18, citing the Sefer Hasidim) that if one has no need for this food, such as if he already has enough food for Shabbat, and if he leaves it until the next Shabbat it would go spoiled, or if he is not accustomed to eating this kind of food on Shabbat, then he may eat it on a weekday. Certainly, it is permissible to taste the food on Friday in fulfillment of the Misva of "To'ameha Haim Zachu" (tasting food on Ereb Shabbat to ensure its quality). The work Piskeh Teshubot notes that this Halacha mentioned by the Mishna Berura applies only to food that one received from somebody else. If this food was earmarked for Shabbat, then it should not be eaten on a weekday. If, however, a person himself purchased food for Shabbat, he may change his mind and use it during the week. Proof may be drawn from the Gemara's famous description of Shammai, who would sometimes find a higher quality portion of food after making his purchases for Shabbat, and in such cases he would use the first portion during the week and designate the second, higher quality portion for Shabbat. This proves that one who purchased a piece of food for Shabbat may change his mind and use it during the week. And although in the case of Shammai he changed his mind only after finding a higher quality piece of food, it stands to reason that this applies even generally, and thus one who purchased some food for Shabbat is allowed to change his mind and eat it on a weekday. Summary: One who purchased a food for Shabbat may change his mind and eat it on a weekday. However, if somebody was sent food from another person specifically for Shabbat, he should not eat it on a weekday unless he does not need it for Shabbat and it would go spoiled if it is saved until the next Shabbat.

The Shulhan Aruch in Siman 675 establishes an important Halachic principle: "Hadlakah Osah Misva"-The act of lighting the Menorah fulfils the Misva, as opposed to "Hanaha Osah Misva"-the placement of the Menorah is the Misva. That is, it makes no difference if the Menorah was set up by a minor or others who are exempt from the Misva; one would not have to set it up again. This is also true regarding the Shabbat and Yom Tob candles. There is a discussion amongst the Poskim whether may light the Menorah in one place and then move it to another place. All agree that it is preferable to leave it in the place it was lit. Shulhan Aruch (675:1) clearly writes that the Menorah should not be moved after it was lit, because people will assume that he lit it for his own benefit like a lantern. The Shulhan Aruch also rules that one may not light the Menorah and hold it in his hands for the full half hour. This also appears that he is using it for his own benefit. Based on this, the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) ruled that a sick person who is bedbound upstairs should not light the Menorah in his bedroom and then have it brought downstairs to his window. Rather he should appoint an agent to light for him downstairs. Hacham Ovadia writes that today the circumstances have changed. It is not such a severe concern that people will think he is using the Menorah for his own benefit, since we use a special Menorah designated for the Misva. Therefore, even if he moved around with it, nobody would assume that he is using it as a lantern. In the olden days, people used regular candles both for the Misva and for illumination, so it was easy to get confused. Therefore, if one moved his Menorah, his Misva is not invalidated. This is also the opinion of the Mishna Berura in Siman 675. In the case of the sick person, Hacham Ovadia would allow him to light in his bedroom and then have it brought downstairs, but he still prefers the option of appointing an agent. It is also preferable not to move the Shabbat and Yom Tob candles after they have been lit. (Although not preferable, one may move Shabbat candles as long as hee didn't accept Shabbat yet.) Although the Taz (Rabbi David Segal, Poland, 1586-1667) holds that Shabbat and Yom Tob are different, The Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806) defends the position of those who equate the two Misvot. The way to remember this Halacha is that the Beracha for all these Misvot is "L'Hadlik"-to light-meaning that the lighting is the Misva. SUMMARY It is preferable not to move the Chanukah candles after they have been lit, but doing do would not invalidate the Misva..

The Halacha discusses how a guest should fulfil the Misva of Hanukah lighting in his host's home. In general, the guest should participate in the cost of the wicks and oil of his host by giving him a coin and thereby become a partner in his lighting. The most common case today is when married children spend a few days in their parent's home during Hanukah. Is this also considered a classic case of a guest, in which they must share the expense of their parent's Menorah lighting. Hacham Ovadia rules that since the children are being hosted in every aspect- sleeping, eating etc. they are not considered guest, but rather members of the family. Therefore, they do not have to make a monetary arrangement with the head of the household. Hacham Bension concurs with this, based on the opinion of the GInat Veradim (Rabbi Avraham Ha-Levi, Egypt) who holds that the Halacha of a guest applies only to instances in which the guest is paying for his room and board; that is why he must also pay for participating in the Hanukah light. Nevertheless, Hacham Bension holds that it is praiseworthy to take the stricter opinions into account and give the host a coin to participate. If the guests are a family, it is sufficient that just the father gives money to participate in the Misva. If he would light for himself, everyone else would be subsumed under him, so too they are included in his monetary participation. It is not necessary for the head of the household to add extra oil on behalf of the guests who gave him money, although the Mishna Berura cites opinions that do require it, and that is also the opinion of the Kaf HaHaim (Yaakob Haim Sofer, 1870-1939 Jerusalem). In any event, the money given only designates a small portion of the oil for the guest. He is not buying the entire cup, or even half of it. SUMMARY Married children visiting their parents on Hanukah are not required to give them money to participate in the lighting, although it is praiseworthy to do so.

If one forgot to inset "Al Hanisim" in the Amidah, he does not have to repeat the Amidah. However, if he remembers before the completion of the Amidah, he should insert it after "Yeh'Yu L'Rason," before "Oseh Shalom." This applies even if he remembered after saying "Baruch Atah Hashem," before concluding "Ha'tov Shimcha." He should not quickly conclude "Lamdeni Hukeha," but should finish the Beracha and insert "Al Hanisim" before Oseh Shalom. There is a disagreement as to how to formulate the "Al Hanisim" at that point. Everyone agrees that if he forgot "Al Hanisim" in the Birkat Hamazon, he does not repeat Birkat Hamazon and should insert it as a "HaRahaman" prayer in the "HaRahaman section, as brought by the Rema in Siman 682. The Mishna Berura there teaches that the same is true in the Amidah-it should be inserted in the form of a supplication. However, the Ben Ish Hai in Hilchot Purim rules that it should be recited in its original form-"Al Hanisim…" If one began a meal at the end of the last day of Hanukah and concluded it after nightfall, according to Maran, he should say "Al Hanisim." It is no different than Birkat Hamazon on Mosa'eh Shabbat, Mosa'eh Yom Tob or Mosa'eh Rosh Hodesh, in which the Birkat Hamazon is defined by the beginning of the meal. Although the Ben Ish Hai understood that this is not the case on Hanukah and Purim, The Minhag of Yerushalayim, Hacham Atiya, Hacham Ovadia and Hacham Bension all agree that one should say "Al Hanisim" after nightfall, preferably if he ate a Kezayit before sunset. In Birkat Hamazon, the word "Migdol" supplants "Magdil" on a day on which there is Musaf. Although Hanukah and Purim do not have Musaf, the Ben Ish Hai rules that on Purim "Migdol" is said, because there is a special "He'arah" (spiritual illumination) on that day. Nevertheless, that would only apply to Purim, whereas on Hanukah the "He'arah" is only during the candle lighting, and therefore "Magdil" is said. The full Hallel is recited all eight days. The Pele Yoes and others emphasize that since the Hallel was one of the primary institutions of Hanukah it should be recited slowly with melody and intent. Even on Pesah, the full Hallel is not recited all eight days. This indicates the magnitude of the Misva of Hallel on Hanukah. The Rambam indicates that women are not obligated to say the Hallel, and although they can recite it, they may not say a Beracha. SUMMARY If one remembered to say "Al Hanisim" after the proper place: In Birkat Hamazon, he should insert it as a "HaRahaman" in the "HaRahaman" section, and in the Amidah, he should insert it before "Oseh Shalom" in its original form. If one started a meal at the end of Hanukah, he should recite "Al Hanisim," in the Birkat Hamazon, even if he concluded after nightfall. In Birkat Hamazon, "Magdil" is said, not "Migdol." Women who chose to say Hallel do not recite the Beracha.

On the first night of Hanukah, we recite three Berachot over the candle lighting: "Le'hadlik Ner Hanukah"; "She'asa Nissim La'abotenu Ba'yamim Ha'hem Ba'zman Ha'zeh"; "She'hehiyanu." Our community follows the custom to recite as the text of the first Beracha, "Le'hadlik Ner Hanukah." Although the Rambam (Rabbi Moshe Maimonides, Spain-Egypt, 1135-1204) maintained that one should recite, "Le'hadlik Ner Shel Hanukah," adding the word "Shel," and some of the prayer books from Halab follow that opinion, our custom is in accordance with the view of the Shulhan Aruch and the Arizal (Rav Yishak Luria of Safed, 1534-1572) to omit the word "Shel" and recite, "Le'hadlik Ner Hanukah." This was also the view of the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909). The second Beracha, as mentioned, is the blessing of "She'asa Nissim La'abotenu Ba'yamim Ha'hem Ba'zman Ha'zeh," in which we give praise to G-d "who performed miracles for our forefathers, in those days, at this time." The Aruch Ha'shulhan (Rav Yechiel Michel Epstein of Nevarduk, 1829-1908) explained that the phrase "Ba'yamim Ha'hem Ba'zman Ha'zeh" refers to the two miracles which we celebrate on Hanukah – the victory over the Greeks, and the small amount of oil which burned for eight days. The miracle of the oil occurred on the eight days of Hanukah – starting on the 25th of Kislev – and thus when we speak of the miracles performed "Ba'zman Ha'zeh," during this time, we refer to the miracle of the oil. But when we mention the miracles which occurred "Ba'yamim Ha'hem" – "in those days," we refer to the victory over the Greeks, which took place before the days of Hanukah. If a person forgot to recite the Berachot before lighting the candles, he may recite the Berachot after he began lighting, as long as he still has more candles to light. Even though the strict obligation of Hanukah candles requires the lighting of just a single candle, and the others are lit merely as a "Hiddur" (enhancement of the Misva), nevertheless, since the other candles are part of the Misva, one is not considered to have completed the Misva as long as there are more candles to light. Therefore, even after lighting one candle or several candles, the Berachot can still be recited if there are more candles to light. This is the ruling of Hacham Ovadia Yosef and of the Ben Ish Hai. If one realized his mistake only after lighting all the candles, he can no longer recite the Beracha of "Le'hadlik Ner Hanukah," since the Misva has already been fulfilled. He should, however, recite the Beracha of "She'asa Nissim," which (as we will see later) is relevant even to the viewing of Hanukah candles, and is not linked specifically to the act of kindling. The Mishna Berura (Rav Yisrael Meir Kagan of Radin, 1839-1933) writes (676:4) that one begins reciting "Ha'nerot Halalu" immediately after lighting the first candle. This means that after the first night, "Ha'nerot Halalu" is recited while one kindles the remaining candles. Others Poskim, however, maintain that one should begin reciting this prayer only after he completes the lighting of all the Hanukah candles. The work Derech Eretz, which documents the practices of the Jewish community of Halab (Aleppo, Syria), writes that different practices existed in this regard. It appears that there was no formally accepted custom as to when precisely the recitation of "Ha'nerot Halalu" should begin. Different texts of "Ha'nerot Halalu" exist. According to the Ben Ish Hai, and according to Kabbalistic tradition, it is proper to recite the text which consists of precisely 36 words, which correspond to the 36 candles lit over the course of the eight days of Hanukah (1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8). Some Siddurim have this text, but others do not, and it appears that the community in Halab did not make a point of reciting specifically this text. Regardless, it is preferable to recite this text, in accordance with the teachings of Kabbalah. Incidentally, the Mishna Berura observes that both the word "Ha'nerot" and the word "Halalu" has four letters, and they thus allude to the eight nights of Hanukah. If a person is away from home on one of the nights of Hanukah, and, for whatever reason, he has nobody lighting for him at home, such that he will neither be lighting nor have somebody light for him, he recites the Beracha of "She'asa Nissim" upon seeing Hanukah candles lit by somebody else. This is the ruling of the Shulhan Aruch (Orah Haim 676). If this happens on the first night of Hanukah, then he also recites the Beracha of "She'hehiyanu." However, Hacham Ovadia Yosef and Hacham Bension Abba Shaul (Israel, 1924-1998) note that this requirement to recite a Beracha over seeing the candles applies only if one sees the candles within a half-hour of when they were lit. If a person in this situation saw the candles later, then he does not recite a Beracha, even though he will not be lighting or have anybody lighting for him at home. Summary: The custom in the Syrian Jewish community to recite "Le'hadlik Ner Hanukah" as the first Beracha over the Hanukah candle lighting, as opposed to "Le'hadlik Ner Shel Hanukah." One who forgot to recite the Berachot before lighting, may recite them if he realized his mistake before he completed lighting all the candles. If he realized his mistake only after lighting all the candles, he recites only "She'asa Nissim." Some begin reciting "Ha'nerot Halalu" after lighting the first candle, whereas others wait until all the candles are lit. It is preferable to recite the text of "Ha'nerot Halalu" which consists of 36 words. One who is away from home on a night of Hanukah and will neither be lighting nor have somebody light for him, recites the Beracha of "She'asa Nissim" (and, on the first night, "She'hehiyanu") if he sees Hanukah candles within a half-hour of their having been lit.

Does Halacha require using a Menorah, or some other utensil, for the Hanukah candle lighting? If, for example, one has wax candles which he wishes to use for the Hanukah lighting, is it sufficient to simply place them on the windowsill, sticking them to aluminum foil, or must he use a Menorah? Hacham Bension Abba Shaul (Israel, 1923-1998) addresses this question in his work Or Le'sion (vol. 4). He concludes that using a Menorah for the Hanukah candle lighting constitutes a Hiddur – an enhancement of the Misva – but is not necessary for fulfilling one's obligation. This is also the implication of the Mishna Berura (671:18), who discusses a situation where one attaches candles to a wall for the Hanukah lighting. He writes that one fulfills his obligation in this fashion, though it is preferable to use a Menorah. Therefore, it is preferable to use a Menorah for the Hanukah candle lighting, but if one does not have access to a Menorah, he may fulfill his obligation by attaching candles to a surface and lighting them. If possible, one should at least place the candle in a fireproof cup or some sort of receptacle, in order to achieve the higher standard of using a utensil. Many people use beautiful silver Menorahs in order to enhance the Misva and fulfill it at the highest standard. Usually, however, the candles are lit in small glass cups atop of the Menorah. Hacham Bension (4:7; listen to audio recording for precise citation) addresses the question of whether one achieves Hiddur when lighting in this fashion. After all, although the Menorah is made out of silver, the lighting is done in a glass utensil, not in a silver utensil. Perhaps, then, one should ensure to place the candles directly in the silver, so he can achieve Hiddur Misva by using a silver receptacle. Hacham Bension dismisses this argument, and rules that one may certainly light in the glass cups and achieve Hiddur Misva in this fashion. Since the glass cups are part of a larger structure, one is considered as lighting with a silver utensil. Moreover, one who looks at the Menorah sees a silver utensil, even though the candles burn in glass receptacles. And, besides, G-d quite obviously knows how much one spent on the Menorah, and certainly considers him as having enhanced the Misva by purchasing a beautiful silver Menorah. Hacham Bension goes so far as to say that it may even be preferable to use the glass cups, because this allows people to see the oil, further enhancing the Misva. Summary: It is preferable to use a Menorah for the Hanukah candle lighting, as opposed to simply placing candles on the windowsill or other surface. Nevertheless, if one does not have access to a Menorah, he may light the candles without it, though he should try, if possible, to at least place the candles in a fireproof cup or some other utensil. One who uses a silver Menorah achieves the highest standard of Hiddur Misva (enhancing the Misva), even though the candles are lit in glass cups.

The Mishna Berura (185:1) cites the Sefer Ha'hinuch's remark that one who ensures to recite Birkat Ha'mazon properly will always be provided with a respectable livelihood, throughout his life. In explaining the Sefer Ha'hinuch's comment, the Mishna Berura writes that this means, for one thing, making a point to recite Birkat Ha'mazon from a written text, and not from memory. Indeed, Hacham Baruch Ben-Haim would always tell us, "Otiyot Mahkimot" – "Letters make one wise." When we see the words, we are better able to concentrate on and understand their meaning. Moreover, we are less prone to forgetting the special additions for Shabbat and holidays if we recite Birkat Ha'mazon from a written text. It is worth mentioning in this context a remarkable story told of Hacham Ovadia Yosef when he was a six-year-old student in Rabbi Natan Saleem's Yeshivat Beneh Sion in Jerusalem. The school did not have printed Birkat Ha'mazon cards like we have today, and so Hacham Ovadia sat down and wrote cards for the children in his class, so they could all recite Birkat Ha'mazon from a written text. Already at this young age, the Hacham understood the importance of reciting Birkat Ha'mazon from a text, instead of reciting it from memory. Additionally, one should recite Birkat Ha'mazon in an audible voice, such that he can hear the words he recites. It goes without saying that one does not fulfill the obligation if he just reads the words with his eyes and does not recite them with his mouth. But in addition, one should recite the words in an audible voice. The Shulhan Aruch rules that after the fact, if one did not recite Birkat Ha'mazon in an audible voice, he has nevertheless fulfilled the obligation. Interestingly, however, the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) writes that since some authorities ruled that one does not fulfill the obligation if he recites Birkat Ha'mazon inaudibly, one who did so should then eat more bread and recite Birkat Ha'mazon properly in order to satisfy all opinions. Halacha does not follow this view, as Hacham Ovadia writes, but the Ben Ish Hai's ruling demonstrates to us the importance of reciting Birkat Ha'mazon in an audible voice, and not silently. And, of course, one must try to concentrate on the words of Birkat Ha'mazon as he recites them. The Bah (Rav Yoel Sirkis, 1561-1640) observes that the Peh Sofit does not appear anywhere throughout the text of Birkat Ha'mazon. The reason, he explains, is because this letter is associated with words that refer to calamity (such as "Shesef," "Kesef," and "Af"), and reciting Birkat Ha'mazon properly protects one from harm. It is well worth our while, then, to recite Birkat Ha'mazon slowly and patiently, and with concentration, which takes just a few minutes, fulfills (in many situations) a Torah obligation, and brings us great benefits both in this world and in the next. Summary: It is preferable to recite Birkat Ha'mazon from a written text, rather than from memory. Halacha requires reciting Birkat Ha'mazon in an audible voice, rather than silently, though after the fact, one who recited it silently has fulfilled his obligation (as long as he actually said the words with his mouth, and not just with his eyes). The merit of reciting Birkat Ha'mazon properly brings protection from harm as well as material blessing.

The Shulhan Aruch (Orah Haim 191) writes that the Sages instituted an abridged version of Birkat Ha'mazon to be recited by workers who are being paid wages for a full day of work. Since their time belongs to the employer, the Rabbis allowed the workers to recite a shorter version of Birkat Ha'mazon. The workers recite the entire first Beracha, and then a brief combination of the second and third Berachot. The fourth Beracha, which to begin with does not constitute a Torah obligation, is omitted, and certainly the "Ha'rahaman" section is omitted, resulting in a significantly shorter text of Birkat Ha'mazon. This was done to minimize the amount of worktime taken away from the employer. This Halacha does not apply nowadays, because, as the Poskim explain, employers today – thankfully – are not so strict that they refuse to allow their employees the several minutes needed to recite the complete Birkat Ha'mazon. The Aruch Ha'shulhan (Rav Yechiel Michel Epstein of Nevarduk, 1829-1908) goes so far as to say that even if the employer explicitly stipulates that he hires the worker on condition that he does not recite the full text of Birkat Ha'mazon during work hours, this condition is not binding. Since the accepted practice today is to treat the full text of Birkat Ha'mazon as an outright obligation, the employer is not halachically permitted to make such a stipulation. Therefore, even if an employer makes this demand, the employee recites the full text of Birkat Ha'mazon. (Birkat Ha'mazon is similar in this regard to the evening Arbit prayer, which, strictly speaking, is optional, but has been accepted by the Jewish Nation as an obligatory prayer, and it must therefore be approached as an outright obligation. The same applies to the full text of the Birkat Ha'mazon, which has been accepted as obligatory and may thus not be substituted by the abridged version.) Although this Halacha is not actually practiced nowadays, it nevertheless yields – albeit indirectly – a vitally important practical lesson. The Talmud Yerushalmi raises the question of why the Rabbis instituted a special abridged version of Birkat Ha'mazon, instead of simply allowing workers to recite Birkat Ha'mazon while working. Rather than have the workers skip portions of Birkat Ha'mazon, the Rabbis could have enacted that after reciting the first Beracha, workers should resume working and recite the rest of Birkat Ha'mazon as they perform their work. The Yerushalmi answers that it is improper to engage in any activities while reciting a Beracha, and so the Rabbis did not want to allow employees to work while reciting Birkat Ha'mazon. The Mishna Berura (Rav Yisrael Meir Kagan, 1833-1909) finds it very significant that the Rabbis preferred having employees skip portions of Birkat Ha'mazon altogether rather than have them recite those portions while working. If these are the only two options, they felt it is better to arrange an abridged version of Birkat Ha'mazon. This shows us, the Mishna Berura writes, the extent to which the Rabbis deemed it improper to engage in any sort of activity while reciting a Beracha. This means, for example, that one should not begin reciting "Asher Yasar" after using the restroom while washing or drying his hands; he should begin the Beracha only after finishing drying his hands. Another common example is clearing the table while still reciting Birkat Ha'mazon. This is improper, as while reciting a Beracha one should not be doing anything else. This is crucial not only to ensure that one concentrates on what he is saying, but also as a sign of respect for the Beracha, showing that he considers it important. A doctor treating a patient should give the patient his full attention; engaging in other matters while tending to the patient would be very disrespectful to the patient and would show a gross disregard for his duties as a physician. Likewise, engaging in other activities while reciting a Beracha is disrespectful. Therefore, whenever we recite a Beracha, we must give the Beracha our full attention, and not be doing anything else. Summary: In ancient times, workers were allowed to recite an abridged version of Birkat Ha'mazon, because employers did not allow them the time to recite the full text. Although this Halacha does not apply nowadays, nevertheless, the fact that the Rabbis preferred instituting an abridged text rather than allow employees to recite Birkat Ha'mazon while working shows us the importance of refraining from all activities while reciting a Beracha.

The Shulhan Aruch writes (Orah Haim 28; listen to audio recording for precise citation) that one is required to touch his Tefillin "at every moment" while he wears them, so that his mind will not be distracted from them. The Mishna Berura (commentary by Rav Yisrael Kagan, 1839-1933) clarifies that this refers to every time when a person mentions the Tefillin in the prayer service. In the Shema recitation, for example, when one recites "U'kshartam Le'ot Al Yadecha," which refers to the Tefillin Shel Yad, he should touch the Tefillin Shel Yad, and when he recites the next phrase – "Ve'hayu Le'totafot Ben Enecha" – which refers to the Tefillin Shel Rosh, he should touch the Tefillin Shel Rosh. The Shulhan Aruch emphasizes that whenever one touches his Tefillin, he should first touch the Tefillin Shel Yad, and then the Tefillin Shel Rosh. The Mishna Berura explains that this Halacha is based on the principle of "En Ma'abirin Al Ha'misvot," which means that one must never skip over the opportunity to perform a Misva. Since one's hand in its normal position is closer to the Tefillin Shel Yad than to the Tefillin Shel Rosh, one must first touch the Shel Yad, for otherwise he will be "skipping" the Shel Yad to touch the Shel Rosh. The Mishna Berura comments further than besides serving to keep one's mind focused on the Tefillin, occasionally touching the Tefillin is important as a means of checking to ensure that it is positioned properly. If one feels the Tefillin Shel Yad or Tefillin Shel Rosh and notices that it has shifted from its proper location, he must immediately return the Tefillin to its correct spot. If one notices that both the Shel Yad and the Shel Rosh are out of position, then he should first return the Shel Yad to its place, and then the Shel Rosh. The Torah (in the aforementioned verse in the Shema section) first mentions the Shel Yad before the Shel Rosh, indicating that one must place the Shel Yad before donning the Shel Rosh. By the same token, then, if they are both out of position, one should first move the Shel Yad and then the Shel Rosh. When one removes his Tefillin, he should first remove the Shel Rosh before removing the Shel Yad. The Torah speaks of the Tefillin Shel Rosh in the plural form ("Totafot"), indicating that the Tefillin Shel Rosh is worn when both Tefillin are worn, meaning, when the Tefillin Shel Yad is also worn. Thus, one should avoid a situation where the Tefillin Shel Rosh is on his head but the Tefillin Shel Yad is not on his arm. For this reason, one must remove the Shel Rosh before removing the Shel Yad. One should stand while removing the Tefillin Shel Rosh. The Mishna Berura writes that it is proper to remove the Tefillin Shel Rosh with one's weaker hand. A right-handed person should thus remove the Tefillin Shel Rosh with his left hand, and a left-handed person should remove his Tefillin Shel Rosh with his right hand. The reason for this practice is to demonstrate that we are not enthusiastic about removing our Tefillin, and we therefore do so with our weaker hand, which moves with less strength and vigor. Whenever one handles his Tefillin, he should hold it with both hands, carefully and delicately, the way one holds an infant. He should hold the Bayit (box of the Tefillin) with one hand, and the straps with the other, so that they don't dangle. This is the proper way to hold the Tefillin as an expression of honor and reverence. Likewise, while removing the Tefillin Shel Rosh, one should use one hand to remove the Bayit (a right-handed uses his left hand, as discussed above) and the other to hold the straps. Similarly, when one removes the Tefillin from their bag, he should remove them with both hands, and not allow the straps to drag or dangle. The Mishna Berura records a custom to kiss the Tefillin both when putting them on and when removing them. Furthermore, the Mishna Berura writes, one should not wrap the Tefillin straps on the Bayit; he should instead wrap them on the Titura (the base of the Tefillin). However, this Halacha is not generally applicable nowadays, since we commonly keep the Tefillin in a protective plastic box, and it is certainly permissible to wrap the Tefillin straps on the box. The Mishna Berura also records a custom to wrap the Tefillin in the shape of wings, to commemorate the incident recorded in the Gemara where a man's Tefillin miraculously turned into dove's wings. Summary: It is proper to touch one's Tefillin at various points in the prayer service; one should first touch the Tefillin Shel Yad, followed by the Shel Rosh. The Tefillin Shel Yad is always put on before the Tefillin Shel Rosh, and the Tefillin Shel Rosh is always removed before the Tefillin Shel Yad. It is proper to use one's weaker hand when removing the Tefillin Shel Rosh. In general, whenever one handles his Tefilin, he should hold them delicately, with two hands, and ensure that the straps do not drag on the floor or dangle in the air.

The Torah requires wearing the Tefillin Shel Rosh (the head Tefillin) "Bein Einecha" – "in between your eyes." It is clear from the Gemara that this verse is not to be taken literally to mean that one places the Tefillin on his forehead in between his eyes. In fact, the Gemara remarks that people who accept the literal meaning of this verse are deemed heretics, as they misinterpret the Torah. The true meaning of this verse is that one places the Tefillin Shel Rosh on his head parallel to the space in between his eyes. Where precisely must the Tefillin Shel Rosh be situated? Halacha requires that the entire box of the Tefillin Shel Rosh be positioned above the individual's original hairline; no part of the box may protrude beneath the hairline. A man with a receding hairline may place the Tefillin Shel Rosh beneath his current hairline, provided that it does not extend beneath his original hairline. It should be emphasized that the Tefillin Shel Rosh must remain above the hairline, and not merely above the end of one's hair. Meaning, the Tefillin box may not extend past the root of one's hair, even if the hair grew and falls further down on his forehead. How far back may the Tefillin be placed? The Gemara mentions that the Tefillin may extend no further than the area on the head that is soft at childbirth. According to the Mishna Berura, this is determined by envisioning a line extending from the tip of one ear over the head to the top of the other ear. The Tefillin Shel Rosh may be positioned anywhere from the hairline until this imaginary line on the top of one's head. It is therefore advisable for a person to position his Tefillin higher, rather than lower, on his head. Since he may place his Tefillin as far back as the point mentioned earlier, whereas in front it may not extend past the hairline, one should place his Tefillin considerably above his hairline to ensure proper compliance with these laws. One should make a point to occasionally adjust the straps of his Tefillin Shel Rosh to ensure that its size allows for its proper positioning on the head. Tefillin straps tend to stretch over the course of time, and they therefore require periodic adjustments. Furthermore, after a person's hair grows or after he takes a haircut he will likely need to adjust the straps of his Tefillin Shel Rosh. Of course, someone who borrows Tefillin must ensure to adjust the straps to fit his head. As mentioned earlier, the Tefillin Shel Rosh should be positioned in the center of the head, parallel to the space in between a person's eyes, and not to the right or the left of that point. It is therefore recommended to keep a small mirror with one's Tefillin so that he can ensure the proper position of his Tefillin Shel Rosh. Summary: The entire box of the Tefillin Shel Rosh must be situated in between the person's original hairline and the point on top of the head which is soft at childbirth; one may occasionally have to adjust the straps of his Tefillin Shel Rosh so that it can be positioned correctly. The box should be positioned in the center of one's head, parallel to the space in between his eyes, and one should therefore have a small mirror so that he can ensure the proper position of his Tefillin Shel Rosh.