Understanding Hashgachas

How is it possible for stores to provide produce in a Shemitah year? There are various options used by Hashgacha companies in providing produce towards the law abiding consumers. Gidul Nachrim [Is followed by the Eida; not followed by Benei Brak Hashgachas] Oatzer Beis Din [Used by some Mehadrin Hashgachas; […]

Misc Laws of Shemitah

Misc Laws of Shemitah Giving Shemitah produce to a gentile:[1] It is forbidden to give Shemitah produce to a gentile.[2] May one offer a gentile in one’s home Shemitah food to eat?[3] Yes.   May one give Shemitah produce to one who will not treat it with Kedushas Sheviis? This […]

Kedushas Sheviis

Discarding Shemitah produce-Forbidden to destroy, cause loss or damage: It is forbidden to cause loss or damage to Shemitah produce.[1] It is however permitted to cause indirect loss to Shemitah produce.[2] Shemitah garbage: It is forbidden to discard Shemitah produce within a regular garbage bag as doing so is a belittlement […]

Gidul Nachrim

Gidul Nachrim-Produce of a gentile grown in Israel:[1] It is disputed amongst the Poskim as to the Kedusha status of products grown in Gentile owned lands within Eretz Yisrael. Some Poskim[2] rule that fruits grown by a gentile in Eretz Yisrael do not have a status of Shemitah produce, as […]

Sefichin

Sefichin:[1] All vegetation and plants that grew during Shemitah are Rabbinically forbidden to be eaten. This prohibition is called Sefichin. The prohibition includes any vegetation or grains that grew, even from seeds that fell the previous year, and certainly towards vegetation that was planted intentionally.[2] Fruits of a tree: Fruits […]

Shemitah Produce

Laws relevant to Shemitah produce? The following laws apply towards Shemitah produce: Must be disowned from one’s land Sefichin: All non-tree produce grown during Shemitah is forbidden to be eaten Forbidden to destroy Shemitah produce. Forbidden to do business with Shemitah produce. Forbidden to bring Shemitah produce to Diaspora. Forbidden […]

The Forbidden Melachos 2

Planting: A. What items are forbidden to be planted during Shemitah? It is forbidden to plant any produce during Shemitah. This includes:[1] Fruits Vegetables Non-fruit baring trees[2] Roses Flowers Grass   B. May one ask a gentile to plant for oneself?[3] It is forbidden to ask a gentile to plant […]

The Forbidden Melachos

1. The Biblical Melachos:[1] It is Biblically forbidden to perform any of the following Melachos during [Biblical] Shemitah: Seeding [Zeria] Harvesting [Ketzira or Betzira] Pruning [Zemira] Plowing[2][Charisha] Planting [Netia]     2. The Rabbinical Melachos: It is Rabbinically forbidden to perform any of the following Melachos [even during Biblical Shemitas]: […]

Biblical or Rabbinical?

Is Shemitah today Biblical or Rabbinical?[1] Some Poskim[2] rule it is of Biblical obligation.[3] Other Poskim[4] rule that the observance of Shemitah in today’s times is of only Rabbinical obligation.[5] Other Poskim[6] rule that it is not at all obligatory today, even on a Rabbinical level, and is only observed […]

Calculation of Shemitah

The Shemitah calculation for today’s calendar: The cycle first began when the Jews entered Eretz Yisrael and settled the lands. This occurred 14 years after the entrance into Eretz Yisrael, as it took 7 years to conquest the land and another 7 to settle it. They then counted Shemitahs and […]

Introduction to Shemitah

Introduction-The Torah verses: The Torah[1] commands us that every seventh year one must sanctify the year as Shemitah. The Shemitah year entails a number of laws and regulations that relate to one’s land, ground produce, and loans. One is commanded to rest the land.[2] One may not sow the field […]

Blessing over Hallel

The blessing over Hallel:[1] Some Poskim[2] rule that whenever half Hallel is recited, it is to be said without saying a blessing before or after.[3] Other Poskim[4] however rule that if the Hallel is being recited with a Minyan[5] then a before and after blessing is to be recited[6], however […]

Yaleh Veyavo by Shemoneh Esrei

Yaleh Veyavo in Shemoneh Esrei:[1] A. The general laws: On Rosh Chodesh one adds the paragraph of Yaleh Viyavo within Shemoneh Esrei of Maariv, Shacharis and Mincha. It is recited after Ritzei [prior to Modim].[2] Announcing Yaleh Veyavo before Shemoneh Esrei:[3] One may not announce prior to Shemoneh Esrei of […]

Hair/Nails on Rosh Chodesh

Cutting hair and nails on Rosh Chodesh:[1] One may[2] not cut the hair of his head[3] or his nails[4] on Rosh Chodesh.[5] This applies to both men and women. When Rosh Chodesh falls on Erev Shabbos:[6]  Even when Rosh Chodesh falls on Erev Shabbos some communities are accustomed not to […]

Melacha on Rosh Chodesh #2

Reminders:   Rosh Chodesh reminders No laundry No cutting nails, hair Eat festive meal Yaleh Veyavo in Davening Yaleh Veyavo in Bentching Tehilim with commentary   Elul Reminders Blow the Shofar Tashrat-Tashat-Tarat after Shacharis. Recite the three extra Kapitlach of Tehillim per day, after Davening. Recite Ledavid Hashem Ori in […]

Melacha on Rosh Chodesh

  Reminders:   Rosh Chodesh reminders No laundry No cutting nails, hair Eat festive meal Yaleh Veyavo in Davening Yaleh Veyavo in Bentching Tehillim with commentary   Elul Reminders Blow the Shofar on the first day of Rosh Chodesh for practice. Every day thereafter blow Tashrat-Tashat-Tarat after Shacharis. Recite the […]

Shavuos checklist

Shavuos Checklist 5775/2015: *The laws provided below are based on the upcoming Sefer “The Laws and Customs of Shavuos”. To browse online the content of the Sefer, including footnotes and sources, or to download a summary edition of the laws, please visit our Shavuos section provided on Shulchanaruchharav.com   1. […]

Eating dairy on Shavuos

The reasons for the Minhag What are the reasons mentioned behind eating Milk products on Shavuos? The Rama[1] writes that it is done in commemoration of the Shtei Halechem offering, which consisted of two loaves [i.e. two meals], which were brought on Shavuos. As our previous Shechita became invalid when […]

Morning Blessings when up all night

The morning blessings: According to Chabad custom one that did not sleep throughout the night is to nevertheless recite all the morning blessings himself, including washing hands with Al Netilas Yadayim[1], Elokaiy Neshama[2], Hamavir Sheiyna[3], Birchas Hatorah[4], and all the other morning blessings.[5] This however is with exception to the […]

Tachanun during Sivan

Tachanun: Tachanun is omitted from the first of Sivan until after Shavuos.[1] Our custom is to omit Tachanun until, and including, the 12th of Sivan.[2] Tachanun is resumes on the 13th of Sivan. Likewise on Shabbos of these dates Av Harachamim and Tzidkascha Tzedek is omitted.   [1] 494/8; Siddur […]

Waiting 6 hours

Waiting between eating meat and milk: A. How much time must one wait?[1] Michaber:[2] Wait 6 hours:  One who ate meat, whether meat of a domestic animal, or even meat of a wild animal or poultry[3], must wait 6 hours prior to eating milk products.[4] Rama No need to wait: […]

Shabbos Tablecloth

Setting the table for Shabbos:[1] Placing a tablecloth on the table: It is customary for there to be a tablecloth spread over one’s [dining[2]] table throughout the entire Shabbos. One may not swerve from this custom.[3] There are those which have the custom to spread two tablecloths over the [dining] […]

Cemetery on Shabbos

Times that one is not to visit a cemetery:[1] One is to avoid visiting a cemetery on Rosh Chodesh[2], Shabbos and Yom Tov.[3] However practically today the custom has become to visit graves on Rosh Chodesh.[4] However one is not to recite the Maaneh Lashon or other lamentations, although he […]

Tehillim Shabbos Mevarchim

* This article is an excerpt from the above Sefer Buy in Paperback or Kindle Buy on Apple Books Purchase on our website *As an Amazon Associate I earn from  qualifying purchases. WhatsApp Facebook Twitter Telegram Sign up for Daily Distribution Sponsor an Episode https://vimeo.com/314470409 Tehillim Shabbos Mevarchim:[1] The Rebbe […]

Forbidden speech on Shabbos

Speaking of forbidden matters on Shabbos: Those matters which are forbidden to do on Shabbos, whether Biblically or Rabbinically, are forbidden for one to speak about doing them after Shabbos.[1]   One may not say: Tomorrow I am traveling tomorrow to this and this city.[2] Tomorrow I will cook this […]

Shabbos Shira

Shabbos Shira Standing for Shira:[1] The custom is to stand for the reading of Shira.   Zeicher/Zecher:[2] There is dispute amongst Poskim[3] as whether one is to read Zeicher Amalek or Zecher Amalek. Practically one is to read both dialects.[4] By the reading of Parshas Zachor [and Parshas Ki Seitzei] […]

Iskafya on Shabbos

  Should one do “Iskafya[1]” on Shabbos and refrain from delving into lavish delicacies?[2] It is clear that both on the Halachic[3] and esoteric[4] aspects of the Torah it is a Mitzvah to embellish in Oneg Shabbos, by eating delicacies and drinking fine beverages, and the concept of sanctifying oneself […]

Kavod Shabbos

Kavod Shabbos: Wearing clean [and elegant] clothing was defined by the Sages as the requirement of the Mitzvah of honoring Shabbos.[1] The following sub-categories fall under this Mitzvah: Baking Challahs for Shabbos, as opposed to buying them from a bakery, is included in Kavod Shabbos and Yom Tov.[2] (Likewise even those which […]

Oneg Shabbos

What matters are included within the Mitzvah of Kavod and Oneg Shabbos? Oneg Shabbos: Eating delicacies of food and beverages[1] was defined by the Sages as the requirement of the Mitzvah of Oneg Shabbos[2] and it is the main aspect of Oneg.[3] The following sub-categories are included within this Mitzvah: […]

Shabbos Menu

How much should one spend in order to enhance Shabbos and what should be part of the Shabbos menu? The foods eaten to fulfill the mitzvah of Oneg Shabbos vary in accordance to each countries definition of a luxurious food. Thus those foods and beverages which are considered delicacies in […]

Shopping for Shabbos

Shopping for Shabbos: When to go shopping:[1] It is best to purchase foods which require further preparation[2] on Thursday, as opposed to Erev Shabbos.[3] Readymade foods, such as beverages and different readymade desserts and the like, are better to be purchased on Friday. If the store will close and one […]

Shabbos Budgeting

Borrowing money and taking money from charity for the sake of the Shabbos meals: Borrowing money to enhance Shabbos:[1] If one does not have money for Shabbos expenses he is to borrow money if he has an item which is able to be given as collateral to the lender[2].[3] Nonetheless, […]

Talking between Aliyos

Talking during Kerias Hatorah:[1] Once the reader has begun to read the Torah it is forbidden for the congregants to speak.[2] [Furthermore, some Poskim[3] rule that even prior to the start of the reading, once the Sefer Torah is opened, it is forbidden to speak.] Words of Torah:[4] It is […]

Personal Requests by Shema Koleinu Part 2

Personal requests in Shema Koleinu-Part 2 Personal requests in Shema Koleinu:[1] Confessing and then requesting livelihood:[2] It is proper [based on Kabala] for one to confess [his personal sins[3]] in Shomeia Tefila using a singular wording [i.e. Chatasi, Avisi, Pashati[4]] and then request [money for] his sustenance. This applies even […]

Vesein Tal Umatar

Saying Vesein Tal Umatar Levaracha: A. When does one begin saying Vesein Tal Umatar?[1] Eretz Yisrael: Those who live in Eretz Yisrael begin saying Vesein Tal Umatar Levracha starting from Maariv of the 7th of MarCheshvon. Diaspora: Those living in the Diaspora begin saying Vesein Tal Umatar etc on the […]

Mashiv Haruach

Mashiv Haruach Umorid Hageshem: What is the request of Mashiv Haruach?[1] The purpose of the prayer of Mashiv Haruach is not to request for rain. This request only begins in the month of Cheshvon with the request of Vesein Tal Umatar Levracha. It is rather an introductory prayer of appeasement […]

Tachanun after Sukkos

Tachanun:[1] Tachanun is omitted until the beginning of Cheshvon. Tzidkascha is not recited on the Shabbos in between. [1] Siddur Admur; Custom brought in Magen Avraham 669/1; Shaareiy Teshuvah 131/15; Seder Hayom [in end of section regarding Sukkos]; Kneses Hagedola; Peri Chadash 131/6 [entire month of Tishrei]; Chesed Leavraham Mayan […]

Saying Brachos after Davening

May the morning blessings be said after Shacharis?[1] If one davened Shacharis prior to reciting the morning blessings he is to recite all[2] the morning blessings after davening. However there is an opinion which states that the blessing of Elokaiy Neshama should not be recited if one already Davened.[3] Practically, […]

Hearing Brachos from another

Fulfilling ones obligation through hearing the blessings from another person:[1] One does not fulfill his obligation of the morning blessings through hearing them from another person, even if the other person has in mind to fulfill ones obligation. If however one hears the blessings from a Chazan, in the presence […]

Shelo Asani Shifcha

Shelo Asani Shifcha:[1] Some women have the custom to recite the blessing of Shelo Asani Shifcha in place of Shelo Asani Aved.[2] [This is not the widespread Chabad custom, however there are some that say it.[3]]   Shelo Asani Goyah: Some women have the custom to recite the blessing of […]

A Convert

Does a person in captivity recite the blessing of Shelo Asani Aved?[1] Even a person in captivity is to recite the blessing of Shelo Asani Aved.[2]   Does a convert say the blessing of “Shelo Asani Goy”?[3]  There are opinions[4] which say that a convert should recite the blessing of […]

Shelo Asani Goy

The blessings of Shelo Asani Goy, Shelo Asani Aved, Shelo Asani Isha:[1] Aside for the above blessings [which cover the physical benefits that one receives on a daily basis] one is also obligated to recite the following three blessings: Shelo Asani Goy[2]; Shelo Asani Aved; Shelo Asani Isha. These blessings […]

Hanosen Layaef Koach

Hanosane Layaef Koach:[1] Is a blessing recited in thanks to G-d for returning a fresh and re-energized soul to one’s body, which is a great act of kindness. This blessing was instituted by the Geonim as a result of the physical weakness which had descended to the world.[2] [1] 46/6; […]

Hanosen Lasechvi Bina

The blessings recited and their corresponding pleasure:[1] Hanosein Lasechvi Binah: Is a blessing said to give thanks to G-d for creating the rooster which awakens man in the morning.[2]   Sparks of Kabala The inner meaning of Hanosein Lasechvy Bina:[3] The spiritual root of the rooster in the world of […]

Delaying Netilas Yadayim

Reciting the blessing after the second washing:[1] After awakening in the morning one is to wash his hands [near his bed] without saying a blessing, immediately[2] proceed to use the bathroom, and [immediately] after leaving the bathroom he is to wash his hands a second time and recite the blessing […]

When to say Birchas Hashachar

When are the morning blessings to be recited; at home or in Shul? The ruling in Shulchan Aruch: Al Netilas Yadayim; Asher Yatzar; Elokaiy Neshama:[1] These three blessings are to be recited immediately upon awakening as explained in Chapter 6. Hanosen Lasechvi Binah through Hagomel Chassadim Tovim:[2] These blessings were […]

Birchas Hashachar

What is Birchas Hashachar?[1] Birchas Hashachar is a list of daily blessings instituted by the Sages to be said as a blessing to G-d in accordance to the typical daily pleasures that people benefit from. The blessings were instituted to be said at the time that one first receives these […]

Morning Blessings

The morning blessings: According to Chabad custom one that did not sleep throughout the night is to nevertheless recite all the morning blessings himself, including washing hands with Al Netilas Yadayim[1], Elokaiy Neshama[2], Hamavir Sheiyna[3], Birchas Hatorah[4], and all the other morning blessings.[5] This however is with exception to the […]

Walking before washing

  The stringencies of the Zohar-Not to touch walk 4 cubits:[1] According to the Talmud and Codifiers one may walk[2] prior to washing.[3] The only restriction according to the Talmud is not to touch food and drink [or orifices of the body]. The Zohar[4] however is very stringent in these matters stating that […]

Eating food that was touched

Check out our Amazon Sefarim Shop * This article is an excerpt from the above book WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Sponsor an Article Donatehttp://www.youtube.com/embed/DoDsRmO4AGc?autoplay=1 Not to touch food and drink prior to washing hands upon awakening and the law Bedieved:[1] The general law: [It goes without saying that one must […]

Modeh Ani

  Saying Modeh Ani:[1] Immediately upon awakening, even prior to washing ones hands[2], it is proper to[3] [accustom oneself[4] to] say Modeh Ani.[5] [This is done in order to remember that Hashem is standing over him and motivate him to get up with alacrity.[6] Alternatively it is done in order […]

Shevisi Hashem

Thinking of being in G-d’s constant presence: To think of G-d immediately upon awakening:[1] [Immediately upon awakening, in order for one to overcome his inclination and motivate himself to get out of bed with alacrity[2]], he should [accustom himself to immediately[3]] think about who he is lying before and how […]

Bold as a Leopard

  Introduction The Tur begins the first law of his noted work “Arba Turim” with a quote of the Mishneh in Avos[1]. This Mishneh is a general description of the conduct a Jew is to emulate throughout his life. These matters to be listed are fundamental pillars in successful service […]

Parshas Devarim-Excerpts from Likkutei Torah

  Explorations of Excerpts: 1.      How does the service of Iskafya/Self-control help bring the redemption? 2.      What draws down the 13 attributes of mercy on Yom Kippur? 3.      What is the difference between kindness and mercy?   Iskafya/Self-control helps bring the redemption:[1] The verse states “Tziyon Bemishpat Tipadeh” that Zion […]

Parshas Devarim-Summary of the Parsha

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer    Buy now on Amazon.com Parshas Devarim Pesukim: 105 [Siman:מלכיה ] Haftorah: Yeshayahu 1:1-27 Number of Mitzvos: There are a total of Two Mitzvos in Parshas Devarim; Zero positive commands and Two negative commands. The following are the commands in the order […]

Parshas Vaeschanan-Summary of the Parsha

*The article below is an excerpt from the above Sefer *As an Amazon Associate I earn from  qualifying purchases. Donate Buy in Paperback or Kindle Buy on Apple Books Purchase on our website Sign up for Daily Distribution Sponsor an Episode Parshas Vaeschanan Pesukim: 118 [Siman:עזיאל ] Haftorah: Yeshayahu 40:1-26 […]