From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A [Tuesday 7th Sivan 5785]

Why did the Sages not institute to recite Pesukei Dezimra right before Shemoneh Esrei, if after all, its purpose is to prepare for Shemoneh Esrei?^[1]

Although the recital of Pesukei Dezimra was instituted as a prelude for Shemoneh Esrei, as one should always recite praise of Hashem prior to making requests, nevertheless, the Shema and its blessings were placed to be said in between. The reason for this is because Pesukei Dezimra serves as an elevation of the soul [i.e. Healah] while the saying of Shemoneh Esrei is Hamshacha, drawing down Divine light. These two opposite modes require a medium to connect them, which is the Shema and its blessings, which include the Mitzvah of Talmud Torah, which is both Healah and Hamshacha.

[1] Shaareiy Teshuvah of Mittler Rebbe, Shaar Hatefila pp. 74-77

What has precedence of study, Tanya or Shulchan Aruch?[1]

Although simply speaking, the study of Shulchan Aruch takes precedence to that of the study of Tanya, as first and foremost a Jew must know what actions are required of him to serve G-d and only afterwards is there room to study the intent of this service, and its best method of performance. Nevertheless, from a deeper perspective one can suggest that the study of Tanya takes precedence, as the first thing we do in the morning is recite Modeh Ani which represents Kabalas Ol Malchus Shamayim, which must precede all action. Interestingly, we find a hint of the start of the Shulchan Auch within the word Tanya, as Tanya is made of the letters Taf, Nun, Yud, Alef. This represents the words of the beginning of Shulchan Aruch which are “Yehuda Ben Teima Omer Haveh Az Kanemer….” Taf is Teima, Nun is Nemer, Yud is Yehuda and Alef is Avivcha.

[1] Toras Menachem 5744 Volume 2 pp. 787-788

Is the Mitzvah of Havdalah on Motzei Shabbos Biblical or Rabbinical?^[1]

This obligation is only Rabbinical, even according to the opinions who rule that Havdalah is Biblical on Motzei Shabbos.

[1] Maggid Mishneh Shabbos 29:18; Encyclopedia Talmudit Vol. p. 69 footnote 36

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that even Havdalah on Motzei Yom Tov is Biblical. [Shita Mekubetzes Beitza 4b] According to this view, it would end up that Yom Tov Sheiyni Shel Galiyos has uprooted this Mitzvah of Havdalah, which is not done on Motzei Yom Tiov Rishon, and the Havdalah done the next day perhaps is invalid for the first day. Vetzaruch Iyun.

Does the sliding gate of a front yard which contains a door require a Mezuzah?[1]

This sliding gate of a front yard is not considered a door to require a Mezuzah being that it lacks a lintel over its top.[2] However, the door of the gate should have a Mezuzah placed without a blessing if the sides and top of the gate serve as the doorpost and lintel on top of it.[3]

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[1] See Rama 286:18; Shach 286:26; Taz 286:12; Tur 286; Rashi Menachos 33b; Hagahos Maimanis Mezuzah 6 Os Daled; Teshuvas Harashba 1:90; Piskeiy Dinim Tzemach Tzedek p. 283; Aruch Hashulchan 286:40 and 45; Daas Kedoshim 286:28; Mikdash Me’at 286:21; Yad Haketana 3 Minchas Ani 9; Mezuzos Melachim Halach Lemoshe 11:83; Erech Shaiy 286; Teshuras Shaiy 207; Minchas Yitzchak 7:12 – 3; Chovas Hadar 7:53; Shut Imrei Yaakov 2:96

[2] Michaber Y.D. 287:1

[3] See Poskim ibid for arguments that it would require a Mezuzah, however, due to opinions explained next, and due to fact that the main Shaar has no linterl, we concluded that it should not have a blessing recited

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that the small door never requires a Mezuzah being that it is like a window within a door. [Aruch Hashulchan ibid; Mezuzas Melachim ibid]