WHO

• Only the man of the house should light the menorah. He is the representative of the household doing it for the mother and children.
• Children who insist on lighting can light the shamash (the big candle) or the extra candles, however not the new candle that was added that night.
• No one except the man of the house should light the first candle.
• A man that is out on a business trip should have his wife light for him in his household.
• A student that is studying abroad does not light a menorah. If they wish to, they may do so without a blessing.

WHEN

• Our custom is to light at nightfall (tset hakochavim), except on Shabbat.
• If one did not light at nightfall, they may do so until 30 minutes before sunrise.

WHERE

• The menorah should be placed where it will be seen by the most amount of people.
• Usually, that means in the front window of one’s house facing the street.
• If one can, the ideal place for the menorah is outside one’s house door, opposite the mezuzah. (Looking at the door, the mezuzah is on the right, the menorah is on the left). The menorah should be at least 12 inches from the floor.
• If one lives in a building, on a floor higher than 10 meters/30 feet, they may place the menorah anywhere they wish in the house. Some opinions recommend placing it outside one’s apartment door (for the other neighbours to see).
• Once the menorah is lit, it should not be moved. If you really must move it, it’s permitted to do so.

HOW

• First light the shamash (the biggest candle), then say the blessing (see the below), then say HANEROT HALALOO and MIZMOR SHIR CHANUKAT HABAYIT…
• We add a candle for each additional night (1st night: 1 candle + shamash, 2nd night: 2 candles + shamash…)
• The menorah should stay lit for at least 30 minutes.
• If the wind blew a candle(s)out, one does not have to relight it (unless it was in an obviously windy area)

The blessings are the following:

1. BAROUCH ATA ADO-NAI ELO-HEINU MELECH HA OLAM, ASHER KIDEH-SHANU B’MITSVOTAV, V’TSIVANU L’HADLIK NER CHANUKAH.
2. BAROUCH ATA ADO-NAI ELO-HEINU MELECH HA OLAM, SHEH ASA NISSIM L’AVOTEINU BAYAMEEM HAHEM, BAZEHMAN HAZEH.
3. BAROUCH ATA ADO-NAI ELO-HEINU MELECH HA OLAM, SHEH HECHE-YANOO, V’KIYEMANOO V’HEEGUEEYANOO LA-ZEMAN HAZEH.

The 1st night (on Shabbat): Say blessing #1, #2 & #3, then light.

The 2nd night: Do havadalah and then blessing #1, then #2, then light.

The 3rd-8th nights: Say blessing #1, then #2, then light.

• On the 1st night, put the candle to the right-most position in the menorah.
• On the 2nd  night, put the two candles to the right-most position in the menorah, however light the left-most candle first (the newest one).
• On the 3rd night, put the three candles to the right-most position in the menorah, however light the left-most candle first (the newest one).
• On the 4th night…
• It is good to stay for 30 minutes by the candles, sing some songs, eat some donuts and enjoy the light of Chanukah. Remember, this light is, amongst other things, the symbol of Hashem helping us in all our life’s endeavors. Even though we were few, He helped us win a war against the Greeks who were trying to destroy all things Jewish. Think about what He has done for you lately. Happy Holy day!

SHABBAT

• The man of the house first lights the Chanukah candles and then woman of the house lights the Shabbat candles.

In the following post, we will cover the laws and customs of:

• Preparing for Rosh Hashana
• Candle Lighting
• Kiddush
• Simanim (the special foods)
• Shofar

The Day Before Rosh Hashana (RH)

• We do not say vidduy nor tachanun the day preceding RH (this Friday). Not at Shacharit nor at Mincha.
• We do not say Lamnatseach Mizmor L’David nor Tefila L’David at Shacharit.
• The last time one can do Selichot before RH is before Shacharit. (However one does continue to recite them during the Aseret Yemei Teshuva, the week after RH).
• One should not blow a shofar the day preceding RH. (If one wishes to practice blowing it, he must be in a room where no one can hear him).

Customs for the day preceding RH

• It is a good custom to cut one’s hair and clean one’s clothes the day preceding RH.
• It is also a custom to go to the Mikveh the day preceding RH.
• There is a custom to visit the graves of holy people the day preceding RH and beseech them to pray on ones behalf in order to have a meritorious and successful year.
• Some have a custom of reciting Hatarat Nedarim (The Annulment of Vows) the day preceding RH. Men should ask their wives to appoint them to be messengers in order to annul their vows, however even without this they can proceed to annul them. A competent halachik authority should be consulted to asses which vows can be annulled and which can not.

The Night of RH – Candle Lighting

When RH falls out on Friday night, women should light two candles for RH (that includes the Shabbat candles).
On Saturday night, ONLY light from a LIT candle (make sure to light a 24-hour candle on Friday night).

The blessing for Friday night is:

BAROUCH ATA ADO-NAI, ELO-HEINU MELECH HA-OLAM, ASHER KIDESHANU B’MITSVOTAV, V’TSIVANU L’HADLEEK NER SHEL SHABBAT V’YOM TOV

The blessing for Saturday night is:

BAROUCH ATA ADO-NAI, ELO-HEINU MELECH HA-OLAM, ASHER KIDESHANU B’MITSVOTAV, V’TSIVANU L’HADLEEK NER SHEL YOM TOV

(On a regular year, when RH does not fall on Shabbat, the blessing is:)

BAROUCH ATA ADO-NAI, ELO-HEINU MELECH HA-OLAM, ASHER KIDESHANU B’MITSVOTAV, V’TSIVANU L’HADLEEK NER SHEL YOM TOV

Kiddush

The text of the Kiddush is found in most Siddurim and Machzorim. It begins ELEH MOADEH ADO-NAI MIKRAEH KODESH…

On the FIRST NIGHT (Friday) one first says the first paragraph of the Shabbat Kiddush (VAYCHULU), and then the holy day blessings (ELEH MOADEH…), then BOREH PERI HAGEFEN, followed by SHEH HECHEYANU.

On the SECOND NIGHT (Saturday) one starts with the holy day blessings (ELEH MOADEH…), then BOREH PERI HAGEFEN, followed by HAVDALA (bless on the lit candle BOREH MEOREH HA-ESH, then HAMAVDIL BEN KODESH L’KODSEH), and finally SHEH HECHEYANU.

1^st Night (FRIDAY NIGHT)

ELEH MOADEH
VAYCHULU
BOREH PERI HAGEFEN
MEKADESH ISRAEL V’HAZEMANIM
SHEH HECHEYANU

2^nd Night (SATURDAY NIGHT)

ELEH MOADEH
BOREH PERI HAGEFEN
MEKADESH ISRAEL V’HAZEMANIM
BOREH MEOREH HA-ESH
HAMAVDIL BEN KODESH L’KODESH
SHEH HECHEYANU * the blessing of Sheh Hecheyanu is said on both nights. It is best to have a new fruit on the table or new clothing when reciting this blessing.

The Simanim

In order to lay the spiritual groundwork for a meritorious and good year, the custom is to recite a prayer upon certain foods.

There are two ways of proceeding with this:

In regard to the order of washing/eating Hamotsi and eating the special foods, there are two ways of proceeding. R’Ovadia Yosef is of the opinion that both procedures are correct, however the first one is preferable:

1. After Kiddush but after washing for bread & HaMotsi, then one proceeds to the special foods
2. After Kiddush but before washing for bread & HaMotsi, eat the special foods with the blessings

In regards to the YEHI RATSON and the blessing, once again there are two ways of proceeding (either way is correct, but R Ovadia Yosef is of the opinion that the first is better to do):

1. One can recite the blessing first, taste from the food and then the YEHI RATSON
2. One can say the YEHI RATSON and then recite the appropriate blessing on the food

Here are the foods that one should eat:

Tmar – Dates (bless BOREH PERI HA’ETS, then eat, then say YEHI RATSON)
Roubia – Beans
Karti – Leeks
Silka – Beets
Kra – Gourd/Pumpkin/Squash
Rimon – Pomegranate
Tapouah – Apple Dipped in Sugar/Honey
Rosh – Lamb’s Head (one can substitute with a chicken’s head)

• The custom is also to eat sweet things and avoid sour, bitter and spicy foods.
• Some have a custom to eat fish and some do not. One should follow their own custom.
• Some people avoid eating nuts on RH.

The Day of RH

• If possible, one should avoid sleeping in on RH, as well as taking any naps. If this is too difficult, one can take a nap after chatsot (about 1pm check your local Jewish Calendar).
• One should make extra efforts not to get angry at all on RH (not even in their hearts, let alone externally).
• Some have a custom of finishing the book of Tehilim twice over. Since there are 150 Psalms, reading them twice would amount to 300, gematria C-P-R (Kaper=Atone). Others read Idra Rabba/Zuta. And those who are versed in Talmud may continue their studies.

Shofar

• One may sit or stand while hearing the Shofar.
• One must be quiet while the Shofar is being blown.
• Men over the age of 13 are obligated to hear the Shofar on RH.
• Women are not obligated to hear the Shofar, however those who have a custom to go every year should try their hardest to maintain their tradition or at least hear it in the comfort of their own home.

Hair, Beards & Music

• One should refrain from listening to music, live or recorded, from the last day of Pesach until the 33rd day of ShO. (Y”Y, 493:4)
• In a celebration of a mitsvah such as brit mila or pidyon haben, one is allowed to hear songs dealing with holy topics even played with a live band.   At any time during ShO, one is also allowed to sing during prayer or when learning. In addition, any singing done to praise HaShem is permitted during all these days. (Y”Y, 493:5)
• Our minhag is not to cut one’s hair all the days of ShO until the 34th day in the morning.  Those who are extra stringent even refrain from shaving from the 1st until the 34th day of the Omer. (Y”Y, 493:6)
• One should make every effort not shave their beard duiring ShO. However, if not shaving ones beard during the ShO is causing one a major discomfort then one can:
  • can shave on the day before Rosh Chodesh Iyar
  • can shave once a week on Fridays in honor of the Shabbat (Y”Y, 493:8)
• If a brit mila celebration takes place during ShO, the father of the son, sandak and mohel may cut their hair and shave that same day and do so the day before the brit mila. (Y”Y, 493:10)

New Clothes

• It is praisworthy to refrain from wearing brand new clothing which requires a beracha of Shehecheyanu (a new suit, elegant dress etc.) during ShO.  They even refrain from sewing and making alterations on brand new clothing during ShO.  It is good practice to follow this stringency. If one must wear new clothing, one may do so on Shabbat and say the blessing of Shehecheyanu. (Y”Y, 493:12)
• For one getting married from the 34th day on, he may buy or make new clothes as well as make alterations. (Y”Y, 493:14)

Various Laws

• One is permitted to eat a new fruit that is obligated in the blessing of Shehecheyanu during ShO . (Y”Y, 493:13)
• One is permitted to move into a new home or apartment during ShO. It is also permitted to paint the walls and put up wallpaper.  The minhag of Sepharadim is not to say Shecheyanu upon moving into a new house, however one may take a new fruit and/or clothing and recite the blessing on them while having in mind the house. (Y”Y, 493:15)
• Some women refrain from doing work during ShO from shekia (sunset) and on. (Y”Y, 493:11)
• There are those that refrain from leaving their city during ShO unless it is necessary. (Y”Y, 493:16)

Getting Married/Engaged During ShO

• The minhag of the Sefaradim is not to get married during the omer (from Pesach until the 34th day of the omer in the morning).  On the 34th day of the omer and onwards including the morning, one CAN get married.  From the 34th day on, it is permissible to begin marriage preparations.  If it is absolutly necessary, one may get married on the night of the 33rd day of the omer after checking with your Orthodox Rabbi. (Y”Y, 493:1)
• A chatan (man getting married) may cut his hair on the day of his wedding during the ShO. (Y”Y, 493:3)
• One is permitted to get engaged during the ShO, however the party should not have dancing, music or a band, since these are not allowed during ShO.  One should note that mixed dancing is never permitted. (Y”Y, 493:5)

On the night of the 14th of Nissan, (Sunday, March 28th, 2010), as of we search for the hametz.
You will need:

• 10 pieces of bread no bigger than your nose
• aluminum foil
• a candle or flashlight
• a knife

1. Wrap the bread in foil properly
2. Have someone hide them in each room of the house
3. Light the candle
4. Say the beracha: Barouch Ata Ado-nay, Elo-henu melech ha-olam, asher kidehshanu bemitzvotav, veh tsivanu al biyur chametz
(everyone else says “Amen”)
5. Go searching for all 10 pieces of bread (without speaking – if one did speak after they commenced the search they need not make another beracha)
6. Bring the candle and knife with you
7. When finished, disowned all the chametz you don’t want by reciting:
Kal Chamira d’Ica birshuti, d’la chazita oud’la viarteh v’leheveh hefker keh arfra d’ar ah
(All the chamets that I own, whether I saw it or not, is now considered ownerness like the dirt of the earth)
8. Put the 10 pieces of bread in a bag for the next day

Remeber to sell you chametz by Wednesday morning. Check with your local Rabbi to obtain the contract.

Biyur Chametz
Burning the Hametz (4 steps)

On the morning of Monday, 29th of March, 2010, until about 10am maximum (ask your local Rabbi):

1. Place the 10 pieces of bread without the foil in a bin
2. Burn them all, along with any other hametz that you have in your possesion
3. Recite Kal Chamira
Kal Chamira d’Ica birshuti, d’la chazita oud’la viarteh, d’vearteh oh d’la vearteh, livteel v’leheveh hefker keh arfra d’ar ah
(All the chamets that I own, whether I saw it or not, which I did or did not remove, is now considered ownerness like the dirt of the earth)
4. Carefully throw out all the ashes in the garbage

If one forgot to search for the hametz on Sunday night, they can still go through the 8 steps for ‘Searching for the Hametz” on Monday and the go through the “Burning of the Hametz” until about 10am (ask local Rabbi for exact time).

QUICK Overview

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Purim is preceded by the Fast of Esther, which begins at dawn on the 13th of Adar and continues until nightfall. This year it falls out on Thursday March 25th. It is forbidden to eat and drink on this day (contrary to Yom Kippur one may, however, shower, and wear leather shoes). A woman that is within 24 months of giving birth or breastfeeding is not obligated in this specific fast.

Saturday night February 28th, 2010
For those that live outside of Jerusalem the Megillah reading will take place on Saturday night and Sunday morning.In Jerusalem the reading will take place this year on Sunday night and Monday morning.MEN, WOMEN and CHILDREN (that will not interfere with the reading) are obligated to attend, since this is a miracle that transpired to the Nation of Israel as a whole. Since one must hear the reading from a Megilah that is halachikly kosher, it is important to follow along with the Chazzan,however one must make sure that they are not reading out-loud -only listen. If one were to read from a book or a scroll that is not kosher,they have not fulfilled their requirement.It is very important to be there on time!

Sunday morning, February 29th, 2010
1. You should go back to the synagogue in the morning for Shacharit to hear the Megilah once again
2. It’s a holiday! Festive moment for the Jewish People – celebrate the special occasion make it family time !
3. You can drive your car, turn on lights and so on…this is not Shabbat or Yom-Tov.
4. Mishloach Manot – You must buy two kinds of foods for one of you friends and give it to them (it is suggested to send it to someone that you need to “amend” your relationship with). For example, give a little chocolate and cookie or fruit to one of your friends. Men give to men, women to women
5. Matanot LaEvyonim – Men and Women must give a minimum of 5$ tzedaka (ask the Rabbi on Saturday night about the exact amount)
6. ALSO, VERY IMPORTANT: You must have a seouda/meal with meat and wine! Men should drink so much that they get drunk or get so tired, they go to sleep. Make it feast! Invite your friends and family.Most important enjoy!

I. The Period Preceding Purim

A. There are four Parshiot [Torah Portions] that are read in this time period.

1. Shekalim
2. Zachor
3. Parah
4. haChodesh

B. The Shabbat before Purim is Shabbat Zachor. According to The Rambam Hilchot Tefillah 13:20 and the Shulchan Aruch one is fulfilling a Mitsvah of Biblical Status when hearing Parshat Zachor. It is for this reason that one should make sure to hear it read from a Sefer Torah that is on a high level of Kashrut Standards and according to the cantolation of the Sephardic Minhag. [According to numerous halachic authorities, Parshat Parah is also min HaTorah, therefore the laws mentioned above should be followed for it as well.]

C. Due to its level of importance, there are numerous points that one should be meticulous of:

• One should not verbalize the words when hearing them from the Chazzan since they are not reading from a kosher Sefer Torah, but rather a chumash or the like.
• One should make sure to hear every word from the Chazzan.
• There are halachik opinions that hold that it can only be read in a minyan.
• If a woman missed it on Shabbat, she can go to Bet Knesset and hear Kriat HaTorah when it is read later on in the year and fulfill the mitzvah of zechirat Amalek. Although this most precious mitsvah is not time bound and one might think that women are obligated in hearing it,the truth is that the hearing of the Torah portion is rooted in the obligation of the men to go to war with the Evil nation of Amalek.This being so  women do not go to war, they are technically  also absolved from the obligation to hear Parshat Zachor.The Halachik authorities stress that spiritually there is a tremendous benefit for women to hear if they can.

Laws Regarding Taanit Esther (Fast of Ester)

1. This fast was enacted in the times of Mordechai and Ester in order to plea for survival of the city of Shushan on the 13th of Adar, it stems from the verse in the Megilah 9:31  ”As they accepted upon themselves and their offspring the words of this fast”

2. Minhag of the Sephardim, see Shulchan Aruch 554:5, that women that are pregnant for more than three months, a women that is less then three months pregnant but ill, nauseous etc, women that have given birth within 24 months or women that are breastfeeding do not fast. Some Ashekenazic Poskim say they should fast if they feel they can do so.

3. The fast begins at the dawn of the 13th of Adar and ends at Tset Hakochavim [when the stars come out], however unless it is a pressing situation, one eats only after the reading of the Megilah [Outside of Jerusalem]

4. Children, generally do not fast, if they are of age of  Chinuch, closer to 12 for a girl and 13 for a boy, they may fast a few hours. But even that is not suggested from Sephardic poskim

5. One that is sick to the extent that they are bedridden and need to eat may do so on Taanit Ester

6. A mohel, Sandak and Father of the baby are patur from fasting if the Brit is on the 13th

7. Chattan v’kallah [bride and groom] that are within 7 days of their wedding do not fast

Machtist HaShekel

4. It is customary to include women, children and even babies in the womb for this valuable mitsvah. The Ashkenazi custom is that women don’t give.

II. General Halachot of Purim

A. It is proper to wear Shabbat clothing on Purim and to set the table as you would for Shabbat, on the day of Purim and the night preceding it.

B. You should refrain from doing unnecessary, complex work on Purim. The Halachic authorities mention that one that does Melacha [work] on Purim, does not see blessing in it.

i. This applies only to Purim day, not the night before.

ii. The following is allowed: Writing, work to prevent a financial loss, works that doesn’t involve effort, and work done in honour of Purim.

iii. The tradition of the Sepharadim prohibits getting a haircut on Purim [there are those that permit if done with a non-jew]. Some Ashkenaz posikim permit it. If it falls out on Friday in the honour of Shabbat one is permitted. Sephardic authorities permit shaving and cutting ones nails. While some of Bnei Ashkenaz are stringent.

C. Women do not have an obligation to become intoxecated. There are opinions that even men can fulfill this obligation by drinking more than their normal amount and then going to sleep. One may become merry by drinking beverages other than wine.

D. During the silent Amidah in Shachrit,Mincah and Arvit as well as the Birkat haMazon/Grace after meals the Al haNissim is added. If one forget to say it, don’t repeat the Birkat Hamazon or Tefillah.Both men and women are obligated in this addition. It is only once a year- so don’t forget!

E. Purim on Friday:

1. You may prepare for Shabbat as you normally do.
2. You may cut your fingernails before Shabbat.
3. It is proper to eat the seudah before midday.

III. Reading  of the Megilah

A. General

1. It is a mitsvah to read the Megilah on the night before Purim and the day of. Outside of Jerusalem that falls out on the 13th and 14th . In Jerusalem that applies on the 14th and 15th.

2. One has the entire night to read/hear it being read (from Tset haKochavim [stars come out] until dawn and again on the day time, from Sunrise until Sunset).

3. Everyone is obligated in the reading/hearing of the Megilah: men, women, children, one that is blind or deaf , converts, etc…

B. Blessings of the Megilah

1. Before the reading of the Megilah, there are three blessings:

I. Al Mikreh Megilah

II. Sh’Assah Nissim

III. Shecheyanu

2. Minhag bnei Ashkenaz is to recite all three Berachot during the day as well, Bnei Sepharad leave out Shechyanu.

3. Upon completion there is one Beracha recited – Ha’el Harav et Rivenu.[One recites this beracha in the presence of a minyan only, if one is reading for women and there are 10 women he proceeds to recite it as well.]

4. One that is reading for others , can make all of the berachot even though they heard the Megillah already

5. Due to the fact that the Megillah is sanctifying the name of the Almighty, it praiseworthy to read it , or join a minyan with as many people as possible.

6. Half an hour before the reading of the Megillah [at night one is fasting regardless], one is prohibited to eat the volume of 56grams of bread or cake. Everything else is muttar minhadin It is praiseworthy however not to eat anything 1/2 hour before the time starts to read the Megillah.

7. Minhag Bnei Sepharad is not to deviate from the berachot mentioned above when reading for women, however Minhag Bnei Ashkenazz varies; according to the Mishna Brura the proper bracha is “lishmoas mikra Megilla.” Other Ashenazi Poskim say that the regular nusach should be said. There fore it is best for each woman to make this bracha for herself.

8. You should not speak during the bracha, nor answer “Baruch Hu ubaruch Shemo.” You shouldn’t speak between the end of the bracha and the beginning of the reading, nor between the end of the reading and the after bracha.

9. The Megillah is unrolled and folded  in its entirety, while it is read.

10. When hearing the Shehechiyanu, one should have in mind not only the mitsvah of the Megillah, but also Matanot la’evyonim, mishloach Manot and the seudah.

C. General Halachot of Megillah

a) Women are obligated to hear the Megillah at night and during the day.

b) According to Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, if a man who has already heard the Megilla is reading for a group of women, the proper thing to do would be for one of the women to make the brachos for all the rest (and they should answer amen on the brachos). The proper bracha for her to make is “l’shmoah Megilla.”

c) You can read or hear the Megilla while sitting. It is best to stand when the brachot of the Megillah are said.

d) If you don’t have a kosher Megilla in front of you, you should not read along with the reader, but should simply listen and follow inside a Chumash.

e) The Minhag Bnei Ashkenaz  is that everyone says the ‘aseret bnei Haman’ (Haman’s ten sons) Bnei Sepharad is that only the Chazzan recites it. They should be said in one breath. There are four psukim that are also read first by the congregation and then by the Chazan: ‘ish Yehudi haya,’ ‘uMordechai yatza milifnei hamelech,’ ‘laYehudim haysa,’ and the last pasuk of the Megillah.

f) There are also two psukim that the Chazon repeats because we are uncertain of their exact nusach.

g) The Megilla must be read or heard in its entirety and in the correct order. If you missed even one word, you must hear the Megilla again. Therefore, if you don’t hear something, you should immediately read it yourself, even from a Chumash. The missed part should be said loud enough to be heard.

h) One should refrain from speaking during the reading of the Megilla.

IV. Mishloah Manot, Matanot L’evyonim, and the Purim Meal

1. These Mitzvot should be done on Purim itself and not beforehand

2. Women are obligated to fulfill these Mitzvohs as well as men

3. Mishloach Manot should be done only men to men or women to women

4. Matanot L’evyonim may be given from a woman to a man and vice versa

Mishloach Manot

1. It says in the Megillah ,9:22 “La’Asot Otam Yimei Mishteh  V’Simacha Umishloach Manot Ish Lerayhu” there are two reasons for this:

I. It says 3:8 – “Yeshno am Mifuzar Umefurad” , serving as a tikun for the lack of unity.

II. There are those that do  not have food for the meal and this can serve as a meal for them

2. This mitsvah applies to all . [Men ,Women ,Children etc.]

3. One sends at least two different types  of  foods to one person.

4. Ideally one should give food that is eatable upon receiving it. However B’diavad one is Yotseh even if the food needs preparation. The foods may be solid, liquid, or a combination of both. Yet the Sephardic Poskim bring down that ideally it should be comprised of two foods.

5. Canned foods may be sent.

6. The Ben Ish Hai  is of the opinion that each of the two foods should be in a separate container, however this is merely a stringency and is not necessarily  the minhag.

7. As far as the main Mitzvah goes, you should send only to a person with whom some previous friendship existed.

8. The receiver must be aware of the identity of the sender.

9. It is traditional to send the Manot via a messenger (even a minor may be used for this), but this isn’t required (Chazon Ish and R’ Moshe).

10. The Manot should be sent on Purim day and not at night.

Matanot L’evyonim

1. It says in the Megillah 9:22 “LaAsot Otam Yimei Mishteh Vesimcha umishloach Manot Ish Lereyhu  uMatanot Levyoninm. “

2. Our sages derived that from uMatanot L’evyonim [plural form] one should give gifts/money to at least two poor people.

3. One fulfils the mitsvah on the most basic level with any amount that he gives.

4. Men, Women, children above Bar/Bat Mitsvah are obligated in this Mitsvah.

5. You can appoint a messenger (before or during Purim) to give the food or money for you on the day of Purim. If a woman wants her husband to give for her, it is better that he have this specifically in mind when he gives the money. He should simply inform her that he is doing so. The same applies to a father for his daughters.

6. You should be certain that the money that you are giving is your own.

7. It isn’t necessary for the poor person to know the identity of the sender (nor does he have to know that it is Matanot L’evyonim).

8. You should give to people celebrating Purim on the same day as you are.

9. Many Poskim say that the definition of an “evyon” is anyone who has less than he requires for his support.

10. Even though the rule on Purim is that “kol haposhet yad nosnim lo,” this is not considered as Matanot la’evyonim.

11. Many Poskim say that you should give enough money for a minimal Purim meal (bread), which would mean a couple of shekalim/dollars.

12. Maaser money should not be used for this, but you can use Maaser money to supplement the minimum amount if you want to give more.

The Purim Festive Meal

1. The source is in the megila 9:22 “laAsot Otam Yimei  Mishteh Usimcha-To make them [these days] into days of festivity and joy”

2. The meal is to be performed during the day and all are obligated to partake in it.

3. It is proper to have a larger-than-normal supper Purim eve. Some people refrain from eating meat that evening.

4. Minhag Bnei Sepharad is that the meal should include bread , Minhag bnei Ashkenaz is that it is obligatory.

5. Wine should be used. Some Poskim say that you must eat beef and not just poultry. You aren’t required to eat what you dislike, but should at least drink a bit of wine in memory of the miracle. If wine is bad for your health, you don’t have to drink it.

6. Candles should be lit (without a bracha) in honor of the meal.

7. Some have a Minhag to eat chickpeas or seeds on Purim in remembrance to the fact that all Queen Ester could eat was seeds and the like.

8. One should remember to include Al haNissim in the Birkat haMazon

9. If the meal extended until the night, and one did not pray Aarvit , they recite Al haNissim. However if one prayed Arvit , they do not recite it , because halachikly they ended their holiday.

The following Halachot apply if you go from one place to another:

1. A resident of a place outside Jerusalem who goes to Jerusalem on the day of Shushan Purim has none of the obligations of a Jerusalem resident. If he goes the 14th of Adar and spends Shushan Purim in Jerusalem, he has the obligations of a Jerusalem resident.

2. A resident of Jerusalem who goes somewhere else on the 13th/14th of Adar has the obligations of a non-Jerusalem resident. If he returns to Jerusalem on the 14th, he has the additional obligations of a Jerusalem resident.

Introducing Halacha: The Tool Used to Perfect the Person

In the first class of the Ben Ish Chai Halacha series, our guide Rabbi Chaim Levy draws upon the perspective of the Sephardic luminaries to explain the role and function of Halacha in our daily lives. He shows how Halacha is transformed from seemingly simple actions into the key for understanding the Will of Hashem. Rabbi Levy also explains the format he plans to take in not only in teaching the Ben Ish Chai, but also in expounding on other sources, along with a broad picture of all the major contemporary authorities of the Sephardic world. He uses this introduction to retell some amazing stories about the Ben Ish Chai, and sets the stage for the first set of halachot – Tsitsit. Download Introduction

Tsitsit # 2: Foundations of a Fundamental Mitsvah Bereishit # 2

Rabbi Levy first explains the concept of kavanah (intention) and continues by showing what part it plays in the fulfillment of a mitzvah. As you prepare to recite the beracha of tzitzit, what should you have in mind? Also, how do I go about fitting myself for the right size tzitzit? Download Tsitsit #2

Tsitsit #3: Ben Ish Chai on Stage Bereishit # 3

Ok! So now we know how to make the Beracha and what the minimum size a Tallit needs to be, but how is one to wear it? Hear how the Ben Ish Chai donned his own Tallit, and what the specific details are to help us perform this mitzvah properly. In addition, Rabbi Levy also tells the amazing life story of the Ari z”l, the master kaballist who continues to have a great influenced on Jewish practice and Sephardic life. Download Tsitsit #3

Tsitsit #4: Deciphering the Difference Noah #  1

Wool and cotton – what’s the difference – besides the price? Should I place tzitzit over my plastic raincoat? Rabbi Levy takes a detour to explain how Rabbi Yosef Karo constructed his monumental Shulchan Aruch. Download Tsitsit #4

Tsitsit #5: Summing up the Strings themselves Noach #2

Putting together all the loose ends of tzitzit: How did the staircase pattern of the stings get into how we tie the tzitzit? Let’s get technical with machine tzitzit – how good could they really be? How long do the strings need to be? In a special feature, Rabbi Levy reveals some not so common Sephardic sources and dives into the depths of tzitzit and how it ties in with all the 613 mitzvot in mind. Download Tsitsit #5

Tsitsit #6: Clearing up the Confusion Noah #3

There are many ways to tie the tzitzit, but listen to how the Ben Ish Chai himself did it. What is the din about borrowing my friends tzitzit when he’s not around? What times do you wear tzitzit without reciting a beracha? What do tzitzit have in common with being a dentist? Download Tsitsit #6

Tsitsit #7: Tying Up the Loose ends Lech Lecha 1

Can a very tall and a very short person share the same tzitzit and hear other common Halachot that are determined only by size. When do children start wearing them? In this segment Rabbi Levy ties up all the loose ends of Halachot tzitzit and clarifies what to do with tzitzit that have become old and useless. Download Tsitsit #7

NEW!

Netilat Yadayim

Netilat Yadayim #1: Washing Hands – Starting Your Day With A Splash (Toldot 1) Download
Netilat Yadayim #2: Taming the Forces of Tumah (Toldot 1) Download
Netilat Yadayim #3: Practical Applications of Washing Hands (Toldot 1) Download
Netilat Yadayim #4: The Anatomy – A Spiritual Perspective (Vayetseh 1) Download
Netilat Yadayim #5: Sanitary Conduct (Vayetseh 1) Download

Tefillin

Tefillin #1: Time Out To Understand Tefillin (Vayeira 1) Download
Tefillin #2: Putting on Tefillin & Interruptions Download
Tefillin #3: See For Yourself (Vayeira 1) Download
Tefillin #4:  The Top of the Ladder (Vayeira / Chaye Sarah 1) Download
Tefillin #5:  Handling Your Hands (Chaye Sarah 1) Download
Tefillin #6:  Pushing Tefillin to the Brink (Chaye Sarah 1) Download

Hadlakat Nerot

Hadlakat Nerot #1 Download MP3
Hadlakat Nerot #2 Download MP3
Hadlakat Nerot #3 Download MP3
Hadlakat Nerot #4 Download MP3
Hadlakat Nerot #5 Download MP3
Hadlakat Nerot #6 Download MP3

Kadish

Kadish # 1 Download MP3
Kadish # 2 Download MP3
Kadish # 3 Download MP3
Kadish # 4 Download MP3
Kadish # 5 Download MP3
Kadish # 6 Download MP3

Bet Haknesset 

Bet Haknesset # 1 Download MP3
Bet Haknesset # 2 Download MP3
Bet Haknesset # 3 Download MP3
Bet Haknesset # 4 Download MP3