Monday, November 30, 2015

The Ideal Time to Light the Menorah

The Ideal Time to Light the Menorah
Day: Monday
Date: November 30, 2015
Parshat: Vayeshev
Yalkut Yosef: O"H: 672


The ideal time to light the menorah is at tzet hakochavim. The candles need to be big enough or have enough oil to stay lit for the next half hour. If one did not light at that time he may still light the candles all the way until amud hashahar. One who lit less than a half hour before amud hashahar still says a beracha on the lighting, even though the candles will have been lit for less than a half hour when amud hashahar arrives.


DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Where to put the Menorah

Where to put the Menorah
Day: Sunday
Date: November 29, 2015
Parshat: Vayeshev
Yalkut Yosef: O"H: 671


Ideally the flames of the Hannuka candles should be between three and ten tefachim (about 5 to 32 inches) from the floor. The candles themselves may be lower than three tefachim. One who put the flames higher than ten tefachim has nevertheless fulfilled his obligation as long as they are less than twenty amot (32 feet) from the ground. If the flames of the candles are higher than 20 amot from the ground they must be extinguished and relit at an acceptable height. No beracha is made on the relighting. The Menorah should be placed on the left side of the front doorway opposite the mezuzah such that when people pass through they are surrounded by the Mitzvot on both sides


DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Friday, November 27, 2015

Using a Round Menorah for Hannuka

Using a Round Menorah for Hannuka
Day: Friday
Date: November 27, 2015
Parshat: Vayishlah
Yalkut Yosef: O"H: 671


In order to fulfill the mitzvah of Lighting the menorah it is only necessary to light one candle per night. More commonly done and a much more desirable way of fulfilling the mitzvah, is to start with one and add a candle every night. If one accidentally lit an extra candle on any of the nights of Hannuka, he does not need to relight when he realizes his mistake. In fact, if he does relight with a beracha the beracha is considered to be a beracha levatala. If one lit fewer candles than necessary and then realized later he may light the extra one, but without a beracha. It is permissible to use a round menorah as long as the flame from each candle is an inch or so away from the one next to it.


DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Thursday, November 26, 2015

The Miracles of Hannuka

The Miracles of Hannuka
Day: Thursday
Date: November 26, 2015
Parshat: Vayetze
Yalkut Yosef: O"H: 670


During the time of the second Bet Hamikdash the Greeks enacted harsh and intentionally evil decrees against us Jews. To put it very mildly, among their other atrocities they put us through a lot of suffering, did not allow us to study Torah, and they defiled the Bet Hamikdash. Ultimately Hashem had mercy on us and through a series of miraculous wars the Hashmonai family overcame the Greeks on the twenty fifth of Kislev. When the Jews went back to the Bet Hamikdash to clean up the defilement that had occurred there they only found enough pure oil to keep the Menorah lit for one day. Hashem in his kindness performed a miracle and the small amount of oil actually lasted for eight days until they were able to produce new oil. To commemorate these momentous events we celebrate Hannuka.


DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Pushing a Stroller in a Place With no Eruv

Pushing a Stroller in a Place With no Eruv
Day: Wednesday
Date: November 25, 2015
Parshat: Vayetze
Yalkut Yosef: O"H: 301


It is forbidden to carry a child on Shabbat in a place with no eruv. Likewise, it is also forbidden to push a child in a stroller in a place with no eruv. This is true regardless of whether the stroller is being pushed by one person or by two people. If it is being done for a mitzvah, such as for a couple who are going to have the Shabbat meal with their parents, a goy may be instructed to push the stroller. In a place where there is a proper eruv it is permissible if need be for a person to carry the child or push the stroller ever if he doesn't normally rely on the eruv. A child that ordinarily can walk on his who is sick and needs to be brought to a doctor may be carried even if there is no eruv. Obviously if there is any danger everything possible must be done. May HaShem protect us from such situations.


DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Using a Wheelchair in a Place With no Eruv

Using a Wheelchair in a Place With no Eruv
Day: Tuesday
Date: November 24, 2015
Parshat: Vayetze
Yalkut Yosef: O"H: 301


It is permissible on Shabbat for a wheelchair bound person to be pushed to shul by a non Jew even if there is no eruv. Obviously, an electric wheelchair may not be used on Shabbat. A person who uses crutches or a cane may use them in a place with no eruv if he can't walk without them. If he is able to walk without the cane or crutches but is using them only to help himself walk more confidently, they may not be brought out into a place with no eruv.


DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Monday, November 23, 2015

Carrying Keys in a Place With no Eruv

Carrying Keys in a Place With no Eruv
Day: Monday
Date: November 23, 2015
Parshat: Vayetze
Yalkut Yosef: O"H: 301


It is forbidden on Shabbat to carry keys out into a place with no eruv. Even if the keys are used as prongs on a belt we still may not do so. There are poskim however, who do allow wearing keys in such a way, and therefore it is not necessary to protest against those who do so. However, it is certainly not permissible to carry them in a different way, such as on a necklace or a chain.


DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Wearing a Hearing Aid in a Place With no Eruv

Wearing a Hearing Aid in a Place With no Eruv
Day: Sunday
Date: November 22, 2015
Parshat: Vayetze
Yalkut Yosef: O"H: 301


It is permissible on Shabbat to wear a hearing aid in place without an eruv. Since generally they are expensive it is assumed that the wearer will take care to make sure it is in securely. Therefore there is no concern that it will fall out and cause the wearer to carry in a place with no eruv. It is important to note that a person who uses a hearing aid may not adjust it on Shabbat. It should be turned on before Shabbat and stay on until after Shabbat. It is also permissible for a person with a cast or a sling to walk in a place with no eruv on Shabbat.


DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Friday, November 20, 2015

Wearing Contact Lenses and Sunglasses in a Place With no Eruv

Wearing Contact Lenses and Sunglasses in a Place With no Eruv
Day: Friday
Date: November 20, 2015
Parshat: Vayetze
Yalkut Yosef: O"H: 301


It is permissible to wear contact lenses in a Reshut Harabim on Shabbat. Since it is not normal to take them out in public there is no concern that the wearer will take them out and carry them in a place with no eruv. However, a person who is uncomfortable with contacts and is still getting used to them does need to be concerned. It is also permitted to wear prescription sunglasses and transition lenses in Reshut Harabim the same as regular glasses. There are some poskim who do not allow going out into a place with no eruv with non prescription sunglasses since the wearer may take them off and carry them in the shade. However, one who does wear them has what to rely on - especially where there is an eruv.


DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Wearing Regular and Reading Glasses in a Place With no Eruv

Wearing Regular and Reading Glasses in a Place With no Eruv
Day: Thursday
Date: November 19, 2015
Parshat: Vayetze
Yalkut Yosef: O"H: 301


A person who normally wears glasses does not need to be concerned that his glasses may fall off while walking in Reshut Harabim and cause him to carry them inadvertently. Therefore it is permissible to wear glasses on Shabbat in a place with no eruv. If there is an eyeglass chord attached to them, even though the chord is not a necessary component, it is still permitted since compared to the glasses themselves the chord is insignificant, similar to replacement buttons on a garment which are also allowed. (See DSH from November 12, 2015). A person who uses reading glasses and generally keeps them in his pocket except when he needs them may not walk out into a place with no eruv on Shabbat while wearing them since he may forget and take them off.


DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Carrying Food in One's Mouth on Shabbat

Carrying Food in One's Mouth on Shabbat
Day: Wednesday
Date: November 18, 2015
Parshat: Vayetze
Yalkut Yosef: O"H: 301

In memory of Avraham Asher ben Tzadika

A person who is chewing on food must finish chewing and swallow the food before walking out on Shabbat into a place with no eruv. Going into such a place while one has food still in his mouth is considered carrying. However, it is not necessary to floss one's teeth to make sure there are no pieces of food left. As far the issur of carrying is concerned it is permissible to walk out while still chewing if there is an eruv.


DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Wearing Two Layers of Clothing in a Place With no Eruv

Wearing Two Layers of Clothing in a Place With no Eruv
Day: Tuesday
Date: November 17, 2015
Parshat: Vayetze
Yalkut Yosef: O"H: 301

In memory of Avraham Asher ben Tzadika

Wearing an item into a Reshut Harabim in the way that it is normally worn is not considered carrying. Likewise, wearing two of the same garment such as two shirts or two pairs of socks, is also not considered carrying even if the second one is being worn only to bring to another person. Ashkenazim however, are more strict in this regard and do not wear two belts at the same time unless the second one is worn over a different layer of clothing. Ashkenazim may wear two shirts for example, since it is not uncommon for a person to wear two shirts to protect against the cold. However, since there is no practical reason to wear two belts that may not be done unless they are over separate layers.


DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Monday, November 16, 2015

One Who Realized He's Carrying While in Reshut Harabim

One Who Realized He's Carrying While in Reshut Harabim
Day: Monday
Date: November 16, 2015
Parshat: Vayetze
Yalkut Yosef: O"H: 301

In memory of Avraham Asher ben Tzadika

As mentioned previously, in order for a person to transgress the Torah's prohibition against carrying in a place with no eruv the item has to have been picked up outside of the Reshut Harabim and put down inside, or picked up in the Reshut Harabim and carried for four amot and then put down. Stopping is the same as putting it down in this scenario. However, if the item was never put down in the Reshut Harabim he has not transgressed the Torah's prohibition. Therefore, a person who while walking in a Reshut Harabim realized that he was carrying something from a Reshut Hayahid should not put the item down. Putting the item down would be the final step in completing the Melacha. Instead, he should continue to walk without stopping until reaching the Reshut Hayhid and put it down once inside.


DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Sunday, November 15, 2015

One Who Was Carrying With no Eruv When Shabbat Started

One Who Was Carrying With no Eruv When Shabbat Started
Day: Sunday
Date: November 15, 2015
Parshat: Vayetze
Yalkut Yosef: O"H: 301

In memory of Avraham Asher ben Tzadika

A person who is carrying something on Friday afternoon in a place with no eruv and suddenly realizes that Shabbat is imminent should ideally put it down so as not to carry in a Reshut Harabim. If it is too valuable to leave he should give the item to a non Jew or a child to carry for him. If there is none handy, he may continue walking but he needs to come to a complete stop or put it down and pick it back up within every four amot, six feet, and drop the item just before he reaches a Reshut Hayahid. If he is walking with someone it is better if they pass the item back and forth within every four amot. If he doesn't feel safe walking slowly in this way, he may go without stopping and as he reaches a Reshut Hayahid toss the item in a different way than normal, such as from his shoulder.


DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Friday, November 13, 2015

Giving Something to Carry to One Who Will Carry With no Eruv Regardless

Giving Something to Carry to One Who Will Carry With no Eruv Regardless
Day: Friday
Date: November 13, 2015
Parshat: Tolidot
Halichot Olam: 4 Pg. 299

In memory of Avraham Asher ben Tzadika

In certain select situations, if a Melacha is being done on Shabbat it is okay to add on to that Melacha since it is being done regardless. For example, if a doctor ordered a dangerously ill patient to eat chicken on Shabbat and a chicken needs to be slaughtered, it is not necessary to find the smallest chicken so as not to have extra. Since either way a chicken will be slaughtered it doesn't matter if it's a small one or a big one that will leave leftovers (Y"Y 328:162). However, the same is not the case with regards to carrying on Shabbat. If a person is carrying a handkerchief or anything else in a place with no eruv it is forbidden to give him something else to carry with the rational that "he is carrying anyways so what's the difference?"

Hacham Ovadia, in Halichot Olam, tells about such a situation that occurred when he was in Egypt. One of the community Rabbis would hand out leaflets with Divrei Torah about the weekly Perasha every Friday night. There was no eruv there and when Hacham Ovadia protested that this will cause the members to carry in Reshut Harabim the Rabbi responded that there is no problem since they carry handkerchiefs anyhow. However as Hacham Ovadia explains this logic is incorrect and results in an issur De'oraita.


DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Wearing a Garment With Extra Buttons Where There is no Eruv

Wearing a Garment With Extra Buttons Where There is no Eruv
Day: Thursday
Date: November 12, 2015
Parshat: Tolidot
Halichot Olam: 4 Pg. 296

In memory of Avraham Asher ben Tzadika

Very often extra buttons are sewn onto a garment so that the wearer will have replacements if any of the other buttons fall off. These buttons are insignificant when compared to the rest of the garment and therefore it is permissible to wear a garment with such buttons on Shabbat in a place with no eruv. By contrast, it is forbidden to walk on Shabbat in a place with no eruv while wearing tzitzit that are not valid. Since generally one's intention is to eventually fix the strings and make the tzitzit kosher, he will likely become preoccupied with them and therefore they are considered to be the main part of the garment (S"A O"H 301: 38).


DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Wearing a Hat Cover Where There is no Eruv

Wearing a Hat Cover Where There is no Eruv
Day: Wednesday
Date: November 11, 2015
Parshat: Tolidot
Halichot Olam: 4 Pg. 296

In memory of Avraham Asher ben Tzadika

There are many poskim who maintain that there is no place nowadays that can qualify as a Reshut Harabim De'oraita. In addition, a Melacha that is not done for the sake of the Melacha itself but is done for a byproduct of the Melacha is only forbidden Miderabanan. A hat cover is not worn in order to carry it into Reshut Harabim, it is worn to protect the hat from damage. Therefore even if the area was really a Reshut Harabim De'oraita wearing a hat cover would present a Rabbinic prohibition, not a biblical one. Due to these considerations and others it is permissible to wear a hat cover on Shabbat even in a place with no eruv. It is disadvantageous for a person to be strict in this regard if it means that he will end up refraining from going to Shul or to study Torah when it is raining.


DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Carrying From One Domain to Another on Shabbat

Carrying From One Domain to Another on Shabbat
Day: Tuesday
Date: November 10, 2015
Parshat: Tolidot
Yalkut Yosef: O"H: 345

In memory of Avraham Asher ben Tzadika

The Torah forbids picking up an object in Reshut Harabim and putting it down in Reshut Hayahid or vice versa. This is called Hotza'ah. Picking up an object in Reshut Harabim and putting it down four amot, six to eight feet, away while still in Reshut Harabim is also considered to be bringing an object into another domain. In order to safeguard us, our Hachamim extended this prohibition to include a person who picked up an object in one domain and carried it to the other domain but didn't put down, or one who put the object down in the other domain but was handed the object rather than having picked it up .


DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Monday, November 9, 2015

The Four Shabbat Domains

The Four Shabbat Domains
Day: Monday
Date: November 9, 2015
Parshat: Tolidot
Yalkut Yosef: O"H: 345

In memory of Avraham Asher ben Tzadika

With regards to Shabbat any area can be classified into one of the following four categories.
1. Reshut Hayahid: An enclosed area that is at least four tefachim by four tefachim wide, twelve and a half inches by twelve and a half inches. The height of the enclosure around it needs to be at least 10 tefachim, about 32 inches, in order to qualify. An indentation in the ground or a raised area that is four tefachim by four tefachim and is ten tefachim either deep or raised from the ground also counts.
2. Reshut Harabim: A public road or large area at least sixteen amot wide, twenty four to thirty two feet, with nothing enclosing it. If there is an enclosure but the road goes through from one side to other that is also considered to be a Reshut Harabim. There are some poskim who hold that such an area is only consisted to be a Reshut Harabim if six hundred thousand pedestrians pass through daily.
3. Carmelit: An area that is public property but is not passable due to something being in the way, such as water or a structure. That something needs to be at least four tefachim by four tefachim wide, twelve and a half inches by twelve and a half inches, in order to qualify is a Carmelit. A raised or lowered area that is at least three tefachim, nine and a half inches, high or deep is also considered to be a Carmelit. If the indentation or raised area is higher or deeper than ten tefachim it is a Reshut Hayahid as mentioned above. (S"A O"H: 345:14)
4. Makom Petur: A raised or lowered area that is at least three tefachim, nine and a half inches, high or deep but is not wide enough to be considered a Carmelit. (S"A O"H: 345:19)


DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Sunday, November 8, 2015

A Parent's Obligation of Hinuch on Shabbat

A Parent's Obligation of Hinuch on Shabbat
Day: Sunday
Date: November 8, 2015
Parshat: Tolidot
Yalkut Yosef: O"H: 343

In memory of Avraham Asher ben Tzadika

It is the responsibility of every Jewish parent to train their children in the ways of the Torah and Mitzvot. This obligation rests primarily on the father if he is able. Therefore a Jewish parent may not allow his children to eat non kosher food or to do melacha on Shabbat even if the children have not yet reached the age of hinuch. Rabbinic prohibitions are also included in this obligation, not just De'oraita ones. This includes instructing a child to carry in a place that is Rabbinically prohibited or to turn on a light or any other melacha that may arise. The only exception is allowing a child to eat muktzeh food such as fruits that fell off a tree on Shabbat.


DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Friday, November 6, 2015

Melacha During Ben Hashemashot

Melacha During Ben Hashemashot
Day: Friday
Date: November 6, 2015
Parshat: Hayei Sarah
Yalkut Yosef: O"H: 342

In memory of Avraham Asher ben Tzadika

As far as the Torah is concerned a new day begins at sunset and continues until the next sunset. It is unclear however, whether the first 13 and a half minutes after shekia (sunset) are still part of the previous day or if they are part of the incoming new day. These thirteen minutes are called ben hashemashot.
Our Hachamim did not intend for their protective Shabbat related prohibitions to apply during ben hashemashot. Therefore it is permissible during Ben hashemashot going into Shabbat and out of Shabbat to have melachot Derabanan done either for a mitzvah or if there is a great need. However, this is only true for a person who has accepted Shabbat by himself without a minyan. A person who accepted Shabbat in the synagogue together with the congregation is fully bound to all of the Derabanan prohibitions.
A woman who realized during ben hashemashot that she forgot to light candles may ask a non Jew to light for her, without a beracha of course. However if there is enough light in the house without the candles this may not be done. A woman who during ben hashemashot realized that she did not take Hala from the dough, or that she did not pray Minha may do so at that time.


DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Using a Safety Pin on Shabbat

Using a Safety Pin on Shabbat
Day: Thursday
Date: November 5, 2015
Parshat: Hayei Sarah
Yalkut Yosef: O"H: 340

In memory of Avraham Asher ben Tzadika

Sewing is another of the 39 melachot forbidden by the Torah to do on Shabbat. One who tied the end of the thread and sewed two stitches has transgressed the Torah's prohibition. This is in addition to the prohibition against tying a lasting knot on Shabbat (See DSH from May 11, 2014). A person who did not tie the end of the thread and sewed three or more stitches has also transgressed the Torah's prohibition since even without the end of the thread being tied the stitches will last. One who without tying sewed two stitches has transgressed a Rabbinic prohibition. However, it is entirely permissible on Shabbat to hold together pieces of cloth using only a needle with no thread. Therefore, a person who discovered a tear in a garment may put in a safety pin on Shabbat to hold it together.


DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Changing a Disposable Diaper on Shabbat

Changing a Disposable Diaper on Shabbat
Day: Wednesday
Date: November 4, 2015
Parshat: Hayei Sarah
Yalkut Yosef: O"H: 340

In memory of Avraham Asher ben Tzadika

Thankfully, it is permissible to use and change disposal diapers on Shabbat. The potential issue would be sticking and removing the adhesive tabs that hold that two sides of the diaper together. However, since the tabs are only put on temporarily until the diaper is removed it is allowed. When removing the diaper one should pull slowly on the adhesive tabs so as not to cause the diaper to tear. Diapers who's tabs are so adhesive that they can't be removed without tearing should not be used on Shabbat. When throwing the diaper away it is important not to secure it with the adhesive tabs since that would be permanent.


DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Tearing Toilet Paper on Shabbat

Tearing Toilet Paper on Shabbat
Day: Tuesday
Date: November 3, 2015
Parshat: Hayei Sarah
Yalkut Yosef: O"H: 340

In memory of Avraham Asher ben Tzadika

Another of the 39 melachot forbidden on Shabbat is Kore'ah, or tearing. A person who tore a garment on Shabbat intending for the tear to be part of a repair of the garment has transgressed the Torah's prohibition against tearing on Shabbat. By extension, a person who tore paper for a constructive purpose has also transgressed the Torah's issur against tearing on Shabbat (SA, OH 340:14). It is always proper before Shabbat starts to ensure that there is ample precut toilet paper or tissues available for Shabbat. However, if on Shabbat a person is stuck without any, it is permissible to tear some from the roll as long as it is not specifically torn on the perforation. Ideally the tearing should be done in a different way than usual, such as with one's elbow or foot.


DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Monday, November 2, 2015

Walking in Front of a Security Camera on Shabbat

Walking in Front of a Security Camera on Shabbat
Day: Monday
Date: November 2, 2015
Parshat: Hayei Sarah
Yalkut Yosef: O"H: 340

In memory of Avraham Asher ben Tzadika

Taking pictures and recording videos on Shabbat are both forbidden for a number of reasons, among them the issue of writing since when taking a photo an impression is created. For more or less the same reasons photocopy machines and carbon paper are also forbidden to use on Shabbat. However, it is permissible to walk in front of a security camera that is on and recording on its own. Even though walking in front of the camera is a Pesik Resha since by walking that way one will definitely be recorded, nevertheless since it does not involve a De'oraita prohibition and the one walking does not care to be recorded it is permitted.


DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org