Amida

Sun. Oct. 3, Parshat Noah

Yalkut Yosef, Prayer:

Men are required to pray three times a day while women are only required to pray once daily. A woman who wants to pray more than that is allowed to and is praiseworthy. Women are not required to pray with a Minyan (even the once a day), still there definitely is reward for saying "amen" or hearing the torah reading etc, which require a Minyan. G-d willing we will now discuss the laws of the Amida itself which apply to all.

Today's DSH has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, call; 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or e-mail donate@613dsh.com

 

Mon. Oct. 4, Parshat Noah

Y"Y, 112:1-2

A person should refrain from making personal requests during the first and last three blessings of the Amida. Public requests are allowed, which is why during the ten days of repentance we insert things in those places (since they refer to the public). On Shabbat we do not make personal requests during the Teffilah itself; however it is okay to bless others, even though that is in essence a personal prayer.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, call; 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or e-mail donate@613dsh.com

 

Tues. Oct. 5, Parshat Noah

Y"Y, 113:1

There are four places to bow during the Amida. They are: beginning and end of Avot and the beginning and end of Modeem (”hatov shimcha ulecha na'eh lehodot"). One should not bow more than this because then it seems as though he considers himself to be better than everyone else. Nevertheless, if a person wishes to bow between Berachot or even during a Beracha itself he may, and in fact he should do so if he hears the Hazan saying Modeem.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, call; 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or e-mail donate@613dsh.com

 

Wed. Oct. 6, Parshat Noah

Y"Y, 113:

When one bows it must be so that all of the vertebrae are forward (not just to bow at the waist with his back and head straight). A person who is old or unwell and cannot bow properly can lean his head forward and that is enough since it is apparent that he would like to bow but he can't. The bowing should be done all at once (not in stages), and should be done quickly. When he straightens out he shouldn't rush so it doesn't look like a burden.Sponsored in memory of R.Mordechai ben Daniel. Questions or sponsorship opportunities? 818-390-0799 or 613dsh@gmail.com

Today’s DSH has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, call; 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or e-mail donate@613dsh.com

 

Thurs. Oct. 7, Parshat Noah

Y"Y, 115:

The blessing of Ata Honen comes first (after Avot) because without intellect we can't have prayer. One should say "la'adam da'at" with a kamatz under the lamed, some say it with a shva instead ("li'adam). A person must ask for his needs during Teffilah and therefore one whose understanding of torah or whose retention of torah is lacking should insert a prayer at this point. The prayer should be said right after the words "le'enosh bina" before the words "vehonenu me'itcha." This is not a hefted and some books even have a text to say there.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, call; 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or e-mail donate@613dsh.com

 

Fri. Oct. 8, Parshat Noah (Rosh Hodesh) Y"Y, 116:1-4

In the blessing of Hashivenu it is proper for anyone who has relatives that are not religious to pray to Hashem to return them to the proper path. There is a Yehi Ratzon printed in many books to this effect. In the blessing of Selah Lanu one should ask Hashem to forgive his sins without any suffering, so that he can continue to study Torah and do Mitzvot. In Re'eh Na some don't say "na" but our custom is to say it.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, call; 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or e-mail donate@613dsh.com

 

Sun. Oct. 10, Parshat Lech-Lecha

Y"Y, 116:

The blessing of Refa'einu is the blessing for health. If a person wants to insert an extra prayer for himself or for someone else, he may do so during Refa’einu. The proper place is before the words "ki el rofeh rahaman," right after "ulechol makotenu." There is a Yehi Ratzon in some prayer books that is for such a situation. One should mention whoever he is praying for by name, unless the person is in front of him. It is very praiseworthy to pray for one's acquaintances.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, call; 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or e-mail donate@613dsh.com

 

Mon. Oct. 11, Parshat Lech-Lecha

Y"Y, 116:

Some say that it's not proper to pray for the health of non-family members in the blessing of Refa’einu, and one should pray for others in Shema Koleinu. However, our custom IS to pray for anyone's health during Refa’einu (even non-family members). One should mention the sick person by name, ex: Yitzhak ben Sarah. If the mothers name is not known to whoever is praying, the father's name may be used (Yitzhak ben Avraham). If the sick person is right there, the name need not be mentioned as we see Moshe Rabenu did not mention Miriam's name when he prayed for her "el nah refah nah la."

Today’s DSH has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, call; 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or e-mail donate@613dsh.com

 

Tues. Oct. 12, Parshat Lech-Lecha

Y"Y, 116:

Many people say the mizmor "ya'anecha Hashem beyom tzara" when they pray for a sick person. Some, when they are saying the mizmor, switch the words to be feminine when they are praying for a woman, but this is not proper. One who receives a message to pray for someone who is ill, is not required to pray for the person during the Amida. However, it is a big hesed to pray for another person, and it makes Hashem happy to see that his children care about one another.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, call; 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or e-mail donate@613dsh.com

 

Wed. Oct. 13, Parshat Lech-Lecha

Y"Y, 117:

The blessing of "Barech Aleinu" is the blessing for rain. Our minhag, which follows the kabbalistic tradition, is to say "Barechenu" during the summer instead. In Eretz Yisrael they switch fifteen days after Sukkot which comes out to be 7 Heshvan. The reason why they start then and not right away after Sukkot, is in order to give those people who came to Yerushalayim time to get home before the rain starts.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, call; 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or e-mail donate@613dsh.com

 

Thurs. Oct. 14, Parshat Lech-Lecha

Y"Y, 117:

In Hutz La'aretz, where we are not as dependant on rain as those in Eretz Yisrael, we start saying Barechenu sixty days after Tishrei. The poskim write that those in places that are close to Eretz Yisrael and have a forest-like terrain or similar weather patterns to Eretz Yisrael itself, may also pray for rain on 7 Heshvan instead of waiting sixty days. Here in America however, we switch in early December, as will be G-D willing explained.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, call; 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or e-mail donate@613dsh.com

 

Fri. Oct. 15, Parshat Lech-Lecha

Here in Hutz La'aretz we start saying Barech Aleinu instead of Barechenu on Dec. 4th and some years on the 5th. The reason for the secular date is because the Shulhan Aruch says to start 60 days after the autumnal equinox (Tekufat Tishrei). This year the equinox fell out on Sept. 23. Interestingly sixty days later is not December 4th, but November 23. So why do we say it 11 days later? The answer is because of a discrepancy between the earlier calendar (set in place by Julius Ceasar), and the current one (set in place by pope Gregory xiii), that requires us to wait an extra 11 days. For more on this topic please see vbm-torah.org, essay entitled: "The Mystery of December 4th," by Rav Yossi Slotnick.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, call; 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or e-mail donate@613dsh.com

 

Sun. Oct. 17, Parshat Vayera

Y"Y, 117: 5

One who made a mistake and said Barech Aleinu before the proper time whether he's in Eretz Yisrael (7 Heshvan) or in Hutz La’aretz (December 4th or 5th), he does not have to go back and pray again as long as it's after we start saying "masheev haru'ah" (Shemini Atzeret). The reason is since it really is the rainy season and rain during this time is not considered to be a curse, it's not such an issue to pray for it.  If he is in middle of the Amida he should continue. However if one wants to go back and pray again he may, but he should stipulate that if it's proper for him to pray again then he's doing so, but if not then this is a nedava.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, call; 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or e-mail donate@613dsh.com

 

Mon. Oct. 18, Parshat Vayera

Y"Y, 117: 6

If a person forgot to say Barech Aleinu the following should be done. If he remembers during the blessing before saying Hashem's name, he should go back to "veten tal umatar livracha" and finish off the blessing a second time. If he remembers after the blessing but before the next blessing, he should say right there "veten tal umatar livracha," and then continue with Teka Beshofar. If remembers after this point, he should mention it in Shema Koleinu before the words "ki ata shome'a tefilat kol peh"

Today’s DSH has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, call; 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or e-mail donate@613dsh.com

 

Tues. Oct. 19, Parshat Vayera

Y"Y, 117: 6

(continued from Monday) If the person forgot to mention "veten tal umatar" in Shema Koleinu: (He said Barechenu instead of Barech Aleinu and didn't remember immediately afterwards to correct himself.) if he started the Beracha but didn't finish, he should end off with "lamdeni hukecha" and then go back and ask and finish the blessing again. If he finished the blessing and then he remembers, he should say the words "veten tal umatar" and go on with Retzeh.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, call; 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or e-mail donate@613dsh.com

 

Wed. Oct. 20, Parshat Vayera

Y"Y, 117: 5

(continued from Tuesday.) If one started Retzeh without mentioning "veten tal umatar" (after forgetting to say Barech Aleinu instead of Barechenu and forgetting to correct himself numerous times), he must go back to Barech Aleinu. The same halacha would apply if one remembered during Modeem or any time before the second "yihiyu leratzon", he would have to go back to Barech Aleinu. However if he already said "yihiyu leratzon" and then he remembered, he would need to go all the way back to the beginning.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, call; 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or e-mail donate@613dsh.com

 

Thurs. Oct. 21, Parshat Vayera

Y"Y, 117:

If one errs in Arvit and neglects to say Barech Aleinu, even though Arvit is considered a reshut, nevertheless he must go back and follow the procedure that was explained previously. If one forgot to say Barech Aleinu on the night that we switch itself, and he said Barechenu instead, he also must follow the same procedure. To clarify, men and women both follow this same procedure, and women also need to repeat the Amida if they forget Barech Aleinu.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, call; 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or e-mail donate@613dsh.com

 

Fri. Oct. 22, Parshat Vayera

Y"Y, 117:

Previously we discussed if one knows that he missed Barech Aleinu. If one is only unsure if he said Barech Aleinu or not and he is not yet up to Shema Koleinu, he should say "veten tal umatar..." in that Beracha (Shema Koleinu). If he got up to Retzeh and then he wasn't sure, he must calculate, if its within thirty days (90 Amidot) of the switch he must go back because he probably said what he used to. After thirty days (90 Amidot) he's assumed to have said it the proper way. A Hazan who leads all the prayers everyday is assumed to be saying it properly already after eigteen days.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, call; 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or e-mail donate@613dsh.com

 

Sun. Oct. 24, Parshat Haye Sara

Y"Y, 117:11

Usually if one is in Elokai Netzor at the end of the Amida, and the Hazan starts Kedusha or Kadish the person should answer the Hazan. However if the person was in Elokai Netzor and he remembered that he didn't say Barech Aleinu (rather he said Barechenu instead) he should not answer the Hazan. He should wait silently until the Hazan is finished and then he should go back to Barech Aleinu. If did answer, he must start the Amida again.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, call; 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or e-mail donate@613dsh.com

 

Mon. Oct. 25, Parshat Haye Sara

Y"Y, 117: 5

A Sephardic person who knows that his Amida will take long and he will miss the Kedusha is not allowed to say the Ashkenazi Barech Aleinu. He must say everything according to his custom. One who goes to visit Israel between 7 Heshvan and the date when we switch should say Barech Aleinu (switch) while he is there. When he returns however, he should go to Barechenu until Dec. 4/5. It is good if he can mention the words "veten tal umatar" in Shome'a Teffilah.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, call; 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or e-mail donate@613dsh.com

 

Tues. Oct. 26, Parshat Haye Sara

Y"Y, 117:

Starting from the first days of Pesah we switch back to saying Barechenu. If a person made a mistake and said Barech Aleinu instead of Barechenu, the following must be done. If he realized during the blessing before he said "baruch ata", he should start over again with the proper blessing. If he realized after he said "baruch ata" but before he said anything else, he should say "lamdeni hukecha" and start over the proper way.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, call; 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or e-mail donate@613dsh.com

 

Wed. Oct. 27, Parshat Haye Sara

Y"Y, 117:

If one said Barech Aleinu instead of Barechenu and he didn't remember until he said the second "yihiu leratzon" in Elokai Netzor, he needs to go back to the beginning of the Amida. If he remembers anytime before this, he just returns to this blessing. If a specific person or city or even a country needs rain during this time (Pesah to Sukkot) they are not allowed to say any of the inserts/blessings for rain. Rather they can mention it in Shome’a Teffilah.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, call; 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or e-mail donate@613dsh.com

 

Thurs. Oct. 28, Parshat Haye Sara

Y"Y, 118:

The blessing of Hashiva is where we ask Hashem to restore our former situation of being ruled by a Torah government, according to the laws and justice of Hashem.  The blessing should be finished off with "melech ohev tzedaka umishpat." From Rosh Hodesh Elul until Yom Kippur, it is concluded with "hamelech hamishpat." As we have mentioned before, if one forgets to change the ending he would have to go back. (see www.613dsh.com/dsh archives for the specifics)

Today’s DSH has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, call; 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or e-mail donate@613dsh.com

 

Fri. Oct. 29, Parshat Haye Sara

Y"Y, 119:

If one is praying and he would like to pray for something that is not specifically included in the Amida, he may it in during the blessing that it has to do with. For example if he wants to pray for a sick person he should do it during Refa’einu. If he wants to pray for parnasa he should do it during Barechenu/ Barech Aleinu. To pray for someone to return to a Torah way of life, one should insert in Hashivenu a prayer that the person be granted a spiritual awakening. G-d willing we'll discuss exactly where and how to insert.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, call; 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or e-mail donate@613dsh.com

 

Sun. Oct. 31, Parshat Toledo

Y"Y, 119: 1

When a person adds his own insert into the Teffilah, he should start the relevant blessing and then he should add in his own request. If one finished the blessing and he forgot to insert his own prayer, the opportunity is not lost; he can still add it into Shema Koleinu before the words "ki ata shome'a." In fact it is best to only insert into Shema Koleinu (even though it's also okay during the other blessings). One should make personal requests in Hebrew if he's able, but if he doesn't know how to any language is fine.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, call; 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or e-mail donate@613dsh.com

 

Mon. Nov. 1, Parshat Toldot

Y"Y, 119:2

Even though one is allowed to add his own prayer during the relevant blessing, it should not be done on a regular basis -only periodically. One should take care not add an excessive amount of requests but rather one request that includes everything should be said. However it is Mitzvah to pray for livelihood, and that may always be done. If one sees that because of his additions he'll miss the opportunity to answer Amen and Kedusha, he should cut his own supplications down a little bit.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, call; 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or e-mail donate@613dsh.com

 

Tues. Nov. 2, Parshat Toldot

Y"Y, 120:

The blessing of Retzeh comes from the passuk in Bamidbar that mentions blowing the Hatzotzrot (trumpets) while bringing the Korbanot. "...And it will be for you a reminder before Hashem." Since unfortunately today we don't have the Hatzotzrot to accomplish this, we say Retzeh instead and we hope it'll have the same effect. May we have the merit to see the Bet Hamikdash and to hear the Hatzotzrot soon, in our day, Amen.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, call; 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or e-mail donate@613dsh.com

 

Wed. Nov. 3, Parshat Toldot

Y"Y, 121:

We bow at the beginning of Modeem and also at the end ("hatov shimcha ulecha na'eh lehodot"). While one is still in the bowing stance he should think to himself that he fears Hashem. One should also think that he accepts Hashem's dominion like a servant who bows before his master. When one straightens out, he should think about bitachon, and how we rely on Hashem for everything. If a person says "Modeem, Modeem" (twice) we quiet him down, whether it's in a Minyan or not because it looks like is G-d forbid referring to two G-ds.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, call; 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or e-mail donate@613dsh.com

 

Fri. Nov. 5, Parshat Toldot

Y"Y, 121:

One who is still in middle of the silent Amida when the Hazan reaches Modeem should bow along with everyone else. However he should not actually say Modeem, rather he should bow and continue on with his Amida. The reason that he needs to bow is so that he won't appear to be a non believer (which is how it would look if everyone was bowing to Hashem while he stands straight).

Today’s DSH has been sponsored in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, call; 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or e-mail donate@613dsh.com

 

Sun. Nov. 7, Parshat Vayetze

Y"Y, 121:

Shlomo Hamelech instituted that the Bircat Kohanim be said in the [Hazan's repetition of the] Amida. One who is praying alone should not say the Bircat Kohanim; it should only be said with a Minyan. The blessing of Sim Shalom is the blessing in which we ask for peace among Am Yisrael. This way there will be no mahloket among us and we'll be blessed with everything. One should say "kulanu ke'ehad" and not "kulanu ke'ahat," because it is referring to Avraham Avinu who was called "ehad". May we merit to see our prayers answered soon, speedily in our day, Amen.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored for the hatzlaha of Rahel Leah bat Rivka Hava, and in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Questions or sponsorship? 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or email donate@613dsh.com

 

Mon. Nov. 8, Parshat Vayetze

Y"Y, 122:

After saying the first "yihiu leratzon" one may answer the same things as in Shema and its Berachot. These are: the first 5 Amens of Kadish and "yehe sheme raba" until "yitbarach," and in Kedusha: "kadosh, kadosh," and "baruch kevod" nothing else. One may not answer Amen or "baruch hu uvaruch shemo" to any Beracha. Before the first Yihiu leratzon one may not answer anything at all. After the second one, one may answer anything even if he hasn't moved his feet yet.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored for the hatzlaha of Rahel Leah bat Rivka Hava, and in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Questions or sponsorship? 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or email donate@613dsh.com

 

Tues. Nov. 9, Parshat Vayetze

Y"Y, 122:

If a person is in Elokai Netzor and he remembers that he did not say one of the things that requires him to go back (Ya'aleh Veyavo, Barech Aleinu etc.), he must stop where he is and go back. If before he has a chance to go back he hears the Hazan starting Kadish or Kedusha he should NOT answer with the tzibur. If he does answer he has shown that he is done with his Amida, and now he has to go back to the beginning.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored for the hatzlaha of Rahel Leah bat Rivka Hava, and in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Questions or sponsorship? 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or email donate@613dsh.com

 

Wed. Nov. 10, Parshat Vayetze

Y"Y, 122:

One should not insert personal prayers before Elokai Netzor. Rather one should finish everything and then say his requests and then if he wants he can say Yihiu leratzon again. We are noheg to say a pasuk from Tanach that starts and ends with the first and last letters of our names respectively. This should be said right before the second Yihiu Leratzon.  Even though usually we do not say verses in the Torah by-heart, in this it's allowed since it's assumed that one knows "his pasuk" very well.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored for the hatzlaha of Rahel Leah bat Rivka Hava, and in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Questions or sponsorship? 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or email donate@613dsh.com

 

Thurs. Nov. 11, Parshat Vayetze

Y"Y, 122:

Before stepping back from the Amida, one should bow in the same fashion as one bows for Modeem. While still in the bowing position, one should take three steps back. The stepping back process is: first one should move his left foot back just so that the big toe is next to his right heel. The same should be done with the right foot. The final step should be moving one's left foot to be even with his right, just like in the Amida. One should try not to take larger steps than toe to heel. One should definitely not take more than three steps.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored for the hatzlaha of Rahel Leah bat Rivka Hava, and in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Questions or sponsorship? 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or email donate@613dsh.com

 

Fri. Nov. 12, Parshat Vayetze

Y"Y, 123:

After stepping back (still in the bowing position), one should turn to his left and say "oseh shalom" etc. and bow, and then to his right and say "hu berahamav" etc. and bow, and finally, he should face forward again and say "ve'al kol amo" etc. and then bow. Even when is praying alone he should still say amen at the end of Oseh Shalom.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored for the hatzlaha of Rahel Leah bat Rivka Hava, and in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Questions or sponsorship? 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or email donate@613dsh.com

 

Sun. Nov. 14, Parshat Vayishlah

Y"Y, 123:

After stepping back from the Amida one should wait there with his feet together until the Hazan reaches Kedusha, or at least until he starts the Hazara. One should return to the spot of his Amida for the Hazara. After the Hazan finishes Kedusha everyone may go back to their seats. It is permissible to sit during the Hazara but one must stand to bow for Modeem (which does not have to be a full bow).

Today’s DSH has been sponsored for the hatzlaha of Rahel Leah bat Rivka Hava, and in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Questions or sponsorship? 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or email donate@613dsh.com

 

Mon. Nov. 15, Parshat Vayishlah

Y"Y, 123:

When a person steps back from the Amida during Arvit he should not rush to step forward again, even though there is no Hazara, rather it is proper to wait until the Hazan starts the Kadish. After stepping back from the Amida one should say the short prayer for rebuilding the Bet Hamikdash that is printed in most books. The reason is because the Bet Hamikdash was destroyed because of three steps that Nebuchadnezzar took, so our three steps cancel out his and therefore it is also fitting to pray for it to be rebuilt.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored for the hatzlaha of Rahel Leah bat Rivka Hava, and in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Questions or sponsorship? 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or email donate@613dsh.com

 

Tues. Nov. 16, Parshat Vayishlah

Y"Y, 123:

One may not talk between the silent Amida and the Hazan's repetition, even in a place where it takes a long time for the Hazan to start. It is very good if one can look in a book and think thoughts of Torah during this time, however this should be without saying the words. Even the Hazan himself, if he is waiting, may look into a book but he must be very careful not to say the words. During the Hazara itself one may not study at all -either with or without saying the words, one should just focus and the Hazara and say Amen.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored for the hatzlaha of Rahel Leah bat Rivka Hava, and in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Questions or sponsorship? 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or email donate@613dsh.com

 

Wed. Nov. 17, Parshat Vayishlah

Y"Y, 124:

Hazal instituted the Hazan's repetition so that those who don't know how to pray could be yotzeh with it.  Even if the entire Minyan knows how to pray, we still do it, because once Hazal make a gezerah we must keep it even if the reason is gone. In our day it is very proper since there are many people that never learned how to pray properly, and there are many people don't concentrate properly when they do the the silent Amida. When the Hazan himself prays properly and has in mind to be motzi the Kahal, they are yotzeh. Because of this the Gabbai should be careful due appoint only a real yareh shamayim to be the Shliah Tzibur. The Hazan himself should be very careful to concentrate on the words he's saying -not just on the tune.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored for the hatzlaha of Rahel Leah bat Rivka Hava, and in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Questions or sponsorship? 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or email donate@613dsh.com

 

Thurs. Nov. 18, Parshat Vayishlah

Y"Y, 124:

When there is little time, the Hazan may do the Kedusha before the silent Amida. When this is done, the cong. should say the beginning of the Amida along with the Hazan, even though they will thereby lose the opportunity to say all those Amens. However, one should only answer Amen if he hears the end of the blessing that he's answering. One answer Amen and "baruch hu uvaruch shemo" to every blessing in the Amida. If one cannot answer "baruch hu etc." without it causing him to miss the Amen, he should not say it, rather he should answer the Amen which is more important.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored for the hatzlaha of Rahel Leah bat Rivka Hava, and in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Questions or sponsorship? 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or email donate@613dsh.com

 

Fri. Nov. 19, Parshat Vayishlah

Y"Y, 124:

During the Hazan's repetition the congregation should be silent and they should be paying attention. If there aren't ten people answering the Hazan's blessings, it's almost a Beracha levatala. In order to prevent that, everyone should think that without him there will not be ten people answering. One should not learn during the Hazara. One who is studying should be told politely that it's not proper to do so at that time. When one stops those who are talking during the Hazara, it is important not to embarrass them.

Today’s DSH has been sponsored for the hatzlaha of Rahel Leah bat Rivka Hava, and in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Questions or sponsorship? 708-DSH-TORA (374-8672) or email donate@613dsh.com