Archive for July, 2008

In general we tend to think that children and Minyanim don’t go together (unless it’s for Chinuch reasons). In today’s Halacha Yomit we learn that there may be certain exceptions to this rule.

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We have for a while now discussed various halachot relating to Tefillah b’Tzibbur. But what exactly constitutes Tefillah b’Tzibbur in the halacha? That is the subject of today’s Halacha Yomit.

In yesterday’s Halcaha Yomit, Rabbi Brovender discussed the importance of knowing how to properly

balance Tefillah and Talmud Torah. Today Rabbi Brovender focuses on learning during Chazarat HaShatz - a time which seems conducize to a little Talmud Torah.

But, as we mentioned yesterday, the Ramah and Mishnah Brura seem to forbid such a practice. And yet, go to any shul and you are bound to find a few people who seize upon this time as an opportunity to fit in a little extra learning.

How can we rectify this practice with the dictates of the Ramah and Mishnah Brura. While not necessarily offering a solution to this problem, Rabbi Brovender does note a poignant story of one Rosh Yeshiva’s take on the issue.

Avoid social lies, especially self-serving ones.

Question: When an important customer calls, it’s awkward for me to say I’m busy. So I tell my secretary to tell the caller I’m out or in a meeting. Is this an acceptable “white lie”?

Answer: Our tradition has a seemingly conflicted view of so-called “white lies,” which are meant to smooth over social situations. (Lying to obtain undeserved personal benefit is considered fraud.) In some passages, we find this practice to be sanctioned and even favored; in others it is barely tolerated. Let us see if we can find a coherent message in these seemingly conflicting passages. continue

It’s hard to imagine anything more amazing than Davening - the fact that G-d allows man to approach

Him and speak that which is dearest to his heart and soul. A world wherein G-d listens to what we have to say is a world full of hope and love.

But we shouldn’t forget Talmud Torah - the flip side of Tefillah (to paraphrase Rav Soloveitchik). The ability to listen to, contemplate and attempt to understand the Word of G-d is at least as remarkable as the fact that G-d listens to our prayers. A world wherein we can hear the Word of G-d is a world full of potential and meaning.

What, then, should we do when there is a ‘conflict’ between Davening and Talmud Torah. How do we rectify such a situation? In today’s Halacha Yomit Rabbi Brovender starts addressing this important issue.

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Yesterday we discussed the importance of davening with a minyan. There was one fine point,

however, that we didn’t properly clarify - what exactly do we mean by davening? That is to say, what is it that is so important that we have to do with a minyan? Is it Barchu? Perhpas Kaddish? The Shemoneh Esrei? Maybe Kedusha?

Now, obviously, there is value in doing all of these activities with a minyan (indeed, most of them can only be done with a minyan). But we are attempting to understand what is the central Mitvah of davening with a Minyan - a question that Rabbi Brovender (with the help of the Mishnah Brura) answers in today’s Halacha Yomit. Tefillah B’Tzibur, says the Mishnah Brura, is not simply being with a Tzibur while you daven, but something much more specific.

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Davening is not always what we expect it to be. At first thought, it seems that it’s a chance to personally

connect with our Creator. But when we look into it, we realize that davening is much more than that. There is a communal element, as illustrated by the language of the Shemoneh Esrei itself (which is always in the plural). This communal nature of Tefillah is also embedded into how it is that we are supposed to daven - in a minayan (a quorem of ten men).

Furthermore, when it comes to davening it seems that the more the merrier (so to speak). A large minyan is preferable to a small one. But there are exceptions - as Rabbi Brovender notes in today’s Halacha Yomit (which explores various halachot that relate to davening with a Minyan)

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Most of us are probably aware that there are certain leniencies built into the Halacha about the Minhagei

Aveilut that we observe during the Three Weeks. For instance, the poskim have by and large allowed business man to shave or take a hair cut due to the cultural standards in the business community.

The question arises, though, how apropos this halacha is today when societal (and business) standards have changed. Is one still allowed to take a haircut and/or shave for business or have the more casual and understanding standards of today negated the necessity for that legal leniency? This is one of the questions that Rabbi Brovender addresses in today’s Halacha Yomit.

Gifts to children should be used only for their benefit.

Question: Relatives gave us presents for our new baby son. Some told us to put the money in a savings account for him, but we could really use the money right now.

Answer: Jewish law, like secular law, recognizes strict limits on the property rights of minor children. For example, the mishna states that if a young child finds a lost object, the object belongs not to the child but to the parent. The Talmud explains that the reason is that the parents should not resent the child’s enrichment, at the same time that they are called upon to endure great expenses for his upbringing. (Bava Metzia 12a-b) The commentators add that the same reasoning applies to gifts - normally, gifts given to children pass to the ownership of the parents, as long as the parent is the one supporting the child. (Nimukei Yosef commentary there)

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