Torah

Discussing topics on Orthodox Judaism.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Divrei Torah-

Little parts of Torah, usually with a commentary, or a Midrash. They are usually on the weekly parsha. For some of my friend's, and mine herehttp://divrei-torah-yossi-gabi.blogspot.com/

Halacha Yomi 18-

If one needs to use the bathroom(Urine),he should stand up while doing so, rather than sitting down(Shulhan Aruch,Orah Haim,3:3).

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Halacha Yomi 17-

One should be very meticulous on their Tzniuthttp://mitzvottorah.blogspot.com/2010/04/tzinut.html) when they are in bathroom.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Halacha Yomi 16-

When one comes into Shul, he shpuld say "HiTchavdo MeChubadim", but these days we don't say it(Shluhan Aruch, Orah Haim, 3:1).

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Halacha Yomi 15-

One should not walk like he is some big-shot, and one may not walk 4 Amot (Approximately 7 feet) with a Kippah. One must also check to see if he has to use the bathroom(Shulhan Aruch, Orah Haim, 2:6).

Monday, April 26, 2010

Halacha Yomi 14-

When one takes off their shoes, they must take off their left shoe first, and then the right shoe(Shulhan Aruch, Orah Haim,2:5).

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Other sites (also for CONVERTS)-

It is important for converts to learn about Judaism, before they convert.

Great site, with informative information-http://www.jewfaq.org/index.htm
Amazing site, with very informative information, and everything you need-http://www.chabad.org/
Advanced site from Aish HaTorah- http://jewishpathways.com/
Aish HaTorah, learning, MP3's, and more- http://www.aish.com/
Amazing site from Rav Yosef Mizrahi (+ others), with videos proving Judaism through science, and disproving Xianity- http://www.divineinformation.com/
Entire Tanakh, prats from the Talmud, and more- http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/index.html
Jewish learning, and more- http://torah.org/
Dapim from Gemara, and up-to-date Daf Yomi- http://e-daf.com/
Over 40,000 Hebrew books for FREE-http://hebrewbooks.org/
Siddur with Nusah`im of: Sephardim, Nusah` S'fard, and Ashkenaz- http://onlinesiddur.com/
Gedolim, and their videos- http://torahanytime.com/
Amazing videos in English, Spanish, Hebrew- http://www.torahohr.net/
Miscellaneous- http://613.org/
Kashrut+learning-http://www.ou.org/
Judaica (gifts, Torah items i.e.- Tsitsit, Teffilin, Kippah)- http://www.eichlers.com/
Insights, and MP3's on the Sephardic Nusah`-http://www.gosephardic.com/
Legacy of the Sephardim- http://www.sephardiclegacy.com/
Ask questions on Judaism- http://www.askmoses.com/
Musings of an Orthodox Jew- http://marcl1969.wordpress.com/
Info, and Q&A on Kabbalah- http://kabbalah-torah.blogspot.com/
Navigating the bible- http://bible.ort.org/
Truth about Mashah`-http://messiahtruth.com/
What Jews believe-http://whatjewsbelieve.org/
Outreach for Jews-http://outreachjudaism.org
Outreach for Jews- http://bejewish.org/

Brit Milah-

Brit Milah, we have a big ceremony, and we cut the foreskin of the baby. The one who does this, is of course trained. He is called a Mohel. There is someone called a Sandak, who holds the baby when is getting the Milah. This is also the naming of the baby. The Rabbi says:" Vekara Sh'mo BeYisrael", and the father/grandfather says whatever he wants the name to be, and the name of the baby's father.

Halacha Yomi 13-

When one puts their shoes on, they should put on the right show with out tying it, then put on the left shoe, and then tie the right shoe, and then tie the left shoe(Shluhan Aruch, Orah Haim,2:4). The Cohanim used to put their shoes on like this.

Tzinut-

Tzniut=Modesty. When people usually say it, they mean for clothing. Men should never wear sleeveless shirts, nor should women. Women should not wear pants, anything like pants. Women should wear skirts that go at least up to their knees. Men should always wear pants(Except for some Heterim for, Sports etc...). Women should wear shirts that at least go up to their shoulder.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Yom HaAtzmaut-

The day Israel was a country is called Yom HaAtzmaut. We may say Hallel, but with no Bracha, and at the end of Davening.

Peyot-

Peyot(Literally-Corners), but when we say it, we mean the sideburns. We must keep, the sideburns of our hair up until the temporal bone. This is a Mitzvah from the Torah, and the more hair you have on the Peyot's place is better. There was a Rabbi that said this, quote: "Peyot are gold".

Halacha Yomi 12-

One should be careful to not wear their clothes inside-out, rather wear it the normal way(Shluhan Aruch, Orach Haim,2:3). This Halacha, was actually derived from the Kabbalah.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Halacha Yomi 11-

One shouldn't say(When he is putting his clothes on), " I am in my room alone, and nobody can see me", because Hashem's presence fills the entire universe(Shluhan Aruch, Orach Haim,2:2).

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Halacha Yomi 10-

One should not put on his clothes sitting down, rather put them on while laying down. So when he gets up he will be covered(Shluhan Aruch,Orach Haim, 2:1).

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Halacha Yomi 9-

There are those who: Parshat Hakior, Parshat Trumah, Parshat HaTamid, Parshat Mizbeaach Ketoret, and Parshat Samamaneh HaKetoret VeAsiato(Shulhan Aruch, Orach Haim,1:9).

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Judaism in a nutshell-

Most of the stuff here, is explained deeply on the other sections of the site. The stuff I say here is very broad, and should be further researched in the other sections on the site!!!
1)We believe in G-d, and only one G-d.
2)We don't believe in Jesus/Divine Savior.
3)We have a Completely different concept of hell than Christians, theirs isn't even close!
4)We believe in a 6 day week, and on the 7th is a rest.
5)We follow the Talmud, and Torah.
6)The accepted Halachik Sefer(Holy book) is "Shulhan Aruch".
7)Only Poskim, can make their own laws, that don't against the Torah.
8)Messianics are not Jews.
9) Halacha means- Specific law. Din means- Unspecified law.
10)Gemara is Oral law. Torah is written law.
11)We don't believe in the New Testament, because it has flaws. The Torah is flawless.
12)If non-Jews, follow the 7 son of Noah laws, they will go to Gan Eden. If Jews, follow the Torahs, and don't become Koferim(Traitors), and have good Midot they will go to Gan Eden.
13)Kabbalah is Jewish Mysticism, and should not be studied until the age of forty.
14)Tsitsit, is holy fringes, that must be placed on any 4 cornered garment.
15)A Jew is determined by the mother, or by a conversion.
16)3 main Jewish holidays=1)Sukkot- we build makeshift homes of anything, but the roof must be made out of tree, and we have 4 symbols. 2)Pesach-We eat Matzah, and no Chametz, any thing that rises. 3)Shavuot- We recieved the Torah, from Hashem.
17)Fast days, there are some fast days that start at night, such as Yom Kippur, and Tisha B'av. Most of the other ones, start early in the morning.
18)Jews don't evangelize.
19)Meat Kosher laws- Must be properly slaughtered. Split hooves, and chew its' cud. Some keep Glatt Kosher(Smooth lungs), and some keep Kosher.
20)Purim, and Hanukkah, are happy holidays, that we have fun in. Hannukah light eight candles. Purim, we dress up, and have meal.


Halacha Yomi 8-

One should say with the Korbanot, the passuk-"VeShahat Oto, Al HaMizbeach Saviv Lefnei A-d-o-n-a-i"(Shulhan Aruch, Orach Haim, 1:8)

Monday, April 19, 2010

Halacha Yomi 7-

When one finishes the Parsha HaOlah, one should say "Yehi Ratzon Milfanecha SheYiheh Zeh Hashoov U'Mekubal KeEeloo HiKravti Olah". And so one should say, for the Mincha, and Shalamim, since they come as a present(Shulhan Aruch, Orach Haim, 1:7).

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Halacha Yomi 6-

The Parashiot, that were mentioned before of the Korbanot, only should be said in the day(Shulhan Aruch, Orach Haim, 1:6). Bonus Halacha, according to the Kabbalah, we should say it three twice a day.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

What is this?

This is something that King David, took with him every time he went to war. This is very important, and is why some people take it everywhere they go. When Sephardim say Lamenatzeach, they should say it in this shape.

Why don't Jews try to convert people?

The reason we don't try to convert people, is because Hashem prescribed the gentiles only the seven laws of the sons of Noah. Otherwise, we have an obligation to bring Judaism to people that are not observant. We have no obligation to convert people. We may disprove other religions, but we may not try to convert people. That is why when gentiles want to convert, we try to convince them three times that it is hard. We do conversions, but not so easily, it takes a while.

Old Testament, and TaNaKh-

There are many difference between the TaNaKh, and the Old Testament. The OT is based on the TaNaKh though. Jews follow the TaNaKh, and Christians follow the OT, and that is fine, because they are spreading the word of Hashem from the Torah, at least.

Halacha Yomi 5-

It is good to say Parshat Ha'Akedah,Parshat HaMaan, Ten Commandments, Parshat HaOlah,Minhca, Sh'lamim,Hataat, and Asham(Shuhan Aruch, Orach Haim, 1:5)

Friday, April 16, 2010

Four types of Death-

In order-1)Sekilah-Stoning. 2)Serefah-Burning. 3)Hereg-Decapitation. 4)Choking. There are only rare situations where this used to happen in Beit Din, because the Beit Din, would try to find a way for the man to live.

The difference between Din, and Halacha-

The main difference between Halacha, and Din is, Din is the original judgment. I.E.- Everyone agrees, that you must put Tsitsit on a four cornered garment, but there is a discrepancy in how many strings. The din there is that one must have Tsitsit on a four cornered garmet, but the Halacha is that there must be four strings.

Why Judaism, and not Christianity?-

The four answers I will give should clear this up. 1)Jesus(Yeshua), is not the Jewish Messiah, because he did not fulfill the requirements from the TaNaKh, or the Gemara. 2) The New Testament, has way too many mistakes for it to be devine., while the Torah is perfect.3) There is way more scientific evidence to Judaism. 4)Christianity, has no witnesses to Mary having a virgin birth. For more information watch this video:http://www.divineinformation.com/featured-videos/the-debate-christianity-vs-judaism/

Techelet-

There is a mitzvah in the Torah, to attach a string of Techelet on your Tsitsiot. About 1300 years ago the dye was lost, because of the romans. Now, there are two opinions to what the Techelet could be, one is the Murex Trunculous(Snail), and one is the Sepia Officinalis(Cuttlefish). The one I use is the Sepia Offincinalis. The reason why, is I looked in the Hilchot Ramabm, of Tzitzit, and this one matched the description a the Techelet more than the other. You may use either, or you may use just regular white Tsitsit. Those are the only two opinions that are reliable, so don't get any other ones. Any other, will make your Tsitsit not kosher. If you wear non-Kosher Tsitsit on Shabbat you are committing the sin of carrying(unless there is an Eruv).

Halacha Yomi 4-

It is better to do a little prayers over the Beit Hamikdash with proper Kavana(Intention towards what you are saying) , than to a lot of prayers with out proper Kavana(Shulchan Aruch, Orach Haim,1:4).

Rabbi, Dayan, Posek-

A Rabbi, is someone who went through the long process if Smicha-No, it does not mean blanket, but the meaning here means "Covered".The basic knowledge of a Rabbi is: Shulhan Aruch- Orach Haim, Yoreh D'eah, and Coshen Mishpat. Most Yeshivot, only let people get Smicha if they have a long Yeshivah experience.One must get Samuch by a Posek, and approved by a Beit din. The usuall Smicha programs are, about 3-7 years. The next level is Dayan-A judge, this is very hard one must have mastered the entire Choshen Mishpat, of Shulhan Aruch, with every commentary, opinion, and side. The highest level, of a Rabanut is Posek. A Posek may, change a law the was not in the Torah(Written, and Oral). This Posek, must know pretty much everything about Judaism.

Drugs, Relations , and Idols-

This is talking about any type of drug ingestion, or smoking. Judaism has two sayings on this 1) VeHai BaHem, -And they should live. The only three sins that you MUST give up your life for are: Idolatry, Sexual immorality, and Killing someone. Some of the things that fall under Idolatry are: Believing in Jesus, bowing to idols, believing in any other deity,and accepting books of idol worshipers. Some things that full under adultery- Relations with an immediate family member(Brother, father, sister, mother, son, daughter), Relations with a married women, Relations with man(If one is a man), and Relations with a women(If one is a women). Some things that fall under killing- Embarrassing someone, Literally taking their life away, stripping them of all their money,taking away all their children, and taking away their wife. Those are the three BIGGEST sins in Judaism, that one should give up his life for doing. 2)VeShamartem Al Nafshotechem- You should guard your life. Marijuana, cigarettes, cocaine, cigars, ecstasy etc... would fall under the category of VeShamartem Al Nafshotechem, because you are lessening the chance of you living longer. But if one has already been addicted to one of those, before they found it was bad for you, then one should for sure try to stop, but he will not be committing a sin necessarily.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Why have two days of Yom Tov(Out of Israel)?-

One of the many reasons we have two days of Yom Tov, is because they made a decree that we should, because out of Israel the date of Chag was not known. So a question for today is why do we still keep this, we know the dates? So the answer is, which Posek is going to have the guts to get rid of such a day. So we don't get rid of it, and we still keep it.

Rosh HaShanah, and Aseret Yemeh Teshuvah-

Rosh HaShanah is the first day of the year. It is the day our fate is written. Hashem is giving us a chance to repent on Rosh Hashanah, and through the tens days of atonement. Yom Kippur is the day our fate is sealed. So we must pray hard on these days. We blow the shofar 100 times in that day. There are customs to, dip an apple in the honey, and so on. The main purpose it have a Shanah Tova U'metukah!

Month of Nissan-

We don't say Tachnun in this month. Sephardim don't say Lamenatzeach, between Asreh, and Uvah LeTzion. Sephardim don't say the prayer of the Ariz"l "T'fillah...", before the counting of the day.

Selichot-

According to Ashkenazim, one does not says Selichot unless it is the week of Rosh HaShanah. According to Sephardim, one says it the entire month of Elul. There are specific selichot for each day.

Sefirat HaOmer-

We start counting the Omer, from the second night of Pesach until the day before Shabuot. We say the Sefirah at night, right when three stars come out. If one missed Sefirah, he says it in the morning without a bracha. If one missed Sefirah at night, and in the day, he should continue to say sefirah, but from then on "Bracha Baruch Ata A-d-o-n-a-i E-l-o-h-e-n-u Melekh HaOlam Asher Kideshanu BeMitzvotav Vetzivanu Al Sefirat HaOmer", then you say the day I.E- 16 days, you say 2 weeks, and 2 days to the Omer.It is customary not to shave, and no haircuts are the basics. The main problem is listening to music- According to someAshkenaz, if you can dance to the music you are not allowed to listen. According to some Sephardim, one may not listen if there is instruments.

Simchat Torah,and Shmeni Atzeret-

Simchat Torah , is when we finished learning the Torah(Not literally nobody can "finish" the Torah). It is customary to let children read from the Torah. It is also customary to do 7 Hakafot(Circles around the Bimah). These days are immediately after, Sukkot.

Rosh Chodesh-

The first day of the Jewish month is called Rosh Chodesh, we read the Torah, and have 4 Aliot. We say Hallel. We say Ya'leh V'Yavo, and if you don't say it at Shachrit, or Mincha we repeat Sh'moneh Esreh.

Tisha B'Av-

The saddest day of the entire Jewish year. The day the Beit Hamikdash was destroyed. This is the second most important fast, to Yom Kippur. None of the fasts push over Shabbat, except for Yom Kippur. We don't sit down on chairs. We don't lay down on beds(Certain heights for chairs, and beds are permitted). We fast from the night before, at sunset.

Sukkot-

This holiday we only eat in the Sukkah. There are various times when we can eat outside of the sukkah, and these are discussed in the Mishnah. All agree that Hamotzi, and Mezonot. Fruit, and vegitables "Bdei Avad"-If you already did it, you fulfilled.We use four Meenim- 1)Lulav, Etrog, Aravah, and Hadas. There are various arguments to when we shake the Lulav during Halell, and we follow Beit Hillel-Who says that we shake the Lulav, and Etrog , at Ana A-d-o-n-a-i Ho'she'ana. We say the "Bracha Baruch Ata A-d-o-n-a-i E-l-o-h-e-n-u Melekh HaOlam Asher Kideshanu BeMitzvotav Vetzivanu Leshev BaSukkah". We say "Bracha Baruch Ata A-d-o-n-a-i E-l-o-h-e-n-u Melekh HaOlam Asher Kideshanu BeMitzvotav Vetzivanu Sheh'HeChianu VeKehimanu Lazman Hazeh".

Shavuot-

We count 7 weeks from the second day of Pesach. When we get to the 50th day it is called Shavuot. That is actually when the Torah was given to us by Har Sinai. This is one of the 3 "Regalim"-Legs. The three are= 1)Pesach. 2)Shabuot. 3)Sukkot. There is a custom to learn all night, the night of Shabuot. It is also customary to eat only dairy on this holiday.

Purim-

The day we acknowledge, that Hashem saved us from the evil decree of Haman. It is customary, to dress up. It is Halachikly correct to give "Mishloach Manot"- At least, one ready drink, and one ready food. It is also Halchikly correct to give "Matanot Le'Evyonim"-Money to the poor. It is Halichikly correct to have a "Purim Seudah"- A meal, where one should finish half hour before Mincha. According to Kabbalah, one should have the Seudah after Davening in the morning. It is customary to get a little drunk(Not to much).

Sephardic, and Ashkenaz Jews-

Sephard literally means Spain. Most Sephardim follow the rulings of Maran Shulhan Aruch. Sephardim usually follow the basic "din", while the Ashkenazim usually follow the stricter "Halacha". No matter which you follow you are Jewish, and you are correct. One may not be lenient if they follow the stricter Halakha. The only way to change Nusach, is through Hatarat Nedarim-Releasing your vows, with a Beit Din.

Pesach-

Passover is a time where all families, and friends come together to remember what happened in Egypt over 3300 years ago! On Pesach one who eats Chametz-Any food that rises, when left in outside. The Bnei Ashkenaz, don't eat any grains, or anything of that manner. Bnei Chabad, and Kabbalists don't eat wet Matzah, even after it was cooked. The punishment for eating Chametz on Pesach is Karet. One must have a Cazyit(A default piece of Matzah), on the first night of Pesach, and the last.

Hanukkah-

We light the Menorah every night for 8 nights. To remind us of the miracle that happened over 1000's of years ago. The miracle was the we found a pitcher of oil that would normally last about for one candle, and that oil supplied all the oil for all the eight candles, after the Beit Hamikdash was destroyed. Hanukkah is a Rabinical commandment. One lights candles after three sufficient starts are out at night.

Avelut-

Avelut is mourning the dead. There is a seven day period where there are many restrictions.I.E.- No shaving, no music, , no sitting on a chair that is higher than, about a foot, and a half, pretty much nothing happy. Then there is a thirty day period where the about the same laws apply. Out of respect for a family member, one says Kaddish the entire year.

Minhag-

Minhag means custom. Custom is one that is passed down through your family, or passed down through your Nusach. One may not make up a minhag.

The names of G-d-

We are not allowed to say the name of G-d in vain, The Ashkenazim hold with the Ro"sh, and say that it is a Rabbinical sin, rather than a Torah sin according to the Sephardim who follow the Ramba"m, and Maran. If one says the words-Baruch Ata A-d-o-n-a-i , and has nothing to say a Bracha on, he should say Lamdeni Hukecha. Since Baruch Ata A-d-o-n-a-i Lamdeni Hukecha is a passuk from Tehilim, it acceptable to say it. That is why in S'firat HaOmer Ashkenazim say the bracha over again, if they said the wrong day, while the Sephardim listen in with another person, and say Amen. The main names of G-d are- A-d-o-n-a-i. E-l-o-h-i-m. Shalom. Sh-a-d-a-i. We call "Hashem", meaning "The Name". If one says the name of Hashem in vain, he must recite this verse- Baruch Shem Kevode Maluchuto LeOlan Va'ed.

Hebrew Alphabet-

.א-ב-ג-ד-ה-ו-ז-ח-ט-י-כ-ר-ל-מ-ם-נ-ס-ע-פ-צ-ק-ר-ש-ת

Bar, and Bat Mitzvah.

The concept of Bar Mitzvah is at the age of 13, for boys.The boys take responsibility at this age for their sins, and start to wear the Teffilin(Some wear it about a month before, or so). The Children have all the same commandments as any 30, or 40 year old. The only thing is, kids from the age of 13-20 are not responsible for the punishment of Karet. This Mitzvah was passed down to Moshe at Har Sinai. The custom of Jews all around the world, is for the Bar Mitzvah boy to read the Torah the week of his Bar Mitzvah. The date of the Bar Mitzvah is the child's Hebrew birthday. The concept of Bat Mitzvah is for girls at the age of 12. The reason for girls, 1 year before boys is because girls mature faster than boys.

Kashrut Laws-

It must have proper Schitah, by a Rabbi. Some examples of Kasher ones are: Cow, Lamb,Sheep, Giraffe(Nobody eats Giraffe, since it was not passed down to). Any animal that chews its' cud, and has split hooves is Kosher. There is only one Kosher bug, that I don't know the name of. You cannot have meat with milk. According to Maran Beit Yosef(Who follows the Ro"sh)- You have to wait 6 hours between meat, and milk. According to Rambam-You have to wash out your mouth between meat, and milk. Between milk, and meat I think everyone agrees that all you have to do is brush out your mouth, very well. The reason for waiting time between meat ,and milk for the Rambam is that the meat gets stuck into your teeth. The reason for the Ro"sh, is that it takes a while to digest. The real Torah prohibition is, not cooking meat, and milk as it says three times. But the Rabbis derive that the three prohibitions: 1)Means for cooking. 2)One for getting benefit. 3)Means for eating. There is a concept of Glatt Kosher-It means the animal has smooth lungs, most Orthodox Jews follow that, but modern Orthodox Jew are not so Machmir-stringent. Then there is the Kashrut of milk. The Kashrut of milk is that it must come from a cow. Then there is a concept of Chalav Yisrael. Chalav Yisrael if I'm not wrong- Means that a Mashgiach(supervisor,Jewish) watched the milk go from the cow into the bucket. Then there is bread. There is not to much restriction on bread other than Kemach Yashan(old flour). This concept is I think-It means that the flower came from before Pesach. Then there is Matzah-Matzah can not have any contact with water. The Chabad have this restriction calle Gibruchtz-You cannot dip Matzah into water, even after it is cooked. The Matzah cannot rise for more than 18 minutes, if it does it is Chametz, and may not be used on Pesach. The reason gatorade used to not be Kosher was, because they used to use beetles blood in it. Then there is Bishul Acum-non Jew cooking food disqualifying it. The only way to have a non Bishul Acum, is if a Jew turned on the fire. If you have a butler(non-Jewish), and you have no-Mevushal wine then you cannot drink the wine he poured. However if it was Mevushal, then you can. The reason for this was because Goyim, used to make Avodah Zarah out of the wine.Back to meat, The Torah prohibits us from eating milk and meat, but is chicken meat? From the Torah some say it isn't. My father says it is, because when the Jews asked for meat, what did Hashem give them? Bird, chicken is bird. So that is my fathers Rav's p'sak on this issue. According to othe Poskim chicken is not meat. But you FOR SURE cannot eat with milk. Then there is the issue of eating fish with meat, everyone agrees that we don't eat milk, and fish together. But you don't have to wait, or wash your mouth out between them. According to Sephardim you cannot eat fish, with milk. According to Ashkenazim you can. So the question is aren't Ashkenazim more Machmir? In the Shulchan Aruch it says you cannot, the Ram"a, relies on Ashkenaz Poskim, and says you can. The Ta"z(Toreh Zahav) says there was misprint in the Shulchan Aruch, but the Sephardi poskim don't agree, and we are Mamchmir. Fish, must have fins, and scales to be Kosher. Back to meat again, Meat must be Shechted in the proper way, by a certified Shochet. My fathers Rav, doesn't eat meat, unless he Schected it himself. [Random fact- If there is a food that is not edible, and you eat it on Yom Kippur you are not Chayav.] Medicine, some poskim allow non-Kosher, and some don't (of course if it terminal illness, or very dangerous you can), you can rely on the ones that say you can. Vitamins(unless they are vital) if they are non-Kosher, they are not really supposed to be eaten. Again you can rely on those that say you can. [Random fact- It is stated by Chazal, that if someone eats non-Kosher foo it is not only physically bad for, him but spiritually.]

Yom Kippur-

The day of atonement. This is the day where our decree for the future of that year is sealed. This day has a violation of Karet if violated in any way, shape, or form. The same Halachot as Shabbat, but you cannot eat unless it is life, or death, or a highly severe sickness. Women are also obligated to fast on this day. Children under the age of 13 don't have to, but it is recommended for them to. We pray, and cry most of this day to get a good decree in Shamayim!

Shabbat-

Shabbat is one the Saturday. Shabbat is the holiest day of the week. Some say it is the holiest day of the year. The people that say it is the holiest day of the year, bring a proof to what they say: On a regular Monday, and Thursday we read the Torah only 3 Aliyot. On a Rosh Chodesh, or Chol HaMoed we read 4 Aliyot. On Yom Tov we read 5 Aliyot. On Yom Kippur we read 6 Aliyot. On Shabbat we read 7 Aliyot. So that from they derive that Shabbat is the holiest of days. The 39 TORAH prohibitions on Shabbat, the work that they used to do in the Beit Hamikdash-1)Selecting. 2) Winnowing. 3) Threshing. 4)Gathering. 5)Cutting. 6)Plowing. 7)Planting. 8)Combing. 9)Bleaching. 10)Shearing. 11)Baking. 12)Kneading. 13)Sifting. 14)Grinding. 15)Tying. 16) Separating. 17)Weaving. 18)Threading Loom. 19)Threading Harness. 20) Spinning. 21)Coloring. 22)Tanning. 23)Slaughtering. 24)Trapping. 25)Tearing. 26)Sewing. 27)Untying. 28)Demolishing. 29) Building. 30)Erasing. 31)Skinning . 32)Writing. 33)Cutting to Shape. 34)Marking. 35)Smoothing. 36) Transferring objects, from public domain, to private domain. 37)Final Hammer Blow. 38)Put out fire. 39) Kindling a fire. There are many prohibitions from the Gemara, but these are called the "Av Melachot"-Father Melachot.

Who is a Jew?

A Jew is one who is born to a Jewish mother, or got a conversion. One of the many reasons a Jew is defined by the mother is, because we know 100% that he/she came from her, and that he/she is Jewish. The conversion is a whole process which usually takes 2, to 3 years. Anyone can convert to Judaism. People who leave Judaism for other religions are no longer Jewish-Unless they would like to return, they would not need a new conversion. A Jew that left Judaism while is still technically Jewish, may not participate in any Jewish community activities.

Halacha Yomi 3-

It is correct that every G-d fearing person should, be sad, and distressed over the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Jewish afterlife-

There have been many misconceptions to what the Jewish after life, and to why we don't try to convert people. Jews that:Have good Midot, and follow the Mitzvot should not worry about the afterlife. If a person is born atheist, Christian, or Muslim, or Buddhist as long as they are good people and/or keep the 7 Mitzvot of the sons of Noach , they will go to Gan Eden. Another misconception is that people think that Christan "hell", and heaven are the same as Jewish "Gehenom", and "Gan Eden". The Christians believe that once you go to "hell", you are there forever. The Jews that we go to Gehenom to cleanse ourselves of sins,and then go to Gen Eden forever. Once one cleansed himself in Gehenom, they automatically go to Gan Eden. Gan Eden is a, holy place where no one will be hungry for food, or drink, rather to hungry to learn Torah.

Halakha-

The accepted Jewish code of law is called the Shuhan Aruch written by, the Mechaber(Composer), also known as Maran Beit Yosef, or Maran Shulhan Aruch. There are many commentaries on the Shluhan Aruch. The main ones are called-1)Be'er Heitev(Rav Yehudah Ashkenazi),2) Mishnah Berurah(Rav Yisrael Meir Kagan), 3)Beur Hagolah(Rav Moshe Ravkash), 4)Birkei Yosef(Rav Chaim Yosef David Azulai), and 5)Shaareh Teshuvah(Rav Chaim Mordechai Margaliot). Then it was modernized for the Ashkenazim by Rav Moshe Issrelss, because originally it was only made for Sephardim. People 'till this day still use the Shulchan Aruch(Mishnah Berurah). About 200, or 300 years later a Rav named, Rav Shlomo Gantsfried wrote something called the "Kitzur Shulhan Aruch"-The shortened Shulhan Aruch(For Bnei Ashkenaz). Then about 30 years after that a Rav named Rav Refael Baruch Toledano wrote a Ktizur Shulhan Aruch of his own, but for Sephardim. About 20 years ago the most revolutionary, and to date Halichik sefer came out for Sephardim "Yalkut Yosef". These books was written by Maran Rav Yitzhak Yosef, in the name of Maran HaGaon Rav Ovadia Yosef. These book is now pretty much the greatest, and most concise seferim that is to date. Rav Ovadia Yosef, took all the Halachot from Shulhan Aruch, and put them where they belong in our day, and age.There is a Kitzur Shulhan Aruch from Yalkut Yosef. All of Rav Ovadia's sons are Poskim, as well as him. Still for Ashkenazim the most accepted Halichikik source is Kitzur Shulchan Aruch(Rav Gantsfried).

Tsitsit-

Tsitsit are a Mitzva from the Torah. There are many opinions on which to tie them. Most Sephardim follow Maran HaChid"a, and wear a 10-5-6-5[Yud-Keh-Vav-Keh]. Bnei Yemen usually wear Ramba"m 3-3-3-3-3-3-3-(3)-(3)-(3)-(3)-(3)-(3)[39-Yud-Keh-Vav-Keh is one]. The Beni Ashkenaz usually wear a 7-8-11-13 according to Maran, but just one by one. Bnei Chabad usually wear Ari"zl, and wear 7(3,3,1), 8(2,3,3), 11(3,3,3.2), 13(1,3,3,3,3)[Took the opinion of Shulchan Aruch, and Rambam, and combined them equaling-Yud-Keh-Vav-Keh Echad]. Most Poskim agree that there should be 5 knots one reason-1)Corresponding to the 5 crowns(Some Kabbalah thing, I don't know it fully). 2)ציצית in Gimatria(Numerical Value) equals 600+the 8 strings(4 into half through one hole. Two holes according to the Ariz"l)+5 knots=613. Corresponding to the 613 Mitzvot. There is a Machloket(Disagreement) in the Mishnah whether you put 4, or 3 stings. Beit Shamai-4, and Beit Hilel-3. This is one out of the 18 time we follow Beit Shamay. You may not put more than 4 strings, and you may not put less.

Gemara-

The Gemara , is a complex explanation of the Mishnah with many commentators. This was passed down to Moshe at Har Sinai along with: Mishnah, Zohar, and Torah(Wirtten). The Gemara is actually the base of Jewish law. It was getting forgotten along with Mishnah, and Zohar so they were written. The Mishnah by:Rav Yehudah HaNasi, and Rav Akiva. The Gemara by: Ravina, and Rav Ashi. In most(probably all) Gemarot, they are two side commentaries called:Rash"i, and Tosfot. In the Perek of Chezkat HaBatim, in Masechet Baba Batra Rash"i died, and the Rashba"m took over for his commentary. There are two Talmudim-Talmud Bavli(Babylonian), and Talmud Yerushlami(Jerusalem). The Gemara takes little parts of every Mishnah, and argues the whole thing out. They are split up into Masechtot, then into Perakim, then into Dapim. Masechta=Tractate. Perek=Chapter. Daf=Page.

Halacha Yomi 2-

One who wakes up to pray to his maker, should have in mind that we are still mourning the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash, and that we want Mashiach to come(Shulhan Aruch, Orach Haim, 1:2)

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Teffilin-

The Mitzvah of Teffilin is in the Torah. This Mitzvah is one that must be done every day, except for:Shabbat, Yom Tov, and Chol HaMoed(Some Ashkenazim do, with out a Bracha). On Mussaf of Rosh Chodesh, we don't wear Teffilin. The Teffilin of Rash"i(Ramba"m also) go in this order: Kadesh Li, V'Haya Ki Yeviacha,Shema, VeHaya Iym Shamoah. That is the order of the Torah, as it says "Kesidran"-Like the order of the Torah. The order of the parchments in Rabenu Taam Teffilin are:Kadesh Li, VeHaya Ki Yeviacha, VeHaya Iym Shamoah, Shema. The minhag of Yisrael is to wear Rash"i. According to Maran Shulchan Aruch(Orach Haim-34:1), those that are meticulous in the Mitzvot should wear both. Most of Bnei Ashkenaz only wear Rash"i. Most of the married men, in Bnei Sephard wear Rash"i, and Rabenu Taam. Most of the Bnei Chabad, and Bnei Nusach Sefard wear Rash"i, and Rabenu Taam. The Halacha if the Teffilin drop on the floor without the case is that, you should fast. The people that are lenient say that you give Tsedakah-Charity to as much as a meal costs(Today about $10). If it falls while in the case one should, either give Tsedaka for as much as a meal, fast(Not necessary), or give a regular amount of Tsekdaka. The Bracha made on the Teffilin Shel Yad(Hand) is:(Continue on comments).

Kabbalah-

There have been a lot of misconception of what Kabbalah, really is. The authentic Kabbalah, is not the ones that Christians, or Madonna do, it is actually real. Kabbalah-Jewish Mysticism. Most of the Kabbalah is based on the Zohar HaKadosh. The Zohar HaKadosh was written by Rav Shimon Bar Yochai, though it was passed down to Moshe by Har Sinai. There are other books such as: Nefesh Chaim(Written by Chaim Vital, in the name of the AriZ'l), Etz Chaim(Written by Chaim Vital, in the name of the AriZ"l), Shaar Hakavanot(Written by Shimon Vital, in the name of the AriZ"l), and Matan Torah(Written by Rav Yehudah Ashlag) etc... There are requirements brought down in the Gemara. 1)One must be over the age of forty. 2) They must have Shalom Bayit-A completely peaceful home. 3) They must have mastered the Talmud, and Tanakh completely. There are more of the requirements. In other words don't learn Kabbalah, if you don't know what it means. The Kabbalah Centres, are a reliable source for Seforim, and Siddurim, but not to make your "Makom Kavuah".

Messianics-

A Jew that worshiped idols(Including believing in Yeshua), it is like he worshiped idols for everything he did. He is not like a Jew, that committed a sin, and deserves stoning, it is like he violated everything in the Torah. And this koferim, they are the farthest things from Jews. And they will never be accepted back, ever! Then it quotes Mishlei- Bring him a Raaya[proof, to what he said](Yad Chazaka, Hilchot Avodah Zarah,2:5).

Halakha Yomi-

1) A man should wake up like a lion, to do serve Hashem. There was a question asked, what does the mean "Wake up like a lion", aren't the lions the laziest animals? An answer brought down, saying not that we should wake up like a lion, rather wake up with the strength of a lion(Shulhan Aruch, 1:1)!