Daily Halacha Podcast - Daily Halacha By Rabbi Eli J. Mansour

The Bet Yosef (commentary to the Tur by Maran Rav Yosef Karo, author of the Shulhan Aruch) cites Rav Yishak Abuhab (Spain, 1433-1493) as stating that when one recites the list of the eleven spices of Ketoret, he must do so carefully, from a written text, in order to ensure not to mistakenly omit any of the spices. As we say in the section from the Gemara recited in the Ketoret section, "Im Hisar Ahat Mi'kol Samaneha Hayab Mita" – leaving out even one of the eleven ingredients of the Ketoret constitutes a capital offense, punishable by death. Since we read th...

We read each morning the section of the Ketoret, which includes verses from the Torah that discuss the Ketoret incense offering brought in the Bet Ha'mikdash, as well as a passage from the Talmud that goes into the detail of how the Ketoret was prepared. It is customary when reciting the Gemara's list of the eleven spices from which the Ketoret was made to count them with one's fingers. According to the teachings of Kabbalah, one should count on only one hand, the right hand. One counts the first five with the five fingers of the right hand, and then...

We introduce the section of the Ketoret with the proclamation, "Ata Hu Hashem Elokenu…," stating that "You are Hashem our G-d" to whom our ancestors would offer incense in the Bet Ha'mikdash. Our custom is to recite this introduction each time we recite the Ketoret – toward the beginning of Shaharit, before Alenu at the end of Shaharit, and at the beginning of Minha. The question arises as to why this introduction is necessary. Before we recite the verses discussing the daily Tamid sacrifice, we do not make a similar pronouncement, that Hashem commanded us to offer the Tamid sacrifice that our...

June 2 second from 2:36 There are many people – including yeshiva students and Talmideh Hachamim – who skip the section of Korbanot, which discusses the sacrifices offered in the Bet Ha'mikdash, and begin with Pesukeh De'zimra, from Hodu or from Baruch She'amar. The Hikreh Leb ( Rav Raphael Yosef Hazan, 1741–1820) considered the possibility that those who devote their days to Torah study are perhaps justified in omitting the Korbanot section. Since they spend their time immersed in Torah learning, they might be excused for saving time by skipping this part of the Shaharit prayer. However, the Hikreh Leb dismisses this possibility, writing that as this i...

The Maharil ( Rav Yaakov ben Moshe Levi Moelin, Germany, d. 1427), in discussing the laws of the daily recitation of Birkat Ha'Torah (the blessing over Torah study), writes that women are required to recite this blessing, despite the fact that they are not bound by the Misva of Talmud Torah (Torah study). He explains that although women are not obligated to learn Torah, they are required to read portions of the Torah, such as the Korbanot (the section of the morning prayer service that discusses the various sacrifices that were offered in the Bet Ha'mikdash). Therefore, they must recite Birkat Ha'Torah...

It is customary to sit during the recitation of the Korbanot – despite the fact that the Kohanim were required to stand while performing the service in the Bet Ha'mikdash. Some Poskim required one to stand during the recitation of the section of the Korbanot, since it is recited in lieu of the offering of the sacrifices, and the service in the Bet Ha'mikdash would be invalid if it was performed seated. Common practice, however, does not follow this opinion. It is documented that the great Rabbis of Jerusalem several generations ago would sit during this recitation. Rav Haim Palachi (Turkey, 1788-1...

As we have seen, it is customary each morning to recite the Mishnayot of the fifth chapter of Masechet Zevahim – Ezehu Mekoman – which goes through all the various sacrifices, explaining the procedure for offering them and their basic laws. By reading and learning about the Korbanot (sacrifices), we earn credit as though we actually brought them in the Bet Ha'mikdash Intuitively, we might assume that this chapter should not be recited on Shabbat and Yom Tob. The only Korbanot which may be offered on Shabbat and Yom Tob are those which are specifically required on those days – namely, the daily Tamid...

Is it permissible to recite the Korbanot section – which discusses the various sacrifices – very early in the morning, before sunrise? On Shabuot morning, for example, when it is customary to pray early such that the Amida is recited right at sunrise, the Korbanot section is recited earlier, before sunrise. And sometimes, especially in the winter, it happens that a person needs to leave before sunrise for a meeting, or to catch a flight. May the Korbanot be recited before sunrise, when it is still dark? One potential issue is the Kabbalistic practice to refrain from reading or studying Tanach at nigh...

May 30 first through 6:30 As we saw in an earlier installment, common practice among Sepharadim is not to recite each day the sections of the Torah discussing the various sacrifices (with the exception of the section that discusses the daily Tamid offering). However, the Poskim mention that during the time of a plague, it is recommended to read these sections of the Torah, as this recitation has the power to bring protection. This is especially true with regard to the reading of the Ketoret – the section dealing with the incense offering brought in the Bet Ha'mikdash. The Sages teach that when Mo...

The Shulhan Aruch (Orah Haim 1:5) writes that it is commendable to recite each morning the sections in the Torah – in the beginning of Sefer Vayikra – that speak of each of the Korbanot. People who follow this custom recite the sections discussing the Ola, the Minha, the Shelamim, the Hatat and the Asham. This custom is based on the notion developed by the Midrash that by reciting the verses that speak of a certain Korban, we are considered as having offered that Korban, and this is how we can attain atonement even without a Bet Ha'mikdash. Nevertheless, our custom is not to r...

In the prayer we recite before the Korbanot section each morning, we express our joy over the fact that we arise early each morning to go to the synagogue and study hall, and we remain there in the evenings: "Fortunate are we! How good is our portion, how pleasant is our lot, and how exceedingly beautiful is our heritage. Fortunate are we when we rise early and stay late in synagogues and houses of study." In some editions of the Siddur, the phrase "Ke'she'anahnu Mashkimim" is written without the prefix "Ke" at the beginning. According to this version, we are...

Each morning, before the Korbanot section, we recite a prayer ("Ribon Ha'olamim") in which we acknowledge our lowliness, recognizing that we are unworthy of G-d's kindness, and that even the most powerful are weak in relation to G-d and even the wisest are ignorant in relation to G-d. In this prayer, we humbly confess, "Ki Chol Ma'asenu Tohu" – "for all our actions are worthless." The obvious question arises as to how we can make such a pronouncement. After all, while we must all acknowledge that we are far from perfect, is it true that "all our actions are worthless"? We sp...

There is a time-honored tradition to remain awake throughout the night of Shabuot and read the special "Tikkun Lel Shabuot" text that is printed in the Mahzorim. Hacham Ben Sion Abba Shaul (Israel, 1924-1998), in his work Or Le'siyon (vol. 3, 18:11), discusses the importance of this custom and presents numerous laws and guidelines relevant to the proper observance of this special occasion (listen to audio clip for precise citation). First, he mentions that even learned men who prefer studying Gemara must set aside their Talmudic studies in order to read the text of the Tikkun Lel Shabuot. If time remains after...

The Korban Ha'tamid was the sacrifice that was offered each day in the Bet Ha'mikdash – one sheep was brought every morning, and a second sheep was brought every afternoon. This sacrifice was required each day, without exception, on weekdays, Shabbat, and all holidays, including Yom Kippur. The unique importance of this sacrifice can be seen in the story told by the Gemara in Masechet Menahot (64b) of the civil war that was waged during the Second Commonwealth, and one side besieged Jerusalem. The besieging army would send sheep over the wall into the city each day for the offering of th...

A verse in the Book of Hoshea (14:3) states, "U'neshalema Farim Sefatenu" – "We will compensate for the cows with our lips." This means that in the absence of the Bet Ha'mikdash, when we are unable to offer sacrifices ("cows"), we can attain atonement with our lips – by reciting the sections of the Torah that discuss the sacrifices, as through this recitation we are considered to have actually brought these sacrifices. The verse mentions cows, even though other animals were also offered as sacrifices. The Ibn Ezra (Spain, 1089-1167) suggests that since the cow is the biggest animal offered as a Korban, the...

The Gemara (Ta'anit 27b, Megilla 31b) teaches that if not for the merit of those who recite the passages in the Torah that speak of the various sacrifices, the world would cease to exist. The Bet Yosef cites this Talmudic passage in the context of the Tur's comment that it is proper to recite each morning the sections in the Torah describing each form of sacrifice – Ola, Minha, Shelamim, Hatat, and Asham. The Gemara further relates that after Hashem gave Abraham Abinu His promise that his descendants would receive the Land of Israel, Abraham asked what would happen if they si...

The custom among Sepharadim is to recite immediately following the section of Akedat Yishak a verse from Parashat Vayikra (1:11): "Ve'shahat Oto Al Yerech Ha'mizbe'ah Safona Lifneh Hashem…" This verse describes the procedure for the offering of a sheep as an Ola sacrifice – such as the daily Tamid offering, which consisted of a sheep brought each morning and another sheep brought each afternoon. The connection between this verse and the story of Akedat Yishak is indicated by the Midrash which states that whenever this verse is read, Hashem remembers the great merit of the Akeda. A different passage in the Midrash, cite...

It is proper to begin the morning Shaharit prayer – both on weekdays and on Shabbat – with the recitation of Akedat Yishak, the chapter in the Torah (Bereshit 22) that tells the story of the binding of Yishak upon an altar. The Zohar writes that reciting this section is more effective in bringing a person protection than any sacrifice. When a person reads Akedat Yishak, the Zohar adds, a voice from heavens announces that no harm may be inflicted on him. The Seder Ha'yom (Rav Moshe Ben Machir, Safed, 16th century) teaches that since the Akeda marked the ultimate act of sacrifice for...

The Arizal taught that one should begin the Shaharit service each morning with a declaration that he commits to fulfill the Misva of "Ve'ahabta Le're'acha Kamocha" ("Love your fellow as yourself" – Vayikra 19:18) by loving each and every Jew with all his heart and soul. The text of this declaration appears in many editions of the Siddur. The reason it is proper to introduce one's prayers with this declaration is that it helps ensures the acceptance of our prayers through their joining the prayers of the rest of Am Yisrael. When a person prays, he might individually be unworthy of being gr...

It is reported that the Arizal made a point of reciting all the prayers quietly, without raising his voice – even the chapters of Tehillim recited in the Pesukeh De'zimra section. He felt that praying in a low, subdued voice reflected awe, fear and humility, which is the appropriate manner in which to stand in prayer before the Almighty. On Shabbat, he raised his voice somewhat during the prayers as an expression of honor for the special sanctity of Shabbat. Nevertheless, there are those who recite the prayers (besides the Amida, which must be recited quietly) out loud and with great em...

The Mishna Berura cites the Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806) as instructing that one should include works of Mussar as part of his daily Torah learning schedule. The term "Mussar" refers to materials aimed at enhancing one's Yir'at Shamayim (fear of G-d) and inspiring and helping a person to grow in his ethical conduct and his religious commitment. Every person has a Yeser Ha'ra (evil inclination) and faces spiritual challenges each day. This is true of all people, regardless of their level of religious commitment. In fact, the more a person grows spiritually, the more the Yeser Ha'ra...

The Shulhan Aruch writes that it is preferable to recite fewer supplications with Kavana (concentration) than to recite more without Kavana. Of course, there are certain prayers which we are strictly required to recite, and which thus should not be skipped. And, we are not going to change the Siddur and omit non-obligatory sections which we have been accepted as part of the prayer service, so that we can recite the rest slower and with greater Kavana. On an individual level, however, if a person finds it difficult to recite these non-obligatory texts with Kavana, then he should preferably recite...

The Gemara in Masechet Berachot (3a) teaches that the night is divided into three periods, and at the points when one period leads to the other, Hashem "roars like a lion," bemoaning the fact that our sins compelled him to destroy the Bet Ha'mikdash. The Bet Yosef brings from earlier sources that it is proper to join Hashem at those moments and lament the destruction of the Bet Ha'mikdash. The Kabbalists, however, determined that this should be done at the point of Hasot, halachic midnight. This is the time best suited to mourn the destruction of the Bet Ha'mikdash, the...

If a person feels alert in the late hours of the night, should he spend that time learning Torah, even if this will likely cause him to wake up late in the morning and miss the final time for reciting Shema? One might argue that at night, one is not required to take the next morning into account, and since he currently is able to learn Torah, he should do so without worrying about how this might affect the next morning. In truth, this line of reasoning is entirely incorrect, and it is clear that one must ensure to go...

The Gemara in Masechet Sukka (26a) instructs that one should not sleep during the day for a longer period than that which a horse sleeps, a duration of "sixty breaths." Rashi explains that sleeping during the day is not allowed because the daytime should be used constructively, for Torah learning. This is mentioned by subsequent writers, and brought as Halacha by the Shulhan Aruch. However, the Mahasit Ha'shekel (Rav Shmuel Kellin, 1724-1806) ruled that if a person needs to nap during the day to enhance his productivity, then this is allowed. For many people, daytime naps increase productivity, as it...

Rav Haim Palachi (Turkey, 1788-1868), in his Ruah Haim, lists several behaviors that helps a person live a long life, one of which is waking early, before dawn, every morning. He even mentions a certain British diplomat who wrote about the health benefits of waking early, how this contributes to one's physical wellbeing, promotes longevity, and even enhances his intellectual capabilities. A number of sources speak about the value of spending the "transition" moments at the beginning and end of each day involved in Torah learning or prayer. This means learning or praying early in the morning, when night transitions...

The Kabbalists taught that it is preferable to sleep during the first part of the night – from nightfall (when the stars come out) until Hasot (halachic midnight). During this first half of the night, the Kabbalists explained, the harmful spiritual energies are in force, posing danger to the purity of the Neshama (soul). It is thus best to go to sleep right at nightfall, when these energies surface, as when one sleeps his soul is entrusted to Hashem and hence protected from these forces. Then, right before Hasot, one should rise and involve himself in Torah and prayer. This was th...

The Rambam, in Hilchot Talmud Torah (3:12), writes that one cannot achieve success in Torah learning if he learns in a relaxed manner, and only when learning is convenient and comfortable. Like anything else in life, a person excels only through persistence, diligence, and hard work. "Dabbling" in Torah will not result in Torah scholarship – just like "dabbling" in any other field will not lead to mastery or excellence in that field. There are no shortcuts to achievement in Torah study. Rav Mordechai Gifter (1915-2001), Rosh Yeshiva of the Telz Yeshiva in Cleveland, would say that a lot of students want to...

The Mishna at the end of Masechet Menahot (110a) teaches: "Ehad Ha'marbeh Ve'ehad Ha'mam'it, U'bilbad She'yechaven Libo La'Shamayim" – "Whether one does much or one does little, as long as he directs his heart toward Heaven." The point made by the Mishna is that the most important factor is not the amount that one actually manages to accomplish, but rather the extent to which he maximizes his potential and does his best. A person who is able to learn six hours a day is not necessarily greater than a person who is able to learn just one hour day, as these tw...

King Shlomo teaches us in the Book of Mishleh (3:6), "Be'chol Derachecha Da'ehu" – "Know Him in all your ways." The Rambam explains this to mean that we are to serve Hashem even in our ordinary "ways," while tending to our physical and material needs, and conducting our day-to-day affairs. Religion is not reserved for the realm of the sacred; it is not observed only when we pray, learn Torah, and perform Misvot. Even when are involved in ordinary, mundane activities, we are to serve G-d by engaging in these activities for the sake of Abodat Hashem (the service of G-d). We ar...

G-d created the human body in such a way that it requires rest, and cannot function properly without a significant period of sleep each night. In His infinite wisdom, G-d determined that it is preferable for human beings not to have the ability to continuously work and tend to their affairs without ever resting. One explanation for this decision is that Hashem mercifully granted us the opportunity to "reset" after a difficult, challenging or upsetting day. When a person feels disappointed or pained, a good night's sleep allows him to begin fresh the next morning, to experience a new start...

The Gemara (Bava Mesia 23b) establishes that a Torah scholar is permitted to speak untruthfully in regard to three matters, one of which is "Masechet." Rashi explains that if a scholar is asked whether he has thoroughly studied a certain Masechet, he is permitted to untruthfully answer in the negative in order to avoid sounding boastful about his proficiency. The Gemara's teaching, then, instructs that when necessary, one is allowed to distort the truth for the sake of humility, in the interest of concealing one's achievements. Both humility and honesty are critically important religious values, but sometimes they might clash...

One should strive to perform Misvot humbly and discreetly, without publicizing the religious act or making a spectacle of himself. In fact, the greatest Sadikim are "Sadikim Nistarim" – "concealed" Sadikim whose piety is not discernible, whom people view as ordinary laymen. There is great value to Misvot fulfilled in private, without anyone knowing about it. Conversely, the Rabbis of Mussar warn of the severity of performing Misvot for the sake of impressing people and drawing attention to oneself. Based on the comments of the Hobot Ha'lebabot (Rabbenu Bahya Ibn Pakuda, Spain, d. 1120), they warn that performing Misvot for publicity could be...

The Hafetz Haim, toward the beginning of his Bi'ur Halacha, references the comments written by the author of the anonymous Sefer Ha'hinuch, in the introduction to that work. There the author lists the six "Misvot Temidiyot" – "constant" Misvot, which one can always fulfilled at any moment of any day simply by thinking certain things. These Misvot apply at all times, and involve certain thoughts, giving us the opportunity to earn credit for Misvot at any time. Elsewhere in his writings – in his Shemirat Ha'lashon – the Hafetz Haim advises us to fulfill these Misvot after the morning Shaharit prayer, before eating breakf...

Yir'at Shamayim – the awareness that Hashem is watching us at all times, and sees everything we do – does not come naturally. Since we do not directly perceive Hashem with our senses, it is difficult to live with this awareness. This is something that requires work and a conscious effort. One of the important things we can do to help ourselves develop Yir'at Shamayim is to pray for it. The Gemara (Shabbat 156b) relates that Rav Nahman Bar Yishak's mother was informed by astrologers that her child would grow to become a criminal. She immediately ensured that he would never go abou...

The Rama opens his glosses to the Shulhan Aruch by citing a passage from the Rambam's Moreh Nebuchim about the importance of maintaining awareness of Hashem's watchful eye. Knowing that Hashem is always watching us, wherever we are, will naturally bring us Yir'at Shamayim (fear of Heaven), which will, in turn, help ensure that we avoid wrongdoing, even when we feel tempted to sin. This concept is stated very clearly in a famous Mishna in Pirkeh Abot (2:1) which teaches: "Look at three things and you will not come upon sin: Know what is above you – a watchful eye and a li...

The Rama (Rav Moshe Isserles, Poland, 1530-1572) begins his glosses to the Shulhan Aruch by citing the Rambam's comments in Moreh Nebuchim regarding the verse in Tehillim (16:8), "Shiviti Hashem Le'negdi Tamid" – "I have placed G-d opposite me, always." The Rambam describes this verse as "Kelal Gadol Ba'Torah U'b'ma'alot Ha'sadikim Asher Holechim Lifnei Ha'Elokim" – "a great principle of the Torah and of the qualities of the righteous who walk before G-d." He explains that a person acts much differently in private than he does in the presence of a king, and thus if a person lives with the awareness that he is a...

Immediately upon waking in the morning, one should recite the brief "Modeh Ani" prayer, thanking Hashem for restoring his soul. This prayer is mentioned already in Sefer Ha'yir'a, by Rabbenu Yona (Spain, 1210–1263), and in Seder Ha'yom (by Rav Moshe Ben Machir, Safed, 16th century). When one sleeps, he entrusts his soul to G-d, who returns it in the morning, and so when we wake up in the morning, we thank Hashem for returning our soul "Be'hemla" – with compassion. G-d is under no obligation to return our souls, but He does so in His infinite mercy and love. We must therefore expr...

We have been discussing the opening Halacha in the Shulhan Aruch requiring one to be "strong like a lion" to rise in the morning. The Rama (Rav Moshe Isserles, Poland, 1530-1572) adds: "Yakum Bi'zrizut La'abodat Bor'o" – "One shall rise with zeal for the service of his Creator." A number of commentators raised the question of how to reconcile these statements with the Gemara's warning in Masechet Gittin (70) that rising immediately after performing certain activities poses a danger to one's health. These activities include eating, drinking, blood-letting, and sleeping. How can the Shulhan Aruch and Rama require one to immediately jump ou...

The Mishna in Pirkeh Abot (5:20) instructs that one should "run like a deer" ("Ratz Ka'sevi") to fulfill Hashem's will. This refers to the requirement to perform Misvot energetically, with enthusiasm, and not lethargically, as though we would rather be doing something else. People often run to the synagogue when they are late for the Minyan – but the truth is that one should always "run like a deer" to shul, even when they have plenty of time. Walking fast to the synagogue shows one's enthusiasm and eagerness to serve Hashem, and so regardless of the time, even if one is early, he...