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| בס"ד שבעת ימים תאכל עליו מצות ARCHIVES: HILCHOS PESACH / CHOL HAMOED / SEFIRAS HaOMER BELOW ARE THE HALACHOS FROM THE DAILY EMAILS THAT WERE SENT OUT TO THE "HALACHA FOR TODAY" DAILY EMAIL LIST, INCLUDING THE DATES ON WHICH THEY WERE SENT, EXACTLY AS THEY WERE SENT.
Halachos for Tuesday, April 7 2009 1)On the Eve of Erev Pesach ,every Jew is required to perform "Bedikas Chometz- The search for unleavened bread".
This search must be done at the beginning of the night (according to some opinions soon after sunset, and according to other opinions after Tzeis HaKochavim, the emergence of 3 stars). From ½ hour before sunset, no eating or other chores may be started.
The Bedikas Chometz must be done via the light of a single wick candle and not with a a cluster of candles or a torch.
Today's days it is permissible to use a single beam flashlight for Bedikas Chometz, and this may even be better than using an actual candle, as many people are afraid to go to close to the place they are searching with a candle, and thus will do a more thorough job with a flashlight. However, the Bracha on Bedikas Chometz should be made while holding a candle and the search should begin with the candle for a bit and only then switch over to the flashlight. (Psak of Rav Moshe Feinstein and Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach and others. HaRav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv shlita, however, maintains that in places where one isn't afraid to use a candle, L'Chatchilah it is better to use a candle and not a flashlight as not to change from the Minhag Yisroel.)
All rooms where Chometz may have been brought into must be checked.
One's office, car and clothing must also be checked if there is a chance that Chometz was placed there. (Regarding the pockets of clothing see Shu"t MaHari Weil Siman 193, also quoted in Gilyonei HaShas to Shabbos 12b)
2) Before starting Bedikas Chometz the Bracha of "Baruch Ata Hashem Elokeinu Melech HaOlam Asher Kidshanu B'Mitzvosav V'tzivanu Al Biur Chometz" is recited.
After reciting the Bracha the searching should begin immediately, and no talking or interruptions should take place between the Bracha and the starting of the search.
It is best not to talk or make interruptions throughout the entire Bedikas Chometz process. Talking for the purpose of the search at hand is permitted. If one uses the bathroom during the Bedikas Chometz, he may recite "Asher Yatzar" afterwards, and it isn't considered an interruption. (Psak of Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita)
It is a custom to place 10 pieces of bread throughout the home, which the one doing Bedikas Chometz should "find". Be careful not to "hide" them to well, that they will be forgotten and left in the home throughout Pesach.
The lights in the room may be left on during the Bedikas Chometz.
After Bedikas Chometz is finished, it is important to "Nullify" any Chometz that may be in your property. There is a special text of nullification that should be said, which is printed in most Siddurim. It is important to understand what you are saying and not just say the Aramic words in the Siddur with no clue that you are nullifying and making your Chometz Hefker, as simply saying the words as a "tefilah" is worthless.
Halachos for Wednesday, April 8 2009 (Quadruple Portion L'kavod Pesach and L'kavod shabbos Kodesh) Halachos for Erev Pesach 1)Erev Pesach is a Ta'anis (fast day) for Bechorim (first born) in commemoration of their being spared by Hashem in Mitzrayim, while the Egyptian firstborn were killed.
The prevalent Minhag is for first born males to participate in a "Siyum Mesechta" or other Seudas Mitzvah, and thus they aren't obligated to conclude their fasts. (Mishna Berura 470:10)
L'Chatchilah the firstborn must hear the Siyum, and not simply partake of the food that is being served. B'Dieved, even if the Siyum wasn't heard, he may eat. (See Halichos Shlomo Chapter 8:1 and Shu"t Minchas Yitzchak Vol. 9 Siman 45)
2)There is a dispute amongst the Poskim if a firstborn that was born via caesarian birth is required to fast. Therefore it is best if he partakes in a Siyum.
A firstborn under Bar Mitzva does not fast. However, it is customary for his father (or his mother, if the father is a Bechor himself) to fast (or participate in a Siyum) on the child's behalf.
Halachos for First Day of Pesach
1) It is a Mitzvah to burn a Kzayis of Chometz on Erev Pesach. Therefore, it's important to leave over a Kzayis for this purpose. If all the Chometz was discarded before the burning, it is best to buy or acquire a Kzayis of Chometz from somebody in order to perform this Mitzvah. (See Mishna Berura 445:10)
2) It is customary to recite "Kol Chamira V'Chamia etc." at Biur Chometz to once again proclaim that all Chometz that may be in your property should be nullified. This should only be said after a Kzayis of the Chometz that you threw into the fire has burned, otherwise it will be nullified, and you will not have satisfied the mitzvah of burning "your own" Chometz. ( Mishna Berura 434:7)
Halachos for Second Day of Pesach
1) It is forbidden to do "Melacha" on Erev pesach after Chatzos (Halachic midday).
Any Melachos that are permitted on Chol Hamoed are permitted after Chatzos on Erev Pesach. (Mishna Berura 468:7)
Simple ironing of clothing and Polishing shoes is permitted. More complicated ironing is prohibited, but may be done by a non Jew.
2) It is best not to get a haircut on Erev Pesach after Chatzos, even if the barber is a non Jew. B'Dieved, if a non Jew gives the haircut, it's ok. (Mishna Berura 468:5) It is best to cut the nails before Chatzos. B'dieved if it wasn't done before, it may be done after Chatzos. (ibid.)
If one needs to mend an article of clothing, sew on a button, or similar "fixing" that is needed for Yom Tov, it is permitted. (Mishna Berura 468:8)
Laundry should not be done after Chatzos.
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh, 1st Day Chol HaMoed Pesach
1) There is a debate amongst the Poskim as to the exact amount of fluid that makes up a "Revi'is". For Mitzvos D'Oraysa (biblical commandments)the Poskim are stringent and require the larger amount of approx. 4.5 ounces, while fr Mitzvos D'Rabanan (rabbinic ordinances) the smaller shiur of 3.3 ounces suffices.(According to Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal)
The 4 cups of wine at the Pesach Seder are a Mitzvah D'Rabanan and thus would only require 3.3 ounces for each of the 4 cups. If one is able, of course, it is best to try and drink the 4.5 ounces even for Mitzvos D'Rabanan. But if one has a hard time drinking that many cups of wine, the smaller Shiur may be relied upon. 2) Even though women are not required to do "Heseiba- leaning" when eating Matza and drinkingthe 4 cups of wine atthe Seder, it is indeed the custom of many women to do so anyway. Even those women that do not lean, should still make sure that they are seated, and try to have a comfortable chair as their expression of "freedom". ( See Moadim U'Zmanim Vol. 3 Siman 257) Halachos for Sunday, April 12 2009 (2nd Day Chol HaMoed Pesach 5769) 1)There is a Biblical commandment to rejoice on Yom Tov as it states in the Torah "V'SaMachta B'Chagecha- you shall rejoice on your festival".
This Mitzvah applies to Chol HaMoed (the intermediate days of the festivals) as well. (See Rambam Perek 6 of Hilchos Yom Tov Halacha 17)
One must drink [a Revi'is of] wine at least once a day during every day of Chol HaMoed. Some Poskim maintain that at every meal eaten on Chol HaMoed, wine must be drunk. (See Emes L'Yaakov from Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky Zatzal Siman 530 footnote 483)
It is best to drink wine, and not grape juice, which according to some Poskim does not cause "joy" as wine does.
If one cannot drink straight wine, it is best to at least mix a little wine into the grape juice, so that the taste of the alcohol is evident. (Psak of Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita).
If that too is problematic, it is better to at least drink grape juice .(See Mikraei Kodesh Pesach Vol. 2 Siman 35, Emes L'Yaakov ibid. Shulchan Shlomo Siman 529 footnote 6)
2) It is also important to eat meat (not chicken) once a day on each day of Chol HaMoed. (See Biur Halacha 529:2, Be'er Heitev 551:28,Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 3 Siman 68, Emes L'Yaakov ibid. and Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 3 Siman 18:2)
There is no requirement to eat bread on Chol HaMoed, therefore if "Ya'aleh V'Yavo was mistakenly omitted in the Birchas Hamazon it does not need to be repeated. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 188:7)
However, it is still worthwhile to eat bread once each night and once each day of Chol HaMoed, out of respect for the day. (Mishna Berura 530:1)
Halachos for Monday, April 13 2009 (3rd Day Chol HaMoed Pesach 5769)
1)It is prohibited to launder clothing on Chol HaMoed, by hand or via washing machine.
However, children's clothing which often get dirty and soiled may be washed if necessary. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 534:1)
It is prohibited to add any adult clothing into the washing machine along with the wash that is being done for the children. (Psak of Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal)
Even for children, it is only permissible to wash those particular articles of clothing that are needed. (See Mishna Berura 534:11 and Aruch HaShulchan 534:8)
The age of the children whose clothing may be washed, is at most until age 6 or 7 years old. (Psak of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal in Shulchan Shlomo 534:3)
2) Polishing shoes, brushing a hat, spot cleaning a stain[that developed on Chol HaMoed] and simple ironing to remove wrinkles to make the clothing wearable for Chol HaMoed is permitted on Chol HaMoed, according to most Poskim. (See Ram"a 541:3 and Mishna Berura S"K 9. See also Shulchan Shlomo 534:1 and Emes L'Yaakov 534: footnote 489
Halachos for Tuesday, April 14 2009 (4th Day Chol HaMoed Pesach 5769. triple portion LKavod Yom Tov)
Halachos for Tuesday/ Erev Yom Tov 1)Apple (or other fruit) Picking is permitted on Chol HaMoed if the apples are going to be eaten on Chol HaMoed.
There is no need to estimate how much will be eaten on Chol haMoed, rather the apples may be picked in abundance.
If the apples are not being picked for use on Chol HaMoed, it is best for adults not to pick them. Children, who are doing it as an activity, may pick them even in such a case. (Psak of Rav Yaakov Forcheimer shlita, Dayan in Lakewood NJ)
2) Driving a car is permitted on Chol HaMoed.
A car that needs [minor] fixing and is needed for Chol HaMoed, may be brought to a mechanic to fix on Chol HaMoed, with the following conditions:
If the mechanic is a Jew, he may not take payment for his services.
If the mechanic is a non-Jew, he may be paid for his services.
The "fixing" that is necessary may not be anything major, rather only "small jobs" such as batteries, jump starting, flat tires, etc. may be done on Chol HaMoed.
For larger jobs, that may be considered "Ma'aseh Uman- the work of a skilled worker" a Rav should be consulted before fixing.
If one is away from home on Chol HaMoed, and thus not fixing the car would entail a large expense, the rental of a new car etc. it is considered a "Davar Ha'avud" and even a larger job may be given to a mechanic to fix. However, the service of a non- Jewish mechanic should be utilized.
A Rav should always be consulted in these situations as the halachos of "Davar Ha'Avud" are very delicate and are easily abused beyond the halachic allowances.
Halachos for First Day Yom Tov 1) Sefiras HaOmer, the counting of the Omer, began on the second night of Pesach, and will continue for 49 days until the Yom Tov of Shavuos.
L'Chatchilah, the Bracha on the sefirah, as well as the counting should be recited while standing. (See Mishna Berura 489:6). 2) If the sefirah was said while sitting, B'Dieved it is acceptable, and no re-counting is necessary. This halacha applies to men and women [whose minhag it is to count sefirah] alike. (In a few days we will discuss in more detail, whether women are obligated in this Mitzvah or not)
Halachos for Yom Tov Sheini (in Chutz L'Aretz) 1) The counting of the Omer should preferably be done as soon as possible after nightfall (preferably the same amount after sunset waited after Shabbos to do Melacha, should be waited for the counting of Sefirah as well)
If one davens Maariv early, he should be extremely careful to have a system set up whereby he will remember to count the Sefirah when the time arrives. 2) It is a good idea to always count the Sefirah again during the day [without a Bracha], thus if the counting was forgotten the night before, the day counting will suffice to the total counting of the 49 days. Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh, April 17 2009,Isru Chag HaPesach 5769. (Double portion LKavod Yom Tov)
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh 1)During the first week of sefirah, if it's after Sunset, and before you counted Sefirah, and someone asks you "What night of Sefirah is it tonight?", you should respond by saying "yesterday's count was such and such" (i.e. on the 5th night of Sefirah say "yesterday was the 4th day of the Omer" ).
If you mistakenly answered saying "Tonight's count is such and such" , you may no longer recite that night's count with a Bracha, as your response to that person is considered an adequate "counting".(See Mishna Berura 489:22, and Sha'ar HaTzion ibid. 23 and 26)
The above applies even if you just said "Tonight is 6", and didn't say "Tonight is the 6th night of the Omer" (Mishna Berura 489:210)
2) However, if someone asks you the count, and you simply respond by saying "6", and don't preface it by saying "Today is", it isn't considered a count and you may go ahead and count again with a Bracha. (Mishna Berura 489:20)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh 1)Once the second week of counting starts, when we count the days as well as the weeks, if you responded to the inquiry saying "Tonight is 9", as long as you didn't add the information "...Which is one week and 2 days" you haven't satisfied your obligation, and may go ahead and count with a Bracha. (Mishna Berura Ibid:22 and Sha'ar HaTzion ibid. :28)
2) Therefore, if you tell someone on the night of the 33rd day of the Omer that "Tonight is Lag B'Omer", there is no need to worry, and you are still required to count the Omer with a Bracha. (This is a very common occurrence, and many mistakenly do not make a Bracha after it happens)
Halachos for Sunday, April 19 2009
1) If one forgot to count Sefirah one night, he/she should count during that day (without a Bracha) and then can resume counting the following night with a Bracha.
However, if one didn't remember to count on that day and sunset of the next day arrived, he/she must count the remainder of the sefirah days without a Bracha.
The above Halacha is only if you are certain that you forgot to count on one of the nights. However, if you are unsure (Safek) if you missed a night, you may continue the rest of the Sefirah counting with a Bracha. (Siman 489:8. See also Mishna Berura S"K 34. For more intricate details see Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 93:3 and Shu"t Minchas Yitzchak Vol. 9 Siman 57 and Kaf HaChaim 489:82)
2) There is a debate amongst the Poskim regarding one who knows that he/she will miss one (or more) days of counting the sefirah (due to being under the operating knife R"L , or any other reason) if they may begin counting with a Bracha in the first place (as there is an opinion in the Rishonim that one who misses one day of counting renders all his/her previous Brachos as Brachos L'Vatalah (L'mafrea), blessings in vain)
The consensus of most Poskim, however, is that one may indeed begin counting with a Bracha, and only after that day is missed, will they have to continue without a Bracha, and all the previous Brachos will not be rendered "in vain". (See Halichos Shlomo page 357, Shu"t Ohr L'Tzion Vol. 1 Siman 36. This is also the opinion of Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita and many other contemporary Poskim)
Halachos for Monday, April 20 2009
1) There are varying opinions amongst the Poskim regarding if women should/may count the sefirah with a Bracha.
Women are not obligated in Sefiras HaOmer, as it is a "Mitzvas Asei SheHazman Gerama, a Mitzvah that is bound to a certain time-period".
The Mogen Avraham maintains that women have accepted this Mitzvah upon themselves as if it is an "obligation" and thus they must indeed count with a Bracha. (Quoted in Mishna Berura 489:3)
The custom of women in Europe in the time and place of the Chofetz Chaim was not to count Sefirah. (Mishna Berura ibid.)
The Shulchan Shlomo (quoted in Mishna Berura ibid.) maintains that women should count the days, but should not recite the Bracha before the counting. His reasoning is that women will all but surely forget to count at least one of the nights (as the reason many men don't forget is that they go to Shul for maariv. Men who do not attend Shul for maariv, according to this opinion, should probably also not count sefirah with a Bracha, as they too will end up "messing up")
Today's days many women do indeed have the custom to count Sefirah with a Bracha, as today we have Sefirah calendars and other reminders (including many email, and text message reminders) that make it more likely that they will indeed complete the entire 49 day count. (See Aruch HaShulchan 489:4 that women should count with a Bracha as they do other Mitzvos Asei Shehazman Gerama.)
2) If a woman indeed wants to count, it is important that she at least know the basic meaning of the words being said (i.e. how the days and weeks being said in Hebrew translate into the appropriate day of the counting.) (See Mishna Berura 489:5, Shu"t MaHaril Diskin Kunteres Achron Siman 5 Os 55)
Women who follow the Sephardic traditions do not recite blessings on any Mitzvos Asei SheHazman Gerama, and thus should not recite the Bracha on Sefirah.
As with all matters of Halacha, a Rav should be consulted for Halacha L'ma'aseh.
Halachos for Tuesday, April 21 2009
1)During The days of Sefira, it is customary to exhibit some signs of mourning, as in this time period the 24,000 disciples of Rabbi Akiva perished. (See Talmud Yevamos 62b and Tur and Shulchan Aruch Siman 493)
It is customary not to get married during Sefira. Getting engaged is permissible.
It is customary not to take haircuts or shave facial hair during Sefira.
It is customary not to listen to music or dance during Sefira (We will elaborate on this in more detail iy"H in the coming days)
2) Though the time of Sefira is from Pesach until Shavuos, it is customary to only exhibit the signs of mourning for 33 of the 49 days.
Some people start from Pesach and cease the mourning on Lag B'Omer, while others only begin exhibiting the signs of mourning from the first day of Rosh Chodesh Iyar until three days before Shavuos (Sh'loshes Yemei HaGbalah)(See Shu"t Chasam Sofer Orach Chaim Siman 142 and Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 1 Siman 159 regarding if today's days there exists any problems of "Lo TisGodedu" with people who observe different times of Sefira)
Some Poskim maintain that one may switch his/her "33 days" from year to year (Hataras Nedarim may be necessary in order to do this), while others are stringent and maintain that one must continually follow the same minhag each year (See Michtavim U'Ma'amarim from Rav Eliezer Menachem Mann Shach Zatzal Vol. 6 page 71 for the reasoning why changing would not be permitted.)
Halachos for Wednesday, April 22 2009 1) If one is invited to a wedding at a time when they are observing Sefira, while the one making the wedding observes the "other half" of Sefira and is thus permitted to make a wedding, he/she may attend the wedding, listen to the music and even participate in the dancing. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 2 Siman 95)
However, taking a haircut or a shave in honor of the wedding is prohibited unless not doing so will be embarrassing and cause you not to go to the wedding and thus prevent you from performing the Mitzvah of bringing joy to a bride and groom. (ibid.)
2) If during the days that you do not yet observe Sefira, someone who is observing Sefira enters your home, car or other area where you are listening to music, it isn't necessary to close the music. However, that person may not deliberately do this in order to hear the music.
Likewise, it isn't necessary to worry about your neighbors, who may be observing Sefira now, hearing the music from your home, as long as it's playing at a normal, acceptable level. (This was the Psak of Rav Moshe Feinstein regarding one who is in the year of Aveilus for a parent R"L that his/her family members may play music in the home, and surely that is the Halacha regarding Sefira. Quoted in Sefer Shiurei Halacha from Rav Shmuel Felder Shlita, Posek in Lakewood, NJ) Halachos for Thursday, April 23 2009 1) Haircuts and shaving [any hair on the body] is prohibited [for men] during Sefira. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 493:2)
If one works at a job where not shaving will cause him a monetary loss, it is permitted. However, if one is simply embarrassed to go unshaven, and is worried that his co-workers will poke fun at him, but he will not incur a monetary loss, the prohibition stands. (Psak of Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal in Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 102 and Choshen Mishpat Vol. 1 Siman 93. See She'Arim Metzuyanim B'Halacha on the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 122:3 for a lengthy discussion with other sources about this) In a year when Rosh Chodesh Iyar falls out on Shabbos (such as this year) it is permissible to shave on Friday (tomorrow), L'Kovod Shabbos and L'Kovod Rosh Chodesh, no matter which half of Sefira you observe. (Mishna Berura 493:5)
2) Many Poskim are lenient in regard to women, and maintain that women may indeed shave any of their hair during Sefira.
However, the prevalent custom is for women to be stringent and not cut the hair [on their head] during Sefira unless doing so in preparation for immersion in a Mikvah or in cases when the hair is too long and thus not able to be covered properly according to Halacha.(See Shu"t L'Horos Nosson Vol. 2 Siman 32. This is also the opinion of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal and yblc"t Rav Shmuel Wosner Shlita)
The above Halacha refers to hair of the head only. However, women may shave their legs, pluck their eyebrows, and have electrolysis done L'Chatchilah during Sefira. (See Hilchos Bein HaMetzorim from Rav Shimon Eider Zatzal page 4 in the name of Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal and Sefer Bein Pesach L'Shavuos page 241 where he quotes Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal regarding the eyebrows and electrolysis that they aren't considered "shaving" )
The prevalent minhag is to not give haircuts to children under Bar/Bas Mitzvah during Sefira, unless absolutely necessary.
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh, April 24 2009 (Double Portion L'Kavod Shabbos Kodesh) Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh 1)It is forbidden to dance during Sefira, as it will lead to too much Simcha in this period of mourning. (See Mogen Avraham 493:1 and Mishna Berura 4893:3)
It is also forbidden to play or listen to musical instruments during Sefira. (See Aruch HaShulchan 493:2 and Shu"t Minchas Yitzchok Vol. 1 Siman 111) 2) Though some people are lenient with regard to listening to music that isn't live (such as on a CD), the majority of Poskim forbid that as well as the end result (the fact that it will lead to extra Simcha) is the same.
Even those who rely on the lenient Psak should refrain from listening to tapes or CD's that contain very lively dance music. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 1 Siman 166, Shu"t Yechaveh Da'as Vol. 6 Siman 34 and Shu"t Tzitz Eliezer Vol. 15 Siman 33:2) Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) It is permissible to sing during Sefira. However, one should not sing lively songs that may lead to dancing. (Psak of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal)
If one is passively listening to music with no intention to bring him/herself to Simcha (e.g. while in a doctor's waiting room, in a store or in another public place where music is playing) it is permitted to remain there, as it isn't his/her intention to listen to the music.
If one is exercising and needs music for the rhythm, it is permissible, as it isn't being done for Simcha. (Psak of Rav Shmuel Felder Shlita, Dayan in Lakewood, NJ)
2) Listening to Cantorial recordings (Chazanus) where the musical accompaniment is only as background, and isn't part of the music, is permitted.
Likewise, children's story tapes that have musical background are permitted, even when there are adults present who will hear it. (See V'Yevarech Dovid Orach Chaim Siman 65)
If music is necessary to calm and/or control small children (e.g. a musical mobile for an infant, or even a music tape in the car on long trips) it is permitted. However, it should not be played very loud that people outside, who do not know the reason you are playing it, will hear it. (Psak of Rav Shmuel Felder Shlita)
Halachos for Sunday, April 26 2009 1) There is a discussion amongst the Poskim regarding if one may recite the Bracha of "SheHechiyanu V'Kiyimanu LaZman Hazeh" during Sefira, or is it like during the three weeks (when we mourn the Churban) when this Bracha is not said.
The Mishna Berura (493:2) maintains that if one finds him/herself in a situation that calls for the recital of SheHechiyanu, they may indeed make the Bracha. (Some Poskim deduce from the Mishna Berura's language that he held that one should try not to find him/herself in such a situation, if possible. Other Poskim argue and maintain that it can be recited L'Chatchilah, as the mourning of Sefira is not as stringent as the mourning over the Bais HaMikdash that we do in the 3 weeks before Tisha B'Av.)
2) Although there is no real Halachic source in the Gemara, Shulchan Aruch or in the early Poskim to prohibit the recital of SheHechiaynu, some people do in fact have the custom not to recite it based on kabalistic reasons.
One who indeed has this minhag should continue keeping to it. As with everything, a Rav should be consulted for Halacha L'Ma'aseh. (See Sefer Likutei Maharich for further sources about this.) Halachos for Monday, April 27 2009 1) Some people have the custom not to wear new clothing during Sefira. This custom, too, has no real source in Halacha, and most likely developed from a misapplied comparison to the prohibition of wearing new clothing during the 3 weeks. (See Shu"t Yabia Omer Vol. 3 Siman 26)
If one does indeed have this custom in his/her family for many generations, they should abide by it. However, if this isn't the custom in your family, new clothing may be worn. (See Sefer Bain Pesach L'Shavuos Chapter 16 footnote 1 near the end what he quotes from the Yosef Ometz Siman 845 and 848 to explain why certain communities had this custom, and why it doesn't apply to everyone)
2) Even those whose custom it is not to wear new clothing during Sefira may purchase new clothing in Sefira.
Additionally those who avoid wearing new clothing only avoid significant articles of clothing (such as a suit or dress and the like) but not other articles (such as socks, undergarments, shirts etc.). Also, dressing children in new clothing, is treated more leniently even by those who themselves avoid new clothing. (See Shu"t Vayevarech Dovid Siman 59. See also Leket Yosher page 98 regarding shoes) Halachos for Tuesday, April 28 2009 1)It is permitted to move into a newly rented apartment during Sefira.
Although not halachically prohibited, there are those that refrain from moving into a newly built/bought home that they own, as this leads to extra Simcha. However, those who are not stringent in this have on whom to rely.
2) If some significant items (such as furniture) are moved into the home prior to Sefira, then according to everyone there is no issue of moving into the home during Sefira, as the initial Simcha of the new home has passed. (See Shu"t Yechaveh Da'as Vol. 3 Siman 30 and Sefer Hilchos Chag B'Chag, Pesach, page 58 in the name of Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv shlita and Rav Chaim Kanievsky shlita)
One who moves into a new home, may celebrate a "Chanukas Habayis" during Sefira. It is best to speak words of Torah at this celebration to render it a Seudas Mitzvah. Singing is also allowed, but no music. (Psak of Rav Ovadia Yoseph Shlita)
Please Note: The Halachos on this website are based on my personal understanding of the Halachic texts quoted, and are for learning purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha. DO NOT rely on them for Psak Halacha L'Maaseh. If you have questions or require further source information ,please email me the question and I will try to respond as soon as I can. For a Halacha L'Ma'aseh Psak, please contact your local Orthodox Rabbi. Thank you. | |
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