Math

If this occurs during the day of Shabbath, one should say the verses of the Qiddush before Netilath Yadayim (washing one's hands) for the meal, without the blessing on the wine. One should then have in mind that the blessing on the bread is in place of the Qiddush, in the same way that one does it whenever one recites Qiddush over bread.

Even in a case where one was under the impression that something was a major transgression, but later on found out that it was a Humra (stringency that some have accepted upon themselves), it is not considered to be a Neder. Therefore, in this case also, no annulment of vows is needed.

Eating the Meal Immediately After Qiddush

Friday, August 9, 2013/Elul 3, 5773

After reciting the Qiddush, one should not delay, but should wash one's hands right away, and sit down to eat the meal. If one delays the meal for some time, one will not have fulfilled one's obligation of Qiddush. If, however, when reciting the Qiddush, one had the intention of eating a meal there, immediately after the Qiddush, but for some reason, was delayed before eating the meal, one will have fulfilled one's obligation of Qiddush.

The Ohr Hahayyim tells us that this Parasha is hinting to us here that we have an obligation to return all the lost souls, who have strayed far from the paths of the Torah. We must not ignore them, but must try to bring them back to the right path and close to their Father in Heaven. In Dibrei Mordekhai it adds that, in general, an animal will always find its way back to its owner's home. But we should not rely on that and should perform the commandment ourselves.

The Hattarath Nedarim that is in the Siddurim spells out that we do not regret the good deeds that we did, but only regret the fact that we did not stipulate that this was Beli Neder.

Shoftim: You Shall Be Perfect

Thursday, August 8, 2013/Elul 2, 5773[/br]
תמים תהיה עם ה' א' "You shall be perfect with the L-rd your G-d" (Debarim 18:13). One should not question the attributes of G-d, even in one's heart. When it says that you shall be perfect with the L-rd your G-d, it comes to tell us that even when it comes to thoughts, that no one knows, except G-d who is the One who examines our hearts, we must be perfect. Another explanation is that the letter "ת" (Taw) of the word Tamim is larger. This comes to hint at Talmud. Talmud Torah (studying Torah) is great because it leads us to the performance of the commandments. The larger letter comes to stress the importance of studying Torah.

When annulling vows and oaths before Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, a husband may annul them on behalf of his wife.

Which Child Should Hold the Candle?

Monday, August 19, 2013/Elul 13, 5773



13th Elul, is the day of the passing of M"R Hakham Yosef Hayyim, zy'a"a, the Ben Ish Hai. When Hakham Yosef Hayyim, 'a"h, was about eight years old, he and his sister were arguing as to who should hold the candle for the Habdalah on Saturday night. Their father, Hakham Eliyahu Hayyim, 'a"h, turned to his young son Yosef and told him that if his reason for holding the candle was for mere pleasure, then his sister should take precedence, because she was the younger one. If, on the other hand, it was because he had a deeper understanding of the meaning of Habdalah, then he could be the one to hold it.

Can a Relative Annul Vows?

Wednesday, August 7, 2013/Elul 1, 5773

Annulling vows (Hattarath Nedarim), must be done by a Beth Din of three men. Even though a Beth Din ordinarily may not include relatives of the one appearing before them, annulling vows is different. Since no judgment is actually passed, the three who are sitting to annul the vows, may include a relative of the one who is requesting that his vow be annulled.

This applies to annulments done on behalf of an individual. If it is for the congregation, however, the annulment may be done on Shabbath, even if it is not for the purpose of Shabbath. This is because the entire community gathers in the Synagogue on Shabbath and the annulment can take place. If it would not be done on Shabbath, the people would not come during the week and the annullment could not take place.

The Shekhinah and the Ben Ish Hai's Voice

Sunday, August 18, 2013/Elul 12, 5773

During the four special Shabbathoth (Shabbath Shubah, Haggadol, Zakhor & Kallah), the Ben Ish Hai, Hakham Yoseph Hayyim, 'a"h,  had the Zekhuth to be the only Hakham in his city of Baghdad, to give a Derasha. He would stand there speaking, while wearing his Tallith Gadol (Sissith), for approximately four hours. This took place in the "Slat Il Kbiri" (the Great Synagogue). According to some reports, as many as 10,000 people would assemble inside and around the Synagogue, to hear him. His Derashoth were a combination of homilies, stories and Halakha. When he spoke, his voice would resonate throughout the Synagogue. Even in old age, the enormous crowd could hear his voice.

Making an Oath Not to Keep a Commandment

Rabbi Ya'aqob Menashe

If one makes an oath (Shebu'ah), not to keep a commandment specified in the Torah, such as Sissith (ציצית), Tefillin (תפלין), or Massah (מצה), it is considered a Torah transgression, because it was an oath that was made in vain. As such, one is still obligated to perform the commandment.