Community Magazine September 2011

62 COmmuNItY mAGAZINe 8 WHAT IF THE NEAREST MINYAN IS MORE THAN 18 MINUTES FROM ONE’S HOME? Even though according to most poskim one is always exempt from traveling more than 18 minutes for a minyan , there are some poskim who maintain that a person who lives in a town with a synagogue must attend the minyan there even if it is situated more than 18 minutes from his home (as long as it is within 72 minutes of traveling). It is only if one must leave his city and travel more than 18 minutes, that he may potentially be exempt from attending the minyan . 9 CAN ONE SKIP PRAYER WITH A MINYAN FOR AN IMPORTANT BUSINESS MEETING? The poskim write that one may miss praying with a minyan to avoid a significant financial loss, but not for the purpose of financial gain. To illustrate this halacha , the poskim tell a story involving a certain sadik who worked as a diamond dealer: Once, on the way to Shaharit , this man was approached by another dealer who wished to sell him some diamonds for an exceptionally low price. The sadik refused to discuss the offer until after he finished praying Shaharit with a minyan . In the meantime, the merchant sold the diamonds to another dealer who netted an enormous profit. When the sadik heard this, he was rejoiced and thanked Hashem for the opportunity to sacrifice such a large potential financial gain to fulfill the missva of praying with a minyan . Our sages conclude that one who ensures not to compromise prayer with a minyan will always have the parnasa (livelihood) he needs and will enjoy much success in his professional endeavors. 10 WHERE AND WHEN SHOULD ONE PRAY IF IS UNABLE TO JOIN A MINYAN? The Shulhan Aruch writes that even when one cannot pray with a minyan , he should at least pray at the same time that his minyan is praying so that his tefilot will (to some extent) join the prayers of the minyan . Additionally, one should always attempt to pray in a kinees (even without a minyan ), because it is a place of kedusha (holiness) and therefore one’s tefilot will be accepted more easily. The Top 10 Questions & Answers on Customs and Laws Praying with a Minyan Help people in need. Donate your car, boat or RV FREE 3 day vacation to over 80 destinations Free Towing Tax Deductible Call Toll-Free 1-866-981-3670 Jewish Rabbi Raphael Monczyk Program Director 845-290-9927 • www.LearningTorahOnVacation.com or Email: TorahOnVacation@gmail.com For the Perfect Succot In Jerusalem “Learning Torah On Vacation” Gemara • Mishnayot • Navi • Halacha Kriat Ha’Torah • Or Any Other Topic That Might Interest You will enable adults and children alike, to experience the special kedusha of learning Torah in Israel while ensuring one keeps up with their studies. • Customized Program For Your Child • Staffed By Professional Rebbeim • We Work With Your Schedule • Satisfaction Guaranteed! AVAILABLE ALL YEAR LONG!!!