Community Magazine April 2012

Jamileh tMa a Coe .. The Halachot and customs listed here are not presented in any particular order. These summaries represent a very brief overview of the subject matter to promote general awareness and encourage further study. As always, readers should consult their rabbi with specific queries. 7 MAY ONE GO SHOPPING FOR CLOTHING ON HOL HAMO’ED? Shopping for holiday needs on hol hamo’ed is permitted. If there is something available for purchase at a sale price which will not be available after the conclusion of the holiday, one may purchase it during hol hamo’ed. Likewise, one may make a return to prevent a monetary loss. However, it is inappropriate to shop for pleasure, and some even consider it inadvisable to window shop, on hol hamo’ed. 8 IS LAUNDERING GARMENTS PERMITTED ON HOL HAMO’ED? The sages forbade laundering clothing on hol hamo’ed, even if one’s clothing became soiled during the festival (Shulhan Aruch, Or Hahayim 534; 1). However, since children (up until about age 5) soil their clothing frequently, the sages permitted laundering children’s clothing on hol hamo’ed if their supply proves to be insufficient. Once one is washing a child’s clothing, he may include a liberal amount of the child’s garments since it is difficult to anticipate exactly how many will be needed for the holiday. However, one may not add adult clothing to a load of children’s clothing. If an adult runs out of any particular garment, including socks and undergarments, it is preferable to purchase new ones rather than do laundry. However, if the adult does not have the means with which to purchase new garments, he may wash what he has. Spot cleaning to remove a stain is permitted on hol hamo’ed by many authorities (Rav Moshe Feinstein, Piskei Halachot 10). 9 MAY ONE SHAVE OR GET A HAIRCUT ON HOL HAMO’ED? In order to properly honor the festival, one should cut his hair before yom tov (Shulhan Aruch 531;1). To ensure that one would not delay these preparations until hol hamo’ed, the sages prohibited haircuts on hol hamo’ed. Even if a person groomed himself properly before yom tov, he may not cut his hair or shave on hol hamo’ed, according to most authorities, unless his job would otherwise be jeopardized. Trimming a mustache is permitted (ibid. 531;8), and the halachic authorities tend to rule more leniently regarding women cutting/shaving or waxing hair. Cutting hair for medical purposes (preparation for stitches or treatment for lice) is permitted (Mishnah Berura 531;21). 10 CAN MAKEUP BE APPLIED ON HOL HAMO’ED? There is no prohibition against applying makeup on hol hamo’ed. Just in time for Sefer Vayikra! Volume 2 of the highly acclaimed Salt was and continues to be used as a food preservative as well as an ingredient to enhance flavor. In Sefer Vayikra, salt is repeatedly discussed as an integral component in korbanos . The second volume of the highly acclaimed Dorash Dovid, on Vayikra, Bamidbar and Devarim brings an infusion of intellectual seasoning to the words of the Torah that will nourish your soul and challenge your mind. In this unique work, Rav Dovid Hofstedter, Nasi of the internationally acclaimed Torah organization Dirshu, helps you analyze parshios , events and commandments in order to discern the depth of the Torah’s message. Available in Judaica stores nationwide or direct from the distributor, Israel Book Shop 888-536-7427 Also Newly Released: Hebrew Dorash Dovid on Moadim 3 Volume Hebrew set on the entire Chumash also available BottomLineMarketingGroup:718.377.4567 NEW! NISAN 5772 APRIL 2012 49