Reference of Measurements in Halacha and Chinuch: Difference between pages

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Every father has an obligation to educate his children to fulfill mitzvot, even before they reach the age of [[Bar Mitzvah]]/Bat Mitzvah. The age at which this obligation begins varies according to the Mitzvah. Below are the details of this Mitzvah
There are many different [[measurements]] used in the Torah and classical Rabbinic Seforim, which are important for daily living. An example is the specific amount of wine that [[Kiddush]] is made on: One [[Revi'it]]. If one doesn't know how much a [[Revi'it]] is, how can one fulfill the Mitzvah properly?
==D’Orayta or D’Rabanan?==
The modern day equivalents for many Hebrew [[measurements]] are discussed below.
The Mitzvah of Chinuch - to teach Torah to our children - is clearly a Mitzvah D’Orayta as explicitly stated: V’shinantam L’vanecha.<ref>Devarim 6 pasuk 7</ref> However, is the Mitzvah of chinuch - to instruct children to begin performing Mitzvot before they are of the age of Mitzvot - a mitzva D’Orayata or D’Rabanan?
In addition, discussed below are many Halachic times which also matter for everyday use. 
==Kezayit==
# According to Ashkenazim, all sizes are measured in volume and not weight.<Ref> Mishna Brurah 456:3, Vezot HaBracha (pg 6) </ref> However, according to Sephardim the actual halacha is that measures are in volume but the minhag is to follow the measures in weight. <ref>See Yalkut Yosef (Klalei [[Brachot]] pg 195-202) discusses this at length. However, see Or Letzion (Vol. 3, Introduction) who argues that the custom to use weight is only for foods which have similar density to water, but for other foods (like Matza) one would use volume. </ref>
# There’s a dispute in the Rishonim whether the [[Kezayit]] (olive size) is a half or third of a [[KeBaytzah]] (egg size), and regarding [[Bracha Achrona]] and Deoritta Mitzvot, the halacha follows the opinion that a [[Kezayit]] is half a KeBeytzah. <Ref>
* Mishna Brurah 486:1 writes that the Tosfot holds a [[Kezayit]] is half of a KeBeitzah with the shell and the Rambam holds it is a third of a KeBeitzah (see Tosfot (Yoma 80b s.v. Agav), Rambam (Eiruvin 1:9)). S”A 486 rules like Tosfot. Rav Avraham Chaim Noeh (Shiurei Torah 3:12) argues that Tosfot holds half a KeBeitzah without the shell.
* What's the halacha? Mishna Brurah 486:1 rules that for Deoritta Mitzvot and [[Bracha Achrona]], one should eat the size of half a KeBeitzah, but for Derabbanan Mitzvot, one third suffices. He adds that since one has to make a Bracha on [[maror]], one should eat half a KeBeitzah.
* Chazon Ish 39:17 decided that we could be lenient like the Rambam. see below for an exact amount according to Chazon Ish </ref>
# According to Rav Chaim Noeh, the [[Kezayit]] for Deoritta measures (eating [[Matzah]]) and [[Bracha Achrona]] is 27cc. The Chazon Ish’s opinion is that the [[Kezayit]] is 33.3 grams (1.3 oz). <ref>
* The Tzlach (Pesachim 116b) holds that the modern day eggs are half the size of those in the days of Chazal. However, Rav Noeh (Shiurei Torah Shaar 3) argues that the modern day eggs have not changed from the days of Chazal. Mishna Brurah 486:1 writes that for the mitzvah deoraitta of [[matza]], one should follow the stringent view of the Tzlach. see Rav Shlomo Wahrman (Orot Haesach 28) who explains why there is no need to say that the eggs have shrunk since the times of the Gemara. see also Maaseh Rav 74, where it says that the Gra accepted the position of the Tzlach.
* Practically, how much is a [[Kezayit]]?
**(1) Rav Chaim Noeh in Shiurei Torah (3:11, pg 191, 5707) writes that for Deoritta Mitzvot one should eat 28.8cc, however, in Shiurei Tzion (p. 70, 5709) he writes that it is 27cc. Vezot HaBracha (Birur Halacha 1) explains that Rav Chaim Noeh retracted from his original ruling.
**(2) Rav Chaim Kanievsky in Shiurin Shel Torah (p. 66) quotes the Chazon Ish that a [[Kezayit]] is 2/3 of a modern egg and an egg can possibly be up to 55cc. Therefore, Vezot HaBracha (Birur Halacha 1) writes that the Chazon Ish holds that 33.3cc is a [[Kezayit]]. The Chazon Ish's opinion of [[Kezayit]] is partially based on the opinion of the Tzlach. see also Chazon Ish in Hilchot [[Shabbat]] 39.
**(3) Vezot HaBracha (Birur Halacha 1) quotes Haggadat Kol Dodi which quotes Rav Moshe Feinstein as saying that a [[Kezayit]] is 31.2cc. [However, Rabbi Bodner in Halachos of K’zayis (p. 24) writes that Rav Dovid Feinstein told him that Rav Moshe never measured the eggs himself and it was his student who calculated 1.1oz, but that if his calculations were more precise he should use those. Therefore, Rabbi Bodner rules, based on his own calculations, that a [[Kezayit]] is 27.2cc.]
**(4) Rav Mordechai Willig ([http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/760487/Rabbi_Mordechai_I_Willig/How_Much_Matza_Do_You_Need_to_Eat Pesach To-Go, Nisan 5771], p. 60) is of the opinion that the size in volume of a kezayis is 22.5 cubic centimeters.</ref>
## The minhag of the world and many other authorities is to follow Rav Chaim Noeh’s opinion. <Ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 6, Birur 1, pg 221) quotes Rav Elyashiv and Rav Shlomo Zalman saying that for [[Bracha Achrona]] the widely accepted measurement of the [[Kezayit]] is according to Rav Chaim Noeh. Vezot HaBracha also mentions that such is the minhag of the world. </ref>
# If one ate between a third and a half a [[KeBaytzah]] one should not make a Bracha achrona because of safek [[Brachot]]. Therefore, one should have less than a third and not make a Bracha achrona or more than a half and make a Bracha achrona. <Ref> Mishna Brurah 486:1 </ref>
# On Mitzvot Deoritta such as eating [[Matzah]] one must be strict to hold a [[Kezayit]] is a half a [[KeBaytzah]]. However, regarding מצות Derabbanan it’s preferable to hold that a [[Kezayit]] is a half a kebaytzah, however, one may rely on the opinion that a [[Kezayit]] is a third a kebaytzah. <Ref> Mishna Brurah 486:1 </ref>
# One needs to make sure that he does not count air in the food as part of the shiur of kezayis. If one has a food that is hollow, a kezayis of that food is considered when the food would be pressed.<ref> Rama 486:1 </ref>


==Kedi Achilat Pras==
#Rav Schneur Zalman of Liadi says that it is clearly a mitzvah D’rabanan because it is never mentioned in the Torah.  <ref>Shulchun Aruch Harav Y.D. 246:1. see Sefer Chinuch Yisrael (p. 59) writes that Chinuch is a rabbinical Mitzvah, and quotes the Chaye Adam (66:1) who writes that this is a Mitzvah Midivrei Kabbalah (institution of the Nevi'im).</ref>
# See [[Kedi Achilat Pras]] (the time in which a [[Kezayit]] is considered eaten together)
#However, Rav Meir Simchah of Dvinsk disagrees, citing Bereshit  “For I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him”<ref>Bereshit Perek 18 pasuk 19 </ref> which he interprets to mean that Avraham was commanded to teach his household and children to perform the Mitzvot. This, however, is a general Mitzvah to teach children to appreciate Mitzvot. The Mitzvah to teach a child to perform each individual Mitzvah is D’Rabanan.<ref>Meshakh Ḥochmah Genesis 18:19 </ref>
#According to Rav  Soloveitchik, although teaching children the Mitzvot is D’Rabanan, the Mitzvah of Chinuch is modeled after the biblical commandment of Sippur Yitziat Mitzrayim. This commandment to retell the story of our ancestors is extended, and, while there is a special commandment to tell over the story of Egypt, we must retell all of the Torah and Mitzvot to our children using all of the educational methods we follow in Sippur Yitziat Mitzrayim. <ref>Benjamin Zimmerman, The Educational Experience of Sippur Yitziat Mizrayim </ref>


==KeBaytzah==
==At What Age?==
# According to Rav Chaim Noeh, the [[KeBaytzah]] is 55cc, and according to the Chazon Ish, it is 100cc. <ref>Vezot HaBracha pg 6 </ref>


==Amah, Tefach, Etzbah==
#The general age of when one starts to do mitzvos, is when the parents think that this child is mature enough to fulfill the whole mitzvah, even with its more complicated parts. <ref>See the examples on Sukkah 42a and Sukkah 28a</ref>
# According to Rav Moshe Feinstein, the [[Amah]] is 21.25 inches (53.98 centimeters), the [[Tefach]] is 3.54 inches (9.00 centimeters), and the Etzbah is 0.89 inches (2.25 centimeters). <ref> Sh”t Igrot Moshe O”C 1:136. writes that the [[Amah]] is 21.25 inches and one can be strict to hold that it is 23 inches. </ref>
#The age of chinuch depends on the child's individual intelligence. Usually the age when a child is intelligent enough for mitzvos is 5 or 6 years of age. <ref>Mishnah Berurah 128:123.</ref>
# According to Rav Chaim Noeh, the [[Amah]] is 18.90 inches (48 centimeters), the [[Tefach]] is 3.15 inches (8 centimeters), and the Etzbah is 0.79 inches (2 centimeters) <ref>Shiurei Torah (by Rav Chaim Noeh, Siman 3 Seif 25 pg 249) </ref>
##For Shabbat some say that the age of chinuch begins at age 4 or 5.<ref>Muktzeh: A Practical Guide (Rabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen p. 138)</ref>
# According to the Chazon Ish, the [[Amah]] is 24 inches (60.96 centimeters), the [[Tefach]] is 4 inches (10.16 centimeters), and the Etzbah is 1 inch (2.54 centimeters). <ref> Shiurin shel Torah (pg 3) by the Steipler quoting the Chazon Ish but admitting that these are approximate measures because of the need to publicize the measures but not an accurate calculation. </ref>
#There are some mitzvos in which parents start training their children even before five years of age. But some mitzvos can be more complicated and parents should wait until children are older to train them.<ref>Mishnah Berurah 128:123 </ref>
==Mil==
#A child can make several mistakes before they can begin to execute the mitzvah properly. But if one does make a mistake trying to execute the mitzvah, the parents should not get frustrated with their kid and instead should encourage them to try again. <ref>Mishnah Berurah 343:3</ref>
# When [[Mil]] is given in terms of time, some consider it 18 minutes, some 22.5 minutes, and some 24 minutes. <ref>Shulchan Aruch 459:2 writes that the [[mil]] is 18 minutes. Rama 261:1 agrees. Beiur Halacha 459:2 s.v. Haviy quotes some who consider it 22.5 minutes and others who say that it is 24 minutes.</ref>
# When [[Mil]] is given in terms of distance it is equal to 2000 [[Amot]]. <ref>Rashi Yoma 67a s.v. shivah and Tosfot Shabbat 34b s.v. safek write that a mil is 2000 amot. Shulchan Aruch 261:2 writes that 3/4 of a [[mil]] is equal to 1500 [[amot]], implying a [[mil]] is 2000 [[amot]]. [http://www.yeshiva.org.il/midrash/shiur.asp?id=15883#3b Rabbi Melamed on yeshiva.org.il] writes that a [[mil]] is 2000 [[amot]].</ref>


==Revi'it==
==Who is obligated in Chinuch?==
# A [[Reviyit]] is a [[KeBaytzah]] and a half.<Ref>Mishna Brurah 486:1 </ref> Therefore, Rav Chaim Noeh holds that the [[Reviyit]] is 86 grams (3 oz),<ref>Shiurei Tzion (p. 69)</ref> the Chazon Ish holds that the [[Reviyit]] is 150 grams (5.3 oz).<ref> Rav Chaim Kanievsky in Shiurin Shel Torah (p. 66) according to the rulings of the Chazon Ish </ref>, and some quote Rav Moshe as saying the [[Reviyit]] is 3.3 oz.<ref>Vezot HaBracha (Birur Halacha 1) quotes Haggadat Kol Dodi which quotes Rav Moshe Feinstein as saying that a [[Reviyit]] is 3.3 oz.</ref>
# With regards to drinking [[the four cups of wine]], see the [[Required Amount of Matzah and Wine for the Seder]] page.


==Kedi Shtiyat Reviyit==
*There is a machloket in the commentaries regarding whether the mitzvah of chinuch is for the parent or the child.
# See [[Kedi Shtiyat Reviyit]] (the time in which a [[Reviyit]] is considered drunk together)
==Prutah==
# A [[prutah]] is 1/40 of a gram of silver (which is about a few cents). However, the [[prutah]] with regards to the mitzvah of returning a lost object is discussed [[Returning_Lost_Objects#Worth_a_Prutah| here]]. <ref> S”A CM 88:1 says a [[prutah]] is a half of a pearl of barley. Shiurei Torah (Rav Chaim Noeh pg 177) and Shiurei HaMitzvot (Chazon Ish pg 65) say a [[prutah]] is 1/40 of a gram of silver (which currently is about 2.3 cents). Halachos of [[Chanukah]] (Rabbi Shimon Eider, pg 38) quotes Rav Moshe Feinstein saying that a [[prutah]] is 2 or 3 cents and not just one penny. See Halachos of Other People’s Money (Rabbi Bodner pg 150) who quotes Rav Moshe regarding a [[prutah]] for the mitzvah of returning a lost object. </ref>


==Toch Kedi Dibbur==
#The book of  Mishlei says that one should teach his child in a manner which will stick with him forever: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Rashi comments on this pasuk saying that depending on what you teach him those lessons will affect him the rest of his life. This means that the parent has the responsibility to teach the child life lessons. This belief would suggest that chinuch is a mitzvah for the father, because he is the one who will have the ability to affect his child's future.<ref>Mishlei (22:6) and Rashi there as cited in ShortVort written by D. Fine. Ritva Sukkah 2b s.v. amar rabbi yehuda and Mishna Brurah 343:2 cite Mishlei as the source for chinuch. </ref>
# [[Kedi Dibbur]] is the time it takes to say Shalom Alecha Rebbe. <ref>Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (Klalim s.v. Kedi)</ref>
#Some rishonim hold that the son isn't obligated in mitzvot at all and it is only father who is obligated to train his son in mitzvot.<ref>Rashi (Brachot 20a s.v. ketanim), Ran (Megillah 6b s.v. rabbi yehuda) citing the Ramban, Ritva (Megillah 19b s.v. hakol), Tosfot Bava Kama 87a s.v. vkein</ref> However, others hold that the child himself is rabbinically obligated in mitzvot.<ref>Tosfot (Megillah 19b s.v. vrabbi yehuda), Tosfot (Brachot 20a s.v. vketanim), Rashba (Brachot 20a s.v. nashim)</ref>
# [[Toch Kedi Dibbur]] is less than the time it takes to say Shalom Alecha Rebbe.<ref>Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (Klalim s.v. Kedi)</ref>
#While the majority of the Poskim hold that Chinuch only applies to the father, some say it also applies to the mother. <ref>Mishna Brurah 343:2, Sefer Chinuch Yisrael (p. 61). See further in the Magen Avraham 343, Shulchan Aruch HaRav 343, Mishna Brurah 616:5, Aruch HaShulchan 343, and Pri Megadim E"A 225:5.


==Kdei Aniva==
*The Gemara Nazir 28b writes that there is only an idea of a father training his son in being a nazir and not a mother. Reish Lakish understands that this is an example of chinuch. Tosfot Yeshanim (Yoma 82a s.v. ben) explicitly holds that there is no chinuch for a mother. Aruch Lener Sukkah 2b agrees. Ritva (Sukkah 2b s.v. amar rabbi yehuda) assumes that there is chinuch for a mother.</ref>
# There are several opinions about how long Kdei Aniva is, however, one doesn't need to be strict to consider it to be longer than 2 gudalin. <ref>How long is kdei aniva? There’s several opinions about this topic:
* Smag- long enough to loop around all the rest of the 7 strings.  
* Chayei Adam, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 9:13- 4 gudalin, Beiur Halacha: 2 gudalin, Eliya Rabba (paskening like Rif and Rosh)- long enough to loop around just 1 string (very short).
* The Beiur Halacha concludes that there’s no need to be strict for more than 2 gudalin. And he says if you have no choice, you can rely on the Eliya Rabba. see [http://ph.yhb.org.il/07-08-11/ Peninei Halacha] </ref>
# How long is the shiur of 2 godlin in practical terms? Chazon Ish : 5 cm, Rav Chaim Naeh: 4 cm. Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (comments to Kitzur 9:13) writes that Kedi Anivah is 4 cm.


==Shaot Zmaniot==
==How Completely Must the Mitzvah Be Performed?==
# [[Shaot Zmaniot]] are halachic hours which are calculated by dividing the daytime hours into 12. There’s a dispute of how to measure the day; some count the day from Olot HaShachar until [[Tzet HaKochavim]] (Magen Avraham) <ref>Many authorities holds that the halachic hours in the day are considered from Olot including: Sh”t Trumat HaDeshen 1, Levush 267, Minchat Cohen (Mevoh Shemesh 2:6) in name of Tosfot Ramban and Rashba, Bach (431), Taz 433, Pri [[Chadash]] 443, Magen Avraham 58:1, 433:3, Eliyah Raba 58:2, Mizbe’ach Adama 4a, Mikraeh Kodesh 158b, Mateh Yehuda 433, Sh”t Chaim Shal 2:38(70), Tov Ayin 18:38, Sh”t Teshuva MaAhava 1:25, Shalmei Tzibbur 93c, Chesed Alafim 58:5, Chaye Adam 21:3,27:1, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 17:1, Magen Giborim (Shiltei Hagiborim 58:3), and Rav Poalim O”C 2:2. </ref>, and some count it from [[HaNetz]] until [[Shekiah]] (Gra).<ref>Many authorities hold that the halachic hours of the day are considered to begin from [[HaNetz]] incluing: Rambam’s Sh”t Pear Hadar 44 (as understood by Halacha Brurah (Shaar Tzion 58:17), Rav Chaim Drok (Noam 9 pg 235), and Orot Chaim 320 against the Yetsiat Mitzmayim (Sefaka Deyoa pg 115)), Siddur Rav Sadyah Goan pg 12, Minchat Cohen Mevoh Hashemesh 2:6 in name of Goanim, Rambam, Rabbenu Yonah, Hagahot Maimon, and Mordechai (Pri [[Chadash]] rejects his proofs), Shiltei Hagiborim on the Mordechai ([[Brachot]] 4:3) (as understood by Magen Avraham 233:3, Shaar Tzion 233:10, and Kaf HaChaim 233:7), Levush (233:1,267), Shaarei Knesset Hagedolah 58:8, Tosfot [[Yom Tov]] (Pesachim 2:3), and Biur HaGra 459:2.</ref>
## According to Sephardim, regarding Deoritta laws (including [[Kriyat Shema]]) one should be strict for the opinion of the Magen Avraham. <ref>  In conclusion, Minchat Cohen (Mevoh Hashemesh 2:9), Erech HaShulchan 433, Halichot Olam (vol 1, Vaera 3), and Yalkut Yosef (vol 1, pg 98) write that one should be strict for the opinion of the Magen Avraham for Deoritta issues, for example [[Kriyat Shema]]. </ref>
## Among Ashkenazim, some are strict to hold like the Magen Avraham, unless there is an serious need, in which case one may hold like the Gra. <ref>Rabbi Yechiel Michel Tukachinsky in Sefer Eretz Yisrael (pg 18#3) writes that the minhag of [[Israel]] is to follow the magen avraham and only under pressure may one rely on the Gra.</ref>However, some are lenient to rely on the Gra. <ref>[http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/728553/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Shiur_on_Zmanim_in_Halacha Rav Hershel Schachter on yutorah.org] (min 77-79) says that many follow the opinion of the Gra in calculating the time for Sof [[Kriyat Shema]]. </ref>
==Olot HaShachar==
# Many rishonim hold that [[Olot HaShachar]] is 72 minutes before sunrise on a perfect day in Jerusalem which is equivalent to when the sun is 16 degrees below the horizon for everywhere in the world, however, others hold that [[Olot HaShachar]] is 90 minutes on a perfect day which is 19.78 degrees below the horizon. <ref>
* Sefer Zmanim KeHilchatam (Rabbi Berstein, pg 347) writes that 72 minutes on a perfect day in Jerusalem is equal to when the sun is 16 degrees below the horizon and 90 minutes is equal to 19.78 degrees below the horizon. He personally rules that one should be strict for both of these opinions for Deoritta halachas and those derabbanan halachas where safek is lechumra. He tries to prove that this is the opinion of the Mishna Brurah (92:3, Beiur Halacha 163:1 s.v. Berachok). However, he totally rejects the opinion that [[Olot HaShachar]] is 120 minutes before sunrise.
* He also quotes Rabbi Tukachinsky who held like the opinion of 90 minutes.
* [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/728553/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Shiur_on_Zmanim_in_Halacha Rav Hershel Schachter on yutorah.org] (min 65-7) says that we assume that [[Olot HaShachar]] depends on degrees below horizon and the specific times vary according to one’s location. Similarly, [http://www.ou.org/webcast_kosher Rav Yisrael Belsky] (OU Kosher Webcast, 2011, min 19-21) mentioned in passing that [[Olot HaShachar]] is assumed to be 72 minutes before sunrise, varying according to the longitude and latitude. </ref>


==MeSheyakir==
*The obligation of chinuch is for a father to train his son to do mitzvot, before he is required. The question that arises is: can a father fulfill his obligation by training his children to learn the basics of the mitzvah or must a father teach his son to perform the mitzvot perfectly. There are many different views on how a father should approach this issue.
# There is a wide range of opinions precisely when Misheyakir occurs in Jerusalem on a perfect day, when there is exactly 12 daylight hours and every seasonal hour consists of 60 minutes. The three opinions include: 35 minutes before sunrise,<ref>Rav Moshe Feinstein in Le-Torah ve-Hora'ah Vol. 3:7 and in Iggeros Moshe OC 4:6 holds of 35 minutes. Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky in Emes liyaakov OC 58:1 rules that it is 36 minutes before sunrise. Zmanei Halacha LeMaaseh (pg 19) holds of 40 minutes before sunrise. </ref> 60 minutes before sunrise,<ref>Rav Tukaczinsky in Sefer Eretz Yisrael 1:4 (pg 18), Kaf HaChaim 18:18, Sh"t Binyan Tzion 2:16 hold of 60 minutes before sunrise. Nivreshet (vol 1, pg 43) holds of 52 minutes.</ref> and 66 minutes before sunrise.<ref>Rav Ovadya Yoseh in Yechave Daat 2:8</ref>
# The various opinions would then have to be extrapolated according to the region of the world and time of year.<ref>
* There are two factors at work here: First, the processes of daybreak and nightfall occur faster at places near the equator than places further away from the equator. Second, the speed of these processes are also affected by the seasons. 
* A common solution would be to use seasonal minutes. In order to calculate a seasonal hour, one would need to add up all the daytime minutes and then divide by 12 to get the number of minutes that are in each seasonal hour. For instance, if there were 11 hours of daylight, each seasonal hour would consist of 55 minutes. To further complicate matters, there are two ways of counting the daytime minutes: The Magen Avraham counts from dawn until nightfall with the emergence of 3 stars, whereas the Gra counts from sunrise to sunset.
* Another means for calculation, which has only recently been implemented, is to compare the level of brightness by using the relative position of the sun. For instance, it has been determined that 60 minutes before sunrise on a perfect day in Jerusalem the sun is 12.9 degrees below the horizon. Therefore, if one wanted to find the equivalent time anywhere in the world during any season, he would simply determine at what time the sun will be 12.9 degrees below the horizon in that locale on that day and that would be the extrapolated Meshiyakir.</ref> Thus, according to the commonly accepted opinion that Meshiyakir is between 50 and 60 minutes before sunrise in Jerusalem - In New York, depending on the time of the year, it could be anywhere from 56-73 minutes before sunrise.<ref>MyZmanim.com. These figures are determined using MyZmanim’s earliest published position of 11.5 degrees below the horizon. Unfortunately, MyZmanim.com only offers calculations based upon 10.2 degrees, 11 degrees, and 11.5 degrees but not 12.9 degrees. It is unfortunate because 12.9 degrees correlates to Rav Tukaczinsky’s 60 minutes before sunrise which, although is a very lenient position is also well collaborated and accepted.
* [http://www.ou.org/webcast_kosher Rav Yisrael Belsky] (OU Kosher Webcast, 2011, min 21-23) mentions in passing that [[MeSheYakir]] is about 40 or 50 minutes before sunrise.
* [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/728553/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Shiur_on_Zmanim_in_Halacha Rav Hershel Schachter on yutorah.org] (min 68-70) says that Rav Moshe held [[MeSheYakir]] is between 35-40 minutes before sunrise and seems to agree with him, although he mentions that some say it’s 55 minutes before sunrise.</ref>
==HaNetz HaChama (Sunrise)==
# [[HaNetz HaChama]] is sunrise which, in general, is halachically the same as the astronomical calculation of sunrise.<ref>
* [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/728553/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Shiur_on_Zmanim_in_Halacha Rav Hershel Schachter on yutorah.org] (min 69-72) says that sunrise is the same as the sunrise calculated by the naval observatory which is when the sun begins to rise.
* [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/728553/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Shiur_on_Zmanim_in_Halacha Rav Hershel Schachter on yutorah.org] (min 72-77) says that sunset should be determined as though the mountains to the east and west are at sea level and do not block the visibility of the sun. However, the elevation of the place one is currently located is taken into consideration and if one is in a valley the sunset is a little later (less than 5 minutes) than what would have been visible. Yet, he adds, that most opinions hold that regarding sunrise both one’s location’s elevation and surrounding mountains are taken into consideration. </ref>
==Chatzot==
# [[Chatzot]] is midday and midnight, always separated by 12 hours.<ref>Mishna Brurah 1:9 writes that [[chatzot]] at night is always 12 hours after [[chatzot]] of day for any place in the world.</ref>
==Mincha Gedola==
# Mincha Gedola is six and a half halachic hours (Shaot Zmaniyot) after sunrise.<ref>Rashi (Pesachim 107a s.v. mincha gedola), Rambam (Tefillah 3:2)</ref>
==Mincha Ketana==
# Mincha Ketana is nine and a half halachic hours (Shaot Zmaniyot) after sunrise.<ref>Rashi (Pesachim 107b s.v. oh), Rambam (Tefillah 3:2)</ref>
==Shekiyah (Sunset)==
# [[Shekiyah]] is sunset which, in general, is halachically the same as the astronomical calculation of sunset. <ref>[http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/728553/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Shiur_on_Zmanim_in_Halacha Rav Hershel Schachter on yutorah.org] (min 69-72) says that sunset is the same as the sunset calculated by the naval observatory which is when the sun has completely set. </ref>
==Tzet HaKochavim (Emergence of the stars)==
# There's a major dispute when Tzet HaKochavim is: Rabbenu Tam assumes that it's about 72 minutes after [[Shekiyah]] and the Gra assumes that it's three quarters of a [[mil]] after [[Shekiyah]], varying according to one's locations. <ref>Rabbi Hershel Schachter on [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/728553/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Shiur_on_Zmanim_in_Halacha# yutorah.org (min 43-5)] explains that many practice like the Gra regarding Tzet HaKochavim on [[Motzei Shabbat]]. See Biur HaGra and Mishna Brurah 261. Pri Megadim assumes that according to Rabbenu Tam, 72 minutes is a fixed time, but Mishna Brurah writes that it varies according to one's location.</ref>


==Bein HaShemashot==
#Some examples of cases of chinuch are with a lulav and with tzitzit. While the obligation of chinuch is only fulfilled if you give your child a perfectly kosher lulav and pair of tzitzit, you don’t have to give your child lulav hadar. In addition, you also don’t have to teach your child to have kavanah while performing the mitzvah. From this, we can infer that while it is important to teach your child to not perform the mitzvah in a non-kosher way, it is also not necessary to make your child fully enthralled in all aspects of the mitzvah.<ref>Fine, D. "The Mitzvah of Chinuch Explored." Shortvort. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2016.</ref>
# [[Bein HaShemashot]] is the time period between certain daytime and certain nighttime. In many halachot, it is considered a doubt whether it is considered day or night and has many practical ramifications. There is a major dispute how long this period is. <ref>
#There is a dispute whether a father fulfills his obligation when letting his child use a borrowed lulav for sukkot.<ref>Mishna Brurah 628:28</ref> This question revolves around whether the nature of the obligation of chinuch was to train the child to do mitzvot when he gets older in which case it would suffice or was it that the rabbis imposed an obligation upon the child to do mitzvot before he becomes Biblically obligated.<ref>Rav Moshe Feinstein in Igrot Moshe YD 1:224. See Ritva (Sukkah 2b s.v. amar rabbi yehuda) who says that a sukkah above 20 amot is invalid for chinuch and concludes that the mitzvah of chinuch has to be fulfilled in a complete fashion.</ref>
* '''(1) Gemara [[Shabbat]]''' 34b says [[Bein HaShemashot]] is considered as a doubt whether it is considered daytime or nighttime. When is [[Bein HaShemashot]]? Rabbi Yehuda says that [[Bein HaShemashot]] starts from [[Shekiyah]] and concludes when the entire ball of the sun has set. Rabbi Yose, however, says that [[Bein HaShemashot]] is as short as the blink of an eye, though R. Yose also agrees that there is a doubt (Tosfot 34b s.v. Rabbi Yose). R. Nechemya says that it is from [[Shekiyah]] and lasts the length of time it takes to walk a half [[mil]]. [Note, a mil is 2000 amot (see above).]
 
* '''Explanation of Rabbi Yehuda's opinion:''' Rabba explains Rabbi Yehuda as saying that [[Bein HaShemashot]] starts from [[Shekiyah]] even though the sky is still red, while Rav Yosef says [[Bein HaShemashot]] starts from when the sun already set. It follows, says the Gemara, that according to Rabba the span of [[Bein HaShemashot]] is 3/4 of a [[mil]] and according to Rav Yosef [[Bein HaShemashot]] is 2/3 of a [[mil]].
==Until When?==
* '''Who do we follow, Rabba or Rav Yosef, in explaining Rabbi Yehuda?''' The Rif (15a) writes that since it is unclear whether halacha follows Rav Yosef or Rabba, one should be strict to follow Rabba that [[Bein HaShemashot]] begins at [[Shekiyah]]. Then he says that it seems halacha should follow Rabba because halacha always follows Rabba with three exceptions and this isn't one of them. Similarly, Rambam ([[Shabbat]] 5:4) rules like Rabba that [[Bein HaShemashot]] begins at [[Shekiyah]]. Rabbenu Yonah (quoted by Rosh [[Shabbat]] 2:23) argues that since they're not arguing about which logic is correct but about what Rav Yehuda said the halacha follows both Rabba and Rav Yosef, whichever way will be a stringency. Therefore, in context of [[accepting Shabbat]], Rama 261:1 rules like Rabba that [[Bein HaShemashot]] is 3/4 of a [[mil]].
 
* '''Explanation of Rabbi Yose's opinion:''' Shmuel ([[Shabbat]] 35a) says that Rav Yose’s concept of [[Bein HaShemashot]] takes place after the [[Bein HaShemashot]] already finished. Tosfot ([[Shabbat]] 34b s.v. Rabbi Yose) explains that even according to Rabbi Yose there’s a window of time when there is an uncertainty whether it is day or night but it isn’t as long as it is for Rabbi Yehuda. Rosh (Shabbat 2:23) discusses whether Rabbi Yose's [[Bein HaShemashot]] begins immediately after Rabbi Yehuda's or a while afterwards and doesn't come to a clear conclusion. Rashi to 35a s.v. Bein HaShemashot DeRabbi Yose seems to hold that it is right after R. Yehuda's period.
#Although the primary purpose of Chinuch is to train children when they are young so that they continue to perform the Mitzvot during adulthood, the parents' obligation does not end when a child reaches bar or bat mitzvah. A parent must make sure that the child continues to adhere to all biblical or rabbinic laws even after maturity. <ref>Children in Halacha pg. 8 </ref>
* '''Who does the halacha follow? Rabbi Yehuda or Rabbi Yose''' The Briatta ([[Shabbat]] 34b) says that in regards to practical ramifications [[Bein HaShemashot]] is always considered day as a stringency and night as a stringency. Rif ([[Shabbat]] 14b) and Rambam ([[Shabbat]] 5:4) codify this Briatta. Shulchan Aruch 261:1 rules that during [[Bein HaShemashot]] one may not do anything one may not do on [[Shabbat]] with some exceptions (see there). Therefore, Rabbi Yochanan ([[Shabbat]] 35a) says that we follow Rabbi Yehuda regarding [[Shabbat]] as a stringency and Rabbi Yose regarding Trumah as a stringency. Rif (15a) and Rosh 2:23 codify Rabbi Yochanan as halacha.
 
* '''(2) Gemara Pesachim''' 94a records Rabbi Yochanan's statement that an average person can walk 30 [[mil]] from [[HaNetz HaChama]] until [[Shekiyah]] and 5 [[mil]] from [[Shekiyah]] until [[Tzet HaKochavim]] (according to Rashi s.v. Ovav). The Gemara challenges this and explains really an average person can walk 32 [[mil]] from [[HaNetz HaChama]] until [[Shekiyah]] and only 4 [[mil]] from [[Shekiyah]] until [[Tzet HaKochavim]].  
==Daily Mitzvot==
* '''The opinion of Rabbenu Tam:''' Tosfot (Pesachim 94a s.v. Rabbi Yehuda and [[Shabbat]] 35a s.v. Trei) is bothered how the Gemara [[Shabbat]] seems to say that from [[Shekiyah]] until [[Tzet HaKochavim]] a person can walk 3/4 of a [[mil]] (according to the Rabba) and the Gemara Pesachim says a person can walk 4 [[mil]]. Rabbenu Tam answers that the Gemara [[Shabbat]] was referring to the end of the [[Shekiyah]] and from then until [[Tzet HaKochavim]] is 3/4 of a [[mil]], while the Gemara Pesachim is discussing the beginning of [[Shekiyah]] which takes 4 [[mil]] until [[Tzet HaKochavim]]. Ramban (cited by [[Maggid]] Mishna), [[Maggid]] Mishna ([[Shabbat]] 5:4), and Ran ([[Shabbat]] 15a) agree. The Ran ([[Shabbat]] 15a) explains that according to Rabbenu Tam there's two Shekiyot. After the first it is still considered daytime until 3.25 [[mil]] after the beginning of the [[Shekiyah]]. [[Bein HaShemashot]], which is uncertain day or night, spans 3/4 of a [[mil]] and begins from the beginning of the second [[Shekiyah]]. See Beiur Halacha 261 s.v. Metechila who explains that the first [[Shekiyah]] is when the sun sets from our vision, and the second [[Shekiyah]] is when the light from the sun leaves the sky.
===Prayer===
* '''Does halacha follow Rabbenu Tam?''' The Shulchan Aruch 261:2 rules in accordance with Rabbenu Tam and states that from the beginning of the [[Shekiyah]] until [[Bein HaShemashot]] there's 3.25 [[mil]] and then [[Bein HaShemashot]] itself is .75 of a [[mil]], which is equivalent to the time it takes to walk 1500 [[amot]]. Beiur Halacha 261 s.v. Metechila writes that for sure one should be strict for the Gra not to do any melacha after sunset.
 
* '''(3) Shmuel's opinion:''' Then, Shmuel ([[Shabbat]] 35b) says that [[Bein HaShemashot]] is as long as two stars are seen in the sky, but if there’s only one star, it’s day, and if it’s three, then it’s night. The Gemara then clarifies that the stars which were discussed are medium size stars. Similarly, the Yerushalmi ([[Brachot]], cited by Ran 15a) says that [[Shabbat]] concludes when three stars can be seen in one area and not spread out. The Rambam ([[Shabbat]] 5:4) rules like Shmuel that when three medium size stars are seen it is certain nighttime. The Kesef Mishna ([[Shabbat]] 5:4) is bothered why the Rambam said that [[Bein HaShemashot]] begins from [[Shekiyah]] and ends when three stars are seen, choosing the opinion of Rabba for the beginning of [[Bein HaShemashot]] and Shmuel for the end of [[Bein HaShemashot]]. He answers that really Rabba and Shmuel agree and just describe it differently. This may also be the intent of the Rif (15a) and Rosh 2:23 who say that halacha follows Rabba as a stringency and also quote Shmuel without anyone arguing. See Or Letzion Vol. 1 YD 1:10 who offers a novel interpretation of the opinion of the Rambam that he holds like Rabbi Yose (see there for the halachic implications). See also Beur Halacha 416 who paskens like Rabbi Yose MeIkar HaDin, as well, and Chazon Ovadia Shabbat Vol. 1 pp. 264. </ref>
#Regarding a child's obligation to pray, see the [[Obligation_to_pray#Children| Children's obligation to Pray]] page.
# The Gemara rules that if one does a Melacha on [[Shabbos]] for the duration of Bein Hashemashos on Friday evening and Saturday evening, one has certainly violated [[Shabbos]], and must bring a sin-offering <ref> [[Shabbos]] 35b, Rambam (Hilchot [[Shabbos]] 5:4). This is because if one treats [[Bein Hashemashot]] as day, one broke [[Shabbos]] on Saturday evening. If one treats [[Bein Hashemashot]] as night, one violated [[Shabbos]] on Friday evening. </ref>
 
# Therefore, one can do no Melacha during [[Bein Hashemashot]] <ref> Mishnah [[Shabbos]] 34b </ref>.
===Berachot===
==Yad Soledet Bo==
 
# For purposes of cooking on Shabbat and Kashrut, Yad Soledet Bo is certainly hotter than 113 degrees fahrenheit. <ref>Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata (ch. 1, note 3), Badei Hashulchan 92:151</ref>
#Children should be taught to say berachot before food at the age of 5, or when the children are able to say it properly. However many people have different customs to start having children say berachot at an earlier age. <ref>"CHINUCH AGE." Ahavsalom (n.d.): n. pag. Dh.ahavasolam.com. Web. 1 Feb. 2016. <http://dh.ahavasolam.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/A-List-of-Chinuch-Ages.pdf>,                                                                                                     שלחן ערוך א”ח רט”ו:ג as cited in Singer, Shmuel. "A Parent's Guide to Teaching Children Mitzvot." Google Books. Shmuel Singer, n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2016. <https://books.google.com/books?id=55NdTR7HfYAC&pg=PA20&lpg=PA20&dq=age%2Bchildren%2Bberachot&source=bl&ots=zwGJnqECD_&sig=xSHlovDBimMjahI64ia2ltu_5ho&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjHopOi39bKAhUBLyYKHRqADUEQ6AEIHDAA#v=onepage&q=age%20children%20berachot&f=false>.
 
*Yalkut Yosef (Chinuch p. 20) quotes the Chikrei Lev who proves that there is chinuch even on mitzvot derabanan, as the gemara Rosh Hashana 29b indicates that a person should teach his son how to make hamotzei before eating bread.</ref>
#Some say that children from the age of 6 should say Birkat Hamazon.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 18:2. Also see Rabbi Mansour on dailyhalacha.com writes that parents should ensure that children from the age of 6 say Birkat HaMazon. </ref> Some say that a child who is unable to recite the regular text of Birkat Hamazon should recite an abbreviated version.<ref>Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen (Children in Halacha page 28) based on M.B. 187:4. Sefer Chinuch Yisroel page 93 says it is not right to teach a child to only say the first bracha as that is teaching them to do the wrong thing and it may be a blessing in vain. See also Rav Elyashiv (V'Zos HaBracha 20:3)</ref> Others say, he should be taught to say as much as he can.<ref>Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Halichot Shlomo Tefillah 1:8) explains that we don't usually say the abbreviated text, so we shouldn't teach children differently than the normal practice.</ref>
#In order to teach children what berachot they should say and how they should say them, anyone<ref>M.B. 167:93 says this is not limited to parents, but one may help any child who cannot make a bracha on their own</ref> may show/teach the children by saying the full berachot for the child even where the child doesn't presently have to make that bracha.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 167:19. M.B. 215:14 says even a teacher can mention the name of Hashem to teach children.
See Chanoch L’Naar (14:4). As cited in "CHINUCH AGE." Ahavsalom (n.d.): n. pag. Dh.ahavasolam.com. Web. 1 Feb. 2016. <http://dh.ahavasolam.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/A-List-of-Chinuch-Ages.pdf>.</ref> Some say that when possible, the adult should just begin pronouncing the name of God, and have the child pronounce the entire Name.<ref>Aishel Avraham 167:19</ref>
#A parent is allowed to answer “amen” to berachot that are said by a child at the proper time, but not when it is just for practice.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 215:3 </ref>
##Some limit this to answering "amen" to a child who has reached the age of chinuch,<ref>M.B. 215:16 and Aruch HaShulchan 215:2. Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen (Children in Halacha page 22 footnote 6) explains that since the child has not reached the age of chinuch, it is not a bracha and therefore one shouldn't answer amen.</ref> but others allow answering "amen" even to a child before the age of chinuch. The custom is to answer even to younger children.<ref>Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen (Children in Halacha page 22) quoting from Shmirat Shabbat KiHilchita Mahdura Kama 32:193 explains that it is teaching children to answer Amen after brachot. </ref>
#Children that are older than five or six, or whatever age the accepted custom says, and get up in the middle of the night, should not eat unless they said the proper berachot beforehand. <ref>"CHINUCH AGE." Ahavsalom (n.d.): n. pag. Dh.ahavasolam.com. Web. 1 Feb. 2016. <http://dh.ahavasolam.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/A-List-of-Chinuch-Ages.pdf>. </ref>
#While there is a prohibition in saying G-d's Name (Ado-nai) when it is isn't warranted, the prohibition is waived when being used in the process of Chinuch. Therefore, it is permitted (obligatory, rather) to say the full [[Brachot|Bracha]], with Shem and Malchut, in order to teach a child how and when to say what [[Brachot]].<ref>The Gemara (Brachot 53b) says that one doesn’t say amen after the [[Brachot|Bracha]] of a katan when he is just saying a [[Brachot|Bracha]] as he is being taught the Brachot. The Rambam (Brachot 1:15) codifies as halacha. The Kesef Mishna there writes that it’s clearly implied that the teacher is permitted to say the Brachot with Hashem’s name to teach the children how to say the Brachot and when the children repeat the [[Brachot|Bracha]] after him, since the [[Brachot|Bracha]] is only for Chinuch, one doesn’t answer amen. Shulchan Aruch 215:3 rules that if a child is saying a [[Brachot|Bracha]] as he is learning from his teacher one doesn’t answer amen, but if a child says a [[Brachot|Bracha]] in order to exempt himself from some obligation (meaning saying a [[Brachot|Bracha]] when he is obligated to say it), then one should answer amen.
 
*Mishna Brurah 215:14 writes that it is permitted for the teacher to say the Brachot with Hashem’s name to teach the children how to say the Brachot. Although saying a [[Brachot|Bracha]] for Chinuch is permitted, saying a [[Brachot|Bracha]] as one is learning such as an adult who finds the text of a [[Brachot|Bracha]] in the gemara as he is learning should not say the [[Brachot|Bracha]] with Hashem’s name as one is reading the gemara. However, Yalkut Yosef 215:15 writes that in order to teach a child how to say Brachot one may say them with Hashem’s name, however, once the child knows how to make a [[Brachot|Bracha]] and he just needs help in saying the [[Brachot|Bracha]] one should say it without Hashem’s name.</ref>
#With regards to Birkat HaGomel see [[Birkat_HaGomel#Who_is_obligated_to_make_Birchat_HaGomel.3F|Birkat HaGomel page]].
 
===Talit Katan===
 
#One should buy a talit katan for a child who has reached the age of chinuch.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 17:3
 
Aruch HaShulchan 17:5 asks why one is obligated to buy his child a talit as the mitzvah of tzitzit is limited to one who is wearing a four cornered garment. So if one doesn't have the garment, there is no requirement? Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen (Children in Halacha page 15 footnote 8) quotes the Bach s.v. katan that since the custom is that everyone wears tzitzit, one is obligated in chinuch of this custom as well.
</ref>
#There are a variety of opinions for the age of chinuch for talit katan
##Some say it is six or seven.<ref>Bach 16 s.v. umah shekasiv rabbaynu</ref>
##Others says that it is nine.<ref>Magen Avraham 16:1. Rav Moshe Feinstein (Igrot Moshe Y.D. 3:52:2) says that under the age of nine, the talit katan does not need the proper measurements. Aruch HaShulchan 16:5 says a talit katan has no shiur.</ref>
##The common custom is from the age of three.<ref>Sharay Teshuva 17:2 and Aruch HaShulchan 17:5</ref>
 
===Washing Hands===
 
#Children that have not reached the age of bar or bat mitzvah are required to wash their hands before eating bread. Even though washing hands is a mitzvah derabanan, it is a mitzvah of chinuch to teach kids mitzvot that are derabanan. <ref>Yalkut Yosef Dinei [[Netilat Yadayim]], Birkat Hamazon, [[Brachot]], [[Mincha]] and [[Arvit]] page 13-14 based on the Yerushalmi in Megilla 2:5 that [[chinuch]] of children applies to rabbinic laws as cited in [[Netilat Yadayim for a Meal]].
<br /> An important lesson about chinuch in general can be learned from a story about trying to teach one’s son to wash before eating. It talks about a little kid who did not wash before eating bread. This infuriated his dad so he went to get something to hit him with. When he wound up to hit his son, his wife immediately stopped him and reminded him that he does not wash before eating bread either, thus he should be the one that is hit. The lesson is that if you want to successfully teach your children mitzvot, you have to take ownership and do the mitzvah as well. "חינוך לדורות - חינוך במעשים."  <http://raktora.50webs.com/hinuh1.htm>.</ref>
#One opinion is that even when the child is being spoon fed because he does not have the motor skills to feed himself yet, he still is required to wash for bread when he eats more than a Kezayit. <ref>הרב אבישלום מונייצר שליט''א. "ילדים כהלכה." ילדים כהלכה. ''</ref>
#Harav Adir Cohen says that when the child can say the bracha they should wash their hands before eating bread. Since in many kindergarten and nursery classrooms they have posters of the bracha on the wall, they have already memorized it when they are young. Therefore, they should be able to wash by then. <ref>הרב אדיר הכהן שליט"א. " חינוך לנטילת ידים לילדים." חינוך לנטילת ידים לילדים. </ref>
#Children that have reached the age of chinuch should be trained to wash their hands upon rising in the morning and they should not touch food before washing hands.<ref>Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen (Children in Halacha page 14). Shulchan Aruch haRav 4:2. M.B. 4:10 says that one should be careful with young children, and doesn't clarify if this is only once they reach the age of chinuch</ref> Some say parents should try and wash the hands of their children, regardless of their age.<ref>Shulchan Aruch haRav 4:2 says one should be careful starting after the brit milah to wash his son's hands. Shut Tzitz Eliezer 7:2:10 says there is no obligation before the age of chinuch, but to get the child into a good habit, it is advisable to wash his hands even before the age of chinuch. However, do not put pressure on the child, but do it pleasantly as there is no issue if they touch food. Halichos Bas Yisroel perek 1 footnote 22 quotes in the name of Rav Moshe Feinstein that although it is not required, it is a good idea to wash the hands of your children even before the age of chinuch.</ref>
#Children who have reached the age of chinuch should be trained to wash their hands after going to the bathroom or touching parts of their body that are generally covered.<ref>Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen (Children in Halacha page 15). Chinuch Yisroel page 63.
 
Shut Tzitz Eliezer 7:2:4 says one can still learn with a child who touches their scalp or shoes.</ref>
 
==Bringing Children to Shul==
There is a lot of controversy over the issue of bringing your kids to shul. Is it a positive thing that will be positive for their future or will it be a distraction to others and a negative outlook on shul for the child?
 
#Some say that bringing children to shul before they are ready infuses them with spirituality just like a bris milah is given to a child before the age of chinuch because it infuses him with spirituality. <ref>[http://www.aish.com/jl/jewish-law/daily-living/4-Children-and-Halacha.html Rabbi Shraga Simmons]  </ref>
#The gemara  writes that the reason why children were also supposed to assemble at hakhel was to ‘bring reward to those who brought them’. Tosafot comments that this is the source for bringing children to shul.<ref>Chagigah 3a</ref>
#The Shla hakadosh was frustrated by people who brought kids to shul who were not yet old enough to be in shul without making disruptions and bothering the shul. This will leave an impression on the child and he will feel distaste towards the shul as an adult because of it. <ref>Mishnah Berurah 98:3 who quotes the Shla Hakadosh:</ref>
#The Mishna Berura writes that one shouldn’t daven with a young child in front of himm as the child will likely distract him.<ref>Mishna Berura 96:4</ref>
#The Shulchan Aruch writes that children should listen to the megilla being read on Purim. The Mishna Berura  writes that this is only applicable to children who have reached the age of chinuch. The Chafetz Chaim bemoans the unfortunate reality that many parents bring their younger children who disturb everyone else. <ref>The Shulchan Aruch (OC 689:1-3)</ref>
#One should not kiss a young child in shul.<ref>Rama O.C. 98:1 quotes Shut Binyamin Zev 163 that explains the reason is, so that one realizes that there is no love like the love one has for Hashem. See Sefer Chasidim 255
 
Rav Ovadya Yosef (Shut Yichaveh Daas 4:12) says that this applies to both young and old children and even to other people. However, he says that the custom to kiss a rav or father on the hand is definitely permitted. He explains that they are different as there is a mitzvah to honor them, so giving them honor is a form of honoring Hashem.</ref> Some limit this to the time of prayer.<ref>Rav Michel Sherkin (Meged Givot Olam Chelek 1 page 92) says Rav Moshe Feinstein felt that this prohibition is limited  to the time of tefillah (as discussed by the Gra O.C. 98:1 by the fact that the Rama has this halcha in Hilchot Tefillah, not Hilchot Bet Hakneset).</ref> Others do not accept this distinction.<ref>Rav Hershel Schachter quoted by his son <nowiki>https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/802649/rabbi-shay-schachter/kissing-our-children-in-shul/</nowiki> at 2:20</ref>
 
==A Kohen Becoming Tamei==
 
#Hacham Ovadia Yosef says a kohen’s wife who is pregnant while she knows it's a male is allowed to go to cemeteries while pregnant because the fetus is considered to be a part of the mother. <ref>dailyhalacha.com</ref> Rav Elyashiv says that a kohen’s wife who is giving birth to a male needs to make sure the hospital is one where the child won't become tamei after being born. <ref>dailyhalacha.com</ref>
#A kohen must never become Tamei, so as a baby it is the parent's responsibility to keep the baby from being near dead bodies.<ref>dinonline.org</ref>
#Once the Kohen is old enough and mature enough to be taught the obligation of not becoming tamei the responsibility to keep the child from becoming Tamei falls off the parents and on the child <ref>dinonline.org</ref>
 
==Shabbat==
===Kiddush and Havdalah===
 
#When a child is able to understand when it is Shabbat, then he or she must hear kiddush and havdalah. Understanding that it is Shabbos does not mean that he or she only says good shabbos and that’s all; rather a kid must understand that it’s the 7th day and it’s the rest day and not a day to do work. <ref>Rabbi Dovid Ostroff, The Shabbos Weekly. See M.B. 269:1</ref>
#When a child is of that age, parents must make sure to call the child to the table to hear kiddush. <ref>Rabbi Dovid Ostroff, The Shabbos Weekly</ref> However, unlike adults, children are permitted to eat before kiddush is recited.<ref>M.B. 269:1</ref>
#If a child goes to sleep before hearing havdallah or Kiddush on Friday night and it is past the child’s normal bedtime, some say it is not necessary to wake him or her up for Kiddush/Havdalah.<ref>Rav Shlomo Zalman Aurebach as cited in Rabbi Dovid Ostroff, The Shabbos Weekly</ref> Others say that on Friday night, the child may say Kiddush before going to sleep after [[plag haMincha]].<ref>Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen (Children in Halacha page 58) </ref> Others suggest that if the child did not say kiddush on Friday night or havdallah,  he should say the Friday night text for the Shabbos morning kiddush and havdallah when he wakes up on Sunday morning.<ref>Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen (Children in Halacha page 58) quoting from Sefer Chinuch Yisroel page 99. Rav Cohen says that we have an obligation of chinuch even for bdieved situations. Our children have to know what to do when they grow up and this situation occurs.</ref>
 
===Kavod Shabbat===
 
#Children who have reached the age of chinuch should be taught to assist in preparing for shabbat.<ref>Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen (Children in Halacha page 55)</ref>
#Children who have reached the age of chinuch should be given special clothes for shabbat.<ref>Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen (Children in Halacha page 56)</ref>
#The obligation to light candles before shabbat can be fulfilled by one member of the house lighting. Nevertheless, some have the custom for the young girls to light their own candles.<ref>Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen (Children in Halacha page 56) quoting from Aruch HaShulchan 263:7</ref>
 
===Melacha on Shabbat===
 
#On shabbat, a parent cannot tell a kid to do melacha
#According to one opinion, you can have a child do melacha for you if it is only an issur derabanan<ref>Turei Zahav as cited in A Parent's Guide to Teaching Children Mitzvot: A Halachic Guide By: Samuel Singer</ref> According to most opinions you may not ask a child to do a melacha for you under any circumstances even melacha derabanan. <ref>A Parent's Guide to Teaching Children Mitzvot: A Halachic Guide By: Samuel Singer </ref>
#Even though one cannot ask a child to do melacha, if a young child is playing with a toy that makes noise on shabbat, you don’t have to tell the kid to stop if he is too young to understand the laws of shabbat <ref>A Parent's Guide to Teaching Children Mitzvot: A Halachic Guide By: Samuel Singer </ref>
#But, if a kid is old enough to understand which actions are forbidden and which are allowed to do on shabbat, then you must stop him from doing melacha <ref>A Parent's Guide to Teaching Children Mitzvot: A Halachic Guide By: Samuel Singer </ref>
 
==Holidays==
===The Seder===
 
#The age a child should be kept up for the whole pesach seder is when he can fully understand the mitzvah and the story of Egypt. This of course varies depending on how the child matures, but for most it is between age 5-7.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Orech Chaim 472:15. Shulchan Aruch Harav 472:25</ref>
#A child should drink the four cups when he can understand, even just a little bit, the story of Egypt; he does not, however, need to drink the same amount as an adult but rather a child-size cheek full <ref>The Laws of Pesach on www.neveh.org </ref>
 
===Lulav===
 
#Children are chayav to perform the mitzvah of lulav when they are able to shake the lulav <ref>Gemara sukkah 42a</ref>
#The Turei Zahav says that a parent should buy his son his own set of lulav if he is able to do it, and the father has the financial means to do it.
#if you are going to buy your child a lulav, it is preferable, if they are going to make a bracha on it, that it be kosher. <ref>"Sukkot." A Parent's Guide to Teaching Children Mizvot. Hoboken: Ketav House, 1991.53. Print.</ref>
#Although the lulav should be kosher, according to some, on the first day of Sukkot a child does not have to own his lulav like adults do. According to others, a child should also use a lulav that he owns. Therefore, the child should use the lulav after all adults have used the lulav, because a child can acquire a lulav from an adult, but cannot transfer it back to the adult’s ownership.<ref>"Sukkot." A Parent's Guide to Teaching Children Mizvot. Hoboken: Ketav House, 1991.59. Print.</ref>
#The child is not able to give back the lulav because he is unable to understand the practices of business enough to give back the lulav. <ref>"Sukkot." A Parent's Guide to Teaching Children Mizvot. Hoboken: Ketav House, 1991. 53 . Print.</ref>
#You can have your child use the non-kosher set of lulav but you do not fulfill the mitzvah of chinuch. <ref>"Sukkot." A Parent's Guide to Teaching Children Mizvot. Hoboken: Ketav House, 1991. 61-63. Print.</ref>
 
===Fasting===
 
#There is a minhag for a boy to fast 3 fasts prior to his Bar Mitzvah.<ref>Rav Nevinsal (B'Yitzchak Yikare 550:1) comments that the minhag ashkenaz is for a boy to fast 3 times prior to his bar mitzvah, though he doesn't know the basis for this minhag.</ref>
 
==Torah Study==
 
#The Torah study of pure children is very precious before Hashem and it provides spiritual protection to the whole world.<ref>The Gemara Shabbat 119a quotes Reish Lakish as saying that the world stands on the merit of the children's torah study. Furthermore, says the Gemara, a city which doesn't have its children studying Torah is going to be destroyed.</ref>
 
==Chinuch Attitude==
 
#A life devoted to Hashem is the most pleasurable and fulfilling one. Therefore, the Chinuch stage must be pleasing and joyful for children. The proper attitude and approach for children to learn is through "Darchei No'am" (pleasant ways). <ref>Rambam in his introduction to Perek Chelek elaborates on how a child should be given sweets to encourage him to learn, as he gets older he should be given bigger prizes until eventually he will appreciate the value of the Torah itself and be motivated to learn it for no other reason </ref>
#A parent and/or teacher should generally be careful not to be excessively forceful. There are several cases where Talmudic personalities praised their behavior of not being "makpid"(strict) in their home over their wives and children even though they lived a life filled with mitzvot <ref>Gitin 7a</ref>
#The gedolim have all agreed that hitting children in the name of chinuch is forbidden.<ref>Rav Wolbe in Biyan Uzeriya Bechinuch. Rav Kook in Ayn Ayah Brachot 7a:70</ref>
 
==Feeding a Child Something Forbidden==
 
#It is forbidden to feed a child something that is forbidden, whether it is forbidden from the Torah or rabbinically.<ref>The Rambam Machalot Asurot 17:27 holds that it is forbidden to feed a child something forbidden whether that prohibition is from the Torah or rabbinic. The Rashba responsa 1:92 argues that it is permitted as long as it is only rabbinic yet he cautioned that he didn't rule like that in practice. Ran Yoma 1a quotes the Rashba. The Shulchan Aruch 343:1 holds like the Rambam.</ref>
#It is permitted to feed a baby milk an hour after they finished eating meat even though the minhag is to not to have milk after meat for several hours.<ref>Chelkat Yakov YD 1:16 is lenient to permit a baby to drink milk after eating meat since it is only a minhag and since a minhag is based on a vow it a child's vows aren't effective. However, he limits this leniency to this context and only permits in conjunction with the fact that a baby is considered like a choleh shein bo sakana if they need to drink milk for health. Yabia Omer YD 1:4 is lenient after an hour but adds that perhaps there's no prohibition of feeding a child something forbidden if it is only an external prohibition and not a prohibition of the food itself.</ref>
#Many poskim are lenient even for Ashkenazim to feed a child who needs to eat kitniyot on Pesach for health reasons since it is only a minhag.<ref>Shem Aryeh EH 95 writes that there's no issue with feeding a child below chinuch something (latfiso byadayim) that is only a chumra and not even a rabbinic prohibition. He is writing about not eating dried fruits on Pesach which was a certain minhag. The Sdei Chemed Chametz Umatzah 6:6 quotes it regarding Kitniyot. Siach Yitzchak responsa 210 agrees. Yechave Daat 1:9 agrees. He quotes Kol Mevaser 778, Agudat Ezov 12 who also agree that there's no prohibition of feeding a child something that's only a minhag. Agudat Ezov is lenient even with bishul akum. Sdei Chemed Asifat Zekenim Bishul Goyim 15 quotes that.</ref>
#Putting a diaper on a baby on Shabbat that has a color strip which changes colors when the baby goes to the bathroom is permitted.<ref>Rav Nissim Karelitz in Chut Shani Shabbat v. 4 p. 287 writes that it is permitted to put a diaper on a baby that is going to change colors when the baby goes to the bathroom and it isn't considered causing your baby to do a melacha of coloring on Shabbat. The reason is that when the diaper is put on there's no change and when the baby goes to the bathroom he is mitasek and there's no issue of causing your child to do a melacha as a mitasek.</ref>
#Feeding your child a cookie with letters on it on Shabbat is permitted.<ref>Mishna Brurah on 340:3 writes that it is permitted to give your child a cookie with letters on it even though for an adult it is forbidden to eat it since it will erase the letters. Chut Shani Shabbat v. 4 p. 293 explains that it is permitted since erasing the letters is at worst derabbanan and also some poskim permit it altogether. Also, there's no problem of causing your child to do something forbidden if it is a pesik reisha unless the child realizes that he's doing it for the benefit of the child.</ref>


==Links==
* [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/763395/Rabbi_Michael_Taubes/_Parshas_Eikev_How_Big_is_a_Kezayis_ How Big is a Kezayis] by Rabbi Michael Taubes
==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
<references />
[[Category:Brachot]]
[[Category:Lifecycles]]

Revision as of 02:23, 14 August 2019

Every father has an obligation to educate his children to fulfill mitzvot, even before they reach the age of Bar Mitzvah/Bat Mitzvah. The age at which this obligation begins varies according to the Mitzvah. Below are the details of this Mitzvah

D’Orayta or D’Rabanan?

The Mitzvah of Chinuch - to teach Torah to our children - is clearly a Mitzvah D’Orayta as explicitly stated: V’shinantam L’vanecha.[1] However, is the Mitzvah of chinuch - to instruct children to begin performing Mitzvot before they are of the age of Mitzvot - a mitzva D’Orayata or D’Rabanan?

  1. Rav Schneur Zalman of Liadi says that it is clearly a mitzvah D’rabanan because it is never mentioned in the Torah. [2]
  2. However, Rav Meir Simchah of Dvinsk disagrees, citing Bereshit “For I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him”[3] which he interprets to mean that Avraham was commanded to teach his household and children to perform the Mitzvot. This, however, is a general Mitzvah to teach children to appreciate Mitzvot. The Mitzvah to teach a child to perform each individual Mitzvah is D’Rabanan.[4]
  3. According to Rav Soloveitchik, although teaching children the Mitzvot is D’Rabanan, the Mitzvah of Chinuch is modeled after the biblical commandment of Sippur Yitziat Mitzrayim. This commandment to retell the story of our ancestors is extended, and, while there is a special commandment to tell over the story of Egypt, we must retell all of the Torah and Mitzvot to our children using all of the educational methods we follow in Sippur Yitziat Mitzrayim. [5]

At What Age?

  1. The general age of when one starts to do mitzvos, is when the parents think that this child is mature enough to fulfill the whole mitzvah, even with its more complicated parts. [6]
  2. The age of chinuch depends on the child's individual intelligence. Usually the age when a child is intelligent enough for mitzvos is 5 or 6 years of age. [7]
    1. For Shabbat some say that the age of chinuch begins at age 4 or 5.[8]
  3. There are some mitzvos in which parents start training their children even before five years of age. But some mitzvos can be more complicated and parents should wait until children are older to train them.[9]
  4. A child can make several mistakes before they can begin to execute the mitzvah properly. But if one does make a mistake trying to execute the mitzvah, the parents should not get frustrated with their kid and instead should encourage them to try again. [10]

Who is obligated in Chinuch?

  • There is a machloket in the commentaries regarding whether the mitzvah of chinuch is for the parent or the child.
  1. The book of Mishlei says that one should teach his child in a manner which will stick with him forever: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Rashi comments on this pasuk saying that depending on what you teach him those lessons will affect him the rest of his life. This means that the parent has the responsibility to teach the child life lessons. This belief would suggest that chinuch is a mitzvah for the father, because he is the one who will have the ability to affect his child's future.[11]
  2. Some rishonim hold that the son isn't obligated in mitzvot at all and it is only father who is obligated to train his son in mitzvot.[12] However, others hold that the child himself is rabbinically obligated in mitzvot.[13]
  3. While the majority of the Poskim hold that Chinuch only applies to the father, some say it also applies to the mother. [14]

How Completely Must the Mitzvah Be Performed?

  • The obligation of chinuch is for a father to train his son to do mitzvot, before he is required. The question that arises is: can a father fulfill his obligation by training his children to learn the basics of the mitzvah or must a father teach his son to perform the mitzvot perfectly. There are many different views on how a father should approach this issue.
  1. Some examples of cases of chinuch are with a lulav and with tzitzit. While the obligation of chinuch is only fulfilled if you give your child a perfectly kosher lulav and pair of tzitzit, you don’t have to give your child lulav hadar. In addition, you also don’t have to teach your child to have kavanah while performing the mitzvah. From this, we can infer that while it is important to teach your child to not perform the mitzvah in a non-kosher way, it is also not necessary to make your child fully enthralled in all aspects of the mitzvah.[15]
  2. There is a dispute whether a father fulfills his obligation when letting his child use a borrowed lulav for sukkot.[16] This question revolves around whether the nature of the obligation of chinuch was to train the child to do mitzvot when he gets older in which case it would suffice or was it that the rabbis imposed an obligation upon the child to do mitzvot before he becomes Biblically obligated.[17]

Until When?

  1. Although the primary purpose of Chinuch is to train children when they are young so that they continue to perform the Mitzvot during adulthood, the parents' obligation does not end when a child reaches bar or bat mitzvah. A parent must make sure that the child continues to adhere to all biblical or rabbinic laws even after maturity. [18]

Daily Mitzvot

Prayer

  1. Regarding a child's obligation to pray, see the Children's obligation to Pray page.

Berachot

  1. Children should be taught to say berachot before food at the age of 5, or when the children are able to say it properly. However many people have different customs to start having children say berachot at an earlier age. [19]
  2. Some say that children from the age of 6 should say Birkat Hamazon.[20] Some say that a child who is unable to recite the regular text of Birkat Hamazon should recite an abbreviated version.[21] Others say, he should be taught to say as much as he can.[22]
  3. In order to teach children what berachot they should say and how they should say them, anyone[23] may show/teach the children by saying the full berachot for the child even where the child doesn't presently have to make that bracha.[24] Some say that when possible, the adult should just begin pronouncing the name of God, and have the child pronounce the entire Name.[25]
  4. A parent is allowed to answer “amen” to berachot that are said by a child at the proper time, but not when it is just for practice.[26]
    1. Some limit this to answering "amen" to a child who has reached the age of chinuch,[27] but others allow answering "amen" even to a child before the age of chinuch. The custom is to answer even to younger children.[28]
  5. Children that are older than five or six, or whatever age the accepted custom says, and get up in the middle of the night, should not eat unless they said the proper berachot beforehand. [29]
  6. While there is a prohibition in saying G-d's Name (Ado-nai) when it is isn't warranted, the prohibition is waived when being used in the process of Chinuch. Therefore, it is permitted (obligatory, rather) to say the full Bracha, with Shem and Malchut, in order to teach a child how and when to say what Brachot.[30]
  7. With regards to Birkat HaGomel see Birkat HaGomel page.

Talit Katan

  1. One should buy a talit katan for a child who has reached the age of chinuch.[31]
  2. There are a variety of opinions for the age of chinuch for talit katan
    1. Some say it is six or seven.[32]
    2. Others says that it is nine.[33]
    3. The common custom is from the age of three.[34]

Washing Hands

  1. Children that have not reached the age of bar or bat mitzvah are required to wash their hands before eating bread. Even though washing hands is a mitzvah derabanan, it is a mitzvah of chinuch to teach kids mitzvot that are derabanan. [35]
  2. One opinion is that even when the child is being spoon fed because he does not have the motor skills to feed himself yet, he still is required to wash for bread when he eats more than a Kezayit. [36]
  3. Harav Adir Cohen says that when the child can say the bracha they should wash their hands before eating bread. Since in many kindergarten and nursery classrooms they have posters of the bracha on the wall, they have already memorized it when they are young. Therefore, they should be able to wash by then. [37]
  4. Children that have reached the age of chinuch should be trained to wash their hands upon rising in the morning and they should not touch food before washing hands.[38] Some say parents should try and wash the hands of their children, regardless of their age.[39]
  5. Children who have reached the age of chinuch should be trained to wash their hands after going to the bathroom or touching parts of their body that are generally covered.[40]

Bringing Children to Shul

There is a lot of controversy over the issue of bringing your kids to shul. Is it a positive thing that will be positive for their future or will it be a distraction to others and a negative outlook on shul for the child?

  1. Some say that bringing children to shul before they are ready infuses them with spirituality just like a bris milah is given to a child before the age of chinuch because it infuses him with spirituality. [41]
  2. The gemara writes that the reason why children were also supposed to assemble at hakhel was to ‘bring reward to those who brought them’. Tosafot comments that this is the source for bringing children to shul.[42]
  3. The Shla hakadosh was frustrated by people who brought kids to shul who were not yet old enough to be in shul without making disruptions and bothering the shul. This will leave an impression on the child and he will feel distaste towards the shul as an adult because of it. [43]
  4. The Mishna Berura writes that one shouldn’t daven with a young child in front of himm as the child will likely distract him.[44]
  5. The Shulchan Aruch writes that children should listen to the megilla being read on Purim. The Mishna Berura writes that this is only applicable to children who have reached the age of chinuch. The Chafetz Chaim bemoans the unfortunate reality that many parents bring their younger children who disturb everyone else. [45]
  6. One should not kiss a young child in shul.[46] Some limit this to the time of prayer.[47] Others do not accept this distinction.[48]

A Kohen Becoming Tamei

  1. Hacham Ovadia Yosef says a kohen’s wife who is pregnant while she knows it's a male is allowed to go to cemeteries while pregnant because the fetus is considered to be a part of the mother. [49] Rav Elyashiv says that a kohen’s wife who is giving birth to a male needs to make sure the hospital is one where the child won't become tamei after being born. [50]
  2. A kohen must never become Tamei, so as a baby it is the parent's responsibility to keep the baby from being near dead bodies.[51]
  3. Once the Kohen is old enough and mature enough to be taught the obligation of not becoming tamei the responsibility to keep the child from becoming Tamei falls off the parents and on the child [52]

Shabbat

Kiddush and Havdalah

  1. When a child is able to understand when it is Shabbat, then he or she must hear kiddush and havdalah. Understanding that it is Shabbos does not mean that he or she only says good shabbos and that’s all; rather a kid must understand that it’s the 7th day and it’s the rest day and not a day to do work. [53]
  2. When a child is of that age, parents must make sure to call the child to the table to hear kiddush. [54] However, unlike adults, children are permitted to eat before kiddush is recited.[55]
  3. If a child goes to sleep before hearing havdallah or Kiddush on Friday night and it is past the child’s normal bedtime, some say it is not necessary to wake him or her up for Kiddush/Havdalah.[56] Others say that on Friday night, the child may say Kiddush before going to sleep after plag haMincha.[57] Others suggest that if the child did not say kiddush on Friday night or havdallah, he should say the Friday night text for the Shabbos morning kiddush and havdallah when he wakes up on Sunday morning.[58]

Kavod Shabbat

  1. Children who have reached the age of chinuch should be taught to assist in preparing for shabbat.[59]
  2. Children who have reached the age of chinuch should be given special clothes for shabbat.[60]
  3. The obligation to light candles before shabbat can be fulfilled by one member of the house lighting. Nevertheless, some have the custom for the young girls to light their own candles.[61]

Melacha on Shabbat

  1. On shabbat, a parent cannot tell a kid to do melacha
  2. According to one opinion, you can have a child do melacha for you if it is only an issur derabanan[62] According to most opinions you may not ask a child to do a melacha for you under any circumstances even melacha derabanan. [63]
  3. Even though one cannot ask a child to do melacha, if a young child is playing with a toy that makes noise on shabbat, you don’t have to tell the kid to stop if he is too young to understand the laws of shabbat [64]
  4. But, if a kid is old enough to understand which actions are forbidden and which are allowed to do on shabbat, then you must stop him from doing melacha [65]

Holidays

The Seder

  1. The age a child should be kept up for the whole pesach seder is when he can fully understand the mitzvah and the story of Egypt. This of course varies depending on how the child matures, but for most it is between age 5-7.[66]
  2. A child should drink the four cups when he can understand, even just a little bit, the story of Egypt; he does not, however, need to drink the same amount as an adult but rather a child-size cheek full [67]

Lulav

  1. Children are chayav to perform the mitzvah of lulav when they are able to shake the lulav [68]
  2. The Turei Zahav says that a parent should buy his son his own set of lulav if he is able to do it, and the father has the financial means to do it.
  3. if you are going to buy your child a lulav, it is preferable, if they are going to make a bracha on it, that it be kosher. [69]
  4. Although the lulav should be kosher, according to some, on the first day of Sukkot a child does not have to own his lulav like adults do. According to others, a child should also use a lulav that he owns. Therefore, the child should use the lulav after all adults have used the lulav, because a child can acquire a lulav from an adult, but cannot transfer it back to the adult’s ownership.[70]
  5. The child is not able to give back the lulav because he is unable to understand the practices of business enough to give back the lulav. [71]
  6. You can have your child use the non-kosher set of lulav but you do not fulfill the mitzvah of chinuch. [72]

Fasting

  1. There is a minhag for a boy to fast 3 fasts prior to his Bar Mitzvah.[73]

Torah Study

  1. The Torah study of pure children is very precious before Hashem and it provides spiritual protection to the whole world.[74]

Chinuch Attitude

  1. A life devoted to Hashem is the most pleasurable and fulfilling one. Therefore, the Chinuch stage must be pleasing and joyful for children. The proper attitude and approach for children to learn is through "Darchei No'am" (pleasant ways). [75]
  2. A parent and/or teacher should generally be careful not to be excessively forceful. There are several cases where Talmudic personalities praised their behavior of not being "makpid"(strict) in their home over their wives and children even though they lived a life filled with mitzvot [76]
  3. The gedolim have all agreed that hitting children in the name of chinuch is forbidden.[77]

Feeding a Child Something Forbidden

  1. It is forbidden to feed a child something that is forbidden, whether it is forbidden from the Torah or rabbinically.[78]
  2. It is permitted to feed a baby milk an hour after they finished eating meat even though the minhag is to not to have milk after meat for several hours.[79]
  3. Many poskim are lenient even for Ashkenazim to feed a child who needs to eat kitniyot on Pesach for health reasons since it is only a minhag.[80]
  4. Putting a diaper on a baby on Shabbat that has a color strip which changes colors when the baby goes to the bathroom is permitted.[81]
  5. Feeding your child a cookie with letters on it on Shabbat is permitted.[82]

Sources

  1. ↑ Devarim 6 pasuk 7
  2. ↑ Shulchun Aruch Harav Y.D. 246:1. see Sefer Chinuch Yisrael (p. 59) writes that Chinuch is a rabbinical Mitzvah, and quotes the Chaye Adam (66:1) who writes that this is a Mitzvah Midivrei Kabbalah (institution of the Nevi'im).
  3. ↑ Bereshit Perek 18 pasuk 19
  4. ↑ Meshakh Ḥochmah Genesis 18:19
  5. ↑ Benjamin Zimmerman, The Educational Experience of Sippur Yitziat Mizrayim
  6. ↑ See the examples on Sukkah 42a and Sukkah 28a
  7. ↑ Mishnah Berurah 128:123.
  8. ↑ Muktzeh: A Practical Guide (Rabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen p. 138)
  9. ↑ Mishnah Berurah 128:123
  10. ↑ Mishnah Berurah 343:3
  11. ↑ Mishlei (22:6) and Rashi there as cited in ShortVort written by D. Fine. Ritva Sukkah 2b s.v. amar rabbi yehuda and Mishna Brurah 343:2 cite Mishlei as the source for chinuch.
  12. ↑ Rashi (Brachot 20a s.v. ketanim), Ran (Megillah 6b s.v. rabbi yehuda) citing the Ramban, Ritva (Megillah 19b s.v. hakol), Tosfot Bava Kama 87a s.v. vkein
  13. ↑ Tosfot (Megillah 19b s.v. vrabbi yehuda), Tosfot (Brachot 20a s.v. vketanim), Rashba (Brachot 20a s.v. nashim)
  14. ↑ Mishna Brurah 343:2, Sefer Chinuch Yisrael (p. 61). See further in the Magen Avraham 343, Shulchan Aruch HaRav 343, Mishna Brurah 616:5, Aruch HaShulchan 343, and Pri Megadim E"A 225:5.
    • The Gemara Nazir 28b writes that there is only an idea of a father training his son in being a nazir and not a mother. Reish Lakish understands that this is an example of chinuch. Tosfot Yeshanim (Yoma 82a s.v. ben) explicitly holds that there is no chinuch for a mother. Aruch Lener Sukkah 2b agrees. Ritva (Sukkah 2b s.v. amar rabbi yehuda) assumes that there is chinuch for a mother.
  15. ↑ Fine, D. "The Mitzvah of Chinuch Explored." Shortvort. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2016.
  16. ↑ Mishna Brurah 628:28
  17. ↑ Rav Moshe Feinstein in Igrot Moshe YD 1:224. See Ritva (Sukkah 2b s.v. amar rabbi yehuda) who says that a sukkah above 20 amot is invalid for chinuch and concludes that the mitzvah of chinuch has to be fulfilled in a complete fashion.
  18. ↑ Children in Halacha pg. 8
  19. ↑ "CHINUCH AGE." Ahavsalom (n.d.): n. pag. Dh.ahavasolam.com. Web. 1 Feb. 2016. <http://dh.ahavasolam.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/A-List-of-Chinuch-Ages.pdf>, שלחן ערוך א”ח רט”ו:ג as cited in Singer, Shmuel. "A Parent's Guide to Teaching Children Mitzvot." Google Books. Shmuel Singer, n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2016. <https://books.google.com/books?id=55NdTR7HfYAC&pg=PA20&lpg=PA20&dq=age%2Bchildren%2Bberachot&source=bl&ots=zwGJnqECD_&sig=xSHlovDBimMjahI64ia2ltu_5ho&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjHopOi39bKAhUBLyYKHRqADUEQ6AEIHDAA#v=onepage&q=age%20children%20berachot&f=false>.
    • Yalkut Yosef (Chinuch p. 20) quotes the Chikrei Lev who proves that there is chinuch even on mitzvot derabanan, as the gemara Rosh Hashana 29b indicates that a person should teach his son how to make hamotzei before eating bread.
  20. ↑ Shulchan Aruch O.C. 18:2. Also see Rabbi Mansour on dailyhalacha.com writes that parents should ensure that children from the age of 6 say Birkat HaMazon.
  21. ↑ Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen (Children in Halacha page 28) based on M.B. 187:4. Sefer Chinuch Yisroel page 93 says it is not right to teach a child to only say the first bracha as that is teaching them to do the wrong thing and it may be a blessing in vain. See also Rav Elyashiv (V'Zos HaBracha 20:3)
  22. ↑ Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Halichot Shlomo Tefillah 1:8) explains that we don't usually say the abbreviated text, so we shouldn't teach children differently than the normal practice.
  23. ↑ M.B. 167:93 says this is not limited to parents, but one may help any child who cannot make a bracha on their own
  24. ↑ Shulchan Aruch O.C. 167:19. M.B. 215:14 says even a teacher can mention the name of Hashem to teach children. See Chanoch L’Naar (14:4). As cited in "CHINUCH AGE." Ahavsalom (n.d.): n. pag. Dh.ahavasolam.com. Web. 1 Feb. 2016. <http://dh.ahavasolam.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/A-List-of-Chinuch-Ages.pdf>.
  25. ↑ Aishel Avraham 167:19
  26. ↑ Shulchan Aruch O.C. 215:3
  27. ↑ M.B. 215:16 and Aruch HaShulchan 215:2. Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen (Children in Halacha page 22 footnote 6) explains that since the child has not reached the age of chinuch, it is not a bracha and therefore one shouldn't answer amen.
  28. ↑ Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen (Children in Halacha page 22) quoting from Shmirat Shabbat KiHilchita Mahdura Kama 32:193 explains that it is teaching children to answer Amen after brachot.
  29. ↑ "CHINUCH AGE." Ahavsalom (n.d.): n. pag. Dh.ahavasolam.com. Web. 1 Feb. 2016. <http://dh.ahavasolam.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/A-List-of-Chinuch-Ages.pdf>.
  30. ↑ The Gemara (Brachot 53b) says that one doesn’t say amen after the Bracha of a katan when he is just saying a Bracha as he is being taught the Brachot. The Rambam (Brachot 1:15) codifies as halacha. The Kesef Mishna there writes that it’s clearly implied that the teacher is permitted to say the Brachot with Hashem’s name to teach the children how to say the Brachot and when the children repeat the Bracha after him, since the Bracha is only for Chinuch, one doesn’t answer amen. Shulchan Aruch 215:3 rules that if a child is saying a Bracha as he is learning from his teacher one doesn’t answer amen, but if a child says a Bracha in order to exempt himself from some obligation (meaning saying a Bracha when he is obligated to say it), then one should answer amen.
    • Mishna Brurah 215:14 writes that it is permitted for the teacher to say the Brachot with Hashem’s name to teach the children how to say the Brachot. Although saying a Bracha for Chinuch is permitted, saying a Bracha as one is learning such as an adult who finds the text of a Bracha in the gemara as he is learning should not say the Bracha with Hashem’s name as one is reading the gemara. However, Yalkut Yosef 215:15 writes that in order to teach a child how to say Brachot one may say them with Hashem’s name, however, once the child knows how to make a Bracha and he just needs help in saying the Bracha one should say it without Hashem’s name.
  31. ↑ Shulchan Aruch O.C. 17:3 Aruch HaShulchan 17:5 asks why one is obligated to buy his child a talit as the mitzvah of tzitzit is limited to one who is wearing a four cornered garment. So if one doesn't have the garment, there is no requirement? Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen (Children in Halacha page 15 footnote 8) quotes the Bach s.v. katan that since the custom is that everyone wears tzitzit, one is obligated in chinuch of this custom as well.
  32. ↑ Bach 16 s.v. umah shekasiv rabbaynu
  33. ↑ Magen Avraham 16:1. Rav Moshe Feinstein (Igrot Moshe Y.D. 3:52:2) says that under the age of nine, the talit katan does not need the proper measurements. Aruch HaShulchan 16:5 says a talit katan has no shiur.
  34. ↑ Sharay Teshuva 17:2 and Aruch HaShulchan 17:5
  35. ↑ Yalkut Yosef Dinei Netilat Yadayim, Birkat Hamazon, Brachot, Mincha and Arvit page 13-14 based on the Yerushalmi in Megilla 2:5 that chinuch of children applies to rabbinic laws as cited in Netilat Yadayim for a Meal.
    An important lesson about chinuch in general can be learned from a story about trying to teach one’s son to wash before eating. It talks about a little kid who did not wash before eating bread. This infuriated his dad so he went to get something to hit him with. When he wound up to hit his son, his wife immediately stopped him and reminded him that he does not wash before eating bread either, thus he should be the one that is hit. The lesson is that if you want to successfully teach your children mitzvot, you have to take ownership and do the mitzvah as well. "חינוך לדורות - חינוך במעשים." <http://raktora.50webs.com/hinuh1.htm>.
  36. ↑ הרב אבישלום מונייצר שליטא. "ילדים כהלכה." ילדים כהלכה.
  37. ↑ הרב אדיר הכהן שליט"א. " חינוך לנטילת ידים לילדים." חינוך לנטילת ידים לילדים.
  38. ↑ Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen (Children in Halacha page 14). Shulchan Aruch haRav 4:2. M.B. 4:10 says that one should be careful with young children, and doesn't clarify if this is only once they reach the age of chinuch
  39. ↑ Shulchan Aruch haRav 4:2 says one should be careful starting after the brit milah to wash his son's hands. Shut Tzitz Eliezer 7:2:10 says there is no obligation before the age of chinuch, but to get the child into a good habit, it is advisable to wash his hands even before the age of chinuch. However, do not put pressure on the child, but do it pleasantly as there is no issue if they touch food. Halichos Bas Yisroel perek 1 footnote 22 quotes in the name of Rav Moshe Feinstein that although it is not required, it is a good idea to wash the hands of your children even before the age of chinuch.
  40. ↑ Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen (Children in Halacha page 15). Chinuch Yisroel page 63. Shut Tzitz Eliezer 7:2:4 says one can still learn with a child who touches their scalp or shoes.
  41. ↑ Rabbi Shraga Simmons
  42. ↑ Chagigah 3a
  43. ↑ Mishnah Berurah 98:3 who quotes the Shla Hakadosh:
  44. ↑ Mishna Berura 96:4
  45. ↑ The Shulchan Aruch (OC 689:1-3)
  46. ↑ Rama O.C. 98:1 quotes Shut Binyamin Zev 163 that explains the reason is, so that one realizes that there is no love like the love one has for Hashem. See Sefer Chasidim 255 Rav Ovadya Yosef (Shut Yichaveh Daas 4:12) says that this applies to both young and old children and even to other people. However, he says that the custom to kiss a rav or father on the hand is definitely permitted. He explains that they are different as there is a mitzvah to honor them, so giving them honor is a form of honoring Hashem.
  47. ↑ Rav Michel Sherkin (Meged Givot Olam Chelek 1 page 92) says Rav Moshe Feinstein felt that this prohibition is limited to the time of tefillah (as discussed by the Gra O.C. 98:1 by the fact that the Rama has this halcha in Hilchot Tefillah, not Hilchot Bet Hakneset).
  48. ↑ Rav Hershel Schachter quoted by his son https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/802649/rabbi-shay-schachter/kissing-our-children-in-shul/ at 2:20
  49. ↑ dailyhalacha.com
  50. ↑ dailyhalacha.com
  51. ↑ dinonline.org
  52. ↑ dinonline.org
  53. ↑ Rabbi Dovid Ostroff, The Shabbos Weekly. See M.B. 269:1
  54. ↑ Rabbi Dovid Ostroff, The Shabbos Weekly
  55. ↑ M.B. 269:1
  56. ↑ Rav Shlomo Zalman Aurebach as cited in Rabbi Dovid Ostroff, The Shabbos Weekly
  57. ↑ Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen (Children in Halacha page 58)
  58. ↑ Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen (Children in Halacha page 58) quoting from Sefer Chinuch Yisroel page 99. Rav Cohen says that we have an obligation of chinuch even for bdieved situations. Our children have to know what to do when they grow up and this situation occurs.
  59. ↑ Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen (Children in Halacha page 55)
  60. ↑ Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen (Children in Halacha page 56)
  61. ↑ Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen (Children in Halacha page 56) quoting from Aruch HaShulchan 263:7
  62. ↑ Turei Zahav as cited in A Parent's Guide to Teaching Children Mitzvot: A Halachic Guide By: Samuel Singer
  63. ↑ A Parent's Guide to Teaching Children Mitzvot: A Halachic Guide By: Samuel Singer
  64. ↑ A Parent's Guide to Teaching Children Mitzvot: A Halachic Guide By: Samuel Singer
  65. ↑ A Parent's Guide to Teaching Children Mitzvot: A Halachic Guide By: Samuel Singer
  66. ↑ Shulchan Aruch Orech Chaim 472:15. Shulchan Aruch Harav 472:25
  67. ↑ The Laws of Pesach on www.neveh.org
  68. ↑ Gemara sukkah 42a
  69. ↑ "Sukkot." A Parent's Guide to Teaching Children Mizvot. Hoboken: Ketav House, 1991.53. Print.
  70. ↑ "Sukkot." A Parent's Guide to Teaching Children Mizvot. Hoboken: Ketav House, 1991.59. Print.
  71. ↑ "Sukkot." A Parent's Guide to Teaching Children Mizvot. Hoboken: Ketav House, 1991. 53 . Print.
  72. ↑ "Sukkot." A Parent's Guide to Teaching Children Mizvot. Hoboken: Ketav House, 1991. 61-63. Print.
  73. ↑ Rav Nevinsal (B'Yitzchak Yikare 550:1) comments that the minhag ashkenaz is for a boy to fast 3 times prior to his bar mitzvah, though he doesn't know the basis for this minhag.
  74. ↑ The Gemara Shabbat 119a quotes Reish Lakish as saying that the world stands on the merit of the children's torah study. Furthermore, says the Gemara, a city which doesn't have its children studying Torah is going to be destroyed.
  75. ↑ Rambam in his introduction to Perek Chelek elaborates on how a child should be given sweets to encourage him to learn, as he gets older he should be given bigger prizes until eventually he will appreciate the value of the Torah itself and be motivated to learn it for no other reason
  76. ↑ Gitin 7a
  77. ↑ Rav Wolbe in Biyan Uzeriya Bechinuch. Rav Kook in Ayn Ayah Brachot 7a:70
  78. ↑ The Rambam Machalot Asurot 17:27 holds that it is forbidden to feed a child something forbidden whether that prohibition is from the Torah or rabbinic. The Rashba responsa 1:92 argues that it is permitted as long as it is only rabbinic yet he cautioned that he didn't rule like that in practice. Ran Yoma 1a quotes the Rashba. The Shulchan Aruch 343:1 holds like the Rambam.
  79. ↑ Chelkat Yakov YD 1:16 is lenient to permit a baby to drink milk after eating meat since it is only a minhag and since a minhag is based on a vow it a child's vows aren't effective. However, he limits this leniency to this context and only permits in conjunction with the fact that a baby is considered like a choleh shein bo sakana if they need to drink milk for health. Yabia Omer YD 1:4 is lenient after an hour but adds that perhaps there's no prohibition of feeding a child something forbidden if it is only an external prohibition and not a prohibition of the food itself.
  80. ↑ Shem Aryeh EH 95 writes that there's no issue with feeding a child below chinuch something (latfiso byadayim) that is only a chumra and not even a rabbinic prohibition. He is writing about not eating dried fruits on Pesach which was a certain minhag. The Sdei Chemed Chametz Umatzah 6:6 quotes it regarding Kitniyot. Siach Yitzchak responsa 210 agrees. Yechave Daat 1:9 agrees. He quotes Kol Mevaser 778, Agudat Ezov 12 who also agree that there's no prohibition of feeding a child something that's only a minhag. Agudat Ezov is lenient even with bishul akum. Sdei Chemed Asifat Zekenim Bishul Goyim 15 quotes that.
  81. ↑ Rav Nissim Karelitz in Chut Shani Shabbat v. 4 p. 287 writes that it is permitted to put a diaper on a baby that is going to change colors when the baby goes to the bathroom and it isn't considered causing your baby to do a melacha of coloring on Shabbat. The reason is that when the diaper is put on there's no change and when the baby goes to the bathroom he is mitasek and there's no issue of causing your child to do a melacha as a mitasek.
  82. ↑ Mishna Brurah on 340:3 writes that it is permitted to give your child a cookie with letters on it even though for an adult it is forbidden to eat it since it will erase the letters. Chut Shani Shabbat v. 4 p. 293 explains that it is permitted since erasing the letters is at worst derabbanan and also some poskim permit it altogether. Also, there's no problem of causing your child to do something forbidden if it is a pesik reisha unless the child realizes that he's doing it for the benefit of the child.
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