Halacha

Erev Rosh Hashanah 

Introduction: Shmita 

There are two main aspects when it comes to a Shmita year:

1. The land must rest and be void of work.

2. All loans, debts, and any other financial commitments are canceled and nullified throughout the shmita year

In order to preserve loans, debts, and any other commitments through a Shmita year, the Chachamim enacted a Pruzbul. This involves transferring one's loans to the Beis Din and by doing that they are able to maintain their commitments throughout the Shmita year.

• A Pruzbul is made (during and after a Shmita year) after Hataras Nedarim on Erev Rosh Hashanah.

• The English translation of the Pruzbul declaration is: “I hereby give over to you (Beis Din) all my debts so that I can claim them whenever I wish (in the future.)”

Various Practices on Erev Rosh Hashanah:

• Visiting Kevarim of Tzadikim: After Shacharis on Erev Rosh Hashanah, it is customary to visit the kevarim of holy Tzadikim to daven for a good year.

• Visiting the Ohel (Resting Place of the Rebbe): Chassidim have a custom to visit the Ohel around this time.

  • The Chassidic custom is to write a Pan to the Rebbe on Erev Rosh Hashanah.

  • When visiting the Ohel, there are various minhagim, among them are:

    1. To Give Tzedakah.

    2. Light candles.

    3. Do not wear leather shoes.

    4. Go to the Mikvah beforehand.

    5. Try not to eat (drinking is permitted).

    6. Men should cover their Tzitzis.

    7. If you have not visited a cemetery within 30 days, say a special Bracha.

    8. One should not visit the same kever twice on the same day.

    9. Wash Negel Vasser after leaving the Ohel.

• Learning Torah and Doing Mitzvos: On Erev Rosh Hashanah, one should dedicate as much time as possible to performing Mitzvos, learning Torah, and saying Tehillim.

• Taking on a New Hachlata: It is a great thing to make a new Hachlatah for the coming year, to take on a hidur into your life.

• Personal Preparation:

  • Get a haircut.

  • Cut your nails.

  • Go to the Mikvah.

  • Wear your finest Yom Tov clothes, expressing confidence in Hashem's inscription for a good year.

• Financial Assistance: It is a great Mitzvah to help others financially with their Yom Tov needs.

• Tzedakah: Those who give Tzedakah daily should give an extra amount for the 2 days of Rosh Hashanah.

• Mincha: Mincha on Erev Rosh Hashanah is the last tefillah of the year—one should daven with great care and focus.

• Tehillim: From before Mincha on Erev Rosh Hashanah until Maariv on Motzei Rosh Hashanah, one should try to spend every spare moment reciting Tehillim.

Rosh Hashanah Night(s)

First Night:

Many of the Minhagim mentioned for Erev Rosh Hashanah (Doing Mitzvos, Learning Torah, Saying Tehillim, taking on a new hachlatah, etc.) apply to the first night as well.

• Yom Tov Candles: Light Yom Tov candles 18 minutes before sunset just as with Shabbos.

  • Everyone is chayuv in Shabbat candles; women typically light them; if there are no women in the house, a man should light them.

  • The Bracha for the candles are : 

    • L’hadlik ner (shel Shabbos v’shel) Yom Hazikaron 

    •  Shehecheyanu vekiyimanu vehegianu lizman hazeh

  • If a man is lighting the candles, he does not say Shehecheyanu at candle lighting but rather at Kiddush.

Second Night:

• Wait until Tzeis Hakochavim (nightfall) to say Shehecheyanu.

• One should try to wear a new garment (the Chabad custom: have new fruit as well). Women should have the new food/garment in mind when lighting candles; men should have it in mind during Kiddush.

• If Yom Tov falls on Motzei Shabbat (Saturday night), say the paragraph “Vatodiainu”.

• One should not smoke on Rosh Hashanah.

Additions to the tefilos ( from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur):

5 additions are made to Tefilos from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur:

1. Zochreinu L’chaim 

2. Mi Kamocha

3. Uch’tov 

4. U’v’sefer Chayim 

5. We say Oseh Hashalom instead of Oseh Shalom.

Changes in Shemone esrei:

Two changes are made in the Amidah:

1. Instead of Ha’kel Hakadosh , we say HaMelech Hakadosh.

2. Instead of Melech Ohev Tzedakah U’mishpat, we say HaMelech Hamishpat.

( Note: The Chabad custom during Kaddish is to add L’eila U’l’eila in kadesh only during Ne’ela (other minhagim say L’eila U’eila throughout Rosh Hashanah and the Aseres Yimei Teshuvah).

These 7 additions and changes take effect from ma’ariv on the 1st night of Rosh Hashanah and go for 10 days until the end of Yom Kippur.

• During the Amidah on Rosh Hashanah, we intersperse the paragraph of Ata Kadosh with other tefilos in between, then concluding with the brachah of  HaMelech Hakadosh.

• If one forgets to say the additional paragraphs in between and only say HaMelech Hakadosh, there is no need to go back.

• After Maariv, before Kaddish, we say the paragraph L’Dovid Mizmor. One should say it with great kavanah, asking Hashem for parnassa (livelihood) for the entire year.

• After Maariv on the first night, one should great a fellow to everyone in the shul, “Leshana Tova Tikatev V’tichatem” (May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year).

Omissions and Uncertainties in Shemoneh Esrei For the entire Aseres Yemei Teshuva:

• Ne’ila : In Ne’ila of Yom Kippur, any language of "writing" (Kesiva) is changed to a language of "sealing” (Chasima).

• HaMelech Hakadosh: If one forget HaMelech Hakadosh in the Amidah:

  • If it is within a few seconds, you can correct it.

  • If more time has passed, you need to restart the Amidah.

  • If you are unsure whether you said it, assume you did not and follow the above rules (correct if within a few seconds, restart if not).

  • If there was a long pause between Ha’kell and Hakadosh, you can quickly correct it to HaMelech Hakadosh.

  • If you said the long bracha of Atah Kadosh and don't remember if you said HaMelech Hakadosh, we assume you said it correctly.

• HaMelech Hamishpat: If you said Melech Ohev Tzedakah U’mishpat instead of HaMelech Hamishpat, correct yourself if it is within a few seconds; otherwise, it is one does not need to go back.

• Additional Prayers (Zochreinu, Mi Kamocha, etc.): If one forget any of the added tefilpos (Zochreinu L’chaim, Mi Kamocha, etc.), one can say them if he remembers before finishing the blessing; otherwise, one does not need to go back for them.

• Uch’sov Chayim and Ubeseifer Chayim (During Chazaras Hashatz): When the Chazan reaches there, he pauses, the congregation says it, and then the Chazzan repeats it and continues.

The Rosh Hashanah Meals:

First Night:

• When Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat, we say Shalom Aleichem, Eshet Chayil, etc. quietly.

• Kiddush:

  • The Kiddush cup should be at least three tefachim above the table.

  • Stand while saying Kiddush.

  • Look at the candles when starting Kiddush and look at the Kiddush cup when reciting the end brachah.

  • When lifting the cup, one should pick it up with his right hand, transfer it to his left, and then back to his right in a downward motion, holding the cup with your fingers on the bottom.

  • If a woman makes Kiddush, she does not say Shehecheyanu because she said it when lighting candles.

• Apple and Honey: We dip the apple in honey at all Rosh Hashanah meals.

  • After eating the challah, dip a sweet apple in honey, say the Brachah Borei Pri Ha’etz, and then say, “Yehi ratzon milfanecha shetichadesh aleinu leshana tova u’metuka” (May it be Your will that You renew for us a good and sweet year), one then dips the apple in the honey, and eats it.

• Symbolic Foods (Simanim): We eat various foods throughout the Rosh Hashanah Meals:

  • Pomegranate: Represents many Zechusim and mitzvos  (like its many seeds).

  • Ram’s head/Fish head: Symbolizes being the head, not the tail.

  • Fish: Represents having many children (like fish).

  • Carrots: Called merren in Yiddish, which sounds like “more.”

• We only say the Yehi Ratzon Tefillah over the apple.

• We do not eat sour, spicy, or bitter foods on Rosh Hashanah.

• We also avoid nuts because the gematria (numerical value) of egos (nuts) is the same as chet (sin).

Second Night:

• Before Kiddush, place the new fruit on the table.

• Look at the new fruit when saying Shehecheyanu.

• If you do not have a new fruit, you should still say Shehecheyanu.

• Immediately after Kiddush and before Hamotzi, eat the new fruit to avoid an interruption between the Shehecheyanu blessing and washing for Hamotzi.

• If you one eats a kezayis of the new fruit, you recite a bracha achrona (after-blessing) on the fruit but not on the wine.

• If the new fruit is not one of the Shiv’at Haminim, say Borei Nefashot instead of Al Ha’etz.

• If the 2nd night is motzei shabbos, during Havdalah (which is in kiddush) when saying Borei Me’orei Ha’esh, we do not move, touch, or do anything with the candles.

 The Second Night Meal:

We observe many of the same minhagim as the first night, with these exceptions:

• We dip the challah in honey but do not use other simanim.

• When Yom Tov falls on Motzei Shabbat, we perform Yaknehaz (a combined Kiddush and Havdalah).

Birchas Hamazon:

• On Shabbat, we add Retzei to Benching. On Yom Tov, we add Ya’aleh V’yavo and the extra Harachaman.

• The Harachaman for Rosh Hashanah is: “Harachaman hu yechadesh aleinu es hachodesh hazeh letova v’livracha” (May the Merciful One renew for us this month for good and for blessing).

Morning of Rosh Hashanah

• It is a minhag to go to the mikvah on Rosh Hashanah, especially for chazanim, the baal tokea (person blowing the shofar), and kohanim who will perform Birchas Kohanim.

• The davening on Rosh Hashanah is unique; one should try to learn its meaning, especially the chazan.

• A teacher or father should prepare their students/children for the davening order, including when they cannot talk.

• If you start davening late, ensure you recite Shema in time for Krias Shema.

Davening Halachos

• In "HaMelech HaYoshev," we say "Yoshev" instead of "HaYoshev," meaning "The King who is sitting and judging."

• During davening, the chazan raises his voice at the word "Melech" (King).

• During Aseres Yemei Teshuva and Rosh Hashanah, we recite "Shir Hamaalos Mimaamakim" after Yishtabach.

• When the Torah is not being taken out, one may sit. If it is taken out, one must stand.

• In the machzor:

  • "קול" (Cong.) means the congregation says it aloud while the chazan says it quietly.

  • "חזן" (Chazan) means the chazan says it aloud.

  • "חזן וקול" (Chazan then Cong.) means the chazan says it first, then the congregation repeats.

  • "קול וחזן" (Cong. then Chazan) means the congregation says it first, then the chazan.

Shemoneh Esrei

• We begin as usual, adding "Zachreinu" and "Mi Kamocha," followed by the long bracha after "HaMelech HaKadosh."

• "Ata Bechartanu" follows with "Vatitain Lanu."

• If Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbos, three additional phrases appear in "Vatitain Lanu."

• In "Elokeinu V'Elokei Avoseinu," additional insertions are made if Rosh Hashanah is on Shabbos.

• "U'chsov" and "U'vesefer" are inserted in their appropriate places.

Avinu Malkeinu

• Avinu Malkeinu is not recited on Shabbos.

• The Aron is opened for Avinu Malkeinu.

Pre-Krias HaTorah

• We recite the Shir Shel Yom, followed by "Hoshia'einu."

• "L'Dovid Hashem Ori" is recited (from Rosh Chodesh Elul to Hoshanah Rabbah).

• "Ata Horaisa Ladaas" is recited before opening the Aron for Krias HaTorah.

Krias HaTorah & Haftarah

• After "Vayehi Binsoa," we recite the Yud Gimmel Middos (Hashem Hashem Kel Rachum...) three times, followed by a special "Ribono Shel Olam."

• Gabbaim should prepare the Sifrei Torah before Yom Tov to prevent delays.

• Rolling the Torah for the second day on the first day is prohibited unless an Eruv Tavshilin was made.

• Two Sifrei Torah are taken out:

  • First Day: The birth of Yitzchak is read; 5 aliyos (7 if on Shabbos).

  • Second Day: The Akeida is read; 5 aliyos (Rosh Hashanah cannot fall on Shabbos).

  • Both Days: The second Torah is for Maftir ("Uvachodesh HaShevi'i").

• After reading from the first Sefer Torah, the second is placed next to it before Chatzi Kaddish.

• Hagbah and Gelilah are performed on the first Torah before uncovering the second.

• If only one Sefer Torah is available, it should be rolled to Maftir after Kaddish.

• Some shuls give aliyos to the Baal Tokea or Baal Musaf, but this is not obligatory if they are paid.

• A prominent married person should receive Maftir.

• A special tune is used for Torah reading on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur but not for Maftir.

• A special tune is used for calling up aliyos and for brachos.

• If a bris occurs on Rosh Hashanah:

  • In shul: After Krias HaTorah and before Tekias Shofar.

  • At home: After davening.

• Haftaros:

  • First Day: The story of Chana.

  • Second Day: A passage from Yirmiyahu about Moshiach/Geulah.

Pre-Tekias Shofar

• Before Tekias Shofar, one should not eat or drink. If Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbos, one may eat.

• If one is unwell or unable to daven properly without food, they may eat.

• Avinu Malkeinu is not recited on Shabbos.

• Even though Rosh Hashanah is technically Rosh Chodesh, we do not recite Birchas HaChodesh on the preceding Shabbos.

• We do not say "Borchi Nafshi" on Rosh Hashanah, nor Hallel, as it is a serious time of judgment.

Tekias Shofar

• After Krias HaTorah, one should prepare for Tekias Shofar.

• The Sefer Torah remains out during Tekias Shofar.

• Tekios DemiYushav: Blown before Shemoneh Esrei; sitting is permitted, but the minhag is to stand.

• Tekios DeMeumad: Blown during Shemoneh Esrei; standing is required.

• The shofar is typically blown from the bima out of respect for the congregation.

• The shofar remains covered until after the brachos.

• The Baal Tokea should be a prominent, G-d-fearing person.

• "Lamnatzeach Livnei Korach" is recited aloud seven times before blowing.

• The Baal Tokea recites eight pesukim from "Min Hameitzar," and the congregation repeats them.

• A "Yehi Ratzon" is recited before blowing.

• Two brachos are recited:

  • "Lishmoa Kol Shofar."

  • "Shehecheyanu" (on the second day, preferably with a new garment in mind).

• The Baal Tokea must intend to fulfill the mitzvah for the congregation, and they should have kavanah to be yotze.

• Do not say "Baruch Hu U'varuch Shemo" during these brachos.

• Talking is prohibited until all shofar blowing is completed.

• No noise should be made during Tekios.

• The Baal Tokea holds the shofar in his right hand, on the right side of his mouth, facing upwards.

• There must be no separation between the shofar and the Baal Tokea's mouth.

• A Makri (caller) announces each sound ("Tekiah, Shevarim, Teruah") to prevent confusion.

• Chabad Minhag: Instead of announcing, the Makri points inside the siddur to the correct place.

• If blowing shofar for others (e.g., Mivtzaim), they should say the brachos themselves. If unable, the Baal Tokea may recite them.

• Both the Baal Tokea and Makri must study the halachos thoroughly.

• The Frierdiker Rebbe instructed the Baal Tokea to learn the maamar "Lehavin Inyan Tekias Shofar."

• Children should attend Tekias Shofar unless they will cause disruption.

Erev Yom Kippur

• Kapparos:

  • The custom is to perform Kapparos with chickens, using one chicken per household member.

  • For females, use female chickens; for males, use male chickens.

  • If a woman is pregnant, use three chickens: two female and one male.

  • If possible, use white chickens.

  • Perform Kapparos early in the morning.

  • If one cannot perform Kapparos on Erev Yom Kippur morning, it can be done any day during the Aseres Yemei Teshuva (Ten Days of Repentance).

  • If one cannot afford a chicken for each person, purchase one male and one female chicken, and use the male for all males and the female for all females.

  • Begin Kapparos by reciting "B'nai Adam" through "Matzasi Chofer" while holding the chicken.

  • Then, say "Ze Chalifasi," swing the chicken once, say "Ze Tumurasi," swing it again, say "Ze Kapparasi," swing it again, and then say "Ze HaTarnigal Yelech..."

  • Repeat this process two more times.

  • For a woman, say "Zos Chalifasi..."

  • If a father is performing Kapparos for his son, he says "Ze Chalifascha..."

  • Afterward, the chicken is shechted.

  • Shechting is the most crucial part of Kapparos.

  • Ideally, the chicken should be shechted immediately after performing Kapparos.

  • After shechting, the shochet must cover the blood with sand, sawdust, or similar material.

  • The mitzvah is primarily for the shochet. Others may request to perform it, but the decision rests with the shochet.

  • If the shechita was performed incorrectly, Kapparos must be repeated.

  • If the shechita was correct, but the chicken was found to be non-kosher (due to a blemish), it is acceptable.

  • One should not assume that performing Kapparos negates the need for sincere Teshuva.

  • Many have the minhag to go to the mikvah before Kapparos.

• Erev Yom Kippur Preparations:

  • During Shacharis on Erev Rosh Hashanah, Mizmor L'soda after Baruch Sheamar and Tachanun are omitted.

  • The minhag is for the Gabbai to distribute honey cake after Shacharis, which should be accepted and eaten.

  • The Rebbe would distribute Lekach (honey cake) and wish everyone "L'shana Tova U'metuka" (a good and sweet year).

  • Lekach symbolizes that this should be the primary request for the entire year.

  • One should eat and drink abundantly, equivalent to two days' worth.

  • Two special meals are eaten on Erev Yom Kippur.

  • During the first meal, challah is dipped in honey, lighter foods are eaten, and kreplach is served.

  • One should invite four guests to the Erev Yom Kippur meal.

  • The order of preparations close to Yom Kippur is Malkus (lashes), Mikvah, and Mincha.

  • Before Mikvah, one receives 39 "lashes” with a gartel.

  • Face north during Malkus.

  • The lashes are administered in three parts of the back.

  • The phrase "Vehu Rachum" is recited, one word per lash.

  • Both the person giving and receiving Malkus recite the phrase.

  • Then, one goes to the Mikvah.

  • One dips three times in the Mikvah.

  • Some go to the Mikvah again before Kol Nidrei.

  • If a Mikvah is unavailable, one may use "Tisha Kavim" (nine kavim of continuous water), which is equivalent to standing under a shower for 2-3 minutes.

  • One should wear Shabbos clothing during Mincha (which is davened 2-3 hours before Maariv).

  • Give Tzedakah to as many Tzedakah boxes as possible, as the Friediker Rebbe said the sound removes the Klipa.

  • Daven Mincha Shemoneh Esrei with Kavanah, and recite Viduy after the first "Yihyu L'ratzon."

  • Viduy: Recite "Ashamnu" as usual, then "Al Chet," striking the chest at "Shechatanu."

  • Complete Shemoneh Esrei.

  • This Viduy is not repeated during Chazaras HaShatz.

  • Whenever reciting "Ashamnu" or "Al Chet" on Yom Kippur, one should be bent over, in humility.

  • If you are in the middle of saying Al Chet, and the chazan has started chazaras hashatz and Kedusha, you can answer "Kadosh", "Baruch", and "Yimloch".

  • If one forgets "Al Chet" and has finished Shemoneh Esrei, it can be recited afterward.

• Seudah Hamafsekes:

  • After Mincha, have the Seudah Hamafsekes, the final meal of the day.

  • Wash for the meal and eat properly.

  • Ensure the meal is completed before Shkiah (sunset), ideally earlier, due to other preparations.

  • Before going to Shul for Kol Nidrei, a father should bless his children.

  • The Rebbe would bless the Bochrim while wearing his Tallis) and Kittel.

  • Women light candles and recite Shehecheyanu.

  • Every married man should light a 24-hour candle in Shul, called a Ner Chayim.

  • Those without parents should light a candle for their Neshama, which can be done at home.

Maariv

• Recite Kol Nidrei three times.

• Various tefilos are recited, and the Chazan concludes with Shehecheyanu, recited slowly so others can finish first. Women do not repeat it, as they already said it during candle lighting.

• Recite "Baruch Shem Kevod..." aloud.

• Much of Shemoneh Esrei resembles regular Yom Tov tefilos, with Yom Kippur additions.

• During Shemoneh Esrei, recite Viduy, as in Mincha.

• If it is Friday night, recite Vayechulu.

• A series of Tefilos similar to Rosh Hashanah Chazaras HaShatz, but longer, are recited.

• After Shul, it is customary to stay and recite the entire Tehillim.

Morning of Yom Kippur

• Perform Negel Vasser, washing up to the knuckles.

• "Sheasa Li Kol Tzorki" is omitted from the morning blessings.

• Leather shoes are not worn.

Shacharis

• Shacharis on Yom Kippur follows the Rosh Hashanah order, except "Baruch Shem Kevod" is recited aloud during Shema.

• Shemoneh Esrei follows the Maariv format, with Viduy before completion.

Chazaras HaShatz 

• The Aron is opened for Chazaras HaShatz.

• Many tefilos similar to Rosh Hashanah are recited, but extensively and much longer.

• Special tefilos in Alef Bais order is recited.

• "Ha'aderes Vehaemuna" is recited/sung.

• Additional paragraphs and Kedusha are recited.

• Many tefilos from the previous week's Slichos are included.

• "Ashamnu" and "Al Chet" are recited.

• The Chazan recites many tefilos similar to regular Yom Tov Chazaras HaShatz, with Yom Kippur additions.

• "Avinu Malkeinu" is recited.

• "Ledavid Hashem Ori..." concludes Shacharis.

Krias HaTorah

• The Aron is opened, and tefilos similar to Rosh Hashanah are recited.

• The Avoda of Aharon and the Kohanim is read, from the beginning of Acharei Mos.

• The Haftarah about Teshuva is read, concluding Krias HaTorah.

Musaf

• The Chazan begins with the paragraph "Hineni..." (Here I am...).

• Shemoneh Esrei is recited as usual for Yom Kippur, following the regular format.

• Shemoneh Esrei concludes with Al Chet.

• Chazaras HaShatz and Avoda:

  • Chazaras HaShatz for Musaf is lengthy, lasting 2-3 hours.

  • It begins with the regular Yom Kippur format.

  • Many tefilos from Shacharis Chazaras HaShatz are repeated.

  • "Unesaneh Tokef" is recited.

  • "Keser" and other tefilos are recited, and Alenu is recited, with bowing at "Va'anachnu..."

  • The Avoda of Yom Kippur  begins (still part of Musaf).

  • Descriptions of the Bais Hamikdash on Yom Kippur are said.

  • The Kiyor and the white garments of the Kohanim are described.

  • The Korbanos are described, including where people stood and what they said.

  • Several paragraphs beginning with "Vahakohanim" are recited, with bowing at appropriate times.

  • The Kohen Gadol's tefilos upon leaving the Kodesh Hakodashim are described.

  • These tefilos include requests for rain, flourishing plants, and children.

  • tefilos are offered that Hashem should listen to us as He listened to the Kohen Gadol.

  • A Yehi Ratzon prayer in Alef Bais order is recited.

  • A somber paragraph about the Galus due to ancestral sins is recited.

  • A series of paragraphs about the ten Tzadikim killed by the Romans is recited.

  • A paragraph asking Hashem for forgiveness is recited.

  • The Avoda concludes.

  • Various songs, such as "Ki Anu," are sung.

  • The Chazan recites Viduy.

  • Birchas Kohanim is performed.

  • Avinu Malkeinu is not recited after Shemoneh Esrei.

  • The service concludes as usual, except Alenu is omitted, and appropriate Tehillim are recited.

Post-Musaf/Mincha

• A break of at least 45 minutes is taken.

• Mincha begins with Korbanos, but Ashrei and Uva Letzion are omitted (as they are said during Neila), and the Sefer Torah is taken out.

• The reading is about forbidden marriages.

• The Maftir is Sefer Yonah.

• Shemoneh Esrei is the same as Shacharis.

• Viduy is recited before the end.

• Chazaras HaShatz includes a few special tefilos, regular Kedusha, and many tefilos from Slichos.

• "Ki Anu" is sung.

• The service concludes as usual for Yom Kippur.

Neila

• The Aron is opened and remains open throughout Neila.

• Neila is the closing time for Teshuva, as Hashem closes the gates, and we plead for forgiveness.

• A special tune is used for Neila.

• Ashrei and Uva Letzion are recited.

• Chatzi Kaddish is recited.

• Laila Uleaila is included in the Kaddish, (this minhag varies between different communities, some have already been doing it from Rosh Hashanah but Minhag Chabad is to only start now ).

• "Min Kol" is changed to "Mikol" in the Kaddish.

• Shemoneh Esrei is the same as Mincha, with two special paragraphs at the end.

• Viduy is recited, only Ashamnu.

• Neila should be davened while the sun is setting.

• Many extra tefilos are recited during Chazaras HaShatz.

• We beg Hashem to keep the gates of repentance open.

• Many tefilos from Slichos are recited.

• Avinu Malkeinu is recited, even on Shabbos.

• The Chazan says the first line of Shema, and the congregation repeats it.

• The Chazan says "Baruch Shem" three times, and the congregation repeats it three times.

• The Chazan says "Hashem Hu Elokim" seven times, and the congregation repeats it.

• The Chazan recites Kaddish, and “Napoleon’s March” is sung during a section of Kaddish.

• Following Napoleon’s March, the Shofar is blown and the Chazan finishes Kaddish.

• Neilah concludes with Ein Kelokeinu, Aleinu, and other tefilos.

Post-Yom Kippur

• Maariv is davened, following the regular Motzei Shabbos format.

• Upon returning home, one should wash the mouth, perform Negel Vasser, recite Kiddush Levanah, and then Havdalah.

• A large meal with meat is eaten, as it is a Segula for Parnassa.

• It is a Minhag to do an act of preparation for the sukkah to start the preparation for Sukkos

Sukkos

Halachos Regarding the Sukkah:

• Sukkos is a time where we thank Hashem for giving us “Sukkos” (the Ananei Hakavod) when we left Mitzrayim.

• Sukkos happened in spring—Nissan. However, we have Sukkos in Tishrei because you might not sit in the Sukkah for the mitzvah in Nissan—beautiful weather. That's why we do it in Tishrei so we could sit in the Sukkah during the rainy season—for the mitzvah.

• After Yom Kippur, you should start/continue building the Sukkah.

• A Sukkah must be directly under the sky—can't be on a balcony or a tree.

• The main part of the Sukkah is the Schach because the walls could be permanent. It could be the walls of a house, but the Schach is what you have to replace every year.

• The ground that you use for the Sukkah should be yours.

• You are allowed to have a moving Sukkah (Sukkah mobile).

• The Sukkah must be sturdy—it can’t be swayed by the wind more than 3 tefachim.

• The lowest a Sukkah can be is 10 tefachim.

• If you have a wall that you wrap around the Sukkah and take off—you should strap it to the beams/anything part of the Sukkah so it will not blow around.

• There are 2 requirements for your Schach to be kosher:

  • It has to grow from the ground and not be attached to it.

  • It has to be something that can’t become tamei (anything that was made into something).

• There needs to be more shade than sun in the Sukkah, but there should be ways to see the stars.

• There could be a minimum of 2½ walls for the Sukkah.
  
  

Halachos about the Daled Minim:

• You should try to find a beautiful Esrog because the Torah says “Pri Etz Hadar”—a beautiful fruit.

• There are many different Minhagim about Esrogim:

  • The Esrog is divided into 3 thirds.

  • Some people like having an Esrog without a pitom, and some without.

  • If the pitom breaks, the Esrog is pasul (if it came off from the tree, it’s ok).

  • The Rebbe looked for a big and straight Esrog. The ukatz (stem on bottom) should be indented in, and the Esrog should be clean.

  • If the Esrog has a cut, hole, or spots on certain parts, the Esrog is pasul.

  • You should try to buy an Esrog for someone who is trustworthy because once the Esrog came off the tree—you can’t tell if it was a tree that was not kosher since Esrogim trees are very weak. People graft trees to make it stronger, which is not allowed.

• We don’t shake Lulav and Esrog on Shabbos.

• Ideally, you should shake the Lulav in the Sukkah, and you should not eat until then, and right after, you should eat something and make Leshev BaSukkah.

• On the 1st day (you should try every day), the Lulav you have should belong to you. It can't be someone else's. If you do Mivtzoyim, you tell them—“you could own it as a gift on condition that you give it back after.”
  
  

Erev Yom Tov

• You should cut your nails before Yom Tov.

• You cannot take a haircut or cut your nails on Chol Hamoed.

• Before Yom Tov, a person should go to the Mikvah.

• On Erev Sukkos, you are not allowed to eat from Mincha until Kiddush in the Sukkah because there is a special mitzvah to eat in the Sukkah on the 1st night so we could be excited to go and sit in the Sukkah.

• You should try to make our Lulav in the Sukkah.

• Whatever you usually do in your house (besides sleeping), you should do in the Sukkah.

• You should not do anything that disrespects the Sukkah.

• If a person is davening at home, he should do it in the Sukkah.

• We daven Maariv—Shemoneh Esrei for Shalosh Regalim (Pesach, Shavuos, and Sukkos).

The Meals

• We have a regular meal, making Leshev BaSukkah after eating and dipping the challah in the honey.

• Almost everyone has a Minhag to sleep in the Sukkah besides for Chabad Chassidim. We do not sleep in the Sukkah because the Rebbeim did not sleep in the Sukkah.

• If it rains in the Sukkah and your food is getting ruined or you are uncomfortable, you should go inside. However, many Chassidim do stay in the Sukkah even in the rain.

• You should try to eat everything in the Sukkah.

• Women are patur from eating/being in the Sukkah because it is a Mitzvas Asai Shehazman Gerama—a mitzvah done at a specific time, and women are patur from those types of mitzvos. However, if they do eat in the Sukkah, they do get the mitzvah.

• If you have food that the bracha is Mezonos, Hamotzi, or Hagafen, then you should make the bracha “Leshev BaSukkah.”

• If you forgot to make the bracha Leshev BaSukkah in the beginning of the meal, you could do so at any point.

• The 1st night, we make Kiddush—Leshev BaSukkah—Shehecheyanu, but on the 2nd night, we make Kiddush—Shehecheyanu—Leshev BaSukkah.

• Our minhag is that when we make Leshev BaSukkah—look at the Schach.

• People who are listening to Kiddush should make Leshev BaSukkah by the challah.

• There is a special mitzvah to eat in the Sukkah on the 1st night—must eat.

• Every night/day of Sukkos, we have the Ushpizin come to our table—the regular Ushpizin (Avraham, Yitzchak, Yaakov, etc.) and the Chassidishe Ushpizin (the Baal Shem Tov, the Magid, the Alter Rebbe, etc.).

Shaking the Lulav

• In the morning (could really be any time before sunset) of every day of Sukkos (besides Shabbos), we should go to the Sukkah and shake the Lulav.

• We hold the Lulav in our right hand (don’t pick the Esrog up yet), and you make the bracha—“Baruch Atah…. Al Netilas Lulav,” and if it’s the 1st time you are shaking the Lulav this Sukkos—you make Shehecheyanu.

• Then you take the Esrog in your left hand and shake the Lulav.

• The order of shaking the Lulav is right, left, forward, up, down, back (over the right shoulder).

Shacharis on the 1st and 2nd day

• People who have the Minhag not to carry on Shabbos even though there is an Eruv carry on Yom Tov.

• We daven regular Shacharis for Shabbos (not adding in the special Shabbos parts if it is not Shabbos), and we say Shemoneh Esrei for Shalosh Regalim.

• When you go to Shul, you should take the Lulav because you shake by Hallel and the Hoshanos.

Hallel

• These are the Halachos for Hallel for all the days of Sukkos:

• We hold the Lulav the whole time and the Esrog only when we shake it.

• We say regular Hallel, and when we get to Hodu—we shake the Lulav 3 times in the order of shaking the Lulav by every word excluding Hashem's name.

• By Ana Hashem, we do the same, but since it’s smaller—every word, we do 2 parts of the order 

• Every word, we do 2 parts of the order (i.e., right and left) excluding Hashem's name.

• We say Hodu 2 more times, and we do the same.

Hoshanos - end of davening

• These are Halachos for Hoshanos for every day of Sukkos:

• We leave the Aron open for Hoshanos. We say a series of Hoshanos in Alef Bais order.

• You say from Alef until Samech/Ayin quietly, and then you go around the Bima repeating the Chazan.

• We don't say it on Shabbos. On the day after, we do double (1st one we say quietly).

• We finish with Krias HaTorah - Musaf Shalosh Regalim - finish davening.

• We have a normal meal - same as night.

Mincha

• We do a regular Mincha for Shabbos and Yom Tov, but we do not read the Torah, and we say the Shemoneh Esrei for Shalosh Regalim.

Chol Hamoed

• Chol Hamoed is Yom Tov - you should wear Shabbos clothes - learn Torah, etc.

• We daven regular davening with Hallel, Hoshanos, Krias HaTorah, and Musaf.

Shemini Atzeres and Simchas Torah

• Shemini Atzeres - we still eat in the Sukkah, but no bracha, and on Simchas Torah, you could eat inside.

• Night of Shemini Atzeres, we do Hakafos.

• Night of Simchas Torah, we do Hakafos night and by day before Laining.

• We read Parshas Vezos Habracha.

• We do Birchas Kohanim by Shacharis, not by Musaf.

• Everyone should get an Aliya by the Kria.

• The last Aliya of Vezos Habracha is called Chason Torah, and the 1st Aliya of Bereishis is called Chasan Bereishis; these are very important Aliyos.

• For Shemini Atzeres and Simchas Torah, we daven Shemoneh Esrei and Musaf of Shalosh Regalim, and they each have their own Kria. We have normal Yom Tov meals.

Chanukah

• There are 8 things that the Rebbe wanted for Chanukah Mivtzoyim:

  • Every Jewish home has a Chanukah Menorah.

  • Every male should light their own Menorah (including boys), and at the same time, encourage all women and girls to light Shabbos candles.

  • Gather all Jewish children (especially in public school) and tell them the Chanukah story and encourage them to light the Menorah.

  • Influence your friends and neighbors to light Chanukah candles.

  • Make an effort that all Jewish kids should get Chanukah Gelt.

  • Children should give their friends Chanukah Gelt (boys to boys and girls to girls).

  • Encourage kids to give Tzedakah on every day of Chanukah and double on Friday.

  • To encourage children to add in their Torah learning every day of Chanukah.

• On Chaf Hay Kislev starts the 8 days of Chanukah, which were instituted by the Chachamim to remember the miracles of our fathers.

• In the time of the 2nd Bais Hamikdash, the Greeks made decrees on the Yidden to stop them from keeping Torah and Mitzvos. They also abused Jewish property. They broke into the Heichal and destroyed things, causing Yidden a lot of trouble until Hashem had Rachmanis, and the Chashmonaim overcame the Greeks, and the Yidden ruled Eretz Yisrael for over 200 years until the destruction of the 2nd Bais Hamikdash.

• When the Greeks went into the Heichal, they made all the oil Tamei, and when the Chashmonaim re-took the Bais Hamikdash, there was only one pure one, which lasted 8 days.

• Because of this, the Chachamim in that generation established the Yom Tov of Chanukah for these things:

  • To say Hallel every day.

  • To say Al Hanisim in Shemoneh Esrei and Benching.

  • To light the Menorah to publicize the miracle.

• It's called Chanukah because - Chanu - Chaf Hay, they rested on the 25th, and because they rededicated the Mizbeach, and the dedication took 8 days.

• There is a Machlokes if the Chachamim wanted us to have a Seudah on Chanukah like Purim.

• Although the Halacha is that we don't have to, nevertheless, the Minhag is to increase in our meals. Some sing special Zemiros.

• It's Asur to fast on Chanukah, even a Chason on the day of their wedding, and even if someone has a Yahrzeit.

• On Chanukah, you are allowed to do work, but women have a custom not to do any work while the candles are lit, and one should not be lenient about this, and the reason for this is because of the miracle of Yehudis.

• Everyone needs to have candles. Even a poor person living on Tzedakah has to borrow money or even sell his coat to get Chanukah candles.

• Women are also Chayuv to light Chanukah candles because they were also part of the miracle. Nevertheless, they are Yotzei from their husband/father.

• If a woman does not have a husband and does not know how to light the Menorah, she can ask her neighbor, and he can go to her house and make the Bracha for her as long as she is standing next to each other.

• Young boys should light Chanukah candles.

• The best way to do the Mitzvah of Menorah is olive oil, 2nd beeswax/any other oil that has a clear flame, 3rd any type.

• The best type of wicks are cotton wool/linen wicks, then any type.

• Some people use new wicks every day, and some people use the old wicks. The Friediker Rebbe used the old wicks.

• If you use the old wicks, you put them in the new candle.

• For a Shamash, we use a beeswax candle.

• The candles have to be in a straight line.

• You should be able to see that they are separate candles.

• The flames have to be in the same height.

• You should try to have a nice Menorah made of metal, but if you could afford silver, do it.

• You should not throw out the oil and the wicks used for the Menorah.

• You should try to light Chanukah candles by a window/door that goes to the street.

• The Rebbeim would light by one of the doorways in the house.

• Our Minhag is to place the Menorah on a chair, opposite of Mezuzah in doorway.

• If you can’t, you should put it next to it.

• If a lot of people are lighting the Menorah, they should really light them in separate places.

• The ideal height for the Menorah/flame should be about 3 Tefachim high.

• You should light the candles in the house that you eat in—better dining room than bedroom.

• Minhag Chabad is to light after Shkiah between Mincha and Maariv. If you didn’t light then, then you could light as long as people are awake in your house, but not without Bracha.

• You can’t eat, play, or even learn Torah a ½ hour before we Becht Licht.

• On the 1st night of Chanukah, we light one candle on the 1st night…. Besides Shamash.

• On the 1st night before we light, we say 3 Brachos: 1-Lehadlik Ner, 2-She’asa Nisim Lavosainu, 3-Shehecheyanu.

• On the rest of the nights, we do the first two, but if someone never lit candles on the 1st night (like Mivtzoyim), you make Shehecheyanu then—you make Shehecheyanu on the 1st time you do it.

• You should not start lighting until you finished all the Brachos.

• The 1st candle we place on the right of the Menorah. On the 2nd night, we add to the left of it.

• We light left to right.

• There is no order in which we have to fill up the candles.

• After you finished lighting the Menorah, you say Hanairos Halalu.

• The candles have to be lit a ½ and hour after nightfall. Minhag Chabad is 50 minutes.

• You have to have an amount of oil to last for the quota—you can’t add oil in the middle.

• You can’t benefit from their light—we put a Shamash there because if you do, we can say you are benefiting from the Shamash.

• The Shamash should be placed higher.

• The Minhag is that we are careful not to light one candle from the other—only Shamash can light.

• If the candle goes out within the quota, you don’t have to, but the Minhag is to relight it.

• After 50 min. past, you could move the Menorah.

• The Minhag is to sit next to the candles for a ½ hour besides for Friday night.

• Before you light Chanukah candles, you gather all your family around because of Persumai Nisa.

• We make sure to wear a Gartel to light the Menorah, but you do not have to put on Shabbos clothes.

• We light Chanukah lights for Persumai Nisa.

• The Menorah should be on the south wall, and the candles should be from east to west like the Menorah in the Bais Hamikdash, and we light them above 10 Tefachim.

• We light them in Shul after Mincha.

• In the Rebbe's Shul, they would light the Menorah before Aleinu.

• You're not Yotzei by the Shul's Menorah lighting.

• The earliest you could light in Shul is by Plag Hamincha.

• Most Shuls have early Mincha on the Friday of Chanukah so you could go home to light the Menorah and come back.

• If you can’t say Mincha, then do it before.

• You should light Menorah then Shabbos candles.

• You light the Menorah on Friday night for about 25 min. before Shkiah.

• After you light Shabbos candles, you can’t move the Menorah until Shabbos is over.

• Motzai Shabbos in Shul, 1st Chanukah candles, then Havdalah. At home, 1st Havdalah, then Chanukah candles, and after that, you say Veyiten

Purim

• Parshas Zachor is a Chiyuv Deoraisa. Some say that Parshas Parah is also Deoraisa. Therefore, all listeners must intend to be Yotzei from the Ba'al Korai, and the Ba'al Korai must intend to make them Yotzei.

• Many Shuls do not allow a Bar Mitzvah boy to read Zachor.

• Those residing where there is no Minyan should travel for Shabbos on Parshas Zachor to a location with a Minyan.

• If travel is impossible, individuals should attempt to lain Parshas Zachor for themselves with the Trop, preferably from a Sefer Torah, or from a Chumash if necessary.

• Some opinions hold that women are also Chayuv to hear Zachor.

• A Katan may receive Maftir, except for certain designated ones.

• A Katan who behaves appropriately and knows how to lain the Haftorah may receive Maftir for those four Parshios.

• Amalek is mentioned on two occasions: 1) in Beshalach, 2) in Ki Tzeisei. Both are read twice—Beshalach: 1) Beshalach, 2) Purim; Ki Tzeisei: 1) Ki Tzeisei, 2) Parshas Zachor.

• In Parshas Zachor, derived from Ki Tzeisei, we say Zaicher and Zecher. From Beshalach, we say Zecher and Zaicher.

• Mishanichnas Adar Marbin B'simcha—this begins from Shabbos Meverchim Adar. In a leap year, we increase in Simcha during both months of Adar.

• If one has a court case with a Goy, attempt to schedule it for Adar, as the Mazal of a Yid is very strong during Adar.

• Zayin Adar is the birthday and Yahrzeit of Moshe Rabeinu. In a leap year, it falls in the first month of Adar.

• It is a Tainis Tzadikim to fast on Zayin Adar. We do not omit Tachanun, and the day should be utilized appropriately.

• The Rebbeim did not recite Tachanun on Zayin Adar after becoming Rebbe.

• In the month of Adar, there is a Minhag to conduct weddings throughout the entire month—even the latter half—because the Megillah states, “the month is Simcha.”

• If someone is born in a leap year and their Bar Mitzvah is also in a leap year, it is observed in the leap year.

• If someone is born in a regular year but their Bar Mitzvah is in a leap year, it is observed in Adar Sheini.

• If someone is born in a leap year and their Bar Mitzvah is in a regular year, it is observed in the regular year.

• If someone passed away in a leap year, the Yahrzeit is observed in Adar Beis.

• If someone passed away in a regular year and the Yahrzeit falls in a leap year, it is observed in Adar Alef.

• Regarding Adar Beis, one may also say Kaddish and Daven for the Amud, but it is not a priority.

• In a regular year, 14 Adar is Purim, and 15 Adar is Shushan Purim. In a leap year, it is in Adar Sheini.

• Even though Purim is celebrated in Adar Sheini (in a leap year), Adar Alef also has special days known as “Purim Katan and Shushan Purim Katan”—we do not recite Tachanun, fasting and eulogies are prohibited, and we strive to have an extra Seudah.

• In the days of Mordechai and Esther, the Yidden gathered on 13 Adar to defend themselves against their enemies, and they needed to beseech Hashem for mercy.

• It is known that whenever the Yidden went to war, those who remained behind fasted for them, as Moshe did. Therefore, they likely did so on 13 Adar. The Yidden then accepted this day as a fast day to remember that Hashem hears Tefilos and to encourage Teshuva.

• This fast is not as stringent as the other four in Tanach. Therefore, one may be lenient when necessary, for example, for pregnant or nursing women.

• When Purim falls on Sunday, we fast on the preceding Thursday. If there is a Bris on that Tuesday, the Seudah should be held at night. However, the Sandek and the father of the baby are exempt from fasting on that day and the following day; others are not.

• Before Mincha on Tannis Esther, we give Machatzis Hashekel to Tzedakah to commemorate the Machatzis Hashekel given in the Bais Hamikdash in Adar. The Minhag is to give three coins with the denomination “½” in that country, as the Pasuk mentions Teruma three times.

• In countries without a “½” coin, or if individuals lack such coins, the Gabbai should place three such coins in the Shul. Individuals contribute money, purchase the coins, and then give them as Machatzis Hashekel.

• A Katan is Patur from Machatzis Hashekel. However, if a father gave Machatzis Hashekel once for that child, he must do so annually.

• Regarding women, there is a Machlokes. However, the Minhag is that they do give Machatzis Hashekel.

• On the night of Purim, one should wear Shabbos clothing—recite V'al Hanisim, etc.—after Shemoneh Esrei, the Chazan says Kaddish Tiskabel, then we read the Megillah, then we say V'ata Kadosh, then Kaddish without Tiskabel.

• If the Levana was not visible in Adar until the night of Purim, it should be done before the Megillah reading.

• If the Levana becomes visible during the Megillah reading, if there is sufficient time to finish the Megillah, then continue. If not, or if one is considered late, one should stop.

• After Davening, one should go home—set the table, and increase in Seudah. However, this does not fulfill the Mitzvah of the Purim Seudah; it is fulfilled the following day.

• Everyone is Chayuv to hear the Megillah at night and during the day. Therefore, it is customary for women and girls to go to Shul to hear it, and if they cannot, someone should read it for them at home.

• Very young children who will cause disturbance should not be brought to Shul.

• At night, the Megillah cannot be read before Tzais HaKochavim. If someone needs to, they can have a drink before the Megillah.

• The optimal way to hear the Megillah is with a large gathering—because of the rule; Berov Am Hadras Melech—a large gathering brings glory to the king.

• The minimum requirement is a Minyan—because of Pirsumei Nisa.

Vesen Bracha and Tal Umatar

• There are differences in Halacha and specific actions to take when one should say "Vesen Bracha" instead of "Tal Umatar."

• During the winter, in "Barech Aleinu," we say "Tal Umatar."

• In Eretz Yisrael, we begin on Zayin Cheshvan. Elsewhere, we start on the 60th night after Tekufas Tishrei, which is always the 5th or 6th of December.

• If one did not say it and remembers before beginning the next Bracha, one should return to "Vesen Tal" and then continue.

• If one finished the Bracha but did not start the next Bracha, one should say "Vesen Tal" there.

• If one remembers after "Tika Beshofar," one should continue, but upon reaching "Shema Koleinu," say it before "Ki Ata Shomea Tefila."

• If one missed that point, say it before "Retzei."

• If one missed that, return to the beginning of "Barech Aleinu."

• If one only remembers after Shemoneh Esrei, one must restart Shemoneh Esrei.

• If one remembers during the next Tefila (Shacharis to Mincha, etc.), one must daven two Shemoneh Esrei's.

• If one forgets during Mincha on Friday afternoon, one does not daven two Maarivs.

• If one is unsure what was said during the first 30 days, one can assume it was not said. After 30 days, one can assume it was said.

• Someone from Eretz Yisrael who is in Chutz La'aretz (different regions) should continue as if they were in Eretz Yisrael.

• If that person is the Chazan, they must say "Vesen Bracha" (this refers to a time when Eretz Yisrael says "Vesen Tal," and everyone else says "Bracha").

• If it is the other way around, one should ask a Rav.