Summer plans often bring much more freedom and flexibility in schedules than throughout the rest of the year. But Halacha doesn’t take a vacation.
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The information in this post is not intended as psak halacha. Please always follow the guidance of your own Rav.
Summer plans often include much needed family vacations. Vacations can bring many sheilos that we don’t usually encounter and may not be able to easily answer off the top of our heads. Furthermore, some Halachos apply only during the summer months, and therefore many of us may have never learned them.
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Wherever we go and whatever we do, our guiding principle is to always make a Kiddush HaShem. Our family motto is “בְּכׇל־דְּרָכֶ֥יךָ דָעֵ֑הוּ וְ֝ה֗וּא יְיַשֵּׁ֥ר אֹֽרְחֹתֶֽיךָ” (“In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths smooth.” Proverbs 3:6).
Or, as the kids like to say:
Hashem is here. Hashem is there. Hashem is truly everywhere!
As with anything, preparation is key. Rabbi Eliezer Eidlitz of the Kosher Information Bureau, Kosher Quest, and author of “Is It Kosher?” has put together a helpful pamphlet entitled “Halachos for the Summer”. Please click the link and download it. This way you can familiarize yourself with this valuable information. It is ideal to do so even before making your summer plans.
Rabbi Eidlitz’s pamphlet covers topics that can apply year-round, such as kashrus in rental houses, Tefillas Haderech, Birkas Hagomel, Tevilas Keilim, etc. However, it also covers topics unique to summer such as the Three Weeks and the Nine Days.
You may be on vacation but remember, Halacha doesn’t take a vacation. Enjoy!
What are your plans? I love to hear about it! Share your thoughts.
Things to consider when planning your family vacation:
Travel Consultant: Why You Need One
5 Tips to Ensure a Minyan on Vacation
3 Important Considerations for Shabbos in an RV
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