Note: These Halachos are just as important for men to learn and know, as they are for women.
When Reading in Shul, DO NOT Read During Davening or Krias HaTorah
...Continued from previous week
1) Women are exempt from the Mitzvah of Kiddush Levana and should indeed refrain from reciting this bracha, due to various kabalistic reasons. (See Mishna Berura Siman 426 S"K 1)
2) Many Poskim maintain that women do not recite Birchas Hachama, the special bracha recited once every 28 years when the sun returns to the very spot it was at its creation. (See Shu”t Chasam Sofer Orach Chaim Siman 56 and Shu”t Shoel U’meishiv; Mahadura Tinyana; Vol. 4 Siman168 for the reasoning)
Others allow women to recite the Bracha without Shem U’Malchus (Hashem’s name), and some Poskim allow them to say it properly. (See Shu”t Ksav Sofer Orach Chaim Siman 34)
For Halacha L’Maaseh, every woman should follow the Psak of her Rav.
3) Women are as equally obligated as men to fast on Rabinically enacted fast days (17th of Tamuz, 9th of Av, 3rd of Tishrei and 10th of Teves) due to the bad things that transpired to Klal Yisroel on those days. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 549:1)
4) Unless there is a valid reason for them to not fast, women should not disregard this obligation or treat it lightly. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 550:1)
5) On the fasts of the 17th of Tamuz, the 3rd of Tishrei (Tzom Gedalia) and 10th of Teves, it is permitted to shower, apply lotions and creams, wear leather shoes and engage in marital relations.
Only on the fast of the 9th of Av are these additional restrictions applicable. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 550:2. See Mishna Berura S”K 6 that a scrupulous person should be stringent with showering on all fast days and see Sha’ar HaTziyun 8 that this stringency is only regarding using hot water, and not applicable to washing just the hands and face, which is permitted regardless.)
6) Additionally, only on the 9th of Av does the fast begin on the eve of the that date, as opposed to beginning at dawn as is the case for the other 3 fasts. (Shulchan Aruch ibid.)
7) Pregnant women who find it hard to fast, are not required to fast on the 17th of Tamuz, the 3rd of Tishrei and 10th of Teves. (See Rama Siman 550:1)
Even if they don’t find it that hard to fast they are exempt, M’Ikar adin, but the prevalent custom is to be stringent and fast unless they are not feeling up to it. (ibid.)
Even if they eat, they should not eat more than they feel necessary to maintain their health and the health of the child they are carrying. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 554:5)
8) On the 9th of Av, pregnant women, who are otherwise in good health, are obligated to fast. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 554:5)
There may be exceptions for certain situations and sicknesses etc. and a Rav must be consulted before any leniencies are relied upon.
...To be continued B’Ezras Hashem next week
