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New York - Is It Permissible To Buy a New Car During The 3 Weeks? |
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Firstly, an introduction.
Whenever we make a new and exciting purchase there are two possible brachos that may be recited. At times we recite a “Shehecheyanu” and at times we recite a “Baruch HaTov veHaMaitiv.” The Shulchan Aruch (OC 222:1; 175:4 and elsewhere) tells us that “Baruch HaTov VeHaMaitiv” is recited when someone else also benefits from the item. A “Shehecheyanu” is recited when only one person benefits from the item.
In our case of a Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna, since the entire family benefits from the vehicle a HaTov VeHaMaitiv” would be recited, while with the Chevy Camaro LT2 the profile of our buyer would indicate that a “Shehecheyanu” would be recited.
But how about during the Three Weeks? May a car be purchased then? During the three weeks we try to avoid reciting a Shehecheyanu (See SA OC 551:17). The reason is that the words of the bracha indicate an expression of thanks for having allowed us to reach this “special” time. The problem is that the tragic loss of the Bais HaMikdash makes this time period anything but “special.” The Mogain Avrohom (551:42) explains that the idea of not reciting a shehecheyanu is because of the wording, and not because of the idea of mourning. He writes, “However, the reason is not on account of mourning, for we do not find that a mourner is forbidden in reciting a shehecheyanu.”
According to the Mogain Avrohom then, a Camaro LT2 Coupe may not be purchased after the 17th of Tammuz. An Odyssey and Sienna, however, may be purchased. This is so because the bracha on these cars is not a “shehecheyanu.”
Not everyone agrees with this Mogain Avrohom, however. The Maamar Mordechai (551:12) rules that the reason the blessing is not recited is, in fact, because of our mourning and pain. According to this view, the Sienna and Odyssey cannot be purchased either. Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal discusses the purchase of cars during the Three Weeks in his Igros Moshe (OC III #80) and rules in accordance with the aforementioned Mogain Avrohom.
What is interesting to note here is that the issue all the Poskim seem to focus upon is not the emotion that is felt in the purchase. Rather, their focus is upon the blessing itself. Indeed, Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Halichos Shlomo 14:1) zatzal writes that the purchase in and of itself is not forbidden – it is the associated blessing.
This thought should give us all some pause. Often we may seem to ramble through our brachos when we recite them. The fact that Rav Moshe zatzal and the Mogain Avrohom forbid the “Shehecheyanu” but permit the “HaTov VeHaMaitiv” speaks volumes about the kavana – the intent that we must have in every word of the brachos that we recite.
This then might be a lesson we can all take to heart during this period. Words and Brachos do matter. We should focus and concentrate on the real center of it all – Hashem and the bracha in which we express our appreciation to Him. Everything comes from Him.
Most Meforshim explain that this is the real meaning of the words “Boruch attah Hashem.” It does not mean that we, mere mortals, are blessing Hashem. Rather, it means that we acknowledge that Hashem is the source of all blessing.
The author may be reached at yairhoffman2@gmail.com
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Read Comments (41) — Post Yours »
1
Jul 20, 2009 at 05:02 PM Oy Gevald Says:
What about a good used minvan?
2
Jul 20, 2009 at 05:08 PM observer Says:
do i kiss the computer when closing it? it's starting to look like a sefer.
3
Jul 20, 2009 at 05:05 PM Anonymous Says:
Only if it has to be tested for shatnez
4
Jul 20, 2009 at 05:12 PM driver Says:
I've never heard of anyone making a Brocha over any kind of car. What about a leased car? What about a German car - what Brocha would one make over one of those. Do we make any Brocha when we take that clunker to the crushing machine?
5
Jul 20, 2009 at 05:30 PM Anonymous Says:
On an old car you make Boruch Shpetrani !!!
6
Jul 20, 2009 at 05:47 PM Anonymous Says:
according to this logic if you buy an old beat up yeshivish car then you should make a " boruch dayan haemes " !
7
Jul 20, 2009 at 06:03 PM cp Says:
Does this apply to leasing a car too?!?
8
Jul 20, 2009 at 06:54 PM BorehParker Says:
“ Does this apply to leasing a car too?!? ”
I asked a Rav and he said leasing us not a problem since there is no real Simchah if you do not own the car.
9
Jul 20, 2009 at 06:39 PM Anonymous Says:
It would be interesting to hear how if this psak would differ if there is a great deal (e.g. 0% financing) that expires before during the none days.
10
Jul 20, 2009 at 06:59 PM Anonymous Says:
I am no posek but when you buy a new house you have to make a shehecheyanu too but now in days that most people put down only 20% or less it is more owned by the bank then you so you most ask your rav if you still have to make a shehecheyanu the same thing should be by a car if you finance or lease it it is barely yours
11
Jul 20, 2009 at 06:57 PM Liepa Says:
In order to avoid all the aforementioned issues, just don't buy any set of wheels during the 3 weeks. if at all possible.
12
Jul 20, 2009 at 06:56 PM Anonymous Says:
“ do i kiss the computer when closing it? it's starting to look like a sefer. ”
Is that a complaint? This is a Jewish site and our Halachic issues are part of our lives. Is there something wrong with that?
13
Jul 20, 2009 at 06:55 PM Anonymous Says:
this is really timely and important advice . I often see people making all kinds of assorted brochos on their cars , I know a guy who got into the habit of making a boirei meoirai haesh on his car . just last week I saw somebody making a boirei minei mezons on his car . what a shame . now we know exactly what to make on each model .
14
Jul 20, 2009 at 06:28 PM Asher Yotsar Says:
“ I've never heard of anyone making a Brocha over any kind of car. What about a leased car? What about a German car - what Brocha would one make over one of those. Do we make any Brocha when we take that clunker to the crushing machine? ”
To answer your question, when you "take that clunker to the crushing machine" You make an Asher Yotzar ;)
15
Jul 20, 2009 at 07:12 PM dayin Says:
How about if some1 totals a car, does he make a burech dayin huemes?
16
Jul 20, 2009 at 07:48 PM JD Says:
“ It would be interesting to hear how if this psak would differ if there is a great deal (e.g. 0% financing) that expires before during the none days. ”
Ask a Ruv since that would seem to qualify as a "Davar Haavud" and would be permissible due to the financial impact. However, one could defer delivery until after Tisha B'av as the last day of the sales month is Friday.
JD
17
Jul 20, 2009 at 06:09 PM Anonymous Says:
I wonder if this rabbi made a boirai pre hagafen before writing this .
18
Jul 20, 2009 at 09:19 PM moish from flatbush Says:
this is a beautifully written article! kudos
one question , why doesnt one make both brachos when buying a oddysey?
19
Jul 20, 2009 at 07:55 PM Anonymous Says:
There are many significant issues for shomrei torah and mitzvot to concern themselves with during this very important period leading up to Tisha Ba'av. Does rav hoffman have too much time on his hands or is this an effort at humor since I cannot think of a more trivial issue to be debating
20
Jul 20, 2009 at 07:53 PM Anonymous Says:
If it's a lemon then what brocho do you make?
21
Jul 20, 2009 at 07:52 PM Havdalah Says:
How about Borei Meorei Haeish on Wednesday? does he make a bruche "Oizer Dalim"?
22
Jul 20, 2009 at 09:51 PM Anonymous Says:
“ If it's a lemon then what brocho do you make? ”
Hmmm, you really don't know which brocho you make on a lemon??
I also never heard of making a brocho when buying a car. I will definitely look into this one because we are so careful not to make a brocho levatolo.
Some of these comments are quite humorous, it is quite a social event ..
23
Jul 20, 2009 at 09:51 PM Anonymous Says:
“ There are many significant issues for shomrei torah and mitzvot to concern themselves with during this very important period leading up to Tisha Ba'av. Does rav hoffman have too much time on his hands or is this an effort at humor since I cannot think of a more trivial issue to be debating ”
There are many significant issues for shomrei torah and mitzvot to concern themselves with during this very important period leading up to Tisha Ba'av. Does rav hoffman have too much time on his hands or is this an effort at humor since I cannot think of a more trivial issue to be debating
You miss the point. By debating what bracha to make when buying a sports car or whether to bench "asher yatzer" for an unsucessful effort, these rabbonim can avoid the more serious issues confronting religious jews in their everyday lives. Never before have so many religious leaders and thinkers expended more time and energy on less important issues in modern jewish history. I guess they feel these are safe topics. If Rav Hoffman's intentions were a joke for the 3 weeks, for many yiddin, a time dedicated to mourning churban bes hamikdash is no time for humor.
24
Jul 20, 2009 at 09:44 PM Anonymous Says:
BTW no tachnin tomm its my cars 3Rd yartseit
25
Jul 20, 2009 at 09:55 PM 9 days Says:
What about taking a car wash in the nine days?????????
26
Jul 20, 2009 at 10:16 PM A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have... Says:
We have purchased 2 cars during the three weeks. Not that we were waiting for that time to buy them but it happened to be that we needed the cars then. I know for the second one we asked a shayla if we could buy it and we were told yes but to make the sh'hechiyanu after Tisha B'Av IF we were so inclined.
27
Jul 20, 2009 at 10:12 PM Comfor Auto Says:
Don't you understand now its runing a special since less people buy so we have some overstock
28
Jul 20, 2009 at 10:29 PM Yitzchok Says:
“ What about taking a car wash in the nine days????????? ”
I asked my posek and he said its not allowed in the 9 days, ask yours if you really want to know
29
Jul 20, 2009 at 10:38 PM chuchem Lazer Says:
Some make a bracha evry once in 28YEARS
Guys keep it up this is for the books, thes days are so sad and this made me laugh so much its good. Its even better for shushan purim. Amen
30
Jul 21, 2009 at 12:17 AM to #19 Says:
To #19
This is the way Rav Hoffman teaches halachos to people that may not necesarily be interested in halacha. The fact is that this article was pure Torah and that you went to this site to see other things and shtusim.. He taught you Torah and you made choizek oif him.. I know him to be a chashuva tamid chuchum and he is moiser nefesh for Torah all the time. Here too.
31
Jul 20, 2009 at 11:27 PM Dudi Says:
“ What about taking a car wash in the nine days????????? ”
Only if it has an odor.
32
Jul 21, 2009 at 05:50 AM Menachem B. Says:
Reply to #25 and #31 When you wash your car in the Nine Days you should only use cold water and no shampoo except if you wash your car just before Shabbos starts. Also if you cleaned your car just before the Nine Days you should make sure to drive it for at least 30 minutes before the Nine Days start so that you are not driving a clean car during the Nine Days.
33
Jul 21, 2009 at 08:00 AM Anonymous Says:
“ this is really timely and important advice . I often see people making all kinds of assorted brochos on their cars , I know a guy who got into the habit of making a boirei meoirai haesh on his car . just last week I saw somebody making a boirei minei mezons on his car . what a shame . now we know exactly what to make on each model . ”
the mezoines is a problem. If the carburetor has a Dunkin Donuts in it, you'll have to bring in the mashgiach to light the engine in the morning. After that, your goy chauffer can drive you anywhere you want.
34
Jul 21, 2009 at 09:28 AM Anonymous Says:
It's kind of like the question once asked to a gadol: "If I benched hamapil, can I still watch TV afterwards if I don't say anything?"
35
Jul 21, 2009 at 12:31 PM Anonymous Says:
“ I wonder if this rabbi made a boirai pre hagafen before writing this . ”
If it was written on a blackberry or apple computer it should be haeitz
36
Jul 21, 2009 at 10:08 PM Anonymous Says:
LOL! Great article.
37
Jul 22, 2009 at 07:47 PM Truthfully? Says:
Okay, you really got me laughing on this one! Truthfuly, are you allowed to laugh during the 3 weeks? Maybe ?I should ask a poseik hador.
What if the bochur who was driving without a license? Was it mutar for him to drive if he had had said tefilas haderech beforehand? Truthfully, in New York - and probally atlanta as well, and any other city that has crazy drivers, one should perhaps say tefilos haderech every time he gets into a car! Deffitintely, if he is traveling over the verizano! HOW ABOUT THIS? Is one allowed to daven mincha or shacharis or maarive while driving? If so, while he is driving south, must he turn and face east for shemone esrei>? good sheile, no?
38
Jul 23, 2009 at 06:03 AM Milhouse Says:
“ There are many significant issues for shomrei torah and mitzvot to concern themselves with during this very important period leading up to Tisha Ba'av. Does rav hoffman have too much time on his hands or is this an effort at humor since I cannot think of a more trivial issue to be debating
You miss the point. By debating what bracha to make when buying a sports car or whether to bench "asher yatzer" for an unsucessful effort, these rabbonim can avoid the more serious issues confronting religious jews in their everyday lives. Never before have so many religious leaders and thinkers expended more time and energy on less important issues in modern jewish history. I guess they feel these are safe topics. If Rav Hoffman's intentions were a joke for the 3 weeks, for many yiddin, a time dedicated to mourning churban bes hamikdash is no time for humor. ”
If you think any issue is more important than practical halacha, then you are a sheigetz. All of Torah boils down to this: לידע את המעשה אשר יעשון
39
Jul 23, 2009 at 05:59 AM Milhouse Says:
“ There are many significant issues for shomrei torah and mitzvot to concern themselves with during this very important period leading up to Tisha Ba'av. Does rav hoffman have too much time on his hands or is this an effort at humor since I cannot think of a more trivial issue to be debating ”
What could be more important than halacha lema'aseh?
40
Jul 23, 2009 at 05:57 AM Milhouse Says:
“ It would be interesting to hear how if this psak would differ if there is a great deal (e.g. 0% financing) that expires before during the none days. ”
That's dovor ho'oved, so the psak would be to buy it, but delay the brocho until after Tish'o B'ov.
41
Jul 23, 2009 at 05:56 AM Milhouse Says:
“ I've never heard of anyone making a Brocha over any kind of car. What about a leased car? What about a German car - what Brocha would one make over one of those. Do we make any Brocha when we take that clunker to the crushing machine? ”
It's an open halacha that you do make a brocho when making any major purchase, such as a car or a house, but NOT when leasing. But the distinction R Hoffman draws between different kinds of cars is not to be found in his source. R Moshe says that any car is a shehecheyanu if only the purchaser will use it, and therefore it should not be bought during the whole 3 weeks; or a hatov vehametiv if the whole family will use it, in which case it can be bought during the 3 weeks, but not during the 9 days. But if the car is needed for parnosoh, R Moshe says to buy it, and make the brocho after Tisho B'ov.