The Gemara teaches that eulogies and fasting are prohibited on Chanukah and then goes on to say “What is Chanukah? Our Sages taught: On 25 Kislev the eight days of Chanukah [begin] on which we do not deliver eulogies and we do not fast.”
This halachah addresses the emotions of a person who feels he must fast to atone for his sins. Such a person feels the urgent need to fast but during the eight days of Chanukah it’s forbidden for him to fast for this is a time for different feelings not the emotions of a fast. In other words the halachah that one shouldn’t deliver eulogies or fast affects the emotions and this teaches us that a person should have a heart moved by emotion. (Rav Aryeh Leib ben Nosson Levin Maarchei Lev)
“At what number would you like to receive text messages?” The young woman behind the counter has good reason to be cheerful; I’ve just agreed to a membership card at her store. Now she wants a number to send SMSs about special deals.
“I can’t receive messages” I say showing her my kosher cell phone.
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