Halacha Shvui: Jewish Laws this Month XXV

by Rabbi David

The Rama (493:2) teaches, one who has a Simcha during the Omer, such as a Bris or a Sheva Brachot, can shave. And thus we consider Yom HaAtzmaut a celebration. So that we can shave. That is how Zionism was formed.
The happiness, Simcha, of Israel’s independence is much greater than having to sit at another Sheva Brachot, where you have to hear family give more speeches. And it’s a day of festivity. Not a meal that you have to give a gift to go to- which is has a questioning if weddings are actual celebrations. And that is what is known as Psak (a Halachik ruling). And I can come up with a lot of other reasons to shave. Like my beard is itching on Yom HaAtzmaut.
Good Source- mizrachi.org/hamizrachi/do-the-customs-of-mourning-during-sefirat-haomer-apply-to-yom-haatzmaut

Rami Bar Chama (Sanhedrin 24b) says that in a game of dice the winner doesn’t have conclusive consent, that the guy is willing to give up his money, making him a thief. People are not putting down their money and saying, "Please take it. I worked a good year and a half for this. Figured playing dice was the way to go. It's fun. 150k. Why not." And therefore, he can’t be a witness. If you had those kinds of witnesses in court, the house would win every time.
Rashi teaches that the obligated party never meant to obligate himself. Thought he would win. And for this reason, he also shouldn’t be trusted in court. Because he’s an idiot.
It would appear, people don't like losing everything they own to a game of backgammon. "That was fun, and now I'm homeless. Maybe I should've thought it through. And now, let me tell you who is wrong in this case of family inheritance. Say. You play backgammon? Cards?"
Many Ashkenazim allow gambling by a game of no skill, thus permitting slot machines. You can only gamble if you’ll definitely lose your money, home, wife... If you’re willing to get taken for everything you have, you can still be a witness.
halachipedia.com/index.php?title=Gamblin

Rabbis say you can shave on Lag BOmer or right after. They don’t say, “Shave the rest of the year.” That’s why so many of my Frum friends are unkempt.
The rabbis have to be more exact in their rulings. "Shave when it's not the Omer. You should also shower the rest of the year. With Dial. It flows down the drain quite well."
 
People always ask, “Is Mother’s Day Asur?” There is drinking, gambling, and doing something kind for your parents. You should stay away from all of them.
Many rabbis say that every day is Mother’s Day. So, treat the day like every other day and honor your mother by doing nothing for her.
As a rabbi, I will say Mother’s Day is forbidden. It feels more religious to say it’s Asur, and to do nothing for your parents. I feel like a better Jew right now. Just saying something is forbidden makes me feel like I'm connecting to Gd.
Make sure Mother’s Day is not idol worship. Do not use Mother’s Day as a chance to bow down to your mom. Even if she makes the best tuna casserole.

Questions the Rabbis Have Never Been Asked: Is it OK to get drunk on Friday nights? Should I stop drinking alcohol at the Oneg? Is it a good idea to lose 150k to the casino? Am I wasting my time watching videos? Should I donate money to the Yeshiva? Does Kibud Av vEim mean I have to let my parents stay in our house?