Welcome back to another session of answering your shailos, organized and arranged by Jonathan. In this episode from February 13th, we explore a wide range of halachic inquiries, spanning from the philosophical depths of repentance to the practicalities of Shabbat observance and communal customs.

This episode answers the following questions:

• How do we perform teshuva (repentance) for sins we will likely repeat? We discuss whether it is "dishonest" to repent for recurring failings, explaining that repentance is a "sliding scale" or a "dimmer light" rather than a simple on/off switch. Making a value statement through vidui (confession) is crucial, even if we aren't yet 100% ready to fully overcome a weakness.

• Is it permitted to play board games on Shabbat? We examine the halachic issues of writing (kosafe)—such as forming letters in certain versions of Scrabble—and sorting (borer), which often arises in games like Settlers of Catan when discarding cards. We also touch upon the importance of using game time as a meaningful way to connect with family.

• What is the ideal way to perform Shnayim Mikra V'Echad Targum? We debate whether it is better to read verse-by-verse or paragraph-by-paragraph, exploring different opinions on how to best achieve a level of understanding of the Torah text.

• Which "Yomi" (daily learning) program offers the most benefit? While emphasizing that you get out what you put in, we discuss the unique value of Nach Yomi, as many people are unlikely to learn the Prophets and Writings in a different setting.

• How careful must one be when disposing of Hoshanos? We clarify the difference between Tashmishei Kedusha (holy items) and Tashmishei Mitzvah (items used for a mitzvah), noting that while one shouldn't be disrespectful, leaves that fall off naturally and are swept up are generally not a concern.

• Should you use full names when praying for family members? We explain that clarity is the primary goal; if it is obvious who you are praying for (e.g., "my wife" or "my child"), mentioning the full formal name is not strictly necessary, especially in their presence.

• Can you ask an Israeli to do work for you on the second day of Yom Tov? We explore the concept of asking a Jew who is only keeping one day of Yom Tov to perform a task for someone keeping two days, noting that there is no prohibition of Amira L'Yisrael (asking a Jew) if the act itself is permitted for the doer.

• Is it permitted to lie to facilitate a surprise party? Drawing on sources that allow lying for the sake of peace (Shalom) or to avoid hurting feelings, we discuss how truth-telling is sometimes balanced against the requirements of proper midos (character traits).

• What should be said when hostages are released? We break down which blessings apply to the hostages themselves, their families, and the general public, including the potential use of Hatov V'Hametiv or Shehecheyanu.

• How do we determine which minhagim (customs) to follow? We distinguish between personal customs, which one can adopt based on spiritual inspiration, and communal customs, where consistency is vital to avoid creating a "hodge-podge" of practices that lack a coherent foundation.

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