The Short Vort by Rabbi Eisenman

Thank you to all who responded so enthusiastically to my review of the Sefer Minhagei HaMischak HaGadol, which is already being referred to simply as “Hilchos Super Bowl.”

I thank all of you who responded with comments and halachik insights.

A number of you have asked me some questions, and since we are at the halftime show, I will attempt to respond.

Regarding those of you who asked about the Chiyuv (obligation) of women and the Super Bowl:

This is dealt with at length in the Sefer.

It is a Machlokes between the Kaf-HaRegel and Nesher HaGadol.

The Kaf-HaRegel quotes the opinion that since “af hen Hayu B’Oso HaNes”- women, too, were miraculously liberated from doing work during the Super Bowl, so therefore, they too are Chayav to watch the entire game.

However, the Nesher Hagadol claims that since it’s a Mitza Asei SheHeZeman Grama, (a time-bound Mitzva) as it only comes once a year) -they are not Chayav when watching the game.

The mechaber of the Sefer says that since it’s a Safek, women should be Yotzei with the Brocha from a man who is certainly Chayav.

If she’s watching alone, she should say the Brocha without Shem U’Malchus.

Regarding where you can get the Sefer, thankfully for the Mechaber of the Sefer, it has already been banned by the Beis Din HaRegel Shel America, and as of this writing, it is only available on Ebay with the last bid being $59,000!

Go to https://www.ebay.com/b/Antiquarian-Collectible-Books

The YU Sefarim sale had a few copies. However, they were snatched up by the three students from Kansas City who were fluent in Hebrew.

As the halftime show is ending, I close on a serious note.

Truth be told, as I write these words, I write them with mixed emotions.

On the one hand, I am happy I am no longer enslaved to watching large, muscular men attempt to beat each other into a pulp for three hours.

Yet, even if I did want to indulge in the game,  being a rav and being inundated with appointments, phone calls, texts, emails, shiur prep, communal meetings, counseling, learning, and writing…I am precluded from sacrificing three hours to watch the game.

Yet, there is a price to pay for this degree of inundation.

I admit that there is a part of me that envies those of you out there who have the time to share in the camaraderie and friendship.

There is a part of me that pines to be part of the quality time together, to just smile and laugh and forget about life’s challenges for a while.

Maybe next year…..