As we embark upon the summer vacation season, I take this opportunity to share with you this thumb nail sketch of matters which should be noted by all - RCW

1. Matters Concerning Davening

[1.1] Be aware of the proper times for Shacharit, Mincha and Maariv. Recite them at the earliest possible moments available to you and do not postpone.

[1.2] If you stay up late into the night, remember that Sh'ma should be recited by approximately 9:10 a.m. during July and 9:25 a.m. during August. These times are given for the greater Passaic-Clifton area and vary depending on location.

2. Concerning Dress

[2.1] Dress lightly but appropriately. Summer's heat does not excuse anyone - man, woman or understanding youth - from propriety of dress.

[2.2] Proper dress during services and especially on Shabbos should be expected.

3. Study of Torah

[3.1] Plan to spend daily moments in Torah study just as you plan your vacation leisure. Choose something light, even in English, but surely don't waste the opportunity of restful evenings, long Shabbat afternoons or quiet vacations.

[3.2] If you go on a trip take along miniature sized copies of a siddur, chumash, mishna, g'mara or any of the popular series in English published by any number of publishers.

4. Shabbat

[4.1] If you observe an early start to Shabbat, be certain to join the minyan for both Mincha and Kabbalat Shabbat-Maariv. Then, after it's dark, repeat the evening Sh'ma. For the earliest time to repeat the Sh'ma, use as a guide the same time that Shabbat ends.

[4.2] During an oppressive or unpredicted heat wave, a non-Jew may be asked obliquely to adjust a fan or air-conditioner.

[4.3] During an oppressive hot spell, where one is dripping with sweat, a cold shower my be taken where absolutely necessary. However, one may not use a bar of soap or shampoo. It is best not to wash one's hair, but should one's head get wet, let it dry by evaporation, not by using a towel. This dispensation is offered only for extreme duress and must be exercised with extreme caution.

[4.4] Suntan oil and creams may not be smeared on one's skin. Likewise, sun reflectors should not be used.

[4.5] Proper Shabbat dress is a mitzvah which applies to the entire Shabbat from candle lighting to Havdalah.

[4.6] Sun umbrellas may be used if entirely opened before Shabbat and are fixed into position over a table or chaise lounge.

[4.7] When eating or drinking on a lawn care must be exercised that nothing is spilled on the grass.

[4.8] One may wave away flies, bugs and mosquitoes but not kill them. A fly swatter may not be used on Shabbat. Ants should not be stepped on, and bug spray cannot be used to directly kill insects. However, an area may be sprayed to prevent further infestation.

[4.9] Planning on Shabbat with family, friends and neighbors that which will be done after Shabbat is halachically improper and should be strongly avoided.

5. Barbecues and Summer Parties

[5.1] Remember that keeping Kosher implies a life-long vigil for things that are acceptable.

[5.2] Remember to wash N'tilat Yadayim and recite Birkat haMazon. If three eat together, then say the Birkat hamazon together. If there are no pamphlets around, ask one who knows the Birkat haMazon by heart to recite each word aloud, slowly and distinctly so that you may follow along.

6. Trips and Vacations

[6.1] When leaving a city, recite Tefillat haDerekh once you are three miles out of the city limit. Carry a small printed card with you in your car or your wallet.

[6.2] If you are taking food along for your trip consider your options with reference to washing of your hands before eating bread. (a) You may want to take a jug and a washing cup along. (b) Then again, you may want to plan your menu so that you don't have to eat any bread while travelling. (c) If there is no water available in the entire area and you can only eat a sandwich, wrap the bread in foil, plastic wrap or a lunch bag saying HaMotzi and Birkat haMazon before and after eating. (d) If you choose "Mezonot rolls" remember that you have to wash for them if you eat more than a biteful or too.

[6.3] No Kosher food services available where you are going? Ask for rabbinic guidance.

[6.4] Take special care of Tallis and Tefillin in the car. Do not place them in direct sunlight, and if they are placed in the trunk make sure that they are wrapped with an adlitional container or bag so as to protect their sanctity. When chmcking bagoaoe d}rmng i flight, seasonmd travelers advism kempino lis and Tefillin in carry-on luggage so that in case of any possible delay or loss of baggage, Tallis and Tefillin will not be effected.

[6.5] Anticipate the proper time to daven wherever you may be.

[6.6] Is your choice of entertainment and recreation as kosher as your food? Overzealous concern for one's stomach with little or no discrimination for the type of entertainment in which one engages in is an ironic contradiction and flaw in religious priorities.

[6.7] To endanger one's physical well being by the way one drives, travels or spends vacation time is as serious a breach of Torah as any other of the Torah's mitzvot.

[6.8] Travelling on Friday afternoon? Leave sufficient time to arrive well before Shabbat and assume that there will be delays, traffic jams, and possible overheating of your car. If you can't travel early enough in the day, stay home rather than chance violation of Shabbat.

[6.9] Seek rabbinic guidance if you are travelling to an area without a mikvah at a time when you will need one.

[6.10] If travelling to Israel, familiarize yourself with the laws regarding Trumah and Ma'aser, the laws regarding K'riah at the Wall and the proper manner in which to handle times of davening on the plane. Certain travel agencies which cater to the Torah observant community have travellers' guides which are a Shulchan Aruch of eventualities. Ask for these guides if you are not familiar with them.

7. Your Children

[7.1] You cannot abrogate your rights as parents and grandparents to watch over the manner in which your children spend their leisure months. Adopting a laissez-faire attitude of "anything goes" undoes all of the training that was given to your children during the school year.

[7.2] Watch for: b'rachot, davening, summer study assignments, improper television, foods they eat, dress.

8. The Three Weeks and Tisha b'Av

Check your calendar for when this season of the year begins, so that you know how to plan in advance for all of the restrictions in activities which mark this time of year.