יום ה Date: 25 Av, 5774 (8/21/14) – MoedKatan#10 {Eliezer}

The CAR WASH

[10b top] Rav: One is allowed to comb his horse’s hair on Chol Hamoed. Rishonim: This is permissible because either it rides better when the hair is not in the animal’s face, or that it is more comfortable for the rider. Piskei Teshuvos: The practical difference nowadays is whether one can get a car wash on Chol Hamoed [if the permissibility is based on the functionality of the vehicle, then it would be prohibited (because a clean outer car does not ride better, but if the allowing factor is the comfortability (mental and physical) and feeling of ease of the rider, then the car wash would be permitted as well on Chol Hamoed].
R’ Rosner: This case shows the greatness of our leaders, when the Rabbis are able to take an ‘antiquated’ case of riding horses and make it applicable in modern times.

E’s Lesson: The Torah texts we read should not just be words written on a page, but they should come ALIVE for us. We should always take the Torah lessons we learn to heart and make them REAL in our daily lives.