Shana Rishona

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Question: what is the mitzva of v’semach et ishto is it only for first year or is it beyond? What are the obligations? thanks
Answer: The Chinuch in Mitvos 581 & 582 writes that the 2 mitzvos mentioned in the Torah 1)To leave town and travel far away 2) To make ones wife happy, are still applicable these days.The Aruch Hashulchan (EH 64/4) rules that included in keeping her happy is too give her enjoyment and satisfy her wishes as much as possible. Similarly the Yeraim (Mitzva 190) says that one is obligated during first year of marriage to do for his wife anything which will bring her simcha.

However the Chasam Sofer EH 195 the Radvaz 1:231 and the Smag write that these two Mitzvos only apply when there is Malchus Bais Dovid and are therefore not applicable these days.

Interesting is that the Chasam Sofer points out (as does the Aruch Hashulchan EH 64) that this that it is forbidden for a husband to abandon his wife and go to war is only if the war broke out after they got married. Otherwise she entered marriage on the understanding that he would be going to war. Similarly regarding business If the husband was going on long business trips before their wedding he may continue doing so during Shana Rishona (after Sheva Brochos of course).

This is all the letter of the halacha, however one must take into account practical considerations. Today people are more emotionally delicate and often immature when getting married. For example I have heard that R’ Volbe zatzal said that today shana rishona applies for 3-5 years. So use a healthy dose of common sense and remember that this is the foundation of a marriage and must be taken seriously.

Question: what is the mitzva of v’semach et   ishto is it only for first year or is it beyond? What are the obligations?   thanks
Answer: The Chinuch in Mitvos 581 & 582 writes that the 2 mitzvos   mentioned in the Torah 1)To leave town and travel far away 2) To make ones wife happy, are still applicable these days.The Aruch Hashulchan (EH 64/4) rules that included in keeping her happy is too   give her enjoyment and satisfy her wishes as much as possible. Similarly the   Yeraim (Mitzva 190) says that one is obligated during first year of marriage   to do for his wife anything which will bring her simcha.

However, the Chasam Sofer EH 195 the Radvaz 1:231 and the Smag write that these two   Mitzvos only apply when there is Malchus Bais Dovid and are therefore   not applicable these days.

Interesting   is that the Chasam Sofer points out (as does the Aruch Hashulchan EH 64) that   this that it is forbidden for a husband to abandon his wife and go to war is   only if the war broke out after they got married. Otherwise she entered marriage   on the understanding that he would be going to war. Similarly regarding   business If the husband was going on long business trips before their wedding he may continue doing so during Shana Rishona (after Sheva Brochos of course).

This is all the letter of the halacha, however one must take into account practical considerations. Today people are more emotionally delicate and   often immature when getting married. For example I have heard that R’ Volbe   zatzal said that today shana rishona applies for 3-5 years. So use a healthy   dose of common sense and remember that this is the foundation of a marriage   and must be taken seriously.

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