I am to my Beloved [Hashem] and my beloved [Hashem] is to me.(Shir Hashirim 6:3)
דרשו ד' בהמצאו קראהו בהיותו קרוב Seek out Hashem when he is nearby, call out to him when he is near.(YeShaya 55:6)
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Today's learning has been dedicated by a daily reader, T.L.C.,as a zechus for a Refuah Shelaima for Bracha Elisheva Bas Kayla. Please have in mind when learning today's halachos that they be a zechus for her speedy and complete recovery.
1) When eating food items that are stuffed with other food items, such as stuffed cabbage, stuffed peppers, chicken with rice stuffing and similar dishes, one must determine which of the two items the Ikar is, and that Bracha will exempt the other item. (See Shu"T Az Nidberu Vol. 13 Siman 36 who maintains that the inside food is always the Ikar. Many Poskim argue on him. See Shu"t Imrei Mordechai Siman 7 and Shu"t Be'er Moshe Vol. 5 Siman 63)
Obviously, if the stuffing is comprised of ingredients of the 5 grains, then in most cases that Mezonos would assume the status of Ikar, as we learned a few days ago.
2) If one cannot determine which of the 2 is the Ikar, and it is also hard with these items to determine which of the two items is the majority (for example he/she enjoys the cabbage just as much as the meat inside) the two items should be separated and a separate Bracha made on each of the parts. (And when doing so due to a valid Safek, there is no problem of Bracha SheAina Tzericha) (See Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman 212:1)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Todaywebsite.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
You say that when cooking food and if you eat less than a Reviis [if not doing so for pleasure] a bracha is not required. Does this mean that if you make a bracha it is a bracha levatala?
Answer:
Yes, if a Bracha is not required and you recite one anyway it is indeed a Bracha L'Vatalah.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
1) A food item which is used in the preparation of the main food item, is subordinate to the main food item.
Thus when cooking food in water, even if the water is the majority it remains a Tafel to the food being cooked in it, and no separate Bracha is recited when drinking the water.
The same applies to wine or any other liquid which is used to cook another food in it, the liquid is a Tafel. (Mishna Berura Siman 205:9-13) 2) Pieces of Chocolate that have nuts in them, or juice that has small pieces of fruits in it, the nuts/pieces of fruit are Tafel to the chocolate/juice, as they are only there to improve the taste of the chocolate/juice. (See Aruch HaShulchan Siman 212:8 and Pri Megadim Mishbetzos Zahav Siman 202:14)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1)A food item that is covered with a different food item, if the outer item has no importance on its own and the food isn't referred to by the name of the outside item, it is Tafel to the food that is inside, and only the Bracha of the inside item is recited.
Conversely, if the outer food does have importance on its own and is often eaten specifically because of the outside, then it does indeed require a separate Bracha, and in many cases can exempt the inside food.
For example: Almonds, peanuts, chocolate etc. that have some sort of sugared confection covering on it which is there to improve the taste of the nut/chocolate, since the main food that is desired is the nut or the chocolate, no separate Bracha is needed on the topping. (See Mishna Berura Siman 204:51. See also Shu"t Be'er Moshe Vol. 1 Siman 7 and Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 3 Siman 31)
However, for chocolate covered peanuts, or a similar item, where the more important food is the covering, a Bracha is recited on the chocolate and it exempts the peanut that's inside. (see Ben Ish Chai Parshas Pinchas Siman 15 and Ohr L'Tzion Perek 14:64)
2) Peanuts that are covered with a thick dough (commonly referred to in Hebrew as Kabukim), according to some Poskim, since it is a very thick dough, it will retain its status of being a second food in the mixture and not just a covering to the peanut, and since it is Mezonos it will always be the Ikar, and thus Mezonos will be recited when eating these Kabukim. (Psak of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal quoted in Sefer V'Zos HaBracha. See also Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 4 Siman 161)
Others disagree and maintain that despite its thickness, its only purpose is to serve the peanut and thus it does not have a status of an Ikar, and Ha'Adama is recited.
The best thing, therefore, in situations of doubt is to recite Mezonos on something else and have in mind to exempt the dough part, and recite Ha'Adama and something else and have in mind to exempt the peanut.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Todaywebsite.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
I'm curious to know what exactly is the story with strawberries?
I heard there's something wrong with eating them but I never got it straight.
Who said there's something wrong with them and what is wrong, then?
Is it all strawberries, or certain types?
Is there any way of cleaning/ checking them that will make them permissible to eat?
Is it ossur to eat them?
Answer:
A few months ago, the kashrus agencies let it be known that strawberries had a problem with bugs in them and needed special checking. This applies only to fresh strawberries and not frozen ones.
The Star K Kashrus agency, on their website states the following:
" Strawberries 1. Fill basin with water and some liquid cleanser* or special strawberry wash (such as Tsunami 100). 2. Soak strawberries while agitating the water. 3. Rinse strawberries under a stream of water. 4. It is preferable to cut off the top with a small amount of the flesh. 5. Strawberries may now be used."
They also have a video about this, which can be seen by clicking HERE.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
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1)A food item [other than one from the five grains] that is eaten together with another food item for the purpose of serving and/or improving the food item, such as spices for taste, preservatives, food coloring, food decoration, food aroma etc., does not have its own value (Chashivus) and is subordinate to the food it is serving, and thus will be a Tafel to it and not require its own Bracha. (See Mishna Berura Siman 204:57)
Some common examples of this:
* Slices of olives that are placed on a eggplant spread as a garnish...the olive is a Tafel.
* Lettuce leaves served with a piece of salmon for decoration....the lettuce is a Tafel.
* Onions that are mixed in with herring for flavor...the onions are a Tafel
* Cherries that are placed on top of pastries for elegance...the cherries are a Tafel.
* Blueberries that are placed on top of a piece of melon for décor...the blueberries are a Tafel.
* Apples that are dipped in honey on Rosh Hashanah for a sweet new year...the honey is a Tafel (See Mogen Avraham Siman 583:1 and Mishna Berura 583:3)
The above applies even if the secondary foods were eaten on their own [after the initial food was already tasted], and not actually together with the main food. (See Mishna Berura Siman 205:4)
2) Of course, in all of the above scenarios if the secondary food is being eaten specifically for its own value (e.g. You enjoy the onions in the herring and tend to eat them alone or similar scenario) then a separate Bracha would be required on the second item as well. (See Shu"t Be'er Moshe Vol. 5 Siman 64:42. See also Sefer V'Zos HaBracha Perek 11)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Todaywebsite.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
What is the deal with women and reciting Kiddush Levana?
Answer:
The prevelant custom is for women not to recite Kidush Levana. (See Mogen Avraham Siman 426:1, Chochmas Shlomo 426:1. See also MaHarsha in Chidushei Agados to Sanhedrin 42a. See also Sefer Einei Shmuel to Sanhedrin 42a.)
There are also many mystical reasons given why women may not recite Kidush Levana. When Mashiach comes, women will once again say Kiddush Levana.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
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1)When eating Cholent that is a mixture made up of small pieces of potatoes, beans, meat and barley, the Bracha recited is Mezonos as all the ingredients are Tafel to the barley. (See Mishna Berura Siman 208:48 and Aruch HaShulchan Siman 212:1) However, if the potatoes or meat are very large chunks that are easily noticeable, according to many Poskim they will not be considered part of the mixture and will require their own Bracha. (See Sefer Keitzad Mevorchim page 38. See also Shu"t Teshuvos V'Hanhagos Vol. 2 Siman146 and Shu"t Be'er Moshe Vol. 5 Siman 56) 2) It isn't always easy to determine if the pieces are small enough to be considered one mixture or if they may be large enough to require their own Brachos.
Therefore, when reciting a Bracha on the cholent, it is proper to mash together and eat a little of every variety that is in the Cholent immediately after the Bracha to make it evident that you are eating it as a mixture and not as individual food items. (See Sefer Sha'rei Bracha Perek 15footnote 36 for a lengthy discussion about this, which is beyond the scope of this forum) Obviously, when mashing the cholent on Shabbos (or when mashing any food items on Shabbos) care must be taken to do it properly to avoid transgressing the Melacha of Tochen as detailed in Shulchan Aruch Siman 321
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Todaywebsite.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Does a bracha have to be made on gum and if so, what about a bracha Acharona?
Answer:
Yes, a Bracha Rishona is required since the sugar (or artificial sweetener) gets swallowed and causes pleasure to the throat. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 2 Siman 57 and Shu"t Ohr l'Tzion Vol. 2 14:8)
No Bracha achrona is made, as not enough was eaten in the required amount of time (as a Kzayis within Kdei Achilas Pras,3-9 minutes depending on whic h Shiur you use, is required.)
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
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1) A food mixture that has in it grain from the five grains (wheat, barley, spelt, rye and oats) has different Halachos than other food mixtures that we have been discussing until now.
The reason for this is that these 5 grains, due to their prominence (Chashivus), do not become a Tafel to any other food in the mixture, and even if the grain is only the minority of the mixture, it is considered the Ikar and Mezonos is recited and the rest of the mixture is exempted from any further Brachos. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 208:2. See also Mishna Berura Siman 212:1) 2) The above Halacha only applies if the grain is there as part of the food (i.e. to lend taste). However, if the grain is there to serve a different purpose, such as to help the texture, to color the food, to lend a smell to the food or similar non taste purpose, it does not assume the status of Ikar as in this case it does not have the prominence of grain and is subordinate to the other ingredients. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 204:12 and 208:2) We will discuss some more details and give some practical examples of this tomorrow iy"H.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Todaywebsite.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
I do not normally daven in a minyan, as I am a girl, but I never know how to approach tachanun.
If I daven at home, which is clearly not in front of a Sefer Torah, am I obligated to put my head down for Nefilat Apayim? Is there a difference between Shacharis and Mincha?
What about on days where "Vhu Rachum" is said- should I say the entire Tachanun? Also, if I happen to be in a shul, should I put my head down for Nefilat Apayim?
Answer:
When saying Tachnun in a place with no sefer Torah, the head is not put down.
When you daven in Shul, although you don't have to (as the prevelant custom is for women not to recite Tachnun at all, as per the Artscroll women's siddur quoting Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita), you may put your head down.
V'Hu Rachum may be said at home. The only thing in Tachnun that requires a Minyan is the 13 Midos HaRachamim.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
Please consider sponsoring a day or more of Halacha For Today, or simply making a donation.$1,$5,$10,$18, $36,$54... Any amount you can give is appreciated and will help further spread Torah!
1)Two distinct food items that are near each other on a plate, and are not mixed, such as a piece of chicken and a serving of potatoes, or large slices of cantaloupe, watermelon, mango etc., are not considered a mixture, even if eaten together, and each one requires its own distinct Bracha. (See Sha'ar HaTzion 212:20.)
When eating a mixture of meat and rice (which were cooked separately) even if the gravy of the meat was poured over the rice, it is not considered a mixture, and each one requires its distinct Bracha. (Shu"t Be'er Moshe Viol. 5 Siman 63. See also Aruch HaShulchan Siman 212:2)
2) When eating cheerios, corn flakes or any other non Shehakol breakfast cereal and milk in the regular fashion, the milk is Tafel to the cereal and no Bracha is recited on the milk, as we discussed a few days ago.
However,I just wanted to add (after receiving a few questions about this) that if more milk than usual was poured into the bowl, making it evident that the milk is wanted as a drink on its own, then a separate Shehakol is required on the milk. (See Shu"t Igros Moshe Vol. 4 Siman 43 and Shu"t Be'er Moshe Vol. 5 Siman 53)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Todaywebsite.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
I personally do not eat, and thus am not that familiar with, Sushi...but from what i have seen, the rice is there as a sort of glue to keep the fish together in some cases, and in some cases it is the majority ingredient.
Does the rice lend taste? Or just texture? Also, it isn't clear if it is a mixture in the first place, as each component can be clearly seen and eaten as such.
It is a tough call on such kind of foods that consist of a mixture of things that it is hard to determine the express purpose of each component [and there is no clear majority of any one item].
Arent there vegetables in there too, like avocados and cucumbers?
Probably the best thing would be to make a Mezonos on something (and a Ha'Adama/Ha'Eitz on something, if there is vegetables in it) and a Sh'Hakol on something and have in mind to exempt the sushi.
For Halacha L'Ma'aseh a Rav should be consulted.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
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1)To determine which food in a mixture of two foods is the Ikar, there are a few guidelines:
If one of the food items is more Chashuv (prominent) it gets the status of Ikar even if in quantity there is less of that food in the mixture. Thus when eating a mixture of pecans and peanuts, since pecans are a more Chashuv item, even if there are more peanuts in the mixture, Ha'aitz is recited on the entire mixture. (Mishna Berura Siman 212:1)
2) If both items are of equal prominence, the Bracha is recited over the one whose quantity is larger. Thus when eating a fruit salad, if the majority is Ha'aitz (e.g. peaches, apples, mangoes) that is the proper Bracha to recite. If the majority is Ha'Adama (e.g. watermelon, bananas, and cantaloupe) then that is the proper Bracha to recite. (This Halacha does not always apply to Mezonos items, and there are opinions that maintain that when the pieces are large and distinct, two Brachos will be needed, the details of which we will discuss in the near future iy"H) (Mishna Berura ibid. and Siman 204:57)
To determine which item is the majority, there is no need to measure, rather whatever seems to the naked eye to be the majority becomes the Ikar. (See Sefer Shaarei HaBracha Chapter 15: footnote 21)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Todaywebsite.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Is it permitted to use a dishwasher on shabbos if its goes on automatically in middle of the night (so nobody hears it), the dishes are the dishes that were used on shabbes and they are then used again on shabbos?
Answer:
No, it is not permitted to have a dishwasher go on automatically with a time clock, nor is it permitted to have a non Jew turn on the dishwasher on Shabbos. (See Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchasa Chapter 12:35. According to Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal, no appliances may be operated via a time clock on Shabbos (Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 60) . Though many Poskim are more lenient than Rav Moshe Zatzal for certain things, all agree that a dishwasher is not one of them)
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
Please consider sponsoring a day or more of Halacha For Today, or simply making a donation.$1,$5,$10,$18, $36,$54... Any amount you can give is appreciated and will help further spread Torah!
1)When eating an Ikar and a Tafel, even if the Tafel is more enjoyable to you than the Ikar, the fact that it is being eaten together with, or immediately after the Ikar for the purpose of the Ikar, makes it retain its status a s a Tafel and no Bracha is recited on it. (Mishna Berura Siman 212:5. The Gaon of Vilna does not necessarily concur with this ruling. See also Taz 212:3) 2) When eating an Ikar and a Tafel, even after the Ikar has been totally consumed, and all that is left is the Tafel, still the Tafel may be finished without a Bracha, as it retains its status as a Tafel.
Thus for example, when eating Cheerios and milk, when all the cheerios are finished, the milk may be drunk on its own without any Bracha. (See Mishna Berura Siman 168:46 and Shulchan Aruch HaRav 212:1-5. See also Orchos Rabbeinu page 81where they bring a story about the Steipler Zatzal who once ate a cookie dipped in tea, making a Bracha on the cookie and eating the cookie with a spoon. When the cookie was finished, he drank the rest of the tea without a Bracha and when he was done just recited Al Hamichya) However, if after the Tafel was finished, one wanted more of the Tafel food, the new item needs a Bracha. Thus, if after the Cheerios and the milk were finished, you added more plain milk into the bowl, a SheHakol would be required. (See Sefer Birchas Yisroel Perek 3 S"K 215)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) If one is in doubt which of the two foods he/she is about to eat is the Ikar and which is the Tafel, they should be separated and individual Brachos recited on each item.
The above solution would only work for 2 distinct items which can and are eaten separately often ( such as apples and peanut butter or potato Latkes and apple sauce)
However, in the case of a mixture of two items where one of the items is clearly the main item (such as yogurt with pieces of fruit, where clearly the person eating it was in the mood of a yogurt, and not in the mood of some fruit) the items may not be separated and 2 Brachos recited, as doing so would constitute a Bracha Sh’Aina Tzericha. (See Mishna Berura Siman 168:43. See Shu"t Har Tzvi Siman 100 that perhaps on Shabbos it would be permissible to separate them, in order to reach 100 Brachos.) 2) If one only wants to eat the Tafel, of course it requires its own Bracha.
Similarly, if one wants to eat the Tafel now, and the Ikar later on, the Tafel requires its own Bracha. Thus in the case of the yogurt, if you are eating the fruit now, and you plan to finish the yogurt much later, the fruit would indeed require a Ha’Eitz. (See Mishna Berura Siman 168:46 and Aruch HaShulchan 212:2.) However, the Poskim debate how much time must elapse between the fruit and the yogurt to be considered "later". Therefore, if they will be eaten very close together it is best to make a Bracha on the Yogurt and eat a little first, or alternatively to make a Bracha on a different fruit and have in mind to exempt the fruit in the yogurt. (See Ketzos HaShulchan Siman 58:10)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Todaywebsite.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren’t my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Please consider sponsoring a day or more of Halacha For Today, or simply making a donation.$1,$5,$10,$18, $36,$54... Any amount you can give is appreciated and will help further spread Torah!
1) Just as the Bracha Rishona of the Ikar exempts the Tafel, so too the Bracha Achrona on the Ikar exempts the Tafel. (Thus when eating cheerios and milk, only Mezonos is recited and not Shehakol and only Al HaMichya is recited and no Borei Nefashos)
If less than a Kzayis of the Ikar was eaten, the Tafel can be combined to calculate the Kzayis and necessitate a Bracha Achrona on the Ikar. (Kaf HaChaim 212:2)
2) The Bracha on the Ikar only exempts the Tafel if it is eaten together with, or soon after the Ikar.
However, if the Tafel is eaten first, it does not get exempted retroactively when the Bracha on the Ikar will be recited, and requires its own Bracha. This is true even if only a small amount of the Tafel is eaten.
L'Chatchilah it is best to refrain from eating the Tafel until after the Ikar is tasted, as to avoid needing a separate Bracha on the Tafel (Mishna Berura Siman 212:9 and 10 and Kaf HaChaim 212:11)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Todaywebsite.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
I read on [another wonderful Halacha website] that:
"one may leave a pot on an uncovered fire[without a blech] before Shabbos if they are not planning to return the pot to the fire after removing it on Shabbos.
Also, the contents of the pot must be half cooked before Shabbos, or if there is no other possibility, at least one third cooked"
Does this halacha sound right to you please?
Answer:
Although according to the letter of the law ,once a food has been partially cooked (a third according to some Poskim, and half cooked according to others) it may be left on the fire on Shabbos without a blech, it is best to be stringent and not keep food on an open flame, and also try and make sure all food is fully cooked before Shabbos, unless in extreme situations of great necessity.
(See second opinion of Bais Yosef and the Ram"a Siman 253:1 and Biur Halacha, Chazon Ish Siman 37:3, Mishna Berura in his summary end of Siman 259 and Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman 253:7. See also Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchaso Perek 1:63).
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
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Introduction to the Halachos of "Ikar and Tafel", a complicated topic which we will try to cover as best as we can. Obviously, it will be impossible for us to cover every intricate detail of this topic, so if there are any details that need further explanation please feel free to contact me and I will try my best to clarify. For Halacha L'Ma'aseh, as always, a Rav should be consulted.
The Mishna (Brachos 44a) teaches us a rule that whenever 2 food items are eaten, if one of the items is secondary to the other, the Bracha is only recited on the main food and it exempts the secondary food even if its Bracha is different. This is referred to in Halacha as "Ikar" (the main food) and "Tafel" (The secondary food) (See Shulchan Aruch beginning of Siman 212. Regarding the mechanics of how and why this works which is a subject of debate amongst the Poskim, see Chazon Ish Orach Chaim Siman 27:9, Shu"t Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 42, Shu"t L'Horos Noson Vol. 4 Siman 10, Shu"t Avnei Nezer Siman 38:13 and Shu"t Teshuvos V'Hanhagos Vol. 3 Siman 69)
The above is determined based on whether it is accepted by most average people in the society that one belongs to eat the two items together, and not by taking two distinct food items which aren't usually eaten together and saying "I want this to be secondary to that", as being a secondary food is not decided by each individual person. Of course if the second food is "totally secondary" (Tafel Gamur) and indistinguishable, and is actually part of the first food, then it won't be dependent on society. We will discuss this all at length iy"H over the next few days". ( See Shu"t Halachos Ketanos Vol. 1 Siman 66)
1)When reciting a Bracha on the Ikar, no special Kavanah is needed to exempt the Tafel, as anything that is totally secondary is exempt from the Bracha automatically. (See Pri Megadim Mishbetzos Zahav 212:3 where he discusses if it is possible to specifically have in mind that the Bracha on the Ikar NOT work for the Tafel.)
However, if the Tafel is being eaten to enhance the Ikar, but is not mixed into the Ikar and isn't necessarily eaten at once with the Ikar, then only with the following conditions is it exempt with the Bracha of the Ikar:
a)The Tafel is in front of you at the time of the Bracha
b)When reciting the Bracha on the Ikar you had in mind to eat the Tafel
c)It is usual to eat these 2 foods together.
d)You were Kovea Seuda (intended to eat a meal) with the Ikar, which isn't possible with drinks and fruits (See Mishna Berura Siman 212:4 and Shulchan Aruch HaRav 212:10 and 206:9)
2) If after eating the Ikar one left the location and only ate the Tafel in a new location, a new Bracha is required on the Tafel (unless the Ikar is something that requires going back to the original location for Birchas HaMazon or Al HaMichya) (see Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman 212:11, Mishna Berura ibid, Kaf HaChaim 212:13 and Chazon Ish Orach Chaim Siman 27:9)
Likewise, if one made an interruption between the two foods, and his/her mind was not on the eating anymore (Hesech HaDa'as) a new Bracha is required on the Tafel. (See Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman 179:2)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Todaywebsite.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Are you allowed to use the rollup stick deodorants [on shabbos]?
Answer:
No. The roll ons that are liquid are permitted according to many poskim as nothing is getting "smeared", rather the ball is simply releasing the liquid. Aerosal Spray deodorant may also be used, but should not be sprayed on clothing.
The solid sticks however, are like bars of soap, and when you use them they become smeared, and is prohibited due to it being memarayach (smearing) a Tolda of the Melacha of Memachek (smoothing).
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
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1) Just as when one recites Borei Pri HaGafen on wine it exempts all other drinks, so too when one drinks [a Revi'is of] wine and also other drinks, no Borei Nefashos is required on the drinks, as the Al HaGefen on the wine will exempt all the drinks. (See Sha'ar HaTzion Siman 208:70)
2) When reciting the Bracha of Me'Ein Shalosh on Shabbos and on Yom Tov, the special day should be mentioned in the Bracha. ("U'Retzei V'Hachlitzeinu B'Yom HaShabbos HaZeh" on Shabbos, "V'Samcheinu B'Yom Chag...Hazeh" on Yom Tov, "V'Zachreinu L'Tova B'Yom Rosh HaChodesh Hazeh" on Rosh Chodesh and "V'Zachreinu L'Tova B'Yom Hazikaron Hazeh" on Rosh Hashana)
However, if this mention was omitted, B'dieved it is acceptable and there is no need to repeat the Bracha Achrona. (Mishna Berura Siman 208: 57and 58. See Sha'ar Hatzion 208:60 for the reasoning behind this)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Todaywebsite.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
What do the poskim say about putting sefarim on chairs or benches, with or without people sitting on them at the same time?
I know that most people are meikel [lenient], but I've known yechidim who are makpid not to do it, what does the halacha pesuka have to say about it?
Answer:
It is prohibited to sit on a chair, bench etc. if Seforim are laying on them.
According to some Poskim, even if the seforim are in a standing/upright position on the chair or bench it is prohibited.
If the Seforim are on something else, that's on the bench, and thus not on the same level as the person sitting, it may be more lenient, however it is best to be stringent in all situations as not to seem like we are being disrespectful to Sifrei Kodesh.(See Ram"a Yoreh Deah Siman 282:7 and Shach there Os 8 and 9. see also Aruch Hashulchan Siman 282:12 and Shu"t Avnei Yashfei Siman 1:16)
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
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1) One who drinks wine and eats fruits of the Shivas HaMinim is required to mention both the wine and the fruits in the Me'Ein Shalosh, as we mentioned earlier.
However, if only the fruits were mentioned, there is no need to repeat the Me'Ein Shalosh for the wine, as B'dieved wine is included in "fruit". (Mishna Berura Siman 208:61)
One who eats fruits from the Shivas HaMinim and also regular fruits(apples, oranges, pears etc.) recites the Me'Ein Shalosh adding V'Al Ha'Eitz, and this exempts all the fruits eaten, and no Borei Nefashos is needed (even though usually on regular fruits that is what is recited) The above is only for fruits and does not work for fruit juice, as "Al Ha'Eitz" won't work for juice, and a separate Borei Nefashos is required. According to some Poskim, in this case, the Borei Nefashos on the juice should be recited first, before the Al Ha'Eitz.(Mishna Berura Siman 208:62 and 63. See also Ohr L'Tzion Perek 14:24)
2) If non Shivas HaMinim fruits are eaten and wine is drunk, the "Al HaGefen" on the wine does not exempt the other fruits, and a separate Borei Nefashos is required on the fruits. Here too, the Borei Nefashos should be recited first before the Al Hagefen (Mishna Berura Siman 208:64. See Kaf HaChaim 208:73)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Todaywebsite.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
I was at a sheva brochos this evening and was told to drink some of the wine after the chosson and kallah because its a kos brocho and good for shidduchim etc.
Is there some halachic source for this? Or a general inyan to drink Kos brocho? Should I make a special effort to drink?
Answer:
Yes, it is a great source of Bracha to partake of Kos Shel Bracha (any cup of wine that had a blessing recited over it such as from a Bris, Sheva Barchos, Birkas HaMazon etc.)
The Gemara (Brachos 51b) relates a story of Yalta, wife of the Amora Rav Nachman, who broke 400 barrels of wine upon being told that it wasn't important for her to drink Kos Shel Bracha herself. (See MaHarsha and Ben Yehoyada who explain her actions as righteous, as she was showing that it isn't wine that is important rather the Bracha that one receives from drinking it)
You should definitely make every effort to partake of Kos Shel Bracha at every opportunity, even after you find your shidduch B'Karov. (See Shulchan Aruch and Mishna Berura Siman 190)
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
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1) When eating a combination of Mezonos (of the 5 grains) and/or fruits of the Shivas HaMinim and/or wine, the Bracha Me'Ein Shalosh is recited afterwards and all the applicable foods that were eaten are mentioned, in the order of their prominence.
Thus when all 3 varieties were eaten the words "Al HaMichya, V'Al HaGefen, V'Al Ha'Eitz " are added to the beginning of the Bracha as well as to the end. (Mishna Berura Siman 208:60) 2) If one inadvertently forget to mention one of the items eaten in the opening of Me'Ein Shalosh, if the Bracha was not yet finished he/she should go back and mention the forgotten items, and continue and finish the Bracha. (See Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 3 Siman 18)
B'dieved, if the items eaten were only mentioned in the conclusion of the Bracha, it is acceptable and the Bracha doesn't need to be repeated, as the main part of the Bracha is the conclusion. (See Shu"t Shevet Haleivi ibid, Shu"t Igros Moshe Vol. 1 Siman 72 and Shu"t Be'er Moshe Vol. 4 Siman 20)
However, if one or more of the varieties of food eaten was omitted in the conclusion of the Bracha, the entire Bracha Achrona must be repeated. When repeating the Bracha Achrona, only the foods omitted should now be mentioned in the repetition. (See Mishna Berura Siman 59:4. See also Kaf HaChaim Siman 208:76 and Shu"t Har Tzvi Siman 105, Shu"t Tzitz Eliezer Vol. 19 Siman8:2 and Shu"t Teshuvos V'Hanhagos Vol. 2 Siman 147.We will discuss some more details and some exceptions to this Halacha over the next few days iy"H.)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Todaywebsite.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Are [Jewish males] supposed to sleep at night with Tzitzis?
Answer:
There is no obligation of wearing Tzitzis at night, as the Posuk tells us U'reesem Osam, that only when you can see them do we have to wear them (See Gemara Menachos 43a)
Some people, for Kabalistic and other Shemira reasons, do indeed sleep with Tzitzis. Those who have this custom should make sure to change to a new pair in the morning, otherwise there will be a problem with regard to making a new Bracha in the morning. (See Mishna Berura Siman 21:15 quoting the Arizal)
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
Please consider sponsoring a future issue of Halacha For Today. For details please contact me at HalachaForToday@Yahoo.com
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Please have in mind when learning today's Halachos that they be L'Refuah Shelaima of Nechama Ilana Bas Marim who will be having surgery this afternoon. Dedicated by her sister C.R.S.
DOUBLE PORTION L'KAVOD SHABBOS KODESH
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh
1) When reciting the Bracha Me'Ein Shalosh, it is required to specify what variety of food/drink was eaten/drunk.
2) Therefore, when Mezonos items (of the 5 grains) were eaten the words "Al HaMichya V'Al HaKalkala " must be added in the beginning and the words "Al Ha'Aretz V'Al HaMichya (V'Al HaKalkala)" said at the end. (Some omit the last two words "V'Al HaKalkala". See Sha'ar HaTzion Siman 208:52 and Kaf HaChaim 208:57. See also Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 51:8. Some have the custom to say those two words quietly, or even to say "Al Hakalkala isn't said" or to say it as a question, "Al Hakalkala? ". However the Chazon Ish frowned upon this. See Sefer Mili D'Brachos Siman 35. See also Shu"t Teshuvos V'Hanhagos Vol. 3 Siman 75)
When wine was drunk, the words "Al HaGefen V'Al Pri HaGefen" must be added in the beginning and the words "Al Ha'Aretz V'Al Pri HaGefen" said at the end. (Mishna Berura Siman 208:56 and Aruch HaShulchan 208:6. See also Biur HaGra 208:11 who maintains that the ending for wine is the same as fruits. Even the Mishna Berura agrees to this ruling for B'dieved.)
If fruits of the Shivas Haminim were eaten, the words "Al Ha'Eitz V'Al Pri Ha'Eitz" must be added in the beginning and the words "Al Ha'Aretz V'Al Hapeiros" said at the end. (Mishna Berura Siman 208:50)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) If the fruits of the Shivas Haminim that were eaten were grown in Eretz Yisroel (even if they are being eaten in Chutz L'Aretz) the ending of the Bracha is changed to "Al Ha'Aretz V'Al Peiroseha"(meaning Eretz Yisroel's fruits, and not simply regular fruit) (Mishna Berura Siman 208:54)
The same applies to wine that was pressed from grapes that were grown in Eretz Yisroel; the ending is changed to "Al Ha'Aretz V'Al Pri Gafnah" (See Kaf HaChaim Siman 208:58 and Shu"t Yabia Omer Vol. 7 Siman 30. However, some Poskim do not agree to this. See Shu"t Halachos Ketanos Vol. 2 Siman 55 and Ketzos HaShulchan Siman 60:5)
2) If one isn't sure where the fruits were grown (even if they are being eaten in Eretz Yisroel), the standard text is used. (Mishna Berura Siman 208:54)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Todaywebsite.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Is one permitted to place papers in sheet protectors on Shabbos? What about putting pictures in albums?
Answer:
Yes to both questions, as long as there is no adhesive making the paper/picture stick to the page.
Also, with the photos, you may not sort them on Shabbos (as doing so would be a violation of Borer), but if they are already sorted (or if you will put them in randomly), there is no problem of inserting them into the page to protect them from getting ruined.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
Please consider sponsoring a future issue of Halacha For Today in honor of or L'Refua Shelaima of a loved one, to promote your business, to wish someone Mazel Tov, as a Segulah for Parnassah and Hatzlacha or for any occasion. For details please contact me at HalachaForToday@Yahoo.com
Or simply help by making a donation! It's a great Mitzvah! The Zechus of the Torah learning of over 1,500 people each day can be yours! All proceeds go to further spread the word of Hashem.
Today's Halachos are dedicated by a daily reader, H.G., in memory of her grandfather R' Shlome Zalmen Ben R' Avrohom Chaim whose yahrtzeit is today 16 Av. may his Neshama continue to have an Aliya in Olam Haba!
1)After eating a food item (other than bread) made from the 5 grains (wheat, barley, oats, rye, spelt), fruits of the Shivas HaMinim or after drinking wine, the Bracha Achrona known as "Me'Ein Shalosh" must be recited. It is more commonly referred to as "Al HaMichya..."
This Bracha is referred to as Me'Ein Shalosh, which literally means "Comparable to the three", since the text (which can be seen here ) is based on the text of the three Brachos of Birchas HaMazon. (See Mishna Berura Siman 208:50 for a more detailed explanation)
2) There are Rishonim who maintain the Bracha of Me'Ein Shalosh is a biblical obligation, while others maintain that it is rabbinical. (See Mishna Berura Siman 209:10)
One who mistakenly recites Borei Nefashos after eating something that requires Me'Ein Shalosh has not satisfied their obligation even B'dieved and must still say the Me'Ein Shalosh.(Mishna Berura Siman 202:55)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Todaywebsite.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Are there any issues with respect to yichud in chat rooms?
What about corresponding generally with [members of the opposite gender], for the sake of business ventures?
Answer:
The Issur of Yichud is a fence to ensure that no improper activities happen between men and women. From my understanding of chat rooms, they are places where Prikas Ol, Leitzanus, flirting, and other improper behaviour between men and women are prevelant, and often lead to personal phone calls, and even meetings that end up with at best very compromised situations, and at worst with the transgression of very severe cardinal sins.
There is absolutely no Heter or good reason for a frum Jew to frequent these "social" rooms which are structured as uninhibited virtual lounges for the sexes to mingle, and although I can't say that by entering these rooms the issur of Yichud was transgressed, the spirit of Yichud, and the very fabric of Yiddishkeit is compromised by engaging in these "harmless" chats.
Keep in mind that even if it isn't a Yichud proplem per se, it is definitely a violation of Hilchos Tzniyos and is a serious breach of the holiness of klal Yisroel (as the Torah states V'Haya Machanecha Kadosh). Also, it may be a violation of Lifnei Iver Lo Siten Michshol, the commandment against causing another to sin, as many serious sins can take place during and after the chat.
Regarding corresponding with women/men for legitimate business purposes, it's hard to generalize. Every serious Jew must know him/herself and their own limitations and struggles. A Rav should be consulted before any "ventures" with members of the opposite gender are undertaken.
If one foregoes a business venture for the sake of Hashem, no monetary loss will befall him for doing so, as Hashem will surely repay him/her for doing the right thing.
May Hashem watch over us and protect us from the many dangerous spiritual pitfalls of our generation, and may He send us Mashiach Tzidkeinu very soon!
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
Please consider sponsoring a future issue of Halacha For Today in honor of or L'Refua Shelaima of a loved one, to promote your business, to wish someone Mazel Tov, as a Segulah for Parnassah and Hatzlacha or for any occasion. For details please contact me at HalachaForToday@Yahoo.com
Or simply help by making a donation! It's a great Mitzvah! The Zechus of the Torah learning of over 1,500 people each day can be yours! All proceeds go to further spread the word of Hashem.
1) When one sips a hot drink such as tea or coffee, or a sharp drink, such as whiskey, where a Revi'is is usually not possible to drink in the time of Kdei Sh'tias Revi'is, according to many Poskim no Bracha Achrona is recited (Mishna Berura Siman 210:1 and B'er Heitev Siman 204:12, Aruch HaShulchan Siman 202:7, Chayei Adam Klal 50:15, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 51:66, Kaf HaChaim Siman 204:40, Shu"t Yabia Omer Vol. 5 Siman 18, as well as many other Poskim)
Some Poskim,however, rule that since this is the normal way for these drinks to be drunk, a Bracha Achrona may be recited even if it took longer than Kdei Sh'tias Revi'is (but less than Kdei Achilas Pras) to drink. (See Be'er Heitev ibid. See also
Shu"t MaHaram Shick 85 and Siman 263
that this is how the Chasam Sofer ruled, and how the Chasam Sofer himself conducted himself. See also Minchas Chinuch Mitzvah 313. Rav Shmuel Wosner shlita also rules this way when eating frozen ices on a stick, that although it isn't eaten within the required amount of time, a Bracha Achrona is still required. See Sefer Shaarei HaBracha page 304)
Since this is a huge Machlokes HaPoskim, and it is hard to establish the Halacha any one way, it is recommended to always leave over a Revi'is at the end when it has cooled, and drink it in one gulp, thus necessitating a Bracha Achrona according to all opinions. This is indeed the custom of many scrupulous people.(Mishna Berura Siman 210:1 and Aruch HaShulchan ibid. This was also the opinion of the Chazon Ish. See Shu"t Teshuvos V'Hanhagos Vol. 2 Siman 135)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Todaywebsite.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
If someone who davens Ashkenaz is davening for the Amud in a Sefard Minyon [or vice versa] , what Nusach does he use for his own [quiet] Shmoneh Esrei?
Answer:
This is a very much discussed question amongst the contemporary Poskim.
Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal was of the opinion that he must daven the quiet Shemona esrei the same Nusach as the Tzibbur, as he held that the quiet Shemona Esrei is recited by the Shatz as a preparation for the next Shemona esrei he will be saying out loud, thus it has to be davened in the same nusach. (See Igros Moshe Vol. 2 Siman 29 and Vol. 4 Siman 33)
However, many Poskim do not accept Rav Moshe's reasoning, as they posit that today that we daven from a Siddur, there is no need to prepare, and they pasken that the silent Shemona esre should be davened in whatever Nusach the Shatz personally davens. Only the loud Shemona esrei needs to be in the Nusach of the Tzibbur. (This is the opinion of the Minchas Yitzchok Vol. 6 Siman 31:3, Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach zatzal in Halichos Shlomo Page 68 as well as the opinion of Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita quoted in Shu" t Avnei Yashfe Vol. 1 Siman14:8, as well as many other Poskim including the Shoel U'Meishiv, the Netziv, Ohr L'Tzion, Rav Ovadia Yoseph Shlita etc.)
Also, according to Rav Moshe Zatzal's reasoning, it would make sense that at maariv where there is no Chazaras haShatz he would agree that the shatz should daven his own personal nusach.
For Halacha L'Ma'aseh please consult your Rav.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
Please consider sponsoring a future issue of Halacha For Today in honor of or L'Refua Shelaima of a loved one, to promote your business, to wish someone Mazel Tov, as a Segulah for Parnassah and Hatzlacha or for any occasion. For details please contact me at HalachaForToday@Yahoo.com
Or simply help by making a donation! It's a great Mitzvah! The Zechus of the Torah learning of over 1,500 people each day can be yours! All proceeds go to further spread the word of Hashem.
Today's halachos are dedicated by a daily reader, C.S., in memory of her dear grandmother Mirel bas R' Nachman whose Yahrtzeit is today, 12 Menachem Av.
May her neshama continue to have an Aliya in Gan Eden, and may the Torah learning generated by today's halachos be a merit to her and her entire family.
1)According to some Rishonim, one who eats a "complete" food item (referred to in Halacha as "Beriah", creation, due to its being in the same state as it was when created) is required to recite a Bracha Achrona even if its size is less than a Kzayis, due to it being considered a prominent food.
Other Poskim disagree, and maintain that even complete food items do not require a Bracha Achrona if less than a Kzayis was consumed.
It is therefore best to be careful not to eat less than a Kzayis even when the food in question is a Beriah, as to avoid this Halachic Safek.
Alternatively, if less than a Kzayis will be eaten, the whole food should be broken or mashed before eating as to remove its status of a "whole food". (Shulchan Aruch Siman 210:1, Mishna Berura Sif Katan 6 and Sha'ar HaTzion Os 21 and Shu"t RadVaz Vol. 1 Siman 402. See also Shu"t Minchas Shlomo Siman 91:5, Shu"t Yabia Omer Vol. 8 Siman 25:3 and Shu"t Har Tzvi Siman 110 who discuss some other variables of what constitutes a Beriah)
2) Some common examples of "Beriah" foods that are smaller than a Kzayis include a whole grape or raisin, a small nut, a blueberry, a chick pea, a sardine and according to many Poskim even a whole segment of an orange or tangarine , a kernel of corn, a pomegranate seed, a sunflower seed (even though these are only segments of a larger food, they are considered complete on their own) ( See Be'er Heitev Siman 210:3. See also Mateh Ephraim Siman 600:7 regarding pomegranates on Rosh Hashanah. See also Ohr L'Tzion 14:28 and Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 8 Siman 34:1 and 2)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Todaywebsite.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Is there an Halachic issue with going to a movie theater? Or is it just a personal decision/sensitivity?
Answer:
Well, frum Jews do not belong in theaters of non Jews. This is something that Chazal and the Rishonim have told us goes into the commandment of "Bechukosayhem Lo Teleichu, don't follow the ways of the Goyim"
Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal (Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 2 Siman 95 ) ruled that going to a Movie theater is a Chilul Hashem. Most contemporary Poskim will follow this view.
There are also the issues of Ta'aruvos. Pritzus, Nivul Peh. Moshav Leitzim etc. to contend with, besides Chukos HaGoyim.
I don't know your personal circumstances, or if the question you are asking is for yourself or for someone else, but I would advise speaking to a Rav for a final Psak Halacha L'Ma'aseh regarding this (and regarding watching secular movies in general, which are laden with halachic problems as well as a proven tool of destruction when it comes to raising our precious children etc.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
Please consider sponsoring a future issue of Halacha For Today in honor of or L'Refua Shelaima of a loved one, to promote your business, to wish someone Mazel Tov, as a Segulah for Parnassah and Hatzlacha or for any occasion. For details please contact me at HalachaForToday@Yahoo.com
Or simply help by making a donation! It's a great Mitzvah! The Zechus of the Torah learning of over 1,500 people each day can be yours! All proceeds go to further spread the word of Hashem.
Today's halachos are dedicated by a daily reader, J.R.C. in on honor of me and my family.
I appreciate the kind gesture and in the merit of supporting Torah may J.R.C. and family be blessed with the answer to all their prayers and to merit having the Shechina rest in their home.
1)In order for a Bracha Achrona to be required a Kzayis must be eaten within the required time frame known as "Kdei Achilas Pras" (Between 3 and 9 minutes depending on which Poskim we are relying on and what kind of food is in question. We will discuss this more at length in the near future iy"H)
If the Kzayis was eaten in more time than that, no Bracha Achrona may be said, as eating in such a manner is not considered eating. (See Mishna Berura Siman 210:1, Shu"t MaHaram Shick Siman 263)
2) If one is unsure if the Kzayis was eaten in the appropriate time, no Bracha Achrona is made as Safek Brachos L'Hakel (Brachos are never recited in questionable situations, lest we say Hashem's name in vain).
However, if possible to eat something else with the same Bracha Achrona, and have in mind to exempt the first item, that is proper to do. (See Shaarei Teshuva Siman 204:5)
The only exception to this Halacha may be when eating bread, as some Poskim rule that even if the Kzayis was eaten in more time than Kdei Achilas Pras, since it has satiated you, Birchas HaMazon is required. Other Poskim argue and maintain that even for bread an eating in the required time period is required. (See Mishna Berura 210:1, Sha'ar Hatzion 210:10, Ben Ish Chai Parshas Chukas Siman 12 and Parshas Masei Siman 7 and Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 1 Siman 76)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Todaywebsite.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
If milk from a non kosher animal isn't kosher, why is honey from a bee?
Answer:
Although technically honey comes from bees, which are unkosher animals, and thus their "milk" should be unkosher, the Gemara tells us that honey is indeed Kosher.
The reason is that honey is nectar of a flower that is removed and stored inside a bee, but not considered produced by the bee.
Secondly, the Torah specifically permits honey to be eaten, so even if it was indeed produced from within the bee, it would still be permitted due to the Gezeiras Hakasuv. (See Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah Siman 81:8 and Aruch HaShulchan Siman 81:7. See also Mishna Berura Siman 158:14)
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
Please consider sponsoring a future issue of Halacha For Today in honor of or L’Refua Shelaima of a loved one, to promote your business, to wish someone Mazel Tov, as a Segulah for Parnassah and Hatzlacha or for any occasion. For details please contact me at HalachaForToday@Yahoo.com
Or simply help by making a donation! It’s a great Mitzvah! The Zechus of the Torah learning of over 1,500 people each day can be yours! All proceeds go to further spread the word of Hashem.
Today’s Halachos are sponsored by a daily reader who wishes to remain anonymous, as a zechus for Yeshiva Ner Yaakov to one day B’ezras HASHEM reopen.
1)In regard to drinking, a Revi’is must be drunk within "Kdei Achilas Pras" in order to necessitate a Bracha Achrona. (Opinion of the Gaon of Vilna, quoted in Mishna Berura end of 210:1)
However, many Poskim are stringent and require the Revi’is to be drunk within the time it takes an average person to drink a Revi’is (Kdei Sh’tias Revi’is) which is a much shorter time than "Kdei Achilas Pras", in order to necessitate a Bracha Achrona on drinks. (See Mishna Berura ibid, Sha’ar Hatzion 210:12 and Aruch HaShulchan Siman 202:8) 2) If one ate or drank the Kzayis of food/Revi’is of drink in more time than Kdei Achilas Pras (or Kdei Sh’tias Revi’is), even if there were no interruptions, and he/she was eating/drinking a whole time, no Bracha Achrona is required.
For example, one who eats soup with a spoon, drinks a cola with a straw or eats a frozen ice-cream with a spoon, since it is usually not possible to drink enough of these items in the required time of K’dei Sh’tias Revi’is, even though no interruptions were made, no Bracha Achrona is required. (Of course if enough was drunk in the required time, a Bracha Achrona is said. We will discuss hot coffee/tea tomorrow iy"H)
Of course, if an interruption was made and the Kzayis or Revi’is was only eaten over a longer time than Kdei Achilas Pras/Kdei Sh’tias Revi’is, no Bracha Achrona is required. (See Mishna Berura Siman 612:6.)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Todaywebsite.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren’t my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
The Rambam (Hilchos Tefilin 1:13, based on the Gemara in Gittin 45b) rules that a woman may not write a mezuza, and if she does it is Posul.
The Shulchan Aruch does not make any mention of this one way or another regarding mezuza, and only rules this way regarding Tefilin (in Orach Chaim Siman 39:1) and Sefer Torah (in Yoreh deah Siman 281:3).
Some commentaries interpret that to mean that the Shulchan Aruch indeed allowed it. (See Shach to Yoreh Deah ibid. quoting the position of the Derisha)
However, the contemporary Poskim rule that it is best to be stringent and not allow women to write a Mezuza. The Mishna Berura Siman 39:1 also rules that women may not write mezuzos.
Please consider sponsoring a future issue of Halacha For Today in honor of or L'Refua Shelaima of a loved one, to promote your business, to wish someone Mazel Tov, as a Segulah for Parnassah and Hatzlacha or for any occasion. For details please contact me at HalachaForToday@Yahoo.com
Or simply help by making a donation! It's a great Mitzvah! The Zechus of the Torah learning of over 1,500 people each day can be yours! All proceeds go to further spread the word of Hashem.
Today's halachos are dedicated by a daily reader, T.R. bas M., in memory of her dear grandfather R' Shloimie Yoi'el ben R' Moshe whose Yahrtzeit is this Shabbos, 11 Menachem Av.
May his neshama continue to have an Aliya in Gan Eden, and may he be a Meilitz Yosher for his family and all of Klal Yisroel.
DOUBLE PORTION L'KAVOD SHABBOS KODESH
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh
1) All foods eaten can be combined to arrive at the required Kzayis for a Bracha Achrona. Thus, for example if one eats a half a Kzayis of chicken and a half a Kzayis of corn, a Kzayis was eaten and a Bracha Achrona is required.
Likewise, drinks can be combined to arrive at a Revi'is, Thus, if one drank a half Revi'is of orange juice and a half Revi'is of water or soda, a Bracha Achrona is required.
2) However, food and drink cannot be combined. Thus, if one ate half a Kzayis of food and drank half a Revi'is of drink, no Bracha Achrona is required. (Mishna Berura Siman 210:1. See also Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 1 Siman 75 where he writes that one should avoid such a situation. See also Kovetz Tzohar (Yerushalayim 5760) page 232 where he quotes the Safek of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal that grape and wine as well as any fruit and its juice may possibly be combined to require a Bracha.)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) If the two foods/drinks that are being combined to necessitate a Bracha Achrona have 2 distinct Brachos Achronos (e.g. half a Kzayis of a Danish (which usually gets an Al HaMichya) and a half Kzayis of an apple (which usually gets a Borei Nefashos) the lesser Bracha Achrona is recited. (So in our example, a Borei Nefashos would be recited and exempt even the Danish) (Mishna Berura ibid. see also Sha'ar HaTzion 210:2 and Chazon Ish Orach Chaim Siman 26:8)
2) Similarly, if one ate a small jelly donut, cheese Danish, apple strudel or similar pastry, where the amount of Mezonos was less than a Kzayis on its own, and it is only a Kzayis when calculating the jelly or cheese, the Bracha Achrona recited is Borei Nefashos. (Shu"t Minchas Shlomo Siman 91:4. This also applies if there was more than a Kzayis of the Mezonos, but it wasn't eaten within Kdei Achilas Pras, 3-9 minutes, depending on various opinions)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Todaywebsite.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
If a child knows a bracha already, and knows L'mi mevarech (to whom he is reciting the Bracha to), do you say Amen?
Answer:
Yes. According to Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal, you even can answer Amen to a young child's Bracha if he does not know L'Mi Mevarech, as doing so is training him that Amen is answered after Brachos are recited!
The Mishna Berura Siman 2215:16 doesn't seem to pasken this way, but many contemporary Poskim Pasken like Rav Shlomo Zalmen Zatzal, and in fact it is the prevelant custom to answer Amen after very small children's Brachos.
Some Poskim want to suggest that if possible, only part of the word Amen" should be said, as the child should think you are answering Amen, while in fact you havent said the real word, and thus would satisfy both the Mishna Berura and Rav Shloime Zalmen's view.
For Halacha L'Ma'aseh a Rav should be consulted.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
Important Numbers
