Erev Shabbos Kodesh Parshas Ki Sisa; Parshas Parah Adumah
March 13th 2009
17Adar, 5769
SPECIAL DOUBLE PORTION L'KAVOD SHABBOS KODESH
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Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh
1)One who eats a "K'Beitza" of bread (size of an egg) is obligated to wash his/her hands and make the Bracha of "Al Netilas Yadayim".
One who will be eating less than this amount should wash, but not recite the Bracha. Even though many Poskim maintain that one who eats less than a Kzayis (size of an olive) need not wash the hands at all, it is still best to be stringent and wash the hands albeit without a Bracha. (Mishna Berura 158:10)
If the bread is being eaten as a secondary food (tafel) to a more important food (Ikar), and thus doesn't need a Bracha of Hamotzi (e.g. croutons in soup, or bread crumbs on chicken) it also doesn't require washing of the hands. (Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman 212:6). However, if the amount of bread being eaten as a tafel is more than a Kzayis, some Poskim require washing the hands without a Bracha (See Sha'ar HaTzion 158:11 and Mishna Berura ibid. 10) 2) One who eats bread must wash both his/her hands, even if he/she will only be touching the bread with one hand, as we are afraid that the unwashed hand will touch the bread. (Mishna Berura 158:4.See Chazon Ish Orach Chaim Siman 23:13 who argues with the Mishna Berura about the reasoning of this Halacha)
The aforementioned Halacha remains in place even if one hand is covered with a glove or a towel. Likewise, if one eats with a fork or spoon or is being fed by another person and thus will not touch the bread with their hands, Netilas Yadayim is still required.
One who is feeding another person bread (such as a nurse feeding an elderly person etc.), is not required to wash their hands, as Chazal only instituted Netilas Yadayim for the person eating the bread.(See Shulchan Aruch HaRav 163:2 )
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) One who is traveling and does not have water, and will not find water for 4 Mil (approximately 72 minutes) in front of him/her, and 1 mil (approximately 18 minutes) behind him/her, if he/she is extremely hungry, the hands may be wrapped in towels or with gloves, and the bread eaten.
Similarly, if one is unable to wash the hands due to medical reasons, the above procedure may be utilized. If one hand is unable to get wet due to having a cast on it or similar medical reasons, the healthy hand should be washed and the unhealthy hand should be wrapped. (Aruch HaShulchan 163:2)
When relying on the above, both hands must be covered, not just the hand that is touching the bread. (Mishna Berura Siman 163:5). It is important to note, that when relying on the above the hands must be covered and not the bread. Having the hands exposed, and holding the bread with a napkin or in a bag is inadequate, according to most Poskim. (See Shu"t Tzitz Eliezer Vol. 8 Siman 7:6. )
2) Many Poskim frown upon using the above leniency, unless totally necessary. However, if one can wait a little longer before eating, or manage to eat other things besides bread until water is located, he/she is praised for doing so. (See first Biur Halacha in Siman 163. See also the Siddur of the Ba'al HaTanya in Seder Netilas Yadayim Siman 22, and Tiferes Shmuel on the Rosh Chulin Perek 8:1 where he questions the Halachic legitimacy of this practice)
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and my Answers. Taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Today website. For study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to Halacha For Today)
Reader's Question:
What about paying Shul membership, Melaveh Malkeh or Dinner [cover charges] from maaser money?
My Answer:
According to the Poskim one may give around 90% of the shul membership dues from Ma'aser, and around 10% from regular money. (Provided that he/she stipulated that his/her Ma'aser money needn't go only to poor people). The Poskim also allow using Ma'aser money for most of dinner reservations (besides parts that cover the actual meal cost)
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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