Today's Halacha is dedicated L'Zchus Refuah Shelaima for Tova Riva Bas Marim B'Soch Shar Cholei Yisroel
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1)It is prohibited to give bread to a Jew who does not wash his/her hands before eating bread, even if the bread belongs to him/her, as doing so will cause him/her to do a sin, and thus you will transgress the biblical prohibition of "Lifnei Iver Lo Titen Michshol". (Shulchan Aruch Siman 163:2 and Mishna Berura Siman S"K 12)
However, if you aren't positive that he/she will not wash their hands, or if they plan on taking the bread to their home, and will not be eating it immediately, it is permitted to give it to them. It is, however, good to tell them before giving it to them to please wash Al Netilas Yadayim before eating it. (Mishna Berura ibid. S"K 11 and Biur Halacha Dibur HaMaschil V'Asur. See also Shu"t Shevet HaLevi Vol. 4 Siman 17)
The above Halacha does not apply to one who owns a restaurant, as he isn't obligated to only serve those who he is sure will wash before eating. (See Kaf HaChaim 163:16. See also Shu"t Shevet Halevi Vol. 1 Siman 37)
2) The water of Netilas Yadayim must wash the entire hand. Therefore, before washing it is best to examine the hands to ensure that there isn't any [significant]dirt that may cause the water not to cover that part of the hand (and thus be a Chatzitzah- separation) (Mishna Berura Siman 161:1)
If the item stuck to the hand is small and insignificant, and most people wouldn't bother to remove such dirt, even if it bothers you personally, it isn't a Chatzitza.
Similarly, If the item is of the nature that most people would remove it, even if it doesn't bother you personally, it is a Chatzitza and must be removed. (This is only the general rule, there are certain exceptions, which we will discuss tomorrow)
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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:
I heard that one is not allowed to eat while outside in the market place. Is this also reffering to being on a train and eating (like a sandwich)?
My Answer:
The Gemara (Kiddushin 40b) says that one who "eats in the street" is compared to a dog. Another opinion in the Gemara says that one who "eats in the street" is disqualified from giving testimony in a Jewish court of law. The Halacha (brought in Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat Siman 34:18) is like the second opinion.
The reason for this is that one who eats in the street is lacking basic human dignity.
The commentaries debate exactly what constitutes "eating " and what exactly constitutes "in the street"
Obviously, a place designated for eating such as a picnic area in a public park or a "food court" in a mall, although public, isn't subject to this Halacha.
Also, food which is common to eat in the street, such as chewing gum or sucking a candy, is permissible. (Loudly making bubbles with buble gums however, can be a problem in public)
Walking down the street wolfing down a piece of pizza, or sitting on a train eating a burger, fries and a large coke would also be undignified.
Each person must determine his/her own limitations based on their particular circumstance to decide if what they are doing is dignified and befitting for the child of Hashem, which we, as jews, are and we must always act accordingly.
When in doubt, 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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