1)It is a Mitzvah for there to be salt on the table before beginning to eat.
The reason for this is that the table is likened to the Mizbeach (altar) in the Bais HaMikdash, and the food we eat is likened to the Korbanos (ritual sacrifices) that were offered on the Mizbeach. All Korbanos required salt, hence the table requires salt. Having salt on the table also protects from misfortune. (Ram"a 167:5 and see Mishna Berura)
Furthermore, it's a Mitzvah to dip the bread of Hamotzi into salt before eating. (Not as some people mistakenly do and "Sprinkle" the salt on the read). Some have the custom to dip it three times. (Mishna Berura 167:33)
2) If no salt is available, according to some Poskim, it should be dipped into sugar. (As the Korbanos were allowed to be salted with sugar. See Shu"t Halachos Ketanos Siman 218, Shu"t Divrei Chaim Yoreh Deah Siman 25. The Chasam Sofer also had this custom when no salt was available. However, the Kaf HaChaim 167:37 maintains that sugar is not an acceptable substitute)
If sugar is also unavailable, it is best to dip the bread into a salty food item (fish, spread or dip) that is on the table, as to give the bread the taste of the salt. (See Shu"t Teshuvos V'Hanhagos Vol. 4 Siman 50. See also Shulchan Aruch HaRav 167:8)
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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 Answers. Taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Today website.
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 wrote:"If one is invited to a wedding at a time when they are observing Sefira, while the one making the wedding observes the "other half" of Sefira and is thus permitted to make a wedding, he/she may attend the wedding, listen to the music and even participate in the dancing. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 2 Siman 95)"
I have heard that even though it is permitted to attend the wedding, dancing is only permitted when the Chosson and Kallah are in the simcha hall and not during the time photographs are being taken.
In that case, is it also correct that one should not listen to the live music during the time when the Chosson and Kallah are not in the simcha hall?
Answer:
Although I havent seen that [written in the Sifrei HaPoskim], it does indeed make sense to only allow dancing when it will be Mesameach the Choson/Kallah, which is when they are in the room.
However, there is no need for you to leave the room while the music is playing, even if they arent in the room, as you are permitted to be at that wedding, no matter what is taking place at that time in the room.
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
