1) It is permissible to "use" food for purposes of curing a sickness, even if the food will get ruined in the process. (Mishna Berura Siman 171:4)
The above is even for aches and pains, and not strictly for sicknesses that may jeopardize the person's health.
2) Many Poskim allow using cosmetics that contain food, as long as they are used in the normal manner in which they are used by most people.
Similarly, if a food item (such as lemon juice, vinegar etc.) is needed to clean clothing, remove stains or similar uses that are normal practice amongst society, it is permitted. (See Shu"t Avnei Yashfey Vol. 1 Siman 34)
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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.
Is there a proper custom to distribute the portions [of Challah] to others at the table BEFORE the one making the bracha eats his portion? Or at least for him to SLICE all the portions before eating his own portion?
Answer:
The one making the Bracha should eat first, then slice the rest of the pieces and distribute, as not to have a hefsek between the Bracha and the eating.
When distributing, he should give his wife first and then the rest of the participants according to chashivus, or age. (Psak of the Mishna Berura 167:79, although the Rama and others Pasken like Tosefos and the Mordechai that he may slice all the pieces, give them out and then eat, as they hold doing so is not a Hefsek)
[a reader emailed me saying that he heard from 2 prominent Poskim that one should immediately cut 2 pieces for himself and his wife, then eat himself, and only then cut for the rest of the people at the table.Please consult your Rav for a Psak Halacha L'Ma'aseh]
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
