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Special Double Portion L'kavod Shabbos Kodesh
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh
1) Mayim Achronim needs to be washed immediately before Birchas HaMazon, and no unnecessary interruptions, talking or even quietly waiting should take place between the washing and the start of Birchas HaMazon. (See Mishna Berura Siman 179:1 and 2. The Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman Siman 181:6 is less stringent and even allows 2 or 3 words to be spoken.)
In the event that many people are eating together, it is best to prepare a few cups of water from which to wash, as to minimize the long wait that having only one cup for everyone would cause. (See Biur Halacha Siman 181 Dibur Hamaschil Min Hakatan)
2) Even speaking words of Torah or singing Zemiros are prohibited between the washing of Mayim Achronim and the beginning of Birchas HaMazon. (Mishna Berura Siman 181:24)
Therefore, the recital of Shir Hamalos (on Shabbos) or Al Naharos Bavel (in the weekdays) which is customary to say before benching should be said before washing Mayim Achronim. (See Aruch HaShulchan 181:9 and K'tzos HaShulchan Siman 43:1 where he says that if it was inadvertently said after Mayim Achronim, the hands should be rewashed. See also Mishna Berura 179:1 where he says that if any interruptions were made, L'Chatchilah the hands should be rewashed. See Sha'ar Hatzion 179:9. See also Shu"t Az Nidberu Vol. 13 Siman 30:4 regarding id Asher Yatzar is a Hefsek for Mayim Achronim)
Talking between Mayim Achronim and Benching can be a Sakana (danger) besides for the Halachic Hefsek detailed above. (Based on the Arizal, quoted in the Pri Megadim, Aishel Avraham 181:10)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) Many have the custom, immediately after Mayim Achronim, to rub their wet hands over their lips to wash away any food particles that may be there.
Some Poskim, however, write not to do this.(see Shu"t Hisorerus Teshuva Siman 83 and Kaf HaChaim 181:21. See also Elya Rabbah 181:2 and Ben Ish Chai Parshas Sh'lach Siman 68)
2) Many people have the custom to cover the Mayim Achronim water, or even to remove it entirely from the table before beginning to recite Birchas HaMazon (See Kaf HaChaim 181:8 and Ohr L'Tzion Vol. 2 Siman81:6. See also Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 8 Siman 168 and Orchos Rabbeinu page 83 where he writes that the Steipler Zatzal would cover the Mayim Achronim with a paper napkin.)
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.
Does eating parmesan cheese make one "milchig" for 6 hours? Is there anything else, e.g., eating other cheese which would make one "milchig" for 6 hours?
Answer:
Eating "hard, aged" cheeses requires waiting 6 hours before eating meat, as they leave a taste in ones mouth, unlike other dairy.
According to the Star K Kashrus agency, on their website:
" Parmesian cheese is considered hard if it has been aged for six months. Romano may also be a hard cheese (but is not readily available as kosher). Swiss, Cheddar, Muenster, and Mozzarella are not hard cheeses. Cottage and cream cheese are certainly not hard cheeses either. If a hard cheese is cooked, it does not lose its status as a hard cheese."
I know many Rabbanim do consider Cheddar cheese as a hard cheese, yet the Star K doesnt feel this way.
A Rav should be consulted for 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
