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1) It is very important to leave the tablecloth on the table, and not totally clear off the table, before Bentching. The reason for this is because this way it will be evident that you are reciting Birchas HaMazon on the bread that Hashem has given you.
Another reason for this is that blessings do not rest upon "empty" things. For this reason, many people are scrupulous to not leave any empty utensils (e.g. empty soda bottle, empty serving bowl) on the table at the time of Birchas HaMazon. (See Mishna Berura Siman 180:1.The Zohar Hakadosh was extremely insistent on this .See Kaf HaChaim 180:4)
2) One who does not leave over bread on the table will never see blessing in his/her lifetime. (Language of the Shulchan Aruch Siman 180:2)
If no bread was left over besides some crumbs, a new loaf of bread should not be brought out, as doing so looks like an offering to Avoda Zara (idol worship)
However, if even no crumbs were left over, it is permissible [and according to the Zohar, commendable] to bring out a new loaf. (Mishna Berura 180:4)
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.
This Shabbat I observed folks throwing candy at the Bar Mitzvah boy. The opened Torah too was bombarded.
When the rabbi grabbed a handful of candy that was resting on the open klaf, I gasped.
Today you wrote: "It is for this reason that it is permissible to throw nuts [in their shells], wrapped candy and similar items at a Chasan and Kallah (bride and groom). Raisins and other soft items may not be thrown at them. (Mishna Berura Siman 171:21)"
So I just had to ask about the propriety of this custom when the Sefer Torah is out, and in our case was hit by thrown candy. That the candy was resting on the klaf seemed like 1/60th of a desecration of the Holy Torah.
Answer:
There is no question, that the throwing at the groom should not start until the Sefer Torah is closed and covered, as otherwise it is definitely not proper Kavod HaTorah!
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
