Please consider sponsoring a future issue of Halacha For Today in honor of or L'Refua Shelaima of a loved one, to promote your business, to wish someone Mazel tov or for any occasion. For details please contact me at HalachaForToday@Yahoo.com
It's a great Mitzvah! The Zechus of the Torah learning of over 1,400 people each day can be yours! All proceeds go to further spread the word of Hashem.
Today's Halachos are dedicated by a daily reader, D.D.C., in memory of his great Aunt Annette bat Shimon, a wonderful woman whose love and acts of charity stand as an example to us. Her Yahrtzeit was on 2 Tamuz. May her life be for a blessing, and may D.D.C. do honor to her memory through his actions.
1) When reciting Brachos, it is proper to say the words with Kavanah (concentration).
This is especially true for Birchas HaMazon which, if said without Kavanah, may require repeating. (See Halacha for June 11 2008 in archives here. See also Mishna Berura Siman 60:7, Sha'ar HaTzion Siman 193:3 and Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman 185:1&2 for an elaboration on the importance of Kavanah and the Halachic status of Brachos recited without proper Kavanah.)
2) While reciting a Bracha, no other thoughts should consume the mind besides the meaning of the words of the Bracha, to whom we are reciting the Bracha (Hashem) and for what reason. Not even Torah thoughts should be thought while a Bracha is being recited. (Mishna Berura Siman 191:5)
It goes without saying that nothing else should be done, while reciting a Bracha, even if it is a simple task that presumably will not hinder the Kavanah of the Bracha. (See Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman 183:14. Some Poskim even prohibit the drying of the hands while reciting "Al Netilas Yadayim" as this will hinder proper Kavanah. However, Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal and others allowed this, as it is a part of the Mitzvah on which the blessing is being recited, and indeed this is the prevalent custom. See also Shu"t Mishne Halachos Vol. 8 Siman 20 and Shu"t Be'er Moshe Vol. Vol. 8 Siman 42)
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.
Are there any halochos regarding fresh mushrooms? Do I have to clean/check/peel them?
Answer:
According to the Star K Kashrus agency, Fresh mushrooms do not require checking or peeling. All you need to do is rinse them off well, and then you can eat them. (Click Here for their complete list)
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
