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SPECIAL DOUBLE PORTION L'KAVOD SHABBOS KODESH
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh
1)When reciting a Bracha on a food/drink [or when reciting a Bracha before smelling Besamim] it is proper to hold the item in your hand, as doing so will lead to better Kavanah.
However, if the Bracha was recited without the item being in your hand, B'dieved it is an acceptable Bracha, as long as the item is in front of you. (Mishna Berura Siman 206:17)
2) Right handed people should hold the item in their right hand and left handed people should hold it in their left hands, as holding the item in the stronger hand is a sign of respect. (Mishna Berura 206:18)
The item should be held directly in the hands and not while wearing gloves. Similarly, if the food is in a snack bag or the like, some of it should be removed and held in the hand not via the bag during the Bracha. (See Mishna Berura 167:23)
Halachos for Shabos Kodesh
1) If the food being eaten is normally eaten with a utensil (e.g. soup with a spoon or spaghetti in sauce with a fork) it can be held in the utensil while the Bracha is recited.
However, food that is not normally eaten with a utensil should not be held with a utensil while the Bracha is being said, as that is not respectful to the Bracha. (See Kaf HaChaim Siman 206:32. See also Shu"t Be'er Moshe Vol. 8 Siman 28 regarding holding the food with a napkin to keep the hands clean.) 2) For Kabalistic reasons, it is best not to hold food with a metal knife. According to some opinions, food should not be held with any knife, even plastic, as knives are a symbol of the opposite of life.(Mishna Berura Siman 206:18. See also Shulchan Aruch HaRav 206:8 and Kaf HaChaim 206:31 who says even a metal fork should not be used, however this is not the prevalent custom)
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.
Why is it that some people place a sefer face-down on the table to keep the place? My understanding is that this is forbidden. Can you tell me the source(s) for this halacha?
Answer:
You are 100% correct that it is prohibited to place a Sefer face down. (See Rama Yoreh Deah Siman 282:5)
Unfortunately, many people are lax in this and other halachos that pertain to treating Seforim with proper respect. (See also Ta"z to Yoreh Deah Siman 271:8. and Biur Halachah Siman 83 Dibur HaMaschil Ain).
Important Numbers
