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1)When eating Cholent that is a mixture made up of small pieces of potatoes, beans, meat and barley, the Bracha recited is Mezonos as all the ingredients are Tafel to the barley. (See Mishna Berura Siman 208:48 and Aruch HaShulchan Siman 212:1) However, if the potatoes or meat are very large chunks that are easily noticeable, according to many Poskim they will not be considered part of the mixture and will require their own Bracha. (See Sefer Keitzad Mevorchim page 38. See also Shu"t Teshuvos V'Hanhagos Vol. 2 Siman146 and Shu"t Be'er Moshe Vol. 5 Siman 56) 2) It isn't always easy to determine if the pieces are small enough to be considered one mixture or if they may be large enough to require their own Brachos.
Therefore, when reciting a Bracha on the cholent, it is proper to mash together and eat a little of every variety that is in the Cholent immediately after the Bracha to make it evident that you are eating it as a mixture and not as individual food items. (See Sefer Sha'rei Bracha Perek 15footnote 36 for a lengthy discussion about this, which is beyond the scope of this forum) Obviously, when mashing the cholent on Shabbos (or when mashing any food items on Shabbos) care must be taken to do it properly to avoid transgressing the Melacha of Tochen as detailed in Shulchan Aruch Siman 321
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 pages 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 a bracha have to be made on gum and if so, what about a bracha Acharona?
Answer:
Yes, a Bracha Rishona is required since the sugar (or artificial sweetener) gets swallowed and causes pleasure to the throat. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 2 Siman 57 and Shu"t Ohr l'Tzion Vol. 2 14:8)
No Bracha achrona is made, as not enough was eaten in the required amount of time (as a Kzayis within Kdei Achilas Pras,3-9 minutes depending on whic h Shiur you use, is required.)
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
