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1) A Bracha is only recited on something whose purpose is to emit a pleasant scent.
However, when smelling something whose purpose is to cover up a bad odor no Bracha is recited. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 217:2)
Some examples of the latter: spices used to hide the smell in a morgue, air fresheners that hang in cars or in restrooms [for the purpose of eliminating odors, smoke etc.], pleasant smelling soaps [that are made to clean dirty hands or other parts of the body], lotions, pleasant smelling detergents or dish soap, pleasant smelling deodorants [made to cover up or prevent sweat]. All of the above do not require a Bracha as their purpose is to prevent or eliminate bad smells and not intrinsically for their own good scents. (See Shu"t Ohr L’Tzion Perek 14:38 where he rules that if one purchases a car freshener specifically to enjoy the smell, and not to cover up any odors, a Bracha may be recited. This is also the Psak of Rav Chaim Pinchos Scheinberg Shlita, quoted in V’Zos HaBracha Chapter 19. Other Poskim, however, rule that since the manufacturers produce them to cover up odors, no Bracha is recited even if one wants to enjoy the smell. See Shu"t Avnei Yashfe Vol. 2 Siman 16:3 and 4)
2) Moreover, one who takes Besamim or another item which usually requires a Bracha, and uses it in a way to cover up a bad odor, does not recite a Bracha.
Even other people who may have pleasure from this Besamim [being used to cover up a bad smell] do not recite a Bracha, even if they want to have pleasure from the smell, as this particular Besamim is now being used as an odor eliminator and not for its intrinsic scent value. (See Mishna Berura Siman 217:10 and Sha’ar HaTzion S"K 16 and 21. See also Ohr L’Tzion and Avnei Yashfe ibid.)
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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.
I am hearing many different things about the whole inyan(topic) about stepping on nails: Only counts when you’re barefoot,has to be your own nails, etc.
Can you clarify the main aspects of this halacha for me?
Answer:
The Gemara (Niddah 17a) says that a pregnant woman who steps on nails is in danger of losing her child Chas V’Shalom. The Gemara goes so far as to call one who doesnt dispose of his/her nails properly a Rasha, an evil person.
Although the Shulchan Aruch doesnt bring this halacha directly, the Poskim do indeed quote the Gemara and seem to be very stringent with this Halacha L’Ma’aseh. The Chazon Ish was extremely makpid with this as were many Gedolim.
This only applies if the nails are in the place where they were dropped, but once they were moved, they are no longer a danger. Thus if one did cut their nails, it is important to sweep the area to make sure the nails move from where they fell.
(See Mogen Avraham beginning of Siman 260, Mishna Berura Siman 260:6, Be’er Heitev 260:2)
This applies to a person’s own nails as well. This also applies to nails of non Jews (See Rivevos Ephtraim Vol. 8 Siman 88:1)
Although the Gemara seems to say that it is a danger only for pregnant women, the Zohar seems to say that it is a danger for anyone to walk on nails. (See Likutei MaHarich Seder hanhagos Erev Shabbos Dibur hamaschil V’Ayin B’Rama)
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
