1) One who smells an Esrog at any time throughout the year besides for on Sukkos, recites the Bracha "Baruch Ata Hashem...Hanosen Rayach Tov B'Peiros"
However, during the seven days of Sukkos, when the Esrog is an object used for a Mitzvah, the Poskim debate whether a Bracha is recited on its smell or not.
Therefore, it is best to refrain from smelling an Esrog throughout the entire Yom Tov of Sukkos, as to avoid this Safek, and if one went ahead and smelled it during Sukkos, no Bracha would be recited. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 216:14, Mishna Berura S"K53 and Biur Halacha HaMayriach. Regarding Shmini Atzeres, see Kaf HaChaim 216:81 what he quotes from the Taz. Regarding smelling the Esrog on Shabbos of Sukkos, see Sha'ar HaTzion 658:4, Mishna Berura 653:2 Halichos Shlomo Perek 23:37)
The Hadasim (myrtle) that are used in the Lulav for the duration of Sukkos, may not be smelled as they are designated for the Mitzvah and not for smelling (Huktzah L'Mitzvasan) (See Shulchan Aruch 653:1 and Mishna Berura S"K 1 why Hadasim are more stringent than Esrogim in this Halacha)
2) There is a debate in the Poskim regarding one who smells hot bread that is emitting a pleasant aroma. Some Poskim maintain that the Bracha of "Hanosen Rayach Tov B'Peiros [or B'Pas- the text brought by the Rama based on the Abudraham]" is recited, as it is similar to other pleasant smelling foods.
Other Poskim, however, maintain that no Bracha is recited on this smell as it isn't strong and distinct enough to require a Bracha, [even if it was specifically picked up solely for smelling].
Therefore, due to the above Safek, it is best to refrain from purposely smelling this aroma with the intent of enjoying its smell. If one went ahead and smelled it anyway, no Bracha is recited. (See Mishna Berura 216:54-56 and Sha'ar HaTzion S"K 47. This applies to all breads as well as to all pastries, according to most Poskim. See Kaf HaChaim 216:85 and Aruch HaShulchan 216:14)
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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.
Should one make a Sh'hecheyonu before or after the Ha-etz on a new fruit?
Answer:
There are Poskim who say to recite the Ha'eitz first then immediately say Sh'hechiyanu then eat the fruit. (See Be'er Heitev siman 225:6).
Some Poskim say to recite the She'Hechiyanu first then the Ha'eitz and then eat the fruit.
Some say to say Ha'eitz on the fruit, eat a small piece and then recite Sh'Hechiyanu, as they say ideally no hefsek should be made between the bracha on the fruit and the tasting of it.
However, even according to them, if the Sh'hechiyanu was recited before eating the fruit, it is acceptable and no new Bracha is required. (See Mishna Berura Siman 225:11 and Kitzur Shulchan Aruch siman 59:14)
Each person should follow their own minhag.
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
