1) As we learned earlier, one of the necessary criteria in order to have a permissible Borer is for it not to be done with a Kli, a utensil.
Thus, if a utensil is used, even if it is done immediately before the meal and even if the good is separated from the bad, it is still prohibited. The reason for this is that when a utensil is used it is deemed Derech Borer, " the way of sorting" rather than Derech Achila" the normal way of eating" (See Mishna Berura in his introduction to Siman 319)
2) There are three varieties of utensils:
a) A utensil which is designated for sorting; utilizing such a utensil is a biblical prohibition.
b) A utensil which isn't designated for sorting; utilizing such a utensil is a rabbinical prohibition.
c) A utensil which is used to aid with eating; utilizing such a utensil is not prohibited, as in regards to Hilchos Borer it is seen as an extension of one's hand for eating purposes and not seen as a utensil for sorting purposes.
Over the next few days we shall B'Ezras Hashem discuss various common utensils and situations and determine under which of the aforementioned categories each utensil is classified.
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 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.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
Very often I notice people avoid eating a Kzayis of bread while having a full meal, because they do not want to recite birkas hamazon.
Is such a behavior inappropriate, i.e. in case that one is washing and having a full meal, should one try to eat enough bread so that not to avoid saying birkas hamazon?
Answer:
If one washes and recites HaMotzi with the intent not to eat a Kzayis, it may very well be a Bracha L'Vatalah (on the Netilas Yadayim,and possibly on the HaMotzi too) according to many Poskim. Also, the food that is eaten during the meal may require their own Bracha if a Kzayis of bread is not eaten [preferably right away at the beginning of the meal]. It is also best not to talk between the Bracha of HaMotzi and the eating of a Kzayis.
This practice should be avoided at all costs. if a Kzayis won't be eaten, do not wash or eat bread at all. ( See Mishna Berura 167:15 and Sha'ar hatzion 167:14. See also Kaf HaChaim 167:2, Aruch HaShulchan Siman 158:3, Dagul M'Rvava on Magen Avraham 167:7, Shu"t Yabia Omer Vol. 5 Siman 17:2)
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei Yisroel, we will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO ME. THANK YOU AND TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
I posted the following letter a few months ago, but my friend R' Eli Nasson Shlita from www.DivreiChizuk.com recently posted it in his daily Chizuk email, so I decided to post it again as it is a tremendous Chizuk to read during trying times.
To my star pupil,
I am writing this letter to let you know what I think of you. Up here in heaven things are not like they are down on Earth. Over there, people only know what they can see. If they see a person is "successful", they think that he is the greatest guy. When they see somebody struggling, they think he might be one of the weaker elements.
Let me tell you something. Hashem gives every person certain abilities that nobody knows about down where you live. Some people are capable of tremendous things, while others were put there for much smaller purposes. Only Hashem in His infinite wisdom is able to give every person exactly what he needs, to reach his potential.
I am very misunderstood. Most people hate me, and I don't really blame them. Most people think that my job is to make sure that they fail in all aspects of Mitzvos, and that I rejoice every time they sin. This is the furthest thing from the truth. Did you ever watch a boxing coach train his student? It is really a funny sight. The coach will put on gloves, and fight against his student. At first, he won't hit him so hard, or throw his best punches. But, as the student gets better and better, the coach will start to fight him harder and harder. He does this so that the student will improve his skills, and become the best boxer he can be. This is where it gets strange. Every time the coach knocks down the student, the student gets yelled at!! But finally, when the coach threw everything he has at his student, and not only does he withstand the beating, but he knocks the coach down, there is nobody in the world happier then the coach himself!
This is exactly how I feel. If you fail right away, and don't even try to fight back, I see that there is not much talent to work with, and so I take it easy on you. But if you get back up swinging, I realize that I may have a real winner here, and so I start to intensify the beating. With every level that you go up, I increase the intensity of the fight. If you finally deal me a blow that knocks me out, I will get up and embrace you and rejoice with your success.
Sometimes my job is very disappointing I see a person with a lot of potential and I start right in on him. He fights back for a while, but when the fight gets too tough, he quits and just remains on whatever level he was on. (And he usually ends up going down!) I feel like yelling at him, "Get up you fool! Do you have any idea how much more you could be accomplishing?!" But I am not allowed to do so. I just leave him alone, and go try to find another promising candidate.
If I have chosen you to be the target of my more fierce battles, it was not for no reason! You have tremendous ability! You were born into a very special family, you have Rabbeim who really care about you, and parents who would help you grow in Torah and Mitzvos. You are a very respectful and kind person.
I am writing to you now, because I have a very serious request to ask of you. Please don't stop fighting! Don't give up! I have been beating too many people lately, and I am losing patience, Believe in yourself, because I would not be involved with you as much as I am if I didn't think you could beat me. Know what your strengths are!
A great Rabbi once said: "Woe is to he who doesn't know his weaknesses. But, 'Oy Vavoy' to him who doesn't know his strengths - for he will not have anything with which to fight."
Always remember one thing: you have a secret weapon at your disposal. I shouldn't really be telling you - but I will anyway. Hashem himself is watching our "training" sessions very closely. I'm pleased to inform you that He's rooting for you! If things should ever get tough, almost too tough to bear, just callout to Him with a prayer, and He will immediately come to your aid. I wish you the best of luck, and I hope that after 120 years when your time is up in that world of falsehood, you will come up here to the world of truth, where I will be waiting for you with open arms, to congratulate you on your victory, and personally escort you to your place next to the Kisey HaKavod.
Important Numbers
