We will now begin discussing the relatively short, but important, Halachos of Seudas Melave Malka, the farewell meal eaten on Motzaei Shabbos, in honor of the departure of the Shabbos queen. Many people do not realize the significance of this meal and hopefully after studying these Halachos we will all have a better appreciation for it.
1) The Siman in which Shulchan Aruch discusses the meal which has come to be referred to as "Melave Malka, Escorting the Queen" (Orach Chaim Siman 300) contains in it a total of fifteen words. A lot of commentary has been written to elaborate on the details not described within these fifteen words, based on the Talmud, Rishonim and Acharonim, which we will now endeavor to begin learning.
The fifteen words are: "L'Olam Yesader Adam Shulchano B'Motzaei Shabbos K'dai Lelavos Es Hashabbos, Afilu Aino Tzarich Elah L'Kzayis". Translation: "A person should always set his table on Motzaei Shabbos in order to escort the Shabbos, even if he will only be eating a Kzayis"
2) A tablecloth should be spread on the table as with other respectable meals, as well as setting the table nicely as is done by other meals.(Mishna Berura Siman300:1)
However, it isn't necessary to cook many dishes, rather only what will be eaten should be prepared and nothing more beyond that. (ibid.)
L'Chatchila, at this meal one should eat bread, and if possible also eat some meat and other dishes.
However if one does not have meat, or if one is so full from Seudah Shlishis (common in the summer months when Seudah Shlishis is eaten much later in the evening) and thus eating bread and meat would be Achilah Gasa, (gorging, which is halachically prohibited) the Melave Malka can be fulfilled with eating pastries or fruit. (Mishna Berura ibid. The Gaon of Vilna (in Biur HaGra Siman300:1), however, maintains that bread must be eaten at this Seudah in order to fulfill the obligation.)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are 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@Gmail.com
Reader's Question:
Is drying dishes on Shabbos considered Sechita? Or is it permitted?
Answer:
It is permitted to use a cloth towel to dry dishes on Shabbos as we do not worry that it will become so saturated to the point of sechitah, as when it gets that wet a new cloth is taken. It is best to not squeeeze very hard, if possible, when doing this to very wet dishes.
However, a utensil that is very narrow (like some wine goblets) and has in it a lot of water should not be dried as doing so will inevitably lead to sechitah. (Based on Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchaso Perek 12:21)
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal and the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal. May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they both be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal 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 HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
The following is from Rav Yaakov Meir Shechter Shlita :
Why does the Talmud (Sanhedrin 37a ) say "Chayav Adam Lomar - B'shvili Nivra Ha'olam" - "A person must continuously say that Hahem created the World for me"?
Clearly, the Talmud is teaching us the importance of our existence and our mandate not to ruin Hashems' world by engaging in destructive habits (Aveiros and the like).
However, why does the Talmud use the term "Lomar"...that we must speak this message to ourselves? It would seem more appropriate (within this conext) for the Gemorah to use the term 'to believe', or 'to feel'..etc.?...
Rav Shechter answered that it's not always easy for us to appreciate our own self worth. Indeed, we often look down upon ourselves and don't recognize or appreciate our G-d given talents and our ability (and responsibility) to positively contribute to society and to the World around us.
Therefore, the Talmud instructs us to begin the process of self discovery, by simply telling ourselves this message even when we really don't believe or feel it!
Then, if we repeat this mantra to ourselves enough times, we will slowly begin to realize the import of what we are saying and will come to recognize the truth of these words (and act upon them)!
Submitted by daily reader, C.N.; Taken from www.OhrShimshon.com
Important Numbers
