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1)Many fruits on the market today are the product of grafting two fruit trees to produce a new variety of fruit. (Such as many pears on the market today which are grafted with quince) The Torah prohibits grafting two varieties of trees, though the product of the grafting is permissible to eat (See Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah Siman 295 for details of this prohibition) There is a debate amongst the Poskim if a grafted fruit, when eaten for the first time [in a season] requires SheHechiyanu, or perhaps we say that a fruit that was produced against Hashem's wishes is not worthy of being the thing which is used to thank Hashem for new fruit.
If the fruit was grafted in a permissible manner (two trees in the same family of fruit, or a fruit that was grown on a tree that was re-planted from a grafted tree which is permissible, or according to some authorities, if the grafting was done by a non Jew) a SheHechiyanu is recited when eating it according to all opinions. (See Shu"t Yabia Omer Vol. 5 Siman 19, Shu"t Halachos Ketanos Vol. 1 Siman 60 and Shu"t Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 2 Siman 58)
2) If the fruit was grafted in a prohibited manner, many Poskim indeed rule that no SheHechiyanu may be recited. (See Be'er Heitev Siman 225:7, Kaf HaChaim 225:26, Halichos Shlomo Perek 23:18)
Other Poskim maintain that regardless of how the fruit came to be, a SheHechiyanu is recited (one of their arguments is that just as a Borei Pri Ha'aitz must be recited despite the fact that Hashem's command was violated in its creation, so too a SheHechiyanu) (See Biur Halacha Siman 225 Dibur Hamaschil Pri quoting the Ya'avetz and Sdei Chemed Brachos S"K 7. See also Shu"t Teshuvos V'Hanhagos Vol. 1 Siman 192 where he differentiates as to the purpose of the grafting in the first place; if it was done to enhance the taste, no SheHechiyanu is recited but if it was done to strengthen the tree, a SheHechiyanu may be recited) Therefore, due to the rule of Safek Brachos L'Hakel (whenever we have a question if a Bracha needs to be recited, we rule not to recite it lest Hashem's name be said in vain Chas V'Shalom) no SheHechiyanu is recited on such a fruit.
If another fruit is available on which a SheHechiyanu is surely recited, it should be recited on that fruit and the disputed fruit should be exempted with that Bracha.
If one isn't sure, there is no reason to assume or worry that the fruits are grafted in a prohibited manner, and SheHechiyanu can be recited. (Igros Moshe ibid., Shu"t Minchas Yitzchok Vol. 3 Siman 25 and Teshuvos V'Hanhagos Vol. 2 Siman 142 and Vol. 3 Siman 76:5)
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.
I have a running conflict with a friend about the requirement to wash your hands after going to the bathroom.
She says you have to wash your hands with the same process as your morning "Negel Vasser".
I say you only have to wash once or twice on each hand.
Please settle this friendly conflict. Thanks.
Answer:
Indeed, you are correct.
The Negel Vasser process is exclusive to Negel Vasser.
Washing after the bathroom, doesnt even require a utensil, M'Ikar D'Din, and even though it's good to use one, it neednt be washed more than once each hand, and definitely doesnt require the "right, left, right, left" sequence that is required by Negel Vasser. (See Shulchan Aruch and Mishna Berura Siman 165:1. See also Mishnah Berurah Siman 4:39 and Aruch HaShulchan Siman 4:21. See also Shu"t Minchas Yitzchak Vol 5 Siman 96)
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
