From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A [Tuesday 4th Menachem Av 5785]

Question:

In years such as this, 5785, when Tisha b’Av falls after Shabbos should Pirkeiy Avos be recited as usual after Mincha on Shabbos or not?

Answer:

Indeed, this matter is debated amongst the Poskim without there being any arbitration on this matter, including the Rebbe who although discussed the subject many times, never arbitrated what one should do in years that the 9^th of Av falls on Sunday. Accordingly, there is no set Chabad custom in this matter and hence whatever one chooses to do, he has upon whom to rely. Nonetheless, my personal recommendation is to recite it prior to midday of Shabbos which is a time that it may be recited according to all, as Torah study is still permitted, and not to recite it at all in the afternoon as is the custom in years that Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos itself. Regardless of what one chooses to do, the following Shabbos we repeat that same chapter alone without adding an additional chapter as many have not recited it the previous Shabbos.

Explanation:

The question of whether or not one may or should recite Pirkeiy Avos on Shabbos after Mincha when Shabbos is also erev Tisha b’Av is dependent on the question of whether Torah study is permitted on erev Tisha b’Av. Famously, the Rama ruled based on the Maharil, who was known as the father of Ashkenazi custom, that regular Torah study is forbidden from midday of erev Tisha b’Av and hence one may only study from that time and on those matters and subjects that are permitted to be studied on Tisha b’Av itself. Following this ruling, the Rama likewise rules that Pirkeiy Avos is not to be recited on the Shabbos after Mincha, unlike one’s usual schedule. However, many Poskim voiced disagreement with the initial notion that Torah study is restricted starting from midday on erev Tisha b’Av, and rule that in truth there is no limitation at all on Torah study on erev Tisha b’Av, and especially when it falls on Shabbos, and hence one may likewise continue to recite Pirkeiy Avos as usual by Mincha of Shabbos. Now, with regards to the Chabad custom in this matter, the Rebbe spoke about this issue on numerous occasions, at times ruling unlike the Rama and stating that Pirkeiy Avos may be recited as usual, while at other times the Rebbe refused to arbitrate and left it to the decision of each individual. Practically, the widespread custom became, as the Rebbe himself mentioned in a talk, to not recite Pirkeiy Avos on Shabbos erev Tisha b’Av. However, the occurrence in which this custom was mentioned is when Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos and is then pushed off the Sunday hence making Shabbos the de facto erev Tisha b’Av. However, when the actual date of Tisha b’Av falls on Sunday, one can argue that no such custom exists. This hence leads to our conclusion that regarding occurrences such as this year, it is left for each person’s discretion to study Pirkeiy Avos as usual or not. However, as we always try to do, it is always best to circumvent the issue, and hence we recommend simply reading the Pirkeiy Avos earlier than usual before midday which according to all his permitted. Whatever the case, as we stated above, the Rebbe explicitly said that that same chapter is to be repeated the next Shabbos.

Sources: Stringent opinion: See Rama 553:2; Maharil; M”A 553:7 in name of Kneses Hagedola; Lenient opinion: Taz 553:2; Rashal; Gra; M”B 553:8; Aruch Hashulchan 553:2; Rebbe’s opinion: Likkutei Sichos 19:43 footnote 53; Hisvadyus Shabbos Chazon Erev Tisha B’av 1981; Toras Menachem 1985 5:2695

Question:

I find myself pondering a question that has long perplexed me regarding the laws of brochos over food—and I hope you can share some clarity. Imagine you are in the midst of enjoying a meal, and circumstances require you to leave the room. Upon your return, must you recite a new brocha before resuming your meal? Furthermore, if you find yourself compelled to exit and re-enter the room multiple times, are you obligated to pronounce a fresh brocha with each return? And does this scenario apply equally to all types of food—both bread and mezonos? The nuances seem endless, and I yearn for understanding.

Answer:

This matter is, indeed, quite complex and hinges upon numerous variables: the type of food being consumed, whether Borei Nefashos or other after blessings; the intention at the outset of the meal; the location of your departure; if you will be eating in your new location or only upon returning to your original location; if you are eating with other people who have remained, and even what you’re eating. Each circumstance may alter the halachic outcome, and therefore, one should consider the details of their situation before drawing any definitive conclusions. We have compiled a full chapter on this subject for proper guidance and for understanding each one of these variables and when they apply. However, do not leave the question completely unanswered, here are some general rules:

1. After blessing: There is a difference in ruling regarding if the after blessing of the food is Borei Nefashos, versus Meiyn Gimel or Birchas Hamazon. Practically, the requirement to repeat a blessing due to change of location only applies to Borei Nefashos foods or if one eats less than a Kezayis of Meiyn Gimel foods and in certain circumstances, if one eats less than a Kezayis of Hamotzi bread, however not to a Hamotzi or Meiyn Gimel foods when a Kezayis is eaten.
2. The new location: There is a difference in ruling regarding the location that one switched to, whether from inside to outside or outside to inside, or from one room to another room within a building, or from one outside area to another outside area. Practically, the requirement to repeat a blessing when changing location from one room to another only applies if one did not have prior intent to do so and it is not common for one to do so while eating, while changing locations from inside to outside requires the blessing to be repeated even if one did have prior intent to do so. With regards to sight, Chabura, and Kevius, there is no difference in ruling between one who went from one room to another or from inside to outside.
3. Sight: There is a difference in ruling regarding whether one is able to see his original area of eating from his new location. Practically, the requirement to repeat a blessing when changing location only applies if one is unable, or was unable, to see his original location of eating throughout any time of his changing areas. This applies even if one goes from inside to outside.
4. Intent: There is a difference in ruling regarding whether one had intent to switch areas at the time that he recited the blessing. Practically, intent only helps when one has switched rooms within the same house and not when one goes from inside to outside or from one house to another.
5. Chabura: There is a difference in ruling regarding whether one was eating with a group and left some of the group members in the original area or not. Practically, whenever one has left someone in his original area who was eating with him and awaits his return, then the blessing is not to be repeated when he returns to that area, however, is to be repeated if one wishes to continue eating in the new location.
6. Kevius: There is a difference in ruling regarding whether one was eating a Kevius food, such as wine, tea, and coffee. Practically, we will conclude that whenever one was eating a Kevius food then if he left for a short amount of time, then the blessing is not to be repeated when he returns to that area, however, is to be repeated if one wishes to continue eating in the new location.

Thus, in summary, the before blessing is only to be repeated upon changing locations if all the following conditions apply:

• You are eating foods requiring a Borei Nefashos after-blessing, or you ate less than a Kezayis of bread or mezonos.
• You switched rooms in the same building without prior intent to do so, and it’s not a common practice during the meal, or you moved from inside to outside (or vice versa
• You are unable to see your original eating area from the new location at some time during your move.
• You did not leave someone remaining in the original eating area waiting for your return
• You are not eating Kevius foods like wine, tea, or coffee, or are but have left for a long time or desire to eat in your new area.

Sources: See Seder Birchas Hanehin 9:11-20; Luach Birchas Hanehnin 6:11-20; Admur 178:1-9; Michaber 178:1-7; Rambam Brachos 4:1; Pesachim 101b; M”B 178:1-49; Birchas Habayis Shaar 20:1-15; Kaf Hachaim 1781:1-42; Ketzos Hashulchan 41:1-5 and 57:1-9; Piskeiy Teshuvos 178:1-21: Vezos Habracha 6 pp. 56-65; https://shulchanaruchharav.com/halacha/chapter-20-shinuiy-makom-the-laws-of-blessing-repetition-due-to-change-of-location/