Sadness due to one’s state of distance from Hashem: One is to feel distanced from Hashem due to his sins and the like. On this the verse states “Ata Hu Hashem Elokeinu”, the term Ata means you and represents one who feels close to Hashem. Regarding such a person the […]
Three stages of lust
Three stages in intensity of lusts and its correspondence to the three partners of birth:Man’s years are split to three:[1] Man’s years are split to three periods in terms of his challenges in service of G-d due to forbidden lusts and pleasures. These three periods correspond to the three partners […]
Blessing over Breaded eggplant
Breaded eggplant: Breaded eggplant is typically made through coating a slice of eggplant with bread crumbs and then frying or baking. Its blessing follows the same law, as breaded Shnitzel which is under dispute amongst Poskim. Practically, the custom is to recite Shehakol over Schnitzel, and the same applies to […]
Blessing over Breaded Schnitzel [fish/chicken schnitzel]
Breaded Schnitzel [fish/chicken schnitzel]: Schnitzel is typically made through coating a slice of fish/chicken with bread crumbs or Matza meal. Some Poskim[1] rule its blessings is Shehakol.[2] Other Poskim[3] rule its blessing is Mezonos.[4] Practically, the custom is to recite Shehakol over Schnitzel.[5] If however, there is a large amount […]
Blessing on coated peanuts
Coated peanuts: Flour coated peanuts:[1] Coated peanuts are typically made through coating a peanut in a flour based dip and then baking them. One recites the blessing of Mezonos upon eating coated peanuts.[2] Chocolate/caramel/honey coated peanuts:[3] Chocolate/honey/caramel coated peanuts receive the blessing of Hadama.[4] _______________________________________________________________________________ [1] Vezos Habracha Beirurim 42 […]
The blessing on Onion rings
Blessing on onion rings [i.e. rings of onion coated with breadcrumbs]:[1] Onion rings are typically made through coating a ring of an onion in a flour-based dip, and then deep frying it. In addition to the flour-based dip, some also coat the ring with dry bread crumbs, hence adding a […]
Drinking Ad Delo Yada-The obligation and meaning
Lebesumei-Drinking alcohol:[1] Men are obligated[2] to get drunk [on wine[3]] on Purim to the point they cannot differ between “blessed is Mordechai and cursed is Haman”.[4] [This is included within the Mitzvah of Seudas Purim.[5]] Others[6] however rule there is no need to drink alcohol to this point, and […]
The Mishloach Manos Menu
Mishloach Manos-What is one to send-Must one send two different blessings?[1] One needs to send at least two[2] gifts of meat or other foods to one person. [Today the custom is to send sweets as Mishloach Manos.[3] There is no requirement that the gifts be of two different blessings. […]
Using Maaser money for the sake of a Mitzva
May one use Maaser money for the sake of a Mitzva? Some Poskim[1] rule it is forbidden to use Maaser money for the sake of a Mitzvah, and rather it must be given as charity to paupers.[2] Other Poskim[3] however rule that under certain conditions it is permitted to use […]
Swallowing a food after the blessing prior to talking or switching rooms
Swallowing the food after the blessing prior to talking or switching rooms:[1] It is forbidden to make an interval between a blessing and the eating, even while one is still chewing, until he swallows the food.[2] This applies even regarding speaking of matters that pertain to the meal. One likewise […]
