From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Does wine and grapes join for after blessing; 2) Is a blessing said when smelling honey

1. Question: [Sunday, 20^th Kisleiv 5781]

I had a little bit of wine to drink while I was eating grapes. I did not have enough individually of the grapes or wine to be able to say an after blessing but if I were to join them together then it would be over the minimum amount. My question is should an after blessing be said and if so which one?

Answer:

You do not say an after blessing.

The explanation: Liquids and solids do not join to make up the minimum measurement required to be consumed within the time of Achilas Peras, in order to be obligated in an after blessing. This applies even if they are they same food, one a liquid and the second a solid, such as in our case when one ate grapes and drank grape juice.

Sources: See Seder Birchas Hanehnin 8:8; Luach 2:9; M:A 210:1 

2. Question: [Sunday, 20^th Kisleiv 5781]

Is a blessing to be said upon smelling honey? We own a honey farm and often like to smell the honey and was wondering if a blessing should be said.

Answer:

You do not say a blessing. The suggestive practice would be to say the blessing of Minei Besamim on cinnamon or cloves, and have in mind to include the honey as well. For this purpose, you can purchase a bag of clothes and leave it by your honey farm for whatever you would like to smell it.

The explanation: While one is required to see a blessing when lifting up a fruit for the sake of smiling it, there is debate as to whether a blessing should be said when smelling spices being that their main intent is for the sake of eating and not smelling, and seemingly the same debate would apply by honey which is mainly used for eating and not smelling. Thus, one should follow the arbitration regarding spices to avoid smelling them for the sake of pleasure unless you say a blessing on other Besamim first and have in mind to include it.

Sources: See Seder Birchas Hanehnin 11:9