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DonateIntroduction:
In the previous chapter the laws of blessing repetition due to Hefsek and Hesech Hadas were discussed, delineating several matters which are defined or may be defined as an interval which requires a new blessing to be said, however the Hefsek known as Shinuiy Makom has yet to be discussed and will be the focus of this chapter. The change of location in the middle of an eating or drinking session is at times viewed as a cessation of one’s eating and drinking, and hence any continued eating and drinking from there and after is viewed as a new eating session which requires a new before blessing. The scenarios in which the change of location ceases the previous eating session, hence requiring a new blessing to be said, is dependent on numerous factors, including:
- 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, we will conclude that 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 Ham. See Halacha 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, we will conclude that 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, while changing locations from inside to outside requires the blessing to be repeated even if one did have prior intent to do so. However, 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. See Halacha 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, we will conclude that the requirement to repeat a blessing when changing location only applies if one is unable to see his original location of eating. This applies even if one goes from inside to outside. See Halacha 4B!
- Intent: There is a difference in ruling regarding whether one had intent to switch areas at the time that he recited the blessing. Practically, we will conclude that 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. See Halacha 4A!
- 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, we will conclude that 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. See Halacha 4C!
- Kevius: There is a difference in ruling regarding whether one was eating a Kevius food. 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. See Halacha 4D!
Initially not changing areas until one recites an after blessing:[1]
Due to the complexity of the laws that we are going to learn, it is always advised to avoid switching locations in middle of eating and drinking until one recites an after blessing.
Escaping doubt:[2]
In all scenarios in which one is unsure whether the before blessing is to be repeated, then in order to escape the doubt, one should say a new blessing on a different food. Alternatively, if this is not possible, then one should recite an after blessing on what he ate, and then repeat the before blessing over the food. If the above is not done then one may not repeat the before blessing over the food if there is a case of doubt.
| Factor | Guideline |
| Type of food | Repeating blessing mainly applies to foods needing “Borei Nefashos” or small amounts of other foods |
| New location | Switching indoors to outdoors always requires new blessing; changing rooms only if you didn’t plan to switch |
| Sight | If you can see your original eating spot from new location, usually don’t repeat blessing |
| Intent | Having intent to switch rooms helps avoid repeating blessing unless you go outside or to another house |
| Group (Chabura) | Leaving someone at original spot means you don’t repeat blessing if you return there |
| Kevius (established meal) | Leaving briefly during set meal lets you continue without new blessing when you return; requires one if you keep eating in new place |
| General advice | Avoid changing locations until you’ve recited after-blessing to prevent confusion |
| Resolving doubt | If unsure whether to recite new blessing, eat different food and bless over it, or say after-blessing and begin again |
[1] See M”B in Hakdama to 178; Shulchan Hatahor 178:7; Kaf Hachaim 178:26; Igros Moshe 5:17; Piskeiy Teshuvos 178:1; See Rama 178:1; Kaf Hachaim 178:25; 174:35
[2] See Igros Moshe 5:17; Piskeiy Teshuvos 178:2 footnote 7; Chapter 3 Halacha 2C!
