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15. Hefsek – Making an interruption between the blessing and action: [1]
The concept of a Hefsek is only applicable to before blessing of pleasure and Mitzvos and will be discussed in detail in Chapter 7 Halacha 4! The following is a short synopsis on the subject.
By all blessings, it is forbidden to make an interval between a blessing and eating. Thus, one must eat the food or drink the beverage right after reciting the blessing without making any interval in between. One may not speak until the food is swallowed, as explained in Chapter 7 Halacha 4.
Talked between Bracha and eating: If one spoke of matters that do not pertain to the meal in between the blessing and the eating, then he must repeat the blessing.[2] If, however, one spoke of matters pertaining to the meal, then it is not considered a Hefsek, and the blessing remains valid.[3] This, however, is only Bedieved, however initially one may not speak of any matter between the blessing and eating even if the matter pertains to the meal unless he cannot eat without speaking.[4]
Example:[5] If after saying the blessing of Hamotzi one asked someone to bring him the salt, Bedieved, the blessing remains valid. [The same applies if he said pass me the Chumus or other dip, Bedieved the blessing remains valid. Likewise, asking someone to pass food to another does not invalidate the blessing.]
A silent interval:[6] It is forbidden to make even a silent non-speaking interval between the Bracha and the eating of the food, if it exceeds the amount of time it takes to say Shalom Aleichem Rebbe. Nonetheless, Bedieved if one waited longer than this amount of time prior to eating, he nevertheless does not need to repeat the blessing.
Making a silent Hefsek for the sake of eating:[7] A silent interruption that is made between the blessing and eating, for the sake of eating, is not considered an interval at all. Hence, it is a Mitzvah Min Hamuvchar to recite a blessing on a Shaleim, whole fruit, and then cut a piece off, even though cutting it will inevitably create an interval between the blessing and eating.
| Topic | Details | Bedieved Status | Example |
| Speaking between Blessing and Eating | Forbidden to make an interval; must eat/drink right after blessing; may not speak until food is swallowed | – | – |
| Spoke of unrelated matters | If one spoke of matters not pertaining to the meal between blessing and eating | Must repeat the blessing | – |
| Spoke of meal-related matters | If one spoke of matters pertaining to the meal | Blessing remains valid | Asking for salt, Chumus, or to pass food |
| Initial Practice | One may not speak of any matter between blessing and eating, even if it pertains to the meal, unless necessary | – | – |
| Silent Interval | Forbidden if exceeds time to say Shalom Aleichem Rebbe | If exceeded, does not need to repeat blessing | – |
| Silent Hefsek for Eating | Silent interruption for sake of eating is not considered an interval | – | Recite blessing on whole fruit, then cut a piece off |
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[1] See Seder 9:1; Admur 167:9; 206:3; Ketzos Hashulchan 37:7; 55:1; Encyclopedia Talmudit Vol. 4 Erech Brachos pp. 301
[2] Seder ibid
[3] Admur 167:9
[4] Admur 167:9
[5] Admur 167:9
[6] Seder 9:2
[7] Seder 9:2