Today's learning is sponsored by a daily reader, M.S., as a Zechus L'Refuah Sheleima for Hensha bas Esther, may she shep nachas from her family and continue to live with Simchas Hachaim.
and for Tinok ben Nechama Adina, may his parents have the zechus to see him to his bris, L'torah, L'chupah U'L'maasim Tovim
May Ahuva Nessa bas Miriam Elka and Miriam Malka bas Chana Rochel be zocheh to grow B'derech Hashem, find their zivugim and build a Bayis Ne'eman B'yisroel B'sha'ah Tova U'B'karov.
1)When reciting the Bracha of "Hamotzi", the bread should be held with both hands, and when Hashem's name is uttered, the bread should be lifted up.
If the Bracha was made while the bread was on the table, and not being held at all, B'dieved it is OK. (Mishna Berura 167:22)
2) It is proper to hold the bread with all 10 fingers touching the bread.
The reason for this is that there are 10 Mitzvos that are associated with the process of making bread (During the plowing of the field: 1) an ox and a donkey may not be used together, during the planting phase: 2)one may not plant 2 different species together, During the reaping phase: 3) Leket, 4)Shikcha and 5)Peah,6) the ox that is used may not be muzzled while working, After the baking phase:7)Teruma to the Kohen, 8) Ma'aser Rishon to the Levi, 9) Ma'aser Sheini and 10) Challah to the Kohen)
It is for this reason that there are 10 words in the Bracha of Hamotzi and 10 words in each of the Pesukim that refer to the bread of mankind (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 167:4 and Mishna Berura 167:23 ad 24)
Some people have a Minhag on Shabbos not to place their fingers directly on the Chalos, rather to place their hands on the Challah cover. However, the prevalent minhag according to most Poskim is to place all 10 fingers on the Chalos, even on Shabbos. (See Mishna Berura 271:41, Shu"t Be'er Moshe Vol. 6 Siman 134 and Sefer Minhag Yisroel Torah Siman 271).
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Is there an inyan in the Torah whether halachically or hashkafically to celebrate ones Birthday and also to give out brochos. I see a lot off people doing this and I was wondering if there was a source for this in the Torah. In general what is an appropriate approach to a Birthday
Answer:
The Sefarim do say that on a person's birthday his Mazal is very strong and it is an opportune time to pray and say Tehilim and work on improving oneself. Many people have the custom to give Tzedaka on their birthday.
The Midrash (Sechel Tov, Bereishis 40:20) does make mention of a person's birthday being a special day of Simcha.
Birthday parties, if done in an appropriate and kosher fashion as a way to express Shevach and Hoda'ah to Hashem for granting you another year of life, are a good way to celebrate with family and friends and to receive and give Brachos to one another. However, if it will simply be a "party" devoid of spirituality, and perhaps lead to Leitzanus or Chas V'Shalom sinful behavior, it should be avoided.
Obviously, the "birthday" that should be celebrated is the hebrew date, and not the secular date on which you were born.
The ben Ish Chai (Parshas R'ei Vol. 1 Siman 17) writes that celebrating ones birthday is an acceptable minhag and is a "Siman Yafeh" and is done in his home each year.
See also the Pri Megadim (MishPetzos Zahav Siman 444:9) where he mentions a minhag to make a 70th birthday feast.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
Important Numbers
