1)Before making the Bracha of Hamotzi on breadit is proper to make a small tear in the bread (small enough that when you lift the torn piece, the rest of the piece will still be lifted along with it) so that it will be easier to rip off the piece immediately after the Bracha, and thus prevent any extra pausing between reciting the Bracha and eating the bread.
However, the piece should not be entirely broken off before the Bracha, as it is proper to make a Bracha on a complete piece of bread.
2) Even if the bread being eaten is not a "complete" loaf (e.g. a slice of bread) the above still applies, as it is proper to recite the Bracha on as large a piece of bread as possible. (Mishna Berura 167:5 and Shulchan Aruch HaRav 167:3)
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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.
Would you be allowed to bring an ipod that has shiurim (Torah lectures) on it into a bathroom? While it's playing i'm assuming not but what if you pause it or it's in a pocketbook?
Answer:
Yes, since there is no actual Torah texts in it, it has no Kedusha and it may be brought in to the bathroom. Similarly, tapes, CD's, tape recorders etc. may be brought in. It is better if it is turned off or paused.
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
