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DOUBLE PORTION L'KAVOD SHABBOS KODESH
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh
1) One who recites a Bracha in Lashon HaKodesh (Hebrew) but does not understand the meaning of the words is Yotzei B'dieved.However, L'Chatchilah it is best to understand the meaning of the Bracha being recited.
Therefore, if one who does not understand Lashon HaKodesh will only understand what he/she is saying in a language other than Lashon HaKodesh it is preferable to say it in that language. (See Aruch HaShulchan 185:4-7.See also Shulchan Aruch HaRav 185:1-2)
If the Bracha was recited in any other language besides Lashon HaKodesh, if the meaning of the words is not understood, he/she is not Yotzei (See Biur Halacha Siman 62 Dibur HaMaschil Yachol L'Krosah)
2) According to most Poskim, saying a Bracha including the name of Hashem in another language, for no reason, is a Bracha L'Vatala, saying Hashem's name in vain. Therefore it will not help to say a Bracha in another language when in doubt if a Bracha was recited.
Some Poskim are more lenient, and in fact say to do this when in doubt; however the prevalent Psak is to be stringent.
This applies not just to Brachos, but even to saying "G-d" or other names referring to Hashem for no reason. (See commentary of the Tzlach to Brachos 20b and Pnei Yehoshua to Brachos 12b. See also Aruch HaShulchan Siman 202:3, Mishna Berura 215:19, Shu"t Rav Akiva Eiger Siman 25, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 6:3 ,Kaf HaChaim 167:70 and 215:27 and Shu"t Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 40:27)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) When reciting a Bracha it is important to hear the words that are being said. If the words were said in a whisper, and weren't heard, B'dieved it is acceptable.
If the words were not said at all, rather they were just thought about, the obligation to recite the Bracha has not been satisfied, even B'dieved. (Mishna Berura Siman 62:6)
If the Bracha is being recited in a noisy room, there is question whether the Bracha needs to be said very loudly so that the one reciting it can hear the words being said, or if the requirement is only to say the words loud enough that under normal circumstances they would be able to be heard. The contemporary Poskim rule that there is no need to say the Bracha extra loud in this case. (Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal in Halichos Shlomo Perek 22:4. This is also the Psak of Rav Shmuel Wosner Shlita)
2) If one is ill, or otherwise cannot utter the words (e.g. he is in an unclean area) and he/she is very thirsty/hungry and must eat, the words of the Bracha may be "thought" in his/her mind.
Keep in mind that in certain unclean areas even "thinking" the Bracha is prohibited. (See Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 6 Siman 23 that in such a case, eating is permitted without a Bracha at all)
This only works B'Sha'as HaDchak (extreme circumstances), and if the obstacle passes, he/she must immediately say the Bracha before continuing to eat/drink. (Mishna Berura Siman 62:7. See also Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman 185:3 and Kaf HaChaim 185:7)
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 Todaywebsite.
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.
You wrote[in a previous Q&A]:"Hence, the Gemara (Chagiga 16a) says that one may not look at a rainbow as it is a bad sign that the world is steeped in sin, and one who gazes at a rainbow transgresses a sin." - what about the bracha of Zocher Habris?
We say a bracha when performing an aveira?!
Answer:
The Bracha is recited after "seeing" a rainbow. The Bracha is thanking Hashem for for remembering his covenant (not to destroy the world) and for keeping His promise not to destroy the world.
Any further "gazing" at the rainbow is the aveirah, not the initial seeing on which we recite the Bracha.
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
