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1) It is proper to recite Brachos out loud, and not in a whisper, as doing so will lead to having more Kavanah. (Mishna Berura Siman 185:3)
Brachos should be recited slowly and clearly with each word enunciated; the words should not be swallowed or jumbled. (See Mishna Berura Siman 172:7. See also Yesod V'Shoresh HaAvodah Sha'ar 3 Perek 2 regarding the importance of this)
2) When reciting a Bracha, the mouth must be totally empty of food or anything else. (Mishna Berura Siman 172:7)
Some women have the practice of holding their rings between their teeth after washing, while reciting the Bracha of Al Netilas Yadayim. This practice should be discontinued. ( See Chayei Adam Klal 5:25)
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HALACHICALLY SPEAKING:
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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 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.
What is the difference between Emunah and Bitachon?
Answer:
This is a very fundamental question, and difficult to address in an email, but I will try to answer your question as simply as I can. There are many ways to answer this, but I will base my answer on the teachings of the Chazon Ish and Rabbi Avigdor Miller Zichronam Livracha.
Emunah is a "concept" of believing that everything that happens in this world, and even the world itself, only happens because Hashem wills it so.
The word Emuna is wrongfully translated as "faith". The true meaning of the word Emunah (and there are countless pesukim in Tanach to prove this) is "faithful", "steady", "without wavering" (e.g. "VaYehi Yadav Emunah, and his hands were steady" (Shmos 17:120). Meaning that no matter what happens to us in life, no matter what circumstance we find ourselves, no matter if things seem wrong etc. we do not stray from our belief that Hashem is firmly in control, is doing what is best for the world at large and for us as individuals.
Much as a husband and wife must be "faithful" to one another through thick and thin, so too must a Jew be faithful to Hashem, no matter what life throws his/her way.
Bitachon is the "actualization" of Emunah. Bitachon is not worrying about things, because we know Hashem is in charge. Bitachon is giving the poor man your last dollar and knowing that Hashem will give you what you need. Bitachon is not getting upset when something doesnt go your way, because if it went a different way, Hashem willed it so. Bitachon is ignoring your cell phone while you're davening, because you know you are talking to Hashem and nothing bad can happen from doing what Hashem wills of you, even if by doing so you will "risk" upsetting another human who wanted you to answer that phone. etc. etc.
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 )