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SPECIAL DOUBLE PORTION L'KAVOD SHABBOS KODESH
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh
1) If one has two fruits, one from the Shivas HaMinim which is not complete (e.g. a half of a fig) and one a complete fruit, but not from the Shivas Haminim (e.g. an apple) the Bracha is made on the Shivas HaMinim [even if the other fruit is more enjoyable to that individual, according to many Rishonim]. (Mishna Berura Siman 211:4. See also Biur Halacha Dibur HaMaschil V'Yesh Omrim where he elaborates on the opinions of many Rishonim in regard to when the non Shivas HaMinim fruit is more enjoyable to eat)
2) On the night of Rosh Hashana when it is customary to an apple dipped in honey, and also many other fruits, some from the Shivas HaMinim, each with its own symbolic meaning, according to many Poskim it is best to make the Bracha on the Shivas HaMinim and not on the apple. (See Kaf HaChaim Siman 583:25. This was also the opinion of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal. Others argue and maintain that the Bracha can be made on the apple in this case. See Piskei Teshuva Siman 583:2 that this was the Minhag of the Ari, Minhag Chabad and others)
There is a discussion in the Poskim whether raisins (which are dried grapes) retain their status as being from the Shivas HaMinim, or if their being dried and thus losing their viable seeds makes them no longer a grape for the purposes of Kedima in Brachos. (Aishel Avraham, Butshatsh, quoted in Shaarei HaBracha Perek 12: footnote 11)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) A whole fruit or food item always takes precedence over a broken item. For example, if one has a plate of cookies, the Bracha is made on a complete cookie and not on a fragmented one, even if the fragment is larger than the whole cookie.
Similarly, if two foods of the same Bracha are in front of you and one is larger or more attractive than the other, the Bracha is made on the larger or more attractive one, as doing so is respectful to the Bracha. (Mishna Berura Siman 168:6. See also Mishna Berura Siman 167:5 that even when making a Bracha on a fragmented piece of bread, it should still be as large as possible; although it isn't complete, it is still important to have it as Chashuv as possible.)
2) If the two foods that are in front of you are not from the Shivas HaMinim and both aren't whole foods, the food that you usually like better takes precedence over the other one. If both foods are usually enjoyed equally, the one that is currently more appealing to you goes first. (See Mishna Berura Siman 211:35 towards the end. See also Mishna Berura 211:11 that the Rambam's view is that we always judge based on what you like better now, and not on what you generally like better, and he writes that one who rules according to this view has on whom to rely)
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.
Is appropriate or even the right thing for a woman to be menachem avel (comfort a mourner sitting Shiva) a man who is not a relative?
My close friend's father is sitting shiva and there are only men sitting there, should I / can I go be menachem avel?
It would obviously mean just peeking into the mens side for a minute just to get the avel's attention so that he can see me and I can say the "HaMakom Yenachem Eschem etc."
If it's not appropriate, what would I do if the avel is someone I know who would be insulted or hurt?
Answer:
There is nothing wrong per se for a woman to be menachem avel a man or vice versa. As long as there are no other tzniyus concerns, it can and should be done and in fact that is the prevelant minhag.
If the room is filled with men and you would have to squeeze through them to reach the Avel, or by coming into the room it will cause men to look at you inappropriately, obviously it shouldnt be done.
But if the room isn't filled, and you can stand at the door and wish him the "HaMakom Yenachem" in a dignified and Tzniyus way, there is no problem.
If it cannot be done appropriately, you can always call him on the phone and say the "Hamakom" (and explain that you wanted to come in person but werent able to, if necessary)
May all mourners be comforted amongst the mourners of Tzion and Yerushalayim.
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
