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1)It is obligatory to recite a Bracha, a blessing, before eating or drinking even a drop of food or drink, as Chazal (Brachos 35a & b) tell us, based on Pesukim, that it is forbidden to enjoy anything of Hashem's world without thanking Him first and not doing so constitutes "stealing "from Hashem. (See Mishna Berura Siman 168:47)
The Bracha after eating, however, is only required if a proper amount of food/drink was consumed.
2) The requirement of a Bracha before eating is only for food that is enjoyable to the throat (i.e. taste buds).
Therefore, spoiled food, extremely bitter food, or other inedible foods, do not require a Bracha if they will be eaten. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 202:2 and Siman 204:2)
Similarly, one who is totally satiated to the point of being "stuffed", and continues to eat does not make a Bracha as this eating is considered "Achila Gasa" and not a normal manner of eating which brings enjoyment. (See Mishna Berura Siman 612:14 and Siman 476:6 that such an "eating" isn't considered eating)
If a food or beverage is too hot, or even too freezing cold to have enjoyment from, no Bracha is required until it cools down/ defrosts to a manageable temperature. (See Shu"t Noda B'Yehuda Yoreh Deah Vol. 1 Siman 35. See also Shu"t Ohr L'Tzion 14:27 and Shu"t Rivevos Ephraim Vol. 1 Siman 131)
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.
If I bought a new garment [before the three weeks], can I wear it for the first time during the three weeks?
Answer:
The problem of new clothes in the three weeks is wearing them, not buying them. (See Halichos Shlomo Chapter 14:1)
If they are the kind of clothing that require a Shehechiyanu they should not be worn during the 3 weeks. If they are less important clothing (socks, underwear etc.) they may be worn.
Today's days when new clothing are more common and many people do not make Shehechiyanu on new suits, dresses etc., some Poskim are lenient until Rosh Chodesh Av, but according to a majority of Poskim it is best to be stringent.
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
