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For archives of the halachos of Bein HaMetzorim (including Halachos of Tisha B'Av) written last year, please click here.
1) After eating or drinking, a Bracha Achrona (literally "after Bracha") must be recited thanking Hashem for providing sustenance.
However, according to the Torah only eating more than a Kzayis (around 1 ounce) is considered "eating", thus if less than a Kzayis was consumed, no Bracha Achrona is required (unlike the Bracha before eating, where a Bracha must be recited even on a small amount of food)(Mishna Berura Siman 210:4)
For drinks, the amount necessary to require a Bracha Achrona is a Revi'is (around 3 fl. ounces )(Mishna Berura ibid. Some authorities require a Bracha Achrona on a Kzayis of drink, which is a little less than a Revi'is. Therefore it is best to always either drink less than a Kzayis or more than a Revi'is, but not between the two shiurim, as then it becomes a serious Halachic safek. See Mishna Berura Siman 190:12)
2) Frozen or congealed liquids,which are eaten as foods, require a Bracha Achrona after a Kzayis.
This includes ice cream, pudding, raw eggs, leben etc., even if they are "runny". However, if they have totally melted they are considered drinks and a Bracha Achrona is only required if a Revi'is was consumed. (See Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman 158:8. See also Mishna Berura 158:14 and Sha'ar HaTzion os 16, Shu"t Chasam Sofer Orach Chaim Siman 47 and Yoreh Deah Siman 19. See also Aruch HaShulchan Siman 202:9 and Shu"t Minchas Yitzchak Vol. 2 Siman 110 for other ways of determining if it's considered food or drink. See Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 7 Siman 21:1. Shu"t L'Horos Nosson Vol. 10 Siman 21 and 22, Shu"t B'Tzel HaChachma Vol. 3 Siman 117. See also Kaf HaChaim Siman 204:1 and Shu"t Yabia Omer Vol. 1 Siman 11. There are literally scores of additional Teshuvos and sources in the Poskim that discuss the many details of this Halacha and its applications, so it's important to discuss with a Rav for Halacha L'ma'aseh, as with all matters of Halacha) There is a dispute amongst the Poskim if thick vegetable soup on which the Bracha of "Borei pri Ha'Adama" is recited, is treated as a food or as a drink regarding Bracha Achrona. (See Mishna Berura Siman 210:1. See also Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 1 Siman 75)
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.
II try to wash for Melave D'Malka each Motzei Shabbos, but now in the summer I often cannot manage to eat a Kezayis so late at night. I can wash and eat a bite of bread, but not enough to bensch. What should I do?
Is it better to eat a mezonos? Or listen to my husband bensch and be yotzei with him? And if he has already started bensching quietly?
Answer:
If you cannot eat a Kzayis of bread, do not wash. if you can eat a kzayis of Mezonos, try to do that.
The importance of Melava Malka will iy"H be discussed more at length in the future Halachos, but suffice it to say for now that many good things will happen to those who are scrupulous with its observance.
You may eat the smallest shiur of Kzayis and drink something hot to be Yotzei.
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 )
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