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1) A bread box or other area used to store bread and pastries should be kept parve, and one should refrain from storing any meat or dairy items there, especially dairy or meat breads (such as cheesecakes, bread with butter etc.)
The reason for this is that we worry that the breads and pastries (which are usually kept parve and used interchangeably at both classes of meals) will come in contact with the meat or dairy items and render them unfit for consumption at a meal of the opposite class, and sometimes may even come to render the bread itself un-kosher. (See Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah Siman 89:4 and 91:3)
2) Leftover bread which was on the table at a meat or dairy meal, no longer has a status of parve, and should be placed in a bag and carefully marked with the status of the meal at which it was used before returning to the bread box, so as to make sure they aren't used in the future at a meal of the opposite class.
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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 pages 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.
I understand that a kohen that has murdered someone can no longer Duchan; on the other hand, if a kohen mohel performs a bris on a child who subsequently dies from his injuries, that mohel can duchan.
What is the status of kohen who kills under self defense, or under the laws of Din Rodef?
Answer:
There is a dispute here between the Shulchan Aruch and the Rama regarding this.
According to the Shulchan Aruch (Siman 128:35), a Kohen that killed someone unintentionally (B'Shogeg), even if he repented for this act, is disqualified from participating in Birchas Kohanim. The reason for this is that although his Teshuva is accepted (as nothing stands in the way of sincere Teshuva) it is still not proper for the same hands that caused death to be used in blessing the Jewish nation (Based on the concept of Ain Kateigor Na'aseh Saneigor. See Mishna Berura S"K 129). Sephardic Jews follow this ruling.
According to the Rama, if he did Teshuva on the killing, he can once again participate in Birchas Kohanim (Some authorities accept this Teshuva even for a deliberate killing, but many do not. See Mishna Berura S"K 131 and Biur Halacha Dibur Hamaschil Afilu B'Shogeg). Thus, Ashkenazic Jews follow this ruling and allow one who killed unintentionally and repented to once again participate in Birchas Kohanim.
The above is only regarding unintentional death (shogeg). Regarding accidental death (Oi-Nes) all agree that he is not disqualified and may continue to participate in Birchas Kohanim (See Mishna Berura S"K 128)
Thus, for example, if a Kohen is involved in a auto collision that results in someone's death, if he was driving safely and following all the laws, he may continue to participate in Birchas Kohanim, as it is considered Oi-Nes. If he was speeding and/or not following all the laws, a Rav should be consulted for halacha L'Ma'aseh to determine if it is considered shogeg or even Meizid (intentional).
The reason that a Kohen who performed a bris where the child died may continue to duchen, is not due to Shogeg/Oi-Ness, rather because we have no way of directly attributing the death to the Milah as it could have been caused by other reasons (See Mishna Berura 128:1323)
Killing in self defense is similar to Oi-Ness (as the Torah does not consider this a prohibited action of killing) and should not disqualify a Kohen from duchening.
For Halacha L'Ma'aseh a Rav should be consulted.
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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