Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Hand-washing for small amounts of bread

Hi,

Some suggest that one need not wash before eating volumes of bread smaller than an egg (because those cannot receive impurity) or smaller than an olive (because eating those is not called 'eating').

These points are subject to debate, and so our practice is to wash, and omit the berachah.

(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 158:2-3; Mishneh Berurah 158:9-10)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

6 comments:

  1. Same question as for yesterday's post: What are we expected to say after such a meal?

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  2. On an olive-sized amount or more, birkat hamazon. On anything less there is no berachah acharonah.

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  3. Good evening, Is it on this basis that I observe differences regarding whether one washes on Pizza? It appears to be based on the amount, rather than the type of dough itself.

    Michael

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  4. As we have pizza often (at home), and we see such variation locally, any thoughts on what to do? Some say hamotzi on any amount (it seems) while others wash for more than 2 slices? others for more than 3 slices? When one sees such variation, it raises the question of how one seeks "halachic expertise."

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  5. Hi Michael,

    You know what I'm going to say, right?

    ReplyDelete