Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Women and Mezuman

Hi,

When three men eat a meal together, they are obligated to participate in a "mezuman" for the blessing after meals. [Women are not obligated to create their own mezuman, but they may if there are three women.]

Where women eat with a group of three men, they are obligated to respond to the mezuman, and the men are prohibited from performing the mezuman without inviting them to participate.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 5:9:10)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

2 comments:

  1. Hi,
    What is the custom when there are three women and less than three men? Do a woman makes zimun and men respond?

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  2. Lazar-
    I believe that customs vary in this matter because of concern for inappropriate mixing, but Rav Dovid Auerbach (Halichos Beisah 12:7, and footnote 14 there) cites his uncle, Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, to say that the men do respond. I understand that Rav Ellenson in Ha'Ishah v'haMitzvos disagrees.

    You might also look at the Reshimos Shiurim of Rav Soloveitchik on Succah 38a.

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