HALACHA OF THE WEEK:Where Should One "Bentsch"? There is a simple principle, that one should always "bentsch" in the place where he ate. But what is "the place"?
According to Mishna Berurah [184:1], one may recite Birkat Hamazon seated anywhere in the room in which one ate. This holds true even in a large room, even if in this new location one cannot see the exact place that one ate.
The Kaf Hachayim [184:1], however, writes that it is preferable to say Birkat Hamazon at the precise location where one ate. According to Rav Mordechai Eliyahu, a seat within four amot of the initial location is acceptable. Sephardim should act accordingly [V’zot Habracha, pp. 141-142].
If the meal was eaten in an open area (e.g., a picnic), one should recite Birkat Hamazon within four amot of where one ate (Mishna Berurah 184:1; Sha'ar Hatziyun 184:5).
If necessary, one may recite Birkat Hamazon in an adjoining room, on condition that one can see the original location where one ate. If one cannot see the original location, but when saying Hamotzi one had in mind to bentsch in the adjoining room, one may do so when there is a real need [Mishna Berurah 184:1].
According to Rashba [Brachot 53b] and Hagahot Maimoniyot [Brachot 4:1] these rules apply only to bread. The bracha achrona on other foods need not be recited at the place where he ate. However, Tosafot [Pesachim 101b], as well as Rif [Pesachim, Alfas 20a] disagree and expand the rules to all Mezonot derived from the five grains (wheat, barley, rye, oats and spelt). According to Rambam [Brachot 4:1] and Rashbam [Pesachim 101b] all of the "seven species" are also included: grapes (wine), figs, pomegranates, olives and dates. The Shulchan Aruch [184:3] cites the last two opinions. Therefore, whenever possible, one should act according to the Rambam's view and recite the final bracha for bread and any of the seven species where that food was eaten [Mishna Berurah 178:45].
DVAR TORAH This week's parsha contains the Ten Commandments, which, according to tradition, are divided into two categories - laws between man and G-d and laws between man and his fellow man.
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch notes that the mitzvot between man and G-d begin with intellectual precepts - starting with the belief in G-d and the prohibition against idolatry - and moving towards commands with concrete action - e.g., Shabbat and honoring parents.
On the other hand, the mitzvot between a man and his fellow man proceed in the opposite direction. The first requires a person to be good in deed - prohibiting murder and theft and moving towards cognitive challenges forbidding jealousy of others' property.
All of which, explains Rav Hirsch, teaches us that mere belief is never enough in the realm of our relationship with G-d. Instead, belief must translate into action and deed.
But, in the realm of interpersonal relationships, the opposite is true - it is not enough not to harm our fellow man. Instead, we must reach a level where we have the proper feelings and thoughts towards our fellow man.
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MAZAL TOV * to Randy and Robyn Cohen on the Bar Mitzvah of their son Ezra. * to David and Miri Rosenwasser on the engagement of their son, Yedidyah to Adina Drapkin, daughter of Dr. Shlomo and Tami Drapkin. * to Alan and Dvora Gold on the birth of a granddaughter. The proud parents are Adina and Naftali Wein.
REFUAH SHLAIMA * to Etai Rimel who is recovering in rehab * to Shifra Yehudis Orlian who is recuperating at home * to Chaim Zev ben Rivkah Tamar Zucker * to Benjamin Harris -- Yerachmiel Binyamin ben Miriaim
Rabbi Michael Myers’ Parsha Shiur Wednesday February 11th is sponsored by: * Esther and Israel Porush in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of Esther’s father Rabbi William B. Gold z”l.
A Donation to the Virtual Learning Fund was made by: * Trude Matanky in commemoration of the yahrtzeits of her grandfather, David Alter and her grandmother Rochel Shiner z”l. * Carol Silverman in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of her father Richard Michael Sachs z”l. * Alan and Leah Cohen in honor of their anniversary.
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