Building a Redemptive Nissan into a Transformational Iyar

I feature on this clip for Yom Ha'aztamaut.

  • What has Israel got to be proud of?
  • Where is it going?
  • What does that mean for us?

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Beracha on Tasting Food

Question: I frequently taste food while cooking. Should I recite a beracha? Answer: Rambam (Berachos 1:2) states that one is not required to recite a beracha before tasting food. However, Rabbeinu Chananel (quoted by Tosefos, Berachos 14a) holds that one must recite a beracha , unless they spit the food out (see Tur OC 210:2). The Shulchan Aruch (OC 210:2) rules that if one tastes less than a revi’is of food and spits it out, they do not need to say a beracha . There is, however, a difference of opinion as to whether a beracha should be recited if the food is swallowed. The Mishna Berura (210:19) explains that the Shulchan Aruch follows the opinion of Rambam, meaning that one would not recite a beracha regardless of whether the food is swallowed. The Rema adds that safek berachos lekula , in cases of doubt as to whether a beracha is necessary, the lenient approach is followed, as most berachos are derabanan . However, the Mishna Berura (ibid., Shaar Hatziyun 210:30) notes...
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Wait Until Nacht to Count the Omer

Question: When is the best time to count the omer if I am not davening maariv with a minyan at nacht ? Answer: The Beis Yosef (OC 489:1) highlights a machlokes regarding whether one may count the omer during bein hashemashos (the time between shekia , sunset, and nacht , nightfall). The Rosh, (Pesachim 10:40), Tur (OC 489:1) and Tosafos (Menachos 66a) argue that since counting the omer is miderabanan nowadays, it is permissible to count from shekia . On the other hand, Rambam (Temidin Umusafin 7:22) and the Ran (Pesachim 28a) assert that one should wait until nacht . Following this reasoning, the Mishna Berura (489:14) states that, ideally, one should wait until nacht to count (see Aruch Hashulchan OC 489:7). Other poskim , including the Bach (OC 489:1), Shulchan Aruch Harav (OC 489:12) and R’ Ovadia Yosef (Yechave Daas 1:23) write that it is acceptable to count after shekia . The Shulchan Aruch (OC 489:1) advises that the omer should be counted after maariv . The Mishna Beru...
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Omitting Tachanun on a Yahrzeit

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