Dose of Halacha

Question: We have always covered our cakes when reciting kiddush at home though note that this is not done in shul. Is it necessary? Answer: While there are three different reasons given for why we cover our challa while reciting kiddush , some argue that not all of these reasons necessarily apply to covering cake, too. Tosafos ( Pesachim 100b) writes that one reason for covering the challa is to highlight the importance of kiddush. In the times of the Gemara they would wait until after kiddush to bring in the food, though now we simply cover the challa instead. Additionally, the covering serves to remind us of the man  that fell between layers of dew to preserve it. The Piskei Teshuvos (271:n193) points out that both these reasons apply specifically to challa rather than cake. R’ Mordechai Leib Winkler (Levushei Mordechai OC 1:46) adds that the table would only be brought out on Friday night and not the following day for Shabbos lunch. Thus, this reason wouldn’t app...

Question:   I know that some have the minhag to put bread out for birds on parshas beshalach . Does that mean that we can feed the ducks in the park on Shabbos? Answer: The Gemara (Shabbos 155b) teaches that while one may feed one’s own animals, one may not feed stray animals on Shabbos that don’t depend on them for food. According to Rashi, this is to avoid one performing extra tircha , bothersome acts, on Shabbos. Rambam (Shabbos 21:35), however, understands that the reason is to prevent one breaking Shabbos when preparing the food. Thus, t he Shulchan Aruch (OC 324:11) writes that one may feed one’s own animals and any other animals that depend on one for food on Shabbos. The Mishna Berura (Biur Halacha 324:14) extends this to feeding someone else's pets. One may not, however, go to the park and feed the birds. The Magen Avraham (324:5) writes that as there is a mitzva to feed stray dogs one may feed them on Shabbos, too (See Mishna Berura 324:31; Aruch Hashulchan OC 324:2)....

Question: We have a couple staying over for Shabbos. When our guest lights candles, do we both say a beracha ? Does it matter who lights first? Answer: The Shulchan Aruch (OC 263:8) writes that as there is a machlokes as to whether two families who are lighting candles in the same house should both recite the beracha upon lighting, only one family should recite the beracha , following the rule of safek berachos lehakel, we are lenient with regards to doubts about berachos. Likewise, the Shulchan Aruch Harav (OC 263:15) writes that unless the guests have their own room to light in, there is no requirement for them to light their own candles. Thus, they would not be able to recite the beracha (See Aruch Hashulchan OC 263:5). The Rema, however, disagrees, writing that the ashkenazi custom is for each person to recite the beracha upon lighting. The Magen Avraham (263:15) and Mishna Berura (263:35) explain that each person adds extra light with their candles (See Shulchan Shlomo...

Question: We were recently invited to a sheva berachos on Shabbos. Everyone was asked to cover their challa at their place before kiddush . Was this necessary? Answer: The Gemara (Pesachim 100b) writes that one shouldn’t bring in the table until after one has recited kiddush . Rashbam quotes the Sheiltos who explains that this is to highlight the importance of kiddush . Tosafos adds that as nowadays we sit around a large table rather than our own individual ones and it isn’t practical to bring the table in then, we cover the challos instead. This way we are still honouring the kiddush properly. Tosafos writes that covering the challos also serves to remind us of the man that fell between layers of dew to preserve it. The Rosh (Pesachim 10:3) and Tur (OC 271:9) quote the Gemara Yerushalmi that teaches that as wheat is listed before wine in the shivas haminim , the beracha for bread should ideally be recited before the beracha for wine. Thus, one should cover one’s challa ...