Q: What is the Halacha if one paused between reciting a Beracha and eating? A: One should not utter even one word[1] about an unrelated matter between the Beracha and the eating. If one did so they must recite the Beracha again[2]. However, if one spoke for the purpose of the food (i.e. asking for salt), one does not have to recite the Beracha again[3]. Similarly, if one … [Read more...]

Q: Does one recite a Bore Nefashot after drinking hot coffee or tea? A: Unless one drinks an entire Revi’it (about 3 oz.) in one shot, one should not make a Bore Nefashot[1]. [Answered by Rabbi Moshe Pinhasi] Sources: [1] מרן באו"ח סי' תריב ס"י פסק כהרמב"ם (פ"ב משבה"ע ה"ד) ששיעור הצירוף לשתיה הוא כדי שתיית רביעית, ובשם י"א (ראב"ד פ"י מתרו' ה"ג) כ' ששיעור צירוף השתיה … [Read more...]

Q: What is the proper Beracha over cheese cake, ice cream in a cone or an ice cream sandwich? A: The Beracha over any food with an ingredient of the five grains (wheat, barley, spelt, rye and oat) that is added for flavor or to satisfy would be Mezonot[1]. Therefore, the Beracha over an ice cream sandwich or even cheese cake would be Mezonot. With regards to ice cream in a … [Read more...]

Q: Does one recite a Beracha over oral care strips? A: Although many Poskim require one to recite a Beracha over chewing gum[1], in the case of oral strips – being that the flavored strip disappears almost instantly[2] –  one can liken it to a mere tasting in which Maran rules not to recite a Beracha[3], in addition to the fact that one’s main intention is only to freshen … [Read more...]