#122: Reciting Hamotzi and Distributing the Challah on Shabbat (Part 5)

Rabbi Eli Ozarowski
  1. When distributing the challah, one should not place the challah directly in other people’s hands, as this is considered the practice of mourners. Rather, one should place the challah on a plate or the table and the others should take it from there (Shulchan Aruch 167:18).
  2. One should not throw challah to others at the table, even if the challah remains intact, as throwing challah is disrespectful to the mitzvah (Mishnah Berurah 167:88). However, a minority opinion permits throwing challah as a manner of distribution, similar to some parts of a korban that were thrown onto the altar to burn in the Beit Hamikdash (Hitorerut Teshuvah 1:179). One who has this family practice has a basis on which to rely (see http://halachayomit.co.il/en/default.aspx?HalachaID=2821 and https://ph.yhb.org.il/plus/category/%D7%91%D7%A8%D7%9B%D7%95%D7%AA/13-%D7%A4%D7%A8%D7%A7-%D7%99%D7%92-%D7%93%D7%A8%D7%9A-%D7%90%D7%A8%D7%A5/).

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.