#116: Lechem Mishneh (Part 8)
- It is customary to make a light incision into the challah one plans to use immediately prior to reciting Hamotzi on lechem mishneh (Mishnah Berurah 274:5). Some do not have this practice. The reason for the custom is that cutting the challah usually takes place more quickly if the incision is already present. This reduces the time delay in between reciting the berachah of Hamotzi and consumption of the challah, which should be minimized as much as possible.
- As a result, one need not make an incision on challot for which it is not helpful or effective, such as a small roll that one finds it easier to cut by hand rather than by knife. In addition, some merely touch the knife to the challah without making an incision. This is also acceptable, as such a person may still be marking where he plans to cut the challah, which still can reduce the time of cutting the challah slightly (Ketzot Hashulchan 82:8).
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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.
